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Fall Away ##4.25-4.5
The Next Flame
New York Times bestseller Penelope Douglas introduces the next generation in her Fall Away series in Next to Never, together for the first time with her bestselling novella, Aflame....
Next to Never
Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn Caruthers has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood still holds her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man, and knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.
But years ago, Lucas left town and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.
Until a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. She’s never asked about the path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.
As she starts 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.
Aflame
Tatum Brandt finally has everything she wants. Acceptance to medical school, a circle of friends she would never replace, and contentment that every day is now hers.
All through high school, Jared Trent called the shots. He decided if she would be happy or sad, fearful or free. He owned her heart, and he played with it like one of his cars.
Never again.
Two years ago, Jared left town, and Tate’s life is exactly where she wants it to be. Or that’s what she tells herself…
Because two years ago, her heart also stopped beating, and no matter the success in school or the support of her friends, there’s only one time every week she can feel that same rush in her blood. Friday nights on the track.
That’s hers, not his, and to hell with anyone that gets in her way again.
Especially him.
*Please note: The Next Flame is not a new story. It is Aflame and Next to Never together in one book. For those readers who desired paperbacks of Aflame to complete their collections, this is it.
**Also Note: Next to Never is not Quinn's story. That will be a full length novel eventually. This is simply a novella to catch up with all the characters and give a lead-in to the coming spin-off series.
Next to Never
Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn Caruthers has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood still holds her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man, and knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.
But years ago, Lucas left town and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.
Until a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. She’s never asked about the path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.
As she starts 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.
Aflame
Tatum Brandt finally has everything she wants. Acceptance to medical school, a circle of friends she would never replace, and contentment that every day is now hers.
All through high school, Jared Trent called the shots. He decided if she would be happy or sad, fearful or free. He owned her heart, and he played with it like one of his cars.
Never again.
Two years ago, Jared left town, and Tate’s life is exactly where she wants it to be. Or that’s what she tells herself…
Because two years ago, her heart also stopped beating, and no matter the success in school or the support of her friends, there’s only one time every week she can feel that same rush in her blood. Friday nights on the track.
That’s hers, not his, and to hell with anyone that gets in her way again.
Especially him.
*Please note: The Next Flame is not a new story. It is Aflame and Next to Never together in one book. For those readers who desired paperbacks of Aflame to complete their collections, this is it.
**Also Note: Next to Never is not Quinn's story. That will be a full length novel eventually. This is simply a novella to catch up with all the characters and give a lead-in to the coming spin-off series.
475 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2017
295 people are currently reading
29906 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Douglas
44 books110k followersPenelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Their books have been translated into more than twenty languages and include The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and the stand-alones, Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, Credence, Tryst Six Venom, and Five Brothers. Please look for The Hellbent Series, coming next.
They live in New England with their husband and daughter.
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They live in New England with their husband and daughter.
Would you like to join the reader group? ---> https://www.facebook.com/groups/16198...
Looking for News?
Text DOUGLAS to 603-519-3800 to be alerted when new releases are live!
Website: www.penelopedouglasauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeDoug...
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PenDouglas
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/penelopedoug...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1A8hUBX
Instagram: www.instagram.com/penelope.douglas
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finished-writing
February 3, 2017*Please note: The Next Flame is the 2 in 1 version consisting of Aflame and Next to Never together. If you've been waiting for Aflame in paperback, this is it. The ebook and paperback versions of the 2 in 1 will be released May 2, 2017. If you'd only like to read Next to Never, it will be released in ebook form on Jan. 17, 2017.
Next to Never here---> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Next to Never here---> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
May 5, 2017
➳What a compilation this was...
➳Check out the synopsis because it will keep you at least on your toes for a while until May 2nd comes...
➳The Fall Away Series:
Bully (Fall Away #1) ♕ Until You (Fall Away 1.5) ♕ Rival (fall Away #2) ♕ Falling Away (Fall Away #3) ♕ Aflame (Fall Away #4) Next To Never (Fall Away 4.5)
➳Pre-Order Link:
Amazon Kindle and Paperback
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
➳Check out the synopsis because it will keep you at least on your toes for a while until May 2nd comes...
➳The Fall Away Series:
Bully (Fall Away #1) ♕ Until You (Fall Away 1.5) ♕ Rival (fall Away #2) ♕ Falling Away (Fall Away #3) ♕ Aflame (Fall Away #4) Next To Never (Fall Away 4.5)
➳Pre-Order Link:
Amazon Kindle and Paperback
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
May 26, 2017
MY BABIES. Tate and Jared are definitely my favorite couple of the Fall Away series and they hold a special place in my heart. The fact that Jared LEAVES and comes back after TWO YEARS to win Tate back had me freaking out. Why couldn't my babies have just been happy?
