A Captive Prince Short Story (Captive Prince Short Stories Book 2)

Oh my God that short was amazing. It was all we wanted and more. Not only did we get closure on so much that happened and was never quite touched on, but we got the promise of their future together. It's crazy how much character development can be shown in a few pages but Pacat delivered. As always it was so well written and perfect that nothing bad can be said about it.

I was expecting more, but it was sadly lacking, just like Green for a Season. It was kind of choppy conversation wise, and I had to often go back to figure out who was saying what so it would make sense. Some conversations between Laurent and Damen were awkward as well. A lot of talk about the past that really didn't fit in with what was currently happening within the story. Why does Damen talk about being captured by his brother when his lover is washing him and taking care of him in the baths? It's a sensual moment, don't ruin it. Or when Damen brought Laurent to show him the statue of his mother. I thought it was adorable how Laurent spoke to the statue like he was actually talking to Damen's mother, telling it he would take care of Damen, she didn't need to worry, etc. Then abrupt switch... tell me about when you killed my brother Auguste. Um... huh? Thanks for ruining the cute moment Laurent.
I was hoping for more cute moments, and maybe them having some fun between the sheets, but even that one moment was quick and "eh."
It was more worth reading than Green for a Season, but still not up to expectations.

Omg finally. I don't know why it took me so long to finally get the strength to read this. I guess because once i did I knew I would want to reread the books for the millionth time... I love them so much and this is seriously something that needed to happen between them both. Finally we all feel closure.. oh my little heart... I need more.

While it's really good to be back in Laurent and Damen's world, I'm still grumpy about the fact that The Summer Palace is way too short. This book mainly focused on how our beloved couple is trying to work out on the heavy baggage between them and while that's good and all, I want more fan servicey stuff. MOARRR SEX!

Confession time: I kind of hate this new lovey-dovey, pliant, soft-spoken Laurent. It feels like his character did a complete 180 in zero time. For someone as rigid and controlled as him, I'd expect to see more than a little standoffishness even once he's in this semi-relationship with someone he trusts. I would rather see him struggle to become a trusting and loving person than for it to happen as it did--that is to say all at once.

I'm probably in the 1% here, but this earned 2 stars just because it was Captive Prince related and featured characters I like. Other than that, it was pretty dull. It was the epilogue that Kings Rising *needed*, and perhaps if it had been included with book 3 it would've felt better, but as it stands, paying $2 for something this one-dimensional is ridiculous. It didn't really add anything that hadn't already happened, it didn't really show a side of Laurent or Damen that hadn't already been explored, and it didn't hold my attention at all. It was basically slow-burn p*rn (and I hate to use that phrase because there was really no "burn" to it at all). I finished it because I paid for it, not because I particularly liked it.

I really hate writing negative reviews, especially when it's a series I loved as much as this one. I guess I was hoping for more development between Laurent and Damen rather than just more washing and having sex. But a spin off or a tie in should really hold some kind of value, even if minimal, to the story as a whole. This was more like a short, smutty fanfic. It doesn't impact the story, it doesn't shed light on anything or anyone, it was just fan service. (Which is fine, if you're into that thing. It just wasn't for me.)

‘Having made the decision to let Damen in, Laurent had not gone back on it. When the walls went up, it was with Damen inside them.’

THESE TWO. I can't get enough of them. I never will. And this short story was everything I love about them. Every word spoken between them, every word thought, every word that was unsaid, every action just slays me. I don't know how this author does it but she does.

‘He loved the way that Laurent kissed, as if Damen was the only person that he had ever kissed, or would ever want to.’

I love everything about Laurent and Damen. I loved that they're truly unique characters. They both are but when it comes to Laurent? There's truly no other him. I'm so fascinated with him, every single time. And together they're just perfection. Some couples will come close but not close enough, not nearly.

‘It’s been too long, I’ve forgotten how. Remind me.’

My heart was ready to burst from my chest and explode all over these pages. How does an author do that in so feww pages?? Laurent and Damen mixed with C.S. Pacat's writing takes my breath away.

A beautiful and sweet epilogue, that really should have been included at the end of book 3. It brings some answers and conclusions to loose ends from Kings Rising. But I also got to see the love between Laurent and Damen blossoming.

If you've read #1-3 you will have to read this one. Two kings, lovers in the summer garden.

That was good!! I loved reading about Laurent and Damen again. I just love how sweet they are together! It makes me happy that they are going to be together and have a palace together on the border of their lands. Great epilogue <3