The Ugly Parts of Me is a sensitively-written, slow burn romance between two damaged individuals who find love and trust in one another. Maddie, the heroine, is very affected by her past. Emancipated in her late teens, she works full-time to support herself through high school and is older than her years.

Harrison James is also still dealing with a horrific crime and tragedy in his own past, committed by a family member. He and Maddie are thrown together in English class and feelings gradually develop.

Both these characters believe they’re broken, but discover they have the chance to heal one another.

This book does contain dark themes although there is a happy ending. Intimate scenes are well-written and well-paced, reflecting the relationship development between the characters.

It’s interesting to read a student-teacher romance these days because any kind of age gap relationship has become so taboo. But in this novel, any “forbidden” aspect to their relationship is eclipsed by the darker issues overshadowing these characters’ lives. So while this is technically a “forbidden romance”, it doesn’t feel taboo. The vibe is more haunting and ultimately hopeful.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.