I loved this beautiful, emotional love story! Gabrielle and Jay have both gone through so much and watching them open up to one another was everything!

Gabrielle is such a phenomenal mother to her two sons. She's selfless and sweet and strong. Jay has my whole heart! He's has this big, beautiful heart that he hides behind a gruff exterior. These two have an instant connection but Jay tries to keep his distance. I love when Gabrielle finally gets him to break. The moment is spicy goodness!

All the characters in this book are navigating loss in their own way. Gabrielle and her sons are dealing with the loss of her ex husband. Jay is dealing with the loss of his daughter. Watching them heal and help one another heal was seriously the best part of this book. I loved every interaction because they were so real. Bravo Adriana!

ARC review.

I do enjoy Locke’s writing, but have found her traditionally published standalone books aren’t quite the same as her indie series. I love the Landry and Carmichael (etc.) series so, so much, and really get invested in the huge families and crossover characters. These standalone ones don’t have the same feeling, heart, or draw. I don’t feel the same pull or investment in the characters or storylines.

I did enjoy this one far more than the last, though (Nothing But It All - I didn’t care for that one, though it could’ve been the marriage in crisis trope, which I can’t stand!). This one is the single mom, neighbors, pretty quick to become interested in each other, plus grumpy sunshine. I couldn’t tell initially if these books were connected or same small town, but they didn’t seem to be. It also started with a fantastic meet-cute in the garden!

I did enjoy Gabrielle and Jay’s story well enough, but it didn’t get to the 5-star rating level of her other books - the chemistry and characters is fine, but I didn’t feel like it was her normal stellar writing. She did get me a bit emotional, when Jay was giving Gabby his backstory, and when she had to deal with teen boy drama, and it is a good read overall (I do recommend it!), just not up to my usual Locke expectations…

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an early copy - this is my honest opinion.

I was provided both an ARC via the author and Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This is a complete standalone and doesn't connect with any of Adriana's prior series. If you are a fan of hers you know she is well known for her interconnected family series. She also has some excellent standalones, and this one is amazing! I wouldn't be surprised if we get spinoffs from this one for the friends in the future.

This follows single mom Gabrielle, who has just moved back to her hometown from Boston. Her new neighbor is a grumpy carpenter, but he is nice to look at. They have an interesting first meeting, and he does not want to get involved. Since Gabrielle likes to do DIY projects and her house needs some TLC, and Jay just happens to fix houses for a living, he finds himself offering to help her out more often than he probably should. They quickly develop and attraction to one another, and he quickly becomes invested in the lives of her two boys.

Both Jay and Gabrielle have some hang ups when it comes to relationships, and neither one of them want to hurt the two boys who are still grieving the loss of their dad and trying to settle in their new town. Jay and Gabrielle fall for each other fairly quickly, but we get alot of sweet moments between the two of them and alot of good conversations about hard topics like relationships, family, grief, and more in the short time they get to know each other. Gabrielle also has some great friends in her corner who are hilarious and she is a wonderful mom who like all moms is asking if she is doing the right thing or did she just screw up royally. I really enjoyed Jay's interactions with Dylan and Carter, the sons, they were genuine and realistic. This is on the shorter side, so if you are looking for a grumpy sunshine romcom that you can get through pretty quickly this is a great one to pick up.

So sweet. I loved Jay & Gabrielle. The chemistry, the family drama (I mean teenagers, right?), the healing. It was a wonderful story and it only made me cry a little bit. Made me feel warm & cozy, like snuggling with someone you love.

What a beautiful story about two people who get a second chance at love. Throw in some amazing kids and awesome gal pals and this book is a 5 Star read!
And you know this Michigan gals favorite line is:
“So no one is going to Ohio State— not even if it’s your life’s dream and you’ll pay for it yourself. I can’t let that happen. Dad was a big Michigan fan.”

I have to start off by saying g the meet-cute between Gabrielle and Jay was *chef’s kiss*

Between Now and Forever is getting added to my list for my top reads of 2024. From the witty moments to the raw emotions, this book is absolutely phenomenal.

