Always Read online

  Always

  Synopsis

  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?

  What Reviewers Say About Kris Bryant’s Work

  Home

  “Home is a very sweet second-chance romance that will make you smile. It is an angst-less joy, perfect for a bad day.”—Hsinju’s Lit Log

  Scent

  “Oh. Kris Bryant. Once again you’ve given us a beautiful comfort read to help us escape all that 2020 has thrown at us. This series featuring the senses has been a pleasure to read. …I think what makes Bryant’s books so readable is the way she builds the reader’s interest in her mains before allowing them to interact. This is a sweet and happy sigh kind of read. Perfect for these chilly winter nights when you want to escape the world and step into a caramel infused world where HEAs really do come true.”—Late Night Lesbian Reads

  Lucky

  “The characters—both main and secondary, including the furry ones—are wonderful (I loved coming across Piper and Shaylie from Falling), there’s just the right amount of angst and the sexy scenes are really hot. It’s Kris Bryant, you guys, no surprise there.”—Jude in the Stars

  “This book has everything you need for a sweet romance. The main characters are beautiful and easy to fall in love with, even with their little quirks and flaws. The settings (Vail and Denver, Colorado) are perfect for the story, and the romance itself is satisfying, with just enough angst to make the book interesting. …This is the perfect novel to read on a warm, lazy summer day, and I recommend it to all romance lovers.”—Rainbow Reflections

  Tinsel

  “This story was the perfect length for this cute romance. What made this especially endearing were the relationships Jess has with her best friend, Mo, and her mother. You cannot go wrong by purchasing this cute little nugget. A really sweet romance with a cat playing cupid.”—Bookvark

  Against All Odds—(co-authored with Maggie Cummings and M. Ullrich)

  “Against All Odds by Kris Bryant, Maggie Cummings and M. Ullrich is an emotional and captivating story about being able to face a tragedy head on and move on with your life, learning to appreciate the simple things we take for granted and finding love where you least expect it.”—Lesbian Review

  Temptation

  “This book has a great first line. I was hooked from the start. There was so much to like about this story, though. The interactions. The tension. The jealousy. I liked how Cassie falls for Brooke’s son before she ever falls for Brooke. I love a good forbidden love story.”—Bookvark

  “People who have read Ms. Bryant’s erotica novella Shameless under the pseudonym of Brit Ryder know that this author can write intimacy well. This is more a romance than erotica but the sex scenes are as varied and hot…”—LezReviewBooks

  “This book is a bag of kettle corn—sweet, savory and you won’t stop until you finish it in one binge-worthy sitting. Temptation is a fun, fluffy and ultimately satisfying lesbian romance that hits all the right notes.”—To Be Read Book Reviews

  Falling

  “This is a story you don’t want to pass on. A fabulous read that you will have a hard time putting down. Maybe don’t read it as you board your plane though. This is an easy 5 stars!”—Romantic Reader Blog

  “Bryant delivers a story that is equal parts touching, compassionate, and uplifting.”—Lesbian Review

  “This was a nice, romantic read. There is enough romantic tension to keep the plot moving, and I enjoyed the supporting characters’ and their romance as much as the main plot.”—Kissing Backwards

  Listen

  “[A] sweet romance with a touch of angst and lots of music.”—C-Spot Reviews

  “If you’re looking for a little bit of fluffy(ish), light romance in your life, give this one a listen. The characters’ passion for music (and each other) is heartwarming, and I was rooting for them the entire book.”—Kissing Backwards

  “Ms. Bryant describes this soundscape with some exquisite metaphors, it’s true what they say that music is everywhere. The whole book is beautifully written and makes the reader’s heart to go out with people suffering from anxiety or any sort of mental health issue.”—Lez Review Books

  “This is the first story I’ve read in a long time with a virginal character, and it made a refreshing change both in and out of the bedroom. If you suffer from anxiety, know someone who suffers from anxiety, or want an insight to how it may impact on someone’s daily life, I urge you to pick this book up. In fact, I urge all readers who enjoy a good lesbian romance to grab a copy.”—Omnivore Bibliosaur

  Forget Me Not

  “Told in the first person, from Grace’s point of view, we are privy to Grace’s inner musings and her vulnerabilities. …Bryant crafts clever wording to infuse Grace with a sharp-witted personality, which clearly covers her insecurities. …This story is filled with loving familial interactions, caring friends, romantic interludes and tantalizing sex scenes. The dialogue, both among the characters and within Grace’s head, is refreshing, original, and sometimes comical. Forget Me Not is a fresh perspective on a romantic theme, and an entertaining read.”—Lambda Literary Review

