Review: Rival by Penelope Douglas

Author: Penelope Douglas
Publisher: Penguin Group
Number of Pages: 366

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…."

This has to be my favorite book in the Falling Away series so far. Madoc and Fallon have this chemistry that just works even though some find their relationship somewhat incestuous or wrong. At first even I was weirded out but I trusted Penelope to do what was right for her characters and make it something that her readers would enjoy. 

Madoc ended up being someone I really wasn't expecting. He is probably the most surprising character ever--in the best way. You see this side of him that really shows his true colors and that was fantastic to read. 

Fallon on the other hand is almost an open book, I'm not sure if it was just me or other people felt it too. She's tough and she doesn't let people see whether or not she's hurt but she is more willing to let people in and trust them. She just wants to be around people after being in the circumstances that she was in. 

This book is definitely more heartbreaking than Jared and Tate's story. With their story we were just dealing with Jared's issue, but this book...holy shit. 

“Sometimes I wondered if the angels talked to get me to behave or to entice the devil to come out to play.” 

THIS BOOK FUCKING HURTS! I couldn't get over how much these characters had gone through compared to their best friends, let alone what they were still going through. These characters seem so much stronger then I would have ever thought. 

“You’ve always wanted me. You know why? Because I don’t try to kill your demons. I run with them.” 

These characters, this story, and this whole freaking book! It is written so magnificently and this is definitely my favorite Penelope Douglas book so far! Though...we still have Jax's book...

I really do HIGHLY recommend you go read this book and if your saying "I haven't read the first two..." then WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?

Also, if you were offended by the swearing I'm sorry...I know I've never swore in a post before. Congrats Penelope, you've finally gotten me to show that side of me online.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!!

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.