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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
This was an alright read for me. I didn’t like or hate it any more than the first book Bully.
Madoc and Fallon is not my favorite, they are teenagers on their way to college and they have way too many steamy scenes. Their parents aren’t even involved in the story. This “darker” element is clearly a theme in Douglas’ books and it’s not my cup of tea all the time.
They behaved like children but were doing adult things. The conflict was mainly misunderstandings and intriguing backstories.
The best part of the book was maybe the way Madoc’s character wasn’t how he seemed like in the previous books.
But I am excited for the next one because Jax really caught my eye.
Madoc and Fallon is not my favorite, they are teenagers on their way to college and they have way too many steamy scenes. Their parents aren’t even involved in the story. This “darker” element is clearly a theme in Douglas’ books and it’s not my cup of tea all the time.
They behaved like children but were doing adult things. The conflict was mainly misunderstandings and intriguing backstories.
The best part of the book was maybe the way Madoc’s character wasn’t how he seemed like in the previous books.
But I am excited for the next one because Jax really caught my eye.
I approached this book without prior research, my usual practice, and didn't even peruse the book's synopsis. However, I must admit that I was unprepared for the powerful impact it had on me. I opted for the audiobook format, and within the 9 hours it spanned, I was completely engrossed. Each time I thought I had the plot figured out, it took an unexpected turn, leaving me in a state of constant surprise. This marks one of my initial reads into Penelope's works, and it most certainly won't be my last.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am really into this series!
Madoc is the all American boy that everyone loves. He fits in, is gorgeous, and is loyal to his family and friends.
Fallon is his step sister, and they hate each other. But hate isn’t the opposite of love… that are both obsessed with one another.
The story follows their past 14-16 year old selves and the choices they made and how those choices are effecting their lives post highschool.
Madoc is the all American boy that everyone loves. He fits in, is gorgeous, and is loyal to his family and friends.
Fallon is his step sister, and they hate each other. But hate isn’t the opposite of love… that are both obsessed with one another.
The story follows their past 14-16 year old selves and the choices they made and how those choices are effecting their lives post highschool.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fallon comes homes after she disappeared from Madoc's life. Everything is thrown into disarray.
I have to say that I appreciate that they are not in HS, even if barely. I really liked Madoc in the first two books so I really enjoyed develing deeper into his story.
From the outside, Madoc has a perfect life. He is the rich kid with everything he ever wants. But the one thing he has wanted was torn from him: Fallon.
Fallon has a golddigging bitch for a mother and a criminal for a father, needless to say her childhood wasn't the best. She and Madoc love to hate each other and hate to love each other, but they can't stay away.
Their relationship is based on hate sex. They started at a young age and were torn apart when their parents found out. But they never forgot about each other. Madoc thought she told their parents that he made her uncomfortable, but really her mom sent her to private school andforced her to have an aborywhen she found out she was pregnant.
There is so much drama that could have been avoided had they communicated, but their relationship was so based on a sexual connection that they mostly avoided important conversations. Instead of just having a conversation with their parents, they make the "mature" decision to just get married. I do think that they have a lot of chemistry and work well together, I just wish that their communicated more.
I love the chemistry between this group of friends and Fallon fits in seamlessly.
Tropes: step siblings, forbidden, second chance, opposites
I have to say that I appreciate that they are not in HS, even if barely. I really liked Madoc in the first two books so I really enjoyed develing deeper into his story.
From the outside, Madoc has a perfect life. He is the rich kid with everything he ever wants. But the one thing he has wanted was torn from him: Fallon.
Fallon has a golddigging bitch for a mother and a criminal for a father, needless to say her childhood wasn't the best. She and Madoc love to hate each other and hate to love each other, but they can't stay away.
Their relationship is based on hate sex. They started at a young age and were torn apart when their parents found out. But they never forgot about each other. Madoc thought she told their parents that he made her uncomfortable, but really her mom sent her to private school and
There is so much drama that could have been avoided had they communicated, but their relationship was so based on a sexual connection that they mostly avoided important conversations. Instead of just having a conversation with their parents, they make the "mature" decision to just get married. I do think that they have a lot of chemistry and work well together, I just wish that their communicated more.
I love the chemistry between this group of friends and Fallon fits in seamlessly.
Tropes: step siblings, forbidden, second chance, opposites
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Abortion, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Solid story. I appreciate that they're not in high school. Decent spice once it gets going and seeing the younger generation take the power from the parents was cool.
fast-paced
I love this book so much, this series is everything & if you haven’t already read it please do.
After reading the first two books of the series I loved Madoc’s personality so was already excited to read Rival.
I will always love this series and this book will forever be one of my favourites <3
After reading the first two books of the series I loved Madoc’s personality so was already excited to read Rival.
I will always love this series and this book will forever be one of my favourites <3
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Abortion, Pregnancy, Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Car accident, Suicide attempt