Dylan Allen’s Between Now and Always is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the intricate dance of moving forward while tethered to the past. The novel delves into the lives of Beth and Carter, two individuals whose paths are intertwined by a shared history of heartbreak and unfulfilled dreams. Through their journey, Allen crafts a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of love and the choices that define our lives.

At its core, the novel is a meditation on the question: How do you move on when the only thing you want is the one thing you can’t have? This theme resonates throughout the story, as both Beth and Carter grapple with the aftermath of their decisions and the lingering shadows of their past. Allen skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil that accompanies such a predicament, capturing the raw vulnerability of her characters with authenticity and depth.

Beth’s journey is particularly compelling. After making a life-altering decision, she finds herself in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by strangers and forced to navigate a new reality. Her resilience and determination to forge ahead, despite the heartache, make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist. Allen paints Beth’s internal struggle with a deft hand, allowing readers to feel her pain, her hope, and her unwavering desire to find happiness.

Carter, on the other hand, is a character whose external success belies his internal conflict. His career is flourishing, and on the surface, it seems as though he has moved on. However, Allen peels back the layers to reveal a man who is still deeply connected to Beth, unable to fully let go of the love they once shared. Carter’s journey is a testament to the idea that success and fulfillment are not always synonymous, and that the heart often has its own agenda.

The chemistry between Beth and Carter is palpable, and Allen masterfully captures the tension and longing that exist between them. Their interactions are charged with emotion, and the push and pull of their relationship is both captivating and heart-wrenching. As they navigate the obstacles in their path, readers are left rooting for them to find their way back to each other, despite the odds stacked against them.

One of the strengths of Between Now and Always is Allen’s ability to create a rich and immersive world. Her prose is evocative, painting vivid pictures of the settings and emotions that define the story. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection and character development while maintaining a sense of momentum that keeps readers engaged.

In terms of character development, Allen excels at creating multi-dimensional characters who are flawed, yet deeply human. Beth and Carter are not perfect, and their mistakes and missteps make them all the more relatable. Allen’s portrayal of their growth and evolution is nuanced and realistic, capturing the complexities of human relationships with grace and sensitivity.

The novel also explores themes of redemption and forgiveness, both of oneself and others. As Beth and Carter confront their past and the choices they have made, they are forced to reckon with the idea that healing often requires letting go of guilt and embracing vulnerability. Allen’s exploration of these themes adds depth to the narrative, offering readers a thoughtful reflection on the power of forgiveness and the possibility of second chances.

In comparison to other contemporary romance novels, Between Now and Always stands out for its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. Fans of authors like Colleen Hoover and Taylor Jenkins Reid will likely find much to appreciate in Allen’s work, as she shares their talent for crafting stories that resonate on a deeply emotional level.

Overall, Between Now and Always is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the final page is turned. Dylan Allen has crafted a story that is both a celebration of love’s enduring power and a poignant reminder of the challenges that come with it. For anyone who has ever loved and lost, and dared to hope again, this book is a must-read.