Always

by Kris Bryant

Peri Logan’s first client is dead, but not in a morbid way. When her great-grandmother passes, her estate bequeathed Peri a piece of jewelry, a stack of cash, and a note that simply reads “find her.” As a newly licensed private investigator, Peri travels to Italy to find the mysterious woman whose photo was perfectly preserved in the heart-shaped locket. What she doesn’t expect is to be given the runaround from a beautiful stranger who offers to help and does anything but.

Camila Barnes is bored. Nothing exciting ever happens in the small town of Sequina, Italy. When a pushy American shows up demanding to meet the woman in Camila’s artwork, instead of introducing her to her great-grandmother, Camila decides to lead her on a wild goose chase all over town. Nobody messes with her family, especially people who won’t tell her why.

When the truth is finally revealed, Peri and Camila realize they are a part of something greater than they ever expected. Attraction is fleeting and true love touches only a few. Do they take the easy road home, or do they fight the odds and give love the chance to last for always?

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian, Lesbian Romance, Audiobook, Enemies To Lovers, Lesbian Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2022

About the author

Podcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com

Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).

Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.

Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchanged for a honest review'

**'Details are sometimes very important in a story and getting them right is what makes the storytelling really good --- also the fate of certain storylines is to fall in love with it's content because clear thinking leads to clear understanding of any enticing storyline..'

Flattering read!
'ALWAYS' could be read as a partial memoir of anyone's great great grandparents whose lives were turned upside down during WWI and II -- where some dealt with separations, family commitments and sacrifices because of Love.
The main storyline begins with Peri going on her first investigative case, finding her great-grandmother's (Amma or Hilde) long lost lover (Isabel) from when she was a nurse in the red-cross while station in Italy during WWII. She did track her (Isabel) down and form a lasting relationship with The Rossini family. During the reading of the many letters that Isabel had received from Hilde way back in the 1940s, readers get a picture of their relationship history, their special bond and captivating scenes of their intimacy. The portrayal of this particular Love story would have being difficult to describe or told by others but the style in which Kris Bryant scripted it was very compelling, unique, exquisitely detailed and populated with well-drawn characters both old & young or matured -- that intertwine a past and a present romance both involving connecting families from separate continents and world. I was more drawn towards the telling of Hilde & Isabel's relationship because it felt so genuine then got into Peri & Camila's only close to the ending where I finally felt their chemistry. Both had to learn how to navigate their heart's romantic longings as well as their final foundation.
Though 'ALWAYS' is an engaging, well-written story, it's not without a few minor problems and some readers might nit-pick here and there but this should not be of any concern because of the exceptional overall quality of the storytelling. Ms.Bryant has clearly hit her stride again now with 'ALWAYS'
A recommended book!

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

True love.

Merry Christmas, everyone! I think this book is a nice one. It's a little bittersweet but overall it's good read.

There's actually two love stories here, one blossoming in current times between Peri, an American Private Investigator and Camila, an Italian woman whom Peri becomes involved with while investigating a case in Italy. This romance is alright but I wasn't rooting for them. I think what's special between them is the circumstances that link them together rather than actual chemistry and Camila was a bit of a jerk at the start. But it's the other love story that got me hooked. It's a romance that took place many decades ago and one of the women is whom Peri is set out to find in Italy. We get pieces of the story through conversations and old letters and it is really touching.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Hilde (Amma to her family) dies, her lawyer gives her great-granddaughter Peri a locket and a mission: find the woman in the picture with her. Her enquiry takes Peri, a newly minted private investigator, to Italy but the woman’s great-granddaughter, Camila, gets in her way, in an attempt to protect Isabel, her Bisnonna. Once the truth comes out, so does Isabel, who then takes the two young women on a journey through time, by way of the letters Hilde sent her until her wedding day.

Always is an emotional book, a bittersweet story of love eternal. Isabel and Hilde’s love story is both beautiful and frustratingly sad, and helps Peri and Camila see how lucky they are and not throw away what they have in each other.

I thought the beginning of the story was rushed. Peri gets to Italy and the town of Sequina much too quickly. I understand wanting to have the MCs together on page as soon as possible but if that’s an example of what she can do as a PI, she’s extremely talented. That said, I’d rather have a rushed beginning that will be erased by the rest of the book than a rushed ending I’ll be stuck with.

The main characters are lovely, as are Isabel and Mateo, Camila’s best friend, a sweetheart who brings both comic relief and real emotion. Once Camila stopped being so obnoxious, I loved her and Peri. They’re extremely different, each charming in her own way. We only get to know Hilde through her letters and Isabel’s comments and I like how the two couples of the story mirror each other but not necessarily in the ways I expected.

The chemistry between Peri and Camila is the best part of this book. Even before they like each other, they are attracted to each other. Their chemistry is the first sign that their love is meant to be, as if to honour their great-grandmothers’ love.

One character isn’t treated fairly, I think: Francesca, Camila’s grandmother, Isabel’s daughter. When Camila worries about her grandmother’s reaction, it’s because she perceives her as conservative, never because what she’ll find out will change everything she thinks she knows about her parents’ marriage. Learning that your mother’s first love, the love of her life, wasn’t your father, despite what you were led to believe your whole life, can’t be easy to digest and she deserved the benefit of the doubt.

On the other hand, I’m not sure how Bryant manages to convey the Italian atmosphere but it really worked for me, without overly detailed descriptions, with just a few well-chosen words here and there. I’ve been to Italy many times but I’m not Italian so I won’t be so bold as to think I know whether it’s accurate or not, but it made me travel and that’s all I can ask for.

Finally, if you’re a lover of epilogues, rejoice! You’ll get two in this book.

ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Always by Kris Bryant, narrated by Melissa Sternenberg

4.5 stars.
Kris Bryant is one of my go-to lesfic authors so I was excited to see that the audiobook version of her latest novel was released so quickly. I am also happy with the choice of narrator.

Peri Logan is a private investigator with a very personal first case. When her great-grandmother dies, she leaves her a photo locket and a note that just says “find her”. Her search takes her to a little town in Italy where she meets Camila Barnes, an enigmatic and beautiful woman who seems to know more than she reveals. Camila is suspicious of Peri’s assignment to find Camila’s great-grandmother so she sends her on a wild goose chase all over town. But after some truths are revealed both women discover that they are part of something greater than they expected…

This novel is a mix of enemies to lovers, historical fiction, star-crossed lovers, sleuth work, and traditional romance. But behind all these labels there are two compelling and emotional love stories.

I have to admit that I wasn’t much invested in the beginning of the story when Peri and Camila first met. The subplot surrounding Peri’s search for the mysterious woman and Camila’s intentional misleading of the investigation irritated me. I understand the reasons why the author chose that plot but it didn’t appeal to me that much.

However, after that first part of the book is out of the way, that’s where the story spreads its wings and takes the reader to a richer range of emotions and a completely different mood. The past and present intertwine in the narrative, showing contradictory feelings and propelling the reader to an emotional roller-coaster. Ms. Bryant cleverly mixes the historical and the contemporary romance very well, balancing the contrasting moods of each story and finding a common ground.

Lately, we’ve seen a trend of queer historical romances with happily ever afters. I understand the reasoning behind them, the fact that the denial of happy long-term LGBTQ+ relationships in the past is a form of queer erasure from history. I enjoy HEAs in historical fiction a lot, but we would all be in denial too if we wouldn’t admit that most queer relationships in the last century (and before) were star-crossed. It’s tragic and sad but also shows the new generations the freedom that many of us (unfortunately not all) can enjoy. This is what this book is all about. I loved that message even if it broke my heart a little.

The setting of the novel in a little town in Italy couldn’t be better. A story about family ties goes very well in a country where family is paramount. The sensuality of food and wine is also a great part of the culture and Ms. Bryant captured that very well.

For those readers who enjoy epilogues, this book has two. I’m not particularly a hard-core fan of epilogues but I think that both of them helped to wrap up the story properly.

The audiobook was narrated by Melissa Sternenberg who did a very good job. Her voices are distinct and very well done, especially the older characters. Her Italian is acceptable too. The book is very emotional and Ms. Sternenberg performed those feelings perfectly. A very moving story. 4.5 stars.

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

[MZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful double romance. I haven’t read many books by Bryant, but those I have read I enjoyed, so I was looking forward to reading this book. This was an easy read, low angst and very romantic, not only because of the feels, but also because of the setting at a vineyard in Italy. I mean, not much is more romantic than that right?

Peri just started her own private investigator company and her first job is requested by her great-grandmother Hilde who just passed away. A photo with the text, “find her”. It brings Peri to Sequina, Italy, to Camila’s great-grandmother (Isabel). How she actually ends up in that town is a bit of a mystery, but once there, Peri and Camila learn the beautiful and emotional story of how their great grandmothers met during WWII.

The book is written if first person from the POV of Peri and Camila and this worked well for me. I like first person and it gave good insight in their train of thought and especially about their love for their family. The best romance in this book is hands down that between Hilde and Isabel, it’s beautiful and bittersweet and their letters to each other are so wonderful.

The romance between Peri and Camila started rather slow. It took me some time to warm up to Camila. She was stonewalling Peri’s search for Isabel in a rather extreme manner to protect Isabel, which I get, but I could think of less drastic ways to do that. She does redeem herself though. Peri was very sweet and slightly shy and I instantly liked her. They were both not interested in a relationship so for a rather long time nothing much seemed to happen on that front and I didn’t feel much chemistry. I really needed that that to happen because of the story of Hilde and Isabel that is interwoven with theirs, so luckily, the last part of the book made up for it and there is a super sweet double! epilogue.

The pace in this book is not super high, but it made this a relaxed read, and there is no dark moment, which was also a nice change from the standard WLW romance formula. I’m certain romance readers will enjoy this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[khi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!

Not my first or favorite by kris Bryant but a nice book regardless.

Peri Logan just opened up her own private investigation firm and her first client is her recently deceased great grandmother who sends her all the way to Italy to hand deliver a item to another woman. Little did Peri know while in her search for the woman she’ll end up in the presence of the woman’s great granddaughter. The granddaughter, Camila, is immediately suspicious of the foreigner demanding to see her great grandmother. She sends her on a wild goose chase but her efforts fail and as fate will have it, Peri meets the woman her great grandmother hired her to find.

There, Bryant carries us on an emotional rollercoaster going beyond our two main characters while still having them at arms grasps as a new tension forms.

All in all I enjoyed this story. The story itself was original and very smooth and easy to read. The right amount of angst, humor, emotional appeal and romance.

Peri and Camila are a very enjoyable pair together, they definitely had chemistry and were quite funny. Wish there was a bit more build up to their new developments though.

Now while I did enjoy this book, I often found myself straying from it very easily. However, admittedly I do have a lot going on in my personal life so I’m not sure if that says more about the book or me but it was really hard for me to get INTO this book. Maybe check out what other reviews might say about this.

Perhaps the pacing was off in the book, I can imagine had the build up been in different places or more gradual, I definitely would’ve been more engaged. It seemed like when reveals were made those reveals did not land as epic or dramatic as they should have.

It was definitely not the most capturing of Bryant’s book. Nevertheless I still recommend!

It’s definitely a really simple and interesting read. It may have taken me a bit longer to finish it that I normally would have but I don’t at all regret finishing it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for a honest review!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Always” by Kris Bryant is a sweet, emotional and somewhat bittersweet romance that I really enjoyed.

Peri Logan is a newly minted private investigator when she gets case from her recently passed great-grandmother, Hilde. She’s given some cash, a locket with a picture of a woman and a note that sets her on a life-changing journey to Italy. Once in Italy, she meets Camila Barnes who knows the woman in the photo and agrees to take her to her. However, Camila doesn’t know or trust Peri and misleads her hoping Peri will leave before she finds the woman in the photo, Camila’s great-grandmother, Isabel.

Like I said above, I really enjoyed this romance for the most part. I found the premise to be interesting and I enjoyed the different setting. I haven’t read many sapphic books that take place in Italy so I enjoyed that part a lot. Hilde and Isabel’s story really touched me and was bittersweet to read. I was happy and sad for them and for the life they had to live in the 40s. Their story really makes you consider Tennyson’s “tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” quote.

