Bully Small
Betrayal, Book Review, Bullying, Contemporary, Enemies to Lovers, Friendship, High School, New Adult, Romance, Second Chance, Series

Bully (The Fall Away #1) by Penelope Douglas

ABOUT THE BOOK

My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me by a friendly nickname. No, he’ll barely even speak to me. But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I was humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went away for a year just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have. It’s time to fight back.

MY REVIEW

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s not just a romance; it’s an intense journey of friendship, loss, and how life events can reshape a person’s perspective. You will yearn for a happy ending as I did!

Tate is such a likable character, and her journey really resonates with me. What I love most about her is that she’s not your typical girl. She likes to drive fast and move fast. She’s complex and relatable, with dreams and aspirations that make you root for her from the very beginning. Her transformation throughout the story is incredible, especially when she finally finds her backbone and starts pushing back against her bullies. Those moments where she flips the script are some of my favorites and truly empowering.

At first glance, Jared seemed like a cruel boy with a penchant for ruining Tate’s life. But as the story started peeling back the layers, I realized that his actions weren’t just random acts of aggression; there was something deeper beneath the surface that made me desperate to learn about his past. After all, he used to be her kind and thoughtful best friend, and then something flipped the switch. In the end, the antagonism was just a shield, a way to protect himself from a trauma that left him reeling. You’ll have to read the book to find out more.

This wonderful story kept pulling me deeper into Tate and Jared’s world. Even during their most conflicted moments, the chemistry between them was tangible and full of passion. I believe Jared’s explanation near the end is a real turning point, and it’s such a powerful moment that beautifully captures his love for Tate.

Overall, this book is emotional and important for reminding us that we often forget people are more than just the sum of their actions. If you’re on the lookout for a story that balances heartache, forgiveness, and a whole lot of character development, then you need to check this one out.

Fall Away Series

1. Bully (2013)
1.5. Until You (2013)
2. Rival (2014)
3. Falling Away (2015)
4. Aflame (2015)
4.5. Next to Never (2017)
The Next Flame (2017)

BUY THE BOOK

Bully

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Penelope Douglas writes romance. New adult, erotica, a little contemporary… Whatever is calling her at the moment. She believes a good writer can spin any story in a way that you’ll connect with, and she endeavors to do just that with every book she writes. Not many topics are too taboo for her. She loves breaking rules and taking herself out of her comfort zone.

Follow Penelope on her website, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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