This is a story about new beginnings, friendship, love, lost & found family. Gabrielle is a single mom of two who moves back to her hometown. Her new neighbor Jay is grumpy and standoffish. They are both starting to have a crush on each other. What starts as fun and sweet banter turns into so much more.
Adriana gives us a story that one minute you’re laughing & then getting in your feels. Gabby is trying to move on with her sons after a tragedy while Jay is dealing with a past that he keeps a wall up. Adriana does a wonderful job delving into being a single mom & dealing with kids & trying to start a new life. And Jay dealing with his pain & seeing if starting a relationship is worth it. I loved seeing the characters grow into their own and into their relationship. The banter had me cracking up, especially with Gabby & her girlfriends. But in Adriana’s usual fashion, I found myself choking up.
Adriana once again gave us a slow burn relationship was full of fun, angst, & heartfelt moments.

Gabrielle moves back to her hometown, Alden, after many years away. She returns with her sons, Dylan and Carter, after their father’s death. Unfortunately (or fortunately), she ends up having an embarrassing meet-cute with her hot but reserved neighbor, Jay.

Despite his attempts to stay away, it’s “electrical” between them and I loved the f*ck it moment. 🔥 The angst was just right as well and the moment when Jay shared his background to Gabrielle was so meaningful and poignant.

The scenes where the ladies have their regular checkin always made me laugh and Della has really good and unique ideas lol. I hope she finds her own happy ever after too!

Single mom with the guy next door!

Gabrielle Solomon had moved back home to Alden to give her boys some stability and a sense of family after their father’s death in a car accident. But she never expected to meet her new neighbor Jay Stetson while tripping over the porch railing in a towel.

Jay had burned once before by a single parent but there was something about Gabrielle with her do-it-yourself adventures if he could get over the end of his last serious relationship. Now he had to make a decision about their futures.

You will love Between Now and Forever where a single mother of two boys falls in love with the guy next door but both of them have to work through some issues before admitting to being in love.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Baggage...

He's packing baggage and wants no commitments.
That's Jay, the hottie next door neighbor to Gabrielle.
She's the single mom, doing reno to the house next door. She's got her own baggage, but leaps in with both feet, with no caution.
He's all caution.

Gabrielle has moved back to her home town after the death of her ex, the father of her two sons. She is hoping for a fresh start and to make a good life for her two boys. She is not looking for love, but her new neighbor has her thinking about some lady parts she hasn’t used for a while.

Jay is handsome, helpful and a bit aloof. He moved to town for a fresh start too, but has kept mostly to himself.

When they first meet Gabrielle is being her usual clumsy self and even this can’t stop the instant attraction Jay has to her. (Jay may also be part of the reason for her clumsiness).

He doesn’t want to be attracted to her and he definitely doesn’t want to become involved in her family life. His past has done a number on him.

Gabrielle is sweet, beautiful, brave and such a good mum (even if she doesn’t always feel like it). She isn’t looking for a new relationship but can’t seem to stay away from her neighbor.

Issues from their pasts hold them both back, but more so Jay. When they do get close and things become complicated it sends Jay running.

Luckily he is encouraged to pull his head out of his bottom and we get the HEA they all deserve.

I did like to different perspective, with Gabrielle being divorced and then her ex dying, it was nice to see a slightly different side of the story.

I really liked all of the characters, even if I did want to shake a couple from time to time!

Adriana has never written a bad book. She continues to draw you in, no matter the size of book. She always writes a book you can’t put down until you finish it!

A single mother embarks on a romantic journey with the attractive neighbor next door. Both Gabby and Jay grapple with their individual traumas stemming from past relationships, illustrating the unique challenges single mothers encounter in the dating world. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable from the outset, beginning with a particularly humorous scene that I found delightful. The intimate moments are well-crafted and engaging without being overdone. Additionally, Gabby encounters a group of amusing and eccentric friends, each with their own intriguing stories.

Overall, I found this book to be quite enjoyable and a quick read. Having recently gone through numerous lengthy romances, I appreciated this one for its perfect length.

One of my greatest delights as a reader is finding a writing talent who always delivers, and I’ve found a precious gem here. No one does kids quite like this crafty storyteller, and it’s likely because she has so much inspiration from real life. Her romances are like a warm, cozy blanket on a cold rainy day.

