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 three 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.

Three 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….

Reaching over, I turned my alarm clock to see it was only six in the morning. Tate threw her backpack on her bed and started yanking stuff out of drawers. She was still in the same clothes from last night. Usually when she spent the night at Jared’s, she came home freshly showered and dressed, ready for class. Right now, she looked rushed.

“What classes do you have today?” she asked, not looking at me as she darted around our room.

I swallowed the dryness from my mouth. “Um…Calc III and Sex and Scandal in Early Modern England.”

“Nice,” she teased in a deep voice.

“The last one is a gen. ed.,” I explained, embarrassed. “Why? What’s up?”

“Do you feel like skipping?” She stuffed clothes into her backpack and then turned to look at me. “Jax showed up at Jared’s dorm this morning. No one’s heard from Madoc. He’s not returning calls, texts, IMs….” She trailed off, hands on her hips.

“You haven’t talked to him at all lately?” I looked away, not wanting her to see the worry I was sure was on my face.

“Yeah, Jared and I let it go at first, because we thought Madoc needed his space, and we’ve all been so busy, but if Jax is worried, and Lucas probably hadn’t had contact, either, then it’s definitely past time to check it out.” She stopped, finally taking a breath.

She came over, tapping my leg and smiling. “So let’s go

FIVE STAR CROSSED STARS

“You reached me. When no one else ever has.”

It was love at first chapter when I first read the work of Penelope Douglas. Intrigued by it’s title and a newfound author I found myself falling for this authors debut writing style and since reading ‘Bully’ I’ve not once wanted to look back. This author brings something fresh to the ‘new adult’ genre of writing and it seems I’m not able to stop my admiration for her work. ‘Rival’ has been a long anticipated release and i can now admit that I was a little dubious with how this story would play out, but my doubts were unfounded, this novel was spectacular it had the right amount of grit and taboo without making it too dark or difficult to read and if there is one thing I can now be sure of is that Penelope Douglas has a wickedly sensual talent of making me fall straight into love with her story telling. With a hero to die for and a heroine with plenty of bite I could not have enjoyed my time spent with these characters any more than I did. My expectations have been blown away, ‘Rival’ is a novel not to be forgotten about and a book that I’m happy to say I loved.

What’s it all about?
Madoc and Fallon are two star crossed lovers fighting against the pain and secrets of the past. Their connection was one that has stayed with them both and their obsession with each other doesn’t seem to want to end. One wants revenge, the other wants to beat its partner at it’s own game. They both need each other. But will games, hate, family connections and a dark past stop a love that was destined to be or will they both be able to fight beyond themselves. Follow this fall away novel and fall in love with rivals that can’t help but love to hate each other.

What did I love?
What was not to love? Gorgeous story telling, fantastic writing talent, characters that blew me away and a plot that stole my heart. Everything about this novel dramatically appealed to my reading tastes. I loved that this book was deliciously tempting and swayed on the side of taboo but never crossed over into the uncomfortable territory, instead it made my heart pound and the anticipation of what was to come was well played out by the author. I’ll always have a soft spot for a dual point of view in a novel especially one that provides the reader with an opportunity to get involved with the characters thoughts and feelings. I had a honest to goodness soft spot for both hero and heroine in this story and nothing appeals more than characters who profess to hate each other when in truth their love is just as evident. Madoc and Fallon were fantastic lead characters and in addition to falling for their love story I also fell for them as individuals and I adored them both equally as much. Sibling rivalry, falling unashamedly in lust, chemistry that can’t be rivalled (see what I did there?) and a story that will stay with me for some time to come ‘Rival’ is one of my favourites of 2014 and a book that deserves to be celebrated for all it’s deliciously dark romantic talent. Penelope Douglas has created a love to hate you story that has blown me away. For those readers that can’t help but be attracted to angry sex, broken characters and epic love stories that break you up and by the end fix you all up again then this book will be just what you need.

Final thoughts …
If you are a reader that has not yet read a Penelope Douglas novel and you enjoy all the drama of a new adult novel then I can only urge you to get yourself aquatinted with this authors work. As for those readers who are anxiously waiting to read ‘Rival’ I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. Mrs Douglas has outdone herself and provided a novel that had me glued to every chapter and has more than filled my need for an angst filled, love story fix. With plenty of story telling to keep you interested and characters that are as bold as this authors shining talent the only complaint I now have is that I’m now back in the queue waiting for the next release by this author. Predictably so, five star books are what I crave and from start to finish ‘Rival’ had that unforgettable quality stamped all over it, I have no regrets with my time spent here and I’m sure this book will find itself being re read over and over again. Until then I’ll be satisfying my addiction with reading my most favourite quotes and I’m looking forward to seeing other readers fall in love as much as I did. Enjoy … Kisses.

♦ Grab the rest of the series ♦ 

Bully (Fall Away, #1) 

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Until You (Fall Away, #1.5)

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Penelope Douglas is a writer 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 Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

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Penelope is offering up the following prizes. The giveaways are international and ends at 11:59 PM CST 09/15/2014.

·         (2) $100 gift cards for either Amazon or B&N winners choice

·         (2) Signed paperbacks of Rival

·         (1) Signed set paperbacks of Bully, Until You and Rival

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Love isn’t supposed to be an addiction. It isn’t supposed to leave you bleeding.

Kona pushed, Keira pulled, and in their wake, they left behind destruction.

She sacrificed everything for him.

It wasn’t enough.

But the wounds of the past can never be completely forgotten and still the flame remains, slumbers between the pleasure of yesterday and the thought of what might have been.

Now, sixteen years later, Keira returns home to bury the mother who betrayed her, just as Kona tries to hold onto what remains of his NFL career with the New Orleans Steamers. Across the crowded bustle of a busy French Market, their paths collide, conjuring forgotten memories of a consuming touch, skin on skin, and the still smoldering fire that begs to be rekindled.

When Kona realizes the trifecta of betrayal—his, Keira’s and those lies told to keep them apart—his life is irrevocably changed and he once again takes Keira down with him into the fire that threatens to ignite them both.

I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having.

I cannot tell you the last time I was this invested in a romance between two characters where it drowned out absolutely everything; reason, logic, life, EVERYTHING but the need to keep turning the pages to know what happens next. This story was everything to me. It was beautiful, tragic, emotional, and absolutely unputdownable. If you’re an angst whore like me, you will love this book, and even if you’re an angst avoider, this book will convert you. This had everything that I absolutely love in a story; an angsty love story between 2 incredibly endearing yet broken characters, a hate at first sight meeting that grows to love, and a lovers reunited story that’s so beautiful it’s unforgettable.

This is a story about young love and the mistakes that go along with it. A love so thick, it’s almost toxic. A love so devastating it’s impossible to forget. It’s a story of mistakes, regrets, forgiveness and redemption. It’s a story with two characters who feel everything as deep as it gets; love and anger. A story of two people that are different yet also so similar that they’re almost bad for one another, yet a love that’s so strong it’s undeniable. This book is a hidden gem that I can only describe to you in 3 short words: A MUST READ.

Told in 2 parts, it begins in present day, flashes back to retell the epic love that burned but never burned out 16 years ago, and then picks back up in present day. But before you find out how it ends, you need to know how it all began…

Kona, I get the feeling you might end up being my favorite mistake.

Keira Riley and Kona Hale were not a match made in heaven and they certainly didn’t even like each other at first sight. Keira is an 18 year old college student that’s felt a weight on her no child should ever feel; first the weight of her father’s sickness and addiction, and then the weight of her overbearing mother with little thought to Keira’s desires. She focuses on school and escapes in her music, until a chance meeting with the school’s resident manwhore and football golden boy changes her life irrevocably.

Kona Hale doesn’t do relationships or love, he does football. Living under a weight of his own to constantly prove his worth, he knows that his football career is the most important thing. He doesn’t give Keira a second glance until they’re put to work on a school project together and her fiery temper finally gets his notice.

That live wire was too damn tempting and he wanted to burn in her. He wanted to burn in her so bad.

Their love story was anything but an easy read, but it will grab you from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is so strong and fiery it practically leaps off the pages and grips you by the heart. They’re not perfect, they’re hot tempered and make terrible mistakes that hurts more often than not. But when it’s good, OH MY GAWD is it good.

She wanted this. Him. Her. Their touch, the magic in every brush of his fingers, the glide of his tongue, with her always. It was needy, desperate and she loved the white hot craving of him, of how her body reacted to him, how her heart hammered hard like an earthquake.

Their love burns hot, until the blaze becomes too much and burns them both in a devastating mistake that leaves both Kona and Keira shattered.

I couldn’t put this book down. I honestly don’t remember the last time I had such a visceral reaction to a story that I felt everything along with the characters. My enjoyment of the story drowned out everything that I would logically dislike anywhere else. The writing was in 3rd person POV told in present tense, which more often than not, doesn’t work for me. But the writing was so brilliant that I was able to completely disregard it. I didn’t care that my logical mind wanted a reason behind Kona’s mother spiteful and hateful behavior. I couldn’t find it in me to care about any slight imperfection beyond this beautifully tragic love story. It was THAT good.

The second half of the book gives you the more mature versions of Kona and Keira, who are now in completely different points of their life but fate finds them together again. It gives you a beautiful second chance love story that’s also perfectly imperfect.

You were mine and I never loved anything more. I never wanted anything or anyone like I wanted you. Like I still want you. My always, Keira. You’re still my always.

I finished this book on Tuesday and still can’t stop myself from thinking about it and it’s just one of those books that will stay with me. I simply cannot recommend it enough. After stalking the author I saw that Ransom’s book is next, and I’m waiting with bated breath to get my hands on his story.

And if my review hasn’t convinced you to give this book a try, let me reiterate it again, READ IT. You won’t be sorry. It’s a love story that will gut you at times, but not one you’ll soon be forgetting.

DGR: Can you introduce yourself to the readers that may have not yet discovered the awesome that is you? 😉

EB: Well, let’s see…I’m from southeast Louisiana, home of the BEST NFL team ever, the New Orleans Saints (WHO DAT?), I am married to a man I can’t stop kissing and I have three daughters who do their level best to keep my hair gray. I keep my hairdresser in cash, trust me. I’ve been writing professional for ten years (mostly scif and fantasy) and work in the Seventh Circle of Corporate Hell where I literally copy and paste for a living. It’s freakin thrilling, I’m telling ya. / sarcasm.

I published my first romance novel, CHASING SERENITY, last October after my friend Kele Moon told me to…she’s very bossy and I’ve loved it. THIN LOVE is my fourth novel and it’s not part of the Serenity series.

DGR:  Thin Love was such a beautiful and at times devastating story of love, mistakes, forgiveness and second chances. What inspired you to write this book?

EB: Oh girl. If you only knew. LOL I had this daydream about a guy staring at a girl he once loved across a crowd. Then came this kid who looked an awful lot like him and it all sort of fell into place after that. But a lot of the toxicity in the novel, the anger, the passion, comes from bad mistakes I’ve made, that my friends have made in the past. I mainly wanted to delve into the idea of toxic, dangerous love and find out if those kinds of relationships can ever be healthy.

DGR:  I know I definitely had a mental picture for Kona when I was reading (*cough* Jason Mamoa *cough*) Who would be your dream casting for Kona and Keira?

EB: Keira is sort of faceless to me. A bit of the girl next door, but Kona is and always will be Mr. The Rock, Dwayne Johnson.

DGR: Can you describe Thin Love for us in 5 words or less?

EB: Exhausting, Thrilling, Passionate, Insane, Always

DGR: Ransom was one of my favorite characters (after Keira and Kona of course). I believe you  mentioned that his book may be coming next? Any more you can tell us about it?

EB: Man, Ransom, that poor kid. He’s definitely not a normal teenager and I think that comes from Keira relying on him so much. Maybe that’s a bad thing, but really they sort of grew up together and that made him more mature, more logical than his peers. But since his parents were both insane as teenagers/young adults, he sort of inherited their anger. In his novel, you’ll see an older Ransom who has just gone through something devastating. He’ll be different, he’ll be even wiser, but you’ll definitely see him dealing with the same anger that only loves brings out. In the end, because of what he’s learned from his parents, you’ll see him growing even further and falling in love very, very deeply. (Read: He’s gonna have THE SEX…but don’t tell Keira)

DGR: What was your favorite part to write about this book?

EB: I don’t know if I can pinpoint one certain part that was my favorite. Writing this book was very cathartic for me. It allowed me to exorcise some very, very old demons. But I will tell you when I wrote that scene with Keira and Kona where she asks if he still loves her? Yeah. I stopped breathing there for a moment. Very proud of that scene.

DGR: And what about the hardest part for you to write?

EB: The accident. I didn’t want what happened to happen. I loved that character a lot and really didn’t want them to die. I fretted over that for a long time, even had a two hour brain storming session with my bestie about that death. In the end, the story demanded it. It had to happen. *kicks the ground*

DGR: What’s coming up next for you? Any upcoming releases we can anticipate?

EB: I’m working on the Keira/Kona wedding novella and the third book in my Serenity series, CLAIMING SERENITY which I think will be hilarious. After that is the final book in my Serenity series and then I’m spending a lot of time playing in Ransom’s world.

DGR: Anything you’d like to leave the readers with?

EB: I’d just like to thank everyone for the support. It’s been an overwhelming year and I am humbled by the love everyone has given to my books. *My cup runneth over*