Between Now and Forever

By: Adriana Locke

Narrated by: Rachel Vivette, Oliver Clarke

Neighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

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?

©2024 by Adriana Locke. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The perfect combination of sweet and heartfelt with a touch of spicy sass, while packing in the giggles along the way…”—Harlequin Junkie

Stellar Audio Performances

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🌶️

Not the best

I have enjoyed the author's other offerings, but this one is a downer. The narrators could've been better.

All the feels

Everything I love about a small-town, grumpy-sunshine, single mom romance. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel all the feels, this one delivers.

Gabrielle moves back to her hometown after losing her husband. Her fiercely independent streak leads to some memorable moments—like falling off her porch in nothing but a towel, in front her her new neighbor. Jay has had his heart broken before, and the last thing he wants is to get involved. But he can’t resist stepping in to help Gabrielle and her two sons when they need him. A nosy town and close friends who can’t stop noticing their chemistry doesn't help.

I listened to the audiobook and couldn’t stop! The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life and I felt like I was listening to the characters.

I enjoyed this audiobook so much!

I thought how Jay and Gabby meet was hilarious! I loved all of their interactions with one another. I loved how Gabby had found friends, old and new, within the women along her new road and the banter between them, but also the support they have for one another. There are so many heartfelt moments between Gabby’s oldest son, who is struggling after the death of his dad. I enjoyed how Gabby and her sons warmed their way into Jay’s heart. I do think that the female voice narrator’s voice wasn’t distinguishing enough, and it was hard to know which female character was who, that being said, I still think she did an amazing job, along with the male narrator. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the bits of spice!

Great story

I enjoyed this story but wish it hadn’t had so much of the F word. It takes away from a good book.