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The Savage Crew #3
Burn it Down
I’m the smart girl with my nose constantly in a book. The one with the level head who never breaks the rules…until I do.
And wouldn’t you know, the one person who knows about my case of temporary rebellion is the last one I’d ever want to find out.
Gabe Fuller might be Savage River High’s class clown, but as far as I’m concerned, he’s a villain in disguise. Once upon a time, I gave him my heart, but our ending was no fairytale.
As the keeper of my darkest secret, Gabe thinks he owns me. I’ll play along because I have no other choice, but I’ll never bow, and I definitely won’t fall…no matter how good his hands feel on my curves.
And wouldn’t you know, the one person who knows about my case of temporary rebellion is the last one I’d ever want to find out.
Gabe Fuller might be Savage River High’s class clown, but as far as I’m concerned, he’s a villain in disguise. Once upon a time, I gave him my heart, but our ending was no fairytale.
As the keeper of my darkest secret, Gabe thinks he owns me. I’ll play along because I have no other choice, but I’ll never bow, and I definitely won’t fall…no matter how good his hands feel on my curves.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2021
451 people are currently reading
2625 people want to read
About the author
Julia Wolf
49 books3,487 followersJulia lives in Maryland with her patient husband and three crazy, beautiful kids!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
August 2, 2021
3.5 ⭐
I love that our girl Pen was confident in her curves slay girl work those babies!! I had mixed feelings for Gabriel aka Gabe. I liked him more mid book but the beginning idk I disliked how he wanted to use Penelope for his grades at first.. but then again he said stuffnear the end that maybe it was all fake to keep her safe idk... but he grew on me after he was loyal, protective of his friends and he still wanted the girl he wronged.. Penelope even if she wanted nothing to do with him since he humiliated her and broke her heart in freshman year. Those grudges man..like she tried her best to ignore his ass though out high school like girl!!! but when he needs help in school with some subjects he uses some blackmailing stuff to have Penelope help him. She put up a front until he found out why she was "volunteering" in the library.
Their relationship is slow and push/pull from that moment did I get annoyed how many times they pushed eachother away yes I did.. I sometimes wanna shake both of them when they would do that. But their relationship was so cute and yummy.. I love how Gabe loved every inch of her he wanted her to climb and ride his face 💦💦💦💦🔥💦 yummy also my fave scene is him helping her memorize a speech YOU KNOWW!!! YOU KNOW!! Men like that was spicy!!!
Idk if its true but him and Helen were fk buddies at one time? He said that idk to get her mad or to make sure she didn't fall for him? I was confused if they ever did since Hells said he was like her brother.. :/
Idk maybe I miss something someone in my crew read this lol and dm me
Low angst,om drama (ex bf) sorta ow drama), no cheating, Drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Prologue
Slowburn
Push/pull from both
Seperation (few times few days or week)
Humiliation
Sexual assault
Safe sex/no condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
I love that our girl Pen was confident in her curves slay girl work those babies!! I had mixed feelings for Gabriel aka Gabe. I liked him more mid book but the beginning idk I disliked how he wanted to use Penelope for his grades at first.. but then again he said stuffnear the end that maybe it was all fake to keep her safe idk... but he grew on me after he was loyal, protective of his friends and he still wanted the girl he wronged.. Penelope even if she wanted nothing to do with him since he humiliated her and broke her heart in freshman year. Those grudges man..like she tried her best to ignore his ass though out high school like girl!!! but when he needs help in school with some subjects he uses some blackmailing stuff to have Penelope help him. She put up a front until he found out why she was "volunteering" in the library.
Their relationship is slow and push/pull from that moment did I get annoyed how many times they pushed eachother away yes I did.. I sometimes wanna shake both of them when they would do that. But their relationship was so cute and yummy.. I love how Gabe loved every inch of her he wanted her to climb and ride his face 💦💦💦💦🔥💦 yummy also my fave scene is him helping her memorize a speech YOU KNOWW!!! YOU KNOW!! Men like that was spicy!!!
Idk if its true but him and Helen were fk buddies at one time? He said that idk to get her mad or to make sure she didn't fall for him? I was confused if they ever did since Hells said he was like her brother.. :/
Idk maybe I miss something someone in my crew read this lol and dm me
Low angst,om drama (ex bf) sorta ow drama), no cheating, Drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Prologue
Slowburn
Push/pull from both
Seperation (few times few days or week)
Humiliation
Sexual assault
Safe sex/no condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
January 20, 2024
4 stars
Gabe and Pen’s book is one I’ve been waiting for and it didn’t disappoint! I loved Penelope and Gabe when I met them in the Savage U book as a couple but I wanted their back story. Gabe has a totally different life from Penelope and it’s easy to see why he thinks he should stay away from her, but the pull is too strong. I loved how much he adored her and is it crazy to say, that after reading this, I actually want an Elena book? Because I do!
Gabe and Pen’s book is one I’ve been waiting for and it didn’t disappoint! I loved Penelope and Gabe when I met them in the Savage U book as a couple but I wanted their back story. Gabe has a totally different life from Penelope and it’s easy to see why he thinks he should stay away from her, but the pull is too strong. I loved how much he adored her and is it crazy to say, that after reading this, I actually want an Elena book? Because I do!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Kai Kennicott & Wen Ross
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 26m
July 29, 2021
*Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
This third entry in the Savage Crew series is about Penelope and Gabriel. Once a summer couple when they were 14, not they are indifferent non-enemies, non-friends who avoid each other. Until Gabriel is failing one of his science classes and he knows Pen will be the perfect tutor. She's a genius, a voluptuous beauty, and the girl he can't forget. But Pen just wants to be left alone and its going to take a bit of under-handed manipulation for her to help him get a passing grade.
After Gabriel broke her heart in a very public, humiliating way, Penelope has sworn him off and just wants to ignore him and make it through the school year. She has recently broken up with her a-hole, idea stealing boyfriend and she is just trying to keep her head down. She has NO interest in helping Gabe get what he wants.
So when he keeps putting himself in her path and pushing to spend time with her, it becomes a battle of wills. Will she trust him again after they way he hurt her? Will he let himself be seen and show how he really feels? Finding out will be oh so juicy.
I really enjoyed this entry into the series. I loved Gabriel in the last book and I couldn't wait to learn his story. He was so intense and never stopped driving after Penelope. He is obsessed with her in the best way. And boy, can that man dirty talk.
Penelope is someone I related to so much. She doesn't hate her curvy body, but that doesn't mean everyone makes her feel comfortable in it. In fact, at times it felt like some of the men were fetishizing her. because she was deliciously curvy and had big boobs. Which is almost as bad as being made fun of for your size. But pen was strong and stood up for herself and with anyone with Gabe, I feel like she holds her own. But we don't really want her to resist him too hard.
I really loved this couple and I was so happy seeing them come together. Some of the steamy times made me smile really big... Gabe just really appreciates her body and I LOVE that.
