Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

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It's interesting the things that make you pick up a book. I usually pick books that my friends recommend, sometimes a cover calls to me, occasionally I check out something that an author recommends. I can confidently say that this is probably the first time I've picked up a book based on a model/actor's recommendation.

I've been following Nick Bateman on Facebook for a few months now, solely because of his bo staff videos. Really, it's only the spinning skills. And the cute dog, but that's it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Anyway, the other day he shared this article about a movie he is working on, which is based on the book Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. High Goodreads ratings, an award nominee, and an intriguing premise,  I was so interested that I shared the link with Wenches and Wenchy friends, tracked down the book and started it that evening. And a few Wenches came along for the ride.

 Did we love it or was it just another typical romance? Are the awards and ratings justified or are we, once again, baffled by a book's popularity? Click through to see what we thought of Ugly Love!

Could.not.put.it.DOWN
You really just never know when you pick up a new book whether it's going to click or fizzle, but for me, Ugly Love clicked. Hard. From the very beginning. It's the kind of book that I not only want in paper for myself (which is rare these days!) but I also want to buy it for every woman reader in my life. Gripping, intense, heartbreaking, and ultimately beautiful, this is a book that will stay with me for a very long time.

 Most of the book is told from two points-of-view: Tate's in the present, and Miles's from six years ago. This choice of structure is very effective because we know, early on that something in Miles's past broke him, and then we get to see those events unfold through his own experiences. As I progressed through the book and young Miles's life was so lovely, so full of love, I got really scared knowing that something awful was coming. I needed to know what happened yet dreaded finding out. Such a delicious tension!
Tate really is!
In the present, I loved Tate from her very first chapter. A no-nonsense chica who was focused on her career, Tate felt very mature and practical, and clearly took no shit from anyone. This was no awkward shrinking violet that needs a hero to swoop in and love her despite her bumbling ways. Tate was strong and capable and not to be derailed from her goals. Which made the fact that she fell for the guy she knew she shouldn't that much more surprising and riveting. She knew that their arrangement was crazy, that no good could come of it and it would only end in heartache, but she just couldn't help herself. And who doesn't have something in their life that they know is bad for them, but it feels so good that they just can't seem to stop? 
Miles killed me. In the best possible way.
Then there's Miles. I felt very like Tate with Miles in the present: I didn't want to love him, I knew he was broken and at times he treated her so poorly, but I just knew there was something that broke him and I couldn't not love him. What a great character Miles was! Young Miles was so open, such a good boyfriend, clearly a good person. That's why it was scary leading up to "what the fuck happened to you, Miles??" To shatter such a great guy it had to be bad. What I thought the Big Bad Event would be evolved a couple of times, but eventually I guessed it, which didn't make the revelation any less powerful. It was devastating, and I certainly cried. 
This book was awesome!
The whole book was absolutely captivating. I read it in less than twenty-four hours, sneaking in chapters at work during downtime, chatting with friends as we read.  It was sexy (I didn't focus on the sexy in this review, but know that it is very sexy), moving, heartwrenching, and absolutely beautiful. I am so glad I picked up this book, and can't wait to see what else Colleen Hoover has out there.

Wench Rating:



Comments

  1. Great data for Marble Falls SEOJune 7, 2016 at 12:42 AM

    Yet another book by Ms. Hoover that is perfectly written. She has an uncanny knack for creating stories and characters that suck you in and make you feel. This book is no exception. Miles has experienced something no one, much less a teenager should experience and he carries those scars with him. The devastating experience seems to define his life. Then...he meets Tate. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so I'll just say if you've loved Ms. Hoover's past works, you will love this one too!

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