Revisiting Ugly Love: A Mixed Bag of Emotions
When I first dove into Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover back in 2015, I was swept away by the allure of a gripping romance and the anticipation of a heart-wrenching journey through love and loss. Fast forward a few years, and I’m now sitting here with a different perspective, glass of wine in hand, quietly cringing as I reflect on my nostalgia for this once-beloved read. Cue the eye roll as I share my updated thoughts: 1.75 stars.
Ugly Love follows Tate and Miles, adding a layer of complexity with the subplot involving Miles’ past love, Rachel. At first glance, it feels like a classic friends-with-benefits scenario, but as I reread, I found myself grappling with the dynamics of their relationship more than swooning from the steamy scenes. The premise alone had me excited—who doesn’t love a torrid romance with a pilot at its helm? But as I delved deeper, it turned out my previous willingness to overlook problems had matured into a discerning and somewhat critical eye.
One of my main issues was how Miles often seems to hold a stronger emotional connection with Rachel than he does with Tate. With overwhelming chapters from Miles’ past filled with lyrical musings about Rachel, I found myself questioning Tate’s worth. The narrative alternates between their present, with Tate falling head over heels for Miles, and Miles fixated on Rachel, which felt frustratingly mismatched. “Every single thing has just become Rachel,” he reflects, and I couldn’t help but feel bad for poor Tate, left in the shadow of a love that wasn’t hers.
And then there’s Tate herself. My heart ached for her, but not in the way one wishes to root for a heroine. Her doormat behavior drove me to yell at the pages: “Tate, you are NOT his therapist!” While I appreciate the complexity of characters with flaws, there is such a thing as overdoing it, and her seemingly constant forgiveness of Miles’ misdeeds felt tedious and unrealistic. Couldn’t she demand a little more respect?
There were, of course, some moments of great writing that reminded me why I originally adored Hoover’s work. The emotional weight of Miles’ past gave depth, and I was undeniably engaged during the heart-wrenching scenes. Even the infamous “My God, Rachel” moment had me gasping, but not in the romantic way intended. It was more of an incredulous slap to the face than a swoon-worthy moment, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster I wasn’t prepared for.
Outside of those pivotal moments, Ugly Love sometimes felt too repetitive. The cycle of sex and emotional distance became a monotonous rhythm—Tate hopes for a revelation, Miles pushes her away. Lather, rinse, repeat. It was as though I was stuck in a loop, craving more development and growth between them, but never receiving it.
Ultimately, I realized how different my tastes have become since that initial read. The emotional writing still resonates, but the characters themselves? Not so much. I genuinely think those who enjoy dramatic romances with complex backstories might still find value in this book. Just be prepared for a lot of frustration—and keep your expectations about the happily-ever-afters in check.
At the end of the day, Ugly Love may still find its fans, but after this reread, I’m starting to think my heart is best suited for stories with a little more balance. Cheers to recognizing that growth in taste and to Cap, the best character in the book, for keeping me somewhat hopeful throughout!