All in all, this book was a great time and I can't wait for whatever J. Wolf writes next.
4.5/5 stars!
This third entry in the Savage Crew series is about Penelope and Gabriel. Once a summer couple when they were 14, not they are indifferent non-enemies, non-friends who avoid each other. Until Gabriel is failing one of his science classes and he knows Pen will be the perfect tutor. She's a genius, a voluptuous beauty, and the girl he can't forget. But Pen just wants to be left alone and its going to take a bit of under-handed manipulation for her to help him get a passing grade.
After Gabriel broke her heart in a very public, humiliating way, Penelope has sworn him off and just wants to ignore him and make it through the school year. She has recently broken up with her a-hole, idea stealing boyfriend and she is just trying to keep her head down. She has NO interest in helping Gabe get what he wants.
So when he keeps putting himself in her path and pushing to spend time with her, it becomes a battle of wills. Will she trust him again after they way he hurt her? Will he let himself be seen and show how he really feels? Finding out will be oh so juicy.
I really enjoyed this entry into the series. I loved Gabriel in the last book and I couldn't wait to learn his story. He was so intense and never stopped driving after Penelope. He is obsessed with her in the best way. And boy, can that man dirty talk.
Penelope is someone I related to so much. She doesn't hate her curvy body, but that doesn't mean everyone makes her feel comfortable in it. In fact, at times it felt like some of the men were fetishizing her. because she was deliciously curvy and had big boobs. Which is almost as bad as being made fun of for your size. But pen was strong and stood up for herself and with anyone with Gabe, I feel like she holds her own. But we don't really want her to resist him too hard.
I really loved this couple and I was so happy seeing them come together. Some of the steamy times made me smile really big... Gabe just really appreciates her body and I LOVE that.
All in all, this book was a great time and I can't wait for whatever J. Wolf writes next.
4.5/5 stars!
September 21, 2021
I was waiting for Gabe's story from the starting of the series!
Gabe - A star soccer player, the class clown who sometimes struggled with schoolwork, entirely hilarious but also a fierce protector, an honest and supportive friend to those he cared about.
For Penelope he is a villain in disguise.
Penelope - the smart girl with her nose constantly in a book. The one with the level head who never breaks the rules…until she does.
“You think I’m psycho, watch me go crazy over you.”
I liked the story. I liked Pen. More than that, I loved Gabe!!
Everyone from the main characters to their family and friends were beautiful.
Can't wait to read the stories of Hells and Elena!!
Gabe - A star soccer player, the class clown who sometimes struggled with schoolwork, entirely hilarious but also a fierce protector, an honest and supportive friend to those he cared about.
For Penelope he is a villain in disguise.
Penelope - the smart girl with her nose constantly in a book. The one with the level head who never breaks the rules…until she does.
“You think I’m psycho, watch me go crazy over you.”
I liked the story. I liked Pen. More than that, I loved Gabe!!
Everyone from the main characters to their family and friends were beautiful.
Can't wait to read the stories of Hells and Elena!!
August 13, 2022
I had higher hopes for Gabriel’s book. I’m so glad this wasn’t as awful as Through the Ashes but it’s disappointing it didn’t come even a little close to Start a Fire.
Penelope was a pretty impressive heroine. A beautiful mixture of soft and strong. Gabriel was meh. Like Asher he failed to really grow and learn from mistakes. He was too inconsistent.
So we know he and Pen shared a great summer together. He seemingly stands up her after only being her boyfriend for one day. Then she runs into some trouble with his brother. The next day Gabriel loudly breaks up with her publicly and humiliates her at school. He felt he had to because his brother was threatening her but she didn’t know this.
We jump 4 years ahead. Gabriel admits in his narrative that he hadn’t spared Pen many thoughts in the last few years. She avoided him professionally so it wasn’t too hard unless he randomly saw her it hurt momentarily and he would “force” himself to forget. He’s clearly not missing her while he’s running around being a manwhore in that time. He needs help and he wants it from her. He’s determined to use her for what he needs and never look back. He’s very clear about that multiple times.
She doesn’t want anything to do with him. She resists and fights and discourages him. He runs hot and cold so every time she softens he ends pulling away. It was angsty in a very unpleasant way.
Finally he has this revelation that he needs her and is determined to go all in. It’s a bit jarring because it feels like it comes out of the blue. He’s jerked her around so much though she’s not willing to just give in. Honestly at this point her protests are pretty half hearted.
Then since he can’t learn from his mistakes he fucks up big time. She ends not only emotionally hurt by him AGAIN she’s also physically hurt by her POS former teacher. She’s unreceptive to his attempt to explain so he lets her be begrudgingly.
Then his dad dies paving the way for eventual forgiveness but he’s a moron so he has to push her AWAY one last time. Ultimately, it’s not even him who fixes things. It’s Helen.
The push and pull here eventually pushed past the limit for me. I can handle it in moderation but the author went whole hog on it here and really ruined the experience overall. Less is more so maybe quit while you’re ahead.
No cheating between H/h, neither was celibate in the 4 years apart. This author heavily uses OW/OM drama. It’s a bit overdone too. In every book I’ve read by her. They all also have a commonality. The OW drama is always presented to HURT the h. The OM drama doesn’t carry the same punch because we have more insight to h’s inner thoughts so the reader KNOWS h isn’t into OM. We may get a few possessive scenes from OM drama but the OW drama is written to maliciously hurt the h in every book.
Penelope was a pretty impressive heroine. A beautiful mixture of soft and strong. Gabriel was meh. Like Asher he failed to really grow and learn from mistakes. He was too inconsistent.
So we know he and Pen shared a great summer together. He seemingly stands up her after only being her boyfriend for one day. Then she runs into some trouble with his brother. The next day Gabriel loudly breaks up with her publicly and humiliates her at school. He felt he had to because his brother was threatening her but she didn’t know this.
We jump 4 years ahead. Gabriel admits in his narrative that he hadn’t spared Pen many thoughts in the last few years. She avoided him professionally so it wasn’t too hard unless he randomly saw her it hurt momentarily and he would “force” himself to forget. He’s clearly not missing her while he’s running around being a manwhore in that time. He needs help and he wants it from her. He’s determined to use her for what he needs and never look back. He’s very clear about that multiple times.
She doesn’t want anything to do with him. She resists and fights and discourages him. He runs hot and cold so every time she softens he ends pulling away. It was angsty in a very unpleasant way.
Finally he has this revelation that he needs her and is determined to go all in. It’s a bit jarring because it feels like it comes out of the blue. He’s jerked her around so much though she’s not willing to just give in. Honestly at this point her protests are pretty half hearted.
Then since he can’t learn from his mistakes he fucks up big time. She ends not only emotionally hurt by him AGAIN she’s also physically hurt by her POS former teacher. She’s unreceptive to his attempt to explain so he lets her be begrudgingly.
Then his dad dies paving the way for eventual forgiveness but he’s a moron so he has to push her AWAY one last time. Ultimately, it’s not even him who fixes things. It’s Helen.
The push and pull here eventually pushed past the limit for me. I can handle it in moderation but the author went whole hog on it here and really ruined the experience overall. Less is more so maybe quit while you’re ahead.
No cheating between H/h, neither was celibate in the 4 years apart. This author heavily uses OW/OM drama. It’s a bit overdone too. In every book I’ve read by her. They all also have a commonality. The OW drama is always presented to HURT the h. The OM drama doesn’t carry the same punch because we have more insight to h’s inner thoughts so the reader KNOWS h isn’t into OM. We may get a few possessive scenes from OM drama but the OW drama is written to maliciously hurt the h in every book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.75 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
oh boy.
i liked this. Penelope and Gabe were sweet together!! Pen was really sweet, I adored her. And Gabe, we’ll, I love Gabe. I couldn’t stop smiling when he was being a sweet boy. Especially when he said things like this: “No prob. I’ll be waiting for spoonsies.” 😂💗 We saw another side of humans even though I missed his goofy side a bit, I learned more about the true guy behind that.
“You think I’m psycho, watch me go crazy over you.”
Some things I liked:
♡ Hells and Elena!!!!! Elena was the typical queen b in the first two, but we saw another side of her here and i’m so stoked we are gonna have a book for her!!! And Hells, she’s just a real one. I love her and i’m glad we’ll have a book for her, too!!!
♡ How everything had closure, I don’t think anything was left out unexplained.
What I didn’t like as much:
♡ The lack of friends scenes. I wish we could’ve had more scenes with the whole gang. We got so few and they were super short :(
♡ Even though I liked it, I can’t say I looooved it. I’m not sure why, I can’t pinpoint it, but I just didn’t. I loved the character though.
My heart is with Gabe. That last part was sad and I just wanted to hug my boy. I can’t wait for the next books, I really like the world this author has built.
p.s. THE PLAYLIST WAS AWESOME. I’m so thankful for the playlists. They make the experience so much better.
【SONGS:】
Many of Horror - Buffy Clyro
Wrong Direction - Hailee Steinfeld
Good Girls Bad Guys - Falling In Reverse
“The thing is, when I’m with you, I get this huge hole in my chest because I can’t seem to get my heart to stop hanging out on my sleeve.”
oh boy.
i liked this. Penelope and Gabe were sweet together!! Pen was really sweet, I adored her. And Gabe, we’ll, I love Gabe. I couldn’t stop smiling when he was being a sweet boy. Especially when he said things like this: “No prob. I’ll be waiting for spoonsies.” 😂💗 We saw another side of humans even though I missed his goofy side a bit, I learned more about the true guy behind that.
“You think I’m psycho, watch me go crazy over you.”
Some things I liked:
♡ Hells and Elena!!!!! Elena was the typical queen b in the first two, but we saw another side of her here and i’m so stoked we are gonna have a book for her!!! And Hells, she’s just a real one. I love her and i’m glad we’ll have a book for her, too!!!
♡ How everything had closure, I don’t think anything was left out unexplained.
What I didn’t like as much:
♡ The lack of friends scenes. I wish we could’ve had more scenes with the whole gang. We got so few and they were super short :(
♡ Even though I liked it, I can’t say I looooved it. I’m not sure why, I can’t pinpoint it, but I just didn’t. I loved the character though.
My heart is with Gabe. That last part was sad and I just wanted to hug my boy. I can’t wait for the next books, I really like the world this author has built.
p.s. THE PLAYLIST WAS AWESOME. I’m so thankful for the playlists. They make the experience so much better.
【SONGS:】
Many of Horror - Buffy Clyro
Wrong Direction - Hailee Steinfeld
Good Girls Bad Guys - Falling In Reverse
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
• The Savage Crew Series •
Start a Fire #1 ─ 4 stars
Through the Ashes #2 ─ 3.25 stars
Burn it Down #3 ─ 3.75 stars
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
December 20, 2021
3.75/4 stars. feeling kinda emotionally drained after reading this series lmao.
overall thoughts:
book 1 was awesome, book 2 sucked, and book 3 i was looking forward to the most, and i did enjoy it, but i feel like too much happened in the second half after gabe and penelope finally got together. i really felt for gabe tho🥺
i'm still pissed af that elena is getting a book. there's a difference between a bad bitch and a bitch. guess which one elena is🤡 i'm really enjoying julia wolf's style of writing so i'm definitely going to read more by her!
overall thoughts:
book 1 was awesome, book 2 sucked, and book 3 i was looking forward to the most, and i did enjoy it, but i feel like too much happened in the second half after gabe and penelope finally got together. i really felt for gabe tho🥺
i'm still pissed af that elena is getting a book. there's a difference between a bad bitch and a bitch. guess which one elena is🤡 i'm really enjoying julia wolf's style of writing so i'm definitely going to read more by her!
April 3, 2025
3.5 🌟🌟🌟
I'm not sure what it is with this series. But it's like the author loves making the MMC do irredeemable and say irredeemable stuff to the FMC. And then they do a complete 360 and are suddenly obsessed with the FMC. It's actually so ridiculous. 🙄
I'm not sure what it is with this series. But it's like the author loves making the MMC do irredeemable and say irredeemable stuff to the FMC. And then they do a complete 360 and are suddenly obsessed with the FMC. It's actually so ridiculous. 🙄
February 16, 2022
I enjoyed Gabe and Pen's story. Pen was strong and assertive and knew what she wanted and what she deserved in a man. I enjoyed their chemistry but did feel like the story was rushed in certain ways. We were "told" why Gabriel did what he did but never actually saw how gut wrenching it was for him four years ago. It was almost clinical. Overall this was a solid read. I'm glad I discovered a new author that I can read. But my favorite in the series will always be Sebastian Vega. Sigh. That man is pure goosebumps! 4 stars! ~Ratula
November 9, 2021
Ahhh I had such high hopes for Gabe. He was ine of my favourite characters in Start A Fire & Through The Ashes, yet in this one it felt like he lost his pizazz. Don’t get me wrong, the story was sweet and mildly angsty but compared to the other two it felt a little lacking. That being said I still enjoyed Pen & Gabe’s relationship.
There was a good back story for Gabe and it felt fitting for the boy that was the joker of the group. He is like an over excited puppy all the time and I loved the way he tried to get Penelope to tutor him and the ways in which he got his way!!
Pen was not what I was expecting. Described as a big and curvy girl I didn’t feel like she owned that shot which for me would have made her character more endearing. As it was I found her a little whiny but that might just be my interpretation of the character.
The only other thing was those hot and saucy scenes we all know are the reason we read these books (don’t lie to yourselves guys, it’s ok we all do it!) but I was hoping Gabe would be extra spicy with a extra hot chilli on top !! But alas he wasn’t (insert a sigh here)
I did get excited at the prospect of the next set of books coming,Savage U, where hopefully we see Hels get her hea, because that girl deserves one like no tomorrow. Also we get Elena’s story, which intrigues me.. that girl is just a pure nasty bitch!! Roll on 2022 I say!!
There was a good back story for Gabe and it felt fitting for the boy that was the joker of the group. He is like an over excited puppy all the time and I loved the way he tried to get Penelope to tutor him and the ways in which he got his way!!
Pen was not what I was expecting. Described as a big and curvy girl I didn’t feel like she owned that shot which for me would have made her character more endearing. As it was I found her a little whiny but that might just be my interpretation of the character.
The only other thing was those hot and saucy scenes we all know are the reason we read these books (don’t lie to yourselves guys, it’s ok we all do it!) but I was hoping Gabe would be extra spicy with a extra hot chilli on top !! But alas he wasn’t (insert a sigh here)
I did get excited at the prospect of the next set of books coming,Savage U, where hopefully we see Hels get her hea, because that girl deserves one like no tomorrow. Also we get Elena’s story, which intrigues me.. that girl is just a pure nasty bitch!! Roll on 2022 I say!!
September 1, 2022
3.5 Stars
July 29, 2021
Let me start by saying.... BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES.
I had no doubt this would be my favorite book of the Savage Crew series going into it. Ever since I first met Gabe in book one (Start A Fire) he became an instant favorite character for me. What you see in books one and two (Through the Ashes) of Gabe doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the person he actually is. Gabriel Fuller is literally everything. I love him with my whole entire heart. I have never been so emotionally attached to a character than I am with Gabe. I know that this book is technically classified as a "bully romance" and to some degree I would agree with that. However, reading this book I never at one single point hated this character and I found in the past two books, there were many instances in which I really didn't like them (Bash from SAF and Asher from TTA) much at all. (Not that they didn't eventually redeem themselves). With Gabe though, I just wanted to give him all of the hugs. I love him so much it hurts and I think he will be staying with me for a long, long time.
Now, on to Penelope Shade..... This girl.... I didn't expect to relate to her as much as I did, but wow... She is probably my favorite heroine that Julia Wolf has ever written (and she's written some amazing heroines). She and Gabe are the absolute perfect fit. The love they have for each other is serious couple goals. Forever the protector of his girl. I loved this book so incredibly much. This was definitely a Top Read of 2021 for me & I already can't wait to go back in for a re-read.
I had no doubt this would be my favorite book of the Savage Crew series going into it. Ever since I first met Gabe in book one (Start A Fire) he became an instant favorite character for me. What you see in books one and two (Through the Ashes) of Gabe doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the person he actually is. Gabriel Fuller is literally everything. I love him with my whole entire heart. I have never been so emotionally attached to a character than I am with Gabe. I know that this book is technically classified as a "bully romance" and to some degree I would agree with that. However, reading this book I never at one single point hated this character and I found in the past two books, there were many instances in which I really didn't like them (Bash from SAF and Asher from TTA) much at all. (Not that they didn't eventually redeem themselves). With Gabe though, I just wanted to give him all of the hugs. I love him so much it hurts and I think he will be staying with me for a long, long time.
Now, on to Penelope Shade..... This girl.... I didn't expect to relate to her as much as I did, but wow... She is probably my favorite heroine that Julia Wolf has ever written (and she's written some amazing heroines). She and Gabe are the absolute perfect fit. The love they have for each other is serious couple goals. Forever the protector of his girl. I loved this book so incredibly much. This was definitely a Top Read of 2021 for me & I already can't wait to go back in for a re-read.
September 25, 2021
Finally, Gabe’s story! I’ve loved Gabe since we first laid eyes on him in Start a Fire and his love story is just as epic as I thought it would be! He has a hilarious sense of humour, and I personally think that the author depicted ADHD quite accurately and she didn’t lean on the stereotypes. Penelope Shade is a sweet character who is so incredibly kind and unselfish, and she’s a perfect match for Gabe’s wildness.
I’m excited to see that this isn’t the end of the world that Julia Wolf has created! We’re going to be seeing love stories for Helen and Elena in 2022! I can’t wait to read a romance with the FMC named “Helen”, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s proven to be a badass, awesome side character in the first three books in the series!
I’m excited to see that this isn’t the end of the world that Julia Wolf has created! We’re going to be seeing love stories for Helen and Elena in 2022! I can’t wait to read a romance with the FMC named “Helen”, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s proven to be a badass, awesome side character in the first three books in the series!
July 27, 2021
The first 2 books in Julia Wolf's Savage Crew series left me crazed to find out the real, true story of Gabe Fuller and reading Burn It Down made the wait so worth it. He was the class clown that sometimes struggled with schoolwork, entirely hilarious with flashes of fierce protector, an honest, supportive friend to those he cared about and a star player on the soccer field. He certainly wasn't always the free spirited guy he portrayed most of the time. His life outside of school was somewhat dark, only a few people knew the sad truth of it all and he did his best to hide the details of living with his father and loser brother in the worst part of town. Keeping his 2 lives separate was key and the only choice he had. On the surface though, who wouldn't love this funny guy? I know I did and was dying to know everything about him.
There was one person who could barely tolerate Gabe and avoided him like the plague. Their past history made that a no brainer... she was the girl he wronged long ago, the curvy and beautiful Penelope Shade. Seeing her again brought back all the misery he caused her and now the way she looked right through him left him feeling like the crappiest human on earth. Pen was a butt kicking girl, she had to be. Being bullied would no longer be tolerated, she fights back these days!! Look out, Gabe and the rest of the unsuspecting, Pen might boot you to the curb if you're not careful!
I love a smart, sassy and stronger than she knows leading lady and Pen was that inspirational girl!!! Gabe sure wasn't prepared for the new, fierce version of her!! She may have picked up some tips on bitchiness from an unexpected source- her cousin and wait until you see who that is!! The unlikely happens as Gabe attempts to talk Pen into tutoring him
which he desperately needs to continue on to college and get out of Savage River. This is where the fun begins and their slow burning yearning is fired up all over again, with Pen fighting against the inevitable, as if that's possible with a determined Gabe around!!
Burn It Down gives both characters POV's and can be read as a standalone, BUT, if you're looking for an addictive summer binge, start from the beginning to get the best out of all Julia Wolf has to offer with this intriguing series. Gabe is waiting and then you'll see why he'll just steal away your heart with his quirky smolder and maybe Pen's too. Pen has her own secrets to keep and this girl is one to admire and root for. An emotional rollercoaster is just waiting to happen with these two opposites as they learn to share with each other as they never trusted enough to do before. The rest of the crew made many appearances, which I loved and kept the fun going and witty banter flowing. There are a few I would love to see tell their own stories one day and the sooner the better! The more you know, the more you want to know about the Savage Crew, it's impossible not too!!! I was so happy to be given an early copy of this book to read and review. I'm really excited to be able to share my thoughts about Burn it Down here with other readers.
There was one person who could barely tolerate Gabe and avoided him like the plague. Their past history made that a no brainer... she was the girl he wronged long ago, the curvy and beautiful Penelope Shade. Seeing her again brought back all the misery he caused her and now the way she looked right through him left him feeling like the crappiest human on earth. Pen was a butt kicking girl, she had to be. Being bullied would no longer be tolerated, she fights back these days!! Look out, Gabe and the rest of the unsuspecting, Pen might boot you to the curb if you're not careful!
I love a smart, sassy and stronger than she knows leading lady and Pen was that inspirational girl!!! Gabe sure wasn't prepared for the new, fierce version of her!! She may have picked up some tips on bitchiness from an unexpected source- her cousin and wait until you see who that is!! The unlikely happens as Gabe attempts to talk Pen into tutoring him
which he desperately needs to continue on to college and get out of Savage River. This is where the fun begins and their slow burning yearning is fired up all over again, with Pen fighting against the inevitable, as if that's possible with a determined Gabe around!!
Burn It Down gives both characters POV's and can be read as a standalone, BUT, if you're looking for an addictive summer binge, start from the beginning to get the best out of all Julia Wolf has to offer with this intriguing series. Gabe is waiting and then you'll see why he'll just steal away your heart with his quirky smolder and maybe Pen's too. Pen has her own secrets to keep and this girl is one to admire and root for. An emotional rollercoaster is just waiting to happen with these two opposites as they learn to share with each other as they never trusted enough to do before. The rest of the crew made many appearances, which I loved and kept the fun going and witty banter flowing. There are a few I would love to see tell their own stories one day and the sooner the better! The more you know, the more you want to know about the Savage Crew, it's impossible not too!!! I was so happy to be given an early copy of this book to read and review. I'm really excited to be able to share my thoughts about Burn it Down here with other readers.
April 21, 2022
i liked this book. penelope was an AMAZING character and not a fucking idiot like some other female leads. she used her brain and thought things through. she also doesn’t take back boys right away. when gabe messed up, she blocked him and made him prove himself. literal baddie. she is also a curvy character! so happy curves got some recognition. she cries a lot, though. crying is fine but it’s like every other page she’s crying. it pisses me off. however, gabe docked two stars of this book for me. i know he has trauma and all that, just like every other male lead. he’s got daddy issues. (what’s a romance book without them?) i found him to be quite manipulative which i wasn’t a fan of. he would also refuse to tell penelope any of his secrets but then he would get mad when she wouldn’t tell him all of hers? trust goes both ways. however, gabe did grovel. but whenever penelope doubted him (he gave her MANY reasons to doubt him, btw) he would get mad. just doesn’t make sense. he’s also VERYYYY touchy in public which is just not my thing. gabe also makes vagina jokes and makes fun of the shapes of them! RED MF FLAG. the plot was good, though.
update:
HELPPP AHHAHAHAHAH. I JUST GOT TO A PART WHERE THEY HAVE A TON OF CRINGY ASS TEXT MESSAGES. NOOOOOOO. i cant, you’d catch me dead before i ever text my future boyfriend like that. LET ALONE CALL BY BOYFRIEND “boo,” UNIRONICALLY. that’s what gabe calls penelope.
docking another star because of that. THAT SHOULD ALL BE ILLEGAL.
second update…:
this author DEFINITELY has internalized misogyny.
update:
HELPPP AHHAHAHAHAH. I JUST GOT TO A PART WHERE THEY HAVE A TON OF CRINGY ASS TEXT MESSAGES. NOOOOOOO. i cant, you’d catch me dead before i ever text my future boyfriend like that. LET ALONE CALL BY BOYFRIEND “boo,” UNIRONICALLY. that’s what gabe calls penelope.
docking another star because of that. THAT SHOULD ALL BE ILLEGAL.
second update…:
this author DEFINITELY has internalized misogyny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
I was so happy with this book. We finally get Gabe's story. And it's absolutely worth the wait.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this author has become one of my favorite authors this year.
I absolutely loved Penny. We need some plus sized/curvy rep in romance books and this book delivered.
There is emotion, angst, secrets, betrayal and passion.
I loved the pacing of the book and the character development. I highly recommend this book.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this author has become one of my favorite authors this year.
I absolutely loved Penny. We need some plus sized/curvy rep in romance books and this book delivered.
There is emotion, angst, secrets, betrayal and passion.
I loved the pacing of the book and the character development. I highly recommend this book.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars
July 7, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the Savage Crew series. I really liked the first two books, but this one is by far my favorite. I found myself very drawn to the two main characters, who have insulated themselves in roles that they have played to survive the confines and rules of their lives.
Gabriel is a complex character; despite the façade he puts forward to the world. He covers up his pain in the character he plays to protect himself, and those he cares about. His struggle to understand that he does deserve more.
Penelope also struggles in the confines of the role she plays. She comes across as a spoiled entitled princess to the outside world. Although she has surrounded herself with those types of people, she does not ascribe to their beliefs in terms of classism. I also enjoyed her relationship with her parents.
I was frustrated at times with both characters, but their confusion and internal conflicts truly made the story better and more relatable. The paths we take in life are seldom straight forward and often involve a far share of back tracking.
I really enjoyed the inclusion of characters from the previous two books, but particularly enjoyed the secondary characters of Elena and Helen. I found Elena’s ferocity towards protecting Pen endearing, and I was very excited to see that there may a book for her (and Hells) in the Savage U series.
As with all books, please pay mind to any trigger warnings. Although this series was set in High School, they are not meant for those under 18, and the characters and their situations are not juvenile in any way.
Gabriel is a complex character; despite the façade he puts forward to the world. He covers up his pain in the character he plays to protect himself, and those he cares about. His struggle to understand that he does deserve more.
Penelope also struggles in the confines of the role she plays. She comes across as a spoiled entitled princess to the outside world. Although she has surrounded herself with those types of people, she does not ascribe to their beliefs in terms of classism. I also enjoyed her relationship with her parents.
I was frustrated at times with both characters, but their confusion and internal conflicts truly made the story better and more relatable. The paths we take in life are seldom straight forward and often involve a far share of back tracking.
I really enjoyed the inclusion of characters from the previous two books, but particularly enjoyed the secondary characters of Elena and Helen. I found Elena’s ferocity towards protecting Pen endearing, and I was very excited to see that there may a book for her (and Hells) in the Savage U series.
As with all books, please pay mind to any trigger warnings. Although this series was set in High School, they are not meant for those under 18, and the characters and their situations are not juvenile in any way.
August 12, 2021
Really disliked Gabes character. Idk how people like him. He’s so arrogant and disrespectful to heroine. Penelope could hold her own but Gabe would just not take no for an answer and expect her to listen to him blindly. Just don’t know how you can act like that toward someone you love. I didn’t feel it.
July 10, 2021
"I'm no white knight. I'm not a good guy. If you're the Marvel girlfriend, then I'm the villian disguised as comic relief."
Gabriel. Gabe. Gabe motherf**king Fuller. I knew from book 1 that I loved him. Now, I adore him.
He's the class clown, the comic relief. But there's more to Gabe than meets the eye. There's darkness and pain underneath. He's a fighter, a survivor. And his aim is to rise above his circumstances. To do that, he might have to step on a few people. Pen included.
Penelope Shade is a fantastic leading lady. Smart, sexy, strong. Julia Wolf knows how to create strong women. I love how they don't just see a pretty face and let guys walk all over them. No, not Julia's leading ladies; they fight back.
"I was no longer the soft little lamb I was when he knew me. I'd changed... Now, I bit back."
Burn It Down, the third instalment of the Savage Crew series, is Gabe and Pen's story. As fourteen year old's, they spent one perfect summer together; and they loved each other, until it all went wrong. Gabe broke Pen's heart in the cruellest way, and Pen erected walls so high around her that Gabe didn't even exist to her anymore.
Now, as seniors, Gabe needs Pen's help. And if she isn't willing to help him, then he'll use a little blackmail to get it. The good girl went (temporarily) bad, and Gabe knows her secret - or part of it - and he will definitely use it against her, if he has to.
"One way or another, Penelope was going to be mine for the rest of the semester."
Burn It Down manages to bring out almost every emotion possible; love, heartbreak, sadness, anger, humour, friendship. This book, and Gabe and Penelope's story, just hits the reader in a different, very special, way.
During the other books - which are also must reads - I felt anger and frustration with the heroes. Here, Gabe maybe should have made me angry, but instead that boy just broke my heart and made me want to wrap him up and keep him safe. Underneath it all, he's so sweet and has the biggest heart.
Penelope, meanwhile, is sassy and strong, and I loved the relationship she had with her parents. My heart broke for her so many times during this book, but she is feisty and fierce and she didn't allow anything to keep her down.
"Nothing was worth letting myself down again, not even Gabriel, the boy I'd loved one hot, perfect summer."
I'd really love Julia Wolf to show me what magic she's using, because she also managed to make me like Elena Sanderson, the baddest bitch throughout the series so far. Here, she's fierce, protective and loyal to her cousin, Pen, fighting for her every step of the way.
"She's not asking, she's telling, psycho. Time to leave."
I'm excited for her future book. But god help her leading man!
I could wax lyrical about Gabe and Pen all day. I honestly didn't want their story to end, and I can't recommend this book enough.
Burn It Down releases on July 29th. You don't want to miss Gabe and Pen! Five stars!
Thanks to Julia Wolf for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Gabriel. Gabe. Gabe motherf**king Fuller. I knew from book 1 that I loved him. Now, I adore him.
He's the class clown, the comic relief. But there's more to Gabe than meets the eye. There's darkness and pain underneath. He's a fighter, a survivor. And his aim is to rise above his circumstances. To do that, he might have to step on a few people. Pen included.
Penelope Shade is a fantastic leading lady. Smart, sexy, strong. Julia Wolf knows how to create strong women. I love how they don't just see a pretty face and let guys walk all over them. No, not Julia's leading ladies; they fight back.
"I was no longer the soft little lamb I was when he knew me. I'd changed... Now, I bit back."
Burn It Down, the third instalment of the Savage Crew series, is Gabe and Pen's story. As fourteen year old's, they spent one perfect summer together; and they loved each other, until it all went wrong. Gabe broke Pen's heart in the cruellest way, and Pen erected walls so high around her that Gabe didn't even exist to her anymore.
Now, as seniors, Gabe needs Pen's help. And if she isn't willing to help him, then he'll use a little blackmail to get it. The good girl went (temporarily) bad, and Gabe knows her secret - or part of it - and he will definitely use it against her, if he has to.
"One way or another, Penelope was going to be mine for the rest of the semester."
Burn It Down manages to bring out almost every emotion possible; love, heartbreak, sadness, anger, humour, friendship. This book, and Gabe and Penelope's story, just hits the reader in a different, very special, way.
During the other books - which are also must reads - I felt anger and frustration with the heroes. Here, Gabe maybe should have made me angry, but instead that boy just broke my heart and made me want to wrap him up and keep him safe. Underneath it all, he's so sweet and has the biggest heart.
Penelope, meanwhile, is sassy and strong, and I loved the relationship she had with her parents. My heart broke for her so many times during this book, but she is feisty and fierce and she didn't allow anything to keep her down.
"Nothing was worth letting myself down again, not even Gabriel, the boy I'd loved one hot, perfect summer."
I'd really love Julia Wolf to show me what magic she's using, because she also managed to make me like Elena Sanderson, the baddest bitch throughout the series so far. Here, she's fierce, protective and loyal to her cousin, Pen, fighting for her every step of the way.
"She's not asking, she's telling, psycho. Time to leave."
I'm excited for her future book. But god help her leading man!
I could wax lyrical about Gabe and Pen all day. I honestly didn't want their story to end, and I can't recommend this book enough.
Burn It Down releases on July 29th. You don't want to miss Gabe and Pen! Five stars!
Thanks to Julia Wolf for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2022
I’ll be honest. I don’t know if this is a 4 star read or not. I want to take off a star for a few reasons but one is this:
I screwed up my face, thinking back to every chemistry class I spent staring at the periodic table, inventing my own pneumonic devises for each element.
I believe she meant mnemonic. It’s a cringey mistake. Misspellings are one thing. The completely wrong word is…disturbing.
However, she kinda makes up for that with this:
My spine went ramrod straight. “I don’t know if I want to be with im or not, which is why I would like to spend time with him. Also, I’m not the biggest fan of Helen, but drop the “whore,” okay? That’s uncalled for.”
Her face contorted into an ugly crumple. “Don’t police my words, Pen.”
“Then don’t call other girls whores! We get enough flak from boys, let’s give each other a freaking break.”
I have long mirrored that sentiment so it was nice to see it written in words.
Either way, I always liked the character of Gabe in the previous books. He always had the best bits of dialogue with his wit and sunshine attitude. Of course, in this book we see that there’s a lot more crazy in him than we thought. But not so much that it feels out of character. I wouldn’t say anything in this series is a particularly deep read or pulls at my heart strings. In fact, these are some seriously dysfunctional relationships (I swear in the first book, the H is the kind of guy that’d kill his girlfriend out of a jealous rage. The second was pretty dark as the characters seem to be seriously co-dependent. Hmm. This third probably has the healthies relationship…well, compared to the others). Doesn’t matter. I enjoyed the book. It was entertaining. So 4 stars it is.
