I wanted to love this one because I love Kennedy Ryan, but Maxim just is not the romance hero for me. I found his possessiveness so offputting, but I know that what doesn’t work for me is exactly what others enjoy in a romance. Kennedy Ryan is an incredible writer, though, and I’ll be reading whatever she puts out next.

A highly entertaining and emotionally thrilling romantic journey that is filled with so much longing and undeniable passion.... was a great read and I am looking forward to reading more from this talented storyteller.

"The Rebel King" by Kennedy Ryan is a gripping and passionate conclusion to the All the King's Men duology, delivering a powerful and emotionally charged finale that will leave readers breathless. With richly developed characters, intense chemistry, and a captivating plot, this book is a stunning conclusion to an already outstanding series.

The story picks up where the previous book left off, with Lennix Hunter and Maxim Cade facing complex challenges, both individually and as a couple. Their relationship has been tumultuous, marked by intense attraction, betrayals, and a love that refuses to die. Kennedy Ryan skillfully explores their journey, delving into the depths of their emotions, and allowing readers to witness their growth and transformation.

One of the standout features of this novel is the beautifully crafted characters. Lennix is a fierce and determined heroine who stands her ground in the face of adversity. Her strength and resilience make her an inspiring character to follow. Maxim, on the other hand, is a complex hero with a multifaceted personality. His internal struggles and determination to make amends provide depth and dimension to his character.

The chemistry between Lennix and Maxim is electric and palpable, creating a magnetic pull that keeps readers invested in their love story. The author masterfully builds the tension and passion between them, making their romance an essential and compelling element of the story.

Beyond the romance, "The Rebel King" delves into important themes such as justice, power, and the lengths people are willing to go to in the pursuit of their ideals. The novel explores a treacherous political landscape, and as Maxim and Lennix navigate this world, they are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and the sacrifices they are willing to make for their cause.

Kennedy Ryan's writing is powerful and evocative, with vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The emotional depth and complexity of the characters make their journey relatable and poignant.

In conclusion, "The Rebel King" is a stunning and emotionally charged conclusion to the All the King's Men duology. Kennedy Ryan has crafted a masterful narrative that explores love, redemption, and the pursuit of justice in a world filled with challenges. This book is a testament to the author's talent for creating deeply resonant stories with characters who stay with you long after the last page is turned. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and new readers will find themselves captivated by the power of this story.

3.5 stars

With a little more plot than The Kingmaker’s ‘boy meets girl then stalks her until she finally gives in’, The Rebel King may not have been revolutionary, but it was very easy to read.

Does anyone else think hanging out with Lennix and Maxim would be infuriating? I understand that they’ve gone through a lot and are also in the whole obnoxious couple honeymoon phase, but come on. Maxim is so territorial I kept forgetting this wasn’t a fantasy romance, which makes his mated fae response to very innocent comments massive red flags in a human relationship. And considering how little time they were capable of spending together in public before giving in to getting naked, I’m not sure how we’re supposed to believe they were hiding their relationship from the public. Unfortunately, both of these characters were ones I liked less the more I got to know them.

I defended Ryan's choice to write Lennix as an Indigenous woman in my review for The Kingmaker, and while I still mostly stand by that, there are a few moments that probably should have been handled differently.

There's lots of spice, but it's not written much better than what we got in The Kingmaker. It had the same predictable pattern, which was already routine before The Rebel King. I wish they had built this relationship on more than their independent personalities and their chemistry because it makes what is supposed to be a rare and beautiful partnership feel pretty shallow.

The politics were much more stilted and uncomfortable this time around. In The Kingmaker, a lot of the awkwardness of Maxim and Lennix's bluster and grand proclamations could be explained by their youth and inexperience. Because the focus after Amsterdam was on the relationship, there was a lot less focus on their careers and causes. In The Rebel King, though, we could barely make it through a conversation without someone spouting textbook definitions or quoting statistics that no one would have memorised unless they had just crammed for a test. It was clunky and disengaging. I’m already on board; you don’t need to convince me that climate change is bad, women shouldn’t be murdered, and that your relationship status doesn't compromise your ability to do your job. If the point was to try to convert those readers who don’t believe these things, I don’t think long speeches that needed editing were the way to do it.

As usual, I want to focus on all the negatives - why is it so hard to write reviews that focus on the good parts? Or is that just me? But even talking about how I wish I could focus on the positives, I’m struggling to think of any, and it’s making me feel like I may need to adjust my rating… two books may have been a little too much time with these characters.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

The Rebel King is a delicious story that pulls you in from the first few pages. The passion and turmoil is out of this world.

Ahhh this was delicious! I loved this book. Again, lennix is my favorite FMC. She's so strong, and I love how the author added a lot of authentic indigenous information. The story line was excellent and I loved the ending!

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

✨All the Kings Men Duet✨ Kennedy Ryan

The rebranding for these covers are 🤌🏼

— forbidden loves ❤️‍🔥
— billionaire romance 🌶️🥵
—socio-political activism
— duel pov
— badass FMC

I was gifted The Rebel King but realized it was the second book in this series. I quickly devoured the first book, which consists of Lennix & Maxim’s meeting and their journey to love — then ended on a CLIFFHANGER!!

The second book picks up immediately. It’s page after page of spicy romance, thrilling mystery, and political strife. I laughed, I cried, I laughed again. I especially enjoyed the political and activists parts of both books. Kennedy Ryan navigated both so well.

Honestly @kennedyryan1 can do no wrong in my eyes. I’ll read ANYTHING she writes

After reading the first one I probably wouldn’t have continued if I didn’t have the arc of the second one too,
Kennedy Ryan is a great author and had a good story to tell, but this series just doesn’t do it for me,
I just stopped caring for all the characters.

This sequel was just as good as as the first book, The Kingmaker. These characters are really taken on a ride spanning years throughout these two books. This book picks up right after that cliffhanger ending of the first book.

I love the dynamic between Maxim and Lennox and their group of extended family and friends. This book was not without tragedy, and Ryan knows how to pull on those heart strings.

I recommend reading this if you like romance books that also make a powerful statement.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the opportunity to read the ARC to the sequel of The Kingmaker. I enjoyed the first book in the series and was eager to read the second installment. This book did not disappoint. This book had a few heartbreaking moments but overall was a satisfying read. I didn't like it quite as much as the first but I am still glad to have read it.

Kennedy Ryan continues to blow me away with her outstanding characters and story telling! The Rebel King is the continuation of the story about Lennix and Maxim. Outstanding on every level! I particularly find her ability to weave historical and social issues into her stories which always leave me thinking and wanting to learn more about those issues. This is often hard to do for other authors without being off-putting or preachy. I cannot recommend this book any higher, but if I could I would list it as a must read book (series) for everyone!

I was immediately drawn into this book. Much more action and Maxim and Lennix are just perfection together. Steamy, with great plot twists you didnt see coming.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy in return for honest review.

“This Rebel King” fell flat for me compared to “The Kingmaker”. For me, this book was basically all sex with some filler in between, with not much of a plot or much character development at all.

One of the reasons I liked “The Kingmaker” was because even though it was also very steamy, there were moments where we could see a relationship develop between Lennix and Maxim beyond just the physical. I don’t consider myself a prude, but I also want the couples in the books I read to interact and actually like each other outside of the bedroom. I also am not a fan of possessiveness in relationships, treating someone like an item they own vs. a person. While there were opportunities for moments of connection, all we got was sex and possessiveness.

The plot was not really existent and whatever was there was just messy. I saw the twist from a mile away and was hoping they wouldn’t go there, and was disappointed when they did. It just wasn’t believable at all. Some of the political commentary was all over the place as well—as an independent candidate you don’t run in primaries? Maybe I was reading too much into it, but even those pieces of the story just didn’t make sense and added to my dislike of the book.

I gave this book 2 stars because I was able to finish it, and I was happy that I got the answers to the cliffhanger from “The Kingmaker” (even though I also think this storyline was not what it could have been). I wish I could say I liked it more, but anything I didn’t really love from the first book was on full display here.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my review!**

Loved this book, it was a good combination of romance, mystery and drama. I was able to follow the story even though I had not read the first book. Lennix is a complex woman trying to balance her career, fighting to preserve. Native American heritage and the love she has for Maxim. Maxim will do anything to protect Lennix and get her back from a deranged kidnapper. Lennix and Maxim have undeniable chemistry that is able to survive secrets, a kidnapping and family drama. I hope their story continues.

This duology was the first from Kennedy Ryan I read and I was immediately obsessed. The first book is the political romance of my dreams and then the twist! I had to start The Rebel King immediately and I’m so glad I was buddy reading this one. You will need someone to talk to! This had some twists I did not see coming and I was shocked. But the romance between Lennix and Maxim? SWOON! The Rebel King is an angsty, steamy page turner. I loved this book and The Kingmaker so so much. 5 stars!

You will like this book if you like: possessive men, suspenseful beginnings, sad middles, chaotic ends, Native female leads, and American politics 🇺🇸👑

🚨 CW: kidnapping, gun violence, death

I would like to start by saying that this hands down a 5-star series. I read the Kingmaker and the Rebel King back to back - and this is the way I would recommend enjoying them. Do not read them as standalones! It simply doesn’t do the story justice. Together, they are action-packed, tension-filled perfection.

The Rebel King is a great read, and fans of the TV show ‘Scandal’ will devour it. It follows the second part of Lennix and Maxim’s story as they continue to fight through obstacles, reaching for their happily ever after while simultaneously trying to change the world for the better. There is action, drama, twists, and lots of ~spicy time~.

This book is interlaced with so many important themes, I hardly know where to begin. To have a FMC that is so strong, and who has such a rich, deep connection to her own culture who advocates unapologetically for her people and MMIW…it took these books to a whole other level. I loved that I picked up a book simply because it was by a romance author that I enjoy, but I got so much more out of it than just romance. It delivers perspectives on environmental racism and social activism, with Olivia Pope style political "behind the scenes", and at the same time is interlaced with Kennedy Ryan's ever poetic way of writing spice. What more could you ask for?

Kennedy Ryan you are amazing . I thoroughly enjoyed this duet so much. I couldn’t put these books down . Book Holy hangover . Book 2 picks up right were the first one ended I thought the rebel king plot was the perfect ending to the duet it kept me interested through out the whole story. I sometimes find reading other series that I get bored and just want the story to end . Not with with Maxim and Lennix’s story, I just didn’t want it to end

If it were possible to give a book a double 5-star rating, this would be the one. The Rebel King isn’t just well written, well researched, well thought out, and well executed—it is a literary masterpiece. Although this book is a romance, it’s themes involving politics, kidnapping, and espionage aren’t ones that are usually a draw for me, but the beauty is that the author masterfully weaved a tale that makes you enamored with every facet of the story. So many elements made this an otherworldly read—Their strong disposition and the unabashed way they expressed their stances. They’re fight for what’s right, against what’s wrong, and for each other. The pride and pain of their realities. The laughter and grief that was parallel yet carefully intertwined. All of these things were thoughtfully and thoroughly delivered. Still, the romance was not sacrificed because it was the epicenter of it all. The passion between Maxim and Lennix is so intensely fiery, you’ll combust from lust and love. Nix is a darling badass to be adored. Maxim is everything and all the things and a platinum symbol of book baes! Indeed these characters are ones I’d love to continue to follow, wherever it leads, wherever they take us.