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Heartless Kingdom #.5
The Rulers
It was the beginning of my downfall. My rise as king was also my demise.
Love has no place in my life, but there was something about her.
An itch I scratched was a gateway to a need for her.
When an ultimatum is thrown at me, my rule is in jeopardy. I need a wife.
And I’m going to make her my queen.
Love has no place in my life, but there was something about her.
An itch I scratched was a gateway to a need for her.
When an ultimatum is thrown at me, my rule is in jeopardy. I need a wife.
And I’m going to make her my queen.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2021
About the author
K.I. Lynn
55 books3,869 followersK.I. Lynn is the USA Today Bestselling Author from The Bend Anthology, Amazon Bestseller Becoming Mrs. Lockwood, and the Amazon Bestselling Series, Breach. She spent her life in the arts, everything from music to painting and ceramics, then to writing. Characters have always run around in her head, acting out their stories, but it wasn't until later in life she would put them to pen. It would turn out to be the one thing she was really passionate about.
Since she began posting stories online, she's garnered acclaim for her diverse stories and hard hitting writing style. Two stories and characters are never the same, her brain moving through different ideas faster than she can write them down as it also plots its quest for world domination...or cheese. Whichever is easier to obtain... Usually it's cheese.
Since she began posting stories online, she's garnered acclaim for her diverse stories and hard hitting writing style. Two stories and characters are never the same, her brain moving through different ideas faster than she can write them down as it also plots its quest for world domination...or cheese. Whichever is easier to obtain... Usually it's cheese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 25, 2021
"The king. My word would be the last word and law."
The Rulers is the prequel to the long-awaited Heartless Kingdom Series. Atticus de Loughrey has been given the keys to the kingdom. As a well-respected business mogul, his family rules. However, in order to keep his throne, he must marry and have a child to his grandfather's wishes. Atticus has no intention to wed and yet, he knows he must! Thankfully he has the perfect candidate for his queen in mind. Ophelia Evans is a firecracker who spent one night of passion with Atticus. She had no idea that he is about to turn her life upside down!
"Heavy is the head that wears the crown."Overall, The Rulers is a passion-driven introduction to a world full of power, money, and love. In true K.I. Lynn fashion, she has crafted a world with engaging characters and a complex plot. As always, I know I will not be disappointed! I cannot wait to get my hands on the first book! Thankfully it is coming out soon!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 5, 2021
HOT TEASE OR FIZZLE?
WARNING: This review is full of intentional puns.
This prequel had a rock solid start and got me all worked up. I was totally in until I pulled out at 20%. Just 20% in. That’s all it took to go from pulsating intrigue and a slow sexy build to clinical, stale dirty talk and rushed pawing at each other that killed the passion vibe. Dead.
Ophelia's only 5’ 5”, floaty and feminine in her swirly demure dress with an aura of inexperience about her … but refers to herself as hardly small or petite once she goes home with him. What? I’m the same height and weigh a buck ten. That alone says otherwise. Besides the reader was led one way about her and not given a different impression, so that change-up left me confused about her physical appearance. All those raging hormones, chemistry, and physical attraction building between them at the bar scene just fizzed away. Ophelia was dull, and commanding CEO Atticus was a snob and a bore once he got with her. I spit-choked that he wouldn't find her interesting or intelligent enough if she was JUST a waitress. I gotta love to hate 'em, or hate to love 'em, but work me up to it. Instead, I felt indifference toward both. You can't turn me off right in the beginning!
Everything was all pumped up, and then deflated faster than a sigh. In fact, she’s never had a one night stand before, but the mouthy dirty talk flying out of her when they start ripping at each other’s clothes in the heat of the moment sounded like an experienced “professional”. Straight to the main event, no foreplay chaser. All the heat just evaporated and left me cold. Like flapping in the wind shivers. There’s fast and then there’s supersonic. The mood was gone and so was I. I felt no real chemistry between them in the rush to a first sex scene. And that trite, overused, dirty talk and cliched sex was a yawner.
Maybe I’ll pick up where I left off later and finish before the lst book comes out. It’s not as if I’ve never read this author before, but it felt like a hot come-on with an immediate slap to the face that brought me back to my senses. I sure need better wooing than that. I hate bailing like I’m some kind of tease, but my interest is on to other things.
WARNING: This review is full of intentional puns.
This prequel had a rock solid start and got me all worked up. I was totally in until I pulled out at 20%. Just 20% in. That’s all it took to go from pulsating intrigue and a slow sexy build to clinical, stale dirty talk and rushed pawing at each other that killed the passion vibe. Dead.
Ophelia's only 5’ 5”, floaty and feminine in her swirly demure dress with an aura of inexperience about her … but refers to herself as hardly small or petite once she goes home with him. What? I’m the same height and weigh a buck ten. That alone says otherwise. Besides the reader was led one way about her and not given a different impression, so that change-up left me confused about her physical appearance. All those raging hormones, chemistry, and physical attraction building between them at the bar scene just fizzed away. Ophelia was dull, and commanding CEO Atticus was a snob and a bore once he got with her. I spit-choked that he wouldn't find her interesting or intelligent enough if she was JUST a waitress. I gotta love to hate 'em, or hate to love 'em, but work me up to it. Instead, I felt indifference toward both. You can't turn me off right in the beginning!
Everything was all pumped up, and then deflated faster than a sigh. In fact, she’s never had a one night stand before, but the mouthy dirty talk flying out of her when they start ripping at each other’s clothes in the heat of the moment sounded like an experienced “professional”. Straight to the main event, no foreplay chaser. All the heat just evaporated and left me cold. Like flapping in the wind shivers. There’s fast and then there’s supersonic. The mood was gone and so was I. I felt no real chemistry between them in the rush to a first sex scene. And that trite, overused, dirty talk and cliched sex was a yawner.
Maybe I’ll pick up where I left off later and finish before the lst book comes out. It’s not as if I’ve never read this author before, but it felt like a hot come-on with an immediate slap to the face that brought me back to my senses. I sure need better wooing than that. I hate bailing like I’m some kind of tease, but my interest is on to other things.
April 27, 2021
Hello, smut my old friend. I admit it has been a while since I’ve read some good sex in a book. Thank you, K.I. Lynn, for that.
The Rulers was short, sexy, and left me wanting more. So of course, when I got to the end, I already needed the next book in my hands, like yesterday! Atticus de Loughrey HELLO!!! Where have you been all my life? While reading him I had these lyrics from a song by Agust D in my head and I found myself singing “I’m a king, I’m a boss” because that is exactly what Atticus reminded me of, a king and a Boss.
I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait for this story to continue and see where it goes!
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review* ~Alison
The Rulers was short, sexy, and left me wanting more. So of course, when I got to the end, I already needed the next book in my hands, like yesterday! Atticus de Loughrey HELLO!!! Where have you been all my life? While reading him I had these lyrics from a song by Agust D in my head and I found myself singing “I’m a king, I’m a boss” because that is exactly what Atticus reminded me of, a king and a Boss.
I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait for this story to continue and see where it goes!
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review* ~Alison
April 28, 2023
The Rulers was not my first time reading K.I. Lynn, I have enjoyed her previous books, so I was excited to read this one.
I know this was just a prequel and that the point of it was to get just a taste of what was coming, but the thing was that I didn't feel the chemistry between Ophelia and Atticus, and that killed my excitement about the story.
Now, the brothers intrigued me, and for this reason, I'm giving this couple a chance so I can read the following books in the series.
May 2, 2021
Quick, It Is FREE Right Now!!!
The Rulers is the prologue to the Heartless Kingdom World, a twisted, sexy, billionaire romance standalone series...
The Boardrooms Have Become The Kingdoms...
Handed Down From Generation...
To Generation, All The While...
Fighting To Survive...
Come What May...
This Is Just The Beginning...
Another Worthy First Born Son...
Must Take His Place...
