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Always, Her

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They have loved each other in every lifetime–and lost each other every time.

In the hidden town of Larkhollow, Leilani runs a quiet apothecary, unaware that her Fae magic–and her memories–are bound by a curse of her own making. She only knows that something in her life feels incomplete, like a song she’s forgotten how to finish.

When a mysterious vampire artist named Vespera moves into the cottage next door, Leilani feels it, a pull that defies reason. For Vespera, it’s no mystery at all. She has crossed centuries to find the woman who once loved her so fiercely that she destroyed her own heart to forget her.

Each life they’ve shared has ended in tragedy. Each death has begun the cycle again.

But this time, Vespera refuses to let destiny decide their ending. As buried memories awaken and the thread that binds their souls begins to glow once more, Leilani must face the she has been Vespera’s lover in every lifetime… and the one who doomed them both.

To break the curse, they must confront the love that time itself could not destroy, and finally choose each other, not because fate demands it, but because their hearts do.

Always. Her is a heart-tender fantasy romance about fated love, magical legacy, and finding each other in every lifetime.

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2026

28 people are currently reading
377 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Knight

16 books79 followers
A.J. Knight has been writing since the age of twelve. A passion for writing runs deep in their family, with a father who dabbled in short stories and a mother who was a poetry enthusiast. Once A.J. Knight began, they never looked back. Originally from Washington State, A.J. Knight relocated to North Dakota to be closer to their wife. Battling both physical and mental health challenges, A.J. Knight is forever committed to promoting positive representation in all of their work.



A.J. Knight also enjoys drawing character art for their novels and other fellow authors!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Venuss.
89 reviews30 followers
January 28, 2026
2.75🧵
Hmm. I enjoyed the premise of this story, the characters, and the beginning very much. Though the magic, vampirism, and the reincarnation elements of this book was far fewer than what I’d expected or liked.

Always Her is a no angst/low risk read which is nice if you just want some cozy lesbians which I tended to need when I was on my way to sleep. Though I eventually grew bored of this book as it became highly repetitive and a bit inconsistent.

I don’t want to hear thread or bond for a while😭
Profile Image for emmaz.bookshelf.
148 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2025
I can’t believe I already finished it. I flew through the pages!
I’ve always felt like A.J. Knight’s writing is just magical and really pulls me into the story, and this one was no different!I’ve also been in a bit of a reading slump, and this was exactly what I needed 😌

Vespera & Leilani’s bond and chemistry were so good, and I loved the reincarnation aspect and their connection so much. There were so many times I felt emotional over everything that was happening and ended up tearing up haha

I definitely can’t recommend this enough to anyone looking for a magical story you can lose yourself in!!✨

Thank you so much A.J. Knight for this ARC! 🖤
Profile Image for Ace.
142 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2026
This could have been interesting

It is really difficult for me to find WLW stories where at least one of the leads is a person of color. This story was very disappointing because big sections don't feel like they were written by an actual person. AI generated or AI-assisted, this story isn't enjoyable to read.

The repeating prose about the same feelings and themes was a drag to get through. In fact, there were strange metaphors and maybe, idioms throughout the book. The pacing and sometimes timeline didn't make sense. There are aspects of the plot that don't make sense, especially the closer to the end of the book. There's at least one section that fully repeats itself.

The characters are barely fully realized. The sex scenes, of which there are only two, Don't feel intimate or sexy or emotional. The last sex scene doesn't even seem to make sense. I don't understand how Leilani wouldn't know or have experienced oral sex before. Even if she were a virgin, she doesn't seem particularly sheltered and she's gained enough memories that I would think she'd at least be aware of oral sex.

If you actually look at the plot, the pacing, and the way that story is told in the seems that it is trying to serve on a platter to the reader, there is something not quite right about this book. If the author completely wrote this on their own without the use of generative AI, then that means they copied and pasted a bunch of different things that they wrote one time and just made slight changes to it throughout the story. As well as letting the plot play out regardless of whether or not it made sense in the world or for the characters.

