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megs24's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
unicornmafia's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jurneewilson21's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ctini1189's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
tatiannareads's review against another edition
5.0
Forget everything I ever said about not reading books set in high school and not connecting with adolescent characters, ok? [a:Penelope Douglas|7139136|Penelope Douglas|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1480874868p2/7139136.jpg] has changed the romance game for me. After reading [b:Punk 57|41021967|Punk 57|Penelope Douglas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533139999l/41021967._SY75_.jpg|49343156] and [b:Credence|49084724|Credence|Penelope Douglas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576590268l/49084724._SX50_.jpg|74517408] last year, I was enamoured by Douglas' ability to make me feel so damn much with their stories that seem very simple but are, in fact, very complex and nuanced. I'm starting my journey of reading their backlist, and what better way than to start at the beginning?
Potential triggers: bullying, sexual assault, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, violence, grief and loss, mentions of child abuse, parental substance abuse.
Bully is the story of Jared Trent and Tatum Brandt — two high-school seniors that share a history of childhood friendship that has become almost unbelievable with the way Jared treats Tate now. He's become her bully. She's endured two years of emotional abuse from him, and she has no idea what made him turn on her.
This is a friends to enemies to lovers romance and the depth with which their relationship is explored through past and present, and then transforms, is incredibly well done. Their chemistry is so palpable and electric through their tumultuous relationship. I loved their connection from childhood; I am such a sucker for that in romance novels and it added so much to their story!
Jared is an enigmatic alpha asshole and I couldn't help but love him. He's depicted in a such a way that you want to hate him for how cruel he is, but also just know there is more than meets the eye. I was so invested in how this story would play out, and by the end I was completely on board with Jared despite his past transgressions.
Tate is an incredible female protagonist! She is fallible, so realistic, but also just a badass bitch. Despite her young age, I could relate deeply to her inner thoughts and I rooted for her through this whole story. There are moments where Tate rises to meet Jared's challenges and I admired her so much for the ways in which she stands up for herself. She fights back. There are also moments when she is filled with pain and anger and lashes out just like Jared, stooping to his level, and I think this adds such humanity to both of them.
Bullying is a sensitive issue, of course. And I am sure many people read this book and think it's wrong to have a HEA with a bully. Personally, I applaud Douglas for exploring this issue in a way that questions human morality, trust and forgiveness, as well as resilience. This was an entertaining work of fiction with an emotional and satisfying ending.
I also want to note that I love how Douglas weaves music into her stories. This one features Seether, Bullet for My Valentine, Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace.. etc. This is the case for Punk 57 and Credence as well, and it creates such a mood.
I would recommend this to dark romance readers that like bold and layered characters, coming-of-age stories, dark romance and alpha assholes (but the teenage version). I am looking forward to reading [b:Until You|20803962|Until You (Fall Away, #1.5)|Penelope Douglas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392309696l/20803962._SY75_.jpg|25720207], which is Jared's point of view.
Potential triggers: bullying, sexual assault, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, violence, grief and loss, mentions of child abuse, parental substance abuse.
Bully is the story of Jared Trent and Tatum Brandt — two high-school seniors that share a history of childhood friendship that has become almost unbelievable with the way Jared treats Tate now. He's become her bully. She's endured two years of emotional abuse from him, and she has no idea what made him turn on her.
"Even after everything he'd done, part of me still missed that boy that was my waking thought and constant companion as a kid. But that Jared was gone now."
This is a friends to enemies to lovers romance and the depth with which their relationship is explored through past and present, and then transforms, is incredibly well done. Their chemistry is so palpable and electric through their tumultuous relationship. I loved their connection from childhood; I am such a sucker for that in romance novels and it added so much to their story!
"His eyes were like the cover of books — giving you hints but not the whole story."
Jared is an enigmatic alpha asshole and I couldn't help but love him. He's depicted in a such a way that you want to hate him for how cruel he is, but also just know there is more than meets the eye. I was so invested in how this story would play out, and by the end I was completely on board with Jared despite his past transgressions.
