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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Lennix Moon Hunter is another thought provoking and strong woman brought to life by Kennedy Ryan. I’m always impressed with her character development. And Lenn….or Nix, depending on who’s calling her, is a complex and charismatic girl. The more I learn the more curious I become…she is an incredible person. I’m awed by her intensity and her passion.
I love that once again Kennedy Ryan is opening my eyes to the world around me. I am ashamed that I can tell you I’m 1/64th Native American but can’t tell you what tribe. Lennix Moon fights for her heritage, her people, and her beliefs.
Some of her beliefs may not be fully embraced by others but she is not going to be swayed. That includes sharing a piece of herself…
Can I fangirl here!?! Just wow! Their connections is both intense and scary. Scary because it is just incredible and neither one can “afford” it right now. Their plans won’t take a backseat to a relationship. It’s all about their careers even at so young an age.
The Kingmaker pulled me and then took me on a dangerous journey all around the world. What it couldn’t do though was take my hope! (Don’t worry Nix, I have enough even for your hidden heart!)
With an ending that makes you want to scream, I’m dying to see The Rebel King react. It’s a declaration of war. I can’t wait to be in his court ready to take orders!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Holy crap! This book… this book… I can’t. I don’t even know if I can find the word for this book. I’m going to try but I literally am ripped to shreds right now.
The girl who chased stars… We meet Maxim and Lennix when they’re young and full of ideas. They’re passionate about the people they want to become and the changes they want to make in the world. Seriously – these characters are going to inspire you. They are going to make you question what you’ve done with your own life. They’re going to make you take a second and wonder what you can do to better this world we live in.
I read The King Maker within the time frame of 24 hours and I was completely ripped apart and put back together again MULTIPLE TIMES by these amazing characters Kennedy Ryan created! She put these characters through SO MUCH! My heart could not handle everything she threw at them! SO MUCH! It was such a delicious sweet burn when these characters connected but oh the heart-ache and misery you will go through with them on this journey…
And we’re only halfway there. This ia duet and the second book, The Rebel King, comes out in a couple of weeks. I seriously don’t know if I can survive anymore. HOW MUCH MORE CAN THESE CHARACTERS TAKE!? I say this, but please know I’ll be staying up all night as soon as The Rebel King hit my kindle.
I need to know what happens to Lennix and Maxim. You will too. These are characters that are going to stay with you for a long time after.
Be prepared for the biggest book hangover you’ve ever had.
The thing about Kennedy Ryan’s books is that they transcend categorization. You can’t label them solely as romance novels because they are more than that. They are more than women’s fiction. They are more than fictional tales.
They are more.
In Kingmaker, the first of her All The King’s Men duet, Ryan explores climate change and Native American rights, educating you on both in a way that makes you feel smarter. She also broadens your empathy and reduces your ignorance by a notch or two. Let’s just say that I became acutely aware of my privilege as I read about the struggles of Lennix and her people to keep and protect what is theirs. I don’t know if I’ll give up celebrating Thanksgiving, but I’ll try and be less proprietary about it.
You’re likely here for the romance, though, and Kennedy Ryan delivers. Maxim is a delicious hero. You don’t always like him, but you cheer for him. You want him to convince Lennix that he is a good man, one who will stand by her and support her and love her, for Lennix deserves nothing less. (I’ll admit that there were times when I wanted Lennix to cut him a break, but her defiance was good for him.)
This book ends with a cliffhanger, and it is a DOOZY. I gasped, and then I cursed Kennedy Ryan’s name. She ends with a scream and then expects you to wait for the sequel. I don’t care if it’s a day or a week, whatever the wait, it’s too long.
The pacing isn’t always consistent, and sometimes I felt a little lost in all the information being delivered, but I loved the story. I loved Lennix and Maxim, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I really liked how the story took us back to the very first meeting of these two. This is more like a third chance romance, and Kennedy Ryan showed us what happened at every meeting. Really glad she did it this way instead of showing us in flashbacks. I felt like I got to know and understand the characters better this way. These two are intense together and very strong on their own. I’m excited to see what happens next!
I really enjoyed this a lot. I’m giving this 4.5 out of 5 stars. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book. The summary while intriguing was kind of vague in my opinion, which was probably a good thing. This book hit the ground running, and never let up. There were three parts, and each included a time jump. I think part two was my favorite, but it was hard to pick, because the entire book was great.
I loved both Maxim (Doc) and Lennix (Nix). Maxim was an absolute snack, and while in real life, I doubt I’d be attracted to a man like him, I’m all for it in a fantasy world. He will definitely be going on my book boyfriend list. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that Lennix has had to deal with a lot in her life. I loved how strong she was, and also the instant connection these two had. I wouldn’t say it was instalove, but they were drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. I enjoyed some of the side characters, like Kimba, as well. However there were some that were prominent in the first couple parts, but then disappeared in the third. I hope they make a reappearance soon.
One thing to note was the age gap; they’ve got 7 years difference between them. I don’t mind, but if that’s not your cup of tea, you might want to skip this duet. I will be impatiently waiting to get my hands on the final book in the duet after the ending in this book. The only reason I’m not rating this 5 stars was that it was a little preachy (for a lack of a better word) at moments about a topic Maxim was interested in. I wasn’t expecting that, and while I didn’t mind it overall, it was a little much sometimes. But regardless, I still loved this book so much!
OMG! The blurb to this book is EVERYTHING! Check this bad boy out!
If you love…
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 is for you!
Kennedy Ryan somehow takes a love story and weaves it into poetry every time. I was blown away by Lennix and Maxim’s journey but even more, I was so impressed with the background of this story. I learned many things about the Native American culture that I had no clue about and found myself moved to tears almost immediately. This book is powerful with characters so compelling, I had a hard time putting it down. I was literally trying to read as fast as I could, wanting to know what happened next, while dreading the moment it would be over. I can’t say anything more that so many others haven’t already said beautifully. It was just brilliant and I’m counting down the days until I can get book two in my hands.
Ah yes, every single book that Kennedy puts out will ALWAYS be on highly-anticipated list. The Kingmaker is here and I just about devoured it. I love that Kennedy always writes about topics that NEED to be brought to everyone’s attention. And she always makes her main characters fight for their love. But the push and pull got to me more than I hoped it would.
I truly connected with Lennix about EVERYTHINGGGGGG that she’s fighting for. I’m Native Hawaiian and well there’s a lot of similarities about we’re currently and constantly fighting for. And we’ll never stop fighting for what’s ours. I loved that Kennedy did it justice and all the research she took on about the Natives.
I loved that these two share so much passion for the things they believe in and that they’re willing to put in all the effort to see them through. Even though their connection was instant, it felt real and raw to me.
As for the romance part of this one, I couldn’t quite get behind the reason that Lennix had for the time apart between her and Maxim. I understood up to a point, which it then became frustrating for me to understand. I’m even nervous to speak out about that because I know I’ll be in the minority.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this read and I’m definitely invested. I wishhhhh this wasn’t a duet because with my past history of reading them and not enough content for a second book, but after that ending I have a feeling Kennedy is going to give us WAYYYYYYY more than we bargained for.
Thank goodness we don’t have to wait long for the conclusion, I’m so ready for it!
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM SOCIAL BUTTERFLY PR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**
I LOVE Kennedy’s writing! An epic second chance romance you don’t want to miss! <3
To say that I loved this book is an understatement, I adored it. The way this author infuses the most amazing, beautiful love stories with such important social issues is both jaw dropping and awe inspiring.
Maxim and Lennix are everything. Oh, this couple! Their fierceness, their fire, their principles, their passion for life, and for each other is incredible. It’s palpable and intoxicating and just leaps from the pages. Not to mention, their first kiss was the most wonderful, pleasurable, toe curling description of a kiss I’ve ever read.
“If a kiss has a color, this one is the muted shades of the sky overhead, a ménage à trois of midnight and indigo and moonshine silver. If a kiss has a sound, this one is the concert of our breaths and sighs and moans”
Ms Ryan’s gorgeous descriptive language throughout is simply sublime. The story itself is deep and multilayered and I couldn’t put it down. Yes it’s a wonderful love story but it’s also deeply moving. An education in cultural heritage and in the environmental and historical impact that industry has, not just in the planet but on the customs and traditions of certain societies, it’s delivered in a sensitive way which is both informative and enlightening. It was emotional and heartbreaking at times, yet it infused me with a sense of pride for those fighting injustice. It made me want to stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they faced down those who would take everything from them without thought to the consequences of their actions.
This couple may come from very different backgrounds but each have a driving need to change the world for the better in their own unique way. They are kindred spirits, crusaders, warriors, and I loved them both. Needless to say, it’s a must read, and I’m counting the days until Rebel King is here. I suspect, however, that I’m never going to get my fill of these characters and their touching and thought provoking story.
I need help…. I need rescue for real…. I’m not to ready to make fool of myself. HOW me aka not-english woman could write accurate review for Queen Kennedy and HER Kingmaker?
There are no words, even in my original language to describe perfection of this story… Lennix and Her King ???? I want to say so much, but I still feeling…. speachless. I can just stare on the wall and pray, that time will pass by quickly because I NEED, I WANT DESPERATELY another book of this duet.
Mrs Kennedy Ryan prooved again that she is one of the best authors of this days! The Kingmaker is BEAUTIFUL, but as every Kennedy’s book It’s not only about love… This author created romance for Lennix and Maxim of course BUT with deeply emotional and breathtaking story in the background… about lot of imortant things IN OUR REAL LIVES, not only this bookish ones. She mixed everyting in such an wonderful way… WOW just wow !!! The Kingmaker made me feel proud that I’m a woman, that I love to read …. love stories like this Kennedy’s ones, because it really matter. EVERY event in The Kingmaker happen because of important reasons, every heartbreak, every tear is worth to fall dawn. You will see when You’ll read this book… I don’t want to say nothing more.
Lennix and Maxim gave me hard times, can’t lie HOWEVER in the same moment they healed my heart by Kennedy’s “hands”. Her writting about them is outstanding !!!
Hands down people The Kingmaker is Kennedy Ryan at the finest.
GRAB YOUR COPY if You will got a chance for that!
The Kingmaker is another profoundly unique read from Kennedy Ryan. I love the care and attention to detail Ms. Ryan always brings to her writing, and it’s never been more evident than in this book. You just have to read the author’s note to see she doesn’t take lightly her responsibility to get the story right.
With Lennix and Maxim, Ms. Ryan takes us on a journey that I won’t soon forget. A truly captivating story with such engaging characters. Lennix is so strong and fierce, so purposeful in her convictions- if I had children, she is who I’d want them to look up to and emulate. Maxim, born into wealth and privilege, yet so resolute in his determination to do better, to be better, than the life his father wants for him. And when these two get together, woah!
As opposite as Lennix and Maxim appear to be on the surface, deep down they’re more alike than not. Both on a quest to save the world, to make it a better place, in their own unique ways. And in turn, they make me want to do better, to be better. I think that’s a hallmark of Ms. Ryan’s writing as well- the reader can’t help but be, if not changed, at least influenced, by her words.
Because this is a Kennedy Ryan book, and she’s one of my Queens of Angst, I have to admit, I was expecting this book to be a lot *heavier* than it was- I was “prepared” for the heaviness, the heartache, the angst. And I was surprised when I made it through the book with my heart pretty much intact. That’s not to say that this book doesn’t deal with some heavy issues, because it definitely does! And that’s not to say that my heart was completely free from hurt- because it definitely wasn’t! (Cue that cliffhanger!) But this actually felt like a, dare I say, lighter read than most of Ms. Ryan’s books. And I hope by saying that you don’t think I’m taking away from the issues this story confronts, societal and personal, because I’m so not! But there’s just a feeling I got with this book that was different than just about every other book of hers, and that’s not a bad thing at all! It’s why she’s one of my very favorite authors, and an automatic one-click.
NEW from the queen herself — Kennedy Ryan! I love this woman’s writing so much!
Alpha Male + Alpha Female
Passion spanning 4 continents & 20 years
2 fighter-dreamers determined to change the world!
Enemies-to-Lovers + Second Chance romance
I don’t even know where to start with this book, Kennedy Ryan just blew my mind. And then my heart to bits. The opening of The Kingmaker was harrowing and just a tease of all I would be put through while reading.
I loved Lennix. Her strength. Her voice. Her will to not be held down or back. Even at a young age she knew who she was, what she wanted, what she wouldn’t stand for. And while taking a stand, she came face, to bleary eyed, face with the man who would change to course of her life. Maxim. Strong willed and determined in his own right. Hellbent on not becoming like his father. Itching to learn to improve the future for everyone. He was stunned stupid by Lennix. And then he learned her age.
A surprise second chance years later was something neither expected or even had time for in their lives. But they couldn’t stay away. The pull was too strong. The chemistry unquestionable. The conversation deep and meaningful. And then life happened. Again and again and again these two were pulled together only to be pushed apart. But this time would be different. Neither had a chance. They couldn’t escape to an adventure of hide behind fear. They would be forced into each others world. Maybe, hopefully, the third time would be the charm for Maxim and Lennix to get it right…
Kennedy Ryan swept me away with the beauty and brutality within the pages. I love how she writes strong formidable leading ladies. How she gives them a voice. Makes us see them. Hear them. Feel them. My emotions were all over the map while reading The Kingmaker. I went from hurt to fearful to frustrated to angry to hopeful in the span of a few chapters. And that ending…holy heart stopping! I NEED the conclusion to Lennix and Maxim’s tale…yesterday!
Kennedy Ryan is my one-click author ! Her books shed light to sensitive social issues, bring out serious awareness, and she’s always done it through thorough research, subject interviews, carefully crafted stories, and woven them all together with her impressive creative writing skills. The Kingmaker, the first of the All the King’s Men duet, is no exception ! And I’m delighted to say it has exceeded all my expectations (and when it comes to KR’s books, they are HIGH!)
