Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover is a novel that delves deep into the complexities of love, lust, and unresolved trauma. The story centers around Tate Collins and Miles Archer, two characters who enter into a friends-with-benefits arrangement that quickly spirals into something much more complicated. While the book is filled with intense emotions and steamy scenes, it’s also a story that may leave readers divided, particularly when it comes to the character development and the overall message of the novel.
Table of Contents
Book Summary
Ugly Love follows the story of Tate Collins, a young woman who moves in with her brother and meets Miles Archer, an emotionally closed-off airline pilot. Miles and Tate agree to a no-strings-attached relationship, with two clear rules: never ask about the past and don’t expect a future. However, as their physical relationship intensifies, so do the emotional stakes. Flashbacks to Miles’ past reveal a heartbreaking story that explains his reluctance to open up, but will that be enough to justify his treatment of Tate?
What I Didn’t Like:
One of the most challenging aspects of Ugly Love is its characters. Tate, the protagonist, comes across as frustratingly passive, often allowing herself to be used by Miles simply because she finds him attractive. Her lack of self-respect and willingness to accept crumbs of affection from a man who clearly isn’t emotionally available is difficult to watch. Tate’s character development is nearly nonexistent, as she continues to return to Miles despite being repeatedly hurt by his behavior.
Miles, on the other hand, is portrayed as a deeply troubled individual with a traumatic past. However, the flashbacks to his previous relationship with a girl named Rachel fail to convincingly show the depth of his feelings, leaving readers with the impression that he’s settling for Tate because he can’t have the one he truly loved. This casts a shadow over the romance in the novel, making it feel more like a relationship based on physical attraction than a genuine emotional connection.
The friends-with-benefits trope, which is central to the story, is another aspect that may not appeal to all readers. While it’s clear that Miles is using Tate to fill a void, Tate’s willingness to go along with it, despite knowing she deserves more, is disheartening. Every time Miles ghosts her, Tate wallows in self-pity, only to jump back into his arms at the slightest hint of attention. This repetitive cycle makes the story feel more frustrating than romantic.
Is Ugly Love Spicy?
Absolutely. Ugly Love is arguably one of Colleen Hoover’s spiciest novels, with several explicit scenes that heighten the intensity of Tate and Miles’ relationship. For readers who prefer to skip these scenes, here are the pages to watch out for:
• Pages 114-120
• Pages 154-162
• Pages 179-185
• Pages 208-210
• Pages 275-277
Final Thoughts:
Ugly Love is a book that will likely divide readers. While it offers an intense and emotional story, the lack of likable characters and the repetitive cycle of their relationship may be a turn-off for some. However, if you’re a fan of steamy romance with complex characters and emotional depth, this novel might be right up your alley.
Title: Ugly Love
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Published Date: August 5, 2014
Pages: 336
