Summary: In this article, I have handpicked 20 of the best books similar to Ugly Love—so if you’re craving another heart-wrenching romance, you’re in the right place. Here are my top 3:
- November 9 by Colleen Hoover
- Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
- Confess by Colleen Hoover
If you loved Ugly Love, you’ll enjoy emotional, heart-wrenching romances with complex characters, imperfect relationships, and raw storytelling. These books take you on a rollercoaster of love, loss, and healing, blending deep romance with real-life struggles. If you want a story that makes you laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again, these are perfect picks!
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Ugly Love
- November 9 by Colleen Hoover
- Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
- Confess by Colleen Hoover
- It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- After by Anna Todd
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy
- The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
- Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
- The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
- One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- Wait for You by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
- Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
- Slammed by Colleen Hoover
1. November 9
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: Fallon and Ben meet on November 9th, the day before she moves across the country. They agree to reunite annually on the same date, with no contact in between, exploring themes of love, fate, and personal growth.
- Style of Writing: Dual first-person narrative with emotionally charged and engaging prose.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, with unexpected twists that leave a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with complex emotional themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique narrative structure and profound exploration of how love evolves over time.
2. Archer's Voice
- Author: Mia Sheridan
- About: Bree Prescott seeks peace in Pelion, Maine, where she meets Archer Hale, a reclusive man with a traumatic past. Together, they embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and emotive, creating a vivid small-town atmosphere.
- Length: Approximately 377 pages.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching and heartwarming, exploring themes of isolation and the transformative power of love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward prose with deep, thought-provoking themes.
- Why Read It: A beautifully crafted tale about overcoming personal demons and finding strength in vulnerability.
3. Confess
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: Auburn Reed is rebuilding her life when she stumbles upon an art studio where the enigmatic artist, Owen Gentry, creates pieces inspired by anonymous confessions. Their connection leads to revelations that could change everything.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative interwoven with real confessions and accompanying artwork.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Explores love, trust, and the weight of secrets, leaving readers reflective and moved.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging narrative with layered storytelling.
- Why Read It: Blends romance and art in a compelling story about honesty and the complexities of human relationships.
4. It Ends with Us
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: Lily Bloom navigates a complex relationship with Ryle Kincaid while confronting past traumas involving her first love, Atlas Corrigan.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with emotionally intense and thought-provoking prose.
- Length: Approximately 376 pages.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving, addressing themes of domestic abuse and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with heavy emotional content.
- Why Read It: Offers a raw and honest portrayal of complex relationships and personal strength.
5. Me Before You
- Author: Jojo Moyes
- About: Louisa Clark becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy banker left paralyzed after an accident, leading to an unexpected bond that changes both their lives.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and heartfelt third-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 369 pages.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming and heartrending, exploring themes of love, loss, and personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; easy-to-follow prose with deep emotional layers.
- Why Read It: A touching story that challenges perceptions about life and love.
6. The Love Hypothesis
- Author: Ali Hazelwood
- About: Ph.D. candidate Olive Smith fakes a relationship with professor Adam Carlsen, leading to real feelings and complications in the academic world.
- Style of Writing: Witty and contemporary first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 384 pages.
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Lighthearted yet emotionally satisfying, with themes of vulnerability and trust.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; humorous and engaging prose.
- Why Read It: A charming romance that combines science, humor, and heartfelt moments.
7. The Unhoneymooners
- Author: Christina Lauren
- About: Olive Torres and her nemesis, Ethan, pretend to be newlyweds on a honeymoon vacation after a wedding disaster, leading to unexpected romance.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and engaging third-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 432 pages.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and uplifting, exploring themes of love and serendipity.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; light and enjoyable read.
- Why Read It: A fun enemies-to-lovers story with witty banter and romantic escapades.
8. After
- Author: Anna Todd
- About: Tessa Young, a dedicated student, enters college and meets the rebellious Hardin Scott, leading to a tumultuous and passionate relationship.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with intense and dramatic prose.
- Length: Approximately 592 pages.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Intense and dramatic, delving into young love and personal turmoil.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward language with emotionally charged content.
- Why Read It: Explores the complexities of first love and the challenges of personal growth.
9. The Hating Game
- Author: Sally Thorne
- About: Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, executive assistants to co-CEOs, engage in a fierce office rivalry that takes an unexpected turn toward romance.
- Style of Writing: Witty and sharp first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 384 pages.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and delightful, with underlying themes of self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; engaging and humorous prose.
- Why Read It: A captivating enemies-to-lovers story with sharp dialogue and chemistry.
10. Reminders of Him
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: After serving time for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her daughter, and forms a connection with local bar owner Ledger Ward.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and heartfelt first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 335 pages.
- Year Written: 2022
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, exploring themes of redemption and forgiveness.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with profound emotional depth.
- Why Read It: A touching story about second chances and the power of forgiveness.
