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Kings of Rittenhouse #5
Heartless King
Two blue lines. That means not pregnant, right? Right? Oh, sh*t.
Five years ago, Colm Frost asked me to marry him and I ran. I ran from my painful past too raw and fresh to escape. He was the only one who looked at me like I wasn’t broken and made me believe it. He made me feel it.
Now, he’s the hot, angry, hockey player on the mend.
I’m the physiotherapist who’s supposed to get him back on his feet.
I don’t think our night together was what his doctor prescribed, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t dreamt of him every time I close my eyes. I woke up beside him with my body still singing from the way he fanned the flames of my desire, but I couldn’t stay.
His lips on my neck. His hands wrapped around my waist. His impressive...ahem, touch leaving me breathless.
One moment of wild inhibition and it’s come back to bite me in the butt. Kind of like he did that night.
But a baby? Our night was supposed to be a one time thing, closing a door on the future I couldn’t handle.
Will this new bump in the road be everything we needed to find our forever?
Heartless King is a standalone friends to enemies to lovers, accidental pregnancy romance that brings all the laugh out loud, angsty feels!
Five years ago, Colm Frost asked me to marry him and I ran. I ran from my painful past too raw and fresh to escape. He was the only one who looked at me like I wasn’t broken and made me believe it. He made me feel it.
Now, he’s the hot, angry, hockey player on the mend.
I’m the physiotherapist who’s supposed to get him back on his feet.
I don’t think our night together was what his doctor prescribed, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t dreamt of him every time I close my eyes. I woke up beside him with my body still singing from the way he fanned the flames of my desire, but I couldn’t stay.
His lips on my neck. His hands wrapped around my waist. His impressive...ahem, touch leaving me breathless.
One moment of wild inhibition and it’s come back to bite me in the butt. Kind of like he did that night.
But a baby? Our night was supposed to be a one time thing, closing a door on the future I couldn’t handle.
Will this new bump in the road be everything we needed to find our forever?
Heartless King is a standalone friends to enemies to lovers, accidental pregnancy romance that brings all the laugh out loud, angsty feels!
356 pages, ebook
First published April 23, 2020
750 people are currently reading
9,396 people want to read
About the author
Maya Hughes
43 books6,268 followersMaya Hughes is an Amazon Top 20 author of swoon worthy, laugh out loud, and emotional new adult and contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 577 reviews
March 22, 2021
Where do I start?
First, raise your hands if you love a redeemable asshole. Be prepared to not be disappointed. I can't count the times I want to reach through my eReader to choke him. Colm went off the rails spectacularly. Before we get much further let's address the elephant in the stacks.
Standalone or Series? Okay although the book focus is on the main characters, those parts of the journey that you gifted by the author as we get to the end, a reader should experience. Yep, I insist. Be prepared - binge on these hot hockey players and the women who are their perfect half. Okay back to heartless.
See Colm does have a heart. Maya Hughes takes her time letting the readers, his friends, his sister, and the heroine to breakthrough. Colm basically has reached the end of being the problem solver. But he takes a spectacular way to exit that role. However, as he exits, he doesn't come out unscathed. Nursing an injury and now a one-night stand he can't forget - the hero just has trouble finding his way back. Enter the heroine to help with that.
And a plus sign on a pregnancy stick.
I couldn't have wished a better ending to the series. The story shows its more than just the family you are born with but the one you let in. Getting that connection with all the KoR players - their bromance - was awesome to read as it played out on the page. Once again, Ms. Hughes has gifted her readers with fabulous characters, witty and touching dialogue, and a brilliant love story.
If you haven't started the KoR series, get on and binge! Its what I love in sports romance.
First, raise your hands if you love a redeemable asshole. Be prepared to not be disappointed. I can't count the times I want to reach through my eReader to choke him. Colm went off the rails spectacularly. Before we get much further let's address the elephant in the stacks.
Standalone or Series? Okay although the book focus is on the main characters, those parts of the journey that you gifted by the author as we get to the end, a reader should experience. Yep, I insist. Be prepared - binge on these hot hockey players and the women who are their perfect half. Okay back to heartless.
See Colm does have a heart. Maya Hughes takes her time letting the readers, his friends, his sister, and the heroine to breakthrough. Colm basically has reached the end of being the problem solver. But he takes a spectacular way to exit that role. However, as he exits, he doesn't come out unscathed. Nursing an injury and now a one-night stand he can't forget - the hero just has trouble finding his way back. Enter the heroine to help with that.
And a plus sign on a pregnancy stick.
I couldn't have wished a better ending to the series. The story shows its more than just the family you are born with but the one you let in. Getting that connection with all the KoR players - their bromance - was awesome to read as it played out on the page. Once again, Ms. Hughes has gifted her readers with fabulous characters, witty and touching dialogue, and a brilliant love story.
If you haven't started the KoR series, get on and binge! Its what I love in sports romance.
April 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this one...way more than the previous book. I am not surprised though, because Colm has always been one of my faves in this series and I felt so bad for him in the last book. I am still not a big fan of Ford and Liv... sorry... I think they really did do Colm wrong.
Glad he found his own soulmate and found is hea. He is such dad material... now he can thrive again ;)
Glad he found his own soulmate and found is hea. He is such dad material... now he can thrive again ;)
April 26, 2020
4 STARS
Colm Frost. Oh you poor broken soul, you.
This book introduced an interesting dilemma for me. On the one hand, I absolutely hated Colm in the previous book as a secondary character. I'm talking HATED him. Like wanting to reach through the book and twist his nuts off sort of hate. Yeah. That serious. But on the other hand, I was desperate to know more about the man and what makes him tick. There had to be some serious hidden pain for him to lash out as he did, and boy was I right.
First of all, if you're planning to read this as a standalone; don't. Seriously. Yes, technically there's enough background given to be able to understand everything, but you'd also be missing a lot of overarching story arcs and background that the previous books paved the foundation for. Trust me on this. You'd enjoy this book so much more if you read it in order. And you'd also be able to understand Colm a whole lot better as well.
Reeling on the heels of finding out his sister went behind his back and set fire to all of their plans while also dating his teammate and best friend behind his back was the catalyst that set everything in motion. Colm was already a live wire of feeling, but this was the straw the broke the camel's back. He's tired of being the good guy. The reliable guy. The guy that gives up everything to do what's right and puts everyone first. But his new look on life is also one full of fiery self destruction fueled by anger and a pain kept hidden for years. Drowning his sorrows in alcohol and lost in a haze of partying and resentment, Colm may lose everything, including his spot on the team. His teammates and friends are desperate to help him, and the only solution they find is Imogen.
Imogen and Colm have a history dating back five years, but it's certainly not as simple as the blurb makes it seem. Imogen is still working through the pain of losing her fiancé. It's been over five years, but as much as everyone around her tries to get her to move on, she simply can't. The only man that seems to be the exception to the rule, is Colm, and he comes with issues of his own.
As a physiotherapist, Imogen offers to help him recover from his recent injury to get him back on the ice. But this is no simple relationship. There's a connection there that burns bright, but both Imogen and Colm seem to not be able to help self destruction.
Man, I loved and hated these two together. While Colm comes off as selfish and irrational in some of his anger at first, this book begins to peel back the layers, and soon you understand just how deep it goes. Imogen was the perfect salve to his tortured soul. But Imogen has issues of her own. Their chemistry was undeniable. I'm not usually a reader that goes for the surprise baby trope, but it seriously worked here. This was the perfect book to end the series with. And while there were parts of the story where I still wanted to strangle Colm and shake some sense into him, I grew to love him, faults and all by the end.
If you've read this series, you certainly won't want to miss the conclusion.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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Imogen was a dangerous element to introduce to my life. She made me feel whole when I wasn’t. She made me feel things were possible that weren’t. She made me want things I couldn’t have.
Colm Frost. Oh you poor broken soul, you.
This book introduced an interesting dilemma for me. On the one hand, I absolutely hated Colm in the previous book as a secondary character. I'm talking HATED him. Like wanting to reach through the book and twist his nuts off sort of hate. Yeah. That serious. But on the other hand, I was desperate to know more about the man and what makes him tick. There had to be some serious hidden pain for him to lash out as he did, and boy was I right.
First of all, if you're planning to read this as a standalone; don't. Seriously. Yes, technically there's enough background given to be able to understand everything, but you'd also be missing a lot of overarching story arcs and background that the previous books paved the foundation for. Trust me on this. You'd enjoy this book so much more if you read it in order. And you'd also be able to understand Colm a whole lot better as well.
Reeling on the heels of finding out his sister went behind his back and set fire to all of their plans while also dating his teammate and best friend behind his back was the catalyst that set everything in motion. Colm was already a live wire of feeling, but this was the straw the broke the camel's back. He's tired of being the good guy. The reliable guy. The guy that gives up everything to do what's right and puts everyone first. But his new look on life is also one full of fiery self destruction fueled by anger and a pain kept hidden for years. Drowning his sorrows in alcohol and lost in a haze of partying and resentment, Colm may lose everything, including his spot on the team. His teammates and friends are desperate to help him, and the only solution they find is Imogen.
Imogen and Colm have a history dating back five years, but it's certainly not as simple as the blurb makes it seem. Imogen is still working through the pain of losing her fiancé. It's been over five years, but as much as everyone around her tries to get her to move on, she simply can't. The only man that seems to be the exception to the rule, is Colm, and he comes with issues of his own.
As a physiotherapist, Imogen offers to help him recover from his recent injury to get him back on the ice. But this is no simple relationship. There's a connection there that burns bright, but both Imogen and Colm seem to not be able to help self destruction.
Man, I loved and hated these two together. While Colm comes off as selfish and irrational in some of his anger at first, this book begins to peel back the layers, and soon you understand just how deep it goes. Imogen was the perfect salve to his tortured soul. But Imogen has issues of her own. Their chemistry was undeniable. I'm not usually a reader that goes for the surprise baby trope, but it seriously worked here. This was the perfect book to end the series with. And while there were parts of the story where I still wanted to strangle Colm and shake some sense into him, I grew to love him, faults and all by the end.
If you've read this series, you certainly won't want to miss the conclusion.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 27, 2020
3.5*
”You can’t live your life afraid of what you might lose, because then you’ll never embrace everything you have to gain, and those are the memories that make it worth it.”
First and foremost I’m going to admit that I’ve only read one of the other Rittenhouse books, and with that factoid in the universe I can truthfully say that you do not need to read the others to understand the character dynamics in this one. Do I think it would improve your reading experience, yes, but it’s also not a requirement.
Colm is in a rough spot. Maya does an amazing job putting enough back story in to really explain his state of mind and also the state of mind his heroine is in. This is essentially a story about two people living lives they thought they were meant for, and not really doing the things they want now. Holding themselves back in pain and misery, just in two very different ways. Clearly I don’t want to ruin the heroine surprise, and I don’t want to ruin the whole reading experience, but I’ll say that this story is perfect for anyone who enjoys surprise pregnancy with a heavy back story for both characters. Also the broken hero being fixed up by the heroine trope is alive and well here too.
All in all this was a good read. I did have some instances where I wanted to shake the characters, but I still ended this one with a smile.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
”You can’t live your life afraid of what you might lose, because then you’ll never embrace everything you have to gain, and those are the memories that make it worth it.”
First and foremost I’m going to admit that I’ve only read one of the other Rittenhouse books, and with that factoid in the universe I can truthfully say that you do not need to read the others to understand the character dynamics in this one. Do I think it would improve your reading experience, yes, but it’s also not a requirement.
Colm is in a rough spot. Maya does an amazing job putting enough back story in to really explain his state of mind and also the state of mind his heroine is in. This is essentially a story about two people living lives they thought they were meant for, and not really doing the things they want now. Holding themselves back in pain and misery, just in two very different ways. Clearly I don’t want to ruin the heroine surprise, and I don’t want to ruin the whole reading experience, but I’ll say that this story is perfect for anyone who enjoys surprise pregnancy with a heavy back story for both characters. Also the broken hero being fixed up by the heroine trope is alive and well here too.
All in all this was a good read. I did have some instances where I wanted to shake the characters, but I still ended this one with a smile.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
April 23, 2020
This book is absolutely the perfect ending to the Kings. Of course we know with Maya Hughes that although it will be their last full book we will hear their names in the future.
The future is what this book is all about. The future Colm needs, the one he's been trying to deny himself since the night his parents died.
This book will run you threw the ringer of raw emotions. Of what lengths guilt, sadness, loneliness and pain will drive you too. All while reminding you what true family is that no matter how hard you push, how hurtful you are, true family and friendship will weather the storm and the hurt.
You'll get all the answers you need as well, will Colm play hockey, will he and Liv repair their bond, are he and Ford able to repair their friendship??? Will he find his happiness and be able to hold on to it. Well let me say you will not be disappointed at all when you read this book. I honestly can't express how completely happy and satisfied I feel by this book it truly is perfection.
ARC COPY
The future is what this book is all about. The future Colm needs, the one he's been trying to deny himself since the night his parents died.
This book will run you threw the ringer of raw emotions. Of what lengths guilt, sadness, loneliness and pain will drive you too. All while reminding you what true family is that no matter how hard you push, how hurtful you are, true family and friendship will weather the storm and the hurt.
You'll get all the answers you need as well, will Colm play hockey, will he and Liv repair their bond, are he and Ford able to repair their friendship??? Will he find his happiness and be able to hold on to it. Well let me say you will not be disappointed at all when you read this book. I honestly can't express how completely happy and satisfied I feel by this book it truly is perfection.
ARC COPY
April 25, 2020
"Even with everything I'd lost, the pain of that no longer overshadowed everything I did. It wasn't a reminder of how things could've been, but a reminder of how every moment going forward shouldn't be taken for granted and should be cherished."
Finally, the story of the last King is here.
If you've read the previous books, you know Colm's current state. He's angry and upset about everything that had happened. I think he has every right to be to feel that way (especially since these feelings have kind of been brewing for YEARS) BUT I do think he was taking it too far. He became so closed off that he doesn’t want to hear from his sister and his best friends and he definitely doesn’t want to forgive. Everytime the people close to him would reach out, his walls would be up.
Colm is at that point where he kinda gave up on rebuilding his life. Imogen has been down that road so she knows how it feels and knows how worse it could get from there. Because of that, she can see through the cracks and she knows Colm feels miserable and is in need of help. I do feel like Imogen was a little lost too. The past few years, she has been doing so much to help others, but what is she doing for herself?
To be honest I needed a little more push to be convinced with Colm and Imogen together right from the start just because I know from the previous books in the series about Imogen and Preston. Despite that, I do understand that the situations Colm and Imogen are in now would work. They both deserve a happy ending especially after what they went through, and they happen to find it with each other. Colm's situation calls for Imogen as the last resort to help him recover, and she doesn’t back down from helping him no matter how hard he pushes her away.
I have so much love the rest of the guys for not giving up on Colm even if he keeps pushing them away. I know Colm gets annoying (a lot, might I add) so that act is a true testament on how loyal the guys are to him. I'm going to miss this bunch! I hope they make appearances in Maya's future releases.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2020
Writing this review without spoilers is actually a little difficult BUT I’m going to do it because finding out the heroine is worth every smile!
I’m sure just like me this story is one of their most anticipated reads of the year. And boy was it worth every second of the wait. From the moment I saw the arc, I stopped all that I was doing to read, and didn’t stop until 318 in the morning.
We finally get to see into the mind of our broody sexy protective Colm. Your heart will race from the very first line “Tonight.” Hughes wastes no time in this story kicking it off with a bang. *winkface* The sexy times might be the sexiest yet in the series.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Kings of Rittenhouse book without the rest of the kings making an appearance which always makes me smile especially when they relive some of our favorite moments of the series throughout the book. I think that was done so well as we close this chapter of our lives.
I want to give this book more than 5 stars! Be prepared, it is going to take you on an emotional rollercoaster which is why at 3 in the morning I was hiding my face in a pillow to keep from my tears waking up my husband.
I think now it’s time to do a full reread of the series! Thank you Maya for giving us characters that we wish were our tribe full of kings and queens and now a second generation!
I’m sure just like me this story is one of their most anticipated reads of the year. And boy was it worth every second of the wait. From the moment I saw the arc, I stopped all that I was doing to read, and didn’t stop until 318 in the morning.
We finally get to see into the mind of our broody sexy protective Colm. Your heart will race from the very first line “Tonight.” Hughes wastes no time in this story kicking it off with a bang. *winkface* The sexy times might be the sexiest yet in the series.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Kings of Rittenhouse book without the rest of the kings making an appearance which always makes me smile especially when they relive some of our favorite moments of the series throughout the book. I think that was done so well as we close this chapter of our lives.
I want to give this book more than 5 stars! Be prepared, it is going to take you on an emotional rollercoaster which is why at 3 in the morning I was hiding my face in a pillow to keep from my tears waking up my husband.
I think now it’s time to do a full reread of the series! Thank you Maya for giving us characters that we wish were our tribe full of kings and queens and now a second generation!
April 21, 2020
Gah! Heartless King is another fantastic addition to the Kings of Rittenhouse series. I simply cannot get enough of these sexy hockey players and the charming girls who are their perfect match. This story was sweet, swoon worthy, steamy and an utterly endearing page-turner. From the very first chapter this book reeled me in and never once let me go.
Colm has always been the responsible one. When his parents passed away, he took on the task of raising his younger sister. But in order to give her the best possible life, he had to sacrifice so much of himself. So when some truths come to light, he is angry, feels betrayed and completely goes off the rails. On top of that, he is nursing an injury that has left him unable to play with his team. Enter Imogen. She is the physiotherapist hired to help him get back on track. Not only that, she just so happens to be the girl that he's crushed on for years. After a one-night stand and a positive pregnancy test, this is where things really heat up.
Heartless King is the perfect ending to an amazing series. Colm and Imogen were two broken people who found exactly what they needed in each others arms. It was a trying journey at times, but beautiful just the same. If you haven't started this series yet, then you need to go and one-click now. Each and every one of these books were steamy and packed with all the feels. Five stars for Colm, Imogen and Heartless Kings!
Colm has always been the responsible one. When his parents passed away, he took on the task of raising his younger sister. But in order to give her the best possible life, he had to sacrifice so much of himself. So when some truths come to light, he is angry, feels betrayed and completely goes off the rails. On top of that, he is nursing an injury that has left him unable to play with his team. Enter Imogen. She is the physiotherapist hired to help him get back on track. Not only that, she just so happens to be the girl that he's crushed on for years. After a one-night stand and a positive pregnancy test, this is where things really heat up.
Heartless King is the perfect ending to an amazing series. Colm and Imogen were two broken people who found exactly what they needed in each others arms. It was a trying journey at times, but beautiful just the same. If you haven't started this series yet, then you need to go and one-click now. Each and every one of these books were steamy and packed with all the feels. Five stars for Colm, Imogen and Heartless Kings!
April 23, 2020
The most perfect ending to a series favorite! I am not ready to let the Rittenhouse family go!!!
Colm is the guy that was responsible. Who stepped up when his parents died and raised his little sister. Now she’s all grown up, in love with his best friend and he’s struggling. Struggling with no longer being needed, with accepting his sister’s change in career, and ultimately with her loving his best friend. He’s lost and lonely. Colm is on a downward spiral.
Imogen has just been going through the motions of living. After losing her first love so tragically, she’s thrown herself into work. She’s self-sacrificing to a fault. She’s beautiful inside and out, but she’s chasing a ghost.
Imogen runs into Colm at a bar and sparks fly. They know one another because of their mutual friend group. He’s about to live out every fantasy he’s had about this girl.
I wish I could say it was smooth sailing for them, but misunderstandings and past hurt gets in the way. Both will need to move on from their pain to be able to live their future.
An emotionally charged romance that doesn’t shy away from pain or loss. These two characters will take you on their journey as they work through both. You’ll get your hockey hottie fix because your Rittenhouse favorites will make appearances. This crew became a real family overflowing with loyalty and unconditional love for one another. Everyone is living life and growing up. I love the evolution of this series and it’s characters. Always steamy and full of the feels! A great conclusion even though I’m sad to see it end.
Colm is the guy that was responsible. Who stepped up when his parents died and raised his little sister. Now she’s all grown up, in love with his best friend and he’s struggling. Struggling with no longer being needed, with accepting his sister’s change in career, and ultimately with her loving his best friend. He’s lost and lonely. Colm is on a downward spiral.
Imogen has just been going through the motions of living. After losing her first love so tragically, she’s thrown herself into work. She’s self-sacrificing to a fault. She’s beautiful inside and out, but she’s chasing a ghost.
Imogen runs into Colm at a bar and sparks fly. They know one another because of their mutual friend group. He’s about to live out every fantasy he’s had about this girl.
I wish I could say it was smooth sailing for them, but misunderstandings and past hurt gets in the way. Both will need to move on from their pain to be able to live their future.
An emotionally charged romance that doesn’t shy away from pain or loss. These two characters will take you on their journey as they work through both. You’ll get your hockey hottie fix because your Rittenhouse favorites will make appearances. This crew became a real family overflowing with loyalty and unconditional love for one another. Everyone is living life and growing up. I love the evolution of this series and it’s characters. Always steamy and full of the feels! A great conclusion even though I’m sad to see it end.
April 23, 2020
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Amazon US * Amazon UK
Heartless King is the fifth installment of Maya Hughes' Kings of Rittenhouse series. Colm is the last King to find love but it certainly isn't an easy thing to do since he's pushed all of his friends out of his life and is on a downward spiral. After reading the previous book, I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about Colm since I pretty much just wanted to slap him for being such a stubborn ass. But this book was able to change my mind about him and I ended up really enjoying getting to know the deeper parts of his character.
I may have ended up loving Colm but it wasn't an easy journey to get there. Which I actually really enjoyed and I was happy that it wasn't some sudden change in character for him. Instead he was still that same jerk in the beginning and the romance and feelings that helped get him back to his friends and sister had me captivated.
Overall, this was a brilliant story and a fun one to read. It can be read as a standalone and still enjoyed but I recommend reading the previous books first to get the true connection to these characters.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Heartless King is the fifth installment of Maya Hughes' Kings of Rittenhouse series. Colm is the last King to find love but it certainly isn't an easy thing to do since he's pushed all of his friends out of his life and is on a downward spiral. After reading the previous book, I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about Colm since I pretty much just wanted to slap him for being such a stubborn ass. But this book was able to change my mind about him and I ended up really enjoying getting to know the deeper parts of his character.
I may have ended up loving Colm but it wasn't an easy journey to get there. Which I actually really enjoyed and I was happy that it wasn't some sudden change in character for him. Instead he was still that same jerk in the beginning and the romance and feelings that helped get him back to his friends and sister had me captivated.
Overall, this was a brilliant story and a fun one to read. It can be read as a standalone and still enjoyed but I recommend reading the previous books first to get the true connection to these characters.
April 23, 2020
I very recently picked up the Kings of Ritterhouse series after I saw that this was being released and I was a little (majorly) obsessed. I binge read the first four and than had to wait to get my grabby hands on this one. And I didn't do it very patiently. But it was well worth the wait.
Colm has been one of my least favourite Kings. And to be fair he probably didn't deserve it but he was such an arse when it came to Ford and Luv. But seeing it all from his perspective made me appreciate how very much he had been through. By the middle of the book I was just so heartbroken for him.
Now I want to go on and on about how much I loved his Queen and how perfect these two were together. And how much this particular Queen deserved her HEA. However I double checked the blurb and if you haven't finished book four or you're reading this as a standalone you might not know who she is. So in the interest of being spoiler free I am just going to say SQUEEE.
This was a great conclusion to a very enjoyable series. The epilogue was perfect. And even better is that the whole series is on KU so they are a perfect binge read.
Colm has been one of my least favourite Kings. And to be fair he probably didn't deserve it but he was such an arse when it came to Ford and Luv. But seeing it all from his perspective made me appreciate how very much he had been through. By the middle of the book I was just so heartbroken for him.
Now I want to go on and on about how much I loved his Queen and how perfect these two were together. And how much this particular Queen deserved her HEA. However I double checked the blurb and if you haven't finished book four or you're reading this as a standalone you might not know who she is. So in the interest of being spoiler free I am just going to say SQUEEE.
This was a great conclusion to a very enjoyable series. The epilogue was perfect. And even better is that the whole series is on KU so they are a perfect binge read.
April 21, 2020
➳ Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars
The last king is here. This moment could not be more bittersweet. It's been a long time coming and I wanted Colm's story but boy oh boy I'm not ready to say goodbye to these 5 amazing men *cries*. They are what introduced me to Maya and made me fall in love with her words so they'll always be super special to me and I cannot believe this series is over oh my gosh. It makes me sad to think I won't get more of my kings.
Having said that this book was amazingg! I was so excited to get inside Colm's head and see what was going on there and damn he was going through so much my poor baby. I mean I still think he was being a jerk with his sister and Colm but with everything that was going on in his life, he had the right to be a jerk and break down for a while. My heart hurt for him and all that happened and he was still feeling responsible for.
From the blurb I was so curious about the proposal moment... boy there was plenty of history between these two that I had no idea about but it made so much sense, they made so much sense *sigh*. It's kind of impossible to write this review and not give the heroine away so if you want to read this book without knowing who she is, stop reading here.
This book was quite angsty and emotional. With everything Colm was going through, then the night he spent with Imo and how she left him and everything that came after... and also dealing with Imo and Preston gosh it was an emotional doozy at times. Having read this whole series and knowing exactly what happened before and how it affected these characters, it was even more emotional for me. I felt really bad for Imo too and how hanging out with the Kings made her feel, only Colm saw her as her own person. She already felt bad enough on her own and like she couldn't move on... seeing her struggle with it still and after all these years was hard but understandable, Preston had been her first love and losing him broke her.
Both Colm and Imogen were a little broken and even in the midst of all their messes and miscommunication, they made each other whole. They worked and were so darn cute. Their relationship was a bit of mess, there were a lot of set backs along the way but they worked through their issues and were ready to start their family and what an adorable one it was.
Heartless King made me all kinds of emotional. The Kings came full cirlce. Once again they proved each other than no one and nothing could break their family, they are always there for each other no matter what. Their friendship is such a beautiful thing. In this book they were all there for Colm no matter how much of a jerk he was being. They never gave up on him and helped him get back on his feet. It felt like the perfect way to end a series centered on this team that no matter what, through all the years, all the heartache, all the sucesses and failures stayed together, remained a tight knit family. I'm sad to see them go but so happy that I got to spend all this time with these amazing characters. They are a group I will never forget.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
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The last king is here. This moment could not be more bittersweet. It's been a long time coming and I wanted Colm's story but boy oh boy I'm not ready to say goodbye to these 5 amazing men *cries*. They are what introduced me to Maya and made me fall in love with her words so they'll always be super special to me and I cannot believe this series is over oh my gosh. It makes me sad to think I won't get more of my kings.
Having said that this book was amazingg! I was so excited to get inside Colm's head and see what was going on there and damn he was going through so much my poor baby. I mean I still think he was being a jerk with his sister and Colm but with everything that was going on in his life, he had the right to be a jerk and break down for a while. My heart hurt for him and all that happened and he was still feeling responsible for.
From the blurb I was so curious about the proposal moment... boy there was plenty of history between these two that I had no idea about but it made so much sense, they made so much sense *sigh*. It's kind of impossible to write this review and not give the heroine away so if you want to read this book without knowing who she is, stop reading here.
This book was quite angsty and emotional. With everything Colm was going through, then the night he spent with Imo and how she left him and everything that came after... and also dealing with Imo and Preston gosh it was an emotional doozy at times. Having read this whole series and knowing exactly what happened before and how it affected these characters, it was even more emotional for me. I felt really bad for Imo too and how hanging out with the Kings made her feel, only Colm saw her as her own person. She already felt bad enough on her own and like she couldn't move on... seeing her struggle with it still and after all these years was hard but understandable, Preston had been her first love and losing him broke her.
Both Colm and Imogen were a little broken and even in the midst of all their messes and miscommunication, they made each other whole. They worked and were so darn cute. Their relationship was a bit of mess, there were a lot of set backs along the way but they worked through their issues and were ready to start their family and what an adorable one it was.
Heartless King made me all kinds of emotional. The Kings came full cirlce. Once again they proved each other than no one and nothing could break their family, they are always there for each other no matter what. Their friendship is such a beautiful thing. In this book they were all there for Colm no matter how much of a jerk he was being. They never gave up on him and helped him get back on his feet. It felt like the perfect way to end a series centered on this team that no matter what, through all the years, all the heartache, all the sucesses and failures stayed together, remained a tight knit family. I'm sad to see them go but so happy that I got to spend all this time with these amazing characters. They are a group I will never forget.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
August 13, 2020
Colm and Imo
Holy hell this book was wonderful and sadly it is the last one of this series. Colm has raised his sister olive since his parents died in a car accident on the way to his Hockey game. Since then he has benefited and sad. Then he is hurt and Hockey looks like a distant memory. Imogene was in love with a guy who was killed in a car accident. Her life has been always helping others. One night she goes out with friends from work and there standing on a bar is Colm drunk . Imo goes over and helps him. Turns out she helps him more then he ever expected .
Holy hell this book was wonderful and sadly it is the last one of this series. Colm has raised his sister olive since his parents died in a car accident on the way to his Hockey game. Since then he has benefited and sad. Then he is hurt and Hockey looks like a distant memory. Imogene was in love with a guy who was killed in a car accident. Her life has been always helping others. One night she goes out with friends from work and there standing on a bar is Colm drunk . Imo goes over and helps him. Turns out she helps him more then he ever expected .
April 25, 2024
DNF 59%
I found this book extremely boring and dragged. Around chapter 24 they got to know Imogen is pregnant. And then I stopped.
Colm is a mess after finding out about Liv, his sister officially dating his best friend, who apparently slept with Colms ex fiancé and also stole some hot chick from him. This thing was reminded so maaaany times, like why are you still friends with the guy?
So he is at a bar getting shitfaced when Imogen notices him. She tries to ask him what the issue is but he refuses to tell her anything so she takes him home. Where they then end up having sex. When colm wakes up in the morning Imogen is gone.
Imogen hasn’t been in a serious relationship since her boyfriend died 5 years back. Only slept with two guys since then, including Colm.
Both the guys when she woke up she accidentally called them by her ex boyfriends name, in Colm’a case he was asleep so he didn’t notice the slip.
Anyway Colm gets pissed and thinks she gave him a pity fuck. He goes to practice where he sees his best friend, gets angry and punches him and somehow gets injured. I was skipping a lot okay? Sorry
I was waiting for the story to get interesting instead of the same things being repeated again. Colm repeating again and again about what a good brother he was, how much he sacrificed for his sister for her to leave her dream of becoming a doctor I guess for a guy.
Anyway 3 months after the one night stand, Colms friend beg Imogen to help him out because he is refusing to enter the ice rink. Imogen first tries her best to to refuse because of how she left things with Colm, but then ends up having no choice but to help him.
Then the next few chapters is of Colms physiotherapy and the same boring thoughts being repeated until chapter 24 where they get to know Imogen is pregnant. And then I stopped.
20 more chapters were left but I just couldn’t do it.
I found this book extremely boring and dragged. Around chapter 24 they got to know Imogen is pregnant. And then I stopped.
Colm is a mess after finding out about Liv, his sister officially dating his best friend, who apparently slept with Colms ex fiancé and also stole some hot chick from him. This thing was reminded so maaaany times, like why are you still friends with the guy?
So he is at a bar getting shitfaced when Imogen notices him. She tries to ask him what the issue is but he refuses to tell her anything so she takes him home. Where they then end up having sex. When colm wakes up in the morning Imogen is gone.
Imogen hasn’t been in a serious relationship since her boyfriend died 5 years back. Only slept with two guys since then, including Colm.
Both the guys when she woke up she accidentally called them by her ex boyfriends name, in Colm’a case he was asleep so he didn’t notice the slip.
Anyway Colm gets pissed and thinks she gave him a pity fuck. He goes to practice where he sees his best friend, gets angry and punches him and somehow gets injured. I was skipping a lot okay? Sorry
I was waiting for the story to get interesting instead of the same things being repeated again. Colm repeating again and again about what a good brother he was, how much he sacrificed for his sister for her to leave her dream of becoming a doctor I guess for a guy.
Anyway 3 months after the one night stand, Colms friend beg Imogen to help him out because he is refusing to enter the ice rink. Imogen first tries her best to to refuse because of how she left things with Colm, but then ends up having no choice but to help him.
Then the next few chapters is of Colms physiotherapy and the same boring thoughts being repeated until chapter 24 where they get to know Imogen is pregnant. And then I stopped.
20 more chapters were left but I just couldn’t do it.
May 15, 2020
This is a very belated review, but in all honesty, I simply avoided writing this one. I felt really disappointed while reading this one and when I finished it, so I didn't feel like writing my review right away, because I was very conflicted in how I should rate it and review it. At the moment, I think 3 stars is okay, granted I hadn't read all of the books in the series and I had some gaps, but it was easy to understand.
Now what can I say? I feel like I was robbed off my favorite trope in a way. I love surprise pregnancy/ single parent stories. I picked to read this one, because of that. I was waiting for that moment, but it basically didn't happen until after the second half of the book. I also considered the hero's attitude not the best one. Especially at some point , he acted in such an asshole way, that I wanted to punch him and to crawl on all four to get redemption. Maybe I'm overreacting, but that's how I felt.
I think this book is the last one of this series and I wish it was the best, but I have to admit that I liked others more. I'm sure it's a bittersweet story for others, but for me this had a great potential, but it felt flat to me. But I'm happy that this character we had met in the earlier books was the heroine of this one and she got her HEA.
Now what can I say? I feel like I was robbed off my favorite trope in a way. I love surprise pregnancy/ single parent stories. I picked to read this one, because of that. I was waiting for that moment, but it basically didn't happen until after the second half of the book. I also considered the hero's attitude not the best one. Especially at some point , he acted in such an asshole way, that I wanted to punch him and to crawl on all four to get redemption. Maybe I'm overreacting, but that's how I felt.
I think this book is the last one of this series and I wish it was the best, but I have to admit that I liked others more. I'm sure it's a bittersweet story for others, but for me this had a great potential, but it felt flat to me. But I'm happy that this character we had met in the earlier books was the heroine of this one and she got her HEA.
August 25, 2022
This book was not only a roller-coaster of emotions but also an amazing way to finish this series, I loved every moment of it.
If you don't know this book is about Colm, he's a character that has been appearing since the first book and right now after an injury and a hard healing process, he's dealing with his mental health, Colm is really in a bad place he's really depressed and unmotivated, and I think my favorite part of this was seeing him trying and proving to himself that he's worthy and that he has people who love and support him.
Imogen, on the other hand, is dealing with how people perceive and pity her for the death of her ex-boyfriend, she's also dealing with self-love and learning how to love again after something so horrible.
This book was really emotional for me I cried like two or three times, there's nothing more beautiful that see two broken people helping each other to heal and grow from that hard place.
ps: I love how this group of friends is a really big family and see all of them happy makes me feel amazing
If you don't know this book is about Colm, he's a character that has been appearing since the first book and right now after an injury and a hard healing process, he's dealing with his mental health, Colm is really in a bad place he's really depressed and unmotivated, and I think my favorite part of this was seeing him trying and proving to himself that he's worthy and that he has people who love and support him.
Imogen, on the other hand, is dealing with how people perceive and pity her for the death of her ex-boyfriend, she's also dealing with self-love and learning how to love again after something so horrible.
This book was really emotional for me I cried like two or three times, there's nothing more beautiful that see two broken people helping each other to heal and grow from that hard place.
ps: I love how this group of friends is a really big family and see all of them happy makes me feel amazing
April 20, 2020
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
This is the final book in the Kings of Rittenhouse series, however, it is only the second book I read from it. I am really picky when it comes to sports/contemporary romance. However, I was intrigued by the surprise pregnancy part and wanted to give this book a chance. It was an okay read for me. There were a couple of things that I didn't like, in particular Colm's behavior, he was very judgmental and acted childish in certain situations. I couldn't fully understand his reasoning at the beginning and that could be because I haven't known him as long as other readers who have read every book in this series. So I was glad that the author included a couple of flashbacks because those helped me a bit more in getting to know the characters better. Colm has been under pressure to act and be a certain way after the death of his parents. Always doing the responsible thing and not really living his life to the fullest. Imogen has been living in the past, and just surviving each day, and taking more on than she can handle.
Imogen she is a very caring and understanding heroine. She was determined to get Colm out of his funk and get him back to playing ice hockey. She has some stuff from the past she is dealing with, but I think she grew a lot in this book. Colm made a couple of rushed decisions and these scared Imogen off, which Colm interpreted wrong sometimes. Open communication, especially in the first half of the book would've been better. I enjoyed this couple more in the last half of the book, and I loved seeing them be more open to each other. Overall, I think this couple were right for each other, and it was nice seeing them happy together. They were two broken characters that helped each other heal and discover what they really want in life. I think readers who have read and been on this journey longer than I have will enjoy this book more than I did. But I still think it can be read as a stand-alone.
This is the final book in the Kings of Rittenhouse series, however, it is only the second book I read from it. I am really picky when it comes to sports/contemporary romance. However, I was intrigued by the surprise pregnancy part and wanted to give this book a chance. It was an okay read for me. There were a couple of things that I didn't like, in particular Colm's behavior, he was very judgmental and acted childish in certain situations. I couldn't fully understand his reasoning at the beginning and that could be because I haven't known him as long as other readers who have read every book in this series. So I was glad that the author included a couple of flashbacks because those helped me a bit more in getting to know the characters better. Colm has been under pressure to act and be a certain way after the death of his parents. Always doing the responsible thing and not really living his life to the fullest. Imogen has been living in the past, and just surviving each day, and taking more on than she can handle.
Imogen she is a very caring and understanding heroine. She was determined to get Colm out of his funk and get him back to playing ice hockey. She has some stuff from the past she is dealing with, but I think she grew a lot in this book. Colm made a couple of rushed decisions and these scared Imogen off, which Colm interpreted wrong sometimes. Open communication, especially in the first half of the book would've been better. I enjoyed this couple more in the last half of the book, and I loved seeing them be more open to each other. Overall, I think this couple were right for each other, and it was nice seeing them happy together. They were two broken characters that helped each other heal and discover what they really want in life. I think readers who have read and been on this journey longer than I have will enjoy this book more than I did. But I still think it can be read as a stand-alone.
April 22, 2020
“I silenced her with a kiss. All the sadness and hollowness melted away with the touch of her lips against mine. The tip of her nose was still cold, but I’d sure as hell warm her up. She looped her arms around my neck and held me close, like she never wanted me to let go, and I wouldn’t now that she’d shown me that our hearts sung the same tune.”
The perfect way to conclude the Kings of Rittenhouse series!
Colm’s book was a really good surprise and I enjoyed it a lot. First, I have to say that I was kind of indifferent towards him at the beginning of the series and then he really annoyed me in Fearless King because of how he reacted to Liv and Ford’s relationship. However, the several teasers and the mystery around Colm’s love interest made me really curious about the book and I was ready to finally have a true opinion on his character.
I think my favorite part of this book was that we got to know Colm better and understand his motives, his actions from the previous books and why he acted a certain way. He gradually accepted the help of his friends, he also moved on from his past while still making some dumb mistakes, but you clearly witnessed him evolving to become a better person. Heartless King is Colm’s redemption arc!
What I also really liked was the relationship between Colm and his love interest. They both have been through a lot in the past and in this book, they were here for each other and ready to do anything to get better and move forward with their life and relationship. I loved how they both waited to be 100% ready before committing to a true and strong relationship and be happy together.
One thing that slightly bothered me was the plot around the unexpected pregnancy. From the blurb, I thought it was going to happen towards the beginning of the book. However, Colm and his love interest learned the news much later in the book and there were not many details to it except them having sex and not using a condom at the beginning of the book.
Overall, I liked this book a lot, I loved both characters and their relationship and all the moments between the Kings and their significant others. I can’t wait to read the extended epilogue and hope there are some cute family moments.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
April 23, 2020
A nice way to end the series
This book is the long awaited conclusion to the Kings of Rittenhouse Series but I'm sure it won't be the last we see of these Kings and their Queens. Colm is the last of the Kings to find his HEA and I have to say that his Queen is who I had hoped it would be because she sooooooo deserved to have a happily ever after.
The time frame of this book overlaps two other books one in this series and one in another and it was great to see what was happening from Colm and his Queen's points of view. Have you noticed I keep referring to Colm's other half as his Queen and I am not giving you her name, there is a reason for that. I am sure if you read some of the reviews written someone will spill it but I don't want to be the one that spoils it for you.
You can read my full review along with an Excerpt here: bit.ly/NBReviewHK
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
Where you can find me: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
This book is the long awaited conclusion to the Kings of Rittenhouse Series but I'm sure it won't be the last we see of these Kings and their Queens. Colm is the last of the Kings to find his HEA and I have to say that his Queen is who I had hoped it would be because she sooooooo deserved to have a happily ever after.
The time frame of this book overlaps two other books one in this series and one in another and it was great to see what was happening from Colm and his Queen's points of view. Have you noticed I keep referring to Colm's other half as his Queen and I am not giving you her name, there is a reason for that. I am sure if you read some of the reviews written someone will spill it but I don't want to be the one that spoils it for you.
You can read my full review along with an Excerpt here: bit.ly/NBReviewHK
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**Where you can find me: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
April 23, 2020
Heartless King is another fantastic addition and the best ending to the Kings of Rittenhouse series. This was such a sweet, swoon worthy, steamy and endearing page turner. From the very first chapter, I was hooked into this story and it
never let me go.
Colm and Imogen were amazing together and I adored their snark, sass and banter, but it was their moments of vulnerability, their sharing of past hurts and learning to lean on one another which really touched me. The two go through so many highs and lows and I felt everything right there with them.
Although it is sad to see the end of this amazing series, Maya Hughes did an outstanding job with this book and my heart is full to the brim. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating and entertaining read and I am looking forward to reading whatever Maya releases next.
never let me go.
Colm and Imogen were amazing together and I adored their snark, sass and banter, but it was their moments of vulnerability, their sharing of past hurts and learning to lean on one another which really touched me. The two go through so many highs and lows and I felt everything right there with them.
Although it is sad to see the end of this amazing series, Maya Hughes did an outstanding job with this book and my heart is full to the brim. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating and entertaining read and I am looking forward to reading whatever Maya releases next.
April 21, 2020
"Do you want to be looking back at what you’ve lost, or moving toward what you can create?"
Starting this review is just SO hard. I had to take 2 days or so after reading the book because I had so many emotions inside of me that I thought I was just gonna cry while writing all of this.
This is one of the books I was the most excited about this year. Saying goodbye to the Kings is so hard, but Maya did not let us down in the last of this series.
Maya managed to bring so many good tropes and I was actually scared it was gonna get messy, because there was enemies to lovers, second chance, pregnancy trope... But in the end she did work those tropes so well, I was surprised at how good it all was.
Heartless King is about two people who lost so much and still managed to find happiness together. This is basically everything you need to know to start it. It carries such a beautiful message of growth and strenght that everyone should read this.
I think the biggest secret in here is who's the heroine. I was so happy when I saw her name, and even tho I won't reveal who she is here, I'll say this: I just love how strong that girl is. I love her.
I had a feeling Colm was going to be my favorite ever since I started the series. I don't know why, but his whole background story, the dad-brother thing, how he had to be responsible at such a young age and everything he went through made me want to get to know him better every time he showed up. I feel like I wasn't disappointed here. We got a side of him no one knew it, and everything I wanted was to give him all the happiness in the world (thankfully, Maya gave him that lol).
Colm messed up a lot during the whole Kings of Rittenhouse series. Some of us even hated him for a few moments, because he was being so annoying in those pages. But here, Colm talks about all his motives, and even if it doesn't excuse him, it makes you understand what was in his mind. I can't even count how many times I had to stop because I was crying too hard. Like I said, the book carries a HEAVY message of growth and pain and strenght, and the way both of them dealt with their pains was so different but they were both so strong. This was my favorite thing here.
Maya made me understand a character who was a jerk for a few seconds and made me love him. His redemption arc was everything we needed and more. I think I went from love-hate-love with him, and now he's probably my favorite hero in the whole series.
Other than that, I LOVED the little family moments. The Kings are one of my favorite group of family-friends of romance books, and the way they support each other is the most beautiful thing I could have asked. They're all so lucky to have each other, and to have the Queens.
The new side characters are SOOO good too. I felt like we NEED a book of a possible couple that showed up here. I can't wait to see Maya confirming that they belong together as well. And speaking of the new characters, I was super excited to see more of Bailey ever since she gave Colm a hard time in the previous books, and I LOVED her here.
To finish this long and confusing review, because I loved it SO much that it's hard to bring all my thoughts to the table, I need to say this: If you read this book, you won't regret it. You'll cry, you'll be annoyed, you'll laugh, you'll love them, but most of all, you'll learn a lot with this really strong couple.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
August 11, 2021
What a way to finish the series, definitely my FAVVV BOOK LIKE IT WAS SO GOOD. Imo is perfect, I have no words she is the definition of selflessness the way she always puts everyone’s well being first before hers ugh. Colm is super stubborn but also an amazing freaking guy and so protective over his loved ones. I’m just in awe with this whole book like I wish it was longer!!! I need more Imo and Colm right now. Really loved this series and the kings friendship.
May 7, 2021
This was the perfect ending to such an amazing series. All the characters have such a special place in my heart. Imogen and Colm went through so much and I am so glad they both got their happy ending!! READ THIS SERIES
April 23, 2020
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The day has finally arrived, it is time to meet the last member of the Kings of Rittenhouse. Everyone knows that I kept on theorizing about this book and what its plot and main characters would entail, I was right about some of it, but most of the book was filled by surprises. I have been waiting impatiently for Colm’s book and I really wanted this day to come, but at the same time it also a bittersweet moment as this is the end to a series. A series that has given me a be a beautiful bond between a tight group of friends.
Where should I start? Maybe by saying that I literally screamed when I opened the content page of the book and I saw who Colm’s love interest will be. My main theory has always been centred around Colm and Imogen being a thing, and I cannot express how happy I was about finding out that she was the one. Colm and Imo have been knowing each other for five years, after they share a magical and heartfelt moment on the beach, they don’t see each other again after these five years pass. When they do, Colm is in a vulnerable state, and Imo decides to spent the night with him in the city until she can take him home safely. But, their story doesn’t end there, their share a very passionate night on their build up attraction for each other and they don’t have contact with each other after three months, Imo coming to the rescue because Colm is once again struggling with his recovery.
My feelings for Colm have been always changing, at the beginning of the series I have to say that I was somehow indifferent to his presence, after he was presented in Fearless King, I was annoyed by the way he reacted towards Liv and Ford’s relationship and I started to root for his upcoming redemption in his own book. One of my favorite parts of the book was that we got to know Colm more in depth, the way he acted in certain situation and why he did so. He is in some way self-sabotaging himself throughout some moments in the book, he has this destructive way of doing things, performing a part so he doesn’t show his cracks, preferring to lash out on the ones near him instead of accepting their help. I liked how he took all that and started to be better, he started to redeem himself and he did so with the help of the kings, but also his love interest.
Imogen was in some way similar to Colm in the way that she was sometimes destructive towards herself too. She is also trying to play a part, contrary to Colm, she always wants to make everyone around her happy, not caring about how that might affect her. She’s so genuine and I couldn’t stop falling for her character. She has been dealing with so much and it hurt to see her struggling with the guilt that her own happiness was bringing her. I believe she is such a strong character, and I loved how she poured all that love and effort onto Colm, and later onto their relationship.
As I mentioned before, Colm and Imo already share this connection that has been ringing into their minds and bodies since that shared moment on the beach five years ago. The author portrayed their development really well in my opinion. Although after their passionate night they start their relationship as client and physiotherapist, we are clearly aware that they are destined to share their lives with one another. Their attraction to each other is not something new, as Imo herself has pointed out, they have been sharing little touches ever since their night at the beach. They were kind of an off and on couple since they kept on being together and apart through the book, but I believe their development was in some way related to their own characters and their hesitation at allowing themselves to be happy. That being said, I was wrecked all the same by their heart-warming moments, and their future as a family not only composed by them but also by their little one.
Special mention to the kings and how they were present along the book, rallying to get Colm to recover as fast as they could. I adored to see every one of the kings and their queens in this book, and it was a bittersweet moment to say goodbye to such a tight group of friends that in the end grew to be a big awesome family. I also liked how Maya introduced little hints of Fulton U, that is always appreciated. Last but not least, I wanted to say that this book had everything that I wished for and managed to surprise me at the same time, may I theorize about a Bailey book now?
The day has finally arrived, it is time to meet the last member of the Kings of Rittenhouse. Everyone knows that I kept on theorizing about this book and what its plot and main characters would entail, I was right about some of it, but most of the book was filled by surprises. I have been waiting impatiently for Colm’s book and I really wanted this day to come, but at the same time it also a bittersweet moment as this is the end to a series. A series that has given me a be a beautiful bond between a tight group of friends.
Where should I start? Maybe by saying that I literally screamed when I opened the content page of the book and I saw who Colm’s love interest will be. My main theory has always been centred around Colm and Imogen being a thing, and I cannot express how happy I was about finding out that she was the one. Colm and Imo have been knowing each other for five years, after they share a magical and heartfelt moment on the beach, they don’t see each other again after these five years pass. When they do, Colm is in a vulnerable state, and Imo decides to spent the night with him in the city until she can take him home safely. But, their story doesn’t end there, their share a very passionate night on their build up attraction for each other and they don’t have contact with each other after three months, Imo coming to the rescue because Colm is once again struggling with his recovery.
My feelings for Colm have been always changing, at the beginning of the series I have to say that I was somehow indifferent to his presence, after he was presented in Fearless King, I was annoyed by the way he reacted towards Liv and Ford’s relationship and I started to root for his upcoming redemption in his own book. One of my favorite parts of the book was that we got to know Colm more in depth, the way he acted in certain situation and why he did so. He is in some way self-sabotaging himself throughout some moments in the book, he has this destructive way of doing things, performing a part so he doesn’t show his cracks, preferring to lash out on the ones near him instead of accepting their help. I liked how he took all that and started to be better, he started to redeem himself and he did so with the help of the kings, but also his love interest.
Imogen was in some way similar to Colm in the way that she was sometimes destructive towards herself too. She is also trying to play a part, contrary to Colm, she always wants to make everyone around her happy, not caring about how that might affect her. She’s so genuine and I couldn’t stop falling for her character. She has been dealing with so much and it hurt to see her struggling with the guilt that her own happiness was bringing her. I believe she is such a strong character, and I loved how she poured all that love and effort onto Colm, and later onto their relationship.
As I mentioned before, Colm and Imo already share this connection that has been ringing into their minds and bodies since that shared moment on the beach five years ago. The author portrayed their development really well in my opinion. Although after their passionate night they start their relationship as client and physiotherapist, we are clearly aware that they are destined to share their lives with one another. Their attraction to each other is not something new, as Imo herself has pointed out, they have been sharing little touches ever since their night at the beach. They were kind of an off and on couple since they kept on being together and apart through the book, but I believe their development was in some way related to their own characters and their hesitation at allowing themselves to be happy. That being said, I was wrecked all the same by their heart-warming moments, and their future as a family not only composed by them but also by their little one.
Special mention to the kings and how they were present along the book, rallying to get Colm to recover as fast as they could. I adored to see every one of the kings and their queens in this book, and it was a bittersweet moment to say goodbye to such a tight group of friends that in the end grew to be a big awesome family. I also liked how Maya introduced little hints of Fulton U, that is always appreciated. Last but not least, I wanted to say that this book had everything that I wished for and managed to surprise me at the same time, may I theorize about a Bailey book now?
April 22, 2020
One emotionally drained asshole on a downward spiral, one lost woman living life for other people, enough baggage to fill an airplane, and over a dozen positive pregnancy tests. Buckle up for this ride, it's going to take you everywhere.
The final book in the Kings of Rittenhouse story is Colm's. He's the caring, responsible, overbearing big brother. The dad friend of the group always taking care of everyone else and looking out for them. But after an injury sidelines his hockey career and he's gripped with fear, he stops taking care of everyone - including himself.
In a desperate bid to get him back on track, the epic bromance known as the Kings pull out all the stops. One thing they need is a physiotherapist to whip him back into shape since he's scarred every other one away. And that's how Imogen ends up going toe to toe with him and challenging him to not only get back in shape, but to get his shit together.
It's lovely to see, to be honest. Nothing quite like seeing a sweet, caring woman with almost endless patience toss it out the window and bring down the hammer. Be still, my heart.
To say their relationship is unconventional would be an understatement. They go from awkward to a hot one night stand to reluctant partners in Colm's recovery to another one night stand and from there it spirals into an undefined collision of heat, tenderness, and emotional vulnerability. Imogen and Colm have an interesting history and seeing it unfold parallel to the present kept surprising me!
I would not say this is an angsty book, but it does have angst in there. More than the other Kings books, for sure, because the emotional state these two lovebirds are in is so visceral and devastating. Their relationship has its ups and downs and a lot of the complications stem from their emotional state. Witnessing them work through it will break your heart and give it whiplash. Colm is searching for direction and Imogen is adrift - the life she thought she had was torn away when he fiance Preston died about 5 years ago. She wants to move on but she feels guilty and is so busy putting everyone else before herself that she needs to slow down and figure out what life she wants now.
While originally Colm is the one being pushed into getting his life together, as he grows in strength, he is able to turn it back on Imo and push her to do the same. To figure out what kind of life she wants, to live in the present, and to have the guts to go for it. The way they bounced off of each other, taking turns being the one to step up and help when needed, made their relationship resonate with me. They were a team, taking turns stepping up to the mat for each other when needed.
These are two damaged people fitting their broken pieces together to find peace and healing in the others arms - it's a beautiful journey. My heart hurt for them and rejoiced in their triumph when they set the past behind them and found the courage to look toward the future!
*ARC review*
The final book in the Kings of Rittenhouse story is Colm's. He's the caring, responsible, overbearing big brother. The dad friend of the group always taking care of everyone else and looking out for them. But after an injury sidelines his hockey career and he's gripped with fear, he stops taking care of everyone - including himself.
In a desperate bid to get him back on track, the epic bromance known as the Kings pull out all the stops. One thing they need is a physiotherapist to whip him back into shape since he's scarred every other one away. And that's how Imogen ends up going toe to toe with him and challenging him to not only get back in shape, but to get his shit together.
It's lovely to see, to be honest. Nothing quite like seeing a sweet, caring woman with almost endless patience toss it out the window and bring down the hammer. Be still, my heart.
To say their relationship is unconventional would be an understatement. They go from awkward to a hot one night stand to reluctant partners in Colm's recovery to another one night stand and from there it spirals into an undefined collision of heat, tenderness, and emotional vulnerability. Imogen and Colm have an interesting history and seeing it unfold parallel to the present kept surprising me!
I would not say this is an angsty book, but it does have angst in there. More than the other Kings books, for sure, because the emotional state these two lovebirds are in is so visceral and devastating. Their relationship has its ups and downs and a lot of the complications stem from their emotional state. Witnessing them work through it will break your heart and give it whiplash. Colm is searching for direction and Imogen is adrift - the life she thought she had was torn away when he fiance Preston died about 5 years ago. She wants to move on but she feels guilty and is so busy putting everyone else before herself that she needs to slow down and figure out what life she wants now.
While originally Colm is the one being pushed into getting his life together, as he grows in strength, he is able to turn it back on Imo and push her to do the same. To figure out what kind of life she wants, to live in the present, and to have the guts to go for it. The way they bounced off of each other, taking turns being the one to step up and help when needed, made their relationship resonate with me. They were a team, taking turns stepping up to the mat for each other when needed.
These are two damaged people fitting their broken pieces together to find peace and healing in the others arms - it's a beautiful journey. My heart hurt for them and rejoiced in their triumph when they set the past behind them and found the courage to look toward the future!
*ARC review*
April 20, 2020
4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I can always count on Maya Hughes to deliver truly exceptional stories time and time again. I can now add this one to the list of her books that have swept me off my feet.
Heartless King is book five in the Kings of Rittenhouse series. Each of the books in this series can be read as standalones. I admit this is the first and only book from this series that I have read. That being said, I also admit that I was having trouble piecing things together at the start of the story. I was unfamiliar with the characters and situations from the previous books so a lot of things went over my head in the beginning. It all smoothes out and gets better eventually but it was a rough start in that respect.
One of the things that I have always loved about Hughes' books is her incredible storytelling. I don't know how she does it but her narration is always stunning. It is always smooth and flows naturally. I am always taken in by her writing style. The plot of this book was entertaining and emotional. The story absolutely captivated me. I couldn't put the book down to save my life.
I really admired and fell for these characters. Both of the main characters, Colm and Imogen, were hurting on the inside and dealing with personal traumas. They both were trying to come to terms with losses in their lives. In the end, they both have to decide how they want to live their lives. They have to try and overcome the things from their pasts and stop living in their pasts. Both of them had a lot of depth and fantastic character development. The secondary characters were also fantastic, once I was able to pin them all down. I did love seeing characters from the Fulton U series mentioned in the story.
The romance in the story was hot but it was also very emotional at times. Both Colm and Imogen are characters with bruised hearts that have been placed in each other's paths. They find something in each other that no one else can give them. In a sense, they help each other heal those bruises. The connection that they had felt very natural and undeniable. I did feel like Colm was a little clingy in his thoughts about Imogen at times. They aren't even really dating and he is checking out wedding rings at one point. In the end, I think that it was just part of his character.
Overall, this is a story that will ultimately put a smile on your face. It has a compelling plot, plenty of heat, wonderfully developed characters, and a writing style that begs to be read. I will definitely be going back to read all of the other books from this series and I can't wait to read what's next from this author!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I can always count on Maya Hughes to deliver truly exceptional stories time and time again. I can now add this one to the list of her books that have swept me off my feet.
Heartless King is book five in the Kings of Rittenhouse series. Each of the books in this series can be read as standalones. I admit this is the first and only book from this series that I have read. That being said, I also admit that I was having trouble piecing things together at the start of the story. I was unfamiliar with the characters and situations from the previous books so a lot of things went over my head in the beginning. It all smoothes out and gets better eventually but it was a rough start in that respect.
One of the things that I have always loved about Hughes' books is her incredible storytelling. I don't know how she does it but her narration is always stunning. It is always smooth and flows naturally. I am always taken in by her writing style. The plot of this book was entertaining and emotional. The story absolutely captivated me. I couldn't put the book down to save my life.
I really admired and fell for these characters. Both of the main characters, Colm and Imogen, were hurting on the inside and dealing with personal traumas. They both were trying to come to terms with losses in their lives. In the end, they both have to decide how they want to live their lives. They have to try and overcome the things from their pasts and stop living in their pasts. Both of them had a lot of depth and fantastic character development. The secondary characters were also fantastic, once I was able to pin them all down. I did love seeing characters from the Fulton U series mentioned in the story.
The romance in the story was hot but it was also very emotional at times. Both Colm and Imogen are characters with bruised hearts that have been placed in each other's paths. They find something in each other that no one else can give them. In a sense, they help each other heal those bruises. The connection that they had felt very natural and undeniable. I did feel like Colm was a little clingy in his thoughts about Imogen at times. They aren't even really dating and he is checking out wedding rings at one point. In the end, I think that it was just part of his character.
Overall, this is a story that will ultimately put a smile on your face. It has a compelling plot, plenty of heat, wonderfully developed characters, and a writing style that begs to be read. I will definitely be going back to read all of the other books from this series and I can't wait to read what's next from this author!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
April 29, 2021
Yes! This was literally the PERFECT finish to this series and I think out of all of them this one had to be my favorite.
It took me 2 days to start this one after finishing the book before it because of the hero. Colm is someone I loved and was just disappointed with before starting his own book. Imogen was literally such a strong heroine and damn does she go through a lot. She and Colm literally were perfect together and I fully believe that they are soulmates because of how great they are as a couple and even as friends. I think out of all the friends in this group they had it the hardest, but they get the happiest ending!
If you take anything from this review, do not do what I did and wait to start this one!
It took me 2 days to start this one after finishing the book before it because of the hero. Colm is someone I loved and was just disappointed with before starting his own book. Imogen was literally such a strong heroine and damn does she go through a lot. She and Colm literally were perfect together and I fully believe that they are soulmates because of how great they are as a couple and even as friends. I think out of all the friends in this group they had it the hardest, but they get the happiest ending!
If you take anything from this review, do not do what I did and wait to start this one!
April 20, 2020
I’m not crying, you are.
Ok. The final Rittenhouse couple. I am so sad to see this family go, but at the same time, I am so happy everyone got exactly what they needed.
This couple is no different from the others, in that they are clearly meant to be. Their hurdles are the defining difference.
They each have a lot to learn, with some extra difficulties thrown in.
What a bittersweet ending to an amazing series.
Ok. The final Rittenhouse couple. I am so sad to see this family go, but at the same time, I am so happy everyone got exactly what they needed.
This couple is no different from the others, in that they are clearly meant to be. Their hurdles are the defining difference.
They each have a lot to learn, with some extra difficulties thrown in.
What a bittersweet ending to an amazing series.
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