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Necessary Roughness #1
The Comeback King
Lucas
To my dad, Hunter King is a football prodigy destined for greatness.
The son he always wanted.
To me, Hunter King is the guy I’ve loved most of my life.
The guy who happens to be my dead brother’s boyfriend.
We were kids when Hunter came into our lives—the boy with the skill my brother didn’t have and the drive I lacked. The one who was always kind to me, who cared about my photography when, to my dad, it was a hobby, not worth anyone’s time.
Looking at the world through the lens of my camera is the only thing I’ve ever wanted.
Other than Hunter King.
Hunter
I would be nothing without the Blakes. Coach Blake nurtured my football talent from high school through college and now professionally. For all intents and purposes, he was my father. And when I started dating his son Ellis, it felt like I truly became part of the family.
But since Ellis died, nothing feels right anymore—not even the game I’ve always loved.
Until Lucas walks back into my life.
With each lingering touch, I feel sensation returning. Every kiss breathes air into my lungs. And for the first time in three years, it feels like my heart starts beating again.
But with every embrace, I’m betraying Ellis’s memory. The media, my team, Coach Blake will all condemn me. I’ll no longer be their Comeback King. I’ll be the man who is sleeping with his dead boyfriend’s brother.
Yet none of it is enough to make me stop.
The Comeback King is the first book in a new series. You can expect big feels and a secret relationship with pining and learning to love after loss.
To my dad, Hunter King is a football prodigy destined for greatness.
The son he always wanted.
To me, Hunter King is the guy I’ve loved most of my life.
The guy who happens to be my dead brother’s boyfriend.
We were kids when Hunter came into our lives—the boy with the skill my brother didn’t have and the drive I lacked. The one who was always kind to me, who cared about my photography when, to my dad, it was a hobby, not worth anyone’s time.
Looking at the world through the lens of my camera is the only thing I’ve ever wanted.
Other than Hunter King.
Hunter
I would be nothing without the Blakes. Coach Blake nurtured my football talent from high school through college and now professionally. For all intents and purposes, he was my father. And when I started dating his son Ellis, it felt like I truly became part of the family.
But since Ellis died, nothing feels right anymore—not even the game I’ve always loved.
Until Lucas walks back into my life.
With each lingering touch, I feel sensation returning. Every kiss breathes air into my lungs. And for the first time in three years, it feels like my heart starts beating again.
But with every embrace, I’m betraying Ellis’s memory. The media, my team, Coach Blake will all condemn me. I’ll no longer be their Comeback King. I’ll be the man who is sleeping with his dead boyfriend’s brother.
Yet none of it is enough to make me stop.
The Comeback King is the first book in a new series. You can expect big feels and a secret relationship with pining and learning to love after loss.
Audible Audio
First published June 17, 2026
About the author
Riley Hart
125 books7,513 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
July 1, 2026
2.5⭐️
This is a a dead boyfriend' brother trope, which for me personally is a hard trope because you have to be able to fully convince me as a reader of the strong love between the 2 MMCs without a single doubt. I think that this story failed to do that to me personally.
So, this is the story of Hunter and Lucas. Hunter came into Lucas life as a teenager where he became friends with Lucas' brother Ellis, then his best friend then his boyfriend. Ellis dies in a car accident and the story is 3 years after that, where Hunter is dealing with guilt.
Lucas has always had a crush on Hunter, but also he was kinda the outcast and treated differently by his father who wanted him to play football, and for that reason, the father always treated Ellis and Hunter better. Lucas moved out and stayed away and now has an art gallery, where he sees Hunter after 3 years. The two start getting close and eventually something more.
My issues with the story:
1) I felt like the progression of their relationship is rushed so it didn't feel organic. I wanted more angst, more bonding before we had physical intimacy. The spice started at 37%, with kisses and bjs. For a book with this type of stories, I felt that it is way too early for physical relationship to start between the 2 MMCs. I want more emotional connection and development first, so when the physical happens, it feels stronger. Not to mention that they hadn't seen each other for years and even before that, they weren't close friends or anything. So we needed more room to grow their bond, to explore their connection, to deepen their closeness.
2) Spice itself started to feel repetitive that I actually skimmed most of it. Maybe the fact that spice started too early for me that it took me out of feeling it. I wanted to spice to feel like an extension of their connection and not just to add spice, which that's how it felt to me for the most part. So, it felt more lust and horniness than connection.
3) Maybe it's me, but as a romance reader, I expect that after my MMCs have connected and bonded for them not to be with anyone after. Here, after Lucas and Hunter kissed and exchanged bjs (37%), Lucas gets on the app, call someone over, and fuck their brains out. I get that Hunter freaked out and bailed after their physical so Lucas want to stop wanting him, but that's not an excuse for me to stomach that my MMC hooked up with someone else after being physical with the other MMC. It takes me out of their connection and ruins it.
4) Lucas has a best friend, Isla, which he hooks up with occasionally. One of my biggest icks in books is where the MMC and their best friend are also fuck buddies. I don't understand the logic behind it. It's just so fucking weird. Especially here, where Lucas is already in a relationship with Hunter and they invite Isla over and she is running her fingers through Lucas hair and constantly calling him "babe" and Lucas soaking it all up. Hunter knows about the nature of their relationship and he is bit jealous. It's just so weird for your best friend/ex-fuck buddy to be cuddling you while your boyfriend is right there.
Authors, please stop with the best friend who is also a fuck buddy.
5) Ellis is mentioned quite a lot. I don't know if it's just me but it seems that he was mentioned in an angelic and being praised throughout the book, but then suddenly towards the end, he is mentioned in a villainous kind of way. It seemed like a way to justify Hunter and Lucas being endgame.
6) When I finish a story, I expected to be fully invested in the love between the MMCs. I wanted for this book to make me believe without any tiny doubt that the MMC truly and completely loves the brother as much or more. But did I believe that? Maybe yes, maybe no. I'm not sure. Thus, if I finish a book where I'm not sure or convinced of the love, then, I don't think the story spoke to me like it should have.
7) This reason feels very personal for not quite liking this book. I don't like to compare books or stories but one of my top favorite books ever is "Without You" by Marley Valentine, which is similar as in dead boyfriend's brother, one of the parents favor the dead brother and the boyfriend and other tiny few similarities as well. So my standards for this trope is super high, and I think this book didn't come close to those standards.
OP drama and on page scenes:
- We are told many times that Hunter is partying and hooking up with so many women in the 3 years after Ellis' death.
- At 5%, Chapter 2 begins with Lucas at the end of a hookup where "they fucked each other's brains out," then Lucas offers the guy to stay if he is ready for round 2. We are not described round 1 or 2.
- 6%, chapter 3 opens up with Hunter at the end of a hookup with Haven, a hookup who is also a friend.
- At 40%, Lucas hooks up off page, after him and Hunter have been physical.
I wouldn't say it's a bad book at all and I can actually see many people loving it, but unfortunately for me, many reasons stopped me from that.
This is a a dead boyfriend' brother trope, which for me personally is a hard trope because you have to be able to fully convince me as a reader of the strong love between the 2 MMCs without a single doubt. I think that this story failed to do that to me personally.
