Cover Image: The Rebel King

The Rebel King

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Member Reviews

I highly recommend The Rebel King to anyone who appreciates a beautifully written, emotionally charged, and socially conscious novel. This captivating novel picks up from a major cliffhanger in the first novel of the duet, The King Maker. The entire second half of this duet is a thrilling journey that combines heart-wrenching emotion, intense romance, and thought-provoking social commentary. I truly found this one to be unputdownable.

What truly sets The Rebel King apart is Ryan's ability to address important social issues in a way that is both enlightening and thought-provoking. The book delves into themes of inequality, justice, and the power of activism, sparking meaningful and lasting reflection. Ryan always does her research, and it shows. This layer of dedication to her craft truly makes her characters and their worlds pop off the page, including the steamy scenes. 🥵

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing me with an advanced copy. It was a true pleasure and honor to read and review another Kennedy Ryan title. I can’t wait for my next Kennedy Ryan read!

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I feel so lucky to have been able to meet Kennedy at a book signing, and after hearing her speak about these books more in depth it just makes me love her even more. Book two in the All the King's Men duology does not disappoint. I only wish it didn't have to end. If you haven't yet, make sure you check out this duology ASAP!!!!

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When I heard that Sourcebooks Bloom Books acquired Kennedy Ryan's Kingmakers duology, I knew they had a jewel in their hands! The Rebel King is the highly-anticipated follow-up to The Kingmaker with a passionate conclusion that elevates the tension, angst, and depth that Ryan built in the first part. Ryan's brilliance coupled with the gripping plot and beautifully-crafted characters made this one of her best works ever! It has withstood the test of time because of how poignant her writing is and how relatable and representative her characters are. Maxim's alpha possessiveness and Lennix's gently power were a perfect couple dynamic and watching them grow both independently and together was so heartfelt! However, it would not be a Kennedy Ryan novel if the angst and drama were not a pivotal part of the story and I can assure you, the emotions Ms. Ryan can draw from even the coldest of cold hearts will have you experiencing the range of emotions by the end of this story. With justice of POC representation, sociopolitical commentary on advocacy rights, and multi-dimensional evolution of complex characters, The Rebel King needs to be your next read!

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This has to be one of the best duets I have ever read. These books were my introduction to Ryan’s incredible story telling. Let’s just say that now I can’t get enough of her. There is no description that can adequately convey what I just read. Both characters were so strong. They didn’t have to sacrifice who they were to be with each other. Instead they learned that they could support and understand each other in ways that no one else could. It was an epic love story of two souls that completed each other.

I cannot recommend this story enough!!

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Thank you for granting me access to this gorgeous sequel!
This novel was even more thrilling than the first book. And naughtier. I never thought I'd be getting hot and bothered by climate change and stuff. No one does conscious romance better than Kennedy Ryan!

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5 stars!

Kennedy Ryan never, and I do mean NEVER, misses. If you are not reading her books, you are missing out on some of the best novels ever written! Seriously!! She's THAT good. "The Rebel King" picks up right where "The Kingmaker" left off. I personally think this is one of the best sequels I've ever read, and I'm not just saying this because I am a Kennedy Ryan fangirl. The plot is insanely engaging, gripping, and tense. In fact, it never lets up once the book starts. It doubles down on the drama, triples down on the suspense, and quadruples down on the sexiness. It's hard to make my jaw drop, but boy, did it ever! Much like Maxim to Lennix, I DEVOURED this book. I'm not one for alpha-holes, but Maxim.... ohhhh, Maxim. His devotion, possessiveness, and adoration is something else. He's also super sweet and sensitive, too. Top book boyfriend material. And Lennix! What a strong, fearless, fierce-but-gentle main character. God, I love her. I love him. I love them both. I love them together. I love the smuuuut! I love their growth both together and apart. You never, ever doubt for a single second that they are not soulmates. And just when you think it can't possibly get any more emotional, BAM! More and more heart-pounding drama propels the plot forward into new, uncharted territories I did NOT see coming. This story is not just about the spice and the tension. It's also a multilayered sociopolitical commentary about climate change, big pharma, indigenous rights, political volatility, PTSD, and grief.

"The Rebel King" is a truly extraordinary book. It's a top-tier contemporary romance and an incredible sequel. I am just in sheer awe of Kennedy Ryan's writing abilities. She is truly to GOAT!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kennedy Ryan, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

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"The past is behind us. The future is ours. Figure out how you can change the world right now, and don't fear it. Do it."

