I laughed and cried while listening to Between Now and Forever. Adriana Locke has a knack for writing WILDY authentic teen angst and anger.. I could relate on some level with the fmc Gabrielle. I felt for her so much, trying to move on with her life as well as help her sons move on as well. Jay, my gosh, he’s the guy every single mom needs. He was amazing, thoughtful, tactful with her kids. He took the jabs her youngest son tossed his way with a bruised eye 🤣 He’s a trooper for sure 😆 what a wonderful romance! A testament of moving on and finding love after loss! A definite 5 star read!

Another great book brought to you by Adriana Locke! Between Now and Forever was such an enjoyable listen!

Adriana covers topics that touch so many people’s lives. She writes characters that are realistic and relatable that absolutely tug at your heart strings, and leaves you cheering them on from the get-go to find their true HEA.

Performed in dual narration, Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke did a fantastic job of brining Gabrielle and Jay to life! Although they were new to me narrators, I’ll absolutely be seeking them out, and cannot wait to listen to more books performed by them.

Adriana Locke’s Between Now and Forever is a heartwarming small-town romance that brings together love, healing, and second chances. Gabrielle, a resilient single mom, is determined to rebuild her life while raising her two sons. Enter Jay, her gruff yet captivating neighbor with a guarded heart. Their journey from wary neighbors to passionate partners is filled with tender moments, witty banter, and plenty of swoon-worthy tension.

Narrators Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke truly enhanced the experience with their dynamic performances. They expertly captured the humor, raw emotion, and blossoming romance of Gabrielle and Jay's story. Even their portrayal of the kids was well done.

While I wished for a bit more buildup between the main characters, the emotional depth and heartfelt resolution make this a satisfying listen. If you love grumpy-sunshine pairings, single-mom romances, and a strong sense of community, give this one a listen!

Overall Rating: 4⭐
Performance: 4⭐
Story: 4⭐
Spice: 1.5🌶️

Being a middle aged woman, I love the stories that are about more mature women who have kids and are trying to find that happily ever after after they have lived some life.

Gabrielle and Jay both have a past that hurt them and left a lasting effect on their relationships. Jay doesn't want to ever get close to anyone again, but there is something about Gabrielle that he just can't stay away from.

It was so heartfelt as Jay not only falls for Gabrielle, but for her kids, too. He never thought that's where life would take him and it take him a while to realize it, but they complete him.

There is a lot of emotion in this story from both Jay and Gabrielle. Both have gone through hard things and lived to tell the tale. What we live through molds us, but how we move ahead is our true character. Jay and Gabrielle find strength in each other to find their path together. I loved this story so much.

I listened to the audio and loved the narration. It adds so much to the telling of the story when you can hear the emotions. Loved it.

Between Now And Forever by Adriana Locke in quick, rapid fire thoughts.

I loved the "older" characters. (She's 38, and he's 40 plus!)

Let's talk about this man's name! Jay Stetson!? That sounds like the most perfect, ruggedly handsome name to me! And when he third persons himself with just "Stetson!?" Yes, sir!

In full, complete honesty, I wasn't expecting this to be an open door romance! Yes, I'm signed up for Locke's emails, yes I was sure that's the type of book she writes, but I still didn't expect it! The scenes were not over done, and many times it was fade-to-black after they were first intimate.

That female empowered sex movement is strong in this book, and it is SO good to see!

I wish there was more time spent developing Gabrielle and Jay separate from their romance; I wanted to spend more time with them independently from one another.

Audiobook narrators Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke portrayed their characters mindfully, both fitting their character descriptions and sounding age appropriate. Clarke sounded rugged and gruff while Vivette sounded happy and gave an emotional performance when required. I just wish the voices used for Gabby's sons were less annoying (especially for the younger son).

Overall, this is a very sweet, feel-good romance, but there's not a lot of emotional depth to the story!

Thank you NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.

Between Now and Forever checked off so many boxes for me- Jay and Gabrielle's grumpy/sunshine, neighbors-to lovers-story was so enjoyable. The characters and dialog felt so authentic and believable. Their slow burn romance felt real and honest and I adored Gabrielle's friends. I listened to the audiobook, and narrators Oliver Clarke and Rachel Vivette were excellent. Both were new to me, and I enjoyed their performances so much that I'll be seeking out more of their work.

This was such a good read full of serious feeling dynamics. The single mom and the handsome man next door. Add in the teenage sons who are going through a major transitional period after their dad died.

Between Now and Forever is a charming and heartfelt single-mother romance that balances swoon-worthy moments with just the right touch of drama and plenty of character baggage. With a dreamy cover and fantastic narrators, I was really excited for this one- and unfortunately, it just wasn't my favorite of Adriana, but it was a nice escape.

The story kicks off with an adorable meet-cute: Gabrielle, while checking out her grumpy neighbor Jay, ends up falling off her porch. Despite both of them having some pretty extreme hold-ups and baggage, it's a fun and lighthearted start to their journey. One that has some angst and plenty of sweet moments.

Gabrielle is a devoted and protective mother trying to rebuild her life after the death of her ex-husband, who she stayed close friends with after the marriage ended. She’s navigating this life change with her two sons, who are struggling to adjust to their new reality without their father. This leads to some difficult and emotional moments with her kiddos that are heartbreaking. Jay, her mercurial and grizzly neighbor, on the other hand, has some intense emotional baggage as teh result of a past relationship that did a number on him...and make him a little leery of falling for single moms. Now he's closed off, and falling for Gabrielle (and her sons) require him to take a risk that scares him, and for him to break down the walls he's constructed to protect his heart.

The story is a bit on the shorter side, even for Adriana, and I wonder if that impacted my ability to truly connect with the romance, which felt a bit off-on and didn't quite bring as much depth as I wanted, particularly given some of their painful personal histories. The relationship between Gabrielle and Jay could have used more development to fully capture the depth of their connection, and the characters could have dug a bit deeper emotionally. The story just moves to quickly for anything to feel substantive. And it does feel like a switch is flipped- Jay is anti and then all in.

Though this book didn’t quite deliver the emotional punch I was hoping for, it’s still an enjoyable and easy read that is mostly feel good. And the audio narration was really well done.

-small town romance
-grumpy-sunshine
-single mom
-neighbors to lovers
-cute meet cute
-he's mercurial and has baggage
-she's grieving an ex (who was still her friend)

This book made me cry from the beginning until the end. I appreciated the "starting over" aspect of it and the kids were adorable. It was a realistic story of a single mom and it was great!

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. I highly recommend the audio!!

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

Narrated by Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clark.
Devoured this audio and loved it so much!
The narration was amazing, new to me narrators and they nailed Gabby and Jay, and all the side characters and children. Perfectly done.👏 I felt all the fears, worries, lust and the love.

*Neighbors to lovers ( the trope I didn't know I needed this year)
*Single mom of 2
*Starting over
*Small town
*Grumpy MMC
*Funny Meet Cute

Gabby moves back to her small hometown with 2 boys, Dylan and Carter, after their father passes away. She buys a fixer upper, living down the street from her cousin, and next door to the grumpy single carpenter.

I just love all these characters. I felt Dylans anger towards leaving his friends, his fathers death, and starting in a new town-and then seeing his mom trying to move on too. It's so hard on him.😔
Her youngest son takes to Jay, much to his dismay at first, but Jay is really so great with the boys and wants to help when he can- with the kids and their mom.

His past relationship/situation story broke my heart. What a terrible experience, no wonder he didn't date. I loved seeing the jealous side come out when another man shows interest in Gabby. So long those no dating rules.

Gabrielle is a single mother who just moved back to her hometown with her two sons after they went through a very tough year.

Gabrielle meets her grumpy next-door neighbor, Jay, in the best and funniest way, and I loved every minute of it!

Jay has gone through his own hardships in the past and tends to keep to himself. However, the new neighbor, Gabrielle, breaks down walls, one brick at a time, with the help of one of her sons.

I really enjoyed the DIY aspects of the story, which had me totally laughing at Gabrielle and the girls! I hope we get the other two women's stories!

There were a few moments that I thought were definitely unnecessary and too dramatic, but overall I enjoyed the book!

I really enjoyed getting to know Gabrielle, Jay and the rest of the characters in this complete standalone world that Adriana thought up for this book. Gabby moved away from the big city of with her kids to get away from the memories of her past life and start over where she meets Jay...a man perfectly happy to be left alone. Her tenacious personality and tendency to find herself in precarious DIY situations causes quite the little meet cute between herself and Jay. Though there story isn't smooth sailing (insert disgruntled/hurt teen into the mix along with previous trauma for both adults) there is a HEA and the spice is there. Another great book by Adriana Locke. I was able to listen to the audio version and the narration was on point. You won't be disappointed by adding this to either your TBR or TBL list!

Between Now and Forever is exactly the audiobook I was in the mood for. It’s charming but sexy, and I loved the characters. This is Jay and Gabrielle's story, and it begins with them meeting in a very unorthodox way involving Gabrielle and a bit of peeping on her new neighbor. I won't ruin anything for you, but what follows made me laugh out loud. Anyway, thus begins an undeniable attraction between these two neighbors that turns into more, but will the past interfere with their future?

I couldn't get enough as their story unfolded! We get a fun meet cute to start and then this whole situation where she's a single mom of two boys trying to do her best, and he's this grouchy, almost unattainable neighbor that's underneath his facade a decent guy. From Jay and Gabrielle to the boys to their friends/neighbors, I adored all the characters and the parts they played. The plotline was well thought out, and no one does a mature/grown-up relationship with all of its trappings better than Adriana Locke. There's a thoughtfulness in the way she presents her subject matter that just works so well.

And the narration done by Oliver Clarke and Rachel Vivette is great. Their portrayals of Jay and Gabrielle really brought the story to life. Vivette especially got me with her tonal changes when it comes to the secondary characters. Clarke's Jay was so good with his deep, slightly gravelly voice. I easily got lost in this audiobook listening to how this romance developed and definitely recommend giving it a listen.

If you love small town, neighbors to lovers romances, then you're going to want to add Between Now and Forever to your TBR. It's another must read/listen by this author with an ending that will leave you swooning.

There's nothing I love more than a small town romance! Add in lust at first sight, and I'm hooked! From the second that Jay came to DIY disaster Gabrielle's rescue, I was kicking my feet in excitement about this amazing neighbors to lovers romance. I adore the way that Jay was respectful of Gabby's sons and although he wasn't sure if he was ready to be fully in their lives, he was set on helping the family out in whatever way he could. There was a special beauty to the story where we saw Gabby and Jay help each other to heal from their respective heartbreaks. The small town cast of characters was icing on the cake, I am hoping we get to here more of their stories soon *wink*.

These were new to me narrators and they did such a good job! I'm a new fan! The production was also really great. I love a single mom book and this was just so sweet. The first meet cute was hilarious, accidentally flashing your neighbor while trying to catch a peek at him lol totally swoon worthy book!

Audiobook:
Jay & Gabrielle' story fed my soul in all the right ways! Gabrielle's just moved back home. After living years in Boston, she's back with her two sons, Dylan and Carter after their father and her ex husband passes away. She is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and be the strong mom her kids need having just moved to start fresh. What she didn’t account for was her hot neighbor who is emotionally unavailable given his past. Jay & Gabrielle's meet cute is so freaking funny. As they spend more time together, the tension & friendship build only adding to the mutual attraction. However, while Gabrielle's youngest imprints himself immediately into Jay's life, Dylan who is 14 definitely has the hesitation, especially after dealing with his dad's death.

Oliver Clarke & Rachel Vivette were wonderful in narrating and bring these characters to life. I laughed out loud so much, especially with little adorable Carter (7).

Adriana delivers a beautiful story with characters that have such depth and growth. Highly recommend!!

4.5 stars

I knew I wanted to read this book from the title and cover alone. Listening to Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke bring Gabby and Jay to life was the icing on the cake.

This story was both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Gabby and Jay both looking to be loved by someone who feels that they are enough. Gabby and Jay both dealing with loss and trying to find a way forward.

Gabby's son's definitely added another level to this story. Dylan's standoff attitude towards Jay was real for a child who may feel like people he loves leave.

Chemistry.... these two definitely had it even though Jay tried to deny his attraction for Gabby. But when his restraint was broken things really started to heat up.

I really enjoyed these two characters as a whole. They were flirty, fun, sweet and absolutely perfect together. I loved that the boys accepted Jay and they all found their HEA.

When choosing an audio book the narrator's ability to keep you engaged is key. I was drawn in by their storytelling and would gladly listen to them again.

Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke is an enthralling tale that delves into themes of love, grief, friendship, and familial bonds. The story centers around Gabrielle, an endearingly quirky single mother, whose life takes an unexpected tumble – erm, turn when she becomes intrigued by her irresistibly charming neighbor, Jay. Initially reserved and emotionally withdrawn, Jay finds himself gradually captivated by Gabrielle and her spirited, rebellious children, leading him to confront his own guarded heart …

The chemistry between Gabrielle and Jay unfolds beautifully through a slow-burn romance filled with tension and emotional depth. Gabrielle’s quirky charm and fierce devotion to her children add a refreshing layer to the narrative, while Jay’s rugged demeanor and hidden fears present a fascinating contrast, resulting in a truly heartwarming love story.

Experiencing this as an audiobook was exceptional; the narrators infused life into the characters’ chemistry, making their emotional journey feel incredibly real. A heartfelt romance in the true Adriana Locke style that we’ve come to love.

This is my favorite Adriana Locke story so far!

Gabby is a single mom and widower left with 2 boys and relocates them back to here hometown to start fresh after the death of her ex-husband and father to her children. As one would imagine, their grief is still raw, especially for the boys who are struggling with all the change, but Gabby makes the choice that is best for them as she chooses a simpler life for her kids and surrounds herself with family and friends to help find new purpose in life as they embark on their next chapter.

Jay is a single man who moved to town a couple of years ago and is a bit of a recluse but when Gabby and the boys move in next door, his world gets turned upside down. Their meet cute was EPIC and the way that they are drawn toward each other gets stronger as time goes by. Their attraction to each other is like a live wire and as much as Jay tries to fight it, he eventually gives in and their love is filled with fire and passion. But navigating the delicate situation of introducing a new man to two grieving kids is difficult, and Jay has his own past traumas that he is battling, making Gabby's situation a touch triggering for Jay. Throughout the story, all four of them have to endure facing their own grief and trauma and deciding to do what is best during this delicate season in their lives is difficult. But seeing them all come out on the other side and finding happiness made it even more rewarding. I loved this story and the way the Adriana writes about grief and the difficulties of embracing the next chapter in life is incredibly universal and easy to relate to.

The narration was beautiful on this one. Oliver Clarke and Rachel Vivette were wonderful. I have heard Oliver before but its been a while, and the performance did not disappoint but Rachel is new to me and she was fantastic. Their performances felt palpable and full of emotion adding depth to this story that has heavy elements of trauma and grief. I hope I get to encounter another story with either of these two soon!