Should you read Kings of Rittenhouse by Maya Hughes first?

Kings of Rittenhouse by Maya Hughes is the high school before the fall story for Declan and Mak, and while there is definitely some teen drama happening, it also gives you the emotional context for why these two are already carrying so much baggage before Shameless King even starts.

Lots of potential in this new series! ~ Under the Covers

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

What is Kings of Rittenhouse about?

Kings of Rittenhouse by Maya Hughes is the short prequel to Declan and Mak’s story, that gives us their high school backstory before Shameless King. It has teen angst, family pressure, secrets, dreams of hockey, and the messy moment that helps explain why these two have so much tension later.

Kings of Rittenhouse by Maya Hughes Book Review

This is a free prequel to Declan and Mak’s story and I’m glad I decided to jump in and read it before diving into book 1 of this series.  KINGS OF RITTENHOUSE is set in high school and gives us a glimpse of the life our main protagonists are going through to prepare you for book 1 (which jumps ahead quite a few years to college).

I’m not usually the biggest fan of high school angst and all the drama associated with it but Declan and Mak are going through their own difficult struggles at home and those affect how they interact with others.  Everyone is keeping secrets, right?  Declan is trying to do his best to make it to the NHL one day and Mak needs to live out her brother’s life goals.  My heart went out to both of them.  The big issue that happens and causes the rift between them?  That had me rolling my eyes but… it’s high school.  I get it.  Over the top reactions to stupid things, even when it makes little sense and it’s unnecessary drama.  Nevertheless, I really liked the two main characters and this one was the perfect preamble to book 1.

That being said, I also really like quite a few other Kings that we got to meet in this prequel and I’m salivating for Emmett and Avery’s story.  Lots of potential in this new series!

About the Kings of Rittenhouse by Maya Hughes

The Kings of Rittenhouse series by Maya Hughes follows the hockey players of Rittenhouse through interconnected romance novels. Kings of Rittenhouse by Maya Hughes is the prequel that introduces Declan, Mak, and some of the other Kings before the series moves into the college timeline with Shameless King.

Final Thoughts

Did some of the drama make me want to shake everyone a little? Absolutely. But honestly, that is kind of the point. They are teenagers. They are dramatic. They are making choices with approximately zero chill. As a setup for the series, Kings of Rittenhouse by Maya Hughes made me more interested in Declan and Mak, but it also made me side eye the rest of the Kings in the best possible way.

Now if you’re ready, let’s get into my review of Shameless King by Maya Hughes.

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