I Blame the Rival

Taber Tigers #4

by Jade Everhart

Lacey

All I wanted was a friend. That’s why I responded to the note another therapy patient left behind. To find someone who knows what it’s like to have scars no one else can see. To have secrets no one wants to hear.

I was looking for a friend. I didn’t know he was the rival.



Skylar

I fell in love with someone I’ve never met. A faceless pen pal, I wouldn’t be able to pick this girl out of a crowd and yet she owns every piece of my battered heart. She’s the colour to my darkness and I didn’t know what would happen if we ever met in person.I didn’t know how my life would change once we did.

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

About the author

Jade Everhart writes heart-warming romances with flawed characters and laugh-out-loud banter. When she's not using her own terrible meet-cutes as inspiration for her next novel, Jade spends her time listening to loud music and tearing up dance floors from the prairies of Southern Alberta to the glistening beaches of Miami.
Jade loves to hear from her readers - connect with her on Instagram @authorjade_everhart.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SPECTACULAR!!! Lacey and Skylar are two broken people who are both on a healing journey and who support each other along this journey.

This book was so much more emotional than Everhart’s other books, and this one really pulled at the heartstrings. There’s something about Lacey and Skylar’s dynamic that will have you rooting for them from page one, no matter what twists and turns Everhart throws their way.

This was a phenomenal read and an incredible end to the series! I cannot wait to see what Everhart writes next, and I will be impatiently waiting for her next read!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing, intense, and emotional!

I Blame the Rival is an intimate, touching tale that sweeps you away to small-town Alberta and into the life of Lacey, an eighteen-year-old girl who, after experiencing a sexual assault from her first serious boyfriend, struggles to find the light in her life until she accidentally becomes pen pals with another broken soul who may be considered taboo but whose patience and trust may actually be the perfect balm for healing both their shattered hearts.

The writing style is heartfelt and smooth. The characters are tormented, fragile, and endearing. And the plot is a rollercoaster ride of life, love, friendship, family, trust, shame, self-blame, loneliness, sexual assault, childhood trauma, mental health, comfort, support, pain, accepting love, and undeniable attraction.

Overall, I Blame the Rival is a tender, immersive, sensitive conclusion to the Tiger Tabers series by Everhart that packed a real emotional punch and had just the right amount of intensity, angst, romance, and passion to keep me invested from start to finish while also leaving me a little sad to say goodbye to all these characters I’ve come to know and love over the past four novels.

[Dani 💚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! I feel like I read the whole thing with a lump in my throat trying to hold back the tears!

Lacey and Skylar two broken people both of who are on their own paths to healing but also support each other on their journey.

Though this book deals with heavy topics that took me on a wild rollercoaster, there were some light moments that had me smiling!

From each character’s pov Jade had me rooting for them from the get go, both as individuals and as a couple! And at the same time hug them tight and tell them they deserve the world!

Lacey is the broken girl trying to convince herself she’s not and Skylar is the broken boy convinced it’s not ok to be broken.
Skylar helps Lacey heal by being patient and in turn Lacey helped Skylar giving him the friendship he always needed.

I loved how both characters knew just what the other needed without having to voice it!

I love them! And I’m so happy they have a HEA.

Sad to see the series end but looking forward to what else Jade pulls out the bag next!

[Jenise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ this book was so beautiful in so many ways! Lacey and Skylar were so beautifully broken and weren’t affraid of who they were and embraced each other for who they each were and how together, they completed each other.

This story was about second chance, not just in love but in life and finding yourself. This book was heavy on mental health which I loved how the author wrote it. It’s a book you can relate to. I loved the found family between all the side characters from the entire series! This was a perfect ending to the series and the epilogue? Omgosh!!! Cute and funny! Wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!

Tropes:
-found family
-second chance
-mental health rep
-tortured artist x romance girlie
-rival schools
-secret notes

[Abby Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh this book was a goodie, it dealt with so much so well.

It had some of the best lines (and one liners) I’ve read in a long time.

Miss Jade has done it again. I really enjoyed this book, Lacey and Sky might be my fav couple of the series (but it’s kind of a toss up between them and Wes and Trip). Throughout the book you can feel how the characters have grown to know peace since finding each other and there’s something really beautiful in that.

Also, I’m so glad Jerrell got his karma cause man oh man did he deserve it. Ever have a boom character you just wanna punch so badly? Yeah. I would’ve helped Sky end him tbh.

