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readbyjaimes's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
3.0
I was so excited for this book and it was so disappointing.
When I was reading Bully I was soooo excited to see that Madoc was getting a book and that the FMC was a badass skater. I should not have had that high of expectations. I don't know if I'm growing out of Penelope's writing, or if it just wasn't good. But this book wasn't it. Now don't get me wrong, I didn't absolutely hate it and I read it fairly quickly but it was so mediocre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Abortion
Moderate: Pregnancy
devansbooklife's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars.
Let me just start off by saying that I love Penelope Douglas. I love her writing style, her characters, and her originality. But I didn't love this book as much as her other works. There will be spoilers in this review, so please only read more if you've read Rival.
My complaints:
1. it felt a lot like Bully with the love - hate drama, but I didn't understand the rivalry. They are step siblings in the loosest possible way, and somehow they went from despising one another to screwing?
2. I was hoping for more of a forbidden romance, but the forbidden part had already happened.
3. Madoc used the term hate sex previously and claimed he loved it. How does that lead to marriage love? And in a matter of weeks?
4. Fallon was forced away but she never doubted what her mother told her about Madoc? She knew her mother was a liar but she allowed her to corrupt her thoughts. Yes, I know she came back and found Madoc hooking up with a girl, but they hadn't been in contact in months.
5. I hated the side plots. There was so much drama, and I got sidetracked from Fallon and Madoc.
6. Marriage???? At 18??? Talk about a sudden change of heart. I think that everything seemed to happen too quickly between them. That's my biggest issue. I realize they've known one another a few years but you change so much every year at the time of time.
My Loves:
1. Regardless of my dislikes there is no denying Penelope Douglas' ability to keep her audience captivated. I was completely glued to this story. And I will continue to follow and read her work.
2. Seeing more of Jared and Tate. I LOVE them.
3. Getting to know Madoc on a deeper level. I am glad he isn't a complete douche.
4. JAX. I would probably say he just got mega - hunk status in my eyes. Way to outsmart everyone while taking one for the team.
5. Madoc and Fallon together. In general
I enjoyed them Both separately and together.
6. Way to heat up the sex scenes. Talk about melting the panties. Hot sex on a car hood during a rain storm has now been added to my personal bucket list. Thank you.
Let me just start off by saying that I love Penelope Douglas. I love her writing style, her characters, and her originality. But I didn't love this book as much as her other works. There will be spoilers in this review, so please only read more if you've read Rival.
My complaints:
1. it felt a lot like Bully with the love - hate drama, but I didn't understand the rivalry. They are step siblings in the loosest possible way, and somehow they went from despising one another to screwing?
2. I was hoping for more of a forbidden romance, but the forbidden part had already happened.
3. Madoc used the term hate sex previously and claimed he loved it. How does that lead to marriage love? And in a matter of weeks?
4. Fallon was forced away but she never doubted what her mother told her about Madoc? She knew her mother was a liar but she allowed her to corrupt her thoughts. Yes, I know she came back and found Madoc hooking up with a girl, but they hadn't been in contact in months.
5. I hated the side plots. There was so much drama, and I got sidetracked from Fallon and Madoc.
6. Marriage???? At 18??? Talk about a sudden change of heart. I think that everything seemed to happen too quickly between them. That's my biggest issue. I realize they've known one another a few years but you change so much every year at the time of time.
My Loves:
1. Regardless of my dislikes there is no denying Penelope Douglas' ability to keep her audience captivated. I was completely glued to this story. And I will continue to follow and read her work.
2. Seeing more of Jared and Tate. I LOVE them.
3. Getting to know Madoc on a deeper level. I am glad he isn't a complete douche.
4. JAX. I would probably say he just got mega - hunk status in my eyes. Way to outsmart everyone while taking one for the team.
5. Madoc and Fallon together. In general
I enjoyed them Both separately and together.
6. Way to heat up the sex scenes. Talk about melting the panties. Hot sex on a car hood during a rain storm has now been added to my personal bucket list. Thank you.
555quin's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
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
4.0
ouchpain's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ashtondoom's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tequila_mockingbirdsc's review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-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
3.5
bubzbuzz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
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
3.25
Update :Had to give it an additional .25 stars. Because I love Fallon and Maddox way more, then the first couple. Their relationship, the way they interact, the way they speak,their actions, everything just make so much more sense. Even when they're being reckless, it still makes more sense. They really grew on me and I think about them more than I thought I would.