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A review by seriouslybookish
The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan
2.0
I've been duped
2.5 stars
This book was nothing like what the synopsis promised. The book started well enough. I was excited about this history and culture in this book. Even though it's not my culture, even though I'm not American, I was excited to read a book that touches history and struggles of indigenous people. I thought it would be fascinating and I was. I didn't mind the info dumping because it was well researched and well thought out. The author did an amazing job and for that I'm glad I picked up this book.
Lennix is a proud independent Native American woman with ambitions and dreams. She is smart, resourceful and knows what she wants for herself and her people. Maxim is a climate change activist with the drive, passion and ambition to change the world and get rich doing it.
But... Maxim was annoying and Lennix when not in professional mode was very childish.
The love story, the relationship, the conflict, none of it worked for me.
The love story develops in over the course of 14 years but they only meet 3 three times. The first time was for a few hours, second was for a few days and the third was for a few minutes. Maxim keeps tabs on our girl but waits 10 years before wanting to reunite with her. He says that he wants to be with her, but doesn't work for it. He says she left a lasting impression on him but never works hard for it. He sleeps around over the years even though he keeps reiterating that he cares about her so much and no one else can compare. Of course Lennix was celibate for the most part because how could she be with another man when he was so perfect? *eye roll*
I think what bothers me the most is that he kept tabs on her life for over ten years on her relationships and and work life but not once did try and unite with her it at least put in the effort. Instead he goes around sleeping with other woman, then demands she be with him.
The relationship was sweet at times but because it happened over the course of many years it's just feels rushed. We also don't get much in terms of their relationship. If you take away the sex and the week they spent in Amsterdam, there is nothing left.
The conflict was predictable and could have been executed so much better. This isn't really enemies-to-lovers. It's more like 'your father's a piece of shit, and you know I hate him, so you omitted to mention that you're his son, and now that I've found out I don't want to be with you anymore' kind of romance.
Also the ending... WHY?
It was completely unnecessary and came out of nowhere.
I'm was going to read the next one but three chapters in and I decided its just not worth it.
2.5 stars
This book was nothing like what the synopsis promised. The book started well enough. I was excited about this history and culture in this book. Even though it's not my culture, even though I'm not American, I was excited to read a book that touches history and struggles of indigenous people. I thought it would be fascinating and I was. I didn't mind the info dumping because it was well researched and well thought out. The author did an amazing job and for that I'm glad I picked up this book.
Lennix is a proud independent Native American woman with ambitions and dreams. She is smart, resourceful and knows what she wants for herself and her people. Maxim is a climate change activist with the drive, passion and ambition to change the world and get rich doing it.
But... Maxim was annoying and Lennix when not in professional mode was very childish.
The love story, the relationship, the conflict, none of it worked for me.
The love story develops in over the course of 14 years but they only meet 3 three times. The first time was for a few hours, second was for a few days and the third was for a few minutes. Maxim keeps tabs on our girl but waits 10 years before wanting to reunite with her. He says that he wants to be with her, but doesn't work for it. He says she left a lasting impression on him but never works hard for it. He sleeps around over the years even though he keeps reiterating that he cares about her so much and no one else can compare. Of course Lennix was celibate for the most part because how could she be with another man when he was so perfect? *eye roll*
I think what bothers me the most is that he kept tabs on her life for over ten years on her relationships and and work life but not once did try and unite with her it at least put in the effort. Instead he goes around sleeping with other woman, then demands she be with him.
The relationship was sweet at times but because it happened over the course of many years it's just feels rushed. We also don't get much in terms of their relationship. If you take away the sex and the week they spent in Amsterdam, there is nothing left.
The conflict was predictable and could have been executed so much better. This isn't really enemies-to-lovers. It's more like 'your father's a piece of shit, and you know I hate him, so you omitted to mention that you're his son, and now that I've found out I don't want to be with you anymore' kind of romance.
Also the ending... WHY?
It was completely unnecessary and came out of nowhere.
I'm was going to read the next one but three chapters in and I decided its just not worth it.