This is such a great story that revolves around second chances. Jay is determined to live his life lonely and quiet. When his new neighbor moves next door and destroys his predictable quiet life he doesn’t know what to do or how to feel. Gabby is ready to settle back in her small home town and try to get her life back on track. Loosing her ex husband left her and her two boys broken and mad. She has been trying to get everything back the way it was but with two sons, one who is a teenager, that is near impossible. When she meets her sexy neighbor she knows that her life is about to change. Will things work out between them and her boys or will it all go up in flames when he feels like his past is repeating itself? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A single mom, small town romance that has easily become one of my favorites 🧡😍

⭐ Rating Criteria ⭐

🧡 Plot:

I really liked the plot of this book. I think the author did a good job coming up with that one embarrassing scene, and hooking the readers with it by including it in the blurb. I would say that was a successful attempt because I signed up for this ARC when I read that part.

I've come to enjoy single parent romances, and I've read my fair share of the trope, so I can confidently say that it was executed really well in this book.

I also liked the ending in general; I think it wrapped everything up perfectly. However, I was taken aback with the author choosing to move their relationship into that direction given the fact that they'd only been together for a while. But, I guess it was okay.

🧡 Characters:

I loved the personal development of both Gabrielle and Jay - they finally chose to move past the things that were holding them back from living their life more freely and falling in love. I also loved their romantic development, and how it wasn't rushed just because of physical attraction. I understood the apprehensions and doubts that they had which kept them from being involved with each other, and seeing them get through those was so relieving because, with the things they've been through, they deserve to be happy and in love. Seeing Jay with Gab's sons was so heartwarming - how he kept entertaining Carter and how he talked to Dylan was just everything.

I also loved how the characters were written realistically, and I mean all of them - Gab and Jay, Gab's kids, and her friend group. I enjoyed the found family in this very much because of that.

Speaking of realism, I think Dylan, especially, was a hard character, but the author was able to capture his entirety so well. She was able to create a realistic teenage boy, and we saw him grieving his dad and "acting out" because he didn't know how to process emotions. I think his parts in this book were the hardest to read because I understood why he was how he was, but also, I wanted to help him and his family understand him too. I'm just glad that Jay was able to get through to Dylan, and share his insights with him. That definitely became the turning point in the story, and the author did a great job writing that.

🧡 Writing Style:

I've praised the author's writing so many times now, but I really did love how she wrote this story. The storyline was structured and paced nicely, so it was a very easy read. I also appreciate the realism woven into this book with the characters and the situations they were in, and those were executed excellently.

🧡 Overall:

There were so many things I loved about this book, and I don't think I've captured everything with my review above. I won't say anything more because I definitely think you should read this story instead of reading my lengthy review.

I can't wait to check out more of this author's books in the future. But for now, thank you so much to Valentine PR and the author for allowing me to share my honest reviews on this wonderfully written ARC read ❤️

4.5 Stars
This was such a good read. I love that it's a single mom romance. Her son Carter is quite the character. I love the odd friendship he creates with Jay. Jay may want to stay away from his new neighbor and her sons, but fate keeps throwing these two in each other's paths. Jay's life needs a little shake up that Gabby and her sons provide. Gabby and her sons are making a fresh start after a terrible loss. You can see and feel the impact of that loss has on them. My heart breaks for them, but their move to Gabby's hometown is going to prove to be the best move for those three. There is a ton of emotion and feels in this one. I just loved the sense of humor as well. This book had me chuckling through out the whole book. Little Carter leads to some of the funny moments. Got to love that kid. I loved watching all the characters grow and heal from past hurts to something so beautiful. A read I recommend!

Gabby is a single mom to two boys who moves back to her hometown to start over after the death of her ex, the father of her boys. Jay is the grumpy guy next door that decides the new neighbors are going to be a bother. Gabby makes quite the first impression on Jay; he can't get her out of his head. There' quite a bit of home improvement to be done at her new home and she's sure she's a Jill of all trades, which she isn't. Good thing Jay is a carpenter and has time to help. Gabby is ready to start living again and Jay keeps everyone at arm's length. There's something about Gabby and he just can't stop thinking about her. He finally gives in, and they get together but there's so much in his past that he needs to work through which is hard when Gabby is a reminder of the past. When the new start gets bumpy does he care enough to stick around and work through it? Love everything I've ever read by Ms. Locke and devour each new release and have to wait anxiously for the next one! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was a super sweet read that was simply delightful.
Gabrielle is a single mum to two boys and moves back to her hometown where Jay happens to be her new neighbour.
Both have their own dramas they're facing and Jay tries everything in his power to stay away no matter how much he's drawn to Gabby.
The storyline didn't have any major drama or angst which was a welcome change.
There was plenty of banter, chemistry, laughs and emotion in this wonderful feel good romance.
I can't wait to see what's next.

It was a laugh-out-loud start to this book...Don't miss out on a great book!
This book is laugh-out-loud funny from the first chapter. Gabrielle Solomon is a single mother and lives next door to handsome Jay Stetson. They meet when Adrian falls in the bushes only wearing a towel AND Jay happens to be watching. The story is a mix of playful teasing and romance. It's a perfect romantic comedy. I loved the characters in the story, it's a feel-good book with plenty of laughs and love. It's absolutely worth sitting down with a cup of tea and reading. I can't wait to read more by Adriana Locke

This is a heartwarming read. Gabrielle has moved back to town with her two sons after her husband passed away. Jay is her single next door neighbor that keeps to himself. He isn’t looking for a relationship and he doesn’t want one. But there is something about his new neighbor and her kids that he is drawn to. I loved both Gabrielle and Jay. And everything that came out of Carters mouth was so funny. This was an enjoyable read. I hope that there will be another book with one of the side characters!

Absolutely loved!! The grumpy hot neighbor (Jay) & the overwhelmed quirky mom (Gabrielle) completely won my heart over from the very beginning. Lots of laughs, not only with them, but definitely with her youngest son Carter (that kid cracks me up!). Quite a few tears, and lots & lots of heart ❤️ A story about second chances in life, and family. Just loved it!!

I absolutely adored this story. The main characters are older and a bit more settled. Gabrielle and her 2 boys have just moved home and Jay is her sexy neighbor. Their first encounter is hilarious and leaves a lasting impression. Jay is hesitant at first because of a past relationship with a single mom that ended badly. Slow burn with great banter a wonderful small town feel. The interactions and acting out of the boys was very realistic and handled excellent. Fast paced and quick read.

I'm a big fan of Adriana Locke's writing. Not once have I been disappointed, and Between Now and Forever is no different.

It's the story of Gabrielle, a single mom to two sons dealing with the death of their father - her ex-husband/best friend. She has moved them back to her hometown. She wants to live again and show her boys it's ok to move on.

Enter the grumpy neighbor next door, Jay. The eye candy she didn't know she needed, and oh boy, does she make an impression!! Hilarious!! Jay's been hurt in the past and has spent the last three years keeping people at arms length.

It's a quick read, but it is packed with what Adriana writes so well - laughter, steam, and emotion.

Another beautiful and heart tugging story from Adriana Locke.

Between Now and Forever puts together a grumpy-sunshine small town neighbors situation where single mom Gabrielle returns to her hometown after the death of her ex-husband to raise her two boys. She's ready to move on from her grief but what she found was Jay Stetson- her neighbor that got quite the eyeful in their first meeting and somehow find himself pulled into her chaotic orbit.

This story is filled with Adriana's signature charm and humor while also hitting on some tough emotions of raising children, feeling like your failing at every turn and navigating how to trust again after having your world shattered around you. I absolutely fell for Gabby and Jay's annoyance to love story. The tug between these two sparked and the singe lingered to where I was completely enamored with their back and forth jabs and then the ease of how well these two could meld their lives together. Then there was the way that Gabby's boys Dylan and Carter both kind of fell into such opposing reactions to their grief and new life. Dylan being the older teenager acted out and I could totally sympathize with Gabby on just not knowing what to do, how to reach him while wondering where her sweet boy went while Carter was the polar opposite in the way that he was bubbly, outgoing and just wanted that male attention from Jay despite Jay's best attempts to keep his distance.

I think that there is a perfect balance between the heavier topics and the lighthearted moments. Add in the intense attraction and spicy moments and it's just this *chefs kiss* beautiful and enthralling story that I almost didn't want to end. I'm not ashamed to admit that there may have been a tear or two at the touching and sweet moments toward the end that just bring everything all together.

Adriana Locke never fails! I love her writing so much, and this story was the epitome of all things I love from her! The chemistry, the love, the laugh out loud moments, the heartache, the sarcastic banter, accidental chivalry lol, it's all there. Watching Gabrielle and Jay dance around each other until finally giving in is the story I didn't know I needed this holiday season. Five stars! See y'all on another page!

This book will pull at your heart strings. Gabrielle and her two sons, Dylan and Carter move back to her hometown to start over after the boys father, Christopher dies in a car crash. Even though they were divorced, Gabrielle and Christopher were still best friends. Navigating grief of 14 and 7 year old isn’t easy for Gabrielle especially when she knows they need to move forward but has no idea how. Jay is her next door grumpy neighbor who has his own grief he’s dealing with. A series of funny, embarrassing events bring Jay and Gabrielle together but finding their way through all of their past traumas, getting acceptance from the boys, and forgiving each other for reactions and actions filed by past hurt and fear isn’t easy. You will laugh a lot but you will also probable shed a tear or 100 lol for not just Gabrielle and Jay but for the boys too.

Loved this book! It was a refreshing small town romance with adult main characters.

Carter was an added bonus!

Eeeeeekkk. So i loved this standalone! The characters were so loveable. I loved Jay and his times with Carter and his child like curiosity but also how he was with Dylan and all his teenager emotions. I also loved Gabrielle and her love for her boys and Jay and his past. This book was really good! Not gonna lie. I could go for a Lark and Della book. Totally enjoyed this book!

This is a great read and I was hooked from the start. Gabrielle is a single mom back in her small hometown with her boys, starting over. Jay is that hot neighbor just wanting to keep to himself. I really enjoyed their connection, the interactions between Jay and the boys, and the pull he has to her. The story gives us lightness along with some deeper topics, dealing with grief, and more. There's sweet, spice, laughs, and heart squeezing moments. I felt connected to the characters, the flow worked, and add in some fun friends for a must read book!

This book was sooo swoon worthy and i love a good neighbors trope and add in single parent?! Yes pls. Like the meet cute alone was hilarious.. accidentally flashing the hot neighbor while trying to catch a peek lol I really enjoyed this book?

I adored this book and couldn't put it down. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I can't wait to read more by her.

I loved the writing and storytelling. I found the characters relatable, especially Gabrielle. I don't know if it's because I'm close to her age, have kids around the same age, or share her clumsy tendencies, but I felt a strong connection to her. I admired the resilience and strength she exhibited throughout the story.

Jay has his walls up around everyone he meets, but he feels something different with Gabrielle. Despite both of them being hesitant about starting a relationship for various reasons, their instant connection was captivating. I loved watching their story unfold.

The character development was amazing, and I appreciated how they supported each other and grew as a family unit. I'm very excited to read more books by this author!

4.5 stars with such a sweet 5 ⭐️ ending!

These two have scars from past relationships that need to heal before they can truly be together. Jay is the grumpy, hot neighbor next door who "saves" Gabrielle from a delicate situation involving a towel, a broken railing and a bush. He is intrigued by her, but is not willing to get involved.

...except that he can't help himself. Nor does her youngest son let him stay alone. Jay's and Carter's interactions were my favorite parts of this book. "You were my first other pick." LOL

Dylan...not so much. That is one angsty teenage boy!

But Jay has been burned by a single mom before and Gabrielle is still reeling from the death of her ex - you know - the one who gave up on "us".

This one is bound to bring some tears and your heart will hurt for these two as they just can't quite make things work...or will they?

"We need to stop this. Because I won't fight for a man that won't bother to fight for me." Go girl!!

This was a heartfelt and heartwarming story.

I voluntarily requested and read an uncorrected advance reader copy via the publisher through Net Galley..

Between Now and Forever features relatable characters that draw the reader in with the deep feelings and angst that Adriana Locke is known for. Honestly, her signature style resonates with me and I always become invested in the outcome for her characters. Gabrielle is a single Mom to 2 boys who are still grieving the loss of their Dad in a car accident. She moves in next door to Jay who is afraid to get involved with her due to his history. This is a stand alone novel set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Gabrielle’s cousin Cricket introduces her to her group of friends and those ladies should be role models for the advice they give. I shed tears of grief and joy as Dylan and Carter interacted with their Mom and Jay as their relationships evolved.