REVIEW: Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke

Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke: After the death of her husband Gabby decides to head back to her hometown to raise her two boys in an environment that she knows and is comfortable with. She really did not expect to start of her new life by fall right into the arms of her new hottie neighbour, Jay. While Jay might have all the right muscles and a smirk that could quite literally melt Gabby, he seems determined to keep thing between them completely platonic… or at least that is what he keeps saying. The last thing that Jay wants is to open up his heart to any kind of hope or love, so his new found interest in the cute single mum next door should end at just being curiosity. However no matter how hard he tries it just seems impossible for Jay to keep his mind of the little Miss Fit It next door and her rowdy boys… but can he let go of his rocky past with relationships before he loses the girl of his dreams?

I loved this book big time! Small town romance, check. Single mom, check. Hottie neighbor that is scared to love, double check. This book had the perfect combination of sweet and heartfelt with a touch of spicy sass, while packing in the giggles along the way, truly my favourite combination when it comes to a romcom. Locke did a great job in exploring loss and fear of opening up to hurt again but also managed to deliver a story that was filled with hope and so much happiness. There really wasn’t anything not to like about this book.

Gabby was an absolutely incredible leading lady, I loved her character to bits. Not only was she a total sunshine, happy go lucky kind of gal, but she was also an incredible mother. I loved how strong and independent she was, she wasn’t not sitting back waiting for someone come save her and her boys, she was her own hero and I loved this about her. While she was definitely an independent fit it herself kind of gal, she was also completely hilarious and I loved getting to see all the weird situations she managed to get herself in. Truly Gabby was a treat to follow and I loved that she wanted to find herself again and not give up on having a full and happy life again. As for our hero, well Jay was the perfect grumpy hottie next door. I loved how easily our hero fitted into life with Gabby and the boys. While he clearly wanted to start something with Gabby, Jay couldn’t help but cling onto his fears and unresolved past. I will say my heart did hurt for Jay and what he had gone through, but I really liked getting to see him slowly open up again and allowing himself to be venerable.

As far as meet cutes go, these two have easily one of the best! I loved this entire scene to bits, it was cute and hilarious and just the perfect base for their romance. Gabby and Jay had a sweet slow burn with loads of push and pull angst. I loved the way that even though Jay thought that he wanted to keep his distance from Gabby, he clearly couldn’t stop himself from being in her space. I really enjoyed getting to see Gabby worm her way into Jays heart and breaking down all of his walls. Truly these two had a really sweet love story.

Now for the supporting characters, Gabby’s boys Carter and Dylan. I really liked that Locke was so real with the relationship build up between the boys and Jay, normally in single parent romances the kids automatically love the new person, but in this book we see a more realistic approach. While Carter warmed to Jay instantly, it was Dylan that put up a bit of resistance. We get to see him trying to figure out how to deal with his emotions, grief and resentment after the death of his father. I liked getting to see Jay make an effort to comfort and bond with Dylan and make sure he knew that he was not there to replace his father but be someone that he can trust. This entire bit was very nicely done and added a nice realistic element to the book.

All in all I really enjoyed reading Between Now And Forever, this book was cute, funny and had a great storyline. If you like the single parent meets grumpy hot neighbour trope then this book will definitely be a must read!

Book Info:

Publication: December 17, 2024 | Montlake |

When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor.

Jay Stetson is 100 percent hero material with those arms, that chest, and his deliciously oh-so-sexy smirk. The chiseled hunk in flannel has an irresistible off-limits attitude while plucking Gabrielle out of the bushes and saving her from a snake. Unfortunately, he’s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offering—not with his emotional train wreck of a past.

Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.

Secretly, he’s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesn’t even really mind the noise or the chaos her young sons cause. What he does mind is how his lonely heart races when looking into her emerald-colored eyes.

Can Jay let his painful memories go, or will he let the woman of his dreams slip between his fingers?