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Empty Kingdom #1
Coldhearted King
I never planned to give my V-card to a gorgeous stranger I met at a bar.
But for once I didn't let myself overthink things. In the few hours we spent together, he managed to push me outside my comfort zone.
And I loved every second.
I never expected to see him again. Let alone sitting at the head of the boardroom table during my architectural firm's pitch to design his new hotel chain.
Turns out the man I spent one steamy night of passion with is Cole King, billionaire COO of the King Group. And unlike our previous encounter, when it comes to business, he’s as cold as ice.
Now I’m working for him, and it’s… challenging.
He’s arrogant, demanding, and seems to delight in pushing my buttons. But with every “one-on-one” meeting he insists we have, the memory of that night simmers between us.
I should never have agreed when he proposed a no-strings-attached arrangement, but I wanted to experience more of what he could give me.
I didn’t mean to trade my heart in return.
Now it’s too late.
Because no matter the warmth his touch brings, Cole is as icy in love as he is in business.
And I’m the one who’s going to get burned.
But for once I didn't let myself overthink things. In the few hours we spent together, he managed to push me outside my comfort zone.
And I loved every second.
I never expected to see him again. Let alone sitting at the head of the boardroom table during my architectural firm's pitch to design his new hotel chain.
Turns out the man I spent one steamy night of passion with is Cole King, billionaire COO of the King Group. And unlike our previous encounter, when it comes to business, he’s as cold as ice.
Now I’m working for him, and it’s… challenging.
He’s arrogant, demanding, and seems to delight in pushing my buttons. But with every “one-on-one” meeting he insists we have, the memory of that night simmers between us.
I should never have agreed when he proposed a no-strings-attached arrangement, but I wanted to experience more of what he could give me.
I didn’t mean to trade my heart in return.
Now it’s too late.
Because no matter the warmth his touch brings, Cole is as icy in love as he is in business.
And I’m the one who’s going to get burned.
414 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2023
4870 people are currently reading
13944 people want to read
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October 16, 2023I’m so tired of reading about these billionaire manwh**es who f**ks everything with a hole, and then meets a FC that they becomes obsessed with only to ruin them in the end and for the FC to forgive them so easily when they come crawling back to them! It ruins the entire story!
So no, no and noooo! This was so disappointing! I felt like there was a good story there, only to be disappointed!
In the beginning of the book the MMCs brother told him that he should put a ring on his bootycalls finger. That basically set the tone for the entire book, and I already figured out that MMC and the bootycall would have to get married cause the bootycalls father was an investor to the brothers company, and he would pull out if he didn’t. And thats exactly what happened which ruined everything to me!
But against my better judgment I kept reading…
I feel like that FMC deserved so much better from this man. He was exactly as shitty as her Ex, considering her Ex cheated on her and the MMC chose another woman over her to save a company… WTF!
Can someone explain to me how books like this gets so high ratings? Cause this literally sucked!
So no, no and noooo! This was so disappointing! I felt like there was a good story there, only to be disappointed!
In the beginning of the book the MMCs brother told him that he should put a ring on his bootycalls finger. That basically set the tone for the entire book, and I already figured out that MMC and the bootycall would have to get married cause the bootycalls father was an investor to the brothers company, and he would pull out if he didn’t. And thats exactly what happened which ruined everything to me!
But against my better judgment I kept reading…
I feel like that FMC deserved so much better from this man. He was exactly as shitty as her Ex, considering her Ex cheated on her and the MMC chose another woman over her to save a company… WTF!
Can someone explain to me how books like this gets so high ratings? Cause this literally sucked!
June 29, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ I WANT TATE’S BOOK AND I WANT IT NOW!!!!!
March 3, 2024
Why do women always go back to the disrespectful men in these books? It’s getting really boring for me now. You can’t have a HEA when the MMC gets engaged to another woman while they’re still together. And publicly! It’s not like there isn’t any humiliation to get over! Weird
October 21, 2025
I think I'm in the minority on this one, so please allow me to explain. I've not read many books with handsome gazillionaire main male characters. I typically prefer Mr. Blue Collar as the hero. But that's just me. This book read like a manual for potential sexual harassment lawsuits and I almost DNF. It's a classic ONS story.
Once upon a time, a newly dumped woman goes into a bar to drown her sorrows only to end up sitting next to a handsome man that she doesn't know from Adam. When she proceeds to continue ordering whiskey, the bartender asks her if she wants to set up a tab. Mr. Handsome tells him "Not if she's here on her own." After Mr. Handsome hears the details of her breakup, he says what she needs is "... quick, dirty revenge sex..." - with him. Before the night is over, he takes her to his private penthouse in one of the hotels his family owns. And she has the best first time experience of her life. They part never expecting to see each other again. (Insert eye roll here.)
Fast forward one month. FMC Delilah West at 24, is the youngest licensed architect employed with the Elite Architectural firm. They are one of the entities being interviewed for a new hotel project by the King Group. The author describes Delilah as extremely intelligent, reaching her career goals early due to her hard work, and physically stunningly beautiful. She is an only child and very close to her mother, Beth. A woman who raised her by working more than one job and without any financial support from the wealthy man who got her pregnant. A man considered to be very much like MMC Cole King. Also known as Mr. Handsome.
The reader will have already figured out what happens next because we always do in ONS stories. The Elite Architect group arrives to make their presentation and the FMC shockingly discovers who Mr. Handsome is.😲 And Cole shockingly discovers just how smart ONS Delilah is.😮 When the King Group awards the contract to Elite to partner with them on their next project, Delilah's response to Cole's later inquisition about their "prior meeting" is admirable. Because he believes she targeted him in the bar where they first met.
"I worked my ass off over the last few months on our proposal, and insinuating we couldn't win this account from merit is a slap in the face. Not to mention you're basically saying that I, as a woman, would rather use my body than my mind and talent to get a job." As much of a jerk as Cole is, I don't want to be responsible for our firm losing this job. "But if you still have a problem with me, I suggest you ask for my removal from the team. Otherwise, let's just act like professionals and maintain our distance from each other until this project is done."
Do they maintain their distance? Pfft, of course not. Or there wouldn't be a book. Delilah is very intelligent when it comes to architectural designs, but men? Not so much. She allows him to use her physically while constantly telling herself that she's also using him. She believes she can walk away without a broken heart when he finally tires of her. Because that's the agreement they make.
The differences he sees in how they were both raised, shows Cole that there's more to life than just making loads of money. Delilah does things for him that no one else in his class of people has ever done. These things (like her making him grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes) weakens his resolve to not fall in love with her. He becomes obsessed with her and extremely jealous when any other man stands too close to her or touches her.
Cole is the middle of three brothers who are extremely wealthy hotel magnates. They were raised by selfish parents who didn't know how to express or show love to their sons. (And cheating on each other was common and accepted.) These sons in turn, never learned how to be selfless or loving as well. The extent of their relationship with their mother is to have dinner with her once a month - only for appearances sake. And that's just the way she wants it.
There is a third act break up and once again, Delilah handles it admirably even though her heart is shattering in a million pieces. The awards ceremony following said break up provides some good drama. When Delilah gets worked up, she really knows how to level someone with her words.
Cole's epiphany that having a happy life is possible with someone he truly loves, isn't a gold digger, and enjoys simple things, was well written. This is what Delilah and her mother show him. That life isn't always about what money can buy.
If there was less smut, this would be a better story. I was disappointed that the whole point of the book was over shadowed by the graphic intimacy scenes. The best part of the book though, is towards the end and involves Delilah seeing her father (Ted) in a fancy New York City restaurant where she's celebrating her mother's birthday. That scene alone was worth one whole star.
2025 Fall/Winter bingo square #9 - Black heart, black suit, or black cover.
Once upon a time, a newly dumped woman goes into a bar to drown her sorrows only to end up sitting next to a handsome man that she doesn't know from Adam. When she proceeds to continue ordering whiskey, the bartender asks her if she wants to set up a tab. Mr. Handsome tells him "Not if she's here on her own." After Mr. Handsome hears the details of her breakup, he says what she needs is "... quick, dirty revenge sex..." - with him. Before the night is over, he takes her to his private penthouse in one of the hotels his family owns. And she has the best first time experience of her life. They part never expecting to see each other again. (Insert eye roll here.)
Fast forward one month. FMC Delilah West at 24, is the youngest licensed architect employed with the Elite Architectural firm. They are one of the entities being interviewed for a new hotel project by the King Group. The author describes Delilah as extremely intelligent, reaching her career goals early due to her hard work, and physically stunningly beautiful. She is an only child and very close to her mother, Beth. A woman who raised her by working more than one job and without any financial support from the wealthy man who got her pregnant. A man considered to be very much like MMC Cole King. Also known as Mr. Handsome.
The reader will have already figured out what happens next because we always do in ONS stories. The Elite Architect group arrives to make their presentation and the FMC shockingly discovers who Mr. Handsome is.😲 And Cole shockingly discovers just how smart ONS Delilah is.😮 When the King Group awards the contract to Elite to partner with them on their next project, Delilah's response to Cole's later inquisition about their "prior meeting" is admirable. Because he believes she targeted him in the bar where they first met.
"I worked my ass off over the last few months on our proposal, and insinuating we couldn't win this account from merit is a slap in the face. Not to mention you're basically saying that I, as a woman, would rather use my body than my mind and talent to get a job." As much of a jerk as Cole is, I don't want to be responsible for our firm losing this job. "But if you still have a problem with me, I suggest you ask for my removal from the team. Otherwise, let's just act like professionals and maintain our distance from each other until this project is done."
Do they maintain their distance? Pfft, of course not. Or there wouldn't be a book. Delilah is very intelligent when it comes to architectural designs, but men? Not so much. She allows him to use her physically while constantly telling herself that she's also using him. She believes she can walk away without a broken heart when he finally tires of her. Because that's the agreement they make.
The differences he sees in how they were both raised, shows Cole that there's more to life than just making loads of money. Delilah does things for him that no one else in his class of people has ever done. These things (like her making him grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes) weakens his resolve to not fall in love with her. He becomes obsessed with her and extremely jealous when any other man stands too close to her or touches her.
Cole is the middle of three brothers who are extremely wealthy hotel magnates. They were raised by selfish parents who didn't know how to express or show love to their sons. (And cheating on each other was common and accepted.) These sons in turn, never learned how to be selfless or loving as well. The extent of their relationship with their mother is to have dinner with her once a month - only for appearances sake. And that's just the way she wants it.
There is a third act break up and once again, Delilah handles it admirably even though her heart is shattering in a million pieces. The awards ceremony following said break up provides some good drama. When Delilah gets worked up, she really knows how to level someone with her words.
Cole's epiphany that having a happy life is possible with someone he truly loves, isn't a gold digger, and enjoys simple things, was well written. This is what Delilah and her mother show him. That life isn't always about what money can buy.
If there was less smut, this would be a better story. I was disappointed that the whole point of the book was over shadowed by the graphic intimacy scenes. The best part of the book though, is towards the end and involves Delilah seeing her father (Ted) in a fancy New York City restaurant where she's celebrating her mother's birthday. That scene alone was worth one whole star.