11. People We Meet on Vacation
- Author: Emily Henry
- About: Poppy and Alex, best friends with contrasting personalities, take annual vacations together. After a two-year estrangement, they reunite for one last trip to mend their relationship.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and witty first-person narrative with alternating timelines.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming and introspective, exploring themes of friendship, love, and personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible language with relatable characters.
- Why Read It: A charming exploration of how friendships can evolve into love, filled with humor and heartfelt moments.
12. The Deal
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: Hannah, a college student, agrees to tutor Garrett, a hockey team captain, in exchange for his help in making another guy jealous. Their arrangement leads to unexpected feelings.
- Style of Writing: Contemporary and witty first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 358 pages.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and heartfelt, addressing themes of consent, trauma, and personal empowerment.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; engaging and humorous prose.
- Why Read It: A delightful blend of romance and personal growth, with strong character development and chemistry.
13. The Simple Wild
- Author: K.A. Tucker
- About: City girl Calla Fletcher travels to Alaska to reconnect with her estranged father, where she meets rugged pilot Jonah, challenging her perceptions and lifestyle.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and immersive first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, exploring family dynamics, self-discovery, and love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich descriptions with emotional depth.
- Why Read It: A heartfelt journey of reconciling past relationships and embracing new beginnings in a breathtaking setting.
14. Birthday Girl
- Author: Penelope Douglas
- About: Jordan, nearing her 19th birthday, forms an unexpected connection with Pike, her boyfriend's father, leading to a forbidden and complicated romance.
- Style of Writing: Intense and provocative dual first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 349 pages.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Tense and passionate, delving into unconventional relationships and societal judgments.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; mature themes with complex character dynamics.
- Why Read It: Challenges traditional romance norms, offering a bold and steamy narrative about unexpected connections.
15. The Light We Lost
- Author: Jill Santopolo
- About: Lucy and Gabe's lives intertwine after meeting on September 11, 2001. Their intense relationship faces challenges as they pursue different paths, exploring love, destiny, and choices.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and poignant first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 336 pages.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching and contemplative, examining the impact of pivotal moments on life and love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; emotionally charged with profound themes.
- Why Read It: A compelling exploration of how choices shape our lives and the enduring impact of first love.
16. One True Loves
- Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
- About: Emma's husband, Jesse, is presumed dead after a helicopter crash. Years later, engaged to someone else, Jesse is found alive, forcing Emma to choose between her past and present.
- Style of Writing: Emotionally rich first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 352 pages.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and heartfelt, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging prose with deep emotional resonance.
- Why Read It: Offers a nuanced look at moving forward after loss and redefining one's life and relationships.
17. The Kiss Quotient
- Author: Helen Hoang
- About: Stella Lane, a successful econometrician with Asperger's, hires escort Michael Phan to teach her about intimacy, leading to an unexpected romance.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and heartfelt first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 336 pages.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming and insightful, exploring themes of self-discovery and acceptance.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible language with relatable characters.
- Why Read It: A unique and inclusive romance that offers a fresh perspective on love and neurodiversity.
18. Wait for You
- Author: J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
- About: Avery Morgansten moves across the country to escape a traumatic past and meets Cameron Hamilton, who helps her confront her fears and embrace love.
- Style of Writing: Contemporary and engaging first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 384 pages.
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Touching and empowering, addressing themes of healing and personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; straightforward prose with emotional depth.
- Why Read It: A compelling story about overcoming past traumas and finding strength in vulnerability.
19. Beautiful Disaster
- Author: Jamie McGuire
- About: Abby Abernathy, a good girl with a dark past, encounters Travis Maddox, a notorious bad boy, leading to a tumultuous and passionate relationship.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and intense first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 432 pages.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Dramatic and gripping, exploring themes of love, addiction, and redemption.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; dynamic prose with complex character dynamics.
- Why Read It: An intense romance that delves into the complexities of passionate but turbulent relationships.
20. Slammed
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: Following her father's sudden death, Layken moves to a new town and forms a connection with her neighbor, Will Cooper, through their shared love of poetry, facing unexpected challenges.
- Style of Writing: Emotive and poetic first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 317 pages.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, highlighting themes of loss, love, and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; heartfelt prose with profound emotional resonance.
- Why Read It: A touching story that combines romance and personal growth, underscored by the power of poetry.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for books that capture the same emotional depth and gripping romance as Ugly Love, I’ve got you covered. While all 20 books on this list offer powerful love stories and deep personal journeys, I think November 9, Archer’s Voice, and Confess stand out the most. November 9 weaves fate and heartbreak into a unique love story, Archer’s Voice delivers a beautifully raw tale of healing and self-discovery, and Confess blends romance, secrets, and art in a way that’s impossible to forget. If you love books that make you feel everything, these are the ones I’d recommend first—just like Ugly Love, they’ll stay with you long after you turn the last page.
