The Ice Prince

by J.C. Owens

Honor. Trust. Exile. Will love overcome the lies?Raised in lies and isolation, denied all knowledge of his family, Aidan awakens one day to find the manor in a state of excitement. Two foreign generals have come for him. They claim he is their long lost prince, the sole survivor of a rebellion that killed the royal family and usurped the throne of Ceratas. And he, Aidan Telan Ameris, is being escorted home to be crowned king. Naive and submissive he might be, but stupid Aidan is not. Political machinations are something he has never been exposed to, but everything about his upbringing suddenly makes sense. The long hours studying books of history, the training with pistols and swords… He'd been groomed for this moment since his earliest memories. But he knows without a doubt that he's no prince. He's nothing but a pawn in a game he can't possibly understand. When their carriage is attacked en route to Ceratas, Aiden is taken prisoner by the leader of the rebel forces.General Torin Amaldis Greyan can't help but feel for the poor young man, even if he is the enemy. And soon the heat between them grows to something neither can ignore, something that burns much hotter than warfare. But nothing is simple in the struggle for Ceratas. There are those who wish to use Aidan to destroy both Torin and his country. When both of them are captured, used against each other to break their wills, Aidan and Torin must find the strength to trust each other in a way neither finds easy, if they're to save each other—and their country...Reader contains intense emotional elements and scenes of male male love. Reader discretion advised.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Military Fiction, Royalty, Historical, Gay

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2014

About the author

Also known as J.C. McGuire.

J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…

I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.

I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!

Reviews

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second re-read: 28.06.2021
I want a sequel for this book. Really. This one is not enough. I want more.
New Rating: 3.5 stars.

Re-read: 05.09.2019
I seriously don't regret re-reading this one. I really like J.C. Owens writing style, his character and his stories. I actually wish we had gotten a sequel for this one with the same characters as the main ones. That is when you know you've found a good author to follow. I'm thinking I'm about to re-read more of this author's books...... I wish Goodreads had half stars!

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I'm Really Liking This Author*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

The book centers around Prince of Ceratas, Aidan Telan Ameris (21?) and the leader of the rebel forces, General Torin Amaldis Greyan (how old?). Aiden is said to be the imposter prince and is to be used as a political gain for the invaders to claim the throne. Torin is the only one left of the royal line, and he and his army refuses to let the invaders win. When Torin meets Aiden he thinks him as the enemy, but that changes as they end up needing each other. Overall, it actually wasn't so bad.

Aidan did not care about watchers, or judgment, he threw his arms around Torin and nestled against his chest, tears rising.
“Thank you,” he whispered, choking up.
Torin’s hand carded through his long hair, fondness in the touch. “Thank me when we learn something. There has been nothing yet.”
“It is the intent I value. You actually care.” The wonder in his own voice was evident.
Torin’s arm wrapped tighter around him, hugging him closer to that tall, powerful body. “I need to let go of the past, but you, I think, need to find it. If I can do this for you, I will. I do care for you, Aidan, never doubt that.”
Aidan squeezed his eyes shut, wishing that the wonder of the moment could draw on forever.

After having such a success reading J.C. Owens's Dark Rain , I needed to give this a shot as well. Though I had originally shelved this one as a ‘checked won't read’ book as I don't like submissive characters, I didn't actually find Aiden all that submissive. I mean, he had some backbone, but he's been abused all his life so it's hard to stand up for himself when all he expects are a blow to his head. I liked his innocence, his bravery and intelligence. He might not believe in himself, but he's a good man with a great and kind heart who only wants to belong.

“If they come here,” Torin snarled, “they know they will have a battle, and they will damn well lose. They do not dare to meet me on my own ground, the cowards.” He raked fingers through his long black hair, tousling it into an artful mess.
Paulsten smiled, watching the tall, powerful figure. His friend was never anything less than beautiful, despite Torin’s complete lack of vanity. Perhaps it was that obliviousness that ensured that all around him found him desirable.
Even if he weren’t so highly ranked, if he weren’t the general of the scattered remains of the army of Ceratas, he would be pursued.
His temper was a bit of deterrent, however. That same temper could range between ice and fire, and Paulsten was one of the few who was not fazed by it.

Torin is a great leader who only gives and never takes. I love them together as each complimented the other. I actually wished we had gotten a sequel for Torin and Aiden. Would've been really interesting to see how their lives are now. I don't regret changing my mind about reading this one at all. I read it in one go, never once stopping. I'm finding that I'm really liking J.C. Owens stories, characters and writing. I'm definitely gonna continue reading more from this author!

Torin considered things, trying to push away the surging emotions that made thinking difficult.
“The truth of the matter is that the men who raised you invaded Ceratas, murdered the royal family, and have held the country under their brutal rule since. They are attempting to resurrect the royal family through you, to create a legitimate hold over the country to placate the people and ensure their compliance.”

Quotes From Book:

“I am bloody well aware of what I did wrong, but they had no orders to abuse him.” He drew in a shaky breath and his pacing stopped, hands clenching into fists as he faced his friend.
“We have to be more than them, Paulsten. We have to be better. With morals and sanity. Look what they have done to us. Look what they have done to our country, our king, the royal family…” He whirled away to the window, leaning on the sill with tension in every line of his body.
Paulsten remained silent, sadness in his eyes as he watched his friend. The grief was never far away for any of them, but for Torin, who had dared to love the crown prince, Amadan, it was fresh pain each time he thought of the royal family’s brutal murders, and the subsequent conquest of Ceratas.

Torin, as leader of the rebellion, was a natural target, and now he held the key for the invaders. The young man, Aidan, had been raised as a lie, supposedly a survivor of that royal massacre. They said he was the youngest prince, Aidan, who had been a mere six years old at the time. Those loyal to the crown, desperate, might even have fallen for the ruse if Torin had not fought against it.
There had been no survivors. The few supposed witnesses had said so. There was no proof that could ever convince Torin that this was anything more than the enemy’s maneuvering. Therefore he was convinced that this boy was a fake, a tool for the invaders to secure their grip upon a broken kingdom. The only possibility was that he was a by-blow, with just enough royal blood to have produced the rare hair coloring. The royal family was large, there had always been a bastard or two in the population. But to find one so perfectly matched… The chances had been incredibly slim.

“Well, you are in Ceratas now, and this is General Torin Amaldis Greyan, leader of our rebellion against the invaders. He is all that is left of the royal line.”
Torin tensed, but did not refute the statement. In truth, he was a distant cousin of the queen, but he had never made a fuss about the link. Others seemed more than ready to do such a thing for him, even Paulsten, who was sensible in most other ways.
He had never liked the information coming out, because it made his relationship with the prince seem almost…incestuous. Not that anyone had ever commented, so perhaps the distinction was in his own mind, more than in others’.

Other Characters:
→ General Heratis and General Nairat, the invaders. They are brothers. Torin snapped Nairat's neck at 41%. He had tried (did?) to rape Aiden; got a finger and his cock in before Torin stopped him? Aiden kills Heratis later in the book.
→ Jara, the eldest guardian of Aiden. Died at the attacked en route to Ceratas. Was working with Heratis and Nairat (not a spoiler as it happens really early). Cemas, Garath and Larmana, Aiden's other guardians.
→ Lord Paulsten, Torin’s best friend and companion.
→ Ryvas, the old man who governs the library with an iron hand.
→ Nyton, a farmer who supported Torin. His oldest son joined Torin's army.
→ Manley, captain of the watch (Torin's team).
→ Lord Cermun, friend of Torin.
→ Amadan, was the crown prince of Ceratas and Torin's lover. The royal family was brutally murdered almost fifteen years ago. Amadan had been held captured all those years and becomes King at the end of the book. He also claims Aiden as his long lost brother.

It had been almost fifteen years since the invasion. To loosen the stranglehold the invaders had upon Ceratas was going to take increasingly bold maneuvers. They had gained ground, yes, but they needed to start striking crippling blows, not just gnat bites.

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult?) Fantasy/Historical (?) Romance (M/M).
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? - No.
Cheating? - No.
Triggers? - Sexual assault, rape/rape attempt, violence.
HEA? - Yes.
Favorite character? - Torin Amaldis Greyan.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? -Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
New Rating - 3.5/3 stars.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars

Overall I did like this, but there were things that didn't really work for me. The beginning was rough and yes, I know I was supposed to be horrified. I liked Aiden a lot, but I felt there were some inconsistencies with his character and it bothered me.
I liked Torin, felt he had realistic reactions.
Paulsten was great. Would like to know what comes of Amadan
I like how most things unfolded I didn't care for the uh...aphrodisiac sex serum poison stuff, obviously, but I see how that played into everything...I was bothered by a WHOLE YEAR passing from when Aiden left to them finding him, though I must admit, I was pleased that he chose to disappear and serve the way he did
It got a little emotional there for a bit, and not in a way I enjoyed, but I liked the connection between the characters and I felt their appreciation for each other
Would read more from this author.

[Bogusia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting.

I will read anything by J.C. :D
Can't wait for her next book “Betrayal”

[Heather♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part I enjoyed the story, but thought it would be a little darker or more gritty considering the reader advisories. And even though the subject matter involved war, there was surprisingly little violence or torture of the prisoners (except for being drugged). The idea of Aidan returning as his country's long lost prince was intriguing but I think I would have liked a little more insight into what led up to this event, like the enemy invasion and murder of his family which happened 15 years earlier. I liked how it wasn't a case of insta-love when Aidan and Torin first met but Aidan just seemed a little too perfect at times when dealing with all the hostility that Torin and his people directed his way. There wasn't a lot of tension building up either because Aidan was always smoothing things over. Even the resolution with the enemy seemed a little too easy, but it did provide some nice drama between Aidan and Torin before they got their HEA. There was no doubt at the end that Aidan and Torin were blissfully happy and married, but I wish Aidan's brother Amadan would have had someone special too because I didn't really care for the way things were resolved between him and Torin. They had basically been together since they were teenagers and Amadan was the great love of Torin's life (which was no secret to anyone, including Aidan). It seemed like the only reason they weren't still together was because Amadan's head injury prevented him from remembering their relationship. But clearly Amadan was still very close to Torin and continued to get pieces of his memory back, so what if he eventually remembered everything and regretted letting Torin go? And was it not awkward at all that Torin was lovers with both brothers? Maybe that's just me *shrugs*

[Ayanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliche, trite, melodramatic. Wholly unendearing. The author is trying too hard. The characters practically scream "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO LIKE ME AND SYMPATHIZE AND EMPATHIZE."

Aidan's not in a place for healthy relationship-building. He's been secluded most of his life and seems very starved for affection. I think it might even be explicitly stated somewhere.

Torin, on the other hand, is consumed by his obsession. Plus, he used to be in a relationship with Aidan's brother? He's also got his obsession with his vengeance or something, and that...is not a great mental headspace.

The entire thing was just...*put upon sigh* *stares into camera like I'm on The Office* *purses lips a la Miranda Priestly* *rolls eyes a la Tony Stark* *sighs some more* *gestures wildly, searching for words* *settles on sighly deeply again*

Just...the relationship is really unhealthy. Really, really unhealthy. And the rest of it not much better. The characters are caricatures. All of them.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book ... much more than "Dalling" by this author. My only remark is that it should have been longer. Especially the ladt 2 to 3 chapters and the time frame they contain should have been more deta. So I feel a bit cheated.
Nevertheless I loved Aidan and Torun was sn interesting character as well.

[ᗰ.ᑕ. ❄️ O͎L͎D͎E͎R͎ ͎&͎ ͎W͎I͎S͎E͎R͎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2019 = 4 stars
2021 = 2 stars
(Rating lowered to 3-stars)

There's an interesting story here, but there's too much going on for such a short book. The plot is rushed, and as a result it was unrealistic & unsatisfactory.

Invaders have taken over the country of Ceratas. The entire royal family was said to have been killed, but no bodies were found.

General Torin leads the rebellion to regain the throne.
Aidan was raised by the invaders. He's told that he's the remaining survivor of the royal family. He lost his memory of who he is.

Torin thinks that Aidan is an imposter. He believes the witnesses who said that no one survived.

This is about: the fight against the invaders, the mystery of Aidan, and an event towards the end that has life changing consequences.

At 70% this book "jumped the shark." Which means the story reached a point of being OTT & ridiculous. It went downhill from there.

Warning: Spoilers below for the last 30%:
😡 Poor Aidan is treated horribly by Torin, the man he loves. Aidan is severely injured in the process of protecting T. He wakes up to learn that T is angry and wants nothing to do with him. Aidan recovers alone for the next 30 days. He is hurting both physically & emotionally. He thinks that T is back with an old love.

Aidan leaves and is gone for a whole year. He's found and brought back home. Two days before he arrives, Torin has a mental breakdown (b/c of what he endured during the invasion).

🤨 A year later, Torin has a breakdown. During a time of peace? Right before Aidan arrives?? Unbelievable. Shortly after Aidan's arrival, all is forgiven and they're back together. Ugh. 🙄

Torin is a shell of his former self (mentally & physically fragile). Thanks to Aidan's love, he slowly recovers and all ends well. 😬

⤵ While the story started out well, it slowly went downhill.
💔 The romance fell flat. I did not feel the love. Especially from Torin. He started off as an alpha, but then became a weak beta (typical for this author).

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

3.75 Stars

I liked this one well enough. The story was engaging and kept me reading till the end. I just think I was anticipating something a little more dark and brutal. There were moments of brutality but they were kind of tame IMO.

I loved Aidan and felt so very sorry for him throughout the book. The way he was brought up he never really fit in anywhere. He was a pawn that couldn’t be broken by his captures and his childhood was bleak.

When he met Torin and his crew he wasn’t trusted then either. His total check out and lack of self-preservation was sad to read. He really thought he was worthless. Eventually Torin and Paulston thawed as they got to know him a bit but the men in the army didn’t get a chance to see who he was and still treated him with contempt. When it counted Torin let him down and deserved to suffer. I’m glad Paulston took him to task for it. I liked seeing the growth Aidan made although I would have like to see him make some friends of his own

I did enjoy the ending even if I felt Aidan forgave Torin a bit easily.

[Rellik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Promising setting, but there were too many unbelievable moments in the story for me (completely sabotaged room but secret passage left undiscovered, villain who can't keep it in his pants had actually kept it in his pants for all the years Aidan was captured, many supposedly dead but actually alive individuals etc.). The emphasises on "ice prince" were completely random and forced, since Aidan was more often agitated and hardly ever aloof. This made reading the story seemed awkward, and the writing and grammatical mistakes also made the reading even less smooth.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what to say about this one. I really liked the first half, but wasn't as wowed with the second. The plot slows down a little too much for my personal tastes.

It was good I'd definitely recommend it to fans of this author.

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The way how J.C. Owens started that story and how story plot develops, true reading is annoying. If we had prologue reader would understand what is happening and why.

So, Author had good idea but how it was written it just bad.

[Adrienne -kocham czytać- · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not terribly special. I enjoyed it a lot and felt for each character, but I think there should have been more groveling/developing and transforming of internal issues between the couple, etc.

[Joanna Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - not my fave Owens but still enjoyable

[Lila · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliche.
But god-awful terrible cliche.

J.C. Owens has better books, so I don't recommend you start with this one.

[Hellga · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have been so much more, but it was simply okay.

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read: August 2020
rating: 4 stars
I enjoyed this book the second time around as much as I did the first time.

[SarahBeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The multiple low star reviews made me put off reading this for awhile.
I regret that. (Don't let others opinions sway you! lol)

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and ended up reading it all in one sitting.
Now with that said...
I did think the story was a little rushed.

I would have like to know more about the invasion, the royal families murder and to actually be with Aidan during his upbringing (even if in doing so revealed he was actually the prince) I feel it would of added more to the story.

So maybe a prequel should be done

Otherwise I really like this book and will definitely recommend it to my m/m circle.

[blub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not going to say I don't love this authors stories because I would be lying. This one was a bit dark but I know there will always usually be a happy ending and this one has all the things fans of this author would enjoy. Aidan is a sweet character with backbone. He's been in captivity his whole life and hasn't exactly been treated will and know he's been groom to be used as a pawn his whole life. No saving grace comes when a rebellion group attacks and takes Aidan, "the imposter prince" with them to interrogated. While his captivity started off harsh and he is among hostile individuals. Aidan is determined to prove to his worth.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. The pace was steady and the main characters were developed. Aidan does not know who he is only who he is told he should be. He cannot remember his childhood and obediently do as his guardians instruct him. But underneath that submissive behavior is an individual with inner strength and determination. Aidan meets Torrin who is suspicious of him and his origin. Torrin is set to prove that Aidan is not whom he claims to be. But these two are thrown together by the common enemy and Torrin gets an opportunity to see the true Aidan. I enjoyed this story!

[Juxian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, it was such a good story! How much you enjoy it probably depends on how much you like Aidan, and I liked him very much. He was beyond sweet and endearing and I fully sympathized with him. And ooh the beautiful angst! It hurt so deliciously to read some moments. But I still think Torin is a douchebag and didn't deserve to be forgiven that easily. I mean he wasn't just cruel to Aidan momentarily, he wanted Paulsten to kick Aidan out when Aidan was healing in his house for a month. What kind of scum would do that. It makes Aidan all the more endearing though.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, spellbinding, and...

... thrilling in its story telling of political intrigue, and the power of love.

The power of Aiden and Torin is played really well. The plot changes, hilarity helping to temper the solemn mission, only serves to drive how deep love is in its frightening intensity. J.C. Owens will have you fall in love with these men and their companions over and over again.

I'd love to see at least two more stories (or maybe more, don't be bashful, J.C. Owens!) to follow up for both Aiden and Torin, and the characters we saw help them.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needs a sequel! Both men needed to man-up, and eventually they did. Aidan, seemed stronger than Torin at times. Maybe a prequel, then a sequel? J C Owens is a 'go-to' author so...I'm not surprised I liked this.
Happy reading!

[Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me one day to read this. I couldn't put the book down. I hope there is a book 2. There is a character in the book that you have no-ideal why he acting the way he is. So hopefully there is a book 2 that can explain it.

[twistedkites · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I do like this author and have read several of her books but this has been my fave. A kind of spin on The Man In The Iron mask, it is very well told and very hot. Loved both main characters.

[TT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, so good! This author writes beautifully and draws you in, I was hooked and worried about Aiden but the author took good care of him. Great story, lots of intruige (the anticipating battle screne was ripe with nervous excitement) and a perfect ending. Loved this!

[Marsha Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Always enjoy JC Owens' writing. Looking forward to Betrayal...

[~RMG · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but I could have enjoyed a longer story. The bones were good. Why rush it?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was sooo good, highly recommend and don't worry, it has an awesome happy ending!

[Ayune01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first page hooked me hard. Cant put down and finished reading it at 1.36am. What a good plot and writting it was. I am happy!