Disappointing. I chose this book for a reason. I wanted a cute lesbian story of yearning and reuniting. Instead, it's this.
Profile Image for Nikki Miskey.
246 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 20, 2025
Leilani has always felt something was missing from her life, but could never quite grasp what it was. One day, the quiet and mysterious Vespera comes to Larkhollow and suddenly, their bond flares to life. Centuries of past lives, memories of love and loss, return. But despite their slow reconnecting, danger lurks around the corner. Can they defy the Fae Court and hold onto their love?

This was my first read of this author. It was a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Leilani and Vespera overcame tremendous odds to choose their love after centuries of hardship. My heart broke for Vespera and her longing, and for Leilani and her confusion. I loved how their bond grew and they found each other again after all this time apart.

I recommend this if you enjoy fated mates over lifetimes, strong FMCs with some steamy scenes, and love forged in tragedy that ends in joy.
Profile Image for Heather L.
Author 1 book1 follower
February 23, 2026
Thank you so much AJ for allowing me to be a part of your arc team! It meant so much! 🤍🤍🤍🤍

Always, Her by A.J. Knight is one of those books that makes you pause while reading, just to breathe for a second. It is tender, romantic, and quietly devastating in the best way. I found myself getting attached to the mood of it as much as the story itself, the soft magic, the longing, the sense that something important has been waiting to be remembered.

The writing is genuinely beautiful. It feels careful and full of feeling without trying too hard. Vespera’s chapters especiallyyyy hit me. There is so much love and exhaustion and devotion wrapped up in her voice that it is impossible not to feel for her. Her immortality feels lonely and heavy, not glamorous, and the way she loves Leilani across lifetimes is both romantic and heartbreaking. The opening scene sets that emotional tone immediately and I knew right away this would be a book that leaned into feelings. And to be honest I love it when books have feelings as a strength, I think it’s because I’m more of a feeler so it can really immerse me into the story!!

Leilani’s perspective brings a sense of warmth and comfort that balances that sadness really well. Larkhollow feels cozy and alive, like a place you could actually step into. I loved the apothecary scenes, the small town interactions, and the quiet magic threaded through her everyday life. Her struggle with being Fae born without magic is written in a way that feels very human and relatable, even in a fantasy setting.

I love how you created these characters from your heart, and that’s how I know this book would be so amazing. Especially one with a fantastic cover that drew me in.

If I had one small critique, nothing bad I assure you, it would be that the story sometimes lingers a little too long in introspection. I did not mind the slower pace, but there were moments where I wanted certain emotional beats or past life details to be explored just a bit more clearly, while other sections could have moved along faster. It never pulled me out of the story, but it did make the pacing feel slightly uneven at times!

That said, the romance completely won me over. The connection between Leilani and Vespera feels natural and soft, built on recognition and quiet moments rather than dramatic declarations. Their chemistry is gentle, aching, and deeply sincere. I found myself rooting for them without even realizing it. (To be honest I was rooting even before reading the book so I wasn’t too surprised)

Overall, Always, Her is a heartfelt sapphic romantasy that made me feel things and left me a little emotional by the end. It is not a fast or flashy read, but it is a warm, intimate one that clearly comes from a place of love. I really enjoyed my time with it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves lyrical writing, cozy fantasy vibes, and romances that linger in your chest.

Good job AJ! You’ve done it again. I really hope you’ll be proud of yourself of how far you’ve come in your writing journey. I know this will go far!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lindorie.
81 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2026
I really loved reading the first 60 % the book, but the last chapters were a bit redundant. I guess switching from one pov to the other to describe the same scene didn't help, but I LOVED witnessing the love and the tenderness between the characters.

