The Rebel King is the second book of the All the King’s Men duology. You definitely need to read The Kingmaker first. I think this second book was my favorite just based on the sheer amount of emotions this book made me feel. This book starts off with the cliffhanger from the first book and just takes off running. Without giving too many things away, you will need a box of tissues to get through this one. I know I did. Such an amazing story of love, power, and friendship.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloom Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

i want to say, i love the way Kennedy Ryan writes romance. it feels more real than fluffy. and she did that yet again in this book. i was never bored. didn’t want to put the book down.

Another powerhouse by Kennedy Ryan. I love how her books always hit me emotionally, but each in different ways. This was a hard one to review without giving spoilers. But since the last book ended in a cliffhanger, I was all in on this one and it was a non-stop ride of romantic suspense until the end. Seeing how Nix and Maxim navigate their relationship, and their careers in the political landscape they find themselves in was compelling. There were many moments in this book that I highlighted and really wished that this characters and conversations were happening in real life in the current climate.

I can't wait to read Queen Move next!

I had such a hard time with this book. On the one hand, it is so much heavier than the first book in the series. The topics are harder, they hurt my heart more. But on the other hand, I freaking love Lennix so much. And the story. And yes, Cade too. There is heartbreak here, pain and anguish, but there is also love and joy. Truly magnificent, even if it hurts more. Maybe because it hurt more? It was nice to see growth in some of the secondary characters as well. Overall, brilliant.

Give me more and more!!!The Rebel King starts off at that harrowing cliffhanger at the end of The Kingmaker. But what follows is Maxim and Lennix's powerful journey where they face the lowest of lows but also the highest of highs together. Their banter, fiery fights and heart stopping love for one another was astounding, making them truly one of the best couples I have ever read. I die for them and am so overcome with love for this story and the kismet connection they shared. Kennedy in her infinite wisdom has given us not only a novel but an important lesson in history and humanity. Her kind demeanor reflects in her stories like brilliant sunshine. Her ability to connect with her readers spills her trademark compassion and graciousness as major characteristics in the fictional people she creates. They are humane, strong, staunch believers and tireless fighters. Holding on to their beliefs and convictions, Maxim and Olivia share a once-in-a-lifetime kind of connection that happens when planets and the moon align together on rare occasions. Their path to eternity is littered with political dangers and social potholes, coupled that with family hostility, it makes it a super angsty read and couple of scenes had me bawling like a baby In particular, the scene when Maxim goes to Millie's house, just broke my heart into million pieces. Earth shattering grief, foundation shaking passion and an overload of sentiments had me engrossed, reading this book NON-STOP. I feel as if i may have put life on hold to get through this one and I am so happy I did!

This second book in the All the King's Men series didn't deliver anything different than the first book.

It's more politics, more bickering, a decent twist. But for me, the real problem came with the character of Maxim. In Book One he wasn't interested in politics to the degree his family was, and yet in Book Two he makes a major political decision? Make it make sense. Kennedy Ryan states she wants to amplify indigenous voices in romance but I'm not sure this book achieved that.

I know this book was written way before Kennedy Ryan's latest, Before I Let Go, but in my opinion she would do well to tap into the emotional side of storytelling and leave the alpha drama behind. She's an incredibly honest writer when she focuses on real relationships.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a sequel. I couldn’t put it down! It’s so deliciously dramatic and Kennedy Ryan just doesn’t put a foot wrong in the whole narrative - actual perfection. So much angst, passion and tension in one book, it just kept getting better. And the two epilogues? Too good. I could read about Lennix and Maxim forever. I was excited when I saw there was technically a third book based on Kimba, but I kind of hope there will eventually be another one following Grim?!

What to expect:

-very spicy
-forbidden romance/secret romance
-violence and drama
-Scandal (TV show) vibes

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.5⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Contemporary romance📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! I loved this one. It was emotional and filled with passion. Maxim and Lennix truly are a power couple.

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Maxim and Lennix
Beautiful writing
Strong and powerful messages
Great banter
Romance with a side of suspense
Addicting reads
Second chance romance
Strong heroines
Unique storylines
Steamy reads
Daul POV

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
So swoon worthy and sweet
The cliffhanger from book 1 was resolved quickly
How mature their relationship was
Lennix standing up to Maxim’s dad
The boat ride!!

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
Lennix got on my nerves at one point
Kennedy Ryan made me cry!

