Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

The Rebel by Sophie Lark

7 reviews

amanda_reads13's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-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? No

3.75

Zoe is heading back to Kingmakers, this time with her sister Cat. She is trapped in a contract marriage with a  psychopath, Rocco. She is completely off limits, but Miles wants her and will do anything to get her. 

I liked this one more than the Heir. Zoe and Miles couldn't be more different. She is quiet, reserved, and bound to a marriage contract to a psychopath. She is her father's heir, but he has no intention of actually allowing her to take on that role. Miles is a wild card. He doesn't take much seriously and is well known for being able to procure anything on the isolated island. He is the heir to the Irish mafia, but has no intention of stepping into that role. 

I found that their relationship came on very quickly. There was nothing slow burn about it. Zoe decides to put herself first and jumps head first into Miles... Consequences be damn. And there are far reaching consequences that noone could have possibly predicted. I found Miles solution was about far reaching. 

I really liked the addition of Cat's POV in this book. I think it helps us to understand just how much Zoe has done to protect her sister. I really liked reading about Cat growing into herself and going from a meek, scared girl to a woman who would do anything to protect the ones she loves. I cannot wait to read her book. 

Tropes: mafia, dark academia, opposites attract, marriage contracts, forbidden love, found family

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sam019's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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psyched_np's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25


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folkofthebook's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

I have been sucked into this series. I'll be honest and say I don't love this couple as much as the first; it was a bit instalove for me, esp considering that they didn't particularly care for each other book 1 (and not in the enemies to lovers or mild antagonizers kind of way). This one was darker than the first to me as well. I love seeing Zoe's sister Cat step into her role as a Spy near the end... And who notices.
Check TWs, and FYI the bullying is not bully as in bully romance, but legitimate harassment, assault, bullying, etc.

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misssekundo's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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weelasswithabook's review

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dark emotional mysterious 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? No

4.5

CW miscarriage, stillbirth, forced TOP, violence, attempted sexual assault, abusive behaviour, loss of a loved one, woman in peril 

What is it about Sophie Lark's heroines that just have me tied up in knots??? 😭 Zoe and Cat are a prime example of women who are constantly doing what is expected of them and bending to the will of their father, but they're such strong women, and come out on top. 

I think that Rocco (Zoe's arranged fiance) might literally be the worst fictional guy I've read recently. Literally a god awful human being. The bottom of the barrel. Vile. So while Sophie is able to write these strong women and loveable heroes, she really excels in writing absolute awful villains. Basically Rocco is what I imagine the villain from the Sinner's Duet would have been like as a teen. Like I said, THE WORST!

Zoe and Miles gave us a delightful opposite attract romance which flowed nicely over the course of the book. Pacing in the relationship seemed great, believable progression (although I would've loved more of the "feels" if that makes sense, more emotional connection), intimacy was great. Also, with regards to intimacy, the juxtaposition between Rocco and Miles dominant personalities (where they were both dominant male characters, Miles was respectful of consent and Rocco was just... Again, the worst. I can't emphasize this enough) and how Zoe responded to both was *chefs kiss* 

Standout of the whole story? Cat!!! Oh my lord, the character progression from this meek 19yo who was terrified of her own shadow to the baddest bitch of the series so far, while still maintaining her air of innocence, and integrity. Absolutely stunning, I'm all for it, I cannot wait to see where her story goes!! I also hope we get to see more of Ozzy in future books! 

Anyway, highly recommend. Although, a word of warning, several times in this book I was absolutely SOBBING. So consider yourself forewarned 🙏

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nana05's review

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dark fast-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? No

3.75


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