Peri and Camila’s story was a more common story and didn’t do as much for me. It took me a while to warm up to Camila. I really didn’t buy into her wanting to protect Isabel as I didn’t see anything suspicious about Peri. Camila has a strong personality and I just didn’t gel with her in the beginning. I liked Peri more but in a 180-degree turnaround from Camila, I found her to be a little boring. I was still interested in her story but found her personality to be a little too meek? At least they balance each out well and both have shining moments that made me enjoy their romance overall.

I feel like I need to mention that as per usual with Bryant’s books, this is told in first person. While that doesn’t always work for me, I don’t think it was a hinderance here. I think it helped in the beginning when we are getting to know Camila and Peri as they don’t always act how they’re feeling.

I recommend this if you’re wanting an emotional (but angst free) romance. Also, kudos to Bryant to by-passing the 80-90% dark moment. It really made my reading experience better.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Bryant has a gift for creating stories that pull at your heartstrings. A couple of her past novels have left me teary-eyed when I read them. She has done it again with her newest book, Always.

This is a contemporary romance that tells the story of Peri Logan and Camila Barnes. Their tale begins with a locket, a few secrets, some misunderstandings, and a lot of attraction. This alone is worth getting the book, but there is so much more to this story. It is only after Peri is finally able to deliver the locket to its owner that the two women realize they are a part of a greater story, a love story that goes back to the end of WWII.

The romance between Peri and Camila is beautifully written. It’s easy to see the attraction the two have for each other, even though they have a rather rocky beginning. I loved watching the two gradually succumb to their feelings. The romantic setting of a villa in Italy only added to the romantic atmosphere. It is the well-developed secondary characters, especially Camila’s great-grandmother, Isabel, that turns this book into something really special.

Ms. Bryant has never disappointed me with any of her novels. That is definitely true for this book. She made me cry. That should tell you how special this story is. This is a wonderful romance novel that you do not want to miss.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books by Kris Bryant and I think this might just be her best one yet.

I’m not an overly emotional reader but I had to blink a little harder a couple of times. This book basically tells two love stories, one in the present day and one 75 years ago. While the one in present day between Peri and Camila is sweet and fun, it’s the one during WWII that pulls on the heart strings. After the passing of Peri’s great-grandmother she is given an assignment by her to find Isabel. Isabel is Camila’s great-grandmother (bisnonna). Camila is trying to keep Peri away from her family because she doesn’t know what she is up to. When they do meet the most beautiful love stories comes to light between two women, brought together by war and separated by the circumstances of the time. The letters they wrote each other… I only wish there were more of them.

And yes I like Camila and Peri and the family and friends, but bisnonna and great-grandmother through the letters are just remarkable. I’m almost sad this wasn’t just about their love.
This was a book that I needed now, it’s sweet, tugs on your heart strings a bit, but also has funny segments.

*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*

[MJSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a different kind of story from Kris Bryant, in that it features two love stories, one past and one present. I found the past story far more compelling.

This features MCs Peri, a PI from the US tasked with finding a mystery woman for her great-grandmother, Hilde, after she passes away. Armed with a locket and some scant information, she heads to Italy where she encounters Camilla, who is the great-granddaughter of the mystery woman, Isabel. Isabel and Hilde’s story is told through Isabel’s memories and Hilde’s letters. While uncovering their story, Peri and Camilla also fall in love.

Not going to lie, I found Camilla hard to take at the start, and even though I eventually warmed to her, I didn’t love that pairing as much as I was obviously supposed to. Peri was a great character, and lovely as the day is long, but Camilla seemed immature and self-involved, and as both were only 25, I found it hard to believe they’d have the staying power to stay together. The book is told in first person through both Peri and Camilla’s POVs.

The real draw here is the love story of Hilde and Isabel, set to the backdrop of WW1, they were madly in love, but from two very different worlds and in a much different time, so were unable to be together, despite loving each other through their lifetimes. Their story had me feeling all the ‘feels’ and I choked up a few times during the scenes that revealed their past.

There are quite a few side characters, Peri’s family get a brief mention at either end of the book, but as the bulk of the book takes place in Italy, a lot of scenes feature Camilla’s family, all of whom (except her grandmother) are nicer than she is. Camilla’s BFF Mateo was another of my favourites. While I didn’t mind the present day love story, I didn’t find it as interesting or involving as the past story.

The true star of this book though is Isabel, who is a lovely soul that my heart just broke for (Hilde too by extension). Their story is beautiful, poignant, and also heartbreaking. The book has multiple epilogues that tie everything off, and should leave the reader satisfied. 4 stars.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story, cleverly spanned generations by use of letters, but never lost sight of the primary love story. Threatened to be a bit slow in the middle, but shook itself down and found new life. Recommended.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

My tenth read by this author. Prior to this book, my favorite work by this author was Tinsel, which I had rated 5+ out of 5 stars. Then I read this book. Which is now my favorite work by this author.

Let's see: two main point of view characters: Peri Logan & Camila Barnes, both around 25/27.

Peri's great grandmother has recently died and left Peri with a case: find a particular woman. No other information given other than a locket with two pictures in it (one of them Peri's great-grandmother), and the words "find her" (the dead great grandmother knew exactly where that other woman was, right down to street address, but no, she just gave her great granddaughter a picture to search the entire globe to see if anyone matched a really old (1945/1946) photograph. No seriously, the great-grandmother, Hilde, knew. Now if it had been Isabel telling her great-granddaughter (Camilia) to find a woman based off of 1945/1946 image . . . well, she would have more information but not an address)).

Got distracted writing a spoiler. Where was I? Oh, right. Peri just opened a detective agency and her first case is to find a woman based on a photograph from 1945/1946. No other information given. Well, it was in a locket with another photograph - that of her recently deceased great-grandmother Hilde. So, presumably, Hilde knew this other woman at some point roughly 78 years ago. From piercing the clues together, she ends up looking for that woman (who would now be somewhere between 90 & 120) in Italy (probably closer to 90-105).

Meanwhile: Camilia has been tasked with running her great-grandmother's olive oil business. She's very bored. Would rather be doing what most of her family sees as her hobby - do art stuff.

One day a month (if I read things correctly), Camilia and her friend since childhood, Mateo, set up booths at a weekly street merchant fair thingie. Though Camilia only attends one day a month, mostly dragged there by Mateo. Camilia displays her artwork, Mateo displays his childrens book that he sells with a stuffed dolphin (book is about a dolphin). I write all of this so I can get to: while having no luck at all shoving her copy of the photograph in people's faces while in Italy, Peri suddenly finds luck when she sees the exact woman she is looking for. In a painting. Whereupon Peri & Camilia meet bad. Bad meeting.

Bad? Peri's standing in the booth manhandling the painting. Camilia, who had been away from the booth, arrives to find Peri doing above, and starts screaming at her. In Italian. Which, did I not mention this yet? Peri doesn't know. Once Camilia learns that Peri is looking for the woman in the painting, things actually get worse between the two. For Camilia has no idea why anyone would be looking for that woman, and Peri wouldn't elaborate beyond "a client wants to give her something".

Right, so, basically Camilia agrees to help Peri find that woman. And she leads her on a wild goose chase.

Wow, I'm really bad at writing and stuff, eh? mmphs. Was lovely book. Starring more than just the POV people but also their family. And Italy. Recommendable.

Rating: 5+
January 23 2023

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was next level for Kris Bryant. I’ve always liked her style because the stories are unique and keep you absorbed without the heart wrenching emotional plunge. And this book is definitely another win.

We are exposed to two parallel stories that happen between generations. It is a good display of the juxtaposition of how the time has changed for queer couples in the past 80 years or so. There are sad parts for sure, but there is also an overall theme of family, support and love. My one wish would be to have more time and build up in the romance area of the two MCs. They spent a lot of time together, but their connection could have been stronger. However, I did really like the closing epilogues of the book. They really tied both story lines together nicely.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start out by saying sorry everyone that I've been a little MIA from goodreads, I spilled on my keyboard so I haven't been able to write reviews for the last week or so if I didn't want to do them on my phone. I've read a few books in this time so I'll try to drop my reviews thoughout the week instead of dumping them all out at once.

Kris Bryant is a really interesting writer, and while I haven't loved all of her books as much as others it's generally a safe bet they will be original and creative in their own way, and Always is no exception to that.

Always is really two different romance stories in one book. The main story follows Peri Logan and Camilla Barnes. Peri is a private investigator, and trying to do a job her great-grandmother left her to do. To find a woman with a picture in her locket. This leads Peri to Italy, where she meets Camilla who has a picture of the same woman. Camilla is an artist and very protective of her family. And when Peri demands Camilla's help in finding Camilla's great-grandmother, Camilla gives her the runaround. The second romance is after Peri tracks everyone down and old letters tell the story between their respective great grandmothers.

So this was a creative story and way to tell two narratives in one book. It kinda reminded me of Ali Vali's book A Woman to Treasure where we follow two narratives at once. And in both of the cases I feel it really works. But also in both books I felt more emotionally invested into the older romance than the modern one.

This book's romance for me was hindered in the fact that I didn't really love either character- I had trouble emotionally connecting with both of them. I sympathized a lot with Camilla's position within her family and feeling stuck and wanting to make art- but I didn't love how she gave Peri the runaround. Just be honest. And Peri didn't really warm to me either. They weren't bad, I didn't dislike either character but I just didn't have strong feelings either like I would want in a romance.

The great-grandmothers on the other hand I loved! Hilde and Isabel were incredibly touching. I really loved seeing their love story play out in the letters. This is the part of the book I enjoyed the most, especially with how you know how their time together would end. Honestly I kinda just wish this book was a full period piece between Hilde and Isabel even though the dual stories is interesting and captivating.

I think people will like this book. Also I feel like my words are harsher than my actual feelings on the book- I did enjoy it- I just didn't connect with all of it as much as I might have wanted too. 3.5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Wow, what a beautiful unique love story! Blending the past with the future, emotional letters, a love that never had a chance, two amazing epilogues and so much more that Always makes a splendid story. I can highly recommend it.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Peri Logan’s great grandmother passes away and asks her to find a mysterious woman in Italy Peri has no choice but to head there to try and fulfill her wish. When she arrives and starts asking questions Camila Rossini is immediately suspicious of the American stranger and takes her on a wild goose chase around Sequina, trying to keep her away from the woman she’s trying to find who happens to be Camila’s own great grandmother.
I really liked this one by Kris Bryant, it was a unique plot and felt as though it was two love stories in one book. I liked the chemistry between the two MCs and Bisnonna was adorable. I wish we had a few more scenes with Peri and Camila after the truth comes out and before the kissing, it felt like the storyline jumped forward a bit there. I also enjoyed the story told by Bisnonna Isabel, it felt like that was a plausible event for the time period. Overall another great read by Kris Bryant!

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely!

Peri is heading out on the search for a woman, that her great-grandmother, who has just died, has tasked her with finding. When she travels to Italy with only a picture in a locket to guide her, she meets Camila. Camila offers to help but isn’t of much use in assisting Peri achieve her task. Camila is suspicious as to why Peri is so desperate to find this woman, who happens to be Camila’s great-grandmother, but when Peri finds a way to meet her anyway, they are both surprised by all they discover.

Just so lovely, as this story contained a story within a story, which was one of mystery, wonder, and true love. It was real gem of a story that I was excited to read. At first I wasn’t sure what Peri was going to discover, or how big a part Camila would play in it all.

At first Camila and Peri’s relationship was fun as they didn’t know what either one wanted but Peri had little choice but to trust Camila. I really enjoyed the parts where Camila was making Peri run around pointlessly but obviously Peri wasn’t enjoying it quite as much. When they finally realised who one another was and how it affected Camila’s great-grandmother, a wonderful but heart-breaking story was revealed that sealed a bond between Peri and Camila that neither of them expected.

When they finally started getting to know one another better, it was obvious they were fated to meet and the connection they shared was very special. They were playful with one another, flirting and just trying to embrace their feelings even if Peri wasn’t going to be staying in Italy. Peri was a little more serious than Camila, but that was what made them work together so perfectly.

Such a simple and sweet story, that I highly recommend and really enjoyed every moment of. It was filled with beautiful moments, even those that were tinged with a sadness but it was just one of those stories to capture your heart.

[KarenC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I think I have Kris Bryant figured out, she throws me for another loop. For me it's impossible to leave a detailed review for Always because there are so many opportunities for spoilers, and every reader deserves to go into this one with a clear head not knowing where it's going. Always is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance that takes place mostly in Italy, so both MCs know that there is really no future for them. But then there's a side of historical romance that had me reaching for Kleenex in several places.

Always is sweet, funny, charming, and sexy as hell. I know it will sit at the top of my personal favorite books list of 2022. And also? Best. Epilogue. Ever.

[Cathie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while a novel comes along that reminds us the wonder of being swept off your feet falling in love. Add in the mystery of a lost love affair and you’ve got a page turner that will make it very difficult to put down. Peri and Camila dance towards something meaningful that began decades earlier, and the connections they uncover together bring them something much more meaningful than a mystery solved. I can’t reveal much more without giving away the plot to this marvelous mystery romance. Just pick up this novel and let history and romance delight you, and when you discover the true meaning of the title of this book you will want to read it again and again. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Statum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was alright but I know Kris Bryant can do better. I loved this plot but it felt very slow. If fact, it was a slow burn romance. I don’t tend to like the slow burn but this book was just a little slow in general. I will read more by Bryant if it’s highly recommended.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is as close as possible to the lesbian version of The Notebook, tears and all. This book really has it all, it’s sweet, sexy, emotional, funny. It’s different from everything I read so far in terms of Lesfic and it has not one but 2 fantastic love stories and I what I count as 3 epilogues.
I think this is Bryant’s best book yet, do yourself a favour and buy it.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I couldn't get into this story. I didn't warm to any of the characters. I found the past romance between the older women sad not warm and I didn't care about the budding romance between the two younger characters. I suppose I was turned off by the way Camilla treated Peri for the entire first 30% of the story. It was cruel and went on far to long. I also didn't like Mateo.. too pushy and barged in too much.
I have read many Kris Bryant books and enjoyed them. I didn't recognize her usual tone or pace in this story.
If you've never read any of her books, and you agree with my review, don't be put off. Her other books are better.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfetta!!! Kris Bryant delivers two love stories in her newest novel. In present day Peri's great grandmother passes away. She leaves a locket and a challenge for Peri to find the other woman in a photo. It puts Peri's PI skills to work and she finds a drawing of the same woman in a small seaside town of Sequina, Italy. The artist, Camila Barnes (25), says she knows the identity of the woman. But she intentionally misleads Peri while getting to know her, not knowing what Peri wants with her great-grand mother.

The better love story is the one that occurs during WWII when Peri's great grandmother worked with the Red Cross in Italy. It is told sweetly with moving letters and from Camila's Bisnonna who is truly lovely. Keep your tissues nearby as their love unfolds.

This is the best kind of writing. Told in duel POV in alternating chapters we get the feelings and viewpoints of each MC. Camila is a bit spoiled and immature, but she is caring especially of her Bisnonna and her best friend. Peri is more practical, starting her own business, always making good choices and meeting a free spirit sweeps her off her feet. But the older love story is love in the purist sense and gives this romance much more depth. The epilogues left me feeling emotional all day. I've never been disappointed reading Kris Bryant and I can't recommend this enough. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sloan Stryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALWAYS is a heart-warming love story. After the passing of her great-grandmother, Peri is tasked with finding an unknown woman whose picture was inside a locket. This search takes her to Italy where she meets Camila. Camila is an artist and works for the family olive oil business, now she wonders why Peri is there looking for this woman that she in fact knows.
This journey will lead to Peri to learn more truths about her beloved great-grandmother even with Camila trying to stop her.
But what will become of Peri and Camila after she finds her answers?
This story is a truly endearing love story that you don't want to miss.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Boldstrokesbooks for this advanced copy.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story within a love story. Peri is a forensic scientist who becomes a private detective. When her great grandmother Hildiegarde passes away and gives Peri a job (posthumously) to get a locket to a woman (Isabel) in Italy. She makes it to the village and unbeknownst to her meets the women's great granddaughter Camila. Camila doesn't trust this American stranger and takes her on a wild goose chase. Until...
Kris's imagination in the story within a story is extraordinary. Such heartbreak love, and devotion. (The sex is hot too!) But love wins out. Definitely 5 stars!

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Peri is a PI and her great grandmother Hilde who recently died left her with a task. It’s leads to small seaside town of Sequina, Italy. Peri meets Camila a artist who did the drawing of the woman Isabel that Peri is trying to find and Camila sends her on a wild goose chase because she doesn’t trust her.

Camila is the great granddaughter of Isabel when she learns the real reason why Peri wants to find her we learn through Isabel and Hilde letters the story of their love all the while Peri and Camila are falling for each other.

I enjoy this read the love story between Hilde and Isabel were more enjoyable then Peri and Camila it took a while before I warm up to Camila because she was jerk for what she did to Peri but she grew on me I love Peri she was such a great character.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in tears with this absolutely beautiful book. I loved learning of the love Isabel and Hilde found in one another. Their love was so precious. It’s tragic how in their time, they couldn’t be together. But, the story of their love and connection was able to bring their great granddaughters, Camila and Peri, together. I loved the whole book. I couldn’t stop reading once I started and it went by so quickly, I couldn’t believe it when I had reached the end. I was so happy Kris wrote the two epilogues even though they made me cry even harder.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Always by Kri Bryant, we meet Peri Logan a private investigator whose first client is her recently deceased great-grandmother. She’s tasked with traveling to Italy with only a locket and a name. When she arrives, she spends all of her time digging deep to find this mystery woman.

When Camila Barnes meets Peri at an art fair, she is skeptical about her intentions and wonders why this woman is inquiring about the woman in her painting. Peri is cryptic and Camila agrees to help Peri, only to take her on a wild goose chase.

Soon it’s revealed that the Isabela Peri's been searching for is Camila’s great-grandmother and that the two are connected by a love stronger than time.

A romance set in Italy is right up my alley and I was hooked from the first page.

The story of Isabel and Hilde (Peri’s grandmother) is so beautiful and is chronicled so perfectly in the letters Isabel held onto for over 70 years. The letters are so perfectly written that readers can feel the emotions running through them. Through the letters, Peri and Camila form a deeper connection and begin to learn what true love really means.

Peri and Camila are opposites but are so perfectly matched. They're both beautiful and intelligent and being a part of their journey is so special. The supporting characters, especially Isabel and Mateo added so much to the overall story.

This is a wonderful tale spanning decades with romance and heartbreak. It's simply fantastic!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SOUL KNOW A LOVE THAT LASTS BEYOND A LIFETIME, EVEN IF THE LIFE IS NOT SHARED.

As with every Kris Bryant book I never wanted this story to end. The depth of feelings spanned more than a lifetime. Peri and Camila took center stage in this romance. The very rich and heartbreaking romance sat foundation for so much more. Izzy and Hilde lived a life brought on by the conventions of a world that judged their love. The true power is how their loved fueled a lifetime of living to the fullest. What a divine concept this story is to tribute love beyond measure. It had so many feel I would not try to define them all. This is an epic love story, I simply loved how time slowed for me while reading the journey taken by these 4 women. The scenery of Italy and the wine country was so well written I felt as if I was there. The gift this author always gives is to write in such a way that you feel the story the characters experience. I can't imagine the depth of love told in this story but today I felt it. A truly beautiful read I will cherish.

[Natalie C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always has become one of my all-time favorites from award-winning author, Kris Bryant. And for so many reasons! Why? No spoilers here. You’ll have to just take my word for it and experience this lovely, sweet, fun, and endearing romantic treasure for yourself. Kris Bryant excellence in story-telling perfection - Always.