At The Head Of The Table...
But There Are Conditions He Hadn't Known...
He Thought Working 24/7...
Devoting Himself To The Company...
Being The Best, Proving He Was Worthy...
Was Enough...
The Clause For Him To Retain His Place...
Marriage And A Child...
Lucky For Him, He Has Thought...
Of The Perfect Candidate...
A Lush, Intelligent Beauty...
From A Past Night, He Cannot Forget...
As Any Prince Ready For His Crown...
He Will Make This Union Worth Her While...
For Nothing Ever Stops...
The Rulers (Heartless Kingdom #0.5)
The Rulers (Heartless Kingdom #0.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wicked Rule (Heartless Kingdom #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ruthless Rule (Heartless Kingdom #2)
Forbidden Rule (Heartless Kingdom #3)
Lethal Rule (Heartless Kingdom #4)
Wild Rule (Heartless Kingdom #5)
Dirty Rule (Heartless Kingdom #6)
Dark Rule (Heartless Kingdom #7)
Tainted Rule (Heartless Kingdom #8)
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
The Rulers is the prologue to the Heartless Kingdom World, a twisted, sexy, billionaire romance standalone series...
The Boardrooms Have Become The Kingdoms...
Handed Down From Generation...
To Generation, All The While...
Fighting To Survive...
Come What May...
This Is Just The Beginning...
Another Worthy First Born Son...
Must Take His Place...
At The Head Of The Table...
But There Are Conditions He Hadn't Known...
He Thought Working 24/7...
Devoting Himself To The Company...
Being The Best, Proving He Was Worthy...
Was Enough...
The Clause For Him To Retain His Place...
Marriage And A Child...
Lucky For Him, He Has Thought...
Of The Perfect Candidate...
A Lush, Intelligent Beauty...
From A Past Night, He Cannot Forget...
As Any Prince Ready For His Crown...
He Will Make This Union Worth Her While...
For Nothing Ever Stops...
The Rulers (Heartless Kingdom #0.5)
The Rulers (Heartless Kingdom #0.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wicked Rule (Heartless Kingdom #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ruthless Rule (Heartless Kingdom #2) Forbidden Rule (Heartless Kingdom #3) Lethal Rule (Heartless Kingdom #4) Wild Rule (Heartless Kingdom #5) Dirty Rule (Heartless Kingdom #6) Dark Rule (Heartless Kingdom #7) Tainted Rule (Heartless Kingdom #8)For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 18, 2021
I have been known to buy books for their covers, and this is one!! This cover is HAF 🔥🔥
Atticus (best name ever) is a rich billionaire CEO who finds himself enamored with Ophelia (another best name ever) after a one night stand. I'm not sure why they drifted apart, but they did. Atticus is then hit with a pretty severe ultimatum, and he thinks about the pretty girl from all those months ago. Would she be into it???? We shall see 5*****
Atticus (best name ever) is a rich billionaire CEO who finds himself enamored with Ophelia (another best name ever) after a one night stand. I'm not sure why they drifted apart, but they did. Atticus is then hit with a pretty severe ultimatum, and he thinks about the pretty girl from all those months ago. Would she be into it???? We shall see 5*****
May 2, 2021
This novella is FIRE! A quick, captivating read. I LOVED this book. I cannot wait for the rest of their story to come out! It leaves you begging for more.
In The Rulers, We meet Atticus and Ophelia, and how they meet.
𝐿𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒.
When faced with an arranged marriage, Atticus does whatever he can to get out of it. Even a business deal.
In The Rulers, We meet Atticus and Ophelia, and how they meet.
𝐿𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒.
When faced with an arranged marriage, Atticus does whatever he can to get out of it. Even a business deal.
December 19, 2021
✰✰ stars!
