Ever Afterby Riley Hart & Christina Lee
Self-published
LGBT, romance, fantasy, historical
As next in line for the Evergreen crown, Prince Merrick Davendall's future involves ruling, marriage, and producing an heir of his own. But he's long been tormented by desires that are far from princely. Especially when the beautiful Cassius is promoted to be his new valet, and Merrick is struck by a longing like never before - a longing to know him far beyond royal and servant.
After his father's passing, Cassius Havendale's sole duty is to provide for his family. A promotion to serve a pampered prince is something he endures only for their sake. Surely Prince Merrick had no understanding of the true suffering of the common people, nor could he possibly understand what it's like to desperately desire something he cannot have.
Except the prince is not at all what Cassius imagined. Kind, humorous, and caring to those in need, he also shares Cassius's affinity for the arts. In fact, Merrick understands his deepest vulnerabilities in a most remarkable way.
As their affection deepens, the underlying tension between them becomes unbearable and they're unable to ignore it any longer. But when the queen prepares a lavish ball with all the eligible ladies in the land in attendance, Merrick must fulfill his obligations to his country. They've long known their stolen moments would have to come o an end, but are they ready to give up one another and the idea of a happily-ever-after?
Ever After is a sweet fairytale with adorable and likable main characters. It's all around a feel good romance, which was just what I needed at the time I read it, and I fell for it. There's plenty of angst because of the forbidden love: Merrick is a prince and his parents are waiting for him to choose a lady to marry, and Cassius is Merrick's new valet, who can loose everything with a wrong move, because the society is homophobic. There's also the power imbalance between Merrick and Cassius, although Merrick never missuses his power.
Ever After gives serious Downton Abbey vibes. The book is described by the co-authors as wintery make-belief setting that isn't based on any specific time period, but for me it gave a lot of Downtown Abbey, especially when it came to the servants interacting with each other and with the people from upstairs. Anyway, while I liked the ambiguous setting and time period, I loved Cassius and Merrick, and their developing relationship. Merrick is a prince but he's all around a good guy, who prefers to be more modern and involved with the staff and subjects; instead of being cold and distant, he likes to play around in snow with orphan children and so on. Cassius is an introvert, who's a bit broody and prefers the company of his family and one friend at the castle, Valor. Together Cassius and Merrick are adorable, and I kept turning pages to see what will happen next. Another great point is how family is included and quite central for both Cassius and Merrick, for different reasons for both of them, although both have a loving family and devoted sisters.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ever After if you're in need for something cute, adorable and sweet romance with a side of angst. It certainly is stunning one that deserved praise.
Ever After gives serious Downton Abbey vibes. The book is described by the co-authors as wintery make-belief setting that isn't based on any specific time period, but for me it gave a lot of Downtown Abbey, especially when it came to the servants interacting with each other and with the people from upstairs. Anyway, while I liked the ambiguous setting and time period, I loved Cassius and Merrick, and their developing relationship. Merrick is a prince but he's all around a good guy, who prefers to be more modern and involved with the staff and subjects; instead of being cold and distant, he likes to play around in snow with orphan children and so on. Cassius is an introvert, who's a bit broody and prefers the company of his family and one friend at the castle, Valor. Together Cassius and Merrick are adorable, and I kept turning pages to see what will happen next. Another great point is how family is included and quite central for both Cassius and Merrick, for different reasons for both of them, although both have a loving family and devoted sisters.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ever After if you're in need for something cute, adorable and sweet romance with a side of angst. It certainly is stunning one that deserved praise.
5 of 5 stars
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