2025 Fall/Winter bingo square #9 - Black heart, black suit, or black cover.
July 18, 2023
this book has one of the worst doormat FMCs i have ever read. i’m deeply confused by all of the reviews calling her smart and strong. the MMC treated her like shit with OWD and caused her to end their involvement MULTIPLE TIMES (i suppose he technically ended it the second time by getting engaged to his former fuck buddy despite the FMC begging him not to leave her) and she still folded and took him back almost immediately every time. the MMC using the FMC’s mom to manipulate the FMC into taking him back was also gross as hell. disappointing til the end (literally).
October 17, 2024
REVIEW
Score: 4/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5+/5
Tropes: Boss/Employee; One Night Stand; STEM FMC; Billionaire MMC; Virgin FMC
Likes:
*This gave me TL Swan vibes so I of course ate this up as she’s one of my fav authors.
* FMC is very likable. She’s 24 so she does have her naive moments but damn is she also just a total badass.
Dislikes:
* the older brother! Dude like one of the big plot points is how the bros aren’t close and yet he feels the need to stick his nose in his brothers love life. Like shut up already!
Good book. It had some similarities to TL Swans books so I think that’s why I ate this up. The MMC was a bit more of an asshole with little apologies for it so it made it hard to fully like him. There is a 3rd act breakup and I did feel his grovel was pretty good. I definitely will continue the series.
4/5
Score: 4/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5+/5
Tropes: Boss/Employee; One Night Stand; STEM FMC; Billionaire MMC; Virgin FMC
Likes:
*This gave me TL Swan vibes so I of course ate this up as she’s one of my fav authors.
* FMC is very likable. She’s 24 so she does have her naive moments but damn is she also just a total badass.
Dislikes:
* the older brother! Dude like one of the big plot points is how the bros aren’t close and yet he feels the need to stick his nose in his brothers love life. Like shut up already!
Good book. It had some similarities to TL Swans books so I think that’s why I ate this up. The MMC was a bit more of an asshole with little apologies for it so it made it hard to fully like him. There is a 3rd act breakup and I did feel his grovel was pretty good. I definitely will continue the series.
4/5
August 5, 2023
Wow
I have never and I mean never been more annoyed reading a book. This book is so bad that I am literally angry writing this review, the h is so stupid, the author wrote her character pathetically. Please, there is so much more to a woman than a man, I liked that the author wrote her character about how much she had achieved at such a young age but then it went downhill, like the h didn't even hold a grudge!? And the H wasn't being held prisoner or being forced to make the choice he did right!? He agreed by himself. And after everything that happened to the h's mom, the reactions were bad and the forgiving was so damm easy. Hated this book, there are so many things I hated but if I start on them, I may not stop.
I have never and I mean never been more annoyed reading a book. This book is so bad that I am literally angry writing this review, the h is so stupid, the author wrote her character pathetically. Please, there is so much more to a woman than a man, I liked that the author wrote her character about how much she had achieved at such a young age but then it went downhill, like the h didn't even hold a grudge!? And the H wasn't being held prisoner or being forced to make the choice he did right!? He agreed by himself. And after everything that happened to the h's mom, the reactions were bad and the forgiving was so damm easy. Hated this book, there are so many things I hated but if I start on them, I may not stop.
July 19, 2023
I'm here thanks to the booktok, as always.
I really don't know what to say, it wasn't a bad book, just one of the hundreds I've read so far, nothing special or different about it.
I really don't know what to say, it wasn't a bad book, just one of the hundreds I've read so far, nothing special or different about it.
June 26, 2025
Cole & Delilah
November 7, 2023
This book took me by surprise. I was offered an early copy that I turned down because I'm not a fan of a virgin heroine. Now it's been months since the release and for reasons I can't explain, I decided it would be the book I read today and I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner.
Everything I don't like about a heroine who is a virgin is the opposite of this heroine. She wasn't holding onto her v-card for a crazy reason, she isn't wishy washy, she isn't naive and she isn't submissive except for in the bedroom. She's smart and witty. She's determined and knows who she is. She grew up in a loving home with her single mother. They didn't have much but they had each other. Cole is her opposite in every way. He grew up in a wealthy but cold family, having the best of everything. He doesn't understand love because he has never experienced it, not even in his own family. He strives to gain more wealth, more control and more power. So when he has an unexpected draw towards Delilah, he doesn't understand it, he just knows he wants more of her. The more time he spends with her, the more he has these feelings that he doesn't know how to process. His growth in this story was impressive and it was so hard to hold those bad decisions he made against him. Delilah doesn't push him, even though she has fallen for him. She waits him out, hoping he feels the same way.
I really enjoyed everything about this story from the main characters to the side characters. I found the pace to be perfect, never feeling like I wanted to skim over any of it. I'm excited to find out which brother gets his story next.
Everything I don't like about a heroine who is a virgin is the opposite of this heroine. She wasn't holding onto her v-card for a crazy reason, she isn't wishy washy, she isn't naive and she isn't submissive except for in the bedroom. She's smart and witty. She's determined and knows who she is. She grew up in a loving home with her single mother. They didn't have much but they had each other. Cole is her opposite in every way. He grew up in a wealthy but cold family, having the best of everything. He doesn't understand love because he has never experienced it, not even in his own family. He strives to gain more wealth, more control and more power. So when he has an unexpected draw towards Delilah, he doesn't understand it, he just knows he wants more of her. The more time he spends with her, the more he has these feelings that he doesn't know how to process. His growth in this story was impressive and it was so hard to hold those bad decisions he made against him. Delilah doesn't push him, even though she has fallen for him. She waits him out, hoping he feels the same way.
