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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.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2026
About the author
Riley Hart
120 books7,359 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 206 reviews
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 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 9, 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. ✨
June 20, 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 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
-------------------------------------------------------------------ENGLISH
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------ENGLISH
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.
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 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 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 16, 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.
May 30, 2026
This was really good! Lucas and Hunter’s journey was a bumpy one. They were in each other’s orbits since they were young but never really got to know one another, their link was Lucas’s brother and seemingly supportive father. Lucas has always been the outsider in his family and Hunter had been slotted into his place due to his football skills.
It was interesting seeing these two learn about themselves and each other as they rekindle their friendship. Hunter thought he understood his direction in life and his plans made sense until they didn’t. The more time he spent with Lucas the more revelations he began to have about the people around him, past relationships and what he wanted his future to look like. Lucas learned early on that he has only himself and later Isla (who I loved) and he did his best to stand his ground and pave his own way.
The relationship development was nice to see. They go from being estranged to friends to lovers to more and the sleepovers and breakfast non dates were sweet.
I had a great time reading this and I’m excited to see what’s next. I’m hoping it’s Des’s story!
💙ARC REVIEW🖤
It was interesting seeing these two learn about themselves and each other as they rekindle their friendship. Hunter thought he understood his direction in life and his plans made sense until they didn’t. The more time he spent with Lucas the more revelations he began to have about the people around him, past relationships and what he wanted his future to look like. Lucas learned early on that he has only himself and later Isla (who I loved) and he did his best to stand his ground and pave his own way.
The relationship development was nice to see. They go from being estranged to friends to lovers to more and the sleepovers and breakfast non dates were sweet.
I had a great time reading this and I’m excited to see what’s next. I’m hoping it’s Des’s story!
💙ARC REVIEW🖤
Read
June 4, 2026Jesus, 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.
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 17, 2026
Thank you so much @theauthor.agency and @rileyhartwrites for the digital copy to review!
Hunter and Lucas, my sweet, spicy, sassy, broken, healing, lovely boys. I was SO in love with each of these characters and I wanted to not leave them behind when I finished the book.
Hunter is an out queer athlete who lost his best friend and partner of several years in a horrific accident and he hasn’t been the same since. Lucas lost his brother and has never fit in with his family. He feels like the black sheep, like a disappointment but he’s come to terms with it and he has made a good life for himself. An unexpected run-in has these two reconnecting in ways Hunter never dreamed possible… while Lucas has been in love with Hunter since he was a teen.
GOD is there anything more harrowing??? This book was a STUNNER. Full of gorgeous prose, the sweetest emotionally charged moments, soft and lingering touches, intimate discussions, defending each other, the most lovely love story, and a truly dynamic connection. I was obsessed from the get-go and didn’t want to put it down. From that first night on the roof drawing in the stars, to the end of this book, everything was perfect.
I fell in love with Lucas’s cocky banter - seeing it for the protection it was. Hunter broke down all of Lucas’s walls and I melted for them. The way they connected and understood each other was beautiful to see.
When the truth came out - these two chose each other and their declarations of love and commitment had me crying. This story was so emotional and really tugged at my heart strings. Also, LOVE ISLA and Hunter’s mom!! And Lucas’s mom!!! Bye Lucas’s dad you are trash!!
And that epilogue!!!!!!!! I KNEW ITTTTT (for the next book). I can’t wait to grab a signed copy of this one!!!
Hunter and Lucas, my sweet, spicy, sassy, broken, healing, lovely boys. I was SO in love with each of these characters and I wanted to not leave them behind when I finished the book.
Hunter is an out queer athlete who lost his best friend and partner of several years in a horrific accident and he hasn’t been the same since. Lucas lost his brother and has never fit in with his family. He feels like the black sheep, like a disappointment but he’s come to terms with it and he has made a good life for himself. An unexpected run-in has these two reconnecting in ways Hunter never dreamed possible… while Lucas has been in love with Hunter since he was a teen.
GOD is there anything more harrowing??? This book was a STUNNER. Full of gorgeous prose, the sweetest emotionally charged moments, soft and lingering touches, intimate discussions, defending each other, the most lovely love story, and a truly dynamic connection. I was obsessed from the get-go and didn’t want to put it down. From that first night on the roof drawing in the stars, to the end of this book, everything was perfect.
I fell in love with Lucas’s cocky banter - seeing it for the protection it was. Hunter broke down all of Lucas’s walls and I melted for them. The way they connected and understood each other was beautiful to see.
When the truth came out - these two chose each other and their declarations of love and commitment had me crying. This story was so emotional and really tugged at my heart strings. Also, LOVE ISLA and Hunter’s mom!! And Lucas’s mom!!! Bye Lucas’s dad you are trash!!
And that epilogue!!!!!!!! I KNEW ITTTTT (for the next book). I can’t wait to grab a signed copy of this one!!!
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
June 17, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book.
The story itself isn't particularly complicated, but the emotions sure as hell are, and there was something about the way Riley Hart conveyed it all that had me completely hooked from beginning to end. Maybe it was the chemistry. Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was the way Lucas and Hunter seemed destined for each other long before either of them fully understood it themselves.
Whatever it was, I couldn't put it down.
One of my favorite things about this story was how deeply these two loved each other. Lucas had always wanted Hunter. And Hunter seemed to know, somewhere deep down, that he was always meant to be Lucas's.
There was something very sweet and innocent about it all, which is wild considering how hot the heat was.
The care they showed each other was beautiful to witness. They were patient, supportive, and gentle with one another's hearts. From the very beginning, I had the sense that either of them could easily shatter the other—not because their relationship was volatile, but because they mattered that much.
Like the kind of love where if one of them breaks, the other breaks too.
That's what made me so invested.
This book was sweet, sexy, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. I already know this is a book I'll be revisiting again.
The story itself isn't particularly complicated, but the emotions sure as hell are, and there was something about the way Riley Hart conveyed it all that had me completely hooked from beginning to end. Maybe it was the chemistry. Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was the way Lucas and Hunter seemed destined for each other long before either of them fully understood it themselves.
Whatever it was, I couldn't put it down.
One of my favorite things about this story was how deeply these two loved each other. Lucas had always wanted Hunter. And Hunter seemed to know, somewhere deep down, that he was always meant to be Lucas's.
There was something very sweet and innocent about it all, which is wild considering how hot the heat was.
The care they showed each other was beautiful to witness. They were patient, supportive, and gentle with one another's hearts. From the very beginning, I had the sense that either of them could easily shatter the other—not because their relationship was volatile, but because they mattered that much.
Like the kind of love where if one of them breaks, the other breaks too.
That's what made me so invested.
This book was sweet, sexy, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. I already know this is a book I'll be revisiting again.
June 18, 2026
The Comeback King by Riley Hart is such a wonderful, feel good book! I love how Riley brought Hunter and Lucas together. They both found each other again when they needed each other the most and it was so beautiful!
Hunter is a professional football player, the good boy, the one that always tries to please everyone, and doesn't want to cause conflicts.
Lucas is a professional photographer and art gallery owner, unashamedly his own person, always quick with a joke to take the attention off of himself, and has the biggest heart.
If you're looking for a reunited friends to lovers book, a football romance, a beautiful mm romance, or any or all of these, this book is one I would recommend immediately!
Thank you so much for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book and I look forward to the books to come. I really hope there will be one about Oakland and Desmond!
Hunter is a professional football player, the good boy, the one that always tries to please everyone, and doesn't want to cause conflicts.
Lucas is a professional photographer and art gallery owner, unashamedly his own person, always quick with a joke to take the attention off of himself, and has the biggest heart.
If you're looking for a reunited friends to lovers book, a football romance, a beautiful mm romance, or any or all of these, this book is one I would recommend immediately!
Thank you so much for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book and I look forward to the books to come. I really hope there will be one about Oakland and Desmond!
June 18, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The Comeback King starts a new series from Riley Hart set around the world of football. Lucas was mostly ignored growing up. His father didn’t understand his dedication to photography and not football and his mother didn’t do enough to make anything better. His older brother, Ellis, loved the game and wanted to make their father happy, but didn’t have the skills to go pro. Hunter was on Ellis’ school team and their father immediately recognized Hunter’s skill and welcomed him into the family.
For fans of Riley Hart, Lucas and Hunter’s story is one you’ll want to read.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The Comeback King starts a new series from Riley Hart set around the world of football. Lucas was mostly ignored growing up. His father didn’t understand his dedication to photography and not football and his mother didn’t do enough to make anything better. His older brother, Ellis, loved the game and wanted to make their father happy, but didn’t have the skills to go pro. Hunter was on Ellis’ school team and their father immediately recognized Hunter’s skill and welcomed him into the family.
For fans of Riley Hart, Lucas and Hunter’s story is one you’ll want to read.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
June 18, 2026
Absolutely FANTASTIC!!! The hurt/comfort vibes are immaculate. I loved Hunter & Lucas together. They bring out all the best in each other. Being together also helps them both so much to see where they both carry guilt and to see that healing is beautiful. Truly a wonderful romance!
Did Not Finish
June 12, 2026𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Big Feels
🏈 Secret Relationship
🏈 Forbidden Relationship
🏈 Brother’s ex-boyfriend/ex-boyfriend’s brother
🏈 Pining /yearning
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Big Feels
🏈 Secret Relationship
🏈 Forbidden Relationship
🏈 Brother’s ex-boyfriend/ex-boyfriend’s brother
🏈 Pining /yearning
Review of advance copy received from Altro
ARC REVIEW
THE COMEBACK KING (Necessary Roughness 1) di Riley Hart
RECENSIONE: Mamma mia!! Libro stupendo! 5 stelle sono poche, gliene darei 10 se potessi! E vorrei tanto poterlo rileggere come la prima volta! Me lo sono divorato e ho amato tutto!
Domanda: vi mettereste mai con l’ex fidanzato di vostro fratello che è morto da tre anni?
Questa è la storia di Lucas e Hunter: il primo pur essendo portato per il football americano, non ha mai avuto intenzione di giocare dedicandosi alla fotografia. Hunter invece ha sempre amato giocare a football ma proviene da una famiglia composta solo da sua madre. Un giorno incontra Ellis e i due diventano subito amici. Il primo giorno Hunter si farà accompagnare a casa in macchina proprio dalla madre di Ellis. Ed è qui che incrocerà lo sguardo annoiato e arrabbiato di Lucas. Ma Lucas è troppo giovane e Hunter e Ellis si metteranno assieme. Lucas non viene affatto considerato dal padre che lo ritiene una vergogna per non seguire i suoi passi e diventare un giocatore. L’uomo riverserà tutto su Ellis e Hunter che negli anni diventerà un giocatore molto bravo e conosciuto. Ellis però muore e per tre anni Hunter e Lucas non si sentiranno né vedranno. Finché Hunter non andrà proprio ad una mostra gestita da Lucas. I due torneranno a risentirsi e più passano i giorni e più i due si avvicineranno e quella che inizia come una vecchia amicizia, diventerà ben presto passione. Lucas però ha un segreto: sin da quando aveva dodici anni non ha mai rivelato ad Hunter di essere innamorato di lui. Il senso di colpa scorre in entrambi, Hunter inizia a desiderare Lucas e lo vorrebbe accanto a sé, ma al tempo stesso si sente male perché teme di tradire il ricordo di Ellis.
The comeback king è uno sport romance durante il quale ho provato sentimenti contrastanti: pur amando la coppia, sentivo il dolore e la vergogna che entrambi provavano e il senso di colpa nei confronti di Ellis. Ammetto di essermi sentita una bruttissima persona perché ho odiato tutta la situazione perché ovviamente i due non riuscivano a fare il primo passo perché il fantasma di Ellis era sempre lì con loro… ma dopo aver letto i pov di Lucas, aver sentito quanto amasse Hunter da sempre… desideravo vederli felici insieme! Perché Hunter, grazie a Lucas, torna finalmente a giocare come prima della morte di Ellis e leggere come si sente finalmente libero mi ha emozionata.
Capisco il carico di dolore che entrambi provavano e razionalmente avevano ragione al non volersi avvicinare troppo per paura… ma sapete cosa? Alla fine sono felice di come le cose siano andate tra i due perché sono davvero una coppia meravigliosa e si completano! Lucas è perfetto per Hunter è davvero sono felice di aver letto di come sia cambiato dai primissimi capitoli. Sono fatti proprio l’uno per l’altro e mi sono ritrovata a fare il tifo per entrambi mentre leggevo perché desideravo vederli mettersi insieme!! Riley Hart ha condito la loro relazione di scene di sesso intense e bollenti che mi hanno lasciata a bocca aperta, ogni scena migliore dell’altra e si è sentita tutta la tensione erotica che scorreva tra i due protagonisti! Davvero meravigliosi!
Vi consiglio assolutamente questo libro e spero vi piaccia tanto quanto è piaciuto a me!
Non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo della serie e spero di non dover aspettare troppo tempo!
🇬🇧🇺🇸⬇️
🔥🔥
What an amazing book! Five stars aren’t enough—I’d give it ten if I could! And I’d love to be able to reread it just like the first time! I totally devoured it and loved every detail!
This is the story of Lucas and Hunter: Lucas, despite having a natural talent for American football, wanted to pursue photography instead of playing. Hunter, on the other hand, has always loved playing football but was raised by a one-parent family—just his mom. One day, he meets Ellis, and the two become friends right away. On their first day, Hunter gets a ride home in Ellis’s mother’s car. And that’s where he catches Lucas’s bored and annoyed gaze. Lucas is too young and Hunter and Ellis get together. Ellis dies and for three years Hunter and Lucas will not speak or see each other. Until Hunter goes to an exhibition run by Lucas. The two will reconnect, and as the weeks go by, they’ll grow closer, and what begins as an old friendship will soon turn into passionate love.
“The Comeback King” is a sports romance that left me with mixed feelings: while I loved the couple, I could feel the pain and shame they both felt, as well as the guilt toward Ellis. I felt like a terrible person because I hated the whole situation—obviously, the two couldn’t take the first step because Ellis’s ghost was always there with them… but after reading Lucas’ POV, realizing how much he’d always loved Hunter… I wanted to see them happy together!
I’m happy with how things worked out for them because they really are a wonderful couple and they complete each other! Lucas is perfect for Hunter, they’re perfect for each other. Riley Hart described their relationship with intense, steamy sex scenes that left me speechless!
I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and hope I don’t have to wait too long! I received an Arc Copy for my honest review.
THE COMEBACK KING (Necessary Roughness 1) di Riley Hart
RECENSIONE: Mamma mia!! Libro stupendo! 5 stelle sono poche, gliene darei 10 se potessi! E vorrei tanto poterlo rileggere come la prima volta! Me lo sono divorato e ho amato tutto!
Domanda: vi mettereste mai con l’ex fidanzato di vostro fratello che è morto da tre anni?
Questa è la storia di Lucas e Hunter: il primo pur essendo portato per il football americano, non ha mai avuto intenzione di giocare dedicandosi alla fotografia. Hunter invece ha sempre amato giocare a football ma proviene da una famiglia composta solo da sua madre. Un giorno incontra Ellis e i due diventano subito amici. Il primo giorno Hunter si farà accompagnare a casa in macchina proprio dalla madre di Ellis. Ed è qui che incrocerà lo sguardo annoiato e arrabbiato di Lucas. Ma Lucas è troppo giovane e Hunter e Ellis si metteranno assieme. Lucas non viene affatto considerato dal padre che lo ritiene una vergogna per non seguire i suoi passi e diventare un giocatore. L’uomo riverserà tutto su Ellis e Hunter che negli anni diventerà un giocatore molto bravo e conosciuto. Ellis però muore e per tre anni Hunter e Lucas non si sentiranno né vedranno. Finché Hunter non andrà proprio ad una mostra gestita da Lucas. I due torneranno a risentirsi e più passano i giorni e più i due si avvicineranno e quella che inizia come una vecchia amicizia, diventerà ben presto passione. Lucas però ha un segreto: sin da quando aveva dodici anni non ha mai rivelato ad Hunter di essere innamorato di lui. Il senso di colpa scorre in entrambi, Hunter inizia a desiderare Lucas e lo vorrebbe accanto a sé, ma al tempo stesso si sente male perché teme di tradire il ricordo di Ellis.
The comeback king è uno sport romance durante il quale ho provato sentimenti contrastanti: pur amando la coppia, sentivo il dolore e la vergogna che entrambi provavano e il senso di colpa nei confronti di Ellis. Ammetto di essermi sentita una bruttissima persona perché ho odiato tutta la situazione perché ovviamente i due non riuscivano a fare il primo passo perché il fantasma di Ellis era sempre lì con loro… ma dopo aver letto i pov di Lucas, aver sentito quanto amasse Hunter da sempre… desideravo vederli felici insieme! Perché Hunter, grazie a Lucas, torna finalmente a giocare come prima della morte di Ellis e leggere come si sente finalmente libero mi ha emozionata.
Capisco il carico di dolore che entrambi provavano e razionalmente avevano ragione al non volersi avvicinare troppo per paura… ma sapete cosa? Alla fine sono felice di come le cose siano andate tra i due perché sono davvero una coppia meravigliosa e si completano! Lucas è perfetto per Hunter è davvero sono felice di aver letto di come sia cambiato dai primissimi capitoli. Sono fatti proprio l’uno per l’altro e mi sono ritrovata a fare il tifo per entrambi mentre leggevo perché desideravo vederli mettersi insieme!! Riley Hart ha condito la loro relazione di scene di sesso intense e bollenti che mi hanno lasciata a bocca aperta, ogni scena migliore dell’altra e si è sentita tutta la tensione erotica che scorreva tra i due protagonisti! Davvero meravigliosi!
Vi consiglio assolutamente questo libro e spero vi piaccia tanto quanto è piaciuto a me!
Non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo della serie e spero di non dover aspettare troppo tempo!
🇬🇧🇺🇸⬇️
🔥🔥
What an amazing book! Five stars aren’t enough—I’d give it ten if I could! And I’d love to be able to reread it just like the first time! I totally devoured it and loved every detail!
This is the story of Lucas and Hunter: Lucas, despite having a natural talent for American football, wanted to pursue photography instead of playing. Hunter, on the other hand, has always loved playing football but was raised by a one-parent family—just his mom. One day, he meets Ellis, and the two become friends right away. On their first day, Hunter gets a ride home in Ellis’s mother’s car. And that’s where he catches Lucas’s bored and annoyed gaze. Lucas is too young and Hunter and Ellis get together. Ellis dies and for three years Hunter and Lucas will not speak or see each other. Until Hunter goes to an exhibition run by Lucas. The two will reconnect, and as the weeks go by, they’ll grow closer, and what begins as an old friendship will soon turn into passionate love.
“The Comeback King” is a sports romance that left me with mixed feelings: while I loved the couple, I could feel the pain and shame they both felt, as well as the guilt toward Ellis. I felt like a terrible person because I hated the whole situation—obviously, the two couldn’t take the first step because Ellis’s ghost was always there with them… but after reading Lucas’ POV, realizing how much he’d always loved Hunter… I wanted to see them happy together!
I’m happy with how things worked out for them because they really are a wonderful couple and they complete each other! Lucas is perfect for Hunter, they’re perfect for each other. Riley Hart described their relationship with intense, steamy sex scenes that left me speechless!
I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and hope I don’t have to wait too long! I received an Arc Copy for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for another fantastic riley hart book! i’m not surprised it’s so good, but i am still delighted. the book had a serious note to it—still with laugh-out-loud moments of course—which makes sense since both main characters are still grieving one of the most important people in their lives when the story starts. i liked that they re-entered one another’s orbits fairly early on in the book, and the majority of the scenes were the two of them together—not forced proximity but chosen proximity.
the layers and depth of this book are exactly what to expect from riley hart, and yet each time she does it in such a unique way to the characters and their respective backgrounds. even in a lot of my all-time favorite dual pov romance books, i don’t relate to both mcs as much as i did with hunter and lucas. they’re so opposite, and yet each had demons and struggles that i imagine a lot of us can empathize with. that said, there were more chapters from hunter’s pov, and while he’s one of my new favorite characters, i would’ve liked to explore lucas a bit more. his guardedness & tendency to joke his way out of anything heavy or serious made sense considering how he grew up, but seeing more from his pov might’ve helped see the development of that process. still, when it came to hunter—despite not having seen or spoken to him in years—lucas seemed to know, maybe even inherently, subconsciously—that hunter’s a genuinely trustworthy person.
my main complaint is going to be something the vast majority of readers will feel the complete opposite about, lol, but i’m someone who usually skims over sex scenes in general—which is fine, i have no issue with smut in books & am all for people writing & reading it, i just prefer the plot and character development aspects more. there was one chunk in the middle-ish of ‘the comeback king’ that felt, at least to me, like it was back-to-back-to-back sex scenes that could’ve been more spread out. hunter and lucas still had some things to work out during that chunk, & i kept hoping for those conversations to happen between those sex scenes.
that said, i loved loved loved how communicative these two were. hunter, a pro football player who, despite being publicly out as bi and growing up with a mentor who tended to favor ‘macho’-ness, didn’t shy away from his emotions or hold inside things he needed to say for very long, especially not when it came to lucas, sending the reader on an emotional roller coaster of tears, laughter, hope, and feels right beside the both of them. hunter took ownership for his actions while also standing up for what he knew was right, and ensured the people he loved and cared about most understood his perspective. a lot of mm books have the “idiots to lovers” trope, which i indeed also very much love & read all the time, but these two both had more maturity in them—even if lucas tried to hide his depending on the situation. it’s refreshing to see sometimes, this book included.