Oh and the epilogue 🥹🥹🥹 it made me so happy

[Christine Stipanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Blame the Rivals is an AMAZING READ !!! I could not put the book down. BEST book in the Taber Tigers series. Lacey and Skylar are so dynamic, and their relationship took me on a rollercoaster. Overall a great read, I’m sad that this is the end of the series but I am so excited to see what Jade Everhart comes up with next!!!

[modernbooklore ⚡️ olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I used to think being the broken girl meant I was destined to be alone. Being made of pieces instead of a whole means that when it comes to love, I no longer have a heart to give. Only fragments, sharp edges of the decisions I’ve made and the regrets I will always carry. But now, holding Skylar in my arms, I realize that you don’t need to be complete to love someone. You just need enough pieces to fill the empty spaces between the ones they are missing.”
—
Rating: 5 stars
Smut: 🌶️
—
With the Taber Tigers series officially completed, I am all in my feels and definitely not okay.

I Blame the Rival tells the story of Lacey and Skylar, their mental health, their experiences with abuse and the ways in which their broken pieces fit together so perfectly.

I’m nothing if not a sucker for stories with mental health rep & traumatic pasts, so I had high expectations going into this one.
Jade Everhart surpassed these expectations and then some. I finished this in less than 24 hours and slapped on a 5 star rating with absolutely 0 hesitations.

Lacey is our broken girl, just trying to convince herself that she’s not as hurt as she truly is. Skylar is our broken boy who does everything to help Lacey feel like it’s okay to broken, but won’t do the same for himself. Easily my favourite part of this romance was the way in which these characters knew exactly what to do for one another during their healing journeys. I especially loved how Jade approached male mental health. Lacey gave Skylar the safe space and friendship he’d always needed. I swear, the way this book delved way beyond just their romantic relationship was fantastic.
I also felt locked away parts of myself heal every time Skylar told Lacey there was no rush to have sex or reassured her that she was perfect, regardless of what her ex had told her. I needed these things so badly for my girl Lacey, but I also needed them for my 16 year old self who would have soo benefitted from seeing herself represented in resilient and wonderful characters like these. I don’t think I could say thank you enough to Jade Everhart for giving me a fictional character like this to identify with♥️

I also didn’t expect to love Skylar and Vin’s relationship as much as I did. These siblings took complex family dynamics to the next level & absolutely tugged at my heartstrings the whole book. They didn’t see eye to eye but you could feel the love between them pouring out of the pages while you read.

And if you’re wondering about all our favs from books 1-3, Jade gave us amazing cameos and a beautiful send off in her epilogue ♥️ I am so happy I read all 3 books before getting to this one so I could get the full experience and I highly recommend you do as well🥰

Overall, if you love:
🌻 Hurt x comfort
🌻 Traumatic pasts
🌻 Rival school
🌻 They help each other heal
🌻 Artist MMC x Romance reader FMC

Then this one is for you🫶

Thank you SO much to Jade Everhart for sending me this arc, definitely one of my favourite reads of the year🥹

[Habiba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I’ve come to terms with the series ending, I think this was the perfect couple to wrap up the series with🤩 You know when you see two people and you’re like they’re absolutely perfect for each other?? That’s exactly how I felt about Lacey and Skylar, it’s literally the only way to describe what they have!!

These two healed each other in ways only they could achieve😩 Their meet cute was absolutely adorable!!! You’re telling me they were both looking for each other and then they found each other in the parking lot of the place they were at?!!! It was fate🤧🫶🏼

One thing I loved about Skylar is that he’s not your standard book boyfriend looks wise. In most romance books, the MMC is usually described as big and strong, but Jade changed the narrative and she gave men with non conventional physical traits their moment to shine✨

Did I also mention that Skylar is a COMMUNICATION KING?!!! Like this man said what was on his mind and left no room for ambiguity.

Wrapping it all up, this book gave me withdrawal symptoms!!!! And as with the rest of this series, their found family holds such a special place in my heart❤️‍🩹😩

I still can’t believe the Taber Tigers series has come to an end😔 I had so much fun getting to know these characters, and I’m going to miss them so much, but I’m also excited to see what Jade has in store for us🤭

If you decide to read this book, which you absolutely should, please do read the TW!!

