I Always Will

by Emily K. Hardy

Brooke Kent still can’t believe she’s really dating the woman of her dreams. She absolutely never would have guessed that falling in love wasn’t even going to be the best part.

From merging their friend groups, to moving in together, getting engaged, getting married, having kids, and just having a quiet, normal day, it turns out that the story really begins at happily ever after.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Novella, Contemporary, LGBT

109 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2025

Reviews

[Aunt Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This extended epilogue brought me right back into the dream world of Anna and Brooke’s romance. Super low angst, cozy, and wonderful. For a novella, it was pretty spicy, maybe spicier than “I really do.” And since I don’t remember, I’m just gonna have to reread it. As before, the ways Anna and Brooke handle conflict were just beautiful, no miscommunication, no shutting down, just frigging healthy communication. This was my falling asleep read and I’m gonna miss it.

[clara ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

➥ 5 stars ⋆˚࿔

I was so excited about this novella coming out that I couldn’t sleep the night before😭 But it was absolutely worth it because I loved this!!! The reason why I only gave I Really Do 3.75 stars was because it had all happened a little fast and I wished we could’ve seen more of Anna and Brooke as a couple, so this novella was absolutely perfect!!! All I wished for and more. Brooke and Anna will always have a special place in my heart 💝 Some parts even made me cry! (chapter 4 of course🥹).

I only wish we’d gotten more info on what exactly happened between Chris and Viv, but maybe they’ll get their own book? I would love that.

— Buddy read #6 with @MarsBar!🖤 I Really Do was our very first buddy read together, so of course we had to read the novella together too🫶🏻

[Andrea (looselfeftlesbian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish more authors did extended epilogues! It was so fun to see Anna and Brooke’s milestones throughout the years. I love that reciprocal IVF was a part of their journey. I Always Will was a very quick read that had me kicking my feet and giggling.

[MarsBar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was literally cuteness overload. I absolutely adore the MCs and was so happy to finally have the epilogue we wanted to see in I Really Do, it was even better than expected 😭🖤 All I can really say at the end of this is that my heart is happy, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any more books Emily K. Hardy releases (hopefully the next one is about Viv and Chris cause whatttt?? More details please).

Highly recommend reading this after I Really Do, what a wonderful ending ✨ Shoutout to Clara for discovering this was even getting released and doing yet another buddy read with me. Always a great time :)

[SainteCrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an epilogue. more books should have something like this, short and sweet but get to actually see the happily ever after play out.

[Anna On Board · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me kick my feet in the air. As the biggest fan of the main book itself, when I found out about a sequel, I was screaming in my head. This is a nice addition for people who loved them, and the portrayal of their journey together is amazing.
Also, like...Vivienne and Chris together?? I mean, that's quite the twist! If we'd gotten a book about that, I would be on it the first day of release.

[J C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

I have loved ‘I Really Do’ for a long time and when I found out there was going to be an update I was so excited, it absolutely doesn’t disappoint.

I’m a fan of getting to see some of the happily ever after parts and this was so in keeping with the characters.

I would love some more of Vivienne and Chris (and of course Brooke and Anna!) so fingers crossed for that!

[Lyric Vickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this to end! I hope there’s a book with Vivienne and Christine in the near future! They are the true definition of an unforeseen event! I love Anna and Brooke, they’re one of my favorite book characters off all time! I see much myself in Brooke it’s unreal! I didn’t expect Brooke to carry, I must admit; I myself abhor even the thought of it! Bravo Author! Anyway, immaculate book!

[Eve South Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful addition to the original book. Brb, crying my little gay heart out 🥹

[Allison Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Anna reign supreme as a top 3 favorite sapphic couple in the queer literary universe. I was pleasantly surprised to hear EKH was working on a IRD extended epilogue that gave us snapshots into their future, truthfully, I never wanted their story to end.

I love that EKH gave us well-timed snapshots into Brooke and Anna's futures, giving feel-good vibes with the reality of life and how things don't always go as expected. I loved the secondary-character inclusions and the development of them and their relationships.

Brooke and Anna still remain one of my go-to couples that I can get deeply invested in and I love how EKH writes their dialogue, the continuation of their story, and the continuation of their universe. I will always come back for more where these two are concerned.

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance novels have a tendency to finish just when the characters finally get together, some with an epilogue that looks at what lies after that for them, while others can leave you wanting. I understand why that is usually the case, but even still, that doesn't stop me from wanting to know what happens to the characters afterwards, so it is always nice when authors release an extended epilogue.

Which is of course what I Always will is. It's adorable, and looks at pivotal moments of Anna and Brooke's life as they tackle life together. Some spice, a little tears, and plenty of happiness. We also get snippets of where their friends are at as well, which is also nice. All up, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t remember how many times I have re-read the prequel “I really do” and wished they were more books and details about these characters, and then the author surprised me with this book.

(Can’t wait to see if the other characters also receive their own books, a girl can dream!)

It was beautiful, and a great short story and sneak peak of these characters future, which was wholesome and lovely!

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

This is a perfect way to end of the story for Anna and Brooke. And we even got some tidbits of HEA for Viv and Christine.

It is a rapid pace read, bit it covers all the important parts of their HEA that we all always look for after reading a book and it ends with them coming together in a relationship.

Brilliantly done.

[Sandi D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise rather than leaving us with Anna and Brooke getting together Emily gives us book 2 the complete story. Moving in together, marriage, kids.. now if we could just follow the story on the friend group. The women who played a major part in their lives, Nick too of course!! Oh, and the engagement which was really cute. ; )

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful follow up to "I really do".

Brooke and Anna are such wonderful MC's. The way they communicate, work as a team and just love each other is so so beautiful.

Seeing them grow together and into their future really had me all sappy.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short sequel to I Really Do.

Brooke and Anna settle down, move in together and other warm and fuzzies. We also catch up with the friend group.

As a side thing, I liked that Brooke and her parents aren't suddenly fixed at this point. More realistic.

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.

I hope I get to read Chris and Viv's story. Lol

[Jess Grieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first book of this that when i found out this was coming out I just had to read it Asap.
Beautiful continuation of their love story.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect follow up

I Really Do is one of my absolute favorite books and this follow up of Brooke’s and Anna’s life together is perfect and sweet.

[Shannon Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just perfect!

Thid is the perfect bonus ending to an already great story. Hardy definitely gave us something to cherish with Brooke and Anna!

[Anne Hartley Pfohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book, I Really Do and loved this little novella.

[Emma Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect epilogue for these two love birds

[mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4✨

[Jordan Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wraps up the characters stories so perfectly without making the process too long or adding unnecessary information.

[Harper Syres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute and made me cry happy tears constantly

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect way to wrap it up. I fell in love with the characters all over again.

[Midnight Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful extended epilogue ❤️❤️❤️. Thank you so much Emily for giving us some more time with Brooke and Anna.💝
And Please tell us we are soon to receive Chris' and Viv's story😭😭😭

[Ian Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely wonderful slice of life during the HEA. every book needs this kind of companion piece.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure do love an epilogue

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

the perfect extended epilogue for the perfect book. I really do was my favorite read of 2025 and i always will has only proved it to be true. Brooke and Anna are so cute and so loving that i would read a thousand books about them. literally my comfort reads. def 5+⭐️