This book holds two novellas in the Fall Away series, but since I have read Next to Never separately and already reviewed that story, I am only going to be talking about Aflame, the first story in this book. Aflame is over 260 pages, so we basically get another novel about Jared and Tate. While the two have been happy and madly in love, Jared feels like he still doesn't know who he is or who he can be in this world. He decides to leave Tate to go figure that out, but that leaves Tate heartbroken. Four years after the end of Bully, Tate has to decide if she'll let her bully win her heart-- the very heart he's broken time and again.
SO MANY EMOTIONS. I was so shocked when I picked this up and realized that Tate and Jared broke up. WHYYYYYYY. But, OMG, this is like Bully all over again and I gobbled up every second of it. Tate is such a strong character, so of course she doesn't just open her arms to Jared when he returns two years after breaking her heart. I loved how Tate held her own and tried to not show how much Jared was affecting her; Jared had to work to earn her back.
As always, I loved the banter and play between Jared and Tate. There is undeniable, hot chemistry between the two and I loved how it got harder and harder for Tate to resist Jared. Nothing can compare to the heat between them. We also got to see the other couples from the series and how their relationships had progressed in two years. This book only reinforced my love of the Fall Away series and has me dying for even more from them. Does it have to be over??!!?
If you love the Fall Away series, then this is a must read for you. If you haven't read this series, YOU HAVE TO. This series is one of my favorite series of all time and Penelope Douglas is definitely one of my favorite authors. These books are full of angst and force you to love these broken characters and hold them close to your heart through the thick and thin.
This book holds two novellas in the Fall Away series, but since I have read Next to Never separately and already reviewed that story, I am only going to be talking about Aflame, the first story in this book. Aflame is over 260 pages, so we basically get another novel about Jared and Tate. While the two have been happy and madly in love, Jared feels like he still doesn't know who he is or who he can be in this world. He decides to leave Tate to go figure that out, but that leaves Tate heartbroken. Four years after the end of Bully, Tate has to decide if she'll let her bully win her heart-- the very heart he's broken time and again.
SO MANY EMOTIONS. I was so shocked when I picked this up and realized that Tate and Jared broke up. WHYYYYYYY. But, OMG, this is like Bully all over again and I gobbled up every second of it. Tate is such a strong character, so of course she doesn't just open her arms to Jared when he returns two years after breaking her heart. I loved how Tate held her own and tried to not show how much Jared was affecting her; Jared had to work to earn her back.
As always, I loved the banter and play between Jared and Tate. There is undeniable, hot chemistry between the two and I loved how it got harder and harder for Tate to resist Jared. Nothing can compare to the heat between them. We also got to see the other couples from the series and how their relationships had progressed in two years. This book only reinforced my love of the Fall Away series and has me dying for even more from them. Does it have to be over??!!?
If you love the Fall Away series, then this is a must read for you. If you haven't read this series, YOU HAVE TO. This series is one of my favorite series of all time and Penelope Douglas is definitely one of my favorite authors. These books are full of angst and force you to love these broken characters and hold them close to your heart through the thick and thin.
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May 3, 2017No rating as this is 2 books in 1. Below are my reviews for Next to Never and Aflame.
Next to Never
3.75 stars!
“That’s the hardest thing about being a parent. Living through heartache, bearing your struggles, learning the hard lessons the hard way, and enduring years of climbing a wall only to fall back down and have to start all over again . . .”
Next to Never opens with Quinn, the younger sister of Jared and Madoc, two characters from the Fall Away series. Quinn is seventeen and doesn’t know her path in life, she does what her parents want, but she wants to find something she’s passionate about. Randomly, Quinn receives a romance book from Canada, no return sender listed. As she reads, she begins to realize this story might not be fiction at all, and connected to her life….
“We could say we were young and stupid, but that excuse only lasts so long before you realize that you were selfish and just really big assholes.”
I spent the first part of the book extremely confused:
I had a lot of trouble figuring out who was married to whom, who was blood related or not, and just keeping track of names in general. I think this book really could have used a family tree diagram to follow in the beginning of the book. Once I got the hang of things it became easier to read but I honestly still don’t know a lot of which kids belong to whom…..
I went into this book blind, I didn’t really read the blurb beyond knowing Quinn was Jared’s younger sister. I didn’t know a huge part of the plot would be Quinn reading about the story of her parents, how Kat and Jase fell in love and how it affected their lives. I thought it was a beautiful love story, one of two people who just didn’t know how to get the timing right.
I do feel this book despite being from Quinn’s perspective, she was just an observer, it wasn’t her own story. Even in the present time she’s just observing what her other younger family members were doing, except for one racing instance and the end. I wish we had seen more of her in the story, but after the end I suspect there is more to come. If Quinn and Lucas get their own book I will be DESPERATE for it!
“When I come back for you, it will be forever. Tell me it’s not over.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
------------------------------------------------
Aflame
3 stars
I'm not tagging my spoilers, so beware!!!
I loved Bully, Until You and Rival by this author. The first three books in the series were everything I look for in New Adult books. When it was revealed that Jared leaves Tate at the end of Falling Away I was pretty surprised. Sure they were not the perfect couple, but they never were.