𝙵𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚀𝚞𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜:
★ “She’s my survival kit. The girl who chases stars has war in her eyes, and she’ll need it. “The toughest fight of our lives is ahead. The fight to heal.
★ “We weren’t unlikely, Nix,” I say, no levity in the words. “We were inevitable.”
★ “You signed up for me,” I say, wanting to shout, but keeping my voice low. “And I signed up for you, whatever that means, wherever that takes us.”

4.5 ⭐️s

“We were inevitable”

After the cliffhanger ending of the last book I needed to know what would happen to Lennix and Maxim as soon as possible and boy did it not disappoint!

So much happened in this book and i’m still reeling from it all. The journey these two go on I really cannot get enough.

This is the third book I’ve read by Kennedy Ryan and I am so glad she has other titles because I’m definitely a fan of her writing! After burning through The Kingmaker (book 1) in 24 hours, I couldn’t wait to see how things worked out for Maxim and Lennix in The Rebel King. The pacing and suspense in this book had me hooked and once again, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it in a day. I could not put this SPICY political romance down. It felt a lot like a dramatic and sexy-as-hell TV show (ok streaming platform) so I won’t be surprised if it gets picked up for adaptation. Nix and Maxim are fire together and their causes and political views & experiences are just as passionate. I personally loved the political commentaries and I’m really glad to see Ryan lifting up the horror of MMIW (missing and murdered indigenous women). While I do prefer own voices stories, I do appreciate her efforts to get it as right as she could with Lennix’s Native American culture through the consultation of several indigenous people and her efforts to lift up indigenous authors. Though not a full continuation of the story, I’m excited to read Queen Move about Kimba (Nix’s bestie and business partner) in hopes of some more details on Maxim and Nix.

I wanted to devour this book. After the cliffhanger from The Kingmaker, I wanted to dive right into the next installment of the series. It did not disappoint. It actually made me appreciate the first book for what it was. I appreciated seeing the evolution and growth of all of the characters, especially Lennix and Maxim. I was also happy to see glimpses of who they used to be. I think they grew without completely losing the true essence of their individuality. This book had heavy topics that made some of the whimsical elements feel more grounded. I really enjoyed the book and I’m glad I started this series. Thank you to Kennedy Ryan, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy.

I am having a hard time putting into words about how much I loved this book and this duology. Such a great love story from beginning to end. After The Kingmaker ended in a cliff hanger I had to go onto NetGalley and request the ARC for The Rebel King. This book gave me all the feelings. I cried, I gasped and I cheered. Everything Ryan writes turns to gold and this was no different. Make sure you grab a box of tissues when you pick up this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

I think I'm going to need some time to decompress after this wild ride of a book. Even a day later, I can't get this book out of my head.

From fear, happiness, heartbreak, and back to happiness yet again, my heart and mind couldn't take it. There's something about this heart wrenching conclusion to the duet that makes me pause. After finishing at 4am this morning, sorry work, I laid in bed for a long time considering everything that happened in The Rebel King. Lennix and Maxim are put to the test. Their feet to the proverbial fire with decisions that need to be made that threaten to ruin everything. It's not until the very end that you see just how their story will fully play out. How it ends... I'll leave that up to you to find out for yourself.

Word of caution? Keep the Kleenexes handy.

4 stars

I was ready for book 2 in All the Kin's Men series after the cliffhanger of book one. I loved that the resolution didn't feel drawn out but wasn't also solved easily. Lennix and Maxim have to continue fighting for their love and it just makes me so happy to see their love. The Rebel King isn't without its own drama and trauma. It almost made me cry seeing these two hurt.
I am not normally one for books with a lot of politics, which was at the forefront of this story. But it was amazing! I don't feel like there was a political agenda other than raising awareness on social issues. Which were, again, handled so skillfully and respectfully.
Lennix is such an amazing woman who knows what she believes and what needs done and does it. I want to be like her when i grow up. Maxim. Our boy is so sure of Lennix and him and that their love is the most real thing. They truly make me believe in soulmates.