Also, I'm curious to know more about the worldbuilding, and how Vespera is dealing with vampirism.
Profile Image for Andrea (looseleftlesbian).
455 reviews27 followers
March 11, 2026
I felt the longing and the love. Literally in my chest. This was beautiful. I just wanted a little more in the end. It was also a little repetitive. But dang, the feels I felt
Profile Image for Robyn Wilde.
1 review
January 12, 2026
ARC Review

First of all, I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own. I will talk about what happens in the book too, so spoilers ahead.

A.J. Knight has a writing style I'd consider as enganging, cozy yet also repetitive at times. The world that was established was cozy, though we only get the most basic, necessary world building. Something I think is a shame since the descriptions of the world really drew me in.

The book follows the two main characters Leilani and Vespera, two lovers connected by the soulmate thread that were doomed to lose each other in every life they have lived. Now I want to say, with that premise, I expected a little bit more. Especially when it is revealed that Leilani doesn't remember Vespera because in her previous life she chose to curse herself? In my opinion, it was glossed over slightly. The connection between the two of them started deliciously slow, which then, after the first third of the book, became a wirlwind of a love story that was sometimes hard to keep up with. It was more of a "tell not show" relationship though, with the reader being told that they have a deep connection and have lived so many lives before, we don't see much of that in action though sadly. Some more, detailed, flashbacks would have been appreciated. The building of the relationship felt at times lackluster, still the love that connects them did feel real and I was rooting deeply for them to keep it.

One thing I must say disappointed me was the fact that Vespera was a vampire. Because if you have a vampire? Make some ore use of it. Vespera is described as a vampire that has a connection to dreams, not blood. Something that could be very interesting, yet was simply underused. You could have used any type of description of Vespera that wasn't Fae and it would not have changed anything in my opinion. If she had been a genie with power over dreams? Yep, exactly the same.

The description of why their bond was so dangerous also wasn't as clear as I would have hoped and while the second half of the book was a lot of repetition on their inner monologue and feelings, it did it's job of showing how scared the court was, while not giving an exact reason why other than "Vespera is a vampire".

This book could have used a little bit more world building in that sense. Someone looking for a detailed world will find happiness in this book. However it was a cozy, interesting and fun read. I did enjoy reading it very much and I would read it again should my heart look for something cozy again. I do feel like perhaps there was a setup for a potential second part of the story though in the end, so if we'd get some type of more worldbuilding and simply more of their relationship? I'd be down for more. That's why it's earned the four stars from me.
Profile Image for Kerstin.
58 reviews
January 10, 2026
“Maybe that’s how eternity begins again. One small kindness at a time.”


“Always, Her” was a really good introduction to A.J. Knight’s work, and I’m happy I got the opportunity to read it as my first book of the year! The following thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

“My mind was a cruel artist, painting phantoms I couldn’t touch.”


The book follows Vespera and Leilani, two women bound by fate, whose souls are tethered together across all lifetimes. They’ve loved each other and lost each other over and over again. The timeline we follow in the story begins with Leilani having no recollection of her tethered soul or of the fae magic hidden deep within her, only a feeling that something is missing.
“My soul remembered even when my mind didn’t.”

It isn’t until Vespera finds her again in the quaint town of Larkhollow that Leilani begins to feel that pull, that missing link. Memories slowly creep back into Leilani’s mind through her dreams, and the thread that binds her to Vespera grows more insistent. With their souls united once again, they must figure out a way to live out this lifetime—to survive, to love, and be loved—together.

“The ache in my chest became color. The longing became motion. The guilt, the endless guilt, became light falling over her imagined face.”


A.J. Knight has a relaxing and easygoing writing style. They include enough detail to build the world in which Leilani and Vespera live and to really immerse the reader in the story. I genuinely enjoyed reading and was eager to see where the journey of their love and fate would take them. Knight’s writing is sprinkled with moments and lines that linger, and I’ve highlighted a few quotes throughout this review that especially stood out to me.

“They preached purity and law while bathing their halls in the blood of those who dared love beyond the borders of their own kind.”


As I continued reading, I did begin to notice some repetition around the 70% mark, which made the final portion feel a bit less impactful for me personally. Because of this, the ending didn’t resonate with me quite as strongly as I had hoped. This is ultimately why I’m not giving the story five stars, though I was a little disappointed, as I had been thoroughly enjoying the story up until that point.

With all this being said, I really think “Always, Her” is worth the read! If you’re looking for a captivating story about deep love that lasts through lifetimes, with magic, a sapphic slow-burn romance with a little bit of spice, and a fated love that beats the odds, this story deserves a spot on your shelf.
Profile Image for Song Marshall.
31 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2026
This story is a dual POV Sapphic Romantasy. The first part of the story is a very sweet semi-slow burn as Vespera navigates holding memories of their past lives together, while Leilani slowly remembers.

Leilani a human with Fae lineage and no magic, runs an apothecary and feels like something is missing but can't quite put her finger on it. Vespera is a vampire whose outlet is painting she has lived for centuries, and in every one of them, she and Lelani find each other and in every one something awful happens. The council tries to separate them, and Vespera ends up sacrificing herself for Lelani, who ends up shattered and brokenhearted. The cycle takes its toll on her. The last life they shared, which the book opens up on, had a very violent end.

The world-building is very interesting, as is the way magic works in this world. Like the concept of being threadbound was very interesting. However, there were some things that were confusing to me. Like why the council would punish them for a connection that was basically this world's "fate". There is light spice in about 2 explicit scenes.

HEAVY SPOILERS!!!!!.....

For me, things start to fall apart after chapter 19. Chapters 19 and 20 felt like a chapter revision that was accidentally kept in. They are almost identical information with a few tweaks in language here and there, and are both from Leilani's POV. So was very redundant. Further than that its unclear how/why the council allows Leilani to leave after her display of super-strong magic and the strength of her and Vespera's bond. But they leave and then do blood magic under the blood moon to anchor the bond, which is apparently very dangerous and can go really wrong at the slightest thing. But they do it anyway to ensure they can stay together and then after they have a showdown with the council again in the town Square and successfully push them back, Leilani just casually asks if they should sever their bond of their own accord. What?!

They spent at least 4 chapters doubling down on their bond, that was sort of fate to just be like, ‘well it would be safer for us if we dissolved it’. Was such a whiplash that had me wondering what was the point of the book then? What was the point of the very annoying number of times that Leilani harps on “We Chose this/ each other/love” or that the bond was strengthened because they chose to trust love and not give in to fear? It's so many times that she says the same variation of the same phrase that even one last spicy scene at the end couldn't wipe the frustration from my brain.


Overall its a very cute story I love having a vampire/fae pairing, and I’m always a sucker for fated mates. But this story falls a little short for me.
Profile Image for Sarah Primiano.
Author 1 book14 followers
January 17, 2026
Always, Her is one of those rare books that sneaks up on you quietly—and then completely undoes you.

From the very beginning, I was drawn into the simple yet whimsical worldbuilding A.J. Knight creates. It never feels overworked or heavy-handed; instead, the setting unfolds naturally, allowing the emotional core of the story to take center stage. There’s an intentional softness to the world that perfectly mirrors the themes of love, fate, and longing woven throughout the novel.

What truly stood out to me was the author’s writing style. Knight’s prose is lyrical yet beautifully simple—emotionally rich without being overly ornate. Every sentence feels purposeful, and the emotional beats land with a quiet intensity that lingers long after you’ve turned the page. It’s the kind of writing that doesn’t demand attention, but earns it.

I’ll admit, before reading this book, I had never given much thought to concepts like reincarnation or fated mates. They weren’t tropes I felt particularly drawn to. But Always, Her completely ruptured me in the best way. The way these ideas are handled feels deeply human rather than fantastical—grounded in love, grief, and the ache of finding someone again and again across lifetimes. I devoured this book in two days because I simply could not put it down.

