I was completely engrossed in The Rebel King by Kennedy Ryan, the second book in the All the King's Men Duet. Having read The Kingmaker, I knew I was in for a thrilling continuation of Maxim and Lennix's story.

Right from the start, the book grabbed my attention with its gripping opening. The tension and chemistry between Maxim and Lennix kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to see how their complex relationship would unfold. The alternating first-person perspectives allowed me to delve deeper into their thoughts and emotions.

What truly impressed me were the unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout. The suspense in the story was masterfully crafted, adding layers of depth to the plot. While the book did embrace sensuality, I appreciated that it didn't overshadow the compelling story. The romance and passion were woven seamlessly into the narrative, making for a captivating read.

Overall, The Rebel King exceeded my expectations. It delivered a powerful combination of passion, suspense, and remarkable storytelling. Kennedy Ryan's ability to create such an incredible story with well-developed characters and surprising twists left me in awe. I highly recommend this duet for anyone seeking a thrilling and emotionally charged read.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of The Rebel King by Kennedy Ryan. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for this ARC.

The book threw us straight into the action, and it was at this point I realized that The Rebel King is part of a series. Thankfully, the plot was easy to pick up what was happening, and I was quickly caught up. I enjoyed the action aspects of the story and felt that the author did a great job with the larger action-centered conflict. Sadly, Lennix and Maxim's dialogue involved a lot of arguing. Between the arguing and the constant sex scenes, it left us limited on actual character growth. I was sad that the dramatic story arcs were lost with characters I didn't care about once they started talking. I give this book 2.5/5 stars. It was not my kind of story style.

This was a decent follow up and end to the duology. This book picked up right where book 1 ended on a cliffhanger; Lennix and Wallace being kidnapped and ransomed in Costs Rica. Maxim goes all out hiring black ops style mercenaries to get her back. He succeeds but isn't sure he got the kidnappers. One body never turns up leaving him constantly questioning it.

Back in the US, Lennix focuses on running Owen's campaign for president and REALLY thinks he has the ability to win. However, she still wants to keep their relationship a secret so it doesn't make her look bad career wise by sleeping wothnthe candidate's brother. Maxim throws a few temper tantrums about not being able to be public with their relationship and that kind of annoyed me. She was up front with him about it the whole time.

Then we get a catastrophic shake up that shifts the overall tone of the book to more somber and determined. We get all kinds of campaign drama, jealousy and possessiveness arguments, and Maxim just being extra. By the end of the book we get our plot threads all wound up and settled with a happy ending and prologue.

I think i preferred the first book, bit still enjoyed this one. I really like Ruan's writing and this will not be the last book I read from her.

I love how their love story grew more in this story. The cliffhanger in the first book had me on the edge of my step. I never leave that edge until the end of this book. I knew Lennix and Maxim was endgame, they just had to realize it too. I love everything that this author writes. She is an automatic buy for me.

There are so many aspects of this story that I adore! The protection that Max has for Lennix, and the trust she has in him. They are so swoon worthy in their connection. No matter what comes their way they have each other’s back and will go to the ends of the earth for their love .
😍😍😍😍😍

#netgalley

🌟🌟🌟🌟

The most incredible sequel to the kingmaker . Kennedy Ryan is a master at her craft ! Highly recommend!

I was NOT expecting for this book to go in the way it did. Sure after the cliffhanger of the first book I just knew things would be crazy but the way that things panned out in Rebel King?

I think this book for sure had one of the most gasp inducing twists I’ve read in a while. I seriously did not want to believe the events that happened halfway through this book so much so that I kept waiting for the “just kidding!” moment. 😭

If you thought the first book was angsty.. you are in no way prepared for this one

💭 ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
I loved where this part of the duology picked up the story. I didn’t love how book 1 ended, but it is for sure the perfect cliffhanger for book 2. And it didn’t disappoint. I was sucked straight in. I was so invested into this story that I flew through it. I love Lennix and the strong female character she is with the Native American roots. It all worked so well together, I just couldn’t get enough. And let me tell you, the steam between her and Maxim is 🥵. So much happened throughout that this will stay with me for some time to come. Highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🤓 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Short chapters
Native American stories
Strong female lead
Steamy romance
Fifty Shades of Grey

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ:
𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘮 𝘊𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘹 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵-𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘪𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.

𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭, 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘦, 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭?

𝘕𝘰𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘹 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘔𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘹 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘴, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭?

4.5⭐
R level 🌶️

Having read Queen Move (a lovely companion to this duology) years ago, I knew this book was going to be sad but wow, did Kennedy just pull my heart out and stomp on it a few times in this book. This duology just further asserts Kennedy as a queen of romance novels that have so much depth and heart to them.

I love the Scandal and Dynasty-type vibes this book gave me while also talking so much about privilege, climate change, Native American political challenges and so much more. Lennox and Maxim are a true ride-or-die. I will say there were a few times Maxim annoyed me a bit in this book so I liked Kingmaker a bit better, but this whole series is just so good. I cannot wait to read more from Kennedy's backlist!

I will forever sing Mrs. Ryan's praises till the end of time. Anything she puts down on paper is gold and tis second installment is no different. I love me a good protective male figure and Max's love for Lennix? Whew chile, I was in love. They hold each other down through thick and thin and I need more! Kennedy Ryan writes more than just romances, she writes novels that opens up your mind to so many important discussions. Every single time I do not think it can get better and she takes my breath away. At this point if you are not reading a book by her I am assuming you are a hater and do not want to experience the paradise of her words. I also love the redesign of the covers they are very sleek.

I really didn’t enjoy this book. It’s definitely spicy and touches on some important topics, but I hated almost every time Maxim spoke/we heard his thoughts. I know some people will enjoy his Alpha Man persona, but I think it wasn’t tempered with the same sweetness I found in the first book that made it more palatable to me.

I highly recommend The Rebel King to anyone who appreciates a beautifully written, emotionally charged, and socially conscious novel. This captivating novel picks up from a major cliffhanger in the first novel of the duet, The King Maker. The entire second half of this duet is a thrilling journey that combines heart-wrenching emotion, intense romance, and thought-provoking social commentary. I truly found this one to be unputdownable.

What truly sets The Rebel King apart is Ryan's ability to address important social issues in a way that is both enlightening and thought-provoking. The book delves into themes of inequality, justice, and the power of activism, sparking meaningful and lasting reflection. Ryan always does her research, and it shows. This layer of dedication to her craft truly makes her characters and their worlds pop off the page, including the steamy scenes. 🥵

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing me with an advanced copy. It was a true pleasure and honor to read and review another Kennedy Ryan title. I can’t wait for my next Kennedy Ryan read!

I feel so lucky to have been able to meet Kennedy at a book signing, and after hearing her speak about these books more in depth it just makes me love her even more. Book two in the All the King's Men duology does not disappoint. I only wish it didn't have to end. If you haven't yet, make sure you check out this duology ASAP!!!!

When I heard that Sourcebooks Bloom Books acquired Kennedy Ryan's Kingmakers duology, I knew they had a jewel in their hands! The Rebel King is the highly-anticipated follow-up to The Kingmaker with a passionate conclusion that elevates the tension, angst, and depth that Ryan built in the first part. Ryan's brilliance coupled with the gripping plot and beautifully-crafted characters made this one of her best works ever! It has withstood the test of time because of how poignant her writing is and how relatable and representative her characters are. Maxim's alpha possessiveness and Lennix's gently power were a perfect couple dynamic and watching them grow both independently and together was so heartfelt! However, it would not be a Kennedy Ryan novel if the angst and drama were not a pivotal part of the story and I can assure you, the emotions Ms. Ryan can draw from even the coldest of cold hearts will have you experiencing the range of emotions by the end of this story. With justice of POC representation, sociopolitical commentary on advocacy rights, and multi-dimensional evolution of complex characters, The Rebel King needs to be your next read!

This has to be one of the best duets I have ever read. These books were my introduction to Ryan’s incredible story telling. Let’s just say that now I can’t get enough of her. There is no description that can adequately convey what I just read. Both characters were so strong. They didn’t have to sacrifice who they were to be with each other. Instead they learned that they could support and understand each other in ways that no one else could. It was an epic love story of two souls that completed each other.

I cannot recommend this story enough!!

Thank you for granting me access to this gorgeous sequel!
This novel was even more thrilling than the first book. And naughtier. I never thought I'd be getting hot and bothered by climate change and stuff. No one does conscious romance better than Kennedy Ryan!

5 stars!

Kennedy Ryan never, and I do mean NEVER, misses. If you are not reading her books, you are missing out on some of the best novels ever written! Seriously!! She's THAT good. "The Rebel King" picks up right where "The Kingmaker" left off. I personally think this is one of the best sequels I've ever read, and I'm not just saying this because I am a Kennedy Ryan fangirl. The plot is insanely engaging, gripping, and tense. In fact, it never lets up once the book starts. It doubles down on the drama, triples down on the suspense, and quadruples down on the sexiness. It's hard to make my jaw drop, but boy, did it ever! Much like Maxim to Lennix, I DEVOURED this book. I'm not one for alpha-holes, but Maxim.... ohhhh, Maxim. His devotion, possessiveness, and adoration is something else. He's also super sweet and sensitive, too. Top book boyfriend material. And Lennix! What a strong, fearless, fierce-but-gentle main character. God, I love her. I love him. I love them both. I love them together. I love the smuuuut! I love their growth both together and apart. You never, ever doubt for a single second that they are not soulmates. And just when you think it can't possibly get any more emotional, BAM! More and more heart-pounding drama propels the plot forward into new, uncharted territories I did NOT see coming. This story is not just about the spice and the tension. It's also a multilayered sociopolitical commentary about climate change, big pharma, indigenous rights, political volatility, PTSD, and grief.

"The Rebel King" is a truly extraordinary book. It's a top-tier contemporary romance and an incredible sequel. I am just in sheer awe of Kennedy Ryan's writing abilities. She is truly to GOAT!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

"The past is behind us. The future is ours. Figure out how you can change the world right now, and don't fear it. Do it."

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

I immediately ran to read this book after finishing The Kingmaker. I thought that the Kingmaker made me feel all the emotions and boy was I wrong, The Rebel King made me feel all the feels. Lennix and Maxim's relationship, might just be one of my favorites. I love that their characters are older and more mature, Their love for each other and the lengths they'll go to in order to keep other safe is enough to make you swoon. They've learned from their past and communicate their needs and thoughts.

Normally, I would've avoided a book that has politics in it. In the US tensions are high enough, but this book made me want to hope that maybe we'll see a politician that might actually put the people first.

This book has everything you could want in a book and I can't recommend this series enough!



Rating: 5 stars

This series has quickly become one of my favorite from kennedy ryan. I am a bit mad at myself for not discovering it sooner but Im glad I found it now. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT

"The Rebel King," the thrilling sequel to "The Kingmaker," picks up right where the breathtaking cliffhanger left us hanging. In this second installment of the "All the King's Men" series, Lennix and Maxim find themselves in a race against time, striving to ensure their safety while seeking justice against the man who nearly claimed Lennix's life during a medical mission in Costa Rica. As they confront these challenges, they also face a crucial decision that could shape their lives forever. Will they choose each other, devote themselves to changing the world, or dare to be courageous enough to pursue both?

Personally, I found the plotline of the second book in this series to be highly engaging. While I had reservations about the explicit content, which I felt was not entirely necessary for advancing the story but included due to the genre's conventions, I appreciate the novel's representation of Native Americans, particularly women, and the issues they face. It is essential to have diverse representations of people from different backgrounds, races, and walks of life in literature. This inclusivity empowers individuals and allows them to feel heard and seen.

The characters in this novel are depicted as strong-willed and determined, knowing exactly what they want from life and resolute in their pursuit of it. Lennix serves as a powerful role model for women, inspiring them not to settle for mediocrity and encouraging them to fight for their rights and the rights of their communities. While Maxim is a charming male lead, I found him somewhat too idealized and fictional to fully relate to. Personally, I prefer characters who mirror real-life individuals, with flaws and complexities, making choices and speaking in ways that resonate with genuine human experiences.

As previously mentioned, Kennedy Ryan has crafted an exciting and suspenseful plotline that had me on the edge of my seat and, at times, tugged at my heartstrings. There were moments when I questioned the author's decisions regarding certain characters I had grown attached to, and I found myself navigating through the novel with a broken heart.

Despite my personal opinion about the inclusion of explicit scenes, "The Rebel King" serves as an excellent conclusion to this captivating duet. The epilogue leaves me yearning for a potential Book 3, should Ryan find the time to write it. I am eager to delve deeper into Lennix and Maxim's journey and witness how they navigate the transformative changes in their lives.