What do you think?
Rate this book
The space between duet #2
The Space Between Now & Forever
I fell in love with Sutton Barnett the first time I saw him. I couldn’t explain it, or rationalize it, but in some weird way it’s like I knew he was the one that would change everything. And he did. Just not the way I expected.
I blamed him for my pain. Let it fester in my chest until it had ripped apart any shred of the girl I once was. But he wasn’t the first to break me. No, that came before Sutton. Before his bright blue eyes made me believe in something more. Before his touch made me forget. And now he’s here, after six long years, trying to piece together something that isn’t his responsibility to fix.
Being with Sutton is like being brought back to life. He ignites something in me I didn’t even know was there. A fight I thought I had long since lost. But Sutton isn’t the only man in my life. And while I could so easily give him my heart, there’s another that I loved first. Maybe not in the same way, but just as completely. His brother Remi.
Torn between the brother I love and the one I can’t live without; I find myself in the midst of an impossible decision. But when the truth of my past is finally revealed, I realize the decision may no longer be mine to make. And what happens next will determine not just the present, but every day that follows from now until forever.
The Space Between Now & Forever is the second and final installment in The Space Between Duet. You MUST read The Space Between Love & Hate before reading this book.
I blamed him for my pain. Let it fester in my chest until it had ripped apart any shred of the girl I once was. But he wasn’t the first to break me. No, that came before Sutton. Before his bright blue eyes made me believe in something more. Before his touch made me forget. And now he’s here, after six long years, trying to piece together something that isn’t his responsibility to fix.
Being with Sutton is like being brought back to life. He ignites something in me I didn’t even know was there. A fight I thought I had long since lost. But Sutton isn’t the only man in my life. And while I could so easily give him my heart, there’s another that I loved first. Maybe not in the same way, but just as completely. His brother Remi.
Torn between the brother I love and the one I can’t live without; I find myself in the midst of an impossible decision. But when the truth of my past is finally revealed, I realize the decision may no longer be mine to make. And what happens next will determine not just the present, but every day that follows from now until forever.
The Space Between Now & Forever is the second and final installment in The Space Between Duet. You MUST read The Space Between Love & Hate before reading this book.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2023
451 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,816 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 17, 2023
After finishing the first book in this duet, I knew that I needed to have a good closure on this messy and complicated love trio.
Aspen,Remi and Sutton are now dealing with the fallout of their secret actions. Lines were crossed, sides were taken and the ultimate betrayal came in the form of an unexpected relationship. Now trying to pick up the pieces and move on as best as they can, this trio is not the same. They're heartbroken, angry and they're trying to get back to some sense of normalcy. But how do you do that when it feels like a part of you is missing?
I really enjoyed the first book especially seeing the flashbacks between the main characters. It set the stage for their relationship and gave us a deeper look into their feelings for each other and I liked that. I had a bit of an issue with this one because I felt like a few characters were too co dependent on each other and it was too much. Lines should've been drawn more instead of having them constantly reassure their love for each other.
If you're angst lover fan, then you're going to enjoy this one. These characters are going to test you and make you fall in love with them without even realizing it.
July 31, 2023
2.5 Stars ...This one fizzled out pretty quickly. There was really no fight or groveling from any party. Aspen was basically handed off like an object after Remi told his brother fine you can have her since she loves you and that was it. Plus I got really tired of Remi acting like a baby about it every 2 seconds. This duet could've been cut to one book simply by adding the first few chapters and last few chapters. We didn't need the pissing match and non stop sex in between. I honestly didn't even get a strong connection between Aspen & Sutton outside of the bedroom. I ended up having to skim through a lot of it
July 15, 2023
Great ending to this duet! The characters redeemed themselves by the end and I was ultimately happy with how their conflicts were resolved.
*review to come*
*review to come*
May 20, 2023
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Loved this duet! I recommend
January 3, 2025
This was a good end to Sutton and Aspens story, but I really didn’t like the love triangle. It became a bit much in this one. Boundaries needed to be drawn and she made it seem like it was impossible to do that. Other than that good read
June 8, 2023
Got the HEA I wanted after hurrying to read this when the first book left me hangin 😂🫶 I thought this was a good follow up story and liked how it all wrapped up but there was just a lot of repetitive conversations. I love Remi but his jokes and banter were a bit too much sometimes 🤫🤫🤐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
3.3 stars
Okay so final book of this duet and I finished it, faster than I thought. The plot and the writing read better than Book 1 from my perspective. It was still too wordy at times, but there were also bright moments when I found the convos between characters very well done. From my experience, not all authors can write down conversations that are meaningful and get into the painful thick of things; too many resort to the shortcut of tell rather than show. Not so with MT, who did not shy to explore in details the rough and uneasy moments between the 3 main characters.
