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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I don’t think it is possible for Kennedy Ryan to write anything that is less than five stars. Is there a million-star rating I can give her? She needs it. Her unique writing encompasses and honors minority traditions and cultures with such a finesse, you just have to take pause and sit in awe of her raw talent.
This is yet another book that encompasses painful, yet important topics within a love story. Each moment in this book holds such deep meaning, and Kennedy captures the essence of social injustice wrapped in strength, dignity and fiery passion.
I’m certain that I had goosebumps from the first few opening lines and never fully shook them off as I read this book.
Kennedy Ryan’s words are powerful. I felt myself break into tears as I read the words you can feel in your soul. Lennix’s proclamations are so powerful, you can feel her angst, her pain, her sorrow, her strength and her convictions in your bones.
What I love about KR’s writing is that every word is carefully selected. Not just words on a page to bring you a story. But each word has been intentionally selected to make your body respond in kind to the emotional play of her words.
This duet is epic, and I’ve only read the first book! Dare I say, this may even surpass my love for Block Shot?
I would normally write more about the characters, but I just cannot do that and leave this as a spoiler free review. Just know that I loved Maxim and Lennix so much. Each chapter I felt as if I understood their minds a little more and I can’t wait to see where their journey leads.
And as always from my reviews, my top quotes of the book:
“She’s a straight line of color sketched into the desert landscape, transformed by a glamor of dust and sunlight.”
“Lennix Moon Hunter has left more than an impression. She’s left her mark on me. And it’s shaped like a star.”
“Liar. Trickster. Thief. That’s who I was falling for.”
“My desire for him was living thing that writhed and screamed and demanded for itself – took what it wanted. Took him however her came. Wanted him with no holds barred, even if it hurt.”
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 intersect. 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!!!
Okay, so let’s see which boxes this book ticks…an alpha male AND an alpha female in a second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance? Fine, Kennedy Ryan, throw down the gauntlet like that. Book one in a duet, this a sure-to-please read.
The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan is Book 1 in All the King’s Men Duet. It’s a provocative, intense, forbidden, steamy, heartbreaking, dark, unique romance that spans many years, is told in 3 parts and dual POV. This is Lennix and Maxim’s story.
Lennix and Maxim are two people who lives intersect in the most crazy way possible. Lennix meets Maxim when she’s 17 and that meeting leaves quite the impression. Maxim was 24 and he knew she was someone who was worth fighting for…. They end up meeting again years later and that meeting was so intense, the chemistry was quite electrifying that I thought my kindle would set itself on fire. But what is happening is there is betrayal, politics, power plays, heartbreak all in the works because of Lennix’s cultural background and heritage. She takes on social injustices and such. She is quite powerful…it all ties back to a loss she suffers.
Maxim- what a sexy man he is. He is not the rubber stamper his father tried to make him into. He has his own ideas and beliefs..is strong into clean energy and things that will help the Earth substain. But his father refuses to listen. Then he sees Lennix and instant connection.
Without giving anything away- their is twists and turns, heartbreak, angst, betrayal, pain, love, passion, feels, steam, love, and one epic cliffhanger.
I can’t wait for book 2 !!!
My Rating: 4.7 stars *******
Kennedy Ryan’s new book is out!!
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 is one hell of an epic second chance love story. The push and pull of these two headstrong main characters will have you reading this novel cover to cover in one sitting, and you’ll never want it to end. Thank goodness we get more in a few short weeks!!
I love seeing Native Americans portrayed respectfully in romance and of course we can all trust her due diligence with research! But The King Maker has more than that:
Alpha Male + Alpha Female
Passion spanning 4 continents & 20 years
2 fighter-dreamers determined to change the world!
Enemies-to-Lovers + Second Chance romance
Overall Grade: +++
“There’s a language between our heartbeats I have no translation for—no words, just a thumping communion.”
There is something hypnotic and transcendent about Kennedy Ryan’s storytelling. Its depth is found in very few romances, and it bears fruit in a way that most romances don’t. Her newest book, The Kingmaker, the first book of the All the King’s Men duet is no different. It’s a hearty memento of our current generation about a love bigger than its hero and heroine, a love for culture and people and the world. Kennedy Ryan’s words, like the ones laid out in this newest book. are always larger than life.
From its outset, there’s a headiness and a maturity to The Kingmaker. Reading this book should be a rite of passage. Intertwined in the romance between Maxim Cade and Lennix Moon Hunter are messages about culture, climate, and social consciousness. It’s clear that Ryan is well-researched in the culture of indigenous peoples and customs. Even more, she treats us to mature, thoughtful discussions about climate science and politics. And she does this in a way that doesn’t read heavy-handed or like a PSA announcement. These messages act like threads that bind Lennix and Maxim together. They never overpower them. Instead, they lend depth to their connection, making The Kingmaker worthy of being required reading in any school. This is always the brilliance of Ryan’s storytelling; she awakens our minds and challenges our perceptions of social issues and ills. She also titillates with a villain father, a presidential hopeful, an adventurer hero, and an Olivia Pope-like heroine. Everything is here in this story.
And can we talk about Ryan’s quotability? My version of The Kingmaker is a highlight paradise. The words, her style, the syntax of Ryan’s words are magic. Lennix and Maxim’s dreams and ambition find purchase in the eloquence of Ryan’s words. In this book, it’s even more pronounced because the ideas behind the words feel important in our global climate. It reads necessary and emphatic while tempered with emotion and passion.
In terms of characterization, Maxim and Lennix are the ultimate representation of big love. These two are star-crossed soulmates. We hope in the end they find their way to each other, yet, in order to do so, they will cross the earth and back, transcending time, to return pieces of their hearts to each other. The depth of their love strengthens the thread of Ryan’s story. The passion for each other is only rivaled by their passion for their causes. I believe the depth of love for each other is meant to represent the depth of love for culture and climate.
“…I gain the one thing that has eluded me all these years. A perfect stillness. An end to searching. A found-ness, a seen-ess I didn’t even know to look for. So this is contentment.”
In promo materials for The Kingmaker, Ryan characterizes Maxim Cade as a “woke” hero. He’s fluent in climate change rhetoric, he expounds on the limitations of the two-party political system, suggesting that we should all strive for locating the best parts of each towards a better world, and he acknowledges, even through a gritty heart, Lennix’s ambition for changing the system for native people. While his ambition is his superpower, he recognizes it in Lennix too, never trying to tie her down but setting her free. He’s an intelligent hero adorned with a heavenly body and face and all the right moves in the bedroom. More importantly, after all of that, he is not perfect. His early decision making creates trouble for him and Lennix, and he must make amends to her in order to right their relationship. Above all, though, he sees the essence of Lennix, and THAT is what makes him sexy. His principles and his adoration for Lennix make him worthy of his hero status and a major reason to read Ryan’s book.
As a heroine, the best words to describe Lennix are wise and tenacious. Early in the book, we are treated to a young Lennix (seventeen years old), and Ryan shows her depth and breadth of spirit. I think Ryan’s description of her in her protest of Cade Energy’s pipeline evokes a spirit of wisdom and power, and it’s Maxim’s first attraction to her. It’s where he first notes her strength and power. In that moment, as a reader, you begin to fall in love with her too. She’s compassion, she’s a marginalized voice as woman and indigenous person, she’s hope, and she’s a loud voice. For any young woman, Lennix is a model, an apt example of what modern-day women should and do look like. There is nothing vapid or transitory about her. Just as she took Changing Woman into her body, she represents the true power of women to effect change in the world. Even more, her love for Maxim is palpable and electric.
“There are few things more affirming than someone seeing you exactly as you aspire to be—for them to say I see that in you.”
These two are halves made whole in each other. Their chemistry flies off the page, grabbing the hearts of readers.
This book ends with a cliffhanger, a worry over the proximity of Maxim and Lennix to their happy ending. Yet, what Kennedy Ryan’s The Kingmaker is predicated on is hope: a hope for our hero and heroine to find their happily ever after, a hope for these two to change the world prominently together, and a hope for our own society to become a better place for us ALL. That is the truth behind Kennedy Ryan’s newest romance, a hopeful emblem for our times.
Before I talk to you about The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan – I need to give a little disclaimer about the 4 star rating…..
That 4 stars is because the story isn’t complete – this is book 1 of a duet and knowing that plus the ending of this book means that I can’t fully judge the story until I see what happens next. Now, on the the real review…..
In The Kingmaker, we meet Lennix Moon Hunter of the Apache tribe in Arizona for the first time when she is 13. We see her again at 17, 21, and finally at 31. Using her trademark detailed research, Ms Ryan paints a vivid picture of who Lennix is, the issues that are important to her, and gives her a voice to affect change. We see the trials that impact Lennix both personally and as a member of a marginalized people. Those trials weigh on her and ultimately influence her decisions.
