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Ugly

Margaret McHeyzer (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · Rating details · 2,566 ratings · 513 reviews

*To watch the trailer, click on my author name above.

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to see.

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to feel.

If I were dead, he'd never raise his hand to me again.

If I were dead, his words wouldn't cut as deep as they do.

If I were dead, I'd be beautiful and I wouldn't be so...ugly.

I'm not dead...but I wish I was.

*This is a dark YA/ ...more

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Kindle Edition, 323 pages

Published October 26th 2015 (first published January 1st 2015)

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Aug 22, 2015 ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books rated it it was amazing

**༻Complimentary Copy༺** Provided by the author "Margaret McHeyzer" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!

TITLE: Ugly
AUTHOR: Margaret McHeyzer
GENRE: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult
RELEASE DATE: October 20th, 2015

MY RATING: 5 STARS

UGLY: Will stay with me for a long long time, such a powerful, thought provoking roller coaster of a book..I connected with Lily on such an emotional level, the physical and emotional abuse had my heart breaking and my head reeling, such a powe ...more

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Nov 02, 2015 Nastassja rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: no one

Shelves: oh-so-awful, did-not-finish, netgalley, new-adult, triggers

*This book was generously provided to me by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

**This review contains only my personnel opinion on the events of the book. You can agree or disagree with it.**

DNF at about 30%

*This book was generously provided to me by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

**This review contains only my personnel opinion on the events of the book. You can agree or disagree with it.**

DNF at about 30%

Domestic abuse is a sensitive topic and rises a lot of moral questions. And it is not an easy topic to discuss. Some things are hard to understand for those who never was subjected to something horrible like violence at home from people who were suppose to care and love you. Honestly this book turned to be not exactly what I thought it would be. I know it was a noble cause for the author to write a book on such a sensitive topic. But was it enough for me to accept this book (I can't say enjoy or like because this book was written for us to see and understand some very disturbing things that are unfortunately happen every day with someone). No.

I have a friend who was subjected to domestic violence. It is not as harsh and violent as it was for the heroine of this book, but nevertheless it was and still extremely hard for my friend to psychologically cope with the situation in which the one who was supposed to take care of you, caused you harm. It is a trauma, the one that will doubtfully heal someday. My friend is a grown up now, it was some years ago when all these things happened, but she still can't talk about that past without tears or pain. So I know something about domestic abuse from the first hands. I was there when it happened to her. In the case of Ugly I did not feel that this book was realistic. Sorry, but the events and characters felt underdeveloped. The heroine was living alone with her Dad who abused her verbally and physically, her life was a hell. I get it. What I did not get, why didn't she want to leave this life behind after graduation? She was almost 18, she was clever. She could go to college, she could find a job. There were people ready to help her. People like the heroine from harsh background are EAGER to escape this life. She was almost 18, but it seemed like she was still 10, without the sense of self-preservation, still believing what her drunk father told her.

“You dumb, ugly piece of shit,” he says, as he paces back and forth in front of me.
“Sorry, Daddy. Whatever I did, I’m so sorry.” I cower into myself, trying to make myself as small as possible.“You’re just too fucking stupid, aren’t you?” he spits toward me as he brings his hand up to scratch at his chin.“I’m sorry,” I say again. Tears are falling hot and fast down my cheeks. My head hurts from where he was pulling my hair, but I don’t dare try to rub the spot.“You ugly fuck.” He kicks a boot into my leg.The pain is instant and my leg feels like it’s shattered. “Please, Daddy,” I beg again, burying my face into my hands.But ‘please’ never seems to work.Nothing does.I’ve just got to take the beatings, because that’s what stupid, ugly girls do.

You don't have to take any beatings, girl, you are a grown up now, go find someone who can help you. Don't hide behind stupid words like ugly and dumb, self pitying won't save you. Do something! Even if you weren't beautiful or clever - it is not a reason to endure all of this shit from your father.
No one talks to me, because, well, I’m ugly. Ugly girls don’t have friends. We simply hide away and try to blend in wherever we can, trying our best to be shadows so no one looks at us, or approaches us.

Really?
High school is almost finished for the year.What the hell am I going to do? I’m so scared. I’m so dumb, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get a job. Who’d want someone as stupid as me?

And this girl has 3.9 GPA at school.
But in truth, how could anyone have helped me with the hell-hole that was my home?

Just ask for help and you'll see. I get that it takes courage, and people in this situation won't easily talk about their lives, but there were people ready to help the heroine, she just needed to be brave and ask for help, because the alternative wasn't good and what else did she have to loose?

