Book Review: The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Hawthorne Legacy
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Series: The Inheritance Games (Book 2)
Publication: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 7, 2021)

Description: Intrigue, riches, and romance abound in this thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Inheritance Games

The Inheritance Games ended with a bombshell, and now heiress Avery Grambs has to pick up the pieces and find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions—including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons. 

Thanks to a DNA test, Avery knows that she’s not a Hawthorne by blood, but clues pile up hinting at a deeper connection to the family than she had ever imagined. As the mystery grows and the plot thickens, Grayson and Jameson, two of the enigmatic and magnetic Hawthorne grandsons, continue to pull Avery in different directions. And there are threats lurking around every corner, as adversaries emerge who will stop at nothing to see Avery out of the picture—by any means necessary.

With nonstop action, aspirational jet-setting, Knives Out-like family intrigue, swoonworthy romance, and billions of dollars hanging in the balance, The Hawthorne Legacy will thrill Jennifer Lynn Barnes fans and new readers alike.

My Thoughts: The sequel to The Inheritance Games was another exciting, puzzle-filled adventure. Avery Kylie Grambs thought she had finally figured out why multi-billionaire Tobias Hawthorne left her almost his entire estate, disinheriting his daughters and grandsons, but she might have only uncovered one of Tobias Hawthorne's secrets.

She is dealing with disgruntled relatives - both Hawthornes and her own - while trying to locate the missing heir who supposedly died in a fire some twenty years earlier. She has to find a way to stay alive while untangling all kinds of family secrets.

The characters are smart and relatable. The mysteries and puzzles are intriguing and the story is fast-paced. The writing is engaging. I really liked getting to know Avery and all of the fascinating Hawthorne brothers. 

Favorite Quote:

I stepped into the secret passageway to find Jameson waiting for me. "Fancy meeting you here, Heiress."

"You," I told him, "are the most annoying person on the face of the planet."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.