Next to Never

By: Penelope Douglas

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Penelope Douglas (P)2017 Tantor

My favorite author!

I didn't think I needed or wanted a story about Kat and Jase and how they became Mom and Dad but apparently it's exactly what I was missing! I loved their story. It was actually pretty heartbreaking. It was sweet to see them young and in need of more in their lives. I also enjoyed reading about baby, then teenaged, Jared and Madoc. Jase and Kat's story spans over 20 years. They have a daughter, their second chance. Quinn is essentially telling this story. She is introducing the next generation of this fabulous family. I imagine we will be starting with Quinn's story and I literally can't wait. Penelope Douglas is one of my favorite authors and I don't think she knows how to write a bad book. If you also love Tate and the rest of the gang...read this now!

6 people found this helpful

Past and present

I love the Fall Away series. I Liked seeing everyone all grown up being a family. Their children are just a mischievous as they were in high school. Even though we think of the start of the series with Tate and Jared, it really started with Jase and Kat, though the synopsis makes it seem as though this story will be about Quinn and Lucas. I would describe this as a prequel with in a continuation. I'm curious to see what's going to happen with the next generation. There was so many hints of angst and passion, I know this story is going to be as good as the rest.

Abby Craden seems so much so a part of the series. I wish Nelson Hobbs would have come back for the male perspective parts.

3 people found this helpful

Disappointed

I loved this series, but this last book was really presented incorrectly. Based on the summary, I expected this book to have SOMETHING to do with Lucas but other than two minutes in the epilogue where he’s not even on the same continent, he’s not a part of this story. This is entirely based on the relationship between Jared’s mom and Maddox’s Dad. It’s an interesting story but not really what I thought I signed up for and this just left a million loose ends.

2 people found this helpful

Entertaining, but so depressing

First off, the narrator did a good job on the narration. A solid performance, and her voice fit the main character.


Possible spoilers.

This book has little to do with Quinn and lots to do with the parents story. This is more a prequel to this series. It's about Jared's mom, Cat, Madoc's dad, Jase, who are now the parents of Quinn. This book is how they met and fell in love. This is a book within a book; being read by Quinn about her parents. Yes, there are some uncomfortable parts for her to read. I liked the depth of connection between Cat and Jase, but this book is just so depressing. Jase is the rich guy who is unhappy in his sort of arranged marriage. He likes his wife; they were friends before, but they don't have the passion. They also have a kid, Madoc. He meets Cat, who is married to a loser; luckily she knows this and is trying to get away. She also has a kid, Jared. They begin an affair that last years and years and years. They have a deep connection, but not enough for Jase to leave his wife. He makes excuses for years and Cat keeps staying with him, but the situation is causing her to become an alcoholic and a bad mom. He does have love for her, but he is such a coward. Cat is an absolute mess about him, and is basically treated like little more than Jase’s booty call. They break-up, get back together multiple times. Obviously, they finally get together, but they are in their 50's by that time, so it all was so wasted. Cat just waits around and wastes away waiting for Jase. She does finally realize that she doesn't need to be on his beck and call, but Jase continues to be a moron. I am interested for Quinn's story, but I'm not loving how she's pining away for Lucas, who barely gives her a reason to. The writing is good and the story is interesting, so I went 3 stars. It's also great to see the rest of the clan, but their kids are spoiled brats; especially the boys. Completely full of themselves and jerks. The girls are all about letting the boys treat them horribly and following along like little puppies to get any attention they throw their way. Sure they have some sassiness, but when it comes to hot guys, they suck.

1 person found this helpful

misleading

This was a great read but the summary was misleading. I really wanted to know more about Lucas. I really hope another book come out soon. Really leave you hanging.

1 person found this helpful

Great transition and loved the parent's back story

What did you love best about Next to Never?

I loved this story! Loved that we were able to catch up with all the characters we love and got to new the new generation better, but what I really enjoyed was the back story to the parents.

What other book might you compare Next to Never to and why?

It is hard to compare, it was good all on its own!

Have you listened to any of Abby Craden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Do not believe I have listened to her before, but loved her narration and would listen to her again!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Nothing is really like it seems!

Any additional comments?

Cannot wait for more from these characters!

1 person found this helpful

I Loved It!

Penelope did a wonderful job with this book. What a surprise in the way she wrote two stories in one, blending and explaining one love story with the coming of age of everyone.
I am so looking forward to the stories of the next generation , especially Quinn and Lucas.
Really a great read.

1 person found this helpful

disappointed

description is very misleading. half the book is about her parents story, and honestly I wasnt interested. I had to stop myself turning it off because I just didnt want to hear about them. I loved every other book in the series, but this was disappointing. I wanted to hear more about quinn and her cousin's.
it wasnt bad though. if you want to hear about how her parents got together than itll be a good read, and it's a cute way to hear their story. I just dont really care to hear about them when I already know their outcome.

What's next?

This book left so many unanswered questions. Does Lucas go home? Do he and Quinn reunite? Does Hunter "get the girl?" Ugh.. I need to know.

Next

This was a delightful audiobook and I am reeling in trepidation for the full-on novel that will be Quinn and Luke’s story.

I enjoyed the history of how Kat and Jase fell in love!