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profromance's review
4.0
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The mark of a good writer is their ability to make a connection with their audience; they use the power of words to feel the emotion of the characters and the story. When you read a book and you cry or laugh out loud or become angered by the actions of the characters, the writer of the story has done their job, and done it well. This is the case with Dylan Allen’s newest book, Between Now and Forever. This book is the beginning of what I believe will be an epic journey of love and heartache and an eventual “happily-ever-after,” but only after the characters have endured much.
Between Now and Forever is a beginning. What’s interesting about it is the Prologue as Allen carefully planned her book to begin with the happy ending of her characters, Carter and Elisabeth. It’s clear from the start that Allen’s prologue is intentional. It’s a warning to the reader that the journey will be fraught. And reader, heed this warning.
This book is a tough one. I’m not talking about style or one’s ability to follow the story. This romance is difficult because the journey for these characters isn’t an easy one. From the outset, we know that Elisabeth is different. She doesn’t fit the mold of her community and her father’s expectations. Since she is different, she endures the abuse of her father and his machinations. He is a powerful man, and he wields his power in awful ways. The one person she can trust is her brother, James. Their relationship breathes life into her day, but it too is fraught with issues. All Elisabeth wants is acceptance. She believes she can achieve it by trying to look the same as everyone else; however, in doing so, she is denying her individualism and self-worth. At some point in this book, Elisabeth has to make a choice to accept herself or fall prey to societal expectations, and you need to read the book for her decision. What makes her story difficult is Allen’s illustration, through Elisabeth, of society’s idealism about beauty. Allen highlights the exasperating dichotomy of inner and external beauty. It’s a challenge to her readers to accept ourselves as we are, to love ourselves, and to seek after inner qualities of beauty instead of appeasing unrealistic societal standards. It’s an important message, and Allen creates the angst of this message through the uncommon beauty of Elisabeth. It’s a difficult journey to read, but a necessary one.
In contrast to Elisabeth, there is Carter. Successful, talented, and gorgeous, Carter has the world at his fingertips. Yet, he is missing his truth. In its absence, Carter self-destructs but then resurrects himself to journey after it. While his journey has its own pain, I didn’t feel its depth as acutely as Elisabeth’s. I think we will feel Carter’s angst more in the next book of this trilogy, Between Now and Heartbreak. But his story is also a necessary one. Carter’s story holds a message of family. What is family? If we are different than our family, are we still family? How do we find our self-worth if we don’t really know who we are? There is so much to unpack yet in his story.
When Carter and Elisabeth meet, there is an instant connection. Allen makes it palpable for her readers on the page. Carter sees Elisabeth and her true beauty; he accepts her differences and encourages her to be true to herself. And Elisabeth sees Carter’s pain. While she doesn’t know the core of it, she recognizes it and hopes to know it. Unfortunately, circumstances cause these two to part, and much of this book actually finds them separated, making choices that further distance themselves from each other. This is why Allen’s prologue is necessary. It is also why readers need patience in reading Carter and Elisabeth’s story. In reading the title of the next book, my intuition tells me that there is a long road of angst and heartbreak ahead for these two.
This is what I know. Dylan Allen never disappoints in her storytelling. Yes, she creates stories that cause her readers to steel their hearts. She writes beautiful, devastating romances as a way to remind us that happy endings do come even after enduring so much pain. Why? Because that is the way of life. This is the connection of her stories to our souls. Yes, her stories can be difficult to read because we oftentimes hate remembering how difficult life can be. But the written word should always be a reflection of our experiences, of our pain, of our happiness, of our joys, and of our sadness. Without these connections, then words are simply letters on a page. When you read a Dylan Allen book like Between Now and Forever, the words are the whispers of our souls reminding us that our happily-ever-after is just around the corner if we’re brave enough to endure. Be prepared for this book. It will take a bit of your heart, but the eventual reward will be worth it.
The mark of a good writer is their ability to make a connection with their audience; they use the power of words to feel the emotion of the characters and the story. When you read a book and you cry or laugh out loud or become angered by the actions of the characters, the writer of the story has done their job, and done it well. This is the case with Dylan Allen’s newest book, Between Now and Forever. This book is the beginning of what I believe will be an epic journey of love and heartache and an eventual “happily-ever-after,” but only after the characters have endured much.
Between Now and Forever is a beginning. What’s interesting about it is the Prologue as Allen carefully planned her book to begin with the happy ending of her characters, Carter and Elisabeth. It’s clear from the start that Allen’s prologue is intentional. It’s a warning to the reader that the journey will be fraught. And reader, heed this warning.
This book is a tough one. I’m not talking about style or one’s ability to follow the story. This romance is difficult because the journey for these characters isn’t an easy one. From the outset, we know that Elisabeth is different. She doesn’t fit the mold of her community and her father’s expectations. Since she is different, she endures the abuse of her father and his machinations. He is a powerful man, and he wields his power in awful ways. The one person she can trust is her brother, James. Their relationship breathes life into her day, but it too is fraught with issues. All Elisabeth wants is acceptance. She believes she can achieve it by trying to look the same as everyone else; however, in doing so, she is denying her individualism and self-worth. At some point in this book, Elisabeth has to make a choice to accept herself or fall prey to societal expectations, and you need to read the book for her decision. What makes her story difficult is Allen’s illustration, through Elisabeth, of society’s idealism about beauty. Allen highlights the exasperating dichotomy of inner and external beauty. It’s a challenge to her readers to accept ourselves as we are, to love ourselves, and to seek after inner qualities of beauty instead of appeasing unrealistic societal standards. It’s an important message, and Allen creates the angst of this message through the uncommon beauty of Elisabeth. It’s a difficult journey to read, but a necessary one.
In contrast to Elisabeth, there is Carter. Successful, talented, and gorgeous, Carter has the world at his fingertips. Yet, he is missing his truth. In its absence, Carter self-destructs but then resurrects himself to journey after it. While his journey has its own pain, I didn’t feel its depth as acutely as Elisabeth’s. I think we will feel Carter’s angst more in the next book of this trilogy, Between Now and Heartbreak. But his story is also a necessary one. Carter’s story holds a message of family. What is family? If we are different than our family, are we still family? How do we find our self-worth if we don’t really know who we are? There is so much to unpack yet in his story.
When Carter and Elisabeth meet, there is an instant connection. Allen makes it palpable for her readers on the page. Carter sees Elisabeth and her true beauty; he accepts her differences and encourages her to be true to herself. And Elisabeth sees Carter’s pain. While she doesn’t know the core of it, she recognizes it and hopes to know it. Unfortunately, circumstances cause these two to part, and much of this book actually finds them separated, making choices that further distance themselves from each other. This is why Allen’s prologue is necessary. It is also why readers need patience in reading Carter and Elisabeth’s story. In reading the title of the next book, my intuition tells me that there is a long road of angst and heartbreak ahead for these two.
This is what I know. Dylan Allen never disappoints in her storytelling. Yes, she creates stories that cause her readers to steel their hearts. She writes beautiful, devastating romances as a way to remind us that happy endings do come even after enduring so much pain. Why? Because that is the way of life. This is the connection of her stories to our souls. Yes, her stories can be difficult to read because we oftentimes hate remembering how difficult life can be. But the written word should always be a reflection of our experiences, of our pain, of our happiness, of our joys, and of our sadness. Without these connections, then words are simply letters on a page. When you read a Dylan Allen book like Between Now and Forever, the words are the whispers of our souls reminding us that our happily-ever-after is just around the corner if we’re brave enough to endure. Be prepared for this book. It will take a bit of your heart, but the eventual reward will be worth it.
bibliophile90's review
4.0
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Between Now and Forever is the first book in the Forever Trilogy and the beginning of Elisabeth & Carter's love story. I absolutely loved the way Beth and Carter met, and how he interacted with her. I especially liked that he adjusted his approach when he started to get an idea of her personality. Both characters have their own struggles, doubts, and dreams. There was a real connection between the characters, however it really was in the early stages. So I really look forward to seeing it grow in the upcoming two books. They are both young and especially Beth is someone who has been secluded and a bit naive, so she is experiencing a lot of things for the first time ever. She is not timid though, and I was happy to see some growth in her in this book.
