When I saw this book available on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it! Before I Let Go is one of my favorite books of the year so far, so I was very excited to read more from Kennedy Ryan.

Lennix Moon Hunter knows her calling from an early age - giving a voice to oppressed and underserved communities. While protesting a new oil pipeline that threatens her ancestral lands, Lennix meets Maxim and they both end up in a police station holding cell. Their connection is instant. What she doesn’t realize at the time is that Maxim is the son of the very man she’s fighting - the owner of the company building the pipeline. Though it seems like Lennix and Maxim’s lives and causes can’t align, their directions are actually more similar than either of them realize.

This book was so interesting! It’s rare that a romance novel spans so much time and space, but I thought it worked really well in this case. I was completely spellbound from the very beginning! I liked how Lennix and Maxim’s time apart gave us a look into each character and gave us more insight into their motivations and aspirations outside of a relationship. I loved each of them individually, but for similar reasons - their drive, passion, and commitment to helping the world around them. And when all that passion comes together? Let’s just say there are plenty of fireworks!

This is the first book in the All the King’s Men duology and you better bet I’ll be picking up the second as soon as I possibly can. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Lennix and Maxim… especially because of the way Ryan ended this one!

If you like dual POV romances, second chance romance, billionaire MMCs, and maybe a little enemies to lovers action - I think you’ll enjoy The Kingmaker!

Thank you to Kennedy Ryan, NetGalley, and Bloom Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Lennix and Maxim were amazing as individuals and together. Kennedy Ryan writes amazing, fiery stories that will grab you up front and keep you invested the whole way through.

I will give one star for Indigenous representation (an activist no less🎉) and the second star for clearly doing her research with regard to climate change, circular economies, etc.

I tend to be a “if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing” type of reviewer. In this case I think i need to say a couple of things:
Firstly, the relationship between the main characters was underdeveloped and didn’t convince me. It needed more depth and substance.
Secondly, the writing was odd…in some instances really quite poetic and then the next paragraph you’d get strangely mixed metaphors like “The air throbs with awareness like smoke filling my lungs, choking me.” I think this book needed a bit more TLC in the editing phase. It had so much potential!!

I won’t be reading the sequel.

Ruthless ambition brought to you by leading and rulers.
Maxims family has it all in a world where they’re so different and shouldn’t want each other.
The second they lay eyes on one another, the connection starts and even though they try their hardest, the fire between them intensifies. She dislikes his father for everything he’s taken from her family but her heart can not dislike maxim.

The story sometimes jumps around, however didn’t stray from delivering the chemistry between Lennix and Maxim.

This book is so good! Such a good contemporary romance!!

Kennedy Ryan writes so beautifully I knew I needed an opportunity to read this ARC!! Of course, this book did not disappoint in any area, the characters Maxim and Lennix both had such a powerful story. I was instantly captivated in this book and there was no putting it down till I finished.

I absolutely adore & devour every book by Kennedy Ryan. Maxim and Lennix both had such a powerful and heartfelt story. I was on edge throughout this entire book, feeling every single emotion. Kennedy Ryan truly has this passionate way of writing, that makes you fall deeply in love with the characters and story.

Wow! This is my first Kennedy Ryan book and it won’t be my last. This story had me swept in from the first few chapters and I could not put it down. I absolutely loved reading about Lennix and Maxim and the way that their story spanned over the years. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. I can’t wait to read the next book!

WOW WOW WOW!!! I downloaded this book on a whim when I saw another author I love post about it on instagram, and let me tell you, I am officially a Kennedy Ryan stan!!! This book was awesome and kept me engaged from start to finish. I love good witty banter, and "The Kingmaker" really delivered on that. I REALLY can't wait for the second part to this duology now. Thank you so much to Kennedy Ryan, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my open and honest review.

Amazing story! It had all the elements I'm looking for: witty banter, angst, steam, and beautiful moments. Must read!

Kennedy Ryan does it again! Beautiful writing combines with a compelling story make for a thoroughly entertaining read. Can’t wait for the next installment, especially after that ending!

The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan is a captivating romance novel that delves into the complicated lives of Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter. The story is set in a world of privilege, where the Cade family's oil empire reigns supreme, and the Hunter family is fighting to protect their ancestral land.

Maxim Cade is the son of a wealthy oil mogul, but he wants nothing to do with his family's business. He's determined to create his own empire, even if it means going against his father's wishes. Lennix Hunter is a fierce and independent woman who is fighting to protect her family's land from Maxim's father's oil pipeline.

When Maxim and Lennix meet at a protest, sparks fly, and they can't deny the attraction they feel toward each other. However, their families are on opposite sides of the fight, and Maxim's father is the man Lennix hates most in the world. Despite this, Maxim will do anything to be with Lennix, even if it means lying to her.

The chemistry between Maxim and Lennix is undeniable, and the author does an excellent job of creating tension and building the romance between them. The story is told in alternating points of view, which helps the reader understand the emotions and motivations of both characters.

The author also tackles important themes such as privilege, wealth, and the fight for environmental justice. The novel is a reminder that love can transcend social and political differences.

Overall, The Kingmaker is a well-written, engaging romance novel that explores complex themes and features compelling characters. Fans of the genre will find this book hard to put down. Kennedy Ryan is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

I requested this book before reading any of Ryan’s work, but in the meantime I have read Long Shot by her and unfortunately it left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I think that probably colored the way I read this, but I feel like her books are very Colleen Hoover-esque in the way that they are very trauma porny. While this one was less so, it felt a little pander-y. While I 100% agree with the politics, it was not my cup of tea, and went a little toward Pocahontas/Smith.
I’m not quite completely done with Ryan, but I will definitely need a break.

This was such a unique and interesting read! I’ve never read a book with such a large time gap, which was unexpected but very well written! I loved the story featured more than romance like culture, familial ties, loss and hope. The inclusion of Native American heritage and culture was insightful and even had me thinking of ways to make change in my own community. The cliff hanger left me on edge so I can twist to read the next in the series!

A quick and enjoyable read. Love the sexual tension between Maxim and Lennix. I also love the way that she had so much cultural pride and he respected and loved that part of her. The environmental aspects of the story were also refreshing.I’m not surprised that Kennedy was able to spin such a lovely tale, per usual. A must read for romance lovers.

Loved!! Kennedy Ryan knows exactly how to grasp her readers and have us wanting more!! I was drawn in at the very beginning. The story was perfect the twist at the end had me picking up book 2 at 1:00 a.m

I don’t know what I was expecting going into this as a first time Kennedy Ryan Reader, but a story involving indigenous activism, political suspense, climate science, multi-decade pining spanning across 4 continents was not anywhere on my radar. I ADORED this book and immediately had to grab the second book to continue from that cliffy. Lennix and Maxim are both strong alphas and their relationship is straight fire and chaos because of it. Add in some really amazing side characters and a volatile environment and you are in for a ride. Kennedy is a masterful story teller and I truly loved the first installment of this duet.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books publishing for an advanced reader copy of the traditional re-release of Kingmaker for review.

Kennedy Ryan can write a grocery list and I would read it. This book is full with so much important information and yet still give such a beautiful romance to the reader. I love this so much, and the new cover are stunning!

Kennedy Ryan is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. THE KINGMAKER is the perfect blend of romance, heat, angst, second chance, and suspense. The connection, chemistry, intensity and love that Lennox and Maxim have for each other is undeniable and off the charts. With Lennox being betrayed by Maxim, will Maxim be able to prove to Lennox that they do in fact share the same values?

Heavy matters such as grief, trauma and social injustice addressed in a way that makes it feel so real and so layered.

What a ride for Lennox and Maxim spanning over more than a decade, and this book is only the beginning. Compelling start to this series. Block out a good chunk of your time to read this, because once you start, you won't be able to put it down.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter's story is told in "The Kingmaker," a gripping romance novel by Kennedy Ryan. In this world of economic and social inequality, Maxim comes from a prosperous oil empire, whereas Lennix comes from a town that is threatened by the oil industry.

The novel's plot examines love, loyalty, and sacrifice as Maxim and Lennix work through the complexities of their relationship and the rivalry between their families' businesses. The author's work successfully captures the depth of feeling shared by the protagonists and the intensity of their bond.

Ryan's writing is interesting and flows at a good pace, making for a fun and interesting read. The author does a fantastic job of showing how the protagonists develop and change throughout the novel. Social themes such as the eradication of native cultures and the plundering of their natural resources are also discussed in the novel.

One interesting thing about "The Kingmaker" is how the story travels around in time. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping about from one time period to another. While this technique can be quite successful when narrating a story, it might make it difficult for certain readers to keep everything straight.

Some readers may also find that the book's third chapter drags on a little longer than it needs to, especially because some parts of it are quite redundant. It's possible that some readers will find the chapter's length to be tedious, even if the goal was to increase tension and the stakes of the plot.

Notwithstanding these issues, "The Kingmaker" is nonetheless a compelling read that readers interested in socially conscious fiction are likely to enjoy.

The political themes of "The Kingmaker" are complex and compelling.

3/5 Stars from me.

***A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.***

What a power couple!
Loved this romance - the connection was so well done and beautifully written! The characters want to change the world and I just can’t help but love them and root for them! The plot was good too and to end on that cliff hanger was pure evil! Of course I need to continue and see what happens now!!!
5 ⭐️ because I breezed through this and became totally invested.
Thank you to NetGallery for the ARC opportunity, this review is my own and voluntary.