We’ll get to meet two outstanding individuals in this duet, an American Indian young woman (Lennix Moon Hunter) and a trust-fund golden boy (Maxim Kingsman Cade). You can imagine there couldn’t be any more different in their backgrounds, yet they are both ambitious, driven, focused, and absolutely passionate for the causes they believe in. Their chemistry is off-the-charts , sparks flying across the page, and their instant connection so deep, it goes beyond their sexual attraction. Throughout their years of separation and reunion, they’ve become more mature and accomplished in their own endeavors, but this deep connection has never wavered! I completely enjoy all the intelligent and intriguing conversations between these two .
You know you’re reading a great book, a treasure you want to hold in your chest and to revisit it over and over again, when you can learn so much from it, when it opens your eyes to something you might have taken for granted, brings you new perspectives, makes you think about the deep meanings and messages behind, and blows your mind with the exquisite, brilliant and captivating stories! This book ticks all these boxes for me! Important and urgent topics are sensitively highlighted, unfair treatments toward American Indian tribes, climate change and environmental awareness, political issues… It’ll also bring you through an Antarctica expedition, gorgeous tulip fields in the Netherlands, the dry Arizona desert, and a Costa Rica jungle!
This book deserves 10- out of 5!!! Possibly the best book of 2019 for me ! There are just so much more I want to praise this book for, but you just have to experience it for yourself! I certainly cannot wait to see the HEA for Lennix and Maxim !
The Kingmaker…what can I say.
One of my favorite things about Kennedy’s books is that she gives their life story – the book isn’t just a glimpse to how they met, but the character’s journeys throughout their lives. How they meet, the struggles life brings, the reconnection. The good, the bad, and the ugly, along with the happily ever after – Kennedy Ryan never fails to deliver and Lennix and Maxim are no different (thus far ).
Kennedy Ryan has a way of pulling you into a world and making you feel like you are on the journey right along with the characters. I loved how REAL this book was. I loved that Kennedy brought social and political issues to light while still weaving this amazing story. I can certainly say I learned some new things!
Lennix might be one of my favorite heroines of all time. She is strong, bold, and unapologetic in who she is and what she wants to do in life. Maxim is determined, ambitious, and merciless in his endeavors. Their story of meeting and coming together is both wonderful and heart wrenching. I love that both characters have a passion for a social issue close to their hearts and Kennedy doesn’t shy away from bringing those issues to light. Her characters and their issues are unique, and she does an amazing job detailing their care, concern, and love for the things that matter to them while also not shying away from the pain those passions can also bring. The story is captivating and pulls you in from page one – both ripping your heart out while also weaving it back together again.
I can’t wait to see what book two brings!
Stunning!
Is there is one book to read in 2019, this is it!!
Powerful and exciting!
Hauntingly beautiful!
Unique, smart, and thought provoking.
Lennix and Maxim’s story is bursting with passion, humor and self discovery.
From page one I was swept into a world I knew little about and the author took great effort in creating a story that was insightful and smart.
Fast paced and captivating, I couldn’t put this book down as Lennix and Maxim get to know one another and in the process themselves!
More importantly, this is not just a sexy steamy romance. It’s an insightful story of self discovery and loyalty!
Worthy of 10 stars!
A riveting start to this series. Enemies to Lovers is my favorite! Can’t wait for more!
Prepare yourself for a WILD ride! This is an epic series about the journey of two characters from different backgrounds, who are meant to be together.
Lennix is true to her American Indian ancestry. Her mother taught her right about the culture and appreciation for their customs. Preserving the sacred land and the water supply of the Apache nation is part of that. As she stands up to those who will steal and defile their land, she meets the man that will affect the rest of her life. Her passion for honesty and doing the right thing will clash with the man who has stolen her heart.
To Maxim, standing up for himself against his father is norm. Being part of this influential family does not mean he supports his father’s greed and underhanded methods. Standing up for the American Indian community protecting their land from the new pipeland comes naturally as he rushes to save a young woman at the heart of it. Their few hours together will leave an undeniable impact on his life. Little did he know this woman would affect him for the rest of his life.
Intriguing and emotional, this first book of the duet stole my heart. This is not only a love story, it is the story of what activism and being passionate for a cause bigger than the needs of two people. The story is easy to read and will bewitch you. Do not miss this duet!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
WHEW. Where do I begin with this book? Every time I think Kennedy Ryan couldn’t possibly get better, she goes and proves me wrong (to my delight!). Lennix is one of my favorite heroines of the year. She’s gone through so much, but she’s always got her eye on the horizon and her feet on the ground. And Maxim makes my whole heart ache in the most delicious way possible. This book is part one of their truly epic love story, and it was totally unputdownable!