Rival: A Fall away Novel by Penelope Douglas

Synopsis: 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….

Get it on Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1HZkFYF

Find it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18129852-rival

4.5 Stars

This is my favorite book by her. I really like Madoc, he’s like the best book boyfriend ever. He has the traits of an alpha male because he pushes but he doesn’t force it; if that makes any sense.  I really like Fallon, she is an alpha female.  Her mom is one sorry bitch though. She had great villain material.

There were some things that I didn’t connect with like the quote, “Nothing that ever happens on the surface of the sea can alter the calm of its depths” for me that didn’t quite ring true in this book, it was almost opposite.  Because the surface ripples of their experiences absolutely affected their deep calm of themselves.  I don’t know if I am making sense to you but that’s how I felt.

I loved how she put a touch of vulnerability in Madoc with the piano playing and being a Big Brother, that was awesome. I also liked how Fallon changed her mind so much in this book.  That sounds weird but it was almost like she analyzed her situation more than others.  And I enjoyed that quality about her.

The hospital scene stuck out in my mind the most with this book.  It had a high emotional content. I just wished that Madoc had touched on his feelings with regards to it more than he did.

This book can be read as a standalone so give it a shot. It was great.

Favorite Quote:

“You act like you have no heart, like you just swallow your conscience with all of the pain you cause. But I see though it, Fallon. The truth is, you want me like nobody’s business.”  She closed her mouth and swallowed.  “You’ve always wanted me. You know why? Because I don’t try to kill your demons. I run with them.”