it’s also fun to read books that show the development of side characters, and there was one in particular i was rooting for throughout the course of the book. there were times when i questioned what the endgame ;-) would be there right along with the character most affected by them. both hunter and lucas had their own unique, opposite upbringings and simply accepted that about one another from day one when they were still kids. there was another interesting change of perspective for how one of the mc’s view of another side character gradually developed throughout the course of the story, and again riley hart takes the reader right along for the ride, making us anticipate how it would play out just as much as that mc did.
final thought is how excited this read made me for the next book & couple in the series, which is huge because it’s not always my favorite trope. it was just set up so well that i cannot wait to read it, and to also revisit hunter and lucas to see how they’re doing. this is one of my top reads of 2026 so far, and i don’t see that changing.
thank you so much to riley hart & the author agency for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. this is a voluntary review.
the layers and depth of this book are exactly what to expect from riley hart, and yet each time she does it in such a unique way to the characters and their respective backgrounds. even in a lot of my all-time favorite dual pov romance books, i don’t relate to both mcs as much as i did with hunter and lucas. they’re so opposite, and yet each had demons and struggles that i imagine a lot of us can empathize with. that said, there were more chapters from hunter’s pov, and while he’s one of my new favorite characters, i would’ve liked to explore lucas a bit more. his guardedness & tendency to joke his way out of anything heavy or serious made sense considering how he grew up, but seeing more from his pov might’ve helped see the development of that process. still, when it came to hunter—despite not having seen or spoken to him in years—lucas seemed to know, maybe even inherently, subconsciously—that hunter’s a genuinely trustworthy person.
my main complaint is going to be something the vast majority of readers will feel the complete opposite about, lol, but i’m someone who usually skims over sex scenes in general—which is fine, i have no issue with smut in books & am all for people writing & reading it, i just prefer the plot and character development aspects more. there was one chunk in the middle-ish of ‘the comeback king’ that felt, at least to me, like it was back-to-back-to-back sex scenes that could’ve been more spread out. hunter and lucas still had some things to work out during that chunk, & i kept hoping for those conversations to happen between those sex scenes.
that said, i loved loved loved how communicative these two were. hunter, a pro football player who, despite being publicly out as bi and growing up with a mentor who tended to favor ‘macho’-ness, didn’t shy away from his emotions or hold inside things he needed to say for very long, especially not when it came to lucas, sending the reader on an emotional roller coaster of tears, laughter, hope, and feels right beside the both of them. hunter took ownership for his actions while also standing up for what he knew was right, and ensured the people he loved and cared about most understood his perspective. a lot of mm books have the “idiots to lovers” trope, which i indeed also very much love & read all the time, but these two both had more maturity in them—even if lucas tried to hide his depending on the situation. it’s refreshing to see sometimes, this book included.
it’s also fun to read books that show the development of side characters, and there was one in particular i was rooting for throughout the course of the book. there were times when i questioned what the endgame ;-) would be there right along with the character most affected by them. both hunter and lucas had their own unique, opposite upbringings and simply accepted that about one another from day one when they were still kids. there was another interesting change of perspective for how one of the mc’s view of another side character gradually developed throughout the course of the story, and again riley hart takes the reader right along for the ride, making us anticipate how it would play out just as much as that mc did.
final thought is how excited this read made me for the next book & couple in the series, which is huge because it’s not always my favorite trope. it was just set up so well that i cannot wait to read it, and to also revisit hunter and lucas to see how they’re doing. this is one of my top reads of 2026 so far, and i don’t see that changing.
thank you so much to riley hart & the author agency for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. this is a voluntary review.
June 19, 2026
Oh, how I felt for these two. I wanted to hug them so badly! They’re weighed down by so much – grief, guilt and constantly comparing themselves to ‘perfect’ Ellis or feeling as though they’re betraying him – and I was so glad they (finally) had each other to get themselves through everything. There’s a lot of big emotion in this book; but as well as the pain, there’s also healing, acceptance and looking to the future.
While I loved seeing Hunter and Lucas come alive together, I hated them feeling as though there’s an end date to their happiness looming, knowing how their relationship would be perceived by everyone. They fear the world will be against them, and yes, there’s no doubt it’s going to be a complicated situation to navigate, but I was always routing for them.
Lucas is the black sheep of the family; the outsider, ostracized by his father for not following his wishes and instead following his passion and finding his own path. I admired him so much for that. I adored that Lucas is unapologetically himself, even if his behaviour comes across as a bit jerkish sometimes (hiding all those big emotions he’s feeling? Why, yes, indeed).
Hunter… honestly, I’m a bit smitten with that man. Such a big heart. It was hard to see him feel like he’s doing something wrong by being with his great love after what happened with his first love. I loved all those seemingly little things that Hunter noticed and remembered about Lucas from when they were kids – the red velvet cupcake I must mention because *swoon*
One of the things I loved the most is how Hunter feels when he’s with Lucas, and that he can finally be himself rather than wearing the mask that he does when he's Hunter King for the world. I loved seeing the lighter side of him when he isn’t feeling burdened by all the expectations placed on him by everyone around him, except Lucas. And I loved the stellar advice that Lucas gives Hunter, gently reminding him that it’s okay for him to enjoy life again.
These two absolutely deserve their HEA, and I loved loved loved that ending (yes, it does require three of them).
And big love for Hunter's mum, who has been a solid support for him forever, plus the wonderful Desmond. I’m so glad that Lucas’s mother comes through in the end, and that he's always had Isla, who’s an amazing friend and also spot on with the advice.
Now, let us all hate on Ellis Snr together!
-----
Some of my favourite quotes
Being with Lucas has made me feel more like myself than I have in a long time, but he also makes me feel like I’m discovering aspects of myself I didn’t know existed, ones I’m curious to learn more about.
“You don’t have anything to thank me for. Just be you, Hunt. That doesn’t have to only be one thing.”
“You make me feel...like I’m a different person, or like I can be a different person, like my life doesn’t only have to be about one thing.”
“I want you to know I don’t want to change you. Too many people have tried to do that, and I don’t want to be one of them.”
“My favorite things are all the things you like about me,”
He makes me feel so comfortable, like I can try anything, crave anything, say or do anything, and Lucas will never look down on me for it. He won’t tell me all the ways I should do something else or be better. He lets me figure out what I want.
“You do make me happy, and I’ll always choose you.”
“I’m yours, Lucas. I was always supposed to be yours.”
“It was always you for me, and it will always be you for me.”
“I know. I won’t fucking allow it. You’re mine, Hunt. I’m not giving you up. Not fucking ever.”
“I love you. I have always loved you. Will always love you. You’re so fucking mine.”
“I want everyone to know you’re mine and that I’m proud of that.”
While I loved seeing Hunter and Lucas come alive together, I hated them feeling as though there’s an end date to their happiness looming, knowing how their relationship would be perceived by everyone. They fear the world will be against them, and yes, there’s no doubt it’s going to be a complicated situation to navigate, but I was always routing for them.
Lucas is the black sheep of the family; the outsider, ostracized by his father for not following his wishes and instead following his passion and finding his own path. I admired him so much for that. I adored that Lucas is unapologetically himself, even if his behaviour comes across as a bit jerkish sometimes (hiding all those big emotions he’s feeling? Why, yes, indeed).
