Mine, Forever and Always by Tammy L. Bailey - A short and Heart Aching Romance

Book Synopsis

Just shy of fifteen years old, and during a fake and impromptu wedding ceremony, Lily Scott married her best friend's brother, Henry Dalton.

It seemed harmless enough until he leaned in and whispered to her his true feelings, amorous words she has been unable to forget: Now you’re mine, forever and always. 

Unfortunately, growing up pulls them apart and transforms Henry into a pompous scoundrel. When they meet again at a house party hosted by Henry’s sister, will Henry remember his once faithful promise to Lily? Mine, Forever and Always - Goodreads 

My Opinion

5.00/5.00 stars

Just read it if you are into romance. This is a lovely story about the love of two people which has to pass the test of time and society. Life forced them to go on their separate ways regardless of what their hearts wanted. And, now, they meet each other again. There is angst and there is tension. Question is: Does the love between them still exists? Or is it just a beautiful memory of the past?
What can I say? The feelings... are so overwhelming. I do not have enough words to praise this novella. Despite it's length, we get a lot of content about the main characters and the other players in the story. It is a torturous, genuine love. Your heart will melt, ache, get butterflies, mushy, and - finally - teary. I do not want to say too much about the plot cause... spoilers. Obviously! The author has a beautiful writing because everything floated nicely. No boring part. No excessive descriptions. Right words were used to ensure the reader that there are a solid background to the narrative and well-rounded characters which are not just flat instruments of yielding a romance. I wished this was a full novel because there is so much room for expanding and exploring; although, I am afraid it might cut the beauty of the novella in some parts. 
Sometimes the  short length might give a writing work a feel of unresolved or anticlimactic endings. Like, there has to be more to it than what's already published. Thus, I understand why some readers may give this one a lower rating. But for me, a strong impression on my mood while reading it's enough sometimes. Not every good piece has to be lengthy. The information is there only not in so many words as you may like it to be.     
Now, I am waiting patiently for the next story in the series. The author promised a new story in the future regarding other characters who were introduced in the book. She said that time is of the essence for her inspiration to come and the final product be good.
This was definitely my cup of tea. And, it might be yours too. Do not get mislead by the cover. 
Ah... Just read it! 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Novella

Language: none to mild (most likely none)
Sexual content: moderate to heavy-ish
Violence: none to mild (mentioned)

Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild (mentioned)

P.S. 

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Truth or Date by Susan Hatler, Book Two in the Better Date than Never Series

Book Synopsis

Gina Hall is done with men who won’t commit. Ten years waiting for her ex to propose wasted her time. Never again. When her friend Kristen starts a game of Truth or Dare, she dares Gina to go on a date with Ethan, who’s amazing and total marriage material.
As Gina plans the going away party for office playboy Chris Bradley, she spontaneously initiates a game of Truth or Dare with him. When his turn comes around, he dares Gina to pose as his girlfriend to help get a flirty colleague off his back. Gina finds playing couple with Chris way too much fun.
Even though Gina and Chris are pretending, their relationship begins to feel painfully real. Fearing she might be falling for another fly-by man, Gina must focus on Ethan so she doesn’t make the same dating mistakes all over again. Truth or Date - Goodreads

My Opinion

3.65/5 stars.
This is another Susan Hatler's romance short story or novella. I got it for free from Amazon and you know I cannot say "No" to free books. Or maybe no? Whatever, now you know. I looove free books.
Beck to the actual review.
In a few words, the story was cute, funny, romancy, and relatable.
The writing was easy to follow and made the events to flow nicely. On the other hand, the narrative was quite rushed due to the short length of the book.
So far, this is my favorite Susan Hatler story.
Are you in a mood for a quick romance with no excessive steam and just the feels? If yes, this might be your cuppa tea.
Oh! Since it is asecond book in a series, spoilers for the previous book might be obvious. Although, I believe it can be read as a standalone too.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

Feel Free to check out my other reviews on books written by Susan Hatler: Susan Hatler-A Christmas Kiss and Susan Hatler-Shaken.

Genre: Adult, Romance, Short Stories, Contemporary
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild
Violence: none
Drugs/Alcohol: moderate

Obsidian Blade by Morgan Rhodes

A Falling Kingdoms spinoff

Book synopsis

Magnus from Falling Kingdoms and Maddox from A Book of Spirits and Thieves are on an epic quest through time in this series-bridging novella.
In a garden of ancient ruins on the cliffs of Limeros, Prince Magnus comes face-to-face with a witch. The old woman incapacitates him with a spell, presses a single object into his hand—an obsidian blade—and tells him to bring it to a woman named Samara before the sun sets and his portal home closes forever.
A flash of dark magic transports Magnus back in time to a Mytica he’s only heard about in storybooks. Lost in this foreign land, Magnus sets out to find Samara. But a chance encounter with the rumored Witch Boy derails his journey. Magnus saves Maddox from a beating, but the cruel Livius is now on their tail. The sun is starting to set. Time is running out. Both boys must fight for their lives.
Follow legendary bad boy Magnus and the enigmatic Maddox as their worlds collide in this high-stakes adventure.

My opinion

5/5 starts according to Goodreads rating.
It is an amazing short story. The cross between the two storylines happening in Mytica was genius. It is a must read if you like Falling Kingdoms and Spirits and Thieves series. Magnus and Maddox have an excellent dynamic. It foreshadows the two series’ future. We also get to see M&M (no pun intended :D) when they were younger and how their past selves reacted in different circumstances.
This short addition to the two major storyline offers a great opportunity to know M&M better. Think about it: unrecognized prince working with a famous witch-boy-forced-con artist.
Indeed, it is a time travel story.

This is my personal opinion.

Obsidian Blade
Original review: Obsidian Balde - Goodreads Review

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Short Stories, Novella
Language: none to mild
Sexual content: none (just some flirting)
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild