Reviews with content warning for Death - The Rebel King

Rating: 2/5 stars

I read the All the King’s Men duology as a buddy read with some close friends in December, and the buddy read commentary was EXCELLENT. Unfortunately, it was also much better than the books for me.

Lennix and Maxim come from very different worlds, but a chance encounter puts them on a collision course that spans decades.

I could not stand this one. It read like a bad telenovela (an insult to telenovelas) and was loaded with inaccuracies my pedantic self found frankly insulting.

If you don’t mind heavy political overtones (and can ignore factual errors) and want something with tons of drama, you may enjoy these more. I know I do have friends who love them!

CW: Violence; kidnapping; trauma; grief

Content Warnings

bribreez's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5⭐️/ 4🌶️

The second book in the “All The King’s Men” duology, with Lennix and Maxim back again, and of course, danger and suspense picking right up in the beginning of the story! The first book was a culmination of the years since Maxim and Lennix first met at the protest against Cade Energy a.k.a. Maxim’s dad, and the subsequent years following both Maxim and Lennix into their adult lives and careers. Through some tumultuous times, Lennix and Maxim managed to find their way back to each other, only for them to ripped away in the most unexpected and difficult ways possible! The cliffhanger from the first book had me wanting to know what would happen to Lennix and wondering what would Maxim do in order to ensure the safety and return of his beloved?! Kennedy Ryan continued to surprise me, kept me on edge, and all sorts of emotions while reading this book! So much more than a romance book, this story delved into a variety of topics, and I was impressed yet again.

The beginning immediately jumped into the danger zone with the cliffhanger that occurred at the end of, “The Kingmaker”. With Lennix and Wallace’s lives on the line, it was a countdown for Maxim to figure out how to save Lennix before any more harm could come to her. Obviously, with Maxim’s level of deep connections and being a billionaire or maybe more due to how much his empire was worth, he utilized all his resources in order to get Lennix back home. There always a level or beyond that most MMC’s will go in order to get their love interest back and protect and Maxim did that and more! I feel like seeing Maxim in this book really showed not only how much he cared about Lennix, but also how much of a protective, dominant man he was. In the end, it all worked out and Maxim came through to save our girl, Lennix!

After surviving a kidnapping situation, I could only imagine the trauma and fear that lingered in Lennix’s mind afterwards. For the most part, I felt like the way Lennix handled her emotional and mental state following the kidnapping was good and bad. Good in that Lennix was self aware of acknowledging that she wasn’t completely fine, but putting in the effort to speak to her therapist in order to ensure she went about healing herself properly. On the other hand, I could tell that at times, Lennix pushed some of her trauma deep inside her instead of confronting it little by little. Seeing Lennix break down after keeping everything in was sad, but also showed just how much the events of the kidnapping really affected her. I also admired how even after experiencing such a traumatic event, Lennix was still strong and able in herself. If I had been in Lennix’s situation before and especially after, I’d be a complete mess, even more paranoid about my surrounding, and gladly take Maxim’s security detail and what not. Lennix was a warrior just like her ancestors and even in the fear of near death, she had such conviction that while had me scared for her life! I also greatly appreciated seeing her show of courage.

Just when I thought all dangers were put behind in the story and maybe something good would happen… it got a whole lot worse and devastating. This story had a bit more of suspense and danger lurking throughout the story which added an edge to it, but also my anxiety kept climbing as I read! I grew anxious and unsettled only because, I had a feeling (again) that things weren’t over yet especially after the kidnapping. I was worried and concerned for both Maxim and Lennix! Looking back now, I can see why I felt so anxious, and it was mainly because the way everything played out legitimately had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to get to the next chapter to see if I could uncover some clues, and again worrying about Lennix and Maxim’s well-being!

For this being a duology, it packed a punch! Crazy to see how in just two books, a lot happened in Lennix and Maxim’s lives, and it all started when a seventeen year old Lennix met a twenty four year old Maxim. Over the course of many years, Maxim and Lennix grew into formidable people, but also looking back to them when they were younger, and hopeful about their lives, and dreams, it was heartwarming and inspiring to see all the hard work came to fruition from their labors. I loved the line when Maxim referenced how far he and Lennix have come, but also,

“But what if those crazy kids who dreamed in a tulip field all those years ago about changing the world, about making it a better place, actually get to do it together?"

“Mr. Cade, that would be what we call," I say, tipping up on my toes to kiss him lightly, too, "a dream come true."

Just a little reminder that, once upon a time, Maxim and Lennix had dreams of what they could do in order to change the world. With Lennix now widely known as, “The Kingmaker”, and Maxim being a widely known billionaire with his forward thinking and company, those two had come a long way from their week in Amsterdam to now two inspiring and compelling people.

Wow! This was such a great way to end off Lennix and Maxim’s story! From the twist and turns, the political drama, Lennix and Maxim facing off against certain danger lurking in the shadows, and more! This book had me on edge and feeling anxious at certain turns! I have loved seeing the growth in both Lennix and Maxim over the course of this duology. From two young individuals who met in this most unexpected ways to the way they ended up by the end of this story was satisfying and heartwarming. Lennix truly was an inspirational woman, and I admired her drive and courage at each step of the way. From facing her inner demons and trauma, Lennix found the way to healing herself. Maxim also dealt with a lot of struggles and pain along the way, but with Lennix by his side, he could conquer anything. I wasn’t expecting this book in particular to the take the turn it did in terms of Maxim taking on a new role, but looking at the big picture, it all came full circle with his dream of changing the world. A romance that spanned two decades and highlighted the struggles and challenges Lennix and Maxim faced, I was wholeheartedly happy with the way the story added. With the added epilogue and bonus epilogue, it truly cemented a happily ever after for Lennix and Maxim! I’m really looking forward to reading more by Kennedy Ryan since this book really impressed me with the way she wove this incredible and powerful story!

Content Warnings

gabbyisbaking's review

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dark emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

escapismforlife's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was this perfect conclusion to this ambitious second chance power couples story for representation of an indigenous culture and the power and sadness that comes with being that in particular from America. Lennix Moon Hunter is the best empowered women that's her authentic self which is a beautiful thing to read about throughout her years. The jump in time for most of her life over two decades is powerful and healing in the most realistic and well done representation of one story for the family of a missing and murdered indigenous women. In this case its her mother, which she learns to adapt while pushing for focus on the issue personal to her life.

Maxim is tied in to her life in the best way and they work to overcome the divisive lifestyles which brought them together. Not to mention the seven year age difference which causes a part of there problem in the choices they make but somehow didn't bug me . This sequel for this duology writing is just a graceful and meanigful as The Kingmaker and was a good time for me considering I read both within two days last week. I'm beyond grateful to have read one of the most popular female black authors out right now in this ARC. I definitely plan to get physical about this story of love, growth, and compromise which if your reading this you should do the same.

Content Warnings

lololovesthings's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

4.5 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.

Content Warnings

hopecobbledpots's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful informative mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

We meet again, Kennedy Ryan. You are still scintillating loquacious and heartbreaking profound. Kennedy weaves together our two power house main characters in a story that kept me weeping, laughing, and repeat.

Our lovers face one crisis and are reunited and then face another, foundation personal earthquake in their lives. And the hits just keep on coming. I love watching Maxim and Lennix struggle through their difficulties, figure out how to make it, and then not only make it work but just make it great. These two, they are amazing. I wish they were real. If they were, I'd want to know them. That's how much I like, no, love these characters. Lennix takes to rediscovering the power of her ancestorial beliefs and the healing in them and in her running. Maxim sees the power in his family but keeps his boundary that they accept Lennix. Kimba. Oh, she shines. She has so many moments. They are good. But ultimately this is Maxim and Lennix's story.

You are so going to enjoy this book. I'm giving it a hearty, 5 bright, shiny golden stars and 3.5 on the Scoville Spice Scale.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Source Bloom Books in exchange for an honest review.

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