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 … 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!
more
***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****
OMG, these men! These Rittenhouse men are just Ah-Maze-Ing! Even when they aren’t! They are able to redeem themselves even when you’re thinking they can’t. That tells you the kind of development that Maya Hughes has… she has you loving men even when you know you shouldn’t. Thank goodness, Colm redeems himself. He knows his past mistakes and he knows he’ll have to work for her heart, her forgiveness. If anyone can mess up royally and redeem himself… it’s Colm! I know at this point that the surprise of the heroine is probably in a review or more but I don’t like spoiling surprises so no sneak peek here!
The narrators, Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are just an amazing addition to this audiobook. I’ve heard both of them narrate other books and I’ve enjoyed them so much. I continue to enjoy them. I love how they both seem to be so immersed into their characters they portray. Arden was amazing playing that remorseful Colm that sill has him moments of being that self-assured guy that got in his way all the time. Maxine Mitchell seriously infused emotions into our female character which was good because our female has some emotions happening!
4*
Colm has loved imogen from afar but never acted on his feelings as he knew she wasn’t ready.
Imogen loved Preston and still misses him 5 years after his death, she’s always looking after others.
Feeling sorry for himself Colm tries drinking his stress away, however Imogen seems him at the bar and won’t leave him that way.
Colm has always looked after others especially Olivia his younger sister. The betrayal he feels from his best friend Ford has hit him hard. I enjoyed listening to the audio book and it was nice to understand Imogen more after read/listening to bits about her in previous books.
Lovely series
The perfect ending for a beautiful series.
Heartless King is a well-written story with a great plot and a set of complex and adorable characters. It will make you cry, laugh and leave you overwhelmed by emotions.
It is a beautiful heartbreaking story that deserves to be told!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.*
This was an excellent ending to the series especially since Colm had more baggage than anyone. I’m so glad that Imogene was a good match for him. Wonderful series
I 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 😉
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog
In the last installment of the Kings of Rittenhouse with their Queens, Heartless King, by Maya Hughes gives us a story that is a whirlwind and rollercoaster during a thunderstorm. As this can be read as a standalone, I highly highly recommend reading all the books in order to appreciate the story as a whole.
This review is difficult to write as there is just so much and I don’t want to give anything away. All the little things make the whole story be amazing.
so just a little bit, Colm life has never been perfect, but he has done his best, but the events with Liz and Ford have him spilling out of control.
Imogen has been battling or running from life, yet following her professional dreams. But a chance meeting in a bar and a one night stand with Colm and two blue lines later. Life has a funny way of connecting people. But some roads are never that easy to drive.
Maya takes us on this reading adventure that pulls at the heartstrings, has you rooting for the angry guy, and cheering the emotionally unavailable.
What I love about these series are the connections. from story to story the friendship connection the interlocking stories that we get to still be apart of everyone world.
Colm is a mess after finding out about Liv, his sister is officially dating his best friend, who apparently slept with his 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 have sex. When colm wakes up in the morning she 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 bragging I guess about what a good brother he was, how much he sacrificed for his sister for her to leave her everything for the best friend.
Anyway 3 months after the one night stand, Colms friend beg Imogen to help Colm out because he is refusing to enter the ice rink. Imogen first tries her best to push the offer away because of how she left things with Colm, but then ends up having no choice.
Then the next few chapters is of Colms physiotherapy and 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 am so in love with this series. I have read each and every one of them and have yet to be disappointed and this book was no different. I enjoyed getting to see some of those characters again as well. I love the dynamic between these two characters. I love the juxtaposition between the broody and the sassy. The banter is well written and I loved the relationship between these two. I laughed and swooned so much and could not put this book down. I am definitely excited to see what Maya has for us next.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3289533865
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.u2063u2063
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. u2063u2063
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. u2063u2063
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.u2063u2063
ps: I love how this group of friends is a really big family and see all of them happy makes me feel amazing u2063u2063
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.”
You would think this would be light and the typical surprise baby story. You would never thought how complex Maya Hughes’ characters are.
Colm is a very difficult character to digest at first. The way he thinks is definitely different than any other hockey players I’ve read before. After what had happened with his sister and his best friend, he just sort of closed himself off. His friends have been trying to pull him out of his dark days, but to no avail.. Their last resort is to ask Imogen to help him
Imogen is another emotionally-attached character. Preston was her first love, but it has been 5 years since he died and she’s still holding on to him. A night with Colm resulted to a surprise baby, but both of them needed to deal with their issues first before pursuing anything between the two of them
They had difficult moments, bumps along the way. It was an emotional rollercoaster. Highly recommend!
Oh my goodness….Maya Hughes is trying to give me a stroke!!!! I have loved ALL of the Kings of Rittenhouse stories, but I think this final one about Colm and Imo is my favorite. Colm always seemed so mysterious and withdrawn in all the other stories. He no doubt was definitely the protective big brother, but I never really had a broader sense of him until now. Imo. made a brief appearance is Emmett’s story, but other than knowing she’s grieving over the loss of her longtime boyfriend, her picture remained incomplete too. Maya however reveals all about them in this book and weaves a beautiful love story of healing and redemption. She reveals two characters that are so use to caring for others they don’t feel their happiness should be sought. The push and pull they have and the undeniable attraction is unmistakeable. You really are able to feel the intensity of the emotions they each endure and at times its utterly heartbreaking. I was especially torn at the end when Maya wraps up all the Kings stories. I do hope that she won’t close the chapter on these characters, but reveals them in another book that revisits them each as they travel along their individual paths. LOVED this book and not only recommend it, but the entire Kings of Rittenhouse series. Start with first and binge read them all to the end. It’ll be totally worth it.
Colm stepped up when his parents died and he is raising his little sister. His sister is all grown up and in love with his best friend and he’s struggling with everything that has happened. Colm is on a downward spiral and doesn’t know how to deal with everything anymore. Imogen is just going through the motions of living her life. She lost her first love so tragically, and she’s thrown herself into work. 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. 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. I am sad to see this series come to an end.
I want to be completely honest, I haven’t read the books prior to Heartless King , and I’m extremely satisfied with it. I will definitely read the other book in the series but I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
Colm and Imo, OMG! They are two very singular characters, each different from each other and of course, with their own virtues and flaws. Nonetheless, I think that’s what made me fall in love with them with abandon.
Colm Frost, he is something else. There so many times I was like holy sh#t he reminds me of myself a lot and maybe that’s why I wanted to hug and smother him at the same time if that makes any sense.
Imo Walsh, she’s a firecracker and a force to be reckoned with. That lady is all business but she’s also very sensitive and vulnerable, her personality captivated me like you have no idea.
There’s, of course, the dynamic between that’s just incredible, their banter is hilarious and their chemistry off the charts
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. ***
5 stars
I have to admit that I have read a lot of Maya Hughes, but not all (unfortunately). While this book was soooo GOOOD! I do wish that I had read the entire series. Don’t get me wrong, this is a complete standalone and is worth every second you give it, but these are the kind of characters that you want to know every aspect of their lives. Having read a few books that crossed over just made me want to know more about every single character.
Colm and Imogen have such a star-crossed love story. You want to pull your hair out to make them get on the same page. Great story, great read, great characters!
Since this book is also viewed as a standalone I didn‘t read the books before this one and I truly regret it but I definitely will read them!
A broody, sexy hero and a heroinr who‘s first love died in a tragic accident. If this isn‘t what compels you to read this book it definitely will be the surprise pregnancy. Those two characters have enough baggage for a trip around the world probably not just one trip and that‘s what makes this story so good. You never know who messes up first and both of them do that alot.
Colm‘s first performance in this book is amazing! You can really feel how mest up he is from previous events and how fast Imogen could help him. I was a little annoyed at Imogen througout the book for always keeping everybody else first but without it I probably wouldn‘t have understood her struggles.
Both of them are so good for eachother and I‘m glad they found their way to eachother.
A great end for all characters.
5
4.5 Stars!!
The second that this book was announced it became one of my top most anticipated reads! Being a fan of the Kings of Rittenhouse books I could not contain my excitement when this one landed on my kindle! This story grabbed my attention from the start and from that point on, I was absolutely hooked! I loved this story!
Colm and our heroine’s journey was one that hit me right in the chest! I loved getting to dig deeper with these characters and feeling every bit of emotion with them. I related to these two so much throughout and oh, how I adored them!
I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Heartless King, Ms.Hughes created a fantastic read filled with so much heart and all kinds of feels! She showed how life can throw darkness our way but we can find that light again. I’m going to miss this world and it’s characters so much!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
3.75*
Before I start, I just need to let it be known that this is the first Rittenhouse book I’ve read and while it’s true you can definitely read this as a standalone and get along just fine like I did, I feel like the reading experience would have been a richer one if I had read the other books in the series.
All that to say, Maya Hughes did a fantastic job of making Colm and Imogen leap off the page.
There’s a lot of tropes here that people might like and some maybe not so much (Having read the story I love all the tropes within, so there’s that)
The relationship was so bittersweet to me. So much angst and push and pull. Wee bit of longing on the part of both characters. It made my black heart very happy.
In a way I’m glad I only read the last book in this series because I’m so intrigued by the side characters in this, now I can rush out and binge the start of this series. See,it all worked out in the end.
I really loved Imo. She was the right kind of kick ass heroine I love to see in books, because even though she’s been through the ringer, she’s always coming out swinging.
And everybody who loves a brooding ahole Hero? Colm has got you covered and how.
**I received an ARC of this from the author and I volunteered to leave an unbiased review**
Staying spoiler-free (it’s hard)
Heartless King is all of the best of Maya Hughes. It’s funny wit, hair-pulling frustrations, and every single feel.
I’ll admit from a previous book. I had Colm’s story, especially the heroine, mapped in my head. It was a far different story than most others. I knew this going in, and while trying my best to be open-minded, it felt a bit like my cookies were burnt. Having said that, it should’ve known Maya always has the best cookies that never disappoint.
This book was just as it should be. It’s a perfect story to end a series that will pull you in and hold you captive until these characters have their way with your mind, body, and heart.
If you’re a fan of Maya Hughes, you’re probably not reading this – you’re already reading this excellent book instead. And if you’re trying to decide if you’re going to read this book – do it!! – it’s worth the time, and you’ll become a fan.
I requested and received an arc copy of this book. I am leaving a review of my true and honest opinion because I want to and without benefit. Well, other than others discovering all the wonderful words. Live well and read on.
The fifth and final book in the Kings of Rittenhouse series was an emotional rollercoaster for more reasons than one. Heartless King is the final glimpse into the lives of the Kings of Rittenhouse and a fantastic wrap to the series.
Colm Frost is the last of the core group of Rittenhouse Prep hockey gods to find love – not that he much cares after being betrayed by his best friend and little sister who had the nerve to fall in love. Well, the old, responsible Colm is gone, and to prove it, he and a room full of strangers are going to drink her inheritance – that’ll show her. Drunk out of his mind and having just recovered from an injury that has kept him off the ice for months, Colm is stunned when a blast from the past arrives at the bar in the form of the beautiful, selfless woman he shouldn’t want. But man does he want her. And it seems like she wants him, too – at least for the night. After a spectacular night together, Colm is sure she’s it for him. Always quick to love, Colm is certain that this was only the beginning for them. Unfortunately, love is seldom that easy.
Three months after their incredible night together, Colm has reinjured himself and lost all desire to be part of the human world. His friends are desperate and, as the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures. It just so happens that the woman Colm can’t seem to forget has been coerced into helping him with his recovery. The two are forced to overcome their past to make way for a beautiful future – something hard enough on its own much less when life throws them another curveball in the form of a positive pregnancy test. Now they must decide once and for all if their relationship is worth fighting for.
I’ll admit that I struggled a little bit with Heartless King. Maya Hughes did not disappoint – her writing was on point, her characters were wonderfully developed, and you felt a connection to Colm and his leading lady. My problem was that Colm had to grow on me. I spent a good chunk of the book wanting to slap him. A lot of that had to do with the way things ended in the previous book (Fearless King) and with some of the spectacular jerkish moments he had in Heartless King. As someone who admits more than once throughout the course of the book that he gets intense too fast in relationships, he doesn’t seem to have a lot of patience when it comes to his significant other wanting to slow things down. However, he wasn’t an all-bad character and his development felt natural – he didn’t just flip a switch and become a different person. I could appreciate that.
Ultimately, Heartless King was a wonderful book to round off an even more wonderful series. I’m sad to see the Rittenhouse boys go, but hopefully we’ll continue to see more glimpses in Maya Hughes’s other fantastic series, like Fulton U.