Ok, in the beginning I still could cope with everything what was happening, but after this dude Trent appeared on the horizon - this book turned into disaster. First of all, he is strange. Second, he is possessive, they knew each other five minutes and he already had deep feelings for her?! No way. Third, he is abusive. Why the hell didn't she run away as soon as possible?! Was it not enough for her? No one who ever went through abuse, will want it again, they will run from it. I get that at first this Trent seemed nice and caring and that the heroine wanted someone to care for her, but some time later she saw what he really was. And don't start that she is naive and doesn't know better. Where's her sense of self-preservation again? She had a choice now, she just acted like a ten year old child, and decided it was easier to endure another abuse than stand for herself and leave all this shit behind. Again, author tries to excuse her, because she didn't know anything good in life and believed she was ugly and stupid. But to me it felt like she liked everything what was happening to her and yes, it seems she was really stupid.

There’s an uncomfortable quiet between the two of us. I don’t know what to say. He got angry at that waiter for no reason, and then ordered for me. Lucky he did order, because I have no idea what I’d like.

Really, she did not notice that to be angry with people at no reason is not normal. All she cares about is food?!
I stand and Trent links his fingers through mine. We make our way over to the cash register where the waiter who served us is waiting for us.“How was your meal?” he asks me.“You don’t talk to her, you ask me,” Trent half shouts, pulling me behind him as he steps in front of me.“How was your meal?” The waiter asks Trent in a sarcastic tone.“Watch your damn mouth. I’m a paying customer, and if you’re not nice to me and my girl, I’ll have you fired.”

That is not normal, any girl with half mind will notice it. Further things get only worse and what does heroine do about this? Nothing. She just takes shit without questions.
“I got offered full scholarships to four universities. Actually, I got offered more, but these four are full scholarships.”“What? That’s fantastic. Wait…” he stops talking, going perfectly quiet as we keep walking home. “You’re not leaving me, Lily,” his tone changes and he sounds angry. “Unless one of those universities is the same as the one I’m going to, you’re not allowed to go.” He sounds angry with me.

“I’m not going to have you running around sucking another guy’s cock when you should be with me.”Wait…what did he say?

He lifts me to sit on him, and I can feel his erection pressing into me. “Trent,” I sigh. I can’t give him sex. It’s not what I want. It’s way too early for that. But Trent continues to kiss me, his body engulfing mine. “Trent, please,” I beg as I push on his chest.“You’re my girlfriend now, Lily. This is what we do to show each other how much we love one another.”Love? Love? What? “Trent.” I use more strength to push him away, but he’s much stronger than me. “Please, I’m not ready.”“Come on. I love you. Don’t you love me?” He keeps kissing me, his mouth moving away from my mouth down my neck. He’s sucking, licking and nibbling on the exposed skin. His left hand leaves my hip, and he starts to fondle my breast.

They just met, what love, what sex? And she doesn't want sex nor does she love this dude. I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to run away from this crazy guy and his crazy family after that. But obviously not the heroine.
“You’re my girlfriend, Lily. If you’re not gonna let me fuck you, the least you can do is jack me off or suck me.” I stand looking at Trent. “It’s only a blowjob. All the girls are doing it. Hell, my friends are all having sex with their girlfriends. You owe me at least a blowjob.”

“Yeeeeeaaaaahh, about that, babe. You’ll have to catch a bus home.” I hear some people laughing in the background. “Achuly, you best walk ‘cause you’re looking real fat. I feeeeeeeeel like I’m fucking a piiiig.” There’s a huge uproar of laughter from whoever he’s with.“It’ll be midnight, Trent. I don’t want to walk back on my own. I’ll get a cab.”“Noooo you fucking won’t. I’m not letting you spend myyyyyy money on cabs. You can walk, you faaaaat coooow.” Then there’s mooing noises in the background.

I have a boyfriend who loves me, and he said he didn’t cheat on me. His family has kindly taken me in because he loves me. I have a job to come back to. Clothes, food, and shelter. I really don’t have anything to complain about at all.

She still thinks so after all the shit above! Girl, you need a psychological help now! You are as crazy as this this family. And I am done with you and your shit!

In the beginning, I pitied this girls, I sympathized with her. The longer things went the more I hated her for letting all this shit happen to her, for accepting more abuse when it could've been avoided or stopped, for not standing and defending herself. She acted stupid and the whole book and characters felt underdeveloped, unrealistic to me. I don't feel sorry for anyone in this book any longer. I just can't stand to read it further and feel really angry at the book and the author. This book made me thick. I don't hate it, I just don't accept it. The heroine made the same mistakes over and over again, I don't care any longer whether she'll find a happy ending or if she deserves one. The topic of abuse is hard as it is, this book made it impossible for me to accept it the way this story showed it to a reader.

...more

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Jul 26, 2015 Margaret rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

UGLY IS LIVE
Amazon US: http://amzn.com/B016Y7ZU1G
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016Y7ZU1G
Amazon AUS: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B016Y7ZU1G
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ugly-...…
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/ugly...
Trailer: link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szh5J...