The counterpoint to Lennix is Maxim. While his background is 100% different, his passion and desire for change make him a personality that fits Lennix perfectly. The chemistry between these two radiated off the page whenever they were together and made me root for them to find success.
The Kingmaker is epic story telling at its finest. We may only have short periods with Lennix (and Maxim) at each stopping point, the actions and reactions tell us so much about who these people are that it feels as if they could be our friends. The fact that Ms Ryan does this while also acting as part of our social conscience speaks to her preparation and talent as a writer.
Duets are not something I am typically a fan of, but after reading the first book in the pair I see why the story required two books. I am anxiously waiting for books 2!
OMG WOW! All of the feels here and then some! Kennedy Ryan weaves an epic tale in The Kingmaker. This isn’t just a love story. It is enthralling, educational, and addicting. The pages are filled with passion (not just physical between a man and a woman although that sure steams up the pages too), lies, betrayal, tragedy, love, determination, standing up for what you believe in, social injustices, and so much more! My heart broke at times and some parts brought me to tears. It is real, raw, gritty, intense, and oh so awesome! The
The plot was unique and well written and the characters were so strong and admirable. I fell in love with Lennix and Maxim. They each had unique qualities that you couldn’t help but admire, and want to be like them. Their love isn’t easy but when they come together, it is all-consuming! The secondary characters added so much dimension to the story.
I’m not sure that this review can do this story enough justice. The emotions bled off of the pages. I couldn’t read fast enough. I devoured this story in one day. Kennedy Ryan writes such emotional stories with powerful messages. She delivers powerful messages that are so relevant, but ignored, in today’s society. I loved every heartfelt moment of this book, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book! Thank you Kennedy for this beautiful, emotional story!!!
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Perfect blend of suspense and romance in one captivating, must read book!!
#mustread #NixXim #bestseller
I don’t typically like to read cliffhanger type books, because I am not patient enough to wait on the next book… however, when your favorite author writes one…well, it’s a no brainer..I am GOING to read it!
Y’all, this book is…so many things that I cannot do it an ounce of justice in a review.
This book is everything I love about Kennedy’s writing and so much more! She has a unique wizardry with words. It is like watching Monet painting live and in person. She paints such a beautiful picture of the story with her words that I can see it perfectly and feel the characters feelings like I too am right there. This type of talent is rare!
Maxim, the hero, is most definitely “a wolf in wolf’s clothing” as described in the book. He is charming, yet has this softer side he shows only to Nix. Nix is a strong, independent woman that will inspire you to do and be more!
Please, if you read any book make it this book!! You will not regret it, I promise!
Maxim might be a “Cade” by name but he’s not his father. He’s the opposite in most ways, he does have some of his characters but not the cruel, judgmental ones. When he meets Lennix, he feels something the second he lays eyes on hers but that was not the time for them. When they meet years later, now that is a different story. The flames burst and they have a week. One blissful week together. One week that changes everything.
I learned so much about Native American history through this book. I feel that Kennedy spent many, many hours researching this book. So much information about their heritage.
The connection between Lennix and Maxim could be felt through the pages, through everything they went through to get where they should have been a long time ago. Could a lie really be the end of these two or would it be something else that I didn’t see coming???? Cannot wait for book #2!!!!
OMG. What an amazing book. So beautifully as always! But seriously i might think this is my new favorite and i didn’t think that was possible cause i LOVE GRIP and Gus. But i seriously was just in love Maxim and Lennix. I loved the whole way they met and every bit of the book. I CANNOT wait til book 2 is released! I need to know how this duet ends. And i know its gonna be killer cause thats how Kennedy rolls!!
To say I was blown away by The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan is an understatement. I was captivated by this story and the characters from start to finish. A story about love, power, needs and wants. The connection and chemistry between Maxim and Lennnix is instant and undeniable, even as their journey spans years. I loved the strength and determination that drives Lennix. She is passionate and forceful. Maxim is a man determined to follow his own path. Though their paths have been different, they have also interconnected. Where will it lead? I am so excited to get my hands on the final book!
Read and reviewed for Reviews From the Heart.
Happy reading!
Kennedy Ryan is a great story teller and she really creates great female characters that are strong and intelligent. Lennix Moon Hunter is no except she is strong, intelligent and has a vulnerable side which makes her very relatable. Lennix is a Native American and is very active in fighting for the rights of Native Americans. She has scares from losses in her life and she is learning how to move forward. Lennix and Maxim meet at a time when there lives are going in different directions. They have great chemistry when they first meet but life gets in the way. I love the feel of authenticity that this story has. This is book one of a duet can’t wait for book two.