My biggest issue with this book is Jared never really had a good reason for leaving Tatum behind. Yes it was to find himself, but with the career he found he didn't have to leave her behind and break up with her. I know the author needed to break them up in order to have this book, but I wanted something more believable.
My second issue. NOT ENOUGH GROVELING . It's the reason I gave Bully a 4 and not a 5. Jared doesn't work hard enough to get Tatum back and he does, easily. In fact, in this book, it literally takes her two days after two years of him being away to break up with her current boyfriend. I get that he wasn't the one, but after the BS of Jared leaving her, I needed to see some on the knees begging on his end.
“I wanted her to love me again. I wanted her to say she was mine. And I didn’t want to have to bully her about it, either.”
Now I wanted to focus on the positive. I loved seeing how all of the characters in this series grow. Four years later and Madoc still makes me smile and giggle, Fallon is still awesome. Jax is no longer an ass (imo) and is great to Juliet. The addition of Jared's little sister Quinn was such a sweet moment to read.
Overall I liked this book, but I honestly was okay with how things ended in Until You. Not to repeat myself but I felt like this book was unnecessary drama in order to create more plot.
Copy for review provided by the publisher
Next to Never
3.75 stars!
“That’s the hardest thing about being a parent. Living through heartache, bearing your struggles, learning the hard lessons the hard way, and enduring years of climbing a wall only to fall back down and have to start all over again . . .”
Next to Never opens with Quinn, the younger sister of Jared and Madoc, two characters from the Fall Away series. Quinn is seventeen and doesn’t know her path in life, she does what her parents want, but she wants to find something she’s passionate about. Randomly, Quinn receives a romance book from Canada, no return sender listed. As she reads, she begins to realize this story might not be fiction at all, and connected to her life….
“We could say we were young and stupid, but that excuse only lasts so long before you realize that you were selfish and just really big assholes.”
I spent the first part of the book extremely confused:
I had a lot of trouble figuring out who was married to whom, who was blood related or not, and just keeping track of names in general. I think this book really could have used a family tree diagram to follow in the beginning of the book. Once I got the hang of things it became easier to read but I honestly still don’t know a lot of which kids belong to whom…..
I went into this book blind, I didn’t really read the blurb beyond knowing Quinn was Jared’s younger sister. I didn’t know a huge part of the plot would be Quinn reading about the story of her parents, how Kat and Jase fell in love and how it affected their lives. I thought it was a beautiful love story, one of two people who just didn’t know how to get the timing right.
I do feel this book despite being from Quinn’s perspective, she was just an observer, it wasn’t her own story. Even in the present time she’s just observing what her other younger family members were doing, except for one racing instance and the end. I wish we had seen more of her in the story, but after the end I suspect there is more to come. If Quinn and Lucas get their own book I will be DESPERATE for it!
“When I come back for you, it will be forever. Tell me it’s not over.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
------------------------------------------------
Aflame
3 stars
I'm not tagging my spoilers, so beware!!!
I loved Bully, Until You and Rival by this author. The first three books in the series were everything I look for in New Adult books. When it was revealed that Jared leaves Tate at the end of Falling Away I was pretty surprised. Sure they were not the perfect couple, but they never were.
My biggest issue with this book is Jared never really had a good reason for leaving Tatum behind. Yes it was to find himself, but with the career he found he didn't have to leave her behind and break up with her. I know the author needed to break them up in order to have this book, but I wanted something more believable.
My second issue. NOT ENOUGH GROVELING . It's the reason I gave Bully a 4 and not a 5. Jared doesn't work hard enough to get Tatum back and he does, easily. In fact, in this book, it literally takes her two days after two years of him being away to break up with her current boyfriend. I get that he wasn't the one, but after the BS of Jared leaving her, I needed to see some on the knees begging on his end.
“I wanted her to love me again. I wanted her to say she was mine. And I didn’t want to have to bully her about it, either.”
Now I wanted to focus on the positive. I loved seeing how all of the characters in this series grow. Four years later and Madoc still makes me smile and giggle, Fallon is still awesome. Jax is no longer an ass (imo) and is great to Juliet. The addition of Jared's little sister Quinn was such a sweet moment to read.
Overall I liked this book, but I honestly was okay with how things ended in Until You. Not to repeat myself but I felt like this book was unnecessary drama in order to create more plot.
Copy for review provided by the publisher
September 1, 2017
Next to Never
Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn Caruthers has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood still holds her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man, and knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.
But years ago, Lucas left town and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.
Until a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. She’s never asked about the path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.
As she starts 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.
Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn Caruthers has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood still holds her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man, and knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.
But years ago, Lucas left town and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.
Until a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. She’s never asked about the path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.
As she starts 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.
January 5, 2023
This was the ending that cooled my heart but left me wanting more. I absolutely love this family and I can’t wait to read about the kids. Their stories are going to be amazing and I know it.