I really enjoyed everything about this story from the main characters to the side characters. I found the pace to be perfect, never feeling like I wanted to skim over any of it. I'm excited to find out which brother gets his story next.
December 29, 2025
This book made me wanna bang my head against the wall. But the groveling was quite satisfying
October 20, 2023
sappy and cliche, but still cute. might go throw out my wine bottles due to things i’ll never be able to unread though
July 24, 2025
4.5⭐️ I don’t remember the last time a book gave me butterflies the way this book did or the way my heart would clench whenever something unexpected happened. Despite not usually liking the 1. person, present tense writing style, this author managed to write incredibly relatable characters who I could empathize with. Also, I loved the realistic way their relationship progressed despite their ONS. Yes, they were attracted to one another, but there was no insta-love between them. It actually took then quite a bit of time until they gave in to their attraction and started seeing each other.
So in this book, Cole and Delilah met at a bar on the same night Delilah‘s boyfriend broke up with her. There she meets a mysterious, good looking guy with whom she decides to have sex. Keep in mind that our fmc was a virgin up until that point, so despite having a ONS, she wasn’t some kind of floozy.
They had an incredible time together, but the next morning they decide to go their separate ways. No fuss, no nothing. You know, your average ONS.
What they didn’t expect, was to meet again at the same firm where Cole was the COO, and where she would be one of the architects that would work for said firm on various projects. And the story goes on from there!
At times, Cole was a bit of an ashhole to her, you know, he was your average rich guy with a cold and indifferent attitude towards life because of his mommy and daddy issues. Our girl Delilah however, was not only smart and kindhearted, but she also had a backbone of steel and didn’t allow him to walk all over her. I loved that about her, because these types of fmc‘s are very rare.
Anyway, I very much enjoyed Cole and Dalilah’s story and I can’t wait to read Tate and Roman‘s next.
My first book by this author and this will DEFINITELY not my last!
Here is a little excerpt for you:
"Please, Cole. Please don't do this. I thought this was working between us. I thought you were feeling the same-"
He's shaking his head before I even finish speaking. "Don't, Delilah. Don't make this harder than it has to be. This was always going to end, and you know that.
We both knew it."
My heart shatters into a thousand pieces. My head might have believed that, but my heart had succumbed to hope a long time ago. My heart, that is just as much of a liar as the man standing in front of me. Was this how my mom felt when my father walked away from her because she-we-didn't fit his life?
That thought is enough. I swallow, dash the tears from my cheeks, and give a curt nod.
"You can leave now."
His shoulders tense, but he doesn't move. He just stands there, staring at me with his hands clenched at his sides. I don't care if this isn't easy for him. I don't care if he didn't intend to hurt me. He's choosing this-he's choosing her-so he can damn well suffer the conse-quences.
I turn and walk to the door, more traitorous tears welling over. I let them fall this time.
Tonight is the last night I'll allow myself to cry over Cole King. I unlatch the door and hold it open. He still hasn't moved.
"Delilah, I..." he says, his voice rasping.
"Get out, Cole. I don't want you in my home anymore. I don't want you in my life. You want us to be over? Then we're over. So get the hell away from me."
_______________________________________
“Well, let me make it easy for you,” I say, not recognizing my own voice. “I’m going to walk back into that ballroom. I’m going to listen to the award ceremony. I’m not going to talk to you or Jessica or Tate. I won’t even look in your direction. Then, as soon as it’s over, I’m going to walk out of here and forget about you, and you’re going to do the same, Cole. Because whatever I thought we had was a lie and a joke, and I have no intention of dwelling on it. When I finally meet the man Iwill love for the rest of my life, you will be a distant memory. Now get out of my way.”
His posture is rigid, his face frozen, as if carved from stone. He stares at me, the fire in his eyes dimming until they’re blank pools of icy blue. He steps aside and I brush past him into the ballroom, where I proceed to do exactly what I said I would do. I join the Elite team, keep my eyes fixed on the stage, clap as the awards are announced, and even muster a genuine smile when our team receives the award for Sustainable Hotel Design Concept. I do all of it. All except the part where I said I’d forget all about him. It’s too hard to forget when my heart is breaking all over again as the truth of my own words rings in my ears.
What I thought he felt for me was a lie—one I was responsible for telling myself.”
So in this book, Cole and Delilah met at a bar on the same night Delilah‘s boyfriend broke up with her. There she meets a mysterious, good looking guy with whom she decides to have sex. Keep in mind that our fmc was a virgin up until that point, so despite having a ONS, she wasn’t some kind of floozy.
They had an incredible time together, but the next morning they decide to go their separate ways. No fuss, no nothing. You know, your average ONS.
What they didn’t expect, was to meet again at the same firm where Cole was the COO, and where she would be one of the architects that would work for said firm on various projects. And the story goes on from there!
At times, Cole was a bit of an ashhole to her, you know, he was your average rich guy with a cold and indifferent attitude towards life because of his mommy and daddy issues. Our girl Delilah however, was not only smart and kindhearted, but she also had a backbone of steel and didn’t allow him to walk all over her. I loved that about her, because these types of fmc‘s are very rare.
Anyway, I very much enjoyed Cole and Dalilah’s story and I can’t wait to read Tate and Roman‘s next.
My first book by this author and this will DEFINITELY not my last!
Here is a little excerpt for you:
"Please, Cole. Please don't do this. I thought this was working between us. I thought you were feeling the same-"
He's shaking his head before I even finish speaking. "Don't, Delilah. Don't make this harder than it has to be. This was always going to end, and you know that.
We both knew it."
My heart shatters into a thousand pieces. My head might have believed that, but my heart had succumbed to hope a long time ago. My heart, that is just as much of a liar as the man standing in front of me. Was this how my mom felt when my father walked away from her because she-we-didn't fit his life?