There were some pretty heartbreaking scenes in this book, but also a lot of uplifting ones. The making out scenes were hot and heavy, and I always enjoy the ones Dylan writes. Overall, I think this book was a great introduction to the characters and their story. I really look forward to what will happen in the next book after the cliffhanger ending, which I didn't see coming. The pace of the story is great, and I love Dylan's writing style. I also love the characters she has created for this trilogy. There is some drama, but it didn't really bother me that much in this book. I look forward to all the angst, heartbreak, romantic and swoon-worthy moments in the rest of the trilogy.
Between Now and Forever is the first book in the Forever Trilogy and the beginning of Elisabeth & Carter's love story. I absolutely loved the way Beth and Carter met, and how he interacted with her. I especially liked that he adjusted his approach when he started to get an idea of her personality. Both characters have their own struggles, doubts, and dreams. There was a real connection between the characters, however it really was in the early stages. So I really look forward to seeing it grow in the upcoming two books. They are both young and especially Beth is someone who has been secluded and a bit naive, so she is experiencing a lot of things for the first time ever. She is not timid though, and I was happy to see some growth in her in this book.
There were some pretty heartbreaking scenes in this book, but also a lot of uplifting ones. The making out scenes were hot and heavy, and I always enjoy the ones Dylan writes. Overall, I think this book was a great introduction to the characters and their story. I really look forward to what will happen in the next book after the cliffhanger ending, which I didn't see coming. The pace of the story is great, and I love Dylan's writing style. I also love the characters she has created for this trilogy. There is some drama, but it didn't really bother me that much in this book. I look forward to all the angst, heartbreak, romantic and swoon-worthy moments in the rest of the trilogy.
ninadonata's review
5.0
After listening to the Short story of this book on a romance podcast this book was highly anticipated by me.
So let’s start with style of writing of Dylan wich definitely improved since the last book i read by her.
The love story in this romance book developed in the right speed. Because I was able to feel how thier feelings for each other grow.
This book is must read and go to a lot while reading with the hero and heroine. We see them both grow and deal their lives.
I've to say that the words wicht to authors choose had been amazing to describe all the situations in the story. There had been a lot of angst and feelings wich i had the chance to get how they acted.
Loved seeing how different lives can go even if to poeple have fellings for each other.
With her prologue Dylan showed again that she has a talent for storybuilding.
In so many moments i wanted hug the characters but there had been moments where want shake them also.
I don't want to put this book down to go to sleep
Our hero is a talented young man. He searches for important things in his life. He doesn't take a risk if a person in his heart. He has good humor and is a strong character.
Beth still needs to find out how she can be the person who she wants to be. The young women always tries to please herself while trie to live the truth.
All in all i was caught by this story from page one. I totally felt all the angst and there was a lot of hot romance novel. There were many surprising pltotiwst. Combined with an amazing story and grate character this book was perfect. its highly recommended so five of stars from me.
So let’s start with style of writing of Dylan wich definitely improved since the last book i read by her.
The love story in this romance book developed in the right speed. Because I was able to feel how thier feelings for each other grow.
This book is must read and go to a lot while reading with the hero and heroine. We see them both grow and deal their lives.
I've to say that the words wicht to authors choose had been amazing to describe all the situations in the story. There had been a lot of angst and feelings wich i had the chance to get how they acted.
Loved seeing how different lives can go even if to poeple have fellings for each other.
With her prologue Dylan showed again that she has a talent for storybuilding.
In so many moments i wanted hug the characters but there had been moments where want shake them also.
I don't want to put this book down to go to sleep
Our hero is a talented young man. He searches for important things in his life. He doesn't take a risk if a person in his heart. He has good humor and is a strong character.
Beth still needs to find out how she can be the person who she wants to be. The young women always tries to please herself while trie to live the truth.
All in all i was caught by this story from page one. I totally felt all the angst and there was a lot of hot romance novel. There were many surprising pltotiwst. Combined with an amazing story and grate character this book was perfect. its highly recommended so five of stars from me.
kodom251999's review
5.0
This book has made me feel so many emotions. I felt Elisabeth’s emotions. I remember just wanting to fit in the “in crowd”. This book made me sob. I hate that they both suffer loss especially of someone who meant so much. I couldn’t put this away to sleep. I felt the connection of Elisabeth to Carter... the book was a whirlwind.
I loved these beautiful words. “In my mind’s eye, I see visions of us our kissing mouths sealed together, eyes closed. Our bodies are a midnight blue flecked with gold. We have stars for eyes and moonbeams for hair, and we hover above the ground on wings spun from silvery starlight.”
I loved these beautiful words. “In my mind’s eye, I see visions of us our kissing mouths sealed together, eyes closed. Our bodies are a midnight blue flecked with gold. We have stars for eyes and moonbeams for hair, and we hover above the ground on wings spun from silvery starlight.”
nessreads11's review
5.0
Dylan, what have you done? Girl, I am full on raging. I am so freaking mad and the fact that I have to wait for the second book has me clenching my fist.
ALL THE DAMN FEELS! This book is wonderfully written. Dylan weaves her words into such an amazing story that pulled at my every emotion. I was hooked right from the prologue and was turning the pages as fast as I could not wanting to stop reading for any period of time. I could not for the life of me put this book down. And knowing that this book would probably end with a cliffhanger since it is part of a trilogy—it didn’t stop me from wanting to know what would happen even if it meant I had to not so patiently wait for the second book.
Beth, oh how my heartstrings were pulled for her. My heart hurt for her as well. How she thought she had to be and look a certain way for her to be accepted just angered me. She was every bit perfect just the way she was and didn’t need to change in order for people to like her. Beth has the most beautiful soul and was absolutely strong in the face of cruelty.
Carter captured me from the prologue. I loved him right from the beginning. There was no doubt in my mind how much he would impact me. Carter has many layers—and I needed each and every one of those layers peeled. I just need and want more of him.
Beth and Carter have undeniable chemistry. Right from their first meeting you could feel the gravitational pull between them. They can’t deny that intense connection, but so many obstacles stand in their way. No matter what though, their feelings for each other never waiver.
Between Now and Forever will pull at every heartstring. It will leave you an emotional mess. It’s a story full of twists and turns with enough angst, pain and heartache that’ll have you clenching your chest. This is book 1 and already I’m all up in my feels—I can only imagine what the next 2 books will have in store. More heartbreak I’m sure, so it’s best I stock up on boxes of tissues and chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate.
Definitely recommend!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
ALL THE DAMN FEELS! This book is wonderfully written. Dylan weaves her words into such an amazing story that pulled at my every emotion. I was hooked right from the prologue and was turning the pages as fast as I could not wanting to stop reading for any period of time. I could not for the life of me put this book down. And knowing that this book would probably end with a cliffhanger since it is part of a trilogy—it didn’t stop me from wanting to know what would happen even if it meant I had to not so patiently wait for the second book.
Beth, oh how my heartstrings were pulled for her. My heart hurt for her as well. How she thought she had to be and look a certain way for her to be accepted just angered me. She was every bit perfect just the way she was and didn’t need to change in order for people to like her. Beth has the most beautiful soul and was absolutely strong in the face of cruelty.
Carter captured me from the prologue. I loved him right from the beginning. There was no doubt in my mind how much he would impact me. Carter has many layers—and I needed each and every one of those layers peeled. I just need and want more of him.
Beth and Carter have undeniable chemistry. Right from their first meeting you could feel the gravitational pull between them. They can’t deny that intense connection, but so many obstacles stand in their way. No matter what though, their feelings for each other never waiver.
Between Now and Forever will pull at every heartstring. It will leave you an emotional mess. It’s a story full of twists and turns with enough angst, pain and heartache that’ll have you clenching your chest. This is book 1 and already I’m all up in my feels—I can only imagine what the next 2 books will have in store. More heartbreak I’m sure, so it’s best I stock up on boxes of tissues and chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate.
Definitely recommend!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
amz101's review
5.0
Okay, so um. Can I PLEASE HAVE BOOK TWO NOW? God damn, I was not expecting that ending!
Jesus Christ,...My heart. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. I knew it would be an emotional rollercoaster. That is a given when it comes to any of Dylan Allen's books, but in no way was I prepared for what I got in this book. It grabbed hold of my heart and pulled those strings so tight I thought they'd snap at one point.
Now to try and review. This is one of the hardest things for me when I enjoy a book as much as I enjoyed this one. It's finding the right words and trying not to give anything away, so I can give the book justice.
Elizabeth is sweet, she's innocent, she's strong, she's young and still learning about life and doing that with a family that would drive someone insane... They are overbearing, judgemental, and is made to feel ashamed constantly. She lives with something that sets her apart from the rest, and what I think makes her beautiful, that she carries it with shame, a burden.
Carter is struggling in life, he's broken in a sense but he has everything that he could possibly want, and more. He's just made it big as a famous pianist, but with fame, it's not all perfect as others would think. He's gotten some negative attention from the media and after his family hit him with some hard truths, he goes on vacation, which is where by some miracle he meets Beth, and from the get-go, something is drawing these to together, and intense chemistry between both is almost instant.
This starts off with a flashback to how these two meet, and once the book progresses, so does the plot and the characters... and while I wish I could sit here and tell you each and every detail to this story. I won't. This needs to be experienced not told to a reader through a review, what I will say is Dylan Allen brought her A-game with the start of this trilogy. The angst level in this is enough to drive me crazy, chemistry, the pull of these two, it's overwhelming and beautiful all in one. I couldn't get enough and I am in desperate need of book 2... Is it November yet? Gah
the authors writing style is perfect, it was the perfect paced book with all the feels, and then some! it was absolutely flawless.
5 Stars!
Jesus Christ,...My heart. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. I knew it would be an emotional rollercoaster. That is a given when it comes to any of Dylan Allen's books, but in no way was I prepared for what I got in this book. It grabbed hold of my heart and pulled those strings so tight I thought they'd snap at one point.
Now to try and review. This is one of the hardest things for me when I enjoy a book as much as I enjoyed this one. It's finding the right words and trying not to give anything away, so I can give the book justice.
Elizabeth is sweet, she's innocent, she's strong, she's young and still learning about life and doing that with a family that would drive someone insane... They are overbearing, judgemental, and is made to feel ashamed constantly. She lives with something that sets her apart from the rest, and what I think makes her beautiful, that she carries it with shame, a burden.
Carter is struggling in life, he's broken in a sense but he has everything that he could possibly want, and more. He's just made it big as a famous pianist, but with fame, it's not all perfect as others would think. He's gotten some negative attention from the media and after his family hit him with some hard truths, he goes on vacation, which is where by some miracle he meets Beth, and from the get-go, something is drawing these to together, and intense chemistry between both is almost instant.
This starts off with a flashback to how these two meet, and once the book progresses, so does the plot and the characters... and while I wish I could sit here and tell you each and every detail to this story. I won't. This needs to be experienced not told to a reader through a review, what I will say is Dylan Allen brought her A-game with the start of this trilogy. The angst level in this is enough to drive me crazy, chemistry, the pull of these two, it's overwhelming and beautiful all in one. I couldn't get enough and I am in desperate need of book 2... Is it November yet? Gah
the authors writing style is perfect, it was the perfect paced book with all the feels, and then some! it was absolutely flawless.
5 Stars!
vibrantstar05's review
3.0
Review coming soon...had to think about the rating one more time before giving my final thoughts...
fsmeurinne's review
5.0
Beth/Liz and Carter story is full of love, sacrifice, angst and just heartbreak which makes it an amazing start to a new trilogy, their story overcoming tragedy, loss and heartbreak will have you twisting in your seat. It captivates you from the start and I can't wait to see what follows. Dylan Allen did an amazing job with this story, I am absolutely immersed in what will happen next.
wolfscout's review
5.0
I can't describe how this book made me feel, I was all over the place crying laughing and being happy, this is a rare good book that we dont come across that often I looooved everything about it, would definitely recommend and I definitely think it deserves more than 5 stars A LOT MORE