Did I even read the same book as everyone else who are giving such fabulous reviews? Because this is yet another typical rich man, poor girl contract marriage trope. It is well-written but I've read way too many contract marriage romances to enjoy this one. Glad I stuck to the prequel rather than jumping the train. 🚂
April 26, 2021
So can I just get this out there and say, PLEASE CAN I HAVE SOME MORE?!?!?!? Oh my freaking stars! The intensity and everything about this just totally engulfed me and left me wanting so much more! When I came to the end, I wanted to cry! I needed more and I am so freaking impatient that I am just chomping at the bit to get it the rest of this story! The intense passion between Ophelia and Atticus is off the charts! Who knew that one night would lead to just being in each other's lives the way it did. Then all hell breaks loose and Atticus needs something and Ophelia is the only one he can think to help him. GAH! I need more! I am so counting the days till Wicked Rule is out!
May 3, 2021
Oh My Goodness!! This book started off HOT, then I became intrigued and then I am introduced to his world.
A world that is a corporate kingdom. The Rulers titled should have clued me in.
I am fascinated with Royal family stories and KI Lynn is giving me one with out the pomp and circumstance set in a lethal business world.
I am so excited for this series after this little tease of the beginning!!
A world that is a corporate kingdom. The Rulers titled should have clued me in.
I am fascinated with Royal family stories and KI Lynn is giving me one with out the pomp and circumstance set in a lethal business world.
I am so excited for this series after this little tease of the beginning!!
April 26, 2021
This is the prequel so it's a quick read but dang if it I wasn't completely captivated..I kept trying to swipe left but there were no more pages left and just when it was getting good lol.
I have to say I am intrigued and I am loving the dynamics between the H and the h. The family is bound to be entertaining for sure,saying this just to be kind lol
I can’t wait to read more and see how it goes!
Rich man, poor woman, a contract of marriage..I am feeling good about this!
I have to say I am intrigued and I am loving the dynamics between the H and the h. The family is bound to be entertaining for sure,saying this just to be kind lol
I can’t wait to read more and see how it goes!
Rich man, poor woman, a contract of marriage..I am feeling good about this!
March 4, 2022
Ophelia finds herself celebrating her birthday alone but just when she is ready to give up and walk out of the bar she is in Atticus interrupts her and suggests that she come home with him. It is an awesome and spectacular birthday present!
This couple parts way and all is all forgotten, until Atticus connects with her again and makes his demands.
Fantastic story! I can't wait to see what happens next!
This couple parts way and all is all forgotten, until Atticus connects with her again and makes his demands.
Fantastic story! I can't wait to see what happens next!
April 28, 2021
The Rulers is a short(ish) sexy read that left me with a ton of questions so I'm totally dying inside for more. Ophelia went to a club on her birthday alone since friends cancelled on her, which is where she meets Atticus, the heir to the richest family in the country, though she doesn't know that fact when they did their thing. They spend a HOT HOT HOT night together before she leaves him, but when she comes across him again at the place where she works, he acts like a jerk, and I'm still not sure why to be honest. He's given an ultimatum to get his inheritance, so he decides that Ophelia is the one to help him out, and that's all she wrote. Now comes the wait for the next book, and maybe just maybe my questions will be answered because I need to know, plus I really need more of Atticus & Ophelia! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 28, 2021
4 ✹✹✹✹
~Atticus de Loughrey & Ophelia Evans~
A promising prologue for the series!
Atticus is the heir to the wealthiest family in the country. The de Loughrey controls everything. They have insurmountable power and connections. Things get more complicated as Atticus has to find a wife and produce an heir to ensure his inheritance.
Ophelia is still trying to find her way in this world. She spent one night with Atticus and the memory left so much than just a one-night-stand for them.
As I've said before, this is a very promising prologue to the Heartless Kingdom series. The author has painted a very vivid picture of what's coming. I can say that I am very excited to read the first book.
*ARC received in exchange of an honest review
~Atticus de Loughrey & Ophelia Evans~
A promising prologue for the series!
Atticus is the heir to the wealthiest family in the country. The de Loughrey controls everything. They have insurmountable power and connections. Things get more complicated as Atticus has to find a wife and produce an heir to ensure his inheritance.
Ophelia is still trying to find her way in this world. She spent one night with Atticus and the memory left so much than just a one-night-stand for them.
As I've said before, this is a very promising prologue to the Heartless Kingdom series. The author has painted a very vivid picture of what's coming. I can say that I am very excited to read the first book.
*ARC received in exchange of an honest review
April 30, 2021
4 and 1/2 stars
It might only be a prologue that is short and sharp but it packs a punch. There is a lot crammed into this tale and there is so much heated chemistry from page one. It took a little while to get used to the writing structure as there was some movement in the time periods but after that, it was a bit easier to figure out where we were in time. I'm interested to see how the story plays out especially with the glimpses of Atticus' family. His father is going to be one to watch. Also interested in seeing how Ophelia deals with Atticus and his proposal. It is a series to watch that is for sure.
It might only be a prologue that is short and sharp but it packs a punch. There is a lot crammed into this tale and there is so much heated chemistry from page one. It took a little while to get used to the writing structure as there was some movement in the time periods but after that, it was a bit easier to figure out where we were in time. I'm interested to see how the story plays out especially with the glimpses of Atticus' family. His father is going to be one to watch. Also interested in seeing how Ophelia deals with Atticus and his proposal. It is a series to watch that is for sure.
April 26, 2021
WOW!! What a way to start a prequel. This lady sure knows how to draw you in wanting more...
We are introduced to a new WORLD...Atticus de Loughrey has been given the kingdom but in order to keep it he must marry and have a child...Thankfully he has one perfect lady in mind for that...Ophelia Evans.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the first book!! This lady never disappoints!!!
We are introduced to a new WORLD...Atticus de Loughrey has been given the kingdom but in order to keep it he must marry and have a child...Thankfully he has one perfect lady in mind for that...Ophelia Evans.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the first book!! This lady never disappoints!!!
April 29, 2021
This prequel was a short amazing forbidden romance with a hot billionaire. Atticus and Ophelia's story started in a very interesting and steamy way. I can't wait for the rest of the story to unfold, I love KI Lynn writing and this book is short but well done. I need more Atticus!
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May 5, 2021
The Rulers is a wonderful introduction to the de Loughrey family. If this was anything to go by I have a feeling we are in for a ride when it comes to the Heartless Kingdom series. I cannot wait to dig into Wicked Rule and find out more about Atticus and Ophelia. There is already a strong pull between them in this introduction and I cannot wait to find out more to come from the whole de Loughrey family.
April 28, 2021
Atticus has been given the keys to the family business. He needs to marry and have a child in order to keep it. Olivia spent a passionate night with Atticus. She's a fiery and take no prisoners type of woman. Her life is about to be turned upside down and inside out by Atticus. A quick prequel to the Heartless Kingdom series. Looking forward to more!
May 7, 2021
The Rulers is a prequel in the Heartless Kingdom series by K.I. Lynn.
This was such an amazing start in a new series! It’s a short and sexy story! It’s a wonderful introduction of Atticus and Ophelia. K.I. Lynn didn’t disappoint and after reading it I just want more!! My obsession with Atticus is real and I can’t wait for Wicked Rule!!
This was such an amazing start in a new series! It’s a short and sexy story! It’s a wonderful introduction of Atticus and Ophelia. K.I. Lynn didn’t disappoint and after reading it I just want more!! My obsession with Atticus is real and I can’t wait for Wicked Rule!!
April 27, 2021
Hello smut my old friend. Full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 30, 2021
HOLY SMOKES - what an introduction to the Heartless Kingdom Series!
May 1, 2021
What a tease! I definitely need to know what happens next. I'm routing for Ophelia! ❤
May 7, 2021
OMG loved it can't wait till I can get more of the series
May 4, 2021
Very intriguing beginning to what seems to be a great series.
May 7, 2021
Epic. Epic. Epic.
I loved this prelude!!
American royalty!
Their king... sees a girl. At a bar.
One. Hot.. Night...
Cannot wait to hear how the Wicked Rule ...
