Reviewed by Dan
TITLE: Ever After: A Gay Fairy Tale
AUTHOR: Riley Hart & Christina Lee
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 262 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2018
BLURB:
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 has 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, and Cassius has the needs of his family to consider. They’ve long known their stolen moments would have to come to an end, but are they ready to give up one another and the idea of a happily-ever-after?
REVIEW:
I’m going to go on a limb here and say that I liked this story a lot, but I didn’t totally love it. And I’ll explain.
The story, as you probably surmised, is a retelling of the Prince Charming / Peasant theme that has been told in many ways by many different people over the years. In this one, we have a Prince and his valet, in a story set in an alternate world with royalty and grand balls, but also with automobiles and trains. I enjoyed Prince Merrick and his valet, Cassius, but the odd world came across as quite flat. I never really got a good view in my head of anything.
The story progressed in a fairly predictable manner, and here is where I didn’t necessarily love it. It seemed to drag a little bit, if I’m honest. I also began to get a little irritated with each of the MCs when they were internalizing their doubts and wanting to protect each other. I kept reading and everything tied together exactly as I expected. But don’t get me wrong. I really liked the story. I liked the ending. I liked pretty much everything. And I’m willing to admit it might have been my mood today that caused it to drag. If you enjoy a fairly light-hearted story and the Cinderella/Prince Charming trope, you’ll probably love the story.
This is going to be a short review…because really…what else can I say? Man meets Prince and both are swept off their feet. The story every gay boy fantasized about when we were young! 😊
I recommend the story. Be prepared for sweetness overload. Oh, and one final note…the cover was phenomenal.
RATING: 
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