I really enjoyed James’ first book in this series, Warrior Mine, and this second one didn’t disappoint

James builds an authentic medieval world that draws you in. In Always Mine, she creates a snapshot of rural medieval life on an estate and paints a very realistic portrait of its day to day workings.

This story felt less action-packed than the first one, however it was still a great story that focused more on familial and romantic relationships set close to home. It had a gentle pace but was engaging until the end, but it wasn’t without its moments of drama and action.

I really liked the characters of Issy and Wil, who, though linked to some of the characters introduced in Warrior Mine, had their own individual personalities and lives. They inevitably had some similar traits e.g. Issy having the dreams her mother Lara had, but then they each had their own personalities too such as Issy having more of a focus on caring for animals.

The question of will they, won’t they was woven throughout and had a good pace that was balanced throughout. And there were plenty of steamy moments to keep the intrigue going.

Overall, I really liked this book and think James is becoming one of my go to authors for an enjoyable historical read set in medieval times.

BOOK: ALWAYS MINE
AUTHOR: MICHELE JAMES
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REVIEW- 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This book was okay for me, it was just kinda slow in the beginning. I liked the setting, storyline, and the characters. I liked the hint of danger surrounding the MCs and the horses. I also liked Dante as the Villain, he was the perfect candidate. I liked the town on Olocron and its people, they were all wholesome and they stood with each other.
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However, it was still an easy read and I recommend it if you're a fan of historical romance, childhood friends to lovers.

I love a story about childhood friends to lovers and this one is basically from birth. The author paints a beautiful friendship filled with adventures and trust and a life destined together except, in a unfortunate turn things didn't quite work out the way one had hoped. Now, seven years apart, Issy is a landowner breeding horses, and Wil is the King's guard and their lives are brought back together. The hurt and confusion of the separation still lingers. Both have questions that need answers but can they get past their hurt feelings to get the questions answered. Nothing is ever that easy and add in a good helping of mystery and you have a book that is hard to put down. The author quickly makes us fall in love with the main characters and the development of the story moves fast enough to keep the reader's attention. I personally love a story that also ties in animals which this one has several. The author also doesn't over complicate the storyline but yet still throws in a few twists that are unexpected. I truly enjoyed the story.

There were moments when this felt like some of my favourite childhood friends to lovers second chance romance books, but set in 802--which I love even more. I really loved the first book in this series. I enjoy this author’s characters, love the medieval setting, and I’ve liked how her plots ebb and flow.

But—there was a subtle yet thoroughgoing reason why this didn’t work for me.

I’ve noticed that I have two very strict mental categories for second chance romances. I want them to either be:
a) lighthearted and sweet, or
b) angsty and ripping my heart out

And this book was just neither fish nor fowl.

It had a lot of lighthearted features—like, family and friend cameos from book one, a heroine who healed cute animals, a good boi hero, and very little holding them apart. But it also had a lot of angsty features—like, tense interactions, adventure-danger, and a villainous love triangle.

I ended up reading this story kind of wrong? I wanted it to fit into one of my second chance categories so bad that I mentally downgraded half of the story (the lighthearted half, because I’m trash-for-angst). And then whenever it was a cute animal or sweet family moment part, I’d be bored? Even though those scenes weren’t inherently boring?

I'm still looking forward to reading more from this author, though.

What a pleasant surprise, I so enjoyed this romance, Wil and Issy have been friends all through childhood and when Issy was sixteen Will professed his love and when Issy didn't reciprocate Will left town. Now Will has returned, will Issy accept his love or reject it.
I understand why Issy did what she did. This book let's tou tag along on the journey of two childhood friends who fall in love and navigate life's upside and downs. I throughly enjoyed this journey and I think you will as well.

Plenty of action and chemistry that has you turning the pages and some adventure to keep things interesting. A recommended read!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this sequel! The childhood story of Wil and Issy falling in love was perfect; it tied in so nicely with the bond they had formed in Warrior Mine. There was a touch of humour, and the characters were well-developed. Because I read Warrior Mine, I was looking forward to meeting with Talon and Lara again and hoped there would be a 'scene' with them, but I never got that. You can read this as a standalone, but I would read Warrior Mine because it is a great read. I was so excited that I read this book in one sitting.