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Rival Love #1
Rival Love
Skylar Fletcher is a proud Harris Academy Bulldog! She has everything she’s ever wanted: a perfect boyfriend, great friends, and her dream college waiting for her in the fall. But nothing lasts forever. Skylar's world shatters when her mom decides it is time to move and drags Skylar, kicking and screaming, into Bobcat territory.
At Delmont High School, home of the Bobcats, Skylar has no friends and is often bullied. To make matters worse, her home life sucks thanks to all-star quarterback Caleb Morgan, nephew of her mom's live-in boyfriend.
At first Skylar and Caleb want nothing to do with one another. But they soon discover they're not that different after all--and each is harboring a secret attraction to the other. But can a Bulldog and a Bobcat ever really be more than friends? And are Skylar and Caleb willing to risk everything to find out? Rival Love is a debut young adult contemporary romance from Natalie Decker.
At Delmont High School, home of the Bobcats, Skylar has no friends and is often bullied. To make matters worse, her home life sucks thanks to all-star quarterback Caleb Morgan, nephew of her mom's live-in boyfriend.
At first Skylar and Caleb want nothing to do with one another. But they soon discover they're not that different after all--and each is harboring a secret attraction to the other. But can a Bulldog and a Bobcat ever really be more than friends? And are Skylar and Caleb willing to risk everything to find out? Rival Love is a debut young adult contemporary romance from Natalie Decker.
ebook
First published August 26, 2014
108 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Decker
15 books455 followersNatalie Decker is the author of the bestselling YA series Rival Love, YA series Offsides, and NA series Scandalous Boys. She loves her family, her awesome dog, friends, carefree days, football, fuzzy blankets, traveling, reading, cooking, writing, and is a huge Denver Broncos fan. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. An avid reader of everything. If she's not at a Target or Starbucks because those are her favs, she might be typing away on her laptop, reading a book, hanging out with her amazing family, or she's off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!
She loves interacting with fans. Feel free to follow her on any of her social media accounts. If you would like a chance to get exclusive material & ARC's visit her website:www.authornatdecker.com and sign up for her mailing list. No Spam or unsolicited material will be sent
She loves interacting with fans. Feel free to follow her on any of her social media accounts. If you would like a chance to get exclusive material & ARC's visit her website:www.authornatdecker.com and sign up for her mailing list. No Spam or unsolicited material will be sent
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 12, 2017
Didn´t really feel like it was well thought through. The plot felt forced, as if the author created drama just to move the story along. It could´ve been 50-100pages long and have just as much meaning.
To be honest it didn´t feel like any editor looked through it as it had a lot of typos.
Please, for the love of god if someone is willing to approve all my kindle purchases so I´ll stop buying books I don´t enjoy, give me a shout!
To be honest it didn´t feel like any editor looked through it as it had a lot of typos.
Please, for the love of god if someone is willing to approve all my kindle purchases so I´ll stop buying books I don´t enjoy, give me a shout!
November 7, 2015
A special thanks to fellow YA author, Jennifer DiGiovanni, for suggesting this book to me. She knows I love my teen sports romances and the angstier the drama the better. Rival Love by Natalie Decker is packed with both. Skylar Fletcher is entering her senior year of high school with a plan. A plan that is completely derailed when her mom moves them in with her boyfriend across town, forcing Skyler to attend her school's arch nemesis. We're talking a school rivalry that would put Michigan State and OSU to shame. These students hate each other. So much so that when Skylar, who through no fault of her own, becomes a Bobcat, her boyfriend of two years dumps her and her best friend since childhood stops speaking to her.
Skylar struggles with accepting her new life, but she's' not going to try and fit in with the enemy, leaving her with no friends. Except her mom's boyfriend's teenage nephew, who moved in with his uncle after his parents' tragic death. The pair are more frenemies than friends because Caleb isn't about to be caught fraternizing with the enemy. Even if she is really pretty and smells like a goddess.
Plot
This is primarily a romance as Caleb and Skylar realize their mutual loathing is giving way to something more, each convinced the other still holds strong feelings of animosity. Watching their feelings thaw, turn into friendship, and something more is a treat. Strong subplots include Skylar's relationship with her father, stepmother and half sister, her plans for the future now that she's not participating in school sports, her survival at school full of kids who hate her, and her relationships with her ex-boyfriend and former best friend. All are woven into the main plot seamlessly.
Characters
Skylar is a bundle of attitude and I love her. The way she won't back down from a fight, doesn't cringe away from her bullies, and works to get even makes her a protagonist to root for. Her negative attitude is hard to take at times, but it's really easy to understand why she has it. Caleb is equally intriguing in his own way. The way he tries to hide Skylar's identity from his friends is both infuriating and understandable, especially with her attitude.
Ending
The ending was abrupt, surprising, and not entirely organic. I didn't feel like it was a logical outcome that flowed out of the preceding events. I'm hoping the second book will rectify that, though, because other than the ending, I really loved the book.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed about Rival Love:
1. Skylar. She's tough, witty, vulnerable, determined, unsure, funny, and guarded all rolled into one. She's one of the most complex teen characters I've read in awhile and I just love her.
2. Caleb. He's got his own issues, but he's a lot more straightforward than Skylar and I love that about him.
3. Getting even. The way Skylar and Caleb go tit for tat with pranks provide some of the best moments in the book.
4. Family drama. The dynamic between Skylar and her family drives some great angst-ridden conflict.
5. Forbidden love. Living in the same house makes anything other than friendship between Caleb and Skylar verboten, which only adds to the inevitability that they'll get together.
Bottom Line
Rival Love is an contemporary teen romance with themes of bullying, belonging, and finding love and acceptance for who you are.
Skylar struggles with accepting her new life, but she's' not going to try and fit in with the enemy, leaving her with no friends. Except her mom's boyfriend's teenage nephew, who moved in with his uncle after his parents' tragic death. The pair are more frenemies than friends because Caleb isn't about to be caught fraternizing with the enemy. Even if she is really pretty and smells like a goddess.
Plot
This is primarily a romance as Caleb and Skylar realize their mutual loathing is giving way to something more, each convinced the other still holds strong feelings of animosity. Watching their feelings thaw, turn into friendship, and something more is a treat. Strong subplots include Skylar's relationship with her father, stepmother and half sister, her plans for the future now that she's not participating in school sports, her survival at school full of kids who hate her, and her relationships with her ex-boyfriend and former best friend. All are woven into the main plot seamlessly.
Characters
Skylar is a bundle of attitude and I love her. The way she won't back down from a fight, doesn't cringe away from her bullies, and works to get even makes her a protagonist to root for. Her negative attitude is hard to take at times, but it's really easy to understand why she has it. Caleb is equally intriguing in his own way. The way he tries to hide Skylar's identity from his friends is both infuriating and understandable, especially with her attitude.
Ending
The ending was abrupt, surprising, and not entirely organic. I didn't feel like it was a logical outcome that flowed out of the preceding events. I'm hoping the second book will rectify that, though, because other than the ending, I really loved the book.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed about Rival Love:
1. Skylar. She's tough, witty, vulnerable, determined, unsure, funny, and guarded all rolled into one. She's one of the most complex teen characters I've read in awhile and I just love her.
2. Caleb. He's got his own issues, but he's a lot more straightforward than Skylar and I love that about him.
3. Getting even. The way Skylar and Caleb go tit for tat with pranks provide some of the best moments in the book.
4. Family drama. The dynamic between Skylar and her family drives some great angst-ridden conflict.
5. Forbidden love. Living in the same house makes anything other than friendship between Caleb and Skylar verboten, which only adds to the inevitability that they'll get together.
Bottom Line
Rival Love is an contemporary teen romance with themes of bullying, belonging, and finding love and acceptance for who you are.
August 30, 2014
As all of you already probably know, I'm always up for reading antagonistic love stories. I'm a sucker for those kinds of books, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I saw this book and read it's summary. I was quick to dive into Rival Love and mostly enjoyed the book.
Skylar's life turns upside down when her mother decides to move her across town and enroll in her high school's rival school. She tries her hardest to convince her mother otherwise, without any luck. To make matters worse, she has to live under the same roof as Caleb, the quarterback of the rival team. This was such a fun read in the beginning. The book was told in the POV of both Skylar and Caleb, so you got to see what was going on inside their head throughout the whole book. It was actually funny how much these two hated each other so passionately. Underlying all that hate was also some sexual tension. The banter between Skylar and Caleb was the highlight of the book for me. These two really knew how to argue. They definitely had a lot of chemistry together and it was the kind that was palpable. For most of the book, I was pretty much hooked. The writing was simple and effortless to get lost in and I found myself reading the book in one sitting. The ending though wasn't something I enjoyed very much. I thought it was rushed, kind of unexpected and too much of an open ending. I kind of went into this book expecting a happily ever after kind of book, and while the ending wasn't exactly a non-HEA, it did leave me feeling a bit disappointed. But of course, that's due to personal preferences and my distaste for open endings.
While the ending killed a star for me, I did like the book overall. I'm keeping this review on the short side, because I don't have much to say, but if you enjoy antagonistic romances, this will definitely please you.
October 2, 2014
SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!?!?!?
I loved this book until the end. Seriously? The ending was so abrupt is basically smacked me in the face. You can't end a book like this without a sequel. UGH!!! I stayed up all day reading this and now I'm mad.
I loved this book until the end. Seriously? The ending was so abrupt is basically smacked me in the face. You can't end a book like this without a sequel. UGH!!! I stayed up all day reading this and now I'm mad.
August 28, 2014
Three and a half stars, rounded up.
---
Rival Love is a book that I sped through in a day. It was a gripping and entertaining tale of young love that isn't always as easy as the television and movies seem to be.
A large reason of why I liked this book is Caleb. He's the star quarterback and is a pretty alpha-minded young man. He is both protective and insufferable, while managing to have just the right amount of teenage angst. I feel this way largely about Skylar as well. At first I thought she was really whiny and annoying, but I grew to like her the more I got inside her head. I loved seeing what would happen next, and how this forbidden high school romance would come to be. This book offers sides of both characters' stories, so you get a well-rounded opinion as the plot unfolds.
A plot that I really liked, from the get-go when I first read the summary. I really, really like the idea of this book. This is probably in large part to the fact that I was in a school district where loyalty was pretty fierce. The other school was the "rough school", and it would have been horrid to go there. (I am sure it was lovely and all, but pride is pride.) I think a lot of readers will relate to this idea of rivalry.
That being said, I do feel like this die hard high school loyalty is a bit extreme, to the point of violence. So were her old "friends" and boyfriend. It felt a bit over dramatic, which annoyed me a little bit. But really, it's high school. Don't we all think we're the kings of the world when we're there, before we're out in the real world? High school is full of drama, so while annoying it is not entirely unbelievable.
Another thing that hung me up about this book a bit is the use of slang/profanity. I have no issues with either clean reads, or ones that are rather colorful. But I felt that in Rival Love that it was a weird blend of the two. Sometimes swears were greatly avoided, like hitting Caleb in his "bad area". But other times, f-bombs were dropping. It just didn't gel quite right, and it was something that I noticed.
However, even with these hang ups, this was a pretty good read for me. It had a good sense of humor to it but also addressed some relatable, real issues like bullying and divorce. This is a great read for anyone currently in high school, especially for the athletes or those in schools with notorious rivalry. As mentioned earlier, this book does contain some language and bullying content, so be aware of that.
I was given a copy in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
---
Rival Love is a book that I sped through in a day. It was a gripping and entertaining tale of young love that isn't always as easy as the television and movies seem to be.
A large reason of why I liked this book is Caleb. He's the star quarterback and is a pretty alpha-minded young man. He is both protective and insufferable, while managing to have just the right amount of teenage angst. I feel this way largely about Skylar as well. At first I thought she was really whiny and annoying, but I grew to like her the more I got inside her head. I loved seeing what would happen next, and how this forbidden high school romance would come to be. This book offers sides of both characters' stories, so you get a well-rounded opinion as the plot unfolds.
A plot that I really liked, from the get-go when I first read the summary. I really, really like the idea of this book. This is probably in large part to the fact that I was in a school district where loyalty was pretty fierce. The other school was the "rough school", and it would have been horrid to go there. (I am sure it was lovely and all, but pride is pride.) I think a lot of readers will relate to this idea of rivalry.
That being said, I do feel like this die hard high school loyalty is a bit extreme, to the point of violence. So were her old "friends" and boyfriend. It felt a bit over dramatic, which annoyed me a little bit. But really, it's high school. Don't we all think we're the kings of the world when we're there, before we're out in the real world? High school is full of drama, so while annoying it is not entirely unbelievable.
Another thing that hung me up about this book a bit is the use of slang/profanity. I have no issues with either clean reads, or ones that are rather colorful. But I felt that in Rival Love that it was a weird blend of the two. Sometimes swears were greatly avoided, like hitting Caleb in his "bad area". But other times, f-bombs were dropping. It just didn't gel quite right, and it was something that I noticed.
However, even with these hang ups, this was a pretty good read for me. It had a good sense of humor to it but also addressed some relatable, real issues like bullying and divorce. This is a great read for anyone currently in high school, especially for the athletes or those in schools with notorious rivalry. As mentioned earlier, this book does contain some language and bullying content, so be aware of that.
I was given a copy in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
August 10, 2016
"I hate to love you. I love to hate you."
Hmmm...I'm kind of in a push and pull situation with this book.
Full review to come!
3 stars!
October 1, 2017
Okay, so I wrote this really amazing review for this book... but then my laptop died and I honestly don't remember what I wrote down and I also don't want to try and re-write it's awesomeness. So I will apologize now for this super crappy review.
Rival Love really makes me want to dive into the next two books of this series: and Rival Dreams. But alas I cannot because I have a book reading addiction and I honestly should just keep to reading the books that are on my "To be read" column for now.
I loved the character: Skylar and Caleb. I feel like the ending didn't do them justice. I wanted them to have a happy ending so badly. Now I have no idea if they are in the next two books or not, because I am trying to have self-control and not look ahead. But if they are, I really hope they have a god damn happily ever after. If not, I don't know what I will do with my life. At all. Probably never read a book ever again in my damn life.
Okay, that won't happen--but just know I'm being highly dramatic because of this book.
Rival Love really makes me want to dive into the next two books of this series: and Rival Dreams. But alas I cannot because I have a book reading addiction and I honestly should just keep to reading the books that are on my "To be read" column for now.
I loved the character: Skylar and Caleb. I feel like the ending didn't do them justice. I wanted them to have a happy ending so badly. Now I have no idea if they are in the next two books or not, because I am trying to have self-control and not look ahead. But if they are, I really hope they have a god damn happily ever after. If not, I don't know what I will do with my life. At all. Probably never read a book ever again in my damn life.
Okay, that won't happen--but just know I'm being highly dramatic because of this book.
August 30, 2014
Ok, I liked this story. I think could be less mexican soap opera, but it was good. But finishes in a MAJOR CLIFF and its terrible. Doesn´t even says in the goodreads page that is part of a serie. If I knew I wouldn´t have read it.
September 21, 2014
I wish it would have ended differently. something happy. they both deserve it, you know.
January 12, 2018
Hells yeah!
Okay, so I may have binge read this one. While my kids are frustrated, I am in total love with this book. There’s some definite angst, but I feel completely necessary. It’s back to the good ol’ “Parents just don’t understand”. Because a lot of times they don’t. Skylar has school spirit to the nines and athletic talent most teenagers would love to have, and motivation parents would wish for their kids. The problem is, her mom fell for a man from their biggest rivals, and guess where she gets to move to? Behind enemy lines. Not only is she well known for her athletic abilities that threaten her rival school’s chances at state titles, she also is well known for her evil schemes and pranks on said school. These rival schools more like gangs fighting for turf than cutesy Rydell High. To make it worse, the man her mother fell for has a nephew that lives with him, a well known quarterback for her rival, Caleb.
There’s evil plans, pranks, schemes, and revenge. Balanced perfectly with butterflies, wayward thoughts and small acts of kindness. The only thing I hated was the ending. What kind of cruel cliffhanger was that?! Apparently our author likes our hearts being in as many pieces as her characters. Readers beware of lots of feels and laughing out loud in public.
Okay, so I may have binge read this one. While my kids are frustrated, I am in total love with this book. There’s some definite angst, but I feel completely necessary. It’s back to the good ol’ “Parents just don’t understand”. Because a lot of times they don’t. Skylar has school spirit to the nines and athletic talent most teenagers would love to have, and motivation parents would wish for their kids. The problem is, her mom fell for a man from their biggest rivals, and guess where she gets to move to? Behind enemy lines. Not only is she well known for her athletic abilities that threaten her rival school’s chances at state titles, she also is well known for her evil schemes and pranks on said school. These rival schools more like gangs fighting for turf than cutesy Rydell High. To make it worse, the man her mother fell for has a nephew that lives with him, a well known quarterback for her rival, Caleb.
There’s evil plans, pranks, schemes, and revenge. Balanced perfectly with butterflies, wayward thoughts and small acts of kindness. The only thing I hated was the ending. What kind of cruel cliffhanger was that?! Apparently our author likes our hearts being in as many pieces as her characters. Readers beware of lots of feels and laughing out loud in public.
August 11, 2017
very cute, sorta football and sporty girl love story. BULLYING, I'll say it again, B U L L Y I N G.
Would say that it's an okay read, definitely a similar story line to some sports stories, but I really loved this character as I played softball as well (wished we could have seen her get into it), but yeah
Would say that it's an okay read, definitely a similar story line to some sports stories, but I really loved this character as I played softball as well (wished we could have seen her get into it), but yeah
November 5, 2017
Addicting
Loved the book. You could understand the anger and denying the feelings of being attracted to the enemy. Great characters
Loved the book. You could understand the anger and denying the feelings of being attracted to the enemy. Great characters
November 12, 2017
Really cute. I loved this book because it was more than just the typical romance. There was the added drama with their lives that we find in our lives today that made it that much more entertaining. I look forward to watching this story continue in the next book.
November 18, 2017
Romantic tension
Umm well, I enjoyed the hero and herione. The romantic build up was nice. The whole: "I hate you because you used to go to the rival school" got a little old. Wasn't expecting it to just end on a cliff hanger like scene, but overall a good read. Contains minor lanuage.
Umm well, I enjoyed the hero and herione. The romantic build up was nice. The whole: "I hate you because you used to go to the rival school" got a little old. Wasn't expecting it to just end on a cliff hanger like scene, but overall a good read. Contains minor lanuage.
January 24, 2019
Good series. Easy read
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
At this point, I don't read that many young adult books anymore. Not that I am against them, but there just usually aren't that many that really grab my attention. When I read the blurb for Rival Love by Natalie Decker though, I really wanted to get that story. I love a good enemies to lovers story, and I am a sucker for books with sports in them. Rival Love is the debut novel from Natalie Decker, so I was a little apprehensive about it but was hoping for the best. While I did enjoy a lot of this story, I also had some things that I didn't enjoy. I think that this was a good debut despite everything I had issues with though and I would look for more from Natalie Decker in the future.
Skylar Fletcher is a proud Bulldog! She lives for her sports, friends and boyfriend. She has her future all mapped out and has positioned herself to be as successful as possible. But when her mom decides to move in with her boyfriend Brian, Skylar knows her life is about to change. As if moving in with Brian wasn't bad enough, he lives in Bobcat territory and is also a teacher there. Skylar knows that she will never fit in with the Bobcats, but things quickly go from bad to worse when she finds out that Brian's nephew that lives with them is non other than Caleb Morgan the popular quarterback for the Bobcats. Caleb and Skylar want nothing to do with one another and agree to keep their living situation a secret from everyone at school. As they start to get to know one another though, they begin to see that they aren't as different as they thought they were. As their attraction and feelings continue to grow, they both begin to wonder if there is any way a bulldog and a bobcat could be together?
One of my favorite things about YA books is that they aren't usually as serious and tend to be more playful in nature. Rival Love definitely had that fun and flirty feel to it, and I loved Caleb and Skylar's pranks. It was so much fun to see them being playful with one another even while they didn't really like each other, and I couldn't wait to see what they would do next. I thought that Caleb was a little gruff at times and he made some bad choices. But I also saw that he was a different guy than you first think, and he really started to care about Skylar. I liked that she brought out his protective side and that he would look out for her even if he did it without being obvious about it or anyone knowing. Skylar was smart and dedicated, and I can't imagine being put in the position she was. It would have been so hard to lose everything as a teenager like that and I thought that she handled it pretty well all things considered. I really liked watching Caleb and Skylar get to know one another, and start to open up to the idea of more between them.
I did have some issues with this story though. First, I didn't understand why Skylar was forced to switch schools. I understand that she moved, but it was mentioned more than once that it was a private school. If that was really the case then location of residence wouldn't have mattered and she could have still attended her former school as long as she took care of her commute. It just didn't work for me and was the basis of the story, which really bothered me. If the school would have been public instead of being said to be private, it wouldn't have been an issue at all. I also didn't understand why Caleb was with Danielle at all in this story. He didn't like her, his friends didn't like her, and there was really no point other than to start some drama and conflict. Just didn't work for me. I also thought that there were portions of this story that could have easily been omitted and wouldn't have changed the story at all. But for me the biggest problem I had was the ending. Things are left unresolved and on a cliffhanger. It felt rushed and abrupt, and I was left feeling completely unsatisfied. I assumed this was a standalone story based on the blurb and the fact that it was never mentioned to have a sequel, but I am really hoping that that is not the case. I feel like what readers were left with was fine as long as there will be more, but if there isn't another book coming I think that most readers will be left wanting more and unhappy with the ending. I do think that this was a good start for Natalie Decker despite everything, and I am hoping that she continues to tell Caleb and Skylar's story in another book in the future.
**ARC Provided by YA Bound Book Tours**
At this point, I don't read that many young adult books anymore. Not that I am against them, but there just usually aren't that many that really grab my attention. When I read the blurb for Rival Love by Natalie Decker though, I really wanted to get that story. I love a good enemies to lovers story, and I am a sucker for books with sports in them. Rival Love is the debut novel from Natalie Decker, so I was a little apprehensive about it but was hoping for the best. While I did enjoy a lot of this story, I also had some things that I didn't enjoy. I think that this was a good debut despite everything I had issues with though and I would look for more from Natalie Decker in the future.
Skylar Fletcher is a proud Bulldog! She lives for her sports, friends and boyfriend. She has her future all mapped out and has positioned herself to be as successful as possible. But when her mom decides to move in with her boyfriend Brian, Skylar knows her life is about to change. As if moving in with Brian wasn't bad enough, he lives in Bobcat territory and is also a teacher there. Skylar knows that she will never fit in with the Bobcats, but things quickly go from bad to worse when she finds out that Brian's nephew that lives with them is non other than Caleb Morgan the popular quarterback for the Bobcats. Caleb and Skylar want nothing to do with one another and agree to keep their living situation a secret from everyone at school. As they start to get to know one another though, they begin to see that they aren't as different as they thought they were. As their attraction and feelings continue to grow, they both begin to wonder if there is any way a bulldog and a bobcat could be together?
One of my favorite things about YA books is that they aren't usually as serious and tend to be more playful in nature. Rival Love definitely had that fun and flirty feel to it, and I loved Caleb and Skylar's pranks. It was so much fun to see them being playful with one another even while they didn't really like each other, and I couldn't wait to see what they would do next. I thought that Caleb was a little gruff at times and he made some bad choices. But I also saw that he was a different guy than you first think, and he really started to care about Skylar. I liked that she brought out his protective side and that he would look out for her even if he did it without being obvious about it or anyone knowing. Skylar was smart and dedicated, and I can't imagine being put in the position she was. It would have been so hard to lose everything as a teenager like that and I thought that she handled it pretty well all things considered. I really liked watching Caleb and Skylar get to know one another, and start to open up to the idea of more between them.
I did have some issues with this story though. First, I didn't understand why Skylar was forced to switch schools. I understand that she moved, but it was mentioned more than once that it was a private school. If that was really the case then location of residence wouldn't have mattered and she could have still attended her former school as long as she took care of her commute. It just didn't work for me and was the basis of the story, which really bothered me. If the school would have been public instead of being said to be private, it wouldn't have been an issue at all. I also didn't understand why Caleb was with Danielle at all in this story. He didn't like her, his friends didn't like her, and there was really no point other than to start some drama and conflict. Just didn't work for me. I also thought that there were portions of this story that could have easily been omitted and wouldn't have changed the story at all. But for me the biggest problem I had was the ending. Things are left unresolved and on a cliffhanger. It felt rushed and abrupt, and I was left feeling completely unsatisfied. I assumed this was a standalone story based on the blurb and the fact that it was never mentioned to have a sequel, but I am really hoping that that is not the case. I feel like what readers were left with was fine as long as there will be more, but if there isn't another book coming I think that most readers will be left wanting more and unhappy with the ending. I do think that this was a good start for Natalie Decker despite everything, and I am hoping that she continues to tell Caleb and Skylar's story in another book in the future.
**ARC Provided by YA Bound Book Tours**
February 11, 2019
Good Read
I would recommend this book. It does give a good insight into how high school is today. Enjoy your reading!
I would recommend this book. It does give a good insight into how high school is today. Enjoy your reading!
February 28, 2017
DISCLAIMER: The author gave me this entire series for my reader's pleasure, but who would I be if I didn't leave a review after loving it? <3
A very appreciative thanks to the author for writing this fantastic book. I was feeling super bummed today and I couldn't find anything to lift my spirits. This book did that for me. Fact that I have been reading this book all day when I should have been reading something else for tomorrow just proves that I definitely needed to take a break from the more serious books and just enjoy a bit of sweet swoon.
Both Caleb and Skylar are great characters. I love the slow build up and that ending . . . honestly, it was perfect. It left me wanting more, it left me wanting to cry, but I was smiling. Because Caleb. Honestly, characters like Caleb are my infatuation. All tough on the outside, but total sweethearts on the inside. It takes the right girl to bring out those characteristics, and obviously it is Skylar.
A very appreciative thanks to the author for writing this fantastic book. I was feeling super bummed today and I couldn't find anything to lift my spirits. This book did that for me. Fact that I have been reading this book all day when I should have been reading something else for tomorrow just proves that I definitely needed to take a break from the more serious books and just enjoy a bit of sweet swoon.
Both Caleb and Skylar are great characters. I love the slow build up and that ending . . . honestly, it was perfect. It left me wanting more, it left me wanting to cry, but I was smiling. Because Caleb. Honestly, characters like Caleb are my infatuation. All tough on the outside, but total sweethearts on the inside. It takes the right girl to bring out those characteristics, and obviously it is Skylar.
August 29, 2014
The summary of Rival Love makes it sound like every other YA novel out there - so many authors try a modern twist on the Romeo and Juliet story, that it makes it hard to enjoy any of those stories anymore.
So if you’re looking for an original story, this book is not for you. I can predict that 90% of you already know how this book is going to end from reading the summary (do let me know your guesses in the comments - maybe I’m wrong about this!).
But like I said before, originality in a book is only required for some people. I need some very original books every now and then, but sometimes, when I’m having a wonderful lazy day, I can really enjoy a predictable book. I don’t want to be on the edge of my seat, I don’t want my brain to work in overtime. I want to be sucked into another world and enjoy the comfort of knowing how it will work out.
And for this, Rival Love was perfect. Skylar Fletcher is the book version of Hannah from Pretty Little Liars. The moment I started reading, I heard her voice in my head. And then her “co-star” turned out to be someone named Caleb and I couldn’t resist using the two characters from the show for my reading.
This worked perfectly though. Skylar is crazy beautiful, sassy, spontaneous and deep down pretty insecure about herself. Caleb acts all cool and self-confident, but the boy has some serious issues. The chapters alternate between the point of view of Skylar and Caleb and the author did a great job of giving both characters very distinctive narrative voices. I never got confused about who was talking.
The issues, that both Skylar and Caleb have, meant that there was a bit too much back and forth for my liking. I understand the difficulties, but come oooon. At some point, just get together or not. Just decide. They were more wishy-washy than Madoc and Fallon in Rival (very similar titles, but not too similar plots actually). I think my impatience with this is also due to the fact that I don’t really get the high school rivalry. I understand it, but for it to be so bad that you get beat up everyday and actually won’t like someone just because of the school they come from? I guess I’m too European for that.
Besides that, I also didn’t like the ending at all. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone, but it’s way too open. What does it mean? Is there going to be a sequel? Since I actually did some research this time, it seems like there isn’t going to be. So then the ending was way too rushed. Everything is “tied together” in the last twenty pages. But nothing is really solved or decided. Instead of the crazy “WOW” feeling I had with the unexpected We Were Liars ending, this ending just leave me feeling “What? Is my ebook version not the complete version?”.But maybe that’s the unexpected in the book that readers will appreciate. It just didn’t do it for me.
I’ll give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was a good easy read with very likeable main characters. But there were elements that rubbed me the wrong way. I wish more time was spend on the ending and less time on the unnecessary back and forth between Skylar and Caleb.
So if you’re looking for an original story, this book is not for you. I can predict that 90% of you already know how this book is going to end from reading the summary (do let me know your guesses in the comments - maybe I’m wrong about this!).
But like I said before, originality in a book is only required for some people. I need some very original books every now and then, but sometimes, when I’m having a wonderful lazy day, I can really enjoy a predictable book. I don’t want to be on the edge of my seat, I don’t want my brain to work in overtime. I want to be sucked into another world and enjoy the comfort of knowing how it will work out.
And for this, Rival Love was perfect. Skylar Fletcher is the book version of Hannah from Pretty Little Liars. The moment I started reading, I heard her voice in my head. And then her “co-star” turned out to be someone named Caleb and I couldn’t resist using the two characters from the show for my reading.
This worked perfectly though. Skylar is crazy beautiful, sassy, spontaneous and deep down pretty insecure about herself. Caleb acts all cool and self-confident, but the boy has some serious issues. The chapters alternate between the point of view of Skylar and Caleb and the author did a great job of giving both characters very distinctive narrative voices. I never got confused about who was talking.
The issues, that both Skylar and Caleb have, meant that there was a bit too much back and forth for my liking. I understand the difficulties, but come oooon. At some point, just get together or not. Just decide. They were more wishy-washy than Madoc and Fallon in Rival (very similar titles, but not too similar plots actually). I think my impatience with this is also due to the fact that I don’t really get the high school rivalry. I understand it, but for it to be so bad that you get beat up everyday and actually won’t like someone just because of the school they come from? I guess I’m too European for that.
Besides that, I also didn’t like the ending at all. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone, but it’s way too open. What does it mean? Is there going to be a sequel? Since I actually did some research this time, it seems like there isn’t going to be. So then the ending was way too rushed. Everything is “tied together” in the last twenty pages. But nothing is really solved or decided. Instead of the crazy “WOW” feeling I had with the unexpected We Were Liars ending, this ending just leave me feeling “What? Is my ebook version not the complete version?”.But maybe that’s the unexpected in the book that readers will appreciate. It just didn’t do it for me.
I’ll give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was a good easy read with very likeable main characters. But there were elements that rubbed me the wrong way. I wish more time was spend on the ending and less time on the unnecessary back and forth between Skylar and Caleb.
September 13, 2014
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Rival Love by Natalie Decker
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 3,5 stars
Review:
Rival Love truly captivated me after reading the synopsis. It promised a lot of love-hate moments and that in a YA story can come out as a really sweet and lovely story.
I had a great time reading the story through Skylar's point of view. She's a teenager who has been transferred to another school thanks to her mother falling in love with a man and deciding to go live with him. This wouldn't be a problem, if Skylar's new school wouldn't be the rival of her old school.
The story started great. I found myself reading all about Skylar's fears and why she was complaining so much. The tension in the air was almost palpable and it goes to another level, when Caleb appear's in the story giving another meaning to living with your enemy.
Their relationship started out of hate, but you can see how it changes with time and how their pranks that started out as a mean to get the best of the other, turns out into something that they share. They relationship was an important factor to make this story captivating. It was clear that there was a tension: first hate, then something else. And the reader is just on the edge of the chair, wanting to know if these two would see past their school's team.
I only had a few troubles with the story nearly when it came to the end. There were scenes that made no sense to me as a reader. At least, my reader feelings were a little bit hurt. Some of the actions came manly from Caleb and that I found myself with urges like wanting to punch Caleb in the face, wanting to scream at him to do something and again wanting to punch him for not trusting the right person. If you read the book, you'd know what I'm talking about.
These lead me to find myself with the very end of the story and not wanting to believe it was the end (I tried a couple of times to see if the iPad had gone mad and maybe delete pages or something like that). Leading me in a glass case full of emotions, because my iPad did not hate me and didn't delete any pages. It was the simply end. My little reader heart couldn't take this ending knowing this would be just a standalone. So for me, it was kind of a disappointing ending.
Despite this, Rival Love has a lot of rivalry that makes the reader have a great time while reading Skylar's story. She completely changes and matures and I think it's a good YA story that I recommend to those readers who like a romance story with a lot of team rivalry and pranks.
Rival Love by Natalie Decker
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 3,5 stars
Review:
Rival Love truly captivated me after reading the synopsis. It promised a lot of love-hate moments and that in a YA story can come out as a really sweet and lovely story.
I had a great time reading the story through Skylar's point of view. She's a teenager who has been transferred to another school thanks to her mother falling in love with a man and deciding to go live with him. This wouldn't be a problem, if Skylar's new school wouldn't be the rival of her old school.
The story started great. I found myself reading all about Skylar's fears and why she was complaining so much. The tension in the air was almost palpable and it goes to another level, when Caleb appear's in the story giving another meaning to living with your enemy.
Their relationship started out of hate, but you can see how it changes with time and how their pranks that started out as a mean to get the best of the other, turns out into something that they share. They relationship was an important factor to make this story captivating. It was clear that there was a tension: first hate, then something else. And the reader is just on the edge of the chair, wanting to know if these two would see past their school's team.
I only had a few troubles with the story nearly when it came to the end. There were scenes that made no sense to me as a reader. At least, my reader feelings were a little bit hurt. Some of the actions came manly from Caleb and that I found myself with urges like wanting to punch Caleb in the face, wanting to scream at him to do something and again wanting to punch him for not trusting the right person. If you read the book, you'd know what I'm talking about.
These lead me to find myself with the very end of the story and not wanting to believe it was the end (I tried a couple of times to see if the iPad had gone mad and maybe delete pages or something like that). Leading me in a glass case full of emotions, because my iPad did not hate me and didn't delete any pages. It was the simply end. My little reader heart couldn't take this ending knowing this would be just a standalone. So for me, it was kind of a disappointing ending.
Despite this, Rival Love has a lot of rivalry that makes the reader have a great time while reading Skylar's story. She completely changes and matures and I think it's a good YA story that I recommend to those readers who like a romance story with a lot of team rivalry and pranks.
November 28, 2014
What worked for me...
I loved the banter between Skylar and Caleb. They didn't hold back and it was fun. Living with the enemy and all that tends to have you seeing things that might have you change your mind about them. That's what's up with these two. They don't want to be attracted to each other but they are. Being across the hall from each other makes for some fun interactions. He so did not go in the bathroom to pee while she was showering. He so did!
Two peeps that profess to dislike each other this much make for an interesting love story. I wasn't sure how I'd enjoy that but I really did. They actually had more in common than they knew. Those things drew them together. Both of them found themselves being sweet to the other and hating that they did. Adorable.
What didn't work for me...
So this is a big one. I actually worried about it before I started reading. The premise makes it clear that these two school are mortal enemies. But coming to blows over a rival school student joining your school is just too much for me to believe. I can see some teasing and lots of competition where the sports come into play but I didn't buy the level to which these two HIGH schools fought. I don't even think colleges would be this bad. She's jumped, bruised, bullied and made to feel completely unwelcome. All the while, the adults are looking around trying to figure out why and how this previously good student has become a trouble maker. And this is where my teacher hat comes in. So not buying it. Teachers are not this dumb. They blame her, and threaten her. They offer next to no support. One teacher notices and helps. I'm not buying it. I'm thinking the swim coach and the softball coach would be chopping at the bit to get a state champion player at their school. They'd have teammates signed up to help her fit in just to keep her there. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get past this.
Beyond the rivalry, I don't get why she changed schools. Both schools are private. She drives back across town to go to work. Why not for school too? It's not a boundary issue. So the whole premise falls flat for me.
Then there's the ending. It's not an ending but a "to be continued" note. There's a book two in the works and that's a good thing. I'd hate to think their story ends this way. While I don't mind a story that continues to the next book, I prefer to know that going into it. This one wasn't advertised as the first book in a series, yet it clearly is.
I enjoyed a lot of this story and if I could have figured out how to accept the rivalry between these schools, I would have loved it.
If you're not a teacher and can take that rivalry for what's worth, then you'll enjoy this book.
I loved the banter between Skylar and Caleb. They didn't hold back and it was fun. Living with the enemy and all that tends to have you seeing things that might have you change your mind about them. That's what's up with these two. They don't want to be attracted to each other but they are. Being across the hall from each other makes for some fun interactions. He so did not go in the bathroom to pee while she was showering. He so did!
Two peeps that profess to dislike each other this much make for an interesting love story. I wasn't sure how I'd enjoy that but I really did. They actually had more in common than they knew. Those things drew them together. Both of them found themselves being sweet to the other and hating that they did. Adorable.
What didn't work for me...
So this is a big one. I actually worried about it before I started reading. The premise makes it clear that these two school are mortal enemies. But coming to blows over a rival school student joining your school is just too much for me to believe. I can see some teasing and lots of competition where the sports come into play but I didn't buy the level to which these two HIGH schools fought. I don't even think colleges would be this bad. She's jumped, bruised, bullied and made to feel completely unwelcome. All the while, the adults are looking around trying to figure out why and how this previously good student has become a trouble maker. And this is where my teacher hat comes in. So not buying it. Teachers are not this dumb. They blame her, and threaten her. They offer next to no support. One teacher notices and helps. I'm not buying it. I'm thinking the swim coach and the softball coach would be chopping at the bit to get a state champion player at their school. They'd have teammates signed up to help her fit in just to keep her there. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get past this.