The romance is where this story truly shines. It is beautiful, emotional, raw, and achingly real. There’s no glossing over the hard parts of loving someone—only honesty. The connection between the characters feels earned, lived-in, and profoundly intimate, which makes their journey all the more powerful.

Knight also excels at characterization and pacing. Each character feels fully realized, with clear motivations and emotional depth. The pacing allows their relationships to unfold naturally, giving the reader time to understand who these people are and why their bond matters so deeply. Nothing feels rushed or underdeveloped; instead, the story flows with a steady, comforting rhythm that pulls you forward.

Always, Her is a story about love that transcends time, but more than that, it’s about the quiet persistence of connection—the kind that finds you no matter how many lifetimes it takes. This book left me emotional, reflective, and deeply moved. If you’re looking for a romance that feels tender, devastating, and unforgettable, this is absolutely one to read.
Profile Image for IV.
239 reviews33 followers
January 11, 2026
✨ ARC review ✨

Always, Her was a gripping, emotional read. A sapphic romantasy, the book follows Leilani and Vespera, soulmates bound by magic who find each other in every lifetime and, so far, have always been doomed to lose each other.

I received an e-ARC of this book for free. I am leaving a review voluntarily, and it is my honest opinion.

I loved the author's writing style and both main characters, as well as the one recurring side character, Mira. The setting and worldbuilding were also really cool. I found myself rooting for the main couple pretty quickly and feeling for them during impactful moments.

The pacing wasn't always the greatest for me personally, though. It started off a bit slow, but not too unpleasantly so; the middle was where I found myself the most immersed and compelled to keep reading. In the second half of the book, it started to get a bit drawn-out and repetitive for me. Once they have to face the external conflict, there is a lot of repetition in their inner worlds, and what does happen outside of that is not 100% clear to me. Lots of magic fighting each other, lots of standing tall against the opposition ... and not enough background and explaining for it to feel as earned and intense as I had hoped I guess? I don't know, I would have loved some longer, more clear flashbacks to clear some stuff up and delve deeper into their shared history as well as the worldbuilding. How did they meet in the first place? Is the court still composed of (some of) the same people from their past experiences with it? Etc. *Why* exactly are Threadbounds such a threat to the fae realm? *How* exactly does their magic fight back against the Court's? etc.

While the second half dragged on a little bit for those reasons, I still enjoyed the read overall. The spicy scenes are also a big plus, very well-written and just delicious all around. I'm glad I got to read this, and do recommend it if you're into emotionally charged, character-driven sapphic fantasy stories with a bit of spice sprinkled in!
Profile Image for Nicole.
455 reviews61 followers
January 11, 2026
"...beneath the scent of baked bread and the sound of laughter, I could almost swear I heard something else. Something quiet, like a name whispered just beyond memory."

The writing style immediately pulled me into the world of Always, Her by AJ Knight. Based on the blurb and hype, I was excited to dive in. I highlighted several lovely quotes.
Unfortunately, about one-third of the way into the story, things fell apart for me. The same writing style that had grabbed my attention became tedious. The narrative was becoming repetitive and confusing, which was frustrating. I did not fully understand the nuances of the magic system, the curse, or the power structure associated with the "Court," which led me to question the central conflict and its outcome.
The premise of soulbound love existing across multiple lifetimes, along with the lovely glimpses of those past interactions, was intriguing. As far as establishing the believability of the relationship and the expected chemistry, I needed more on-page growth and bonding between the main characters. This could have been achieved through vivid depictions of their past or present interactions focusing on the development of their love for one another. Their personalities were interesting and likable but were not fully fleshed out.
I didn't feel the urgency needed for the proposed stakes, and the 'battle' was anticlimactic. I didn't grasp exactly what their magic was, where it came from, and how it was supposed to be so powerful.
There was also a gratuitous intimacy scene at the end that felt out of place.
There is a load of potential here. I had high hopes, and I was disappointed. I am giving 2.5 stars, rounded up.
PS. The cover and promo art are beautiful.
#magic #vampire #fae #reincarnation #soulmates #soulbound #romantasy
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Katie Hall.
298 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 8, 2026
I feel a bit mixed regarding Always, Her. I liked the world of the book, I thought the characters were enjoyable to read about, and when the magic elements are shown I was interested in them. I liked the main characters both Leilani and Vespera were enjoyable to read from, I liked the switching perspectives between them and I didn’t mind their romance though I do feel like I’m missing something. I feel like their previous lives together were just skipped over and I’m missing past scenes that would really helped build a stronger connection between them, the brief memories of those lives just weren’t enough for me to really build that solid connection between them.

