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.
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Kennedy Ryan is one of my go to authors. Love, love, love her. Her dedication to researching a topic is second to none in my opinion and her writing is so beautiful. That being said, I liked this read, but I simply did not feel the connection between the two MC’s. I wanted to, I liked them both, but found their connection wasn’t 100% there. At least for me. I am however looking forward to reading the conclusion to see how their journey plays out. 3.5 stars.
Kennedy Ryan’s writing, once again, captures the human experience and paints it in all of its necessary colors, in her newest release, The Kingmaker, examining the idea as well as proving that the world is not solely black and white…that there’s an in-between where life is messy, difficult, but also rewarding, and it’s that area between where decisions are both provoked and promoted, depending on one’s role in society and the gains or losses that can be accrued.
Timing seems to always be an issue when the hero and heroine, Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter, cross paths, because of the positions that they both are in due to their backgrounds, familial obligations, as well as their perceptions of the world; the reality of their lives is not easily overcome regardless of how much they want it to be, partly due to the extenuating circumstances that seem to divide them no matter how much they don’t want them to. But what’s also made abundantly clear is that while each situation doesn’t allow them to fully examine/explore the intense feelings they have for each other, the connection these two share is a living and breathing part of both of them, which is why it remains steadfast, why it still grows and expands with every interaction/connection, making what they have very much a risk worth taking…if only it was that easy and only their decision.
Both characters want to evoke change, to be someone who changes the world and the people around them for the better; that’s what continually drives them, pushing themselves every step of the way for the good of mankind. And while their methods and even their financial situations differ greatly, when Lennix and Maxim’s personality is stripped bare to only the most essential traits that they have, it’s clear that they complement each other extremely well, indicating just how natural a relationship between them would be if their circumstances were different.
The diversity of the subjects explored as well as the depth of Kennedy Ryan’s authentic characters allow readers to gain insight into matters of importance – those of the heart, the mind, the soul, and the body. And while, there will always be a learning curve when it comes to understanding people’s actions and rationalizing why people do what they do, the fact that Ryan elicits those necessary conversations, serving as a mouthpiece for social injustices and the need for diversity in all areas and aspects of life. Through her chosen medium of books, she explores those social topics that urgently require action and begins the process through her writing for her readers to understand the process of acquiring the necessary knowledge for change.
Her stories are character-driven in a way that no two couples are alike; each hero and heroine are their own people; there’s nothing cookie cutter about them. They are uniquely them in every sense of the word and that’s why it’s so easy to be captivated by Ryan’s books…she seems to have the pulse on what matters…on what needs to be explored and discussed so that readers understand the magnitude of these situations and feel resolved to bring focus to ways to solve these issues instead of creating new ones due to apathy and prejudice.
The Kingmaker explores the idea of passionate pursuits, both in life and in love, and through her characters’ drive, perseverance, and intelligence, Kennedy Ryan truly captures the human spirit and what can occur as long as obstacles can be overcome and life can be lived on their terms and no one else’s.
I’m dying to get my hands on book 2!!
5+ Poison Apples
When I first started reading this book, honestly, I wasn’t feeling it because its different than what I prefer to read. There’s times when I nearly give up reading this book (like 20% in, I know, that’s unfair). But I pushed through and I’m glad I did.
This was very different than what I’ve ever read from Kennedy before. This was truly EXCEPTIONAL! That’s one way I could describe this. It has different aspects of reality and what we’re concern with right now, political, the environments, diversity, you name it. It’s not just about love between two people spanning for more than 10 years. It is so much more than that.
Seriously, you guys need to read this! I can’t wait for the continuation to this duet!
Consuming….
Amazing story…..check
Wonderful characters…..check
Fantastic writing….. check
Consuming…..double check
This is one of those stores that you can’t get enough of. These characters, Lennix and Maxium, they are totally made for each other. Their story is one of those that absorbs you, has your heart tingling and you become obsessed with them.
We got through years with them, somehow they seem to come back to each other. They can’t fight the pull. Their story is raw and exciting and I am not wait to see what happens next. So excited for the next book!
*Review By Michele
Consuming….
Amazing story…..check
Wonderful characters…..check
Fantastic writing….. check
Consuming…..double check
This is one of those stores that you can’t get enough of. These characters, Lennix and Maxium, they are totally made for each other. Their story is one of those that absorbs you, has your heart tingling and you become obsessed with them.
We got through years with them, somehow they seem to come back to each other. They can’t fight the pull. Their story is raw and exciting and I am not wait to see what happens next. So excited for the next book!
Even at the age of 17, Lennix is a fierce, passionate, and compassionate woman. She’s an activist. She’s drowning in her grief. It’s while in the middle of a protest, in all her fierce glory, that a wolf in sheep’s clothing named Maxim sees her and fixates on her. Neither knows it at the time, but this chance meeting will change both their lives.
Years later after their initial meeting, after they’d spent a week together falling headlong into lust, they’re reunited when Lennix agrees to take on Maxim’s brother as a client. She is The Kingmaker and Owen needs her if he wants to win the Presidential race. Yep. But she has conditions for Owen, one of which is that she will not be Maxim’s handler. She’s moved beyond his lie but it doesn’t mean she wants to spend any time with the man who tore her heart to pieces. So she’ll do her best to avoid him as much as possible, and Maxim will just have to accept that she doesn’t want him in her life.
But this is the man who once told her, “When I want something, really want something, I’ll do whatever I have to until I have it.”
Thus sets the rest of the story, where Maxim does his level best to get Nix to give him a second chance. If you wanna know if she does, download your own copy. Just be prepared for an intense, riveting, seriously out of the box story that has it all – powerful, amazing characters (all of them, not just our hero and heroine), chemistry in spades, and yes, unfortunately, a freaking doozy of a cliffhanger!
Damn…I am really not sure I can wait until next month for the conclusion to Lennix and Maxim’s story! I absolutely fell in love with this fascinating couple and having to wait the three or so weeks until the conclusion releases just may kill me.
I am so incredibly blown away by Kennedy Ryan’s eloquent, emotive and passionate writing. The Kingmaker was my introduction to Kennedy Ryan’s writing and I can quite easily say that Kennedy’s writing is some of my absolute favourite! I instantly connected with her style of writing and am so desperate for The Rebel King.
The Kingmaker is a thought provoking novel that addresses important environmental and societal change issues that we face every day. These important issues were addressed in a respectful and truthful way that had me up late at night thinking about what we should be doing to change our world. For me the bigger the impact a book has on your everyday life, the more incredible it is!
The character and plot development of The Kingmaker was impeccable. Both characters are incredibly strong and independent people who knew what was important in life, and were both activists who weren’t afraid to stand up for they believed in.
The Kingmaker was a profoundly unique read that changed me and I’m so excited to see the direction this duet takes.
I absolutely love this womans words!!! I don’t care what she writes I would read it!! And this book was and is one that needed to be written and it is so important that I almost feel it should be an high school requirement book. This book was especially special to me as my family’s background stems from a direct line of Native Indian and I love seeing that being recognized and appreciated in the ways she does and with as much respect also. Then lest get to her characters Lennix is so fierce and strong and I love her. There is only one man that would be capable of handling her and that is Maxim. But can they ever get it on the right time,right place kinda thing. And what a way to leave us all hanging. I can’t wait for book two and I’m so glad it’s less than a month away!!!! 5 stars is no where near enough for this book!!!! By Tina
I was very fortunate to be an early reader for The Kingmaker and I’m so excited that it’s now out in the world and readers are seeing how special it is.
I can’t seem to stop thinking about the characters; I felt so invested in their stories. The heartache, the conflicts, the hope and longing, lust and love had me all up in my feelings (I had some strong feelings about some things, y’all) and I felt like I read it in record time –I couldn’t put it down.
And while this is definitely a KENNEDY RYAN book stylistically and pacing wise, I love that she keeps us on our toes with new characters and conflicts and new things to consider when it comes to our world and those who inhabit it, the choices they make, and how we feel about those choices.
From the very first read to the most recent one, I’ve been thinking about these characters…wondering what Kennedy has in store for them in the second book. ETA–I’ve finished book two and just you wait, you guys, JUST.YOU.WAIT. This series is one of the best of the year and I can see from all of the love The Kingmaker is getting, that you all agree.
This magnificent story is one you need to read, Lennix and Maxim meet as teens, then they face each other again, 10 years have to pass for their story to really begin. This book will captivate you like no other, you will find characters like no other, they are both strong and determined. The story is compelling, you can’t stop reading nor you’ll want to. It’s so well developed that you will feel every emotion. I just need to keep on reading the next one. This book is so good I am starting on the audiobook as soon as I can get it, because I just need to reread everything again, it’s so good. A top read list for sure, it’s one book that will change you in ways you never expected. A book story that will carry onto your everyday life, changing your perception of the world and the people you meet. A perfect masterpiece.
The Kingmaker is the first book in the All The King’s Men duet by Kennedy Ryan, and let me tell you if you have read her books you know what can expect and if you havent i dont know what are you waiting!! She writes the most amazing stories and this one is not the exception.
This is the story of two persons who are strong and younger they set their mind in their goals to the future and that was be the best in their job.
Lennix and Maxim meet the first time when she is just a 17 years old girl, when she start fighting for the people she loves and you can feel ther chemistry in that moment, but because she is young Maxim doesnt do anything.
They find each other again in the future, and they have a great week together, but some stuff happened and they go separate ways, when they find again they are more mature and in a great place in their future but there are so many things between them that Lennix is not sure she cant start something with him again, but Maxim always gets what he wants so he wont give up.
If you want to know what happen to them? if they can have their relationship work or they will take their own path you need to read this book ASAP!! and dont worry the second one is coming soon!!
Kennedy is the queen of this kind of book, honestly she is the best!!
Oh my gosh! This book. This book is made of awesome. It’s so good I want to go back to the beginning and start over again straight away. But I also want the next book right now. So it’s a toss-up for sure.
Ryan said she got inspiration for this story from the TV show Scandal. And I can definitely see that. However, The Kingmaker is more like Scandal on steroids. Lennix is a strong woman in almost every sense of the world. She knows who she is. She knows where she’s going. And she definitely knows how to get there.
Maxim is strong, too, mostly he’s very strong-willed. He also knows who hie is and where he’s going. But he also knows who he wants. And he’s willing to wait for her to be completely ready for him.
There is political intrigue, native women who are fighting for their tribal rights, and there is a heart-wrenching romance, too. There is incredible female friendship, and I think the way Kimba and Lennix not only met and became friends, but how they also started working together show how women building each other up can make absolutely everything better.
I know I’ve said a lot. But I promise I haven’t spoiled anything. Make sure you pre-order both The Kingmaker and The Rebel King right now. I am sure you will love this story as much as I did.
In true Kennedy Ryan fashion, The Kingmaker is a heartfelt and powerful read. The romance between Lennix and Maxim is intense and steamy. The connection between them was undeniable and had me cheering for them from the beginning.
Lennix and Maxim are fierce and passionate in everything they do. They are inspirations when it comes to fighting for what you believe in and standing up for those who need it. Books like this are why I love to read romance. Not only was my heart opened and affected by The Kingmaker, but so were my eyes. I didn’t realize there was this hidden epidemic of crimes against Native women. After reading The Kingmaker, I was inspired to do some of my own research and realized the difficulties around these crimes with jurisdiction and investigation are very real.
The Kingmaker does end on a heck of a cliffhanger, so I am anxiously awaiting for The Rebel King to be released in a few weeks!
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
No!
No!
No!
My heart is torn to shreds and my mind is blown but my soul seeks closure and happiness in a way I’ve never experienced while reading!
This book touched parts of me I never knew existed so deeply, the discrimination throughout tilted my world to the point I’m not sure what way is up and my heart wants to find solace in the fact this was such a huge subject that’s laid buries for no other reason than it effects a minority that’s been skirted over for centuries.
I commend Kennedy Ryan for having such an huge heart and writing both Lennix and Maxim in roles that opened the door to these subjects while still
Maintaining the seriousness but also entwined with a love story of epic proportions.
I’m ready for book 2 anytime now
New from Kennedy Ryan!!
Alpha Male + Alpha Female
Passion spanning 4 continents & 20 years
2 fighter-dreamers determined to change the world!
Enemies-to-Lovers + Second Chance romance
This book punched me in the gut. There hasn’t been a Kennedy Ryan book that I have not read in one day and this was no exception. I binge read this story because I had to know what happened. Their love story kept me on the edge of my seat, will they or won’t they make it!? As it drew near the end, I knew she would leave us on a cliffhanger, but I didn’t realize how much of one. I need the next book NOW. I can’t wait for Maxim to come in and throw down. Every KR book is emotionally draining, so I knew what I was getting going in. Loved this book and can’t wait for the conclusion!
5 PASSIONATE STARS!!!
An incredibly well-written and unforgettable story of love and pursuing your passion. This is the tale of what happens when the two interesect. The author continues to pen story’s that you think about long after finishing the last word. PHENOMENAL!!!
Lennix is a Native American woman who has always believed in fighting for the rights of the people who have been forgotten. The people who needed a voice to protect their culture and traditions. Her dedication was admirable. Her passion bled through the pages. She would not be silenced.
Maxim may have been born into wealth and privilege but he did not share his family’s ideals. His father was an oil tycoon. He is ruthless and takes without regard for the people he hurts. His oil pipelines destroy community’s and steal land. All Maxim wanted was a life of his own and to discover alternative clean energy sources. He wanted to save our planet from climate change and become a green energy innovator.
Maxim and Lennix cross paths several times while they grow up and live their dream jobs. They have never forgotten one another. They connect on a deeper level and it draws them together. However, Maxim has kept a big secret.
