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Release Day Review: Next to Never by (Fall Away #4.5) by Penelope Douglas

January 17, 2017

Next to Never by Penelope Douglas
Series: Fall Away #4.5
Publication Date: January 17th 2017

 

Synopsis:

 

New York Times bestseller Penelope Douglas introduces Quinn, younger sister to Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, in the latest novella in the series that began with Jared and Tate in Bully….

Quinn Caruthers has several problems.

Her father, Jason, and her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon.

Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without them jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood captures her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man—experienced, sophisticated, and important. And knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.

But Lucas left town years ago and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.

But then a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn Quinn’s world upside down. She’s never asked about the tumultuous path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.

As she begins to see things around her with new eyes, Quinn will have to make tough choices about whether she’ll keep waiting…or finally go after what she really wants.

 

My Review:

“All she sees is what’s right in front of her. Guys are drawn to her, because of her spirit and smiles. She’s a happy person, and she makes people feel good when they’re around her. I’m not like that. I’m just kind of there. Like empty space.”

If Penelope Douglas writes a book, I will read it! And this series is one of my favorites, so I could not wait to get back into these characters’ lives! And what a treat! Once again, Ms. Douglas surprises and puts a fresh spin on her beloved characters. This book introduces us to Quinn, but also sets up the next generation of characters and it was just a pleasure to read.

The author uses a story within a story here which added a layer of nuance and depth to what I thought would be a classic New Adult romance. Ms. Douglas gives us the backstory of Katherine Trent and Jason Caruthers and it broke my heart! Yes, you will absolutely need to read the other books in the series first but Bully and the later books are among my most cherished stories. From adult contemporary romance to new adult stories, Ms. Douglas can do it all.

“Why did you marry her?” she asked me in return.
I turned my eyes back out to the road as I would my way through her neighborhood.
Because I didn’t see you first.

My heart!! The author does a wonderful job of telling two parallel stories here. The book felt a little sad to me at times because of the theme of lost time but the author gives her characters the perfect conclusion here. Don’t miss Next to Never! It is a clever love letter to the fans of the Fall Away Series.

(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)

4 Stars

 

Series Reading Order:

 

Categories : 4 Stars, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Reviews, Series Tagged : Fall Away Series, Next to Never, Penelope Douglas

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Rival (Fall Away #2) by Penelope Douglas

March 16, 2014

Title: Rival
Series: Fall Away, #2
Author: Penelope Douglas
Genre: NA / Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 26, 2014
*Pre-order links*
Kindle I Nook I iTunes I Paperback

*Synopsis*

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Until You

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the three years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Three years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

*Purchase books 1 & 2 of the Fall Away series*
     
*Buy Links – Bully*
Amazon I Amazon UK I Barnes&Noble I iTunes I Kobo
*Buy Links – Until You*
Amazon I Amazon UK I Barnes&Noble I iTunes I Kobo

*About Penelope*
Penelope Douglas is a writer and teacher in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she hated Public Administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later they were married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, the show Sons of Anarchy, and she shops at Target almost daily.

*Connect with Penelope*
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Pinterest I Goodreads

*Giveaway*

(5) $10 GC from either Amazon or Barnes&Noble
(1) Signed set of Bully & Until You (original copy)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Categories : Giveaway, New Adult Contemporary Tagged : Fall Away Series, Penelope Douglas, Rival

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