This story is GORGEOUS. The words are magic and I was completely enthralled.
“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.
If a kiss has a taste, it tastes like this. Hunger flavored with yearning and spiced with desperation.”
Lennix and Maxim both want to change the world in their way. They want to make the world a better place but their paths are leading them in opposite directions.
They are both bright lights for the future and together they are incendiary.
Lennix is a bit of a revolutionary. She sees the struggles of her people and following in her mother’s footsteps does everything she can to shine a light on the injustices.
“I don’t know how to name the color of her eyes—have no idea what I should call them. No way are they just gray. They are silver eyes. Not just the color, but the metal. Tough and tried and smelted beyond her years into this indescribable hue. Metal and mettle.”
OMG that cliffy!! I am so glad we don’t have long to wait for book two but really I want it NOW!
-5 Stars!!-
When I know Ms. Ryan is getting ready to release a book I get so excited. Because her books, man they’re ones you don’t soon forget. There’s always a deeper meaning and I always take something away from her books. And this one, it’s no different. From the minute I met Lennix and Maxim I knew I was on one heck of an adventure. And boy was I!! One I won’t soon forget. I don’t want to spoil anything but I was on the edge of my seat most of the story and just needing to know what happened next. And how the journey between theses two characters was going to go. I can’t wait for the next book and can’t wait to find out what happens next. And most importantly, I can’t wait to read the beautiful words Ms. Ryan has for us next!
God, this book! I was gripped from the start.
“Lennix Moon Hunter has left more than an impression. She’s left her mark on me. And it’s shaped like a star.”
Lennix is half-white and half-Apache. She fully embraces her Apache heritage and fights for the native rights of her ancestors, driven by loss, as well as her belief and passion for what is right. She has ambitions to change the world and a vision of equality for minority groups.
“One could be fooled into thinking he was domesticated. Am I the only one who sees the wild wolf?”
Maxim Cade is a product of the ultimate white, rich, capitalist upbringing, but he’s so much more than his famous family name. The black sheep of his family, he has ambitions to change the world, one crusade at a time.
“I feel like a god. Yet every time she gasps and groans and tightens around my body, she conquers me.”
I was completely captivated by Lennix and Maxim’s story. From their first meeting to their second meeting to their present lives. They had an inexplicable connection that was magnetic and compelling. They were passionate, enthralling and just so perfect together. I loved that they were such strong and driven people. The war they fought within themselves between their ambitions and their feelings. They both had paths that took them away from each other, but their impact on the other was indelible. I couldn’t get enough of them!
This was an intelligent yet sizzling read. The conclusion can’t come soon enough!
How to describe The Kingmaker and give it justice…. I’ll just use one of my favorite lines….
“We’ve had one conversation. Some people leave an impression. Lennix Moon Hunter has left more than an impression. She’s left her mark on me.
And it’s shaped like a star.”
Kennedy Ryan delivers readers an incredible book of strength, empowerment, convictions, how our pasts affect our lives and what we do with it all.
Lennix is the woman we want our daughters to be. I cannot say enough about her. There are parts of this book that are beautifully written, I silently cried for the strength and beauty of Kennedy’s words.
Maxim is wealth and power and determination and goodness. I love him. I loved his POV and his view of politics and the world. And of Lennix.
The supporting characters are amazing as well. Friends and family… they bring love and conflict. They challenge Maxim and Lennix.
While Kennedy was writing this book and doing her very detailed research to make it real and relevant and accurate, I got to have dinner with her at a reader event. I got to see and hear what Kennedy puts into her books, what she goes through to give us these incredible books. Kennedy Ryan is so talented as an author and so inspiring as a woman.
Reading this book brought out so many feelings but what I felt makes me want to be a better me to those around me. To be confident in what I believe and to love those in my life…. my top 2019 read!!
And yes… it’s a duet… and yes… now I need The Rebel King!!
It’s difficult to write a review that does justice to this book. I went into it with no real idea what to expect and that made it even better. This story is so special. Lennix and Maxim both have interesting stories (Lennix especially) and the character development and history is just amazing here. The development of these two together span a long period of time and is something to see. I CANNOT wait for the next book, and thank goodness we don’t have to wait long. I won’t say any more because I don’t want to spoil anything and I also just think this book is best experienced without anything given away ahead of time. Do yourself a favor and read this book. You won’t regret it.