Erryn reviews ‘Felix and the Prince’ (Forever Wilde Book 2) by Lucy Lennox. The ebook was published December 30, 2017, 316 pages. The audiobook was published January 26, 2018. It is narrated by Michael Pauley and runs 9 hrs and 7 mins. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I read the book when it came out and loved it. But the chance to listen with Michael Pauley narrating? Count me in.
FELIX
Things I expect to find at Gadleigh Castle:
– Rare stained glass, the subject of my dissertation.
– Peace and quiet, to finish said dissertation.
– An escape from the paparazzi swarming around my starlet mother’s latest blockbuster release.
Things I don’t expect to find:
– A hidden door leading to a secret room.
– The most gorgeous man I’ve ever set eyes on.
– Love.
LIO
Things I know are expected of me in life:
– That I will one day soon become the King of Liorland.
– I will marry a nice woman who will become queen.
– I will provide heirs to my family’s monarchy.
Reasons that might be difficult
– I’m gay.
– I’m falling in love with Felix Wilde.
– He has no idea I’m royal.
Book Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review:
I have leapt on every Lucy Lennox audiobook when they were released, consuming them almost immediately because Lucy Lennox + Michael Pauley = one awesome listen. With ‘Felix and the Prince’, however, the audio was to be released a month after the book, so I snapped up the novel, read it, and reviewed it here:
So why did I grab the audio? Well, Michael Pauley was one of the main reasons. He’s one of my favourite narrators. He is a performer and I feel even more connected to the characters than when I am just reading their story on paper, and that’s saying something, because Lucy’s storytelling is always so powerful. As with all the other audiobooks, Michael does a great job, including the accents for the inhabitants of Gadleigh Castle. The only thing (very small) is his accent for Lio. I think it was supposed to be aristocratic, but it wasn’t consistent. When Michael handles an emotional sex scene, though, who cares about a slight accent? Like I said, small.
Lio and Felix. I was so happy to hear their story again. Felix is going through a dry spell while Lio has never had someone special. Neither comes to Gadleigh Castle searching for anything other than isolation during a time of tumult. Not looking and yet so perfect for each other.
Felix’s self-esteem issues almost derail the relationship because he doesn’t see himself as beautiful. Lio, hiding the truth from Felix, fears their relationship is doomed because he can never come out of the closet.
When real life intrudes, my heart broke just a little bit. I knew it would work out, but I did wonder about the logistics of having a gay sovereign monarch. Lio was as special to me as Felix. He’s seen the world and the cruelty that exists. His experience volunteering in warn-torn countries has spurred him to help raise money as well as donate to worthy charities. This makes him empathetic to the suffering of others.
Felix’s childhood was filled with ups and downs. The story of how he came to love glass is poignant. I loved the intricacies of the glass-blowing process. That there is magic sand on the island adds to the enchantment of the small isle.
Real life intrudes, of course, and it’s up to these two stubborn but loving men to find their own happy ending. I love the secondary characters in the Wilde series as well as this book in particular. Lio’s valet who has served him for 20 years and his sister Hen are there not just to support him, but to knock sense into him a time or two. Felix has Grandpa and Doc. Their relationship was introduced in the first Wilde book and their interference in Felix’s life is again appreciated. We all deserve to have a Doc and Grandpa in our lives.
Oh, and real men do wear pink hats and underwear. Thank you Lucy and Michael.
My Rating:
10/10 Points of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
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Rainbow Gold Reviews 
Sounds like fun. Thanks for the review.
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