FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Ever King
by L.J. AndrewsSeries: The Ever Seas #1
Published by Ace on August 5, 2025
SubGenres: Fantasy Romance
Format: eArc
Pages: 480
Source: the publisher via NetGalley
Audience: 18+/Adult
Add to Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
The first in the TikTok sensation Ever Seas series, now with bonus material!
They stole his crown. So he stole their daughter....
For years, Erik, the scarred king of the Ever Kingdom, has thought of nothing but vengeance against the man who killed his father and trapped him beneath the waves, making him a prisoner in his own realm.
Until his enemy’s daughter unintentionally breaks the chains on the Ever, and Erik makes her the unwitting pawn in his vicious game of revenge.
She’s innocent. He’s vicious. But he will take back what he lost, no matter the price.
Unless she steals his heart first.
The Ever King is the first book in L.J. Andrews’s The Ever Seas Series. This book is actually a rerelease, and I regret not picking up this book sooner. After enjoying Broken Souls and Bones earlier this year, I just knew I would love The Ever King. If you’re a longtime fan of Paranormal Romance like me, this book will appeal to you. I’m firmly in my Fantasy Romance/Romantasy Era, and I’m not leaving anytime soon.
One thing I enjoy is how an author can hook me right away, and L.J. Andrews does just that by starting her book with a bang. The immersive world, compelling characters, and vivid setting captured my attention. I was especially pleased that the story is told in Dual POV, letting me enjoy both the FMC’s and MMC’s POVs. The MMC stands out as a morally grey character, my favorite kind, because he’s willing to burn the world for the FMC, even though he shouldn’t have feelings for her because she’s his enemy’s daughter.
I loved both characters in this book for their qualities. Livia is a strong, fierce heroine who won’t take any crap from anyone, not even Erik Bloodsinger. Erik is an antihero with a story that will be heartbreaking to some readers. It was for me. No wonder he feels like a monster, given how he was raised and treated. Thankfully, Livia is there after he kidnaps her to remind him he’s her monster and she’ll take him as he is. Be prepared for tension and banter in the first half. Although the romance between them develops slowly, the pacing allows their connection and emotions to build, making each moment more rewarding. This slow-burn romance is worth it as their relationship unfolds layer by layer, especially once they realize what’s happening between them.
That said, the second half did slow down before picking up again at the end. There was a lot to digest and many characters to keep up with. I may have figured out the antagonist early, but it was still an enjoyable read, and I give this book four stars.
L.J. Andrews excels at worldbuilding and making readers fall for her characters, even the secondary ones. I’m eager to read the next in the series, especially after that shocking cliffhanger. I’m glad I was introduced to L.J. Andrews’ books earlier this year, thanks to Berkley/Ace, because now I need to read her whole backlist, especially since The Ever King is a spin-off of her Broken Kingdoms series.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Cliffhanger: Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you are looking for a Dark Fantasy Romance book to read this year, then check out The Ever King. It also has some amazing tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Captive Romance, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, and a morally grey hero that will be hard to forget.
What to Expect:
🖤Dark Fantasy Romance
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Touch Her And I’ll ☠️ You
Related Posts
My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
- ARC Review: ‘Daughter of the Wind’ by Nora Carmody - April 24, 2026
- RePost Review: ‘Archangel’s Legion’ by Nalini Singh - April 22, 2026
- Book Blitz + Giveaway: ‘A Tiny Little Favor’ by Peyton Banks - April 21, 2026