A review by risse
Bully by Penelope Douglas

dark emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-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

3.0

This is the first book I've read from Penelope, and this book saved me from reading slump. 

What I like: 
  • - childhood friends to enemies to lovers
  • - it's full of angst! 
  • - secret pining
  • - prolly one of the most likable female lead I ever read this year. Why? Oh, gosh, she can fight back to Jared's bullying. And the part where she chose to be vulnerable through her monologue? It was so good. 
  • - steamy scenes. 

What I didn't like: 
  • - romanticized bullying. I like this story, but (for me) severe bullying is not good, or hot. It should never be romanticized. 
  • - Jared's reason. You can say it's valid, but—I DIDN'T GET IT. It's hard for me to sink that down in my mind. 
  • - the scandal. Oh. My. Fucking. Gosh. It was utterly unnessescary, and how fast Tate forgive Jared?! It was a big nu-uh. 

Overall, I still liked this one. I'm excited to read the 1.5 book of this is Jared's POV! <3 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings