Judging by the Goodreads reviews, I am clearly in the minority because I didn't love it. It is a very spicy, open door romance crossed with political thriller. It just felt like it was trying to do too much. Some very important topics are addressed, but I felt like I was getting hit over the head after a while.

It’s fascinating, it’s cultural, political and steaming hot
Lennix and Maxim both want to change the world.
Kennedy Ryan is a master at weaving real world issues and steamy scenes in a way that is authentic and entertaining.

Ugh! Where do I even start? Lennix and Maxim are it for me. I absolutely devoured this book front page to back. My copy is worn out!!! It’s so funny how Kennedy never fails to make me cry. (Even out of happiness.) I loved how their beautiful love story concluded and I can’t wait to see glimpses of them in Kimba’s story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre/tropes: romance, politics, activism
CW/TW: kidnapping, assassination, PTSD

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 didn’t waste time in picking up from where the cliffhanger in 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 left us. It’s thrilling, has action, and plenty of that other spicy action, too 😉

When things go back to relatively normal after the first couple of chapters, Lennix and Maxim get down to the nitty gritty of their jobs. They’re both workaholics and with core principles that guide them. However, they start to clash about Maxim’s overprotectiveness now that Lennix is out of danger. I’ll be honest, they both have valid points and they are both knuckleheads about this. Their careers take a drastic, unexpected turn, and then it’s about how their relationship will survive under the mounting pressure and close, watchful eyes.

I liked it overall! It had all the stuff that keeps me glued to the book - excellent dialog, plenty of moving parts, equally matched MCs, even more spice than the first book. What irked me and is always irksome to me no matter the author or story - anything remotely resembling uber alpha MMC possessiveness. I know some readers find that attractive and swoon over it. That trait just gives me the ‘icks’. Aside from that, I felt that the story’s momentum was always at a steady speed and never felt a lull.

I’m so glad I finally got to read this. Kennedy Ryan is up there for me. So if you want your spicy romance with a slice of political intrigue, here you go!

Many thanks to @netgalley & @read_bloom for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A great follow up to The Kingmaker. Kennedy Ryan knows how to weave a cultural lesson in with a fascinating love story. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

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.