A big thank you to the author Jade for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion🫶🏼

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and important story about overcoming past traumas and transforming that experience in something more meaningful and beautiful. The way Skylar and Lacey equally helped each other with their struggles are heartwarming and inspiring. There been a couple of situations that tested their bond but they overcame everything with grace and determination. Don’t get me started on whole friend group/ found family aspect of this books, because I love all couples from this series and they made the final book just so special and complete.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was first drawn to this book because the MCs were “broken”. I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did and to fly through it in 2 days! Jade’s writing is beautiful and sensitive.

Lacey is traumatised and feels broken. Skylar comes from an environment of domestic violence and has anger management issues, he processes through his art. Two halves can make a whole. But can two broken people help piece each other back together?

Lacey is an assault survivor and is struggling to piece herself back together. Skylar is neither a hero nor a villain. He’s a skinny, broken artist with one blue and one brown eye, and blond white hair. He is not your typical “book boyfriend”. They may come from rival schools, but all that passes between them is love, understanding and gentle care. This book was so healing. The main themes were heavy and emotionally charged. But the way these two once-sort-of-pen-pals, turned friends, turned lovers, patiently and lovingly picked up each other’s pieces was heartwarming and in a way, soothing.

Skylar proves that physical appearance and beauty doesn’t make a person beautiful on the inside. He might not have looked like a model or even possess the characteristics of the perfect “book boyfriend”. He was better. He was loving and caring, gentle and patient. He really made it a point to show Lacey what real consent in a relationship looked like and that she was lovable just the way she was. In turn, Lacey showed him he was a better person than he gave himself credit and just as lovable.

I loved Lacey’s relationship with her brother and her best friend Nico. Nico - the spunky Latino was very funny. Skylar had a strained relationship with his elder brother. It was interesting to see them try and find a way back to each other.

Though not dark, this book is on the heavier side emotionally. It’s a healing story with beautifully written broken characters that completely won me over.

I highly recommend this book but please remember to always check trigger warnings before reading.

[Spice: 2/5]

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Why would I want a hero or a villain when I can have a boy who leaves me messages on sunshine tissues?”

4.5

This one really pulled at my heart strings. I felt so much for Skylar and Lacey. These two start out as penpals through therapy notes, and they attend riival schools. Skylar brother is a big tough guy and injured Laceys schools lacrosse captain on the field-and Skylar carries guilt from the way his brother acts.

Skylar comes from a home with abuse and a lot of anger, and just wants to be seen beyond his family and the reputation they have. Lacey had a boyfriend who didn't like the word no, and attempted to unalive herself after- now living in fear of sex and a relationship.

When they meet, neither is who the other expected- especially Lacey who assumed Skylar was a woman.
Her brother and Nico were so accepting of Skylar and I loved how his mom embraced Lacey. A few moments brought tears to my eyes.

They helped each other through their trauma before ever officially meeting and I loved seeing them both get a happy ever after. I was so proud of Lacey for taking those steps to be comfortable with Skylar, and it warmed my heart seeing Skylar finally feel seen. Such a great story that really hooked me in.

Thank you Jade for the ARC and giving us Lacey and Skylar. I have to say, I am a little nervous for the next book 😬 what are you gonna do to them?

[Maria | Words_within_the_pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Jade what have you done to me? I'm a sobbing mess 🥹. If you want a heartfelt, tearjerking, beautiful, wonderful read go pick this one up. I am not sure if I have ever read a book so beautiful.

I loved going through Lacey and Skylar's journey. I just want to hug them and tell them how they deserve the world 💜 Also seeing Skylar and Vectors
story play out too 🥹 oh my goodness I was crying so much for them.

Lacey and Skylars banter was my favorite! They're always so cute together and honest with eachother; it felt nice reading about a good relationship where you can depend on the other person.

And I've always been a sucker for an artist and one of my secret favorite tropes is when he draws her.
And Skylar did not disappoint 😏 that whole scene
had me giggling, I was so happy. He made Lacey feel so comfortable 🫶🏻 and I loved this quote and how it Skylar is so patient with Lacey.

"Are you having engine problems?"
"Not that I know of."
"Why aren't we moving then?"
"Because I want to look at you." A smile lights up his eyes, "And I want you to know that you're allowed to look at me too."

I usually don't speak about myself in these reviews because I like to keep it centered around the book but I struggle a lot with physical touch and seeing how patient and understanding Skylar is to Lacey makes me want to find someone as beautiful as him.

If you are looking for a heartfelt book that makes you feel everything, go pick this one up immediately! It's out now 🫶🏻💜I already bought the paperback just
so l can hold it.

Thank you to Jade and her team for this arc!

