Next To Never (The Fall Away Series)

Anyone who loves the Fall Away Lane gang will love this!

I enjoyed catching up with the older generation and getting a sneak peek at the younger generation. The story took me by surprise in that there's a literal story within the story, but it really worked. Now I'm anxiously awaiting more!

I enjoyed reading this quick read and catching back up with the gang from Fall Away Lane. I am impatiently awaiting more from the new generation and this book is a perfect setup for the forthcoming stories.

This book does not disappoint and leads to adventures of the next generation. I loved the story of Jason and Katherine. Lots of great plot line to be developed hopefully in the near futur. Thanks Penelope.

Next to Never is a unique twist of perspective. Jase and Kat were very intriguing characters and I'm so glad we got to read the depth of their relationship. I love every character in the Fall Away Series, can't wait to see where their fate falls.

The book feels incomplete and sort of useless in the series. Tells part of the Katherine and Jason's story yet skips a lot of important moments . Also starts the stories of Kade, Hunter and Dylan and Queen and Lucas..

We waited awhile for this!!! This book is perfect, The Kids! It's like starting a new series by PD. I loved how it explains the relationship of how Quinn came about and more about her brothers. This book is just what we needed for the fall away series. I really did enjoy reading this one, well actually way beyond that! I can't wait to get more of them!! Thank You Penelope Douglas for another amazing story!

This book was a nice little tease for an upcoming series that will release a year from now? Are you kidding me? Hopefully it will give her enough time to check for her errors better. Very disappointing with authors these days especially when I'm paying for the book.
This book goes into the backstory of Jason and Katherine, some of which we already knew. One thing I didn't like about it, as a daughter I would not like to read about my parents sex escapades. Overall it was ok, not her best.

This was not advertised correctly. I went into this book thinking it was the kick off to a new awesome series but NO, its a prequel.
Had I known that I would've waited.

Next time Ms Douglas - advertise it correctly.

There are a few things Quinn Caruthers would like to do in her life, but with three protective older brothers and a family that she has a hard time saying no to, it feels as though time is slipping by unless she does something about it. She's never been selfish, but when she finds a package that's been delivered anonymously to her; a book containing family secrets, Quinn can't help but be captivated by the tale weaved on its pages. But when she gets to the end, how far will she go to get a chance at the sort of happiness the rest of her family have found?

I read my first book by Ms. Douglas not that long ago, and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading something else by her. However, in saying that, I wasn't sure about reading this book at first. Not only because I haven't read any of the other books of this series, but because I've sometimes found when a novella is part of a series it tends to end in a cliffhanger. Now, cliffhangers aren't to my liking when it comes to reading romance, so I tend to avoid books that end with them, but I've got to admit that the way this story ended has piqued my interest for the next book. That is, if Quinn finally gets her happy ever after with the one man she's always felt a connection with.

The dialogue was interesting and intense due to the plot of the book Quinn has received. Her parents marriage was nowhere near the fairy tale it is now. They had so much to overcome. Can Quinn come to terms with how her parents relationship began? Will it make her realize not to settle down if she hasn't found Mr. Right? Will Quinn finally decide to live her life the way she wants to live it, instead of continuing to give in to doings things for her siblings when they ask?

As for Quinn, she's strong and brave in the way she continues to read the book she's been given, no matter how hard the plot is for her to handle because it's based on the relationship of two people she loves. She's also kind, caring and I loved the moment when she let her adventurous side out, even knowing that some of her family members wouldn't have been thrilled with what she did with her another member of her family.

Overall, this was a really good in-between story told from Quinn's point of view and I loved the way it ended. Will Lucas return home, so he and Quinn can have their own happy ever after like her siblings have found with their partners? I would recommend Next to Never by Penelope Douglas, if you've read the previous books of this series or if you enjoy books by LJ Shen or Emma Hart.

The Fall Away Series from Penelope Douglas is one that I've thoroughly enjoyed reading. Next to Never is a novella told through Quinn Caruthers' eyes. To understand and appreciate the family dynamic I do recommend reading the series in order, or you really want know who's who, or where and how they fit into the picture. That said, I can gaurantee you will truly enjoy reading the novels, as well as getting to know the characters that you will find in those novels. Next to Never occurs a number of years after the original four novels end, and I loved getting to see the original characters as they've grown older and get to know their children as well.

Quinn is the little sister of Jared and Madoc by blood, and Jaxon, though not actually by blood. She's been somewhat sheltered by her family, especially her brothers, but she's grown up now and getting ready to graduate and start her own life adventures. She receives a package that rocks her world, and not in a way that that term typically implies. Her eyes are opened to all the drama, history, and heartache that occured long before she was in the picture, and that history changes her whole world.

The story isn't her own love story, but that of her parent's, which was quite heartbreaking, even though they ended up happy and well, revealing a side of her parents she never knew. Truthfully, I am not nor have I ever been a fan of her father, Jason, even after reading this novella. Grant you, he did the right thing in the end and has his family's best interest at heart, but he did not win me over at all despite that fact. That said, the story is really good and my not liking Jason didn't affect that in the least. In fact, I think there are readers who will both like and dislike Jason when they read it also. I enjoyed getting the history. or I guess I should say, the beginning and the events that lead up to the previously written installments in the series.

Penelope Douglas also lays the groundwork for what will be Quinn's own lovestory and I know it is going to be phenomenal and can't wait to read it. Overall, Never to Never is a wonderful read that fans of the series will most definitely enjoy.

This book was totally not at all what I expected. After reading the synopsis, I assumed this was Quinn's story, why else make the whole synopsis about her? But only about 20% of the book concerns her or is even told by her - the rest of the book is actually her mom and dad's story (Jace & Kat). So if you're going into this hoping it's actually the Quinn/Lucas story, then you may be disappointed (the audiobook I'm listening to didn't have the note about it not being their story).

Regardless of that, I absolutely loved this book! It's the best in the series so far. It was so great reading about the characters we grew to love (or hate) in previous books, all in their grown-up state with teenage children of their own now. I loved that even into adulthood, they were still the same ol' group of guys & gals, albeit more mature. But more importantly, the book really did have a great message on life.

This book starts out with Quinn receiving a package from an unknown sender that contains a book. At first it seems like a random romance book, but the names of the characters matched the names of her parents and brothers, so she was a bit confused by that. As it turns out, it was indeed a book written about her parents. The rest of the book goes on to tell how Jace & Kat met, despite the fact that they were both married at the time. We know some of their story from previous books, but we really get a firm grasp on how their relationship evolved over the years. Their story may have started off a bit a bit unorthodox and immoral, but it really was a beautiful story in the end and I enjoyed hearing it (although for a teen girl to read those scenes about her parents is just weird).

Even though most of the book was about Jace/Kat, the parts that we did get of Quinn offered insight into both her life and the lives of her cousins and sets up future books. We also get a short epilogue featuring Lucas' thoughts (glad it was at least included, even if it's just a teaser). I loved that Quinn got the lesson her mother wanted her to learn from the book and decided to just go after what she wanted in life instead of waiting for the guy she wanted to be with to come around.

Kudos to Penelope on a great book that wasn't the teenage drama we saw in the previous books, but a much more complex story about two adults who took 15+ years to find their way back to each other.

"Happiness is a direction, not a place."

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK! It was a book within a book. Two stories wrapped in one. And it was fantastic. I always get a little nervous when a new book in a favorite series comes out, because, let's be honest, even though the characters aren't ours, we develop a connection with them. We think we know them and we're afraid of what may happen to them or to our idea of who they are. I knew I didn't have to worry this time because author Penelope Douglas knows her characters and does them proud. Next to Never is another amazing addition to the awesome Fall Away series. Well written, perfectly paced, with fabulous characters, new and old. To fully appreciate and enjoy his book, you must read the other books in the series, in order, first.

The story hooks you, grabs hold and reels you in from the start. It is told primarily from Quinn's POV. You'll recall Quinn is Jared and Madoc's half sister, born to Jared's mother and Madoc's father, after they get married. She is all grown up and feeling a little lost and restless. Along with Quinn, the children of our beloved original characters are introduced as the teens they are now. But this isn't Quinn's story, not really. Nor is it any of the other kids', though author Penelope Douglas does tease us with possible future storylines revolving around them.

As I said before, this is a story within a story. Quinn is at a crossroads. The novel explores life themes every teen feels when HS is ending and "adulthood" looms ahead; such as which path to choose, being true to yourself or being what others expect you to be; how to navigate this thing called life and find your happiness without disappointing those who love you.

In addition to getting an introduction to Quinn and where her story may take her, as well as, the other kids', we get the added bonus of finding out about the love affair between Jared's mom and Madoc's dad, from the beginning. We see the ugly side of love and what it can do to a person, how it can change them. How it can ultimately help them find redemption. What a story! I ran through all the emotions for these two. I loved, hated, got angry and felt sorry for them. Above all, they gave me hope and had me believing that love does find a way.

Next To Never had me swooning all over again. It answers so many questions about the past and why the characters did what they did and opens the door for the future with so many possibilities for our beloved characters. The story is engaging, dramatic, filled with angst and emotion. If you're a fan of the series and a fan of author Penelope Douglas' writing, you will not be disappointed. Must read and highly recommend. If you haven't read Bully, the book that started it all, what are you waiting for?? Get on it. You'll be happy you did.

Ugh, I’ve missed the Fall Away characters SO MUCH!!! This novella was the perfect way to introduce the second generation of characters while still rewarding fans of the series with cameos of the original characters. Plus, we finally get Katherine and Jason’s full story! Next to Never was the perfect tease from Penelope Douglas – it left me desperate for more, but I loved it all the same.

Quinn – Jared, Jax, and Madoc’s little sister – is now a teenager, but her life is being overshadowed by everyone in her family. There’s Jared’s Dylan, Jax’s Hawke, and Madoc’s twins Hunter and Kade, who all have their own personalities and problems that seem to be bigger than they are. They have a presence that Quinn doesn’t believe she has, and she’s afraid to go after what she wants and to mess up the status quo. She’s stuck in her life, with no direction out – but when a book lands on her doorstep, its contents changes everything for her.

It turns out the book is actually a diary… the story of her parents’ relationship. I don’t want to say much about Jason and Katherine’s story because I feel like it’s best to go in blind, but the road to their now-HEA has not been an easy one. They had an addicting, intense, and ultimately toxic relationship that broke them both… but you’ll have to read this novella to find out how they healed themselves and each other.

Honestly, there’s so much to love about this novella. Seeing the original cast of characters was such a delight – you have no idea how giddy I got every time they appeared on the page. Reading about them here made me fall in love with the series all over again, honestly. But now that I’ve finished Next to Never, I’m dying for more, especially Quinn and Lucas’s actual book! The wait for them is killer, but I know Penelope Douglas won’t disappoint. If you love the Fall Away series, I don’t know why you wouldn’t read this novella (that didn’t feel as short as a novella at all, thankfully), because it’s everything you expect and more from PD and the series!

I will start this review saying that I usually like novellas but I don’t love them, as often there is not enough time for the progression of the story. Penelope Douglas kept shouting that this is a short story and it is not Quinn’s full book. Why am I saying all these? Because simply this book surpassed every expectation and I LOVED it as much as this author’s other books.
Quinn has always followed the rules . She has after all two overprotective brothers, Jared and Madoc, and one hovering father, Jason. When her heart is captured by a family friend, Lucas, who is older and more sophisticated, she is afraid to push the limits, until one anonymous book reveals her all the past.
Behind the happy family, there is a story full of pain and turmoil. As the secrets are revealed she has to face that to be happy, you have to take risks. It is not always the safe path the right solution. You just have to spread your wings and fly, even if you might get hurt.
I loved the background story that this book was built on and I was so excited to see the other side of the coin. We get back to the past seeing things differently, making us forgive and forget the mistakes that have been done.
We get to see again our favorite couples and how their life has moved on and Penelope rolls us in the deep with their kids, promising us intriguing stories!
If you are fan of this series, then this is a must read novella! It will remind you why you love these characters and all the intense feelings will be back! What a great addition!

Lindy's Thoughts:

Next to Never was a phenomenal novella! What a great addition to the Fall Away Series! Penelope Douglas is a gifted and extremely talented story teller. I fall completely in to her stories, and never want them to end. They are the perfect reading escape!

Next to Never brought me another chance to experience some of my favorite fictional characters. It was such a treat getting reacquainted with Jared, Tate, Madoc, Fallon, Jax, and Juliet. I also got to know their children, and am really looking forward to each of their stories.

In Next to Never, we get to know Quinn (Jared, Madoc, and Jax's younger sister.) Quinn fantasizes about Lucas, her brothers friend. She hasn't seen Lucas in years, but hopes for the day when he will return. One day a book arrives in the mail with no return address. Quinn is reluctant to read it, because it is a romance, and she doesn't enjoy that genre. However, when her niece Dylan, begins to read aloud, she becomes drawn in. The story begins to take an interesting twist, when family secrets begin to come to light.

Next to Never hooked me! What an incredible story! I highly recommend this novella to fans of the Fall Away Series.

Rating:

I give, Next to Never, by Penelope Douglas, 5 Frenzied, Passionate, Tumultuous, and Riveting Stars!

NEXT TO NEVER (FALL AWAY 4.5) by PENELOPE DOUGLAS

To cure the nostalgic feeling you have after so many months of not having to read a new book from this series, NEXT TO NEVER is the remedy. Fans of Penelope Douglas will LOVE this book from start to finish.

The characters we all love in BULLY is back with a preview of what’s to come from this series plus a little back story of how it all started. I love how this series was perfectly written with its connecting characters. Yes, you do have to remember whose child is who but it’s always fun tracing their family tree. Thanks to Penelope she gave us a illustrated family tree. ;)

As a fan of this series, I appreciate how touching and deep the story runs. You thought after reading BULLY that that was it but no, Penelope gave her readers more and she never disappoints. She is also very generous in writing a storyline that’s full of love. The tender and angst of each of the characters in this series is captivating and even more so now that we have more characters to read about.

I am so excited to read more and I cannot wait when each book is finally released.

Penelope Douglas is such an amazing storyteller and I promise that each book she writes is always an experience.

♥

Honestly, this book was like a little tease into the future and a blast from the past all in one book and I LOVED it!!!!

Quinn is grown up and as is all the other kids!! The bond and relationship between Quinn and her brothers was fun to read about. They are so protective over her and sometimes it annoys her but she knows that it is coming from a good place in their hearts. I loved that there were 2 stories in this book. We get to finally learn the back story of Quinn's parents and it was beautiful and passionate. I loved learning about the other kids as well; Dylan, Hunter, Kade & Hawke. The banter between Quinn & Hawke was funny and quirky. Hawks is a little bit of both Jax & Juliet. I didn't really get a good read on Dylan but I have a feeling she is going to be one strong and stubborn woman. Hunter & Kade oh man, those two brothers have issues that need to be worked out. There was definite tension between them at the end of this book and it just makes me that more anxious for the next book!!!

Penelope Douglas is one of my favorite authors and Iove her writing!!! This book gave us a little something yet not enough and I am so excited for what comes next!!!!

Next To Never was extremely different from the rest of the books in the series. It involved a book inside a book and it was actually a very cool, unique & refreshing twist to the series. Although the heroine talks about her crush, this is not the story about her falling in love and I think it's important to know that before going into the story. It is still, however, a story of love. We get to see the characters we have loved for so long and we get to be enlightened by the past that brought them all together. Next To Never really gave me a greater understanding of Jared's past and his family in a way that really made me feel as if somebody took my glasses, cleaned them until they were spotless and put them back on me. I absolutely LOVED it.

*Disclaimer: A Review Copy was kindly was provided to Reads By Rose in exchange for an honest review. My reviews will always remain truthful, unbiased and respectful.

I expected something totally different.

We were warned at the beginning... but than I started reading and the more I read, the clearer it became. I couldn't have wished for a more perfect way to tell this story or even for somebody to write a story like this.

Once again I fell for all characters and I really can not wait patiently enought to read the next book by Penelope.

I swear, the more she writes the more I crave, adore and love her.

This was definitely a favourite for me.. the first of Penelope Douglas since Bully. I did not expect the story I got from Next To Never.. I thought it was mainly regarding Quinn but was pleasantly surprised to get the story of Kat and Jason instead. I can't wait to read more (hopefully) from the Fall Away kids in the future.. but am extremely happy with the story I got .. it gave me a lot of new information which I didn't think about when reading Bully.. LOVED IT!!

This story connected all the past characters to the present and set up the matches for future books. It would be weird to read your parents love story when it involves a lot of bad parenting, cheating and book-worthy mistakes but Quinn took it all really well. I'm looking forward to read her love story. P.S. it helps if you know the family tree of this very interwoven group of friends and family :)