Bully (Fall Away, #1)
Tate returns home after a year abroad determined to no longer be Jared’s target—but when her childhood bully is hotter, darker, and hungrier than ever, their enemies-to-lovers clash ignites into something she never saw coming. Expect emotional scars, pranks, and betrayal before sparks fly.
Tropes & Themes
About This Book
Tate Brandt returns to her high school after a year abroad, determined to confront her childhood friend, Jared Trent, who has become her tormentor. Once inseparable, their friendship soured when Jared began bullying Tate, spreading rumors and humiliating her throughout high school. Tate's year in France was an attempt to escape his cruelty, but now she's back, ready to stand up for herself and reclaim her life.
As Tate faces Jared's continued harassment, she discovers that he has changed in ways she didn't expect. Their interactions are charged with tension, blending animosity with an undeniable attraction. The story delves into themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and the complexities of love, as both characters confront their past and the emotional scars that have shaped them. Their journey is intense and filled with raw emotion, leading them toward a path of healing and mutual understanding.
What Readers Say
Readers appreciate the intense enemies-to-lovers dynamic and character growth in 'Bully'. Many praise Penelope Douglas's engaging writing style and character development. Fans note the book's emotional depth and exploration of complex relationships. Some readers find the portrayal of bullying and its resolution controversial and unsettling. This book is recommended for fans of angsty romance and high school drama.
Rating Distribution
Based on 11 Open Library ratings
Reader Reviews
7 curated reviewspadme35
Jul 18, 2015
... out of the gate by saying this story is amazing and the characters are perfect
I am just going to jump out of the gate by saying this story is amazing and the characters are perfect. Now, I know what you're thinking "perfect? Where is the fun in that?" Well, I guess it depends on your definition of perfect. To me perfect is not about being a "utopian" character it's about having flaws, surviving and flourishing because of those flaws. And that's exactly what Caleb and Nathan have, flaws. You will definitely hate or at the very least despise high school Nate and you will most definitely want to shake college Caleb more than once. Plain and simple this is a story abo
DiverseReader
Jul 14, 2015
A story about forgiving and love
This is a story about forgiving. Its a story that shows us the strength of love. When we were in high school we did stupid things. Even though we thought we knew it all. Nathan and Caleb are living their lives, in college, unable to let go of one gigantic mess that happened in high school. They pretty much coast through 4 years. Study, build for a future. But they aren't whole. They cant be until they sit down, and talk. The flashbacks explain the turmoil they are currently in. We get glimpses of the happy times and what inevitably made it all go wrong. But 4 years later, going to the same col
Marleen
Jul 11, 2015
I fell in love
Is any break-up harder to recover from than the very first one? Not for Caleb Stockwell, thats for sure. Four years after Nathan Rhodes broke his heart, Caleb still isn't completely over it. And while that isn't an issue as long as he doesnt have to spend time around Nathan, it becomes increasingly painful once Nathan re-enters Calebs life and insists he wants the opportunity to make up for the hurt he caused all those years ago. Thus starts a story told both from a present day perspective and through flashbacks to Nathan and Calebs last few months in high school. The transitions from past to
Wendy Clements
Aug 3, 2015
Heads up for Bully & Exit
****Some possible spoilery things**** At first I thought this was going to be just another going to college gay romance book. I was so wrong! I really liked the way Ms. Vaughn tied together what happened in high school between Caleb and Nathan with the present, and slowly revealed _why_ what happened did. I didn't expect what had occurred with Nathan, and was completely behind Caleb's reasons for not wanting to give him another chance, regardless of his present intentions--which was sort of silly of me, because I do think people deserve second chances; it's just hard when you have been hurt,
Karen Lane
Jul 26, 2016
An easy read
I think Caleb was over dramatic, his inability to listen to someone was frustrating. Nathan was a putz, but it was a sweet story, and it held my interest
Xanlthorpe
Sep 1, 2015
Good Romance
A well written story line, though I do not like the flash forward/flash backward style. I think it adds an unnecessary layer of confusion to an already interesting story. Reasonable character development. About a quarter of the way in I had nothing good to say about Caleb. Eventually he became a person I could accept.
