Fallon and Madoc are stepsiblings who love how much they hate each other. Never seeing each other as actual siblings, their sexual chemistry is explosive. After Fallon left a couple of years ago, forced by her mom, Madoc tried to forget her, thinking she left him on purpose. When Fallon comes back, she can't understand why Madoc seems to hate her so much. But in the end, there is a fine line between love and hate.

RIVAL by Penelope Douglas is non-stop intensity surrounded by one of the most powerful romances I've read. Fallon and Madoc are each so electric, and together, they make a lightning storm. They feel so fiercely for each other and have such passionate personalities that it's nearly impossible not to get absolutely absorbed and enraptured with their story.

In addition to the romance, I love the dynamic between them and all their parents/step-parents. Beyond needing to overcome them if they want to be together, they individually must overcome them to learn that they don't have to end up exactly like them. They're fighting to be independent of them, even the ones they like, in order to finally grow up. It is pure beauty seeing their characters develop and try to reach a place of strength and power.

If you enjoy lust and love filled intense romances where the stakes are nearly crushing, RIVAL would be an excellent book to try, especially if you enjoyed the show Gossip Girl. Penelope Douglas does one of the best jobs of seen with dual narration and nailing the two characters' voices in distinction and personality. RIVAL is without a doubt a new favorite of mine, and I can't wait to read other stories that involve the secondary characters.

Book Summary

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.