What do you get when you combine fifty shades of gray and Olivia pope this the kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan. I didn’t know I needed this read as much as I did until I finished it in 1.5 days. This hot and steaming romance was everything. I fell in love with Lennix and maxim from the first chapters. Maxim is 100% alpha male and a total science geek which made me love his character even more. He’s opposite of what his billionaire father is and wants him to be. Lennix moon is my Olivia pope aka the KINGMAKER. We meet her protesting against a pipeline to be put on native burial ground by max fathers energy company. Now old man Cade is ruthless and very unlikeable. It’s here at this protest max and nix meet. From here the author takes us on their passionate love story. I loved how the author gives the reader a back drop into Apache tribe history and culture. She also touches on MMIW (murdered and missing indigenous women). She also gives us a reminder of the realness concerning climate change and the need for clean energy. The whole way she weaved these important topics into a romance was brilliant. These two characters were on a mission to save the world but when their worlds keep colliding is the beautiful and fun part of this read. I’m on to book 2 because this ending left me wanting to know what happens next. Thank you Kennedy Ryan and netgalley for this ARC. I hope you guys enjoy this book as much as I did. This was a 4.5 star read for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. If it wasn't for the romance and the love interest being a jerk, it would have been a better story. But I unfortunately couldn't enjoy it.

I found this book a very compelling read. It was very well written and researched. A beautiful story about life, love and fighting for what you believe is right even against those you love. There is a lot of drama and politics that are both in and out of the family units. I also found all interactions between characters interesting and engaging.

Such a cliche, underdeveloped, insta love romance. The main male character promises to love the heroine and that he would wait for her. But then he goes off screwing many women and mentioned in great detail. I just can’t with the double standards about sex in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great book and I throughly enjoyed the start to this new series. The romance was great and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I am unwell after that ending. How am I supposed to wait for the next book?? I honestly loved everything about this book even when it was tearing my heart out of my chest. Kennedy Ryan likes to do that to me. She has a way of writing that makes me feel so connected to the characters. I love when they love. I ache when they ache. And I definitely felt all of that with Lennix and Maxim. The chemistry between them was so REAL and that spice was 🔥 I really enjoyed all the parts speaking about Indigenous issues, politics, and climate change. It just made the book and characters feel more real when there were things going on that I care about in real life. I can’t wait to dive deeper into all this in the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me and advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

I really liked lennix and maxim as characters and i could see how they are suited for each other. it was just all the politics and environmental issues and science talk that made me zone out quite a few times. honestly, a good 45% of this book is dedicated to those topics. if i wanted to read nonfiction, i wouldnt have picked up a romance book. so that kind of annoyed me. but when the romance was present, it was good.

Wow this book had me in a chokehold from start to finish. Normally I don’t like books with a strong political plot but the issues of climate change and MMIW are really important to me so I connected with this book right away.
Kennedy Ryan can write soulmates like no one else. The connection between Lennix and Maxim is beautiful and epic. There were times when I thought Maxim was crossing into red flag territory but I like my fictional boys possessive.
The story was gripping and beautifully written. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

This was a good read, but there were things I liked and disliked about the story. I was not at all prepared for that cliffhanger ending but I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I know Maxim will tear the world apart over Lennix and there will be no limits to what he will do when he needs to do it. I enjoyed Max and Nix together from the very beginning. Their encounters were funny, and their steamy scenes were off the charts. I liked how Max was determined to prove to his father that he would succeed on his own without the Cade last name. Nix and her best friend Kimba had me laughing out loud more than a few times, and I enjoyed their friendship. I didn't like how there was a 10-year break between Max and Nix. Yes, Nix felt betrayed, but I thought her reactions were a bit too much. However, I still disliked Max's father Warren and I truly hope somewhere along the way he has a change of heart about his thinking and actions. This story has political matters, protests, betrayal, mystery, suspense, romance, it's steamy, funny and have characters you will love and hate. I didn't love this story, but I liked it enough to want to know how everything plays out in the end.

This is my first time reading a book by Kennedy Ryan and it won't be my last! I couldn't put this book down! This book had drama, power, passion and romance. This is a romance book, but it's not all romance. This is a book that spans over decades showing two strong characters grow and work hard to complete their passions and goals. I have loved these characters so much. There is so much passion between them, I want to read more about them. I wish there wasn't a cliffhanger but that means I just have to read the next book in the series which I am very excited about!

Thank you Netgalley and Bloombooks for the ARC in exchange for a review!

I really really enjoyed this one by Kennedy Ryan! It was turn pager for me & I read it in about 2 sittings. 4 out of 5 stars & I would definitely recommend a preorder!!!

The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan is contemporary romance that follows Maxim and Lennix who come from very different worlds but who have an undeniable connection. Maxim is the son of a billionare who owns an oil company. Lennix is Yavapai Apache who has deep cultural roots and advocates for rights for women and minorities. Lennix and Maxim meet at a protest over a pipeline that is being built on native lands. Maxim's dad is building this pipeline and Lennix does not know Maxim is the son of the man she hates. They have an instant connection but Lennix is only 17 and Maxim is 24. By chance they meet again 4 years later in Amsterdam they have a whirlwind week together but Maxim is going to Antarctica for 8 months. Their story continues in the many years that follow.
This was my first Kennedy Ryan book and my expectations were blown out of the water. I loved this story, the characters, and the representation. Its been a while since I read a book where the characters were deep and fleshed out. It's amazing to be able to feel the connection of two characters from words on a page. My favorite thing about Lennix is how sure she is of herself and her beliefs. My favorite thing about Maxim is that he knows what he wants and he goes after it. Besides the romance, there is a lot more going on in this book. Both out characters were involved in the political world and I thought that was written very well considering it can be a sensitive topic. I also appreciated the representation of Native Americans. There were a lot of eye opening statistics included in this book. I am so happy I read this and I am excited to read the sequel and more from Kennedy Ryan. This book does end on a literal cliffhanger... so I am eager for the sequel!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for a review!

Bookreview of ”The kingmaker” by Kennedy Ryan. I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book from netgalley now that the book is being re-published! This is the first book in a duology, ”All the king’s men”, book two is called ”The rebel king”. Release date is may 23d and june 27th! 👑

If you have read a book by Kennedy Ryan before, you know that she truly pulls on your heartstrings. She is brilliant at bringing up toughs subjects and shining a light on it. This book in particular brings up the injustice and abuse towards native americans, specifically the women. And the pollution and destruction of the enviornment by fossil fuel companys among others.

In this book we get to follow Lennix Moon Hunter, a native woman, from growing up in a reservation to being a powerhouse in politics trying to change the country. Our other main character is Maxim Kingsman Cade, Maxims father is the owner of Cade energy. A massive oil company that puts pipelines all over sacred lands and not caring about who or what it destroys. Maxim on the other hand want’s nothing to do with his fathers business, and want’s so save the planet from climate change.

We get to follow Lennix and Hunter meeting up during different times in their lives (14 year timeline) and everything they need to overcome both seperately and together.
Maxim and Lennix comes from such different lives. Lennix mother dissapeared when she was young during a protest for a new pipeline. Which truly darkens her ability to trust people, especially when that someone’s father is her sworn enemy.

Maxim and Lennixs passion is so palpable and real. I root for them for the entirity of the book. I can understand and see why they made the choices they make, and how different tragedies in their lives has made it tough to let someone in.

Like I mention in the beggining, this is a duology, and yes this book ends on a cliffhanger (quite literally, read to see what I mean). Why did you do that to me Kennedy?? I need the next one right now 😂

Highly recommend this book, this was my second Kennedy Ryan book and she is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. 4,5 stars! ✨

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kennedy Ryan is a must-read author for me and I have loved her books in the past. I was so excited to start this, but this was just ok. Not amazing but not bad either. I expected more overall, and it pains me to not give this 5 stars. I'm settling on 3.5.

My main issue with this is that the tropes are all ones I love, but they just weren’t executed as well as I wanted them to be. It was a little predictable, and didn’t bring anything new to the table for me, unfortunately. Lennix & Maxim had chemistry and I liked them together. I wanted more development from their relationship though.

Undecided about reading the sequel for now.

Oh my, this book is hot & heavy. *Spoiler Alert* There are many, many, too many sex scenes. Outside of the sex, what I really loved most about this story is the dedication to speaking about Native Americans / American Indians and their experience and history erasure. The amount of detail that went into curating their stories and highlighting their traditions was well-written and well-received. Now on to the story...

We read from both the perspectives of Lennix a young driven and fiery woman and, Maxim a determined, wealthy young man. Both are destined to make waves in their own right and very early in the story, we see how motivated and determined these two are. I really loved that for 90% of the story, these two are forging ahead in their lives and focusing on their individual desires, dreams, and destinies. I hate stories where the women (or even the men) give up on their goals and dreams to follow/chase behind men (or women).

Lennix is strong in her own right and doesn't need Maxim (or his wealth and famous name) to make it. Maxim is bull-headed and willing to bull-doze any and everyone in his way, and he's going to do it without the wealthy backing or support from his father. Noble, I guess. Here's where I got frustrated:

Maxim absolutely should have been honest. Lennix was right to say, he took her opportunity to choose away. However, Lennix also held onto that lie by omission, for yearssssssssssss.

For all intents and purposes, Maxim is actually controlling and a seemingly narcissistic man. He kept tabs on Lennix for years, going so far as to look into her boyfriend, finding out where she eats breakfast, pretty much tracking her down -- that's a red flag and very scary coming from a man with so many resources and with his amount of money. Stalking is not cute. Throughout the second half of the book he also comes across as emotionally manipulative and demanding; the conference room scene, wow!

All in all, once I got over the hump of his very "red-flag-like" tendencies, I enjoyed the story as a whole. I'm chopping at the bit to grab the next book in this series because I need to know:

1. What happens with Owen?
2. Is Daddy Cade (Warren) going to move heaven and earth for Lennix because Maxim tells him?
3. Or, is Maxim going to start a war over Lennix?
4. Give me more Kimba. Does she pick up with Dave?
5. Her mom, where is her mom?

I can't wait to keep reading this series.

Lennix is self-assured and won't let anyone or anything deter her from her goals. She knows what she wants and is unwilling to settle for less. Maxim is an idealistic person with a vision to save the plant. Both Lennix and Maxim are aspirational characters. They have such depth that it’s so easy to root for them. Maxim’s choice to lie to Lennix may not be morally right but I also understand his reasons for doing so. There are multiple time jumps in the book and the characters show growth and maturity. Their unrelenting fight to make this world a better place for everyone was something I was in awe of. There's so much passion, angst and longing between Maxim and Lennix that you want to lock them in a room until they figure things out. Kennedy Ryan has a way with words that makes you forget the world around you. It's riveting with a rollar coster of emotions. Overall I loved this book, it gives us an insight of the issues facing the indigenous people. I definitely recommend you to pick it up.

Mrs. Kennedy. Middle name. Ryan. How could you end this book like this?!

This is my second Kennedy Ryan book and I am hooked. She’s is a genre all by herself.

From the moment I opened this book, I was hooked! I was so invested in both Max and Lennix as individuals and as a couple. They both wanted to make the world better and it was wonderful to see them both do it. I am so distraught after the cliffhanger!

I am not one for politics but Lennix and Max's story and chemistry made me embrace that part of the story. This is the kind of book that will make you keep turning page after page. Kennedy has a way of keeping you interested and her writing was exquisite.

Now I will impatiently wait for the re-release of the second book and I am jealous of anyone who got to read these books when they first came out!

I highly recommend this book if you want to read about a woman fighting for her ancestors and future Indian generations, a man who wants to do better than his father and who wants to create a healthier world, and their chemistry and passion that will light the pages on fire!

"𝓛𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓲𝔁 𝓜𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓗𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓯𝓽 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓢𝓱𝓮'𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓯𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝓮. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻."

Unfortunately, I decided to DNF this book about 20% of the way in. I had recently read Kennedy Ryan's book "Before I Let Go" and absolutely loved it! This was very very different than what I was expecting and not in the same realm of Before I Let Go. Her writing is still fantastic, I just couldn't vibe with the storyline!

This is my first Kennedy Ryan book. I never imagined time travelling across so many countries (The United States, The Netherlands and Antarctica!!), the rollercoaster of emotions and cheering on one of the most well-rounded pairings I have ever encountered. Let me introduce you to Lennix Moon Hunter & Maxim Kingsman Cade. Kennedy Ryan presents an instant attraction, but this evolves organically and passionately over the time gaps infused throughout the book (a big yay for me, given the plot). Lennix Moon Hunter gives some serious Olivia Pope energy. Fans of Scandal will relate to this passionate, driven woman with hidden vulnerabilities, trauma and pain she bears as an Indigenous woman. Maxim Cade is one of my favourite characters who is relentless, patient, ambitious and innovative. Maxim and Lennix find themselves on the opposite when success, riches, struggles, and resistance are evaluated; however, they have core similarities in providing solutions and better outcomes for the future. The author is ambitious, as multiple social, Indigenous and environmental issues are touched upon and lays the stage for a compelling, educative and inspirational plot. The ending caught me off-guard as I thought it was a stand-alone and extensively went through denial. I was so happy when I realised there is a book two, and I look forward to digging in. The stakes couldn't be graver!

Thank you, NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.