That thought is enough. I swallow, dash the tears from my cheeks, and give a curt nod.
"You can leave now."
His shoulders tense, but he doesn't move. He just stands there, staring at me with his hands clenched at his sides. I don't care if this isn't easy for him. I don't care if he didn't intend to hurt me. He's choosing this-he's choosing her-so he can damn well suffer the conse-quences.
I turn and walk to the door, more traitorous tears welling over. I let them fall this time.
Tonight is the last night I'll allow myself to cry over Cole King. I unlatch the door and hold it open. He still hasn't moved.
"Delilah, I..." he says, his voice rasping.
"Get out, Cole. I don't want you in my home anymore. I don't want you in my life. You want us to be over? Then we're over. So get the hell away from me."
_______________________________________
“Well, let me make it easy for you,” I say, not recognizing my own voice. “I’m going to walk back into that ballroom. I’m going to listen to the award ceremony. I’m not going to talk to you or Jessica or Tate. I won’t even look in your direction. Then, as soon as it’s over, I’m going to walk out of here and forget about you, and you’re going to do the same, Cole. Because whatever I thought we had was a lie and a joke, and I have no intention of dwelling on it. When I finally meet the man Iwill love for the rest of my life, you will be a distant memory. Now get out of my way.”
His posture is rigid, his face frozen, as if carved from stone. He stares at me, the fire in his eyes dimming until they’re blank pools of icy blue. He steps aside and I brush past him into the ballroom, where I proceed to do exactly what I said I would do. I join the Elite team, keep my eyes fixed on the stage, clap as the awards are announced, and even muster a genuine smile when our team receives the award for Sustainable Hotel Design Concept. I do all of it. All except the part where I said I’d forget all about him. It’s too hard to forget when my heart is breaking all over again as the truth of my own words rings in my ears.
What I thought he felt for me was a lie—one I was responsible for telling myself.”
July 19, 2025
3 maybe 3.5 safe ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wanted to love this story. It’s well written, the premise is solid, there was so much good in this romance, and the was my first book from this author, and it will not be my last. But I did have issues with the careful unfolding of it.
Reviews are subjective, they are clearly more valuable when you know the reviewer: I like big, messy feelings. I want stories that push boundaries, leave me unsure how things will resolve. No training wheels, no hand-holding. And that’s where this fell a little short for me. It was very safe and predictable. If you enjoy a HEA guaranteed, this book will hit the spot for you. I am a little more rugged.
The story is about Cole and Delilah: a one night stand, that later turns into a CEO/ architect relationship, the tension rises, and they fall into a no strings relationship.
It’s in dual POV and it’s about 50/50 which means no real tension. We know exactly what both characters are feeling at all times. That killed the stakes for me. I was never worried they wouldn’t work it out. I was never mad really at him, and I didn’t feel her pain.
Every time the story starts to build heat or conflict, the dual POV deflates it immediately. It’s like the author didn’t want to leave readers hanging, but I wanted to hang. I wanted to be mad at him, to feel her pain. Instead, everything felt too tidy, too safe.
This could’ve been epic angst, but it pulls back just when it should lean in. The bones were there, and this author would be able to take someone like me there. But she didn’t. There were also a few things that didn’t make sense to me.
For example (non plot spoiler):
When Delilah sees photos of Cole with another woman. At that time they have a no strings relationship and he wants her back after she left because the relationship status was too painful. Then she takes him back without renegotiating their relationship. That didn’t feel real to me. Any woman in that situation would either walk away or demand new terms like commitment , right?
But Delilah just shrugs and goes back to no strings attached. It made the whole mini-drama feel pointless.
Cole is supposed to be cruel, he is certainly selfish yes, but he’s not that nuanced because he is pining from page two, which softened his edge too much for me. That said, the slow development of their connection was really well done, and beautifully written, with great small moments that made me care.
Another example that didn’t connect for me was Delilah telling her mom she was “just having fun” with Cole.
With dual POV, we already know she’s in love, so it felt off. Why have her play it so shallow? It didn’t fit where her character was emotionally by then, and I lost patience with her in that moment.
The third act conflict, was well build up over time and it made sense, it also emasculated Cole. He was kind of weak and being pushed to do what he did. He lacked some spine.
All in all was a fun read, great writing, but a little too safe for my taste. I wanted more bite, more risk, and more tension that wasn’t instantly defused.
Should you read it? Yes it’s has amazing bones and if you like a sweet read this will hit the spot.
I wanted to love this story. It’s well written, the premise is solid, there was so much good in this romance, and the was my first book from this author, and it will not be my last. But I did have issues with the careful unfolding of it.
Reviews are subjective, they are clearly more valuable when you know the reviewer: I like big, messy feelings. I want stories that push boundaries, leave me unsure how things will resolve. No training wheels, no hand-holding. And that’s where this fell a little short for me. It was very safe and predictable. If you enjoy a HEA guaranteed, this book will hit the spot for you. I am a little more rugged.
The story is about Cole and Delilah: a one night stand, that later turns into a CEO/ architect relationship, the tension rises, and they fall into a no strings relationship.
It’s in dual POV and it’s about 50/50 which means no real tension. We know exactly what both characters are feeling at all times. That killed the stakes for me. I was never worried they wouldn’t work it out. I was never mad really at him, and I didn’t feel her pain.
Every time the story starts to build heat or conflict, the dual POV deflates it immediately. It’s like the author didn’t want to leave readers hanging, but I wanted to hang. I wanted to be mad at him, to feel her pain. Instead, everything felt too tidy, too safe.
This could’ve been epic angst, but it pulls back just when it should lean in. The bones were there, and this author would be able to take someone like me there. But she didn’t. There were also a few things that didn’t make sense to me.
