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A review by katemc7
Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me. This is only my second neighbors/strangers to lovers, and I did enjoy it overall. Everything just happened a little faster for my pace than I would have liked. I had a hard time really connecting with the characters. And really had a hard time getting in Jay's head. I appreciated Gabrielle and her strength as a single mom. She was going through so much and had been putting her family first understandably. She was at a point where she wanted something for her. After we learned more about Jay's past I understood his actions a LITTLE more, but he was still a tad bit annoying with the back and forth. I'm not sure if I were Gabrielle that I would have gone to him after the bar that night.
Gabrielle has moved her family back to her hometown. She has been dealing with the death of her ex husband who was still one of her best friends. She has a fourteen year old who is on another level with grief and emotions right now and then a seven year old who is as happy as a golden retriever. She knows being here is the right decision for her. She just has to make some adjustments to her life. She is realizing that she feels more comfortable doing things for her in this setting where she knows more people. Which is how she finds herself getting mixed up with her hot neighbor, Jay. He seems cold and a little weary but then will do things that show the opposite. She finds herself drawn to him. She can't help it. So when she makes the decision that she is going to try to find someone in her life- her sights are set on Jay. But he is being to yo-yo for her. So she goes out one night but then Jay is there and she can't help but notice that he is being jealous. One thing leads to another and now they are semi dating. Gabrielle's heart breaks when she learns more about Jay's past. So when her family sets something off for him unintentionally, their new relationship is put to the test. WIll he be able to put aside the hurt and realize that Gabrielle is different than Melody was? Or will he walk away?
Jay is fine being single. He has been propositioned by so many people he can't keep track anymore. So when he finds himself drawn to his new neighbor and her two kids he is baffled. He has not only avoided women and relationships but specifically single moms because of how badly his ex hurt him with her daughter. He can't go through that pain again. But he also can't seem to stay away. He loves her honesty and her confidence (even if she shouldn't have it). But when things seem to be going a certain way he freaks. He thinks he made the right decision but then sees Gabrielle out talking to someone else and all bets are off. He likes her. He wants her. No more hiding his feelings. Things are going to happen now. He can be strong for her. He can put aside his hurt from the past. Or can he? Because her son Dylan is really struggling when he finds about Gabrielle and Jay and now Jay is realizing he may have moved too quickly. Will he be able to get over his past because he knows that if he doesn't end up with Gabrielle- he will forever be alone.
This was a super short easy read with nice spice. I think I had a harder time connecting to the characters because of the length maybe? I would still recommend it. I am wondering if Adriana is going to make further books in this world- I am looking at you Della.
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Gabrielle has moved her family back to her hometown. She has been dealing with the death of her ex husband who was still one of her best friends. She has a fourteen year old who is on another level with grief and emotions right now and then a seven year old who is as happy as a golden retriever. She knows being here is the right decision for her. She just has to make some adjustments to her life. She is realizing that she feels more comfortable doing things for her in this setting where she knows more people. Which is how she finds herself getting mixed up with her hot neighbor, Jay. He seems cold and a little weary but then will do things that show the opposite. She finds herself drawn to him. She can't help it. So when she makes the decision that she is going to try to find someone in her life- her sights are set on Jay. But he is being to yo-yo for her. So she goes out one night but then Jay is there and she can't help but notice that he is being jealous. One thing leads to another and now they are semi dating. Gabrielle's heart breaks when she learns more about Jay's past. So when her family sets something off for him unintentionally, their new relationship is put to the test. WIll he be able to put aside the hurt and realize that Gabrielle is different than Melody was? Or will he walk away?
Jay is fine being single. He has been propositioned by so many people he can't keep track anymore. So when he finds himself drawn to his new neighbor and her two kids he is baffled. He has not only avoided women and relationships but specifically single moms because of how badly his ex hurt him with her daughter. He can't go through that pain again. But he also can't seem to stay away. He loves her honesty and her confidence (even if she shouldn't have it). But when things seem to be going a certain way he freaks. He thinks he made the right decision but then sees Gabrielle out talking to someone else and all bets are off. He likes her. He wants her. No more hiding his feelings. Things are going to happen now. He can be strong for her. He can put aside his hurt from the past. Or can he? Because her son Dylan is really struggling when he finds about Gabrielle and Jay and now Jay is realizing he may have moved too quickly. Will he be able to get over his past because he knows that if he doesn't end up with Gabrielle- he will forever be alone.
This was a super short easy read with nice spice. I think I had a harder time connecting to the characters because of the length maybe? I would still recommend it. I am wondering if Adriana is going to make further books in this world- I am looking at you Della.
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!