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Book Review – Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

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Can you believe it ???

Ugly Love was my first Colleen Hoover book and Here I am writing a review for the same.
The synopsis for the book is as follows:
When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

My First Colleen Hoover Book:
“Ugly Love” marked my claim into the world of Colleen Hoover, an author whose name I’d heard countless times from friends, books and fellow book enthusiasts. It was only a matter of time before I gave in to the temptation to dive into one of her bestsellers. The temptation was real.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I was ready for the journey. I was excited and nervous for some unknown reason and the book didn’t disappoint one bit.

Love, Pain, and Second Chances:
From the very first page, I was captivated by the pull of “Ugly Love.” Hoover’s storytelling is as engaging as it is emotional and raw. She explores the complexities of human relationships and emotions in a way that feels incredibly real and relatable. Moreso in a way it’s humane.
Tate and Miles’ story is one of love, pain, heartbreak and the possibility of second chances, and I found myself completely immersed in their world.
I felt like everything deserved a new beginning.

Miles Archer, a broken and closed-off airline pilot, and Tate Collins, a nursing student with her own set of issues, are two characters who couldn’t be more different on the surface. Kinda like opposites attract !! Still, their undeniable attraction draws them together, leading to an arrangement that’s purely physical but laden with emotional complexity. As they navigate the intricacies of their arrangement, we see their layers peel away, revealing the damaged souls beneath.
They weren’t the fairy tale prince and princess which made them more real.
They felt like real people with issues and that made me like them more.

Emotional Rollercoaster:
What struck me most about “Ugly Love” is the emotional rollercoaster it took me on. Hoover’s writing has a way of evoking raw and powerful emotions. I laughed with the characters in their moments of joy, and I cried with them in their moments enough  that my set of tissues was done
This book, despite being my first Hoover experience, assured me that I was in the hands of a gifted storyteller.

The depth of the character’s emotional turmoil, especially Miles, is portrayed with a sensitivity that touched my heart. Miles’s past is a well-guarded secret, and as it slowly unravels, the pain he carries becomes almost palpable. The complexity of his character, and the depth of his suffering, made me root for him, even when his flaws were glaring.
I also hated him but when I knew his reasons, he is my favourite book hero now!!!.

Tate is a strong and compassionate character who adds a layer of warmth and hope to the story. Her patience and understanding in the face of Miles’s emotional turbulence are admirable. As their relationship develops, you can’t help but want them to find a way to heal each other.

A Gripping Plot:
The plot of “Ugly Love” is beautifully constructed, with each chapter revealing more about the characters and their pasts. Hoover has a way of keeping you hooked, turning pages to uncover the next piece of the puzzle. The slow-burning romance between Tate and Miles is both scorching and tender, making their journey from physical attraction to something more profound incredibly satisfying.
Also, their relationship and make-outs are hot super hot.

Themes of Forgiveness and Healing:
Forgiveness and healing are central themes in “Ugly Love.” The book beautifully explores how past traumas and regrets can weigh down a person, preventing them from truly living. It shows that, with the right support and love, it’s possible to find a way back from the darkest places.

The portrayal of Miles’s journey toward self-forgiveness and emotional healing is poignant and resonated deeply with me. It serves as a reminder that we all carry our burdens and scars, and there’s hope for redemption and love, even when it feels unattainable.

Favourite Quotes:
Now, as promised, here are a few of my favourite quotes from “Ugly Love”:

1. “Love isn’t always pretty. Sometimes, it’s messy. Sometimes, it’s complicated. Sometimes, it’s downright ugly.”
2. “It’s all in the view. That’s what I mean about forever, too. For any one of us our forever could end in an hour, or a hundred years from now. You never know for sure, so you’d better make every second count.”
3. “The thing is, I’m not ashamed of who I am anymore. I’m not running from my past. I’m not hiding. And I’m not afraid. I’m just not willing to put myself in a position to get hurt again.”

In conclusion, “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover is a breathtaking journey through love, pain, and healing. It’s a book that left me emotionally stirred, and I’m grateful for my introduction to Hoover’s remarkable storytelling. If you haven’t experienced her work yet, “Ugly Love” is a compelling place to start. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever loved, lost, and hoped for a second chance at happiness.

You can buy the book here-

Ugly Love: A Novel

https://a.co/d/ebntzYy

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Reviews

“Ex Talk: A Captivating Journey of Love, Honesty, and Self-Discovery”

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Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I honestly didn’t pick this up intentionally. I had one audible credit to exhaust and the synopsis looked interesting plus radio and audio books , sounds like a dream combo.It did!!
I liked the book .

For me , books personally,have the ability to transport us to other worlds, elicit emotions, and instruct us in useful lessons. The delightful contemporary romance novel “Ex Talk” by Rachel Lynn Solomon takes readers on an immersive journey of love, honesty, and self-discovery. “Ex Talk” captivated me from from the very beginning to the very end thanks to its compelling characters, intricate relationships, and themes that provoke thought.


“Ex Talk” presents Shay Goldstein, a public radio producer facing a unique challenge to boost ratings. To do so, she teams up with her nemesis, Dominic Yun, to host a radio show where they pretend to be exes and offer relationship advice. What makes the story compelling is Shay’s relatable character, as she battles self-doubt, insecurities, and the fear of revealing her true self. Her growth throughout the story resonated with me, who can empathize with and cheer for her.

The novel delves into the themes of authenticity and vulnerability, emphasizing Shay’s journey to find her voice and embrace her true identity. The importance of honesty and vulnerability in building genuine connections is highlighted, showcasing the power of being authentic for personal growth, healthy relationships, and happiness.

