Gabi's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 4 STARS 
 Penelope Douglas in my mind writes some amazing angst. Her tortured new adult love stories pull me in every time. This book had me gripping my kindle in a death grip, and at times holding my breath completely. Once you start Rival it's hard to put down. 
 I fell in love with Penelope Douglas with Bully, and Rival did not disappoint. I actually liked Rival more. Madoc is a Jerk Grade A in the beginning of the book, I wanted to HATE him the whole way through, but I couldn't. He seeped into my heart and now I LOVE him. Fallon is confusing and I found as much as Madoc grew on me Fallon angered me throughout the book. Both Fallon and Madoc would run away from each other at different times and pull away. It was so incredibly frustrating. But how can a book be angsty and emotional without the pulling away and shutting down? And when an outsider (or family member) threatens them and their relationship they come together and fight for each other in an unexpected and BIG way. 
 I did find I had mixed feelings about the step sibling connection, it made the book that much harder to get through or put down. I know confusing right? Let me explain, I found it made it hard for me to continue because even though they were step siblings, they were still living together as brother and sister although not related. This aspect of the relationship made it hard for me to put the book down because to see them overcome that huge emotional wall and how they broke through. And in the end I found as family and friends could embrace their relationship and love I came to be able to as well. 
 At the end of this story you will not regret jumping in for the ride, the love, sexiness and emotional obstacle course leave you feeling satisfied. Thanks for another awesome read Penelope Douglas!