August 4, 2021
Not gonna lie, Gabe is officially my favorite man in the Savage crew. My goodness, I have been waiting for his own book ever since I devoured the first book in this series, and this big hearted man did NOT disappoint! Plus I I we can all agree that we need more plus sized women in our romances, and Penelope was just absolute perfection. The relationship these two shared was so special and unique, and you could just *feel* the adoration they had for one another. And even though their journey wasn't all rainbows and butterflies, it was wholly them, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Gabe and Pen have a past, and the pain and anger are very much there for Penelope still, even though she tries to convince herself otherwise. Gabe pretty much forces her to tutor him so he doesn't lose his college scholarship, and these two relatively (and albeit tentatively) resume their rocky relationship, but it's one step forward, two steps back with them.
I love the way J deals with the heavy topics in this book, and especially the secret that Pen has been keeping, and how it's been eating at her ever since. I love how these two never stopped fighting for one another, even when their relationship felt bleak and at the point of no return. Plus Gabe is a total softie, and I loved seeing his vulnerability shine through! I just can't recommend this book enough!
Also, I can't leave this review without mentioning that J did the impossible here: she made me absolutely love Elena and I can't wait until we get more of her!! She's my ultimate girl crush!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Gabe and Pen have a past, and the pain and anger are very much there for Penelope still, even though she tries to convince herself otherwise. Gabe pretty much forces her to tutor him so he doesn't lose his college scholarship, and these two relatively (and albeit tentatively) resume their rocky relationship, but it's one step forward, two steps back with them.
I love the way J deals with the heavy topics in this book, and especially the secret that Pen has been keeping, and how it's been eating at her ever since. I love how these two never stopped fighting for one another, even when their relationship felt bleak and at the point of no return. Plus Gabe is a total softie, and I loved seeing his vulnerability shine through! I just can't recommend this book enough!
Also, I can't leave this review without mentioning that J did the impossible here: she made me absolutely love Elena and I can't wait until we get more of her!! She's my ultimate girl crush!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
July 8, 2021
AHHH! Gabe and Pen killed me, then brought me back to life only to kill me again! These two! They make you want to bash their heads together! I loved them together but I hated them fighting against themselves. Gabe's not had it easy, and it makes me want to give him a big hug, but also TALK! He keeps everything to himself and things will never get better that way, especially when he hides behind humor. I'm all for the humor, my motto is everything hurts a little less with a laugh, but keeping things bottled up is not the way to go. Secrets are never good, particularly when dealing with someone with trust issues like Pen. SO MANY missed opportunities to spill their guts so they'd be on the same page but they are both so stubborn! So glad we'll see more from this crew, they've got some characters I'm dying to know more about. I hope we see Kaz again! He seemed super nice. This book will bring it all to you, you will laugh, cry, scream, fan yourself more than once and finally just sigh because its over and you don't want to be done with them just yet!
July 9, 2021
Penny and Gabe
Gabe hides his deeper emotions behind his act as the class clown. When his deep emotional side and vulnerability show, I become completely captivated by him. My heart aches for him in this book. He has so much in his family life he has to deal with along with a job and trying to maintain grades high enough to keep his soccer scholarship. He finds a way to make Penny help him with his schoolwork and studying. Although he doesn’t always make the best choices or say the right words, he’s a villain I cheer for to have a happy redemption and get his girl.
My heart also aches for Penny in this book. She’s a bookworm who has to deal with insecurities, rejection, and betrayal. She keeps a secret that weighs heavily on her to herself for a while too. I get tears for what she has went through. The last chapter before the epilogue is my favorite chapter of the book. It helps to ease the pain she faced.
I loved the angst in this book and how the author can make readers feel so deeply for Penny and Gabe. I liked seeing the presence of characters from the past two books in this series. Although this book is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. I can’t wait to read Elena’s and Helen’s books for Savage U.
Gabe hides his deeper emotions behind his act as the class clown. When his deep emotional side and vulnerability show, I become completely captivated by him. My heart aches for him in this book. He has so much in his family life he has to deal with along with a job and trying to maintain grades high enough to keep his soccer scholarship. He finds a way to make Penny help him with his schoolwork and studying. Although he doesn’t always make the best choices or say the right words, he’s a villain I cheer for to have a happy redemption and get his girl.
My heart also aches for Penny in this book. She’s a bookworm who has to deal with insecurities, rejection, and betrayal. She keeps a secret that weighs heavily on her to herself for a while too. I get tears for what she has went through. The last chapter before the epilogue is my favorite chapter of the book. It helps to ease the pain she faced.
I loved the angst in this book and how the author can make readers feel so deeply for Penny and Gabe. I liked seeing the presence of characters from the past two books in this series. Although this book is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. I can’t wait to read Elena’s and Helen’s books for Savage U.
July 10, 2021
Wow. She's done it again. I slept on this book overnight and I still don't think I have the words to do this review justice. There was something just a little different between the covers of this one, and I'm not sure even Julia realizes how special this whole series is.
As a plus sized woman, I was drawn to Julia's writing of plus sized women. Maeve, Claire, and now Pen. I see myself in each of them in very different ways. I've been in relationships where I was the fat girl with the hot guy and people wondered how I got him. It hurts. And to read about it in such a raw and real way is a breath of fresh air.
I have no idea how she got me to warm to the baddest of bad biatches, Elena, and I can't wait to read Helen's story too. It was nice to see the old crowd from previous books, but Pen and Gabe shone on their own. There was a lot weaved into this book, and I don't want to spoil it, but I cried. Gabe's dad... I just... words fail me for how well the issues in these pages were handled.
If anyone needs me, I'll be over here in my book hangover, rocking in the corner. I don't have a lot of space for paperbacks in my house, but this series is on my to buy list.
As a plus sized woman, I was drawn to Julia's writing of plus sized women. Maeve, Claire, and now Pen. I see myself in each of them in very different ways. I've been in relationships where I was the fat girl with the hot guy and people wondered how I got him. It hurts. And to read about it in such a raw and real way is a breath of fresh air.
I have no idea how she got me to warm to the baddest of bad biatches, Elena, and I can't wait to read Helen's story too. It was nice to see the old crowd from previous books, but Pen and Gabe shone on their own. There was a lot weaved into this book, and I don't want to spoil it, but I cried. Gabe's dad... I just... words fail me for how well the issues in these pages were handled.
If anyone needs me, I'll be over here in my book hangover, rocking in the corner. I don't have a lot of space for paperbacks in my house, but this series is on my to buy list.
April 5, 2022
The banter was SO good. I loved how much Gabe would piss Pen off because he’s just such a lovable character you can almost never be mad at him.
Gabe never gave up trying to get on Pens radar, even though he’s the reason she was gone in the first place. He deserved to grovel because she never deserved the shit he did. But he showed such a different character in this book. He was so fucking sweet and goofy I couldn’t get enough.
Pen is such a beautiful and loving heroine. She never wanted to see the bad in anyone and always stood up for herself.
