The Kingmaker: Ties to the Wolfblood - Book 1

by KT Valentine

Forget everything you know about werewolves. The Kingmaker redefines the myth. New lore. New bloodlines. New obsessions. KT Valentine delivers raw, intoxicating, dangerously addictive storytelling… and once you enter the Wolfblood world, there’s no going back.

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One will burn the world for her. One will rewrite fate for her. But only one can have her.

What does a wolfless she-wolf,
an irresistible alpha heir,
and a mysterious werewolf all have in common?
Love. Power. Betrayal.

In short, relentless chaos. Heart-stopping chaos. And then even more chaos.

Kayleigh Quinn Donnelly carries a bloodline prophesied to crown the most powerful Alpha King… or destroy all of wolfkind.

Cillian O’Ryan.
Devastatingly handsome.
Legendary charmer.
Every inch the all-American golden boy.
Alpha Heir of the Blue Blood Pack.
The first-kiss thief who would burn the world to claim her as his.

Andrei Romanov.
Extremely gorgeous.
Haunting, magnetic, untouchable.
Russian royalty with dangerous secrets.
Alpha Heir of Korol Volkov Pack.
The childhood sweetheart who would defy the Moon Goddess to rewrite their stars.

Both want her.
Both would risk everything for her.
Both hold pieces of her heart.

But only one can be her mate… fated or chosen.

Now Kayleigh faces a choice that could reshape the future of all Wolfblood…

But the girl destined to be the Kingmaker
must first survive becoming one.

Fate is cruel.
Love is lethal.
And for Wolfbloods, love stories aren’t just written in blood…
they’re fought for, bled for, and sometimes lost in it.

If the werewolves of Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and The Originals captured your imagination, The Kingmaker will claim your heart and refuse to let go… and it will ruin you, in the best possible way.

497 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2025

About the author

Weaver of addictive and swoon-worthy romance.
Keeper of The Kingmaker.
Mother of Wolfbloods.

Reviews

[Stephanie Keijzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book 2 days ago, but was so speechless and all my emotions were all over the place so I needed time to get my head back. I was so invested in the story and characters that I even dreamed about the book😂

This book consumed me from the first page. It's a big read (600+ pages) but the author made little chapters. I don't know what it is about chapters that aren’t like 20 pages but I love them! I thought the story was fast paced and the author had a easy to read writing style. The world and politics were good to follow, but the main event of the book was the love triangle and romance. And let me tell you the love and relationships will keep you in a chokehold.

I fellt so much hurt, pain, rage, love and pity throughout the book. The author did a fantastic job to grab you and toy with your emotions until you're a blubbering mess. The mean girls are so mean you want to punch them in the face and throw them of a cliff. And the men will make you swoon and heat up like a teenage girl (or boy of course). The FMC isn't perfect and makes mistakes that she will have to suffer for in the end. And the end will break your heart in a million pieces and ends in a major cliffhanger. So all we can do now is just sit tight and wait for the second book to help us out of our misery.

If it isn't obvious by now, Yes I highly recommend this book to all the romantsy lovers out there. This book is a infinite stars for me!⭐️

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The daughter of the Alpha King, Kayleigh, is approaching 18 and has yet to discover her wolf. Her heart is torn between 2 men - Andrei, her childhood best friend, and her first love or Cillian, her 1st kiss. Unbeknownst to Kayleigh, she carries an ancient bloodline that can unite the wolf kingdoms.
First, as a redhead, I absolutely love that Kayleigh stands in front of the mirror, reminding herself that only 2% of the world's population has red hair, and it's something that makes her special. It just made me smile.
Second, if you're a romansty reader, at some point, you probably watched shows like Vampire Diaries or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This book kinda of reminded me of those shows only with werewolves. Plus, I absolutely was needing a good werewolf/ shifter story, and this one fit the bill.
In stories with love triangles, typically, there's one guy you automatically want to cheer for and kinda know that's who the FMC is going to go for. But with this one, I'm fully invested because I'm cheering for the other guy.
My only complaint is the miscommunication troupe. It's annoying. One honest conversation between some of the main characters could have fixed so many things.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader.

[Rid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I picked this book up I could not put it down! The characters sucked me in from the very beginning and a love triangle story that will never get old! A fiery Irish redhead who doesn’t know her own strength because her wolf is overdue must choose between two alpha heirs: the American bad boy and the Russian childhood friend.

Both alpha heirs fight for her heart in their own ways, but will one of them come out a clear winner or will Kayleigh figure out how to keep both pieces of her heart?

I can’t wait until book 2 to find out what’s next after that cliffhanger and all of the big reveals at the end of book 1! There are so many missing pieces, so many unanswered questions, and the prophecy of a Wolfblood war hanging in the air.

[Locdgalreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kingmaker grabbed me in the very best way possible. This book had an addictive and magnetic pull, the kind that made me forget about things I planned to do. The world building was smooth, the tension, constant and the emotion woven in so naturally that slipping into the story feels effortless.

Kayleigh is such a breath of fresh air; soft, steady and a calming presence that balances the chaos around her. She brings a grounding warmth to every scene she’s in. And then there’s Andrei… an absolute gentleman with a quiet, devastating possessiveness that sneaks up on you. He shows up for Kayleigh in all the right ways 🙄

But Cillian? He’s the one who commands the page the second he appears. Sharp edged, magnetic, impossible to ignore, he’s the embodiment of “touch her and die” and every moment with him crackles with intensity. He’s the character you love, hate, root for and can’t stop thinking about.

The emotional whiplash cannot be explained but has to be experienced in the BEST way: twists, heartbreak, tension, swoons and an ending that leaves you shocked and desperate for more. When I closed the book,I took a minute to gather myself, I just sat there devastated, emotional and already wanting to start the next book.

This is a book I would definitely recommend. It is fiery, immersive and completely unforgettable. You don’t want to miss it.

TEAM CILLIAN forever

This definitely ruined me and I am ready for book two.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of an alpha king.. who doesn’t have her wolf…. Coming of age with no sign of her wolf Kaleigh joins a wolf summit in the US. Her childhood friends and Alpha Heirs, Cillian and Andrei are there as well as they are getting ready to become full pledged Alphas ready to take their place at the top of their packs. A love story between 3 people a girl who loves them both but in different ways one is a fated mate that she has no idea about because she is wolf less. The other becomes a comfort and support with a long history of always being there for her. As the story progresses you get your drama, jealousy and the crazy woman who thinks she has a claim on one of the alpha heirs! There’s some heart break theirs some wtf moments.. totally worth the read!

If I could rate more than 5 stars I would! The storyline of this book is beyond what I thought I was getting into. The detail the lore, the love stories that intertwine. It is nothing I have read before in a shifter romance. She leaves you on the edge of your seat every step of the way, and you may think you know how this goes cuz I sure as hell thought I did.. I was wrong so wrong.. the omg moments, the I want to choke a b****, the awe and why moments were totally worth everything! I cannot wait for book two! This does leave you on a cliffhanger!
The main characters were so thought through and detailed that I can picture them fully you fight for them all through the whole book!
Team K&A!!!!
KT thank you for choosing me to be an ARC reader, by far the most amazing experience!

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

fated mates - check
trauma - check
emotional rollercoaster - check
testing your anger issues limit - check

TKM is a shifter romance that focuses purely on the actual romance dynamics with other dramatics / side plots intertwined. So if you want love triangle, dramatic complex relationships this ones for you

The Kingmaker is told from multi pov throughout. Between Kayleigh (fmc) Callian (mmc) and Andrei (mmc)

Both men have the heart of the FMC. But who will she choose??? Will she get her wolf - with being an Alpha Kings only daughter???
Okay so yes... TKM is 650+ page. You're just like erm wow this is huge. But on my first sitting i read over 150+ pages in around 3 hours (who knows if that's fast or not 🤷‍♀️🤣) but I was hooked - hook line and sinker already.

Kayleigh - Cillian - Andrei -

Im like yass queen - but your a bitch be with your fated mate - but following your heart - this is a fucked up situation. I was already emotional invested

But to be honest- for some reason I was/am Team Cillian from the start?! Theres just something in it for me with fated mates that pulls me and although she messes him around so much. He remains solidified that shes the one he wants because of his connection.

One thing's for sure, I already HATE Kinsley. Like just put her down or in her place already bro. Ew.

At the halfway or there abouts for reason unbeknownst to me though, I somehow switched from Team Cillian to Team Andrei. He's just so sweet, kind and caring to Kayleigh. Is Cillian just playing a game???? Sometimes it feels like it. Whereas Andrei seems to GENUINELY love and care for Kayleigh. Or am I just twisted? 🤷‍♀️🤣 - or is KT Valentine just that twist playing these mind games with us??

I totally loved the vibes of Kayleigh when she was with Giovanni and Gisella!! It was nice to see that dynamic and her be herself and relaxed in a way you don't see her with Cillian & Andrei!

FYI the scene where Kayleigh knocked Kelsey down a peg or 10 winning without her wolf - PRICELESS.

Gio is the man omg! Pulling full Alpha on C & A over Kayleigh. Im here for it!

Gunnar is awesome especially his banter with Cillian about Kayleigh lol! “Oh, Kill… my hot alpha heir… pump my wolf out of me… make me your Luna…” I rolled laughing like crazy! I was NOT expecting that hahaha.

The twists and turns in this book and the making you switch teams was insanity 🤣 i felt rage and anger like never before lol

After Kinsleys little drama shows. I hate her even more (i didnt think that was possible) also what's her and her fathers deal. And where to fuck is this so called alpha (Cillians dad)... asshole.

I also really dislike Cillians sister, about as much as I dislike Kinsley, and i hate how Kinsley has her claws into Cillian. 😪🤢

And the twists, omggggggg. Dying!!!... Im officially on Team Andrei now!!!! (Even though i already was by this stage)

ONE of my favourite scenes is when Kayleigh physically puts Kinsley in her place!!!! Holllly shitballs. Wow.. woah.. damn.... take that Kinsley. Fuck you. Wooooooooo.

Ugh the ending destroyed me. So many unanswered questions.... now im like book 2 when?!?!?!

I could seriously on forever with review its just THAT good.

[Stories of Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Fiery, Soft-Edged, Emotion-Wrecking Delight!

From start to finish, this book had me glued to the pages. Truly, cancel your plans, forget your chores, glued. I’ll admit, it took me a minute to adjust to KT’s writing style. It’s different from my usual lineup, but once I settled in… wow. Totally worth the shift.

Kayleigh is such a breath of fresh air; a soft, gentle FMC with just the right amount of well-timed spice. She felt like a calming breeze compared to the rage-fueled heroines I usually devour (no shade, I love the rage… I thrive on the rage). Her presence in this story is soothing, grounding, and completely endearing.

Andrei? Listen. That man has my entire heart, my attention, and probably my grocery budget too. An absolute gentleman with that deliciously secret possessiveness, he shows up for Kayleigh in every romantic, heart-melting way possible.

Cillian, on the other hand, is the walking embodiment of “touch her and die.” His character is so well written that I loved him and hated him on a strict rotating schedule. He’s magnetic, infuriating, and impossible to ignore.

This book put me on an emotional roller coaster and then cut the brakes. Twists, tension, heartbreak, swoons; it grabbed every feeling I had and shook it like a snow globe. Calling myself “excited” for the next book is an understatement bordering on disrespectful. I need it.

And the line that sums it all up?

“Just because good girls shouldn’t play with fire doesn’t mean they won’t touch the flames…”

🔥 Consider me burned in the best possible way.

[Farrahlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

KT Valentine absolutely nailed it with this book! The way she draws you into the story makes you feel like you're right there in the action. And wow, the cover is stunning, it's clear she put a lot of thought into crafting a beautiful package. And the writing? Absolutely breathtaking. I think it's totally okay to judge this book by its cover the inside is just as gorgeous as the outside.

And OMG, the heartbreak and tension?! She's got all the right ingredients! I am SO here for the "touch her and die" vibes..... that alpha male energy is EVERYTHING. It was fast-paced, kept me hooked, and I'm obsessed!

[Debra Ludlow-Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I Am Feral, Thanks for Asking”

This book? THIS BOOK TURNED ME INTO A MENACE TO SOCIETY! This book grabbed me by the throat, whispered sweet nothings, slapped me emotionally and then giggled while I tried to recover. KT Valentine is out here playing mind games and I’m just letting her. Happily. Willingly. Embarrassingly so!
Kayleigh Donnelly, our leading lady is trying to figure out who she with her legacy and wolfblood traditions. She’s pulled between two very different Alpha heirs.. Andrei Romanov and Cillian O’Ryan. The plot blends magic, tension, romance and pack politics as Kayleigh tries to find her way, all in the midst of a delicious but infuriating love triangle.
I adored the main characters.. like, I would die for them, but I’d also absolutely yell at them from the sidelines because WHY ARE THEY LIKE THIS. Half the time I was kicking my feet and giggling like a teenage and the other half I was on the brink of booking a therapy session.
The tension? Illegal.
The drama? I need a defibrillator… seriously!
The author? 100% enjoying my suffering.
And THEN just when I’m deep in my feels, fully feral, emotionally invested and ready for answers.. The author KT? A MENACE. A lovable menace sets to work. She spent the entire book wrestling my heart like it’s a chew toy. I’m convinced she sat there writing like, “Hmm, how can I emotionally devastate my readers today?”
If you want a book that will ruin your sleep schedule, hijack your brain chemistry and make you scream at fictional people like they can hear you.. then congratulations, you’ve found it.
Anyway. 10/10. Loved it. Would sell my soul to the Moon Goddess for the sequel today.

[nikkibookishlife · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 🐺👑

This was my first werewolf book, and I absolutely loved it. I could not put this book down — from the very first chapter, I was hooked.

Kayleigh, the wolfless, is such a strong and compelling main character. Her journey, her power, and the weight of her destiny kept me fully invested. The story is filled with love, betrayal, and a perfectly done love triangle that had my emotions all over the place.

Enter the Alpha Heirs — Killian and Andrei — and everything intensifies. Both are written so well, each bringing something completely different to the story, and I genuinely struggled to choose between them. The chemistry, the tension, and the stakes felt so real.

The characters, the world-building, and the plot twists were absolutely amazing. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it surprised me again and again.


“Tick-tock, Little Red. The Big Bad Wolf is here.” 🐺🔥

I’m officially obsessed with this world and these characters. If you’re new to werewolf fantasy like I was, this book is a must-read.

Team Killian or Team Andrei?
Honestly… I’m still torn. 😁🐺

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed me in the best way. The writing has this addictive pull to it. The kind that makes you sit down to read “a chapter or two” and suddenly you realize hours have disappeared. The author balances drama, tension, and emotion so naturally that the world feels incredibly easy to fall into.

Cillian was the character who immediately stood out for me. There’s an edge to him that makes every scene he’s in more compelling, and it was impossible not to root for him from the moment he appeared on the page.

I won’t touch the plot because this one works best when you go in blind, but the journey is intense, and the ending? Absolutely devastating in the best way! I closed the book and just sat there—shocked, emotional, and already desperate for the next book. It’s the kind of cliffhanger that lingers long after you’re done.

If this book isn’t on your radar yet, it needs to be. You genuinely don’t want to miss this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kingmaker completely swept me away. The rich worldbuilding pulled me in from page one! Every detail feels intentional, immersive, and alive. The writing is so smooth and effortless that I devoured chapters without even noticing the time.

The vivid scene descriptions made me feel like I was right there in the story, running through forests, facing ancient prophecies, and breathing the same danger and desire as the characters. And speaking of characters… they’re so relatable and real that I genuinely want to be friends with them. Kayleigh especially feels like someone I’d root for in every lifetime.

The entire vibe gives me Twilight and Vampire Diaries energy, but for werewolves, and I mean that in the BEST. WAY. POSSIBLE. It’s nostalgic, emotional, atmospheric, and totally addictive.

I can’t wait for the next books. If this is just the beginning of the series, we’re in for something epic!

[Danielle ♡ Cirque des Morts · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW ✨️

Oh my goodness, this book...just WOW!

From the moment I opened this book all the way to the last page, I was entranced and couldn't put it down! I loved it so much, what a roller-coaster of a ride it was, I was in all the feels, holding my breath, sitting on the edge of my seat, saying WTF then in the next breath...damn did NOT see that coming, giggling and kicking my feet, to clutching my chest as my heart was ripped out! It was one blow after another, but in the best way possible and I was all for it❤️

The story, the characters the forever unravelling plot, twists and turns, absolute perfection!

[Hannah M Burrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very appreciative that I got to read The Kingmaker as an eARC, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I had been looking for a wolf shifter story to delve into and this definitely delivered exactly what I was after! I was hooked from the start of the prologue.
This was epic…wolf shifter/ werewolf dynamics, a love triangle, fated vs chosen mates, venomous she-wolves, unexpected power.
I feel so much for Kayleigh. I can’t understand Cillian. Andrei deserves so much.
The emotions I went through reading this entire book, roller coaster ride for sure. And that ending, I honestly needed time to process.
Bring on book #2.

[Karla Meskil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down! If I could read it for the first time again I would! This love triangle with Kayleigh Cillian and Andrei is perfection. And the side characters are amazing! Cough cough Gio… the emotions it pulled from me were all over the place at the end I wanted to throw my kindle! But I got over it. Oooooooooooo the cliff hanger has me needing the second book and therapy..

[imareader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a great read from start to finish. I have enjoyed it immensely.
The book is about a wolfless Alpha princess and her two Prince Charming both trying to gain her attention and out-beat the other.
Kay and Andrei's relationship is beautiful and respectful while Kay and Cillian is an Explosive combination.
Who will win her heart the one fated to her or will she choose another?
Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

[Jhen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kingmaker blew me away. 🐺🔥 Fast‑paced, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. The characters feel so real, I wanted to jump into the story myself. Kayleigh is the kind of heroine you root for instantly.

Think Twilight + Vampire Diaries energy but with werewolves. Nostalgic, emotional, and addictive in the best way.

This series is just getting started, and it already feels epic.

[Ling Gnanuhap · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to stop once started. The presentation of storylines provides a room of vivid imagination ( I so love it). The rollercoaster of emotions the story brings wants you to crave for more. To many more stories from this ovely author, KT Valentine to liven up our imaginative minds. Kudos to you on this Kingmaker! Looking Forward for this story to be put into a movie. I am so proud of you KT! Thank you for sharing this story! 👏👏👏

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/5 stars! 3 star spice!!!
This book I couldn’t put down. Not only do you get a shifter romance you get so much more. There’s love, betrayal, a love triangle a wolf less princess and so much more.
This book has embedded itself into my heart a little and I can’t stop thinking about what’s going to happen next. While it’s the first book of the series it definitely doesn’t disappoint! KT sure put magic into this book and I am not upset!

Who will you choose for Kayleigh? Don’t miss it!

[Crystal Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

First, can we talk about the werewolf lore. Chef's Kiss. KT really put together an amazing book, and I'm really glad that she shared this beautiful world with us. The storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The world was vivid, and it had me immersed at the turn of every single page. The characters were relatable. I really loved this book, and I cannot wait for the next.

[Jodie Culling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my top reads this year ! Absolutely Amazing,the world building pulled me in instantly. Has it all love triangle / fated mate / choosen mate mean girl vibes kick ass main FMC two swoon worthy alphas amazing side characters with just enough spice will leave you staring at a wall emotional desperate for book 2 100 out of 10 x

[Iliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book this year! Different twist on werewolves in a new refreshing way. A love triangle that had me picking which male lead I wanted the female lead to end up with. Can't have a book without villans, and there are some here that take this book on a stressful ride. Read the book to find out why I am team Cillian!

[Angela Hankins Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book, I’m so angry with this ending BUT I know that more is coming. But for now, I’m going to wish I could erase my memory so I could read this for the first time again and fall in love with Cillian, Kayleigh, and Andrei all over again.

[Savannah Schuchter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap!! This book had me hooked the entire time. I loved it. Team Cillian! I can't wait to read more. Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC reader.

[Shawnda Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been emotionally compromised by The Kingmaker which is rude because I did not schedule that into my week.

KT Valentine really had the audacity to write a book that grabs you by the face, whispers “hope you were not planning on sleeping,” and then sprints away with your emotional stability like a raccoon stealing a Pop Tart.

The story introduces to Kayleigh Quinn Donnelly, the Irish Alpha princess, as soon as she walked onto the page it became obvious that fate looked at this poor girl and said, “Yes, you. You will carry the weight of an entire supernatural destiny. No, you may not rest.”

Then in struts Cillian O’Ryan, The all American golden boy, Charming, Dangerously handsome, Radiates confidence in a way that feels like it should be illegal. Looking at Kayleigh like she is the only star in his night sky. 

Very helpful for my stress levels

And just when I thought I had caught my breath, BAM haha not a chance, Andrei Romanov appeared, bringing brooding royalty, quiet intensity, and the kind of magnetic presence that makes you forget how breathing works. My spirit briefly exited my body and I will not be taking questions at this time. (I'm still waiting for it to return.)


The romance?
Yes,! Thank you, I absolutely needed two supernatural men staring at Kayleigh like oxygen is optional!
Great for my blood pressure!


The angst?
My houseplants looked worried,
That is all I am saying.

The tension?
So thick you could cut it with a knife and spread it on toast.

The mysterious elements!
*Chefs kiss* Delicious.
I was rereading sentences trying to decode cosmic drama like I suddenly worked for a secret wolf government.
I half expected someone in a suit to appear and say “Ma’am you need to calm down”

And the vibe of the whole book? Whew,  It is relentless chaos, Heart stopping chaos. The fun kind,
The emotionally concerning kind, Sometimes both at once.

By the end I had:
*Questioned my life choices.
*Paced my hallway like a Victorian child with dramatic secrets.
*Briefly considered meditation to recover (haha fat chance that will ever happen)

All in all, If you enjoy romance filled with tension, supernatural politics, two men who both need therapy and possibly a referee, and a heroine with a destiny so intense even fate is stressed! PLEASE read The Kingmaker 

I need more people to suffer with, Oh…ummm…
I mean relate with me. Yea that to relate with me!
You won't regret it!

[Charlee Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick a silver fork in me now!!

I have always loved fated mates as a trope with a close second being chosen mates - this book delivers both and more!

The author does an amazing job at world building and paints pictures that form in your mind as you read.

I felt every struggle for Kayleigh, every flicker of hurt from Andrei and Cillian, every whispered promise of forever and sting of words spoken in anger.

I truly could not put this down, once I started it was a struggle to put it down, I kept saying one more chapter then I’ll sleep and next minute another four had been consumed.

I cannot wait for book 2, I have so many questions I need answers to!

I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I’ll do a more detailed review around release day with my thoughts and feelings including wanting to shut my kindle to squish the mean girls!

Review - the long version.

My five stars remain ever present, maybe even a 6th one for still living rent free in my head since completing the ARC.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I’m a HEA gurly, sometimes I’ll even settle with a HFN - cliffhangers are not my thing, I hate the unanswered questions gnawing at me being at the mercy of an author. But I’m also a masochist and the tale @authorktvalentine has weaved is etched in my soul, cliffhanger and all.

I was hooked from the first stolen kiss and became obsessed with Cillian and I can’t be sure if it was the cheeky banter, the stolen kiss itself or babygirl but what ever it was he enchanted me and come hell or high water I will champion Team Cillian. Oh yeah don’t get me wrong he can be an utter jerk, the jerkiest of jerks and he ripped my heart out and spat in the hole in my chest and he could have saved so many heart and headaches if he JUST FREAKING TOLD HER THEY ARE FATED.

Kayleigh l, I both love and loathe her - her character itself has some epic storyline’s coming, not cursed but most blessed by the Moon Goddess but her indecisive flittering between Cillian and Andrei made me want to slap her upside the head and actually in earnest give over to the feelings of her fated mate EVEN if she wasn’t sure because her wolf hasn’t surfaced. I really hope even with the cliffhanger of this book, she has her head and heart a little more together because the flip flopping between MMC’s is killing me.

Ugh Andrei, the Russian “gentleman” but really to me just has those creepy uncle at Christmas vibes that you just want to avoid… I get her loves her and he might not even be able to have a fated but I feel like he still needs to respect the sanctity that is fated mates and allow Kayleigh to explore that before even considering a chosen mate over a fated one.

I need more Gunner, Bash, Gio and Gisella.

Omfg Kinsley and Reagan are the actual pits - the amount of times I slammed my kindle shut when they were on screen was far too much, they are the mean girls and we love to hate them.

I am utterly obsessed with this book and 2 can’t come soon enough.

[Amara F · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an ebook but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

I like the whole training camp vibe. I think that’s extremely unique for a shifter book. I would have liked to get to know more side characters, like there are supposed to be a lot of people there but it only seems like a handful of people. There are supposed to be classes too but not mentioned much. But maybe it’s less of that type of book and more of a focus on the main relationships and their duties.

This book is very emotional, like one big telenovela haha. I was all over the place. I don’t think I’ve ever went from not being able to choose between the two love interests to not wanting her to pick any of them by the end of it. I kind of wanted to punch them both in their faces haha.

I’m not use to a love triangle shifter book. I find this one extremely interesting with mate vs chosen. I think this author does a great job at adding things to the story that I haven’t read much elsewhere.

Sometimes the mfc is annoying, she makes immature decisions and acts juvenile however, I have to remind myself that she’s 18 and who isn’t at that age? lol.

The book I think is a bit too long. It could have been condensed. Overall I give it a 3.75. I really enjoyed the story, would have rated it a bit higher if a lot of the characters didn’t act so juvenile at times lol. It does lean more YA but with a lot of naughty stuff so it’s conflicting at times, however wow, I think the author has got something cool on their hands and that ending, I hope we get more answers soon and that Kayleigh kicks all their butts and becomes the bada** I hope she becomes.

It’s like a CW show but naughtier.

[ASHLEY L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my attention because it is a fated mate vs chosen mate why choose romance. I liked that it was something outside the normal fated mates (although I do love fated mates as well), it just seemed like a very interesting twist. I enjoyed the book and the plot. In some respects, it reminded me of reading a book by SJM in the sense that the last 20% of the book really popped off and all Hell broke loose. I am looking forward to reading the next book and getting answers!

This book definitely takes you through an emotional roller coaster, at some points you loved characters, at some points you hated characters, and some you just wanted to straight up throat punch. It is very much a tale of a young girl coming into her own and finding her own place and where she belongs. This book does read more YA, which I enjoy YA books, so I personally do not have a problem with that. There are a few spicy scenes but nothing crazy and there is angst as well, but if you are not into YA or you're looking for smut on smut this may not be what you are looking for. The book is a great combination of plot and romance, I feel they balanced out well.

The only thing for me personally that was a negative was some of the description words during the spicy scenes, they were just words that kind of make me cringe, so it did take me out of the story a little bit during those moments BUT with that being said not everyone is going to have issues with that.

Overall, the book is well written, there is good plot and good romance, and the concept is unique, and I look forward to reading the next one.

[Keka Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kingmaker is a gripping beginning to KT Valentine’s Wolfblood series that is intense, emotional and addictive. At the core of it all is Kayleigh Quinn Donelly, a she-wolf who is wolf-less, whose blood is powerful enough to either create an Alpha King… or destroy the entire Wolfblood world. Kayleigh finds herself torn between two alpha heirs who are dangerously sexy. The golden boy Cillian threatens to seduce with his charm. On the other hand, Andrei’s dark, brooding and royal presence means his devotion could be deadly. A powerful destiny bigger than Kayleigh awaits her.
Valentine skillfully combines romantic tension with supernatural elements, creating a world that is saturated with danger. The love triangle pulls the reader in the emotional turmoil of the characters. It does it so very well. Kayleigh is a breath of fresh air as a FMC - soft yet strong and grounding when things get chaotic. Cillian and Andrei are a bundle of pure intensity, yet their intensity is so different that you can’t help but guess through the pages. And swoon too, obviously.
The story moves at lightning speed, with more twists than the average novel. Valentine creates more than an experience that leaves you breathless, aching and begging for the next book. A fiery, immersive and unputdownable read. Prepare to be ruined in the best possible way. A riveting story with love, action and danger of a wolf-shifters. Kayleigh's destiny will consume you as well as the two alphas fighting over her. Let the obsession begin.

[C.M. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kingmaker by K.T. Valentine completely consumed me. This is a sharp, emotionally charged take on werewolves that blends urban fantasy with politics, prophecy, and a love triangle that genuinely hurts in the best way. The world coexists seamlessly with humans, and the wolf hierarchy, bloodlines, and power struggles feel layered and intentional rather than window dressing.

Kayleigh is a compelling protagonist. She is not perfect, and that is part of what makes her work. Her uncertainty, her mistakes, and her quiet strength grounded the story for me. Andrei was steady and consistent, a calm presence with clear convictions. Cillian, on the other hand, tested my patience more than once. He is volatile, magnetic, and frustrating, which made every scene with him crackle. I will not spoil anything, but the emotional whiplash is real, and the ending left me genuinely shaken.

The pacing kept me hooked throughout, and despite the book’s length, it never felt like a slog. The tension builds steadily, the romance burns hot, and the politics and prophecy add real stakes beyond the relationships. By the time I reached the final pages, I was already desperate for the next book.

This was an easy five out of five stars for me and one of my favorite reads of the year. If you love werewolves, love triangles, fated versus chosen bonds, and stories that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list.