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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The book ended on an action packed cliffhanger! Not happy that there wasn’t a conclusion – making you buy the 2nd book
I cannot adequately explain how much I loved this duet. Kennedy Ryan is a goddess. Her writing style and the dialogue between these characters that are just so amazing and perfectly imperfect – it’s just incredible. Lennix and Maxim are two of my all-time favorite characters now and forever. I so wish that they were real – our world would be a much better place if they were!
Love this book! Maxim and Lennix are destined to be together. I love how the author talked about Lennix heritage.
LOVED this book! Grab it while it’s FREE!
I discovered Kennedy when I read a co-written book of hers with one of my favorite authors! I figured if I loved a story she had a hand in with another author I adore then i simply must read more! I must admit this is why I chose to read more of her work. With that said, I am so glad I discovered her writing! You can tell she has a passion for what she does. You can tell she leads with her best foot and strives to give you nothing but supreme writing. I really loved this story. I see that many other reviews are coming down on the fact that she doesn’t consume each page with all love and devotion and fairytale endings. Sometimes I’m in the mood for this while mostly, I want a story that digs deep and really gives you characters you can come to know and love. There is so much of this in Nix and Maxim’s story! Yes it was love at first site in a way. Yes they find their way back to eachother. But there is a gap in between all this and it shows that sometimes the longer the wait the better the reward. I thought the story line was great. I love all the characters and am a big fan of strong supporting characters, which we see lots of in this book. her detail to characters and plot I think I may love most about her writing. She gives you deeply moving story and an emotional journey you will be gladly sucked into. I am reading the second book now and already have many more of Kennedy Ryan books in my Kindle just waiting!
If you are looking for a great romance but also something with a little more meat on its bones, I would highly recommend The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan. It is book one of a two part duet that gives you steamy romance, just the right amount of angst, a little suspense, and brushes on some of the injustices of today’s world; particularly those pertaining to indigenous people.
I was moved by these characters and their plights and though I am not usually a fan of big cliff-hangers, I am excited to read the second book of the duet to learn its conclusion. Kennedy Ryan is a brilliant writer and while this book may not rank as high as Long Shot (a five-star read for me) it is most definitely proof that Kennedy knows what she’s doing.
Author’s NOTE:
“Lennix, this story’s heroine, is a proud member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, an American Indian tribe. Some tribes mark the transition from girl to young woman through a puberty ceremony known by various names. My story pulls from the Western Apache’s version of this rite of passage, generally known as the Sunrise Ceremony or Sunrise Dance. Na’íí’ees, which means “preparing her,” ingrains in young girls the qualities deemed important for adulthood. The completion of this rite holds consequences for the entire community—blessings, health and longevity. For the four days of the ceremony, the young girl is believed to be imbued with the power of Changing Woman, the first woman, according to the tribe’s origin story. Banned in the late 1800s by the US Government in an attempt to Westernize and assimilate Native people, such ceremonies became illegal, necessitating they be practiced in secret until 1978 when the American Indian Religious Freedom Act passed. This rite of passage is sacred and pivotal in the life and development of many young Yavapai-Apache women. I approached even writing about this rite with respect, reverence and only under the guidance of several Indigenous women to ensure I would not misrepresent this or other traditions. I also consulted a medicine man who oversees these ceremonies to ensure the integrity of its portrayal. Any mistakes are mine, not theirs. In addition, these ladies opened my eyes to the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, which is addressed in this story. I owe a debt of gratitude to the following for their assistance: Sherrie – Apache/Yavapai Makea – Apache/Yavapai Andrea – Yavapai Nina – Apsáalooke Nation Kiona – Hopi Tribe, Liswungwa (Coyote Clan)”
“I came here to mourn. When it was time for the rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood, I came here to dance. We worship here; we wed here. The ground where you sit, our pews. The trees around you, our steeples. You are standing in our church.”
“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. With bites and growls and tender licks and soothing whimpers. Perfectly served portions of sweet and scorching.”
“It’s in that moment I realize how truly vulnerable we are. We strive for control, for power, to rule our small domains. But in the end, one wave, one storm could toss us beyond saving.”
I loved this book. The female protagonist, a spunky spirited Native American, was a take no prisoners kind of heroine. Her actions and goals were driven by the desire to protect her people.
And the male protagonist, well he was sexy, alpha and knew from the beginning this was the woman for him.
The story was mesmerizing and I enjoyed the book. I would have rated the book higher; however, I’m not a fan of stories that continue and would have given it a higher rating if the story had concluded in one book.
A pipeline protest that has enough impact two alter two lives. Lennix is determined to use her voice to bring awareness of the injustices of her people. Maxim was there unwillingly at the hand of his father, but the voice of the girl leading the protest captured his attention. With the Cade name centered in controversy, Maxim doesn’t share everything about himself with the girl who is a true leader. It’s hard to believe that this force to be reckoned with is only 17, and Maxim prays their paths will cross again one day.