August 31, 2022
Sincer nu mi-a placut. Povestea lui Jared si Tate a fost ok, desi nu stiu de ce s-a reintors la povestea lor. In schimb povestea lui Quinn si Lucas, a lipsit, a fost povestea lui Jase si Kat. Ma asteptam la alt ceva, sa o cunosc pe Quinn. Ma asteptam la ceva mai diferit.
May 3, 2017
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Aflame: (3 stars)
Just when you thought all the drama was over, Tate and Jared kick it up a notch. Jared took off two years ago to find himself, and during that time Tate moved on, and now Jared's come back and realized his mistake. Like previous books, these two dance around each other the majority of the time and it's a push-pull between them.
I will say that I enjoyed getting to see everyone. We meet back up with all the characters from previous books, we even find out about Jax's mom and Madoc's father. It was a great way to see where everyone is at two years after the last book. I liked getting a sort of closure with these characters but I also liked that the author left it open. I also liked the epilogue and how the author left the possibility for more down the road.
Next to Never: (2 stars)
I totally had an "oh shit!" moment when I started reading this story. We got a snippet and a hint that Quinn (child from Madoc's dad and Jared's mom) had a childhood crush on Lucas who was a childhood friend but I never connected the dots that that Lucas was the same little boy that Madoc took on as a "little brother" in Rival. I feel bad that I'd forgotten about Lucas. He was just a background character that only popped up here and there in Rival but he was a saucy lil thing which is no surprise given the fact that Madoc (who never took anything seriously) was his "big brother".
However, with that being said, this isn't Lucas' story. Heck, it isn't even Quinn's story. Quinn obtains this romance novel only it's more of a memoir of her parents' time together. The majority of Next to Never is pretty much the memoir. There are snippets of the present time of the whole gang but there's really no Quinn time. It was more or less the reader observing all the characters from previous books through the eyes of Quinn. I felt no connection to her, knew little to nothing about her, and couldn't care less about her in the end. I thought this was going to be her story... Lucas' story. I was so excited about it, but instead I got some disjointed memoir of affairs of characters I don't even care about. Not to mention Lucas doesn't even make an appearance in the book until the last 5 pages, and it's just his POV of what he's doing right then and there. There's no interaction between these two the entire time. I don't know if I've ever been more frustrated with a book before. I get that the author was trying to show readers that you can be happy without being one half of a whole but come on! I wanted Quinn's story at least, not some creepy retelling of some teenage mother who is "saved" by a rich dude, put up in a house by him, sleeps with him, but he remains married with his wife and has an infant son. No! Just no! I feel duped by this story. I didn't sign up to read Kat's and Jason's story, I wanted Quinn's story.
Aflame: (3 stars)
Just when you thought all the drama was over, Tate and Jared kick it up a notch. Jared took off two years ago to find himself, and during that time Tate moved on, and now Jared's come back and realized his mistake. Like previous books, these two dance around each other the majority of the time and it's a push-pull between them.
I will say that I enjoyed getting to see everyone. We meet back up with all the characters from previous books, we even find out about Jax's mom and Madoc's father. It was a great way to see where everyone is at two years after the last book. I liked getting a sort of closure with these characters but I also liked that the author left it open. I also liked the epilogue and how the author left the possibility for more down the road.
Next to Never: (2 stars)
I totally had an "oh shit!" moment when I started reading this story. We got a snippet and a hint that Quinn (child from Madoc's dad and Jared's mom) had a childhood crush on Lucas who was a childhood friend but I never connected the dots that that Lucas was the same little boy that Madoc took on as a "little brother" in Rival. I feel bad that I'd forgotten about Lucas. He was just a background character that only popped up here and there in Rival but he was a saucy lil thing which is no surprise given the fact that Madoc (who never took anything seriously) was his "big brother".
However, with that being said, this isn't Lucas' story. Heck, it isn't even Quinn's story. Quinn obtains this romance novel only it's more of a memoir of her parents' time together. The majority of Next to Never is pretty much the memoir. There are snippets of the present time of the whole gang but there's really no Quinn time. It was more or less the reader observing all the characters from previous books through the eyes of Quinn. I felt no connection to her, knew little to nothing about her, and couldn't care less about her in the end. I thought this was going to be her story... Lucas' story. I was so excited about it, but instead I got some disjointed memoir of affairs of characters I don't even care about. Not to mention Lucas doesn't even make an appearance in the book until the last 5 pages, and it's just his POV of what he's doing right then and there. There's no interaction between these two the entire time. I don't know if I've ever been more frustrated with a book before. I get that the author was trying to show readers that you can be happy without being one half of a whole but come on! I wanted Quinn's story at least, not some creepy retelling of some teenage mother who is "saved" by a rich dude, put up in a house by him, sleeps with him, but he remains married with his wife and has an infant son. No! Just no! I feel duped by this story. I didn't sign up to read Kat's and Jason's story, I wanted Quinn's story.
