When Tate moves in with her brother, the last thing she expects is to fall for his friend and neighbor Miles. Especially when he makes it clear from the beginning that he doesnt do love or relationships. What starts as a purely physical arrangement slowly evolves into something deeper, even if Miles is determined to keep the door to his past tightly shut. Meanwhile Tate begins to realize that love isn't always beautiful. Sometimes, it's messy, chaotic and painfully real.
Ugly Love is an emotional rollercoaster that hits hard and stays with you long after the final page. Colleen Hoover once again proves her gift for capturing the complexity of love, loss, and healing in a way that feels incredibly raw and honest. The dual timelines Miles in the past and Tate in the present work beautifully to slowly peel back the layers of Miles trauma, and when everything is finally revealed, its devastating and deeply moving. Tate is a strong, empathetic character who manages to stay kind and open despite the walls Miles has built around himself. Their connection is undeniable, and their chemistry leaps off the page. My only criticism is that it takes almost the entire book for Miles to truly live in the present and acknowledge his feelings for Tate. His emotional unavailability becomes a bit frustrating at times, especially because Tate is so patient and willing to understand him. That said, once he finally does open up, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Ugly Love is about how pain can shape us and how love has the power to heal. If youre looking for an emotional read with layered characters and a satisfying ending, this one is a must. Just be prepared to feel everything.
4.5 Star
