Between Now and Forever marks another compelling addition to Adriana Locke’s repertoire of small-town romance novels. Known for her ability to craft authentic characters and heartwarming stories, Locke delivers a neighbors-to-lovers tale that expertly balances humor with deep emotional resonance.
Setting the Scene
In the charming town of Alden, Ohio, Gabrielle Solomon returns to her roots with her two sons following her ex-husband’s tragic death. A single mother trying to rebuild her life, she didn’t expect her new neighbor, Jay Stetson, to catch her in nothing but a towel—literally. This memorable meet-cute sets the stage for a romance that explores second chances, healing from past trauma, and the courage it takes to open your heart again.
Character Development: The Heart of the Story
Gabrielle Solomon
Locke has crafted a remarkably relatable protagonist in Gabrielle. She’s not just a single mother – she’s a woman rediscovering herself while balancing her children’s needs with her own desires. Her quirky side business of naming babies and her DIY mishaps add delightful touches of humor to her character. However, it’s her strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her sons that truly make her shine.
Jay Stetson
The brooding neighbor with a painful past could have been a cliché, but Locke imbues Jay with layers that make him feel genuinely human. His struggle with past trauma involving his ex-girlfriend’s daughter, Izzy, creates a believable conflict that doesn’t feel manufactured. His journey from emotional isolation to opening his heart again is masterfully portrayed.
The Supporting Cast
The secondary characters, particularly Gabrielle’s sons Dylan and Carter, are wonderfully developed. Dylan’s teenage angst and underlying grief feel authentic, while Carter’s endearing personality and baseball obsession provide much-needed lightness. The friendship circle of Cricket, Della, and Scottie adds depth to the story and provides excellent comic relief.
Strengths and Notable Elements
Emotional Depth
The novel excels in exploring complex themes:
Grief and healing
Parent-child relationships
The impact of past trauma on present relationships
The courage required to love again
Authentic Dialogue
The conversations feel natural and unforced, particularly the interactions between Jay and Dylan. Their growing understanding of each other’s pain creates some of the most touching moments in the book.
Small Town Charm
Locke’s portrayal of Alden captures the essence of small-town life without falling into saccharine stereotypes. The community feels lived-in and real.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is strong overall, there are a few elements that could have been enhanced:
The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during the period of Jay’s withdrawal from the relationship.
Some readers might find the resolution of Jay’s past trauma with Izzy a bit too neat, though it serves the story’s purposes well.
The subplot involving Cricket’s marriage troubles, while interesting, feels slightly underdeveloped.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Locke’s writing shines in its ability to balance emotional weight with humor. Her prose is accessible yet engaging, with particularly strong dialogue and internal monologue. The dual POV structure works well, giving readers insight into both Gabrielle and Jay’s emotional journeys.
Romance Development
The chemistry between Gabrielle and Jay is palpable from their first interaction. Their relationship builds naturally, with plenty of tension and sweet moments. The physical intimacy scenes are well-written and tasteful, focusing more on emotional connection than explicit detail.
Target Audience
Between Now and Forever will appeal to readers who enjoy:
Small town romance
Single parent stories
Emotional depth in their romance novels
Complex family dynamics
Second chance at love themes
Comparison to Similar Works
Fans of authors like Mariana Zapata, Lucy Score, and Devney Perry will find familiar elements in Locke’s writing style and storytelling approach. The book shares themes with Zapata’s “Wait for It” and Score’s “Things We Never Got Over,” though Locke maintains her unique voice.
Final Verdict
While not perfect, it’s a deeply satisfying romance that delivers on both emotional depth and entertainment value. Locke proves once again why she’s a respected voice in contemporary romance.
What Works Best
Rich character development
Authentic emotional journey
Well-crafted family dynamics
Balanced humor and heart
Room for Growth
Pacing issues in middle section
Some subplot resolution
Secondary character development
Recommendation
Between Now and Forever is highly recommended for readers seeking a romance that goes beyond surface-level attraction to explore deeper themes of healing and family. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate stories where the journey to love involves not just the main couple, but the entire family unit.
Between Now and Forever stands as a testament to Adriana Locke’s ability to craft stories that resonate with readers on multiple levels. It’s a worthy addition to any contemporary romance reader’s library and continues to showcase why Locke remains a beloved author in the genre.