There was one scene that made me cry like a baby and that was unexpected, but in the best way. I loved reading about these two and all their friends!!
Gabe never gave up trying to get on Pens radar, even though he’s the reason she was gone in the first place. He deserved to grovel because she never deserved the shit he did. But he showed such a different character in this book. He was so fucking sweet and goofy I couldn’t get enough.
Pen is such a beautiful and loving heroine. She never wanted to see the bad in anyone and always stood up for herself.
There was one scene that made me cry like a baby and that was unexpected, but in the best way. I loved reading about these two and all their friends!!
August 9, 2021
Julia Wolf's Burn It Down, book three in The Savage Crew series, shows love comes in many guises.
Gabriel Fuller has been the character that has been impossible to overlook and stir a steady interest in readers from the start in the Savage Crew series. The saying tears of a clown was an apt description of him as he navigated situations way beyond his years and experience by using extreme and often inappropriate humor to cope. Despite all the obstacles he dealt with to his credit Gabe retained his humanity even when he masked it with flippancy.
Penelope Shade learned to own who she was but not without doubts and tears paving the way to her tough exterior. It was her compassion that was both a burden and blessing as she was faced with circumstances where it was tested over and over again. Pen proved that acceptance including perceived flaws is not only powerful but empowering.
As a couple Gabe and Pen had their work set out for them struggling with an unresolved past and a questionable future, yet it was their ability to see beyond the obvious that made them strong and gave them potential. This pair had their growing pains but when stripped down and vulnerable their relationship was touching and meaningful.
Julia Wolf's ability to see through to the gray in the to all appearances black and white actions of bullying was perceptive and kind. Her digging deep to explore the actions of her characters speaks to her own depth. Things are not always as they seem and Ms. Wolf's writing offers layers that readers can make informed opinions from. A well put together addition to her Savage Crew series Burn It Down was a moving work and absorbing read.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
Gabriel Fuller has been the character that has been impossible to overlook and stir a steady interest in readers from the start in the Savage Crew series. The saying tears of a clown was an apt description of him as he navigated situations way beyond his years and experience by using extreme and often inappropriate humor to cope. Despite all the obstacles he dealt with to his credit Gabe retained his humanity even when he masked it with flippancy.
Penelope Shade learned to own who she was but not without doubts and tears paving the way to her tough exterior. It was her compassion that was both a burden and blessing as she was faced with circumstances where it was tested over and over again. Pen proved that acceptance including perceived flaws is not only powerful but empowering.
As a couple Gabe and Pen had their work set out for them struggling with an unresolved past and a questionable future, yet it was their ability to see beyond the obvious that made them strong and gave them potential. This pair had their growing pains but when stripped down and vulnerable their relationship was touching and meaningful.
Julia Wolf's ability to see through to the gray in the to all appearances black and white actions of bullying was perceptive and kind. Her digging deep to explore the actions of her characters speaks to her own depth. Things are not always as they seem and Ms. Wolf's writing offers layers that readers can make informed opinions from. A well put together addition to her Savage Crew series Burn It Down was a moving work and absorbing read.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
Read
July 10, 2021Burn it Down releases July 29!
pre-order now: mybook.to/BurnitDown
pre-order now: mybook.to/BurnitDown
May 23, 2022
Ok honestly, I usually hate high school romances. So you can imagine my surprise when I actually like this one. It had all of the dynamics of the challenges that come with a real adult relationship considering our MCs go through different struggles while still trying to be together.
Gabe is an absolute sweetheart and Penelope is such a relatable and understanding MC. There is a good amount of back and forth with their relationship throughout the book but there are reasons for it and it didn’t annoy me as that trope usually does.
Gabe has ADHD and Penelope helps him with it…he finds that he can focus 100% when she’s speaking to him and I think that’s just so freaking cute.
Overall, I love Penelope and Gabe, and while this book was pretty long, I think reading about them made it worth it.
Also…the spice 😩
Gabe is an absolute sweetheart and Penelope is such a relatable and understanding MC. There is a good amount of back and forth with their relationship throughout the book but there are reasons for it and it didn’t annoy me as that trope usually does.
Gabe has ADHD and Penelope helps him with it…he finds that he can focus 100% when she’s speaking to him and I think that’s just so freaking cute.
Overall, I love Penelope and Gabe, and while this book was pretty long, I think reading about them made it worth it.
Also…the spice 😩
September 9, 2022
I didn’t like this one at all. Didn’t like the characters. didn’t like the story. No chemistry between them. The girl was a doormat. No one memorable. I can’t even remember her name. And the guy, Gabe, just childish.
July 31, 2021
Amazon Universal
Penelope does not do second chances. She doesn't let people back in once they've betrayed her or broken her trust. So Gabe's got his work cut out for him to not only get her to tutor him, but, more significantly, to let him back into her heart. You see, he devastated her freshman year, and she's not looked twice at him since. But now he needs tutoring and Penelope's the smartest person he knows. With a bit of *cought* manipulation, she will certainly see things his way...Or will she?
Pen is keeping a big thing to herself. It's given her a fear she never had before. But that's not the only thing wrong these days. Now the boy who ripped her heart out freshman year is back in her life demanding she tutor him. There's not a chance she'll ever forgive Gabe, or let him back into her life. No matter how much he demands it, or how much he manipulates her. Right?
I've kinda put a moratorium on high school bully fiction, but I couldn't resist once I read the blurb, and I'm glad, because Burn it Down is great. Penelope is one tough girl, with walls not even a lot of adults have managed to build around themselves. She made Gabe work his ass off to get her back, to win her heart over again. I wasn't sure at first that Gabe was going to end up being good enough for her, considering how badly he hurt her, and his inner thoughts were pretty selfish at first; but he more than redeemed himself and I could see just why Penelope had such strong feelings for him. His backstory is pretty tragic, as was hers, and the two of them are perfect for each other. I loved Pen and Gabe so much that I plan on definitely going back and reading the first two stories in this series now.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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Pen is keeping a big thing to herself. It's given her a fear she never had before. But that's not the only thing wrong these days. Now the boy who ripped her heart out freshman year is back in her life demanding she tutor him. There's not a chance she'll ever forgive Gabe, or let him back into her life. No matter how much he demands it, or how much he manipulates her. Right?
I've kinda put a moratorium on high school bully fiction, but I couldn't resist once I read the blurb, and I'm glad, because Burn it Down is great. Penelope is one tough girl, with walls not even a lot of adults have managed to build around themselves. She made Gabe work his ass off to get her back, to win her heart over again. I wasn't sure at first that Gabe was going to end up being good enough for her, considering how badly he hurt her, and his inner thoughts were pretty selfish at first; but he more than redeemed himself and I could see just why Penelope had such strong feelings for him. His backstory is pretty tragic, as was hers, and the two of them are perfect for each other. I loved Pen and Gabe so much that I plan on definitely going back and reading the first two stories in this series now.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Review Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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