At about 30 percent, maybe a little more. The writing becomes a bit repetitive as it keeps mentioning over and over again in nearly the same words that the characters have a connection beyond them, that they are one in the same, and aren’t alone anymore. I didn’t mind it in the beginning as it felt like it was being said/used in tense moments for the characters to silently comfort on another but it keeps repeating until the end. It felt like I was just being told that these characters have a connection and I wasn’t really seeing much of that connection. I did enjoy these characters and I liked the idea of them together but with how things took place I feel like I’m missing out on a lot of romantic and more angsty moments between them that would have really helped solidify that soulmates kind of connection. Overall rating 3.5. Thank you to the author for my complimentary review copy.
Profile Image for lirissa.
46 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2026
The idea of threadbound souls and loving the same person across lifetimes has always hit close to home for me (being half Japanese and many stories and lore being told around the concept) so seeing it like this felt quietly personal. Not over-romanticised or flashy. Just tender and aching. Gentle.

Leilani’s sense that something in her life is missing, that she doesn’t quite fit into the world she’s in, felt painfully familiar. That feeling of knowing there’s something you’re meant for, or someone you’re meant to find, but having no idea how to name it yet. Her journey is slow and introspective in a way that really worked for me.

Vespera remembering everything while Leilani remembers nothing creates a constant, soft ache that runs through the entire book. The longing isn’t dramatic or rushed. It’s patient and heavy with history. This felt like a story about destiny that still gives its characters a choice. About noticing the thread, and deciding to follow it anyway, even when it’s terrifying.

I also appreciated the fantasy setting and how quietly it supports the emotional core of the story rather than overpowering it. The worldbuilding never pulls focus away from the relationship, which made the connection between Leilani and Vespera feel even more intimate.

Overall, this is a tender, sapphic fantasy romance about fate and choosing love across lifetimes.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of Always, Her in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kayla .
23 reviews
January 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Always Her by A.J. Knight is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. This sapphic Romantasy follows two FMCs who are bound across time, destined to find and lose each other in every lifetime, and it completely broke my heart in the softest, most tender way. The concept alone is stunning, but the execution is what truly makes this story unforgettable.
The worldbuilding is fantastic and immersive, wrapping around you so completely that it’s impossible not to feel like you’re living inside the story. But at the center of it all is Vespera and Leilani. Their bond feels achingly real. Their love, the longing, the inevitable hurt of remembering and losing each other again and again. Every emotion is written with such care and lyricism that you feel it in your chest. The pain is tender, the romance is haunting, and the devotion between them is profound.
If you love fated mates, soul-deep longing, beautifully crafted writing, and stories that linger long after the final page, Always Her is an absolute must-read. This book doesn’t just tell a love story it makes you experience it. 💔✨
Profile Image for Samantha Day.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
I really want to start by saying, this cover is everything! It's charming and beautifully intimate. When I first opened the book I was worried that the lack of spacing between paragraphs would make it difficult to read but instead the story flowed perfectly off the page.

I was gripped by the first pages, the prologue was magical and enticing, pulling me into the book instantly. You could feel the characters love and yearning as if it were your own, the slow burn set at the perfect pace. The storytelling and world building was striking, forming the most vibrant pictures in my mind.

The bond between the main characters is the most beautiful you could possibly get with words alone. The characters are so sweet and adoring, you truly feel their tenderness through the ink. The peaceful vibe through this book was so wholesome yet it had its moments that were so tense I had to change position.

