What do you think?
Rate this book
All the King's Men #1
The Kingmaker
Raised to rule, bred to lead and weaned on a diet of ruthless ambition. In a 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 would 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.
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 would 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.
344 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2019
About the author
Kennedy Ryan
55 books26.9k followersNEWSLETTER:
bit.ly/KRList
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan
AMAZON:
http://amzn.to/2EX7pgg
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1/
KENNEDY RYAN BOOKS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/68160...
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
bit.ly/KRList
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan
AMAZON:
http://amzn.to/2EX7pgg
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1/
KENNEDY RYAN BOOKS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/68160...
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,394 reviews
October 24, 2019
AHHHH!!! You guys!! Kennedy Ryan just dropped the boom mic heard 'round the world. The Kingmaker was absolutely incredible!! Maxim and Lennix were pure fiery intensity. Their story was so powerful and heartfelt that I felt every word straight down to my core. This novel was truly magnificent and is a gamechanger to be reckoned with!
Without giving away ANY spoilers, just know that like in every Kennedy Ryan book, I was spellbound from the very first page. I fell in love with Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter at first sight and knew that they were both powerful forces to be reckoned with. Their steadfast dedication to their passions and convictions were awe-inspiring. I loved them separately, but together they took my breath away. With every look and touch between them, I felt every chill and shiver. I loved their passion for one another and how their love and connection felt like it was a once in a lifetime kind of love that came right off the pages. The Kingmaker made me swoon and melt but also made me hold my breath when all seemed lost. I loved every word of this story and truly can't wait until The Rebel King.
Overall, I am in awe of this story and this author's immeasurable talent. This story was so emotional, riveting and gripping. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page and am now convinced that Ryan can not write a bad story. Her passionate heart and compassion for others comes out in her writing and we as readers are always better for it. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away ANY spoilers, just know that like in every Kennedy Ryan book, I was spellbound from the very first page. I fell in love with Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter at first sight and knew that they were both powerful forces to be reckoned with. Their steadfast dedication to their passions and convictions were awe-inspiring. I loved them separately, but together they took my breath away. With every look and touch between them, I felt every chill and shiver. I loved their passion for one another and how their love and connection felt like it was a once in a lifetime kind of love that came right off the pages. The Kingmaker made me swoon and melt but also made me hold my breath when all seemed lost. I loved every word of this story and truly can't wait until The Rebel King.
Overall, I am in awe of this story and this author's immeasurable talent. This story was so emotional, riveting and gripping. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page and am now convinced that Ryan can not write a bad story. Her passionate heart and compassion for others comes out in her writing and we as readers are always better for it. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
March 29, 2021
🖤CURRENTLY FREE *
(Check price before purchasing)
Thinking about this book and how I felt reading the opening chapters of the story gives me goose bumps.
Kennedy has gone and done it again. ♡ When I begin one of her stories, I know I’ll be taken on a special journey. She has a gift for pushing the boundary of romance novels, exploring important and sensitive issues, and turning them into a compelling narrative that we need to hear in a story arc that provokes understanding. Her writing is pure gold and this story is utterly stunning. About hope, loss, pride, ambition, heritage, and love, with courageous and strong characters, characters with flaws that make them even more human.
I was lucky enough to read a beta copy and I've got to tell you, Kennedy Ryan hooked me in within the first few pages, immersed me in the Heroine's world so I felt completed invested and then showed me her gorgeous and principle driven Hero. I was excited at the prospect and potential of this provocative story from literally the opening pages. It felt special. Kennedy takes you to the places you need to go with each of her stories, fearlessly, with courage and complete conviction about the subject she chooses to explore.
In the first book of, 'All The King's Men,' duet she achieves this with truth, heart, and soul and weaves her prose through a thought-provoking world. The story arc has absolutely everything! I cannot even tell you what because the pivotal moments that shape the story simply need to be uncovered by the reader as they experience each turn of the page. It is layered with emotion, charisma and passion all richly depicted with beauty and written with Kennedy's usual effortless style and class. The Hero and Heroine have power in their passion, their friendship and their chemistry. I felt it, believed it and want the world for them
If you haven't yet read a #kennedyryan book you really, really should. She is a Rita awarded novelist and extremely talented!
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏
mybook.to/TheKingmakerKindle
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RebelKingKindle
Read the first EXCERPT from THE KINGMAKER
Beta read *
(Check price before purchasing)
Thinking about this book and how I felt reading the opening chapters of the story gives me goose bumps.
Kennedy has gone and done it again. ♡ When I begin one of her stories, I know I’ll be taken on a special journey. She has a gift for pushing the boundary of romance novels, exploring important and sensitive issues, and turning them into a compelling narrative that we need to hear in a story arc that provokes understanding. Her writing is pure gold and this story is utterly stunning. About hope, loss, pride, ambition, heritage, and love, with courageous and strong characters, characters with flaws that make them even more human.
I was lucky enough to read a beta copy and I've got to tell you, Kennedy Ryan hooked me in within the first few pages, immersed me in the Heroine's world so I felt completed invested and then showed me her gorgeous and principle driven Hero. I was excited at the prospect and potential of this provocative story from literally the opening pages. It felt special. Kennedy takes you to the places you need to go with each of her stories, fearlessly, with courage and complete conviction about the subject she chooses to explore.
In the first book of, 'All The King's Men,' duet she achieves this with truth, heart, and soul and weaves her prose through a thought-provoking world. The story arc has absolutely everything! I cannot even tell you what because the pivotal moments that shape the story simply need to be uncovered by the reader as they experience each turn of the page. It is layered with emotion, charisma and passion all richly depicted with beauty and written with Kennedy's usual effortless style and class. The Hero and Heroine have power in their passion, their friendship and their chemistry. I felt it, believed it and want the world for them
If you haven't yet read a #kennedyryan book you really, really should. She is a Rita awarded novelist and extremely talented!
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏
mybook.to/TheKingmakerKindle
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RebelKingKindle
Read the first EXCERPT from THE KINGMAKER
Beta read *
October 28, 2019
5 stars
Kennedy Ryan never ceases to amaze me with her words. She has raw talent and her stories always have important messages, make me think, and make me feel. The Kingmaker is different than her previous books in many ways, but it’s still got that epic feel that all her stories have.
Lennix and Maxim meet at a pipeline protest. They are both there for different reasons, but they connect. Lennix is 17 and Maxim is in his early twenties, so it’s not the right time for them. Not yet. Fast-forward a few years, and they meet again in Amsterdam. The timing still isn’t right for them, but this time, they can’t stay away from one another. They spend time together that changes them forever, but they both have to get back to changing the world.
There is a secret, something Maxim has left out of telling Lennix and one that puts a divide between them. But now they’re back in each others lives, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her back.
Lennix and Maxim both want to change the world. They both have that drive and determination and I admired both of them so much. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you which one I loved more. It would be impossible to choose. There is no damsel in distress in this story. Lennix is one of the strongest, most courageous heroines. And Maxium. Sigh. He was strong in his own right, but also 100% supportive and not intimidated by this strong woman. He only wanted her at his side.
While reading, I was obsessed with this book. Obsessed with Lennix and Maxim. Seriously, the second book can’t come soon enough. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, but don’t let that deter you from reading. Book 2 is out in just a few weeks!
The Kingmaker is a story of passion. It has an incredible prose, is thought provoking, and has so much heart. It’s an important story that needs to be read, and I can’t recommend it enough!!
Kennedy Ryan never ceases to amaze me with her words. She has raw talent and her stories always have important messages, make me think, and make me feel. The Kingmaker is different than her previous books in many ways, but it’s still got that epic feel that all her stories have.
Lennix and Maxim meet at a pipeline protest. They are both there for different reasons, but they connect. Lennix is 17 and Maxim is in his early twenties, so it’s not the right time for them. Not yet. Fast-forward a few years, and they meet again in Amsterdam. The timing still isn’t right for them, but this time, they can’t stay away from one another. They spend time together that changes them forever, but they both have to get back to changing the world.
“Do what you need to do. Change your world,” he says softly, his eyes connected to mine so intensely there’s no hope of looking away. “I have to go make my world, but when the time is right, I’ll be back for you.”Lennix is Native American and her heritage means so much to her. Maxim is born to a rich father who has completely different ideas than he does. They are truly from different worlds, but they fit. They are separated again by many years, but that connection they’ve shared has never wavered. If anything, it’s only grown stronger with time.
There is a secret, something Maxim has left out of telling Lennix and one that puts a divide between them. But now they’re back in each others lives, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her back.
She was a candle lit and extinguished too quickly, but the smoke of what we had has endured, lingering in the air all these years.
Lennix and Maxim both want to change the world. They both have that drive and determination and I admired both of them so much. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you which one I loved more. It would be impossible to choose. There is no damsel in distress in this story. Lennix is one of the strongest, most courageous heroines. And Maxium. Sigh. He was strong in his own right, but also 100% supportive and not intimidated by this strong woman. He only wanted her at his side.
While reading, I was obsessed with this book. Obsessed with Lennix and Maxim. Seriously, the second book can’t come soon enough. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, but don’t let that deter you from reading. Book 2 is out in just a few weeks!
The Kingmaker is a story of passion. It has an incredible prose, is thought provoking, and has so much heart. It’s an important story that needs to be read, and I can’t recommend it enough!!
We make a universe of our own. It’s just us, and this is where I want to be. She is where I want to be.
Want to read
October 28, 2019LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
GIMMIE, GIMMIE, GIMMIE!
Book 1 in duet
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧. 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 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 would 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.
