Anxiously at the edge of my seat with that cliffhanger! Amazing character development and a loved the long timeline. I felt personally invested in both of the love interests and Lennix was such a passionate character. I enjoyed the family dynamics and I hope the second book in the series addresses Lennix’s mom. Can’t wait for book #2! Love anything Ryan comes with!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book follows Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter. Maxim is the black sheep of his family because he chose to do things his own way and not his father way. His father was looking for him to graduate from Berkeley and then jump right into the family business. Maxim decides to stay for his masters degree. While on an impromptu trip with his father Maxim see Lennix for the first time. Lennix ever so much the activist is giving a speech at the protest against the having an oil pipeline desecrate her ancestral land. When Maxim steps in and takes a bite from a dog meant for Lennix the two get arrested and have time to talk. Maxim and Lennix have an instant attraction but Lennix is 17. That’s where the story begins and we skip four years later where the two meet again. Lennix finds out about Maxim’s family and she is heartbroken. How can she continue with him knowing everything that his family has done. This book ends in a cliff hanger but after getting over the initial age gape I enjoyed it. 4/5

Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

The Kingmaker
3.5/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you for the arc and opportunity to read this.

Description:
In a world of haves and have-nots, Maxim Cade's family and their oil empire have it all…and he wants nothing to do with it. At odds with his mogul father, he's determined to build his own empire, even if it means traveling far from home, painted as the black sheep.

Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of Maxim's rules. At a protest for the oil pipeline that threatens to mar her ancestral land forever, they meet in a flurry of stars and sparks, and that one moment changes everything. But Maxim's family is the one stealing from hers, and his father is the man she hates most. He has to lie in order to have her once, and despite the truth, he'll do anything to keep her.

Even though Lennix tries to hate Maxim, too, their hearts are pointed in the same direction. The inexorable pull between them, across miles and years, will not be denied.

And neither will Maxim.

Review:
I was honestly very excited to read this. However, there's a few things I'd like to point out.

While, yes, this is a romance. It also deals with a lot of real world conflicts, politics, and social issues. I struggled to continue to read on after the first half of the book mostly because the characters were off putting to me and I had trouble connecting with them. Especially Maxim, I had a lot of tittering between liking his character and hating him. The actual writing style is GORGEOUS and I really enjoyed how it was laid out for the reader. But I just couldn't get into the plot or characters like I wanted. If your someone who enjoys more real-world reading then this would be something I would recommend, but it's not for me.

The Kingmaker is a character centric story, both Lennix and Maxim have rich story lines independent from each other, which adds an authenticity of the romance between them. I loved how well developed each of the characters were and how their passionate stances about extremely relevant topics in America drive them together.
My only criticism lies with the insta-love trope or love at first site. It’s just a personal cringe falling head over heels for someone you've seen for a maybe 2 weeks combined is never believable IMO, however, Lennix and Maxim are such believable characters that I was able to overlook it most of the time.

4.75⭐
R because this book was 🥵🥵

Kennedy Ryan can simply do no wrong for me. I read Queen Move and loved Kimba's story but it was so fun to go back and read Lennix and Maxim's story. I loved how this story started when Lennix was seventeen and ended when she thirty-one because we got to see so much of how she changed and grew along with Maxim.

I loved how badass these characters are and so strong from Lennix fighting for native people and underrepresented minorities to Maxim's crusade to take the business world by storm with clean energy. Together these two are so hot and passionate and perfect. If you're missing Scandal the TV show but want something even better (and less problematic), this is your book.

Also that cliffhanger?!?! I definitely need the next book!!!

I truly enjoyed this story. The Kingmaker is the first book of the All the King’s Men duet. It’s the story of Lennix and Maxim. It is passionate, raw, and emotional. It’s full of want and need, lust and love. And choices - impossible, selfish, heartbreaking choices.

Lennix, or Nix as she is known to Maxim, is young, on the brink of graduation and idealistic. In fact, her idealism is balanced, tempered by her past losses and experiences and the history of her people that informs the very person she is. Lennix wants to change the world, to be a warrior just like her mother was. When she was younger, she protested an oil pipeline threatening her people’s land. It was then that she met Maxim, even if it was just for a brief flirtation. But life has a way bringing people back into our lives and now Lennix has more than one life-altering choice to make.

Maxim comes from a family of leaders, politicians, and businessmen. They have a take no prisoners outlook on life, taking what they want to succeed with no regard to devastation they may leave in their wake. Maxim has a different outlook from the rest of his family. When he sees the young woman laying her heart bare at the pipeline protest, he was moved to rush into the fray of police and tear gas to save her. Learning that she was too young was a gut-wrenching curveball life threw at him. But a few years later, another twist of fate throws Lennix into his path. The choices Maxim made years ago were life-defining. The ones he makes now - they are disastrous.

I enjoyed learning about each character’s past, their motivations for the paths their lives have taken. What happens when your heart wants something that just cannot be? When your work passion and your heart want things that are at complete odds? When a cruel twist of fate makes your true love your enemy? This is definitely a must read! I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book!

I am never dissapointed in KR and this book proves it again. My only complaint is the ending but that’s because I need more Maxim and Lennix, and their story is more complicated than one book. The characters were really well written and as much as I wanted to not like Maxim, he became endearing. Lennix had such great growth and I loved the ties to family and culture.

The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan

⭐⭐ (out of 5)
🌶🌶 (out of 5)

(NOTE: I was kindly provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review)

Oof.

I wanted to like this book. I was *rooting* for this book. Whenever I receive an advanced copy from a publisher or author, I am grateful and hope that my review can help spread the word on a gem.

This is not a gem.

The Kingmaker is one-dimensional, predictable, and boring. It is love-at-first sight when she (Lennix) is a minor and he (Maxim) is in grad school. 🤮

Both lead characters feel more like caricatures. The timeline jumps around needlessly. And hello, internalized misogyny! There is an incredibly cringey chapter where Lennix fires & slut shames an employee.

The final straw was the last chapter that takes the plot (and I use that word loosely) on a pretty big detour and leaves off on cliffhanger. Whhhhhhyyyyyyyy.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I haven’t read much by Kennedy Ryan so I was thankful for this opportunity to dive into one of her works! This book was more than just a romance, there was a lot of social issues discussed in it too. I personally like it when there’s more to a story than just the romance, so I appreciated that! This billionaire story really focused on the characters and the things they’re passionate about, so if you love a character-driven story, then this will be a good read for you!

3.75

as is with all kennedy ryan books, this was much deeper than your typical romance and really pulls on your heartstrings

the beginning was excellent and then it maybe sorta fell off towards the middle there, but a beautiful story nonetheless and i would still highly recommend!

Just couldn’t do it.

Lennix Hunter is an activist for her Reservation and giving a speech at a protest against a new oil line being put in. Maximum Cade is on a private jet arguing with his father, oil tycoon when they literally let the dogs out on this protest, he jumps to action to defend Lennix.

I have no clue how this is a romance. Mind a little baffled.

The Kingmaker, the first book in the All the King's Men duology, by Kennedy Ryan is an exceptional novel that intertwines romance with real-world conflicts. The story revolves around Maxim Cade, who wants nothing to do with his family's oil empire, and Lennix Hunter, an indigenous activist fighting against the oil pipeline that threatens her ancestral land. When Maxim and Lennix meet, there is an undeniable pull between them, but Maxim's family is the one stealing from Lennix's.

This book is a beautiful balance of romance and conflict, with moments that grip the reader's heart. The characters are well-developed, and the author's attention to detail is impressive. I was invested in Lennix's journey, from her rise as an activist to her becoming a professional consultant in the political elite. Maxim, despite his wealth and privilege, is a genuinely good guy who respects Lennix and her work. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I enjoyed the pining and tension between them.

What I appreciate about this book is that it's not just a typical billionaire romance, but a story that delves into deep and powerful topics on social justice that we face in today's world. The writing is fantastic, and the story is not rushed; instead, it develops over time. The dichotomy between how Lennix and Maxim were raised, with a core set of beliefs that they share, is a powerful aspect of their love story.

The Kingmaker is a powerful book that will leave its mark on readers. Kennedy Ryan's writing captures the mind and heart, and the story is unforgettable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance story with well-developed characters and real-world conflicts.

“Can you hear me ? Can you see me ? Because I don’t think you can”
This is a romance, but not only. This is a story about people fighting for their convictions, beliefs, values, with politics and socials issues.
I need the end of this story yesterday, Rebel King.
Cause what a story! I wasn't ready for all his adventures. Lennix is such a strong woman, she fights for underestimated causes, she is the girl who chases the stars. Maxim wants to save the earth and take advantage of it, but in the course of his life he will learn that the only thing he wants more than anything is the girl he lost a decade earlier. Both characters, Maxim and Lennix have strong personality, they’re smart and empowered.
I read this book in one day, so well written and whose characters are so endearing, loving and true.
You have to read the Author’s note at the beginning of the book.

This was a powerful, beautiful story. Lennix’s character was such an amazing one to follow.

Not only did this book touch on important political matters, but the love story was so sweet. 🥹

I can definitely see why this book has so many fans!! It’s an excellent contemporary romance!

I enjoyed a lot about this book. I really loved the Native history and learning things about their heritage that I didn’t know before. I loved Lennix and her passion for justice for her people. She was SUCH a strong willed FMC and I loved every second of it. There was also some good information about global warming through Maxim’s character.

