I just don't think this type of book and this type of genre is for me. I picked this up without looking into it as I do with most books. I do not enjoy instalove or instafeelings. I need yearning and assurance. I don't buy committing yourself to someone and then just not doing anything constructive about it. 2 stars because ofc Kennedy's writing isn't terrible. If you're into contemporary romance, you'll probably enjoy this!

This was my first book by Kennedy Ryan and I will definitely pick up this author again.. This was a fast-paced steamy read

The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan was a delight to read! Romance and angst plus a splash of drama, Kennedy Ryan may become my go to for romance and I don't read much romance. If this is romance, I want all the things immediately. Brilliant writing, superbly crafted characterizations and on-point sequencing book 2 please, now!

Kennedy Ryan knows how to put me in a chokehold with her writing.This book literally gripped me from beginning to end and I am immediately starting book 2!!!
If you loved scandal , you will eat this book right up!! Also this is the first book Ive read where the fmc is indigenous and as an indigenous woman myself it felt a special kind of way to be represented!

What to expect:
Dual POV
Politics
Second Chance
Indigenous Activist FMC

Maxim Cade - omg! This book had everything I love in a romance plus some added angst between Lennix and Max’s father. This, and the follow up, The Rebel King, were perfect! Kennedy Ryan is a new favorite romance author and on my auto buy list.

Having recently finished ‘The Kingmaker’ by Kennedy Ryan, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books!

This story took a detour. It started with a strong and passionate ralley remembering murdered and missing Indigenous women (MMIW), but the pages after that never came back around to Lennix's unresolved family tragedy. The indigenous story and mystery faded to the background and sadly, so did my interest in this story.

Kennedy Ryan does not disappoint. This is a fast-paced steamy read that will keep you up all night. If you're a fan of well written romance with an edge, this is definitely the book for you.

I’m not often one for duets or cliffhangers, but knowing this was Kennedy Ryan, I jumped in head first. And true to form, I was not let down. and Maxim are pure perfection and have chemistry to spare. And I’m always drawn to BIG stories with all of the BIG elements: politics, family, power dynamics, LOVE. The Kingmaker has it all. Highly, highly recommend.

disclaimer: I received an arc from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

OMG, THAT ENDING !! I knew something big was going to happen but I honestly was shocked.

I honestly don't know what I was expecting going into this book but I'm a bit disappointed. I found that Kenndey's writing style was pretty good & enjoyable and I loved how this book dived into really important topics that aren't often talked about in books but I found myself feeling as if something was missing.

There were a lot of information dumps scattered throughout the book that didn't really fit smoothly into the story itself and I found really boring. When Maxion or Lennix would go on and on about their jobs it kinda pulled me out of the story.

I liked that the author added some of this information because we got a bit more of an insight into the characters but wish that we had gotten less of it and more into the actual story itself.

To me, it seemed like the focus of the story was on their professions instead of the romance & characters. I also would have loved to see more of Lennix and Maxion's relationship development particularly after the time jump. They had gone a long time without seeing each other so it would have been really great if I had gotten to see them build their relationship a bit more and actually witness Maxin grovel a lot more than he actually did.

Overall I did enjoy this book but found it a bit boring. Though if you’re in the mood to read about a smart, strong and independent character Lennix's is your girl <3

This romance was easy to read, I loved our strong heroine, and the dual POV was really great. However, the continual mention of how the main characters met when she was 17 was distracting and pulled me out of the story a bit. I enjoyed this one enough to still plan on reading book two since this one ended on a cliff hanger!

That ending though. It was a very good cliffhanger to end on. I was surprised at how many years the synopsis really meant. It made for an interesting and drawn out story. My only gripe i'd say is the use of some terms. Since this was recently republished I was surprised that some of the terms used to describe indigenous people. The majority of the time it was good, but I had one or two moments where a different term would be more fitting.

Kennedy Ryan is QUEEN. I'm an Arizona girlie so I was thrilled to read the book start here.

Things I loved: the female lead, the representation, the BEAUTIFUL writing, the angst, the NEED FOR BOOK TWO.

Highly recomend this to every romance reader!

It’s Kennedy Ryan what’s there not to like about this book!!!! If you love second chance romance with a bit of enemies to lovers and rich MMCs you will definitely eat this up. I also loved that this had an indigenous FMC

Ive read quite a few KR titles, but this one just didn’t hit like the others. The romance felt over complicated but at the same time lacked depth for me and teetered on instalovey despite the years long/never the right time/ romance. While it wasn’t for me, I do recommend it for people looking for more indigenous representation. I loved that aspect of the novel and the complexity it brought to the main character.

Kennedy Ryan never misses!!

This was packed full of so much emotion, representation, real world issues and fantastic storytelling. Absolutely captivating and full of heart. So excited to read book 2!

Thank you Bloom Books for the gifted copy!

Amaaaazing. I am so glad I got to read this. It was so good. Kennedy Ryan is one of my favorite authors.

OMG I love Kennedy Ryan writing. The passion, the story, loved everything about it. And that cliffhanger!!!! Can’t wait to pick up next book!

A whirlwind of a book. I was drawn in from the first page. The characters leap to life, and kept me involved in their issues and adventures. The ending was, however, horrifying, if quite realistic, and I had to google the author to see that this is one in a series.

Oh. My. God. This book. This author. I am in AWE.

<i>"Can you hear me? Can you see me?"
I said, can you hear me? Can you see me? Because I don't think you can."</i>

It started out as just any other book for me. But the moment we met Lennix at the rally, I was hooked. She's an amazing orator.

And then we have Maxim. Hot as hell, smart, self-assured, ugh he's got it all. Can't really help but fall in love with him. What I loved about him the most was that he believes that they're inevitable. He's so sure that they belong together and he was not afraid to do everything for that to happen.

<i>“Do what you need to do. Change your world,” he says softly, his eyes connected to mine so intensely there’s no hope of looking away. “I have to go make my world, but when the time is right, I’ll be back for you.”</i>

The writing is just amazing. I usually try to stay away from books that discuss sensitive topics like politics, racism, and other social issues (too heavy for me) but Kennedy Ryan just cannot be denied. Just like in [book:Grip|34388807], she was able to incorporate serious discussions in a powerful way.

Deserves a standing ovation.

Another power couple to love. ❤❤❤

This is one of my favorite Kennedy Ryan books. I was in the fence about how into this I would feel and let me tell you I’m kicking myself for taking too long to start reading. I couldn’t put it down, the electric connection, the passion, the pride, the girl power, the grace, the list goes on. I don’t want to give any spoilers so all I can say is you should read this asap. I highly recommend it. It does end on a cliff hanger of nail biting proportions and I’m anxiously awaiting the conclusion in the next book The Rebel King. Don’t sleep on this.