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 Kingmaker, as is all of Ms.Ryan’s books, was a book I was looking forward to reading. Everything she writes is so compelling and complicated and compassionate and I never have a shortage of feels when I’m reading.
But I feel like the characters in this book fell a little short. Usually, I can read anything by her start to finish, no problem, but this book took me a few days to get through. And I can’t even put my finger on it. But here is what I loved:
I loved that even though it was kind of “insta-love”, it still grew. It still developed and we got to see it grow over years and years. We got to watch the characters grow.
I loved all the passion that Lennix had. I loved watching her grow and I loved everything about her life and where she is at the end of the book. I loved how much Lennix loved Maxim. “We have something, and it’s making itself at home in my heart more every day, as much as I try to fight it.”
And I loved Maxim and how he made something of himself without the help of his family. But I’m not sure that I fell in love with who he made himself into. W
Maybe I just wanted the characters to fight harder for each other? Maybe I will feel differently when I read the 2nd book and see the conclusion. And honestly, even though this book wasn’t a 5 star for me now, I’m hoping that the two books together will be because I have a feeling that’s where the fireworks are going to happen for me.
Powerful, inspiring, heartbreakingly beautiful, eye opening,,,, these are just a few words I would use to describe this book! Kennedy Ryan has a way with words that flow off the pages, and hit you right in the FEELS!!!
Maxim and Lennix are so much MORE than your typical love story couple. They are both fierce, brave and strong willed, and have more passion about their beliefs and values in them than most people could dream about.
It also doesn’t hurt that these two are drop dead gorgeous and head over heels madly in love with each other! True soulmates,,,, but can a lie year them apart??
This is book 1 in a duet and I can honestly say that this is one of the most informative and inspiring books I’ve ever read.
Get your tissues ready!
The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan was AH-FREAKING-MAZING and I am already eagerly anticipating the next book in the All the King’s Duet. This talented author has a magical way with words…a way that wholeheartedly captures every part of your soul and leaves you in a trance while devouring those beautiful words.
Lennix and Maxim’s emotional story ruined me and destroyed every inch of my heart…and yet I absolutely loved every moment of their journey. Oh and what an incredible journey it was! This was a sweet, sexy, and swoon-worthy romance that gave me ALL THE FEELS. I was addicted to EVERYTHING about this story from that fascinating storyline to those one-of-a-kind characters that were beyond my wildest imagination. There was so much to love about this story and oh my did I love it! Their epic story spans over years and will capture you from the beginning to end…
This story ends in a cliffhanger, but at least we don’t have to wait that long. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, The Rebel King!
5 star Review The Kingmaker (All The King’s Men Duet #1) by Kennedy Ryan
AUDIO REVIEW:
I love Kennedy Ryan’s style of writing and when I saw she had a new duet in the works I couldn’t wait to read and listen to it.
I’ll be honest initially I couldn’t get into the story, but after the first couple of chapters, such was the power and strength of the writing I became completely and totally invested.
This book is a departure in some ways from previous books I have read by Kennedy Ryan. This is a powerful book that will reel you in and keep you riveted from till the explosive cliff hanger end.
I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next one and thankfully we do not have long to wait.
4.5 Stars
Its been quite a while since I read a Kennedy Ryan book and right now after devouring this one I am kicking myself and wondering why it has been so long!
Soon as i started this book, Kennedy Ryan’s writing drew me in. She has delivered well developed storyline with great main characters. Maxim and Lennix are addictive main characters who have an intense connection. They are both strong and fiesty.
Not only does Kennedy Ryan give us a romance story with all the feels but she also gives us a lesson in history and culture, making this story feel so real.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in this duet.
This author is a master of writing books that are enjoyable and tackle social issues. Lennix and Maxim are great characters. I appreciate that they are flawed but try to do what is right. Lennix is altruistic in her approach to life, whereas Maxim wants to make lots of money while saving the world. They respect their differences and have a special love story. My one complaint about the book is that it has a ten year leap. With characters this good I want to experience that time with them. The book ends with a cliffhanger but luckily we don’t have to wait long to see how it turns out. The Kingmaker is a wonderful book, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
~Books & Magic Shop Reviews~
MY FAVORITE KENNEDY RYAN BOOK TO DATE!!
Kennedy Ryan romances are forever my favorite storylines just ever. Her ability to take real life issues and bring them into the spotlight is so considerate yet bold. The Kingmaker speaks volumes about world issues just blindly looked over and blends it with a flourishing love story.
