He was so tired of feeling pain. Why couldn’t it stop? His first real dream, first real hope in years, and it was taken from him as surely as the stars were out of reach.

I definitely need to keep reading more Sheena Jolie. Their stories are so much fun and sweet. Once I start one of their books I literally can’t put it down until I’ve finished it. This book was a perfect blend of intriguing plot, sad backstory with a lonely character and a super sweet romance. Absolute catnip.

The MCs had amazing chemistry and every time they hugged and Elia hid his face in Merrick’s chest when he needed comfort, I just melted.

It’s low heat, but it was right for the story. The heat that was there was great, tho. I love it when the slow burn, casual intimacy and chemistry results in something romantic and hot. I’ll take one or two of those scenes over a book full of spice any day.

Highly recommend

“There’s no trap, sweet prince. I’d treat you with dignity and respect, and your needs would be my own.”

Side note: I’ve never read a book where a main character’s name has been misspelled so many times, lol. We had Elias, Elai, Elis and more. Impressive!

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Fantasy
Royalty
Empath (senses emotions)
Lonely MC
Virgin MC
First times
Single dad
Age gap
Widower
Size difference
Magic-born
Slow burn
Secret identity
Hurt/comfort

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
MC physically abused by family/court
MC emotionally and verbally abused by family/court
MC’s parent died in childbirth (past, off page, because of physical abuse)
Alcohol consumption
On-page assault/physical abuse of MC
Bullying and public humiliation of MC (on page)
Mentions of slavery
Bigotry towards MC and entire people
Severely injured MC
Mentions of death of MC’s wife (accident)
SC abusing alcohol
Mention of death of parent (past)
Homophobic SCs
Explicit sexual content

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Fantasy + romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 18 and 29
Kids’ age: 5 and 5
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 420
Happy ending: Yes


He gave up on having dreams when he was younger, though the ache of wanting something better still cropped up.

“If it’s in my power, let it be yours.” Elia was both terrified and thrilled at the next words that fell from his mouth in a near breathless whisper. “A kiss?”

And Elia could dream, since it was unlikely that he would ever be allowed happiness. A dream all the same, and he refused to look at Sir Merrick, knowing his heart would be in his eyes.