PEACE LOVE BOOKS : Ramblings of a Book Dork: Bully Review and Promo with 2 Giveaways

Title: Bully

Series: A Fall Away Novel, Book #1

Author: Penelope Douglas

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 17, 2013

BULLY SYNOPSIS:

My name is Tate. He doesn't call me that, though. He would never refer to me so informally, if he referred to me at all. 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've been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got more sadistic as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went to France for a year, just to avoid him.

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

*This novel contains adult/mature young adult situations. It is only suitable for ages 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual situations.

**This book is the first in a series but can be read as a STAND ALONE. The next books will focus on side characters from this story.

AUTHOR BIO: Penelope Douglas is a writer and teacher in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to "just get the degree!" She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she hated Public Administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later they were married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, the show Sons of Anarchy, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Purchase Link: Amazon paperback

My Review
August 7, 2013
4.5 Stars ★★★★☆

Before I start my review for Bully it only makes sense for me to release a bunch of wayward emotions with GIF’s…

I started Bully in the midst of a slump. After finishing I wanted to pick up another book

Why you ask??

Bully brought out emotions in me I haven’t felt in years.

And

This may be a high school story but these characters live anything but teenage lives. Hardened by the harsh world, these two ex-best friends have to work through so much

They used to be friends but one summer tore them apart. Tate can’t forget the good times they shared.

Through high school Jared has done nothing but ruin Tate’s reputation. He takes being a bully to a whole other level and Tate’s tears are more often than not brought on by something he did or said. But is that old wives tale about hurting the ones we love true?

Both these characters have so much pain. Anger and passion seeps from the pages but hiding your emotions from the other half of yourself can only lead to one scorching moment.
"I'll have you in tears in no time" - Jared

And admitting truths you’ve hidden from far too long…

Now I’ll admit before reading Bully I was in an awful book slump. Everything I read was mediocre at best and either continually annoyed me with the unoriginality and mediocre storylines. I had been hearing buzz about Bully for a couple weeks and even grabbed my copy of the book when it was FREE. Now I am shocked by the pure gold I hold on my kindle at virtually no physical cost to me except drawing out so many emotions in me and throwing me so far of my book slump I could barely process when the story ended. Entertaining, gripping and absolutely jaw-shatteringly AMAZING. Bully delivers in every way and showcases pure writing genius.

"You think his treatment of me is foreplay?... Yes. It was foreplay when he told the whole school I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome and everyone made farting noises as I walked down the hall freshman year.”-Tate

As stated earlier the two were once inseparable. Best friends and neighbors who could simply not spend a moment apart. One summer changes everything after Jared goes away. He comes back cold. Hardened in a way that not only pushes Tate away but also alienates her from everyone as Jared makes it his mission in life to torment and belittle Tate to no end.

"There was a time when I had all of his attention and love it. As much as I wanted him to leace me alone, I also liked how he seemed surprised. I liked the way he was looking at me right now. And then I remembered I hated him." - Tate

For years Tate suffers at Jared’s taunts, teases and ultimate humiliations in front of her peers. Jared’s behavior alienates Tate as the majority of their fellow students listen to the lies and rumors, leaving Tate alone in one of the cruelest environments on earth. High school.

Jared indulged in my misery like it was candy. He fed me to the wolves time and time again, reveling in the unhappiness he caused. Jared, my friend, was completely gone, leaving a cold monster in his place." - Tate

This was the one issue I had with this book. Honestly, thank God Tate was a strong character. Jared was beyond cruel in his many attempts at hurting Tate. The bullying was outrageous and should have been handled more tenderly, if that's even possible. I only mean that, as of late, bullying has become a huge stigma in our society. Kids are bullied for every little thing nowadays and some do not handle it well. Considering the level of humiliation Tate suffered from Jared I was surprised she never had more emotionally personally responses such as running away, switching schools or even worst hurting herself. I can’t say how I would have reacted at this age and was more worried for Tate and her response than Jared. I didn't feel that Jared really considered the consequences of some of the evil stunts he pulled either. Tate could have reacted entirely differently and though he apologizes I don't know if he realizes how far things could have gone just because of something he did or said. I am so grateful by what a fighter she turned out to be and not just emotionally. Tate didn't realize her own strength and when she took down Jared's friend Madoc I think I had my first girl crush.. She was great, with just enough crazy to make her perfect. Whether she was racing cars or sitting in a tree in a lightning storm, Tate was a powerful take charge character that made me want to put my foot down and get in the face of all those who taunt and torment. (Too bad I can't get in the face of some fictional characters. Some could sure use it lol.)

Aside from Jared’s cruel nature he really is a hot tamale. Excuse the lameness. Though I don’t condone his behavior in any way nor do I think it was completely justified to be so mean, both Jared and Tate compliment each other like night and day. One year away gives Tate a new outlook on life and I reacted like a proud parent every time she refused to take shit from Jared and stood up to him. Sure even I trembled a little in the wake of his intense stare and brooding ways but ohhh, the benefits are too sweet to dismiss.Hands down to Penelope Douglas becasue though the characters may be young the sex scenes are scorching and will induce hot flashes.
"I want to touch you... I want to feel what's mine. What's always been mine." - Jared

Bully was everything a thrilling, gripping, absolutely amazing book should be and more. I was literally captivated form the start and every moment I had to put the book down, my mind stayed right with it. Tate was a remarkable female lead and she was strong and brave in the face of the lion even when shaking like a leaf. She faced her problems or should I say problem head on and in the end found absolution and a lost love. I hurt that these two had to go through so much especially causing each other so much pain. But together their issues make them whole and help reconnect the undeniable link between them. Bully is a must read and one that will not disappoint.