*I received a free copy of The Kingmaker from Scribechick Media LLC via Social Butterfly PR. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan Series: All the King's Men #1
Published by Scribechick Media LLC on 27 October 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
Pages: 344
Format: eARC
Source: Social Butterfly PR
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.
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The Kingmaker is a masterpiece of a novel! There is a social issue that is important, there is romance, and there is some very strong characters you should all want to meet.
I don’t even know where to start with my review for The Kingmaker. Lennix is one of the most amazing female characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. She is strong, she fights for what she believes is right, she is smart, she is humble, self confident. And she’s also such a great friend, she includes people and yeah, she’s my kind of heroine for sure!
Maxim is a fantastic character as well. He has principles, and he keeps them – even when in some ways it would have been easier to fold and do what his family expected of him. He knew that he wanted to make some changes, and he was not at all afraid of going all in to make sure he could see things through.
The Kingmaker is more than Lennix and Maxim, though, and more than the supporting characters as well. There are some very important social issues that are tackled in a beautiful way in this novel. In some ways, they intersect, native Americans and their traditions, vs big companies and their gas pipelines. And Lennix fights for her people’s traditions, their land, and for justice. Maxim has a more quiet way of fighting, but he doesn’t back down either.
Even while tackling difficult issues, The Kingmaker still managed to be a beautiful love story, one that touched me so deeply it’s hard to even explain. I think the mix of sweet tenderness and raw passion is what got to me the most. Plus, of course, the fact that Lennix and Maxim were star crossed lovers for most of the story. That kept me hoping and yearning for more.
I wish him luck, but I’m too preoccupied with a second chance I never thought I’d get. Can it be called a second chance when there was never a chance before?
“Oh, she knows. She’s had it before, but I screwed things up. “You cheated?” she asks, her eyes condemning slits. “No, I lied.” Katya nods sagely, turning down the corners of her mouth and shrugging. “Lying is simply cheating on the truth.”
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
I’ve never heard about this book before, but it sounds awesome from your review! ?
Angela, it’s one of the very best books I’ve read this year! It just has everything. I hope you’ll pick it up (it’s in KU) and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
YES! I loved everything about this book and I loved how the author weaved all those issues. Maxim and Lennix own my heart 100%!
They are such a fantastic duo, aren’t they? I don’t even know how I’m going to be able to wait for the next book. That ending had me reeling.
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
Wow Linda, this sounds wonderful. Now you have me adding it to my list!
You are going to love this, Kim! It’s so good. And it’s in KU 😉
I can’t wait to read this book! I got it!
I’m sure you’ll love it, Gen!
Ahhh this sounds amazing! And I love that quote of “Lying is simply cheating on the truth.”
There are at least thirty quotes I could have chosen for fave quotes for this one, Stephanie. You need this book in your life, I promise.
*squee* I am SO happy you loved this, wifey. I can’t wait to read it myself but wait I must. I have a few ARCs coming (*grins*) and a Helena Hunting series to read first. That’s okay though because having to wait to meet Lennix and Maxim means that the conclusion of their story will be out. 🙂 Miss you!!! {{{BIG HUGS}}}
You should totally leave those ARCs behind and read this one, wifey! I think it’s the best Ryan has written so far! It’s most excellent <3
It’s awesome to see Kennedy Ryan continuing her string of successes. She never fails to deliver a gut punch, and I have read nothing but raves for this book. I am interesting in seeing how she navigates the issues and cultural landscape, because I heard it was done well. Great review!
Her writing is amazing, and I love how she manages to include social issues in a way that makes it natural.
Twitter: BerlsS
You had me convinced by “masterpiece of a novel” but then you convinced me over and over and over again! Man this one sounds good. I haven’t read Kennedy Ryan yet *ducks for cover* …. I know! What the hell, why not!? But maybe I’ll start with this one. Great review Linda. Hugs {{HUGS}}
YAY Berls! I’m certain you’ll love this one, and it’s the first in a duet, so it’s not like it’s a huge mountain to climb 😉 I only started reading Kennedy Ryan this summer, and I was also thinking why the hell not. {{{HUGS}}}