If you’ve spent any time on BookTok or scrolled through the "angsty romance" tags on Goodreads recently, you’ve probably seen a certain cover featuring a moody, tattooed vibe. I'm talking about Between Never and Forever by Brit Benson. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just ask for your attention; it demands your entire emotional capacity for a weekend.
Honestly, this isn't just another "rockstar meets small-town boy" trope. It’s way messier than that.
What’s the Real Hype with Between Never and Forever?
The story follows Savannah Shaw and Levi Cooper. But it’s not a straight line. Benson uses a triple-timeline structure—ages 15, 18, and the present day—to show exactly how these two became so incredibly broken and, eventually, how they try to fix it.
Savannah is the girl from the "wrong side of the tracks," dealing with a home life that is, quite frankly, a nightmare. We're talking a mother struggling with addiction and a physically abusive stepfather. Then you have Levi. He’s the preacher’s son, living in a house where religion is used as a blunt instrument for control.
They’re outcasts. Different brands of trauma, same level of isolation.
The Evolution of Savannah and Levi
Most people coming into this book expect a standard "Second Chance" romance. But the weight of the past here is heavy.
The Childhood Connection
At fifteen, they are each other’s only safety. Savannah crawls through Levi’s window at night when things at her house get too dangerous. Levi is her protector, even though he’s just a kid himself. It’s sweet, but it’s also heartbreaking because you know it can’t last. Savannah eventually runs away to save herself, leaving Levi behind.
The Reconnection at Eighteen
They find each other again by pure chance in Miami. She’s a stripper; he’s a college student on spring break. The chemistry is still there, but so are the secrets. This is where things get complicated. Levi makes a choice—specifically, a choice involving another woman and a potential pregnancy—that he doesn't tell Savannah about. It’s the kind of omission that feels like a betrayal, and it sets the stage for the massive fallout that keeps them apart for nearly a decade.
The Present Day: Rockstar vs. Single Dad
Fast forward eight years. Savannah Shaw is now Sav Loveless, the famous frontwoman for the band The Hometown Heartless. She’s back in their small town to film a movie.
And Levi? He’s a widower. A single dad to a daughter who happens to idolize the "troubled" rockstar Savannah has become.
The dynamic shift here is wild. Levi is no longer the soft, protective boy. He’s hardened. He’s kind of a jerk, actually. He’s protective of his daughter and views Savannah as a threat to the quiet life he’s built.
Why Some Readers Struggle with "Adult Levi"
I have to be real with you—not everyone loves the way Levi acts in the final third of the book. Some readers find him possessive to the point of being "alpha-macho" in a way that feels jarring compared to his younger self.
There’s a specific plot point that really riles people up. Levi has allowed Savannah’s mother—the woman who let her be abused for years—back into his life as a grandmother figure for his daughter. And he doesn't tell Savannah. When she finds out, his reaction isn't exactly an apology. He basically tells her to get over it.
It’s a polarizing moment. It makes for a very "love it or hate it" experience regarding the hero's character arc.
Essential Reading Order for Brit Benson Fans
If you’re planning on diving into this world, it’s helpful to know where this book sits in the broader "Hometown Heartless" universe. While it's a standalone, it kicks off a series of interconnected stories.
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- Between Never and Forever (2023): Savannah and Levi’s story.
- Of Heartbreak and Harmony (2024): Follows other members of the band/universe.
- For Wrath and Redemption (2025): The newest addition to the lineup.
Practical Tips for Your Next Read
If you’re going to pick up Between Never and Forever, here’s the best way to approach it to get the most out of the experience:
- Check the Content Warnings: Seriously. Brit Benson doesn’t shy away from the dark stuff. This book deals with addiction, physical abuse, and child neglect. It’s spicy, but the "angst" part is very real and very heavy.
- Listen to the Audiobook: If you’re an audio fan, the narration by Rocca and Webber is widely considered "chef's kiss" perfection. They capture the raw emotion of the dual timelines in a way that makes the heartbreak feel much more immediate.
- Prepare for a "Book Hangover": This isn't a light beach read. It’s a 400+ page emotional rollercoaster. Don't start it on a Sunday night if you have a big meeting Monday morning.
- Pay Attention to the Band Name: The Hometown Heartless isn't just a cool name; it’s a direct reference to the way the town treated Savannah. The lyrics and the music industry side of the plot add a layer of depth that keeps it from being just another romance.
Between Never and Forever works because it explores the idea that "first love" isn't always pretty. Sometimes it’s ugly, unfair, and requires a lot of work to fix once you’ve grown into a different person. Whether you end up loving Levi or wanting to shake him, you won't forget the story anytime soon.
Next Steps for Readers:
To get the full context of the The Hometown Heartless universe, you should start with Between Never and Forever before moving on to Of Heartbreak and Harmony. If you find yourself needing a break from the heavy angst, Benson's Better Love series offers a slightly different tone while keeping that signature emotional depth. For the best deals, check Kindle Unlimited as most of her catalog is frequently available there for subscribers.