"You were my tempest, my thunder cloud, my tree in the downpour. I loved all those things, and I loved you. But now? You're a fucking drought. I thought that all the assholes drove German cars, but it turns out that pricks in Mustangs can still leave scars."
Tate is an incredible female protagonist! She is fallible, so realistic, but also just a badass bitch. Despite her young age, I could relate deeply to her inner thoughts and I rooted for her through this whole story. There are moments where Tate rises to meet Jared's challenges and I admired her so much for the ways in which she stands up for herself. She fights back. There are also moments when she is filled with pain and anger and lashes out just like Jared, stooping to his level, and I think this adds such humanity to both of them.
"No one could really hurt me if I hurt them, right? This is how bullies are made."
Bullying is a sensitive issue, of course. And I am sure many people read this book and think it's wrong to have a HEA with a bully. Personally, I applaud Douglas for exploring this issue in a way that questions human morality, trust and forgiveness, as well as resilience. This was an entertaining work of fiction with an emotional and satisfying ending.
I also want to note that I love how Douglas weaves music into her stories. This one features Seether, Bullet for My Valentine, Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace.. etc. This is the case for Punk 57 and Credence as well, and it creates such a mood.
I would recommend this to dark romance readers that like bold and layered characters, coming-of-age stories, dark romance and alpha assholes (but the teenage version). I am looking forward to reading [b:Until You|20803962|Until You (Fall Away, #1.5)|Penelope Douglas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392309696l/20803962._SY75_.jpg|25720207], which is Jared's point of view.
ohophilia's review against another edition
2.0
The amount of rage this book caused me. Was this actually written by a woman in this decade? Any young girls reading this book, do NOT look to any of the relationships in this book as your ideal, please.
garveyk20's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
olovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️
Ok, so this was my first PD book and it did not disappoint. I will admit that I was a bit worried because I didn't want it to be so hyped up and then it flopping. I am so happy that it lived up to everything and more.
I loved Tate. Though sometimes I did think she was a bit extra, BUT with everyone always being against her I totally understand why she was so extra at times. Just because I understand doesn't mean it didn't annoy me. I loved her comebacks and her wit. I also loved how aware she was of Jared and how she couldn't understand it, but always knew when Jared was near. It broke my heart when she shared her little monologue during class because you could really feel her emotions. Tell me why that part reminded me of Julia Styles in 10 Things I Hate About You. That is really what was running through my head.
When Jared realizes his wrongs and his eyes are red, I was like oh this is going to be good. And boy was it. I really enjoyed Jared's comeback game. How he inserted himself in Tate's life--I was like ok what the AUDACITY? But then I was like Yes Jared, let her know. I did think that his groveling could have lasted a little longer than 5 minutes though.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series and cannot wait to read his story and then his and Tate's second book. I will most likely be on a PD binge for the next little bit...
Ok, so this was my first PD book and it did not disappoint. I will admit that I was a bit worried because I didn't want it to be so hyped up and then it flopping. I am so happy that it lived up to everything and more.
I loved Tate. Though sometimes I did think she was a bit extra, BUT with everyone always being against her I totally understand why she was so extra at times. Just because I understand doesn't mean it didn't annoy me. I loved her comebacks and her wit. I also loved how aware she was of Jared and how she couldn't understand it, but always knew when Jared was near. It broke my heart when she shared her little monologue during class because you could really feel her emotions. Tell me why that part reminded me of Julia Styles in 10 Things I Hate About You. That is really what was running through my head.
When Jared realizes his wrongs and his eyes are red, I was like oh this is going to be good. And boy was it. I really enjoyed Jared's comeback game. How he inserted himself in Tate's life--I was like ok what the AUDACITY? But then I was like Yes Jared, let her know. I did think that his groveling could have lasted a little longer than 5 minutes though.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series and cannot wait to read his story and then his and Tate's second book. I will most likely be on a PD binge for the next little bit...
blferdig's review against another edition
4.0
Cheesy high school romance but kept me entertained the entire time!