June 22, 2021
The Next Flame is two novellas in one book. Like usual, I haven't read all of the books in this series - in fact, I think I've only read one - but I was still able to enjoy the stories for what they were.
Aflame
I never read any of Tate and Jared's books so this was pretty much the first time I was experiencing anything regarding their love story. The two of them were inseparable from a young age, but they didn't always like each other. When Jared up and leaves to get his life in order, Tate is left devastated. Jared always planned on coming back for her but Tate never believed it. So of course when he returns, everything is a mess.
I loved Tate's spunk. When Jared came back, she wasted no time in letting him know what she thought of him. But of course, the chemistry was just to undeniable and try as she might, Tate couldn't resist him. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Jared. He has moments where he was sweet but for the most part, he was domineering and had anger management issues. I don't find that attractive at all. But one thing I really liked about this story was the emphasis put on found families. We don't get to choose our actual family, but we do get to choose who we want in our lives and seeing that highlighted here was very heartwarming.
Next to Never
This novella was interesting. What I thought was going to be a story between Quinn and Lucas ended up being a story between Quinn's parents. While Quinn is pining away for Lucas she receives a book in the mail with no return address. After reading a few chapters it becomes apparent that this book is no ordinary book but rather one that tells the story about how her parents got together. I don't know. This just didn't really work for me. First off, why would a child want to read about their parents having sex multiple times? It was pretty obvious who the book was from right away. It baffled me how long it took Quinn to figure it out.
However, I do like the idea of stories regarding their kids. And the author even ended it with a little glimpse of what's to come with Lucas and Quinn. When I checked the author's bio, I didn't see that she ever continued with this story so I don't know if anything will actually come of it. Which would be sad because I feel there's so much here - especially with the Dylan and the twins story.
Aflame
I never read any of Tate and Jared's books so this was pretty much the first time I was experiencing anything regarding their love story. The two of them were inseparable from a young age, but they didn't always like each other. When Jared up and leaves to get his life in order, Tate is left devastated. Jared always planned on coming back for her but Tate never believed it. So of course when he returns, everything is a mess.
I loved Tate's spunk. When Jared came back, she wasted no time in letting him know what she thought of him. But of course, the chemistry was just to undeniable and try as she might, Tate couldn't resist him. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Jared. He has moments where he was sweet but for the most part, he was domineering and had anger management issues. I don't find that attractive at all. But one thing I really liked about this story was the emphasis put on found families. We don't get to choose our actual family, but we do get to choose who we want in our lives and seeing that highlighted here was very heartwarming.
Next to Never
This novella was interesting. What I thought was going to be a story between Quinn and Lucas ended up being a story between Quinn's parents. While Quinn is pining away for Lucas she receives a book in the mail with no return address. After reading a few chapters it becomes apparent that this book is no ordinary book but rather one that tells the story about how her parents got together. I don't know. This just didn't really work for me. First off, why would a child want to read about their parents having sex multiple times? It was pretty obvious who the book was from right away. It baffled me how long it took Quinn to figure it out.
However, I do like the idea of stories regarding their kids. And the author even ended it with a little glimpse of what's to come with Lucas and Quinn. When I checked the author's bio, I didn't see that she ever continued with this story so I don't know if anything will actually come of it. Which would be sad because I feel there's so much here - especially with the Dylan and the twins story.
August 20, 2017
Reviewed separately
April 17, 2025
i did it. i finished my first penelope douglas series. and they were all bad. not horrible but just definitely out dated and boring lmao. this book was a twofer with the first half being another tate and jared story because of course they had to break up and get back together. the second story i thought was going to scar me for life because it appeared to be about a 17 year old girl getting with someone who was almost 30 but instead we got her reading her parents love story (still weird). anyways now i get to read misconduct, and credence because they loosely have the same world (yay). five brothers will be read soon i promise.
December 30, 2022
aflame
4.75/5
I put this book off for over a year in fear that it would ruin the way I felt about Jared and Tate. In the end, it only made my love and trust in and for them stronger. I loved Bully, I’ve read it three time basically, but I’m the first to say there was a lot of growth that needed to happen between these characters and this was that growth.
Am I happy they were broken up and were with other people? No. Am I happy that I believe wholeheartedly that they are as strong as any couple can be following that breakup and won’t ever breakup again? Yes
This cemented Jared and Tate as a couple that will stick with me for a long time to come. They have had my heart for years, and they will continue to have my heart.
next to never
3.5/5
it was that anything was wrong with this novella, I just cared less for it. I went in thinking it was going to be about Quinn and Lucas, but it ended up being about her mom and dad. At first I didn’t understand why having their story was important, but after I finished and sat down I realized having the backstory to explain why their children suffered as they had was important. It mad be even happier they both found their way to eachother.
More importantly though, this story teased hellbent so well and I cannot CANNOT wait to dive into falls boys next year.