Hunter… honestly, I’m a bit smitten with that man. Such a big heart. It was hard to see him feel like he’s doing something wrong by being with his great love after what happened with his first love. I loved all those seemingly little things that Hunter noticed and remembered about Lucas from when they were kids – the red velvet cupcake I must mention because *swoon*
One of the things I loved the most is how Hunter feels when he’s with Lucas, and that he can finally be himself rather than wearing the mask that he does when he's Hunter King for the world. I loved seeing the lighter side of him when he isn’t feeling burdened by all the expectations placed on him by everyone around him, except Lucas. And I loved the stellar advice that Lucas gives Hunter, gently reminding him that it’s okay for him to enjoy life again.
These two absolutely deserve their HEA, and I loved loved loved that ending (yes, it does require three of them).
And big love for Hunter's mum, who has been a solid support for him forever, plus the wonderful Desmond. I’m so glad that Lucas’s mother comes through in the end, and that he's always had Isla, who’s an amazing friend and also spot on with the advice.
Now, let us all hate on Ellis Snr together!
-----
Some of my favourite quotes
Being with Lucas has made me feel more like myself than I have in a long time, but he also makes me feel like I’m discovering aspects of myself I didn’t know existed, ones I’m curious to learn more about.
“You don’t have anything to thank me for. Just be you, Hunt. That doesn’t have to only be one thing.”
“You make me feel...like I’m a different person, or like I can be a different person, like my life doesn’t only have to be about one thing.”
“I want you to know I don’t want to change you. Too many people have tried to do that, and I don’t want to be one of them.”
“My favorite things are all the things you like about me,”
He makes me feel so comfortable, like I can try anything, crave anything, say or do anything, and Lucas will never look down on me for it. He won’t tell me all the ways I should do something else or be better. He lets me figure out what I want.
“You do make me happy, and I’ll always choose you.”
“I’m yours, Lucas. I was always supposed to be yours.”
“It was always you for me, and it will always be you for me.”
“I know. I won’t fucking allow it. You’re mine, Hunt. I’m not giving you up. Not fucking ever.”
“I love you. I have always loved you. Will always love you. You’re so fucking mine.”
“I want everyone to know you’re mine and that I’m proud of that.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ - 4.8/5
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜 by Riley Hart is an emotional M/M sports romance. It is the first book in the 𝘕𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 series and follows Lucas Blake and Hunter King. This story explores themes such as grief that some readers may find triggering.
Before I continue with my review, I want to say a huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I have been a fan of Riley's work since the 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘜 series, and it was an honor being a part of this ARC team.
I seriously loved this book so much. Lucas and Hunter were super complicated, and they were a chaotic mess at times. They were both struggling with their own regrets and grieving someone very important to them in different ways, but they found a way to heal together.
Hunter King is a football star who had it all—until he didn't. After losing his boyfriend, things don't feel right anymore, not even the game he's poured his heart into for as long as he can remember. While only Ellis stopped breathing that tragic night, two souls died. When Lucas, Ellis's younger brother, comes back into Hunter's life, Hunter starts feeling things for the one person he shouldn't. Even knowing that being with Lucas could ruin the bond he has with the closest thing to a father he's ever known and betray Ellis's memory, he can't seem to stop running back to him time and time again.
Lucas Blake has been in love with his brother's best friend, Hunter, since they were teenagers. Growing up, he hid his feelings for Hunter and was heartbroken when Hunter and his brother started dating. Ellis and Hunter were the perfect couple, and Lucas knew he could never have Hunter the way he craved. Three years after Ellis's passing, Hunter shows back up in Lucas's life and turns his world upside down. The boy Lucas remembers from his childhood is different, altered by time and grief, but that doesn't change the way he feels. Soon, things between them shift. What starts off as a friendship turns into more when Lucas realizes one time will never be enough, and some betrayals are worth the risk.
Lucas was genuinely my baby!! My heart broke for him, and the relationship he had with his family was so baffling at times. I hated that, over and over again, his father compared him to his brother, told him that the things he loved were a waste of time, and overall made him feel like nothing he ever did was good enough. His pain was palpable, and I'm so happy that he got his HEA. I swear some people don't deserve to be parents, and Coach Blake was definitely one of them!!
In my eyes, to Hunter, Ellis was the sun and Lucas was the moon. In order for the moon to have its time to shine, the sun has to go down. I think this analogy fits their relationship so well because all Hunter saw at first was Ellis. He later realized that he never really took the time to see Lucas because he was so wrapped up in other things. It was so hard at times watching Hunter struggle to accept their relationship, but I think those challenges made them stronger together at the end of the day.
Overall, I loved this book and it was a fantastic read. I'm seriously intrigued and am so excited for book two. Additionally, if you liked 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 by C.S. Autumn, then I feel like this book would definitely be up your alley.
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜 by Riley Hart is an emotional M/M sports romance. It is the first book in the 𝘕𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 series and follows Lucas Blake and Hunter King. This story explores themes such as grief that some readers may find triggering.
Before I continue with my review, I want to say a huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I have been a fan of Riley's work since the 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘜 series, and it was an honor being a part of this ARC team.
I seriously loved this book so much. Lucas and Hunter were super complicated, and they were a chaotic mess at times. They were both struggling with their own regrets and grieving someone very important to them in different ways, but they found a way to heal together.
Hunter King is a football star who had it all—until he didn't. After losing his boyfriend, things don't feel right anymore, not even the game he's poured his heart into for as long as he can remember. While only Ellis stopped breathing that tragic night, two souls died. When Lucas, Ellis's younger brother, comes back into Hunter's life, Hunter starts feeling things for the one person he shouldn't. Even knowing that being with Lucas could ruin the bond he has with the closest thing to a father he's ever known and betray Ellis's memory, he can't seem to stop running back to him time and time again.
Lucas Blake has been in love with his brother's best friend, Hunter, since they were teenagers. Growing up, he hid his feelings for Hunter and was heartbroken when Hunter and his brother started dating. Ellis and Hunter were the perfect couple, and Lucas knew he could never have Hunter the way he craved. Three years after Ellis's passing, Hunter shows back up in Lucas's life and turns his world upside down. The boy Lucas remembers from his childhood is different, altered by time and grief, but that doesn't change the way he feels. Soon, things between them shift. What starts off as a friendship turns into more when Lucas realizes one time will never be enough, and some betrayals are worth the risk.
Lucas was genuinely my baby!! My heart broke for him, and the relationship he had with his family was so baffling at times. I hated that, over and over again, his father compared him to his brother, told him that the things he loved were a waste of time, and overall made him feel like nothing he ever did was good enough. His pain was palpable, and I'm so happy that he got his HEA. I swear some people don't deserve to be parents, and Coach Blake was definitely one of them!!
In my eyes, to Hunter, Ellis was the sun and Lucas was the moon. In order for the moon to have its time to shine, the sun has to go down. I think this analogy fits their relationship so well because all Hunter saw at first was Ellis. He later realized that he never really took the time to see Lucas because he was so wrapped up in other things. It was so hard at times watching Hunter struggle to accept their relationship, but I think those challenges made them stronger together at the end of the day.
Overall, I loved this book and it was a fantastic read. I'm seriously intrigued and am so excited for book two. Additionally, if you liked 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 by C.S. Autumn, then I feel like this book would definitely be up your alley.
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.5 + stars
Hunter King was pseudo-adopted by a family when he was in high school. He was a football prodigy, and the father was the coach who encouraged him and treated him like a son. He became best friends and eventually fell in love with one of the sons, Ellis, and had a beautiful relationship until he passed away.
Now Hunter’s a professional football player, but he’s been struggling for several years since his boyfriend's death. But now his late boyfriend’s younger brother, Lucas, is also in LA.
Lucas never really fit in with the family. He didn’t like football, even though he was good at it, so it created a wedge between him and his father. He’s a creative and loves photography and art, and has opened his own gallery in LA. He used to have a big crush on his brother's boyfriend too. But now they’re living in the same city and are crossing paths, and even though they weren’t very close when they were younger, they’re starting to develop a tenuous friendship and reaching out to each other.
They’re very different people, but they shared a lot of history with family members. But somehow, now they’re connecting on the level that they never did before. They are both hurting and have a unique ability to understand what the other is going through. They both have some self-worth issues, even though they’re both really good at what they do. There’s an understanding that they might never have been good enough because Ellis was always seen as perfect. And Hunter really needs an anchor at this time because he’s just been kind of lost since the loss of Ellis, and it is affecting even his career. And Lucas is not a substitute, but he at least understands. But there are a lot of confusing emotions, guilt, and conflict due to their shared past.
I loved their dynamic and banter, and they had great chemistry. Together, they spark and start to find joy in living again and start to build their own little world in their hidden bubble. But they know that their relationship would be salacious gossip for the outside world and their families.
This is a forbidden, secret relationship. late-brother's-boyfriend, hurt-comfort, second-chance-friends-to-lovers romance about a football player and an artist. It is witty, snarky, emotional, steamy, and inspiring. I am interested in the next book with two characters that will make an unlikely match.
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Hunter King was pseudo-adopted by a family when he was in high school. He was a football prodigy, and the father was the coach who encouraged him and treated him like a son. He became best friends and eventually fell in love with one of the sons, Ellis, and had a beautiful relationship until he passed away.
Now Hunter’s a professional football player, but he’s been struggling for several years since his boyfriend's death. But now his late boyfriend’s younger brother, Lucas, is also in LA.
Lucas never really fit in with the family. He didn’t like football, even though he was good at it, so it created a wedge between him and his father. He’s a creative and loves photography and art, and has opened his own gallery in LA. He used to have a big crush on his brother's boyfriend too. But now they’re living in the same city and are crossing paths, and even though they weren’t very close when they were younger, they’re starting to develop a tenuous friendship and reaching out to each other.
They’re very different people, but they shared a lot of history with family members. But somehow, now they’re connecting on the level that they never did before. They are both hurting and have a unique ability to understand what the other is going through. They both have some self-worth issues, even though they’re both really good at what they do. There’s an understanding that they might never have been good enough because Ellis was always seen as perfect. And Hunter really needs an anchor at this time because he’s just been kind of lost since the loss of Ellis, and it is affecting even his career. And Lucas is not a substitute, but he at least understands. But there are a lot of confusing emotions, guilt, and conflict due to their shared past.
I loved their dynamic and banter, and they had great chemistry. Together, they spark and start to find joy in living again and start to build their own little world in their hidden bubble. But they know that their relationship would be salacious gossip for the outside world and their families.
This is a forbidden, secret relationship. late-brother's-boyfriend, hurt-comfort, second-chance-friends-to-lovers romance about a football player and an artist. It is witty, snarky, emotional, steamy, and inspiring. I am interested in the next book with two characters that will make an unlikely match.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
The book explored the complicated experience of falling in love with someone connected to your past while trying to hold together the pieces of who you used to be. It followed the tension between the love he once had for his ex, the love he was developing for his brother, and the hope of not damaging the family in the process. Alongside that emotional conflict was his struggle to reconnect with football and become the version of himself he had always wanted to be. The story was easy to follow and moved smoothly, and although the title fit well, I would have liked more depth about Hunter and Ellis’ early years. It felt strongly character‑driven, with growth not only in the main characters but also in the secondary and tertiary ones, which made the world feel fuller and more believable.
Lucas stood out as my favourite character because he never hid from who he was or what he wanted, even with his father’s disappointment hanging over him. In contrast, Ellis Blake Sr. was my least favourite; wanting your children to succeed is one thing, but bullying them—directly or indirectly—is another, and it was clear the whole family felt the weight of his behaviour. I related most to Lucas, especially in the way he sometimes felt undeserving of good things simply because they had never come easily to him. Although the book centred on Hunter and Lucas, I adored the friendship between Isla and Lucas even more. Isla understood him, challenged him, and created a space where he could be open despite his pessimism. Their bond felt like the perfect example of platonic soulmates. I liked Lucas’ honesty throughout the story, even when he doubted himself, though I didn’t love how Haven was introduced as both a friend and a casual connection for Hunter and then never mentioned again. The pacing worked well, and the scene that stayed with me most was when Isla accidentally outed Lucas’ long‑held feelings for Hunter, along with the entirety of chapter twenty‑eight.
The ending was fine, though I personally prefer epilogues that jump ahead five years, but that’s just my taste. What I took away from the story was the reminder that first love doesn’t have to be your last, and that children should always come before a partner—watching them be mistreated and staying silent isn’t acceptable. As a mother, I understand wanting peace, but there comes a point where you have to stand up for your child, and it shouldn’t take a decade to do it. Overall, the book was enjoyable, but a few missing elements kept it from being a four‑star read, so I settled on three. My favourite quote was: “I didn't expect this... or, hell, maybe I did and I'm lying to myself. I'd been flying high from the game. These past few weeks, I've felt so good about football again, and I realized I wanted someone to talk to about it, but... the only person I wanted to talk to was you.” The song that matched the book’s vibe for me was The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson.
Lucas stood out as my favourite character because he never hid from who he was or what he wanted, even with his father’s disappointment hanging over him. In contrast, Ellis Blake Sr. was my least favourite; wanting your children to succeed is one thing, but bullying them—directly or indirectly—is another, and it was clear the whole family felt the weight of his behaviour. I related most to Lucas, especially in the way he sometimes felt undeserving of good things simply because they had never come easily to him. Although the book centred on Hunter and Lucas, I adored the friendship between Isla and Lucas even more. Isla understood him, challenged him, and created a space where he could be open despite his pessimism. Their bond felt like the perfect example of platonic soulmates. I liked Lucas’ honesty throughout the story, even when he doubted himself, though I didn’t love how Haven was introduced as both a friend and a casual connection for Hunter and then never mentioned again. The pacing worked well, and the scene that stayed with me most was when Isla accidentally outed Lucas’ long‑held feelings for Hunter, along with the entirety of chapter twenty‑eight.
The ending was fine, though I personally prefer epilogues that jump ahead five years, but that’s just my taste. What I took away from the story was the reminder that first love doesn’t have to be your last, and that children should always come before a partner—watching them be mistreated and staying silent isn’t acceptable. As a mother, I understand wanting peace, but there comes a point where you have to stand up for your child, and it shouldn’t take a decade to do it. Overall, the book was enjoyable, but a few missing elements kept it from being a four‑star read, so I settled on three. My favourite quote was: “I didn't expect this... or, hell, maybe I did and I'm lying to myself. I'd been flying high from the game. These past few weeks, I've felt so good about football again, and I realized I wanted someone to talk to about it, but... the only person I wanted to talk to was you.” The song that matched the book’s vibe for me was The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson.
June 19, 2026
If you have been paying attention, you know I rarely give five-star reviews. The Comeback King by Riley Hart earns every single one of them.
A slight tangent
There has been a lot of discourse around romance novels and specifically around so-called "smut." The common refrain is that these books are glorified porn with little to no substance. I wholeheartedly disagree. As someone who has been reading romance novels for more than half my life, I feel genuinely sad for those who underestimate the power of this genre and what it does with topics that deserve to be discussed -- and are too often overlooked. If you are one of those close-minded people, I invite you to read this book and take note of the absolute masterclass in storytelling that is Riley Hart's The Comeback King.
Back to the book:
Hart masterfully handles themes of death, toxic masculinity, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, regret, and grief in its many forms. She treats each with care, and grief especially. She captures the way grief can cause us to focus only on the good -- to sanitize the person we lost. But we can love someone and simultaneously recognize that they were human, with faults. Acknowledging that does not tarnish their memory or your shared history. If anything, loving someone in all of their complexity -- in life and in death -- is one of the most beautiful depictions of love I have read.
It is worth noting that, without giving spoilers, we are treated to toxic masculinity in all of its subtleties -- and it is so well done and accurate. Coach Blake is the embodiment of this, both in present day and in flashbacks, and across every aspect of his life. Hart does not beat you over the head with it, but you see it and you feel the mental and emotional damage left in its aftermath.
Hunter King, football prodigy (can you even be a prodigy in football?), is living under the weight of losing his best friend and boyfriend, while also navigating expectations and judgments about his behavior on and off the field. Lucas Blake is the son who, in his father's eyes, is a disappointment -- when in reality he is a successful photographer and gallery owner. Both men are navigating a world without Ellis, who, even in death, is larger than life.
I was not prepared for the level of heartache both of these characters were carrying. To reach the happily ever after, we endured pining and guilt, witnessed healing and self-acceptance, and were given intimacy that was spicy, unapologetic, and deeply vulnerable -- sex that highlighted not just desire, but the acceptance of desires often labeled taboo, rendered here without a trace of shame.
Five stars. Rarely given, only earned. The Comeback King left me with a full heart, a little grief, and a whole lot of appreciation for what this genre can do in the right hands.
A slight tangent
There has been a lot of discourse around romance novels and specifically around so-called "smut." The common refrain is that these books are glorified porn with little to no substance. I wholeheartedly disagree. As someone who has been reading romance novels for more than half my life, I feel genuinely sad for those who underestimate the power of this genre and what it does with topics that deserve to be discussed -- and are too often overlooked. If you are one of those close-minded people, I invite you to read this book and take note of the absolute masterclass in storytelling that is Riley Hart's The Comeback King.
Back to the book:
Hart masterfully handles themes of death, toxic masculinity, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, regret, and grief in its many forms. She treats each with care, and grief especially. She captures the way grief can cause us to focus only on the good -- to sanitize the person we lost. But we can love someone and simultaneously recognize that they were human, with faults. Acknowledging that does not tarnish their memory or your shared history. If anything, loving someone in all of their complexity -- in life and in death -- is one of the most beautiful depictions of love I have read.
It is worth noting that, without giving spoilers, we are treated to toxic masculinity in all of its subtleties -- and it is so well done and accurate. Coach Blake is the embodiment of this, both in present day and in flashbacks, and across every aspect of his life. Hart does not beat you over the head with it, but you see it and you feel the mental and emotional damage left in its aftermath.
Hunter King, football prodigy (can you even be a prodigy in football?), is living under the weight of losing his best friend and boyfriend, while also navigating expectations and judgments about his behavior on and off the field. Lucas Blake is the son who, in his father's eyes, is a disappointment -- when in reality he is a successful photographer and gallery owner. Both men are navigating a world without Ellis, who, even in death, is larger than life.
I was not prepared for the level of heartache both of these characters were carrying. To reach the happily ever after, we endured pining and guilt, witnessed healing and self-acceptance, and were given intimacy that was spicy, unapologetic, and deeply vulnerable -- sex that highlighted not just desire, but the acceptance of desires often labeled taboo, rendered here without a trace of shame.
Five stars. Rarely given, only earned. The Comeback King left me with a full heart, a little grief, and a whole lot of appreciation for what this genre can do in the right hands.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What a tangled and emotional story that held me in its grasp until the very end as Hunter and Lucas fought for their forbidden love.❤️ I swooned, I couldn't tear my eyes away, I read this in one sitting and loved it!!
The Comeback King is heartbreaking, but also extremely fulfilling in so many ways. Hunter King was embraced by the Blake family as a young teen. Finding an easy friendship with Ellis Blake and getting guidance from his father, an NFL coach who sees the bright talent in Hunter. As Hunter matures so does his relationship with Ellis, becoming one of the few openly bi football players to ever get drafted. But life takes just as much as it gives and a horrible accident takes Ellis way too young leaving Hunter feeling adrift and struggling. That is until he runs into Lucas. Ellias' younger brother and black sheep of the Blake family.
This is truly when the story truly begins and my heart was in a vice until the very end.
Lucas Blake never felt like he fit in, especially when Hunter King came into the picture. His own father treated Hunter like the second son he didn't have...oh wait, he actually did have a second son, Lucas was just a disappointment. However, instead of disliking Hunter on principle, Lucas felt the opposite, he developed a crush on him and it's one I understood. Hunter is a good guy, but so was his brother Ellis, which is what made this book such an emotional roller coaster. Sadly, his brother Ellis was Hunter's everything, but that all changes years later. Lucas isn't that teenage boy living in the shadows with a hidden crush and Ellis is no longer stealing the spotlight. I loved Lucas. As an adult, he's snarky and doesn't hide from anyone or anything anymore. He's living the life he wants and aside from having a lonely heart, he's living his dream.
Both men are so fragile in their hurt and need each other in ways they didn't even know. Wrap them in a bubble, perfect situation and they could have lived there without complications, but the real world doesn't work that way. Sadly, things never work that way, especially when family and public opinion is all tangled up in their past. Knowing and recognizing that love comes in all forms, not discrediting a past, and being strong enough to withstand change and then moving forward with something new made reading this book all worth while. This story is beautiful in their emotional healing. It touches on wounds for both of them and I adored that it didn't just focus on one vs. the other. Both Hunter and Lucas were affected by Ellis and Coach Blake in similar and different ways and to see them lean on each other, open up, and heal together was emotional, beautiful, super steamy, and precious. It was everything.❤️
The Comeback King is heartbreaking, but also extremely fulfilling in so many ways. Hunter King was embraced by the Blake family as a young teen. Finding an easy friendship with Ellis Blake and getting guidance from his father, an NFL coach who sees the bright talent in Hunter. As Hunter matures so does his relationship with Ellis, becoming one of the few openly bi football players to ever get drafted. But life takes just as much as it gives and a horrible accident takes Ellis way too young leaving Hunter feeling adrift and struggling. That is until he runs into Lucas. Ellias' younger brother and black sheep of the Blake family.
This is truly when the story truly begins and my heart was in a vice until the very end.
Lucas Blake never felt like he fit in, especially when Hunter King came into the picture. His own father treated Hunter like the second son he didn't have...oh wait, he actually did have a second son, Lucas was just a disappointment. However, instead of disliking Hunter on principle, Lucas felt the opposite, he developed a crush on him and it's one I understood. Hunter is a good guy, but so was his brother Ellis, which is what made this book such an emotional roller coaster. Sadly, his brother Ellis was Hunter's everything, but that all changes years later. Lucas isn't that teenage boy living in the shadows with a hidden crush and Ellis is no longer stealing the spotlight. I loved Lucas. As an adult, he's snarky and doesn't hide from anyone or anything anymore. He's living the life he wants and aside from having a lonely heart, he's living his dream.
Both men are so fragile in their hurt and need each other in ways they didn't even know. Wrap them in a bubble, perfect situation and they could have lived there without complications, but the real world doesn't work that way. Sadly, things never work that way, especially when family and public opinion is all tangled up in their past. Knowing and recognizing that love comes in all forms, not discrediting a past, and being strong enough to withstand change and then moving forward with something new made reading this book all worth while. This story is beautiful in their emotional healing. It touches on wounds for both of them and I adored that it didn't just focus on one vs. the other. Both Hunter and Lucas were affected by Ellis and Coach Blake in similar and different ways and to see them lean on each other, open up, and heal together was emotional, beautiful, super steamy, and precious. It was everything.❤️
Review of advance copy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Comeback King is the first novel in the new Necessary Roughness series.
This was an emotional and surprisingly layered romance about grief, guilt, and learning how to move forward when the future you thought you'd have is suddenly gone.
Hunter and Lucas have spent most of their lives living in someone else's shadow. For Hunter, it's the pressure of being football's golden boy, always chasing the next achievement while never feeling quite good enough. For Lucas, it's growing up knowing he could never be the son his father wanted him to be. Their struggles are very different, but they create a connection that feels genuine and deeply earned.
Hunter's journey especially hit hard. Beneath the successful athlete everyone sees is a man carrying years of guilt, loss, and impossible expectations. Even after Ellis's death, he feels trapped by the role everyone expects him to play. Watching him slowly allow himself to want happiness again was both heartbreaking and rewarding.
Lucas completely stole my heart. He's kind, patient, and quietly resilient after a lifetime of being overlooked. Every time his relationship with his father came up, my heart broke a little for the boy who never received the support he deserved. Yet despite everything, Lucas never loses the ability to love wholeheartedly.
What made their romance work so well for me was how Riley Hart handled the complicated emotions surrounding Ellis's memory. The relationship isn't built on forgetting the past or replacing someone who was lost. Instead, it's about accepting that grief and love can coexist. Both men struggle with the feeling that moving on somehow means betraying Ellis, and that emotional conflict gives the story a depth that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
I also enjoyed the football element. It adds another layer to Hunter's story and highlights the contrast between the two men without ever turning their differences into unnecessary drama. Instead, their willingness to understand and support each other's dreams becomes one of the strongest foundations of their relationship.
And while this is definitely an emotional read, the chemistry between Hunter and Lucas is just as strong. The spicy scenes don't feel there simply for the sake of heat; they help build intimacy and show the growing trust between them, making the relationship feel authentic both emotionally and physically.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and emotional story with characters I couldn't help but root for. There were moments that made me tear up, plenty that made me smile, and a hard-earned HEA that felt completely deserved. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes from here.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Comeback King is the first novel in the new Necessary Roughness series.
This was an emotional and surprisingly layered romance about grief, guilt, and learning how to move forward when the future you thought you'd have is suddenly gone.
Hunter and Lucas have spent most of their lives living in someone else's shadow. For Hunter, it's the pressure of being football's golden boy, always chasing the next achievement while never feeling quite good enough. For Lucas, it's growing up knowing he could never be the son his father wanted him to be. Their struggles are very different, but they create a connection that feels genuine and deeply earned.
Hunter's journey especially hit hard. Beneath the successful athlete everyone sees is a man carrying years of guilt, loss, and impossible expectations. Even after Ellis's death, he feels trapped by the role everyone expects him to play. Watching him slowly allow himself to want happiness again was both heartbreaking and rewarding.
Lucas completely stole my heart. He's kind, patient, and quietly resilient after a lifetime of being overlooked. Every time his relationship with his father came up, my heart broke a little for the boy who never received the support he deserved. Yet despite everything, Lucas never loses the ability to love wholeheartedly.
What made their romance work so well for me was how Riley Hart handled the complicated emotions surrounding Ellis's memory. The relationship isn't built on forgetting the past or replacing someone who was lost. Instead, it's about accepting that grief and love can coexist. Both men struggle with the feeling that moving on somehow means betraying Ellis, and that emotional conflict gives the story a depth that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
I also enjoyed the football element. It adds another layer to Hunter's story and highlights the contrast between the two men without ever turning their differences into unnecessary drama. Instead, their willingness to understand and support each other's dreams becomes one of the strongest foundations of their relationship.
And while this is definitely an emotional read, the chemistry between Hunter and Lucas is just as strong. The spicy scenes don't feel there simply for the sake of heat; they help build intimacy and show the growing trust between them, making the relationship feel authentic both emotionally and physically.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and emotional story with characters I couldn't help but root for. There were moments that made me tear up, plenty that made me smile, and a hard-earned HEA that felt completely deserved. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes from here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of The Comeback King Book 1 in the Necessary Roughness Series by Riley Hart This is a 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved this book. This book gave me all the feels, it is emotional. This book deals with grief, guilt, living after loss, finding love after loss, and dealing with parental expectations. This is Lucas and Hunter’s story. I love Lucas and how unapologetically himself he is. It breaks my heart that his dad didn’t accept and support him being himself. I love Hunter he's so kind and caring, I hate that he feels like he has to be perfect and that he feels guilty for moving on. I love Hunter and Lucas together. I love the banter between them. I love how they are opposites and balance each other out. I love how they choose each other. This is a slow burn, very spicy, MM, deceased brother’s boyfriend, opposites attract, hurt/comfort, forbidden, secret relationship, football romance. Hunter King is 28 and is a pro football player for the LA Pulse. He is an extraordinary running back but hasn’t played the same since his boyfriend Ellis, who was also best friend died a few years ago. Lucas Blake is 27 and recently moved to LA. He is a photographer and owns his own art gallery. Lucas is Ellis’s younger brother. Lucas had a complicated relationship with Ellis. Lucas and Hunter have known each other for 14 years but have never been friends, even though Hunter is like a member of Lucas’s family. Lucas has always had a secret crush on Hunter. They haven’t seen or spoken to each other in years but now that they are both in LA they coincidentally run into each other and start talking and hanging out. Being around Lucas makes Hunter feel free like he can be himself without the pressure of football. Since they started hanging out Hunter is playing better and football is fun for him again. Hunter likes being around Lucas and how he makes him feel but he feels guilty like he’s betraying Ellis by being with Lucas. They have a secret fling while both falling deeper for each other but avoid talking about what their relationship is because they are afraid that others especially Lucas’s dad won’t understand, and they don’t want what they are doing to end. I love how Hunter and Lucas end up together and how they support and choose each other no matter what anyone else say. I love everything about this book and I definitely recommend it.
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