This is one of my favorite Kennedy Ryan books. I was in the fence about how into this I would feel and let me tell you I’m kicking myself for taking too long to start reading. I couldn’t put it down, the electric connection, the passion, the pride, the girl power, the grace, the list goes on. I don’t want to give any spoilers so all I can say is you should read this asap. I highly recommend it. It does end on a cliff hanger of nail biting proportions and I’m anxiously awaiting the conclusion in the next book The Rebel King. Don’t sleep on this.

This book was so good. I loved the timeline that this took. Spice was top tier & there was so much education happening but it wasn’t overbearing. Loved it

Maxim and Lennix are goals!!! Love Kennedy’s work and how well she centers complex themes like love, politics, family, and the marginalized.

Love the unlikely bond between Maxim and Lennix, and how rich their love story is. Maxim was all the things you want in a book boyfriend.

This is such a great start to the duet and definitely worth the read!

I liked the indigenous culture and inspiration for our FMC - you rarely see this culture represented and kudos to the author for that. I do wish we had more exploration of it and that it had a bigger role in the plot. While I appreciate the career focus both MCs had, the gaps between them interacting are too big and I felt the plot was *holey* because of it.

Kennedy Ryan is such a brilliant writer, but this one wasn’t for me. The writing itself was excellent but the story just wasn’t something I enjoyed.

I loved the chemistry between Maxim and Lennix. I think the cultural aspect of this novel made it more realistic to me. I don't love the instant connection because that does seem unrealistic in most settings. My biggest issue with this novel was pacing. I felt like even though I enjoyed the premise of the story it wasn't fast enough to keep me interested for longer than a chapter or two at a time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This first book was an excellent introduction for this duology! I love Kennedy Ryan's writing so much and this book did no disappoint. The plot was fantastic.

This book was such a beautiful romance - intense and raw, it had me hooked from start to finish! The chemistry between the MCs was phenomenal and the cliffhanger was brutalll! I can’t wait to get into book 2!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan.

Of course, Kennedy Ryan has outdone herself with a new novel that tells a story that will have you all in knots. This is beautifully written and executed. So worth picking up to read.

Just wrapped up 'The Kingmaker' and I've got mixed feelings. On one hand, it's a unique story that blends romance with some serious topics like environmental activism and the Apache Nation's history. Kennedy Ryan really brings something different to the table with Lennix and Maxim's decade-spanning journey. Their ambition and passion are commendable, and the romance is definitely charged.

However, the second half felt a bit off. The ten-year gap seemed unnecessary and kind of disrupted the flow for me. Also, the cliffhanger ending, while intriguing, left me more frustrated than excited. I appreciate the depth and the cultural layers, but sometimes the story felt a bit weighed down by them.

Overall, it's a solid read with some great moments, but it didn't completely hit the mark for me. I'm curious about 'The Rebel King', but I'm hoping it balances things out a bit better.

I’ve started this a few times but can't seem to get past the first few chapters. There's a lot going on and a lot of characters being introduced at once. I'd like to give it another try later because I know Ryan is a brilliant storyteller.

This booked gripped me from beginning to end!! Kennedy Ryan is one of my favorite authors and this is another shining example of her talent. If you loved scandal, you’ll love this! I can’t wait to read more of the series. Thank you for the ARC!

Another amazing read by a fabulous author. I was very impressed with this book. I had been in a bit of a book slump and knew if I picked up a trusted author I would be able to shake it off. This did just that. Highly recommend

Kennedy Ryan does not disappoint!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting! A 5 star read for sure.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

Overall? I applaud to the author for her dedication and hard work on her research about the natives. I felt the chemistry between Maxim and Lennix but I felt that the huge time jump really makes no sense to me, cause really, 10 years pinning on someone, sure the s*x was great but 10 years?

Anyway, because of the cliffhanging ending, I will surely read Book 2 and I hope it will be much better than the first book.

Kennedy Ryan writes the most beautiful and romantic books on the market right now. I feel like romance is really struggling but she continues to shine bright and remind me of why I enjoy this genre in the first place.

This was a great read. I ended up purchasing the audiobook. The story made me emotional at times but it was worth the ride.

I’ve tried to get into this a few times but really seem to be struggling. It felt like there was quite a lot going on at the beginning and maybe I got a bit overwhelmed.
Will give it some time and then try again because I’ve heard amazing things.

A great angsty romance, with a lot of suspense ans surprises. I really liked Lennix and Maxim and was hooked from the start. I loved the aspects about heritage, loss, family and hope. Lennix is an amazing fmc, loved her!

It does end on a cliffhanger though so will need the next! Love Kennedys writing and wont hesistate to read more.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own