All the King's Men Duet
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1. THE KINGMAKER by Kennedy Ryan
SYNOPSIS
Power. Passion. Betrayal.
Raised to rule, bred to lead and weaned on a diet of ruthless ambition.
In a world of haves and have nots, my family has it all, and I want nothing to do with it.
My path takes me far from home and paints me as the black sheep. At odds with my father, I'm determined to build my own empire. I have rules, but Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of them. From the moment we meet, something sparks between us. But my family stole from hers and my father is the man she hates most. I lied to have her and will do anything to keep her. Though she tries to hate me, too, the inexorable pull between us will not be denied.
And neither will I.
BOOK REVIEW
Kennedy Ryan created a masterpiece! It’s been a long time since I last came across a truly meaningful love story, covering a number of socially important issues that are tackled in a beautiful thought-provoking way. In this particular case, the book is politically charged, addressing the problems of marginalized groups of people, as well as professional discrimination women of color, and just women in general, are facing on a daily basis. I really appreciate the time and effort made by the author to research the history and specifics for a better representation of the mentioned minority group (Indigenous women). I can tell that the writing was done with respect and reverence.
Lennix Hunter is a woman with Native American heritage and no stranger to what it means to be part of a marginalized group of people. She is strong and independent, with a voice that is capable of making others hear, making a noticeable difference in the lives of people the government has been ignoring and discriminating against for many years. While Maxim Cade was born already with a silver spoon in his mouth. But he never shared the same world view and principles of his privileged father and was paving his own way towards what he believed was necessary for a better world, for a better life.
I didn’t have words that night for what I felt when he initiated me not just into sex, but into this world that is just ours. Just our two bodies, sun and moon, just our souls, earth and water. We are the sky and the sea, and the horizon is where our hearts meet. Every part of that world is made by and from and for just us two.
The chemistry between the main characters was intense, to put it mildly. But their every interaction was permeated with not only sexual tension and sizzling passion but also mutual respect, admiration, and honesty (let’s not count their childish mind games). It was the very first time I saw such frequent and quite long time lapses without any direct interaction between the main leads, but I can see how such a unique story-telling benefited the storyline. While neither Lennix nor Maxim was able to stop thinking about the other, they were their independent selves with purpose outside of romance. They were the warriors, dreamers, and hustlers who change the world in a different but very distinctive to their own nature way. And I found myself immediately captivated by the story of self-searching, and self-improvement, as well as eagerly anticipating their eventual reunion and love development.
If a kiss has a color, this one is the muted shades of the sky overhead, a ménage à trois of midnight and indigo and moonshine silver. If a kiss has a sound, this one is the concert of our breaths and sighs and moans. If a kiss has a taste, it tastes like this. Hunger flavored with yearning and spiced with desperation.
The physical aspect of their relationship was always on point (very high one, let me tell you). Lennix and Maxim were star-crossed lovers from the very beginning up until the very end and beyond.
What made this book feel real was the presence of actual differences, family backgrounds, social status, life aspirations, political beliefs, and many more. It was interesting to see how the main characters worked through their differences on their road to happiness, a rather long and arduous one.
NOTE: There is a cliffhanger in the end, but the duet is complete now, no need to worry!
2. THE REBEL KING by Kennedy Ryan
SYNOPSIS
Ambition. Revenge. Love.
Raised to resist. Bred to fight. Survival is in my blood and surrender is never an option.
Though surrender is what Maxim Cade demanded of my body and heart, I had other plans. We were a 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.
Facing insurmountable odds, will we win the world, or will we lose it all?
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BOOK REVIEW
The second and final book in the duet made me hold my breath and shed tears as I flipped through the pages of true heartbreak. Not love-related kind of heartbreak, but that of anticipation, trust, and hope. The main theme of the novel is a loss (no spoiler from me here, but it was predictable), accompanied by the quest for power, change, and a potentially happily ever after (whatever it means for each and every one of you).
“Besides, it’s the dreamers, the inventors and entrepreneurs who change the world the most. Gutenberg, Edison, Stephenson, Jobs—something about the present wasn’t good enough, so they made the future.” I almost choke on a jaded chuckle. “What do politicians make? They make war. They make profit off the misfortune of others. They make mistakes they won’t take responsibility for and decisions they never have to feel the impact of. No, thank you. Not for me.”
Lennix was as always incredible. She stayed secure in who she was and true to her purpose. But Maxim really shined in this book. He was a man in a haze of complicated emotions, but never lost in the midst of crisis, supported by his unwavering love for Lennix.
“I signed on for you.” He kisses me before I can finish the phrase that has helped me make peace with however our journey ends, but my heart recites the rest. “Whatever that means. Wherever that takes us.”
The thing I admired the most was how both Lennix and Maxim were consistently vulnerable and open with each other. They were so raw, never pretending, never afraid to be their own selves.
All the King's Men Duet is a story of ever-lasting battles both within ourselves and with the outside challenges, reminding us of the importance to give a fight and our best shot at finding purpose. Kennedy Ryan tells her readers that the possibilities are truly endless when we love and respect, dare to dream and hope to change the world we live in.