For example (non plot spoiler):
When Delilah sees photos of Cole with another woman. At that time they have a no strings relationship and he wants her back after she left because the relationship status was too painful. Then she takes him back without renegotiating their relationship. That didn’t feel real to me. Any woman in that situation would either walk away or demand new terms like commitment , right?
But Delilah just shrugs and goes back to no strings attached. It made the whole mini-drama feel pointless.
Cole is supposed to be cruel, he is certainly selfish yes, but he’s not that nuanced because he is pining from page two, which softened his edge too much for me. That said, the slow development of their connection was really well done, and beautifully written, with great small moments that made me care.
Another example that didn’t connect for me was Delilah telling her mom she was “just having fun” with Cole.
With dual POV, we already know she’s in love, so it felt off. Why have her play it so shallow? It didn’t fit where her character was emotionally by then, and I lost patience with her in that moment.
The third act conflict, was well build up over time and it made sense, it also emasculated Cole. He was kind of weak and being pushed to do what he did. He lacked some spine.
All in all was a fun read, great writing, but a little too safe for my taste. I wanted more bite, more risk, and more tension that wasn’t instantly defused.
Should you read it? Yes it’s has amazing bones and if you like a sweet read this will hit the spot.
March 10, 2024
I’m over it. This had so much potential, the writing style is fun and fast paced. I’m so sick of these stories where we repeated are told how strong the FMC is but we never get shown it. Cole is great in bed, and apparently literally anything Delilah does makes him so horny he can’t handle it.
The entire plot line where he brings Delilah uninvited to his mother’s house? What the hell was that. Everyone is just doing shit in this book to move the plot along. His mom proceeds to be super rude to Delilah which Cole says he knew would happen, Delilah stands up for herself and Cole gets SO HARD HE HAS TO HAVE HER? Almost does her right there where his family could walk in??
I’m so sorry if seeing a woman fight with your mom turns you on; you need serious therapy.
Don’t even fucking get me started on the wine bottle!!! A WINE BOTTLE IN HER VAGINE. HER. VAGINE. She was a virgin not five seconds ago can we not calm the hell down!!
You cannot convince me that the wine bottle sex was so good that shes willing to overlook him breaking up with her to MARRY someone else!! Absolutely fucking not. Nothing redeemable about that man.
The entire plot line where he brings Delilah uninvited to his mother’s house? What the hell was that. Everyone is just doing shit in this book to move the plot along. His mom proceeds to be super rude to Delilah which Cole says he knew would happen, Delilah stands up for herself and Cole gets SO HARD HE HAS TO HAVE HER? Almost does her right there where his family could walk in??
I’m so sorry if seeing a woman fight with your mom turns you on; you need serious therapy.
Don’t even fucking get me started on the wine bottle!!! A WINE BOTTLE IN HER VAGINE. HER. VAGINE. She was a virgin not five seconds ago can we not calm the hell down!!
You cannot convince me that the wine bottle sex was so good that shes willing to overlook him breaking up with her to MARRY someone else!! Absolutely fucking not. Nothing redeemable about that man.
January 28, 2025
The story of Cole & Delilah. It’s an office romance that I really, really enjoyed and couldn’t put it down.
They begin their relationship with an agreement but it evolves to something deeper with time. I liked that it wasn’t instant and that it had some drama.
Yes, the MMC was far from perfect and made huge mistakes but I liked that he wasn’t afraid to say he’s sorry and admit them. I would like to learn some more details about the past with his brothers though.
I liked the FMC too apart from the fact that she switched from her ex to Cole too soon, that part confused me. She could have demanded more grovelling too, but at least there was some.
The writing had a nice flow and I liked the fact that the spice, which was definitely there 😉, didn’t steal from the plot.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️ for me.
They begin their relationship with an agreement but it evolves to something deeper with time. I liked that it wasn’t instant and that it had some drama.
Yes, the MMC was far from perfect and made huge mistakes but I liked that he wasn’t afraid to say he’s sorry and admit them. I would like to learn some more details about the past with his brothers though.
I liked the FMC too apart from the fact that she switched from her ex to Cole too soon, that part confused me. She could have demanded more grovelling too, but at least there was some.
The writing had a nice flow and I liked the fact that the spice, which was definitely there 😉, didn’t steal from the plot.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️ for me.
July 18, 2023
Too predictable..
Chapter one pretty much set the tone of the book. The h being shown with another women that he dates and sleeps with routinely before meeting the FMC ruined my interest. Could not stand the MC.
The chemistry was told and the h was annoying. The heroine was insecure, needy, and pathetic . Telling the h that she felt hurt after being ignored by the h for two weeks after finger f@#% her was weird due to the lacked of emotional connection between the h. The h was a jerk and dumped the FMC to be able to marry the OW.
That angst was given since that's how the book started. Predictable and boring. The h changing his mind in the end was to give the readers the needed HEA. Weak one at best in my opinion.
Chapter one pretty much set the tone of the book. The h being shown with another women that he dates and sleeps with routinely before meeting the FMC ruined my interest. Could not stand the MC.
The chemistry was told and the h was annoying. The heroine was insecure, needy, and pathetic . Telling the h that she felt hurt after being ignored by the h for two weeks after finger f@#% her was weird due to the lacked of emotional connection between the h. The h was a jerk and dumped the FMC to be able to marry the OW.
That angst was given since that's how the book started. Predictable and boring. The h changing his mind in the end was to give the readers the needed HEA. Weak one at best in my opinion.