The book was still very much NA and still not my jam, but I have to admit that in many places the prose shined. And even if I can't be totally convinced how Aspen and Sutton fell in love, I really enjoyed seeing them in love. I can't still say I enjoyed the duet but this was mainly a me thing.
-----
My review for Book 1: here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
We get the gripping conclusion to the love triangle between Aspen, Remi, and Sutton. Melissa brought back all the drama, angst, and spice with this. There was a little bit between book one and book two, but Melissa does a wonderful job at making sure we get pulled back into their world.
My heart broke for Remi and Aspen. Their friendship was put through the wringer. I feel like I was more upset about that than Sutton. I’m struggling on writing too much because I do not want to give anything away.
Just know that you need to read book one before reading The Space Between Now and Forever. You’ll get the much-needed angst and background between Aspen, Remi, and Sutton. One thing that really rang true to me during both books is that Remi and Aspen have such a special friendship that I’m sad I didn’t have a Remi in my life. Remi had me laughing with his comments.
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookworm #booklover #avidreader #newrelease #romance #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #romancebookstagrammer #romancereader #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookbloggersofinstagram #bookbloggerofinstagram #melissatoppen #melissatoppenauthor #melissatoppenbooks
My heart broke for Remi and Aspen. Their friendship was put through the wringer. I feel like I was more upset about that than Sutton. I’m struggling on writing too much because I do not want to give anything away.
Just know that you need to read book one before reading The Space Between Now and Forever. You’ll get the much-needed angst and background between Aspen, Remi, and Sutton. One thing that really rang true to me during both books is that Remi and Aspen have such a special friendship that I’m sad I didn’t have a Remi in my life. Remi had me laughing with his comments.
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookworm #booklover #avidreader #newrelease #romance #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #romancebookstagrammer #romancereader #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookbloggersofinstagram #bookbloggerofinstagram #melissatoppen #melissatoppenauthor #melissatoppenbooks
August 9, 2023
Highlights:
“I’ve wasted so many years hiding from what happened to me, allowing it to hold me back. I don’t want to do that anymore. When I die, I want to know that I lived my life as fully as I could. That I took risks. That I was fearless. I want to take my last breath knowing there isn’t a single thing I would do differently.
“I’ve wasted so many years hiding from what happened to me, allowing it to hold me back. I don’t want to do that anymore. When I die, I want to know that I lived my life as fully as I could. That I took risks. That I was fearless. I want to take my last breath knowing there isn’t a single thing I would do differently.
November 7, 2025
Was enjoying this just fine until Sutton decided to completely ruin it by doing the one thing Aspen trusted him not to. Weak. The forgiveness? Way too fast. Love poor Remi - I might give his book a shot someday.
May 15, 2023
My first spoiler (?) review
☆☆☆☆ SPOILERS?? at the end! DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THINGS ☆☆☆☆ This duet continues to rival two of my favorite books by Melissa Toppen, Ten Hours and What Comes After. Mostly, it does. Well, kinda. Maybe? Sorta, I think? No, not really. Ack! I can't decide. It rivals with pulling the heartstrings. It is such an emotional read, with the suspense of where is the author taking this, great characters (including Sutton and Remi's parents), and a heartbreaking storyline. I couldn't put it down. Just like book one. I was invested. I questioned if this was a triangle trope by the end of book one and I can say this was definitely a triangle trope. What I didn’t like...A bit of SPOILER time... Aspen and Sutton's relationship was mostly steam. Not bad in and of itself, but with book two I was hoping to get THEIR STORY. We didn't get to feel/see/read them learning one another, falling for one another. Just bedroom scenes, and mostly fighting each other or Remi. So much negativity. Sutton defended Aspen in a huge way, and I loved it. But I needed more of THEM. I felt the book revolved more around saving Aspen and Remi's relationship. They say that they are each other's other half? WHAT? That place belongs to the hero and heroine. Ugh. I mean, I understand best friends, but.... I think Aspen and Remi had an unhealthy relationship. When I finished the book, I felt like the wrong person won the girl even though I was team Sutton. He deserves more. He shouldn't have to learn to deal with how Aspen/Remi live out their friendship. That should have changed BIG time. How would Aspen like it if the tables were turned. Yeah, no. Remi got too much time in this relationship/romance. But it was still a good read! I will take a bit of time then reread this duet to see if I pick up something I missed this first time around or if I just plain feel differently. Maybe, maybe not. I'll come back to let you know though.
☆☆☆☆ SPOILERS?? at the end! DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THINGS ☆☆☆☆ This duet continues to rival two of my favorite books by Melissa Toppen, Ten Hours and What Comes After. Mostly, it does. Well, kinda. Maybe? Sorta, I think? No, not really. Ack! I can't decide. It rivals with pulling the heartstrings. It is such an emotional read, with the suspense of where is the author taking this, great characters (including Sutton and Remi's parents), and a heartbreaking storyline. I couldn't put it down. Just like book one. I was invested. I questioned if this was a triangle trope by the end of book one and I can say this was definitely a triangle trope. What I didn’t like...A bit of SPOILER time... Aspen and Sutton's relationship was mostly steam. Not bad in and of itself, but with book two I was hoping to get THEIR STORY. We didn't get to feel/see/read them learning one another, falling for one another. Just bedroom scenes, and mostly fighting each other or Remi. So much negativity. Sutton defended Aspen in a huge way, and I loved it. But I needed more of THEM. I felt the book revolved more around saving Aspen and Remi's relationship. They say that they are each other's other half? WHAT? That place belongs to the hero and heroine. Ugh. I mean, I understand best friends, but.... I think Aspen and Remi had an unhealthy relationship. When I finished the book, I felt like the wrong person won the girl even though I was team Sutton. He deserves more. He shouldn't have to learn to deal with how Aspen/Remi live out their friendship. That should have changed BIG time. How would Aspen like it if the tables were turned. Yeah, no. Remi got too much time in this relationship/romance. But it was still a good read! I will take a bit of time then reread this duet to see if I pick up something I missed this first time around or if I just plain feel differently. Maybe, maybe not. I'll come back to let you know though.
March 27, 2024
Did I mention in my review of book one that keeping secrets would finally blow up in everyone's faces? Well, they did & so here we are in book two & observing the ugly aftermath.
Feelings were hurt, friendships pretty much destroyed but the love of your life is still out there & even though reconnecting at this point is completely out of the question, everyone involved is walking around in a daze. So how to fix any of this?...well an unlikely participant puts their own feelings aside & as is their true nature, puts everyone else's wants & feelings before themselves.
I'd like to say it was smooth sailing from here but you're probably going to guess that there's some unfinished business in the story. No spoilers here!!!
The book ended with a HEA & I was quite pleased with the outcome & the epilogue. This is the first time that I've read books by this author, I was quite pleased with the plot lines & so yes, I will consider reading more of her work.
A pretty good duet!
Feelings were hurt, friendships pretty much destroyed but the love of your life is still out there & even though reconnecting at this point is completely out of the question, everyone involved is walking around in a daze. So how to fix any of this?...well an unlikely participant puts their own feelings aside & as is their true nature, puts everyone else's wants & feelings before themselves.
I'd like to say it was smooth sailing from here but you're probably going to guess that there's some unfinished business in the story. No spoilers here!!!
The book ended with a HEA & I was quite pleased with the outcome & the epilogue. This is the first time that I've read books by this author, I was quite pleased with the plot lines & so yes, I will consider reading more of her work.
A pretty good duet!
November 4, 2025
2.75 ⭐️
Honestly, I think I should have DNF’d this around the 15-20% mark. That’s when Remi accepted Sutton and Aspen being together, the entire rest of the book was just dragging on and on and the brothers bickering over her.
While I’m glad the main conflict at the ending of book one wasn’t dragged out, the resolution in this one just felt rushed and happened too quickly I think.
The writing style just wasn’t for me, it was overly descriptive when it didn’t need to be. I think this duet could have been a standalone really. And to not even get a real happy ending for Remi is this one and that it’ll be in another book? 😒😒
Ultimately, I enjoyed the story and that’s what kept me reading but I’m just going to accept that this author might just not be for me. So I won’t be continuing to read Remi’s book, I’ll just assume he finds the love of his life and everyone lives happily ever after. 🩷
Honestly, I think I should have DNF’d this around the 15-20% mark. That’s when Remi accepted Sutton and Aspen being together, the entire rest of the book was just dragging on and on and the brothers bickering over her.
While I’m glad the main conflict at the ending of book one wasn’t dragged out, the resolution in this one just felt rushed and happened too quickly I think.
The writing style just wasn’t for me, it was overly descriptive when it didn’t need to be. I think this duet could have been a standalone really. And to not even get a real happy ending for Remi is this one and that it’ll be in another book? 😒😒
Ultimately, I enjoyed the story and that’s what kept me reading but I’m just going to accept that this author might just not be for me. So I won’t be continuing to read Remi’s book, I’ll just assume he finds the love of his life and everyone lives happily ever after. 🩷
October 31, 2024
Hubiera sido un buen libro si los personajes dejaran de comportarse como niños
May 9, 2023
4.5 Redeeming Stars!
The Author has created strong characters with any equally strong storyline, it felt so real with it's ups, downs & challenges. Both Sutton & Remi prove their love for Aspen throughout this installment. The changes in each brother was welcome and needed. Even though I wanted Sutton for Aspen because the simply belong together, Remi is the true Hero in the story. Perfect ending for this duet, but give us more Remi, please...
The Author has created strong characters with any equally strong storyline, it felt so real with it's ups, downs & challenges. Both Sutton & Remi prove their love for Aspen throughout this installment. The changes in each brother was welcome and needed. Even though I wanted Sutton for Aspen because the simply belong together, Remi is the true Hero in the story. Perfect ending for this duet, but give us more Remi, please...
June 24, 2023
I thought this was a great second book in this duet. I did feel so bad for Remi that I felt like so many things kept being piled on him and just had to deal with it and I didn't feel like he had the support around him that he probably needed given that his brother and soul mate moved so quickly and he found out more details about Aspen and what she dealt with growing up. I just couldn't like Sutton more than Remi, but maybe that was just me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
I was a little disappointed with this book. I loved the first one so much and went into this one expecting way more than what was delivered.
I wanted this book to dive deeper into Aspen's and Sutton's relationship. We had the magical connection an physical attraction in the first one, so here I wanted the rest. I wanted them to actually work through the issues, to get the deeper connection, instead it feels like the author told us she already has that with Remi so she doesn't need it with Sutton too.
On the same line I would have preferred to see how Remi and Aspen learned to be less codependent. To see their relationship flourish with them as independent individuals.
The conflict here also fell flat and honestly unnecessary. it would have been much more interesting to see this characters actually dig deep and evolve. As it is it all just felt very surface level and repetitive once again.
I wanted this book to dive deeper into Aspen's and Sutton's relationship. We had the magical connection an physical attraction in the first one, so here I wanted the rest. I wanted them to actually work through the issues, to get the deeper connection, instead it feels like the author told us she already has that with Remi so she doesn't need it with Sutton too.
On the same line I would have preferred to see how Remi and Aspen learned to be less codependent. To see their relationship flourish with them as independent individuals.
The conflict here also fell flat and honestly unnecessary. it would have been much more interesting to see this characters actually dig deep and evolve. As it is it all just felt very surface level and repetitive once again.
May 18, 2023
It's sad because I did like the first book...
I'm so happy I finished this book, I skimmed the last few chapters to hurry up to finish it. I COULDN'T STAND ASPEN in this book, she was selfish, self centered and she did lead Remi on some what, I'm just so glad I'm done. She gets 1 *.
Sutton I did not like at all, he didn't care about his brother. He gets no stars.
I loved Remi he was a great guy, I felt sorry for him. Hopefully he'll get his own book and get a great women worthy of him, then he can put all his time and energy into her and stop bowing down to Aspen. Reminds gets 4 ****, it would have been 5 if he left them both alone.
I'm so happy I finished this book, I skimmed the last few chapters to hurry up to finish it. I COULDN'T STAND ASPEN in this book, she was selfish, self centered and she did lead Remi on some what, I'm just so glad I'm done. She gets 1 *.
Sutton I did not like at all, he didn't care about his brother. He gets no stars.
I loved Remi he was a great guy, I felt sorry for him. Hopefully he'll get his own book and get a great women worthy of him, then he can put all his time and energy into her and stop bowing down to Aspen. Reminds gets 4 ****, it would have been 5 if he left them both alone.
June 10, 2023
This book was unnecessary and ruined the story
First, let me say that I absolutely loved the first book. The characters and the storyline were great. Then the author had to ruin it by trying to extend to another book. About 20% was necessary to the story, the rest was not. The other 80% was basically repetition of feelings and the past and a retelling of the first book. Then she added a little twist which was stupid and added nothing to the story it just was more filler to make a full book. I will never understand why authors ruin a story just to drag it to a second book to make another buck. For me, that just makes me skip the author next time.
First, let me say that I absolutely loved the first book. The characters and the storyline were great. Then the author had to ruin it by trying to extend to another book. About 20% was necessary to the story, the rest was not. The other 80% was basically repetition of feelings and the past and a retelling of the first book. Then she added a little twist which was stupid and added nothing to the story it just was more filler to make a full book. I will never understand why authors ruin a story just to drag it to a second book to make another buck. For me, that just makes me skip the author next time.
May 16, 2023
The love triangle between Aspen, Remi, and Sutton heats up. Author Melissa Toppen brings out the angst as these three try to move forward from the fallout of Aspen and Sutton's romantic relationship that left Remi feeling betrayed and alone.
We are quickly brought back into their grief as they all struggle with the new reality they have created, I felt all of their pain and struggled with who I would console first. Although Sutton had his issues, I still held a torch for him and had hope for him and Aspen to find their way through this dark time.
This duet puts you through a heart-wrenching wringer as a lifelong friendship battles against a newly formed romance with a girl torn between two brothers. Every reader will have their own opinions here and everyone will be cheering on one of the brothers. You'll have to read to find out who wins, or maybe they all do.
It is difficult to not reveal anything here, so just know that if you love angst and happy endings with a few tears sprinkled in, this is the duet for you. I highly recommend this duet and take note that they must be read in order: The Space Between Love and Hate and then The Space Between Now and Forever.
