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Beautiful Things Never Last
It’s been a year since Quinn's life was changed for good by that Christmas kiss from Ben.
A year spent getting her life together. No more crazy parents looking over her shoulder, no more self-destructive behavior or secrets. Now, she and Ben share everything— including a tiny apartment, and a beautiful love.
Since he met Quinn, Ben’s life has been full of change. After finally standing up to his mom, he’s cut ties with his family and moved across the country with the only girl he’s ever wanted. But there’s something to be said for feeling needed, and he’s not sure that he is anymore.
When Quinn’s accepted into a month long culinary program in Italy, she’s ecstatic. But while she’s in a gorgeous country learning gnocchi and pesto, Ben’s blowing off her calls and pulling back.
But someone from Ben’s past walks back into his life, and he finally feels like he has a purpose again. Someone to take care of... Someone to save.
When Quinn returns, and the who's and why's of Ben's behavior are revealed, how does she have any choice but to walk away from the only guy she's ever loved?
And how can Ben ever learn to let her go?
In this follow-up to the 2011 release, GROUNDING QUINN, love and loss take on new meanings when roles are reversed, and the lengths that we go to to protect our hearts are challenged in new ways.
A year spent getting her life together. No more crazy parents looking over her shoulder, no more self-destructive behavior or secrets. Now, she and Ben share everything— including a tiny apartment, and a beautiful love.
Since he met Quinn, Ben’s life has been full of change. After finally standing up to his mom, he’s cut ties with his family and moved across the country with the only girl he’s ever wanted. But there’s something to be said for feeling needed, and he’s not sure that he is anymore.
When Quinn’s accepted into a month long culinary program in Italy, she’s ecstatic. But while she’s in a gorgeous country learning gnocchi and pesto, Ben’s blowing off her calls and pulling back.
But someone from Ben’s past walks back into his life, and he finally feels like he has a purpose again. Someone to take care of... Someone to save.
When Quinn returns, and the who's and why's of Ben's behavior are revealed, how does she have any choice but to walk away from the only guy she's ever loved?
And how can Ben ever learn to let her go?
In this follow-up to the 2011 release, GROUNDING QUINN, love and loss take on new meanings when roles are reversed, and the lengths that we go to to protect our hearts are challenged in new ways.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2013
25 people are currently reading
2327 people want to read
About the author
Steph Campbell
34 books1,139 followersMom.
Wife.
YA Author.
So Cal Native.
Bayou Transplant.
Reluctant Texan.
I hate shows with laugh tracks.
Wife.
YA Author.
So Cal Native.
Bayou Transplant.
Reluctant Texan.
I hate shows with laugh tracks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 24, 2013
Full review to follow, but initial reaction? What an amazing beautiful book! As you can see by my pre-read reaction, I was worried, not just about how it would end, but about kind of putting Quinn through it again with the drama and all. But although there is heartache and loss, there is also deep, rich and passion for life and awesome catharsis, expressed in prose that had me highlighting on almost every page. Steph is such a gorgeous writer, this is an absolutely utterly worthy successor to the awesome Grounding Quinn.
Wow! Just the synopsis is killing me! On the one hand, so happy to see Quinn getting it together, but oh noes, not this! I loved that Ben had this rescuer thing for Quinn, I am so hoping there was more to it than that! I know there is truth in the title, but this one's gonna hurt.
Wow! Just the synopsis is killing me! On the one hand, so happy to see Quinn getting it together, but oh noes, not this! I loved that Ben had this rescuer thing for Quinn, I am so hoping there was more to it than that! I know there is truth in the title, but this one's gonna hurt.
January 13, 2013
I just...
First of all. Ben and Quinn might be my favorite book people of all time. Or tied w/ Cricket and Lola (though those two I love for totally different reasons).
I was terrified I'd hate Ben in this book or hate Quinn, and sequels are SO hard. But this is a gorgeous book. A COMPLETELY gorgeous book. I love it when we see more of the people we love, but they've changed a little and grown up and so their problems and struggles also change...
This was just as heart-wrenching as I thought it would be, but SO worth it for the end...
First of all. Ben and Quinn might be my favorite book people of all time. Or tied w/ Cricket and Lola (though those two I love for totally different reasons).
I was terrified I'd hate Ben in this book or hate Quinn, and sequels are SO hard. But this is a gorgeous book. A COMPLETELY gorgeous book. I love it when we see more of the people we love, but they've changed a little and grown up and so their problems and struggles also change...
This was just as heart-wrenching as I thought it would be, but SO worth it for the end...
January 26, 2013
*Sigh* ... review will come soon. Literally finished about 5 minutes ago.
I wanted to just put down some thoughts for now and I'm kind of at a loss to even do that right now!
I guess all I can say is that BTNL is the perfect follow on story for Quinn and Ben. It's not all hearts and flowers for them after the end of Grounding Quinn and BTNL shows that perfectly. There are misunderstandings, insecurities, obstacles and fears. BTNL is the story of how Quinn and Ben deal with all of those things and how they fight for their relationship.
I shed a couple of tears while reading, I felt frustrated with both characters, I even bit off a damn nail (and I'm trying really hard not to do that now that I'm 31!) but I'd do it all again for Quinn and Ben.
I'm going now to put a real review together, this book deserves me taking time over it and not rambling!
**Edit**
OK, it’s been a week since I finished Beautiful Things Never Last and I think I’m ready to review it now!
BTNL is the follow up to Grounding Quinn, [see my review here] a book I absolutely loved. Back then Quinn was just such a tragic, messed up, emotional wreck. She was dealing with so much crap my heart ached for her and the way she thought of herself.
Then, as you’ll know if you’ve read Grounding Quinn, she and Ben finally sorted things out on that special Christmas Eve.
Fast forward a year, move our 2 main characters from Georgia to California, and we have the start of BTNL. Quinn and Ben have started afresh, left their dysfunctional/meddling families behind, and are now at college. Everything’s perfect, right? Nope!
Ben is feeling a bit useless. He and Quinn are so settled now that he feels like she doesn’t need him anymore. He can’t carry out the role he always has – protector, knight in shining armour, good guy when things are bad.
Quinn has finally got the stable life she so desperately needed/wanted/deserved. Things are great. Then Caroline – Ben’s persistent ex-girlfriend - starts calling him. Then Quinn is offered and accepts a place on a month-long cooking programme in Italy.
How will they survive this month apart? What does Caroline want? Will Ben go to her? Will Quinn think differently after spreading her wings in Italy? Will she still need or even want Ben when she gets back?
Gah, I just loved, loved, loved Beautiful Things Never Last! The one tiny negative I had at the end of Grounding Quinn was that I wanted to know more of their story. After they finally sorted things out I wanted to know more about them and how they were getting on. BTNL gave me what I wanted and let me feeling fulfilled at the end.
Someone said to me recently that sequels are hard to write. Since I’m not a writer I can’t fully appreciate that. What I can say is that Beautiful Things Never last is a worthy successor to Grounding Quinn. It had all the elements I look for in a good, no, great, book – easy to read, flowing writing, great characters that I care about, and a plot that keeps me hooked. There were misunderstandings, and miscommunications, there were feelings of not being needed, and mistrust. There was passion, drama, and emotion. Ultimately there was the message that things can’t always stay the same but it is possible for love to last if you’re willing to adapt and change as your circumstances do.
I loved seeing how Quinn had grown in the year since she’d left home. I loved seeing how Ben was free from his awful mother. I loved that Carter and Shayna were there as Quinn and Ben’s support system. I hated conniving Caroline – yeah, she’d been through a lot but her ultimate goal never changed and I think she definitely tried to play her recent trauma to her advantage. Ben’s mum? Yeah, I still disliked her too, even though I guess she did try a tiny bit!
I don’t know if this review has made any sense but I hope it lets you know that you should definitely read Beautiful Things Never Last. Steph Campbell knows how to write stories that are full of passion and emotion, stories that keep you engrossed and rooting for the characters. Do you have those authors who’s work you just go to without even bothering to read reviews to see if it’s any good? Yeah, Steph Campbell is on that list for me.
I wanted to just put down some thoughts for now and I'm kind of at a loss to even do that right now!
I guess all I can say is that BTNL is the perfect follow on story for Quinn and Ben. It's not all hearts and flowers for them after the end of Grounding Quinn and BTNL shows that perfectly. There are misunderstandings, insecurities, obstacles and fears. BTNL is the story of how Quinn and Ben deal with all of those things and how they fight for their relationship.
I shed a couple of tears while reading, I felt frustrated with both characters, I even bit off a damn nail (and I'm trying really hard not to do that now that I'm 31!) but I'd do it all again for Quinn and Ben.
I'm going now to put a real review together, this book deserves me taking time over it and not rambling!
**Edit**
OK, it’s been a week since I finished Beautiful Things Never Last and I think I’m ready to review it now!
BTNL is the follow up to Grounding Quinn, [see my review here] a book I absolutely loved. Back then Quinn was just such a tragic, messed up, emotional wreck. She was dealing with so much crap my heart ached for her and the way she thought of herself.
Then, as you’ll know if you’ve read Grounding Quinn, she and Ben finally sorted things out on that special Christmas Eve.
Fast forward a year, move our 2 main characters from Georgia to California, and we have the start of BTNL. Quinn and Ben have started afresh, left their dysfunctional/meddling families behind, and are now at college. Everything’s perfect, right? Nope!
Ben is feeling a bit useless. He and Quinn are so settled now that he feels like she doesn’t need him anymore. He can’t carry out the role he always has – protector, knight in shining armour, good guy when things are bad.
Quinn has finally got the stable life she so desperately needed/wanted/deserved. Things are great. Then Caroline – Ben’s persistent ex-girlfriend - starts calling him. Then Quinn is offered and accepts a place on a month-long cooking programme in Italy.
How will they survive this month apart? What does Caroline want? Will Ben go to her? Will Quinn think differently after spreading her wings in Italy? Will she still need or even want Ben when she gets back?
Gah, I just loved, loved, loved Beautiful Things Never Last! The one tiny negative I had at the end of Grounding Quinn was that I wanted to know more of their story. After they finally sorted things out I wanted to know more about them and how they were getting on. BTNL gave me what I wanted and let me feeling fulfilled at the end.
Someone said to me recently that sequels are hard to write. Since I’m not a writer I can’t fully appreciate that. What I can say is that Beautiful Things Never last is a worthy successor to Grounding Quinn. It had all the elements I look for in a good, no, great, book – easy to read, flowing writing, great characters that I care about, and a plot that keeps me hooked. There were misunderstandings, and miscommunications, there were feelings of not being needed, and mistrust. There was passion, drama, and emotion. Ultimately there was the message that things can’t always stay the same but it is possible for love to last if you’re willing to adapt and change as your circumstances do.
I loved seeing how Quinn had grown in the year since she’d left home. I loved seeing how Ben was free from his awful mother. I loved that Carter and Shayna were there as Quinn and Ben’s support system. I hated conniving Caroline – yeah, she’d been through a lot but her ultimate goal never changed and I think she definitely tried to play her recent trauma to her advantage. Ben’s mum? Yeah, I still disliked her too, even though I guess she did try a tiny bit!
I don’t know if this review has made any sense but I hope it lets you know that you should definitely read Beautiful Things Never Last. Steph Campbell knows how to write stories that are full of passion and emotion, stories that keep you engrossed and rooting for the characters. Do you have those authors who’s work you just go to without even bothering to read reviews to see if it’s any good? Yeah, Steph Campbell is on that list for me.
July 7, 2020
“You told me a long time ago that beautiful things never last. But I think you’re wrong. I think they can. If you fight for them. If you let them change, they can morph into something even better. If you make it work.”
Beautiful Things Never Last is a follow up novel to Grounding Quinn, which I loved.
It’s been a year that Ben and Quinn have been together. They have been solid. Family drama has not been getting in the way, Quinn has her head on straight. Both Ben and Quinn are working part time, living in California and going to school, Quinn for culinary, and Ben for photography. Its all good. Quinn gets the opportunity of a lifetime. To go to a month long program in Italy. She is ecstatic, but nervous. Ben is happy for her, but he is conflicted. Quinn will be gone for a month.
While she is gone, Ben is acting a little strangely. Not taking Quinn’s phone calls etc. Then he makes the mother of all mistakes... he decides to go home for Christmas. Where his ex-girlfriend Caroline is staying. Because she needs him. And Quinn doesn’t. Ben has to be needed. As much as I LOVE Ben, and I do love Ben... I wanted to slap him. Of course Caroline wants Ben back. Ben realizes he has made a huge mistake. When Quinn comes home from Italy, she finds out what happened while she was gone. Will they be able to make it through this, or has their relationship been through too much?
Talk about role reversal!!! The crazy, irresponsible Quinn has become the mature level headed one! There was only one thing that bugged me about Quinn in this story . Ben is still a stand up guy. He just screwed up. He needs to be needed. “Just say it. Just say that she needed you. That you couldn’t resist running to her rescue.” It took him a lot to see that Quinn still needed him, just not the way he was used to being needed.
Loved the characters and enjoyed the story, even though it frustrated me at times. When you really love someone, it’s worth the effort to forgive and move on. Everyone deserves a second chance. Overall, a really good read!
Life isn’t about holding all the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces. And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together, even if they’re all jaggedy and mismatched.
Beautiful Things Never Last is a follow up novel to Grounding Quinn, which I loved.
It’s been a year that Ben and Quinn have been together. They have been solid. Family drama has not been getting in the way, Quinn has her head on straight. Both Ben and Quinn are working part time, living in California and going to school, Quinn for culinary, and Ben for photography. Its all good. Quinn gets the opportunity of a lifetime. To go to a month long program in Italy. She is ecstatic, but nervous. Ben is happy for her, but he is conflicted. Quinn will be gone for a month.
While she is gone, Ben is acting a little strangely. Not taking Quinn’s phone calls etc. Then he makes the mother of all mistakes... he decides to go home for Christmas. Where his ex-girlfriend Caroline is staying. Because she needs him. And Quinn doesn’t. Ben has to be needed. As much as I LOVE Ben, and I do love Ben... I wanted to slap him. Of course Caroline wants Ben back. Ben realizes he has made a huge mistake. When Quinn comes home from Italy, she finds out what happened while she was gone. Will they be able to make it through this, or has their relationship been through too much?
Talk about role reversal!!! The crazy, irresponsible Quinn has become the mature level headed one! There was only one thing that bugged me about Quinn in this story . Ben is still a stand up guy. He just screwed up. He needs to be needed. “Just say it. Just say that she needed you. That you couldn’t resist running to her rescue.” It took him a lot to see that Quinn still needed him, just not the way he was used to being needed.
Loved the characters and enjoyed the story, even though it frustrated me at times. When you really love someone, it’s worth the effort to forgive and move on. Everyone deserves a second chance. Overall, a really good read!
Life isn’t about holding all the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces. And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together, even if they’re all jaggedy and mismatched.
Want to read
July 14, 2012Oh no I think this book will break my heart
Want to read
August 30, 2012Ummmm, this sounds like my kind of book-heartbreaking and torturous! Ahhhhhh, I am addicted to these novels. Can't wait!
