Ugly Love

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Romance

Rating: 3 out of 5

Pages: 337

Date Started: 20 March 2022

Date Finished: 25 March 2022

I have seen great reviews about both the book and the author from every book source I follow. So, picking this was a no-brainer!

The story is about Miles Archer and Elizabeth Tate Collins. Miles is a pilot and Tate moves in with her brother Corbin, who lives on the same floor as Miles. Tate falls in love with Miles, whereas Miles tells Tate not to ask him about his past and neither to plan a future with him. The story goes back and forth between the current day and the life Miles had six years ago with Racheal. Miles is hurting really bad emotionally and refuses to open up to Tate. He is afraid to fall in love with Tate due to the trauma he is carrying from his past.

None of the characters in the book really stood out, but out of all the characters, I liked the character of Rachael. She was a child when she was with Miles and having gone through a traumatic event, she is fair to be angry with Miles. I was glad to read about her eventually and the way she supports Miles to move on.

This book kept me going, but I felt there was no plot. It mostly felt like a teenage love story, whereas I was expecting a serious relationship and some maturity of the characters. I really didn't understand the cover design, but after having read the story, the cover makes so much sense. I also liked the thought of the author about Miles hurting so much inside that he didn't want to see Rachael in the same situation as he is. All I can say is that the author has done a great job of writing about how hurt Miles was. Would I recommend this book? Probably not! I could easily skip this book!

Favorite lines from the book:

• I used to be confident. Then Rachael happened.

• Not everyone wants the same things out of life.

• Sometimes not speaking says more than all the words in the world.

• I didn't think God was capable of making someone go through something so ugly.

• Love isn't always pretty, Tate. Sometimes you spend all your time hoping it'll eventually be something different. Something better. Then, before you know it, you are back to square one, and you lost your heart somewhere along the way.

• Sometimes a man's spirit just ain't strong enough to withstand the ghost from his past.

• The pain will never go away, Miles. Ever. But if you let yourself love her, you'll only feel it sometimes, instead of allowing it to consume your entire life.

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 5 out of 5

Pages: 389

Date Started: 10 March 2022

Date Finished: 20 March 2022

Taylor Jenkins Reid's "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the life of the enigmatic Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo. The book is a testament to the power of storytelling, with Evelyn's life story revealed through her interviews with Monique, a struggling writer who becomes the conduit for Evelyn's long-guarded secrets. Evelyn Hugo is a character who captivates readers from the moment she steps onto the page. Her extraordinary journey from an unknown Cuban girl to a Hollywood legend is filled with intrigue, drama, and complexities. Evelyn's character is multi-faceted, unapologetic, and driven, making her both admirable and flawed. She's a symbol of resilience in a world that isn't always kind to ambitious women. Evelyn's seven marriages, each unique and tumultuous in its own way, provide a window into her personal and professional life. The book masterfully navigates themes of love, ambition, identity, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of success. Readers witness Evelyn's unwavering pursuit of her dreams while grappling with the price she pays, revealing the complexities of human relationships. Monique, who becomes the audience for Evelyn's life story, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Her journey is intertwined with Evelyn's, and the revelations from the past have a profound impact on her present. This parallel narrative structure keeps the reader engaged and adds depth to the story. What makes this book exceptional is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own aspirations and choices. Evelyn's powerful storytelling holds the reader's attention from start to finish. The book also touches on important social issues, including race, sexuality, and the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the ability to live life on one's own terms. In summary, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a masterfully written novel with a compelling narrative and a complex, unforgettable protagonist. It's a story that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. This book is a must-read and offers both entertainment and meaningful reflection.

Favorite lines from the book:

• When you are given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn't give things, you take things.

• Be wary of men with something to prove.

• When you are rich, parts of your house don't really feel like they are yours. The kitchen was one of them for me.

• I've either not been able to afford it or have been so rich someone would do it for me. Never anywhere in between.

• When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is "You're safe with me"- that's intimacy.

• Heartbreak is loss. Divorce is a piece of paper.

• You do not know how fast you have been running, how hard you have been working, how truly exhausted you are, until someone stands behind you and says "It's ok, you can fall down now. I'll catch you."

• I was fishing for information that might break my heart, a flaw of the human condition.

• And I started crying when I realized those men were willing to fight for a dream I had never even allowed myself to incision. A world where we could be ourselves, without fear and without shame. Those men were braver and more hopeful than I was. There were simply no other words for it.

• Guilt is a feeling I've never made much peace with. I find that when it rears its head, it brings an army. When I feel guilty for one thing, I start to see other things I should feel guilty for.

• I wasn't heartbroken when Don left me. I simply felt like my marriage had failed. And those are very different things.

• When you end a marriage, you are supposed to lose sleep over it, aren't you? But I don't. I sleep free.

• Everyone sort of assumes that when faced with life-and-death situations, you will panic. But almost everyone who's actually experienced something like that will tell you that panic is a luxury you cannot afford. In the moment, you act without thinking, doing all you can with the information you have. It's when it's over that you scream. And cry. And wonder how you got through it.

• That's how my story ends. With the loss of everyone I have ever loved. With me, in a big beautiful Upper East Side apartment, missing everyone who ever meant anything to me.

• No one is all good or all bad. I know this, of course. I had to learn it at a young age. But sometimes it is easy to forget just how true it is. That applies to everyone.

The Love Hypothesis

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Genre: Romance

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pages: 384

Date Started: 2 March 2022

Date Finished: 10 March 2022

"The Love Hypothesis" came highly recommended from a variety of sources, including Goodreads, and I'm glad I picked it up. As a newcomer to the romance genre, it proved to be an excellent choice that entertained and enthralled me from start to finish. The story revolves around Olive Smith, a pragmatic third-year Ph.D. candidate who has a skeptical view of lasting romantic relationships. However, when her best friend Anh insists that she's in a committed relationship, Olive finds herself in a rather peculiar situation. To convince Anh, she employs an unconventional tactic—kissing the first man she sees, who happens to be the enigmatic and somewhat notorious professor, Adam Carlsen. What follows is an unexpected agreement to maintain their fake relationship, which brings with it a unique blend of comedy and romance. Olive's character is a highlight of the book. Her naivety and determination to do what's right are endearing, and her vulnerabilities add depth to her personality. The portrayal of her close-knit circle of friends and her struggle to comprehend her feelings resonates well with the story, making her a relatable and likable protagonist. "The Love Hypothesis" offers a light-hearted and enjoyable romantic comedy experience. While it doesn't dive into serious scenes or employ unimaginable plot twists, it serves as a welcome change from more weighty fiction. The story progresses swiftly, maintaining the reader's interest without requiring deep contemplation. The author skillfully weaves an engaging narrative, and the chemistry between Olive and Adam adds a touch of sizzle to the plot. Their evolving relationship, along with Adam's surprising support and undeniable charm, makes the book an entertaining exploration of love, relationships, and self-discovery. In summary, "The Love Hypothesis" is a charming and breezy read, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a light-hearted romantic comedy. If you're in the mood for a book that offers respite from the complex and heavy, this one is sure to keep you engaged and leave you with a smile.

Favorite lines from the book:

• Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.

• I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.

• I'm starting to wonder if this is what being in love is. Being okay with ripping yourself to shreds, so the other person can stay whole.

• You can fall in love: someone will catch you.