Book Review: Colleen Hoover's Ugly Love

Ah, Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. Where do I even start? This book had me feeling like I was on a literary rollercoaster—thrilling, exhausting, and a bit unsteady at times. Colleen Hoover is known for blending romance with suspense, but Ugly Love left me wanting her to pick a lane.

The Plot: A Tangle of Emotions

Ugly Love follows the intense and turbulent relationship between Tate and Miles. Tate, a perceptive woman with dreams of becoming a successful career woman, meets Miles, a tortured soul haunted by his past (like most of Colleen’s characters). Their connection is immediately fiery and raw, making you hopeful that their story unfolds in warm, fuzzy, and spicy ways.

Romance: Let’s be honest, Hoover knows how to deliver character bonds that tug at your heartstrings. The chemistry between Tate and Miles is palpable, and their emotional journey is certainly a wild ride. You’ll find yourself frustrated by Tate’s lack of willpower and saddened by Miles’s vulnerability struggles, while also hoping they get it together so they can live happily ever after!

Suspense: Here’s where it gets tricky. The suspense is, well, suspenseful, but it feels a bit like it overshadows the romance. The chemistry is there. The opportunities are there. But it doesn’t come to fruition until the last 20 pages because the character conflict — the suspense — is often alluded to but not revealed, which means the romance doesn’t come to fruition unit the last 20 pages. It’s like watching a romance where you’re more invested in the mystery than the love.

The Writing: Meh with a Side of Speed Reading

Hoover’s writing style in Ugly Love is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s not English Literature, and at times, it felt very juvenile. And yet, I couldn’t put it down! I sped through the pages, even though I was a tad exasperated by Tate’s repetitive inner monologues and the lack of detailed character descriptions.

Characters: Miles of Raw Struggle, Tate of Repetitiveness

Miles is the real star here. His struggle and vulnerability are raw and gripping. Your heart will ache for him and you’ll be emotionally invested in his journey. Tate, on the other hand, might get on your nerves a bit with her repetitive and contradictory thoughts. It’s like she’s stuck in a loop, and by the end, you might be wishing for a bit more character development and detail.

The Climax: Wanted More Space, Please!

The climax and resolution of the story felt rushed. It’s like Hoover had this amazing buildup and then decided to tie everything up in a bow a little too quickly. More space for these pivotal moments would have made the story feel more complete and satisfying.

Should You Read It?

If you’re a Colleen Hoover fan, Ugly Love is definitely worth a read. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and will have you turning pages late into the night. But if you’re not a fan of Hoover’s style, or if you prefer more detailed character descriptions and a more balanced mix of romance and suspense, this one might not be for you.

Ready to Dive In?

Whether you’re a Hoover devotee or just curious about this emotional rollercoaster, give Ugly Love a go. And if you want more bookish rants, reviews, and all things literary, follow me on Instagram! Let’s connect and chat about the books that make us laugh, cry, and occasionally question our life choices. 📚❤️