This is an amazing novel!!! One of the best books I have read this year!!! Kennedy Ryan is an artist!!!!

We start the book at the point the previous book ended.


I love this author and everything she writes. However, this book was pretty good, but not great.
I can't quite put my finger on why, it just didn't blow me away

We meet again, Kennedy Ryan. You are still scintillating loquacious and heartbreaking profound. Kennedy weaves together our two power house main characters in a story that kept me weeping, laughing, and repeat.

Our lovers face one crisis and are reunited and then face another, foundation personal earthquake in their lives. And the hits just keep on coming. I love watching Maxim and Lennix struggle through their difficulties, figure out how to make it, and then not only make it work but just make it great. These two, they are amazing. I wish they were real. If they were, I'd want to know them. That's how much I like, no, love these characters. Lennix takes to rediscovering the power of her ancestorial beliefs and the healing in them and in her running. Maxim sees the power in his family but keeps his boundary that they accept Lennix. Kimba. Oh, she shines. She has so many moments. They are good. But ultimately this is Maxim and Lennix's story.

You are so going to enjoy this book. I'm giving it a hearty, 5 bright, shiny golden stars and 3.5 on the Scoville Spice Scale.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars
3.5/5 spice

The second book of the All The King's Men series and OMG. My heart is still breaking, and I'm sure I'm not fully processing all the emotions this series has evoked. If you want to read this book you have to read the first one.

Tropes:
Secret relationship
Political intrigue
Overprotective Billionaire MMC
Indigenous heroine
Trauma/healing
Touch her and die vibes
Dual POV

I knew going in that there was going to be some intense action from the get-go. But when that was "concluded" early on in the book, I knew something was coming to completely WRECK ME. Oh, how I cried 😭😭😭😭... I was just waiting for reality to wake me up so I could read something different than what I read... uuuugh my heart.

💔💔💔💔💔

The ending slightly made up for my broken heart. I still love the journey the MCs went through to get their HEA... but damn...

I highly recommend this series if you're into political intrigue, romantic suspense, lots of spice, secret relationships, power couples, and BIPOC rep. But once again... you HAVE to read the 1st book before this one.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and Bloom Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

Trigger/Content warnings:
Kidnapping, torture, murder, gun violence, death, grief, depression, political discourse, explicit sexual content, explicit language

The second book to the All the King’s Men duet. It picks up where the first book ends (what a cliffhanger) and continues to follow the story of Lennix and Maxim.
I could not put this book down. It had me on the edge of my seat with all of the suspense. I absolutely adore Lennix and Maxim; talk about a power couple. Together, they can accomplish anything.

Thank you to Kennedy Ryan, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I liked the first book in this duology! I LOVED the second. Watching our couple navigate their complicated lives and show up for each other. I loved their story and their growth. The steam was even steamier and I think we learned and became attached to the side characters so much more in this book. I want to know what happens to each of them. And the tragic moment in this one, I am still shook. You had me rooting for that person and attached to those who surrounded them. This was the perfect ending for our couple but does it have to be over?

I can’t even pick up another book after reading this. Such a magnificent journey and story between Lennix and Maxim. They’ve become one of my favorite couples.

Their connection is so magnetic and kismet, and yet they learn to navigate their love well without compromising the passion and ambition they each individually have for their causes.

This book picks up right after the cliffhanger in the first book. There was more action and suspense, more politics and ambition, more heartbreak and more trials for our romantic leads. But we also get to see their love grow in so many great ways.

The story and issues addressed are important and told well, but the romance in this is also…wow. Steamy, heartfelt, meaningful, passionate, enduring.

I did struggle with the plot line at about the halfway point. It was difficult to read but I appreciated what it did to the story while wishing it had gone differently.

Kennedy Ryan writes so that the words on the pages really reach my innermost layer.

I was completely absorbed in this story and couldn’t put this book down. I pity my next read because it will have to follow this book.

A great conclusion to this duet! It felt heavier on the politics than what I am used to reading, but it was a romance in its core. The twist? Whew that was a good one. These two overcome everything, together and had me flipping page after page. It's a love story that will stay with you and is definitely worth picking up!

This book is the perfect example of a sequel being better than the first book! Full of angst, high stakes and drama, it was the most intense read I had in a while!

The Kingmaker left us on a cliffhanger, and The Rebel King picks up right where it left off. I was excited to be back in the action right away, without having to endure lengthy flashbacks or backstory. I knew of course that eventually all would end well, but Kennedy Ryan's writing had me on the edge of my seat (also my bed, couch and bathtub) nevertheless. Even reunited, Lennix and Maxim still had so much standing between them that the tension never truly eased.

I won't lie, the half-way twist upset me very much. Honestly, I think I went through all stages of grief trying to get over it. I still disagree with the author's decision with my whole heart, but as I always say, this is not my story, and if it made me feel so much then she must know what she's doing, whether I agree with it or not.

This book is a masterpiece. The story is so well thought-out and beautifully written that I feel inadequate trying to judge it. I have nothing else to say, except HOW THE HELL IS THIS STORY NOT A MOVIE YET? It's so visual, packed with drama and action, I don't understand how it hasn't been adapted even once! Did I miss an adaptation?

A huge thanks to Kennedy Ryan for writing this story, and Bloom Books and NetGalley for giving me this ARC!

♥ ♥ ♥ A tale worthy of a king and his queen of hearts! ♥ ♥ ♥

The Rebel King picks up right where The Kingmaker left off, and you're immediately sucked right back into the story and its plot. The suspense rises from naught to sixty, the pulse races, breathing stops ...
Ms. Ryan has done a masterful job of not only keeping the suspense going through the cliffhanger at the end of the first volume of Lennix and Maxim's story, but actually ramping it up during the sequel, across all storylines.
Moments of gasping in shock, tears in your eyes, and being deeply moved by the plot alternate with sweet moments and passionate ones where the love of the two main protagonists can be felt beyond the pages of the book.
The Rebel King is the culminating, deeply emotional conclusion to Lennix and Maxim's epic love story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing this ARC.
This review reflects my unbiased and honest opinion.

I have to admit that as I get older the harder it is for me to enjoy and deal with all of the angst and drama the authors have younger characters go through. With book one, it sounds like much of the background and connection between the two main characters was built and solidified by the time the huge cliffy ending came around. I was thrilled to open this book up and have it start off with a bang! Grabbed my attention immediately! Yess!

The intense and passionate feelings between Lennix and Maxium made this story come alive. Protective and intense. Steamy and sexy. Ryan knows how to write love scenes that are not just about the woman only. So Hot!

The character balance was divine. Maxim is fierce, fine, and fire. His character shines throughout the story. Lennix was proud and strong. She loves him with all her heart but still does not want to give him her all. She could never see the true balance between a couple and that made me crazy as she left him hanging many times.

There is some areas that I think could have been shorter or brought with less intricate detail. I was not overly interested in the political arena and conversations. But the suspense levels and detail were awesome and Ryan delivered the goods.

Was diving into this series at book two worth it? I think so. For me, the author covered enough of the back story that I never felt overly lost. I love that I missed tons of the back and forth drama! I cannot wait to read this author again!

3.5
Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Bloom Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is book two in the duet of ALL THE KING'S Men series. The first book left off in a hangover so I was happy to have this one to continue. I guess I found this book okay. I was happy to have some of my questions answered but I just found this pretty predictable. I felt like I knew what was going to happen before I did. I feel like it's missing something. The characters felt off from the first book.

Overall I liked the first book better, but this was an okay read and answered most of the questions from the first book.

This is book two of a duet in which I’d read the first book several years ago. I wasn’t reading as much back then and honestly don’t know why I never read this one. I remembered very little of the plot from book one but had no problem picking this one up and reading the story. I felt it was so easy to grasp what was happening and enjoyed it so so much even without remembering all the details from the first book. Maxim and Lennix are both type-A personalities and as a result there is a lot of friction between the two but that in no way undermines their explosive chemistry or their obvious love for each other. This book is filled with non-stop action and drama and was so enjoyable to read. I went through every emotion imaginable while reading it and would highly recommend it to any fans of romance, suspense, political drama or if you just like a spicy read as there is plenty of that as well. Kennedy Ryan continues to blow me away!!!

Kennedy Ryan NEVER disappoints! This was such an incredible follow up to The Kingmaker. I love the relationship between Maxim and Lennix. It's such a beautiful story and the sacrifices they make for each other is swoon worthy. The chemistry between the two was perfect. The angst displayed at times was perfect and believable. It never felt like overkill to me. Kennedys writing is too good and you can tell she pours her heart and soul into her books.

Absolutely adored this book!!! Picks up right at the cliff hanger of the first thankfully and just keeps going on a wild ride that tour at my emotional sanity. Furthered my love not just for our couple of Lennix and Maxim but the friendship and careers of Lennix and Kimba, those women are amazing! The story continues to not only be entertaining but discuss topics of family and familial trauma, heritage, humanity, climate change, oppression, prejudice/racisms, missing and murdered indigenous women and struggles of native people.

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

When I got approved for this book I didn’t look to see if it was the first book or second, so I just started to read it and I kinda felt that I was missing out on some information and then noticed that it was the second book. I decided to keep reading it because even though I didn’t read the first book the second one did get you recaps on things that happened.

I thought this book was well written from the plot to the characters. I love how the main characters are so respectful and dedicated to each other. I love that they understand that work/life balance and when they need to be there for the other. I loved seeing their journey together through the highs and the lows. I really enjoyed the banter and the steamy scenes as well, but honestly you can just see the true love those characters have for each other.

I thought the suspense of trying to figure out who and where the main evil guy was done so well that it wasn’t the main focus but wasn’t drowned out either. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them grow and learn more about how to have a relationship and one that is based on trust. I loved Lennix a lot and I found her character to be a fresh breath of air when it comes to females. She knows what she wants and does not want anything less. She is passionate, smart, and funny. I thought Maxim was a great male character for her, he is passionate as well in bed and out of the bed, possessive but in a protective way. The chemistry between those two was the chief’s kiss.

This was my first Kennedy Ryan, and it will not be my last. I am so happy that I was able to find another amazing author.

If you love reading romance, with steamy scenes, with action and drama then this is a book you should pick up and read.

I want to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to review this book.

This book is more of the first with perhaps more intensity. So if you liked the first one you will probably love this one, but if you didn't like the first you will probably really not like this one.

Sadly I am in the second category. For the pros, I still love how the author takes on privilege, power, politics, and heavy issues but in an accessible way. But all the rest...🤦‍♀️ I'm not about a hero who is okay with ethical and illegal shenanigans. Trying not to spoil it all for you here. And I'm way over misogynistic, rough sexual depictions as what women want. Oof.

Thanks Kenndy Ryan and #netgelley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I could have liked it more for you.

4.5 out of 5 stars!

The Rebel King picks up where The Kingmaker left off. Maxim owned Lennix heart and sould despite what she may have wanted. The couple reunited in present day each a powerhouse in their own right. Throughout the story they are at odds with each other, resisting the attraction that never seemed to go away, eventually realizing their strength was only better together. The banter, the arguments, the making up, all of it combined to make a stunning conclusion for book 1.

"We weren't unlikely, Nix. Were were inevitable."

No matter how it all played out, Lennix and Maxim were destined to be be together, presenting formidable strength and resilience that got them to the forever after.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

Please note: this was an ARC provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: romance
Series: All The King’s Men # 2
Setting: Washington, DC
POV: dual, 1st person, present tense
Tropes: second chance romance, insta love, billionaire alphahole, “it’s always been you”, “touch her and die”
Spice Level: 5/5🌶, 5+ explicit scenes

What I Thought: After the ending of The Kingmaker, I NEEDED this book! It was so thrilling and there were so many shocking plot twists - I had a hard time putting it down! The chemistry between these two sizzles and I loved getting to see more of their story. While this builds on the romance of the first book, this was pretty plot-heavy (but still a ton of spice) and felt like an entire season of your favorite tv drama!

Read This Book If…you love the drama of the tv show Scandal!

Memorable Quote: “We weren’t unlikely, Nix… We were inevitable.”

Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! I have read a handful of her books (and trying to get through the backlist) and have adored every story! I love that this series is getting beautiful new covers and I have them all preordered. I just adore her writing and this title is near the top of my favorites for her!