The Hawthorne Legacy: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I have to say, I am genuinely pleased as punch that the first novel that I get to review here is this one. I eagerly (and very impatiently) awaited the release of The Hawthorne Legacy following reading The Inheritance Games, the first in the series, last year.

Since this is the first review post on this site, I may change up the way that I do it. Take this as the pilot episode, if you will.

Here we go :)

Brief synopsis: The Hawthorne Legacy picks up right where The Inheritance Games left out, with Avery in the midst of the Hawthorne family and the inheritance that was mysteriously left to her by Tobias Hawthorne after he passed.

Though a number of questions were answered when they solved the first game, here's the new one: Tobias (Toby) Hawthorne the second is not dead, as believed for so many years. Xander, the youngest brother, was tasked by their grandfather to find Toby as his own game. Avery has her own reasons for wanting to also locate Toby's whereabouts, so she, Jameson and Grayson join in on the hunt.

Speaking of those three... the first novel left out with Grayson telling Avery that he would always protect her, but that he essentially couldn't go through another battle with Jameson over a girl. Which, I'd say is wise, considering how that ended for all of them (especially Emily). However, that's easier said than done, and I know if I were trying to stay away from someone but we lived in the same freakishly large mansion I would have some issues as well. Jameson continues to be his charming self, and also even tells Avery if he could take back his idiocy in the first novel he would (swoon).

Stakes are raised in the house as people are pissed off that Avery and Jameson are crying wolf with Toby's death-not-death. Avery's life continues to be in danger and she works to suss out who she can actually trust.

I'd honestly say one of the most surprising parts of the book for me was the arrival of... Max! Avery's bestie that we had only ever previously encountered in secret phone calls. She turns 18 and tells her overbearing parents peace out, arriving unannounced at Hawthorne House and diving in face-first into the madness. I thought it was really fun to see her actually mixed into the action and becoming more of a character than before.

Tensions also arise with Libby and Avery, as Avery refuses to forgive her piece of garbage father and Libby continues to... well, be Libby, and try to see the good in everyone, even though there isn't good in everyone. The search for Toby takes these characters all over the place, including Colorado, where a very interesting hot tub scene takes place (eyeball emoji).

I won't say much more because I'm not willing to ruin it for y'all, but I will say, OOF. This book is a lot to take in, in the best way. I genuinely enjoyed this sequel and I know the ending isn't going to be what everyone was looking for, but I loved it.

My Rating: 10/10. No shame. I am a sucker for this book and the story altogether.

Favorite Quote: I'm going to grace this post with two: "I wondered how it was possible that watching him made breathing easier and harder at the same time."

"...and for the first time in weeks, it felt like my heart had finally remembered how to beat."

Other books I have read by this author: Other than the world of Avery and the Hawthorne's, I have also read the duology of Deadly Little Scandals, which I absolutely also recommend.

Check out my Goodreads, (Traci Bishop) to see what I'm currently reading and to see a good chunk of the books I have already read. My Instagram can be found on the home page and I will share whenever a new post is up as well!

Until next time <3