We are quickly brought back into their grief as they all struggle with the new reality they have created, I felt all of their pain and struggled with who I would console first. Although Sutton had his issues, I still held a torch for him and had hope for him and Aspen to find their way through this dark time.
This duet puts you through a heart-wrenching wringer as a lifelong friendship battles against a newly formed romance with a girl torn between two brothers. Every reader will have their own opinions here and everyone will be cheering on one of the brothers. You'll have to read to find out who wins, or maybe they all do.
It is difficult to not reveal anything here, so just know that if you love angst and happy endings with a few tears sprinkled in, this is the duet for you. I highly recommend this duet and take note that they must be read in order: The Space Between Love and Hate and then The Space Between Now and Forever.
May 16, 2023
Didn't finish
I didn't hate it but I didn't love it I Was expecting more! Definitely Kissing booth vibes But I still was interested in their story I wanted it to wait until I read both books to give the review I did not read the whole second book only about 40% Then skip to 95%Because it was hard for me to get through I understood Remy And aspen's friendship Considering How she grew up and him being the only person there for her I understood it I thought sudden was an A. hole Through most of the 1st book But I was curious to see how it plays out As the story went on. Why it was hard for me to continue towards finishing the story Was because Of how It seems she couldn't set boundaries for her and Remy.You're a friend you're not more you're not in love with him So why was it so hard To set boundaries I get not wanting to hurt him because again he's been only person there through life but how is that fair to the person you claim to be in love with???Just settle and keep your friendship with Reminding because that's not fair to sutton.What really got me so mad was she had the nerve to be hurt/mad when she didn't hear from Sutton but you just told him he was second place and showed him by running after remi? Like I tried to be understanding on some parts because of the abuse she went through and how it affected her but Seriously? If he told you there was a girl that was first place and making plans with her first how would you feel? I feel sutton deserves better! And reading parts of how she made certain choices really really bothered me.So please take into consideration that I once again didn't complete book 2. But I gave it three stars because even though I couldn't finish the book was interesting and well written.
I didn't hate it but I didn't love it I Was expecting more! Definitely Kissing booth vibes But I still was interested in their story I wanted it to wait until I read both books to give the review I did not read the whole second book only about 40% Then skip to 95%Because it was hard for me to get through I understood Remy And aspen's friendship Considering How she grew up and him being the only person there for her I understood it I thought sudden was an A. hole Through most of the 1st book But I was curious to see how it plays out As the story went on. Why it was hard for me to continue towards finishing the story Was because Of how It seems she couldn't set boundaries for her and Remy.You're a friend you're not more you're not in love with him So why was it so hard To set boundaries I get not wanting to hurt him because again he's been only person there through life but how is that fair to the person you claim to be in love with???Just settle and keep your friendship with Reminding because that's not fair to sutton.What really got me so mad was she had the nerve to be hurt/mad when she didn't hear from Sutton but you just told him he was second place and showed him by running after remi? Like I tried to be understanding on some parts because of the abuse she went through and how it affected her but Seriously? If he told you there was a girl that was first place and making plans with her first how would you feel? I feel sutton deserves better! And reading parts of how she made certain choices really really bothered me.So please take into consideration that I once again didn't complete book 2. But I gave it three stars because even though I couldn't finish the book was interesting and well written.
September 7, 2023
Rating: 💗💗💗💗.25
Spice: 🌶🌶.75
Tropes: best friend's brother / enemies to lovers / heroine falls first / pining (by fmc) / love triangle (both brothers want her, she only wants the hero) / found family / forced proximity / trauma / secret relationship
This was my first book by Melissa Toppen and I truly loved it. I had a wonderful feeling going into it and it was mostly sustained by the end.
In a nutshell, the book follows Aspen, whose best-friend and forever soulmate is Remi. However, Remi has been secretly pining for Aspen for years, but she's been secretly pining and in love with his older brother Sutton for that same duration. During a weekend back home in Ohio, Sutton and Aspen finally need to face their feelings and the consequences of what it might do to Remi in the process.
I loved book one tremendously. The flow. The pacing. The development. It all worked so so well! I really enjoyed reading about Aspens' relationship with each of the brothers. It was unique and I really loved how she wrote the love triangle component. It's not a trope I typically like, and I loved it here.
It was book 2, however, that let me down slightly. I loved that she concluded the love triangle aspect early on (and quite beautifully), however, doing so meant she was short of a story, and a secondary plot then became the primary plot for the next 70%. And while it was good, I personally thought it took away from the primary romance (which still felt underdeveloped) and overall felt a little disjointed. As a result, it felt slightly too long and would have been a wonderful longer standalone as opposed to a duet.