[miniessona · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ ARC REVIEW ☆

♡4.5🌟
♡🌶🌶


🖌 Thank you so much Jade for this arc! I loved it!!💜

🖌 I love the bond that Skylar and Lacey have, I love how their relationship develops and I just love how each of the main characters' background was written, making it clear as to why and how Skylar and Lacey are so good with each other!

🖌I love the moments where Skylar would assure Lacey, would make her comfortable, and how he knew exactly how to be around her, how to make her comfortable and the way Lacey would always make him feel important and special?! LEMME CRY.

🖌 Overall, it's a really good story! And can we all admit how Jade's books keep getting better and better! I love Wes and Trip so much, and she did an amazing job with the first book from the series but now reading the last one from the series, I truly see her as an author who truly puts an effort there to create her plot, to write her characters with such details and develop them and their story beautifully!💜

🖌 If you haven't read it yet, go read it; 'I Blame The Rival' is out!!! 💜

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

4.5/5

There is truly something special about this book. It is emotional and raw and so beautifully written. It is a story I will be thinking about for a long time.

I was a huge fan of IBTC and didn't know how Jade would top it but she really outdid herself. Although Nico will forever remain my favourite character in this series, IBTR is by far her best work to date.

Skylar and Lacey's journey was full of heartache and sorrow but also hopeful and inspiring. They are two broken people trying to heal and better themselves and end up forming an anonymous relationship. When they finally meet, they seek comfort in each other and grow and heal together.

Jade did such an amazing job representing mental health and therapy and showing the struggles Lacey and Skylar go through and the effect it has on those around them.

I'm really sad this series is over but IBTR was the perfect ending to the Taber Tigers universe.

🌶.5

Tropes/themes
✨rival schools
✨broken boy x broken girl
✨therapy rep
✨found family
✨trauma bond
✨anonymous pen pals

[Alessandra Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS IS NOT ENOUGH!!!! I was lucky enough to be selected as an arc reader and now I have a huuuggeee whole in my chest after finishing this book. She is an SA surviver and she has trouble reading the spicy scenes on her books so he read the book before here and wrote on a sticky note a description of the scenes so she would know what she's about to read!!!!! Are you kidding me?????? Honestly one of the best book series I read in 2024

[Moka Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜 I blame the rival 💜

I was speechless after I finished. The horrible experiences Lacey and Skylar had to endure were heartbreaking. I want to hug them and never let them go 😭.

The author did a great job writing about their trauma. I don’t want to expose what their experiences were because they’re sensitive topics but Jade wrote about it with such thoughtful words that makes this book so respectful.

I loved the side characters too - they are awesome friends for Lacey and Skylar.

Skylar and Vin (Sky’s brother) relationship was complicated but I definitely like them and I was happy they could move forward together. Vin's story is left untold so I wonder if his story is next. Perhaps in a new series since I Blame the Rival is the last from Taber Tigers series.

This book is available NOW so I highly suggest you read it. Be prepared for an emotional breakdown.

I’d like to thank Jade Everhart for the opportunity she gave me to be part of her Arc team.

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 - 𝐈 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️

💜ᴛᴏʀᴛᴜʀᴇᴅ ᴀʀᴛɪꜱᴛ x ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ɢɪʀʟɪᴇ
🖊️ʜᴇ ᴅʀᴀᴡꜱ ʜᴇʀ
💜ʙᴏᴏᴋꜱᴛᴏʀᴇ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ
🖊️ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ & ꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ
💜ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱʜᴇꜱ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴀɪʀ
🖊️ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴᴇꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ

💓𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿🌸

⁀➷ “𝑀𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑑, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒.”

💭The story revolves around Skylar and Lacey, two broken souls who start exchanging letters written on napkins. They’re both seeing the same therapist but for totally different reasons—Lacey is struggling with some dark thoughts, while Skylar is trying to tackle his anger issues.

When they finally meet in real life, guess what? They find out they're from rival schools! But that little detail doesn't stop them from forming a deep friendship that slowly blossoms into something more. The journey they go through together is just so emotional and touching. Watching Skylar and Lacey help heal each other's wounds and find happiness is heartwarming.

✅This is my first read by Jade, and it’s the last book in her debut series. I'm so excited to dive into the earlier books now and see more of her work in the future. If you’re looking for a touching story about love, healing, and overcoming struggles, this one’s a must-read!

⚠️𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠/𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤⚠️
- Suicide attempt
- Domestic abuse
- Mental health struggle

✨Thank you to the author for the copy of the e-ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily