BLURB

In a world of haves and have-nots, Maxim Cade’s family and their oil empire have it all…and he wants nothing to do with it. At odds with his mogul father, he’s determined to build his own empire, even if it means traveling far from home, painted as the black sheep.

Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of Maxim’s rules. At a protest for the oil pipeline that threatens to mar her ancestral land forever, they meet in a flurry of stars and sparks, and that one moment changes everything. But Maxim’s family is the one stealing from hers, and his father is the man she hates most. He has to lie in order to have her once, and despite the truth, he’ll do anything to keep her.

Even though Lennix tries to hate Maxim, too, their hearts are pointed in the same direction. The inexorable pull between them, across miles and years, will not be denied.

And neither will Maxim.

MY THOUGHTS

Y’all, let me start by saying this book gave me serious Pocahontas vibes, and I’m surprised I haven’t seen more people making that connection! The story kicks off slow, but once I got through the early chapters, things seriously started heating up in Amsterdam, and whew—after that, I couldn’t put it down.

The “only for the week” trope? Gets me every. single. time. You just know that one week is going to wreck them both in the best way possible, and it totally delivered here. I absolutely adored Maxim—this man knew what he wanted and went for it, no hesitation. And Lennix? A total queen. I loved how she stood her ground and prioritized her principles and business before giving in to him (until she didn’t, lol). She made him work for it, and I was here for every moment of it.

The political elements were such a standout for me. Kennedy Ryan really nailed that aspect, and it added so much depth to the story. I also didn’t mind the time jumps; in fact, they were a fun way to see Lennix evolve into the powerhouse boss she was destined to be. She’s truly a “boss bitch,” and I couldn’t love that for her more.

Spoiler Alert!

Okay, that first time Lennix and Maxim finally get together? The way she looks at him and thinks “Mine, mine, mine”? My heart broke for her a little because I’ve been there—wanting someone so deeply but knowing it might not go anywhere. I was rooting for them so hard, and I’m so glad they figured it out in the end.

The writing had me highlighting like crazy. That line, “I want to ignore the insistent rhythm demanding I claim him, but it’s impossible,” hit me right in the feels.

The only critique I have is that Wallace’s random trip toward the end felt a little out of left field, and the ending felt a bit rushed. But let’s be real—am I diving headfirst into the second book? Absolutely.

Favorite Quotes:

• “Tell them good d** is hard to find. Surely they’ll understand.”*
• “This is why, this is why the f** I don’t do relationships.”*
• “We’re not. Do what you need to do. Change your world… I have to go make my world, but when the time is right, I’ll be back for you.”
• “In what world could you possibly think I belong to you?” “In the one we make together.”

If you haven’t read The Kingmaker, this is your sign to pick it up. It’s a slow burn, emotional, and beautifully written journey that’ll have you cheering for Lennix and Maxim all the way through. Kennedy Ryan did that.