Beautiful Things Never Last (Grounding Quinn, #2)

Beautiful Things Never Last (Grounding Quinn #2)

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3.89 of 5 stars 3.89  ·  rating details  ·  613 ratings  ·  64 reviews
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 final...more
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Published January 15th 2013
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Fred
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 th...more
Jolene Perry
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 wou...more
Kelly
*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...more
Angela Mclaurin
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!
The Book Bar
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...more
Em - Book boys are better!
I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to be able to rant and rave about this book. I was desperate for it and being a UK reader I even changed my country settings on Amazon to allow me to read it so I didn't have to wait until the UK release. I know follow ups never usually match the hype made about them but I has SOOOOOOO much hope for this book and I can't help feel slightly disappointed in it.

That said, I did finish it within a day. I did seriously want to strangle Ben and stick pins in Caroline's e...more
Wendy
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! Y...more
Liz
I'm not really sure where to go with this. I was REALLY excited for this release, but I feel somewhat let down. The writing, as always with Steph Campbell, flows and is easy to follow...I read this in a few hours. Quinn and Ben were great, when they were great, and it was fun to connect with them again. To see where they are since Grounding Quinn left off. I was super excited to celebrate both of their successes. But, that being said, it pissed me off to watch Ben run as white Knight home to be...more
Tabitha H
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 Qui...more
Sofia Lazaridou
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 togeth
...more
Christy


“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...more
Zizz
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...more
Megan
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 i...more
Madison Seidler
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 e...more
Holly
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 visi...more
Michael Burhans
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....more
*Walk Two Miles Down*
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 b...more
JennOM
This was a worthy sequel to "Grounding Quinn." Ben and Quinn aren't perfect and the book really emphasizes the characters human qualities. They make mistakes and learn from these mistakes.

The interchanging POV between Ben and Quinn was nice and the chapters really flowed together. While I would have enjoyed a longer book, based on the ending this book turned out to be the perfect length....more
Stacey
I loved Grounding Quinn - so I was worried what obstacles would they would have to overcome now that they got together.

Quinn and Ben are now living in California but still in love. Quinn gets an amazing opportunity to study for a month in Italy. While away Ben goes home to Caroline who needs a friend, while she is staying with Ben’s parents. Ben being the good person he is – he believes that she just wants to be friends.

Something happens that leads to Quinn finding out through her brother that B...more
Nicole
Jan 30, 2013 Nicole marked it as to-read
This book was AMAZING! So much better then Grounding Quinn which I loved. Seeing how Quinn and Ben grew and flourished together was awesome. Now Ben Ben Ben what can I say besides I wanted to HURT him slap him strangle him what an idiot! And don't even get me started on little Ms. Manipulation Caroline! Still loved Carter tho because he's just so supportive. That quote up at the top that moment in this book had me in tears. This book is a must read! 5 out of 5 hearts! (no stars this book needs h...more
Anna
It's a 3.5 star book for me, but I'm rounding up because I enjoyed this one more than Grounding Quinn I think. I was about 15% into this book when I had to stop and pull up Grounding Quinn to try to remember these two and their story. That's a sad reflection on the impact that book had on me, but this book wasn't as much of a sad story of fighting love, close but not as much. This book felt like it was moving forward more than GQ did.

It was refreshing to see a messed up guy. It wasn't the cliche...more
Melanie Stinnett
There were great moments in this book that kept me reading until the end. However, many of the in between moments lacked the emotional ride that I felt I needed. While I liked Quinn and Ben's story and appreciated the ride they went on, the supporting characters didn't give much in the way of moving the story forward.

Overall, it was an easy read with a decent ending. If you are looking for a quick read, you should consider this book.
Erica Alyson
When I read Grounding Quinn I loved it so much. I loved Quinn flaws and all. In this book I loved her even more. I truly enjoyed watching her grow and I loved that is wasn't over night. It was very written and excellently developed.

Ben made me mad in this book which was a nice for a change. But I loved the time Quinn spent away because the friend she made there and the experience helped her a lot. I am glad that Ben realized his mistakes.

I also really liked Shayna and Carter. They are a great s...more
Chelsea Tucker
I really liked the storyline of this book. I love Quinn and Ben but the downer for me in this book was the editing. Too many typos and I HATE having to figure out what the word is supposed to be! Other than that i liked it : )
Carla Hommel Krissinger
I would have given 4 stars had the book been properly proofed. Lots of errors. The story was great and I loved catching up with Quinn and Ben a year later. Not the best I've read, but certainly better than most!
Denise
Great read, glad to see more of Ben's side and his feelings towards everything. Quinn has grown up from the last book and in this book you can see that she is learning about herself and coming into her own person.

Who would have guessed that Shayna and her brother Carter would be together like that. Shayna just keeping it real for everyone in this storyline, you can't but love her for that. I would even enjoy reading about her and Carter.

Heidi Hooper
Totally in love with this author. I read all three of the books in the series and they were amazing...it was a great journey with some fabulour characters!!!
Francesca
I really wanted to love (or even like) this book. I liked Grounding Quinn and was interested to see where Quinn and Ben's story went. But I think that's my problem, I already liked the way their story ended. Quinn and Ben already got their HEA. I hate to say it but this book seemed unnecessary - it added nothing to their story. Sure, we get to see how much Quinn has grown as a person and how far she's come. But I think I could have just as easily imagined it rather than actually reading it.
Bobbi
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.
Melissa
Sep 23, 2012 Melissa marked it as to-read
O.M.G.!!! I just finished Grounding Quinn and read this blurb and...AARRRGGGHHHH!!!!! Sounds like trouble in paradise, but I can't wait!!
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Beautiful Things Never Last (Grounding Quinn, #2)
Beautiful Things Never Last (Grounding Quinn, #2)
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Steph Campbell grew up in Southern California, but now calls Southwest Louisiana home. She has one husband, four children and a serious nail polish obsession.

She's rep'd by Jane Dystel & Lauren Abramo of Dystel & Goderich.
More about Steph Campbell...
Lengths (Lengths, #1) Grounding Quinn (Grounding Quinn, #1) Delicate (Grounding Quinn, #0.5) Depths (Lengths, #2) A Toast to the Good Times

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