Now a Top 30 Amazon Bestseller! “This story sets a new bar in the genre . . . Exquisitely written, meticulously researched, tender, yet oh-so steamy–this is the Mary Poppins of Contemporary Romances: practically perfect in every way.” — Natasha Is A Book JunkiePower. Passion. Betrayal. Raised to rule, bred to lead and weaned on a diet of ruthless ambition. In a world of haves and have nots, my … world of haves and have nots, my family has it all, and I want nothing to do with it.
My path takes me far from home and paints me as the black sheep. At odds with my father, I’m determined to build my own empire. I have rules, but Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of them. From the moment we meet, something sparks between us. But my family stole from hers and my father is the man she hates most. I lied to have her, and will do anything to keep her. Though she tries to hate me, too, the inexorable pull between us will not be denied.
And neither will I.
THE KINGMAKER is the epic and powerful first installment in the All The King’s Men Duet by USA Today bestselling and RITA® Award winning author, Kennedy Ryan.
more
Wow wow wow!!!!!! What a great way to start a series. It’s so powerful and so many ups nd downs between Lennix and Maxim but the chemistry is off the scales. I loved how they story started and I loved more how it evolved. It was so beautifully written. But I must say, that in the middle after everything I was annoyed a little bit at Lennix but she was still amazing. It’s always refreshing to read such a strong heroine along with a strong hero that sees her as his equal and thinks about his both of them can conquer the world. But that ending?!?! O M G!!! I have an inkling who might be behind that incident but hmmmmm…. I need book 2 because I can’t wait to find out Maxim’s reaction when he realizes the situation Lennix is in.
Have you ever read a book that just speaks to your soul? I’ve been waiting for an author to give a fresh take on Native American representation in romance novels. Put away your preconceived notions of what Native Americans in 2019 looks like and dig into this novel immediately.
This love story left me feeling gooood. Like, down-to-my-bones good. It quenched my soul and invigorated my mind. Our heroine, Lennix, is a Yavapai/Apache woman from Arizona. She redefines what a powerful woman can look like. Her backstory is brilliantly plotted, and Kennedy carefully includes cultural elements to the story that help build Lennix up to be a strong, resilient, and indigenous woman. Knowledge is power, and Lennix has it in spades. She’s trying to get the right people into key political positions, and she acts with such hypnotic badassness.
Maxim. Cue the sighs, swoons, and thigh-clenching. He’s so yum. He gets it. He’s a game-changer when it comes to what heroes can look like. Fighting injustices and climate change, and creating a new outlook on what modern activism looks like is sexy AF. He’s going against the family business and trying to create a new green economy for the future. Again, he’s just so yum. And Lennix is the lucky woman to grab his attention.
These two meet at different stages of life and are a dream to read. As a lover of romance books, I know what I need, want, and love to read about. Time and time again Kennedy Ryan exceeds those expectations. This book is thought provoking, wondrously insightful, and of course, it’s yum.
5 Can They Have a Forever Stars!!!
This book is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. This shouldn’t surprise me though because whenever I pickup a book by Ms. Ryan my life is transformed. I’ve been wanting to read this book since she first started talking about it. I had absolutely no intentions of reading it in one sitting that’s for sure. But when I got home from work on a Friday night after a very long and frustrating week at work, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed early….all that went out the window when I started this book at 7pm….next thing I knew it was 7am on Saturday morning and I’d stayed up all night because I was consumed by Lennix and Maxim’s story.
We’re taken on a journey over several years from when they meet to when they’re both at a precipice in their lives. From the minute Maxim first sees Lennix her magnetism is something he’s never experienced before….
‘It’s a girl. A woman. She’s young, but there’s power in her stance, in her face…she’s a perfect blend of past and present and future….She’s a straight line of color sketched into the desert landscape, transformed by a glamor of dust and sunlight”
This moment in time is one that, unbeknownst to either of them will change who they are in every way possible. And this is one of the things I love so much about Ms. Ryan’s writing. She allows her stories to develop over time. They’re not rushed in any sense of the word. Our H/h are such a dichotomy in how they were raised but at the same time there’s a core set of beliefs that they share even if some people in their lives definitely don’t agree with them.
There’s a powerfulness in their love and their connection will hopefully not break. But fate, as we know, isn’t always in our favor. Hence the reason this book takes us on an almost two-decade ride. And the chemistry never lessens each time they’re together. I love how they each stay true to what they believe in especially when the odds are against them even if at times it looks like they’ve waivered or changed their path mid-stream…we need to always remember not everything is what it seems on the surface.
The intensity of the situations they find themselves in had my heart beating outside of my chest. The scenes are so beautifully described that I felt like I was in that moment with our H/h. I could feel the tension in the air, or the passion of their love or the sorrow of when they say goodbye.
As is indicated by the title of this book, there’s so much to this story yet to be told. What I can say with all certainty is that as I read the last words in this first book of one of the most powerful duets I’ve ever read is that I was left gasping for air.
I’m ready for the conclusion of this love that is riveting in its intensity. This book is not only a love story it brings us into a subject matter that is relevant to the world we live in today and that to me is another one of the many reasons I love this author’s writing. She does not shy away from anything that could be considered controversial. She grabs the subject matter by the horns and takes us on the best ride possible! Now I’m ready for The Rebel King!
#thekingmaker #allthekingsmenbook1 #kennedyryan #duet #allthestars #lennixandmaxim #rivetingandconsuming #allhailtheking #power #passion #betrayal #diverseromance #mustread #topreadof2019 #francisfabreads
Rated 4.5 Stars
I can’t clearly begin to articulate my thoughts on The Kingmaker because all I can think about is that cliffhanger and how it has my heart in my throat. I’m so anxious and nervous to see what happens next.
The Kingmaker is the story of Lennix and Maxim and has all the makings of an epic love story. As with all things Kennedy Ryan it deals with hard hitting topics some might call them controversial. While the author doesn’t pull any punches she handles it with dare I say delicate grace.
I loved their journey thus far and cannot wait to see how it all ends. I highly recommend it.
Copy provided by author
10 KINGMAKER STARS!! MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!! This powerful phenomenal story is PERFECTION!! I can not get enough of Lennix and Maxim….I love them both, their strength and beauty mirror each other. I felt like I was there in the story watching it play out instead of reading it….that is what this talented author does with her storytelling. Kennedy Ryan has left me speechless with her magical words and I need the next book like now.
Read the first EXCERPT from THE KINGMAKER
ALL THE KING’S MEN Duet!
Book 1, THE KINGMAKER – Oct 28
Book 2, THE REBEL KING – Nov 18
Pre-order: kennedyryanwrites.com/all-the-kings-men/
New Release Alert:
Receive an Email As soon as the books are LIVE: https://www.subscribepage.com/allthekingsmen
BLOGGERS & GRAMMERS: Sign Up: http://bit.ly/ATKMSBPromo
Audio Alert: subscribepage.com/audiolisteners
“When the time is right, I’ll be back for you.”
My mind is completely blown away. Leave it to Kennedy Ryan to shake your world with the beauty of her stories. Every single one of her books leaves a mark on my soul. Calling her a romance writer is such a understatement! This author not only creates some of the most beautiful love stories that I’ve ever read. This amazing woman makes you aware, conveys life wisdom and boldly addresses topics that are not spoken out loud. And as soon as I heard about the upcoming duet from this author, I knew that it wouldn’t be a light read to make the afternoon pleasant. I knew that Mrs. Ryan’s words would once again absorb me completely and that I would never be the same. And that’s what you can expect from reading The Kingmaker. The impact this book carries is deep.
Lennix and Maxim are both extremely passionate about the things they want to achieve. They both want to change the world to make it a better place. Lennix from a young age is the voice of those, who are often ignored. With her stubborn streak and confidence she’s made to do big things and to help people to be heard. Maxim just wants to get from under his father’s thumb and try his best to save this planet. These two young people met in the middle of the chaos, and left unforgettable impression on each other. When they bumped into each other second time, they couldn’t give each other more than a few memorable moments. But when a lie of ommision came out, Lennix didn’t want to have anything to do with Maxim anymore. But she didn’t predict that one of the things Maxim had inherited from his ruthless father was persistence to get what he wants.
This unique love story spans over many years, in which our characters are fulfilling their ambitions and getting successful. But they’re never far from each other’s thoughts. The chemistry that connects Lennix and Maxim is combustible. These two could easily melt your device with the heat they exude. I couldn’t get enough of them!
You need this book in your life. It’s view-changing, astounding and brilliant. Kennedy masterfully combined the beauty of romance with problems that are of world importance. The Kingmaker raises political and ethnicity issues, global warming and empowering women. Ryan uses her talent to make her readers aware of important matters, things that need to be spoken out loud and that need change. She also gives us beautifully written love story that’s captivating and unputdownable. There is no scale that can sufficiently rate this work of art.
Standing ovation, Kennedy.
I have closed the last page and still craving for more. The KingMaker was a story of an epic drama. It was engaging with rich story and beautiful history background. The KingMaker had challenged me to be more sensitive with my surrounding.
This book was a thought provoking story with the topic relaying cultural background of Native American. So beautiful and sad heartbreaking!
The author had created a beautiful love story between Maxim Cade and Lennix. It was passionated, thoughtful and full with dramas. This is the story where I craved the most. Ryan had me enchanted with her beautiful story telling each time.. My heart had swelled up to see the depth of the love. It didnt feel rush yess I love everything about Lennix and Maxim
I always know when Kennedy releases a book I need to be 100% ready to get blown away!
The Kingmaker was absolutely amazing. The issues that Kennedy intricately weaves into a mesmerizing story seriously blew me away. My heart was hurting for Lennix I cannot fathom what she went through in her life. And to know that this is really happening today in our society, it just hurts. Then you Maxim who you have to love to hate.
Oh and the angst..yeah off the damn charts! I can’t wait to see where this story goes!!
COULD.NOT.PUT.IT.DOWN!!!
I hate when LIFE gets in the way of my reading a fantastic book. It makes me rage-y. But alas I made it through. It might have been at 4:30 in the morning when I just couldn’t sleep b/c Lennix and Maxim were on my brain…..
I love that Kennedy writes such diverse characters. I love how she researches to make sure things are accurate. I love learning new cultures and new words, I had to ‘look up’ some of them. Authors expanding my vocab is a turn on.
The time jumps, kinda upset me. I know they are a necessary for character growth and I believe 100% these two needed it, but all I keep thinking about is a meme that I love from the movie UP where it basically says “I wish I met you sooner so I could love you longer”. While Lennix and Maxim did meet ‘sooner’ I wanted them to LOVE LONGER. If that makes sense.
Anyway, grab the book, carve out time so you don’t have to adult and put it down and get rage-y.
AHHHH!!! You guys!! Kennedy Ryan just dropped the boom mic heard ’round the world. The Kingmaker was absolutely incredible!! Maxim and Lennix were pure fiery intensity. Their story was so powerful and heartfelt that I felt every word straight down to my core. This novel was truly magnificent and is a gamechanger to be reckoned with!
Without giving away ANY spoilers, just know that like in every Kennedy Ryan book, I was spellbound from the very first page. I fell in love with Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter at first sight and knew that they were bothpowerful forces to be reckoned with. Their steadfast dedication to their passions and convictions were awe-inspiring. I loved them separately, but together they took my breath away. With every look and touch between them, I felt every chill and shiver. I loved their passion for one another and how their love and connection felt like it was a once in a lifetime kind of love that came right off the pages. The Kingmaker made me swoon and melt but also made me hold my breath when all seemed lost. I loved every word of this story and truly can’t wait until The Rebel King.
Overall, I am in awe of this story and this author’s immeasurable talent. This story was so emotional, riveting and gripping. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page and am now convinced that Ryan can not write a bad story. Her passionate heart and compassion for others comes out in her writing and we as readers are always better for it. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Holy WOW…that is not what I was expecting! I don’t know why I try to figure out where Kennedy Ryan is going in her books, because she always throws me way off course in the best ways. The Kingmaker is a must-read!!! Not just because of the ending (which I will not give away), but because Kennedy Ryan writes about things that matter and she writes about them in such a beautiful, sensitive way. When I read Kennedy’s books, I feel like my eyes have been opened and I have this urge to do more. Holy WOW…that is not what I was expecting! I don’t know why I try to figure out where Kennedy Ryan is going in her books, because she always throws me way off course in the best ways. The Kingmaker is a must-read!!! Not just because of the ending (which I will not give away), but because Kennedy Ryan writes about things that matter and she writes about them in such a beautiful, sensitive way. When I read Kennedy’s books, I feel like my eyes have been opened and I have this urge to do more.
Maxim and Lennix are so inherently good. They fight for what they believe in and don’t back down. Several times, I thought to myself, “These are the kind of people I want to surround myself with.” If only they were real. The world would be a much better place. The Kingmaker is truly incredible!
I knew nothing about the story before I started and I think that’s best. One thing I will tell you is to read the authors notes before starting the book. They are very important in setting the basis for the story. The research that has been done for this book is amazing. We get a history lesson without feeling like we are being lectured.
From the opening chapters I knew this was going to be special. The story spans a decade in the lives of Lennix and Maxim. Kennedy takes the reader on such an emotional journey the atmosphere makes you feel like you are there. There is a connection between the main characters that I felt in my bones. Yes there is a chemistry but it feels so much deeper than that. Soul mates can meet the right person at the wrong time in their lives and that is true of these two.
There is so much to this story, family, tradition and heritage play a huge part. Lennix is such a fierce young woman her fire and determination to fight for what she believes in is will have you want to stand shoulder to shoulder with her. In Maxim we have a hero who will make you swoon just as much as you will admire him.
When I start a Kennedy Ryan book I know I’m going to be entertained I am always swept into a new world. I can’t think of anyone who writes couples quite like this author. The whole story is an emotional feast for the soul. If this is your first book by this author where have you been. Her readers are in for a treat, book two can’t come quick enough for me.
Kennedy Ryan is a masterpiece writing, on purpose special type of author. Her stories regardless of the subject matter resonates in you leaving long lasting poetic effects. In other words the woman can rewrite the phone book and I’ll read it with the same type of urgency I read all her other stuff.
This is only book one of this amazing duet and I’m already enthralled with Lennix and Maxim and everything in their world. I literally paced myself reading this book because I didn’t want it to end. Lennix is tied right up there with Banner as my favorite female character Kennedy has ever written. The definition of a fierce, take no bs kind of woman. Lennix was proud and loud!!! She stood firm for what she believed in, her people and her heritage. I absolutely loved that. There was no pretense, no shying away to just fit in. No Lennix was (as I referenced Kennedy above) ON PURPOSE and beautifully so. She is #GOALS.
Can we discuss the beautiful specimen that is Maxim Cade please. Without giving too much away with one chivalrous action early on in this story he stole my heart. He embodied the term Alpha Male. Gorgeous with a helping heart, he is Lennix’s equal in every way possible.
Their love language was so in tune with each other’s, at times I almost felt like an intruder reading about their story it just seem so personal. Not only was their sexual chemistry off the charts but their mental and emotional connection sky rocketed through the depths of the universe. These two were just perfect harmony.
I always say Kennedy’s writing is so real and raw. Her detail to fact checking and accuracy as a reader I will always appreciate. Her stories though fiction hold so much truth and promise to it. Promise of a message and self reflection. Of beautiful teachings and simply put an amazing story. I can’t wait for book two, that cliffhanger has me impatiently waiting. Amazing job Miss Ryan you once again DID! THAT!
Thinking about this book and how I felt reading the opening chapters of the story gives me goose bumps.
Kennedy has gone and done it again. When I begin one of her stories, I know I’ll be taken on a special journey. She has a gift for pushing the boundary of romance novels, exploring important and sensitive issues, and turning them into a compelling narrative that we need to hear in a story arc that provokes understanding. Her writing is pure gold and this story is utterly stunning. About hope, loss, pride, ambition, heritage, and love, with courageous and strong characters, characters with flaws, and characters whom readers may love to hate.
I was lucky enough to read a beta copy and I’ve got to tell you, Kennedy Ryan hooked me in within the first few pages, immersed me in the Heroine’s world so I felt completed invested and then showed me her gorgeous and principle driven Hero. I was excited at the prospect and potential of this provocative story from literally the opening pages. It felt special. Kennedy takes you to the places you need to go with each of her stories, fearlessly, with courage and complete conviction about the subject she chooses to explore.
In the first book of, “All The King’s Men,” she achieves this with truth, heart, and soul and weaves her prose through a thought-provoking world. The story arc has absolutely everything! I cannot even tell you what because the pivotal moments that shape the story simply need to be uncovered by the reader as they experience each turn of the page. It is layered with emotion, charisma and passion all richly depicted with beauty and written with Kennedy’s usual effortless style and class. The Hero and Heroine have power in their passion, their friendship and their chemistry. I felt it, believed it and want the world for them
When I first read Kennedy Ryan’s My Soul To Keep, I knew she’s a different kind of romance author. I gave her my soul with the very first tear I cried for one scene she described beautifully between a mother and daughter.
Through out her next books after that, Kennedy’s way of writing is nothing less than magic.
Her words are strong.
Her stories are pushing the boundaries.
Her characters are smart, strong, beautifull in their own rights, and won’t let be unheard or unseen.
She is a force to be see, hear and reckon in the world of romance.
And this book say it all.
The King Maker is one of the most anticipated release that just a must read. I don’t even need to read the blurb. I surrender my soul long ago and trust Kennedy to keep it and nourish it with her words. And I have never ever been let down.
The King Maker is captivating from the first page. The sense of magical of a sacred night in a long forgotten ways of live of the native Indian, the way Kennedy describe it…. I can feel it. It surround me like air I breath. That is how strong her words are for me.
And then how she talks about the represife way the American do/done to the native, yes it’s heartbroken. I read the Trail of Tears history once and still feel the fear, tears, loss and just the despair of that time. And Kennedy bring it out in this romance book and not just as a background story, I still have that tears for the people who’s being castaways from their home. But more important, I think, Kennedy Ryan words in King Maker makes me want to stand up and say enough! Hear us! See us!
I think that’s the thing that makes Kennedy Ryan’s words are stronger. Her words makes impact. Her words written in romance books that are use to be seeing with judgie eyes, have truth to be see and hear and have impact.
I have never been prouder to be a romance reader as ever after reading Kennedy Ryan’s books.
This book was amazing! I had no doubt it would be, but wow! I love that I learn something new about social issues from reading her books! I truly loved learning about Lennix’s background. I loved learning about those Native American customs.
I loved Maxim too! He faced off with his family to make his own way. I felt like I learned from his point of view also.
Their chemistry was off the charts! I can’t wait to read the ending to their story. Now, we wait!!! Trying to wait patiently? Well… you will see.
This is Kennedy at her best.
Exceptional, Outstanding, Superb, Magnificent, Epic…… I’m sure there’s more to describe ATKM
The research to produce this book is evident throughout.
As we come to expect from Kennedy it has all the feels; love, laughter, heartache, heartbreak, trepidation and yet totally grounding……and it’s a given we all love the steamy hotness.
Lennix is so strong in her pursuit to make sure her native history is protected, and never forgotten. Yet she faces many obstacles, much disappointment and heartache along the way.
Maxim wanting to pave his own way in life, not what his father is hoping for, with clashes and disappointments causing tension.
Lennix and Maxim are thrown together in extreme circumstances, a path is carved out for what’s to come next.
This is a story of two people drawn together, but the timings are all wrong.
And so begins this agonising journey of secrets, mistakes and missed opportunities, enriched with native American history.
Part One blew me away, bring on part Two…… The Rebel King, we are waiting.
Diverse Books. I am thankful for Lennix’s ethnicity. I don’t do blurbs and teasers up to reading so I had no actual idea of her native heritage. I’m seriously amazed at Kennedy’s thoughtfulness and care. And not just the norm of diversity either. Putting all characters of all walks of life and color in a romance. It’s life changing inspiration we are witnessing in this book.
Maxim is smart, brilliant really; he has a want for life. They have ambition. They have passion before “love passion”! That Kennedy somehow weaved in to this story that you have to make something of yourself and see in your mind’s eye YOUR best self before expecting your partner to see it. They may know you’re destined, but you have the right to do it first. This speaks to me on a cellular level. I’m in no way Lennix’s heritage and ethnic background, but she is me in her zest for life and want for a better future.
The third main character in The Kingmaker is our earth and environment. Don’t be scared that it’s preachy or trying to loosen your grip on your water bottle. Kennedy is seeking to provide you knowledge and the information to make your own choices that will leave a better future for your kids, nieces, nephews and beyond. But this is still a romance and pure Kennedy Ryan wordsmithery.
She tackles subjects in race, heritage, politics and life to reach every aspect of each person on the planet we call home. She does this in a way you will appreciate and hopefully acknowledge as making you more self aware.