Bully: An unforgettable friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance (Fall Away Book 1)

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New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable romance that toes the fine line between love and hate in Bully—the first novel in the Fall Away series. This book also had a lot of deeper issues going on as well. When someone is bullied, how far do they get pushed before they retaliate? And, by doing so, are they not themselves just perpetuating the cycle by becoming a bully themselves? Or is it self-defense? Is it justified? Understandable? Necessary? Completely wrong? Where were the lines drawn? Stay the hell away from anyone like my ex-husband-including liars, cheaters, guys with more looks than substance, and (especially important) bartenders Besides, I have enough going on with my ex trying to run my vintage clothing store out of business. So what if I'd rather be selling my own designs? I have bills to pay. Now, because the story was told entirely from Tate’s perspective, it was a while before I got to discover what had made Jared turn into a bully which left me plenty of time to wonder at the possibilities…

Book Review – Bully by Penelope Douglas — Aestas Book Blog Book Review – Bully by Penelope Douglas — Aestas Book Blog

Then, I run into the beauty from the club. I was attracted to her immediately, but didn’t make a move. Now, after spending some time with her, I might be convinced to change my tune about being a one-woman man. She’s smart, funny, and driven. Everything I’ve ever wanted.But I still just couldn’t figure Jared out. Did he like her (somewhere deep down inside)? Did he hate her (unlikely, based on his actions and words)? What made him so angry with her? Why did he want to hurt her? Why did he want to protect her? … Questions. Questions. Never-ending questions. I needed to know WHY! Every party we go to, or every time I relax at school, there’s some prank or embarrassment to ruin it.”

Bully by Penelope Douglas: 9780451477101 | PenguinRandomHouse

I loved the way the author subtly included little elements and details that made me fall for him while he was being a bully but yet that also didn’t excusing his actions. She made it clear to the readers that there was something deeper beneath the surface… something that the heroine couldn’t quite see at first. There was a time when I had all his attention and I loved it. And as much I wanted him to leave me alone, I also liked..the way he was looking at me right now. And then I remembered that I hated him.” The title of this book did not lie! The hero genuinely was a bully in the first part of the book and to be honest, I wasn’t sure how I was ever going to fall for him. He was mean. Not like violent or abusive or anything, but the things he said and did were genuinely hurtful and unkind. Get ready for a bumpy ride of disaster dates, self-discovery, and sizzling chemistry in this friends to lovers romantic comedy about learning to trust in love, one more time.This book will make you see where bullies come from and show you how a perfectly sweet and loving person can be shaped into a tormentor. At this age, I’ve had it with relationships. Call me sour, but nobody is faithful, and I’d rather have a taste and move on. I did like seeing Tate grow confidently in herself, even if it did take a while. I like character growth and it was there for me.

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But the real question that I kept asking myself was… why? As a general rule, behavior like his is a result of some sort of extreme hurt but for the life of her, Tate couldn’t figure out what she did to wrong him and she was hurting deeply both for their lost friendship and for the pain he was causing in her life.Anyway! The story itself is great, we do find out why Jared bullied her all those years and all it would have taken was communication, but they are teens so who communicates effectively at that age? I was along for the ride. I hated his friend Maddoc and at times I was upset with Tate, but the moment they do get together it was fireworks 💥 and I am all here for that built up tension of hate between the two. When Jared was fourteen, his father called and asked if Jared could come and visit him for the summer. Happily, Jared agreed and left for eight weeks. After that visit, though, he returned cold and cruel.” I will say though that despite everything going on between them – Jared and Tate had some seriously chemistry!! Talk about unresolved sexual tension! I mean really! But I loved that despite everything he did while he was being mean, that he never crossed the line into touching her… that again was more proof to me of him feeling something deeper for her.