This book was overall good. I did like the love story and growth of the characters. That being said i really did not like the time jumps in the story. The ending was definitely a cliffhanger and i had to read the next book asap. Over all 3.5 star read for me

4/5 stars! I thought the premise of this story was strong and I really liked Maxim. Lennox was kind of annoying, which at times took me out of the story, but overall a solid romance.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

This was so, so, so good despite the fact that it had elements I dislike. Every single one was used so well that it ended up working in the story’s favor. It’s no secret that insta-lust and time-jumps are my least favorite tropes but they were done exceptionally well in this one.

This story follows Lennix and Maxim. Lennix being a strong, independent native-american heroine who is staunchly anti-big oil corporations infringing on native land. Maxim being the son of big-oil tech ceo who is her sworn enemy, but also has ambitions and dreams wildly opposite of his father and said company. They meet once in a protest where he steps in to save her and the connection is immediate. Except, they never really thought they’d ever see each other again… until they do.

This book had substance, and heart at the core of the story. Despite it delving into MMIW, climate change, sustainability, and politics it didn’t feel heavy or dense with the jargon. It felt organic and natural to the story. Even the side characters in this felt well-rounded and real. Everything felt so tangible in this story, almost like you can see it playing out on tv. It was much more than main characters falling in love. These two were sizzling on the page, it was hot and so unbelievably good. I honestly couldn’t put it down, I read 50% of the book in one sitting because I had to know what happened next. I was HOOKED!

Tropes:
- Insta-lust
- Second Chance

Triggers:
- Murder

*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

It is hard to put into words how much I love this series. I am so excited to read more by Kennedy.

I am hopeful that the second in the sequel is just as good.

The Kingmaker is not your typical billionaire romance in the slightest. The female MC, Lennox, is of Native American heritage. I commend the author on her research on this group of people's past and present struggles, which are portrayed beautifully throughout the book. Conversely, the male MC throws himself into trying to save the planet and brings up well-researched points and topics. Initially, all this background information felt essential to the character's personalities, but after 200 pages of just political opinions, it read like a poli sci textbook. The political opinions, although sound, and I agree with them, took away from the romance, which was already teetering on nonexistent. The ending is also not HEA which I am not sure is classic for this author, but that took me a bit by surprise.

Thank you Kennedy Ryan and Team for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of “The Kingmaker” by Kennedy Ryan in exchange for an honest review. While I loved her book “Before I Let Go”, this one instead fell bit short of five stars. Ryan’s writing style always maintains important themes, that lay prominent throughout her works, and I respect that. It’s refreshing to read a book that includes diversity. It’s also clear she takes the time to research about ethical and political issues, along with cultural history. I’m not a big romance girl, so I wouldn’t consider this a piece of work MADE for me, for I don’t like second chance romances. However, I would recommend it to any other romance genre lover!

I think I've gone down the rabbit hole with political romances, and I have to say... I don't hate it one bit. The Kingmaker, a previously published indie title, is one that takes a different take than the New Camelot Trilogy I just read. The Kingmaker is a decades long love letter about how two people from very different worlds and backgrounds came make an impact. Not only to their professional goals, but in their persona lives. Lennix and Maxim may not seem like they're a perfect fit, but deep down, the challenges they face as individuals and as a couple only make me ship them more.

But... without giving too much away... the ending of this book? Prepare for an emotional shock and awe. Plus, clear your calendar because you won't be able to stop yourself from diving into The Rebel King.

A thrilling and sexy read with drama, spice, and space given to discuss social issues and marginalized groups that had me hooked.

The instant chemistry between Lennix and Maxim had me invested from the beginning, and their journey of rediscovering one another guided me through until the end. I loved that Ryan uses the novel and characters as a platform to discuss pressing, current social issues, such as the thousands of missing indigenous women and girls, the destruction of sacred native lands despite legal ‘protections’ that should be keeping them safe, climate change, and investing in clean fuel systems.

I enjoyed the read and will be picking up The Rebel King (book 2) ASAP!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Talk about a would they wouldn't they kind of book.... Such opportunities... A rich man who wants to make it on his own merits and a woman activists who wants justice for her people.. And the cliffhanger ending was crazy good...

4.5 stars!

This was just so good. Lennix is one of the best FMC I've read in sooo long. She's strong and sticks to her goals and what she says. I loved her back story so much. The spice was SPICEN but the actual story was soo worth it too. I'm definitely a new Kennedy Ryan fan!!

Thank you netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review.

My Summary! I absolutely loved this book! This book pulled me in from the very beginning! I swallowed this story whole! Lennix and Maxim make you care for them right away. I forgot I was reading when I had this book open. Time just flew right by me.

Both of the main characters in this book are dedicated to causes they are willing to do the work in order to see change happen in their lifetimes. A must read!

One thing I love about Kennedy Ryan is how well she develops her characters. You can’t help but feel emotionally invested in their story- and this was no different. Will definitely be recommending.

👌🏻what i liked:
I’m not going to be able to say much without giving away any spoilers… But I loved this book! Kennedy Ryan is an auto-buy author for me. The storytelling was powerful and flawless. The cliffhanger, ugh!! So good!!

🥰 special thanks
Thank you to NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing the ARC.

Woah.

Okay.

So, I know of Kennedy Ryan. But I didn't know this book existed until it popped as a requestable ARC. I loved All The King's Men. Its such a great book. And while this book certainly pays homage to Robert Penn Warren and his look into the corruption of politics, I definitely didn't expect this.

This book is riveting. I loved the premise, the set up, and the follow through. I loved Lennix and Maxim and their trials and tribulations as they tried to navigate something foreign and unexpected. I loved the political intrigue, the way that Lennix is unapologetically authentic in her beliefs and the causes she champions. I loved the way that Maxim understood where he messed up and found a way to repair it.

I loved how incredibly well written it was.

This book is something else. I'm so glad that book two is already published because I'm going to go devour that one next.

Lennix and Maxim, that spicy second chance love. I love the indigenous representation and calling attention to the real life problems of indigenous having no access to clean water due to drilling. Also for Lennix to be just as successful as him was chef"s kiss. That cliffhanger got me and I'm racing to read the next book.

"The Kingmaker" introduces us to a world where Lennox Moon Hunter, a Native American power broker entangled in an affair with Maxim Cade, becomes embroiled in the consequences of her lover's family's oil empire. This contemporary romance brilliantly intertwines political drama with sizzling passion, making it the best kind of drama.
As THE KINGMAKER careens itself toward one of my best reads this year, I am reminded of that electrifying moment when Kennedy Ryan's words transformed into political fireworks, captivating me with every page I turned. This book had me hooked, even in the wee hours of the night, surrounded by an abundance of pillows and an unquenched thirst for more.....

Now, let's dive into THE KINGMAKER by Kennedy Ryan, where the unexpected becomes the norm. First and foremost, the writing is nothing short of fabulous. Ryan's words flow effortlessly, and the dialogue crackles with wit and intelligence. The characters are meticulously crafted, developing throughout the story with each turning page. And the story pacing, intentionally slow, immerses you in the depth of the narrative.

The journey begins with Lennox Moon Hunter, a seventeen-year-old activist poised on the brink of her greatest achievement: changing the world. Ryan masterfully guides us through her transformation into a 31-year-old powerhouse, a mover and shaker in the world of DC politics, earning the nickname "The Kingmaker." Every candidate she supports emerges victorious, and her golden touch is a delight to behold.
Maxim Cade, the apple of his father's eye, rebels against his family's wealth and the desecration of Native American land through oil pipelines. Maxim's dedication to saving the world from climate change leads him down the path of clean energy and capitalism, separate from his father's legacy. His fateful encounter with teenage Lennox during a protest sets the stage for a riveting connection, amidst rubber bullets and unleashed dogs.
The clash between Lennox, driven by her fight for environmental justice and Native American rights, and Maxim, torn between his ambition and disdain for his father's ways, creates an electrifying tension. Their paths cross again years later in Amsterdam, where an unforgettable week alters the course of their lives forever.
In the present day, Maxim, now a billionaire climate activist, detests his father's business while his brother, Owen, seeks the presidency. It is Maxim's determination that leads him to persuade Owen to hire Lennox and her company for the campaign. He intends to reclaim his place in Lennox's life, for he never believed in giving up when he desired something—a trait he shares with his father. This sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated continuation in "The Rebel King."
Lennox shines as a strong, hardworking, loyal heroine—a true force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering pursuit of justice, not only for her Native people but for all marginalized groups, is inspiring. Ryan takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, where intensity, fear, romance, sorrow, and elation intertwine seamlessly. Through Lennox's growth, readers from Native American backgrounds will feel seen and heard, a testament to Ryan's skill in representation.

Just like a cunning political maneuver, "The Kingmaker" continues the gripping saga in "The Rebel King," catching me off guard with its unexpected cliffhanger. Despite the trials Maxim endured over a fourteen-year span, I never anticipated having to worry about Lennox. Ryan's ability to weave suspense into the narrative is nothing short of remarkable.

This book pulls you in from the very beginning! I swallowed this story whole! Lennix and Maxim make you care for them right away. I forgot I was reading when I had this book open. Time just flew right by me.

Both of the main characters in this book are dedicated to causes they are willing to do the work in order to see change happen in their lifetimes. Maxim is passionate about climate change and Lennix is passionate about indigenous injustice. They find comfort in each other because they recognize that drive and dedication in each other. Lennix is bold and smart and capable. She faces her challenges head-on and refuses to compromise on what she believes in. Maxim is focused and logical and calculated. When he has a plan, he sticks to it and it made him the business man he is.

The story of how these two meet is kismet and swoon-worthy all on its own but there is a second chance for them that will make your heart melt as well. Their serendipitous meetings were so magical and fairytale like. Kennedy Ryan knows just how to balance a fiction storyline that blends into romance. I learned so much in reading this book that I would not have known otherwise. I never wanted their happiness to end. Gimme all the sweet young romance and then show me how these characters are grown and they do grown shit! I loved how both characters were absolute powerhouses in their respective fields!

This book hooked me from the beginning and never let me go! I highly recommend this book to all my second chance romance lovers and billionaire romance lovers.

I think you should pick this book up if you like:
🖤Books that make you forget you’re reading
🖤Passionate MCs who stand up for what’s right
🖤Spicy books with an amazing storyline
🖤Strong FMCs that pursue their career goals and achieve them!
🖤Sexy MMCs who support and encourage their partner

Interesting from the get go, being immersed in the culture of indigenous peoples makes this book special.

Complex characters, mid paced and culturally relevent.

"Injustice never rests, and neither will I."

Thank you Kennedy Ryan, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love Kennedy Ryan's writing style. She is one of my favorite authors and I appreciate how much research and work she puts into her stories, While her books maybe fiction, they are also rooted in fact and the experiences of those she works with to bring her stories to life. The Kingmaker is no different and not only evokes an emotional response to the characters' experiences, but also raises awareness to the MMIW in the US. I loved the representation in this book and appreciate the work that went into making sure Lennix's heritage was accurately portrayed.

Now to talk about Lennix and Maxim. I was a little nervous in the very beginning about their age gap, but quickly became okay with it. Their chemistry was off the charts from the start and continue to grow. I immediately started The Rebel King after finishing The Kingmaker. I couldn't get enough and needed to know what happened next!

Rating: 5 stars

In The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan, Maxim Cade rebels against his family's oil empire to pursue his own path, leading him to a fateful encounter with Lennix Hunter at a protest. Despite their opposing backgrounds and family conflicts, their connection grows stronger, defying distance and time as they fight against the forces that threaten their love.
The Kingmaker is the third book I’ve read from Kennedy Ryan. While it caught my attention due to the upcoming new covers by Bloom, I had mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I appreciated the author's thorough research regarding the treatment of Indigenous people and the urgency of addressing global warming. The author effectively wove these elements into the story, prompting readers to delve deeper into these topics. However, I struggled with the romance aspect of the book. Both characters felt unlikable and lacked depth to me which made it challenging for me to believe in their chemistry and the realism of their relationship. The frequent time jumps, though necessary for pacing, resulted in minimal shared moments between them. Furthermore, their interactions often felt forced, with stilted dialogue overshadowing their connection. Since I couldn't emotionally invest in the characters, I won’t be reading the next book in the series. Though this wasn’t my cup of tea, I would still recommend this book based on its exploration of critical issues such as global warming and the treatment of Indigenous people.