**For warning**

Women who have been brought up to respect themselves and assert their independence think it's simple. Just walk out. But when your partner controls all the resources and you have been cut o ...more

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Sep 20, 2015 Linathebookaddict rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs, abuse

I love books with messages. This book gives us lessons. Be strong. Stand up for yourself. Never doubt you are worthy of love. Never let anyone make you believe you are anything but precious.
Lily's story touched me. Abused. Hurt. Abandoned. She was a pawn for quite a while. Her father did not care. He hurt her. Her first love used her as well until she was broken. A teenage girl with no future gives us a great lesson in strength and humility.
The book very tastefully handles heavy themes of abuse ...more

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Mar 24, 2022 John Gilbert rated it it was ok

This was a difficult read. Coercive control to the max by abusive males.

First it was her father verbally, emotionally and physically abusing her, then her boyfriend, who 'rescued' her from her father, then he became even worse, but interspersed with 'nice to her'. Lily hardly realised the abuse she is getting because she believes it is her fault and that she is ugly and stupid. Lucky to have such a handsome boyfiend. Early on when she decides to leave the relationship at her friend Shayne's urg ...more

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Sep 06, 2015 J.L. Perry rated it it was amazing

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC for this book before release. All I can say is WOW, this book blew me away. Lily's story will pull at your heart strings, no scrap that, it will crush your heart, make it bleed. This story is not for the faint hearted. My heart broke for Lily right from the very first page, and every page after, as her story unfolded. I felt a wide range of emotions while reading Ugly. Sadness, heartache, anger, pure-f@cking-rage. There were times I wanted reached into the b ...more

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Jan 24, 2016 Willow Madison rated it did not like it

This had potential, but fizzled out quickly for me. It's a pet-peeve of mine when a book's title is over used within the contents of the book...I mean, come on! How many times can we hear the word "ugly" in a row here?!

The characters were all flat. I get that this is a tough subject, but there was no depth given to any of the scenes or any chances for the characters to be brought to a level of understanding where I would care about them.

And the ending was just meh. Far fetched and pretty clich ...more

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Apr 29, 2016 Jeannette Nikolova rated it it was ok

Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.

To be honest, I feel somewhat guilty when I give a low rating to a book addressing issues as serious as these, like Ugly or This Is Where It Ends. But the thing is, with both of these books I have this nasty feeling that the topic has been milked. As far as Ugly goes, however, my main issue was not with the idea of the book, but rather with the writing style of the author.

First of all, I want to say something about the topic of Ugly: domestic violence ...more

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Sep 09, 2020 Helen Power rated it liked it

Shelves: new-adult, oh-the-angst, young-adult

This book is dark. I know, you would assume that from the cover (a picture of a girl literally crying) and the title (not exactly upbeat) and even the synopsis. But I’ve been reading a lot of books like these, and I have to say that this one is darker than the rest. The novel is categorized as a romance, and while there are romantic elements, I would say that the book is more about a girl learning to love herself. Sure, Max plays a role in that, but his role is much less significant than that of This book is dark. I know, you would assume that from the cover (a picture of a girl literally crying) and the title (not exactly upbeat) and even the synopsis. But I’ve been reading a lot of books like these, and I have to say that this one is darker than the rest. The novel is categorized as a romance, and while there are romantic elements, I would say that the book is more about a girl learning to love herself. Sure, Max plays a role in that, but his role is much less significant than that of the love interest in other similar books.
Because this doesn’t quite read like a romance, I do want to say that the romance was lacking. Max was sweet, but I don’t feel like we get to know him well. We don’t meet him right away (which is fine! I like getting to know the heroine before the Hero is introduced), but the author needed to make up for this by spending more time on his backstory, motivations, quirks, likes and dislikes, etc.

*The rest of this review has spoilers! Read onward at your own peril*

A lot of reviews of this book comment on how the heroine shouldn’t have been so naive and trusting of Travis. I don’t necessarily agree with this. I do think that she was so emotionally troubled that she was desperate for any form of love--no matter how twisted (and obviously toxic) it might have been. That said, with what she goes through, the “final straw” so to speak, what makes her finally leave him, is a little unbelievable. He’s literally beaten her into miscarriages five times yet when he beats her that final time, a flip completely switches. I think the problem is that there needed to be a more gradual realization that she needed to leave, exacerbated by the beatings, and then the final push when he gets her hospitalized for the last time.
It’s also a tad unrealistic that he lets her go, and we never see him again after she leaves him, even though she doesn’t go very far (she’s still working at the same place and living at her best friend’s house). A controlling man like that wouldn’t have let her go without at least a threat or three to not tell anyone about what she has gone through.
...more

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Dec 08, 2015 NMmomof4 rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2-star, disordered-mc, suspense, dark, friends-to-lovers, famous-wealthy-popular

2 Stars

Overall Opinion: I think this had some potential, but sadly failed. I like a good angsty read every once and I while, and I couldn't connect enough with the characters to get emotional. I was bored. (view spoiler) ...more

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Feb 01, 2016 NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} marked it as to-read

Shelves: arc, romance-young-adult-etc

***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

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Nov 21, 2015 Markéta rated it it was amazing

Shelves: post-university, crime

Well.. Damn. This was good.

UGLY isn't your classical love story. No. Not even close. It's dark and deep. It takes us inside woman's head who's been abused her whole life. It starts when she's still a teenager and her father beats her and verbally insults her. She goes days without food because he can't be bothered to buy it.

Then Trent came to the picture and I thought "good, he'll save her and proctect her from her father". He seems to do just that. For a while.. Trent seems perfect. He's patie Well.. Damn. This was good.

UGLY isn't your classical love story. No. Not even close. It's dark and deep. It takes us inside woman's head who's been abused her whole life. It starts when she's still a teenager and her father beats her and verbally insults her. She goes days without food because he can't be bothered to buy it.

Then Trent came to the picture and I thought "good, he'll save her and proctect her from her father". He seems to do just that. For a while.. Trent seems perfect. He's patient, he's smiling, he's gentle, he's making Lily smile and he makes her feel protected. But there are cracks in his behaviour. He's angry, violent, jelaous, obsessive. And then I realized that he's a fucking psycho. He's manipulative and makes your skin crawl.

But Lily doesn't see that. Not really. She knows that he doesn't really treat her right but she never knew anything else and was always told that she's ungly and not worthy. So she thinks that she's lucky enough that Trent wants her.

She marries him and stays with him for several years. His behaviour towars her is getting worse and she still makes excuses for him and blames herself. She writes everything in a diary. And when Trent sends her to hospital with concusion she meets an angel there. She meets Max.

This book is an excellent example of what is really going through a mind of someone who's been abused for a long time. How they stop believeing in themselves, how they doubt themselves, how they blame themselves, how they think they do not deserve to be treated better way and how they really view themselves and their abusers.

It also shows that you can overcome everything if you try hard enough, that when you don't give up you can achieve happiness and when you are patient you don't even have to look really hard for the right person. You just have to look in the right direction.

This book isn't about being abused. It's about second chances. It's not about being weak. It's about being strong. It's not about pain. It's about love - not for someone else, but for yourself. Because that's where the healing starts. It starts and ends with you. You have to be the one who wants to get better, otherwise it's not going to happen. And that's what Lily does. She loves herself enought to heal.

The ending was simply perfect.

For more reviews visit my blog

*ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review* ...more

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Jul 06, 2020 Shabby -BookBistroBlog rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books

MM has opened her chest and showed us her heart in this story. It's a sobfest from the word go. It squeezes out every tear of frustration and every cry for help from Lily Anderson and ME. The people in her life which were supposed to love her unconditionally and shelter her from all the evils of the world, become monsters and trap her in the tower of torture & abuse. The sharp blades of slurs and criticism ripped MY soul to shreds. All the slaps and punches rained down upon ME!

description

This story has hit ...more

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Jan 24, 2016 Valerie (Howler_Puff) rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-own, read-2016

3.5

Possible spoilers ahead. You have been warned.

I try to stay clear of these type of books. Books that deal with real life issues. I get enough RL as it is. This "spoke to me" and I had to get it. I have never been in a physically abusive relationship, but I have gone thru some verbal/emotional abuse. Nothing as intense as Lily. I know a lot of the reviews call the MC "stupid" and "unrealistic" for staying with her dad and **POSSIBLE SPOILER** Trent. I do not find her stupid at all. I find her ...more

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Feb 06, 2016 Mens Rea rated it did not like it

What this book is about:

In this story we follow Lily, an almost 18-year-old girl who lives with her abusive (physically and mentally) father. Her mother died some years ago and all Lily has learned from her father is how ugly, incapable, stupid and insignificant she is. On her way back from school one day, she meets a guy named Trent who is the first person ever to tell her she is beautiful. After a particularly nasty night at her father's house when he was drunk and beat her to unconsciousness ...more

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Oct 27, 2015 ❤️Melanie G.📖💛 rated it it was amazing

This book was a difficult read to say the least. The contents of this book makes you cringe, cry, furious and heartbroken. Along with that you also feel strength, hope, love, trust and self discovery.
I loved this book and the journey it took me on. Emotional rollercoaster it definitely is and worth every moment. This book was beautifully written and told. I will say this book is one that I won't forget. Along with Lily, Max and the other characters that stood by Lily in her darkest hours and ha ...more

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Nov 18, 2015 Annika marked it as dnf

Shelves: read-to-review-arc, dark, romance-young-adult

DNF at 35%

I hate giving negative reviews. I especially hate giving negative reviews to books that were kindly given to me for free by the author. But that's what it is about in the end, right? My honest opinion.
And honestly, this book just made me angry and depressed. I knew this wasn't going to be a feel-good read. I was expecting and looking forward to something dark, something gritty, something to stir my emotions and make me uncomfortable. And that, it did.

Abuse, whether it be of domestic, s DNF at 35%

I hate giving negative reviews. I especially hate giving negative reviews to books that were kindly given to me for free by the author. But that's what it is about in the end, right? My honest opinion.
And honestly, this book just made me angry and depressed. I knew this wasn't going to be a feel-good read. I was expecting and looking forward to something dark, something gritty, something to stir my emotions and make me uncomfortable. And that, it did.

Abuse, whether it be of domestic, sexual or psychological nature, is an extremely precarious subject, but extremely important all the same. Kudos to each and every author out there who dares to leave their comfort zone in order to address an issue like that.
Unfortunately, due to the subject being to sensitive, there's so much that can go wrong.

The worst thing you can do when writing a book about abuse, in my opinion, is to slip into clichés. The characters were one-dimensional stereotypes, void of any real depth, even the heroine herself. All we got was black and white - the abused, weak heroine that had got every last bit of self-respect knocked out of her; the alcoholic, violent and unloving father; the charming and manipulative, but in the end just as evil love interest; the outwardly perfect little family with skeletons in their closet.
However, I've only read about 35%, so there was a lot of room for character development. Maybe, probably, if I'd kept going, I would have witnessed some growth, at least from the heroine, but I just couldn't. I want to be intrigued by the characters I'm reading about, especially the protagonist, in whose head I am. I want to feel some sort of connection, and I just didn't with Lily.

Now, I've never had to deal with abuse of any kind myself, neither first nor second hand, at least not in the intensity the heroine had to put up with. I had a wonderful childhood and only more or less healthy relationships, so I can't even begin to fathom how an abused person's mind works, so I'm trying not to judge the heroine's actions and behavior.
After all, I can see that a child will always and forever be longing for their parents' love and approval, no matter how horrible they might be. I can see that a child will endure unspeakable things in the sole hope that someday, their parents may come to their senses and see that they actually are worth of their love, especially if neglect and abusiveness is all they've ever known. I can see this child in turn looking for affection somewhere else and eventually wallowing in it when they finally get some.
And that's what confused me in this book. Affection isn't what Lily gets from Trent. He constantly humiliates her, hurts her, threatens her, uses her. She's not comfortable in his presence. She says she doesn't love him. So why stay? Again, no judging, I just don't get it and I wish the author would have elaborated more on that. I would have liked to get some insight regarding her reasons to be with Trent. I just wanted to... understand.

I was really intrigued by the blurb and I admire the author for her courage to try to deal with a matter as serious as abuse. The execution just didn't work for me.

I genuinely hope I haven't offended anyone with my review. If so, I apologize. This book just wasn't for me, it was too depressing, too frustrating, too incomprehensible for my insensitive mind.

ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Nov 07, 2015 Carlene Inspired rated it it was ok

Shelves: netgalley, reviewed-books, new-adult

I hate rating a book that approaches a tough subject so low, but I felt I had to in this case. Abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse are very hard subjects to talk about, write about, and think about. While it is the reality for many, it is easy to shy away from the subject and remain blissfully unaware. I don't feel that way, I want to embrace the problem and bring hope for a better future. I applaud books that approach it, that can open up the communication lines for friends, family membe I hate rating a book that approaches a tough subject so low, but I felt I had to in this case. Abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse are very hard subjects to talk about, write about, and think about. While it is the reality for many, it is easy to shy away from the subject and remain blissfully unaware. I don't feel that way, I want to embrace the problem and bring hope for a better future. I applaud books that approach it, that can open up the communication lines for friends, family members, and those suffering or who have suffered in the past. In this case, I feel let down.

Margaret McHeyzer is a wonderful writer, she has an ability to bring a situation to life and allow the reader to feel the emotions with the character. I felt like I was right there with the main character during Ugly, because it is described with such depth. Lily was a great character, one I rooted for, because she's lost her identity in the abuse she's suffered from for the majority of her life. As she found her strength and learned to lean on good friends I rejoiced. She is one of the more believable characters I have read in novels related to abusive situations. I also liked a handful of the minor characters and how they stood up for Lily and stood behind her when she needed it. Those are the kind of minor characters that bring a story to life, allowing you as the reader to see the main character has hope for a better future, even if the main character doesn't see it yet.