I loved this prelude!!
American royalty!
Their king... sees a girl. At a bar.
One. Hot.. Night...
Cannot wait to hear how the Wicked Rule ...
May 8, 2021
An exciting start to a fantastic book. Atticus and Ophelia are quite the duo. This fast paced page turner will have you hooked. I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next.
May 10, 2021
This sounds like it’s going to be an amazing series. I really want more of Ophelia & Atticus. Can’t wait too see what will happen next.
June 30, 2024
You can read my review of The Rulers on my blog, here: https://thepaperworlds.blogspot.com/2....
This is a spoiler-free review! The Rulers is currently available for free on iBooks and Kindle.
Atticus has been placed on a time crunch in order to maintain the life he currently lives, and Ophelia may be the solution to all of his problems. After a one-night stand that seems to linger in both of their minds nearly one year after the encounter, their lives are about to be utterly upheaved. I am an absolute sucker for the marriage of connivence trope, especially when the pair have a short history together -- even better when we have a cold-hearted CEO that is in a bind. And with the added bonus of some serous family drama on Atticus's side of the story, I am sure the future installments can only take readers down an interesting path.
With dual perspectives, I enjoyed seeing Atticus and Ophelia's separate lives and the interactions that they shared with one another. Too often in romance books you only see the characters as extensions of their relationship, rather than as individuals who are in a relationship with each other. Ophelia and Atticus share a number of similar traits, but it is clear that they have lived two completely different lives, which I can only imagine can cause them to butt heads in the future.
This was a great set up to the rest of the story, and does not leave the reader on a major cliffhanger, but rather leave the reader with the knowledge that something will definitely happen, it is only a matter of when and how. The end can seem abrupt to some, but I viewed it as a growing point in the series where the development can truly begin to take root. I can see how the side characters will be integrated into Atticus and Ophelia's story, and was pleased with how the author was fleshing out their personalities without abandoning their development in favor of the leads.
Fans of Lexy Timm and contemporary romance with a bit of a kick to it will certainly enjoy this introduction to Atticus and Ophelia's story -- I know I will definitely be finding my way back to this series to see what is in store for this stubborn pair.
You can catch up with me and my current reads by friending me on Goodreads (maddymartinelli), Instagram (@thepaperworlds), Twitter (@thepaperworlds), and following this blog in order to stay up-to-date with any reviews, blog tours, and more!
November 3, 2023
Time on my TBR: 2 months
Actual rating: 15.
I got this as a freebie during "Stuff Your Kindle Day", and it's a novella, but kind of feels like the first 5 chapters of a marriage of convenience novel that has been chopped off and sold as a separate novella to get people into the series. And you can tell this is setting up to be a very long series... there is a page long family tree at the start to point out exactly how many brothers and cousins there are.
So the premise of this novel was fine and the writing style, while a little cringe in places wasn't bad. I liked Charles being set up as the villain in the series and a little foreshadowing about the havoc he will create later in the books. There was a cute meet cute but that's all I can say that's positive. That's all I liked.
What didn't work for me
I will not be continuing with the series, because the characters weren't well rounded enough and didn't behave like people. They were slaves to a plot and quite frankly, it's not an original or interesting enough plot
Actual rating: 15.
I got this as a freebie during "Stuff Your Kindle Day", and it's a novella, but kind of feels like the first 5 chapters of a marriage of convenience novel that has been chopped off and sold as a separate novella to get people into the series. And you can tell this is setting up to be a very long series... there is a page long family tree at the start to point out exactly how many brothers and cousins there are.
So the premise of this novel was fine and the writing style, while a little cringe in places wasn't bad. I liked Charles being set up as the villain in the series and a little foreshadowing about the havoc he will create later in the books. There was a cute meet cute but that's all I can say that's positive. That's all I liked.
What didn't work for me
I will not be continuing with the series, because the characters weren't well rounded enough and didn't behave like people. They were slaves to a plot and quite frankly, it's not an original or interesting enough plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews