Ppl think it is so taboo but, in reality, what harm is there really? There isn't blood involved. No genetic issues. Love is love.
I had the hugest crush on my cousin, through marriage, thank heavens he didn't know, because we were just kids but, I loved this story 100%.

Ps... still addicted ( )

SOOOOOO... I LOVED THIS BOOK! I was so so impressed with this book. I was a little taken back about the step-sibling relationship at first but hearing what had happened between Madoc and Fallon I was swept up from my feet and in love with them. Hearing about Madoc's character in the first book I thought of him as an asshole (which he still is LOL) but I learned more of who he was and how he thought about himself and I got sucked in. And Fallon had such a unique character. Definitely, one of the most different characters I've read about but who I fell in love with right away. Their chemistry was just something else. They were clearly in love from the start to finish and had such an amazing story from the others. I was blown away and would definitely re-read even though I just finished it!! ( )

Bully was good. Rival is even better. In a way, Rival feels like the story has finally got its sea legs. More passion. More humour. Just more. If Bully didn’t make you jump into the Falling Away series, let Rival take the reins and drag you under. ( )

I love this author's characters. I have crushes all around. The female leads aren't these oh-woe-is-me types. They're fabulously badass. Fallon is just as hard-core as Tate. She isn't into hot rods and racing like Tate, but she's a tattooed and pierced skater girl. Actually, I would say that Fallon is a lot more nonconforming and fierce. The main male roles in this series are varied, but all are definitely a member in the guys-every-girl-wants-a-piece-of club. Jared and Madoc have been best friends for several years. Where Jared was an brooding bad boy, Madoc is an athletic pretty boy. Just as Jared put up an asshole front to block out his pain, Madoc is ever the clown to cover his sadness.

"I do stupid things, Tate. That's what I do. I'm good at it."

I never knew there were so many layers to the cocky Madoc we've seen so far. I could always tell there was a good guy underneath just from his comments to Jared while dealing with the whole Jared/Tate hatefest fiasco. All we had been shown was the rich playboy. We knew nothing of what he's been through or of his inner workings. In this story we get to see more of his loving and mature side.

"That's what makes Madoc a good kid, Fallon. He picks up the pieces."

The backdrop of the story is that Madoc's dad married Fallon's mom in some type of sham wedding. I don't know why they got married because they were never together. While they were off living separate lives from each other, they left their children behind at home with the help. Madoc and Fallon eventually started having a relationship of sorts. Some issues arose that put a halt to it, and now, after a long time apart, they are both back at the house again. So, we've got another case of love/hate going on, but there are just so many previous unknowns surrounding these lovers.

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

Per usual for [a:Penelope Douglas|7139136|Penelope Douglas|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1409099483p2/7139136.jpg], the music mentioned is phenomenal. Her music choices and plots are top shelf always. Although this book is about friends and lovers, it focuses a lot on family issues. And lemme tell ya, they have some whopper family issues.

Because this series is about the same group of friends we get to keep up with everyone even when it isn't their story. It's great getting to see how Jared and Tate are doing now. It's wonderful knowing the true Madoc and finding out about Fallon. But the character that I can't get enough of and can't wait for his book is Jax. That Jax! There is so much mystery surrounding him that I can't wait to find out all of his secrets. And that one stunt he pulls in this book (if you read it, you know what I mean) is an OMG moment.

I loved this book and can't wait for more. I recommend it to those that want a NA romance with a bite, hot wild guy and a girl tough enough to handle him.

***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***





toni





FangirlMoments and My Two Cents








FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.blogspot.com/2014/09/rival-by-penelope-dougla... ( )

Fallon es fuerte, rebelde y sabe lo que quiere: venganza.

O al menos es así hasta que aparece Madoc.

El inicio del libro nos promete una protagonista interesante e independiente, que demasiado pronto se convierte en una copia al carbón de otro montón de protagonistas de libros románticos: alguien que no sabe valorarse, alguien dispuesta a perdonar lo que sea "en nombre del amor".

Y Madoc, bueno, es un personaje con complejo de Dr. Jekyll y Mr. Hide, que pasa de encantador a violento en un segundo. Y es tan extremadamente machista que solo quería entrar a las páginas del libro y golpearlo.

Hay una escena que me molesto particularmente y donde puede notarse claramente lo que he dicho:

"With as easily as you open your legs for me, I’m sure you’re having a great time in college.”

Her eyes flared, and she slammed her hands into my chest, but I barely stumbled.

"What did I say wrong? You’re not having fun at college, or you’re mad that I called it? Don’t be ashamed for spreading yourself around, Fallon. It’s genetic. You’re your mother’s daughter, after all.”

And then she screamed, “I’ve never been with anyone but you, asshole!”

And I stopped. Everything stopped.

"I never stopped wanting you,” I added before crashing my mouth down on hers.

*respiro profundo*

Todo en eso está taaan mal.

Además de eso, no hay trama. Lo único que ocurre en todo el libro es la repetición de la misma escena: insultos. sexo. palabras dulces. Fallon huyendo mientras Madoc duerme. Con adición de un poco más de drama cada vez.

Jax, sin embargo, se roba el espectáculo. Las escenas donde sale él son las más interesantes, así que mantengo la esperanza de que su libro redima a Penelope Douglas. ( )