I have a couple of quickies with Penelope Douglas. Get your mind out of the gutter, pervs.
Next to NeverAuthor: Penelope Douglas
Series: Fall Away #4.5
Published by: InterMix
Publication Date: January 17, 2017
Format: eARC
Pages: 164
Source: Publisher
Quinn Caruthers has several problems.
Her father, Jason, and her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon.
Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without them jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood captures her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man—experienced, sophisticated, and important. And knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.
But Lucas left town years ago and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.
But then a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn Quinn’s world upside down. She’s never asked about the tumultuous path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.
As she begins to see things around her with new eyes, Quinn will have to make tough choices about whether she’ll keep waiting…or finally go after what she really wants.
The Fall Away series is a favorite of mine. Like, top five. And now, it’s time for a new generation, which I’m ecstatic for! Next to Never is an excellent transition between the two, and the perfect intro for the newer characters. It’s a quick read, but fully satisfying.
I love Quinn and the different relationships she has with various family members. It’s especially fun seeing Madoc, Jared, and Jax as older brothers. But it’s really cool how we get to know Quinn while intertwining her parents story. Trust me, it totally fits. Fans of the series are already familiar with some of it, but now we know how things really went down.
I’m so glad we get to know Quinn and see this pivotal point in her life. It makes me even more eager to see what’s to come. I mean, I think we know what’s coming with that ending, but it only makes me exceedingly giddy for it!
This is definitely a must-read for fans of the Fall Away series. If you haven’t read it yet, then freaking do it already!
There’s also some great bonus scenes for the series and this book on the author’s website, so don’t miss out on them!
Punk 57Author: Penelope Douglas
Published by: InterMix
Publication Date: October 21, 2016
Format: eBook
Pages: 343
Source: Publisher, Purchased
"We were perfect together. Until we met."
Misha
I can't help but smile at the lyrics in her letter. She misses me.
In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.
It didn't take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever...
And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.
Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there's one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She's the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.
We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?
Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name's Ryen, loves Gallo's pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?
F*ck it. I need to meet her.
I just don't expect to hate what I find.
Ryen
He hasn't written in three months. Something's wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.
Without him around, I'm going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It's my own fault. I should've gotten his phone number or picture or something.
He could be gone forever.
Or right under my nose, and I wouldn't even know it.
I fucking love Penelope’s writing! She writes characters and their situations that often make me feel nostalgic. I rarely pre-order books, but hers are a must. There’s an edginess and grittiness about her books that’s totally realistic.
Punk 57 definitely brought it. Plus, I was beyond excited when I realized the connection to the Devil’s Night series!
I love Misha and Ryen! They have amazing chemistry, even when they’re at odds. The antagonistic dynamic is my absolute favorite. The intensity, and the push and pull between them … ♥
I just loved the whole damned thing, okay? 😀 Seriously, read it!
You absolutely don’t need to read Corrupt prior to reading this, but it’s even better if you do.
Read bonus scenes here!
I have listened to some of her books and loved them- it looks like I need to go back and read the Fall Away series. Was it YA and this is adult?
The FA series is more NA, even though the first book starts them out at 18-year-old seniors in high school. Next to Never is NA, too. Punk 57 is along the same lines, while Corrupt is a little bit older.
I have never read this author before but I feel like I should change that soon based on these reviews! These both sound like my kind of books. Glad you enjoyed both of these so much!
Punk 57… that synopsis get me every time, great premise. I’ll probably give it a shot maybe at some point. I just want to see what happens!
I fell off the Fall Away series – maybe I should get back to it. I really liked Punk 57 and need to read Corrupt now apparently!
I haven’t even heard of Penelope Douglas before, Christy… how is that possible? I want to read that first series, though, so I’ll be checking that one out 🙂
I hope you’re having a great week!
Oh, Lexxie, you’ll love them. I bet you’d really love Misconduct and Corrupt. I’d highly suggest starting with those books of hers.
I need more Penelope Douglas in my life. I don’t know why her Bully didn’t work for me when I first read it but since reading her collab with another author, I’m hooked!
Bully was my first book by her and I had mixed feelings, but it was soooo on after reading the next book in the series. You should for sure read Misconduct and Corrupt. What book did she collab on? Dang, now I need to investigate.
Two great reads in a row? Now that is off to a good start this year. 😉 Glad these both worked so well for you. I need to try them!
Read Corrupt! I mean, read these too, but get Corrupt first.
I’ve had my eye on Punk 57 because of the pen pal type thing, but good to know that it’s connected to another book and it should be read first.
I need to finish the Fade Away series.
I have been eyeing Punk 57 for awhile. Now you have me convinced to read it.
Read Corrupt first, Heidi! You don’t absolutely need to, but I love that one even more. Dooooo it!
Great reviews, Christy! Penelope Douglas is an author that i will for sure be reading this year and I’m probably going to start with Punk 57 though Next to Never sounds like a good one too. Thanks for the heads up!
Start with Corrupt, then Punk 57. Another one of her books that’s excellent and I bet you’d love is Misconduct. So freaking good!
Punk 57 has a curious title, it’s cool that the story is solid too!
I really want to read Punk 57. I doubt I’ll get to Corrupt before it, so that’s good you can read/enjoy alone.
Thanks for sharing!
I read Punk 57 and absolutely loved it!! I still need to actually put my notes into a review that does it justice 🙂 I had no clue the story was related to anything at all!! I thought it was great on it’s own. I do want to read Misconduct. I only picked up Punk 57 b/c of your love of Ms. Douglas 😉
Great reviews!!!
Yup, it’s in the same world as Corrupt. His cousin that bails him out is from Devil’s Night. And the epilogue is a big connect to Corrupt. There’s more you’d recognize too. But yeah, you definitely need to read Corrupt! I love it more than Punk 57.
I don’t think I knew about the author but I really should try seeing your enthousiasm!
I read Punk 57 before reading Corrupt but once at the end I read Rika was from Corrupt, I immediately started it! I’m so happy I decided to read Punk 57 because Corrupt was a 2016 fave read! I need the second book ASAP!
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
I’m glad you read Corrupt! Did you read the bonus material for both books? I’m so excited for the sequel to Corrupt.
I HAVE NOT!!! I’LL DO THAT NOW!!
I hadn’t heard of either of these. Thanks for the heads up on them.
I’m just about done with Next…. I liked parts but I didn’t get the same reaction you did. I never heard of this other one but I like the sound of it!
Yeah, but did you read the other books? I know you skipped some. It adds to the enthusiasm, including those bonus scenes that involve these characters. I mean, its not absolutely necessary, but I think it enhances this book and transition to the upcoming series. You read Corrupt, right? Punk 57 is in the same world with a little crossover, but not part of the same series.
From Fall Away? I’ve read them all. I just don’t like how it was done, with who sent the book. Eww and totally not believable in my eyes.
I think I read Corrupt. My memory ain’t what it used to be.
I thought you skipped some. You’re forgiven then. 😛 I could totally believe who sent the book & why, but certain parts felt ick-ish after finding out, especially if it was meant for her.
Dammit, Liz. I’m going to buy you some ginkoba.
The only Douglass book I’ve read is Corrupt. Which I LOVED so much. I’ve been wanting to read more from her. What should I start with?
I’d say Punk 57 mostly because of that little connection. But I absolutely love Misconduct, and it’s a standalone. You have to make your way through all her books though! 😀
Sounds great!
Originally I had skipped the first one but I’ve since caught up.
Cool. I like presents.
Yep. Adding Corrupt and Fall Away to my wishlist… as well as these. Thanks for the recommendations!!
I’m not familiar with this author. Glad you enjoyed these.
I’m really trying to get into more NA reads Christy. I read Bad Mommy last week and now I have a real taste for it, as bonkers as that book was. Penelope Douglas sounds amazing! Definitely adding her to my to buy list this weekend. Thanks for the brilliant reviews hun! <3