As a Native American – Lennix is determined to use her skills to help the people who have bene oppressed through no fault of their own. Maxim was born into wealth and does not see eye to eye with the legacy that his family has pushed into the future. Two different worlds that collide in a matter of moments. A few stolen moments that will alter the way these two proceed with their plans for the future.
Maxim is determined to make his own name in the quest for renewable energy and resources. Earning Maxim a name for himself that is separate from his father and brother. Throughout his journey one thing has remained a constant driving force for Maxim, the thoughts of those moments with Nix that will not be erased from his memory. Time has a way of leading two paths on the same course, now this pair will once again find themselves at a crossroad. Which direction will their future hold?
The Kingmaker is the first book in the duet – All The King’s Men by Kennedy Ryan. The very first thing I found intriguing about this book was the fact that Lennix was Native American. I loved the history that was detailed in Lennix’s heritage. The other driving force that captured my attention was the pipeline protests. The connection to my own state/area’s struggle with an invading pipeline made this a very relatable story.
The depth to both Lennix and Maxim’s characters are felt with such conviction. Both are driven in their passions, career paths, and their quest to better the world for those around them. I found the pull between these two characters extremely addictive!! The Kingmaker will take you on a journey of desire, determination and the quest for accomplishment that will leave you contemplating the mark that you leave on the world around you. With a cliff hanger ending that will leave you thumbing the page for more, The Kingmaker is sure to leave you desperate for more.
What strikes me about this book is the incredible amount of research that goes into the Kingmaker. Kennedy Ryan has garnered cultural, tribal, and historical references about the Apache culture that adds amazing depth to this story.
The book starts out with Lennix Moon who has just completed her sunrise ceremony at 13. As an American Indian girl becomes a woman, Kennedy reverently describes this ancient tribal ceremony that includes arduous training such as running in each of the four directions in which the girl will gather the four elements to herself.
That first chapter ends with Lennix’s mother’s death. By that time, you are hooked. The second chapter begins with Lennnix brandishing a bull horn at a protest of a pipeline being built across her tribes’ ancient burial grounds. This is where we first meet Maxime Cade, son of Warren Cade and President of the company who is building the pipeline. Father and son arrive at the pipeline site to disperse the protesters. Only when Maxime sees this young girl, Lennix, something in him clicks and he realizes he must save her as the security team is moving forward with a pack of dogs on the protesters. Maxime is captivated by Lennix’s countenance and command of the crowd, but he recognizes she’s in danger and he jumps into action. He runs to protect her. It’s gripping.
Kennedy expertly describes how the protesters are being treated and which elements are coming into play. Many of the protesters are picked up, arrested, and taken to jail. This is where Maxime and Lennix really have a chance to talk. Maxim discovers Lennix is 17 and he is 24 and just finished his undergrad degree. His plans include moving on to get his masters and Ph.D. in Climate Science.
Kennedy is a master at being able to position an Alpha hero against a very independent and self-possessed heroine. This book was such a delight to read.
If This Book Was A Dom, It’d OWN Me
*self-purchased on Amazon. No need of sugar daddies called promo teams*
What’s this book about? (I’m trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Based on my notes this book if full of SHEESHs.
Maxim was born to rule over his family’s kingdom in a ruthless world. He never wanted it that way. When he met Lennix Hunter, he was sure of one thing. He’d do anything to keep that woman in his life. But fate has different plans. Then again, Maxim always gets what he wants.
This is the third book that I’ve read by Kennedy Ryan and her magic spell hasn’t wavered one bit; IT HAS EXPLODED AND TURNED INTO AN INFERNO. Already at 4%, my eyes were watery. What an explosive and emotional start. This was a fast-paced and energetic read with a lot of twists, jumps and turns. In a world of basic romance that follows all the tropes TEN THOUSAND authors have chewed and spit out before you, KENNEDY RYAN MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. I love that this book has so much essence to it. I love how contemporary it is and how it handled a very sensible topic. I died a thousand literary deaths while reading this book. I don’t remember how many times I gasped or was left speechless. I read the raving reviews, yet I wasn’t prepared at all. Each character had so much depth to them; there was so much to unpack from even Maxim’s dad whom I don’t like very much. Everyone had their ‘I snapped’ moment. They shone. There was angst.
“Tell them good dick is hard to find. Surely they’ll understand.” – The Kingmaker, Kennedy Ryan
This quote is one of the lighter ones. I just wanted to share it because it’s one of sentences that had me LMFAOing. I don’t want to disclose exactly what goes on in this story because I went in knowing very little and the experience was absolutely delicious. What you need to know is that you can expect a Kennedy classic (the Kennedy references ended me) times HUNDRED. She uses her platform to convey images that are so beautiful.
I recommend this to readers looking for essence and depth in their contemporary romances, lovers of strong girls who chase the stars and make the privileged white boys that always get what they want WORK FOR IT.
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One of the best series I have read in all times. Exceptional!
Great set of books!!