Books in All The King’s Men duet should be read in order:
Book 1: The Kingmaker
Book 2: The Rebel King
GIMMIE, GIMMIE, GIMMIE!
Book 1 in duet
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧. 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 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 would 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.
Books in All The King’s Men duet should be read in order:
Book 1: The Kingmaker
Book 2: The Rebel King
October 24, 2019
When Maxim Kingman Cade says
"Some people leave an impression, but Lennix left her mark on me. Shaped like a star"
He is mouthing my words and the object of admiration is Kennedy "The Queen" Ryan. And add about 5 stars while you're at it!!
"Injustice never rest and neither will I"
Kennedy treads off the beaten path, finds new subject matters and infuses them with her trademark passion to make memorable tales highlighting social injustices wrapped in love stories.
A powerful story honoring the legends and legacy of the Native- American indigenous people, their proud heritage and affinity to their land & Language, is the spine on which our great country has now fleshed and muscled up.
Kennedy reminds us WHO actually deserves the honor of making this country Great in the first place. She shines the light on injustices meted out to these warriors, the abuses and unfair treatments they have endured at the hands of the very people they once welcomed to their lands, shared meals with and opened arms in hospitality.
The fact that there exists an acronym- MMIW (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women), broke my heart!!!
So do not mistake this as just a romance, it's a lesson in history, culture & heritage against a backdrop of love all intricately woven together like a colorful ceremonial costume of the Apache.
Lennix Moon Hunter is a budding young indigenous girl of the Apache tribe, who has just crossed from a girl to womanhood by partaking in the ceremony- Sunrise Dance. Her mother has infused her personality with passion for just causes and during one such protest against the largest oil company invading and scarring her ancestral land, with a pipeline that endangers the water supply, she meets Maxim amidst all the smoke and slogans. Their encounter is momentary but impressive enough for both of them to feel the lingering sentiments that stir in their hearts.
There's a gap of years before they meet again in Amsterdam where magnetic attraction flames to lust and maybe more...
"You're a regular Don Quixote. A knight errant, determined to save the world. Comes fully equipped with windmills."
A capitalist Crusader and a Girl who chases stars. It's an oddball couple congruent in zeal and fervour
Years pass again before they face each other across a formidable wall of lies that threatens to divide their love. Angst-o-meter is sky high, sentiments whirling like a powerful hurricane, dreadful cloudy danger at every turn and the end note is jaw dropping and will stun you into silence!!
Maxim Kingsmen Cade is one of the most charismatic heroes I've read.
Maxim is on his own mission to change the world for the better and Lennix is to save it.
Together they shall make their own world together. Cades are nothing if not dogmatic and persistent
I love take charge men who are stubborn in their pursuit and unflinching in face of opposition. Maxim is such a character
" i’ve spent the last 10 years getting what I want not because I’m a Cade, but because I work harder than everyone else. I keep working after everyone else has gone home. I take risk no one else even considers. I don’t give up on seemingly lost causes. when I want something really want something I’ll do whatever I have to until I have it"
Lennix matches him in diligence and determination, she's sharp and savvy, a real warrior heroine I just loved from first scene!
"I have to be intentional about everything. I can’t afford wrong steps, bad moves. it’s not for me, it’s for the people I want to help "
An emotional powerhouse perfectly crafted and brilliantly written, the words from this story battered my thoughts forcefully, gripped me hard.
Painstakingly researched and masterfully created, this book will stay with you long after you've closed it, the impact will never diminish and it shouldn't.
Brilliant in Syntax, accidence and style...Kennedy has given it all!!
All the stars from Amsterdam to Amazon to Antarctica
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow me on:
BookBistroBlog@gmail.com
https://Twitter.com/BookBistro
www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
He is mouthing my words and the object of admiration is Kennedy "The Queen" Ryan. And add about 5 stars while you're at it!!
"Injustice never rest and neither will I"
Kennedy treads off the beaten path, finds new subject matters and infuses them with her trademark passion to make memorable tales highlighting social injustices wrapped in love stories.
A powerful story honoring the legends and legacy of the Native- American indigenous people, their proud heritage and affinity to their land & Language, is the spine on which our great country has now fleshed and muscled up.
Kennedy reminds us WHO actually deserves the honor of making this country Great in the first place. She shines the light on injustices meted out to these warriors, the abuses and unfair treatments they have endured at the hands of the very people they once welcomed to their lands, shared meals with and opened arms in hospitality.
The fact that there exists an acronym- MMIW (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women), broke my heart!!!
So do not mistake this as just a romance, it's a lesson in history, culture & heritage against a backdrop of love all intricately woven together like a colorful ceremonial costume of the Apache.
Lennix Moon Hunter is a budding young indigenous girl of the Apache tribe, who has just crossed from a girl to womanhood by partaking in the ceremony- Sunrise Dance. Her mother has infused her personality with passion for just causes and during one such protest against the largest oil company invading and scarring her ancestral land, with a pipeline that endangers the water supply, she meets Maxim amidst all the smoke and slogans. Their encounter is momentary but impressive enough for both of them to feel the lingering sentiments that stir in their hearts.
There's a gap of years before they meet again in Amsterdam where magnetic attraction flames to lust and maybe more...
"You're a regular Don Quixote. A knight errant, determined to save the world. Comes fully equipped with windmills."
A capitalist Crusader and a Girl who chases stars. It's an oddball couple congruent in zeal and fervour
Years pass again before they face each other across a formidable wall of lies that threatens to divide their love. Angst-o-meter is sky high, sentiments whirling like a powerful hurricane, dreadful cloudy danger at every turn and the end note is jaw dropping and will stun you into silence!!
Maxim Kingsmen Cade is one of the most charismatic heroes I've read.
Maxim is on his own mission to change the world for the better and Lennix is to save it.
Together they shall make their own world together. Cades are nothing if not dogmatic and persistent
I love take charge men who are stubborn in their pursuit and unflinching in face of opposition. Maxim is such a character
" i’ve spent the last 10 years getting what I want not because I’m a Cade, but because I work harder than everyone else. I keep working after everyone else has gone home. I take risk no one else even considers. I don’t give up on seemingly lost causes. when I want something really want something I’ll do whatever I have to until I have it"
Lennix matches him in diligence and determination, she's sharp and savvy, a real warrior heroine I just loved from first scene!
"I have to be intentional about everything. I can’t afford wrong steps, bad moves. it’s not for me, it’s for the people I want to help "
An emotional powerhouse perfectly crafted and brilliantly written, the words from this story battered my thoughts forcefully, gripped me hard.
Painstakingly researched and masterfully created, this book will stay with you long after you've closed it, the impact will never diminish and it shouldn't.
Brilliant in Syntax, accidence and style...Kennedy has given it all!!
All the stars from Amsterdam to Amazon to Antarctica
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow me on:
BookBistroBlog@gmail.com
https://Twitter.com/BookBistro
www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
October 27, 2019
The Kingmaker is an epic love story that spans over a decade. When a story spans over such a long time I need a foundation for the two main characters to hold my attention. That foundation is laid in the author’s notes and when Lennix meets Maxim when she’s 17. An encounter that leaves an everlasting impression on both of them. A match has been struck and the flame keeps simmering until they meet again years later.
Their connection is immediate and so on point from their first meeting and even more palpable the second time. There’s no doubt about their chemistry. They’re fascinated and intrigued by one another. How they slowly get to know one another through words and intimacy is written flawlessly. A beautiful and sensual exploration between two souls who are destined for each other but the timing isn’t right.
Lennix is a member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, an American Indian tribe. Her cultural background and heritage is a huge part of her and her identity. It shaped her to be that strong and powerful woman she grows up to be. She’s a formidable heroine. To complement her she needed a just as strong and determined opposite. A man who knows what he wants and takes it.
Maxim Cade is Lennix’s match. A man who grows up in wealth and destined to take over his father’s empire but Maxim has other ideas. He doesn’t share and agrees with his father’s visions and beliefs. Maxim cuts himself off from his father and ventures out in his own.
Lennix and Maxim. This couple. They complement each other beautifully. Their connection and love is so strong despite them being apart for years! That’s a testament to the author and her exquisite writing. She’s done her research. Not only in her characters but to the overall story. There’s a red thread from start to finish.
The Kingmaker is so much than romance. It’s a powerful love story. A love story between a man and woman. It’s a story about a love between a woman and her heritage. Lennix’s cultural background is such a huge part of who she is. Kennedy Ryan has left no stones unturned when it comes to telling and exploring Lennix past. I was fully immersed in her story and that’s all because of Ryan’s dedication to her story and her attention to details. She takes on not only crucial historical moments but also important society topics such as climate change. It’s a tour de force in flawless storytelling.
The Kingmaker is a powerful tale of two people who goes after what they want. It’s sensual, thrilling and suspenseful. I stated at the beginning of this review that it’s epic but epic is not a big enough word for The Kingmaker. Just read it and be blown away. I certainly was and still am. Brava!!
5+ Magnificent and Brilliant Stars to I Want The Girl Who Chases Stars
I received an ARC
Their connection is immediate and so on point from their first meeting and even more palpable the second time. There’s no doubt about their chemistry. They’re fascinated and intrigued by one another. How they slowly get to know one another through words and intimacy is written flawlessly. A beautiful and sensual exploration between two souls who are destined for each other but the timing isn’t right.
Lennix is a member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, an American Indian tribe. Her cultural background and heritage is a huge part of her and her identity. It shaped her to be that strong and powerful woman she grows up to be. She’s a formidable heroine. To complement her she needed a just as strong and determined opposite. A man who knows what he wants and takes it.
Maxim Cade is Lennix’s match. A man who grows up in wealth and destined to take over his father’s empire but Maxim has other ideas. He doesn’t share and agrees with his father’s visions and beliefs. Maxim cuts himself off from his father and ventures out in his own.
Lennix and Maxim. This couple. They complement each other beautifully. Their connection and love is so strong despite them being apart for years! That’s a testament to the author and her exquisite writing. She’s done her research. Not only in her characters but to the overall story. There’s a red thread from start to finish.
The Kingmaker is so much than romance. It’s a powerful love story. A love story between a man and woman. It’s a story about a love between a woman and her heritage. Lennix’s cultural background is such a huge part of who she is. Kennedy Ryan has left no stones unturned when it comes to telling and exploring Lennix past. I was fully immersed in her story and that’s all because of Ryan’s dedication to her story and her attention to details. She takes on not only crucial historical moments but also important society topics such as climate change. It’s a tour de force in flawless storytelling.
The Kingmaker is a powerful tale of two people who goes after what they want. It’s sensual, thrilling and suspenseful. I stated at the beginning of this review that it’s epic but epic is not a big enough word for The Kingmaker. Just read it and be blown away. I certainly was and still am. Brava!!
5+ Magnificent and Brilliant Stars to I Want The Girl Who Chases Stars
I received an ARC
October 27, 2019
2.5 stars
Am I being punk'd right now? Because there is no way this was written by the same author who wrote the amazing Hoops series...
This book was sooo cliched and had absolutely no development between the characters or the romance it honestly read like one of those cliched, insta-lovey billionaire romances that used to be a huge thing back in the "50 shades" era.
It's clear the author did her research about Lennox's and her Native American heritage and I love that so much about this book. However, it felt like sooo much info dumping in this book. About her heritage, about Maxim and his passion for saving the world. It just felt like I was being told all this information that honestly, at first was interesting but then after the millionth page with paragraph after paragraph of info, it became boring as hell and I had to start skimming.
Also, the romance is...underdeveloped. I did not feel their connection at all and I thought Maxim was full of shit and honestly, a piece of shit for the majority of the book. I don't believe that she's this great love for him, considering he says he'll come back for her but then takes his sweet ass time doing so and then fucks MULTIPLE women during this time. I'm sorry but you're telling me you "waited" for her to forgive you, meanwhile you didn't even try to get her to forgive you, instead you just continued on with your ambitions and fucked any woman that looked appealing? And I'm supposed to believe you have this soul-deep connection with her? He just REEKS of douchebag, slimy rich white boy who thinks he's entitled to whatever and whoever he wants and he just wants to conquer Lennix because she's unattainable and there's something about a white man wanting to possess and conquer a Native American woman that just rubs me the wrong way. I don't believe in their romance and I definitely don't believe that Maxim has even one ounce of true feelings for her.
The ending literally made me roll my eyes so hard I thought they'd get stuck that way because just like everything else about this book, it's predictable and SO CLICHE. This book is so damn unoriginal and the synopsis pretty much tells you the entire book and it's like, why would I want to read this book when it's so damn predictable and the entire plot of the book is told in the synopsis? There were no surprises, the writing fell flat and the plot was boring as hell.
I want to go into more detail but I will refrain because I don't want to spoil anything else but I will say this is by far my least favorite book by this author and while I wanted to love this so bad (mostly because of the Native American rep which is insanely underrepresented in books) it was not a win for me and I won't pretend it was.
*copy given in exchange for an honest review.
(I realize this review is currently a very angry and ranty one. Hopefully once I've had some time to cool down and get some space from this, I can come back and make this a review with, at the minimum, much less cursing LOL. I apologize but I am currently so very mad at this book and how disappointed I am, I can't write it any other way.)
Am I being punk'd right now? Because there is no way this was written by the same author who wrote the amazing Hoops series...
This book was sooo cliched and had absolutely no development between the characters or the romance it honestly read like one of those cliched, insta-lovey billionaire romances that used to be a huge thing back in the "50 shades" era.
It's clear the author did her research about Lennox's and her Native American heritage and I love that so much about this book. However, it felt like sooo much info dumping in this book. About her heritage, about Maxim and his passion for saving the world. It just felt like I was being told all this information that honestly, at first was interesting but then after the millionth page with paragraph after paragraph of info, it became boring as hell and I had to start skimming.
Also, the romance is...underdeveloped. I did not feel their connection at all and I thought Maxim was full of shit and honestly, a piece of shit for the majority of the book. I don't believe that she's this great love for him, considering he says he'll come back for her but then takes his sweet ass time doing so and then fucks MULTIPLE women during this time. I'm sorry but you're telling me you "waited" for her to forgive you, meanwhile you didn't even try to get her to forgive you, instead you just continued on with your ambitions and fucked any woman that looked appealing? And I'm supposed to believe you have this soul-deep connection with her? He just REEKS of douchebag, slimy rich white boy who thinks he's entitled to whatever and whoever he wants and he just wants to conquer Lennix because she's unattainable and there's something about a white man wanting to possess and conquer a Native American woman that just rubs me the wrong way. I don't believe in their romance and I definitely don't believe that Maxim has even one ounce of true feelings for her.
The ending literally made me roll my eyes so hard I thought they'd get stuck that way because just like everything else about this book, it's predictable and SO CLICHE. This book is so damn unoriginal and the synopsis pretty much tells you the entire book and it's like, why would I want to read this book when it's so damn predictable and the entire plot of the book is told in the synopsis? There were no surprises, the writing fell flat and the plot was boring as hell.
I want to go into more detail but I will refrain because I don't want to spoil anything else but I will say this is by far my least favorite book by this author and while I wanted to love this so bad (mostly because of the Native American rep which is insanely underrepresented in books) it was not a win for me and I won't pretend it was.
*copy given in exchange for an honest review.
(I realize this review is currently a very angry and ranty one. Hopefully once I've had some time to cool down and get some space from this, I can come back and make this a review with, at the minimum, much less cursing LOL. I apologize but I am currently so very mad at this book and how disappointed I am, I can't write it any other way.)
October 25, 2019
'THE KINGMAKER' is the first full length romance book in Kennedy Ryan's 'All The Kings Men' duet. In this we're introduced to Lennix & Maxim. Broken up into 3 parts and is spoken in 'Dual Perspectives'
𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧. 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙡 ...
As soon as I started this I was beyond HOOKED!! And I have questioned myself numerous times whilst reading this, why I haven't read anything previous by this author, because this book right here was AMAZING!!
𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗬 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗤𝗨𝗘, 𝗨𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗟𝗬 𝗨���𝗣𝗨𝗧𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘, 𝗨𝗡𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗬 𝗨𝗡𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗!! This is quite possibly the most memorable, captivating, and gripping romance I have quite possibly read..
This unforgettable story spans fourteen years..
Our heroine Lennix is a Native American Indian of the Yavapai-Apache tribe and is raised on a reservation in Arizona, her culture is her back bone. It has shaped her into the strong willed woman we encounter in this story.
Our hero Maxim Kingsman Cade is trying to make his stamp on the world by garnering other resources to sustain the world but in having to do that he has to take a stand against his father who is a mogul oil tycoon.
These two are enthralled with each other as soon as they meet, which was such a unique way with starting off this journey into this book. It sent shivers down my back. It was thought provoking, and a powerful message was to be learn't.
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.
This storyline was flawless, the characters were engaging, the pace was perfect, I couldn't get enough, I felt everything this author threw at me, such an emotional thought provoking journey that has me gasping for the next book!!
May 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a unique and powerful read!! I was completely engrossed from start to finish. Is it a love story? Yes, but it is so much more! It's about family, heritage/culture, diversity, loss, hope and love. I loved the passion and dedication of the main characters. The author does an amazing job honoring the Native-American people and the social injustices they endured. This book does end on a HUGE cliffhanger so be prepared for it! Now I am anxious to read the rest of the story in "The Rebel King". I highly recommend this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a unique and powerful read!! I was completely engrossed from start to finish. Is it a love story? Yes, but it is so much more! It's about family, heritage/culture, diversity, loss, hope and love. I loved the passion and dedication of the main characters. The author does an amazing job honoring the Native-American people and the social injustices they endured. This book does end on a HUGE cliffhanger so be prepared for it! Now I am anxious to read the rest of the story in "The Rebel King". I highly recommend this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shelved as 'dnfed'
October 29, 2019Update: So hero has sex with TONS of women (after being with the heroine and claiming to madly love her) but she has BAD sex with ONE guy after giving her virginity to the hero? HOW ORGINAL. Dear author, women are perfectly capable of enjoying sex with men who are not the so called love of their life-we also have needs. Lets stop with the double standards.
Sounds very terrible and unsafe according to this review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- cliché, predictable, insta-love, underdeveloped romance, info dumping
- Also he says he will wait for her and loves her a lot but screws multiple women (wow) and we get a lot of details. Many women talk about how he fucked them so hard and well. Is that meant to make him more attractive to us? Is it supposed to be a turn on that the man I love and the man who claims to love me can't keep it in his pants and shares the same passion (that he falsely says he only feels with me) with every other women in the world?
More reviews -
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sounds very terrible and unsafe according to this review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- cliché, predictable, insta-love, underdeveloped romance, info dumping
- Also he says he will wait for her and loves her a lot but screws multiple women (wow) and we get a lot of details. Many women talk about how he fucked them so hard and well. Is that meant to make him more attractive to us? Is it supposed to be a turn on that the man I love and the man who claims to love me can't keep it in his pants and shares the same passion (that he falsely says he only feels with me) with every other women in the world?
More reviews -
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 29, 2019
5 Can They Have a Forever Stars!!!
This book is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. This shouldn’t surprise me though because whenever I pickup a book by Ms. Ryan my life is transformed. I’ve been wanting to read this book since she first started talking about it. I had absolutely no intentions of reading it in one sitting that’s for sure. But when I got home from work on a Friday night after a very long and frustrating week at work, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed early….all that went out the window when I started this book at 7pm….next thing I knew it was 7am on Saturday morning and I’d stayed up all night because I was consumed by Lennix and Maxim’s story.
We’re taken on a journey over several years from when they meet to when they’re both at a precipice in their lives. From the minute Maxim first sees Lennix her magnetism is something he’s never experienced before….
This moment in time is one that, unbeknownst to either of them will change who they are in every way possible. And this is one of the things I love so much about Ms. Ryan’s writing. She allows her stories to develop over time. They’re not rushed in any sense of the word. Our H/h are such a dichotomy in how they were raised but at the same time there’s a core set of beliefs that they share even if some people in their lives definitely don’t agree with them.
There’s a powerfulness in their love and their connection will hopefully not break. But fate, as we know, isn’t always in our favor. Hence the reason this book takes us on an almost two-decade ride. And the chemistry never lessens each time they’re together. I love how they each stay true to what they believe in especially when the odds are against them even if at times it looks like they’ve waivered or changed their path mid-stream…we need to always remember not everything is what it seems on the surface.
The intensity of the situations they find themselves in had my heart beating outside of my chest. The scenes are so beautifully described that I felt like I was in that moment with our H/h. I could feel the tension in the air, or the passion of their love or the sorrow of when they say goodbye.
As is indicated by the title of this book, there’s so much to this story yet to be told. What I can say with all certainty is that as I read the last words in this first book of one of the most powerful duets I’ve ever read is that I was left gasping for air.
I’m ready for the conclusion of this love that is riveting in its intensity. This book is not only a love story, it also brings us into a subject matter that is relevant to the world we live in today and that to me is another one of the many reasons I love this author’s writing. She does not shy away from anything that could be considered controversial. She grabs the subject matter by the horns and takes us on the best ride possible! Now I’m ready for The Rebel King!
#thekingmaker #allthekingsmenbook1 #kennedyryan #duet #allthestars #lennixandmaxim #allhailtheking #rivetingandconsuming #power #passion #betrayal #diverseromance #mustread #topreadof2019 #francisfabreads
This book is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. This shouldn’t surprise me though because whenever I pickup a book by Ms. Ryan my life is transformed. I’ve been wanting to read this book since she first started talking about it. I had absolutely no intentions of reading it in one sitting that’s for sure. But when I got home from work on a Friday night after a very long and frustrating week at work, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed early….all that went out the window when I started this book at 7pm….next thing I knew it was 7am on Saturday morning and I’d stayed up all night because I was consumed by Lennix and Maxim’s story.
We’re taken on a journey over several years from when they meet to when they’re both at a precipice in their lives. From the minute Maxim first sees Lennix her magnetism is something he’s never experienced before….
This moment in time is one that, unbeknownst to either of them will change who they are in every way possible. And this is one of the things I love so much about Ms. Ryan’s writing. She allows her stories to develop over time. They’re not rushed in any sense of the word. Our H/h are such a dichotomy in how they were raised but at the same time there’s a core set of beliefs that they share even if some people in their lives definitely don’t agree with them.
There’s a powerfulness in their love and their connection will hopefully not break. But fate, as we know, isn’t always in our favor. Hence the reason this book takes us on an almost two-decade ride. And the chemistry never lessens each time they’re together. I love how they each stay true to what they believe in especially when the odds are against them even if at times it looks like they’ve waivered or changed their path mid-stream…we need to always remember not everything is what it seems on the surface.
The intensity of the situations they find themselves in had my heart beating outside of my chest. The scenes are so beautifully described that I felt like I was in that moment with our H/h. I could feel the tension in the air, or the passion of their love or the sorrow of when they say goodbye.
As is indicated by the title of this book, there’s so much to this story yet to be told. What I can say with all certainty is that as I read the last words in this first book of one of the most powerful duets I’ve ever read is that I was left gasping for air.
I’m ready for the conclusion of this love that is riveting in its intensity. This book is not only a love story, it also brings us into a subject matter that is relevant to the world we live in today and that to me is another one of the many reasons I love this author’s writing. She does not shy away from anything that could be considered controversial. She grabs the subject matter by the horns and takes us on the best ride possible! Now I’m ready for The Rebel King!
#thekingmaker #allthekingsmenbook1 #kennedyryan #duet #allthestars #lennixandmaxim #allhailtheking #rivetingandconsuming #power #passion #betrayal #diverseromance #mustread #topreadof2019 #francisfabreads
October 28, 2019
***Available Now ****
5+ WARRIOR CROWNS
Phew! Every single time I read a Kennedy Ryan book, I sit down my kindle after the final page and just blink in awe, awe of her talent, her wordsmithing, her ability to weave such urgent social issues, unseen social injustices with these epic romances. I walk away from every one of her books with a new understanding, a new need to help, a new need to share my newfound knowledge, and, last but not least, a new couple to exemplify REAL ( life is hard) LOVE. In short, I feel inspired.
Part of that inspiration comes from these characters. Each with their own drive and passion, it bleeds off the page. Their dialogue and their intellect sucked me in. I believed in their convictions, I wanted to jump into the pages and join them. More than just loving them, these are the types of heroines and heroes I want my daughters to read about, be inspired by. I want this couple to be the example for them, showing them the importance of knowing the past, present and future, of being educated and knowledgeable, of being conscious and respectful, of being accepting and appreciative of all the world and society has to offer.
In addition to these amazing characters we get another epic romance, and I know I seem to say this with all Kennedy Ryan couples, but each one is so unique, so different from the last, and yet the way they all love each other is encompassing, endless, eternal. Her couples, including this hero and heroine, their stories and the way they love fiercely, passionately is the stuff of romances. It is the way we want to be loved and love in return.
This story is captivating, the pacing perfect. From the moment they meet and every moment after, each page is filled with emotion, passion, love, trials. It is filled with life, each page seeming to have its own beat and pulse. Kennedy Ryan has composed another must read romance that has me already begging for the final book in this duet. I am that consumed with this story and these characters, desperate to know how it is all going to end.
With a Kennedy Ryan book, I always have high expectations, and she consistently meets them. She writes with such integrity, such honesty that I feel each story in my soul. Her characters, no matter who they are or what their convictions and passions are , are relatable and inspirational. I feel changed when I read her books. I want to be better. Better for the world, for my kids, for society. And this, this is what great literature is about, effecting change, inspiring hope, shining light on current issues. Kennedy Ryan is so much more than a romance writer, she is that (trust me, the romance aspect doesn’t disappoint on any level), but she and her stories are more.
BETA READ
5+ WARRIOR CROWNS
Phew! Every single time I read a Kennedy Ryan book, I sit down my kindle after the final page and just blink in awe, awe of her talent, her wordsmithing, her ability to weave such urgent social issues, unseen social injustices with these epic romances. I walk away from every one of her books with a new understanding, a new need to help, a new need to share my newfound knowledge, and, last but not least, a new couple to exemplify REAL ( life is hard) LOVE. In short, I feel inspired.
Part of that inspiration comes from these characters. Each with their own drive and passion, it bleeds off the page. Their dialogue and their intellect sucked me in. I believed in their convictions, I wanted to jump into the pages and join them. More than just loving them, these are the types of heroines and heroes I want my daughters to read about, be inspired by. I want this couple to be the example for them, showing them the importance of knowing the past, present and future, of being educated and knowledgeable, of being conscious and respectful, of being accepting and appreciative of all the world and society has to offer.
In addition to these amazing characters we get another epic romance, and I know I seem to say this with all Kennedy Ryan couples, but each one is so unique, so different from the last, and yet the way they all love each other is encompassing, endless, eternal. Her couples, including this hero and heroine, their stories and the way they love fiercely, passionately is the stuff of romances. It is the way we want to be loved and love in return.
This story is captivating, the pacing perfect. From the moment they meet and every moment after, each page is filled with emotion, passion, love, trials. It is filled with life, each page seeming to have its own beat and pulse. Kennedy Ryan has composed another must read romance that has me already begging for the final book in this duet. I am that consumed with this story and these characters, desperate to know how it is all going to end.
With a Kennedy Ryan book, I always have high expectations, and she consistently meets them. She writes with such integrity, such honesty that I feel each story in my soul. Her characters, no matter who they are or what their convictions and passions are , are relatable and inspirational. I feel changed when I read her books. I want to be better. Better for the world, for my kids, for society. And this, this is what great literature is about, effecting change, inspiring hope, shining light on current issues. Kennedy Ryan is so much more than a romance writer, she is that (trust me, the romance aspect doesn’t disappoint on any level), but she and her stories are more.
BETA READ
November 17, 2019
3.5 STARS
WARNING: Unpopular opinion on the horizon . . .
How I wish I could gush along with everyone else, but while there were flashes of brilliance throughout The Kingmaker, I can't say that I loved it.
A huge thank you to JAMIE for reading this with me. I love the way we bounce our thoughts back and forth!
I'll start with the positives:
(1) Lennix. She was an incredible heroine. I adored her. Ms. Ryan truly succeeded in portraying an intelligent, principled, and driven First Nations woman. Maxim's first impression of her was spot on.
(2) The wonderful flashes of humour.
(3) The brief flashes of Kennedy-style romance.