So, this is the story of Hunter and Lucas. Hunter came into Lucas life as a teenager where he became friends with Lucas' brother Ellis, then his best friend then his boyfriend. Ellis dies in a car accident and the story is 3 years after that, where Hunter is dealing with guilt.
Lucas has always had a crush on Hunter, but also he was kinda the outcast and treated differently by his father who wanted him to play football, and for that reason, the father always treated Ellis and Hunter better. Lucas moved out and stayed away and now has an art gallery, where he sees Hunter after 3 years. The two start getting close and eventually something more.
My issues with the story:
1) I felt like the progression of their relationship is rushed so it didn't feel organic. I wanted more angst, more bonding before we had physical intimacy. The spice started at 37%, with kisses and bjs. For a book with this type of stories, I felt that it is way too early for physical relationship to start between the 2 MMCs. I want more emotional connection and development first, so when the physical happens, it feels stronger. Not to mention that they hadn't seen each other for years and even before that, they weren't close friends or anything. So we needed more room to grow their bond, to explore their connection, to deepen their closeness.
2) Spice itself started to feel repetitive that I actually skimmed most of it. Maybe the fact that spice started too early for me that it took me out of feeling it. I wanted to spice to feel like an extension of their connection and not just to add spice, which that's how it felt to me for the most part. So, it felt more lust and horniness than connection.
3) Maybe it's me, but as a romance reader, I expect that after my MMCs have connected and bonded for them not to be with anyone after. Here, after Lucas and Hunter kissed and exchanged bjs (37%), Lucas gets on the app, call someone over, and fuck their brains out. I get that Hunter freaked out and bailed after their physical so Lucas want to stop wanting him, but that's not an excuse for me to stomach that my MMC hooked up with someone else after being physical with the other MMC. It takes me out of their connection and ruins it.
4) Lucas has a best friend, Isla, which he hooks up with occasionally. One of my biggest icks in books is where the MMC and their best friend are also fuck buddies. I don't understand the logic behind it. It's just so fucking weird. Especially here, where Lucas is already in a relationship with Hunter and they invite Isla over and she is running her fingers through Lucas hair and constantly calling him "babe" and Lucas soaking it all up. Hunter knows about the nature of their relationship and he is bit jealous. It's just so weird for your best friend/ex-fuck buddy to be cuddling you while your boyfriend is right there.
Authors, please stop with the best friend who is also a fuck buddy.
5) Ellis is mentioned quite a lot. I don't know if it's just me but it seems that he was mentioned in an angelic and being praised throughout the book, but then suddenly towards the end, he is mentioned in a villainous kind of way. It seemed like a way to justify Hunter and Lucas being endgame.
6) When I finish a story, I expected to be fully invested in the love between the MMCs. I wanted for this book to make me believe without any tiny doubt that the MMC truly and completely loves the brother as much or more. But did I believe that? Maybe yes, maybe no. I'm not sure. Thus, if I finish a book where I'm not sure or convinced of the love, then, I don't think the story spoke to me like it should have.
7) This reason feels very personal for not quite liking this book. I don't like to compare books or stories but one of my top favorite books ever is "Without You" by Marley Valentine, which is similar as in dead boyfriend's brother, one of the parents favor the dead brother and the boyfriend and other tiny few similarities as well. So my standards for this trope is super high, and I think this book didn't come close to those standards.
OP drama and on page scenes:
- We are told many times that Hunter is partying and hooking up with so many women in the 3 years after Ellis' death.
- At 5%, Chapter 2 begins with Lucas at the end of a hookup where "they fucked each other's brains out," then Lucas offers the guy to stay if he is ready for round 2. We are not described round 1 or 2.
- 6%, chapter 3 opens up with Hunter at the end of a hookup with Haven, a hookup who is also a friend.
- At 40%, Lucas hooks up off page, after him and Hunter have been physical.
I wouldn't say it's a bad book at all and I can actually see many people loving it, but unfortunately for me, many reasons stopped me from that.
won-t-read-bc-nopes
July 1, 2026MCs are intimate, and then at least one of them hooks up with someone else. And it sounds gratuitous, throwaway, not needed for any reason. Just to be "realistic" ?? Nope. Anti-romantic.
@Sarah's review has the deets if anyone else dislikes that type of situation and wants to know more:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Would not work for me. But I maintain that The Endgame and Boyfriend Goals are two of my favorite reads and highly recommend both. (And I agree w @Sarah's rec of Without You by Marley Valentine as an alternate read with a similar situation, if that's of interest.)
(Editing to add...I do love this cover though! That pose is hilarious!🤣🩷)
@Sarah's review has the deets if anyone else dislikes that type of situation and wants to know more:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Would not work for me. But I maintain that The Endgame and Boyfriend Goals are two of my favorite reads and highly recommend both. (And I agree w @Sarah's rec of Without You by Marley Valentine as an alternate read with a similar situation, if that's of interest.)
(Editing to add...I do love this cover though! That pose is hilarious!🤣🩷)
June 17, 2026
All the stars
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨
I absolutely loved this story.
For the longest time my gut was clenched and I was on the verge of tears. The sweetheart that was Lucas had me wanting to hug him tight. Hunter's semi obliviousness to the hold over his life other people had, felt annoying until his eyes were finally opened.
Their story felt like an impossible situation to navigate and I'm so glad everyone came together to support them.
A great read🌈🏈📷
*Favorites
*To reread
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨
I absolutely loved this story.
For the longest time my gut was clenched and I was on the verge of tears. The sweetheart that was Lucas had me wanting to hug him tight. Hunter's semi obliviousness to the hold over his life other people had, felt annoying until his eyes were finally opened.
Their story felt like an impossible situation to navigate and I'm so glad everyone came together to support them.
A great read🌈🏈📷
*Favorites
*To reread
June 8, 2026
It’s been awhile since a book has made me want to stay up to finish it and this had me up til midnight. Debating if this will end up a six star read for me. 🤔🧐
More review to come after I 😴.
More review to come after I 😴.
June 27, 2026
While this is very different from other Riley Hart books I’ve read (Rhett is my favorite), this book was a fun time.
Riley Hart excels at telling stories filled with emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and genuine character growth, and this book definitely delivered on chemistry (holy spice). While the emotional depth wasn’t as strong in this book compared to some of her other books, Riley still touched on sensitive topics that pull on your heartstrings. Although the nature of Lucas and Hunter’s relationship was forbidden, their romance felt natural and earned, with both characters bringing their own baggage, hopes, and vulnerabilities to the relationship.
Riley Hart excels at creating believable, emotionally mature characters, and this book is no exception. The dialogue is engaging, the banter is fun, and the quiet, heartfelt moments are just as memorable as the steamy ones. The sports backdrop adds excitement without overshadowing the romance.
If you're a fan of second chances, best friends, emotional healing, and romances that leave you smiling, Comeback King is absolutely worth the read. It's spicy, romantic, and full of heart which is a nice addition to Riley Hart's catalog.
ALSO - Harley Chase narrated the audiobook and he is a 10/10 narrator for me.