Gabby is a single mother of two boys – one still enjoying the innocence of childhood and one teen who's protective of his mother but mad at life. And moving back to Gabby's home town, to the familiar, after the death if their father has growing pains of its own. Gabby is determined to fix up their run-down home by herself, which is the first thing that gets her single neighbor's attention.

Or maybe it's getting stuck in the bushes in only a towel and needing a rescue that does it. Either way, when he'd rather be alone with his ghosts, grumpy Jay Stetson finds himself doing more than he wants for the family next door – from wrangling snakes to pumping up basket balls. Without trying and against his will, he becomes embroiled with Gabby and her sons.

This story is exactly why I read romance. It's authentic and messy, full of ups and downs, with authentic relatable characters. The road to forever is bumpy and twisty, making the happy ever after that much sweeter. Charming, witty, steamy, and bursting with heart, this is the feel-good love story your romantic heart has been seeking, so make sure you don’t miss it!

I've read every book that Adriana Locke has ever written and I loved this one. Gabrielle and Jay were such a great couple. Loved the light moments, the emotional moments, the steam, all of it. Carter was hysterical. Jay's reactions to things made me laugh out loud. Loved this story and even teared up at one point. Great read!

DNF at 50%

I read 50% of the book and unfortunately it wasn't for me. The writing is fluid and well structured but I couldn't connect with the story. This book is sure to find its audience who will love it.

Sweet and sexy – oh MY!
Gabby and Jay – This was a real 'feel good' story for me. From the startling 'meet cute' to the final page these two grew from somewhat contentious neighbors into a couple deeply in love. There were some bumps along the way along, main character histories completely different that any I'd read before. There was great dialog, humor and a bit or two of angst. The side characters were great, with friends of the couple and Gabby's kids. Carter was a riot and stole the show with his sweet antics, and Dylan broke your heart (when you weren't wanting to strangle him!) The storyline simply flowed with ease, humor and warmth and while I was happy with the ending, I was kind of sad to leave their lives.

Between Now and Forever is a standalone romance that is focused on Gabrielle and jay's romantic entanglement. Their story is full of grief, love and healing.

****I listened to this audio. The Narrators are Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clark. Both are brand new to me and I found myself lost in their voices. The emotions while they read to me were felt deep into my heart. I felt that connection to the character that I look for when I listen to a book.. I loved their performances and will be looking for more books by these two narrators.

Oh Adriana, what you do to my fragile heart...... Your stories of relationships really put my soul through the ringer. Gabrielle is a single mom who is raising 2 boys. She moves back home to raise her boys. Jay is the next door neighbor who stays to himself. When Gabrielle falls off her porch, jay comes to the rescue. What he doesn't expect is to fall hard for the single mom. Jay has his own trauma of abandonment to deal with and becomes very standoffish with Gabrielle. Gabrielle also has 2 kids that come into the mix that cause some serious issues. Both are strongly attracted to each other but can they get over their pasts without self sabotaging their future?

I love Adrianas writing and this book was no exception. The story had real life situations that I connected deeply with. When you mix kids in with dating, the situation can get rough and it is a battlefield sometimes. Blended family's need that extra care and patience and Jay had that in spades. I loved how he handled the boys and his love for them was immense. I loved this story and I know you will too!

This is my favorite Adriana Locke book so far.

A woman, Gabrielle, moves into a fixer-upper in her home town with her two sons. Her ex-husband was killed in a car accident. They had remained friends so both she and the boys are mourning. Although there are people there that she knows, the only person she has really kept in touch with is her cousin. Her cousin is good friends with two of Gabrielle's neighbors so she's starting to settle in. The younger of her sons is making friends, but the 14 year old misses his old life and is resisting the move.

There is a carpenter next door who is hot! There is a very funny scene where Gabrielle and Jay meet and I laughed out loud. Turns out they are both attracted, but Jay wants no relationship and Gabby isn't sure she does either.

I really liked this book because it's very realistic, with the adults being cautious and the kids having different reactions to Jay. Great read. Minor language and sex content.

She knocks it out of the park AGAIN! The chemistry between the characters, the plot development, and the overall vibe of the book was simply perfection.

I binged "Between Now and Forever" by Adriana Locke. I was so invested in the captivating storyline and loveable characters that I couldn't put it down. It had heart, humor, steam, and romance. This AMAZING book has all of the ingredients in a binge-worthy read.

I read this book in one sitting… the MMC is like a burnt cinnamon roll sweet but grumpy carpenter and the FMC was a strong single mom trying to get back into living her life and be happy. Neighbors to lovers with a very funny meet cute, this story had me snickering and shedding a tear or two. The struggles and family dynamics add depth to the story of the growing relationship. All in all a very enjoyable story, definitely recommend!

I received this ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I needed to marinate on this book for a day before I could write my review. I’m still not sure I can do it justice. Adriana continues to write relatable characters that capture our hearts. This book is heartwarming, funny, and sweet. It’s about two people fighting to get their lives back after tragedy.

Gabrielle is a single mom trying to find a balance between being a mom and feeling alive again. Jay is closed off and not looking to make relationships with anyone, let alone the gorgeous single mom who just moved in next door.

After a very revealing first meeting, Gabrielle and Jay can’t seem to keep their distance. When they finally give into their desires they’re met with a series of obstacles. What might be one of my favorite parts is how they come back together! There are amazing side characters, true to all Locke stories, and a small town you’ll want to live in. The relationships, found family, and support will touch your heart. You’ll laugh out loud and possibly feel a crack in your heart. Sit tight though, Adriana always makes sure your heart is full at the end of every book.

Good God! This story was magnificent!

The story of the single mom Gabrielle, that goes back to her childhood town with her two sons ( Carter and Dylan) and tries to start living, not just survive after the death of her ex husband. But her neighbor Jay is the embodiment of all her fantasies and wishes. And when you throw in some amazing girlfriends, hilarious DIY projects gone bad, a noisy small town, and a lot of emotions and grief, you get this masterpiece.

I have always loved Adriana’s work, but this story hit me hard in my soul. I felt so connected to the characters and I was involved in their feelings, good or bad ones.

Her characters evolve so beautifully in the story and everything flows seamlessly. I love Gabrielle because she’s strong and courageous and caring and vulnerable in the same time. And Jay is so flawed and swoon worthy in the same time, that you can’t help love him instantly.

I devoured this story in one sitting, like I couldn’t stop reading it until the last word, then I reread the epilogue again, crying like a baby of happiness.

And that is the magic of Adriana’s writing… she will make you feel everything, her stories will touch your heart and soul, and you will finish the story with a huge smile on your face and filled with warmth and love.

It is a top 5 books of the year for me and I highly highly recommend it!

Such a good single mom, grumpy neighbor, small town romance! Both Jay and Gabrielle had suffered loss and were still trying to navigate getting through it. I loved the banter and wit between these two. Their first meet had me in tears.

I loved how quickly Jay threw caution to the wind and helped Gabrielle and her boys. While still trying to protect his own heart, he was there to help when needed, even begrudgingly. The interactions between Carter and Jay were amazing.

I do wish we would have seen more of Dylan and Jay’s relationship play out. The ending seemed rushed. I would have loved to see more of their make up.

Favorite Quotes:

“I didn’t even realize I wasn’t living until I met her.”

“I’m sorry,” he says. “You gotta catch with the glove and not your face.”

Another Adriana Locke for the books, and man I just love her writing. It’s every book and they just don’t miss. I get so excited to get my hands on each new book and then put off reading it cause I don’t want it to be over.

Adriana Locke does single parent, small town so well, and while I’m pretty sure she is not a single mother, she writes these stories like it’s something she’s lived through for years and if shows how well and accurately she portrays the topics and tropes she covers. Jay being afraid of losing another child he has grown to love after their parent takes them away was such an original plot point for a single parent romance I just wasn’t ready for the emotional toll that would take as he worked through it, regressed, and struggled with his feelings.

Gabby is so strong, but yet so insecure as she feels no one could love her forever, only temporarily. She’s obviously wrong, but it takes unconditional love to learn that and until she makes close friends and falls for Jay for her to realize this. Dylan and Carter add both emotion and humor to every scene they are in and I love how Gabby and Jay’s love for them is present in every scene, it feels so warm to think of a parent thinking that of their child.

I hope this turns into a series because I’d love to see books for the other three girls!

4.5 stars. This is a sweet story. Gabrielle moves back to her home town with her two kids looking for a fresh start. Jay is her next door neighbor who has closed himself off because of his past. This is a story of being willing to move on and take a chance at love even though it is scary. I loved Jay’s grumpiness and his interactions with Carter. The meet cute was also such a fun scene. Great book.