I really enjoyed going on this Journey with Leilani and Vespera. If you're into sweet poetical romance this story is guaranteed to capture your heart.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
83 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2026
If you were cursed with reincarnation, and i was cursed within immortality, I would find you across time again and again.

YALL my first review of 2026, and I just want to say thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to fall in love with Vespera & Leilani. This story was amazing and I can’t wait to hear what you all think!

This story transports us into a far away land of Larkhollow. Where we meet a stunning fae named Leilani, she is struggling to find herself. We navigate her world in small pockets of faint memories and her feeling a pull to someone, she knows they mean a great deal but not who they are or why. In steps Vespera, a sultry vampire who has been watching from a distance. As their story unfolds you discover they are fated lovers, bound by laws, and unfair judgement from the fae high court. Will they become stronger or let fate decide.

I IMPLORE YOU TO READ THIS BOOK.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
4,030 reviews120 followers
January 13, 2026
I was so excited when I was chosen to be an ARC reader for this book. I washed for what felt like an eternity before I got the email lol. So I immediately jumped in. The whole idea of the story was wonderful. I loved Leilani and her apothecary. The description was very well done and I could picture myself sitting there with her. And when Vespera got the ship next door, I was excited for Leilani. I loved that these two have been each others loves through so many times. Each ending in demise. I could feel the emotions play throughout the story.
For as much as I was invested in this story, it was a bit difficult to get through. There was too much repetition and I felt like there really wasn’t any depth to the story. I would’ve liked to have read more about the beginning’s and other moments in the past that would’ve led to the present. But overall, I really enjoyed it and am thankful to have been chosen to read this in advance ❤️
Profile Image for Chloe.
12 reviews
February 11, 2026
The beginning was very cute and endearing, it made me like the characters and the small slow burn the book offered, but it all went sideways when the Court plot started, not because of that per se though it could've been way better, but because of the repeated feeling of reading the same word, the same phrase, the same statements with the same exact words or just changing one over and over again, it was completely exhausting.

Though this was my second fast-paced romance book, I felt I would have liked it if it was handled better, written better and for the love of god revised and edited better, reading it I felt like the only thing the editing didn't miss was grammatical errors, kudos for that I guess.

In the end I was left disappointed because I had hopes for this story and this setting, but I had to gather all my will strength to not have it be my first DNF book.
Profile Image for Alyssa (Cozy.Soul.Reads).
377 reviews18 followers
January 11, 2026
🩷 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 🩷
𝙰𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜, 𝙷𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚢 𝙰.𝙹. 𝙺𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝙵𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚜 𝚅𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚊, 𝚊 𝚟𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚣𝚢 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊 𝚏𝚊𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙾𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚊𝚛 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚅𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚢 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚐𝚘, 𝙻𝚎𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚎𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚣𝚒𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚙. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚝 𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚢 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜. 𝙸𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚌, 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝚍𝚘𝚘𝚛, 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚚𝚞𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌 𝚜𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚖. 𝙸 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍 & 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 "𝙰𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜, 𝙷𝚎𝚛" 𝚋𝚢 𝙰.𝙹. 𝙺𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚊𝚜𝚊𝚙!!!
79 reviews12 followers
Read
January 21, 2026
I received this book as an ARC

I'm currently 56% in:

I like the way this book is written. The sentences flow like a poem and this makes it really easy and enjoyable to read.

The pace of this book is rather slow tho. If you are someone who like fast paced book with a lot of action, this book is not it.

Another criticism is that sometimes, the way this book is written feels like too much, maybe even a little cliché. It's a very poetic but also "mushy" book and that might not be to everyone taste.

Finaly, this book has spice. Spice is fine but I personaly do not enjoy reading it.

For these reason, I will probably not finish this book. The book is good, but it just isn't my taste.
Profile Image for KateJoanna.
528 reviews12 followers
Read
February 22, 2026
I had high expectations for this one and thank you for the ARC, but it was just not for me.
Fated lovers are right up my alley and I did like the characters, but just did not feel connected to them.

The prologue is in a different writing style to the rest of the book which tripped me up, but overall the writing is decent. At first I enjoyed it and wanted to find out more about them, but after the first few chapters I struggled to keep reading and found it all very confusing.

I found it hard to follow, it feels like bits of context are missing and scenes or chapters have been skipped.
The world building is lacking, and the court is a very two dimensional organisation without real depth.

I love the premise and build up, it has promise but just fell flat for me.
Profile Image for ElleBearBooks.
91 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2026
This love story was one of choice, chosen love, and perseverance as two souls searching each other meet again. I couldn't help but admire Leilani as she worked hard doing what she loved, while trying to be a caring neighbor to the mysterious Vespera. Their connection was like a spark that turned into the brightest flame, and after awhile they discovered why it felt so strong. The world does what they can to try and tear them apart, and even in the face of danger their love never wavers. Alex does a beautiful job of telling their story, and introducing a community that does their best to support them along the way. This story is perfect for anyone looking for the sweetest sapphic love story.
Profile Image for Morgan Taylor.
197 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 25, 2025
I really loved this story of loss, longing, and a love that transcends time. Vespera and Leilani have loved and lost throughout the ages and finally in the current time, they find each other again. It's a lovely story of choosing love despite the pain that could follow and choosing each other in spite of the forces that are working to keep them apart.

You can really feel the love and longing that Vespera feels for Leilani. And Leilani goes through so many changes and growing strength throughout this story, that her decisions change their futures forever.
Profile Image for Allie Eberle.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 26, 2025
I received this as an ARC and my review does not reflect the final product.

Always, Her builds at a reasonable pace, contains a couple particular chapters of NSFW content (around the middle and the very end), some action and violence (blood and pain), but what it contains most is two protagonists who mesh together well and feel comfy together. The cast of characters is small and that is one strength I don't see often in the genre.

I'll re-review when it fully releases. There are only minor things I would change in the text and shouldn't affect the final product.
Profile Image for Heather.
845 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 10, 2026
Sapphic. Vampire. Fae. Against the odds. Soulmates. I’ll love you in this lifetime and the next, and the next and…

This was a beautifully written story about two women that love and find each other in every lifetime but are they cursed or meant to be?

There’s a bit of whimsy, lots of magic, and finding out that choosing love can thread a bond that cannot be broken.

“We are one. We endure. We survive. We choose.”

There is just enough world building to become immersed in the story and keep you invested in Leilani and Verpera’s journey of reconnection, love, and choice.

Recommend!
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,203 reviews99 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 29, 2025
This is my first book by Knight and the writing style is just...*sigh*...dreamy. I'm finding out this year that I'm a huge fan of writing that feels like ethereal, romantic, swoony, and that's what Knight hits here so well for me. Plus, I love a second chance, especially one like this. It hurts so so good. The chemistry, the yearning, the love and pain. All of it is just *chef's kiss*. Definitely recommend if that's your jam like it is mine.
Profile Image for Lena Kay Grieve.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 7, 2026
This is such a beautiful and immersive story about a vampire and a fae who are connected by centuries of love and loss. It was sweet, intriguing, and also heartbreaking at times, constantly wondering what will come next. There are a few open-door spicy scenes but not over the top.
Im beyond honoured and lucky to have been an ARC reader, and I'll always be greatful for the opportunity. Im so excited for this to be released for everyone to read as well!
Profile Image for Jessie Leigh.
180 reviews13 followers
January 17, 2026
Thank you @A.j.Knight.author for an ARC of Always, Her.

Not only did I fall in love with the book cover, but once again with the authors writing ^_^ I've read their work under another pen name but this is my first for AJ. I was hooked to say the least 😍

I was hooked by the descriptions in the book and how the characters pull you into their world. It's easy to get lost in a book like this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews