My first crush. My first heartbreak. My brother’s best friend.The butterflies in my stomach turned into full blown eagles the second our lips touched. A kiss under the stars that changed our relationship forever.After a lifetime of wishing, I stared up into Ford’s eyes with his fingers caressing my cheek and my heart racing.The evening ended with my heart bleeding on the ballroom floor.He … on the ballroom floor.
He destroyed my heart two years ago…but now he wants back in my life.
This time I won’t fall under his spell. I’ll resist his sexy, scruffy beard, and panty-melting smirk.
I thought I was over him. Hell, I fully planned to wave to him through my rearview mirror…but with one text, in the middle of the night, I know I’m in over my head.
Ford: I need you.
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Ford and Liv
The fourth book in the King series is here, and yes I’m behind the eightball because it’s been out for a little while already and I’m only getting to it now! But that said…..I loved Ford and Liv Obviously from the previous books we could see this relationship was bound to happen with the chemistry and connection this couple had, but the obstacles in both of their paths seem insurmountable at times
Ford and Colm being best friends and teammates is an obvious obstacle, with Liv off limits because she’s Colm’s sister. But the other obstacles were some I didn’t see coming and when all is said and done, I’m just happy when they got to be where they both wanted to be
I’m eagerly awaiting Colm’s story and looking forward to seeing how Imogen plays a role
Totally best book ever. Better than five stars. So much action and steam. Crazy good chemistry. Read this now.
This was a beautiful love story of forbidden romance with his best friend’s (Colm) little sister that was so well done by Maya Hughes; it was entertaining, but also was heartwarming and emotional. I am a sucker for forbidden love, and even more so when there’s an age gap between characters. Do I like it in real life? Maybe, but I LOVE it even more so in books. Ford is a professional hockey player for the Kings team. He has been best friends with Colm since high school, and Colm considered him like a brother to his sister Olivia (Liv). Live and Ford is drawn together like a proverbial moth to the flame and their sexual chemistry is palpable, reflected in every look, touch, and every word uttered between them. Their story is a beautiful one, but there are shadows which persist and grow alongside their love. Will they be able to survive? Will this tarnish his friendship with Colm? Maya Faye’s books are interesting with engrossing love stories, interesting plots, and artfully developed main characters. The storyline is fluid, and it will pique your interest.
WOW!!! Maya has taken a much used trope, finding love with a best friend’s little sister, and given it a whole new life.
Add a few more complications, such as Ford’s younger brother Grant having deep feelings for Liv also, and off you go into a fascinating, sweet and hot story.
I volunteered to review an arc of this book, but it was so good that I had to buy it. Now I am waiting impatiently for Liv’s brother, Colm’s, story. I can’t wait to read it.
This is only my second book by Maya Hughes, but she wiggled herself on my top shelf for books I HAVE to read. TOP author!!!
Fearless King is book 4 in the Kings of Rittenhouse Series. It can be read as a stand-alone with no knowledge of what has happened before in the other three books. There are snippets here and there which give you a clue. But I’d advise to read from the beginning.
Ford is a 26 year old pro hockey player, and secretly in love with his best friends little sister. Liv, 20 years. They know each other for more than 10 years now, and Liv always has a crush on Ford.
There comes a time with a lot of miscommunication, bad timing, hurt feelings, too much pressure.
After only 20% into this book I was hurting inside so much. I was feeling all these feelings from the book. Maya Hughes is having a way with words, she grips you from the first to the last page. Unbelievable good.
This series is about a great group of friends, and I can’t wait to catch up with all of them!
The ending is having me sitting on edge, waiting for the next book to come out!!!
I kindly received an arc for an honest review
{I received this as an ARC in exchange for an Honest review}
I have been waiting for Ford and Liv’s book since I read “Ruthless King” and I am so Happy it is finally here!! Oh my Gosh!! This book was so amazing!! I LOVE Ford and Liv so much!!! The passion and chemistry these two share could start a fire. Oh my goodness watching these two fall for each other was incredible. Ford is the sweetest guy ever. I am seriously so in love with him. He fights between what he thinks is the right thing (staying away from his best friends little sister) and following his heart which always leads him straight to Liv. Liv is incredible. She works so freaking hard. She is just a regular collage student trying to figure out the right path for her. Her forever crush on Ford only grows when he finally makes his way back into her life. I love how their relationship starts and progresses!!! They literally feel like best friends turned lovers! Ford and Liv are just wonderful. This story was incredible!!!! I am so in Love!!!! It has the angst that you want in a forbidden Romance. It is Hot as Hell and the way they fall in love is so beautiful!! You definitely need to read Ford and Liv’s story!!!!
P.S. We get an Awesome Cameo from characters in Maya’s “Fulton U” Series which I am completely obsessed with!! Seeing Marisa and LJ just got me even more excited for more books in that series!
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
WHOOP!! Finally, it is Ford’s turn!!! Fearless King is the fourth book in the Kings of Rittenhouse Series by Maya Hughes. This can be read as a standalone but it is so much more enjoyable to be read the series in order.
This brothers-best-friends story nails it on the head. Drama, emotion, and family in unexpected ways. Not to mention the other little things that happen that pull you in and leave you wanting more.
The connection that is drawn between Ford and Liv just jumps off the pages. You can feel the chemistry while reading. So well written that I forgot everything around me for a while.
Liv always had a crush on her brothers best friend Ford. But trying to live up to the expectations of others can come at a price. A single kiss that alters their path turns into a night of heartbreak. Time is a funny thing and sometimes we see things that are not as they happened. Liv tries her best to fight her attraction to Ford for the best of everyone. What happens when the pull is greater than the push?
Let me tell you I just can’t wait for the next one!!! The build-up for book seven has me on pins and needles and filled with excitement.
Enjoyable, hot story!
“This guy isn’t hot, he’s more like…raw and primal. The sexiest guy I’ve ever met.”
Elizabeth AKA Lizzy Banks is desperate to impress her impossible father. In her desperation, she decides on a crazy plan to play Pygmalion on a guy who’s the opposite of anyone she’s ever known…but is the most compelling man she’s ever met. When she turns this sow’s ear into a stunning silk purse, she finds herself confused, turned on, and falling hard.
“I need her to fall FOR ME. I need her to know that she’s mine.”
James AKA Jimmy Rowan would do anything for a bet. He’s keen to overcome his circumstances and give his younger brother a life without hardship or fear. When the beautiful Elizabeth comes into his orbit, he’s hooked by her looks, but also by her lucrative proposal. When his sexual attraction develops into something deeper, he wonders if he’s worthy enough to fit in her world.
“I’ve fallen in love with my own creation. I polished a diamond, and now it’s flawless. But it’s not mine to keep.”
I really enjoyed this story! It was SUPER SEXY! I loved the instant chemistry between the main characters – there was no denying how fiery they were together. I loved how Jimmy brought out the naughty girl in Lizzy, and also made her feel comfortable and able to be her true self with him. I loved how Elizabeth brought out the finer James, and also his desire to be more than the sum of his parts. I also loved how much she actually appreciated the man who always was – she didn’t like to think that she’d changed him…she’d just improved him.
“Lizzy inspired me. She inspired me right out of Tim’s Bar, because I had a feeling about her.”
James/Jimmy is a solid guy. He’s is certainly a diamond in the rough. His morals may be a little loose but underneath it all, his heart is in the right place, and he does the crazy things he does for an admirable reason. Elizabeth/Lizzy is a girl crying out for her father’s love and attention, and going about it all in the wrong way. She’s found it hard to do anything but obey her father, and it took a lot for her to finally stand up to him.
Overall, an enjoyable, sexy, easy read.
Maya Hughes never disappoints and she has delivered Fearless King with eloquence and heart. Ford and Colm are teammates for the Philadelphia Flyers. They’ve played together since their days at Rittenhouse High and have remained the best of friends. Colm’s baby sister, Olivia, has crushed on Ford from the beginning and it grew to be much more over time. Ford doesn’t want to be involved with her if, for no other reason, than it could hurt his friendship with Colm. But Liv doesn’t stay away and, eventually, she and Ford had a night to remember…. and quickly forget. Misunderstandings have a way of derailing happiness and theirs went terribly wrong. That kiss, however, would never be forgotten. Olivia is almost 21 and a medical student, even though her heart isn’t in it. She realizes that it’s not her dream, it was her parents’ and her brother’s dream for her. Her first love is dancing because it allows her to fly and gives her a certain amount of freedom. She is becoming her own woman with a beautiful spirit and dreams of her own. After about a year and a half, Ford is back in her life with more than just a momentary interest. Their busy schedules and obligations get in the way, but there’s nothing that can keep these two apart. The reawakening of their relationship is a slow burn and feels so right. When they do open themselves up to one another, it’s pure combustion! To see them now, you’d never know how much they had to endure to find their happy ending. I had a smile on my face, long after turning the last page!
It’s always so hard trying to decide which King I like best. Ford and Liv story gave me more than I expected.
What happens when you fall for your best friend’s little sister? The same girl your little brother has crushed on forever.
Ford is the strong silent type who takes everything to heart. He believes he made a huge mistake telling his mom about his dad years ago and since then isolation and secrets are his thing.
Liv is living in the shadow of her deceased parents, with a brother who wants to control her every move. What happens when her crush becomes a reality? Can she hurt her brother and her childhood best friend to go for the one she loves? And then there’s med school.
As Ford and Liv battle their feelings for each other and the complications of their lives can they get their HEA?
This story runs true to life in a lot of ways and as a reader you’ll see everyone’s side you the situation, but you’ll still root for Ford and Liv.
Can’t wait for Colm’s book.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
Just when you thought this series could not get any better, Maya Hughes proves me wrong…again. I absolutely loved Fearless King ((Kings of Rittenhouse, book 4). Maya Hughes had me at, “I could still taste her on my lips.” Yep, from the very first line. You just knew that Ford and Olivia’s (AKA Liv) story was going to be bloody fantastic. You get little snippets from Kings of Rittenhouse books 1-2, but in book 3 (Ruthless King) you get a big tease of what Fearless King has in store for us.
I will do my best to review without spoilers. Fearless King is the story of Ford and Liv. Liv has had a crush on Ford since she was a little girl. Liv is also Colm’s sister (Colm is also a King), and Ford is determined not to cross that line. He and Colm have a strained relationship as it is, and you will learn the reasons why throughout the book, so you just have to appreciate Ford trying his best to resist Liv…except, there is the kiss they shared at Mak and Declan’s wedding. One they both cannot forget. They were to meet in the garden area where they could be alone and no one from the wedding would see them, but things go so terribly wrong from there. Words are said and misunderstood, and Liv’s memory of the epic kiss has taken a back seat to what Ford said to her and the scene that played out before her. Fast forward a year-and-a-half and neither Ford nor Liv have spoken to each other. That is pretty much all I am saying about the story line. There is so much in play here, but not in a confusing way. This is such a beautifully told story of two people who truly love each other, but are trying desperately to do the right thing. My heart broke for these two, especially Liv, who is trying and failing to fit into a future that was planned out with her parents who are deceased. Ford and Liv’s timing always seems to be off. There are so many obstacles in front of them. You have Ford’s reputation as a womanizer, Liv’s overbearing and controlling brother (Colm), Ford’s little brother (Grant), add in medical school, and Liv’s passion for dance, Ford’s strained relationship with Colm, and that is just a hint at what they have to overcome. There is angst, sadness, and let’s not leave out the SEX!! Holy cow, these two bring a whole new meaning to phone sex and in the bedroom…these two are so damn HOT!!! Only Maya Hughes can deliver a story like this to us. I know every time I read anything written by Maya Hughes it is going to be unforgettable. Her character development is fantastic. You know who the characters are and their places in the story by the middle or end of chapter one, which I appreciate so much. I hate reading a book and there is a character added in the middle, and you are scratching your head trying to figure out where they came from and why they were even added. I highly recommend Fearless King. It is a standalone, but you really should read each book in the series because the characters are recurring, and it would make the story so much better if you knew who they were and the backstories. You cannot go wrong by doing so. Fearless King was everything I had hoped for. Scoot over Declan, Heath, and Emmet, and make room for another King…Ford! I cannot wait for Colm’s story. He has so many fences to mend. Thank you Maya Hughes for another off the charts Kings of Rittenhouse book.
You’re going to fall in love with this best friends sister to lovers story. The latest in Maya’s series is a second chance story of love and re-connection.
This is a slow burn romance where the hero, Ford, and heroine, Olivia, take their time getting to know each other better before a serious relationship ensues. But don’t think that makes this a boring story, the tension and butterflies are still hanging on throughout their time and it helps to keep this story on your mind.
We always get to see some of the other couples also, plus theres a lot of tension with Colm, Olivia’s brother and also Grant, Ford’s brother. Theres a lot for this couple to work out, but that’s what keeps it interesting. A good addition to the Rittenhouse series, for sure.
Ford and Olivia are the couple that you couldn’t see coming. They have been dancing around each other of years but couldn’t do anything about it since she is his best friend’s little sister. The fact that his best friend isn’t talking to him much doesn’t help matters at all. Ford feels unworthy of any attention from Olivia so he’s been avoiding her all this time. Olivia was hurt when Ford pushed her away and didn’t speak to her. Her life has been on track to fulfill her parents dream not necessarily her own.
The development of these two characters is remarkable. They have so much to accomplish on their own much less together. Ford is brooding and doesn’t let anyone in. Olivia has to live up to ideals that her brother has put in place. Her dreams have changed along with her. Together they must weed through what their lives have become. I felt so much angst and love for both of them.
This was a wonderful romance with great characters and an interesting storyline. Ford & Liv have been attracted to one another for years, but she is his best friend’s little sister. Will these two be able to overcome the many obstacles/secrets and get their HEA? I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
This book was so good! I didn’t want to put it down. I love Liv and Ford. Things weren’t easy for them. The Kings are a great group of special people. Seeing as though I married a hockey player, and my twins played hockey, I could relate to the hockey family. I must say I cried a little with this book. I was so moved by this story. I am anticipating Colms story. I know it is going to be epic. I don’t know how Maya does it, but please keep doing it. I am a fan of yours for life!
544 days…that’s how long Ford Atherton and Olivia Frost have kept their distance from each other after what could have been the start of something amazing between them, despite their age difference and the fact that Ford is Colm’s best friend. Instead, though, the aftermath of one stolen kiss is heartache and loneliness.
Timing is everything – this saying is used several times throughout the course of Fearless King in reference to Ford and Olivia finding a way to make things work between them despite the plethora of obstacles that always seem to be standing in the way, not allowing these two to be together like they want and deserve.
I have to admit…while I understood how the timing never seemed to be right for the hero and heroine, I felt like it also had a lot to do with the repercussions of them keeping secrets, telling lies, and not speaking up for themselves with it counted the most. Don’t get me wrong, Ford and Olivia both seemed to be in impossible situations due to circumstances out of their control, but for what was in their power to change…to fix, I felt like they didn’t step up when they needed to, causing everything to blow up in their faces far more than they would have if these two would have been open and honest with those they needed to be with sooner.
In the end, though, maybe the struggles Ford and Olivia went through made them fight harder to be together and to make things right with the family they’ve created for themselves with their group of friends and the blood relatives who have been with them through the struggles and the losses they’ve endured.
Ford and Olivia’s journey was not easy; every step they made forward together had to contend with the multiple road blocks that sent them back, pushing them apart and forcing them to fight harder to make things work.
I’ve really enjoyed Maya Hughes’ entire Kings of Rittenhouse series, but I have to say that I’m intrigued by what she has in store for Colm – this guy has had to endure more heartbreak and devastation than any one person should, and while he’s made some mistakes and was a bit over the top with his need to control everything in his younger sister’s life, now that she’s found her happiness, it’s time for him to get his happy ending.
4 Poison Apples
An intriguing, romance story from the ‘Kings of Rittenhouse series.’ Strong chemistry with the characters. A well-written book, I liked reading, it’s a pleasure to review. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book, am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fearless King is the first book of this series that I have read, and I loved reading it. I found following Ford and Olivia’s story a joy to read. Having known each other most of their lives, they parted and then have a second chance at their love. I love this story and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Gah! Fearless King is a fantastic angst filled, emotional slow-burn romance that completely captured my heart. I have been waiting for Ford’s book for some time now, and it went above and beyond my expectations. I absolutely loved it!
Ford is the most quiet and reserved of the Kings. He’s the type of guy that tries to fly under the radar when it comes to his fans. He’s a pro hockey player, but he doesn’t care about the fame that comes with it. To him, he’s just going out there and doing what he’s good at and what he loves. And being able to do that with his close friends is a bonus.
He and Colm have been best friends for some time now, so he’s watched as Colm’s little sister Olivia grew up. Colm and Olivia lost their parents in a tragic accident some years back, so it’s always been the two of them against the world. Ford has always looked at her like a sister and helped watch out for her over the years. But all of that changed two years ago while at a mutual friend’s wedding. Now she is all grown up and he can’t stop thinking about her.
Olivia has had a crush on Ford since she was a kid. She would always follow her brother and his friends around just to be close to him. Now she finally has her chance, and the two of them share a magical kiss. One of those kisses that sets the bar high for anyone else. After the kiss, the two of them make plans only for the night to take a drastic turn for the worst. Will they be able to find their way back from this?
I absolutely devoured this book, from the very first word to the very last. Then I sat there wishing the story wasn’t over, wishing I could stay within this world…with these characters…just a little longer. Fearless King is proof that Maya Hughes can write humor, heart and angst in a perfect harmony. I could go on and on about this story, the author and how much I loved each word that I read. I loved it that much. This is easily a top read of 2019 for me, and hopefully will capture your heart as it did mine.
There are so many things to love about Maya Hughes’ Fearless King…
Let me begin by saying I have been enamoured with The Kings since the beginning. The journey Maya has brought us on has been amazing and knowing there is still one more tortured King to go…is it wrong to say I’m excited for his bleeding story. No? Good
Anyway, here is just a short list of the things I loved about Fearless King:
*The continual update on all things Kings. Everyone is still with us and I adore the glimpses into their continuing lives; whether it’s good or bad.
*Grant Atherton, Ford’s baby brother. Seriously, who knew Grant was so adorable? Yes, he has a major crush on Liv, and this alone would make a great story. Living under the limelight of his famous older brother with unrequited love and he’s stinking adorable. Maybe Grant will get his HEA someday too. I can only hope.
*Sylvia Atherton, Ford’s mother. Considering we don’t get a lot of interaction with the other hockey parents, Sylvia is the unicorn parent we all wish we had growing up. She is sweet, understanding, always there with a warm, baked cookie, and going to bat for you no matter what. She adores both of her boys and Liv, each interaction with her was a joy to read.
*This is a work of fiction, yes, but I felt there was a lesson to be learned. Are you doing what brings you joy everyday? So many of us don’t and Maya brings about a pretty powerful message through her characters (which I won’t give away so you can enjoy it yourself), but I hope people take away that same wonderful feeling that I did when they are done reading.
Ford and Liv have known each other since they were children, or technically since Liv was a child and Ford was a teenager. It was pretty much an instant crush for Liv, even before she knew what a crush was. Hanging out with her brother, Colm, and his friends was second nature. For the most part they ignored her and Liv’s crush grew as time passed.
“There’s no one else I want in the world, but I can’t have you.” -Liv
It wasn’t until much later that Ford recognized the side glances, the lingering stares and Liv’s changing body that his feelings began to change, but he also knew he’d never be able to act upon them. Colm was his best friend and he’d never betray that trust.
But…
One kiss was all it took to change things between Ford and Live forever. Feelings they had both long denied burst through the dam they’d both constructed around their carefully constructed lives, but one kiss was all they’d have for a year and a half.
“The kiss that had unlocked a part of my soul and cemented it to hers.” -Ford
It wasn’t until Colm asked for a favor, one that Ford couldn’t turn down, check in on his disappearing/unresponsive sister while he was out of town. Ford had kept his distance for almost two years and that long ago kiss soon wouldn’t be enough to erase everything he wanted to do to the woman plaguing his dreams.
Falling back into old patterns, easily picking up where their friendship left off, no longer could they deny the chemistry that was between them. They’d circled each other long enough. It was finally time to see what destiny had in store for them. The only questions left were; would destiny favor their long awaited relationship or would fate be fickle and ruin everything they knew and everyone in their lives?
Maya Hughes wrote another great book to add to the Rittenhouse series. Ford will break your heart. He is good man, but makes so many mistakes in trying to be a good man, my heart constantly bled for him. Liv is a good balance for him and the two of them together will melt you right to the ground.