Unfortunately, the story line was incredibly hard to keep track of and fairly unbelievable. At one point we'd skipped years, the writing went from first person POV to journal entries, and the abuse got to the point that I didn't see how no one had noticed. While I liked Lily and rooted for her, I didn't understand her desire to stay in bad situations. I understand how abuse can trick someone into staying, but this was beyond normal situations. Then, when good friends came, it was incredibly positive, also to the point of being unbelievable. I kept reading, because I wanted to know more, I wanted to know what happened to Lily and her past, but it kept going and going and going. Then, the ending is wrapped up so quickly, with another completely unbelievable moment. At one point I caught myself skimming the pages instead of reading and that's disappointing for me to admit. I need a book to hold me from the beginning and Ugly, while it started with a bang, just didn't the further I got.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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Dec 15, 2015 Liz rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, dark, netgalley

Wow... This was a pretty difficult read... I think in the back of my mind I didn't allow myself to think that some of this stuff, somewhere, to someone, is reality... I swear, I was a big depressing bag of misery while reading... Very difficult...

I don't want to say much on how this book evolves, but it covers a full journey... ...more

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Oct 22, 2015 Tash rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites

Reviewed @ Confessions From Romaholics
Review copy kindly provided by author in exchange for a honest review

Ever so often I come across a book that blows me away. I know with Ugly I was going to get a book that I would LOVE but I never thought I would get a book of this magnitude. A book that I sit here as I write this review, wondering two things. Why I haven’t read anything by this author before and where the heck did this book come from. As quiet simply I don’t know if I can write a review th ...more

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Dec 23, 2016 Violet_Musonda Winchester rated it did not like it

Shelves: annoying-characters, dafaqq, can-t-finish-this-shizz, obvious-much, dafaq-did-i-just-read, me-so-angry, some-annoying-characters, dafaqq-is-going-on, dafaqq-is-this-shite, stupid-asf

Ugly, Ugly, Ugly… *tsk tsk tsk* Where do I begin with you…?

#SorryNotSorry but this book. Got. Me. Fucked. Up!

Not in a, oh my goodness how can all these terrible things happen to a person fucked up. But the kind of cringe-worthy, eye-rolling, cheesy-mac-cheese, terrible character development (what character development?!?), bad story execution type of fucked up.
I gave up at 47% and skimmed through the 1 star/2 star and 5 star reviews on Goodreads and a majority of the lower ratings DNF at th ...more

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Sep 10, 2015 Briana Pacheco rated it it was amazing

Shelves: abuse, dark, ya, contemporary

WARNING: This book is DARK! Also, the main character had no one in her life to show her love, care for her, and help her. Her reasoning for sticking with Trent is because she feels like she's to blame. She thinks she's too stupid and ugly. It's what everyone tells her so it sticks. Please do NOT go into this book thinking she is dense.

5 'Snowflake' stars

Lily is mentally, physically, and emotionally abused by her father at a very young age and it doesn't stop. His words and his actions are so cru ...more

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Oct 16, 2015 T.H. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: drama, love-romance, favorites-and-would-read-again, kindle-cloud

Wow...this story was brilliant and I'm not sure I can truly put into words how deeply it touched me.

Lily's story was so intense, so gripping I had a hard time putting it down. From the first few pages I was sucked into a world where pain, heartache and loss were so overwhelming. I felt everything Lily felt, yet there was no way I could jump through the pages and help her.

I'm not going to lie, there were moments throughout this story I gasped for air, the struggles she faced are so true, so rea ...more

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Oct 06, 2015 Queen Bee rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 29, 2015 Megan rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

What an apt title for this book. There is so much 'ugly' in this world and unfortunately for Lily she is surrounded by it for the majority of her childhood and well into adulthood. No one should ever have to endure a life such as Lily's. As a reader I was fully submersed into that world, making it a difficult book to read; it was so sad and just hurt so much.

Though the conditions are harsh this book is about survival. It's about being conditioned to believe in lies and then fighting to overcome ...more

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Oct 07, 2015 Book Loving Fairy-Blog rated it really liked it

4 stars!

Ugly is DARK, intense and abusive, it's raw, real and painful. At times I had to walk away from the book angry because of Lily's excuses and reasoning. She like most victims, blames herself for all the terrible things that happen to her. But don't give up on her, she finally decides to do something about her circumstances and with the support of friends, loved ones and an unexpected gentleman. Lily is able to turn her world around and the ending is absolutely phenomenal! Well done Margar ...more

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Oct 13, 2015 Yelena Bosh rated it it was amazing

It was never like this before. Ever.

I'm twelve years old and I can remember when Mom, Dad, and I were all happy. But that was years ago. It's been a long time since there's been any happiness in this house.

If this book doesn't make you a crying mess, there is no saving your soul. I cannot begin to explain how deep this story touched me. I'm not trying to be cheesy or cliche but without having too many expectations of an author who I haven't read their work before, UGLY moves past the dark an ...more

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Oct 19, 2015 Stefanie Kral rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-for-blog, read-in-2015, favorite-read-books, received-arc

✯✯5 Beautifully Ugly Stars!!!✯✯

I was nervous to read this. I was both mentally and physically abused so I went into this book with my guard up. I fell in love with Margaret when I read her book A Life Less Broken and Allyn she's still one of my all time favorites. But, Ugly wow!!! It's a YA book and very dark on top of that. This is a must read.

Lily lives with her father.Her mother passed away. Her father is an unbelievably cruel, evil, violent, drunk ugly piece of crap. There I said it! ✯✯5 Beautifully Ugly Stars!!!✯✯

I was nervous to read this. I was both mentally and physically abused so I went into this book with my guard up. I fell in love with Margaret when I read her book A Life Less Broken and Allyn she's still one of my all time favorites. But, Ugly wow!!! It's a YA book and very dark on top of that. This is a must read.

Lily lives with her father.Her mother passed away. Her father is an unbelievably cruel, evil, violent, drunk ugly piece of crap. There I said it! He had no love for his daughter. And, unlike most stories they change after they loose the wife or husband depending on the story. But, not this one. All Lily knows is her parents telling her she is useless worthless dumb stupid and ugly . They've told her multiple times to just die.

Lily has grown up staying under the radar at home as well as in school. The only people who pay any attention to her are the few ladies at the thrift store. They have given her a few clothes that actually fit her and are not holey. They've also given her food to eat. Yes, food and clothes are things her father doesn't buy her. Lily doesn't think her live can get better. That is until she met him.

Trent. Lily meets Trent at the bus stop. Trent is nice. He's also very patient with Lily. he tells her she's pretty and brings her a flower. At first I was all like "YES!! Finally, a Prince for Lily" but I got smacked very quickly. Trent has a very jealous streak. He goes ape shit over a waiter looking at Lily. But, Trent is too quick to play it off. When things got bad for Lily at home it was Trent who was there to come and get her out and move her in with him and his parents. Her savior....

Years later Lily and Trent are married. They're living in a small apartment. Lily was working and going to college on a full scholarship until Trent convinced her it be best for her to quit school and really work while he goes to school to be a Dr. He's also taken over their finance's. Lily has enough money to take the bus back and forth to her job at the supermarket.

Lily has finally made a friend. Shayne. I loved her. There was so many times that Shayne tried getting Lily to open up to her. She knew something wasn't right with Lily and Trent. Lily was extremely extremely skinny. Yet, would call herself fat. Shayne always let Lily know she'd be there for her.

Lily goes to eat lunch one afternoon and sees a guy. A hot guy! They don't speak but something passes between them. When he opens the door for a lady she was taken back by how nice he was to a complete stranger. She doesn't realize then that it's not the last time she'll see him.

After years of torture from Trent he'd gotten to an all time low. Lily for the first time in her entire life stands up for herself and leaves. Lily goes to Shayne and Liam's house. They been going out since they worked together at the supermarket. The hot guy she saw he actually works at a hospital. His name is Max and he stutters from years of abuse when he was younger.Lily and Max become very very good friends. Even though Max has feelings for Lily he'll wait forever for her until she's ready. Lily is really liking Max but she's damaged.

Lily's whole life she been talked and treated like she's below trash. But, her life has started to change. Her 2 bosses Peter and Dale are doing everything to help her. These guys go above and beyond to help her. Max, Shayne and Liam are also helping Lily with everything they can. For the first time in Lily's life where she has friends who are her family. But, it wasn't easy and won't be for awhile.

I cried so many times reading this! Margaret definitely did her homework on people who've been mentally and physically abused. When you're mentally abused you are brainwashed to not only think things. But, to believe them. Lily swore she was ugly, fat, stupid on top of other stuff. It doesn't go away easily if ever. It'll pop up in your head all the time. Margaret hit every nail on the head. It's a total dark ugly-cry read. But, Lily gets the ending the that she truly truly deserves. Lily is going to stick with me for a long time. Margaret is one of my favorites. Can't wait to read her next book. ...more

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Oct 08, 2015 Crystal rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars...

Lily doesn't know what it is to live in a home where you have a loving caring family. Her mom passed away years ago and she is being raised by her father, if that's what you want to call it. He's horrible! He's atrocious! He's an absolutely deplorable human being. He not only hurts her physically but emotionally as well. Lily has no one to turn to, she does everything to be invisible to her teachers and peers at school and it's been working, until one day a boy smiles at her. Soon th 4.5 Stars...