Lennix is a proud Native American who is a born speaker deeply invested in giving voice to marginalized communities. Maxim is the son of Warren Cade, the man who continually takes sacred reservation land to place oil pipelines in. Maxim sees a different future for himself and strays away from his family business to conquer world sustainability. Put together two wildly driven people from opposite worlds and you get the MASTERPIECE that is THE KINGMAKER.
I’m in love with this book. I love the drive in the book, the dedication to their cause, the romance, the freaking BANTER. Kennedy Ryan is SOO FUNNY, the lines in this book are far from cheesy but so cleverly woven in I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
I cannot wait for the second book. DEFINITE MUST READ.
Kennedy Ryan is a boss!!
I cannot begin to describe how good this story was! The attention to detail, the history and descriptions of places, the character development; everything was done to perfection.
Lennix is a strong woman, organizing protests for the causes dear to her heart and her people. She is an inspiration to all females. She is part Apache and we know in this world, she will always be viewed as an Indian and female; therefore she will be seen as a minority.
Maxim is powerful in his own way as well. Yes, he was born into privilege however he takes it and tries to use it to do better. He stands up for his own values and beliefs even when they ostracize him from his family.
However, these two have a connection that lasts forever. This story will send the reader through a journey of their passions, betrayal and the love they have for each other.
The ending has left me bursting for book 2!! I need it now!!
It takes a special author to make me pick up the first book in a duet before the second is published. Kennedy Ryan is one of those special authors. I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers. (And boy does this one have a doozy.) I’m counting down the days until book two’s release, but I regret nothing. The Kingmaker was gorgeous and gave me all the feels while totally putting me through the wringer.
Lennix is easily one of my new favorite heroines. She’s the embodiment of strength and determination. I’d call her amazing, but even that’s not strong enough a word to describe her. I was in awe of her throughout this entire book. Maxim is pretty wonderful in his own right. The two of them together? Incredible. The passion, the power, and the chemistry was intense. As is often the case with Kennedy’s books, The Kingmaker tackles some tough topics but does so in a way that’s eye-opening and respectful without ever feeling preachy.
I want to be cautious not to say too much about the storyline here. I feel like you really just need to experience the ride that is The Kingmaker. The balance of politics and romance was absolute perfection. Everything about this book hooked me from the prologue. Before I knew it, I was halfway through the book trying to decide whether to savor it or devour it. (I chose to devour, btw.) When the characters, story and words are this good, I have to take it all in as quickly as possible.
The Kingmaker was beautiful and relevant, full of fiery passion and plenty of emotions. Now I just need the second book. ASAP, please. Thank goodness the wait isn’t that long. I need more Lennix and Maxim feels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Favorite Quotes:
On rare occasion, you come across someone who just gets you, and you don’t have to figure out your place. Wherever you are is okay. I think he could be a “wherever you are” person.
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.
Injustice never rests and neither will I.
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 whispers. Perfectly served portions of sweet and scorching.
“I have to go make my world, but when the time is right, I’ll be back for you.”
“Just promise you’ll stop fighting for everyone else long enough to find something for yourself.”
Kennedy continues to be a voice representing those in the romance community who are often overlooked. She is always delving far deeper than any typical romance. Covering deep and powerful topics on social justice that we all face in today’s world, Ryan’s words capture both my mind and heart long after I have finished her book.
Lennix and Maxim were some of the most fierce, strong willed, and determined characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Within the context of a complex world these characters are proof that love can transcend time.
This story was gripping and had me gasping at its conclusion wondering what would happen with its characters with which I had quickly become enamored. While this is a love story at heart, I found that the parallel story the characters are navigating to be utterly spellbinding.
As Always, Happy Reading!
“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind
Kennedy Ryan is a go to author for me and she never disappoints. The King Maker was incredibly, and I can’t wait for the next book. I need to know how things are going to play out. The way this story was written and how legends are honored. This is an amazing love story.
Lennix meets Maxim at 17 and he makes an impression on her. They don’t meet again until years later and their connection is still there and stronger. Lennix is part of and American Indian tribe and her culture is a big part of who she is.
Maxim has been groomed to take over his father’s company. He has other goals in mind and decides to cut ties from his father. The more time they are together the strong the bond grows. The King Maker is an epic love story that is written well and had me turning the pages as fast as I could.
This is a must read!
I loved this book!
Scorching hot romance with a heart-stopping cliffhanger. What a dynamic couple! I love these two so much, individually and together. It doesn’t get any better than a man with a big brain, a thirst for knowledge, a face and body that melts panties, and a great moral compass. Maxim is divine! But the really terrific character in this story is our heroine, Lennix. Beautiful inside and out and so complex with a mighty spirit. One I can identify with. The love story between this couple is thrilling and heart wrenching and very, very sexy. Boy, can this author can write a sizzling love scene! And every one will melt…something. Heart, panties, eyes, toes. Lots of body parts involved! I loved the Apache details along with the plight of all Native Americans and appreciate the research that went into that part of the story. I just wish the research on pipelines would have been as accurate. There are enough bad stories surrounding pipelines without inaccuracies as portrayed in this one. I won’t get into that because it’s out there now and unfortunately so many without knowledge will believe the inaccuracies. But there has to be a bad guy and Mr. Cade is a good one and Lennix’s needs a villain so there ya go. (for the haters: don’t get on your high horse if you drive a gasoline-powered vehicle or use electricity or natural gas appliances or anything plastic.) Moving on because this is a book review and regardless of that distraction for me it’s one outstanding read. A compelling story with spellbinding writing and fantastic characters all the way around. Love the gal pals, and guys, and especially Grim. Hope he gets a story! That cliffhanger was something else. I knew something was coming but yikes! Can’t wait for the next part to find out what happens. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
The Kingmaker (All the King’s Men Duet Book 1) is a contemporary romance novel by Kennedy Ryan. The book is about a Native American woman named Lennix Hunter, and a man named Maxim Cade, whose stories are told intermittently in each other’s point of view, and told over about a 14 year time span. Lennix grew up on a reservation, and Maxim is the estranged son of a man who is the owner of a very large petroleum company. Lennix and Maxim meet on a day when Lennix is protesting a pipeline that is to be built on the reservation where she grew up, and Maxim’s father now owns the land so that he can build a pipeline on it. When Maxim’s father, Warren Cade, tells the police to throw tear gas and release the police dogs onto the protestors, Maxim runs to Lennix to protect her from the dogs that are about to bite her. After Maxim gets bitten instead of Lennix, they both get arrested for trespassing on Warren Cade’s land. After Lennix and Maxim get to know each other in the jail cell, Maxim neglects to tell Lennix that he is a Cade because he knows how much she hates his father. Lennix feels an attraction to Maxim, and thinks that he is just a very sexy graduate student at Berkley who came to help out with the protest. Maxim is very attracted to Lennix, as well, but finds out from Lennix’s elementary school teacher, who was also arrested at the protest, that Lennix is only 17 years old, and so he cannot on his feelings for her. Lennix’s father bails her out of jail and they never expect to see each other again.
The story then jumps to 4 years later, when Lennix and her two best girlfriends are on Spring Break in Amsterdam, and they run into Maxim and his friends at a bar there. There is still a special chemistry between Lennix and Maxim, and now they can act on it since Lennix is now 21 years old.
This book is a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I loved all of the characters that Kennedy Ryan has created, and really enjoyed reading this novel. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and suspense!
5 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
WOWWOWWOW!! At first, I honestly and personally thought I was going to be a little turned off by the political “stuff”, but let me tell you how wrong I was. What a story!! The King Maker by Kennedy Ryan is amazing and the ending had me wanting to scream!!! Ms. Ryan has gone above and beyond with this first book in this duet. From start to finish, we get the ups and downs of life. Of two lives that are connected by that invisible thread but keep each of them going in different directions.
Kennedy Ryan has been awarded the RITA award and this story shows why she deserves it and then some. Power, emotions, connections, and controversy. Not to mention the love, hate, family, history, and politics. I can go on and on with what this story entails, but my words would not do this story justice. A must-read for everyone and I just can’t wait for the second part of the duet to be released.
Lennix is an Yavapai-Apache/American Indian and has a life inside the tribe and outside the reservation. But life is not easy and things happen and life takes her on paths that she didn’t know she would take.
Maxim’s family is beyond wealthy from oil. But it’s not the life he wants. Searching for his own space in the world takes him on a path that shows he’s powerful in his own right.
Early on, when Lennix and Maxim’s paths cross, age plays a factor and life moves on. Each of them move in their own direction. When on holiday, Lennix can’t believe the flame, that started years before, still burns bright when Maxim makes his way across the rooms her.
From here we are taken on a journey of life, love, friendships, and so much more.
The Kingmaker is the first title in the All the King’s Men Duet. Maxim and Lennix’s story is an intense and powerful love story and this title is just the beginning of their journey.
Once again you can tell the depth of research that Kennedy has undertaken to write another powerful and thought provoking story that is sure to leave you questioning your own actions and thoughts.
These characters are intense, passionate and powerful. Despite their very different backgrounds their connection and chemistry is undeniable, sensual and sexy.
Maxim is charismatic, persistent, driven and determined. Lennix is not only intelligent, strong willed and resilient, but a savvy and smart business woman.
The suspenseful ending to this story has left me desperate for more and I cannot wait for part two of this duet.
Such a talented writer.
Mrs. Ryan has completely outdone herself with The Kingmaker. A beautiful, riveting and relevant tale of passion, power, love, lies and deceit.
Lennix and Maxim are both independent, strong and fierce. But firm in their beliefs and attitudes. The two when together really are a “power couple” in every sense of the word.
Kennedy managed to pack so much into the first instalment of this duet – romance, sexy times, real life issues, passion, ambition, determination and so much more! It was obvious she’d done her research and this book was just so well paced and well developed even though there’s so much to dissect. She touches on real life issues and paints it in such a way that even though this is a romance, it will leave you wondering and with wider opened eyes.
Done in her fluent, bespoke writing style, Kennedy strikes again with another beautiful, unique story that will leave you aching for more.
I absolutely need book 2 right now.
*Reviewed by Ali at Fallen For Books.
Was the purpose of this book to ruin me? If so then it more than did it’s job.
I knew before going in that this book is going to hit me hard and I might not come out the same. As a PoC, this book affected me a lot. My heart hurt to read the injustices being carried out against the Native Americans.
Lennix is the love of my life and as God is my witness, I will see her get her HEA. NO MATTER WHAT! She has been through so much in her life but that has not dimmed her light. She knows what she wants and she fights for it with her her might. I adore her through through.
Maxim is The Rebel God. He fought for his morals and became the exceptional man that he is. I LOVE a man who fights for what is right and I specially love Maxim because of his morals and principles. WE STAN A WOKE KING! *chef’s kisses*
Lennix and Maxim’s instant connection is the stuff of dreams. I LIVE to read such passionate romances. No one is doing it like Kennedy Ryan. At this point, I am entirely in love with her and don’t know what to do with my abundant feelings. Kennedy Ryan has this amazing ability to make you feel each and every word that she write. Her words are always raw, real and hard – hitting.
That cliffhanger obviously has me in my feelings and I don’t know how to act anymore. Book 2 can’t come soon enough.
5 Girl Who Chases Stars
Kennedy has written a sensational romance laced with environmental and societal implication’s that have been grossly overlooked or disregarding in today’s age. Her creation grabs your attention from the start and completely and utterly enthralls you tell the very last sentence. This is one of those stories that will live with you long after you’ve read it. And you will continue to come back and reread just to relive these feelings again.
“She’s a straight line of color sketched into the desert landscape, transformed by a glamor of dust and sunlight.”
I don’t want to give anything away because this story should be gone into completely blind, so that you can really feel what’s happening in the pages and draw your own conclusion’s regarding the content. But just know that you will not be the same once you read this. This book will change an integral part of you and you won’t want it back.
“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.”
Lennix and Maxim are forces to be reckoned with. Separately they are completely dedicated to their separate causes. And they have all the ideals and passions that they want to complete. They are powerhouses that will bring forth the change that they wish to see, whether you are with them or against them. Their vehemence regarding these issues is remarkable and the way they voice their opinions on the topics and the force behind it makes you want to stand alongside them and fight with them.
“His body, so beautiful and strong, sets off an impossible, primordial chant inside of me. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.”
The potency with which they fight for their causes directly translates into the intensity between Maxim and Lennix making it even more formidable and all-consuming. From the moment they meet it’s as if their souls have found their missing piece. Every one of their interactions throughout the whole story was filled with conviction and passion, you could feel it come through the pages and blanket your skin. Their kind of connection is once-in-a-lifetime, so much so, that you feel inspired just to be a part of it in this small way. Their passion for each other will steal your breath away and leave you completely captivated.
“I thought I wanted her then, but it was just a struck match. What burns inside me now is rampant, a wildfire I’m tired of trying to contain.”
An intelligently written and concise story full of intense subject matter is so beautifully done. This story will pull forth so many differing emotions from you and leave you wanting so much more. This story does end on the mother of all cliffhangers so be prepared for that. But I honestly cannot wait to see where Kennedy takes us in book two, if this story has created this intensity in me, I can only imagine what will happen in the conclusion. This book is a must read for all. Do not hesitate you will love this story cover to cover!!
Wow, Kennedy Ryan sleighed me again. Fascinating characters that are written with a lyrical quality. I was invested in this story from the first page. A must-read for readers and a lesson in writing for authors. FANTASTIC.