Ugly Love

Starred review from August 1, 2014
Tate literally falls over smashed Miles as she tries to get into her brother's apartment. She learns that Miles is only rarely drunk and hasn't had a girlfriend in six years. One kiss and a deal for no-strings sex ignites a sizzling and complicated relationship that pulls both in deeper than they expected. Miles can't get beyond a tragic end to his last relationship, and he is afraid to let Tate learn anything about him. Tate tries to keep busy with her nursing classes, but she cannot help but fall hard for Miles. The story of Miles' past and the inclusion of poetry in the text can make for some heavy passages, which some readers will appreciate for the depth of emotion Hoover achieves and the stylistic variety. The push-and-pull of Tate and Miles' relationship is realistic, and the chemistry between them in the many sensual scenes heats up the pages. Hoover builds a terrific new adult world here with two people growing in their careers and discovering mature love, even if they initially go about it the wrong way.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)