October 24, 2014
(Source: I own a copy of this book.)
Quinn and Ben have made up and have been living together for a while, but now Quinn is off on a month-long trip to Italy, and Ben is getting calls from his ex-girlfriend Caroline.
Can Ben remain faithful to Quinn? And will Quinn believe him even if he is?
This book started out okay, but it lost its way at the 70% mark.
Quinn and Ben were like totally different people in this book compared to Grounding Quinn, and it was a bit weird! The girl who took pills for fun had disappeared, and instead been replaced by a girl with a passion for cooking. Unfortunately at the 70% mark she slipped back to her old ways, and started to irritate me again.
The storyline in this was okay, both Quinn and Ben made mistakes though, and things got a bit immature and irritating when Quinn and Ben started arguing again.
The romance in the first half was okay, but was pretty much absent from the rest of the book, and in my personal opinion this book should not be classified as YA. Quinn and Ben have sex, and not behind-closed-doors sort of sex. I’m talking about details about rosy nipples and hard lengths kind of sex, and I would not recommend this book for young teens.
The ending was okay, but by that point I was glad that the book had finished. That second half just killed it for me.
Overall; started off good, but lost its way.
6.5 out of 10.
Quinn and Ben have made up and have been living together for a while, but now Quinn is off on a month-long trip to Italy, and Ben is getting calls from his ex-girlfriend Caroline.
Can Ben remain faithful to Quinn? And will Quinn believe him even if he is?
This book started out okay, but it lost its way at the 70% mark.
Quinn and Ben were like totally different people in this book compared to Grounding Quinn, and it was a bit weird! The girl who took pills for fun had disappeared, and instead been replaced by a girl with a passion for cooking. Unfortunately at the 70% mark she slipped back to her old ways, and started to irritate me again.
The storyline in this was okay, both Quinn and Ben made mistakes though, and things got a bit immature and irritating when Quinn and Ben started arguing again.
The romance in the first half was okay, but was pretty much absent from the rest of the book, and in my personal opinion this book should not be classified as YA. Quinn and Ben have sex, and not behind-closed-doors sort of sex. I’m talking about details about rosy nipples and hard lengths kind of sex, and I would not recommend this book for young teens.
The ending was okay, but by that point I was glad that the book had finished. That second half just killed it for me.
Overall; started off good, but lost its way.
6.5 out of 10.
Want to read
September 24, 2012O.M.G.!!! I just finished Grounding Quinn and read this blurb and...AARRRGGGHHHH!!!!! Sounds like trouble in paradise, but I can't wait!!
July 19, 2015
I finally understand that life isn’t about holding all of the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces.And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together,even if they’re all jaggedy and mismatched.And that’s what brought Ben and I to this moment—to this mad,crazy love.
To this promise.
That beautiful things can last, if you let them bend and change with you.
“I love you,I used to think I loved you because of the way you made me feel that first day we spent together in Savannah.But I don’t.I love you for the way you crinkle your nose when someone annoys the shit out of you, and you’re trying so damn hard to bite your tongue. I love you for never burning food. I love you for calling me out on my shit,and reminding me every day why I’m so damn lucky to call you mine.I love you for making my life whole.”
Writing a review for this one is going to be tough.I dont think I can forgive Quinn as easy as Ben.With Ben my disappointment lasted less than a chapter.I got that he has issues too and he needed to get them out of his system.I was not that easy with Quinn.I dont know why exactly is that.Maybe its because she pushes of Ben and acts like she hasnt done anything wrong in the past.How could she forget what she did with Mark?And the fact that he forgave her?In my mind she was cruel to him.But I know thats not probably the truth and I am just been unfair to her.You know what maybe I get her a little.She doesn't think she deserves him so she wants him to see what a mistake he makes being with her.
I can’t promise that I’ll ever be able to give you the big house, or the best Damascus knives or that I’ll ever be able to tell the difference between a Coeur à la Crème mold and a soufflé dish.I can’t promise that I’ll never piss you off, or that I’ll never let you down again. I can’t promise to always say the right things, or even to pretend that you always say the right things. But I can promise, and I do promise, that I’ll wake up every single day and try like hell. I promise you that I’ll give you everything in me.
To this promise.
That beautiful things can last, if you let them bend and change with you.
“I love you,I used to think I loved you because of the way you made me feel that first day we spent together in Savannah.But I don’t.I love you for the way you crinkle your nose when someone annoys the shit out of you, and you’re trying so damn hard to bite your tongue. I love you for never burning food. I love you for calling me out on my shit,and reminding me every day why I’m so damn lucky to call you mine.I love you for making my life whole.”
Writing a review for this one is going to be tough.I dont think I can forgive Quinn as easy as Ben.With Ben my disappointment lasted less than a chapter.I got that he has issues too and he needed to get them out of his system.I was not that easy with Quinn.I dont know why exactly is that.Maybe its because she pushes of Ben and acts like she hasnt done anything wrong in the past.How could she forget what she did with Mark?And the fact that he forgave her?In my mind she was cruel to him.But I know thats not probably the truth and I am just been unfair to her.You know what maybe I get her a little.She doesn't think she deserves him so she wants him to see what a mistake he makes being with her.
I can’t promise that I’ll ever be able to give you the big house, or the best Damascus knives or that I’ll ever be able to tell the difference between a Coeur à la Crème mold and a soufflé dish.I can’t promise that I’ll never piss you off, or that I’ll never let you down again. I can’t promise to always say the right things, or even to pretend that you always say the right things. But I can promise, and I do promise, that I’ll wake up every single day and try like hell. I promise you that I’ll give you everything in me.
January 17, 2013
I think I loved this even better than the first book. It was torturous and heartbreaking but the story is so rich and written so beautifully. This was the perfect follow up to the tumultuous story that is Grounding Quinn.
In this follow-up, Quinn has taken control of her life. She has moved to California with Ben who chose to be with her, leaving his micro-managing mom behind. Things are normal. But Ben doesn't know how to deal with "normal" Quinn and a life of normalcy with her. He needs her to need him even if she no longer needs to be rescued. Someone else needs Ben and he jumps at that chance (without much thought - ass!) - ruining things for him and Quinn. This time around, Ben doesn't quite know how to fix things. In the past, he had to glue things together. But now he is the cause of the heartache.
Steph Campbell is a master in writing moving words that had me crazy highlighting the whole time I was reading. More of Ben and Quinn please. Not.Just.As.Painful.As.This.One.
"In a perfect, neat world, love should be all that matters. But sometimes, it's not. Sometimes it's hard too hard to hold all of the pieces together."
"And I learned that letting go of guilt can open the door to happiness and second chances."
"I want to ask him how he did it. You know, when the situation was reversed? How was he able to stash that pain aside and still want to be with me. Because I don't think I'm that big of a person. Or strong enough. Or any of those good things that people aspire to be."
"If you've never gone mad, you've never been in love."
"I finally understand that life isn't about holding all of the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces. And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together, even if they're all jaggedy and mismatched."
In this follow-up, Quinn has taken control of her life. She has moved to California with Ben who chose to be with her, leaving his micro-managing mom behind. Things are normal. But Ben doesn't know how to deal with "normal" Quinn and a life of normalcy with her. He needs her to need him even if she no longer needs to be rescued. Someone else needs Ben and he jumps at that chance (without much thought - ass!) - ruining things for him and Quinn. This time around, Ben doesn't quite know how to fix things. In the past, he had to glue things together. But now he is the cause of the heartache.
Steph Campbell is a master in writing moving words that had me crazy highlighting the whole time I was reading. More of Ben and Quinn please. Not.Just.As.Painful.As.This.One.