September 20, 2023
The H would for sure cheat later. Don’t believe their HEA
Read
September 25, 2023I read this because I’m suffering from insomnia
January 21, 2025
Her şey iyi, hoş okey. Ama Delilah, kızım.Sen salak mısın?
Hangi akla fikre verdin o ikinci şansı 🙄
Ofis romansı ama şaşırtıcı yerler de vardı.
Ben Delilah kesin annesinin akıbetini yaşar dedim ama orda beni yanılttı.
Cole fena değildi. Hatta duygularını anlamlandırmaya başladıktan sonrası sevimliydi bile.
Hangi akla fikre verdin o ikinci şansı 🙄
Ofis romansı ama şaşırtıcı yerler de vardı.
Ben Delilah kesin annesinin akıbetini yaşar dedim ama orda beni yanılttı.
Cole fena değildi. Hatta duygularını anlamlandırmaya başladıktan sonrası sevimliydi bile.
September 19, 2023
So… I will admit that I was on TikTok and saw the author promote her latest book and I caved and bought it. I was scared because I know sometimes a book sounds good on TikTok and you buy it and you are let down.
But for this one, I enjoyed my reading.
I liked the banter between Delilah and Cole and I liked their chemistry. It was far from perfect and most likely wouldn’t last in real life, but it’s a book and this author knew how to keep me reading more.
Do I think Delilah deserved better? Most probably, but I do like that she was independent and that it didn’t change drastically because of Cole. Did she give in when she shouldn’t have? Most probably too, but love make you do the crazy and rationality tends to take the backseat.
Cole seriously needed a dose of reality check more than once, but unlike some other brother, I felt like he was indeed trying to be better for Delilah. He also had a problem standing up to his brothers sometimes and more often those times ruined his somewhat relationship with Delilah.
So yeah, I did enjoy my reading. I read it in a day and I’m looking forward to the next book because I need to know what the other brothers will be up to. I feel like Tate’s book could be quite entertaining and I need Roman to really step up in his because this first book didn’t make me like him one bit.
But for this one, I enjoyed my reading.
I liked the banter between Delilah and Cole and I liked their chemistry. It was far from perfect and most likely wouldn’t last in real life, but it’s a book and this author knew how to keep me reading more.
Do I think Delilah deserved better? Most probably, but I do like that she was independent and that it didn’t change drastically because of Cole. Did she give in when she shouldn’t have? Most probably too, but love make you do the crazy and rationality tends to take the backseat.
Cole seriously needed a dose of reality check more than once, but unlike some other brother, I felt like he was indeed trying to be better for Delilah. He also had a problem standing up to his brothers sometimes and more often those times ruined his somewhat relationship with Delilah.
So yeah, I did enjoy my reading. I read it in a day and I’m looking forward to the next book because I need to know what the other brothers will be up to. I feel like Tate’s book could be quite entertaining and I need Roman to really step up in his because this first book didn’t make me like him one bit.
March 10, 2024
There is honestly nothing about this book that I didn't love other than the fact that it ended. And it was the CUTEST ending and the only {spoiler} I've ever enjoyed reading. The book was well paced and SPICY. I loved both characters SO much and their thought processes just felt so realistic and on point. I would love to have been able to read more of them!
Read in one sitting. That worth it!
Read in one sitting. That worth it!
September 10, 2023
cheating trope + mmc was not coldhearted just stupid and gross
Read
January 16, 2026I’ve tried twice with this one. The writing is good but it’s just not working go draw me I n. I really want to read book 4 so I thought I would try again to start from the top. Anyways another ridiculous 3rd act breakup.
January 22, 2025
❌ Shelves: stupid-drama, second-chance, H&h-ons, separation/weeks, non-celibate-heroine, cheating-trope, heroine-cheating, hero-emotional-cheating, heroine-another-relationship/om, hero-convenience-relationship/ow, ow-om-sex, ow-om-drama, cynical-hypocritical-heroine, hated-heroine, idiot-hero, doormat-pathetic-heroe, deranged-characters-pls-get-help, no-brain-cells, mf, dnf-not-for-me, not-safe.
🚫 N O T A S 🚫
× El libro arranca con Cole tras intimar con otra mujer.
× Continuamos con Delilah siendo abandnada por su novio porque no quiere acostarse con él (Ya sabemos el concepto de "virginidad" para algunos autores y lectores... Básicamente el sexo para ellos solo existe si hay un coito) Entonces conoce en un bar a Cole y acaba teniendo una aventura de una noche con él... 🙄
× Delilah, tras tener una aventura con Cole, regresa inmediatamente con su ex novio y, AHORA SÍ, tiene relaciones sexuales completas con él... Claro, tuvo que probar la polla de otro hombre/Cole para decidirse con su novio. Muy normal todo, sí.
× Sobre Cole, no se menciona si ha sido célibe o no tras su aventura. Pero solo transcurrren unas pocas semanas.
× Apenas unas pocas semanas después de su aventura de una noche, como dije (y después de regresar con su novio, recordemos) Delilah y Cole se reencuentran. Delilah y su novio son contratados en la empresa de Cole àra un proyecto.
× Delilah comienza a engañar a su novio con Cole. Bueno, seguramente para algunos cínicos como no hay coito no hay engaño. 😆 Estos mismos cínicos solo saben quejarse de si Cole sienta en su regazo a una mujer, le toca los pechos y se plantea llevarla a casa (Al final no lo hace), pero en ningún momento los veo censurar que Delilah TENGA NOVIO mientras se besa y magrea con Cole... 🙄 Para estos cínicos, Cole y Delilah comienzan una aventura secreta solo cuando descubren que el novio la engaña... ¿Volvemos a lo del coito? Sí, señores, al parecer, si no hay coito, no hay sexo, ni infidelidad, ni nada de nada hasta este punto... 😆
× La mujer con la que está Cole al inicio del libro reaparece y lo pone en una situación comprometida ante la prensa. ël no le dice nada a Delilah y ella acaba enterándose y discuten.
× Cole & Delilah se reconcilian rápidamente y comienzan a tener una relación más seria, pero entonces Cole es presionado para casarse con la mujer del inicio (Ella pertenece a una familia importante, clientes de Cole también) y su relación con Delilah termina.
× Cole & Delilah coinciden en una fiesta. Aquí nuevamente los cínicos habituales solo se quejan de Cole junto a su prometida, pero no parece molestarles nada que Delilah y el hermano de Cole estén muy juntitos, haya coqueteos... Como Cole se pone celoso la besa y finalmente decide romper su compromiso. Delilah se aleja en un principio, pero no pasa mucho tiempo antes de darle una oportunidad.
× Por cierto, Cole dijo que no se volvió acostar con esta mujer de la discordia, después de conocer a Delilah y tener una aventura con ella. Ni siquiera el tiempo que estuvieron prometidos. Delilah, en cambio, prácticamente saltó de su cama a la de su ex de vuelta. Pero curiosamente muchos no ven nada censurable en el comportamiento de Delilah. Delilah, la infiel. Ella puede saltar de una cama a otra en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, puede engañar al novio... pero el maldito y el traidor es solo Cole. Curioso. 🙄
🚫 N O T A S 🚫
× El libro arranca con Cole tras intimar con otra mujer.
× Continuamos con Delilah siendo abandnada por su novio porque no quiere acostarse con él (Ya sabemos el concepto de "virginidad" para algunos autores y lectores... Básicamente el sexo para ellos solo existe si hay un coito) Entonces conoce en un bar a Cole y acaba teniendo una aventura de una noche con él... 🙄
× Delilah, tras tener una aventura con Cole, regresa inmediatamente con su ex novio y, AHORA SÍ, tiene relaciones sexuales completas con él... Claro, tuvo que probar la polla de otro hombre/Cole para decidirse con su novio. Muy normal todo, sí.
× Sobre Cole, no se menciona si ha sido célibe o no tras su aventura. Pero solo transcurrren unas pocas semanas.
× Apenas unas pocas semanas después de su aventura de una noche, como dije (y después de regresar con su novio, recordemos) Delilah y Cole se reencuentran. Delilah y su novio son contratados en la empresa de Cole àra un proyecto.
× Delilah comienza a engañar a su novio con Cole. Bueno, seguramente para algunos cínicos como no hay coito no hay engaño. 😆 Estos mismos cínicos solo saben quejarse de si Cole sienta en su regazo a una mujer, le toca los pechos y se plantea llevarla a casa (Al final no lo hace), pero en ningún momento los veo censurar que Delilah TENGA NOVIO mientras se besa y magrea con Cole... 🙄 Para estos cínicos, Cole y Delilah comienzan una aventura secreta solo cuando descubren que el novio la engaña... ¿Volvemos a lo del coito? Sí, señores, al parecer, si no hay coito, no hay sexo, ni infidelidad, ni nada de nada hasta este punto... 😆
× La mujer con la que está Cole al inicio del libro reaparece y lo pone en una situación comprometida ante la prensa. ël no le dice nada a Delilah y ella acaba enterándose y discuten.
× Cole & Delilah se reconcilian rápidamente y comienzan a tener una relación más seria, pero entonces Cole es presionado para casarse con la mujer del inicio (Ella pertenece a una familia importante, clientes de Cole también) y su relación con Delilah termina.
× Cole & Delilah coinciden en una fiesta. Aquí nuevamente los cínicos habituales solo se quejan de Cole junto a su prometida, pero no parece molestarles nada que Delilah y el hermano de Cole estén muy juntitos, haya coqueteos... Como Cole se pone celoso la besa y finalmente decide romper su compromiso. Delilah se aleja en un principio, pero no pasa mucho tiempo antes de darle una oportunidad.
× Por cierto, Cole dijo que no se volvió acostar con esta mujer de la discordia, después de conocer a Delilah y tener una aventura con ella. Ni siquiera el tiempo que estuvieron prometidos. Delilah, en cambio, prácticamente saltó de su cama a la de su ex de vuelta. Pero curiosamente muchos no ven nada censurable en el comportamiento de Delilah. Delilah, la infiel. Ella puede saltar de una cama a otra en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, puede engañar al novio... pero el maldito y el traidor es solo Cole. Curioso. 🙄
June 20, 2023
It been a while since I've read a billionaire romance, because quite frankly, I got bored of them. However, Cole and Delilahs story may have reignited my interest.
Having read and loved L M Dalgleishs rockstars, I was very much looking forward to reading Coldhearted King and it honestly did not disappoint.
The story is well thought out and written and all the characters are so easy to become entangled with I wanted to spend more time with them.
A brilliant book and I can't wait for more of the Empty Kingdon Series.
Highly recommend.
Having read and loved L M Dalgleishs rockstars, I was very much looking forward to reading Coldhearted King and it honestly did not disappoint.
The story is well thought out and written and all the characters are so easy to become entangled with I wanted to spend more time with them.
A brilliant book and I can't wait for more of the Empty Kingdon Series.
Highly recommend.
November 22, 2024
Reading this in one sitting melted my brain to the point I almost didn’t mind the “kitten” nickname
Read
July 23, 2025DNF
The H is somewhat ‘loose’ and the h lost her virginity to him. Then, the h gets back with her ex and sleeps with him too. It’s just not for me.
The H is somewhat ‘loose’ and the h lost her virginity to him. Then, the h gets back with her ex and sleeps with him too. It’s just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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