monalmunshi's review against another edition
3.0
This book was also. Good. Nothing like amazing or anything. It was okay... The ending was a little abrupt for me and their relationship development was a little too slow for me to catch up to. But I'm not going to DNF the series (there's only one book left anyway). I can't t wait to finally finish the series.
ledamerouge's review against another edition
3.0
Now, this one I was excited for. Finally I trope I usually enjoy! Yay! And I have to say, plot wise I wasn't disappointed. It had the tension, the doubt, the "oh no we shouldnt" and the "f*ck we can't resist". The secrecy. Everything I love.
And also, I liked the characters. Ford and Liv are both interesting, and both had their individual problems in this story, which I like. Ford was the most mysterious of the Kings up until his book, so it was nice to understand him more. And Liv is just fantastic, I loved her personality. How they got together felt organic and not forced at all, and I have to say the hot scenes were reallyyy steamy.
All that being said, why in hell this is not a 5 star or 4 star read? Well, here's the catch: I hated, HATED how Colm was treated in this book. He might not be the protagonist, but being Ford's best friend and Liv's older brother (and only living family), he had a major part in the story. But it was dealt with all wrong. I will be the first to admit that Colm wasn't in his best behaviour. And I could easily forgive Liv for being tired of her brother being over protective. But something happens towards the end and they all, Liv and Ford and the other Kings, decided not to tell Colm... They crossed a line. It was wrong. After everything he went through, not telling him this is disrespectful with him, with the friendship they all claim to have. So, that's why this book is only getting 3 stars. I'm angry, and more than ready for reading Colm's book that comes out soon.
And also, I liked the characters. Ford and Liv are both interesting, and both had their individual problems in this story, which I like. Ford was the most mysterious of the Kings up until his book, so it was nice to understand him more. And Liv is just fantastic, I loved her personality. How they got together felt organic and not forced at all, and I have to say the hot scenes were reallyyy steamy.
All that being said, why in hell this is not a 5 star or 4 star read? Well, here's the catch: I hated, HATED how Colm was treated in this book. He might not be the protagonist, but being Ford's best friend and Liv's older brother (and only living family), he had a major part in the story. But it was dealt with all wrong. I will be the first to admit that Colm wasn't in his best behaviour. And I could easily forgive Liv for being tired of her brother being over protective. But something happens towards the end and they all, Liv and Ford and the other Kings, decided not to tell Colm... They crossed a line. It was wrong. After everything he went through, not telling him this is disrespectful with him, with the friendship they all claim to have. So, that's why this book is only getting 3 stars. I'm angry, and more than ready for reading Colm's book that comes out soon.
suey_library's review against another edition
5.0
I have loved this series from the start, Kings of Rittenhouse has grabbed me by my swooning heart and will not let me go. I have loved every character in this series, Maya Hughes has definitely become somewhat of a auto-buy author for me recently. So this should be absolutely no surprise I am here for one of my absolutely favorite romance tropes, Liv has a crush on her Brothers Best Friend. Oh my stars, I think I am drooling already.
Olivia, or Liv (though I prefer her Olive nickname – thanks Ford), was definitely a fun character, I really liked her appearances until now and my obsession for her only grew as I finally got to know her more. She had this free spirit, kind-very gentle personality, she is in a place of her life where she knows what she wants but still questions herself. She has this wholesome, real feeling personality that is beyond relatable. All her life she had this one goal yet over time she is questioning herself; her dreams and thoughts-this is such a powerful connection between lead to reader. She is empowering, and I love how she embraces herself as an adult and a woman, exploring herself like most women in her age group, I just simply loved everything about her from her sureness, to her flaws and down to her personal struggles.
Then there is Ford, the oh my lanta, drool me more Ford. Can I have him, please? I will feed him and kennel him, he is downright adorable and I need one.He was the ideal man meat. I probably say this constantly, but seriously this character had me at Hello. I loved his personality. Though to be fair, the drama factor between him and Colm really shines Ford in a different light might question my sanity, but honestly Ford really tries to make things right. He seems like this sweet, caring, charismatic kind of guy. He is the brunt of a lot of hatred with Colm, but for the sake of the team and the friends, and even Liv, he takes things like a trooper. He is loyal beyond reason, he does it with himself, his mother (which oh my gawd, cuteness overload), Liv, all the Kings. He is just this great guy in the corner. I like the flaws he brings to the table, it is refreshing.
The chemistry between Ford and Liv was beyond gratifying. Firstly, I enjoyed the age gap that was present between them. No it wasn’t the main attribute in things which I will get to more in a second, but it was a great additive to their constant tug relationship. Also, their romance was really not just a “Brothers Best Friend Crush” trope but truly, Liv and Ford were actually friends too. It is one added factor that made this book flawless, Maya Hughes flipping smashed this trope out of the field and slayed me in the process. Their connection in all forms was simply perfection. From the beginning, paying out every detail had me swooning…
For starters, Liv has always had the crush on Ford, this was established pretty early in the series, Ford though admitted that he hasn’t always been attracted to Liv in the same form. This is actually what butts heads with Ford’s younger brother too. To Ford’s credit, he actually didn’t really notice notice Liv as a woman, an attractive woman until he tasted what he believes he shouldn’t – oh yes comrades, the secret kiss at the wedding party. Ford finally noticed Liv for what she was, or rather who she was and it absolutely terrified him. This is when the trope is done right, and I mean in the most delicious torturous kinds of ways, Liv and Ford were a fiery connection that was waiting to explode. And before you go all, “Oh Suey, what makes this so different from the other Friends to Lovers tropes you hate?” Well easy, back it up to the age gap if you will that I mentioned. Ford never noticed Liv until now is mostly because there is an age gap, one that is would have been borderline ick if he had admitted to being attracted to her before. So to me, this was just executed very well on all fronts of their chemistry and romance dynamic. I could feel their passion, the realization, understand their connection to the fullest. It was beautiful. And I loved every minute reading it.
And what would be my favorite “Best Friends Sibling Crush” Trope without a little bit of big brother drama? Am I right? This is honestly what I crave from these types of dynamics. I know, I am strange. I have seen anything from where the sibling is the guarded, ‘I will end you if you hurt her’ kind, the hilarious bromance ‘My sister is lucky to have you because I love you man’ kind of outcomes, but very rarely do you see the asshole complex. Oh thank you Maya you devil you! I loathed Colm, Olivia’s brother was honestly downright disgusting human, and it made me love this series more. There was a point where I couldn’t wrap my brain around how controlling, dare I say manipulative towards Olivia. At the end of the day, I understand his distaste for the situation, there was a huge surrounding issue between Ford and Colm that really shined light on the development that was the hatred but I truly felt Colm was a brat. Constantly. This was such a great additive too towards the drama factor, one that i could get on board with since it was such a believable scenario. Dare I say I am really looking forward to his book (assuming he gets one) because i need closure for Liv and Ford, but also for Colm; his personal demons and his swirling hatred, it is needed to be seen!
Bottom line, if you are not picking up what I am putting down, then there is a problem because i loved everythig about Fearless King. It was an amazing read, one of my personal favorite tropes. I cannot get enough of Maya Hughes writing style. I really look forward to whatever this woman writes next because I know it will send my romance heart into a tizzy
Olivia, or Liv (though I prefer her Olive nickname – thanks Ford), was definitely a fun character, I really liked her appearances until now and my obsession for her only grew as I finally got to know her more. She had this free spirit, kind-very gentle personality, she is in a place of her life where she knows what she wants but still questions herself. She has this wholesome, real feeling personality that is beyond relatable. All her life she had this one goal yet over time she is questioning herself; her dreams and thoughts-this is such a powerful connection between lead to reader. She is empowering, and I love how she embraces herself as an adult and a woman, exploring herself like most women in her age group, I just simply loved everything about her from her sureness, to her flaws and down to her personal struggles.
Then there is Ford, the oh my lanta, drool me more Ford. Can I have him, please? I will feed him and kennel him, he is downright adorable and I need one.He was the ideal man meat. I probably say this constantly, but seriously this character had me at Hello. I loved his personality. Though to be fair, the drama factor between him and Colm really shines Ford in a different light might question my sanity, but honestly Ford really tries to make things right. He seems like this sweet, caring, charismatic kind of guy. He is the brunt of a lot of hatred with Colm, but for the sake of the team and the friends, and even Liv, he takes things like a trooper. He is loyal beyond reason, he does it with himself, his mother (which oh my gawd, cuteness overload), Liv, all the Kings. He is just this great guy in the corner. I like the flaws he brings to the table, it is refreshing.
The chemistry between Ford and Liv was beyond gratifying. Firstly, I enjoyed the age gap that was present between them. No it wasn’t the main attribute in things which I will get to more in a second, but it was a great additive to their constant tug relationship. Also, their romance was really not just a “Brothers Best Friend Crush” trope but truly, Liv and Ford were actually friends too. It is one added factor that made this book flawless, Maya Hughes flipping smashed this trope out of the field and slayed me in the process. Their connection in all forms was simply perfection. From the beginning, paying out every detail had me swooning…
For starters, Liv has always had the crush on Ford, this was established pretty early in the series, Ford though admitted that he hasn’t always been attracted to Liv in the same form. This is actually what butts heads with Ford’s younger brother too. To Ford’s credit, he actually didn’t really notice notice Liv as a woman, an attractive woman until he tasted what he believes he shouldn’t – oh yes comrades, the secret kiss at the wedding party. Ford finally noticed Liv for what she was, or rather who she was and it absolutely terrified him. This is when the trope is done right, and I mean in the most delicious torturous kinds of ways, Liv and Ford were a fiery connection that was waiting to explode. And before you go all, “Oh Suey, what makes this so different from the other Friends to Lovers tropes you hate?” Well easy, back it up to the age gap if you will that I mentioned. Ford never noticed Liv until now is mostly because there is an age gap, one that is would have been borderline ick if he had admitted to being attracted to her before. So to me, this was just executed very well on all fronts of their chemistry and romance dynamic. I could feel their passion, the realization, understand their connection to the fullest. It was beautiful. And I loved every minute reading it.
And what would be my favorite “Best Friends Sibling Crush” Trope without a little bit of big brother drama? Am I right? This is honestly what I crave from these types of dynamics. I know, I am strange. I have seen anything from where the sibling is the guarded, ‘I will end you if you hurt her’ kind, the hilarious bromance ‘My sister is lucky to have you because I love you man’ kind of outcomes, but very rarely do you see the asshole complex. Oh thank you Maya you devil you! I loathed Colm, Olivia’s brother was honestly downright disgusting human, and it made me love this series more. There was a point where I couldn’t wrap my brain around how controlling, dare I say manipulative towards Olivia. At the end of the day, I understand his distaste for the situation, there was a huge surrounding issue between Ford and Colm that really shined light on the development that was the hatred but I truly felt Colm was a brat. Constantly. This was such a great additive too towards the drama factor, one that i could get on board with since it was such a believable scenario. Dare I say I am really looking forward to his book (assuming he gets one) because i need closure for Liv and Ford, but also for Colm; his personal demons and his swirling hatred, it is needed to be seen!
Bottom line, if you are not picking up what I am putting down, then there is a problem because i loved everythig about Fearless King. It was an amazing read, one of my personal favorite tropes. I cannot get enough of Maya Hughes writing style. I really look forward to whatever this woman writes next because I know it will send my romance heart into a tizzy
joskypay's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a stand alone but part of a series, Kings of Rittenhouse. You don't have to read them all to know whats going on, but you will want to get to know each of these fine young gentlemen for sure! Ford is a bit of a loner. He likes HIS people, he'll socialize when he's expected to, but he'd rather not be recognized or acknowledged. He's stand off-ish for a reason and his people know it and love him for it anyway.
Younger brother Grant has had a crush on their friend Colm's little sister Liv since they were kids. Liv however had her heart set on Ford. This book is about how they finally break off the chains tying them to old rules someone else made up and found a way to each other. Its forbidden on a number of levels with an oh so satisfying HEA that will make your heart smile!
Younger brother Grant has had a crush on their friend Colm's little sister Liv since they were kids. Liv however had her heart set on Ford. This book is about how they finally break off the chains tying them to old rules someone else made up and found a way to each other. Its forbidden on a number of levels with an oh so satisfying HEA that will make your heart smile!
readwithjules_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
80% break up lowered my rating a bit, not a fan of that bs. and the ending was sooo sped up like the moment they got back together, the author wanted the book over.
mkirks96's review against another edition
4.0
3.5, rounded up to 4!
Fearless King is the 4th book in the Kings of Rittenhouse series by @mayahugheswrites. This story is set a little down the line from the ending of the last three (which all take place within a year), so all five of our Kings are now pro NHL players playing in Philly. The plot focuses on the relationship between Ford and Liv, Colm's younger sister.
Now, there are a LOT of barriers in the way of this relationship! I felt like maybe one or two of them weren't necessary. Firstly, the classic, she's his best friend's little sister. I love this trope! The secrecy, the pining, the indecision, it's all great, and it's all in this book! Then the wedding kiss, and it's aftermath, both of their perceived willingness to move on to someone else very quickly. Add to this the complication of Grant's feelings for Liv, and those towards Ford, and the fuck up that is the Colm/Felicity/Ford situation, and it seemed like Liv and Ford would never get together! Besides these possibly excessive barriers, I really enjoyed the story! The fire and the sex tape were great little plot points that brought them closer after threatening to pull them apart.
Ford is the quiet one of the Kings, and we all know it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for! Although there was some teasing of a dominant side of Ford in the bedroom, I didn't think this went as far as it could have. The spice was still great, believable and sexy, but I felt his dominance could have been further explored. Aside from this aspect of his character, Ford is clearly burdened by the issues he faced growing up, but I felt more focus was put onto Liv's character overall.
I did find Liv to be a little too similar to Mak, again. She's weighed down by grief and feels trapped into becoming a doctor, by both her brother and the expectations of her dead parents. I found the similarities to be a little too much for me, and it felt a little lacklustre compared to some of the other queens. I do sometimes get frustrated with characters who are determined to do something (usually career related) which they don't really/no longer want to do.
I really loved Ford and Liv together. The slow burn started in the epilogue of Shameless King and just got better, so I'm thrilled their book lived up to my expectations.
Christian Fox did a stellar job as always, he always makes me want to keep listening. I thought Mackenzie Cartwright complemented his narration really well. I've not listened to her before, but I would definitely listen again! The characters were clearly defined from both narrators, and the book flowed nicely without jarring between the different POVs.
Very enjoyable listen overall!
Fearless King is the 4th book in the Kings of Rittenhouse series by @mayahugheswrites. This story is set a little down the line from the ending of the last three (which all take place within a year), so all five of our Kings are now pro NHL players playing in Philly. The plot focuses on the relationship between Ford and Liv, Colm's younger sister.
Now, there are a LOT of barriers in the way of this relationship! I felt like maybe one or two of them weren't necessary. Firstly, the classic, she's his best friend's little sister. I love this trope! The secrecy, the pining, the indecision, it's all great, and it's all in this book! Then the wedding kiss, and it's aftermath, both of their perceived willingness to move on to someone else very quickly. Add to this the complication of Grant's feelings for Liv, and those towards Ford, and the fuck up that is the Colm/Felicity/Ford situation, and it seemed like Liv and Ford would never get together! Besides these possibly excessive barriers, I really enjoyed the story! The fire and the sex tape were great little plot points that brought them closer after threatening to pull them apart.
Ford is the quiet one of the Kings, and we all know it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for! Although there was some teasing of a dominant side of Ford in the bedroom, I didn't think this went as far as it could have. The spice was still great, believable and sexy, but I felt his dominance could have been further explored. Aside from this aspect of his character, Ford is clearly burdened by the issues he faced growing up, but I felt more focus was put onto Liv's character overall.
I did find Liv to be a little too similar to Mak, again. She's weighed down by grief and feels trapped into becoming a doctor, by both her brother and the expectations of her dead parents. I found the similarities to be a little too much for me, and it felt a little lacklustre compared to some of the other queens. I do sometimes get frustrated with characters who are determined to do something (usually career related) which they don't really/no longer want to do.
I really loved Ford and Liv together. The slow burn started in the epilogue of Shameless King and just got better, so I'm thrilled their book lived up to my expectations.
Christian Fox did a stellar job as always, he always makes me want to keep listening. I thought Mackenzie Cartwright complemented his narration really well. I've not listened to her before, but I would definitely listen again! The characters were clearly defined from both narrators, and the book flowed nicely without jarring between the different POVs.
Very enjoyable listen overall!
hanaelzohiry's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5
Let’s talk about something no one ever talks about when it comes to books and storylines. The importance of forgiveness and owning up to your mistakes. This book was one that had me hooked from the start, and if it were up to me (and if I had the time). I would have easily read it in one sitting.
I have never been focused on a storyline as much as Ford and Olive’s. One that was filled with second chance romances and childhood friendships. There was a mix of angst, and falling for your brother’s friend not knowing that there’s pain between the two. There was the battle between keeping your promise to your best friend, and following your heart and allowing yourself to love.
This book was so wholesome, and really just reminded me that sometimes, secrets will only cause you to crash and burn, especially if your intentions are pure. For some reason, regardless if you’re keeping secrets from someone you love to protect them will only cause them to hurt even more in the end - because they love and trust you to be honest at all times.
It’s safe to say that Ford has my heart, and I just know that him and Colm will become my favourite friendship. I can’t wait to continue reading this series and seeing how things unfold for the Kings.
Let’s talk about something no one ever talks about when it comes to books and storylines. The importance of forgiveness and owning up to your mistakes. This book was one that had me hooked from the start, and if it were up to me (and if I had the time). I would have easily read it in one sitting.
I have never been focused on a storyline as much as Ford and Olive’s. One that was filled with second chance romances and childhood friendships. There was a mix of angst, and falling for your brother’s friend not knowing that there’s pain between the two. There was the battle between keeping your promise to your best friend, and following your heart and allowing yourself to love.
This book was so wholesome, and really just reminded me that sometimes, secrets will only cause you to crash and burn, especially if your intentions are pure. For some reason, regardless if you’re keeping secrets from someone you love to protect them will only cause them to hurt even more in the end - because they love and trust you to be honest at all times.
It’s safe to say that Ford has my heart, and I just know that him and Colm will become my favourite friendship. I can’t wait to continue reading this series and seeing how things unfold for the Kings.
elegantfantasy_blogs's review against another edition
3.0
*****3.25 stars*****
"Olivia was everything I wanted and everything I should’ve never dared to hope I’d have."
This is the fourth book in the Kings of Rittenhouse series. It's about Ford and Olivia- Colm's little sister. Ford & Olivia met when she was nine and he was fifteen. Since then they formed a tight group with their highschool friends. This is a brother's bestfriend trope and obviously Colm was acting like the typical protective but controlling older brother and I didn't like his attitude a bit.
"There were other things I wished I could switch off, like my feelings for Ford, but those were determined to kick my ass every chance they got."
Ford & Olivia always has feelings for each other but up until some time, Ford saw Liv only as Colm's little sister because of the four year age gap between them. But when they attend a summer vacation with their friends, their mutual attraction starts to grow. Then something happens which rips the two apart and Liv starts avoiding Ford which that kind of ruins their friendship.
“I’ll always be here for you. Don’t ever think I’d be better off without you.”
Tbh, I didn't like Ford at all. His decision making skills sucked and he acted impulsively. Also, he didn't seem to know how to handle the ow situations that he was stuck in at times and that made me think that he was immature for someone his age. His character lacked depth. His past with his dad wasn't explored and his life revolved just around hockey and because of that, I didn't feel connected with him.
Liv was smart, talented, focused and sassy but I don't think she had a spine when it came to standing up to her brother. She knew that medschool wasn't what she wanted to do but was too much of a pusy to say that to her brother's face.
"The people around us didn’t matter to me one bit. I wanted them to see us. I wanted my love for her on display for the world, and I wanted her to know it would always be there."
Overall, the book was boring and I only continued because I got some Emmett Avery & LJ Marisa crumbs. ( LJ and Marisa are from the fourth book in Maya Hughes' Fulton U series.) I was so excited when I got to know that Marisa is Liv's roommate and it piqued by curiosity for this book but I didn't like the plot as much as I thought I would. I couldn't really feel the connection between Ford & Liv and throughout the book, I constantly felt that Ford's feelings towards Liv were entirely physical rather than emotional.
And Colm, idk what the hell was up with him. He was so angry and unreasonable. Hope he gets better in his own book because Imogen doesn't deserve to be treated the same way he treats his friends and sister smh.
"Olivia was everything I wanted and everything I should’ve never dared to hope I’d have."
This is the fourth book in the Kings of Rittenhouse series. It's about Ford and Olivia- Colm's little sister. Ford & Olivia met when she was nine and he was fifteen. Since then they formed a tight group with their highschool friends. This is a brother's bestfriend trope and obviously Colm was acting like the typical protective but controlling older brother and I didn't like his attitude a bit.
"There were other things I wished I could switch off, like my feelings for Ford, but those were determined to kick my ass every chance they got."
Ford & Olivia always has feelings for each other but up until some time, Ford saw Liv only as Colm's little sister because of the four year age gap between them. But when they attend a summer vacation with their friends, their mutual attraction starts to grow. Then something happens which rips the two apart and Liv starts avoiding Ford which that kind of ruins their friendship.
“I’ll always be here for you. Don’t ever think I’d be better off without you.”
Tbh, I didn't like Ford at all. His decision making skills sucked and he acted impulsively. Also, he didn't seem to know how to handle the ow situations that he was stuck in at times and that made me think that he was immature for someone his age. His character lacked depth. His past with his dad wasn't explored and his life revolved just around hockey and because of that, I didn't feel connected with him.
Liv was smart, talented, focused and sassy but I don't think she had a spine when it came to standing up to her brother. She knew that medschool wasn't what she wanted to do but was too much of a pusy to say that to her brother's face.
"The people around us didn’t matter to me one bit. I wanted them to see us. I wanted my love for her on display for the world, and I wanted her to know it would always be there."
Overall, the book was boring and I only continued because I got some Emmett Avery & LJ Marisa crumbs. ( LJ and Marisa are from the fourth book in Maya Hughes' Fulton U series.) I was so excited when I got to know that Marisa is Liv's roommate and it piqued by curiosity for this book but I didn't like the plot as much as I thought I would. I couldn't really feel the connection between Ford & Liv and throughout the book, I constantly felt that Ford's feelings towards Liv were entirely physical rather than emotional.
And Colm, idk what the hell was up with him. He was so angry and unreasonable. Hope he gets better in his own book because Imogen doesn't deserve to be treated the same way he treats his friends and sister smh.