(4) The issues surrounding the characters. Wow. Where do I even start? You guys know how I love it when an author has something to say . . . and Ms. Ryan had plenty here. I love that she shines light on all of the following:
(1) The lack of subtlety in the writing. So when I say that Ms. Ryan had plenty to say, I'm not kidding. Unfortunately, the issues took over the story. I felt like I was being bludgeoned over and over and over again. Both Lennix and Maxim rarely spoke or thought about anything else. It got very repetitive. In fact, my buddy reader pointed out that these two were very one dimensional in that respect. And I have to agree.
(2) Maxim. I see how the idea was to portray him as the male equivalent of Lennix; intelligent, driven, and principled. But he REALLY fell flat for me. I HATED that the author went to such lengths to show the depths of his integrity . . . integrity he applied to every facet of his life except Lennix. He ruined almost every pivotal moment in their relationship for me.
(3) The romance. Or more to the point, the lack thereof. After the initial stages of their relationship came to an end, they barely spent any time together. That, combined with Maxim's attitude toward Lennix . . . yeah, well, obviously I'm not happy.
But I am WAY in the minority here, you guys. Get your clicking fingers out and make your own judgment. It's very possible I've lost my mind! <3
"Hope hurts when it doesn't deliver."Oh, man, sorry guys, but after a lot of thought, I have to round this one down. 😢
WARNING: Unpopular opinion on the horizon . . .
How I wish I could gush along with everyone else, but while there were flashes of brilliance throughout The Kingmaker, I can't say that I loved it.
A huge thank you to JAMIE for reading this with me. I love the way we bounce our thoughts back and forth!
I'll start with the positives:
(1) Lennix. She was an incredible heroine. I adored her. Ms. Ryan truly succeeded in portraying an intelligent, principled, and driven First Nations woman. Maxim's first impression of her was spot on.
She seems to command the elements as effortlessly as she does the crowd's attention, standing on a mound of dirt, a hill as her stage. Even if she weren't slightly elevated, she would tower. She's a straight line of color sketched into the desert landscape, transformed by a glamor of dust and sunlight.One of my favorite heroines this year for sure.
(2) The wonderful flashes of humour.
(3) The brief flashes of Kennedy-style romance.
(4) The issues surrounding the characters. Wow. Where do I even start? You guys know how I love it when an author has something to say . . . and Ms. Ryan had plenty here. I love that she shines light on all of the following:
(a) The countless missing and murdered indigenous women across North America.With all of the above on the table, how is it possible that I didn't love this one? Especially when it was in the hands of one of my favourite authors?
(b) Injustices faced by First Nations both past and present.
(c) The positive portrayal of First Nations' culture.
(d) Climate change and fossil fuel dependency.
(1) The lack of subtlety in the writing. So when I say that Ms. Ryan had plenty to say, I'm not kidding. Unfortunately, the issues took over the story. I felt like I was being bludgeoned over and over and over again. Both Lennix and Maxim rarely spoke or thought about anything else. It got very repetitive. In fact, my buddy reader pointed out that these two were very one dimensional in that respect. And I have to agree.
(2) Maxim. I see how the idea was to portray him as the male equivalent of Lennix; intelligent, driven, and principled. But he REALLY fell flat for me. I HATED that the author went to such lengths to show the depths of his integrity . . . integrity he applied to every facet of his life except Lennix. He ruined almost every pivotal moment in their relationship for me.
(3) The romance. Or more to the point, the lack thereof. After the initial stages of their relationship came to an end, they barely spent any time together. That, combined with Maxim's attitude toward Lennix . . . yeah, well, obviously I'm not happy.
But I am WAY in the minority here, you guys. Get your clicking fingers out and make your own judgment. It's very possible I've lost my mind! <3
December 31, 2019
4.5 stars. I have 100% been converted into a Kennedy Ryan fangirl, omg
October 28, 2019
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"If a kiss has a taste, it tastes like this. Hunger flavored with yearning and spiced with desperation."
Kennedy Ryan amazes me and this story is yet another reason why she sits on my Favorite Authors list. She gets in the trenches of a subject, pulls out all the knowledge - big and small - and then basically manipulates my emotions with an honest truth. I know I will sit amongst the many other raving reviews out there, and many will want a more diverse review with some negatives and positives, but one thing Ryan does without fail is bring me a compelling story that makes me think. It's constructive and thought provoking - one that I know I won't walk away from without a better understanding of a situation, or a current issue.
My absolute, hands down, favorite thing about her writing is the fact that she can make me feel her words. I never feel like I’m guilted into taking sides on a specific thought process. Kennedy always has a way of talking through a cause, an emotion, a belief that has very strong opinions attached to it - on both sides of the spectrum. I love the way she talks me through it and gives me another POV. Her words are mesmerizing, tantalizing, and she can romanticize anything - but that’s not who or what she is deep within. Making it emotional is one thing, making it personal is another, but making it relatable is what Kennedy excels at.
But, you know what else she does so well?? She gives me a man worthy of weak knees and heart palpitations....the tummy-flutters, the heart eyes. Not to diminish the quality of her storytelling, or the value of her content, but Maxim Cade is unlike any of her other men. Is he strong? Yes. Is he thoughtful? Yes. Is he meaningful in his actions? Most definitely. But the depth of his soul is scale-tipping of epic proportions. I love when I can get caught up in a fascinating storyline as a whole, but I love to settle into a love story that it makes me ache for more.
"There's a language between our heartbeats I have no translation for - no words, just a thumping communion."
Within the first few chapters, the strength of Lennix gave me the chills. Her words haunt me still....days later. I love what Kennedy does with bringing issues to light. Things we hear about but may never really think about in depth. She definitely gave me something to think about.
Lennix has such a personality and she made me laugh with all her sarcastic thoughts. But she was also bold. She didn't let anything stop her and she was headstrong and determined. That clearly played out well for her in the long run. Given the history and background of the characters, this was a story with purpose. I wanted to read the love story, but I was very intrigued where she was taking the moral side as well. Ryan builds a love story so organically. There isn't any undue drama. No eye twitching moments. It’s pure unadulterated brilliance in her writing and I truly love settling into her books. She puts love in motion and I can appreciate her vision for not only the love that she's growing and giving us, but also for the actual storyline that has moral implications beyond an everyday romance reader's run-of-the-mill stories. She's always got a heavy subject matter, one that's told with knowledge and a deeper understanding of all the intricacies that make it a hot and debatable discussion.
"Anticipation is the match to the line of gasoline, and I'm already on fire."
-> There’s a reason she’s a best-selling author - she writes books that speak to people about people, but with a powerful message attached.
-> There’s a reason she’s a RITA award-winning author - she writes books that resonate with people, not only on an emotional level but an academic level.
-> There’s a reason she’s an amazing human being - she writes emotional books while telling a compelling story with so much heart and soul and conviction, but not making you feel bad for not fully grasping the concept at hand on a deeper level. I love that I can get a POV that makes me see more than surface level arguments.
In the interest of being open and honest with my reviews, as I try to be with every single book, favorite author or not; there isn't much I can honestly complain about with this one. The one thing I personally struggled with was the constant repetitive side of Lennix's need to explain her fight. I know why she was fighting and I am behind her 100%, but continually bringing it up in every single conversation made me feel a little brow-beaten at times. But if that is seriously the only thing I can say I struggled with - a headstrong heroine with strength and conviction in her fight? Then I think I can call this a win. But it ended and I am left scrambling with my emotions unchecked, waiting for November 18th.....there's my real complaint.
I loved this book. I loved reading a story with a very different background than I've ever read. I loved getting caught up in a gut-grabbing, time-diffusing love that spanned years but never lost it's magnetism. If anything, it grew stronger. I felt the pull between them and I could feel his need with every interaction. I could feel her want and desire humming just below the surface. I felt their love, despite the animosity harbored between them. I felt this story. I cannot wait for their conclusion.
"The harder I have to work for something, the harder I take it."
~BEE
Purchase: https://amzn.to/36eESxe
Affiliate Link/Kindle Unlimited
Enter here for your chance to win an ecopy: http://bit.ly/2MRDhpA
"If a kiss has a taste, it tastes like this. Hunger flavored with yearning and spiced with desperation."
Kennedy Ryan amazes me and this story is yet another reason why she sits on my Favorite Authors list. She gets in the trenches of a subject, pulls out all the knowledge - big and small - and then basically manipulates my emotions with an honest truth. I know I will sit amongst the many other raving reviews out there, and many will want a more diverse review with some negatives and positives, but one thing Ryan does without fail is bring me a compelling story that makes me think. It's constructive and thought provoking - one that I know I won't walk away from without a better understanding of a situation, or a current issue.
My absolute, hands down, favorite thing about her writing is the fact that she can make me feel her words. I never feel like I’m guilted into taking sides on a specific thought process. Kennedy always has a way of talking through a cause, an emotion, a belief that has very strong opinions attached to it - on both sides of the spectrum. I love the way she talks me through it and gives me another POV. Her words are mesmerizing, tantalizing, and she can romanticize anything - but that’s not who or what she is deep within. Making it emotional is one thing, making it personal is another, but making it relatable is what Kennedy excels at.
But, you know what else she does so well?? She gives me a man worthy of weak knees and heart palpitations....the tummy-flutters, the heart eyes. Not to diminish the quality of her storytelling, or the value of her content, but Maxim Cade is unlike any of her other men. Is he strong? Yes. Is he thoughtful? Yes. Is he meaningful in his actions? Most definitely. But the depth of his soul is scale-tipping of epic proportions. I love when I can get caught up in a fascinating storyline as a whole, but I love to settle into a love story that it makes me ache for more.
"There's a language between our heartbeats I have no translation for - no words, just a thumping communion."
Within the first few chapters, the strength of Lennix gave me the chills. Her words haunt me still....days later. I love what Kennedy does with bringing issues to light. Things we hear about but may never really think about in depth. She definitely gave me something to think about.
Lennix has such a personality and she made me laugh with all her sarcastic thoughts. But she was also bold. She didn't let anything stop her and she was headstrong and determined. That clearly played out well for her in the long run. Given the history and background of the characters, this was a story with purpose. I wanted to read the love story, but I was very intrigued where she was taking the moral side as well. Ryan builds a love story so organically. There isn't any undue drama. No eye twitching moments. It’s pure unadulterated brilliance in her writing and I truly love settling into her books. She puts love in motion and I can appreciate her vision for not only the love that she's growing and giving us, but also for the actual storyline that has moral implications beyond an everyday romance reader's run-of-the-mill stories. She's always got a heavy subject matter, one that's told with knowledge and a deeper understanding of all the intricacies that make it a hot and debatable discussion.
"Anticipation is the match to the line of gasoline, and I'm already on fire."
-> There’s a reason she’s a best-selling author - she writes books that speak to people about people, but with a powerful message attached.
-> There’s a reason she’s a RITA award-winning author - she writes books that resonate with people, not only on an emotional level but an academic level.
-> There’s a reason she’s an amazing human being - she writes emotional books while telling a compelling story with so much heart and soul and conviction, but not making you feel bad for not fully grasping the concept at hand on a deeper level. I love that I can get a POV that makes me see more than surface level arguments.
In the interest of being open and honest with my reviews, as I try to be with every single book, favorite author or not; there isn't much I can honestly complain about with this one. The one thing I personally struggled with was the constant repetitive side of Lennix's need to explain her fight. I know why she was fighting and I am behind her 100%, but continually bringing it up in every single conversation made me feel a little brow-beaten at times. But if that is seriously the only thing I can say I struggled with - a headstrong heroine with strength and conviction in her fight? Then I think I can call this a win. But it ended and I am left scrambling with my emotions unchecked, waiting for November 18th.....there's my real complaint.
I loved this book. I loved reading a story with a very different background than I've ever read. I loved getting caught up in a gut-grabbing, time-diffusing love that spanned years but never lost it's magnetism. If anything, it grew stronger. I felt the pull between them and I could feel his need with every interaction. I could feel her want and desire humming just below the surface. I felt their love, despite the animosity harbored between them. I felt this story. I cannot wait for their conclusion.
"The harder I have to work for something, the harder I take it."
~BEE
Purchase: https://amzn.to/36eESxe
Affiliate Link/Kindle Unlimited
Enter here for your chance to win an ecopy: http://bit.ly/2MRDhpA
Read
October 28, 2019🖤 THE KINGMAKER is LIVE & FREE in KU! 🖤
Special release price: $2.99! Ends this week! (Check price before purchasing)
"𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙙...𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙄."
✔ #FREE w/Kindle Unlimited Subscription
✔ Alpha Male + Alpha Female
✔ Passion spanning 4 continents & 20 years
✔ 2 fighter-dreamers determined to change the world!
✔ Enemies-to-Lovers + Second Chance Romance
#ProTip: If you don't want to read book 1 until book 2 releases in 3 weeks, grab it now ON RELEASE SALE, and then just hoard it until Book 2 releases on Nov 18.
Or read and wait! Options! ;-)
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏
♛ Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2pRgXDA
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheKingmakerKindle
♛ Audio Alert: subscribepage.com/audiolisteners
(LIVE in just days!)
GRs GIVEAWAY: win a signed copy of THE KINGMAKER
Special release price: $2.99! Ends this week! (Check price before purchasing)
"𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙙...𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙄."
✔ #FREE w/Kindle Unlimited Subscription
✔ Alpha Male + Alpha Female
✔ Passion spanning 4 continents & 20 years
✔ 2 fighter-dreamers determined to change the world!
✔ Enemies-to-Lovers + Second Chance Romance
#ProTip: If you don't want to read book 1 until book 2 releases in 3 weeks, grab it now ON RELEASE SALE, and then just hoard it until Book 2 releases on Nov 18.
Or read and wait! Options! ;-)
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏
♛ Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2pRgXDA
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheKingmakerKindle
♛ Audio Alert: subscribepage.com/audiolisteners
(LIVE in just days!)
GRs GIVEAWAY: win a signed copy of THE KINGMAKER
March 7, 2021
3.5 🌟
First half was great. It was a whirlwind of romance and politics and the set up was great since we got to know the characters and their dreams. I loved how ambitious they were.
Second half kinda lost me. The ten year jump felt unnecessary? I wish we had more moments between them but it was great to see them established in their careers.
But 10 years of pining after someone? I’m quitting. It could’ve been done well but no effort was made on both their sides. Or is that because we never got to see that on paper? I’m confused.
And my god do I hate it when grown folk lie to themselves and aren’t honest. And it’s stupid little things too.
I’m still interested enough in the second book since it is Kennedy Ryan. I just hope book 2 strikes the balance just right.
First half was great. It was a whirlwind of romance and politics and the set up was great since we got to know the characters and their dreams. I loved how ambitious they were.
Second half kinda lost me. The ten year jump felt unnecessary? I wish we had more moments between them but it was great to see them established in their careers.
But 10 years of pining after someone? I’m quitting. It could’ve been done well but no effort was made on both their sides. Or is that because we never got to see that on paper? I’m confused.
And my god do I hate it when grown folk lie to themselves and aren’t honest. And it’s stupid little things too.
I’m still interested enough in the second book since it is Kennedy Ryan. I just hope book 2 strikes the balance just right.
November 7, 2019
5 ‘Poweful’ stars
I finally had a whole day off after finally finishing my midterm exams and what I did is devour this book. This was such a powerful inspiring great book that ignited my soul and left me in awe.
"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 stole the show in this book. I admired and loved her a lot! I felt her power slipping from the book to my soul. She’s fierce, strong, ambitious, and a fighter. Her determination is contagious and the way she fight for what she wants is admirable. I loved how she knows what she wants and go for it. I also really loved how she wasn’t easily forgiving. I loved her a lot.
"I know I want to change the world. I’m just not sure how yet.”
I loved everything about this book. Their romance was so good and their chemistry was undeniable. And I loved their conversations a lot!!! Hell I even loved the politics aspect in this book! I’ve never though that politics could be so interesting. I really loved the groveling as well. I loved when the heroine isn’t easily forgiving no matter how persistent the hero is. Maybe it’s because I’m such a cold hearted person who doesn’t forgive easily, lol.
"In what world could you possibly think I would belong to you?”
“In the one we make together.”
Kennedy Ryan is one of my all time favorite authors. Every book I read by her was an easy 5 star read. The way she writes is flawless and inspiring. I love how she tackles different important topics in her books. This was such a provoking book and I’m glad that book two will be out soon, I can’t wait to read it.
Song recommendation:
Always remember us this way by lady Gaga
Papercuts by Illy ft. Vera blue
Power by little Mix
I finally had a whole day off after finally finishing my midterm exams and what I did is devour this book. This was such a powerful inspiring great book that ignited my soul and left me in awe.
"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 stole the show in this book. I admired and loved her a lot! I felt her power slipping from the book to my soul. She’s fierce, strong, ambitious, and a fighter. Her determination is contagious and the way she fight for what she wants is admirable. I loved how she knows what she wants and go for it. I also really loved how she wasn’t easily forgiving. I loved her a lot.
"I know I want to change the world. I’m just not sure how yet.”
I loved everything about this book. Their romance was so good and their chemistry was undeniable. And I loved their conversations a lot!!! Hell I even loved the politics aspect in this book! I’ve never though that politics could be so interesting. I really loved the groveling as well. I loved when the heroine isn’t easily forgiving no matter how persistent the hero is. Maybe it’s because I’m such a cold hearted person who doesn’t forgive easily, lol.
"In what world could you possibly think I would belong to you?”
“In the one we make together.”
Kennedy Ryan is one of my all time favorite authors. Every book I read by her was an easy 5 star read. The way she writes is flawless and inspiring. I love how she tackles different important topics in her books. This was such a provoking book and I’m glad that book two will be out soon, I can’t wait to read it.
Song recommendation:
Always remember us this way by lady Gaga
Papercuts by Illy ft. Vera blue
Power by little Mix
December 6, 2019
Title: ➳ The Kingmaker
Series ➳ All the King's Men Duet 1#
Author: ➳ Kennedy Ryan
Published October 28th 2019
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
💖💖💖💖💖+
ღ My 1st book by Kennedy Ryan & one hell of book! This book was Recommendation……Thank you so much L💕veツ,…..
Lennix & Maxim.
Their first encounter together was very brief, but yet at the same time it left impression on both of them
Several years later they encountered each other again in Amsterdam, With agreement just to have this one beautiful week together, but there time together will be cut shorts
That one week left a lasting impression on both of them even though there were a few bumps in the road along the way
They both had goals unwilling to subside for anyone. There are certain things that they both had to do before either one of could even considered settle down. neither one can afford distractions Too many goals to complete, too many mountains to climb … Time slipped by ….days, weeks, months & then years
By pure Miracle 10 years later they find their self’s in the same town, unwilling to let anything chance coming between them again they can no longer deny their desires for each other the question is …. Is it too late for them now?
Will they ever get to make up for lost time?
The ending was totally⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ & although it was sort of a cliffy, still it gave me goosebumps cuz of how promising of what it could be. I just hope & pray that the next book is as good as this one. And It makes me want to instantly grab the 2nd book which I'll definitely be reading soon!
➦📚 *Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book.
Books in All The King’s Men duet should be read in order:
Book 1: The Kingmaker
Book 2: The Rebel King
Happy Reading & Enjoy --------Paulette Alphas Review
Series ➳ All the King's Men Duet 1#
Author: ➳ Kennedy Ryan
Published October 28th 2019
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
💖💖💖💖💖+
ღ My 1st book by Kennedy Ryan & one hell of book! This book was Recommendation……Thank you so much L💕veツ,…..
Lennix & Maxim.
Their first encounter together was very brief, but yet at the same time it left impression on both of them
Several years later they encountered each other again in Amsterdam, With agreement just to have this one beautiful week together, but there time together will be cut shorts
That one week left a lasting impression on both of them even though there were a few bumps in the road along the way
They both had goals unwilling to subside for anyone. There are certain things that they both had to do before either one of could even considered settle down. neither one can afford distractions Too many goals to complete, too many mountains to climb … Time slipped by ….days, weeks, months & then years
By pure Miracle 10 years later they find their self’s in the same town, unwilling to let anything chance coming between them again they can no longer deny their desires for each other the question is …. Is it too late for them now?
Will they ever get to make up for lost time?
The ending was totally⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ & although it was sort of a cliffy, still it gave me goosebumps cuz of how promising of what it could be. I just hope & pray that the next book is as good as this one. And It makes me want to instantly grab the 2nd book which I'll definitely be reading soon!
➦📚 *Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book.
Books in All The King’s Men duet should be read in order:
Book 1: The Kingmaker
Book 2: The Rebel King
Happy Reading & Enjoy --------Paulette Alphas Review
October 25, 2019
5 “Exquisite” Stars
What a magnificent read I just finished. It was packed with emotion, heart, knowledge, and filled with a spectacular and powerful romance. It was an epic read that gripped my soul because of the moving and intelligent words that spins from this author’s talented fingers.
Lennix and Maxim meet each other at age 17 and 24. It’s not the right time but their paths do cross again at 21 and 28 and its their time, until its not, and then they must wait another 10 years to see each other again and face the aftermath of their last meeting. Both are passionate in their lives and convictions. Each head strong, intelligent and committed to doing their best for a better world. But what is equally evident, they recognize that the other is special, spectacular and like no other they have ever met. Their banter is perfect and lively. While their connection may seem instant, their affinity feels real and powerful. Their passion and feelings have been simmering for ten years....... I would say that fate and destiny are alive and well with Lennix and Maxim.
Besides this epic romance, the author delves into powerful topics of passion for the environment, politics, and the history of the Apache Nation and it’s handling of it’s people and rights. It’s engaging, thought provoking and originally resourceful. She also mixes family dynamics into the mix that creates an added edge to the story.
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that the cast of secondary characters were amazing. They added sass, humor, conflict and love to the lives of Lennix and Maxim.
Kennedy Ryan with her brilliant storytelling knows how to capture a reader with stories that are unique, socially relevant and always emotionally heart driven. The Kingmaker is epic in all aspects and a definite must read. I’m already counting down the days until the conclusion, The Rebel King, comes out.
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
What a magnificent read I just finished. It was packed with emotion, heart, knowledge, and filled with a spectacular and powerful romance. It was an epic read that gripped my soul because of the moving and intelligent words that spins from this author’s talented fingers.
Lennix and Maxim meet each other at age 17 and 24. It’s not the right time but their paths do cross again at 21 and 28 and its their time, until its not, and then they must wait another 10 years to see each other again and face the aftermath of their last meeting. Both are passionate in their lives and convictions. Each head strong, intelligent and committed to doing their best for a better world. But what is equally evident, they recognize that the other is special, spectacular and like no other they have ever met. Their banter is perfect and lively. While their connection may seem instant, their affinity feels real and powerful. Their passion and feelings have been simmering for ten years....... I would say that fate and destiny are alive and well with Lennix and Maxim.
Besides this epic romance, the author delves into powerful topics of passion for the environment, politics, and the history of the Apache Nation and it’s handling of it’s people and rights. It’s engaging, thought provoking and originally resourceful. She also mixes family dynamics into the mix that creates an added edge to the story.
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that the cast of secondary characters were amazing. They added sass, humor, conflict and love to the lives of Lennix and Maxim.
Kennedy Ryan with her brilliant storytelling knows how to capture a reader with stories that are unique, socially relevant and always emotionally heart driven. The Kingmaker is epic in all aspects and a definite must read. I’m already counting down the days until the conclusion, The Rebel King, comes out.
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
September 27, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ dont mind me, going through kennedy ryan’s entire backlist.
round of applause for the title of this book being the most full circle moment. that needs to be said.
lennix is such a strong female mc, my favorite thing ever. and maxim is her perfect match. both of them wanting to change the world in different ways, and being so opposite and yet so similar!!!! their love radiated throughout this book.
not only that, but the representation, the plot, the topics discussed!!! all of it is so important and i feel like a lot of research was put into this, as it should!!!
that ending? sos. me running to the second book immediately.
“i want the girl who chases stars.” <3
round of applause for the title of this book being the most full circle moment. that needs to be said.
lennix is such a strong female mc, my favorite thing ever. and maxim is her perfect match. both of them wanting to change the world in different ways, and being so opposite and yet so similar!!!! their love radiated throughout this book.
not only that, but the representation, the plot, the topics discussed!!! all of it is so important and i feel like a lot of research was put into this, as it should!!!
that ending? sos. me running to the second book immediately.
“i want the girl who chases stars.” <3
November 10, 2019
Another terrific story from my favorite author and I'm already excited for the next book! 😊😊😊
😍😍😍
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤
-----------------------------
-Cover Revealed-
Entertainment Exclusive 🤗🤗🤗
https://ew.com/books/2019/10/03/kenne...
Expected publication: October 27th 2019
January 3, 2020
Who doesn't know already how much I love Kennedy Ryan's books?!
She delivers each and every time....
This was something completely different from what I was expecting. And I love that fact too.
I love the fact that these two lead characters stand perfect alone but are great together.
READ HER BOOKS!!!!
She delivers each and every time....
This was something completely different from what I was expecting. And I love that fact too.
I love the fact that these two lead characters stand perfect alone but are great together.
READ HER BOOKS!!!!
April 29, 2022
Scorching love story that had me simultaneously eager to know what happened next and not wanting the story to end.
January 1, 2022
#1 the kingmaker — 4.5 stars
#2 the rebel king — 4 stars
💎 if i was as rich as maxim, i would send out a copy of this book to every single hopeless romantic fool out there as an early christmas present. unfortunately as it's not the case, i can only tell you that you should definitely add this book to your tbr. if you already did, then you should prioritize it.
💎 yes, my friends, this book is that good. this author did it again!! she really killed it with this new duet. im now officially trash for her empowering portrayal of female characters and her spellbinding prose writing skills. not to mention, how she always manages to add in certain issues (e.g. politics, environment, sexual violence) to her narrative in a thought provoking way.
💎 there's nothing sexier than two people who are both of the alpha type constantly challenging each other, being passionate about the things they love, and fighting for a cause they believe in despite their differences. maxim and lennix are the perfect embodiment of this for me. im absolutely in awe of these two.
💎 i love how dedicated they are to their dreams and that despite their undeniable attraction and chemistry towards each other, they dont abandon their purpose just for the sake of pursuing a romance. i think it's even more remarkable to add to the fact that they're both young and full of ambitions when they first (+ second) meet each other and they dont let their lust get in the way of doing what they set out to do.
💎 i dont have anything against marrying young. but i think with maxim and lennix, it just seems more realistic especially in today's modern society where people's first goal in life is no longer to procreate. thus it only makes sense that these two start to rekindle their sparks after ten years of not seeing each other. they're both now in their thirties and at the peak of their careers.
💎 while this book is intended to be a romance, i think the romance portion of the story actually stands at the same level with the characters development or maybe even a little below it. this book is also quite heavy with talks about governmental politics, native americans injustices, environment, and renewable energy resources as these are all present day crises that are important to touch upon.
💎 my favorite element about the romance is actually the chasing / the get back together chapters in part III of the book. our hero does a lot of grovelling and he tries a couple tactics to convince our girl that they should be together. our heroine gives a good fight even though really she's just scared of commitment and has a little trust issues. i truly revelled in all of it. it was equal frustrating and satisfying.
💎 i should probably warn you that this book can get a little too info dump-y what with all the heavy subjects i mentioned earlier. i personally didnt really mind it bcs i think it was all incorporated in an engaging and not so boring way that it triggered me to sort of reflect for a second and form my own opinion on those matters. i also think that it added leyers to the characters personalities.
💎 another alert, this book ends in a fucking CLIFFHANGER!! even though it'll be less than a month before the next book comes out, it's still CRUEL especially bcs the ending confused and destroyed me at the same time. damn! maxim is going to raise all hell when he finds out what happened.
October 29, 2019
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheKingmakerKindle
♛ Audio Alert: subscribepage.com/audiolisteners
(LIVE in just days!)
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RebelKingKindle
Read the first EXCERPT from THE KINGMAKER
GRs GIVEAWAY: win a signed copy of THE KINGMAKER
5 STARS
"She's left her mark on me.And it's shaped like a star."
Such a beautiful,powerful and addictive story!The romance is heavy,intense and hot!The characters were strong and original, everything about this story was fantastic.I devour it and I can't for more!I cannot wait to get my hands in the next book!
"If a kiss has a color , this one is the muted shades of the sky overhead, a menage a 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."
The writing is flawless and like always Kennedy makes you feel like you are a part of her story!I could feel everything the characters were going through. There is passion,love and intensity!
I couldn't get enough of this story, I loved it so much, definitely one of my favorite books for this year!
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheKingmakerKindle
♛ Audio Alert: subscribepage.com/audiolisteners
(LIVE in just days!)
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐
♛ Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RebelKingKindle
Read the first EXCERPT from THE KINGMAKER
GRs GIVEAWAY: win a signed copy of THE KINGMAKER
5 STARS
"She's left her mark on me.And it's shaped like a star."
Such a beautiful,powerful and addictive story!The romance is heavy,intense and hot!The characters were strong and original, everything about this story was fantastic.I devour it and I can't for more!I cannot wait to get my hands in the next book!
"If a kiss has a color , this one is the muted shades of the sky overhead, a menage a 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."
The writing is flawless and like always Kennedy makes you feel like you are a part of her story!I could feel everything the characters were going through. There is passion,love and intensity!
I couldn't get enough of this story, I loved it so much, definitely one of my favorite books for this year!
October 29, 2019
This book is ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. It deserves all the stars and all the love. I haven’t felt this giggly and excited about a read in a while, but The Kingmaker blew. me. away. It’s sexy, smart, aware – I LOVED the way Kennedy Ryan blended the romance and politics. Also… Maxim and Lennix were on fire together!!! This book without a doubt is definitely going on my best of 2019 list and right now I’m willing to do anything to get my hands on the sequel.
It’s been a while since my last Kennedy Ryan read, but reading The Kingmaker reminded me of how much I love her writing. Everything from the romance, the second chance, the heroine’s Native American heritage, the hero’s sustainability ambitions, all were seamlessly blended together in a thoughtful, meaningful, and addicting read. Have I mentioned how much I love this book?
When Lennix and Maxim first meet, they find an instantaneous connection together over their youthful ambition and desire for a better world. She’s trying to save her Native American ancestors’ land, and she doesn’t know that he’s the son of the corporation’s CEO trying to destroy that land. They never expect to see each other again after their time in jail after a protest, but years later, they reunite in a chance encounter in Amsterdam. They have one week left before they move to opposite sides of the Earth, but they use that week to its fullest. Theirs is a whirlwind, passionate romance that had me swooning and wanting an HEA for them, even though I knew they wouldn’t get one… yet.
The Kingmaker is divided into three parts, and the last part is the second chance Maxim and Lennix deserve ten years later. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and sexy as hell second chance. Lennix wants nothing to do with Maxim and Maxim is determined to win the heart of the woman who stole his a decade ago. If you thought these two were steamy in their 20s, that’s NOTHING compared to them in their 30s. They’re all grown up now, Maxim especially. You will absolutely be fanning yourself over this man, his desire to save Mother Nature, and how single-minded he is to make Lennix love him again.
If there’s a romance you need to read this year, it’s The Kingmaker. Lennix is one of the strongest, most passionate and admirable heroines I’ve ever read. Maxim will have you heart-eyeing for days. I fell so hard for this couple and the first part of their epic love story. Now I am DYING to read The Rebel King!
It’s been a while since my last Kennedy Ryan read, but reading The Kingmaker reminded me of how much I love her writing. Everything from the romance, the second chance, the heroine’s Native American heritage, the hero’s sustainability ambitions, all were seamlessly blended together in a thoughtful, meaningful, and addicting read. Have I mentioned how much I love this book?
When Lennix and Maxim first meet, they find an instantaneous connection together over their youthful ambition and desire for a better world. She’s trying to save her Native American ancestors’ land, and she doesn’t know that he’s the son of the corporation’s CEO trying to destroy that land. They never expect to see each other again after their time in jail after a protest, but years later, they reunite in a chance encounter in Amsterdam. They have one week left before they move to opposite sides of the Earth, but they use that week to its fullest. Theirs is a whirlwind, passionate romance that had me swooning and wanting an HEA for them, even though I knew they wouldn’t get one… yet.
“How does it feel knowing you could bring a man like me to my knees?”
The Kingmaker is divided into three parts, and the last part is the second chance Maxim and Lennix deserve ten years later. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and sexy as hell second chance. Lennix wants nothing to do with Maxim and Maxim is determined to win the heart of the woman who stole his a decade ago. If you thought these two were steamy in their 20s, that’s NOTHING compared to them in their 30s. They’re all grown up now, Maxim especially. You will absolutely be fanning yourself over this man, his desire to save Mother Nature, and how single-minded he is to make Lennix love him again.
He was my first. Ten years ago when we made love, I didn’t know a passion like this was rare, something to be coveted and chased and clutched, but tonight, I know it’s a comet shooting across the sky and all we can do is ride its fiery trail.
Now I know.
If there’s a romance you need to read this year, it’s The Kingmaker. Lennix is one of the strongest, most passionate and admirable heroines I’ve ever read. Maxim will have you heart-eyeing for days. I fell so hard for this couple and the first part of their epic love story. Now I am DYING to read The Rebel King!
November 10, 2019
This is a must read!!!
Wow, just wow! Kennedy has done it again. She seriously doesn’t disappoint and has truly become one of my favorite authors and a go-to for diverse, woc stories. The Kingmaker is one seriously epic story. I was captivated from beginning to end by the beautiful writing and the amazing storytelling.
The storyline is fresh and original, it’s also full of current and social issues that need to be written about. Lenix is definitely everything I look for in a heroine, strong, smart, empowered. I love that Kennedy says she likes her characters’ romances to fully develop at a point when they are at a point in their lives where a man is only going to complement them, that they are self made without needing a man. This story spans many years and the pacing is…just..right. I can’t say enough good things about how great Kennedy is representing us WOC. And Maxim, he is just precious. And the romance, simply off the charts! The chemistry between Lenix and Maxim is just everything I love in a book!
And that cliffhanger, wow! Kennedy is seriously gonna do me like that!!! I need Book 2 pronto. I totally recommend this one, it’s now LIVE!!!
Wow, just wow! Kennedy has done it again. She seriously doesn’t disappoint and has truly become one of my favorite authors and a go-to for diverse, woc stories. The Kingmaker is one seriously epic story. I was captivated from beginning to end by the beautiful writing and the amazing storytelling.
The storyline is fresh and original, it’s also full of current and social issues that need to be written about. Lenix is definitely everything I look for in a heroine, strong, smart, empowered. I love that Kennedy says she likes her characters’ romances to fully develop at a point when they are at a point in their lives where a man is only going to complement them, that they are self made without needing a man. This story spans many years and the pacing is…just..right. I can’t say enough good things about how great Kennedy is representing us WOC. And Maxim, he is just precious. And the romance, simply off the charts! The chemistry between Lenix and Maxim is just everything I love in a book!
And that cliffhanger, wow! Kennedy is seriously gonna do me like that!!! I need Book 2 pronto. I totally recommend this one, it’s now LIVE!!!
Shelved as 'nfmaa'
April 6, 2020Spoilers ahead
Why is it second chance?
Why is she a virgin?
Why did he sleep around if he has feelings for her?
Why did he continue sleeping with others after being with her?
Why did he claim to want her, keep tabs on her but not make an approach in 10 years?
Why did the h have to be celibate with the requisite one bad sexual experience?
Why's there OW drama???
Why is shit like this in a ROMANCE?
Why?!!! Why?!!! Why?!!!
Why is it second chance?
Why is she a virgin?
Why did he sleep around if he has feelings for her?
Why did he continue sleeping with others after being with her?
Why did he claim to want her, keep tabs on her but not make an approach in 10 years?
Why did the h have to be celibate with the requisite one bad sexual experience?
Why's there OW drama???
Why is shit like this in a ROMANCE?
Why?!!! Why?!!! Why?!!!
January 12, 2022
Can you see me? Because I don’t think you can.
Holy smokes! This book blew me away! It’s not very often a book comes along that makes you want to be a better person. Makes you want to stand up and fight injustice. Makes you want to make the world a better place for all people to coexist.
The Kingmaker has been haunting my thoughts since I put it down. Am I part of the problem or solution happening in the world around us?! Do I see the people around me and listen to their voices?
Those questions and more are something Lennix is advocating for. Her voice and her actions reflect who she is and what she believes in. As part of the Yavapai-Apache Nation “she’s a perfect blend of past and present and future.”
Her goals and ambitions are a driving force in moving Lennix along in her path to becoming a Kingmaker (a person who brings leaders to power).
I love how she doesn’t get derailed by obstacles thrown in her way. While she does have a sexy love interest, Maxim, she never loses focus on what is important to her and her causes.
Lennix Moon Hunter has left more than an impression. She’s left her mark on me. And it’s shaped like a star.
I want to live within the pages of this book and be best friends with Lennix and have my own Maxim to admire me for the advocate work I’m doing. To support me 100% and be a cheerleader for me when others try to tear me down. I want to experience that kiss with Maxim: If a kiss has a color, this one is the muted shades of the sky overhead, a menage a trois of midnight and indigo and moonshine silver. If a kiss has a sound, this one is the concert of our breaths and sign and moans. If a kiss has a taste, it taste 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.
The Kingmaker is a duet. The story continues from the first book into the second book. It’s a romance within the confines of social justice. The reader will want to be best friends with these characters.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: October 28, 2019
THE REBEL
Release date: November 18, 2019
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Follow Foxy Blogs at: Foxy Blogs ♥ Twitter ♥ Instagram ♥ Facebook
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,394 reviews