Beyond the rivalry, I don't get why she changed schools. Both schools are private. She drives back across town to go to work. Why not for school too? It's not a boundary issue. So the whole premise falls flat for me.
Then there's the ending. It's not an ending but a "to be continued" note. There's a book two in the works and that's a good thing. I'd hate to think their story ends this way. While I don't mind a story that continues to the next book, I prefer to know that going into it. This one wasn't advertised as the first book in a series, yet it clearly is.
I enjoyed a lot of this story and if I could have figured out how to accept the rivalry between these schools, I would have loved it.
If you're not a teacher and can take that rivalry for what's worth, then you'll enjoy this book.
November 2, 2014
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Rival Love was intriguing to me. I tend to enjoy books where the love interests don't immediately fall for each other, but have some issues to work out before. The fact this one was set between students in rival high schools was intriguing and I was excited to see how the author pulled it off. Unfortunately, I have to say the idea was a bit better than the execution, but overall it was an enjoying read.
The level of the rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Bobcats was a little difficult to buy into. Now, I admit, it's been quite a few years (or you know, more than a decade) since I've been in high school, but I can say with certainty we never had rivalries like this with any of the neighboring schools in my county. Sure, we seriously detested some of the other teams, but I can't imagine some of the abuse occurring. Of course, high school is quite different now than it was when I was there, so maybe it's more my age causing the problem here and not the believability of the events in the book.
What really worked for me was the dynamic between Skylar and Caleb. I enjoyed their pranks and banter. I liked watching them grow from enemies to friends to something more. I had a bit of a difficult time connecting to them, though. I wanted Skylar to stand up for herself. I wanted Caleb to grow a pair and stop hiding the real him. I liked that Skylar's character had some depth. There were teases of more to Caleb's character, but it was never truly explored and I wish it had been. Since the book was told from both Skylar and Caleb's POV, I was in each of their heads, but just wish there had been more.
The biggest problem I have with this book is the ending. Or the non-ending, as the case may be here. It turns out, this book is the first in a series, but had been advertised as a standalone (at least by omission if nothing else). So, instead of getting a fun and flirty standalone, I found myself with an unexpected series with a pretty brutal hangover. I have to be honest and say that it really affected my rating, too. That said, I'm relieved there will be another story about Skylar and Caleb. I hated how things were left. I just wish I had known going in. I could've mentally prepared myself for the beginning of a series.
It wasn't perfect, but Rival Love was still a fun read. I was completely sucked in. I had a vested interest in the characters and what would become of each of them. If you decide to read it – and I totally think you should – at least you'll be better prepared because you know what you're getting yourself into!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rival Love was intriguing to me. I tend to enjoy books where the love interests don't immediately fall for each other, but have some issues to work out before. The fact this one was set between students in rival high schools was intriguing and I was excited to see how the author pulled it off. Unfortunately, I have to say the idea was a bit better than the execution, but overall it was an enjoying read.
The level of the rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Bobcats was a little difficult to buy into. Now, I admit, it's been quite a few years (or you know, more than a decade) since I've been in high school, but I can say with certainty we never had rivalries like this with any of the neighboring schools in my county. Sure, we seriously detested some of the other teams, but I can't imagine some of the abuse occurring. Of course, high school is quite different now than it was when I was there, so maybe it's more my age causing the problem here and not the believability of the events in the book.
What really worked for me was the dynamic between Skylar and Caleb. I enjoyed their pranks and banter. I liked watching them grow from enemies to friends to something more. I had a bit of a difficult time connecting to them, though. I wanted Skylar to stand up for herself. I wanted Caleb to grow a pair and stop hiding the real him. I liked that Skylar's character had some depth. There were teases of more to Caleb's character, but it was never truly explored and I wish it had been. Since the book was told from both Skylar and Caleb's POV, I was in each of their heads, but just wish there had been more.
The biggest problem I have with this book is the ending. Or the non-ending, as the case may be here. It turns out, this book is the first in a series, but had been advertised as a standalone (at least by omission if nothing else). So, instead of getting a fun and flirty standalone, I found myself with an unexpected series with a pretty brutal hangover. I have to be honest and say that it really affected my rating, too. That said, I'm relieved there will be another story about Skylar and Caleb. I hated how things were left. I just wish I had known going in. I could've mentally prepared myself for the beginning of a series.
It wasn't perfect, but Rival Love was still a fun read. I was completely sucked in. I had a vested interest in the characters and what would become of each of them. If you decide to read it – and I totally think you should – at least you'll be better prepared because you know what you're getting yourself into!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2014
I can understand some healthy rivalry between sport teams or even schools, but this just takes it too a whole other level. TP'ing someone's house is about as friendly as these people get. It's pretty absurd.
When Skylar and her mom move to the other side of town, it means Skylar will no longer be a Bulldog. She's now in Bobcat territory, behind enemy lines. Which basically means that her life is over. Her friends and boyfriend have dumped her, no longer wanting to be associated with her and at her new school everyone hates Skylar because she's still a "Bulldog" in their eyes. Senior year was supposed to be great, but now not so much. The worst part is she can no longer be part of the swim and softball team, because it would mean betraying her old schoolmates and the new ones don't even want Skylar on their team.
Moving means Skylar is now sharing a house with Caleb, the Bobcat's star quarterback. Having Skylar enter his life really just complicates matters. No one is allowed to find out he's living with the enemy.
While they very much start of as enemies, you quickly realize they are both not bad people. But they are teenagers, so that means drama plays a huge part of their lives. Though there are plenty of moments where they are nice too each other. They just need time, but when feelings start to grow, they refuse to give into it. Falling for the enemy is the ultimate betrayal.
Honestly the whole rival thing went a bit overboard for me. Skylar's life turn into hell and her friends dump her like that. It's horrible and I had trouble coming to terms with that kind of behaviour. The girl didn't choose to move, though it certainly doesn't help that she holds on to her old school so hard.
Things between Skylar and Caleb develop slowly, though the way they behave about it is typical for teenagers. They go from hatred and loathing to reluctant acceptance that something might be going on, to falling hard. The story mainly focuses on the relationship between Skylar and Caleb, and the rivalry without going into too much detail about that. So it's more talk about the fact that there is a rivalry and some of the general consequences for Skylar.
The ending took me by surprise, as in I can not believe there is going to be a second book. To me this is the type of story that needs only one book, longer is only dragging things out. So that was a bit disappointing. Other than that this was a fun book. Both the main characters are very likeable and typical teenagers. The development between Caleb and Skylar was interesting to see from the dual point of view.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When Skylar and her mom move to the other side of town, it means Skylar will no longer be a Bulldog. She's now in Bobcat territory, behind enemy lines. Which basically means that her life is over. Her friends and boyfriend have dumped her, no longer wanting to be associated with her and at her new school everyone hates Skylar because she's still a "Bulldog" in their eyes. Senior year was supposed to be great, but now not so much. The worst part is she can no longer be part of the swim and softball team, because it would mean betraying her old schoolmates and the new ones don't even want Skylar on their team.
Moving means Skylar is now sharing a house with Caleb, the Bobcat's star quarterback. Having Skylar enter his life really just complicates matters. No one is allowed to find out he's living with the enemy.
While they very much start of as enemies, you quickly realize they are both not bad people. But they are teenagers, so that means drama plays a huge part of their lives. Though there are plenty of moments where they are nice too each other. They just need time, but when feelings start to grow, they refuse to give into it. Falling for the enemy is the ultimate betrayal.
Honestly the whole rival thing went a bit overboard for me. Skylar's life turn into hell and her friends dump her like that. It's horrible and I had trouble coming to terms with that kind of behaviour. The girl didn't choose to move, though it certainly doesn't help that she holds on to her old school so hard.
Things between Skylar and Caleb develop slowly, though the way they behave about it is typical for teenagers. They go from hatred and loathing to reluctant acceptance that something might be going on, to falling hard. The story mainly focuses on the relationship between Skylar and Caleb, and the rivalry without going into too much detail about that. So it's more talk about the fact that there is a rivalry and some of the general consequences for Skylar.
The ending took me by surprise, as in I can not believe there is going to be a second book. To me this is the type of story that needs only one book, longer is only dragging things out. So that was a bit disappointing. Other than that this was a fun book. Both the main characters are very likeable and typical teenagers. The development between Caleb and Skylar was interesting to see from the dual point of view.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 6, 2014
Rival love had me mad and sad, angry and excited. I liked the banter/battle between Sky and Caleb, the drama of the school rivalry, a strong, imperfect heroine, a hero who does a lot of growing up, a lot of other characters that you either love or hate and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages.
Sky. She has an acid tongue, she's smart, loyal, vindictive, kind, and a good person. She is not a person that deserves the hatred she finds at her new school. It's sad that no one - not her parents, not the guy she's falling for - really see the person she is.
Caleb. He had moments of sheer idiocy but he's young, he's making mistakes. He's far from perfect, he's cocky and arrogant but we also see him vulnerable, unsure and completely over his head. And when he starts to have feelings other than loathing for the enemy? He's totally and completely freaked out. He's a fun character to watch.
While I liked Sky and Caleb even when they're at their worst, Sky's mom Erin - I couldn't decide whether she's a horrible mom, if she's oblivious or just selfish. Why does she move her daughter to just live with a guy thirty minutes away - they're not married and it's not that far, she makes her daughter commute that far to get to her job. And if the school rivalry is serious enough for bloodshed, wouldn't she want to look out for her daughter instead of throwing her to the enemy? I'm definitely leaning towards horrible and selfish. And don't even get me started with her dad, otherwise I'll rant some more.
I did find the school rivalry a little over the top and the Bobcat's reaction to having a former Bulldog in their midst a bit much but I do love some drama. I was also not a fan of the ending. It could be considered poetic, inevitable or fitting but I wanted more. I so hope that there is a sequel.
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
Sky. She has an acid tongue, she's smart, loyal, vindictive, kind, and a good person. She is not a person that deserves the hatred she finds at her new school. It's sad that no one - not her parents, not the guy she's falling for - really see the person she is.
Caleb. He had moments of sheer idiocy but he's young, he's making mistakes. He's far from perfect, he's cocky and arrogant but we also see him vulnerable, unsure and completely over his head. And when he starts to have feelings other than loathing for the enemy? He's totally and completely freaked out. He's a fun character to watch.
While I liked Sky and Caleb even when they're at their worst, Sky's mom Erin - I couldn't decide whether she's a horrible mom, if she's oblivious or just selfish. Why does she move her daughter to just live with a guy thirty minutes away - they're not married and it's not that far, she makes her daughter commute that far to get to her job. And if the school rivalry is serious enough for bloodshed, wouldn't she want to look out for her daughter instead of throwing her to the enemy? I'm definitely leaning towards horrible and selfish. And don't even get me started with her dad, otherwise I'll rant some more.
I did find the school rivalry a little over the top and the Bobcat's reaction to having a former Bulldog in their midst a bit much but I do love some drama. I was also not a fan of the ending. It could be considered poetic, inevitable or fitting but I wanted more. I so hope that there is a sequel.
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
September 8, 2014
PSYCHOCAT READS REVIEW OF RIVAL LOVE BY NATALIE DECKER
(I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
The Characters:
To be honest, I spent the first few chapters wanting to smack some sense into Skylar, or at the very least a bit of respect for her mother. Yes, I get she is a teenager, and they are prone to major dramatics at times, but wow! Fortunately, she really did grown on me as the book progressed.
Caleb's character actually pulled me in far faster. Yes, he has his annoying teenage boy moments, but Natalie created some interesting and unexpected complexity and depth for him.
The Relationships:
Wow am I glad I'm not in high school. Natalie builds a fast-paced story full of all the drama of high school relationships - both with peers and parents. The Skylar/Caleb dynamic is well-played, but so are others. Natalie didn't isolate the pair. She threw then in with sharks without a cage.
Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed:
RIVAL LOVE is burdened with glorious flaws. Bad decisions, good decisions with less than stellar outcomes, and everything in between grace these pages. While the story amps up the normal high school drama to a higher level, it captures the flawed spirit the teen years beautifully.
Jen's Final Rating:
4 STARS! Even though it fit the story, Skylar's personality and tantrums early on made me want to strangle her, keeping me from giving a full 5 stars. Seriously though, if you enjoy a sweet story wrapped in tons of teen drama and angst, go buy RIVAL LOVE right now!
Psychocat's Final Rating:
5 CLAWS! Why does the crazy cat have orange paint on her paws? Great. Just what I need, a furry vandal in my house. Damn it Natalie, I'm sending you the bill for the carpet cleaning!
(I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
The Characters:
To be honest, I spent the first few chapters wanting to smack some sense into Skylar, or at the very least a bit of respect for her mother. Yes, I get she is a teenager, and they are prone to major dramatics at times, but wow! Fortunately, she really did grown on me as the book progressed.
Caleb's character actually pulled me in far faster. Yes, he has his annoying teenage boy moments, but Natalie created some interesting and unexpected complexity and depth for him.
The Relationships:
Wow am I glad I'm not in high school. Natalie builds a fast-paced story full of all the drama of high school relationships - both with peers and parents. The Skylar/Caleb dynamic is well-played, but so are others. Natalie didn't isolate the pair. She threw then in with sharks without a cage.
Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed:
RIVAL LOVE is burdened with glorious flaws. Bad decisions, good decisions with less than stellar outcomes, and everything in between grace these pages. While the story amps up the normal high school drama to a higher level, it captures the flawed spirit the teen years beautifully.
Jen's Final Rating:
4 STARS! Even though it fit the story, Skylar's personality and tantrums early on made me want to strangle her, keeping me from giving a full 5 stars. Seriously though, if you enjoy a sweet story wrapped in tons of teen drama and angst, go buy RIVAL LOVE right now!
Psychocat's Final Rating:
5 CLAWS! Why does the crazy cat have orange paint on her paws? Great. Just what I need, a furry vandal in my house. Damn it Natalie, I'm sending you the bill for the carpet cleaning!
September 2, 2014
Skylar Fletcher's life just might as well be over. Her mom had to fall in love and now they are moving across town. Skylar is a Harris Academy Bulldog through and through. She is a champion swimmer and softball player. Athletics and school pride are very important to her. But now Skylar is going to Delmont High School, the number one rival of Harris Academy and people are not happy. She is a traitor and everyone is out to make her life miserable. Skylar's old friends at Harris Academy have abandoned her and the students at Delmont are determined to make her miserable.
Skylar finds an unlikely secret ally in Caleb. He is the star quarterback for Delmont and her mom's boyfriends nephew who just happens to live with them. He tries to stay away from Skylar but finds himself attracted to her. He also has to keep her a secret to keep up his popularity. He can't let anyone know that a Bulldog lives in his house!
This is a really good book. The first half is amazing. The storyline and characters are fresh. It is heartbreaking to see all the changes that Skylar has to go through just because she has to change schools. It is also hard for me to believe that Skylar looses all of her friends just because she changes schools. It doesn't seem believable. I know that schools take their sports very seriously but I don't think that they would care one way or the other if Sklyar has to transfer. What really got me was the ending. Major Cliffhanger! It ends so abruptly that we, the readers, have no idea which way the book could go.