"In a perfect, neat world, love should be all that matters. But sometimes, it's not. Sometimes it's hard too hard to hold all of the pieces together."
"And I learned that letting go of guilt can open the door to happiness and second chances."
"I want to ask him how he did it. You know, when the situation was reversed? How was he able to stash that pain aside and still want to be with me. Because I don't think I'm that big of a person. Or strong enough. Or any of those good things that people aspire to be."
"If you've never gone mad, you've never been in love."
"I finally understand that life isn't about holding all of the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces. And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together, even if they're all jaggedy and mismatched."
February 23, 2013
Ah....young love and opportunity! This book was just as good as Grounding Quinn. It definitely described the ups and downs of love. The highs, the lows and the in between comfortable spots. Sometimes we get too comfortable and that's when we take what we have for granted. Ben definitely figured this out! Coming home at all hours and then being left alone while Quinn was able to pursue her passion, led to some real soul searching on Ben's part. The author really brings these characters to life! You'll find yourself feeling all of their emotions just like they are yours (and then remembering your own relationship growing pains). LOVED this book
January 25, 2013
Wow! This was such a wonderful story! I loved Quinn and Ben and especially Quinn's time in Italy! There was enough angst here to get my heart pounding but thank goodness this was a quick read and my tortured heart did not have to suffer too long! This was an outstanding mature YA and one that you must read! Also, such a beautiful cover!! Great work ladies!
February 27, 2013
I did not like these books. I feel bad saying that, because I know the author put so much time and work into these. But I just did not like them. It took me forever to read them. I couldn't relate with the character. And I felt like she was just a brat and couldn't stand her and her drama. I will not ever read these again.
on-the-fence-to-read
January 16, 2013Ummm...is it just me or does the title of this book sound ominous?
February 24, 2013
Fantastic wonderful read. A must. Loved it.
February 25, 2015
me gusto, aunque si quise golpear a caroline :-)
March 20, 2018
The version I read had quite a lot of typos which pulled me out of the story each time. I wasn't sure if I was enjoying the read, but for some reason once Quinn left and reached her destination I was more compelled to read on. I didn't think any less of either character after reading this, despite the mistakes made.
This was a sweet read with a happy-for-now ending which I enjoyed. Steph Campbell is definitely one of the more talented NA contemporary writers out there in my opinion.
This was a sweet read with a happy-for-now ending which I enjoyed. Steph Campbell is definitely one of the more talented NA contemporary writers out there in my opinion.
June 6, 2013
Oh, my heart. It's actually been a while since I read this, but going back through my notes and quotes from the book, made my heart stutter. AGAIN. When I finished Grounding Quinn, I was so happy with how things ended. And, ok, I was excited about this book too, but also a bit apprehensive. What I realized is that the issues that Ben and Quinn face in this book are normal, common problems that couples face. But, I think because Ben and Quinn had come such a long way, I was bracing for the worst. Literally...my gut was clenched the whole book. Now, you may be asking me "And that's a good thing?" And I say to you, YES. I feel so strongly about these characters that I wanted to shield them from all harm. Dramatic, I know.
So, how do I review this book without saying what actually happens??? Well, I can tell you that Quinn has grown a lot. She's broken free from her crazy family and is living with Ben in California. They're happy, in love, and are doing well in school. So, when the opportunity comes up for her to go to Italy, she's beyond excited. You could see the change in her. Quinn carries herself with comfort and a confidence now. She still finds strength in Ben, but she doesn't need him to make her happy or keep her safe. So, the challenge they face now, is not really the distance of her trip.
Ben is a care-taker and honestly likes the comfort of his life, but Quinn keeps moving forward. And I'm not saying that she leaves him behind in any way, but I just think in this book, Ben had to find his new role within their relationship and find his own success with his career. They've matured and their relationship has gone to a more permanent base. I won't lie, some of the challenges they face were painful to watch at times. I felt more forgiving of Quinn's mistakes in the first book, because it was almost expected. But for Ben to make mistakes in this book, nearly broke my heart. I still loved him even when he was being a bit jerky.
Another thing I loved about this book was seeing more of Carter. Carter lives down the hall from Ben and Quinn. Also, Quinn's old high school nemesis, Shayna, has gotten into a relationship with Carter. I saw that coming in Grounding Quinn, but it was fun to see it actually happen. Carter and Shayna will get their own book and I really can't wait to read it. It seems that both Shayna and Carter have made some big changes too. Their story is the only thing making me less sad about saying goodbye to Ben and Quinn. My fingers are crossed that I'll get to see them a bit there.
Overall, I loved this book. While it was trying for my heart, I really was happy with the story. Ben and Quinn are such a great couple. Ben's devotion and love for Quinn is so sweet and Quinn new found heart was endearing. Steph Campbell certainly has a talent for creating raw, emotional, and yet strong characters. That's not an easy task to master, but she pulls it off gracefully. I highly recommend this series. Run to get it. Now.
Quotes:
~"If you've never gone mad, you've never really been in love," she says.-pg 127
~"You told me long ago that beautiful things never last. But I think you're wrong. I think they can. If you fight for them. If you let them change, Quinn. They can morph into something even better. If you make it work."-pg 178
~"What are your plans for this week?"
"To win you back. That's it. That's my plan. Every day."-pg 216
~I finally understand that life isn't about holding all of the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces. And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together, even if they're all jaggedy and mismatched. And that's what brought Ben and I to this moment--to this mad, crazy love.
To this promise.
That beautiful things can last, if you let them bend and change with you.-pg 238
So, how do I review this book without saying what actually happens??? Well, I can tell you that Quinn has grown a lot. She's broken free from her crazy family and is living with Ben in California. They're happy, in love, and are doing well in school. So, when the opportunity comes up for her to go to Italy, she's beyond excited. You could see the change in her. Quinn carries herself with comfort and a confidence now. She still finds strength in Ben, but she doesn't need him to make her happy or keep her safe. So, the challenge they face now, is not really the distance of her trip.
Ben is a care-taker and honestly likes the comfort of his life, but Quinn keeps moving forward. And I'm not saying that she leaves him behind in any way, but I just think in this book, Ben had to find his new role within their relationship and find his own success with his career. They've matured and their relationship has gone to a more permanent base. I won't lie, some of the challenges they face were painful to watch at times. I felt more forgiving of Quinn's mistakes in the first book, because it was almost expected. But for Ben to make mistakes in this book, nearly broke my heart. I still loved him even when he was being a bit jerky.
Another thing I loved about this book was seeing more of Carter. Carter lives down the hall from Ben and Quinn. Also, Quinn's old high school nemesis, Shayna, has gotten into a relationship with Carter. I saw that coming in Grounding Quinn, but it was fun to see it actually happen. Carter and Shayna will get their own book and I really can't wait to read it. It seems that both Shayna and Carter have made some big changes too. Their story is the only thing making me less sad about saying goodbye to Ben and Quinn. My fingers are crossed that I'll get to see them a bit there.
Overall, I loved this book. While it was trying for my heart, I really was happy with the story. Ben and Quinn are such a great couple. Ben's devotion and love for Quinn is so sweet and Quinn new found heart was endearing. Steph Campbell certainly has a talent for creating raw, emotional, and yet strong characters. That's not an easy task to master, but she pulls it off gracefully. I highly recommend this series. Run to get it. Now.
Quotes:
~"If you've never gone mad, you've never really been in love," she says.-pg 127
~"You told me long ago that beautiful things never last. But I think you're wrong. I think they can. If you fight for them. If you let them change, Quinn. They can morph into something even better. If you make it work."-pg 178
~"What are your plans for this week?"
"To win you back. That's it. That's my plan. Every day."-pg 216
~I finally understand that life isn't about holding all of the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces. And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together, even if they're all jaggedy and mismatched. And that's what brought Ben and I to this moment--to this mad, crazy love.
To this promise.
That beautiful things can last, if you let them bend and change with you.-pg 238
January 30, 2013
Read this and other reviews at Madison Says.
I’ve read all of Steph Campbell’s books, as well as most books I see her recommend. She captures the New Adult genre perfectly, and can write dysfunction and angst and troubles in love for young 20somethings. When we first meet Ben and Quinn, it’s in Grounding Quinn. As you can assume from the title, Quinn, a high school senior at the time, is a mess. It’s not until she meets Ben, and their relationship is tested time and time again, that she becomes even remotely “grounded.”
In Beautiful Things Never Last, a year has passed, and Ben and Quinn have followed their dreams out to California. Leaving Georgia meant leaving their families behind, both of which were less than thrilled about their relationship with one another and their career choice. That doesn’t matter, though. They have each other – Ben has his budding photography career, and Quinn’s excelling at culinary school – what else could they need? When Quinn gets a great opportunity to study in Italy for a month, suddenly the dynamic shifts for Ben and Quinn…add to that, the fact that Ben’s ex-girlfriend is suddenly calling all the time, and there’s plenty of drama, misunderstandings and secrets.
I love Ben. I loved him so much in Grounding Quinn, and my love for him grew in this second book – but this time, rather than Quinn pissing me off, that was up to Ben. I understood his caretaker nature, and his desire to have Quinn still need him, all while Caroline “Linney” was needing him, as well; however, he was making all kinds of bone-head decisions. First off, omission. It’s a bad idea. Always. He didn’t give Quinn enough credit to NOT freak out over Caroline needing him, and in doing so, he basically lied and ignored her for almost the entire month she was away.
I was proud of Quinn for NOT having the freak-out that she was known for before. I guess a year does change things, and she is certainly more confident in herself and her strength. That being said, I appreciated the fact that she made Ben work for it. She felt betrayed, and she stood her ground. I loved that about her. I think it would’ve been easy for her to just say “okay, you’re forgiven” because she finally found someone that “got” her and she didn’t want to be alone; rather, she made sure that she let him know that she was strong, and hurt and could survive without him — but more importantly, she didn’t want to. She wanted a life with Ben, as long as he didn’t screw it up.
The drama wasn’t quite as intense as I thought it would be, but that’s fine. The writing was great, and I loved seeing the evolution of the relationships – and that includes Quinn’s brother, Carter and his girlfriend, Shayna. Shayna could be so ridiculous, but I can’t fault her for how she supported both Ben and Quinn and helped them both see their mistakes. As for the other supporting characters, anytime Ben’s mother came into play, I wanted to punch her in the jaw. Ick. And Caroline – well she just can’t get over the past – or take a hint, obviously.
This story is great for lovers of New Adult romance, but make sure to read Grounding Quinn first, so you can see how Ben and Quinn became Ben and Quinn. And while you’re at it, there’s a spin off of Quinn’s best friend, Sydney, in Delicate and that story is awesome, as well. I can’t wait to see what Steph gives us next! She captures perfectly problems that many young couples face, with a wonderful side of romance, but plenty of realistic angst!
I’ve read all of Steph Campbell’s books, as well as most books I see her recommend. She captures the New Adult genre perfectly, and can write dysfunction and angst and troubles in love for young 20somethings. When we first meet Ben and Quinn, it’s in Grounding Quinn. As you can assume from the title, Quinn, a high school senior at the time, is a mess. It’s not until she meets Ben, and their relationship is tested time and time again, that she becomes even remotely “grounded.”
In Beautiful Things Never Last, a year has passed, and Ben and Quinn have followed their dreams out to California. Leaving Georgia meant leaving their families behind, both of which were less than thrilled about their relationship with one another and their career choice. That doesn’t matter, though. They have each other – Ben has his budding photography career, and Quinn’s excelling at culinary school – what else could they need? When Quinn gets a great opportunity to study in Italy for a month, suddenly the dynamic shifts for Ben and Quinn…add to that, the fact that Ben’s ex-girlfriend is suddenly calling all the time, and there’s plenty of drama, misunderstandings and secrets.
I love Ben. I loved him so much in Grounding Quinn, and my love for him grew in this second book – but this time, rather than Quinn pissing me off, that was up to Ben. I understood his caretaker nature, and his desire to have Quinn still need him, all while Caroline “Linney” was needing him, as well; however, he was making all kinds of bone-head decisions. First off, omission. It’s a bad idea. Always. He didn’t give Quinn enough credit to NOT freak out over Caroline needing him, and in doing so, he basically lied and ignored her for almost the entire month she was away.
I was proud of Quinn for NOT having the freak-out that she was known for before. I guess a year does change things, and she is certainly more confident in herself and her strength. That being said, I appreciated the fact that she made Ben work for it. She felt betrayed, and she stood her ground. I loved that about her. I think it would’ve been easy for her to just say “okay, you’re forgiven” because she finally found someone that “got” her and she didn’t want to be alone; rather, she made sure that she let him know that she was strong, and hurt and could survive without him — but more importantly, she didn’t want to. She wanted a life with Ben, as long as he didn’t screw it up.
The drama wasn’t quite as intense as I thought it would be, but that’s fine. The writing was great, and I loved seeing the evolution of the relationships – and that includes Quinn’s brother, Carter and his girlfriend, Shayna. Shayna could be so ridiculous, but I can’t fault her for how she supported both Ben and Quinn and helped them both see their mistakes. As for the other supporting characters, anytime Ben’s mother came into play, I wanted to punch her in the jaw. Ick. And Caroline – well she just can’t get over the past – or take a hint, obviously.
This story is great for lovers of New Adult romance, but make sure to read Grounding Quinn first, so you can see how Ben and Quinn became Ben and Quinn. And while you’re at it, there’s a spin off of Quinn’s best friend, Sydney, in Delicate and that story is awesome, as well. I can’t wait to see what Steph gives us next! She captures perfectly problems that many young couples face, with a wonderful side of romance, but plenty of realistic angst!
I finally understood that life isn’t about holding all of the pieces neatly together. Life is about picking up the pieces. And love is about finding a way to make those pieces fit together, even if they’re all jagged and mismatched.
July 13, 2014
Beautiful Things Never Last is the sequel to Grounding Quinn and its story picks up a year after Quinn and Ben got back together at the end of the first book. It was really nice to revisit Quinn and Ben's story again and see how far they have gotten in their relationship. Things aren't exactly perfect in their lives, but one thing is for sure—they are happy and are still very much in love with each other.
Quinn has changed a lot and I can say that she has changed for the better. She has finally turned her life around is no longer the self-destructive Quinn from the past. She has become more mature and more independent.
Ben is still the sweet and charming knight in shining armor as before, but we also get to see a different side of him in this book. Ben has always had this strong need to protect and take care of the people he cares about the most and since Quinn has become less dependent on him, he began to feel like Quinn doesn't need him anymore, which in turn made him feel like he has become useless.
Quinn and Ben's relationship was put to the test when Ben made some careless decisions when he decided to go back home to his family and check on his ex-girlfriend, Caroline (who happens to be staying with Ben's parents because of some personal problems), without even telling Quinn about it. I understand his need to fulfill his role as a protector, but I just wish that he should have thought about what the consequences of his actions might be when he decided to go and help his ex. As for Quinn, I'm happy at how she handled the situation when she finally found out about it. She may have become very emotional—since she was extremely hurt at what Ben did—and said things she didn't mean to say, but I'm glad that she was able to come around later on and forgive him.
Beautiful Things Never Last was great and I enjoyed reading it. This book is all about second chances, dealing with huge changes in life, and learning that love can last and stay strong if you are willing to adapt with the changes and overcome whatever challenge come before you and the person you love. I liked all the characters and the writing was good. The pace was kinda slow at first, but it picks up halfway through the book. I liked how emotionally charged some of the scenes are and how strongly they could affect you emotionally. One of the things that I enjoyed in this book is the part when Quinn went to Italy. Seeing Italy in Quinn's eyes made me feel like I was there with her too.
Overall, Beautiful Things Never Last was a great sequel to Grounding Quinn and it was definitely worth the read. It was as good as the first book and I'm happy that Ben and Quinn were able to get the happy ending that they deserve.
Quinn has changed a lot and I can say that she has changed for the better. She has finally turned her life around is no longer the self-destructive Quinn from the past. She has become more mature and more independent.
Ben is still the sweet and charming knight in shining armor as before, but we also get to see a different side of him in this book. Ben has always had this strong need to protect and take care of the people he cares about the most and since Quinn has become less dependent on him, he began to feel like Quinn doesn't need him anymore, which in turn made him feel like he has become useless.
Quinn and Ben's relationship was put to the test when Ben made some careless decisions when he decided to go back home to his family and check on his ex-girlfriend, Caroline (who happens to be staying with Ben's parents because of some personal problems), without even telling Quinn about it. I understand his need to fulfill his role as a protector, but I just wish that he should have thought about what the consequences of his actions might be when he decided to go and help his ex. As for Quinn, I'm happy at how she handled the situation when she finally found out about it. She may have become very emotional—since she was extremely hurt at what Ben did—and said things she didn't mean to say, but I'm glad that she was able to come around later on and forgive him.
Beautiful Things Never Last was great and I enjoyed reading it. This book is all about second chances, dealing with huge changes in life, and learning that love can last and stay strong if you are willing to adapt with the changes and overcome whatever challenge come before you and the person you love. I liked all the characters and the writing was good. The pace was kinda slow at first, but it picks up halfway through the book. I liked how emotionally charged some of the scenes are and how strongly they could affect you emotionally. One of the things that I enjoyed in this book is the part when Quinn went to Italy. Seeing Italy in Quinn's eyes made me feel like I was there with her too.
Overall, Beautiful Things Never Last was a great sequel to Grounding Quinn and it was definitely worth the read. It was as good as the first book and I'm happy that Ben and Quinn were able to get the happy ending that they deserve.
April 10, 2013
This and more reviews at www.TheBookBar.co
Title: Beautiful Things Never Last
Author: Steph Campbell
Rating: Chaser; I never became emotionally connected to the characters
Uhmm, oh man this is hard. I really debated my rating for this one. It has so much potential and I felt like we were just scraping the surface for some of the scenes. For myself, there is a point in a book when I check my progress (percentage in) and I am happy that I haven’t even reached 50% yet. How wonderful it is that I am so involved in the characters and desperately want to know what happens next, and oh please don’t let it be over too soon. However, with this book, when I checked and it said I was 60%+ into it, I realized the depth was missing. I was breezing through this book’s concept without an emotional attachment.
Ben and Quinn have just moved into a small apartment down the hall from her older brother. I didn’t read the prequel so I didn’t know how this came to be, but the book seems to carry it’s own without the explanation. Both in school, Quinn has the opportunity of a lifetime to study culinary skills in Italy for a month. While the two are apart, which they both agreed was going to be hard on their budding relationship, but condoned just the same, they both question each other’s commitment.
Usually this type of back and forth, does she love me, does she not drama bores me. I just want to scream at the book “just talk to each other’. However, the author challenges the two characters by limiting cellular service and making Ben feel that if he were to tell Quinn he misses her too much it would ruin her time abroad, thus he refuses to talk to her.
These two are so in love and making life for themselves, but the love scenes, the connection between the two is cut short. While Quinn is studying in Italy, the description of the food took me there. I felt like I needed to jump on a plane and experience it for myself. This type of whole-hearted narrative between the lovers could have really made a difference.
It took me a couple nights to get through this book. I really wanted it to get better, but it was just not holding my interest as I’d hoped. I am tempted to read the book leading up to this one, “Grounding Quinn”, but not in a big hurry.
Title: Beautiful Things Never Last
Author: Steph Campbell
Rating: Chaser; I never became emotionally connected to the characters
Uhmm, oh man this is hard. I really debated my rating for this one. It has so much potential and I felt like we were just scraping the surface for some of the scenes. For myself, there is a point in a book when I check my progress (percentage in) and I am happy that I haven’t even reached 50% yet. How wonderful it is that I am so involved in the characters and desperately want to know what happens next, and oh please don’t let it be over too soon. However, with this book, when I checked and it said I was 60%+ into it, I realized the depth was missing. I was breezing through this book’s concept without an emotional attachment.
Ben and Quinn have just moved into a small apartment down the hall from her older brother. I didn’t read the prequel so I didn’t know how this came to be, but the book seems to carry it’s own without the explanation. Both in school, Quinn has the opportunity of a lifetime to study culinary skills in Italy for a month. While the two are apart, which they both agreed was going to be hard on their budding relationship, but condoned just the same, they both question each other’s commitment.
Usually this type of back and forth, does she love me, does she not drama bores me. I just want to scream at the book “just talk to each other’. However, the author challenges the two characters by limiting cellular service and making Ben feel that if he were to tell Quinn he misses her too much it would ruin her time abroad, thus he refuses to talk to her.
These two are so in love and making life for themselves, but the love scenes, the connection between the two is cut short. While Quinn is studying in Italy, the description of the food took me there. I felt like I needed to jump on a plane and experience it for myself. This type of whole-hearted narrative between the lovers could have really made a difference.
It took me a couple nights to get through this book. I really wanted it to get better, but it was just not holding my interest as I’d hoped. I am tempted to read the book leading up to this one, “Grounding Quinn”, but not in a big hurry.
January 17, 2013
Yes I read this in 3 hours because at 5% I was already reaching for tissues so I knew there was absolutely no stopping once I started! This was such an amazing follow up to Grounding Quinn; we pick up one year later following the Christmas Eve kiss between Quinn and Ben. Now they're living together in California and going to school...life is beautiful...until Quinn gets an opportunity to study the culinary arts in Italy for a month and Ben makes a BAD last minute decision to go back home to visit his parents...and his bi*ch faced ex girlfriend Caroline who's now living with them! I wanted to choke the ever loving crap out of him but instead I sat clutching my tissues (which I hadn't let go the entire time I was reading)
yelling at him and calling him names because I knew once Quinn found out where he was and who he was with it would devastate her...and it did but I am proud of her because I was able to see that Quinn truly had changed from when I first met her; yes she was crushed and devastated by Ben's betrayal but she didn't revert back to her self destructive ways...she handled the situation and her feelings like a mature adult. What I loved about this book was the multi POV, I loved being able to get in Ben's head as well as Quinn's and I loved being able to feel the emotions they were going thru. Honestly I think I cried thru a lot of the book but I was ok with it, to me it showed what an amazing job Stephanie did writing...Beautiful Things Never Last was such a beautifully heartbreaking read at times but the other times it was just a beautiful story of second chances and that despite mistakes that are made if you love someone it's worth the hard work and effort to find a way past the mistakes and the hurt and see that maybe things do need to fall apart a little to make you realize how much you love and need the other person and find your way back to each other.
yelling at him and calling him names because I knew once Quinn found out where he was and who he was with it would devastate her...and it did but I am proud of her because I was able to see that Quinn truly had changed from when I first met her; yes she was crushed and devastated by Ben's betrayal but she didn't revert back to her self destructive ways...she handled the situation and her feelings like a mature adult. What I loved about this book was the multi POV, I loved being able to get in Ben's head as well as Quinn's and I loved being able to feel the emotions they were going thru. Honestly I think I cried thru a lot of the book but I was ok with it, to me it showed what an amazing job Stephanie did writing...Beautiful Things Never Last was such a beautifully heartbreaking read at times but the other times it was just a beautiful story of second chances and that despite mistakes that are made if you love someone it's worth the hard work and effort to find a way past the mistakes and the hurt and see that maybe things do need to fall apart a little to make you realize how much you love and need the other person and find your way back to each other.
January 20, 2013
I love follow ups on books that I wasn't expecting one. This was a pleasant surprise.
This book begins with Quinn & Ben in college. They both seem to be in a great place and even though they left a trail of disapprovals and issues behind them they are living out their dreams. Quinn finding a wonderful opportunity to help realize her dreams takes off for Italy. Although she is terrified to go without Ben she knows she will never get this opportunity again.
Also with trepidation Ben supports Quinn leaving knowing how happy it would make her. Although he is excited for Quinn he seems to struggle with the fact that she will be gone and what her leaving could mean.. To him and her...
In the meantime... Ben finds himself feeling as though things have turned a switch. He's now the one with insecurities. Watching Quinn leave only solidifies how much Quinn has grown in her life. So where does that leave him?? Ben fears she will no longer need him and that terrifies him. So not even realizing his consequences or really realizing this need in him he jumps at the chance to feel needed.. To be the hero... That's where I really started to question this guy.. But he is only human...
This is a nice follow up showing Quinn in the best light. She struggled growing up and now a bit older and hopefully wiser is on the path of actually making something of herself. It was wonderful to see Quinn on a healing path. To see her grow and come to terms with some of her past mistakes. But also showing she is in fact human and although she has grown still fights within herself not to just roll back to her old self. Trying her best not to repeat any past mistakes. And showing that Ben isn't perfect as well only helps bring this couple more to reality.
Nice little read. There could of been a bit more editing with run-on words and so forth but altogether a fitting follow up to Quinn and Ben.
This book begins with Quinn & Ben in college. They both seem to be in a great place and even though they left a trail of disapprovals and issues behind them they are living out their dreams. Quinn finding a wonderful opportunity to help realize her dreams takes off for Italy. Although she is terrified to go without Ben she knows she will never get this opportunity again.
Also with trepidation Ben supports Quinn leaving knowing how happy it would make her. Although he is excited for Quinn he seems to struggle with the fact that she will be gone and what her leaving could mean.. To him and her...
In the meantime... Ben finds himself feeling as though things have turned a switch. He's now the one with insecurities. Watching Quinn leave only solidifies how much Quinn has grown in her life. So where does that leave him?? Ben fears she will no longer need him and that terrifies him. So not even realizing his consequences or really realizing this need in him he jumps at the chance to feel needed.. To be the hero... That's where I really started to question this guy.. But he is only human...
This is a nice follow up showing Quinn in the best light. She struggled growing up and now a bit older and hopefully wiser is on the path of actually making something of herself. It was wonderful to see Quinn on a healing path. To see her grow and come to terms with some of her past mistakes. But also showing she is in fact human and although she has grown still fights within herself not to just roll back to her old self. Trying her best not to repeat any past mistakes. And showing that Ben isn't perfect as well only helps bring this couple more to reality.
Nice little read. There could of been a bit more editing with run-on words and so forth but altogether a fitting follow up to Quinn and Ben.
June 6, 2013
This book had me scared for a moment!!!....Grounding Quinn ended wi th so many high expectations, that as soon as i read the title for the sequel it came all crashing down. You had me going there for a moment,Steph Campbell, i was freaking out all the way until the end!!!!!But you do ot disapoint!!!......Guys can be real damn idots when they wanna be!!!...OHMYGOODNESS how i wanted to kick Ben and make him see the reality of things!!!....Well, i can't blame it all on Ben, now can i??? Caroline was a sneaky bitch too!!!...I feel her pain and all ( very slightly, cause you could see her manipulative ways , miles away!!) but we women can be very coniving!!! Yes we are when need be!
Ben seemed to stand out more in this book than Quinn did for me....I like that, Grounding Quinn was all about Quinn so i was glad Steph Campbell shared the wealth in this book!!!!...The ending was perfect in its own way...in truth at the end of the day all we can do is promise to do our best, be the best for the people we love.
Now i can freak out a little and do a happy dance!
MAybe that was a little too over the top! LOL
Ben seemed to stand out more in this book than Quinn did for me....I like that, Grounding Quinn was all about Quinn so i was glad Steph Campbell shared the wealth in this book!!!!...The ending was perfect in its own way...in truth at the end of the day all we can do is promise to do our best, be the best for the people we love.
Now i can freak out a little and do a happy dance!
MAybe that was a little too over the top! LOL
January 18, 2013
This is one of those books that I have been dying to read ever since I heard it was being written. As the follow up to GROUNDING QUINN, I knew it would be worth the read. Quinn was one of my early YA/NA books, and I loved it, in fact it was on my Top-10 list last year. Quinn is quite likely my number one all time book crush. I just love the girl, Steph Campbell has brought her to complex, rich, real life. Now, even more so. This follow up book is simply amazing. I wish I had more stars to give.
One of the reasons I love Quinn is she reminds me of someone from my past, and to a degree my own past. Ben, her love interest too suffers from some of the things I did. Watching them grow, and overcome obstacles was wonderful. I'm especially struck by how perfectly Ms Campbell got the problems that come from a deep seated need to be needed. It was once the curse of my life before I learned to understand it, and realize that someone needing me in a different more mature way was a better thing than the clinging to me like a lifeline. She just so nailed that part of life that it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up a couple of times. how the side characters in this book interacted with the main protagonists served to make it a rich emotional, and very life like tapestry.
This is easily one of my favorite books of all time and my best read of the year so far. i'm rereading GROUNDING QUINN then it again right now. It is hardly even reading, it is more like visiting loved ones.
One of the reasons I love Quinn is she reminds me of someone from my past, and to a degree my own past. Ben, her love interest too suffers from some of the things I did. Watching them grow, and overcome obstacles was wonderful. I'm especially struck by how perfectly Ms Campbell got the problems that come from a deep seated need to be needed. It was once the curse of my life before I learned to understand it, and realize that someone needing me in a different more mature way was a better thing than the clinging to me like a lifeline. She just so nailed that part of life that it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up a couple of times. how the side characters in this book interacted with the main protagonists served to make it a rich emotional, and very life like tapestry.
This is easily one of my favorite books of all time and my best read of the year so far. i'm rereading GROUNDING QUINN then it again right now. It is hardly even reading, it is more like visiting loved ones.
February 11, 2014
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So Quinn and Ben are in California – living THEIR life. The life they dreamed about… away from their parents, away from the chaos back home and forging a REAL life for themselves in Cali. Quinn is attending culinary school and Ben is working for a photographer – they’re both pursuing their dreams and being successful at them… they’re very fortunate.
Carter, Quinn’s brother is living down the hall from them in the same apartment complex – along with Shayna – Quinn’s semi-friend from high school. The four of them are carving out quit a nice live together… a family.
But when Quinn gets an opportunity to go to Italy for school, Ben is excited and saddened at the idea of being away from her for any length of time – let alone across an ocean. Ben is struggling with the fact that Quinn doesn’t seem to need him anymore – she’s independent in nature, but she’s succeeding in all the things she’s set out to do – school, work – everything is working really well for her and Ben is feeling left out. He’s needing a little bit of the old Quinn back… and it’s a struggle for him.
While Quinn is gone, some old players fall into the picture – and secrets are kept…. Quinn comes home to her worst fears and we’re all left scanning pages frantically trying to find out what’s going to happen next!
Arg! The last 1/4 of the book was….. tense!
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So Quinn and Ben are in California – living THEIR life. The life they dreamed about… away from their parents, away from the chaos back home and forging a REAL life for themselves in Cali. Quinn is attending culinary school and Ben is working for a photographer – they’re both pursuing their dreams and being successful at them… they’re very fortunate.
Carter, Quinn’s brother is living down the hall from them in the same apartment complex – along with Shayna – Quinn’s semi-friend from high school. The four of them are carving out quit a nice live together… a family.
But when Quinn gets an opportunity to go to Italy for school, Ben is excited and saddened at the idea of being away from her for any length of time – let alone across an ocean. Ben is struggling with the fact that Quinn doesn’t seem to need him anymore – she’s independent in nature, but she’s succeeding in all the things she’s set out to do – school, work – everything is working really well for her and Ben is feeling left out. He’s needing a little bit of the old Quinn back… and it’s a struggle for him.
While Quinn is gone, some old players fall into the picture – and secrets are kept…. Quinn comes home to her worst fears and we’re all left scanning pages frantically trying to find out what’s going to happen next!
Arg! The last 1/4 of the book was….. tense!
Check it out!
March 4, 2013
I loved this book! Quinn and Ben are a fave couple of mine. I adored their story in Grounding Quinn but I think I may have enjoyed this continuation even more.
Quinn has matured and grown so much in the time that she has known Ben and her life is finally where it should be. But being separated from Ben is not something she was really ready for. Unfortunately she leaves him thinking that she really doesn't need him which causes all sorts of problems. As much as Quinn has grown, it seems that Ben is now the insecure one...
Told in such a heartfelt and realistic way, this story really wore me down... twisted my insides and the mis-communications made me worry for them both.
Side note, I really loved the descriptions of Italy, just gorgeous! I felt like I was really there!
I also loved the fun side story of Shayna and Carter. However Amelea and Davide stole the show for me. Their story was gut-wrenching and beautiful and raw and I was left wanting so much more of them... in fact I could do with a whole lot more of all these characters, I just love them to bits!
This series is a must-read for me!
Quinn has matured and grown so much in the time that she has known Ben and her life is finally where it should be. But being separated from Ben is not something she was really ready for. Unfortunately she leaves him thinking that she really doesn't need him which causes all sorts of problems. As much as Quinn has grown, it seems that Ben is now the insecure one...
Told in such a heartfelt and realistic way, this story really wore me down... twisted my insides and the mis-communications made me worry for them both.
Side note, I really loved the descriptions of Italy, just gorgeous! I felt like I was really there!
I also loved the fun side story of Shayna and Carter. However Amelea and Davide stole the show for me. Their story was gut-wrenching and beautiful and raw and I was left wanting so much more of them... in fact I could do with a whole lot more of all these characters, I just love them to bits!
This series is a must-read for me!
February 13, 2014
I'm confused how I feel about this one. I think I could have done with more of an epilogue.
I’m really confused as to how I feel about this book. From the very beginning my heart was in my mouth waiting for the inevitable to happen, it put me on edge and I think it prevented me from fully engaging with the plot.
Quinn’s character development is simply outstanding and I adored the woman she was becoming. Ben simply frustrated me even more than he did in Grounding Quinn; don’t get me wrong he is a fabulous guy BUT his desperation to be needed is just all kinds of messed up. It’s as if he can’t see what is in front of him, he projects his insecurities onto situations turning them into self-fulfilling prophecies *sigh*. I seriously wanted to give him a good shake, how on earth can he be so stupid.
That person from Ben’s past – yeah we all guessed who that was – made me so angry. The sweet and innocent act gets old FAST. Coupled with the lingering tension with Ben’s mother made me want to rant against all the injustice on Quinn’s behalf.
I felt as if the ending was a little rushed and personally would have liked a longer, more detailed epilogue in order to come to terms with the developments of the plot. See I told you I was confused :)
I’m really confused as to how I feel about this book. From the very beginning my heart was in my mouth waiting for the inevitable to happen, it put me on edge and I think it prevented me from fully engaging with the plot.
Quinn’s character development is simply outstanding and I adored the woman she was becoming. Ben simply frustrated me even more than he did in Grounding Quinn; don’t get me wrong he is a fabulous guy BUT his desperation to be needed is just all kinds of messed up. It’s as if he can’t see what is in front of him, he projects his insecurities onto situations turning them into self-fulfilling prophecies *sigh*. I seriously wanted to give him a good shake, how on earth can he be so stupid.
That person from Ben’s past – yeah we all guessed who that was – made me so angry. The sweet and innocent act gets old FAST. Coupled with the lingering tension with Ben’s mother made me want to rant against all the injustice on Quinn’s behalf.
I felt as if the ending was a little rushed and personally would have liked a longer, more detailed epilogue in order to come to terms with the developments of the plot. See I told you I was confused :)
December 12, 2013
Okay I was nervous going into this book because Book 1 had me all over the place and Quinn just really aggravated me!:) I must say I enjoyed this book so much better! Quinn had grown as a person in this book.
This book starts where Ben and Quinn have just settled in living together and she gets offered a chance to go to Italy for a month to help her culinary degree. Ben is skeptical of her leaving because they are in a good place and is afraid things are going to change. However sweet Ben supports her and tells her it's a chance of a lifetime and she should go.
This is when I got nervous because I was like here we go!:)
Anyhow they do go through some stuff and trusts are tested and you are hoping please let this have a HEA because the title alone makes you wonder! But what they go through needed to happen so they could see things clearly. I really loved reading about her trip to Italy too and meeting Amelia!:)
Like I said I really enjoyed this book much better and was totally sucked into the story!
I love her brother Carter and his girlfriend Shayna. She tells it like it is! (My kind of girl!;))
And the epilogue was perfect!:) Swoon!!!!:)
This book starts where Ben and Quinn have just settled in living together and she gets offered a chance to go to Italy for a month to help her culinary degree. Ben is skeptical of her leaving because they are in a good place and is afraid things are going to change. However sweet Ben supports her and tells her it's a chance of a lifetime and she should go.
This is when I got nervous because I was like here we go!:)
Anyhow they do go through some stuff and trusts are tested and you are hoping please let this have a HEA because the title alone makes you wonder! But what they go through needed to happen so they could see things clearly. I really loved reading about her trip to Italy too and meeting Amelia!:)
Like I said I really enjoyed this book much better and was totally sucked into the story!
I love her brother Carter and his girlfriend Shayna. She tells it like it is! (My kind of girl!;))
And the epilogue was perfect!:) Swoon!!!!:)
March 15, 2013
I was pretty excited about this book before the date of release. Well, look at the cover and the synopsis, it seems so sweet :) I was so afraid that something tragic might happen between the 2 of them especially when they had been through so many obstacles just to be with each other. Quinn had to leave overseas for her cooking course and that just leave Ben alone at their house. Not to even mention Ben's old flame, Caroline who keeps calling him. I can only say that the first book was adequate but it could have elaborated more on their love story in order to get 5 stars! This book adds more confusion to the previous book and it would be good to put the some elements of this last chapter into book 1: Grounding Quinn. But, I shall overlook all these flaws and point out how meaningful this book is! I love the quotes because they are just so closely attached to the happenings in our daily lives.
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