I still really enjoyed reading it though! It was a SUPER angsty and wonderful book that I certainly recommend.
TW: sexual abuse / assault / parental neglect
Spice: 🌶🌶.75
Tropes: best friend's brother / enemies to lovers / heroine falls first / pining (by fmc) / love triangle (both brothers want her, she only wants the hero) / found family / forced proximity / trauma / secret relationship
This was my first book by Melissa Toppen and I truly loved it. I had a wonderful feeling going into it and it was mostly sustained by the end.
In a nutshell, the book follows Aspen, whose best-friend and forever soulmate is Remi. However, Remi has been secretly pining for Aspen for years, but she's been secretly pining and in love with his older brother Sutton for that same duration. During a weekend back home in Ohio, Sutton and Aspen finally need to face their feelings and the consequences of what it might do to Remi in the process.
I loved book one tremendously. The flow. The pacing. The development. It all worked so so well! I really enjoyed reading about Aspens' relationship with each of the brothers. It was unique and I really loved how she wrote the love triangle component. It's not a trope I typically like, and I loved it here.
It was book 2, however, that let me down slightly. I loved that she concluded the love triangle aspect early on (and quite beautifully), however, doing so meant she was short of a story, and a secondary plot then became the primary plot for the next 70%. And while it was good, I personally thought it took away from the primary romance (which still felt underdeveloped) and overall felt a little disjointed. As a result, it felt slightly too long and would have been a wonderful longer standalone as opposed to a duet.
I still really enjoyed reading it though! It was a SUPER angsty and wonderful book that I certainly recommend.
TW: sexual abuse / assault / parental neglect
October 17, 2023
Remi and Sutton continue their love-hate relationship, but when Remo realizes how miserable Aspen and Sutton are being apart, he decides it's time to have a chat with his brother. He talks him into coming to win her back, and it it doesn't take much because she was lost without him. It doesn't take long for them to rebuild their relationship, and she continues to try to rebuild what she had with Remi as well. It will take an adjustment. Remi and Aspen plan a trip back home to Ohio for her job and Sutton felt left out not knowing about it but decides to make a short trip with them as well so they can try to make this triangle work. While there, they find out her abusive foster brother has been harassing Sutton and Remis parents. It's then Sutton pushes Aspen to come clean of what happened. And when he hers the truth, he is outraged. He makes a promise not to go after him, but when Aspen wakes up, Sutton is gone and doesn't come back for several hours. Within that time, Sutton calls Remi for a change of clothes from the garage. Remi quickly realized what had happened. The next morning, the cops show up arresting Sutton. Aspen decides to come clean and tell her story to the cops in hopes of helping Sutton. The man he beat is still alive, beaten pretty badly, and lying in a hospital bed. Aspen shows up to chat and threaten him to drop the charges against Sutton, or she will turn in evidence (she doesn't really have) to the cops and he finally agrees. Sutton is released, and he and Aspen decide they no longer want to live without each other and decide to get married. Remi accepts this and realizes how much in love they are, and as much as he hurts, he is happy for them. They get married after a couple of weeks and end up having kids after growing up, never wanting kids of her own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
Lowkey Lost the Plot?
The first book definitely peaked my interest into where this story could/would go, however I don't think this book fully fulfilled the potential the story had. In my opinion, it felt very "throwing stuff at the wall-y" to see what would stick/make it potent to the reader.
For one,
In Conclusion...
I almost DNF'd this book at the and genuinely struggled to keep reading in the end. After MUCH time away I came back to finish the book just for finishing it sake; which was really sad because I think this book had a lot of potential to be genuinely interesting without the theatric plot lines and dialogues.
Also Remi deserves so much better...
The first book definitely peaked my interest into where this story could/would go, however I don't think this book fully fulfilled the potential the story had. In my opinion, it felt very "throwing stuff at the wall-y" to see what would stick/make it potent to the reader.
For one,
In Conclusion...
I almost DNF'd this book at the and genuinely struggled to keep reading in the end. After MUCH time away I came back to finish the book just for finishing it sake; which was really sad because I think this book had a lot of potential to be genuinely interesting without the theatric plot lines and dialogues.
Also Remi deserves so much better...
October 6, 2023
4 stars ⭐
This was a good continuation of Apsen, Sutton and Remi's story. I personally preferred Sutton as a romantic interest so was happy to see that she ended up being with him. Their scenes were sweet for the most part and the ending was too. I did like Remi as a character and definitely believed he was perfect for her best friend. Although sometimes he was annoying. I could feel some sympathy for him because it would have been hard and I suppose to him, Aspen was his but at the same time sometimes his behaviour was somewhat clingy. Like, trying to make Aspen feel bad because he was no longer her whole world. I don't care who it is, friend, partner, it's not healthy for one person to be someone's whole world.
Sometimes definitely thought Aspen was considering Remis feelings over Sutton's, but tbf this did change as the book went on. She was trying to find middle ground, so there was that. Sometimes I was confused as well. I know she loved them in different ways, but one minute she was saying that there will never be anyone she loves more than Remi in the whole world, but towards the end in her inner monologue she thought about Sutton "and I love him, more than I ever thought humanly possible to love another person". I mean okay? I'm just gonna leave it at that she loves them both a whole lot. I did like Aspen as a character, she was a strong person.
I think this was the first time a love triangle of sorts didn't leave me feeling flat and sad so that's good. Cause Remi still fit into their lives and they all found a way to make it work as we see in the epilogue.
A good duet :)
This was a good continuation of Apsen, Sutton and Remi's story. I personally preferred Sutton as a romantic interest so was happy to see that she ended up being with him. Their scenes were sweet for the most part and the ending was too. I did like Remi as a character and definitely believed he was perfect for her best friend. Although sometimes he was annoying. I could feel some sympathy for him because it would have been hard and I suppose to him, Aspen was his but at the same time sometimes his behaviour was somewhat clingy. Like, trying to make Aspen feel bad because he was no longer her whole world. I don't care who it is, friend, partner, it's not healthy for one person to be someone's whole world.
Sometimes definitely thought Aspen was considering Remis feelings over Sutton's, but tbf this did change as the book went on. She was trying to find middle ground, so there was that. Sometimes I was confused as well. I know she loved them in different ways, but one minute she was saying that there will never be anyone she loves more than Remi in the whole world, but towards the end in her inner monologue she thought about Sutton "and I love him, more than I ever thought humanly possible to love another person". I mean okay? I'm just gonna leave it at that she loves them both a whole lot. I did like Aspen as a character, she was a strong person.
I think this was the first time a love triangle of sorts didn't leave me feeling flat and sad so that's good. Cause Remi still fit into their lives and they all found a way to make it work as we see in the epilogue.
A good duet :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
I don’t even know where to begin because this book had my heart in a chokehold from chapter one 😭💔
The Space Between Now & Forever is one of those stories that sneaks up on you — soft at first, then suddenly you’re emotionally invested in every glance, every word, every aching silence between the characters. Aspen, Sutton, and Remi’s story was beautiful, messy, painful, and so human.
I loved Aspen’s voice — she felt real in the best and worst ways. Watching her navigate the grief, confusion, and guilt that came with loving both brothers was devastatingly relatable. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made her feel like someone you know (or maybe even are). And don’t even get me started on the brothers. Sutton was the comfortable, familiar safety net… but Remi? He was the slow-burn heartbreak I didn’t see coming and didn’t want to end. 🥹
Melissa Toppen wrote this in such a gentle but gut-wrenching way. The pacing was perfect — not too fast, not too slow — just enough time to feel everything and then feel it again. I found myself pausing to reread certain lines because they hit that hard.
This isn’t just a love triangle — it’s a story about timing, choices, and the kind of love that lives in the quiet spaces between now and forever (yes, pun fully intended 😅).
Would I recommend this? 100%. Especially if you love:
• Angsty, emotional love triangles
• Second chances + slow-burn heartbreak
• Swoony, introspective writing
• That feeling of “I don’t know who I want her to choose… but I feel everything”
The Space Between Now & Forever is one of those stories that sneaks up on you — soft at first, then suddenly you’re emotionally invested in every glance, every word, every aching silence between the characters. Aspen, Sutton, and Remi’s story was beautiful, messy, painful, and so human.
I loved Aspen’s voice — she felt real in the best and worst ways. Watching her navigate the grief, confusion, and guilt that came with loving both brothers was devastatingly relatable. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made her feel like someone you know (or maybe even are). And don’t even get me started on the brothers. Sutton was the comfortable, familiar safety net… but Remi? He was the slow-burn heartbreak I didn’t see coming and didn’t want to end. 🥹
Melissa Toppen wrote this in such a gentle but gut-wrenching way. The pacing was perfect — not too fast, not too slow — just enough time to feel everything and then feel it again. I found myself pausing to reread certain lines because they hit that hard.
This isn’t just a love triangle — it’s a story about timing, choices, and the kind of love that lives in the quiet spaces between now and forever (yes, pun fully intended 😅).
Would I recommend this? 100%. Especially if you love:
• Angsty, emotional love triangles
• Second chances + slow-burn heartbreak
• Swoony, introspective writing
• That feeling of “I don’t know who I want her to choose… but I feel everything”
July 6, 2023
I think this is the second time in my life I have to give the second book in a book series only one star, and in my opinion that star is even too much for what I got.
PLEASE, skip this second book and just go to the last chapter. There is no meaning AT ALL to drag a story on like this author did ONLY BECAUSE SHE WANTS TO SELL US AIR !! Sorry not sorry that I really truly hated EVERYTHING about this book.