The relationships portrayed in the book are dynamic and emotionally rich. Shay’s friendships and her complex bond with her bestfriend feel genuine and layered. The chemistry between Shay and Dominic captivates readers, drawing them deeper into the story. The author expertly explores multifaceted relationships, capturing the nuances of love, friendship, and family dynamics, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

Communication and miscommunication are central themes in “Ex Talk.” The consequences of assumptions, withheld truths, and the significance of direct and honest dialogue are explored as Shay and Dominic navigate their radio charade. Effective communication is highlighted as vital for understanding, trust, and the growth of any relationship.

The transformative power of growth and change is beautifully illustrated in this novel. Shay’s personal journey involves confronting fears, seizing new opportunities, and pushing her own boundaries. Through her experiences, we are reminded that personal growth often requires stepping outside comfort zones and embracing the unknown. Shay’s evolution serves as an empowering example of finding strength, pursuing passions, and embracing change.

In conclusion, “Ex Talk” by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a compelling contemporary romance that delves into themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and personal growth. The relatable characters and intricate relationships resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impact. The novel reminds us of the importance of honesty, communication, and embracing change, creating a memorable reading experience.
So do give it a read !!!

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Reviews

Book review – Lessons in chemistry

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Book – Lessons in Chemistry ( Bonnie Garmus)

5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


After writing an article about reading losing its charm for me , I was determined to get back to reading.So I did what every sane person would do , turn to Instagram and YouTube. I found bookstagram and booktube and I binge-watched Book tube and Bookstagram videos and the number of times this book has been mentioned is insane, almost 30,000 times then Goodreads sent me the list of best books in 2022, and guess who ranked first in the list- Lessons in chemistry !! Now we may ignore the recommendations but we definitely can’t ignore the universe – (I don’t think I would have picked it up otherwise and it would have been my loss. )
This book stands out and has been delivered as promised. It’s a historical fiction but for me, the Chemistry classes stand out. It’s quite a literary novel, full of storytelling tricks and quirks and enough fictional characters to make Neil Gaiman or Stephen King jealous. But Bonnie Garmus is up to the task in this book. She has a laser focus on the injustices of life—not just institutional sexism, but how life robs us of those we love most. It’s a sad but hopeful story that made me laugh and cry, and sometimes those are the best things. There are certain scenes where I felt low and high, certain scenes where I could relate so much that it was heartbreaking.
Elizabeth Zott is a chemist. She’d be a PhD, except—well, you know, she’s a 1960s woman in science. So she ends up as a researcher at a small California institute, where she suddenly falls in love with Calvin Evans, the institute’s most brilliant and eccentric researcher. But when Calvin dies, Elizabeth is left alone, and sexism continues to hinder her ability to make money or advance in the world. Adding on that, she is a single unwed mother in that era. I can’t even imagine honestly !!!
Finally, An opportunity arrives in the form of an afternoon cooking show – hosted by Elizabeth – but neither the TV producer who found it nor Elizabeth herself knows what to make of the success of Supper at Six. Meanwhile, Elizabeth tries to raise her precocious daughter Mad the only way she knows how: scientifically. The scenes of mother-daughter are die for, because you see parenting doesn’t have a textbook guideline and that’s okay. You do you !!
This book has flaws too but the way it ties up is beautiful. Garmus’ story is sometimes flat, though broad in the description, prone to tangents and tending towards its point. Dialogue splatters onto the page in bits and pieces and it makes sense. Each chapter moves between times and memories, sometimes focusing so madly that it’s relatable. The characters are caricatures – some so sexist and crude as to border on unbelievable, others so crude or farcical as to almost undermining the seriousness of the story. But I think that’s more the point, and that’s what Garmus is trying to do here – sexism is stupid.
This is the story of a woman who refuses to settle down. In chemistry class, many people – including other women – tell Elizabeth that she just needs to embrace the world. You might be able to make some progress, but eventually, you have to give up and play by the patriarchy’s rules. You must be Miss Frask instead of Elizabeth Zotti.
Garmus perfectly captures so many tropes I see in social justice circles—women burdened with such internalized misogyny that it hurts to watch; men who claim to be allies, but only if it means you sit down now, be disruptive; people of all genders who support you and mean well, but don’t understand how far the freedom struggle has to go. From Fraski to Walter to Helen, the characters jump off the page because they are caricatures. Lessons in Chemistry feel more like Garmus shouting into the void. Because the world hasn’t changed much since the 1960s.
Also, if this book has a flaw, it’s its whiteness—women of colour still face more obstacles than women like me and Elizabeth. So Garmus wrote a book to scream and scream and scream about the injustice of it all.
There is also a love story here. It’s written in the language of decanters and rowing and strapping laws, but here, on paper, it’s a slow-burning romance that ends too soon and becomes an afterthought. Elizabeth and Calvin never stood a chance. Calvin and his mother never had a chance. Calvin and Mad never stood a chance.
Sometimes life just happens and you never have a chance.
I loved all of Elizabeth’s relationships in the book. She is so careful with her daughter, yet so ignorant. Mad is an adorable kid, a little creepy but never overwhelming – I don’t think I wanted to see her try to carry the whole book, but as a main character who joins us halfway through, she’s great. Also Helen – her evolution from a somewhat ambitious housewife to Elizabeth’s close friend… it’s so cool and could have been boring in another writer’s hands, but Garmus somehow pulls it off.
This is it: a magic trick. This book is so raw, yet so carefully and precisely crafted, a chemical—a no, alchemical—chain reaction of storytelling culminating in coding that made me cry. When Elizabeth signs when she reads the clue cards at the end… well, not to spoil it, but it brought tears to my eyes – even though much of the finale is predictable, it’s predictable in a way that Garmus deserved to be predicted. The victory is so well accomplished, so satisfying, that I feel I have already had my fill.
So please do give it a read !!!!

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