Gabrielle is a mother of two boys who are grieving their father who recently died. She moves home to have family close and a fresh start. The dedication that Gabrielle has for her boys is sweet. She is dealing with the typical teenager attitude mixed in with anger from losing his father and it’s a lot.

Jay is a great guy, but he keeps to himself and doesn’t interact with anyone past who he absolutely must. When Gabrielle falls into his life, all of the walls he built over the years start to come down. He has major character growth though out the book and it is both beautiful to watch and heartbreaking because he has to overcome heartbreak that he suffered in the past.

I think this book showed the difficulties of dating while parenting and introducing someone new to your kids. I loved the community and support that Gabrielle had started to build for herself. I think the side characters were hilarious and I could not put the book down. I recommend this book and hope you enjoy Jay and Gabrielle’s story.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from Adriana Locke and NetGalley.

SPOILER

This started off somewhat strong. I found so much gave me a giggle, I loved the banter between Gabrielle and Jay, Carter's constant chatter and the dynamics between all the side characters.
It was a really sweet and fun read, but the ending felt very rushed. I'm not saying drag it out either, but suddenly everyone (including a grieving child) had an epiphany and saw everything clearly. Jay says he needs a plan to get Gabrielle back, she deserves more than just 'I'm sorry', but that's basically what he does. He shows up, says a little bit more than just sorry, and everything is resolved.

I really liked the story of Gabrielle's son struggling with his grief. There could have been so much more added to this. It would have been nice to see him grow and have him and Jay build a relationship, not just have it happen (literally) overnight.

I have read many books by Adriana and recommend them. Just because this wasn't for me in the end doesn't mean it wasn't a sweet read that I'm sure other people will love.

What does Adriana Locke do best? She writes the best small town romances with these men who just can't help but be genuinely great guys. Jay Stetson is no exception. Between Now and Forever hit me in the feels as it hit so close to home. It takes a special person to love someone else's kids. While there are hiccups, you have to keep showing up. Jay forgot that for a minute but when it clicked, it was so special. Gabrielle and Jay had that palpable chemistry from the moment they met. I especially loved their banter. While I loved watching Gabrielle and Jay grow together, I fell for the relationship he was building with Gabrielle's children. Such a beautiful sight!

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 is a grumpy/sunshine, neighbor to lovers small town romance that pulled me in immediately with a hilarious meet-cute for Jay and Gabrielle! My sense of humor might of gotten me hooked, but it was my heart that kept me on the line. There were so many raw emotions flowing from 4 different characters reeling from different types of loss— the two main characters, and also Gabrielles’s two sons. I loved how authentic they all felt, but the kids were so well represented. Carter was just adorable, yet amazingly perceptive, as kids often are, and Dylan, while difficult, was clearly struggling with how to navigate his new family role. Gabrielle was a boss in my eyes… I don’t know how she kept going, mess or not, but I respect her for it. I enjoyed watching her connection with Jay evolve organically, with the obvious chemistry and sassy banter. I do wish it didn’t take so long to reveal Jay’s past issue that’s holding him back, but I was probably just being impatient.😉 Once his past is explained, it felt a tiny bit unsettled to me. I get why he left it alone, but I wish he would make an effort in a certain regard. You’ll know what I mean, when you read!!😅 Come back and let me know if you agree or disagree!! Overall, it was a wonderful story that brought out every emotion in me.

I also listened to the audio narrated by Rachel Vivette & Oliver Clarke, and their performance was excellent! Both of them nailed the comedic aspects, the emotional themes, and the romance with ease! I even enjoyed their portrayal of the kids, which I know can be hit or miss sometimes. Give this book a chance, and let me know what you think!!

I received an ALC/ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

What a fun and hilarious meet cute! Jay and Gabrielle both have tragic pasts and with her sons they have a lot to work through. It takes a lot to get to their happily ever after. There were a couple of points where if felt like my chest was caving in, but that epilogue made the pain worth it.

Gabrielle: FMC, divorced, single mom, a do-it-yourselfer. Comes back home to Alden, Ohio with her two sons, Dylan and Carter. Chaotic & klutzy.

Jay: grumpy, hot carpenter next door neighbor, OCD about organization, the very opposite of Gabrielle.

Both MCs overcome traumatic past experiences to become a sweet blended family. Such a great HEA! Loved this one by Adriana Locke!

Many thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest review.

What a great book! I loved that both of the MC’s were older and I’m a sucker for a single parent book. I was a single mom with younger kids years ago and I still remember feeling some of the same things as Gabrielle. I also had a son that acted out like Dylan as I started dating again….those were some difficult times and Adriana Locke portrayed them perfect. With all that said however, Carter was the star of this book! Gah I love that kid!!

I absolutely loved this book! I devoured it in almost one night. Adriana Locke perfectly balances humor, heart and angst in this new stand alone.

Gabby is a divorced mother of two whose ex just passed away. She moves back to her hometown for a fresh start. Her oldest is struggling with grief, teen angst and anger. Jay is her neighbor who is closed off and grumpy. Jay is dealing with his own grief which keeps him distant from most people until he meets Gabby and her boys.

Gabby and Jay have the funniest meet cute. And their witty banter will keep you laughing and wanting more. Gabby’s sass keeps Jay on his toes and wanting more. Their push/pull is desire and angst at its best. Gabby is absolutely adorable with her desire to DIY home projects but badly. And Jay with his attempt to keep his distance but inability to watch Gabby harm herself with such projects. It makes for such fun reading.

Jay is so swoony with his inability to stay away from Gabby. His vulnerability is just another layer of his attractiveness. And the way in which his relates to Gabby’s boys will melt your heart. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh while melting your heart go ahead and pick this up.

Thanks to Adriana Locke, NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC opportunity.

this was such a cute read. i love reading neighbors to lovers books. i met my husband when he bought the house next door to my parents. i loved seeing jay and gabrielle work through things and how great jay was with his two boys, carter and dylan. especially dylan who was having a hard time with things. i’d really like to see the side characters with books too!

Between Now and Forever is a modest yet sweet and endearing single mother romance. This book had tons of swoony and amusing moments, while also interlacing a smidge of drama throughout to balance the plotline and add some depth.

Gabrielle meets her grumpy neighbor Jay by falling off the porch after shamelessly checking him out, but who can blame her. It was an adorable meet cute and set a good beginning to the story. Gabrielle is a fiercely protective and caring mother who’s trying to start a new life after her ex-husband passes away. Her boys are endeavoring to navigate a new world without their dad in it and it causes some tension and irate moments with her son. While his anger is expected and warranted it still hurt to witness this boy break.

Jay is the grumpy guy next door that keeps literally everyone at a distance. His past and struggles with coming to terms with his attraction to his neighbor adds some much-needed angst to the story. Watching his internal struggles throughout the story really sheds light on just how hurt he was and everything he’s trying to overcome. He keeps a fierce wall up but slowly Gabrielle and her boys break it down.

Whereas the story was overall a light and diverting romance, it fell flat at times and was a little boring at others. I needed more build up between them to really feel their connection and to add more fire, more passion, just more to the overall story. There was next to no expanse of time for their relationship to grow, Jay denied his attraction for a minute and then bam they were together, it happens in what feels like a single day. I love Adriana’s writing, and her books will always be recommended by me, and while I didn’t get what I needed from the story it was still a simple easy to read book that will leave you feeling good by the end.

I wanted to love this more than I did, as I've read/listened to Adriana's books in the past and have loved them.
Jay and Gabrielle's story felt a little superficial to me, particularly as a book featuring a widow and single mom. The fact that Gabrielle's younger son accepted Jay as a father figure so readily seemed unrealistic, even though he was only 6 when his father passed. I anticipated more push-back and drama like what came from her teenaged son.

The meet-cute was funny, and it was clear that there was chemistry there from the beginning. I appreciated that this book had humor, was low-angst, and an easy read, but I feel as though it could have had a little more character depth and polishing.

Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke 🧡
Standalone (but I’m hoping for more in this world 😁)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Reader
253 pages
🗓️ December 17

🧡small town
🧡single mom
🧡neighbors to lovers
🧡grumpy x sunshine
🧡found family

📍 “I could never hate you, Gabrielle. Not when I think I love you.”

📍”They are mine—all three of them.”

Just call me Santa because this is my gift to you! The gift of a recommendation that will hit all the marks. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Wholesome, incredibly well paced and with all the right elements to capture one’s attention, Between Now and Forever was a bag of chips; one can’t just read a chapter at a time… the same way we can’t eat just the one chip; the whole bag is gone by the time you look.

Gabrielle’s interactions with Jay made my heart burst with joy, but it was the found family in this group of girl friends that made this book insanely good. That and her kids… Jay and her kids… Gabrielle and her kids. I can’t express the way my heart is trying to break free of my chest. 🥹

I’ve been a fan of Adriana Locke for a while. Her books are always what I need, when I need them. But this one? This one is special 🫶🏼

What would you do if you basically fell off your porch in nothing but a flimsy towel right in front of your hot neighbor? I would simply pass away. However, Gabby takes it like a champ, just like all the other unfortunate things life has recently thrown her way. That said hot neighbor is your typical grumpy guy who ends up with a soft spot, but for only one girl in particular. I really enjoyed this story and the fun, quirky friends we met along the way. This was a quick, to-the-point romance read, and I’m glad there wasn’t too much fluff thrown in there. It was the perfect amount.

