The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
thirdeyeangel23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Kennedy Ryan never fails to write a story that is unputdownable. Max and Lennix’s story is not the typical infatuation/3rd act breakup/reconciliation, but the progression of two star crossed lovers meeting and pulling away, but always finding their way back to one another. This is a story of rich history and culture, injustice, and privilege. As this is book one of the duet be warned that it ends on a tense cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see how KR brings it all together in book two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
naysia_reads's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, and Violence
michelle_my_belle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Colonisation, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Police brutality, and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Cursing
Minor: Murder, Trafficking, and Stalking
escapismforlife's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is my first Kennedy Ryan book. And I finshed this in a day.
Partly because:
1. The native, relational, and family dynamic issues in this book are exceptional.
2. I adored and related to both leads guarded behavior in this intentional, meaningful story. And now understand the appeal of second chance romance.
3. It also had to due with the fact I got accepted for earc of The Rebel King in this duology from SOURCEBOOKS Bloom on Netgalley.
I'm so happy I did because I'm going right on with this series this weekend. With its ending but also through setup for the plot in Lennix's and Maxim's relationship it's hard not to.
Partly because:
1. The native, relational, and family dynamic issues in this book are exceptional.
2. I adored and related to both leads guarded behavior in this intentional, meaningful story. And now understand the appeal of second chance romance.
3. It also had to due with the fact I got accepted for earc of The Rebel King in this duology from SOURCEBOOKS Bloom on Netgalley.
I'm so happy I did because I'm going right on with this series this weekend. With its ending but also through setup for the plot in Lennix's and Maxim's relationship it's hard not to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, Violence, Physical abuse, Racism, Death of parent, Abandonment, Colonisation, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
wornpagesandendlesscoffey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Kingmaker was a much needed Romance featuring a diverse cast of characters. I enjoyed that the MC was indigenous, and though her story is tragic, it is necessary and I appreciate how Ryan is unafraid to delve into the depths of Lennix's experiences as the daughter of a woman who has been added to the ranks of the MMIW, entwining it with who she has become, without making it her entire story. It is a driving force throughout, but Ryan has left us room for love and laughter and friendship and ambition beyond Lennix's trauma. This book handles so well many social and cultural issues that lack representation too often.
The love story in this book is absolute gold. The Kingmaker jumps between several well known romance tropes, including the hard to perfect Second Chance, which Ryan has done superbly well, delivering a sweet, passionate romance without sacrificing a character's likability to do so. Both Lennix and Maxim are characters to root for, and I truly enjoyed how she handled bringing them back together without making that age gap creepy.
The Kingmaker shows us that, sometimes, love also has to wait on timing.
The love story in this book is absolute gold. The Kingmaker jumps between several well known romance tropes, including the hard to perfect Second Chance, which Ryan has done superbly well, delivering a sweet, passionate romance without sacrificing a character's likability to do so. Both Lennix and Maxim are characters to root for, and I truly enjoyed how she handled bringing them back together without making that age gap creepy.
The Kingmaker shows us that, sometimes, love also has to wait on timing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, Rape, Trafficking, Death of parent, Colonisation, Grief, Kidnapping, and Murder
jessicamattingly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
Native American Culture. Politics. Fiery Collision. Angst. Burning Desire.
This seems to be a trend for me of writing a review before I've finished the book. Currently sitting at 60% on this one, and I'm only putting it down long enough to tell you to RUN to this title. Kennedy Ryan is a goddess with prose, pulling you in and making you lose sleep over Lennix and Maxim. I feel as if I am standing on the sidelines or a fly on the wall, watching this story unfold before my eyes. I am finding myself frantically reading at top speed trying to figure out if Lennix and Maxim can work through their challenges and what other obstacles they will face. Both characters are fierce and lovable, while dealing with their conflicting interests. Fate crossed lovers similarly to a Romeo and Juliet trope, I'm hoping for the HEA of their dreams!
This seems to be a trend for me of writing a review before I've finished the book. Currently sitting at 60% on this one, and I'm only putting it down long enough to tell you to RUN to this title. Kennedy Ryan is a goddess with prose, pulling you in and making you lose sleep over Lennix and Maxim. I feel as if I am standing on the sidelines or a fly on the wall, watching this story unfold before my eyes. I am finding myself frantically reading at top speed trying to figure out if Lennix and Maxim can work through their challenges and what other obstacles they will face. Both characters are fierce and lovable, while dealing with their conflicting interests. Fate crossed lovers similarly to a Romeo and Juliet trope, I'm hoping for the HEA of their dreams!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed The Kingmaker! Kennedy Ryan is so good at writing emotional connections between love interests. She’s particularly great at second chance romances where she builds a strong foundation, realistic conflict, and then a strong connection when they reunite. I love how strong willed and determined both Lennix and Maxim are. They are so passionate about their causes and each other. I easily found myself rooting for them. And this cliffhanger?! Thank god I can immediately download the next book to my Kindle because I need to know what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Police brutality
Minor: Hate crime, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Murder
sarah_thebooknerd's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.0
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. I love Kennedys writing and her way to weave a story is superior. If you are a fan of Scandal I think you will like this book/ duet. Lennix and Maxim are both really strong characters that do not want to compromise! I liked that not going to lie.
Beware there is a cliffhanger and you are doing to want book 2 before diving into this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Racial slurs, and Police brutality
krystalframe's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Sexual content
Moderate: Police brutality, Racism, Kidnapping, and Grief
Minor: Misogyny and Murder
psydneigh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love Lennix. Im kind of on the fence about Maxim in this one. Can’t wait to finish their story up!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Colonisation, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Police brutality, and Grief