Thank you Kennedy Ryan, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I immediately ran to read this book after finishing The Kingmaker. I thought that the Kingmaker made me feel all the emotions and boy was I wrong, The Rebel King made me feel all the feels. Lennix and Maxim's relationship, might just be one of my favorites. I love that their characters are older and more mature, Their love for each other and the lengths they'll go to in order to keep other safe is enough to make you swoon. They've learned from their past and communicate their needs and thoughts.

Normally, I would've avoided a book that has politics in it. In the US tensions are high enough, but this book made me want to hope that maybe we'll see a politician that might actually put the people first.

This book has everything you could want in a book and I can't recommend this series enough!



Rating: 5 stars

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This series has quickly become one of my favorite from kennedy ryan. I am a bit mad at myself for not discovering it sooner but Im glad I found it now. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT

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"The Rebel King," the thrilling sequel to "The Kingmaker," picks up right where the breathtaking cliffhanger left us hanging. In this second installment of the "All the King's Men" series, Lennix and Maxim find themselves in a race against time, striving to ensure their safety while seeking justice against the man who nearly claimed Lennix's life during a medical mission in Costa Rica. As they confront these challenges, they also face a crucial decision that could shape their lives forever. Will they choose each other, devote themselves to changing the world, or dare to be courageous enough to pursue both?

Personally, I found the plotline of the second book in this series to be highly engaging. While I had reservations about the explicit content, which I felt was not entirely necessary for advancing the story but included due to the genre's conventions, I appreciate the novel's representation of Native Americans, particularly women, and the issues they face. It is essential to have diverse representations of people from different backgrounds, races, and walks of life in literature. This inclusivity empowers individuals and allows them to feel heard and seen.

The characters in this novel are depicted as strong-willed and determined, knowing exactly what they want from life and resolute in their pursuit of it. Lennix serves as a powerful role model for women, inspiring them not to settle for mediocrity and encouraging them to fight for their rights and the rights of their communities. While Maxim is a charming male lead, I found him somewhat too idealized and fictional to fully relate to. Personally, I prefer characters who mirror real-life individuals, with flaws and complexities, making choices and speaking in ways that resonate with genuine human experiences.

As previously mentioned, Kennedy Ryan has crafted an exciting and suspenseful plotline that had me on the edge of my seat and, at times, tugged at my heartstrings. There were moments when I questioned the author's decisions regarding certain characters I had grown attached to, and I found myself navigating through the novel with a broken heart.

Despite my personal opinion about the inclusion of explicit scenes, "The Rebel King" serves as an excellent conclusion to this captivating duet. The epilogue leaves me yearning for a potential Book 3, should Ryan find the time to write it. I am eager to delve deeper into Lennix and Maxim's journey and witness how they navigate the transformative changes in their lives.

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Kennedy Ryan's The Rebel King is a gripping and passionate finale to the All the King's Men duology. It defies expectations by delivering a captivating mix of romance, suspense, and drama. The story follows Maxim Cade, the son of an oil baron, and Lennix Hunter, an Apache daughter with a complicated connection to Maxim's family. Their relationship is fueled by intense chemistry, but when Maxim's true nature as a thief is revealed, Lennix questions the authenticity of their connection. As they confront unimaginable challenges, their love and bond are tested. The book stands out with its exceptional character development, powerful writing, and the seamless blend of action, politics, and romance. While some readers may find Maxim's controlling behavior excessive and the focus on political issues overwhelming, the overall narrative creates an engaging and emotional reading experience.

The Rebel King by Kennedy Ryan is a captivating and emotionally charged read that successfully combines romance, suspense, and drama. With its well-developed characters, powerful writing, and skillful blend of action and political elements, the book offers a fulfilling reading experience. The Rebel King serves as a worthy conclusion to the All the King's Men duology, leaving readers satisfied yet craving more of Ryan's amazing storytelling.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eArc of this amazing story!

After the ending of The Kingmaker, I could not wait to go back to Maxim and Lennix’s story. I thought the main obstacles had been overcome at the beginning but, wow was I wrong.

This book was an emotional roller coaster! I was NOT prepared at all. My heart hurt, and then when more obstacles arose, I was really conflicted on how their journey would end.

I love Kennedy Ryan’s writing, every moment between Maxim and Lennix feels absolutely magnificent and passionate. Her words are powerful enough to bring their emotions to life and make every reader live through them. Their relationship is filled with so much love, adoration, and admiration just as much as it is with respect and understanding. I loved their story. I also greatly appreciate Kennedy Ryan’s commitment to telling the story - or at least a fraction of it - of Native American women and the struggles they face of which many of us, myself included, are often ignorant.