Riley Hart excels at telling stories filled with emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and genuine character growth, and this book definitely delivered on chemistry (holy spice). While the emotional depth wasn’t as strong in this book compared to some of her other books, Riley still touched on sensitive topics that pull on your heartstrings. Although the nature of Lucas and Hunter’s relationship was forbidden, their romance felt natural and earned, with both characters bringing their own baggage, hopes, and vulnerabilities to the relationship.
Riley Hart excels at creating believable, emotionally mature characters, and this book is no exception. The dialogue is engaging, the banter is fun, and the quiet, heartfelt moments are just as memorable as the steamy ones. The sports backdrop adds excitement without overshadowing the romance.
If you're a fan of second chances, best friends, emotional healing, and romances that leave you smiling, Comeback King is absolutely worth the read. It's spicy, romantic, and full of heart which is a nice addition to Riley Hart's catalog.
ALSO - Harley Chase narrated the audiobook and he is a 10/10 narrator for me.
September 10, 2026
4.5⭐️
🏈 Brothers best friend
🏈 Brothers best friend
June 21, 2026
The deseased ex trope is problably my least favourite. It's like an competition you can't win. Here it's "falling for my dead brother's bf" and the mentioned brother felt like a saint. So, note to myself, avoid at any cause.
June 23, 2026
I really wanted to love this book. I love the ex’s brother trope, honestly; to me, we need more books in this trope. Sadly, I didn't love it; it’s just okay.
I really like the storyline, Hunter struggling with guilt after a tragedy and not moving forward. At the same time, he runs into Lucas, who is estranged from his family. Hunter instantly reconnects with him and begins to see things differently.
My concern is that I felt the story was being told to me, with details skipped, making it hard for me to connect with the characters and their emotions.
When the story wasn't being told, it flowed perfectly—making it enjoyable.
Even though I didn't enjoy it as much as others did, that doesn't mean you won't love it.
June 12, 2026
"He’s waiting for me to run, waiting for something about him to be too much. It’s not. It’s everything I didn’t know I wanted until I had it. It’s messy and imperfect, wild and untamed, which is so different from every other aspect of my life. And I need that. I need him."
The Comeback King by Riley Hart was everything I didn't know I needed! It was angsty and tragic and romantic and steamy and uplifting and devastating and everything in between!
If book 1 is is any indication, I am going to LOVE Riley's Necessary Roughness series.
What To Expect:
❣️MM romance
❣️Hockey star/artist
❣️Brother's ex
❣️Friends to lovers
❣️Angsty
❣️Grief
❣️All the spice
❣️Secret relationship
❣️HEA
Loved it and can't wait for book 2 The Lockdown Mann.
4 stars
The Comeback King by Riley Hart was everything I didn't know I needed! It was angsty and tragic and romantic and steamy and uplifting and devastating and everything in between!
If book 1 is is any indication, I am going to LOVE Riley's Necessary Roughness series.
What To Expect:
❣️MM romance
❣️Hockey star/artist
❣️Brother's ex
❣️Friends to lovers
❣️Angsty
❣️Grief
❣️All the spice
❣️Secret relationship
❣️HEA
Loved it and can't wait for book 2 The Lockdown Mann.
4 stars
June 4, 2026
This is an emotional story about finding your way back to happiness after getting lost in grief and the crushing expectations of others.
Hunter is a star football player who loses his way after the death of his boyfriend, Ellis. Lucas is Ellis's brother, and he's the complete opposite of the perfect son, friend, and student that Ellis was. Both Hunter and Lucas have been living in Ellis's shadow, and that shared experience creates a unique connection between them that they couldn’t find in anyone else.
I enjoyed watching them confront their feelings for each other while navigating the complex grief surrounding Ellis's death. They try to honor Ellis without holding back from what's growing between them.
This was a solid start to a new series, and I'm excited to see where it goes. I'm already speculating about which couple we'll get next.
Hunter is a star football player who loses his way after the death of his boyfriend, Ellis. Lucas is Ellis's brother, and he's the complete opposite of the perfect son, friend, and student that Ellis was. Both Hunter and Lucas have been living in Ellis's shadow, and that shared experience creates a unique connection between them that they couldn’t find in anyone else.
I enjoyed watching them confront their feelings for each other while navigating the complex grief surrounding Ellis's death. They try to honor Ellis without holding back from what's growing between them.
This was a solid start to a new series, and I'm excited to see where it goes. I'm already speculating about which couple we'll get next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars
I’m going to be totally honest here: when I saw the “dead boyfriend’s brother” trope I expected a slightly predictable story, but, as usual, Riley Hart gave us a different and very interesting perspective about all of it.
I thought this would have been a sort of "love triangle" between Hunter, Lucas and Ellis' memory, with the two of them struggling and feeling guilty toward Ellis. And, yes, there's all of that but there's also so much more to unpack and both Hunter and Lucas were crushing under the weight of multiple unresolved feelings.
When Lucas met Hunter for the first time, he was just Ellis' new friend: life at home was already hard for him because of his father's coldness and open distaste. He was trying to find his own place in the family, nurturing his passion for photography and getting scraps of love from his mother and brother, while Hunter was slowly and unconsciously taking his place as a son to his father.
By the time he realised he was romantically interested in Hunter, Ellis already claimed him as his boyfriend, so there was basically no place for him in his own family and he distanced himself from everyone.
Hunter was a talented teenager, starving for football and eager to make it. Ellis was a wonderful friend for him and he came into Hunter's life with a father who helped him to succeed, so it was easy for him to concentrate only on his dream and not thinking too deeply about the toxic dynamic in the Blake’s family.
After several years of distance, Lucas and Hunter meet again by chance during Lucas’ new gallery opening and it’s a shock for both of them. It’s been three years since Ellis’ funeral and they haven’t seen each other since then, nor have they stayed in contact.
The story progresses with Hunter and Lucas starting a sexual relationship that has them more and more involved as the time passes: for the first time in his life, Hunter doesn’t feel the pressure to perform, he’s free to be a man besides football, while Lucas finally finds someone who chooses him and appreciates him for who he really is.
Unexpectedly, the real presence looming over their love is not Ellis (even if grief definitely has a role in this story), but his father, Coach Blake. I really despised him! Seeing how he molded Ellis and especially Hunter’s lives into something he could take credit for, how Ellis and Hunter attached themselves to each other to make that man happy and to have his approval, how everyone in that house gravitated around him and his demands, it was painful, but also very well written.
Because of his father, Lucas never had his own mother and brother’s support, it was easier for them to ignore him instead of making their father upset. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for Lucas to see Hunter becoming the loved son.
I appreciated Hunter’s journey towards awareness: he had to reach the bottom and jeopardise his career after Ellis’ death in order to acknowledge his own worth and stop feeling in debt to a man who hasn't done nothing but take advantage of his successes, reclaiming them as his own. I also loved how he put into perspective his relationship with Ellis and how he made peace with him. The scene at the beach was beautifully emotional.
I also appreciated that Lucas addressed his resentment for his mother: it was finally time for her to stand up for her son if she didn’t want to lose him too.
This was definitely a wonderful start for this new series and I can’t wait to see how Oakley and Desmond will handle being close, I suspect there will be fireworks and I’m so very ready for that!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I’m going to be totally honest here: when I saw the “dead boyfriend’s brother” trope I expected a slightly predictable story, but, as usual, Riley Hart gave us a different and very interesting perspective about all of it.
I thought this would have been a sort of "love triangle" between Hunter, Lucas and Ellis' memory, with the two of them struggling and feeling guilty toward Ellis. And, yes, there's all of that but there's also so much more to unpack and both Hunter and Lucas were crushing under the weight of multiple unresolved feelings.
When Lucas met Hunter for the first time, he was just Ellis' new friend: life at home was already hard for him because of his father's coldness and open distaste. He was trying to find his own place in the family, nurturing his passion for photography and getting scraps of love from his mother and brother, while Hunter was slowly and unconsciously taking his place as a son to his father.
By the time he realised he was romantically interested in Hunter, Ellis already claimed him as his boyfriend, so there was basically no place for him in his own family and he distanced himself from everyone.
Hunter was a talented teenager, starving for football and eager to make it. Ellis was a wonderful friend for him and he came into Hunter's life with a father who helped him to succeed, so it was easy for him to concentrate only on his dream and not thinking too deeply about the toxic dynamic in the Blake’s family.
After several years of distance, Lucas and Hunter meet again by chance during Lucas’ new gallery opening and it’s a shock for both of them. It’s been three years since Ellis’ funeral and they haven’t seen each other since then, nor have they stayed in contact.
The story progresses with Hunter and Lucas starting a sexual relationship that has them more and more involved as the time passes: for the first time in his life, Hunter doesn’t feel the pressure to perform, he’s free to be a man besides football, while Lucas finally finds someone who chooses him and appreciates him for who he really is.
Unexpectedly, the real presence looming over their love is not Ellis (even if grief definitely has a role in this story), but his father, Coach Blake. I really despised him! Seeing how he molded Ellis and especially Hunter’s lives into something he could take credit for, how Ellis and Hunter attached themselves to each other to make that man happy and to have his approval, how everyone in that house gravitated around him and his demands, it was painful, but also very well written.
Because of his father, Lucas never had his own mother and brother’s support, it was easier for them to ignore him instead of making their father upset. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for Lucas to see Hunter becoming the loved son.
I appreciated Hunter’s journey towards awareness: he had to reach the bottom and jeopardise his career after Ellis’ death in order to acknowledge his own worth and stop feeling in debt to a man who hasn't done nothing but take advantage of his successes, reclaiming them as his own. I also loved how he put into perspective his relationship with Ellis and how he made peace with him. The scene at the beach was beautifully emotional.
I also appreciated that Lucas addressed his resentment for his mother: it was finally time for her to stand up for her son if she didn’t want to lose him too.
This was definitely a wonderful start for this new series and I can’t wait to see how Oakley and Desmond will handle being close, I suspect there will be fireworks and I’m so very ready for that!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
June 17, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this trope going in, but Riley Hart made it work for me.
What could have felt messy or uncomfortable was handled with so much care and nuance. The emotions felt genuine, and I appreciated that no one was painted as the bad guy, making the story feel more heartfelt than dramatic.
Hunter and Lucas were easy to love. Their connection was filled with years of complicated feelings, grief, and longing, but it never felt overwhelming. I especially loved Lucas’s growth and the way both men slowly found confidence, healing, and happiness through each other. Their relationship was tender, emotional, and had just enough spice to complement the story without overshadowing it.
While a few parts moved a little slower than I wanted, I was still completely invested in their journey. This was ultimately a touching story about love, healing, and learning to move forward without forgetting the past.
It left me with a smile and made me excited to see where the series goes next.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Riley Hart & The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this trope going in, but Riley Hart made it work for me.
What could have felt messy or uncomfortable was handled with so much care and nuance. The emotions felt genuine, and I appreciated that no one was painted as the bad guy, making the story feel more heartfelt than dramatic.
Hunter and Lucas were easy to love. Their connection was filled with years of complicated feelings, grief, and longing, but it never felt overwhelming. I especially loved Lucas’s growth and the way both men slowly found confidence, healing, and happiness through each other. Their relationship was tender, emotional, and had just enough spice to complement the story without overshadowing it.
While a few parts moved a little slower than I wanted, I was still completely invested in their journey. This was ultimately a touching story about love, healing, and learning to move forward without forgetting the past.
It left me with a smile and made me excited to see where the series goes next.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Riley Hart & The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
July 15, 2026
Boooorrrrrrinnngg. I finished this but at what cost🫠. I have so many words about this but, I don’t have time. This just wasn’t captivating, I expected a lot.
June 29, 2026
₊˚⊹ | 4 ★ read .ᐟ
There is no way you're picking up a Riley Hart book and it won't be instant love at first chapter. For me, she never fails to deliver beautiful romance that makes your heart throb for more. It's just the way she brings the character close, the chemistry so full of life between them even if the circumstances are most of the time awful and you think they won't ever be together. But then the magic happens and it happens in the most beautiful way possible.
I started my break with some of the best books already and this is definitely one of them!!!
There is no way you're picking up a Riley Hart book and it won't be instant love at first chapter. For me, she never fails to deliver beautiful romance that makes your heart throb for more. It's just the way she brings the character close, the chemistry so full of life between them even if the circumstances are most of the time awful and you think they won't ever be together. But then the magic happens and it happens in the most beautiful way possible.
I started my break with some of the best books already and this is definitely one of them!!!
June 25, 2026
4.5⭐ Lucas & Hunter
This was an incredibly lovely and enjoyable story!!
Lucas, my beautiful broken boy, must be protected at all costs 💖
Hunter has such a BIG heart! But he went through life with his blinders on for so long it was such a relief when he finally opened his eyes.
Their connection was undeniable, they are definitely meant to be and their story was quite addictive, I couldn't stop reading. Loved it.
This was an incredibly lovely and enjoyable story!!
Lucas, my beautiful broken boy, must be protected at all costs 💖
Hunter has such a BIG heart! But he went through life with his blinders on for so long it was such a relief when he finally opened his eyes.
Their connection was undeniable, they are definitely meant to be and their story was quite addictive, I couldn't stop reading. Loved it.
July 12, 2026
3.5 stars
June 19, 2026
Hunter and Lucas.
This book took my heart ripped it out and I said thank you. So many feelings. So much love. I was rooting for these two when they weren’t rooting for each other. I didn’t know how this was going to play out with the brother’s boyfriend vibes. But y’all, Riley crushed this!
I love Hunter and I love Lucas but I love them together so much more. The way that Hunter stuck up for Lucas was realized all he’d dealt with growing up was *chefs kiss* 💋. Prickly Lucas was funny and entertaining and seeing them fall in love (or more Lucas’s dreams coming true) was everything.
Go read this book. You won’t regret it!
This book took my heart ripped it out and I said thank you. So many feelings. So much love. I was rooting for these two when they weren’t rooting for each other. I didn’t know how this was going to play out with the brother’s boyfriend vibes. But y’all, Riley crushed this!
I love Hunter and I love Lucas but I love them together so much more. The way that Hunter stuck up for Lucas was realized all he’d dealt with growing up was *chefs kiss* 💋. Prickly Lucas was funny and entertaining and seeing them fall in love (or more Lucas’s dreams coming true) was everything.
Go read this book. You won’t regret it!
June 29, 2026
Lucas and Hunter made an amazing couple, and their road to finding each other was beautiful to witness🪷
I really felt for Lucas(my baby 😭)he deserved to be cherished and put first, something he didn't get from his family. Hunter was equally wonderful, a guy with a huge heart who clearly deserved happiness. They were made for each other
Luca's father 🚮
I really felt for Lucas(my baby 😭)he deserved to be cherished and put first, something he didn't get from his family. Hunter was equally wonderful, a guy with a huge heart who clearly deserved happiness. They were made for each other
Luca's father 🚮
June 18, 2026
6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, it happened… I had a tearless month, but this book made me cry…. And I loved every emotional second of it. This story completely stole my heart.
I thought this would be a book about football, but it’s so much more. This is a story about finding yourself after grief and realizing that you can’t keep making everyone else happy while forgetting about yourself.
Lucas spends so much of his life seeing himself as the villain, but he’s a hero in his own way. He cares deeply, even when he tries to convince everyone and himself that he doesn’t.
Ellis Sr. really did a number on his entire family. He had one son with talent who wasn’t interested in football and another son who lacked that natural talent but desperately wanted to make his father proud. The heartbreaking part is that Ellis Sr. never truly saw either of his sons for who they were.
In many ways, Hunter became the perfect gift for him because Ellis Sr. could project all of his dreams and expectations onto him.
That’s why I was so glad when Hunter finally let go of his twisted loyalty to Ellis Sr. and recognized his toxic behaviour for what it was.
I know this book might be considered taboo by some because Hunter falls in love with Lucas, the brother of his first love, Ellis (Junior) who passed away years earlier. But to me, their relationship felt incredibly beautiful and respectful.
And once Hunter chose Lucas, he never wavered. He reminded Lucas every single day that it was him from then on and always ❤️❤️❤️
The pinky touches on the couch, the quiet moments of understanding, the unwavering support, and seeing Lucas finally feel chosen for the first time in his life absolutely broke me.
Riley Hart is clearly setting us up for Des and Oakley next… and I am SO intrigued. I need that book immediately 💕
Okay, it happened… I had a tearless month, but this book made me cry…. And I loved every emotional second of it. This story completely stole my heart.
I thought this would be a book about football, but it’s so much more. This is a story about finding yourself after grief and realizing that you can’t keep making everyone else happy while forgetting about yourself.
Lucas spends so much of his life seeing himself as the villain, but he’s a hero in his own way. He cares deeply, even when he tries to convince everyone and himself that he doesn’t.
Ellis Sr. really did a number on his entire family. He had one son with talent who wasn’t interested in football and another son who lacked that natural talent but desperately wanted to make his father proud. The heartbreaking part is that Ellis Sr. never truly saw either of his sons for who they were.
In many ways, Hunter became the perfect gift for him because Ellis Sr. could project all of his dreams and expectations onto him.
That’s why I was so glad when Hunter finally let go of his twisted loyalty to Ellis Sr. and recognized his toxic behaviour for what it was.
I know this book might be considered taboo by some because Hunter falls in love with Lucas, the brother of his first love, Ellis (Junior) who passed away years earlier. But to me, their relationship felt incredibly beautiful and respectful.
And once Hunter chose Lucas, he never wavered. He reminded Lucas every single day that it was him from then on and always ❤️❤️❤️
The pinky touches on the couch, the quiet moments of understanding, the unwavering support, and seeing Lucas finally feel chosen for the first time in his life absolutely broke me.
Riley Hart is clearly setting us up for Des and Oakley next… and I am SO intrigued. I need that book immediately 💕
June 4, 2026
4.5 stars
Jesus, even after years of reading Riley Hart books, I still have no idea what she puts in them that makes my heart feel like it does.
The Comeback King is an emotional one, three years after the death of his boyfriend Ellis, NFLer Hunter King is still struggling to find his way in the game when he runs into Lucas, Ellis’s brother, for the first time since the funeral.
Lucas grew up in Ellis’s, and then Hunters shadow, being cast aside by his father because he resisted the power of Ellis Snr wanting him to become a footballer (seriously, fuck Ellis Snr…what a d*ck…). He’s also been in love with Hunter the entire time, when Ellis and Hunter were best friends, and still when they became more than that.
There is so much emotion in their story…grief, guilt, hurt, but you can’t help but feel the pull between them, and the love there.
Gah, I loved it. I say it every time, and I’ll say it again…Riley Hart never misses for me.
Jesus, even after years of reading Riley Hart books, I still have no idea what she puts in them that makes my heart feel like it does.
The Comeback King is an emotional one, three years after the death of his boyfriend Ellis, NFLer Hunter King is still struggling to find his way in the game when he runs into Lucas, Ellis’s brother, for the first time since the funeral.
Lucas grew up in Ellis’s, and then Hunters shadow, being cast aside by his father because he resisted the power of Ellis Snr wanting him to become a footballer (seriously, fuck Ellis Snr…what a d*ck…). He’s also been in love with Hunter the entire time, when Ellis and Hunter were best friends, and still when they became more than that.
There is so much emotion in their story…grief, guilt, hurt, but you can’t help but feel the pull between them, and the love there.
Gah, I loved it. I say it every time, and I’ll say it again…Riley Hart never misses for me.
June 18, 2026
considero a riley de mis autoras favoritas leo sus libros sin leer ni de que se tratan asi de mucho me encanta , lastima para mi este libro no me termino de gustar , tuvo su parte entretenidam, se lee rapido y las escenas spicy son verdaderamente calientes, en cuanto a esta autora lo que mas me gusta son sus personajes juntos pero especialmente ellos por separados, conecto con ellos, lloro con ellos y rio con ellos , eso fue lo que no me paso con Hunter y Lucas nunca conecte con ninguno por separado y cuano estuvieron juntos no me importaban ,ninguno me termino de caer muy bien , entiendo los traumas de lucas pero no comprendo como no le dio una oportunidad a su madre desde el principio simplemente se cerro por completo por el estupido de su padre , en cuanto a hunter se me hizo un personaje aburrido y nada mas, el gran conflicto del hermano muerto me decepciono no me gusto como se llevo y hunter parecia solo sentirse solo y lucas ser la unica opcion disponible de momento ,me falto mas desarrollo en su relacion, ejemplo me hubiese gustado hubieran sido amigos cuando jovenes que no solo ignorarse y que los conectara de una forma u otra Ellis, pero en fin ya espero con ansas el proximo libro porque adoro la pluma DE RILEY
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I consider Riley one of my favorite authors. I read her books without even knowing what they're about; that's how much I love her. Unfortunately, I didn't completely enjoy this book. It had its entertaining parts, it's a quick read, and the spicy scenes are truly hot. What I like most about this author are her characters together, but especially them separately. I connect with them, I cry with them, and I laugh with them. That's what didn't happen with Hunter and Lucas. I never connected with either of them individually, and when they were together, I didn't care about them. I didn't really like either of them. I understand Lucas's traumas, but I don't understand why he didn't give his mother a chance from the beginning. He simply shut her off completely because of his stupid father. As for Hunter, I found him to be a boring character, nothing more. The big conflict with the dead brother disappointed me. I didn't like how it was handled, and Hunter seemed to just feel alone, with Lucas being the only option available at the moment. I felt their relationship lacked development. For example, I would have liked it if they had been friends when they were young, instead of just ignoring each other, and if Ellis had connected them in one way or another. But anyway, I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book because I adore Riley's writing.
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I consider Riley one of my favorite authors. I read her books without even knowing what they're about; that's how much I love her. Unfortunately, I didn't completely enjoy this book. It had its entertaining parts, it's a quick read, and the spicy scenes are truly hot. What I like most about this author are her characters together, but especially them separately. I connect with them, I cry with them, and I laugh with them. That's what didn't happen with Hunter and Lucas. I never connected with either of them individually, and when they were together, I didn't care about them. I didn't really like either of them. I understand Lucas's traumas, but I don't understand why he didn't give his mother a chance from the beginning. He simply shut her off completely because of his stupid father. As for Hunter, I found him to be a boring character, nothing more. The big conflict with the dead brother disappointed me. I didn't like how it was handled, and Hunter seemed to just feel alone, with Lucas being the only option available at the moment. I felt their relationship lacked development. For example, I would have liked it if they had been friends when they were young, instead of just ignoring each other, and if Ellis had connected them in one way or another. But anyway, I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book because I adore Riley's writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2026
MC's die niet overtuigen, een verhaal dat sexy pretendeert te zijn maar het niet is, een plot dat rammelt en zo kan ik nog wel even doorgaan. Niet aan mij besteed dus.
August 16, 2026
Riley really has a way to write books that stick in your head, even after finishing them 🥺
Hunter is a very good football player, and he has a bright future ahead of him in that department. He was a very happy guy, and he dated Ellis, Lucas' brother. Unfortunately, Ellis had a terrible accident and he didn’t survive, which left a huge hole in Hunters and Lucas' life.
The both of them really handle their grief differently, but they have one thing in common: their very raw, very real feelings towards each other.
These two are pretty much opposites in every way possible but the mutual desire and feelings they share for the other one, and it's such a beautiful and unique lovestory it makes your eyes wet and your heart full.
I really loved them, although it hurt a bit a long the way 🤧💗
Hunter is a very good football player, and he has a bright future ahead of him in that department. He was a very happy guy, and he dated Ellis, Lucas' brother. Unfortunately, Ellis had a terrible accident and he didn’t survive, which left a huge hole in Hunters and Lucas' life.
The both of them really handle their grief differently, but they have one thing in common: their very raw, very real feelings towards each other.
These two are pretty much opposites in every way possible but the mutual desire and feelings they share for the other one, and it's such a beautiful and unique lovestory it makes your eyes wet and your heart full.
I really loved them, although it hurt a bit a long the way 🤧💗
June 27, 2026
You know, Riley Hart never ceases to amaze me. The Comeback King is definitely a story that could've gone wrong so fast yet with every page I turned everything got better and better.
This being an ex boyfriends brother was already hard enough, make it dead ex boyfriends brother and we got ourselves a story that had so many feelings that at some point it made me wonder how will this all end? How much drama will we have to face to get the HEA? The answer is... well, the answer is that for this kind of story there was not so much drama. Lucas and Hunter are two adults that know how to properly communicate, which means tbat we get to experience a story that doesn't drag with nonsense.
The way these two started rebuilding their connection, slowly easing back into each others lives was so soothing for my brain. I swear. I loved seeing them both discover each other and rediscover each other. Rediscover the person they knew back in the day, and meeting the new version of themselves, that version that was altered by tragic circumstances, and life in general. Another thing I loved was how Ellis was not something that got to be a dirty secret shoved into a box and never discussed. They talked about him, honored his memory, and understood what his role was in both their lives in the past and now that they are together.
This is a story about grief, but not that kind of grief that keeps you paralyzed, no, the one that you function with for years, the one that sits there with you and doesn't allow you to fully live life. It is a story about growth, about maturing, about finding love in unexpected places, or with unexpected people. It's a story that talks about the hard road some people have to face in order to end up with the person they were intended to end up with from the beginning.
So, yeah, Riley Hart surprised me once again, but was is really that much of a surprise since until this moment I absolutely loved all her books? I guess not.
The audiobook is also phenomenal, so, for those of you who love to have your ears involved in the reading, this one is a must listen. Phenomenal job. I think Harley Chase did a phenomenal job and the way he injected emotions into his acting was what made this one stand out even more.
This being an ex boyfriends brother was already hard enough, make it dead ex boyfriends brother and we got ourselves a story that had so many feelings that at some point it made me wonder how will this all end? How much drama will we have to face to get the HEA? The answer is... well, the answer is that for this kind of story there was not so much drama. Lucas and Hunter are two adults that know how to properly communicate, which means tbat we get to experience a story that doesn't drag with nonsense.
The way these two started rebuilding their connection, slowly easing back into each others lives was so soothing for my brain. I swear. I loved seeing them both discover each other and rediscover each other. Rediscover the person they knew back in the day, and meeting the new version of themselves, that version that was altered by tragic circumstances, and life in general. Another thing I loved was how Ellis was not something that got to be a dirty secret shoved into a box and never discussed. They talked about him, honored his memory, and understood what his role was in both their lives in the past and now that they are together.
This is a story about grief, but not that kind of grief that keeps you paralyzed, no, the one that you function with for years, the one that sits there with you and doesn't allow you to fully live life. It is a story about growth, about maturing, about finding love in unexpected places, or with unexpected people. It's a story that talks about the hard road some people have to face in order to end up with the person they were intended to end up with from the beginning.
So, yeah, Riley Hart surprised me once again, but was is really that much of a surprise since until this moment I absolutely loved all her books? I guess not.
The audiobook is also phenomenal, so, for those of you who love to have your ears involved in the reading, this one is a must listen. Phenomenal job. I think Harley Chase did a phenomenal job and the way he injected emotions into his acting was what made this one stand out even more.
July 12, 2026
4.5 Stars. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I can’t wait for the next book.
June 24, 2026
This is an opposites attract / brother’s ex boyfriend to more romance, featuring Hunter King and Lucas Blake, and is book one in the Unnecessary Roughness series.
Lucas has been in love with Hunter for most of his life, even though Hunter was his late brother’s boyfriend. As Lucas and Hunter grow closer, they must decide if their feelings are worth risking family, the public spotlight, and the memory of the person they both lost.
This is a beautiful story about grief, guilt, healing, choosing happiness and being open to love. Lucas and Hunter have great chemistry, Lucas is unapologetically himself and he supports Hunter to find himself and it’s a tender journey to them finding happiness together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM sports romance
Slow burn
Opposites attract
Footballer x photographer
Brother’s ex boyfriend
Hurt / Comfort
Grief & healing
Family drama
Friends to more
Texting & flirting
Mutual pining
Secret relationship
Spicy times
Felching
Getting caught
Found family
Second chance at love
HEA
Lucas has been in love with Hunter for most of his life, even though Hunter was his late brother’s boyfriend. As Lucas and Hunter grow closer, they must decide if their feelings are worth risking family, the public spotlight, and the memory of the person they both lost.
This is a beautiful story about grief, guilt, healing, choosing happiness and being open to love. Lucas and Hunter have great chemistry, Lucas is unapologetically himself and he supports Hunter to find himself and it’s a tender journey to them finding happiness together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM sports romance
Slow burn
Opposites attract
Footballer x photographer
Brother’s ex boyfriend
Hurt / Comfort
Grief & healing
Family drama
Friends to more
Texting & flirting
Mutual pining
Secret relationship
Spicy times
Felching
Getting caught
Found family
Second chance at love
HEA
June 6, 2026
My word! 🏆 The Comeback King has been the most powerful book I've read since year, and when I say powerful, the message within the story is sooo breathtakingly beautiful. ✨
Tbh, this isn't my first "falling in love with my dead brother's ex" story, but it's the most beautiful, sweet, and humanly desirable. 💖 What do I mean? Going into the story, it's only natural to expect the crushing guilt from both parties, along with yearning and maybe a bit of angst between the lovers for falling in love, but that wasn't Hunter or Lucas; it was simply amazing to see their relationship flourish. 🌱
I loved that once they got together Ellis wasn't a constant within the relationship, especially after they both confessed to each other in their rawest form—it was stunning! 😲
One thing about Riley Hart is that her characters take accountability and I love it! 🙌 Making excuses for scumbags is a peeve for me, and I appreciate that all parties involved realized their own role and owned it. 👏
Even though the way the world found out about these two, I cheered when that only made them stronger! 📣 Hunter's message during his interview *cue the swoon* 💓—the fact that Hunter made his choice without hesitation was so badass. 🔥
I only discovered Riley Hart at the beginning of the year with Bittersweet Revenge and it's been my favorite of hers so far, but The Comeback King crept up on me and now I can add that to my Riley Hart's favorites. 📚
ALSO!!! Before it was even confirmed, I'd like to say I clocked that tea between Oakley and Desmond! ☕ I look forward to their story! 🚀
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tbh, this isn't my first "falling in love with my dead brother's ex" story, but it's the most beautiful, sweet, and humanly desirable. 💖 What do I mean? Going into the story, it's only natural to expect the crushing guilt from both parties, along with yearning and maybe a bit of angst between the lovers for falling in love, but that wasn't Hunter or Lucas; it was simply amazing to see their relationship flourish. 🌱
I loved that once they got together Ellis wasn't a constant within the relationship, especially after they both confessed to each other in their rawest form—it was stunning! 😲
One thing about Riley Hart is that her characters take accountability and I love it! 🙌 Making excuses for scumbags is a peeve for me, and I appreciate that all parties involved realized their own role and owned it. 👏
Even though the way the world found out about these two, I cheered when that only made them stronger! 📣 Hunter's message during his interview *cue the swoon* 💓—the fact that Hunter made his choice without hesitation was so badass. 🔥
I only discovered Riley Hart at the beginning of the year with Bittersweet Revenge and it's been my favorite of hers so far, but The Comeback King crept up on me and now I can add that to my Riley Hart's favorites. 📚
ALSO!!! Before it was even confirmed, I'd like to say I clocked that tea between Oakley and Desmond! ☕ I look forward to their story! 🚀
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2026
I received an eARC from The Author Agency. These are my honest thoughts.
This is my new favorite book from Riley Hart!
Listen, I don't know what it is about me, but I love the dead brother's boyfriend trope in MM romance. There's something about this specific type of angst that just hits right and this is one of the best I've read.
Lucas is an artsy guy in a football family. He's never fit in and he's been a disappointment to his football coach dad ever since he decided he was more interested in photography than in pleasing his dad and playing football.
Lucas' brother, Ellis, has all the love for football but none of the talent. When Hunter joins the football team, he and Ellis become best friends and eventually lovers as Hunter goes all the way to the pros. When Ellis dies in a tragic accident, Hunter is lost.
I loved the development of Hunter and Lucas' relationship. They have a large divide between them and they're both struggling with Ellis' death in different ways. They navigate issues of grief and complex family dynamics as they both try to heal from past hurts. On the face, Lucas doesn't care what people think about him, but Hunter quickly discovers that Lucas feels deeply. Hunter feels the weight of everyone's expectation and Lucas helps him discover what he wants for himself. There is angst, though I wouldn't say it's extreme. I cried, I laughed, I was swept off my feet by these two.
This is my new favorite book from Riley Hart!
Listen, I don't know what it is about me, but I love the dead brother's boyfriend trope in MM romance. There's something about this specific type of angst that just hits right and this is one of the best I've read.
Lucas is an artsy guy in a football family. He's never fit in and he's been a disappointment to his football coach dad ever since he decided he was more interested in photography than in pleasing his dad and playing football.
Lucas' brother, Ellis, has all the love for football but none of the talent. When Hunter joins the football team, he and Ellis become best friends and eventually lovers as Hunter goes all the way to the pros. When Ellis dies in a tragic accident, Hunter is lost.
I loved the development of Hunter and Lucas' relationship. They have a large divide between them and they're both struggling with Ellis' death in different ways. They navigate issues of grief and complex family dynamics as they both try to heal from past hurts. On the face, Lucas doesn't care what people think about him, but Hunter quickly discovers that Lucas feels deeply. Hunter feels the weight of everyone's expectation and Lucas helps him discover what he wants for himself. There is angst, though I wouldn't say it's extreme. I cried, I laughed, I was swept off my feet by these two.
Review of advance copy
⭐️ ARC REVIEW ⭐️
The Comeback King was such a beautiful surprise.
This story follows Hunter, a professional football player still carrying the weight of grief after losing the love of his life, and Lucas, the family’s black sheep, a photographer who has spent years trying to find his own place outside of his father’s expectations.
What I loved most about this book is how carefully it handles grief. Ellis is gone, but he is never forgotten. His presence is felt throughout the story, and I really appreciated that this wasn’t about replacing a lost love. It was about learning how to move forward while still honoring the past.
Lucas completely stole the show for me. He’s sarcastic, rebellious, confident, a little grumpy, and impossible not to love. Watching him and Hunter reconnect, build a friendship, and slowly become something more felt natural and believable.
The romance is a wonderful mix of tenderness, healing, longing, and chemistry. Their late-night conversations, the constant texts, the quiet support, and all those little moments made me fall for them long before they admitted their feelings.
Bonus points for:
🫣 Grumpy x Sunshine vibes
📸 Photographer MC
🏈 Pro Athlete
❤️ Secret relationship
🫂 Puning
🥹 Healing after loss
🔥 Great chemistry
🤍 Brother’s ex boyfriend
Also, can we please talk about the spicy? 👀
coughs loudly
Verse kings have the most fun.
Riley Hart, thank you for your service. 🫡
This was an emotional, heartfelt start to the series, and now I’m already looking forward to the next book.
⭐️ 4.5 stars
The Comeback King was such a beautiful surprise.
This story follows Hunter, a professional football player still carrying the weight of grief after losing the love of his life, and Lucas, the family’s black sheep, a photographer who has spent years trying to find his own place outside of his father’s expectations.
What I loved most about this book is how carefully it handles grief. Ellis is gone, but he is never forgotten. His presence is felt throughout the story, and I really appreciated that this wasn’t about replacing a lost love. It was about learning how to move forward while still honoring the past.
Lucas completely stole the show for me. He’s sarcastic, rebellious, confident, a little grumpy, and impossible not to love. Watching him and Hunter reconnect, build a friendship, and slowly become something more felt natural and believable.
The romance is a wonderful mix of tenderness, healing, longing, and chemistry. Their late-night conversations, the constant texts, the quiet support, and all those little moments made me fall for them long before they admitted their feelings.
Bonus points for:
🫣 Grumpy x Sunshine vibes
📸 Photographer MC
🏈 Pro Athlete
❤️ Secret relationship
🫂 Puning
🥹 Healing after loss
🔥 Great chemistry
🤍 Brother’s ex boyfriend
Also, can we please talk about the spicy? 👀
coughs loudly
Verse kings have the most fun.
Riley Hart, thank you for your service. 🫡
This was an emotional, heartfelt start to the series, and now I’m already looking forward to the next book.
⭐️ 4.5 stars
July 5, 2026
The Comeback King by Riley Hart has an absolutely loaded premise: being secretly in love since childhood with the guy who became your dead brother’s boyfriend. That is taboo territory, and with sharper execution, this could have been an extraordinary book. As it stands, it is a serviceable one, with good heat and a premise that deserved more structural support than it received.
Lucas grew up as the softer, more artistic son in a football-obsessed family, overlooked by his father and overshadowed first by his brother Ellis, then by Hunter King, the football prodigy Ellis Sr. folded into their family. Lucas has loved Hunter for years, even while Hunter was with Ellis. After Ellis’s death, Hunter is left publicly grieving the man he loved, while privately harbouring intense guilt over his last conversation with him.
My biggest issue with The Comeback King is that it squanders the potential of its own setup. For a premise this rich, we needed to spend more time with these characters in the past. There is an establishing flashback showing Hunter and Ellis Jr. meeting, but we never really see Hunter and Ellis on-page as established long-term partners. Nor do we spend any time with Lucas pining from the sidelines, loving someone who was with his brother and knowing that desire made him feel like a terrible person. Those emotional realities are described, but not shown enough. As a result, Ellis Jr.’s death feels slightly untethered. He functions more as a mournful object than a fully realised person whose absence can properly haunt the relationship.
That absence weakens both sides of the romance. I believed Hunter’s grief, and I understood the guilt he carried, particularly around the circumstances of his final conversation with Ellis. But because we never really know Ellis as Hunter’s long-term partner, the grief never lands as hard as it could. Likewise, Lucas’s lifelong unrequited love for Hunter should feel agonising, but the book does not give us enough of him living inside that ache. The scaffolding simply is not strong enough for the full emotional weight of the premise.
Lucas is probably the stronger of the two leads, though both are written with some complexity. His black-sheep status makes sense, and I did feel for him as the soft, sensitive kid in a household built around football, masculine expectation, and his father’s expectations. Hunter also works, particularly in how his loyalty to Ellis Sr. is both understandable and deeply damaging. It makes sense that he would feel indebted to the man who nurtured his talent and helped make his career possible, but the book is very clear about how toxic Ellis Sr. is. And honestly, fuck Ellis Sr. What a banal, recognisable, deeply awful man. He is depressingly real, the kind of parent who damages everyone around him by treating love as conditional.
The spice is one of the stronger elements. Hart writes these scenes with specificity and confidence, and I appreciated that the book avoids lazy sexual typecasting. It would have been very easy to make Hunter, the big masc NFL player, the fixed dominant presence and Lucas, the artsy softer creative boy, the obvious receptive counterpart. Instead, their dynamic feels less rigid and more physically mutual. Hart also pushes the spice further than I expected, including one scene with a very specific and extremely explicit #AdvancedGay sex act that briefly made me check whether I had read it correctly. That alone disqualifies it from accusations of sexual timidity.
Overall, The Comeback King is a decent first Riley Hart solo read for me. The prose is smooth, the chemistry is strong, and the book is very easy to inhale in one sitting. But it does not quite put in the emotional groundwork required to support a premise this potent. I wanted more flashbacks, more pining, more grief, more guilt, and more time spent sitting with how genuinely complicated this attraction should have been. It is a good romance built from the bones of a potentially great one.
Lucas grew up as the softer, more artistic son in a football-obsessed family, overlooked by his father and overshadowed first by his brother Ellis, then by Hunter King, the football prodigy Ellis Sr. folded into their family. Lucas has loved Hunter for years, even while Hunter was with Ellis. After Ellis’s death, Hunter is left publicly grieving the man he loved, while privately harbouring intense guilt over his last conversation with him.
My biggest issue with The Comeback King is that it squanders the potential of its own setup. For a premise this rich, we needed to spend more time with these characters in the past. There is an establishing flashback showing Hunter and Ellis Jr. meeting, but we never really see Hunter and Ellis on-page as established long-term partners. Nor do we spend any time with Lucas pining from the sidelines, loving someone who was with his brother and knowing that desire made him feel like a terrible person. Those emotional realities are described, but not shown enough. As a result, Ellis Jr.’s death feels slightly untethered. He functions more as a mournful object than a fully realised person whose absence can properly haunt the relationship.
That absence weakens both sides of the romance. I believed Hunter’s grief, and I understood the guilt he carried, particularly around the circumstances of his final conversation with Ellis. But because we never really know Ellis as Hunter’s long-term partner, the grief never lands as hard as it could. Likewise, Lucas’s lifelong unrequited love for Hunter should feel agonising, but the book does not give us enough of him living inside that ache. The scaffolding simply is not strong enough for the full emotional weight of the premise.
Lucas is probably the stronger of the two leads, though both are written with some complexity. His black-sheep status makes sense, and I did feel for him as the soft, sensitive kid in a household built around football, masculine expectation, and his father’s expectations. Hunter also works, particularly in how his loyalty to Ellis Sr. is both understandable and deeply damaging. It makes sense that he would feel indebted to the man who nurtured his talent and helped make his career possible, but the book is very clear about how toxic Ellis Sr. is. And honestly, fuck Ellis Sr. What a banal, recognisable, deeply awful man. He is depressingly real, the kind of parent who damages everyone around him by treating love as conditional.
The spice is one of the stronger elements. Hart writes these scenes with specificity and confidence, and I appreciated that the book avoids lazy sexual typecasting. It would have been very easy to make Hunter, the big masc NFL player, the fixed dominant presence and Lucas, the artsy softer creative boy, the obvious receptive counterpart. Instead, their dynamic feels less rigid and more physically mutual. Hart also pushes the spice further than I expected, including one scene with a very specific and extremely explicit #AdvancedGay sex act that briefly made me check whether I had read it correctly. That alone disqualifies it from accusations of sexual timidity.
Overall, The Comeback King is a decent first Riley Hart solo read for me. The prose is smooth, the chemistry is strong, and the book is very easy to inhale in one sitting. But it does not quite put in the emotional groundwork required to support a premise this potent. I wanted more flashbacks, more pining, more grief, more guilt, and more time spent sitting with how genuinely complicated this attraction should have been. It is a good romance built from the bones of a potentially great one.
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