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★★★★! Bully, a debut by Penelope Douglas. Broken, jaded & sexy high school senior deals with the aftermath of having bullied a girl he can’t forget!

“You were my tempest, my thunder cloud, my tree in the downpour. I loved all those things, and I loved you. But now? You’re a fucking drought. I thought that all the assholes drove German cars, but it turns out that pricks in Mustangs can still leave scars.��

As the title would indicate this story is about bullying. And as irked and disgusted I am about anyone, I repeat anyone, picking on someone who is weaker, I feel that there are different types of bullying. When a boy likes a girl and picks on her is not the same as when a person is being targeted for being different, weak or not liked. Bully is a boy-likes-girl story, but it does in no way condone bullying, on the contrary.

Bully opens up with a Prologue at a party Tatum Brandt, Tate has decided to attend before her departure to study one year abroad. It is revealed that Tate has been bullied all through high school by her neighbor and former friend Jared Trent. Jared and his friends play on last prank on Tate only underscoring her relief to be leaving.

Thanks to Jared, my high school experience had been one long succession of rumors, pranks, tears, and disappointments.

Fast forward a year to Tate’s return for her senior year of high school, she has changed. Though she clearly always must have been strong to endure the bullying, she is now projecting a new maturity, worldliness and confidence about her. That combined with Jared having come to the decision to no longer bully makes for a different experience at school. The story follows them in the fall of their senior year through high school drama and events unfolding prompting them to delve into, relive and sort through the bullying that Tate had experienced; The details of Jared’s and Tate’s friendship, fall-out, the aftermath and bullying will be revealed throughout the story. In addition there is betrayal, self reflection and above all sexual tension and a budding romance.



Jared Trent has many qualities that make for a great hero; uncanny beauty, popular - clearly a charismatic leader - mysterious, sexy, damaged and elements of sinister. This is his story of redemption! For the first half of the book he had me at the edge of my seat. While the second half sort of fizzled.

“There were so many times when we were kids, growing up next door to each other, that I thought Jared was the greatest. He was sweet, generous, and friendly. And the most beautiful boy I’d ever seen.��

Six words to describe Jared: Damaged, jaded, enigmatic, cynical, protective and immature.



Tate Brandt was a wonderful heroine, so strong and resilient, smart and mature. I loved everything about her. However I did not care for her “friend�� K.C.

“There was a time when I had all of his attention and loved it. As much as I wanted him to leave me alone, I also liked how he seemed surprised. I liked the way he was looking at me right now. And then I remembered that I hated him.��

Six words to describe Tate: Smart, strong, resilient, mature, good-hearted and forgiving.

I really enjoyed Ms. Douglas writing style. She has created a wonderful heroine and captivating hero. I was very much rooting for Jared and Tate. The sexual tension and build-up was spellbinding. The first half of the book had me glued, but the second half felt rushed and glossed over. Bully left Jared and Tate in a good place. The sequel will be about Jared’s friend Madoc who had a prominent part in this story. Overall an excellent read!

“Yesterday lasts forever. Tomorrow comes never. Until you.��

***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 3.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 3.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4 stars
***
Overall rating: 4 stars

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.