I usually don’t like insta-love but this was actually done very well and had me really invested in their love story.

The only thing I didn’t love was the timeline. There was a giant time lapse of 10years that was reflected at the top of the chapter but in other areas of the book, we have months’ worth of gaps and I didn’t really know how much time had passed until I was a few pages into the chapter and it was referenced. Not a dealbreaker by any means, I just wish it was clarified.

All I can say is this book has caused emotional distress on my behave because of the drama, tension, back & forth, etc. There were times where I was ready to DNF this because of the timeline being told from being teenagers to adults where they have careers and responsibilities as one adult has, but I told myself to give it a chance since I was so used to stories being in the same age and everything happening all at once with a happy ending right away ( although I enjoy those), this was definitely different and I am glad I stuck through it because it makes it so real that I sometimes I forget I am reading a fiction book with fictional characters. It was so refreshing to see and read their growth as individuals trying to reach their goal in life while also trying to maintain a relationship with each other without it getting in the way. It somewhat shows that not all relationships are perfect, there are flaws, sacrifice, relationship being left behind and meeting new people that serves a purpose in life. All in all makes you believe that serendipity exists and gives butterflies in your stomach. This was such a cute and fun read that I will be looking into this author more.

Thank you to Netgalley & Bloom Books for the opportunity of receiving an ARC for this!

Kennedy continues to be a voice representing those in the romance community who are often overlooked. She is always delving far deeper than any typical romance. Covering deep and powerful topics on social justice that we all face in today's world, Ryan’s words capture both my mind and heart long after I have finished her book.

Lennix and Maxim were some of the most fierce, strong willed, and determined characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Within the context of a complex world these characters are proof that love can transcend time.

This story was gripping and had me gasping at its conclusion wondering what would happen with its characters with which I had quickly become enamored. While this is a love story at heart, I found that the parallel story the characters are navigating to be utterly spellbinding.

As Always, Happy Reading!
“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind

5 Can They Have a Forever Stars!!!

This book is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. This shouldn’t surprise me though because whenever I pickup a book by Ms. Ryan my life is transformed. I’ve been wanting to read this book since she first started talking about it. I had absolutely no intentions of reading it in one sitting that’s for sure. But when I got home from work on a Friday night after a very long and frustrating week at work, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed early….all that went out the window when I started this book at 7pm….next thing I knew it was 7am on Saturday morning and I’d stayed up all night because I was consumed by Lennix and Maxim’s story.

We’re taken on a journey over several years from when they meet to when they’re both at a precipice in their lives. From the minute Maxim first sees Lennix her magnetism is something he’s never experienced before….

This moment in time is one that, unbeknownst to either of them will change who they are in every way possible. And this is one of the things I love so much about Ms. Ryan’s writing. She allows her stories to develop over time. They’re not rushed in any sense of the word. Our H/h are such a dichotomy in how they were raised but at the same time there’s a core set of beliefs that they share even if some people in their lives definitely don’t agree with them.

There’s a powerfulness in their love and their connection will hopefully not break. But fate, as we know, isn’t always in our favor. Hence the reason this book takes us on an almost two-decade ride. And the chemistry never lessens each time they’re together. I love how they each stay true to what they believe in especially when the odds are against them even if at times it looks like they’ve waivered or changed their path mid-stream…we need to always remember not everything is what it seems on the surface.

The intensity of the situations they find themselves in had my heart beating outside of my chest. The scenes are so beautifully described that I felt like I was in that moment with our H/h. I could feel the tension in the air, or the passion of their love or the sorrow of when they say goodbye.

As is indicated by the title of this book, there’s so much to this story yet to be told. What I can say with all certainty is that as I read the last words in this first book of one of the most powerful duets I’ve ever read is that I was left gasping for air.

I’m ready for the conclusion of this love that is riveting in its intensity. This book is not only a love story, it also brings us into a subject matter that is relevant to the world we live in today and that to me is another one of the many reasons I love this author’s writing. She does not shy away from anything that could be considered controversial. She grabs the subject matter by the horns and takes us on the best ride possible! Now I’m ready for The Rebel King!

Lennix and Maxim meet accidentally at a protest. They part as strangers until they meet again four years later and share an intense connection before parting again. When she finds out that he lied to her about his family she is heartbroken and angry. He vows to come for her, but can she forgive him when he does? Cliffhanger ending - surely there will be a follow up. Great plot with political intrigue, commentary on Native American suffering and history. Beautiful romance with excellent spice.

This one was just okay for me. I didn't care much about Lennix and Maxim's love story. I didn't quite find it believable. I found I wanted less about them and more of the clean energy/missing Native American women plot lines. I gave it three stars because I do believe a broad audience would enjoy reading it.

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for this eARC!