The characters are flawless. Gabrielle, a single mom, who moved back to her home town to raise her two sons after they lost their father. Carter was the sweetest boy and Dylan had his struggles, dealing with his own insecurities after the loss of his father and the new family dynamic.

Jay had his own demons from his past that had him keeping himself shut off from others. The way Gabrielle and him banter is delightful, it doesn’t take long g before he is falling for her. Loved these two together!

This was a solid 3.5 stars for me. This is only my second neighbors/strangers to lovers, and I did enjoy it overall. Everything just happened a little faster for my pace than I would have liked. I had a hard time really connecting with the characters. And really had a hard time getting in Jay's head. I appreciated Gabrielle and her strength as a single mom. She was going through so much and had been putting her family first understandably. She was at a point where she wanted something for her. After we learned more about Jay's past I understood his actions a LITTLE more, but he was still a tad bit annoying with the back and forth. I'm not sure if I were Gabrielle that I would have gone to him after the bar that night.

Gabrielle has moved her family back to her hometown. She has been dealing with the death of her ex husband who was still one of her best friends. She has a fourteen year old who is on another level with grief and emotions right now and then a seven year old who is as happy as a golden retriever. She knows being here is the right decision for her. She just has to make some adjustments to her life. She is realizing that she feels more comfortable doing things for her in this setting where she knows more people. Which is how she finds herself getting mixed up with her hot neighbor, Jay. He seems cold and a little weary but then will do things that show the opposite. She finds herself drawn to him. She can't help it. So when she makes the decision that she is going to try to find someone in her life- her sights are set on Jay. But he is being to yo-yo for her. So she goes out one night but then Jay is there and she can't help but notice that he is being jealous. One thing leads to another and now they are semi dating. Gabrielle's heart breaks when she learns more about Jay's past. So when her family sets something off for him unintentionally, their new relationship is put to the test. WIll he be able to put aside the hurt and realize that Gabrielle is different than Melody was? Or will he walk away?

Jay is fine being single. He has been propositioned by so many people he can't keep track anymore. So when he finds himself drawn to his new neighbor and her two kids he is baffled. He has not only avoided women and relationships but specifically single moms because of how badly his ex hurt him with her daughter. He can't go through that pain again. But he also can't seem to stay away. He loves her honesty and her confidence (even if she shouldn't have it). But when things seem to be going a certain way he freaks. He thinks he made the right decision but then sees Gabrielle out talking to someone else and all bets are off. He likes her. He wants her. No more hiding his feelings. Things are going to happen now. He can be strong for her. He can put aside his hurt from the past. Or can he? Because her son Dylan is really struggling when he finds about Gabrielle and Jay and now Jay is realizing he may have moved too quickly. Will he be able to get over his past because he knows that if he doesn't end up with Gabrielle- he will forever be alone.

This was a super short easy read with nice spice. I think I had a harder time connecting to the characters because of the length maybe? I would still recommend it. I am wondering if Adriana is going to make further books in this world- I am looking at you Della.

Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars !!

Between Now and Forever is a small town story featuring Jay Stetson & Gabrielle Solomon.

Gabrielle recently moved back to town with her two sons Dylan and Carter. She is a single mom raising her sons alone after her ex husband passed away in an accident.

She notices her new neighbour and winds up falling over her deck railing in only a towel, and said neighbour comes to help her. Gabrielle is very attracted to Jay but he seems indifferent.

Jay was burned before getting involved with a single mom, but there’s something about Gabrielle that he can’t stay away from. Will he be able to push through his past demons or will he sabotage his chance at happiness with Gabrielle and her boys?

I loved this book so much! The characters were easy to like and I really was hoping things were going to work out for them in the end. I also found myself getting emotional whenever they talked about the boys’ dadc especially when Dylan was struggling. As someone who lost their father it hit close to home.

Thank you for the opportunity !

Fun sweet story! The meet cute was funny and adorable and I loved Gabrielle and Jay's interactions. I felt like sometimes, they acted a little young, especially Jay who was hurt by a prior relationship. While I am typically wary of romances with widows, this one was really well done and Gabrielle's kids added a nice dimension to the relationship. A wonderful fast read. Thanks to netgalley, the publisher and author for an early read!

Between Now and Forever gives you all those feels. I loved this one so much. I laughed, I cried and everything in-between. This is filled with so much heart you will not be able to put this down. Single mom Gabrielle is trying to hold it all together for her two sons as they move back to her hometown. She's a bit accident prone when it comes to diy projects. Jay is a bit of a grumpy who wants to keep people at arms length. He's a handyman you always want as your neighbor. As you learn more about Jays history you understand why. The meet cute is chef's kiss. I love the chemistry build between Jay and Gabrielle. Gabrielle has this way of breaking down walls that Jay holds tight to. I love how Jay slowly gets comfortable with Gabrielle's sons and his own little way with each boy to show her is not looking to replace anyone. Jay and Gabrielle will take you on this beautiful emotion packed ride as they navigate what their relationship is. I could not put this down. I loved every moment of this one. You need to one click this today.

The joy I experienced while reading this book was unmatched. I laughed-out-loud, swooned, felt sadness, and could really empathize with Gabrielle as the mom of a broody teenager. I loved so many things about this story from Gabrielle's neighbors who were the perfect group of women to help give her the support she needed after moving home to her meet-cute (er, meet-towel) with Jay. Jay was the perfect swoony neighbor who despite trying to act like he was put out about helping her and her kids, he did every chance he got.

I loved the flow of their love story and how things developed as they overcame the trauma of their pasts to make way for a beautiful future.

This book is a little different from other books written by Adriana Locke and she hit it out of the park! I loved how it presented situations that seem so real and hard decisions that had to be made. It’s not easy to let go of a hurt and make yourself vulnerable again and these two characters navigate that with ups and downs and a few tears along the way. This is a book that you will love and you won’t be able to put it down. I got to the end way too fast. Thank you Addy for writing such a remarkable love story!

Jay and Gabrielle's story was adorable cute, and even more so when her children get involved. Jay just wants to live his life, alone and without kids or all the drama that comes with them. Gabrielle is starting fresh with her two young boys, imagine Jay's surprise when his new neighbor is almost a walking disaster from the start. Throw in the youngest boy who is too cute for his own good and an older boy who doesn't want Jay around and you have a great book!

What a fantastic story! Filled with love, emotion, chemistry and real family situations. This one will pull on your heartstrings…widowed mom doing her best, neighbors, small town and a man who’s also dealing with loss. Gabrielle and Jay come into each other’s life at the perfect time. Their initial meeting is fanatic!! They have an undeniable attraction, become each other’s sounding board and want to do the best thing for the kids. As with every relationship there are ups and downs…but these two are determined to make it work. The kids add so much to the story…the ending is fantastic! Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke deliver a fanatic performance filled with emotion! They gave the characters perfect voice and emotion. I love audiobooks and how narrators take the authors words and create a whole new experience to enjoying the story!

Awwwww - that was my reaction as I read the final few chapters of this book. This was such a sweet and heartwarming read about a single mom with her two boys who is struggling with getting her life back and being there for his kids while they grieve their dad. Gabrielle, our FMC, is funny, strong, and a great mom (despite her doubts). She has an interesting and hilarious meet cute with our MMC Jay, who is her neighbor. Gabrielle have always thought Jay was grumpy and simply did not like her but of course, we see that is far from the truth once you read his POV chapters. Both characters have some issues and trauma they are going through but they figure it out together while enjoying each other's company and eventually falling in love.

Every single parent book, I always applaud the way the kids are written in it. This is no different. I love Carter. I can just tell how adorable he is with all of his ramblings and having no filter. I also loved Dylan, her oldest kid and the conflict in this story for Jay. Its realistic that a teen like Dylan does not agree or liked the relationship right away and gave Gabrielle and Jay a hard time. I think it was a perfect conflict for this type of book and worked perfectly for the ending and how everything was tied up altogether.

Overall, this will be a great read for someone looking to laugh and cry and witness a sweet love story.

Thank you to Valentine PR and Adriana Locke for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Firstly, I don't know about this being a romantic comedy, which is mentioned in the blurb. Both characters are dealing with trauma, as were the kids who were reeling from the recent loss in their lives, and they were all just trying to find their footing again.

I wish Jay and Gabrielle had just tried and established some sort of friendship first rather than the forced attraction. For Gabrielle, she was attracted from the first moment, and she made it very clear, which seemed too insta-lusty for me. She kept trying to push him to act on his feelings even if he was reluctant. I didn't like that. She could've just accepted and respected that he's got baggage and doesn't want to act on it even if he's attracted to her.

Everything between Gabrielle and Jay felt surface level till the 50% mark. They'd barely had any conversation. And any conversation they do have ends with Jay running away. I understood why he was that way once he opened up about his past and what he experienced was truly terrible. I did like their relationship after they actually acted on their feelings and got together. The late-night conversations, banter, dates, and thoughtful gestures were all so very cute, and I absolutely loved it. This is when we got to see a different side of Jay. One that was happier and sweeter, who started opening up more and started being more vulnerable.

Jay was someone I liked even if his actions gave me a whiplash. But once I learned the reason for his reluctance, it made sense. He was drawn to Gabrielle and her kids from the start, but he did his best to keep his distance. But watching her and her kids struggle after such a loss and trying again made him want to reach out and help, which he does. He was really sweet, considerate, understanding, and careful. Although his love for her kids wasn't exactly clear on-page. It was more tell than show. He didn't even interact with her kids all that much for him to want them too.

Gabrielle was an okay character for me. She kept going on and on about how she'd been feeling stuck and like she'd stopped living her own life after her ex passed away and how she wants to feel like herself and have fun and live again. But she doesn't even really work on it. She just has girls nights with her friends who are across the street, goes to the bar once, anddddd..... that's it.

I wish Gabrielle had focused more time and energy on her kids (who actually needed her) and what they were dealing with than on her lust-fueled feelings for Jay. Especially with the move to the small town where they knew no one and were sort of struggling to settle in while also grieving the loss of their father. I feel like that topic needed more focus, which it wasn't given, and it felt more like an afterthought.

Dylan was clearly struggling the most, and I wish his struggles were focused on more and there were more conversations had to understand what he was going through and address them instead of letting him get away with his behavior. She should've put him in therapy knowing it'd help even if he didn't want it. You're the parent; you know better how effective therapy would be for him to let go of all the built-up emotions in the right way. I wish Gabrielle had actually made her kids mental health a priority on-page like she kept saying it was.

Carter wasn't even bothered with the loss of his father. He didn't even mention him or his relationship with his father, and he was just happy with his basketball and baseball, gaming, and chatting with Jay, so we don't know any of his thoughts regarding his grief. I get that he was seven, but to be that unaffected just didn't seem believable.

I wish there was a gradual shift in Jay's relationship with both kids, and we got to see how he bonded with each kid in their own way. I wanted Dylan to lean on Jay to slowly talk about the things bothering him if he couldn't open up to his mom. I did like the conversation that eventually happened between Jay and Dylan and how Jay handled it. It was such a sweet and raw moment for both of them. I just wish it had happened much sooner in the book so the ending didn't feel so rushed and we got a chance to see more of this change in their relationship.

I also wanted a little more insight into her relationship with her ex-husband. I didn't know much, and I needed more answers since they apparently fell out of love and amicably split and still remained best friends and co-parented. There was just nothing more to understand about her life before returning to Alden; she seems to have no connections to people from the city—friends, her ex's family, work, or anything.

Also, I'm all for fierce, capable, independent women. Hell, I've been raised to be one. So the way Gabrielle tried to act all independent, trying to fix shit in her house but only ending up causing more mess, was embarrassing. I mean, it's okay to try, but if every trial is a failure and you don't even bother researching how things need to be done, it's plain stupid. It's not quirky or cute in any way. And you're 38; act your age. She could've hired someone to do it after how many times everyone around her said how bad she was at the projects she took up and ended up botching the job or getting hurt, so watching her randomly trying to fix shit around her home and screwing up every single time was so fucking annoying. It doesn't scream capable or independent; it screams irresponsible and idiotic.

The book felt like it was stagnant towards the middle, and it was just random back and forth that didn't keep me hooked, and I found myself spacing out multiple times.

I liked the girl gang, especially Della. They were the highlight of the book, and I enjoyed how different they all were from each other but just fit.

Thank you to Adriana Locke, NetGalley, and Valentine PR for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

Adriana Locke sure knows how to write a “feel good” book that checks all my boxes.

Single mom ✔
Hot grumpy Alpha ✔
Fabulous meet cute ✔
Second chance at love ✔
Cute kid that steals the show ✔
Hot schmexy times ✔
Small town romance ✔

This book has one of the BEST meet cutes I have EVER read! What’s worse than ogling your new hot sexy neighbor? Getting caught by falling head over tea kettle into one of your bushes in nothing but a flimsy towel and him having to help you out of it. LOL!!

This book is filled with so so many emotions. My heart just wasn’t ready for the overload. Gabby is a divorced single mom that has moved back to her small hometown with her two boys, Dylan and Carter. Jay Stetson is the hot grumpy carpenter that lives next door and his first look at his new gorgeous neighbor has him feeling things he swore he would never feel again. Ms. Locke does an amazing job at bringing out all the emotions and vulnerabilities in all the characters and I felt an instant connection to them all. The chemistry between Gabby and Jay is fantastic and I loved her new friend group. I have to say though, her youngest son, Carter stole the entire show lol. The way he is with Jay had my heart warming and laughter bubbling out. I loved how Jay is with Dylan, treating him like a man instead of the deeply hurting kid that he is. I just loved everything about this one. Another great story by one of my favorite and go to authors!

Angela - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

*4.5
My love for small-town romance knows no bounds, and this book delivered everything I adore—and more! With the single-parent trope, a grumpy small-town hero, and a refreshing perspective on older kids, it felt like a cozy, heartfelt hug. Gabrielle and Jay’s journey from friendship to romance was authentic and beautifully written, especially with the challenges of blending their relationship with Gabrielle’s two very different sons. Jay’s effort to connect with the boys (even the harder-to-win one!) added so much depth. This was an emotional, charming read that I couldn’t put down!

I love a good grumpy/sunshine romance, and this one delivered perfectly!

Gabrielle is the new neighbour of Jay Stetson. She’s independent, a devoted mum to her two sons, and determined to fix things on her own. However, her attraction to her neighbour gets the better of her, so much so that she ends up falling over in nothing but a towel, right in front of him. While Jay is quick to swoop in and help, his personal struggles keep him from letting Gabrielle get too close.

Despite his attempts to keep his distance, Jay can’t resist stepping in to help with the house’s maintenance, and their chemistry continues to grow stronger every day. Their dynamic is heartwarming and full of tension, and I was here for it!

I would have loved to see more bonding between Jay and Gabrielle's sons, especially with Dylan, who clearly had issues with Jay being around his mum. It would have definitely added a bit more depth and context towards the end. That said, this is a straightforward, easy-to-follow romance that keeps things simple and engaging.

I almost binged the audiobook in one sitting! Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke do a superb job portraying all the characters, bringing the story to life beautifully.

Between Now and Forever Adriana Locke is a wonderfully written grumpy/sunshine, neighbor to lovers small town romance that sucked me in immediately.
The story was captivating and kept me entertained from start to finish.
I instantly fell in love with Jay and Gabrielle. Their banter, love and connection was pure and sweet.
Locke’s crafty way that she makes you interested and fall in love with her characters makes you never want to miss a book.