Despite the love and happiness, this book also marked the end of the fall boys world and it brought along some pain also. Nobody has made me love worlds and groups of characters more then Pen and knowing Hellbent is their last series really frckn hurts, cause there’s nobody like them
4.75/5
I put this book off for over a year in fear that it would ruin the way I felt about Jared and Tate. In the end, it only made my love and trust in and for them stronger. I loved Bully, I’ve read it three time basically, but I’m the first to say there was a lot of growth that needed to happen between these characters and this was that growth.
Am I happy they were broken up and were with other people? No. Am I happy that I believe wholeheartedly that they are as strong as any couple can be following that breakup and won’t ever breakup again? Yes
This cemented Jared and Tate as a couple that will stick with me for a long time to come. They have had my heart for years, and they will continue to have my heart.
next to never
3.5/5
it was that anything was wrong with this novella, I just cared less for it. I went in thinking it was going to be about Quinn and Lucas, but it ended up being about her mom and dad. At first I didn’t understand why having their story was important, but after I finished and sat down I realized having the backstory to explain why their children suffered as they had was important. It mad be even happier they both found their way to eachother.
More importantly though, this story teased hellbent so well and I cannot CANNOT wait to dive into falls boys next year.
Despite the love and happiness, this book also marked the end of the fall boys world and it brought along some pain also. Nobody has made me love worlds and groups of characters more then Pen and knowing Hellbent is their last series really frckn hurts, cause there’s nobody like them
February 19, 2025
i actually really enjoyed this but i swear their all related some how but their all trying to get together…. i need a family tree or something my head hurts
July 27, 2017
Ok if I could give this book a million stars I would! I loved everything Penelope and I love everything and anything from this series!
I loved that I got more of Jared and Tate I mean these two are what true love is all about. I loved loved that we got both POV's it made me so happy.
OK I am going to give my self a day to let it all set in and be back for a review! But a HIGHLY suggest this series you wont regret it !!
I never know what to really write when giving my review of Pen's books, I mean everything about her books is life so when you have to write you feeling and what you think well you just can't seem to get it out or I can't!! If you could see my face when I read it or when I finish it you would see how much this book rocks and how every single page just pulls you in more and more!
Getting the story of Jared and Tate in the time they were apart make you understand so much more, its like watching a movie again and seeing things you never did and understanding why they happened well that's this book. To really see these two at there most vulnerable was sad but made there love so much more. If there is anything I can say about this book and the rest in this series is that they are so well written you will feel like part of the family and feel ever single feeling each character delivers and never want to stop reading! If you love, love and the fight for it then read on my book nerds! I highly suggest you read from book 1 ;)
*****My review is for Aflame the original peeps in this story ( series) .. I did read Next to Never the next generation of the group that's another review hehehe 5 stars as well ( it's about the kids from the people in Aflame in case you need some clarification)
I loved that I got more of Jared and Tate I mean these two are what true love is all about. I loved loved that we got both POV's it made me so happy.
OK I am going to give my self a day to let it all set in and be back for a review! But a HIGHLY suggest this series you wont regret it !!
I never know what to really write when giving my review of Pen's books, I mean everything about her books is life so when you have to write you feeling and what you think well you just can't seem to get it out or I can't!! If you could see my face when I read it or when I finish it you would see how much this book rocks and how every single page just pulls you in more and more!
Getting the story of Jared and Tate in the time they were apart make you understand so much more, its like watching a movie again and seeing things you never did and understanding why they happened well that's this book. To really see these two at there most vulnerable was sad but made there love so much more. If there is anything I can say about this book and the rest in this series is that they are so well written you will feel like part of the family and feel ever single feeling each character delivers and never want to stop reading! If you love, love and the fight for it then read on my book nerds! I highly suggest you read from book 1 ;)
*****My review is for Aflame the original peeps in this story ( series) .. I did read Next to Never the next generation of the group that's another review hehehe 5 stars as well ( it's about the kids from the people in Aflame in case you need some clarification)
April 9, 2022
Reread for the new kids series I know you technically don’t have to read the other books,
but I feel like it would be better to refresh my memory,
So that’s what I did I cannot wait to read Hawke’s story and the rest of the series so excited,
and I was also excited to be back in this world as well,
but Aflame is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
and Next to Never is ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
so not my favorite in the series of Tate and Jared,
that is still the first two but this is probably third.
but I feel like it would be better to refresh my memory,
So that’s what I did I cannot wait to read Hawke’s story and the rest of the series so excited,
and I was also excited to be back in this world as well,
but Aflame is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
and Next to Never is ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
so not my favorite in the series of Tate and Jared,
that is still the first two but this is probably third.
January 11, 2022
Cea mai slaba carte din serie pentru mine.
February 12, 2024
“𝙵𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝚞𝚙, 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚞𝚙, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚞𝚙.“
- 𝙰𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝙿𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝙳𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚕𝚊𝚜
- 𝙰𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝙿𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝙳𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚕𝚊𝚜
March 18, 2022
Quinn Caruthers ilysm
She's literally the only good thing that came out of Katherine and Jason
She's literally the only good thing that came out of Katherine and Jason
July 13, 2017
This is the Compilation novel of Aflame and Next to Never from Penelope Douglas. Previously separate, you can now get these novels TOGETHER!
Also, they are Fantastic.
I couldn't put them down. There is something about reading a novella that just gives you a quick transport back to characters and worlds that you love. That is exactly what you get here. Jump back and fall in love. Get prepared to be itching for more and get read to go one-click for PW because this book leaves you craving!
Thanks to Berkley Romance for sending this fantastic novel my way!
Buy On Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sIiwzZ
Synopsis:
New York Times bestseller Penelope Douglas introduces the next generation in her Fall Away series in Next to Never, together for the first time with her bestselling novella, Aflame....
Next to Never
Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn Caruthers has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood still holds her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man, and knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.
But years ago, Lucas left town and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.
Until a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. She’s never asked about the path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.
As she starts 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.
Aflame
Tatum Brandt finally has everything she wants. Acceptance to medical school, a circle of friends she would never replace, and contentment that every day is now hers.
All through high school, Jared Trent called the shots. He decided if she would be happy or sad, fearful or free. He owned her heart, and he played with it like one of his cars.
Never again.
Two years ago, Jared left town, and Tate’s life is exactly where she wants it to be. Or that’s what she tells herself…
Because two years ago, her heart also stopped beating, and no matter the success in school or the support of her friends, there’s only one time every week she can feel that same rush in her blood. Friday nights on the track.
That’s hers, not his, and to hell with anyone that gets in her way again.
Especially him.
*Please note: The Next Flame is not a new story. It is Aflame and Next to Never together in one book. For those readers who desired paperbacks of Aflame to complete their collections, this is it.
**Also Note: Next to Never is not Quinn's story. That will be a full length novel eventually. This is simply a novella to catch up with all the characters and give a lead-in to the coming spin-off series.
April 23, 2022
Wow. Truly wow.
I finally finished the fall away series and let me tell you. I can’t describe how incredible this was. Truly. I read bully in September 2021 and I didn’t realize at that time that it was a series. I found out soon enough and just went at it. Omg. I‘m so deeply in love with Tate and Jared honestly they go under my top 5. 😭and Madoc and Fallon oh my lord. They‘re book was amazing. The forbidden romance omg I died. And let’s not talk about jax and juliete because oh lord. I‘m so deeply in love with these couples and the whole family. Reading aflame was really sad because I was just rooting for Tate and Jared to get back together 😩. But the Epilogue was everything I needed. Penelope truly outdid it. And reading about Kat and Jase (the parents) was just something else (I’ll write the review on next to never). Honestly this series had everything I needed and wanted. ❤️ Thank you for this.
I finally finished the fall away series and let me tell you. I can’t describe how incredible this was. Truly. I read bully in September 2021 and I didn’t realize at that time that it was a series. I found out soon enough and just went at it. Omg. I‘m so deeply in love with Tate and Jared honestly they go under my top 5. 😭and Madoc and Fallon oh my lord. They‘re book was amazing. The forbidden romance omg I died. And let’s not talk about jax and juliete because oh lord. I‘m so deeply in love with these couples and the whole family. Reading aflame was really sad because I was just rooting for Tate and Jared to get back together 😩. But the Epilogue was everything I needed. Penelope truly outdid it. And reading about Kat and Jase (the parents) was just something else (I’ll write the review on next to never). Honestly this series had everything I needed and wanted. ❤️ Thank you for this.
January 8, 2025
I may or may not have skipped aflame and just read the epilogue to see the second gen.... that aside next to never was not what i was expecting like pd really tricked me into thinking it was going to be glimpses of quinnlucas mostly?? it was mostly about jasekat and honestly i was not interested in their story maybe invested in how kat got to the point where she became an alcoholic who neglected her son. I feel like it's unfair to madoc and jared that they didn't get to see their parents' stories clearly or knew exactly why they were both neglected as kids even though there was no good excuses whatsoever for that. Imo pd didn't do a great job with fixing their relationships and i feel like everyone except jared and juliet downplays the abuse that jax went through (even kat in the book). Anyways i loved the second gen moments and all of the characters are extremely interesting so can't wait for all of the books to come out soon!!
October 29, 2019
Aflame
Couldn't get enough of Jared & Tate in bulky and reading there ending in Aflame, my emotions were everywhere. You feel the hurt, anger the love that they feel and even though it was tough to read it had ended perfectly. What Jared & Tate have no one could break there bond. Such an amazing story for an amazing couple. Very well written and I look forward to read what Penelope will write next.
Next to Never
Anytime there is a book with the Fall Away crew there is no doubt I will one click. I was excited to read Quinn’s story but it’s not Quinn’s story exactly, it’s more of how Jase & Kat started out and everything they both went through. I loved seeing how there relationship started and the hardship they went through to be together and Kat is worried that maybe Kat will make the same mistake she has. I’m dying for more and hoping the next book will be out soon.