Passion. Power. Betrayal. This book is a book gem. Gripping. Unforgettable. Honest. Sexy.
Five fabulous stars!
There are a lot of books out there in the wild but when it comes to a great and honest read, Kennedy Ryan’s books are on the top of my list. Her fierce and powerful heroines, her alpha male characters and divine writing make her a unique and phenomenal storyteller. Her books are full of meaning, raw emotions and beautiful romances that always left readers craving more. And The Kingmaker is not the exception. Passion. Power. Betrayal. This book is a book gem. Gripping. Unforgettable. Honest. Sexy. Absolutely incredible. A masterpiece with capital letters.
Kennedy is the queen when we talk about books with substance, feelings, passion and sensitive topics which she approaches in a careful and respectful way. It is needed guts and courage to unravel controversial topics the way she does. And this time she penned an extraordinary story that engages with some of the most important environmental and social issues in the time we are living. She manages to bring real issues to a world that it is supposed to be perfect and unreal. She didn’t create an escape outside the world, she mixed it, daring readers to open their eyes and face the challenges of our time. She pictured it so brilliantly that makes this book a very special treat for any reader who loves more than a simple romance.
The Kingmaker navigates masterly the political, social and cultural spheres without dropping out its romantic plotline. It’s very impressive how the story develops and flows through the heartfelt emotions and the circumstances that complicate things between the main characters. How they fight against them despite how hard they are. Maxim and Lennix’s story is an intense, complex and fiery journey. Their passions, dedication and convictions were inspiring. Separately they were unique but together they were fire! Their connection was so powerful and one of a kind. Their love bloomed like a cherry blossom, so beautiful and strong. The chemistry between them came right off the pages that gave me chills. The conversations between them were too meaningful and heartfelt.
It is Lennix who stole the whole show. I did have a girl-crush on her. Her convictions and values made her a strong and fierce woman, an ambitious fighter and a powerful heroine who will do anything to defend her ideals like a lioness. She knows what she wants and goes for it. Nothing can stop her. I admired her so much. Despite the strong feelings blooming inside her, she didn’t forgive easily and made Maxim work harder. She deserves a man as strong as her and hopefully Maxim won’t disappoint her. Because she has marked him, the girl who chases stars owned him from their first encounter.
Maxim is the epitome of strong alpha male. He is more than a pretty face. He has brains and he is very intense. A clever knight in shining armour. He has a possessive side that only came out because of Lennix. Maxim Cade is a wolf and he has found his mate. The girl, the woman who turned upside down his entire world. He knew she was special. He knew she was for him. His guide, his star, his moon. His.
I loved everything little single thing about this book. It was such a provoking novel. It has hunting my thoughts since I finished. I made me wants to shout out at the top of my lungs and fight the injustice and make my country a better place for the future generations. To raise my voice as Lennix did. To fight for what I believe. I highly recommend you this book. The end is to die for and I can’t wait to read the conclusion of Lennix and Maxim’s story that I’m sure will be EPIC as its beginning.
As usual, this author delivers an emotional and romantic story. I’ve loved every book of Kennedy Ryan’s that I have read so far.
I’ve been hoarding this until I had the time to really sink in and savor it. Ryan’s prose is, as always, the reading equivalent of the finest Godiva. And holy, holy crap. Just don’t even start this unless you’ve cleared your calendar to move immediately into book 2 because talk about a cliffhanger! Excuse me, but I know what I’m doing with the rest of MY day…
This duet is a beautiful story! I love how Kennedy took the indigenous culture and didn’t shy away from the reality of how they were treated, still are treated and how things needs to change. This book tackles real life issues and adds in a smoking hot romance! The way Maxim and Lennix meet sets the tone for the duet. Their time in Amsterdam was so beautiful, and their life apart and together was so great to read. This first book goes through quiet a bit of their life through the years, you get to see them grow up in a way that was beautiful. I Love how Lennix never backs down from her beliefs, she never comprises herself for anything or anyone and I honestly want to go out and find her and be her friend. Maxim isn’t your typical billionaire, his money doesn’t mean as much to him as a person, he’s happier giving it away and using to help others. This is a great book and yes it ends on a cliff hanger, but don’t worry you’ll want so much more of their story you’ll be glad it’s a duet!
Blown away!
This is my first full-length Kennedy Ryan book, and I loved it! Now I know what all the fuss is about! Her words are like a staccato beat on my heart. Simply beautiful writing style! I love a book that can educate me, while also entertaining me, and Ms. Ryan does that beautifully. I learned so much about Native American beliefs and customs, while not feeling like I was being hammered on the head with politics. Well done!
Stayed up way too late reading this book! Maxim and Lennix have chemistry that sizzles on the page with a sweeping romance that spans more than ten years. I loved following not only their love story, but their individual stories as they came into their own as strong, ambitious adults. If you like your heroes sexy and determined, your heroines strong and ambitious, and your sexytimes HAWT, this is the book for you!