A review by jamieb_19
Royal Crush by E.M. Lindsey

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Why the fuck did I care what this man thought? Why did I suddenly want to cry and drop to my knees and beg him to teach me how to be good?

Aleric King is looking to resurrect his acting career after a disastrous fall from grace years earlier. He’s pinning his hopes on the new series he’s been cast in playing the second-born Prince of Caverna. He’s not expecting to have to deal with the Prince himself, who has been hired as a wheelchair consultant. Prince Camillo is surly and not at all thrilled that Aleric was cast in the role instead of a disabled actor. But as they spend more time together, they realize they understand one another more than anyone ever has. Aleric is just starting to regain his footing in an industry that’s historically been unforgiving. Will his career survive if it comes out that he’s fallen in love with the Prince?

I didn’t want to feel anything for him. But he was charming. Good-looking, sure, but there was something else about him. Something a little lonely and hurt and lost. It was too familiar.

I loved Aleric and Camillo! They were so good for each other. I loved how at first they didn’t like each other, and made that fact well known, and even as they started to understand each other better, they still kept up that combative banter. But then they became so sweet. They each had reasons why they never let people get close, but they developed a level of trust that was beautiful to see. They were so soft and caring with one another. I loved how healing their relationship was for both of them.

As you’d expect from an E.M. Lindsey novel, the disability rep was top tier. It was interesting and eye opening to see how Camillo navigated day-to-day life after his injuries. Aleric may have started off unintentionally ableist but I loved how he made the effort to learn what Camillo needed and what he didn’t.

There was a bit of angst and drama circling these guys, and my only gripe about the book was that I wish the big external conflict that was hinted at near the end had been fleshed out a little more. It is resolved, at least, but it was quick, and I would have liked to see more of how Aleric and Camillo formed a united front to face it. But overall, I really enjoyed this story and was happy to see these guys get their HEA!

I wanted to bend for him.
To break for him.
And only because I knew he would never try to break me.