Couldn't get enough of Jared & Tate in bulky and reading there ending in Aflame, my emotions were everywhere. You feel the hurt, anger the love that they feel and even though it was tough to read it had ended perfectly. What Jared & Tate have no one could break there bond. Such an amazing story for an amazing couple. Very well written and I look forward to read what Penelope will write next.
Next to Never
Anytime there is a book with the Fall Away crew there is no doubt I will one click. I was excited to read Quinn’s story but it’s not Quinn’s story exactly, it’s more of how Jase & Kat started out and everything they both went through. I loved seeing how there relationship started and the hardship they went through to be together and Kat is worried that maybe Kat will make the same mistake she has. I’m dying for more and hoping the next book will be out soon.
November 5, 2017
I've already read the Aflame ebook awhile ago but I reread it again because it was so good to get the ending for Tate and Jared but I had never read Next to Never which is the story of Jared's mother and Madoc's father and the beginning of there daughter Quinn's story mixed in. Quinn receives a mysterious package with a romance book inside from an unknown person and while reading the book she discovers it's the story of her parents love affair with some pretty graphic sex since it was her parents 😳 To be honest I would be totally grossed out reading about my parents sex in my mind my parents are both still virgins and my sister and I were immaculate conceptioned. So I wasn't sure how to rate that one but I definitely didn't like it as much as the first story.
November 18, 2025
Ahhhhh! This was so good! Wrapping up loose threads with Jared and Tate, and then introducing the next generation was perfect!! Two books in one! I’ll admit I was frustrated with Jared and Tate having their issues and needing to repair their relationship, but honestly it was actually really awesome to read a novella wrapping up a story where it felt real, no magic happy endings until they dealt with their shit. And Quinn’s story is going to be very interesting, I can’t wait to get into that when it comes out! 🖤🖤🖤 Penelope you have my heart!
September 6, 2017
4.5 "Stay Gold Ponyboy" with a nice little addition of " Here's looking at you Kid"!
I love this series and all the characters!!
There are so many, but each one has their own history and adult life. Their lives just captures my interest wanting to know more & more from them.
A well and cleverly written instalment. I'm so looking forward the the next one......There us going to be a best right?!?!?!
I love this series and all the characters!!
There are so many, but each one has their own history and adult life. Their lives just captures my interest wanting to know more & more from them.
A well and cleverly written instalment. I'm so looking forward the the next one......There us going to be a best right?!?!?!
December 11, 2025
This was two shorter stories.
Aflame: The characters were complex and the storyline at the beginning was extremely entertaining. However, the ending was very cliche and felt rushed.
Next to Never: Very interesting approach, a young girl is reading a book written by her mother about how her parents met and eventually got together nearly 20 years later. However, there were multiple love interests of characters who were related by marriage which I felt to be odd.
Aflame: The characters were complex and the storyline at the beginning was extremely entertaining. However, the ending was very cliche and felt rushed.
Next to Never: Very interesting approach, a young girl is reading a book written by her mother about how her parents met and eventually got together nearly 20 years later. However, there were multiple love interests of characters who were related by marriage which I felt to be odd.
November 2, 2019
This is two novellas the first is Jared and Tate’s conclusion of the Fall Away Series. The second we see how the series has progressed and it’s a glimpse of the kids along with Jason and Catherine backstory. Both the novellas were amazing as all of Pens work on all of her books. I’ve loved this whole series and love seeing how far they’ve came what they’ve dealt with the hurdles the twists the turns. She’s excellent at her craft and a go to author for me.
December 15, 2023
Everyone is now all grown up with kids and their back stories are complete, and I'm just a little bit sad about it 😥
I've loved following the lives and stories of Jared, Tate, Madoc, Jax, Fallon and Juliet, but I'm also excited to see what's in store for their children and if they get into as much trouble as the original gang.
I've loved following the lives and stories of Jared, Tate, Madoc, Jax, Fallon and Juliet, but I'm also excited to see what's in store for their children and if they get into as much trouble as the original gang.
January 4, 2024
📖 Library Book
3.5 ⭐️s
(for some reason GR deleted my first review)
These two Novellas in one was a nice way to wrap up this series. I loved getting a glimpse into Tate and Jared’s future, all of the original character’s kids and the prequel to everything - Kat and Jase’s story. Can’t wait for the Hellbent series!! 🚗💨❤️🔥
3.5 ⭐️s
(for some reason GR deleted my first review)
These two Novellas in one was a nice way to wrap up this series. I loved getting a glimpse into Tate and Jared’s future, all of the original character’s kids and the prequel to everything - Kat and Jase’s story. Can’t wait for the Hellbent series!! 🚗💨❤️🔥
November 15, 2025
This was actually 2 separate books in one. Even though I was stepping in, in the middle of a series, it was soo good! The 2nd book, Next to Never, gave me Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah vibes… loved the back story.
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