Madoc Is Coming...Rival ARC Review

Rival - Fall Away #2 by Penelope Douglas

What they say: 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…

• Coming Aug 26th by 
  Little, Brown Book Group UK/Piatkus
• ISBN: 9780349405827 by 

I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Madoc and Fallon have a complicated, confusing and sometimes dark history which made for a brilliant story. Not only are they complicated but they're also forbidden! It's a love/hate kinda relationship.
If you've read Bully (#1) you'll know Madoc as Jared's best friend, but in Rival we get to know the real Madoc. He's naughty, badass, kinda rude, but he's also charming, hot and thoughtful. I remember reading Bully & Jared's story in Until You (#1.5) and thinking I really shouldn't like Jared, but I do. The same goes for Madoc in Rival, but I didn't just like him, I freaking loved him!!

Fallon is awesome! I really liked her fierceness and don't care attitude. Where Tate initially avoided confrontation, Fallon doesn't back away from Madoc and Jared, she puts them in their place. On the other hand, she's sweet and damaged. I hated her mum!! 

There are a lot of misunderstandings and manipulations in their story, which have caused them both a lot of problems. The things which have pulled them apart and turned them into rivals is also the thing which has the potential to draw them together. The main thing I noticed about Madoc is his anger, he feels betrayed and lied to. He's alone so he lashes out, much like Jared did in Bully.

Their story is darker and sadder than I imagined; it's really heartbreaking at times. As we get to see more of their backstories, particularly Madoc's, their actions begin to make sense. The things they do and have done to each other are horrible. It was sad seeing the lengths these people go to to hurt each other.

It was great to see past characters and to meet new ones. Jared and Tate are still hilarious. I'm a big fan of Jax and can't wait for his story next! *swoon*

I loved Rival and think I actually ended up preferring it to Bully. Madoc is my new fav BBF! Fallon is very different from Tate and I was desperately hoping they could resolve their issues and find their HEA.

4.5 Stars in my Sky!