The Ever King

This was a delightfully engrossing read and one that once I feel into it I could not put down. This book has all the hallmarks that I long for in a Romantasy book and all done in an original way. Think of this combination Enemies to Lovers, Morally Grey MMC, Snark and Banter, Forced Proximity Possessive Lovers and did I mention Pirates, Fae, and Vikings? This is a unique story of a beautifully detailed world and lovers who do take that title seriously.

It is perfect for those who love pirate romantasy books. If you want a captain Jack sparrow then Eric is your man. I enjoyed it. But for me it just felt like they weren't on their sea voyage long enough, I love a adventure, that's why I didn't give it a 5 star.

This book is amazing!!! I have read The Broken Kingdoms books, which is basically the prequels to this series, and absolutely loved it, so I was excited to read the next gen with Erik Bloodsinger. I was not disappointed! (A note: You can read either series first. I like reading in publishing order.) Livia is the daughter of Valen and Elise Ferus, and is feeling a bit bored with her life, and as though she needs to expand her horizons. She meets a handsome stranger at a revel and sparks fly... But he turns out to be an enemy of the fae realm, who kidnaps her. I adored how she was a bit anxious at times, but also fierce and strong when she needed to be. She is smart, and kind, and not easily pushed around -- even by her kidnappers. Erik is the Ever King, who was tortured and emotionally abused when he was young, with magic that makes everyone fear him. He feels as though he is failing at being the king his people need... Then, the barrier that has kept him from going into the fae realm is removed, and he sees his chance. He is everything you want from a morally gray male lead, and more. He is gruff, snarky, protective, and also has a vulnerability with those he loves. The chemistry in all ways between Erik and Livia is fantastic! They have a bond from a time they interacted as children, but it goes so much deeper than that, and only continues to grow over the course of the story. The world-building is some of the absolute best I have ever read. You just really feel like you've been dropped into it! Each setting has a different vibe, and it is easy even without the map to get your bearings. LJ is also such a master at emotionally-deep and complex characters that it blows my mind. Not just with her mains, but every single character jumps off the page. Every supporting character, no matter how often you meet them, is one that you feel like you KNOW. The Found Family at its absolute peak. This was also my first time listening to Will Thorne narrate an audiobook, and it will not be my last. I will listen to any book if he is reading it to me! Lucy Rivers as Livia was also perfection. These two together (dual narrators, not duet) really worked well and made that chemistry on the page even more electric in audio. Now, I am off to find out what happened to Livia. I have a feeling this Ever Queen is going to become even more of a force to be reckoned with!! (and more Will Thorne and Lucy Rivers!!)