I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes romance books, but you have to read book one first.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I have to admit, starting this duology was intimidating for me because I absolutely love kennedy ryan’s writing and I wanted to savor this emo romance for as long as possible 🖤

BUT! I’m so happy I’ve finished lennix and maxim’s story because I feel honestly blessed to have read their story - it felt like I was reading a bio about two most influential person in this world!

the second book picks up right where the first one leaves off, which thank goodness because that cliffhanger!!!! I was very lucky to have the second book loaded and ready to read because that cliffhanger from THE KINGMAKER was no joke!!!! 😳

and I’m not even touching about that plot twist in this one! I seriously gasped out loud when it happened 🫡

as much as I loved watching lennix and maxim grow in the first novel, this set the pace of a traditional romance with adding elements of a second novel, such as further developing characters’ friendships and relationships. I think this pacing fit the story of maxim and lennix together so much more 🫶🏼

lennix is for sure going down in history as the most badass women I’ve ever read about - and if I live my life aspiring to be half the woman she is, I’m lucky 🥹 her journey throughout life and love was truly beautiful

I feel like I’m just gushing compliments about this story, so I will wrap up this review by giving a huge thanks to netgalley and bloom books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

do yourselves a favor and get invested in this duology!!

rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: paso robles cabernet sauvignon

The Rebel King

Where do I begin? I love Maxim. And Lennix is one of the strongest heroines I’ve ever read. This was book two of a duet and book one, The Kingmaker, must be read first.

If you told me all that would go down in this book when I started it, I wouldn’t believe it. The plot was plotting! This duet is a new favorite of mine. It’s a different read that brings you into the world of politics and the topic of missing and murdered indigenous women which is rarely talked about. I love that Kennedy wrote about such an important topic that we all need to be more aware of.

It just was such a good story. Maxim and Lennix were 🥵 and watching them sneak around was my favorite. He’s obsessed with her and possessive and damn, we love to see it.

Hurry up and go read this one! The new covers are gorgeous!

I don’t really remember anything about this series (which is my fault), but I remembered loving it. Needless to say, I went in with high expectations and obviously I got disappointed. I didn’t really like the whole storyline nor was interested in it. I also wasn’t in the mood for this, and to be honest, I just read this because it’s almost the archive date. Reading this felt like a chore and it sucked. 1.5 stars.

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 / 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒃𝒆𝒍 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

This was an explosive second half to the All the King’s Men Duet.

The love shared between Lennix & Maxim was hands down one of the greatest I’ve read. Their story transcended beyond the pages, and from when they first met to everything that happened in between to where they ended up was raw, wild, angsty and beautiful.

The second picks up right where we left off in the first, by that throat-grabbing cliffhanger and it only escalated from there. Their never ending love for each was astounding, and I love how Lennix wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions where it mattered and that even with loving Maxim she still put herself first when it counted.

I don’t want to say too much, because I know I’ll give away spoilers. But, you MUST pick up this duet by Kennedy Ryan. It is a once in a lifetime kind of love story that doesn’t just highlight on the romance and spice but real and heartbreaking situations that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. It’s chaos, politics, danger, explosive and if you love the fiery spitfire of Olivia Pope you’ll love Lennix. And if you love the political intrigue of Scandal, you’re going to love this duet by Kennedy Ryan.

I only pegged off half a star because there were two specific scenes, in my opinion, that I wish only had more dramatics and flair. Those scenes I felt should’ve been more wild and emotional and dragged out for more effect than maybe other places in the book but that didn’t stop me from devouring this book and loving every second. I’m just sad their story is over.

This is a re-released version, but I highly suggest you add this to your TBR.

4.5 ⭐️ loved and adored this conclusion the Lennix and Maxims story. Lennix is such a force to be reckoned with and I love that she never compromised her beliefs in order to appease maxim ! This story was so wild and action packed and while I do tbink the ending was a bit rushed I loved the story all together !

Kennedy Ryan had absolutely done it again. She’s completely blown me away with this second installment in the All the King’s Men series.

This book starts off right where “The Kingmaker” (book 1) ends, which i’m eternally grateful for because that ending was BRUTAL.

We get to see Lennix and Maxim grow on their own and together throughout this book, and it’s beautiful to see. There are painful moments, happy moments, and *steamy* moments, and Ryan does such an incredible job of weaving political and social issues into the story’s plot. I mentioned this in my review of “The Kingmaker”, and I’ll say it again: I love a book that forces me to learn without making my eyes gloss over. And Ryan did her research before diving into the truth behind what our indigenous brothers and sisters face every single day.

If you loved the first book in this series, you’ll certainly adore the second.

I’d like to extend a huge “thank you” to NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and the team at Sourcebooks/Bloom Books for providing me this e-ARC.

Now… where’s Kimba’s story?!