Release day: 12.17.24

🖤Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤Small town romance
🖤Single mom
🖤Dual POV
🖤Neighbors

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A grump who wants nothing to do with anyone and a single mom trying to put herself out there.

A laugh out loud meet cute that leads to both Gabrielle and Jay constantly thinking about each other.

I enjoy reading this author because while she is witty in her stories, she also writes stories with heart. This one was one of those with heart. I couldn't help but feel for both these characters backgrounds. I loved how the children were written into the story and wasn't just a mention here and there, they were a part of the story and somewhat of a matchmaker.

A book with banter, laughs, friendship, starting over and allowing oneself to move on from the past is what you'll find.

I gave Gabrielle and Jay 4 🦋

Oh My Heart!!

I’ve just started reading Ms. Locke, and I’m finding the depth of emotion, and development of characters is absolutely superb - every time. Gabrielle was divorced, but remained friends with her ex in raising their two boys. His death in a car accident toppled her world, and her sons.

She moves to Ohio for a fresh start and to be near her cousin Cricket. Seven-year-old Carter is adaptable, fourteen-year-old Dylan shows his adolescent attitude. Neighbor Jay is a carpenter, and tries not to watch her hurt herself attempting home improvement projects. But she is a bit accident prone.

Jay helped raise his girlfriend's daughter, until in a snit she left, and allowed no further contact with what he considered his “daughter”. He has built high walls around his heart.

Small town wonderfulness, therapeutic kitchen painting, wine drinking and crying. A great cast of characters, and a journey of healing, growing up and finding love. Wow - stellar!

This was my first Adriana Locke book - and I was instantly captivated by her humorous yet poignant writing style.

I loved that this was focused on "elder millennials" - it was refreshing to read a book about a woman my own age. I loved how the complexity of motherhood was addressed throughout the book, and the concept of sacrificing oneself for others. I loved how both Jay and Gabrielle acknowledged their own issues - and listened to others. I'm happy that Gabrielle was given a "found family", as it made the story more feasible and lighthearted

Overall, I found the book to be well written, humorous and with a nice level of depth - although it was a bit rushed. Though the end was a little far-fetched (the timeline of when Gabrielle and Jay met to the conclusion was about 3-4 months), I liked the way the author tied everything up.

Many thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Recently one of my favorite things in a book is an explosive first kiss, especially when the tension has been mounting. Gabrielle and Jay’s story had exactly that type of first kiss and their chemistry had been building from the beginning. The story could have shown more of their journey, but it still brought the feelings of these complicated characters out in a realistic way. I enjoyed Gabrielle’s new friend group. They brought much needed humor to the story and a couple of them could easily have stories of their own. Also if this were a movie, Carter would have been stealing all the scenes.

OH MY GOSH!! I don't know where to start! I loved this one so much! Like so much. This one had me so dang giddy and then had me so emotional I was crying! Miss Adriana! You killed it!

Gabrielle and her two boys move back to her hometown after her ex-husband passes away. They move across the street from Jay, the grumpy carpenter. Between helping Gabrielle with things around the house and her youngest son that won't leave him alone, Jay can't seem to stay away from his gorgeous new neighbor.

The meet cute for this one was absolutely hilarious and adorable all at the same time! Jay was prickly at first, but once he let his walls down, he was incredible! The way he was with both of Gabrielle's boys was my favorite thing about him! He was so patient and understanding! Gah!! He was so hot! Gabrielle was so relatable as a mom. She was trying to do it all herself, but sometimes, as moms, we need help and companionship, and that was what Jay was for her. He was someone to lean on, and I just adored their relationship! The banter was fun, and the chemistry was immediate between them! This was a quick, easy read full of sweet and funny moments but also an emotional aspect that brought me to tears.

Thank you, Adriana and Netgalley, for this ARC.

Jay and Gabby's story is one about healing after loss. While they are grieving different types of loss, they are still learning to move forward and understand that it’s okay to keep living. Carter and Dylan add an extra layer of depth to Gabby and her healing because she has to be there for them and while it’s not easy, show them it’s okay to move forward with life. This book is a beautiful story and Adriana Locke will forever be an auto buy author. Thanks to Montlake Publishing, NetGalley, and Adriana Locke for the ARC!!

DNF’ed this book at 30%. I tried to push through but I just couldn’t keep my focus on the book and I didn’t want to skip paragraphs or full pages to do say I read it.

However, I do give a 3 star because it’s not a bad book. It’s just wasn’t for me.

I usually enjoy the single mom trope, so Gabrielle being a mom wasn’t the issue. The issue is that there was 0 chemistry between her and Jay, at least in my opinion. They were grown up adults around my age and it didn’t feel like I was reading a 38 year-old and a 40 year-old talk normal. It was… weird. I don’t know how to explain it other than maybe Adriana Locke’s writing style is simply not for me.

Thank you Montlake, NetGalley and VPR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.