This book was the perfect escape from reality that I needed, which is a little strange since it is pretty brutal. But it essentially about sea faring pirates, so brutality is to be expected.

This is a perfect entry into the romantasy genre. There’s spicy and banter, a morally grey male main character (villain or hero - you decide)?

I loved learning about the Ever along with our female main character and wanting to learn more about the world, the history, and many of the side characters. This was a book that was easy to just keep reading and hard to put down.

But fair warning, if you read an enjoy this book, you’ll want to have The Ever Queen ready to start almost immediately!

4.75⭐️
I regret not reading this book soon because omg this book was so good. In one night was near half way done. If there is one thing I love is a misunderstood mmc who is obsessed with the fmc. Also love the magic dynamic. Nothing explicit happens until 45% so kinda of a slow burn 🌶️🌶️🌶️. Also loved the audio book with this. Need book 2 now.

You’ll need to book off a good chunk of time because you will not be able to put this down! It’s a spectacular spin off series, though it stands on its own I highly recommend you read the original broken kindgdoms as well for an even better understanding of this book. I can not wait for the Ever Queen to be released! Pirates and fae what else do I need to say?! This fantasy based love story will have you drawn in and never let you go. This re-release as a traditional published book is so gorgeous! Keep an eye out for the rest of this series coming soon!

Livia Ferus, a young Earth Fae princess, forms a friendship with the enemy, a captive Sea Fae prince named Erik Bloodsinger. In the future, after his release and banishment, their story takes an interesting turn due to unexpected accidents and a desire for retribution.

This adventurous tale is mesmerizing, featuring rich magical systems and an immersive world. With a revenge plot and lovable characters, you are quickly get drawn into a narrative that evokes the vibes of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and Vikings right from the start. Erik, who becomes the Ever King, is a morally grey character who undergoes significant development, transforming from a kind boy to an angry young man, and ultimately to a loving yet murderous mate. His backstory will have you rooting for the villain, and the cliffhanger will leave you eager for more from your favorites characters!

Romantasy at its best, The Ever King delivers a story that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Full of betrayal, political intrigue, drama, found family and a connection that has defied all odds, it’s no wonder I’m obsessed with this book.

Erik Bloodsinger, the Ever King, has one thing on his mind - vengeance against the Earth fae king who killed his father and stole his mantle. Nothing else matters if it means saving his people, not even the fragile childhood connection he once shared with the Earth king’s daughter Livia. Kidnapping her is the perfect solution, or so he thinks. What happens though when feelings enter the equation…..that’s for you to read and find out.

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏹🏹🏹

𝑬𝒓𝒊𝒌’𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒇 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒇𝒕, 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆. “𝑯𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆. 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.”

I am officially in my LJ Andrews Era. The magic system is so unique, the world is fascinating, the characters are incredible. I am obsessed with this world.

Erik Bloodsinger is one of the best morally grey characters I've ever read. He is truly willing to burn the world and be a villain to everyone but her, and I was eating it up. I'm basically obsessed with him.

“𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓,” 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒘, “𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒎𝒆.”

Livia is one of my favorite FMCs. This book really proves that sometimes "He can make me worse" is better than "I can fix him" 😏. I love her fire and how she grows into herself in this book.

The found family in this is absolutely epic and I cannot wait to see more of them as the series progresses. I especially loved Gavyn, Celine, and Sewell and I hope we get to see more of them!

“𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒖𝒔.” 𝑰 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒅. “𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑾𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.

3.75 out of 5 stars (rounded up) | I have heard such amazing things about The Ever King and the Ever Seas series as a whole so when I saw it was being traditionally published and I had the opportunity to ARC read it - I was so excited! Overall this book did not disappoint and I really enjoyed the unique and creative world.

I did struggle in the beginning slightly with understanding the dynamics of the world and the relationship between the Ever and the Earth Fae AND the relationship between the different Earth Fae worlds. I found myself rereading the beginning of the book many times. After finishing some book and doing some research, I did discover that this is a continuation of a world built in a previous L.J. Andrews series, and I do wish I would have started with that series first!

Taking that consideration out of it, I though this was a fantastic enemies to lovers/fated mates where you could feel the tension between the FMC and the MMC both negatively, positively, and even sexually which really added to the believability of their relationship ARC. I did rate this slightly lower as I feel the FMC switched her feelings on the situation and the MMC rather quickly and the negative tension could have been drawn out more for it to feel more realistic.

Thank you to the publisher for this early read. What a FUN story. Loved the world, the characters, and the story. Super excited for the second book. Cannot wait to find out what happens!!!

I absolutely loved this book! This was the second time around for me as I previously arc read the indie edition. I am thrilled it is being rereleased for a wider audience to find! The writing still takes my breath away, the tension is THICK (in the best way!) and I had more highlights than I knew what to do with. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t think about Erik and Livia. I adore this book so much!

I cannot deny how much of a pirate girlie I am.

Once you add in enemies to lovers, an incredibly hot slow-burn romance, detailed yet easy-to-digest world-building, other mythical species, and genuine nicknames??? I'm a goner. Time to hoist the sails because I'm getting on this dang pirate ship.

The writing is easy to follow without coming across as cliche or cheesy. The plot is exciting and keeps you on your feet. I was always on the edge of my seat for whatever was going to happen next.

The banter between Livia and Erik is >>> chef's kiss, perfection.

And the way Erik talks to Livia? How he encourages her even from the beginning when she hated his guts? He makes me SWOON.

"Hate me, curse me, I cared little, so long as I was the first thought of her day and the last of her night."

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I! LOVED! THIS!!!!

ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!! erik? that’s my MAN!!!! a morally grey icon who is obsessed to the max. i fear i loved him so bad. and i also adore my girl livia!! she is strong and badass but also soft and kind, the perfect combination to make her such an admirable and lovable character.

every character and plot point in this story was so intentionally written. i felt like L. J. andrews had everything thought out so far in advance and her story clicked so well that i was just continuously amazed by her brain.

one of my favorite things to read in books is the found family trope and it is done BEAUTIFULLY here!!! i loved seeing the characters find their people and the love they deserved.

also i’ve been a pirate girl my whole life so this was absolutely everything and more to me. i cannot wait to read book two, EEK!

🌶️🌶️.5

This book and series holds such a special place in my heart, so I am updating my review for one of the books that helped me get back into reading this year.

Thank you Netgalley and Ace/Berkley for an eARC of the updated traditional published version.

Even if you own the indie version, do not sleep on this re-release. The bonus content is something we all need in our lives! If you are familiar with L.J. Andrews work and are wondering if you need to read The Broken Kingdoms series first, the answer is no, but you should read it whenever you have time. The Ever Seas has become something I recommend to anyone who enjoys morally gray pirate kings and enemies to lovers that takes place in a breathtaking world anyone would want to visit or move to. The Ever King and the rest of The Ever Seas made me feel like I was healing right alongside the characters.

Once I started to enjoy it, I should have just bought book 2 The Ever Queen! I definitely have a bit of a bias because the FMC and I share the trait of always thinking about all the worst possible outcomes for every situation and a love for possessive men who would burn the world for us. This book is well written, the pace is on point, beautiful world building and interesting characters that I actually wanted to learn more about. While some twists had some definite foreshadowing, they still incited strong emotions within me. The spice was tasteful and while I personally would have loved about 50% more, I think it was the perfect amount for the average reader. This is not a book for everyone, but it is for most romantasy readers who can handle that bit of darkness that lives in us all. Do read the CWs and the author's warning about it ending on a cliffhanger!


🏴‍☠️Enemies To Lovers
🦴Forced Proximity
🏴‍☠️Villain Gets The Girl
🦴He Falls First
🏴‍☠️Touch Him Or Her and 💀
🦴Reluctant Fated Mates
🏴‍☠️Mental Health Rep
🦴Found Family

Ughhh I wanted to like this book so badly but it just was too all over the place and ham-handed. I love a good Booktok book but this one was a major disappointment :/ Livia is a princess of the earth fae, who ten years ago won a brutal war against the sea fae. On the first night of the festival celebrating the anniversary, she accidentally opens the Chasm, which has magically kept the sea fae at bay ever since her father killed the king of the sea fae. Now, the sea fae king's son Erik breaks through the Chasm, intent on seeking revenge. He steals Livia away and plans to wage war against her people, but of course, he falls for her.

This is billed as a dark, possessive romance, but to me it felt like Andrews couldn't decide if she wanted to commit to that all the way, and as a result nothing quite makes sense or works. Early in the book, Erik vows to wreak all sorts of brutality on Livia, and it wasn't like I was wanting that to happen or to have to read that, but he pretty much immediately abandons that and his characterization is so inconsistent. And I'm all for a character in a fantasy romance falling for her captor or an extremely problematic antihero, but here Livia's turn just gave me whiplash because it truly happened in the space of a chapter. It didn't help that Livia also unfortunately has no personality: I am loath to say that about a female protagonist because that accusation gets thrown around way too easily, but truly she doesn't have a single distinguishing personality trait. She careens from one extreme to another and it's just odd. And the world was interesting enough, but honestly I wanted more of it, and less of the hemming and hawing between Erik and Livia. Sadly, this was disappointing, but I might still read the next book, we'll see.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

I have heard so much about this book all over bookstagram and booktok and I am so happy to say that it definitely lived up to the hype. LJ gave us excellent world building, a suspenseful plot, a dreamy love story, and the building blocks of a great found family. We’ve got pirates, witches, and fae, and a whole host of fun characters that I can’t wait to see more of.

What to Expect:
-captive x captor
-hate to love
-touch her and die
-sexy pirates
-witches and fae
-morally grey MMC
-cliffhanger
-dual POV

The Ever Seas was full of dark, moody, and perfectly executed atmospheric vibes. It pulled me in from the very start and didn’t let go. I truly didn’t feel bored or anything less than 100% invested the whole time.

I loved the little flashbacks that we got to Livia’s and Erik’s first time meeting. It made the pay off of them getting together that much sweeter. For this reason, it didn’t feel like “true” enemies to lovers to me. Which is honestly fine because I didn’t enjoy the book any less because of it. But that descriptor doesn’t feel like it truly belongs here, in my opinion. Regardless, we definitely start off with some dislike-to-love vibes with a deliciously morally grey MMC. Erik Bloodsinger was just the right amount of unhinged mixed with just the right amount of simp when it comes to Livia.

I absolutely adored Erik and Livia together and love that they are both giving “I would burn the world down for you” energy. I can’t wait to see where this story takes them in the next book. There’s definitely a lot of potential for great found family, too, which is one of my favorite things!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the advanced copy of The Ever King!!

The Ever King completely swept me away! L.J. Andrews has a gift for creating darkly enchanting worlds, and this one was absolutely addictive. The mix of pirates, sirens, fae, and Vikings makes for such a vivid and unique fantasy setting, and the story had me hooked from page one.

Erik is the perfect scarred and brooding villain, and his ruthless thirst for revenge made his character so compelling. Pairing him with the innocent yet strong heroine created the kind of tension that keeps you glued to the pages. I loved watching their dynamic unfold the push and pull, the danger, the passion it was everything I could want in a dark fantasy romance.

The writing was immersive, the pacing never dragged, and the romance was the perfect balance of heartache and heat. If you’re looking for a story that blends high stakes fantasy with a villain-to-lovers romance, this book is a must read. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!

It's been a hot minute since I've read fantasy and I was immediately intrigued by the premise of the Ever King. I'll just say, L.J. Andrews did not disappoint!!

I was drawn into the world of faes. Earth and Water enemies for a long time. Erik and Livia have known each other since they were kids. They felt this strong bound towards the other and soon destiny would bring them back together!!

The Serpent and the Songbird loathed each other in the beginning. I liked watching how their feelings slowly developed. The pull they felt for each other was undeniable no matter how hard they tried to fight it.

Gah, let's not forget how Erik Bloodsinger sought revenge. He stole Livia from her people to get back at her father!

Get ready for a ride for the Ever Crew holds no prisons! I did not see this turn of events at the end!! I'll be starting book 2 as soon as I can!!

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS MY HEART IS IN MY STOMACH! This book!!! It had me completely captivated from the very first chapter and I adored every single minute of it! I can’t wait to start the second!

If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden was a wonderful sweet storyline set in the world of music/concerts. We meet Clemintine Clark, who has lived all her life in Cherry Grove, Texas. She spent most of her life taking care of her mother, who suffers from fibromyalgia, and working as a waitress in a diner. One day, her best friend Everly, is offered a job for 8 weeks being backups to an Irish folk singer-songwriter Thomas Halloran’s tour. When Everly is offered to open for one of pop music’s biggest acts, she calls Clementine to fill in on the Halloran tour for her. At first, Clementine doesn’t think that she can’t leave her mom, but her mom pushes her to go; especially with the eight-week gig would cover her mother’s medical expenses. Clementine agrees to go on the eight-week tour. She quickly becomes part of the tour band.

Halloran is an Irish enigmatic performer, who has become very popular: he is a bit introverted, as he keeps to himself in his suite, preferring solitude over partying and groupies. Halloran is thoughtful, soulful, and an artist who creates his own music because the music created by himself. Upon listening to Clementine’s voice, Halloran switches her to sing the song (If Not for My Baby) with her on stage. One late-night, Clementine will meet the real Halloran by the vending machine, and sparks ignite between them; with a slow passion that in time they cannot ignore.

Slowly Clementin begins to feel strongly for Tom, as she knew she was falling in love with him. Tom’s journey was inspiring as Clem allowing the opportunity to accept & fall in love. Tom understood many things about Clem, learning her insecurities, and worries about her mother. With the magic between them escalating, their relationship continued to grow, with the members of the band all discovering that Tom and Clem were together. I really loved the band, with Clementine becoming very close to them all. Indy, Molly and all the others were all terrific.

If Not For My Baby was a heartwarming, romantic, fun, great characters, and great story. It was wonderful being part of the music group, and the long hours, and the friendships. The relationship between Tom and Clem was beautiful, pure and sweet. If Not For My Baby was so very well written by Kate Golden. I suggest you read this wonderful book.

I seriously do not know why I waited so long to read this one!! If you haven't read it yet, this is your sign you need to.

Pirates, Sirens and Fae
Villian Gets The Girl
Touch Her And Die
Touch Him And Die
Reluctant Fated Mates
Forced Proximity

Erik Bloodsinger is my newest book boyfriend. Talk about a morally grey brooding MMC!!! I loved that Erik was not a perfect MMC and that Livia loved all of his scars.

I love Erik and Livia's banter!! She was just as snarky and I am here for it. Serpent and Songbird!!!!

thank you to LJ and Ace publishing for the e-arc

Genuinely one of the best fantasy books I've ever read, I am so beyond thrilled to continue the series. I am a huge Peter Pan fan (I've read the book fifteen times) so to see all of the little nods was so fun. it was such a unique story, like nothing I have ever read. the world building was stunning and had me captivated from the start. consider me the biggest fan.