Such a well-developed storyline with amazingly strong characters. Both Lennix and Maxim are incredibly driven. They each had a dream to pursue and nothing was going to derail that. Their accomplishments did not come without sacrifice. However, a love like theirs transcends time and distance. And that ending…I am counting the days until book two!!!
I’m in love with this author’s writing and this book is no exception. Lennix and Maxim are so real, the locations so lush, the love so visceral! It’s an unputdownable, once-in-a-lifetime, epic story of love that will make you want to change the world. I cannot recommend this book enough.
I have never needed this much time after reading a story to recover enough to write a review. Kennedy Ryan is THE goddess of words. And there is not and never will be anothe epic story like The Kingmaker. She has rendered me speechless. My brain is completely useless now as I am trying to make sense of this mess of chaotic emotions inside me. Let’s not try to bind my feelings with pretty adjectives because intense, angsty, mindblowing, surreal, out of this world, genius and masterpiece all are falling short to describe this story.
I am seriously having difficulty finding words. Maxim and Lennix embodies everything I love about this book world. This book is addressing diversity, inclusion ,equality and human rights through a heartwarming and soul wrecking romance like never before. And it takes immense courage and conviction to write a story like this. I bow down to the queen because Kennedy Ryan deserves all the applauds possible. She writes words dripped in raw honesty and unadulterated passion. They attacked my heart and I surrendered so willingly. This is NOT writing. This is sorcery. This is pure brilliance and hundred percent talent. The emotions running through the pages are unapologetically brutal, intense and soul deep. The characters are unique. The story line is unique. Nothing is mundane and simple about this story.
Again I am having a hard time to describe the characters. Maxim and Lennix starts their journey in this book young and they evolve all through it. Maxim is perfect. He is a man you look at with adoration, respect and lust. All together. He made a name for himself outside the manipulating, conniving and immoral Cade family empire. And he did so by believing in his vision of changing the planet for better. His dedication, determination, devotion and passion is something to be awed by. And Lennix is right there with him when it comes to me respecting and adoring. Coming for a background of disadvantage, oppression and violated rights, this fierce woman has broke all boundaries and defeated all road blocks by sheer confidence and self belief. She is pure woman power with the need for fighting for justice running in her veins. And they clash and collide and mesh in this breathtaking saga . Kennedy Ryan will take you through this exquisite journey through time and space where lies, deceit, anger, connection, desire and need will battle it out violently and the outcome is no where to be seen. The connection between Maxim and Lennix will tear your heart. Because it is so beautiful, so poetic, so heartbreaking, so desperate and so impossible. They are enemies, passing ships in the sea and on the other sides. But they are also partners and fighters in this war which is larger than their relationship. What they have is beyond sex and passion. I have been holding breaths, cursing silently, wiping tears and calming my palpitations all through it.
Some stories claim a piece of my heart permanently. The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan has permeated my heart and soul. And the words will never leave me. The journey has just began and I cannot wait to see what is in store for me in second and final book. And now I can tell you with conviction. THE KINGMAKER IS THE TOP READ OF 2019 FOR ME.
Received ARC for Honest review
4.5 stars!
I feel like every time I have to describe a Kennedy Ryan book the words powerful, thought provoking and passionate always come to mind. It’s no different with The Kingmaker. This book is an incredibly well written, addictive journey with a fiercely strong heroine and a sexy as hell hero.
Lennix and Maxim’s have an epic up and down romance that spans over 14 years. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their back and forth dialogue is both smart and sexy. I could feel their intense passion for one another in my soul.
That being said, it’s Lennix and Maxim’s individual fights for their beliefs and their causes that made me admire them more than words can say.
I was drawn in from the very beginning because of the heroine, Lennix Moon Hunter. Fierce heroines are my weakness (the good kind of weakness). Kennedy Ryan has once again given us a spectacular female who is not afraid to go after what she wants. Her loyalty to her culture and to the important people in her life makes me want to be her best friend. She does everything with a drive, compassion and some sass. I just love her.
I don’t want to ignore Maxim because I can’t help but love him as well. Like total swoons and heart eyes over here. He is wickedly smart and a game changer in his field. Determined to make it on his own despite his father. Like Lennix, he knows what he wants and will go after it. As I said above, he’s sexy as hell.
These two together is red hot. They so perfect for one another. They make each other stronger.
I absolutely LOVE that Kennedy Ryan is willing to tackle social and cultural injustices with her stories. She brings topical and important issues to the forefront. Then proceeds to handle everything with well researched information and sensitivity. Honestly, I’m in awe of her brilliance.
The Kingmaker is a breathtaking, angsty, poignant, emotional, steamy read that I did not want to put down. I can’t wait to continue Maxim and Lennix’s story in The Rebel King. In the mean time, I can’t recommend this one enough.