This book was so gripping. From the writing, to the development of the relationship, the romance, the family dynamics…I feel like there is so much more I could say but I can’t find the right words. Once again, Kennedy Ryan wrote a beautiful, compelling, heartfelt story that will live in my head for months to come…and now my standards are also through the roof but, oh well.

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I am a huge fan of Kennedy Ryan whish is why I read The Rebel King. Unknowingly, it is the second in a series, to The Kingmaker, which didn't make a significant difference in reading this novel as the story flowed quite well. However I do wish I had read the first novel prior. I am just that type of person. Going into the novel I was expecting romance, romantic suspense,.and what I got was political romantic suspense which is not my jam. But I read it and enjoyed the romance/romantic suspense portions and some of the politics played into that. That being said there was a lot of political involvement in this romance book and some of it had to be there for the storyline but it definitely didn't feel super romantic until the spicy (very spicy in some cases, yes please) scenes.

I love Kennedy Ryan's character development and her story telling and writing style. I loved the dual POV in this novel. I just don't think this was the novel for me. But for those who love a little political fight for and against for partner drama this is just the novel for you. Regardless the storyline is amazing.

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Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for selection me to read your book.

Lennix and Maxims story is fanatic. I didn't want their story to end.
Though surrender is what Maxim Cade demanded of my body and heart, I had other plans. We were fast-burning fascination and combustible chemistry, but the man I trusted with everything was a trickster. A thief who stole my love. If what we had was a lie, why did it feel so real? The man I swore to hate will have it all, and wants me at his side. But power is a game, and we’re the pawns and players.

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The sequel to Kingmaker was pretty good, I am not the biggest fan of romance books with sequels, but this felt a little more like a romantic suspense story. It didn't have the biggest thrills but the book was still very enjoyable and the spice was top tier. Maxim's controlling behavior was also a little much and just not something I liked all that much but Kennedy Ryan is always a good read.

Thank you netgalley and Sourcebooks bloom for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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The Rebel King by Kennedy Ryan is book Two in the All the King's Men Series. This continues the story of Maxim Cade and Lennix Hunter. Their story started in the previous book 'The Kingmaker'. So, you will need to read that one to fully enjoy this book. This book does pick up after that serious cliffhanger. This duet was a really exciting and enjoyable one for me. I am a fan of Ms. Ryan's writing so it was a must read for me.

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Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ecopy of Rebel King in exchange for honest review!

I was rooting for Lennix & Maxim throughout the whole read, I really adore their relationship. As what we saw in the first read, their relationship was not all rainbow and sunshine as they started on a rocky path.

Although I liked most of the characters, there's a few moments where I can't stand Lennix's character as she was being stubborn and immature with her actions. And, let's not talk about Owen...he deserves better.

Being written in a dual pov allows the readers to have a better understanding of the characters/emotions from both sides. The flow is smooth, it's action packed with some political elements.

Honestly speaking, I wish that there'll be less focus on the politic issues as it ruined most of the fun, since it's a romance read (my opinion it's more like 70% politic, 30% romance)

Rating:3.5

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Suspense and drama. It was such a satisfying sequel to the first book. I loved seeing Lennix and Maxim reconnect and get a second chance at love. The dramatic storyline surrounding it was entertaining and had me wanting to know what would happen next at every turn of the page. Very well written, such an interesting plot and a beautiful love story with spice that’ll keep you entertained! I can’t wait to read #3!

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This is the conclusion of a two part story but quite honestly, you can read this without having read the first one which is what I did. I plan to get the first part and read it as well, the story is just too good to miss out on it!

Totally unexpected beginning but it quickly moved into a pretty exciting and fast moving pace. Two very strong, mature, and passionate characters create a lot of tension and steamy scenes. Certainly NSFW on your lunch hour! This is such an enthralling story that time just disappears as you read. Maxim and Lennix are meant to be together and by the end, you will agree and wait for the HEA! What a ride it was!

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An amazing conclusion to this duology. The main characters have so much tension and the reader is on the edge of their seat for these two!

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It was amazing. Just as I expected after the Kingmaker, the Rebel King was no surprise. The writing was definitely more detailed and flowing, I was captured quickly and could not leave. The cover is not revealing the content, not a standard romance pattern and I prefer this, and it is in harmony with the first book. Thank you!

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