By Irene Loukisa, @irinilou_born_to_read
"Happy endings can be caught, but they are difficult to hold on to. They are dreams that want to escape the night. They are treasure with wings. "
After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. Now that she's discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed.Jacks isn't the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him...
This is the enchanting and emotional sequel to Once Upon a Broken Heart, and it offers higher stakes, darker twists, and a more complicated romance than the first part of the story. From the very beginning, the story pulled me back into a whimsical yet dangerous fairy-tale world where nothing comes without a price. Evangeline Fox continues her journey, still driven by hope and love, but now forced to confront the consequences of the bargains she’s made. Her character grows noticeably in this book because she seems less naïve, more determined, yet still heartbreakingly optimistic.
I liked the way Jacks has evolved emotionally. That is he may be morally "gray" but he is captivating as ever and he shows emotions for Evangeline. Now, their relationship is filled with tension, ambiguity, and moments that blur the line between manipulation and genuine care. Also, my favorite part is their stay at the Hollow! But I can't reveal much about that without spoiling your fun.
If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings with a darker edge and romance that keeps you guessing it's the perfect fantasy series. I look forward to reading the thrird and final part.
The book has been first published by Flatiron Books for the USA, https://www.flatironbooks.com/ and by Hooder & Stoughton for the UK, https://www.hodder.co.uk/
Also, it has been translated into Greek by Caterina Dourida for Psychogios publishing house, https://www.psichogios.gr/en/h-mpalanta-toy-pote.html?srsltid=AfmBOorAZ-kxSMsfPb0Yhyxf5X4VL7PCh_yOcMJWr4ie-PzP7UNaEiTY