  “[I]t just hits the right note all the way. …[A] very good read if you are looking for a sweet romance.”—Lez Review Books

  Shameless—Writing as Brit Ryder

  “[Kris Bryant] has a way of giving insight into the other main protagonist by using a few clever techniques and involving the secondary characters to add back-stories and extra pieces of important information. The pace of the book was excellent, it was never rushed but I was never bored or waiting for a chapter to finish…this epilogue made my heart swell to the point I almost lunged off the sofa to do a happy dance.”—Les Rêveur

  Whirlwind Romance

  “Ms. Bryant’s descriptions were written with such passion and colorful detail that you could feel the tension and the excitement along with the characters…”—Inked Rainbow Reviews

  Taste

  “Taste is a student/teacher romance set in a culinary school. If the premise makes you wonder whether this book will make you want to eat something tasty, the answer is: yes.”—Lesbian Review

  Jolt—Lambda Literary Award Finalist

  “[Jolt] is a magnificent love story. Two women hurt by their previous lovers and each in their own way trying to make sense out of life and times. When they meet at a gay and lesbian friendly summer camp, they both feel as if lightening has struck. This is so beautifully involving, I have already reread it twice. Amazing!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Touch

  “The sexual chemistry in this book is off the hook. Kris Bryant writes my favorite sex scenes in lesbian romantic fiction.”—Les Rêveur

  Breakthrough

  “Looking for a fun and funny light read with hella cute animal antics, and a smoking hot butch ranger? Look no further. …In this well written, first-person narrative, Kris Bryant’s characters are well developed, and their push/pull romance hits all the right beats, making it a delightful read just in time for beach reading.”—Writing While Distracted

  “[A]n exceptional book that has a few twists and turns that catch you out and make you wish the book would never end. I was captivated from the beginning and can’t wait to see how Bryant will top this.”—Les Rêveur

  Always

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  By the Author

  Jolt

  Whirlwind Romance

  Just Say Yes (Wedding Series novella)

  Taste

  Forget-Me-Not

  Shameless (novella writing as Brit Ryder)

  Touch

  Breakthrough

  Against All Odds

  Listen

  Falling

  Tinsel (novella)

  Temptation

  Lucky

  Home

  Scent

  Not Guilty (writing as Brit Ryder)

  Always

  Always

  © 2022 By Kris Bryant. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63679-028-2

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

&
nbsp; P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: January 2022

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editors: Ashley Tillman and Shelley Thrasher

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design by Kris Bryant

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  Acknowledgments

  We know 2020 and 2021 were difficult years for all of us. I slowed down because the weight of the pandemic drained me, but 2022 is going to turn things around starting with this book.

  A massive thank you to everyone at Bold Strokes Books for staying on task and getting all the books in front of readers. I love that we’ve had virtual events to be able to still talk about our books and writing. I love the connection we have with readers, so the bookathons and virtual readings were wonderful.

  I will probably never say this again, but I had a lot of fun with my editors on this book. Most of the time, I dread edits, but this book is so unique and emotional that I wanted to get feedback and try to improve on the story with their help. Ashley understands me like no other. We worked through so much content-wise and I now understand why she is called the Kris Whisperer. Shelley T. has my back on copy edits and it’s always a pleasure working with her. Ashley and Shelley are complete opposites in the way they edit, but I need both of them to polish the story.

  Massive thank you to my local friends who encourage me and check on my progress weekly. I love you, KB Draper, Stacy, Alisa, and Kasey. We’ve had great times together and I look forward to many more pop-up superhero parties, lake visits, even pickle ball games. Shout out to Fiona Riley who calls me, texts me, has writing dates with me, keeps me sane, and reminds me that friendship love is beautiful. I love you, Jenn, and the ginger snaps so much. Where would I be if I wasn’t solving crimes with Paula, getting much needed personal and professional guidance from Carsen, love and chats from Melissa, animal pics and stories from Georgia, football rants from Friz, adorable phone calls from my bff Morgan, the only Millennial who will talk on the phone, and so many others who have ensured I stay in the game and stay on task? I love you all for so many reasons.

  Molly is with me every step of the way. I know it won’t be like this forever, but for now, I cherish each day. Thank you to Deb who gives me space to write knowing this is my dream. Your support is so appreciated even if I don’t tell you enough. Thank you to my mother who pushes me like a mother should. Have you written today? Why not? These are daily questions and I playfully roll my eyes at her, but I’m so fortunate she is still in my life to hold me accountable. No, she is still not allowed to read my books (neither is my father).

  Readers have changed my life. Buying my books, talking about them, and reviewing them have made my dreams come true. I am a writer because of you all. Your encouragement and kind words about the stories I tell make me want to keep writing. Thank you. I’m grateful for you, my life, my friends and the love I have in my heart.

  Always.

  Dedication

  This is dedicated to everyone who believes in the raw power of always and forever.

  Chapter One

  The Job—Peri

  My first client was dead. My great-grandmother, Hildegarde Bennett, whom I affectionately called Amma, died two weeks ago when her heart simply gave out after one hundred years of living. I spent a lot of my childhood with Amma, and even though her death saddened me, it wasn’t a surprise. She was the oldest person I knew. I felt horrible for my grandmother and my mother, who were very close to her, especially during the last decade of her life. At the reading of the will, I was given a packet with a note, a heart-shaped gold locket, and a stack of cash. The lawyer’s writing on the envelope had more words than the message from Amma did. I held the piece of paper carefully and read the scratchy, wavy letters written on forty-year-old stationery that still smelled like Amma’s cedar desk and the lavender sachets she kept tucked in the corner of the drawer.

  Find her. Love, Amma

  That’s all the note said. The square, block lettering on the packet congratulated me on my new business and wished me the best of luck with my first case. The contents of the packet sat on my large, secondhand mahogany desk, along with a phone with three incoming lines, a rustic leather accessory desk set from my parents, and a cup of hot coffee. The pen holder held ten blue ink pens that showed the name of my new business, phone number, and website. The pens were mostly so my mother could give them to her friends and clients. More importantly, I paid Google Ads a monthly fee to be on the first page of the search engine for Putnam, Connecticut.

  Amma didn’t really have a concept of money since she had people to do everything for her. While five grand was a lot of money, my going rate plus expenses would gobble up this retainer in no time.

  My business phone rang for the first time, and my heart skipped a beat. I squelched the anxiety in my throat and answered it. “Logan Investigations. How may we help you?”

  “Hi, honey. It’s Mom. Just wanted to see how your first day is going. Why didn’t Ginger answer the phone?” Ginger was my mom’s best friend from the salon. My mom was a stylist, whose clientele ranged from sixty to eighty years old. They all asked for the same poofy style, so she hadn’t learned any trendy cuts in twenty years. She practiced on my hair once, and I vowed never again. The cut was too short. My natural, soft curls were finally growing out. Whenever I catch her eyeing my hair or running her fingers through it now, I pull away and scowl. She thinks it’s funny. I still have emotional scars.

  I glanced at the clock on my wall. It was 8:24. I’d been officially open for twenty-four minutes. The coffee that I brought from home was still steaming. “It’s early, Mom. Ginger works nine to three. You’re my first call though, so that’s something, right?”

  “First call. I’ll take it. Do you need anything?” she asked.

  I sat up straight when an idea hit me. “Actually, I do. What do you know about Amma when she was in her twenties? Do you have any old letters or journals or anything about her life before she got married?” I opened the ornate locket and stared at two women, a black-and-white portrait on either side of the tiny golden hinge. Amma was one of the ladies. The other one had a classic beauty with long, dark hair and dark eyes. They both looked relaxed and happy.

  “I can look up in the attic. I might have a few things. You should really visit Granny and ask her. She probably has a lot of stories,” she said.

  My grandmother lived in the next town. She was still distraught over her mother’s death, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to interview her yet. As if sensing my hesitation, my mom dialed up the guilt trip. “She would probably really like to talk about Amma. Maybe you could go over there on your lunch hour and keep her company.”

  Mom wasn’t wrong. I could console Granny and ask questions at the same time. “I might do that when Ginger gets here.”

  “Oh, please have her call me when she gets in, will you?”

  I didn’t point out that when Ginger arrived, she was on the clock, but I promised to give her the message. It wasn’t like the phone was ringing nonstop. I flipped the locket over and inspected the back for any clues. Who was she? Why did Amma want me to find her? Hoping something was on the back of the photo, I gently lifted it from the locket with the straight edge of a small screwdriver from my eyeglass repair kit.

  Isabel, 1945 was written in pencil on the back of the tiny photo. “Isabel.” I liked the way her name rolled off my tongue. I started a list of questions to ask Granny. Where was Amma stationed during World War II? She worked for the Red Cross at the end of the war and a year after. Did she ever talk about any friends she made? Did she love her job? Where did she meet The Captain, my great-grandfather?