Do you want a summery of this so you can see for yourself that it's not worth one penny?? Let me have the honor then to tell you that it was talking this, talking that and more FUCKKIIIINNNG USELESS TALK.
Summary -
So Remi was angry after finding out the truth, So Remi kissed Aspen, So Aspen told Remi neither of them felt anything for each other, So Remi accepts, So Remi talks to Sutton and they make up, So Remi makes more drama, So Aspen becomes miserable, So Remi fix Aspen's and Sutton's relationship, So Aspen FINALLY accept Sutton as a boyfriend, So Aspen tells Sutton she was raped, So Sutton goes to jail because he nearly kills the guy that hurt Aspen, So Aspen helps him out of jail, So they live happily ever after, SO END OF FUCKING STORY !!!
Everything in the book was ONLY useless talk and information. I don't think I've ever hated a dragging on as much as I hate it in this shitty book. So fuck no, don't read. You can thank me later for doing you a favor by telling you that your money can be better used on some other book WORTH that.
PLEASE, skip this second book and just go to the last chapter. There is no meaning AT ALL to drag a story on like this author did ONLY BECAUSE SHE WANTS TO SELL US AIR !! Sorry not sorry that I really truly hated EVERYTHING about this book.
Do you want a summery of this so you can see for yourself that it's not worth one penny?? Let me have the honor then to tell you that it was talking this, talking that and more FUCKKIIIINNNG USELESS TALK.
Summary -
So Remi was angry after finding out the truth, So Remi kissed Aspen, So Aspen told Remi neither of them felt anything for each other, So Remi accepts, So Remi talks to Sutton and they make up, So Remi makes more drama, So Aspen becomes miserable, So Remi fix Aspen's and Sutton's relationship, So Aspen FINALLY accept Sutton as a boyfriend, So Aspen tells Sutton she was raped, So Sutton goes to jail because he nearly kills the guy that hurt Aspen, So Aspen helps him out of jail, So they live happily ever after, SO END OF FUCKING STORY !!!
Everything in the book was ONLY useless talk and information. I don't think I've ever hated a dragging on as much as I hate it in this shitty book. So fuck no, don't read. You can thank me later for doing you a favor by telling you that your money can be better used on some other book WORTH that.
May 8, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
This is the second book in the Space Between Duet. You will need to read the first book or you are going to be lost.
This is the second part of the story of Sutton and Aspen. Now is when they come to terms with a betrayal, a huge loss, and a whole lot of other troubles that are headed their way. This is the story of the choosing between two brothers and when this happens Aspen nearly loses Remi. In reality though she does love his older brother Sutton. She just can't help the way that she feels. But when she really has to pick she actually loses Sutton who takes to the dark shadows where he is heartbroken. Aspen's horrible past is really going to fully come back and one wrong move from her puts someone that she really loves in the line of fire. How can she have the man she loves and her very best friend back when the future is so up in the air and is not looking like it is going to be good? You have to read to find out. I loved this book and the twists and turns that it took. There is a huge twist at the end of this book and now I have to know what is going to happen with Remi.
This is the second book in the Space Between Duet. You will need to read the first book or you are going to be lost.
This is the second part of the story of Sutton and Aspen. Now is when they come to terms with a betrayal, a huge loss, and a whole lot of other troubles that are headed their way. This is the story of the choosing between two brothers and when this happens Aspen nearly loses Remi. In reality though she does love his older brother Sutton. She just can't help the way that she feels. But when she really has to pick she actually loses Sutton who takes to the dark shadows where he is heartbroken. Aspen's horrible past is really going to fully come back and one wrong move from her puts someone that she really loves in the line of fire. How can she have the man she loves and her very best friend back when the future is so up in the air and is not looking like it is going to be good? You have to read to find out. I loved this book and the twists and turns that it took. There is a huge twist at the end of this book and now I have to know what is going to happen with Remi.
April 28, 2023
The Space Between Now & Forever is such a beautiful conclusion the Space Between Duet. This made my heart so full and happy. I had tears in my eyes will reading this one. I could not put this one down and did not want to put this down. My heart hurt for Aspen, Sutton and Remi as everything unfolds from book one. Sutton and Aspen have this magnetic pull you cannot deny. Remi and Aspen have this deeply bonded friendship worth fighting for. I love how Remi just wants the best for Aspen even when he does not like that it is his brother. I love how the three of them grow closer and find a common ground. Aspen is so strong and you feel how deeply she loves both brothers. You will giggle at times and you will swoon. You may get frustrated but your heart will be so full after this one. This is one heck of a ride I'm not ready to get off of yet. I love Sutton, Aspen and Remi so much. I really hope Remi gets his own book and we get a little bit of Sutton and Aspen too. I'm not ready to see them go. I loved this duet so much. You need to read this now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews