Series Review: All the King’s Men by Kennedy Ryan

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

Synopsis for The King Maker (from Goodreads):

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 would 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.

Author: Kennedy Ryan
Series: All the King’s Men
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological (#1+2); Connected (#3)
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Second Chances, Politics
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: October 2019 – May 2020
Source & Format: Own & Public Library–eBook

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I picked up The Kingmaker (#1) as a freebie for a Romance of the Month newsletter club back in August 2021. Earlier that year, I had finished Long Shot (Hoops #1), which was an amazing book – one of the best I’ve ever read that deals with domestic abuse of a partner. So I was eager to read more of her contemporary works, perhaps one with a lighter plotline. I ended up waiting 5 years to pick this series up. But after watching Heated Rivalry, I was really in the mood for another romance to read and given my past experience with Ryan’s works, I figured this one would deliver.

Reading Order:

The Kingmaker and The Rebel King (#1 and #2) follow the same couple’s story. Queen Move (#3) takes place after the events of the first two books but focuses on different leads and can be read completely independently.

The Plot:

The first plot of the first two books is a journey. I don’t know how else to describe it. These two have quite the history between them and I loved that we got every detail of that rather than allusions or a flashback chapter here and there. It provided a lot of context for the challenges in their relationship.

The plot itself was a ride! I never really knew where things were going (in a good way). It kept me on my toes with its suspense. I did feel like The Rebel King (#2) was a little rushed at the end when I reflect on the overall flow of the duet but I did enjoy it nevertheless. And like all of Kennedy Ryan’s books, while there are perhaps melodramatic moments, everything is punctuated with a dose of reality that just gives her books this impact to her stories. I’ve never read an author who achieves that as well as she does.

Queen Move (#3), has entirely different vibes though the idea of kismet when it comes to the romantic leads is still the heart of the story. The plot is a lot more realistic than dramatic while the focus is on the second chance romance.

The Characters:

One thing I really adored about all the leads in this series is their ambition and drive. They know what they want and they won’t compromise their integrity to get it. Society has tried to box them by prejudice and stereotypes but they challenge that notion at every turn. They’re strong but aren’t afraid to ask for help or express vulnerability.

Maxim’s relationship with his family (#1-2) in particular was one I really valued as a reader to witness. They have their challenges but still have a love for each other that is usually dramatized in a more negative way in other books I’ve read. I think it was executed so well and realistically: you might not always agree with your family but you love them and support them the best way you can.

The Romance:

While a lot of the romance felt more like kismet and gut feelings, the strong character development helps you see the very real, deep connection these leads have. You see why they are the perfect match for each other as they navigate the various challenges thrown their way. Great chemistry!

My only peeve is how fast things escalate in Queen Move (#3), I wish there was some more time for their reconnection in the timeline than there is. It just felt like they went from 0 to 1000 in 2 seconds whereas the other books in the series had that instant chemistry but didn’t have the combustion right away (if that makes sense).

Series Rating: 4/5

The Kingmaker 4/5 | The Rebel King 4/5 | Queen Move 3/5

I think this series is great for fans looking for contemporary romances that don’t follow the cookie-cutter molds and tackle issues like racial prejudice and feminism all the while delivering strong romantic partners.

Read if You Like: dramatic contemporary romance, true love conquers all
Avoid if You: dislike contemporary romance