He’s on the edge of stardom.I’m on the edge of disaster.One night will change our lives forever…I’m standing in the middle of a storm when Carter Bosh asks me to dance.He’s a complete stranger, but his outstretched hand and glittering green eyes are too tempting to resist.I’m looking for forever.And the brooding piano prodigy isn’t offering it.We just want one night to forget the rest of the … looking for forever.
And the brooding piano prodigy isn’t offering it.
We just want one night to forget the rest of the world.
His touch sparks a fire like I’ve never felt, His kisses are intoxicating and unforgettable.
But it’s the tenderness in his eyes that leaves me spellbound.
I share secrets with him I’d never told anyone else, his arms a safe haven where I want to rest forever.
I should have known the sunrise would bring tragedy.
Because, fairytales weren’t written about girls like me.
And when we’re forced apart, I find myself in the fight of my life. He might be my knight in shining armor, but I don’t need him to save me, I need him to pass me a sword.
Because this is one fight I refuse to lose, and I won’t stop until he’s my happily ever after….
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Devastating and Beautiful Beginning
Dylan Allen knocked the first book in this trilogy out of the park! I felt like I was having painful parts of my soul picked at and yet because we are gifted with such a beautiful prologue it never felt overwhelmingly bleak. I can’t say I had the same type of experiences growing up but it resonated so deeply with me that I was truly affected by the story. It is the first of three and the twist knocked me a little sideways however I am actually grateful it is broken up the way it is and that I have time to spend with my current emotions before jumping right into the next book. It will be one I read as soon as it is released!
First book I have read from Dylan. It was enjoyable from beginning to end. Left me hanging at the end with an ending I was not at all expecting. Liz is not living the life that she wants to live. She wants to be loved by her father but instead he shuts her off. She lives with her brother and is on her own so to speak. She doesn’t really have any friends to speak of. One night after a party gone wrong she meets Carter who she has instant chemistry with. But the next day something tragic happens that sends her life into a hurricane of events. Will she come out in one piece? Will she be happy once things calm down? Carter is adopted and is not living an easy life. But he believes that things can be changed. Once his father dies he goes looking for his real mother and father. Who is he going to find?Will he meet up with Liz again and be happy ? Or will the truth tear them even more apart? An absolute amazing well written storyline about two amazing characters. I cant wait to read the next one and find out what happens between these two
How do i describe the feelings that this book has evoked in me. Dylan Allen has a way to pull me onto these characters lives and want to be there with them. Elisabeth is just looking for approval from her family. She is going beyond to do so but all her father chooses to see is what is on the surface. Carter is navigating through a life altering truth. When they meet, it is as if the heavens have aligned. Or as if they have found their perfect cheesecake. I adored how this developed but wanted to throw my ereader at times
Everyone knows how in love I am with Dylan and her books. Between Now And Forever is another one to my favorites by this amazing author.
Between Now and Forever is a fantastic read which will have you feeling for the characters especially Elisabeth. Elisabeth and Carter have so much chemistry from the start of the book. Speaking of the start of the book, I loved it. Loved how we get to see a book start at the now and then go into the past showing how they got there.
Both Beth and Carter have their issues that they are dealing with. And both have issues with acceptance, everything in this book will pull at heart. That cliffhanger….definitely not what I was expecting. Can’t wait for good two.
You did it again Dylan. You definitely have a hit with this new series.
I love Dylan’s books. Can’t believe how beautiful this story was and this is just the first in the triology.
Better be ready. The plot was amazing, the characters were brilliantly written . Just amazing work
From their very first interaction Elisabeth and Carter knew they had happened upon something special, something worth holding onto. But both have their own struggles, dealing with their difficult families, unreal expectations to live up to, and doubts about their futures. Elisabeth has endured things in her young life that have made it difficult for her to trust and accept others belief in her. Her wounded soul needs some healing, and someone to show her she is worthy of love, and Carter might just the man to do that.
But with their futures hanging in the balance, and their overbearing families constantly pulling them apart, it leaves them to wonder if they’ll ever be able to be together.
