Reviews

Rival by Penelope Douglas

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mothermoth's review against another edition

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tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jenhurst's review against another edition

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3.0

If you like clueless and wanted it to be a bully romance, we have the book for you.

mjennings17's review against another edition

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5.0

I just love Madoc

I Loved Madoc in Bully and Until You. I was very pleased with his story and the real him. Madoc definitely has layers and show them in his story. Fallon I loved for Madoc, I got their story and connected with it. Parts were really rough for them but they got through it and I enjoyed watching it all come together for them. Jared and Tate were awesome I loved seeing them and I CAN NOT wait to start Jax's story talk about layers! He may just end up being my favorite! All in all if you enjoyed Bully and Until You you will enjoy this one too. I definitely recommend this book and series.

cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition

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3.0

keyro's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I enjoyed this being a dual POV book in comparison to Bully + Until You. It somewhat closed/meshed their stories well.

Unfortunately I listened via audiobook and did not enjoy the reader as she was the same reader to voice for tate.

The spice was detailed and not rushed. in my opinion, way spicier than Bully & Until You.

Something about the plot has me at 2 stars and it’s simply the agonizing “enemies to lovers” trope used in this book, although not necessarily enemies but more “complicated”. it still felt similar to jared and tate. Felt like the characters could have gone a different path to show their disdain.

Spoiler: the pregnant at 16 cliché was “alright” it added to her story but married at 18???? I draw the line..

Personally, i’m not too fond of step-siblings trope but i’m glad she continued to clarify that they weren’t close in a siblings way and didn’t grow up together

Spoiler: the ending felt rushed (revealing her ab0rtion and her mom trying to fk maddoc) it was never thoroughly discussed/dissected

Bully 2/5
Until You 3/5
Rival 2/5