In my opinion, this is a very good book. The storyline is different and unique. A quick, fun, easy read that will leave you wanting more. I hope that there will be a second book to let us know what happens.
Skylar finds an unlikely secret ally in Caleb. He is the star quarterback for Delmont and her mom's boyfriends nephew who just happens to live with them. He tries to stay away from Skylar but finds himself attracted to her. He also has to keep her a secret to keep up his popularity. He can't let anyone know that a Bulldog lives in his house!
This is a really good book. The first half is amazing. The storyline and characters are fresh. It is heartbreaking to see all the changes that Skylar has to go through just because she has to change schools. It is also hard for me to believe that Skylar looses all of her friends just because she changes schools. It doesn't seem believable. I know that schools take their sports very seriously but I don't think that they would care one way or the other if Sklyar has to transfer. What really got me was the ending. Major Cliffhanger! It ends so abruptly that we, the readers, have no idea which way the book could go.
In my opinion, this is a very good book. The storyline is different and unique. A quick, fun, easy read that will leave you wanting more. I hope that there will be a second book to let us know what happens.
August 18, 2014
Skylar Fletcher had everything planned for her future as a sports star and top swimmer, she was going to head to Duke University on a full-ride swimming scholarship. That was until her mother decided to start dating someone new and to make matters worse move in with them. Have you seen the movie Bring It On 5 : Fight to Finish ? That's what Rival Love reminded me of , when Skylar moves from her side of town and school to the Rival school. Here School Rivalry is a massive deal and if Skylar's not careful , she might not make it through the first day of school alive. Caleb Morgan is the school's football star and also lives with his Uncle Ben - a teacher at his school. Caleb's Uncle Ben is also the one dating Skylar's mother, so of course the two of them have to live together. What will Caleb's friends and teammates think when they discover he lives under the same roof as their rival even though Skylar has changed schools, she is still seen as the enemy ? Can Caleb help Skylar become one of them or is the damage already set ? What happens though when Rivalry becomes feelings of love ? Can Caleb and Skylar ever be together or is that asking for a death wish ? What will happen though to Skylar's dreams and future plans when a school prank goes terribly wrong and all the blame is pinned on Skylar ?
If you don't mind cliffhangers, then Rival Love was a good read but if you hate cliffies , then the ending of this book may annoy you as I felt a little letdown at the end and wanted more closure. I am now looking forward to seeing what Natalie Decker brings out in the future and to see if she will carry on with a sequel to Rival Love.
If you don't mind cliffhangers, then Rival Love was a good read but if you hate cliffies , then the ending of this book may annoy you as I felt a little letdown at the end and wanted more closure. I am now looking forward to seeing what Natalie Decker brings out in the future and to see if she will carry on with a sequel to Rival Love.
October 17, 2014
Skylar Fletcher had everything planned for her future as a sports star, she was going to head to Duke University on a full-ride swimming scholarship. That was until her mother moved them to the rival school district! This reminded for of one of the Bring It On movies :-) I initially had a hard time with a high school rivalry being so intense that Skylar fears not making it through the first day of school alive. But that's the premise so I went with it - be prepared for some extremely intese RIVALRY in this book. We watch Skylar deal with her old friends who dump her and watch her make new friends. What happens to Skylar's dreams when a school prank gets blamed on Skylar b/c they still think of her as the rival even though she's done nothing but adapt.
Caleb Morgan is the Rival school's football star who lives with his Uncle Ben (the one who is dating Skylar's mom and reason behind Skylar and her mom's move into rival terratory) So Skylar and Caleb have to live under the same roof. What will Caleb's friends and teammates think when they discover he lives under the same roof as their rival? Can Caleb help Skylar become one of them? What happens when Caleb starts to feel something else for Skylar?
Be pre warned - this book has a cliffhanger :-) I am now looking forward to seeing what Natalie Decker brings out in the future for Rival Love.
Caleb Morgan is the Rival school's football star who lives with his Uncle Ben (the one who is dating Skylar's mom and reason behind Skylar and her mom's move into rival terratory) So Skylar and Caleb have to live under the same roof. What will Caleb's friends and teammates think when they discover he lives under the same roof as their rival? Can Caleb help Skylar become one of them? What happens when Caleb starts to feel something else for Skylar?
Be pre warned - this book has a cliffhanger :-) I am now looking forward to seeing what Natalie Decker brings out in the future for Rival Love.
September 3, 2014
Rival Love is somewhat of the typical teenage angst book that is out there right now, with the drama and love between the two lead characters. However, more like a Romeo and Juliet modern version of Skylar and Caleb are fated not to be together as they come from rival schools, until Skylars mom fall’s in love with Caleb’s uncle whom he lives with.
This book had some good positives – the characters are well developed, they seem to have a connection and the storyline is good. For those who love the rivalry and school pride – this book would be for you. There was a bit of extremism in my mind – the fact that the students would actually hurt another person because of the loyalty was a bit odd for me – however, I am not one of those people who grew up being “loyal” to one school.
Decker uses quite a bit of profanity in the novel as well – however, to be true to the characters in my opinion, it is warranted. Now days kids are using profanity left right and centre and it is farily common in cultural society today. But for those who don’t like profanity – be forewarned.
Overall it was a fairly enjoyable book and for those looking for something to read – Rival Love could be your next book.
This book had some good positives – the characters are well developed, they seem to have a connection and the storyline is good. For those who love the rivalry and school pride – this book would be for you. There was a bit of extremism in my mind – the fact that the students would actually hurt another person because of the loyalty was a bit odd for me – however, I am not one of those people who grew up being “loyal” to one school.
Decker uses quite a bit of profanity in the novel as well – however, to be true to the characters in my opinion, it is warranted. Now days kids are using profanity left right and centre and it is farily common in cultural society today. But for those who don’t like profanity – be forewarned.
Overall it was a fairly enjoyable book and for those looking for something to read – Rival Love could be your next book.
September 3, 2014
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
So this was a really fun read for me, two warring schools, their star athletes ending up living under the same roof, it was gonna lead to a lot of aggro.
Skylar and her mother have moved in with her mum's boyfriend but to her horror he lives in a rival school area, she is dreading going to school as she is well known as a Harris Academy Bulldog but she is going to attend Delmont High School home of their rivals the Bobcats, even worse Brian's nephew lives with him, Caleb a star quarterback on the Delmont team who is not only cocky and annoying, he is extremely gorgeous.
But he is an enemy! An enemy that needs to be avoided but they soon become frenemies discovering they do have things in common and the biggest thing they have in common, attraction for each other.
This is a great straight forward fun and feisty read, the characters bump against one another nicely, it is a young adult read but as an older reader I found it fine for me but the ending, my God that ending we definitely need another book!
Awarded 4 out of 5
So this was a really fun read for me, two warring schools, their star athletes ending up living under the same roof, it was gonna lead to a lot of aggro.
Skylar and her mother have moved in with her mum's boyfriend but to her horror he lives in a rival school area, she is dreading going to school as she is well known as a Harris Academy Bulldog but she is going to attend Delmont High School home of their rivals the Bobcats, even worse Brian's nephew lives with him, Caleb a star quarterback on the Delmont team who is not only cocky and annoying, he is extremely gorgeous.
But he is an enemy! An enemy that needs to be avoided but they soon become frenemies discovering they do have things in common and the biggest thing they have in common, attraction for each other.
This is a great straight forward fun and feisty read, the characters bump against one another nicely, it is a young adult read but as an older reader I found it fine for me but the ending, my God that ending we definitely need another book!
Awarded 4 out of 5
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