Friday, January 23, 2015

Review: Rival by Penelope Douglas

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Rating: ★★★★★ stars
Date published: August 26th, 2014
Publisher: NAL Trade
Synopsis: From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Until You

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….
 

What I Thought:

I wondered if  the Madoc I met in Bully and Until You was the real him, the guy who likes women and to party, but I really had no idea how much he kept hidden beneath the surface. Madoc carries a lot of pain in him and the reasons why finally came out in this book. Parents played a huge part in this story and in Madoc and Fallon's lives.  It really felt like the both of them were helpless in the wake of what their parents did for the majority of the book and I was very happy to see the both of them take some of the control back by the end of the book.

Lets talk about all the feelings I had while reading this book.  I was initially confused about why Madoc and Fallon seemed to hate each other.  However when Fallon came back, it became clear she was there for some unknown reason.  Madoc seemed to hate her which confused her and me, but it was clear there were still things they needed to work out.  I felt both his and Fallon's pain when what happened in the past started coming out.  I was elated when they realized running away from each other wasn't going to make their pain or feelings go away.  I was infuriated and enraged at the actions of most of adults in their lives.  I loved Fallon's dad.  I laughed at Jared and Tate's antics, and smiled at Lucas's adorableness.  I cried as I read about the devastation and anguish Fallon experienced.  I experienced a whole gamut of emotions.

This story is like a roller coaster.  There are many revelations that left me shocked and not all of them were about Madoc and Fallon.  The chemistry between the two of them is off the charts hot, as in they can power a nuclear reactor.  Oh and I finally find out where Madoc was pierced *blush*.  Lucky Fallon.  I really liked Madoc and Fallon and I'm so glad I was able to read about them finding a way to be with each other.  I'm also glad they took back the control that had been in other people's hand. People, who if books were an interactive experience would need to fear for their lives.  Those of you who have read this book will know and understand who I'm talking about.  

Penelope Douglas has written another fabulous tale of painful love.  It can be hard to read at time, but it's so worth it.  I devoured every word and page.  She delivers on the promise of Madoc that started in Bully.  I had no idea he was so thoughtful, loving, or, romantic.  He's come into himself and I look forward to seeing both him and Fallon in Falling Away. Of course I'm also looking forward to Jax and hoping he finds what he needs to soothe the wounds in his soul, just like Madoc did.  


Purchase Links:


About the Author
Penelope Douglas is a writer in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to "just get the degree!" She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she hated Public Administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later they were married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.


*My review is based from the paperback I purchased.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them in any manner.*

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