Between Now and Forever paints a heart-wrenching picture of a young couple who meet and instantly find a connection. But their meddling families constant interfere and pull them in different directions and farther apart from one another. This perfectly penned tale made my heart feel like it was in a vise, it’s words squeezing intently and making it hard to breath. There is no way you will be able to walk away from this one unscathed, it’s powerful story line will take you on a journey that will break you, and leave you wondering how much can these two tortured souls can possibly handle. I look forward to the next installment with a hopeful heart, and pray that these poor characters will get a little reprieve, and possibly be able to find some much needed love. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Twin Flames Ignite
Between Now and Forever is exactly what the start of a trilogy should be. It is detailed and pulses with connection and angst. Ms. Allen draws you in with characters that are flawed and vulnerable. Liz is struggling to be seen and loved for who she is, despite society’s standard of beauty. Carter is struggling because he doesn’t have all of the facts about his past. These two souls are both adrift, but when they meet there is an inexplicable sense of “recognition”. It’s as though they’ve finally found a “home” or safe place with another person. However, that safety is short lived. A tragedy, a controlling father, and secrets threaten to tear them apart forever. As Liz and Carter battle demons on separate fronts, the past may derail the present and have extraordinary effects on the future. The cliffhanger is this book will have you clamoring for more. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book, Between Now and Heartbreak!
Wow, to say I’m thoroughly impressed with Between Now and Forever by Dylan Allen feels like a huge understatement. Allen crushed the story right along with my heart!! Good God, the angst, the drama… I should have known that my heart was going to be put through a pasta maker… just flattened. It’s what I have come to expect from reading Allen’s books. But the blurb was so vague and I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. You read it thinking you’re going to feel something but not expecting to FEEL IT ALL, EVERYWHERE, EVERY HOW and WHICH WAY!
I keep thinking that perhaps Beth’s situation felt so dire because Carter’s is so completely the opposite it’s like night and day. However, I finished this book last night and since then I’ve been thinking NON-STOP about the storyline and characters. It isn’t the contrast that made the situation so dreadful. It’s the fact that it IS dreadful. But on the other end, Beth and Carter together was everything. The immenseness that was them was stunning.
If I was to pick one thing that Dylan Allen executes flawlessly is the depth of feelings she puts into her characters… and she portrays it so acutely that the reader feels it as well. I never walk away from her words without feeling deeply affected in my heart. She often sends me out with life lessons that I feel on personal levels. Insecurities. Loneliness. Fear. Happiness. Love. Peace. I really don’t understand how she can pack so much soul into a story but I hope she never stops. Speaking of… I need the second book like I need air! I’m a bit scared to see its title is, Between Now and Heartbreak. This is going to hurt more. Isn’t it?
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions
Sometimes upcoming books make me a bit nervous. Not that I don’t trust the author to do her characters justice, but there’s something in the blurb that tells me it won’t be an easy road to a happily ever after. Between Now and Forever is such a book for me. I love Beth and Carter, but I need the rest of their story asap…
Beth and Carter both come from privilege. But where Carter has a loving, supportive family, Beth has grown up very differently. Love and kindness aren’t things she’s familiar with (besides her brother), but she craves a normal life. Carter has his own demons to fight, but when he meets Beth, he can’t help himself, he needs to know her. Beth and Carter are a sweet couple, but it’s not their moment yet.
I love Beth, and I feel so sorry for her. I want to hug her and tell she will be okay. Carter is a great guy, but he’s having a hard time. But unlike Beth, he has the support of his loved ones. Beth, Carter, and their way to each other are the focus of the book of course, but there is much more going on. Family secrets and hidden truths are a great part of the story, but their meaning is unsure yet.
Between Now and Forever is the first book in the ‘Forever Trilogy’ and gives us the beginning of the story of Carter and his Beth. The story is told from a double POV, giving both leading characters a voice. Like other books by Dylan Allen it’s beautiful written, and at some points very realistic. Do I like all what happens? No… But it’s fitting and necessary for the unfolding story.
I love Between Now and Forever; I give the first part of Beth and Carter’s story 5 stars.
This is my first Dylan Allen book and definitely will not be my last. Between Now and Forever is a fantastic read which will have you feeling for the characters especially Elisabeth.
I love the way the author started the book. You are immediately drawn to the characters. The chemistry between Elisabeth and Carter was intense. Both have issues with acceptance and this book will certainly pull on your heartstrings.
The rollercoaster of emotions the author makes you feel is out of this world. I loved every moment of this story and look forward to book 2!
Hi! Dylan Allen newbie here. I am so glad that I picked this book up. I always saw Dylan’s book all over social media and all of my friends were telling me that I HAVE to read her books. Well, I can finally say, I’ve read her work and I am NOT DISAPPOINTED! I am so glad I picked this book up!
Between Now and Forever is Book one in the Forever Trilogy. BN&F is filled with secrets, angst, drama, and lust. There are so many different details to the book that are happening and it takes you on a wild journey trying to connect all the pieces.
Beth and Carter are two soul mates who met at the wrong time. My heart breaks for them. Their lives, their experiences, it’s all so much.
I can’t wait to see what Dylan brings next in this series because that ending just blew my mind! I wasn’t expecting that and now I am itching for more!
Great book, Dylan! You have gained another stalker. (Not in the creepy way.. Just in the constantly scanning your page for any crumbs you want to throw my way..)
When Dylan mentions it’s angsty, it is angsty. Beth is a character I can relate to. I love her first encounter with Carter and how they have this amazing chemistry between them. I can tell things are only going to get more interesting and I’m so looking forward to find out in the next two books!
*this is the first book in the trilogy. Warning: it ends with a cliffhanger.
I am a HUGE FAN of the beautiful Dylan Allen! The intelligence and amazing articulation of her writing sets her work apart. The fantastic characters she creates are multi-faceted and truly developed. Detail so well written the images I have while reading are positively vivid. Then let me tell you how perfectly woven and complex her storylines are – complex enough to keep me on the edge and surprised at every turn yet never confusing. Utterly brilliant. I find myself captivated! I can forget the world around me if only for those few hours – because once I start, I don’t want to put my kindle down. Chores, cooking and laundry can wait, right? Momma needs to finish this book!
This story is so consuming that I forgot I was reading book one of three and let out a loud “aaaaaahhhh” when I hit that ending! That ending…omg omg omg! Absolutely epic and I cannot wait for more. I was so enraptured, dying and I mean dying to know how this was all going to play out.
I find myself torn wanting to describe everything I love but let’s face it those are all spoilers. I want to describe my favorite aspects of the story and why but don’t want to give any of it away. Who I love, who I love to hate because there is a list yo! And I am skeptical whether any of them can redeem themselves. This book is not just a deliciously angsty romance – this author has woven in components that are real and relatable that hit me in FEELS. I felt a part of myself dying inside or coming alive right along with Liz and Carter. TRUST ME when I say READ THIS BOOK! Hang tight for the series because this experience will touch your SOUL.
Give me all the angsty books out there. – I love love them so hard. Carter and Liz have a story to tell us. IT is a love story that is true to its words. Their story isn’t over, it is just beginning and I can’t wait to read more of them in Book 2 and 3.
Here is more of my review ~click here~ https://youtu.be/13wJfD7_OdM
What am I going to do until I get book two?!?! Seriously, this book! GAH! That smokin’ hot prologue grabbed me and sucked me into this book and now I’m stuck there. I just had no idea the havoc Dylan Allen would inflict upon my heart after that prologue. Carter and Beth both, I can already tell are going to put us on quite a journey to be together. Oh what a journey it will be too!
Elisabeth “Beth” Wolfe is the rich girl from the most prominent, influential family in Winsome, Texas. An outsider would probably make the mistake of thinking she’s the spoiled pretty princess, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Her home life breaks my heart. She’s like a wounded bird, kept in a cage. She’s not given the chance to spread her wings to fly and she’s looked at like a grubby pigeon. Her father is downright cruel. The only light in her life, is her brother, Drew and her secret escape in her art.
Beth meets Carter when she is able to get out with some “not friends” one night. She and Carter they have the most instant, magical connection. When she shows him parts of herself she’s kept hidden or been ridiculed for his genuine reaction isn’t anything she’s ever had before and it’s amazing. Carter is unlike anyone else she’s ever met. After one night with Carter and his amazing family, Beth sees just how different his family is from hers. As much as she likes Carter she knows her father would never allow her to have any kind of a relationship with him. After tragedy strikes Beth is forced to leave everything and everyone behind with no contact. Will Carter wait for word from Beth or will he move on?
“Yes, the higher I let him take me tonight, the farther I’ll have to fall when it all goes away in the morning. Because as always, the sun will rise and bring it’s disinfecting light that won’t let me hide anything.”
Carter is this beautiful musical prodigy. He has recently discovered something that has altered everything he thought he knew about his life, and himself and it set him on a downward spiral. When his family takes some time away together at a lake house retreat in Texas he meets Beth.
One night changes everything. One look, one touch, one taste and he’s a goner. But when Beth just vanishes after a tragedy Carter can’t help but wonder, we’re all those feelings one sided? What happens when Carter himself is dealt a devastating blow? While Carter finds himself on a quest of self discovery, is it possible fate will it lead him back to Beth?
“Baby, real love stories—the ones worth telling—they never end.”
This is definitely a one-click must y’all!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– What an amazing kick-off to this new trilogy by Dylan Allen. I’m gonna be counting the days until the next book, because Holy Hot Dog the Cliffy!! This book has it all. Angst, frustration, sadness, happiness, lust, heat, and some funny moments.
– There is really only a couple of sexy scenes, and they aren’t full out. BUT they are super yummy and hot. I think they are just a preview of what’s on our way in the next two books and that makes me OH SO HAPPY!
Cliffhanger Warning-This is a Trilogy so there is most definitely a Cliffhanger!
Trigger Warning-This book does have a couple of scenes that could be considered triggers for some. They are not overly graphic or anything. If you have any questions feel free to reach out privately and I will be glad to discuss these further if you have concerns.
An angst-filled journey that I could not put down!!! The author kept me riveted with Liz and Carter; their love and their struggles. My heart is wrung out and all I want is MORE!
Carter and Liz find what they had always been searching for within each other, to only have it cruelly torn from them. They met and it was just such an intense connection. Their chemistry bled through the pages. They were incredible together even though their happy was all too brief.
Her father had his own plans for Liz. She had a family name to uphold and a role to fill. Carter was leaving for his tour. As a talented pianist, he would be traveling for the near future. They planned to do what was necessary to be together. Liz’s father had other plans.
Love doesn’t have to occur over time. Sometimes it happens so fast you don’t even realize. It’s something that embeds itself within you, no matter how much you try and fight it. And it can be brutally stolen from you.
This was a story of loss, resilience and sacrifice. It will break your heart and leave you feeling helpless at times. But you will also feel empowered as the characters take back control and fight to get what they want. I loved the path the author led me down. I was totally immersed in their story. I will be counting the days until I can get my hands on book two!
I’ve read a few books by Allen now and one thing is for certain, she loves to play with your emotions while tearing up your heart. This was a storyline that was filled with angst and I was so addicting, I couldn’t put it down.
From the minute Carter and Liz met, their chemistry was insane, you could tell they needed to be together. Their first kiss is one I won’t forget in a while, it gave me the chills, it was raw, sexy and powerful that hinted so much more.
This book has so much going on between both families. Beth’s so stern, no real love, very disciplined and sheltered, whereas Carters you could feel the family bond and unity between them.
Carter, I just loved him. He was confident, commanding and knew his feeling for Beth, but, he was also broken and hurting and so alone with his thoughts.
Beth, this poor girl. I admire her strength. She has went through so much hurt in her life, a life that’s not really hers, always having to do as her father says. There is some heavy scenes and I ached for her, I wished she would have just run away! Her gran is one evil witch!
That ending!!! I’m so glad book two isn’t far away, I can’t wait to see what emotional journey we will be on next and to see where the story goes, as for sure, it won’t be straightforward. If you love a thrilling read with twists and turns and a unique story that will put your heart through the ringer, this trilogy will be for you!
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*An ARC received for an honest review*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 2%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
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.
Omg what a read. Dylan Allen has me clutching my pearls and literally impatiently waiting for book two. That ending….wow. Carter and Beth were made for each other. Gosh these two have a lot in common and just pulled at my heartstrings. DRAMA!!! Emotional!!! Sexy!!! Consuming!!! All words I’d use to describe this book. Dylan completely knocks it out the park with this one and did I mention it’s only book 1. Can’t wait for book 2 & 3. Amazing job.
My head is reeling.
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.
This.is.real.raw.heartbreaking.feeling.
Dylan Allen has written a groundbreaking romance. This story has a purpose, a message and a call for change. Between Now and Forever is only the beginning of an epic saga. But I can already feel this story is going to make a difference.
I always adored Dylan’s ability to make me face hard truths. And she broke all limits in this story. You will be brought face to face to so many dark , ugly and true secrets of humanity and society. We often hide them and ignore them. It takes a lot of courage to put them in a story and that too in beautifully tragic way. Without sugercoating. I don’t even know where to start. Marks we don’t want to show. Emotional and physical abuse we endure. The overwhelming feeling of loss of control over one’s own life. But above all the little hope and love and that helps us to go on. The story line is full of twists and turns and shocks. Dylan will deliver punches to your heart and soul. And it will be almost unbearable specially at the end. I cannot believe she left me there!
Elisabeth has incredible strength and courage. She is real. She embodies real struggle, vulnerabilities and suffering. I cannot believe she is still standing after the bruising and burning war. Well the war is not over yet. And Carter Bosh gave her the slice of light and hope. He has his own world of pain. But he saw beyond her superficial imperfections. Their connection is one of those once in a lifetime relations. Universe plans it. It made me sigh , swoon, cry and die from the emotional torture. Dylan is an expert in writing star crossed lovers trope but she exceeded my expectations. No matter how hard I braced myself , the angst filled story hit me hard. I kind of hate her for making me go inside hell and leaving me there! It was brutal but necessary to capture the intensity.
Dylan Allen took a risk writing an unique story in Forever Trilogy. And it paid handsomely. Between Now and Forever is just beginning of an incredible journey. An angsty, intoxicating, heart-rending story that you cannot miss at any cost.
Received ARC for Honest review