Lily doesn't know what it is to live in a home where you have a loving caring family. Her mom passed away years ago and she is being raised by her father, if that's what you want to call it. He's horrible! He's atrocious! He's an absolutely deplorable human being. He not only hurts her physically but emotionally as well. Lily has no one to turn to, she does everything to be invisible to her teachers and peers at school and it's been working, until one day a boy smiles at her. Soon that boy is not only smiling but trying to speak to her as well. At first she wants nothing to do with it at the risk of being caught by her dad, but she eventually relents. It's nice having someone to converse with who actually shows an interest in her. When she needs Trent he comes to the rescue. He takes her away from her miserable father and to his home with his family. Finally things are looking up for this poor girl who has only been tortured for years, or so she thinks. Soon she realizes that things are not as they seem. She may have just walked from a bad dream into a straight up nightmare, but when you've lived your life being told that you're worthless, you don't know what else to believe. Luckily she makes some amazing friends along the way who no matter what or who get in the way won't let her completely drown.
From the very first sentence I knew I was in for an intense read. I tried to steel myself for this story but nothing could have prepared my for the emotional roller coaster this story was going to take me on. Lily has spent years hearing how she's no good and believes it. I cried for her from the very first chapter. They say it's always easier to believe the bad things about yourself than the good, and I definitely say that's the case with Lily. She is so smart and sweet but absolutely doesn't see. She comes from a broken home so I guess to some extend she was more susceptible to a bad relationship because that was all she has ever experienced. It started so gradually that at first she didn't see it until she was elbows deep. Her relationship with Trent left me so angry. I just didn't understand her tolerance of this games and slowly but surely I was losing hope that she would ever have a chance to change things around. I'm so glad she made some friends along the way. Shayne, Liam, and Max were a godsend! Sometimes all that is needed is a friend who is willing to be by your side in your time of need. They were the family she always needed and never had. When Lily was finally able to start living her life, Max was there to show her some of the simple things. He showed her that love can be given without expectations or conditions.
The story was very well written. I always love a story that take place over the span of several years like this one did. I love getting to see the characters grow past their struggles. I love seeing where they come out in the end, always for the better I hope.
This story was full of pain, torment, and suffering! That being said it was also full of hope, determination, and healing. There is such a powerful message here. Abuse is not acceptable in any form. There are so many heroes in this story but the biggest hero of all was Lily.

'I may fall, I may stumble, I may even ask for help. But I am not weak. I am the strongest I've ever been.'

I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Oct 22, 2015 Nerdy Dirty & Flirty rated it it was amazing

This book was so powerful. I could not put it down. Lily's story is amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. To go from one abusive household to another.....
Lily has grown up feeling worthless, because well, that is what she was told. She was told this so often she believed it. There was a tragic accident that happened when she was very young and that is when everything started. Now at 17 she finally has the strength to leave her father behind and not look back. Little does she know, her savior Trent, is just another nightmare. After finally leaving her father and that past behind her, she finds a little peace in Trent's home. But it does not last for long. She soon figures out something is just not right with his family or the way they live.

Because of the way Lily grew up she thought it was normal the way Trent treated her and told what she could and couldn't do. What she could eat, how much she could eat, what to wear, even where she was going to college. All because he said he loved her too much to be without her. The abuse starts verbally and changes as time goes on, with Trent always apologizing and saying things will be different and he will change.

She meets Shayne and Liam at work and would hang out with them at lunch or break. Even this was soon not allowed. He kept her isolated enough to make her think she was nothing and all she was good for was working, cleaning and cooking. At times that wasn't even enough to keep Trent satisfied. They get married and now she has no one but him and her job. She is even doing his assignments for school. She has suffered so much already, I didn't think she would ever get out. After a particularly bad evening she ends up in the hospital for a few days. She remembers him beating her so badly, but all Trent does is make up some lie and she believes him. Because she is stupid and no one else will take her. She is lucky he married her. It isn't until they get back to the apartment that her memory of what happened screams at her to get out. She stands up for herself and gets out.

With enough support from her best friend Shayne, her husband Liam and a new found friend Max, Lily slowly but surely finds the strength to get back on her feet. This was the best part of the book. I loved how she was able to find herself and find out what love actually is with Max. Of course life doesn't come with out its setbacks. But again, Lily does what she needs to do to move on. She finds this in the form of friends, her two bosses Dale and Peter, a psychologist, and herself. By the time I finished reading I was so proud of Lily.

I only hope anyone in this type of situation can find the strength to get out and ask for help ...more

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About Margaret McHeyzer

Margaret McHeyzer

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NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF UGLY AND MISTRUST

**Write something worth reading**

I'm Margaret and I'm a self-published author.
Recently I was fortunate in obtaining New York Times best selling status on my YA/NA book - Ugly, and my YA book - Mistrust.

My last three books have been YA and I'm completely in love with the genre. I love being able to communicate with people through my words and ...more