Erryn reviews ‘#Royal (Fever Falls Book 4)’ by Devon McCormack. The ebook was published July 13, 2019 and is 318 pages. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Michael Pauley, released on August 16, 2019 and is 8 hrs and 56 mins long.
Why I read this book: I’m loving this series.
Keegan:
Sightseeing, gay bars…and if I’m lucky, maybe a couple of random hookups. That’s the extent of my plans when I sign up for a European vacay with my buddies. I’ve never heard of this Parlaisa country – but hey – a cheap flight and two-star hotel are perfect for a poor college kid, right? And the trip turns out to be even better than I could have possibly imagined when I end up in a bar with some sexy masked guy’s tongue down my throat.
And damn…what a tongue.
Even with his face partially obscured, Sexy Masked Guy can’t hide those hypnotic steel blue eyes, his chiseled jawline, or the gun show he’s working with under that tight T-shirt. But after our kiss, he proves to be nothing more than a cocky, dismissive a-hole. As if that isn’t bad enough, flash forward – after one hell of a misunderstanding, I’m arrested by the Parlaisan royal guard and taken to a dungeon, where I learn that Sexy Masked Guy is actually Sexy Prince.
Prince Owen Hawthorne III.
Yes, I was kissing the Prince of Parlaisa!
Even worse, pics of us kissing are posted on the notorious Prince Watch blog. Prince Owen III has been unmasked by the paps, and we’ve both been outed. And here I had been planning to finally tell my family about my inclinations towards rainbows, glitter, and c–k as soon as I got back home to Fever Falls.
Seems like my vacation can’t get any wackier, but now, Prince Owen needs a favor – a fake relationship favor. All I have to do is pretend to be his boyfriend for a good cause and some cash that I could really use right about now. But do I really want to team up with a guy who’s been nothing but a prick to me in the short time that I’ve known him?
Of course, before I know it, I’m in too deep. Fortunately, Owen’s strict “no messing around” rule will keep this from getting out of control.
Even though I can’t stop thinking about how he knew exactly what he was doing with his tongue.
Even though he loves watching me prance around in my underwear.
Even though he can’t get enough of me on my knees, doing what I do best.
Dammit – did we already screw this up?
Talk about a #RoyalProblem.
#Royal is part of the Fever Falls series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
My review:
Can I just say how much I love Michael Pauley? Well, I do. I have a number of narrators whom I adore and Michael is one of them. Every book he narrates is a joy to listen to, no matter the story. But when the book is good as well? Kind of magic.
So now that I’ve fan-girled on Michael, I have to share some love for Devon McCormack. He and Riley Hart have created the world of Fever Falls and I’m loving it. This book is a continuation of the series. I’ve listened to all of the books and enjoyed them all. This one was no exception.
I met Keegan in book two and although he was young, he was definitely memorable. As Jace’s younger brother, he held his own and I was surprised when he formed an unlikely friendship with Serena who was Jace’s boyfriend’s mother. Confused? Well, let’s just say she’s older. But she has a young soul and Keegan has a warm heart.
In this book he finds himself traveling around Europe with two buddies. On a whim they decide to visit Parlaisa. There’s a festival going on and they guys jump in, putting on costumes and everything. At a bar later, Keegan sees the most amazingly beautiful man. And they kiss. A hot kiss. Turns out the guy’s a prince and that leads to a whole new set of complicated circumstances. Something about a lost princess, marriage equality rallies, being tased, and a dungeon. Once things are sorted, Keegan finds himself as the ‘fake’ boyfriend of the prince. Since he isn’t even out back home, it’s a bit much, but he’s willing. He tells himself he’s doing it for the right reasons. The fact he’s attracted to the prince doesn’t matter much because it’s all for show.
For Prince Owen, the stakes are much higher. He never saw himself as gay but when the opportunity arises to spend more time with the beguiling American, he’s all in. Maybe he’s bi? Whatever label applies, he’s granted more time with Keegan and he takes full advantage. Back in Fever Falls, away from the hoopla of palace life, the men are able to get to know each other better. There is a substantial age gap – Keegan is all of nineteen while the prince is in his early thirties. And miles of difference in experience as well. Keegan has been somewhat sheltered while Owen’s life has been spread across the newspapers for most of his life.
I did like that Prince Owen was a beginner when it came to dating men. It put him on a more even playing field with Keegan and the age gap wasn’t as big of a deal. Maybe it was just me, but I wasn’t always convinced the men really cared for each other. In the end they seemed happy so I guess it wasn’t an issue.
There was a lot going on in this book – from drag queens, to Autumn Festivals, coming out parties to King visits. I could see how the men were overwhelmed and why Owen believed it would be too much for Keegan to handle royal life. Keegan was strong, though, fighting for what he wanted. And, in the end, he got it.
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series and can’t wait for the next one. And since I’m quite sure it’ll be narrated by Michael Pauley, I know I’ll love it as well.
My rating:
10/10 Pots of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
Website | Facebook | Twitter: @devon_mccormack | Goodreads
Devon McCormack spends most of his time hiding in his lair, adventuring in paranormal worlds with his island of misfit characters. A good ole Southern boy, McCormack grew up in the Georgian suburbs with his two younger brothers and an older sister. At a very young age, he spun tales the old fashioned way, lying to anyone and everyone he encountered. He claimed he was an orphan. He claimed to be a king from another planet. He claimed to have supernatural powers. He has since harnessed this penchant for tall tales by crafting whole worlds where he can live out whatever fantasy he chooses.
A gay man himself, McCormack focuses on gay male characters, adding to the immense body of literature that chooses to represent and advocate gay men’s presence in media. His body of work ranges from erotica to young adult, so readers should check the synopses of his books before purchasing so that they know what they’re getting into.
Rainbow Gold Reviews 
Interesting twist. Thanks for the review!
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