My d*ck never got me in half as much trouble as my heart…We were high school sweethearts. I was head over heels for her and no one could tell me we weren’t going to last forever. College? Going pro? My family’s money? None of it mattered. She was all I needed.Then she ripped my heart out. But I’m not going to let that happen again. She’s back. Invading my life and acting like she was the … Invading my life and acting like she was the wronged one. The pain is still there, but I can’t keep my eyes off her. I can’t stop thinking about her and how much was left unsaid between us. Being this close is making me question everything I thought I knew about her.
This time everything will be on my terms. Everything…
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Emmet and Avery were high school sweethearts who didn’t think anything could come between them but their relationship ended in the most painful way possible and they haven’t spoken to each other since. For the last four years Avery has been focused on work and her family and for the first time in a long time she will have some independence as her sister is about to venture off to college.
Emmet is now a professional hockey player who has the career, the wealth and can have any woman he wants but due to his past with Avery he keeps his relationship casual. He has arranged to spend the summer with his friends, but when Avery is there as well will they be able to work through the secrets of their past or are they destined to end in heartbreak once again?
Avery is independent and doesn’t want to draw Emmet into the mess her life had become while all Emmet wants to be do is protect her. In order for them to be together they must find some middle ground so that they can both have what they always wanted. I thought that the narrators did a great of job of bring both the emotion and characters to life.
Emmett is the kind of book boyfriend that I love to hate. He is broody and mean to his ex, but believes he has every right to be. Avery walked away from Emmett once because she had to. If he gives her another chance, she wants a future with him. The secret that festers between them threatens to destroy them once again. Emmett struggles to trust Avery and Avery struggles with telling Emmett the truth. These two work through a lot to find their way back to one another.
I love this group of friends. They are there for Emmett and Avery for everything and even pushed them to make things right. I loved Avery and her backbone and the way she protected her family. This was a good story in this series.
By far and away, Ruthless King is my favorite Rittenhouse book! Emmett and Avery are sizzling chemistry and endless passion wrapped in a blanket of fate and adoration.
A second chance romance with the bonus of being an enemies to lovers is probably my all-time favorite kind of story and this book is the perfect example of why. The history is there – and so is all the tension and heat that never really left! The banter is a total riot and the anger between them only increases the emotional bond between them.
Avery and Em were perfect high school sweethearts – Em was smitten almost instantly and ended up being an incredibly sweet, sexy, and thoughtful boyfriend. And Avery was right there with him. The love between them was undeniable and yet, as still basically kids, they have a lot to learn. Pride and misunderstandings get in their way and end up keeping them apart. The kind of apart that has them sprinting for the door if the other is even in the same room (that tension is hot though!) even years later.
But it’s been years and a holiday beach vacation finally forces them to set it aside so they can both enjoy being around friends so they don’t have to take sides. It’s a rough go at first but once they drop their pride and hash out the past, they start to rediscover nothing ever really left them when they broke up. Their chemistry goes full force, but even with the past resolved and the lies that tore them apart cleared up, the insecurities the past caused still linger.
It was so emotionally wrenching to uncover all the factors that really lead into the breakup when they were in high school. I had my suspicions about who was behind it but the full extent of it just left me reeling. And once the air was cleared and nothing stood between them, my heart leaped for joy at how far Em was willing to go to prove to Avery that he loved and trusted her without a doubt.
I really can’t recommend this book enough. I love the entire series and recommend all of them, but without a doubt Avery and Emmett are my favorite!
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Emmett’s and Avery’s story. This second-chance love story was a great addition to the Kings of Rittenhouse Series and it definitely lived up to my expectations.
Emmett and Avery were high school sweethearts. Emmett was ready to marry Avery, but they broke up when Emmett thought he caught Avery cheating on him. Since that time, they can’t be in the same room together. It was obvious from the beginning that Emmett had not gotten over Avery and he struggled with his anger towards her. When they end up staying in the same house with their friends for a summer vacation, they are forced to confront the past and feelings that had never died.
Emmett had a dramatic transformation after he broke up with Avery. He became jaded and he doesn’t believe deep down that he’s worthy of love. His pain leads him to be cruel to Avery when he really just wants to forgive her. I loved watching Emmett rediscover his heart and happiness and realizing what is really important in life.
Avery is such a selfless character. She sacrifices her happiness and dreams for those she loves over and over again. She has never believed she was good enough for Emmett and when he walked away so easily from her, she thought it was for the best. I really felt Avery’s pain, but I did just want to shake and her and have her confess the whole truth to Emmett.
Emmett and Avery truly belonged together and their story was passionate, emotional, and heartwarming. Now I can’t wait for Ford’s story.
******* AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *******
Tanya Eby and Edward Bauer do a fabulous job with the narration. I’ve listened to Tanya previously and I really enjoy her narration. I think Edward Bauer is a new narrator for me. However, it just makes me feel like I’m meeting a new person. I prefer trying new voices than always using the same ones.These two would great together!
Maya Hughes writes the sweetest and just plain smile-inducing romances. I have ended every one of her books with a sweet and charmed smile on my face. Avery and Emmett have a past and if you’ve read Hughes’ other books in this series than you’ll know that they aren’t each other’s favorite person even though they used to be. I was enamored with this couple!
Emmett and Avery’s story is a thread that has run through the other books in the series, so I was curious to finally find out all the details of what happened between them.
Emmett and Avery were high school sweethearts and he was set to propose to her. Then one night their relationship is torn apart and they go their separate ways. They still have mutual friends, though, and end up at a vacation home everyone is sharing at the same time.
It is finally an opportunity to work things out but there is a lot of hurt and history to overcome. Ruthless King is an emotional rollercoaster. Both Emmett and Avery have family issues and a difficult time trusting others. I especially felt for Avery as she struggled with her finances and taking care of her dad and sister. I really liked her and wanted to see her and Emmett finally get their happily ever after.
I really enjoyed getting to jump back into the Kings of Rittenhouse world and spend time with the whole crew. It was fun catching up with each character and getting hints of what’s to come.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. Emmett and Avery’s story is a combination enemies-to-lovers/second chance at love. There is lots of tension, emotion and angst as their story unfolds. I liked both characters but I also felt very frustrated with them. Pair that with the actual storyline and I ended up having conflicted feelings about them and just wished they both had been smarter and way more open and honest about it all. Still, overall I thought that it was a good read in a very enjoyable series. I do recommend that you read/listen to these books in order. Dual narration on this book and I thought it was very well done.
Ruthless King is the third installment in Maya Hughes’s popular Kings of Rittenhouse series, which are perfect reads for anyone who enjoys sports romances, happily ever afters, and serious chemistry between the main characters.
Emmett Cunning and Avery Davis have a history, as much as Emmett would like to forget it. After their instant connection on the first day of sophomore year at Rittenhouse Prep, everyone (including them) thought their love would be one for the books. And it was – until disaster struck, leaving an angry Emmett and a devastated Avery in its wake. Four years later, Emmett’s lingering anger at his ex-love is still going strong and he’s developed a strategy for love – no more than twelve weeks with a woman before pulling the plug. Unfortunately, he’s about to go toe-to-toe with Avery and find out that not everything is what it seems.
Avery has devoted the last decade or so of her life to caring for her sister and covering for her father. But now that Alyson has graduated high school, she can move on with her life, which she fully intends to do. However, life throws her another curveball when she reluctantly decides to spend two weeks with her friends and their significant others (the Kings themselves) and a certain King crashes the party. Emmett and Avery intend to spend those two weeks avoiding one another, but when certain truths come to light and sparks fly, they may find that some loves are forever.
Ruthless King was a wonderful mashup of two of the biggest tropes in the romance genre – enemies to lovers and second chance romance. The characters were engaging even when they were frustrating. Emmett was hardheaded and a bit of jerk for a while and his inability to believe Avery when she was trying to tell him the truth was maddening. Likewise, Avery’s decision to give Emmett the truth in little bits and pieces instead of all at once and her choice to remain silent instead of defending herself made for some unnecessary angst. But despite that, you could tell that the reason both of them were so hurt was because of the depth of their feelings. When they finally overcame the obstacles in their way, it was magic.
I’ll admit that I was especially anxious to get to Ruthless King because of the couple the book is centered around. My first Maya Hughes book was actually The Third Best Thing, which, although not technically part of the Kings of Rittenhouse series, has some serious overlap. That is where I was first introduced to Emmett and Avery as a couple. So, going into Ruthless King, I knew roughly how it would end, but man was I excited for the journey. I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint.
I knew from the start that this book was going to be heartbreaking. And I thought I was ready for it. But damn was I wrong. I didn’t know what I was going to get with these two but what I got hit a little too close to home, while other parts were completely out of my realm of understanding at the same time.
Avery and Emmett had been high school sweethearts who had broken up but both held a lot of animosity. And we had no idea why except for the fact Emmett thought Avery had cheated. And Mak wasn’t saying anything other than it wasn’t what it looked like. So I was dying to know what had actually taken place and why it was still a shadow over the whole crew four years later.
Now I am going to be a little bit of a pain and like Mak I’m going to say it’s their story to tell. And even though I was expecting the heartbreak and misunderstandings I couldn’t put it down. And the way it all unfolded annoyed me in the same way that it worked perfectly for me. Emmett grew up and Avery learnt to live for herself a little and for me that was the most beautiful part of the book.
But now I have to read the extended epilogue I just downloaded before jumping straight into the next book because that teaser at the end would have me throwing my kindle if I didn’t already have my hands on it.
My heart broke for both Avery and Emmett, no two people belong together more than they do. The chemistry between them was crazy hot. This is an emotional and hot second chance romance between a hot hockey player and his high school girlfriend. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for more
Emmet and Avery were in love in high school but something happened and they broke up and didn’t talk for four years. He hates her and she runs away until they start fighting and talking. They both realize that they still have major feelings. But Emmet has questions that Avery is afraid to answer. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing book.
Emmett and Avery were a couple until things fell apart. Emmett went on to become a professional Hockey player and Avery works at the bakery. Secrets and scheming parents led to the demise of this relationship. Now Emmett is meeting his friends at the beach. Avery’s best friend convinces her to go on a vacation to the beach. These two were sizzle and sparks once they got past the anger and pain. This time Emmett doesn’t plan on letting Avery get away. Will Avery be honest and give their relationship a second chance? This was a spectacular read.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
Ever since book one in the Kings of Rittenhouse series, Emmett and Avery’s story was the one I wanted to be told. I could just sense something so special about the love that these two shared and I just needed to know what happened between them.
And let me tell you…..this story was absolutely worth the wait! Maya Hughes came up with a brilliant and wonderful tale for Emmett and Avery, and I loved it more than I can say. They are forced to be around one another during a summer trip with their mutual friends, and neither of them are excited about it. It brings up all the old wounds between them (Emmett doesn’t know the truth about what kept them apart and why Avery broke his heart)…. but it also highlights the feelings and chemistry between them that never went away. These two are like magnets to one another, and once they have it out and give into that connection that keeps pulling them together – whoa! Emmett and Avery’s reunion was beyond hot!
Of course, life can’t be easy for them, as there is a lot of hurt and trust issues that they need to work through……and things that Avery wants to keep hidden, find a way to the surface to cause even more problems. But if Emmett loves Avery, he will find a way to make things work and not let the issues of the past dictate their future.
Ruthless King has already found a way onto my favorites list of 2019, as it’s just one of those stories I know I won’t forget. Emmett and Avery’s romance is truly special, and I hope that everyone else falls in love with them like I have.
Oh my gosh this story had me in tears because of the pain Emmett and Avery had to endure. High school and college sweethearts, planning a future they are torn apart by forces out of their control. Now years later they are reunited and although those feelings thought long forgotten are uncovered. Emmett and Avery must face the painful past in order to bring healing and love back into their souls. This was a fantastically well written emotional story filled with unexpected twists, deception, pain, healing, passion, and love. Readers will fall in love with Emmett and Avery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have been waiting for the release of the Fearless King. Ford’s is Liv’s brother best friend and she’s always been strictly off limits to him romantically, although that has never prevented him from desiring her. She’s had a crush on Ford for years. Their relationship becomes a little more complicated after a passionate kiss; therefore, when Ford suddenly starts spending more time with her, their relationship feels very confusing. I loved the Fearleass King by Maya Hughes.
Chasing The Dream
A forbidden romance with his best friend’s little sister…It doesn’t get any HOTTER! Ford and Liv are turning up the heat!
I can never get enough of the KINGS!!! I’ve wanted quiet, introverted Ford’s story for awhile and this was MORE than I hoped for. It’s always the quiet ones that are a pleasant surprise.
Ford always saw Olivia as his best friend’s little sister…until he realized she was all grown up. Now he can’t get her out of his head.
Olivia had been crushing on Ford forever! It was no longer a childhood crush though…it was about to become so much more.
The first time they kissed ended up causing almost a two year rift. But the next time, was going to change everything.
Ford has his secrets and baggage from his past. Olivia is trying to fulfill a dream that she’s not even sure is her own. They both have alot to sort out. The problem is they can’t seem to stay away from eachother. Will being together be worth the sacrifice?
Ford was protective and incredibly Hot! Their chemistry absolutely sizzled. Olivia trying to stay away or resist was fruitless. He had already ingrained himself in her heart long ago. This was another great story in the series. I don’t want it to end, but yet I need Colm’s story! If you haven’t met the Kings, it’s past time you did.
Ruthless King Maya Hughes is book three in the Kings of Rittenhouse Series. This is the story of Emmett Cunning and Avery Davis. I haven’t yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Emmett and Avery were young and in love but then something pulled them apart which made each other think the other was at fault. Avery went on to raiser her sister and work at the same bakery she started in when she was young teenager. Emmett went on to be a professional hockey player for the NHL. In their present day there is a vacation type reunion going on that each is invited too. Neither knows the other will be there and for the first week they tried to avoid each other but then their walls started breaking down.
This was a great second chance at love book. I hope to read more from this author.
4.5 stars: Ever since reading the Kings of Rittenhouse novella, this has been a long-awaited story for me, especially bc Maya Huges has been building up the mystery behind the cause of their breakup in both earlier stories, Shameless King and Reckless King. So, I would recommend reading those two first for the background, but it’s certainly not needed if this is your first time venturing into the Kings’ stories; you still feel the angst and animosity between Emmitt and Avery in this story right from the start. And I have to say that MH delivered on the build up, too, with a very satisfying storyline. This is so far my favorite of the Kings series, but now I’m looking forward to Ford and Olivia’s story.
What a fun book! Yes there was a bit of heartache thrown in there, isn’t that what a great book is all about… twisting you up inside and giving your emotions a ride on the tilt-a-whirl!!! This was my first Rittenhouse book, and I cannot wait to read the others. What else could you ask for, hot hockey players, best friends, a bit of tears, and a lot of fun!
{I received this as an ARC in Exchange for an Honest review}
I absolutely Love this book! Maya is such a fantastic writer. You can feel the emotions coming off every page ! I was addicted from the beginning! This is a perfect example of why second chance romance is my Favorite trope! The angst is killer! I freaking love Emmett and Avery. They are both so different but together they fit perfectly. I loved everything about their story!! The Love they have for each other is so strong. Even after the big misunderstanding and the anger the years apart left them both with they can’t help but to love each other. It took awhile for them both to finally come together and hash everything out and the tension is killer. It was amazing. I LOVE them so much!! This is a book of strong emotions. Sexy Couples, and a love that will last a lifetime. It was absolutely amazing! It is definitely one of my Favorite reads of 2019!!! I will say that you should definitely read these books in order so you get full story of all the side characters and couples. I am so excited to go back to the beginning and get to met the rest of the gang!! Avery and Emmet are absolutely everything!!! I Love this book and Highly Recommend it!!