I've loved Kennedy Ryan's books in the past, but this one fell a bit short for me. It was 50 pages too long and the third part dragged.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The rerelease of The Kingmaker is set for May 23, 2023

*this rerelease has the exact same content as the self published version, just with a new synopsis and cover*

The Kingmaker is <i>very</i> political and climate heavy, and I think those jumping into this expecting a standard contemporary romance will be very caught off guard. I’m even questioning if this should be categorized as general fiction instead since the romance is more of a subplot.

Told in dual pov, we have our two main characters, Lennix and Maxim.
Lennix and Maxim first met when she was 17 at a protest, where Maxim’s father, head of Cade Energy (a leading oil company), were laying a new gas pipeline that would disturb sacred burial grounds and endanger the water supply where Lennix grew up. Maxim wasn’t there for the protest, in fact, he didn’t even know it was happening, yet he intervened anyways after being moved by Lennix’s speech and tear gas and dogs were forced upon the peaceful protesters — resulting in most of them getting arrested. They bond in a jail cell (very briefly), and don’t see each other again until four years later, when they’re both conveniently in Amsterdam.

The romance here was so instantaneous without any build up. They both have a week in Amsterdam before going back to prior commitments (Maxim going on an Antarctic expedition and Lennix finishing her degree). They acknowledge that they can’t commit to anything serious, yet she offers up her virginity to him, and on day two, they are caught fucking in an alleyway unprotected when they were only four blocks away from his house (!!!)
Shit goes down on his expedition months later, and the ship he’s on starts to sink in Antarctica, with his rescue being widely covered on tv.

The problem for me here was that Maxim’s passion for climate activism was so idealized, that it glossed over who he truly was. I couldn’t stand that their entire connection was based upon a lie and that he wouldn’t disclose his family name when Lennix so clearly hated everything his father stood for.
Especially mere minutes into their catching up when she said “we’ve been lied to and tricked so much” AND HE STILL CHOOSES TO STAY SILENT!
And when he finally tries to come clean after she finds out via television, he says to her “I’m loosing patience”… because she didn’t forgive him within the 30 seconds he’s been standing there. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. And then to shut her up with a kiss and a fuck was just so irritating. Can adults not have genuine conversations anymore??
<i>"You didn't give me the chance to decide. You thought you knew best and decided for me. You took away my choices. You deliberately withheld the truth to get what you wanted."</i>

If that wasn’t bad enough, the story takes a 10 year time jump after that. I swear, their combined time together over 15 years has not exceeded more than a week and you call this a romance?
Lennix has her own political consulting firm now, and Maxim’s brother, Cade, wants her firm to represent him as he runs for president. (again, so freaking political)

The cliffhanger ending escalated out of no where, and it didn’t feel like it fit the rest of the story. It’s what I would expect to find from a suspenseful thriller.

This story also touches upon Native and Indigenous culture and the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It showcases a rite of passage for girls transitioning to women, called the Sunrise Dance, which spans a total of four days, and used to be illegal until 1978.
While this wasn’t an ownvoices story, I did enjoy learning about a piece of history, and seeing our main character Lennix champion for marginalized voices and her heritage.

So I just finished this book and my immediate reaction.. What the hell? The cliffhanger. How on earth did we get here? I’m not sure if I’m annoyed or intrigued by this being thrown into the plot. Overall this book felt very different from other KR books I’ve read.

You can tell KR did a lot of research into Indian culture to add to Lennix’s character. I really enjoyed everything about her story. A lot of it is heavy, but it was rooted in reality and written in a heartfelt way. I loved how much strength Lennix took from her culture, how open and loving she was to all cultures. She seemed like she’d be a great person to be friends with! Her fierce drive and assertiveness in knowing exactly who she is and what she wants was amazing to read!

Maxim Cade.. I have a love/hate relationship with him though mostly love. His character is a walking contradiction. He’s super green, a proverbial “tree hugger” but also a corporate mastermind unashamed to interject himself in certain places to further his own agendas. Most of his agendas are to help people in the long run but monstrously lining his pockets at the same time. He’s a perfectly written alphahole for me!

I love the girl gang that is Lennix, Vivienne, and Kimba. I’m hoping we see more of Viv pop up in book 2 since she was more of a talked about character in the second half of The Kingmaker. I always love to see strong female friendships in my books and I like the glimpses you had of this crew.

The power and political backdrop of this story is intriguing. I love the individual characters, really love the relationship building between Lennix and Maxim. It’s somewhat second chance but also third and fourth times the charm. It gives the one that got away but I have to get her back before I die vibes. I don’t know if I have all the right words but I loved them. This was a KU read for me but I fully intend to buy the special edition paperbacks when they’re released!

This was a really interesting and complex read with lots of layers; I learnt a lot about Native American heritage, culture and also a lot about the climate and struggles that minorities go through. I also loved the romance it was so sweet, however I don't really like time skips, I felt this worked well and gave the characters and their love story a lot more maturity and allowed the themes to be fully explored as the characters evolve. Also that cliff-hanger has me hooked I can't wait to read the next one.

This is the first book in Kennedy Ryan's All the King's Men Duology. Maxim is the heir to an oil empire, Lennix is the story's heroine of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, and American Indian tribe. I want to start by saying that Kennedy did her research and she went about this story the right way trying to make sure her depiction of Lennix represented an accurate one. This is an enemies to lovers tale, where the two are from opposite sides of the world. Maxim being a member of a family owning an oil empire, Lennix, the one who is protesting the oil pipeline that threatens her and her people's ancestral lands. Maxim shouldn't fall for her, Lennix shouldn't fall for the one who is the son of her enemy. Can they possibly keep their feelings at bay? I think this set up the duology well, and I hope that the next in the duology brings an exciting end to this series. I really enjoyed reading this!

This is my first book by Kennedy Ryan and I really enjoyed it!

At the heart of the story are two complex and deeply compelling characters: Lennix Moon Hunter, a brilliant political activist turned strategist from the wrong side of the tracks, and Maxim Cade, the wealthy and influential heir to a political/oil dynasty. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and conflicting agendas, Lennix and Maxim find themselves drawn to each other in a way that is intense and all-consuming.
Set in the high-stakes world of politics, this book explores themes of power, privilege, and love in a way that is both nuanced and thought-provoking.

Kennedy Ryan's writing is simply stunning! She weaves together complex plotlines and richly-drawn characters to create a story that is both engrossing and meaningful. The chemistry between Lennix and Maxim is electric, and their journey towards love and acceptance is filled with heart-wrenching moments that will leave readers breathless!

It’s separated into 3 different parts with some time jumps (Just a forewarning for those that don’t like time jumps)

Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance, as well as anyone looking for a powerful and thought-provoking love story.

Kennedy has a way of diving deep into a topic and creating characters you want to root for. We get into Lennox's past and her reasons for hating those that don't care about her ancestors and her people. I loved this perspective and I love to see a romance with the native rep.

Max is nothing like his father - he wants to save the environment - it isn't about the money but about saving the earth and people for him
He falls for Lennix and wants to be with her right away - so what he left out is that he was the son of the one person she cannot stand who destroyed a lot of her family land for money

I was on the edge of my seat, i was in my feelings thinking about whether these two will make it and if Lennx can forgive. I was here for the romance but the saga keeps going and I can't wait for book two to find out what happens

Kennedy Ryan does not disappoint! Loved it so much. The spice, plot and really liked the characters. I did find myself a little bored halfway through but it did eventually pick up and I’m glad I got through it!

This magnificent story is one you need to read, Lennix and Maxim meet as teens, then they face each other again, 10 years have to pass for their story to really begin. This book will captivate you like no other, you will find characters like no other, they are both strong and determined. The story is compelling, you can't stop reading nor you'll want to. It's so well developed that you will feel every emotion. I just need to keep on reading the next one. This book is so good I am starting on the audiobook as soon as I can get it, because I just need to reread everything again, it's so good. A top read list for sure, it's one book that will change you in ways you never expected. A book story that will carry onto your everyday life, changing your perception of the world and the people you meet. A perfect masterpiece.

Kennedy Ryan's "The Kingmaker" is a gripping and powerful romance novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The book follows the story of Lennix Hunter, a passionate and intelligent young woman who is determined to fight for social justice in her community. When she meets Maxim Cade, a wealthy and powerful man from a rival family, their chemistry is undeniable, and their relationship becomes a powerful force for change in their city.

Ryan's writing is both poetic and raw, capturing the intensity of the characters' emotions and the urgency of their cause. The world-building in "The Kingmaker" is masterfully done, with a vividly rendered setting that feels both real and fantastical at the same time.

The characters in "The Kingmaker" are complex and multi-dimensional, with motivations and desires that feel authentic and true to life. Lennix and Maxim's relationship is compelling and nuanced, with both characters challenging and inspiring each other in equal measure.

Beyond the romance, "The Kingmaker" also tackles important themes like social justice, privilege, and the power of collective action. Ryan's handling of these themes is deft and nuanced, adding depth and complexity to an already gripping story.

Overall, "The Kingmaker" is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. It's a must-read for fans of romance and social justice alike, and a testament to Kennedy Ryan's talent as a writer.

I love love love Kennedy Ryan.
Love as in : will read anything she writes.

So i was...disappointed in this one. It started off so so well.
But I just could not get into the storyline, the romance or the characters.
I loved loved loved the focus of the indigenous population of America.

But along the way, it just fell off for me for some reason.
I soldiered on and then was hit with the cliffhanger. NOT A FAN lol.

I will most likely read the next book because I can't help myself when it comes to Kennedy Ryan.

Holy Molly, what an incredible read. I have to say, I am not a real fan of politics, but I devoured this book from the first page.

Not only was I pulled straight fast into the story but I simply couldn't get enough of both main characters, well mostly Lennix and her determination to save the indigenous population of America but also of the demanding Maxim, who with his drive to trying to save the world, would do anything to get what he wants.
What he wants even more than save the world is to win the heart of Lennix.
After the hideen truth and being apart for year, the path to their happiness seems to be stony and curvy, yet their hearts tell them what they desire the most.
Until ....

Talk about a grab you by the hair and pull kind of book! This story took a hold of me and did not let go even with that ending. Amazing storytelling. Left me on the edge of my seat!

This story was compelling. It was well written and it's obvious a lot of research took place in order to ensure accurate background for Lennix and Maxim's character development. Overall, it was a good read! And I would definitely read more from the author.

Kennedy Ryan does it again! She has a way of really getting you engulfed in the story and forget your reading! It’s a whirlwind that lennix and maxim go through. I love that it truly is a journey over years and not just easy and straightforward because it really gets you invested in their whole story! I love the spice and the plot and also the side characters that really bring this story to life! We gotta love a good cliffhanger but it definitely makes you want to immediately pick up the second book!

KENNEDY RYAN HOW DARE YOU.

I saw the author announce this one on Netgalley and ran to claim it without even reading the blurb because, yknow, it’s Kennedy Ryan. I did NOT know it was a duology but I’m honestly so excited to get more time with these characters in the next book!

4.75 stars

What I Loved

🧭 the FMC
Lennix is strong, attractive, smart, driven, unapologetic woman who is unashamedly herself. She is a part of the Yavapai-Apache Nation and fights to protect their sacred lands and their people.
🧭 the MMC
Maxim is definitely not a sweet boy. He’s just as driven as Lennix and honestly kind of a jealous alphahole who is used to getting what he wants. But then he calls her baby and I just 🫠
🧭 dual POV
I looooove getting into the minds of both love interests.
🧭 the romance and spice 🌶️
Their nicknames for each other, the tension whenever they’re around each other, their special nicknames for each other, the way that fate just keeps bringing them together. The way they both respect each other’s aspirations and don’t put their lives on hold for romance.
🧭 the side characters
Wallace, Kimba, parents, and siblings… all such strong and flushed out characters who add greatly to the story
🧭 the education on political + environmental issues
Kennedy Ryan did her homework for this one. I learned so much about climate change and issues surrounding indigenous people, and so much more
🧭 the complexity of family drama
A look into the complicated emotions of still loving toxic family members. How hard it is to grow up and realize your idols aren’t actually worthy of being idolized.

Even though there’s so much more, I’ll end this section with this absolute mic-drop of a quote:

“I love this country too much to settle for the lies written in our history books. I love the Constitution too much not to hold the men who wrote it accountable for the truth of its principles.”

Why Not 5 Stars
🌿I didn’t love their meet cute because of their ages
🌿Withholding of info. I understand why it was done but it still frustrated me
🌿Some moments from the MMC - as mentioned before, he’s definitely a pushy alphahole. A “wolf in wolf’s clothing,” as Lennix said.
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⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️
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- misogyny
- condescending men
- sexist men
- environmental racism / pipelines
- life threatening moments
- injustices against indigenous people
- deaths

I’m not sure why this was as an ARC because it’s been out since 2019. I tried to read it. I couldn’t get into it. I don’t “not finish” many.

And one of my all time favorite books is by Kennedy Ryan so I was disappointed with this one.

Kennedy Ryan is definitely an author I have come to find this year and is becoming a one click buy author. This book ends on a cliff hanger that makes me want to read the next book immediately. In my opinion it is hard for me to find an author who has cliff hangers that I enjoy but this is definitely one of them! I really enjoyed the overall character development and the interaction between both Maxim and Lennix. Kennedy Ryan kept my interest and I can’t wait for more!

1. Kennedy Ryan is my Queen. I dont know how she constantly makes realistic contemporary romance so gripping but I'm here for it.
2. This ends of a wicked cliffhanger.
3. I'm madly in love with Lennix. And Maxim.
4. I need answers.
5. I wanna be Lennix Moon Hunter when I grow up.

Ryan effortlessly weaves a story that blends the difficult political subjects surrounding Aboriginal peoples and minority issues, and traumas with a beautiful slow burning love story between two individuals born on seemingly opposite sides of the debate.

The story follows Lennix Moon Hunter, the girl who chases stars, as she comes of age and follows her calling to be a political activist and really work towards bringing change for other minorities, especially Aboriginal women and girls, who are often left out of the decision-making process. She meets the charismatic, and equally ambitious Maxim Cade at several crucial moments throughout their lives. Maxim's personality is an exact carbon copy of his estranged father, but his philosophy and conviction for an environmentally greener contradicts his father's oil empire.
Maxim's determined to show Lennix that he's not her enemy and their love is worth a second chance.

I'm not a huge fan of romantic duet formats, but the cliffhanger at the end of this one really grips my attention. I am definitely going to read the second book.