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The Inheritance Games #4
The Brothers Hawthorne
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Young Adult Fiction (2023)Four brothers. Two missions. One explosive read. Jennifer Lynn Barnes returns to the world of her #1 bestselling Inheritance Games trilogy, and the stakes have never been higher.
Grayson Hawthorne was raised as the heir apparent to his billionaire grandfather, taught from the cradle to put family first. Now the great Tobias Hawthorne is dead and his family disinherited, but some lessons linger. When Grayson’s half-sisters find themselves in trouble, he swoops in to do what he does best: take care of the problem—efficiently, effectively, mercilessly. And without getting bogged down in emotional entanglements.
Jameson Hawthorne is a risk-taker, a sensation-seeker, a player of games. When his mysterious father appears and asks for a favor, Jameson can’t resist the challenge. Now he must infiltrate London’s most exclusive underground gambling club, which caters to the rich, the powerful, and the aristocratic, and win an impossible game of greatest stakes. Luckily, Jameson Hawthorne lives for impossible.
Drawn into twisted games on opposite sides of the globe, Grayson and Jameson—with the help of their brothers and the girl who inherited their grandfather’s fortune—must dig deep to decide who they want to be and what each of them will sacrifice to win.
Grayson Hawthorne was raised as the heir apparent to his billionaire grandfather, taught from the cradle to put family first. Now the great Tobias Hawthorne is dead and his family disinherited, but some lessons linger. When Grayson’s half-sisters find themselves in trouble, he swoops in to do what he does best: take care of the problem—efficiently, effectively, mercilessly. And without getting bogged down in emotional entanglements.
Jameson Hawthorne is a risk-taker, a sensation-seeker, a player of games. When his mysterious father appears and asks for a favor, Jameson can’t resist the challenge. Now he must infiltrate London’s most exclusive underground gambling club, which caters to the rich, the powerful, and the aristocratic, and win an impossible game of greatest stakes. Luckily, Jameson Hawthorne lives for impossible.
Drawn into twisted games on opposite sides of the globe, Grayson and Jameson—with the help of their brothers and the girl who inherited their grandfather’s fortune—must dig deep to decide who they want to be and what each of them will sacrifice to win.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2023
About the author
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
40 books31.6k followersJennifer Lynn Barnes (who mostly goes by Jen) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has been, in turn, a competitive cheerleader, a volleyball player, a dancer, a debutante, a primate cognition researcher, a teen model, a comic book geek, and a lemur aficionado. She's been writing for as long as she can remember, finished her first full book (which she now refers to as a "practice book" and which none of you will ever see) when she was still in high school, and then wrote Golden the summer after her freshman year in college, when she was nineteen.
Jen graduated high school in 2002, and from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science (the study of the brain and thought) in May of 2006. She'll be spending the 2006-2007 school year abroad, doing autism research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Jen graduated high school in 2002, and from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science (the study of the brain and thought) in May of 2006. She'll be spending the 2006-2007 school year abroad, doing autism research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,391 reviews
September 2, 2023
Was this my most anticipated read of the year? Heck yes.
Was I disappointed? Extremely.
Before I start this review I just want to make it clear I love this series and characters so much. I still recommend the first three books in the series. They are so worth investing your time in. This one? Not so much.
It started off really well. The four brothers together, talking and bonding. I was really entertained for the first 60-70 pages and then it went downhill. The pacing is slow.
Firstly let me start by saying Nash and Xander are really vital and core members of this series and the lack of them makes an immense impact. Nash and Xander both provide a sense of unity, balance, family and peace into Grayson and Jameson's chaos. I missed the two so much in this one. It was a terrible mistake on JLB's part to kick the two out of the book.
Secondly, the dynamic between Grayson, Avery and Jameson completely fell. The three act like they no longer know each other. There are so few scenes of the three together it's just strange. Grayson and Jameson deserved more scenes together. They are no longer rivals stuck in a love triangle.
Coming to the "love aspect". Those who haven't read the series yet, might want to skip past these few sentences. Jameson and Avery were so amazing in the last book together. They had such good growth and Jameson was shining. Here, they had zero chemistry. Sure, they had like two good scenes together but the rest of the book they act like they are strangers? It is so weird. Grayson and Avery still have better chemistry. It hurts to see my man is still hung up on her.
There clearly lies more in store for Grayson. His story is not complete and this was the sole reason for this book. But while doing so, am not sure what JLB was trying to achieve. He is broken. Hung up over so many girls who betrayed him so many times. He stood up to Eve towards the end and opened up to his brothers but his character needs more. There was no healing for him. Hopefully that gets rectified in the next book.
A major problem was the fact that JLB wrote the story in a very confusing manner. We get Grayson and Jameson's POV. Both have missions of their own. Jameson's mission in particular served no major purpose. His character deserves better than that. Apart from two different missions, we get flashbacks in between which just makes things worse. The back and forth along with different pov started to make things unnecessarily complicated.
No doubt JLB is a talented writer but she made a lot of mistakes in this. The way this book has not much to offer and is written in such a boring manner makes it comes across as written purely for the purpose of money grab. This book easily could have been a novella, 200 pages short but it dragged on in a miserable way. It surely reads like a novella but is a proper book.
The only reason I will read the next book is for the fact am not ready to give up on Grayson yet.
~•~•~
LET'S GOOOO. Justice for my bae
~.~.~
Justice for Grayson Hawthorne or I sue.
Was I disappointed? Extremely.
Before I start this review I just want to make it clear I love this series and characters so much. I still recommend the first three books in the series. They are so worth investing your time in. This one? Not so much.
It started off really well. The four brothers together, talking and bonding. I was really entertained for the first 60-70 pages and then it went downhill. The pacing is slow.
Firstly let me start by saying Nash and Xander are really vital and core members of this series and the lack of them makes an immense impact. Nash and Xander both provide a sense of unity, balance, family and peace into Grayson and Jameson's chaos. I missed the two so much in this one. It was a terrible mistake on JLB's part to kick the two out of the book.
Secondly, the dynamic between Grayson, Avery and Jameson completely fell. The three act like they no longer know each other. There are so few scenes of the three together it's just strange. Grayson and Jameson deserved more scenes together. They are no longer rivals stuck in a love triangle.
Coming to the "love aspect". Those who haven't read the series yet, might want to skip past these few sentences. Jameson and Avery were so amazing in the last book together. They had such good growth and Jameson was shining. Here, they had zero chemistry. Sure, they had like two good scenes together but the rest of the book they act like they are strangers? It is so weird. Grayson and Avery still have better chemistry. It hurts to see my man is still hung up on her.
There clearly lies more in store for Grayson. His story is not complete and this was the sole reason for this book. But while doing so, am not sure what JLB was trying to achieve. He is broken. Hung up over so many girls who betrayed him so many times. He stood up to Eve towards the end and opened up to his brothers but his character needs more. There was no healing for him. Hopefully that gets rectified in the next book.
A major problem was the fact that JLB wrote the story in a very confusing manner. We get Grayson and Jameson's POV. Both have missions of their own. Jameson's mission in particular served no major purpose. His character deserves better than that. Apart from two different missions, we get flashbacks in between which just makes things worse. The back and forth along with different pov started to make things unnecessarily complicated.
No doubt JLB is a talented writer but she made a lot of mistakes in this. The way this book has not much to offer and is written in such a boring manner makes it comes across as written purely for the purpose of money grab. This book easily could have been a novella, 200 pages short but it dragged on in a miserable way. It surely reads like a novella but is a proper book.
The only reason I will read the next book is for the fact am not ready to give up on Grayson yet.
~•~•~
LET'S GOOOO. Justice for my bae
~.~.~
Justice for Grayson Hawthorne or I sue.
Want to read
October 3, 2022just keep averyjameson happy and we will have no problems
Want to read
January 6, 2024i can't believe that i have to read one more book about bland, white boys
Want to read
October 4, 2022what in the unnecessary sequel is this
Want to read
August 29, 2023IF I DON'T GET MORE XANDER CONTENT I WILL BE RIOTING
bring ur battle axes people
update 8/29/23: HAPPY RELEASE DAYY!! SO EXCITEDDD
bring ur battle axes people
update 8/29/23: HAPPY RELEASE DAYY!! SO EXCITEDDD
Want to read
January 15, 2023i will be reading this book for grayson and for grayson only.
#justiceforgrayson
thank you for coming to my TED talk.
#justiceforgrayson
thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Want to read
December 29, 2022the way everybody is rooting for grayson but ill be reading this book only and only for more jameson content!!!
September 16, 2023
grayson hawthorne you will always be famous ‼️🥹🤞🏽🩷
October 3, 2022
please make sure graysons happy in this book and give us some averygrayson we’re struggling.
Want to read
October 4, 2022grayson happy ending or keep it
September 1, 2023
bro, jameson is so
Mastermind
coded 💋
Want to read
January 2, 2023give grayson a boyfriend 2023
August 29, 2023
more averyjameson I’M UP
AVERYJAMESON SERVED AGAIN!!
i didn’t know i could end up loving jameson more but here i am?? everything about his plot and his relationship with avery is perfection😭the moments between the brothers were really wholesome too and grayson was semi-bearable in this!
AVERYJAMESON SERVED AGAIN!!
i didn’t know i could end up loving jameson more but here i am?? everything about his plot and his relationship with avery is perfection😭the moments between the brothers were really wholesome too and grayson was semi-bearable in this!
Shelved as 'probably-never-going-to-read'
December 21, 2022I may not be reading The Final Gambit and The Hawthorne Legacy because I got spoiled, but IF I'm gonna read this, I will read it for Grayson and ONLY Grayson 😌
Want to read
October 4, 2022i’m a simple girl i see more jameson content i press want to read
September 2, 2023
jameson having his own plot jameson in london more averyjameson independent grayson arc she wrote this for me
September 21, 2023
★ 3 stars
i was almost sure that i’d give this book one star because the first half of it was horrendously boring.
i mean, it started off well and had the potential to be as good as the previous books, but when i reached the 15% mark, the story just... became unbearable. and it was so hard to follow since we had two different and unconnected storylines — Jameson’s and Grayson’s.
Jameson’s chapters were the ones in which i was more interested since he’s one of my favorite characters. his storyline sounded promising at the beginning, and i obviously thought that i would love it — but sadly, i ended up losing a little bit of interest after a few pages. don’t get me wrong, i still adore his character and he remains one of my favorites, but his story was very confusing. there was so much information to memorize that at some point i just gave up on trying to understand what was happening and started skimming through some pages. so i’s partially my fault that i didn’t understand much of it. the only thing in his POV that kept me interested from beginning to end was his scenes with Avery, i absolutely loved them.
*sobbing* they are the cutest couple <3 i really enjoyed reading their little moments.
but, overall, i was very disappointed with his story. my baby deserved a better one.
Grayson’s chapters were... dull at first. i gotta admit that i’m not his biggest fan(Grayson girlies don’t kill me) and for that reason it took me a long time to get interested in his storyline. i honestly found it super boring from the beginning and i had absolutely no interest in it, couldn’t care less. however, i started to like his story in the second half. seeing him develop a relationship with his half-sisters, Gigi and Savannah, was actually so sweet. and if you’re friends with me here, you must have noticed from my updates that i didn’t like Gigi and that she annoyed me for the majority of the book — but at 60% or so, she started to grow on me. now i’m excited to see more of her character and more of her relationship with Grayson in the next book!
their stories were both well-written, but they weren’t as captivating as i thought they would be. and as i said, they were hard to follow. if you asked me to explain the entire plot of this book, i seriously wouldn’t know what to say. i think the idea of having two different — and complex — storylines in just one book wasn’t great. it would probably be better if they were linked in some way.
we got some flashbacks from when they were kids and we were able to see a little bit of how was their relationship with their grandfather, Tobias. but even after finishing the book, i still don’t understand what was the point of that. just to show us how insane he was with his sick mind games? i really don’t get it. in my opinion, most of those flashbacks were irrelevant.
another thing that didn’t like was the fact that we didn’t have much scenes with Xander and Nash, and that doesn’t make sense at all since this book is called The Brothers Hawthorne. i was aware that the main focus was going to be Grayson and Jameson — but their brothers definitely deserved more spotlight. i saw that JLB is going to release Grayson’s book(was it really necessary though?) next year, so she might as well write Xander’s and Nash’s books too. i would love to read their stories.
surprisingly, i started to enjoy this book in the last 40% — that explains why i’m giving it three stars. a few entertaining things happened and the plot twist near the end was awesome. the epilogue was enjoyable too, but i think it could’ve been more exciting. for some reason, i felt like something was missing.
even though i liked the second half, i’m still extremely disappointed. i was expecting a far more interesting story, but it just fell flat to me. i guess i set my expectations way too high. well... at least it didn’t give me a reading slump so for that i’m grateful.
will i read the next book? of course.
do i want Xander’s and Nash’s books? yes, obviously.
but deep down, i think it might be time to wrap this series up because it’s getting repetitive. maybe it should’ve stopped at book three.
───────── ⋆☆⋆ ─────────
my ranking of the TIG series:
1 • The Inheritance Games | ★ 5 stars
2 • The Hawthorne Legacy | ★ 4 stars
3 • The Final Gambit | ★ 3.5 stars
4 • The Brothers Hawthorne | ★ 3 stars
i was almost sure that i’d give this book one star because the first half of it was horrendously boring.
i mean, it started off well and had the potential to be as good as the previous books, but when i reached the 15% mark, the story just... became unbearable. and it was so hard to follow since we had two different and unconnected storylines — Jameson’s and Grayson’s.
Jameson’s chapters were the ones in which i was more interested since he’s one of my favorite characters. his storyline sounded promising at the beginning, and i obviously thought that i would love it — but sadly, i ended up losing a little bit of interest after a few pages. don’t get me wrong, i still adore his character and he remains one of my favorites, but his story was very confusing. there was so much information to memorize that at some point i just gave up on trying to understand what was happening and started skimming through some pages. so i’s partially my fault that i didn’t understand much of it. the only thing in his POV that kept me interested from beginning to end was his scenes with Avery, i absolutely loved them.
“It was—now and always—Jameson and Avery against the world.”
*sobbing* they are the cutest couple <3 i really enjoyed reading their little moments.
but, overall, i was very disappointed with his story. my baby deserved a better one.
Grayson’s chapters were... dull at first. i gotta admit that i’m not his biggest fan
Grayson didn’t ignore the emotions twisting in his gut and rising up inside him. For once in his life, he just let them come. “I like my little sister,” he told her.
This time, there was nothing pained about Gigi’s smile. “I know.”
their stories were both well-written, but they weren’t as captivating as i thought they would be. and as i said, they were hard to follow. if you asked me to explain the entire plot of this book, i seriously wouldn’t know what to say. i think the idea of having two different — and complex — storylines in just one book wasn’t great. it would probably be better if they were linked in some way.
we got some flashbacks from when they were kids and we were able to see a little bit of how was their relationship with their grandfather, Tobias. but even after finishing the book, i still don’t understand what was the point of that. just to show us how insane he was with his sick mind games? i really don’t get it. in my opinion, most of those flashbacks were irrelevant.
another thing that didn’t like was the fact that we didn’t have much scenes with Xander and Nash, and that doesn’t make sense at all since this book is called The Brothers Hawthorne. i was aware that the main focus was going to be Grayson and Jameson — but their brothers definitely deserved more spotlight. i saw that JLB is going to release Grayson’s book
surprisingly, i started to enjoy this book in the last 40% — that explains why i’m giving it three stars. a few entertaining things happened and the plot twist near the end was awesome. the epilogue was enjoyable too, but i think it could’ve been more exciting. for some reason, i felt like something was missing.
even though i liked the second half, i’m still extremely disappointed. i was expecting a far more interesting story, but it just fell flat to me. i guess i set my expectations way too high. well... at least it didn’t give me a reading slump so for that i’m grateful.
will i read the next book? of course.
do i want Xander’s and Nash’s books? yes, obviously.
but deep down, i think it might be time to wrap this series up because it’s getting repetitive. maybe it should’ve stopped at book three.
───────── ⋆☆⋆ ─────────
my ranking of the TIG series:
1 • The Inheritance Games | ★ 5 stars
2 • The Hawthorne Legacy | ★ 4 stars
3 • The Final Gambit | ★ 3.5 stars
4 • The Brothers Hawthorne | ★ 3 stars
August 29, 2023
getting grayson back hotter, smarter and richer all we need is that avergrayson endgame and i know jlb is gonna make it happen ☝🏽
December 30, 2023
—"I want to give you a 6 but thats not possible so I give you a 5” stars ⭐—
Some series need to end. This is not one of them.
Age rating (imo): 13+
Genres: YA, Mystery, Thriller, Romance
What I think about the:
Writing: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Romance: 9/10
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚My thoughts˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
⚠Spoilerssss⚠
No one. NO. ONE. LOVES THIS BOOK AS MUCH AS ME SHUT UP DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT
Okay, I’m biased. I LOVE this world and the characters with all my heart so ofc I’m going to give it 5 stars. I missed my babies so much 🥹 Like literally I missed every single one of them. You guys just don't get it. This world is so comforting to me and Ms. Barnes knows exactly what I want and when I want it. This came out at the perfect time because I am just starting school and I already feel stressed (we don’t gotta get into it alright?) and this book just gave me so much comfort and peace and I just felt so happy reading it. I loved both Grayson and Jameson’s stories and the pLOT TWISTS WTFF!! The Averyjameson content was beautiful, as per usual. I’m also gonna say that I kinda maybe sorta ship Grayson and the girl on the phone… idk we shall see in the next book <3 also, I got the Barnes and Nobel edition and there was the bestest short story at the end 🥰 It was Nash’s bachelor party jaskjakjsa I need more content of just the four brothers pleasee
Now we talk about the brothers (They all have a very special place in my heart and if anything happens to any of them I will riot)
Grayson Anyone who knows me knows how much I HATE Grayson (Ruby you know exactly what I’m talking about). Especially in the first book. BUTTTTTTTTTTT I will admit he is growing on me. I loved all the little soft moments between him and his sisters. Plus I realized that we have a lot in common? What?? Since when???
Jameson Again anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE Jameson. He is everything. I love how much he has matured in this book and just kjahsdkwajdk. Sure he can be annoying and stubborn at times but SO CAN GRAYSON SO LEAVE ME ALONE. Team Jameson for life <33 Also, my fave thing is him simping over Avery 🤭
Xander Love love loveeeeee Xander he's so bbg
Nash Tbh I don’t know what I think of Nash. I wish he had more page time and more character yk. He's just cowboy.
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚My fave quotes˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
“It was—now and always—Jameson and Avery against the world.”
“Four Hawthornes, four suits”
“I'll have you know that most celebrity sites rank me as the second-hottest Hawthorne."
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚Songs˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
Jameson's side of the story:
Mastermind by Taylor Swift
Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince by Taylor Swift
American Money by BØRNS
"Slut!" (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault) by Taylor Swift
Jamie playlist
Grayson's side of the story:
Daddy Issues by The Neighborhood
Vigilante shit by Taylor Swift
Earl Grey Tea by Griff
Gray playlist
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚Random extra thought˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
Ngl I’m a mixture of all the brothers + Avery
Thank you for taking the time to read this <33 Stay safe and drink some water 💋
------------------------------------------------
Pre-read review:
Team Jameson forever idc
Some series need to end. This is not one of them.
Age rating (imo): 13+
Genres: YA, Mystery, Thriller, Romance
What I think about the:
Writing: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Romance: 9/10
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚My thoughts˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
⚠Spoilerssss⚠
No one. NO. ONE. LOVES THIS BOOK AS MUCH AS ME SHUT UP DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT
Okay, I’m biased. I LOVE this world and the characters with all my heart so ofc I’m going to give it 5 stars. I missed my babies so much 🥹 Like literally I missed every single one of them. You guys just don't get it. This world is so comforting to me and Ms. Barnes knows exactly what I want and when I want it. This came out at the perfect time because I am just starting school and I already feel stressed (we don’t gotta get into it alright?) and this book just gave me so much comfort and peace and I just felt so happy reading it. I loved both Grayson and Jameson’s stories and the pLOT TWISTS WTFF!! The Averyjameson content was beautiful, as per usual. I’m also gonna say that I kinda maybe sorta ship Grayson and the girl on the phone… idk we shall see in the next book <3 also, I got the Barnes and Nobel edition and there was the bestest short story at the end 🥰 It was Nash’s bachelor party jaskjakjsa I need more content of just the four brothers pleasee
Now we talk about the brothers (They all have a very special place in my heart and if anything happens to any of them I will riot)
Grayson Anyone who knows me knows how much I HATE Grayson (Ruby you know exactly what I’m talking about). Especially in the first book. BUTTTTTTTTTTT I will admit he is growing on me. I loved all the little soft moments between him and his sisters. Plus I realized that we have a lot in common? What?? Since when???
Jameson Again anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE Jameson. He is everything. I love how much he has matured in this book and just kjahsdkwajdk. Sure he can be annoying and stubborn at times but SO CAN GRAYSON SO LEAVE ME ALONE. Team Jameson for life <33 Also, my fave thing is him simping over Avery 🤭
Xander Love love loveeeeee Xander he's so bbg
Nash Tbh I don’t know what I think of Nash. I wish he had more page time and more character yk. He's just cowboy.
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚My fave quotes˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
“It was—now and always—Jameson and Avery against the world.”
“Four Hawthornes, four suits”
“I'll have you know that most celebrity sites rank me as the second-hottest Hawthorne."
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚Songs˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
Jameson's side of the story:
Mastermind by Taylor Swift
Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince by Taylor Swift
American Money by BØRNS
"Slut!" (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault) by Taylor Swift
Jamie playlist
Grayson's side of the story:
Daddy Issues by The Neighborhood
Vigilante shit by Taylor Swift
Earl Grey Tea by Griff
Gray playlist
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚Random extra thought˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
Ngl I’m a mixture of all the brothers + Avery
Thank you for taking the time to read this <33 Stay safe and drink some water 💋
------------------------------------------------
Pre-read review:
Team Jameson forever idc
February 16, 2024
↠ 2 stars ✰
~ spoilers in this review ~
goodreads isn't showing some of the likes and comments, and i'm soo sorry if i can't see some of them and respond ❤️🩹
i loved the inheritance games trilogy so much. the bond between the four brothers, the humor, the plot + mystery, but most of that was lost in this book. the brothers hawthorne was kind of disappointing for me, but there were a few moments i enjoyed. the first.. maybe 50%, i didn't love it as much as i thought i would, but maybe 3/4 through the book, i actually started becoming invested in the characters and storyline. jameson and avery.. they were so precious in this book 🤧 i wasn't really in love with their romance in the beginning, but as time went on, they were everything!! but the funny, cute dynamic between jameson, grayson, xander, and nash.. i just didn't get that in the brothers hawthorne.
i loved the plot twists. the end actually reminded me of the original trilogy, just the way i felt, trying to figure out the mystery, coming up with my own predictions <3 and the fact that alice hawthorne is alive? i couldn't have guessed that! i just wish there was more of that excitement in the first half.
what i really wanted to talk about was the flashback chapters with tobias hawthorne, their grandfather. he's so... sick and insane? can you actually imagine your grandfather coming up to you and telling you that your sibling was 10x better just completely out of the blue 😭
and one more thing... grayson's first kiss with emily. twisted. emily kissed jameson first. and then grayson. they were like 10, and both of the boys agreed to it. i felt weird just reading it, what a cute moment completely ruined 😆
avery. she was barely even there 😭 and when she was, it was so bland. her character development in the first 3 books was soso good, and i wanted to see how avery grew from there. even though she was a bit annoying in the inheritance games trilogy, i was used to reading things from her pov, and i guess it felt like kind of a shift to read about her from another's. her thought process was super interesting imo, and maybe if she had some pov chapters in this book, i would have been a bit more invested in her.
grayson. his relationship with his half-sisters were soso wholesome and cute, it was one of my favorite parts about this book 💘 the dialogue between grayson and gigi was precious, and i thought it was super nice how jlb connected savannah to grayson. sheffield grayson.. this mf needs to drop dead, he only wanted boys? two talented daughters wasn't enough for him? 😖 istg grayson's chapters were actually kind of good later on in the book! i am waiting to see how eve is going to take her revenge on averykind of rooting for her tbh
jameson. he's one of my favorites, but i started getting bored really quickly. but.. averyjameson. they were soso cute ugh. i loved their banter, the tension, and how they both had strengths and helped one another <3 at one point, i was only reading the book for them. and in the last few chapters, his storyline.. i was hooked. ian johnston-jameson was kind of unneeded, but other then that, i found the devil's mercy entertaining!
xander and nash. xander is the most lovable chaotic character, i just adore him!! his quotes in this book >> also, i loved the way he took care of his brothers even when he was far away, best brother fr. the biggest complaint i have is, i didn't get to see nash and libby at all. i'm happy i found out that they're getting married, that was the sweetest 💗 but i wanted to see how they turned out, their wedding, the banter.. it just feels like such a missed opportunity. i would read their book hands down <3
i've heard that there's going to be another book just for grayson called the grandest game, and i just feel like the series could have stopped at the final gambit. but i'm still going to read it (for xander and nash) 🤭
quotes i loved
“let the rest of the players think I’m dealing with daddy issues. hawthornes have grandaddy issues instead.”
“screw ian. jameson didn't need ian. it was--now and always--jameson and avery against the world.”
“when words are real enough, when they’re the exact right words, when what you’re saying matters, when it’s beautiful and perfect and true—it hurts.”
“but what-if is different once you have kids, because all of a sudden, everything leading up to their births, those choices, those realities are set in stone. because if things had been even a little different, they might not exist, and that is the one possibility you cannot bear.” this quote was the sweetest <3
pre-review
i don't even know how to feel.. the last 90% was crazy 😭 i honestly think that jameson and avery are actually a cute couple now, their crumbs were soso precious <3
~ spoilers in this review ~
goodreads isn't showing some of the likes and comments, and i'm soo sorry if i can't see some of them and respond ❤️🩹
i loved the inheritance games trilogy so much. the bond between the four brothers, the humor, the plot + mystery, but most of that was lost in this book. the brothers hawthorne was kind of disappointing for me, but there were a few moments i enjoyed. the first.. maybe 50%, i didn't love it as much as i thought i would, but maybe 3/4 through the book, i actually started becoming invested in the characters and storyline. jameson and avery.. they were so precious in this book 🤧 i wasn't really in love with their romance in the beginning, but as time went on, they were everything!! but the funny, cute dynamic between jameson, grayson, xander, and nash.. i just didn't get that in the brothers hawthorne.
i loved the plot twists. the end actually reminded me of the original trilogy, just the way i felt, trying to figure out the mystery, coming up with my own predictions <3 and the fact that alice hawthorne is alive? i couldn't have guessed that! i just wish there was more of that excitement in the first half.
what i really wanted to talk about was the flashback chapters with tobias hawthorne, their grandfather. he's so... sick and insane? can you actually imagine your grandfather coming up to you and telling you that your sibling was 10x better just completely out of the blue 😭
and one more thing... grayson's first kiss with emily. twisted. emily kissed jameson first. and then grayson. they were like 10, and both of the boys agreed to it. i felt weird just reading it, what a cute moment completely ruined 😆
avery. she was barely even there 😭 and when she was, it was so bland. her character development in the first 3 books was soso good, and i wanted to see how avery grew from there. even though she was a bit annoying in the inheritance games trilogy, i was used to reading things from her pov, and i guess it felt like kind of a shift to read about her from another's. her thought process was super interesting imo, and maybe if she had some pov chapters in this book, i would have been a bit more invested in her.
grayson. his relationship with his half-sisters were soso wholesome and cute, it was one of my favorite parts about this book 💘 the dialogue between grayson and gigi was precious, and i thought it was super nice how jlb connected savannah to grayson. sheffield grayson.. this mf needs to drop dead, he only wanted boys? two talented daughters wasn't enough for him? 😖 istg grayson's chapters were actually kind of good later on in the book! i am waiting to see how eve is going to take her revenge on avery
jameson. he's one of my favorites, but i started getting bored really quickly. but.. averyjameson. they were soso cute ugh. i loved their banter, the tension, and how they both had strengths and helped one another <3 at one point, i was only reading the book for them. and in the last few chapters, his storyline.. i was hooked. ian johnston-jameson was kind of unneeded, but other then that, i found the devil's mercy entertaining!
xander and nash. xander is the most lovable chaotic character, i just adore him!! his quotes in this book >> also, i loved the way he took care of his brothers even when he was far away, best brother fr. the biggest complaint i have is, i didn't get to see nash and libby at all. i'm happy i found out that they're getting married, that was the sweetest 💗 but i wanted to see how they turned out, their wedding, the banter.. it just feels like such a missed opportunity. i would read their book hands down <3
i've heard that there's going to be another book just for grayson called the grandest game, and i just feel like the series could have stopped at the final gambit. but i'm still going to read it (for xander and nash) 🤭
quotes i loved
“let the rest of the players think I’m dealing with daddy issues. hawthornes have grandaddy issues instead.”
“screw ian. jameson didn't need ian. it was--now and always--jameson and avery against the world.”
“when words are real enough, when they’re the exact right words, when what you’re saying matters, when it’s beautiful and perfect and true—it hurts.”
“but what-if is different once you have kids, because all of a sudden, everything leading up to their births, those choices, those realities are set in stone. because if things had been even a little different, they might not exist, and that is the one possibility you cannot bear.” this quote was the sweetest <3
pre-review
i don't even know how to feel.. the last 90% was crazy 😭 i honestly think that jameson and avery are actually a cute couple now, their crumbs were soso precious <3
November 8, 2023
was this book necessary? not in the slightest. book 3 gave us closure, and though it was a slightly underwhelming conclusion, i felt it was a fitting ending for the characters. well, for most of them anyway. just not grayson 😔
because of this, i was so intrigued to see where the story would go. what more was there to say? apparently, a lot. bc this fcking book is almost 500 pages long 😭
plot: the brothers hawthorne follows two different storylines, jameson’s and grayson’s. while i found the former to be more interesting in terms of the puzzles and mystery, i enjoyed the latter because i got to see grayson’s relationship with his sisters develop and strengthen. there was practically nothing going on for the first half of this book, but jlb’s writing is so bingeable i honestly didnt even care. the second half is where it picked up, and that’s when i got more invested. but i was, once again, left underwhelmed by the ending and the reveal of jameson’s secret?? like i fr thought it was gonna be mind blowing but it was, in fact, not.
averyjameson: cuties <3 let me tell you, i did not care for them in the first three books. they just didn’t do it for me. but i felt like they had more chemistry in this book. they fit together, their minds worked in tandem. and the way they trusted each other without hesitation 🥺❤️🩹
grayson and gigi: more than anything, i want grayson to get his happy ending. after everything he’s been through, he deserves it. it doesn’t need to be in the form of a love interest. and i’m glad, at least for now, that it isn’t. the big brother little sister dynamic was perfect. his bond with gigi is the purest, most wholesome thing ever i just adore them 🥹
the brothers: sibling relationships are truly some of my favorites to read about. the dynamic is so unique. sometimes they want to kill each other. but it’s apparent they would also kill for each other. if they were needed, they would drop anything and everything just to be there. the hawthorne brothers are no exception. they mock and tease, but they protect and love with a fierce intensity.
i devour these books. i read them so fast. i lovelovelove the short chapters. and i love grayson. so best believe i’m reading the next book too. thank god that ones only 350 pages she better not drag it out 😭
—
enjoyed some parts of it but it should have been 350 pages max. averyjameson moments were cute and grayson and gigi too 🥹 but i guessed jameson’s big bad secret and it really wasn’t all that. full rtc later
—
give grayson his happy ending challenge impossible
because of this, i was so intrigued to see where the story would go. what more was there to say? apparently, a lot. bc this fcking book is almost 500 pages long 😭
plot: the brothers hawthorne follows two different storylines, jameson’s and grayson’s. while i found the former to be more interesting in terms of the puzzles and mystery, i enjoyed the latter because i got to see grayson’s relationship with his sisters develop and strengthen. there was practically nothing going on for the first half of this book, but jlb’s writing is so bingeable i honestly didnt even care. the second half is where it picked up, and that’s when i got more invested. but i was, once again, left underwhelmed by the ending and the reveal of jameson’s secret?? like i fr thought it was gonna be mind blowing but it was, in fact, not.
averyjameson: cuties <3 let me tell you, i did not care for them in the first three books. they just didn’t do it for me. but i felt like they had more chemistry in this book. they fit together, their minds worked in tandem. and the way they trusted each other without hesitation 🥺❤️🩹
grayson and gigi: more than anything, i want grayson to get his happy ending. after everything he’s been through, he deserves it. it doesn’t need to be in the form of a love interest. and i’m glad, at least for now, that it isn’t. the big brother little sister dynamic was perfect. his bond with gigi is the purest, most wholesome thing ever i just adore them 🥹
the brothers: sibling relationships are truly some of my favorites to read about. the dynamic is so unique. sometimes they want to kill each other. but it’s apparent they would also kill for each other. if they were needed, they would drop anything and everything just to be there. the hawthorne brothers are no exception. they mock and tease, but they protect and love with a fierce intensity.
i devour these books. i read them so fast. i lovelovelove the short chapters. and i love grayson. so best believe i’m reading the next book too. thank god that ones only 350 pages she better not drag it out 😭
—
enjoyed some parts of it but it should have been 350 pages max. averyjameson moments were cute and grayson and gigi too 🥹 but i guessed jameson’s big bad secret and it really wasn’t all that. full rtc later
—
give grayson his happy ending challenge impossible
Want to read
October 3, 2022this isn't a toby and hannah novella but it'll do i guess
December 20, 2023
"When words are real enough, when they’re the exact right words, when what you’re saying matters, when it’s beautiful and perfect and true—it hurts."
Did I love this book? 110% YES! It was all I wanted and more. The thrill excitement and just these series are amazing. 😭💖
The adrenaline that took over me in the last 100 pages was immaculate and let me tell you only Jennifer Lynn Barnes is able to make me feel that way!
Now...this book. This book is what I like to call the apology. An apology by JLB for all those atrocious things she wrote in The Final Gambit.
The grandest game (book after this) will be the apology sequel...for the few things she missed in this one.
The Brother's Hawthorne was so much better than The Final Gambit. Grayson as an elder brother to Gigi and Savannah. Jameson's plot was amazing and for real though HIM AND AVERY were madeeeee for each other. I was disappointed because of 0 Libby and Maxine and was gonna give it 4 stars BUT those last chapters and the exclusive ones made it worth it.
"No one else will ever understand you the way your brothers do. No one. It's the four of you against the world, and it always will be."
The boys' were perfect as always. Their brotherhood is immaculate. I don't care if you think this series is about a bunch of white boys BECAUSE CLEARLY you lack braincells to have such an opinion.
Nash, Xander and Jamie taking care of Grayson and FINNALY him opening out to them about him not feeling okay was such a need. I'm so happy for Gray. He deserves the world. He's healing LET.HIM.BE.
The short flashback chapters of the brothers was quite unique and very much required. I also loved how Tobia's Hawthorne was kinda like always there...in the boys' head.
The old man did deter them, but in times when the brothers really needed to man up Tobias' voice was always there for them and so were his lessons.
“Let the rest of the players think I’m dealing with daddy issues. Hawthornes have grandaddy issues instead.”
Taylor wrote Wonderland for Jamie and Avery she told me herself.
Jameson my man, serveddddd once again ladies and gentleman. He was so amazing and so hawt.
I really hate Ian...that piece of ship should rot in prison, drown in water and burn in hell. The whole Devil's Mercy game was super fun and tbh I was playing alongside Jamie and Avery.
I think Jamie needed Vantage as much as Grayson needed Gigi and Savannah because in a way all the brothers were hurt in the terms of family relations and each needed their own consolation.
But pls, Jameson and his smirking have me in a chokehold.
“What look?” he asked softly.
JAMESON MF HAWTHORNE DEAR LORD HELP
“If you want, Mystery Girl,” he murmured, heat rising between them, the name a remnant of another time, “you can start calling me Mystery Boy.”
YES BE MY MYSTERY BOY BE MINE FFS!!!
Hes so hot
"H, the word is, two lowercase letters at the very end: v and e."
*Spits out chia...chokes on cookies*
Funny thing is I figured out 3 words from 4 because I couldn't place the right first name and had to find out in the end.
I mean Jennifer Lynn has a thing for weird resurrections so this was meant to come. Although if you think on it...we still don't know what happened in Prague.
"And he winked.
What is life without a little risk?"
Jameson and me are the same people fr fr.
"I remember...you." Gray's voice was thick with emotion now. "Always you."
Grayson ...you will forever be the Love of My Life.
In this book I believe all the people who called Grayson mean and broody will understand his character more...and realize that it was all the old man's doing and NOT Grayson's.
You can't say he's heartless YOU CAN'T. Because throughout this book his main agenda was to protect Avery. Not because he hasn't moved on (he very much has moved on) but because he protects his family.
He needed to meet Gigi and Savannah, he needed to heal. He needed some time away from Hawthorne House and he did. And I am so happy. Now we Hope against hope that JLB gives him a wonderful girl...large emphasis on 'girl' in the next book and he's happy.
We don't see him like we did in The Final Gambit. We do see him broken...but a Grayson Hawthorne type of broken. And he finally let his guard down.
Aside all that...he was ALSO very hawt *cough*
I mean his Armani suit can make me fold let alone him driving a Ferrari Spider.😭💖
The things I'd do to sit in a ferrari with Grayson-
"Repeat after me, Gray: My feelings are valid"
Say what you want but Alexander Hawthorne has carried this series so far..and will continue to do so.
He was not just Gray's therapist but MINE TOO THROUGH OUT THIS BOOK. He's so funny pls 😭✋
Him and Nash's duo will forever be iconic. Which reminds me: SOOOO happy for my boy Nash him and Libby were meant to be. His bachelorette party was definitely the stuff of legends and I'm glad the younger brothers have him.
"Betrayed by the Girl with the face of Your Dead Girlfriend: The Grayson Hawthorne Story."
Almost all my annotation tabs in this book are for Xan.
"Were I a member. I'd be wagering on the likelihood that Ms. Grambs breaks up with him within a year." He met Jameson's gaze. "No offense."
"None taken," Jameson replied.
"Lots taken," Avery told Rohan, eyes narrowing.
This here is why Avery is my favorite female character. She was amazing in her own series and continues to slay.
It was nice to see her from someone else's perspective other than her own. She was there for Jamie and she let him win. She was the OG heiress the one and only queen.
Eve ....EVE
How far up does a stick need to be wedged up your butt for you to be sooooo ANNOYING?!
I need to physically HURT THAT WOMEN. Freakin beach. Can't she leave Gray alone....like pls back off.
iM sO lOneLy
WELL YOU WOULDNT BE IF YOU WOULDNT HAVE BETRAYED GRAYSON YOU SENSLESS BARBARIC FOOL.
Still don't know what happened about that girl who called Grayson and all that stuff about Tobias and her dad...next book?
Gigi and Xander are the same ppl. Sorry not sorry. She was adorable and the cutest. I'm so glad she's Graysons sister. Her personality was so intimately nice. Like she was overall a fluffball.
I love that she gave Grayson another chance and it's so lovely how she doesn't realize it but she practically saved Grayson's life and brought him back together.
Savannah is what I like to call The Grayson Variant. She is Him and He is Her. She was kind annoying me in between with all the 'Push grayson away agenda'But she made a comeback. I like her. Lmao and Gray hyping up Sav in his head was so funny I could NOT
"What in the name of all that is good and holy do you mean by clubbing/RBG?"
Thank you to Caleigh for sending me the exclusive chapters thank u love<3
I wanna thank Hanna for buying a signed hardback of this book for me, even though I begged her to cancel the order, and she did, the entire time I was reading this book I felt as if it was the one she almost bought me.
This the first time I've ever delayed a TIG book this longmainly because of assessments because I didn't want it to end.
SORRY for such a long review I just love this series
Did I love this book? 110% YES! It was all I wanted and more. The thrill excitement and just these series are amazing. 😭💖
The adrenaline that took over me in the last 100 pages was immaculate and let me tell you only Jennifer Lynn Barnes is able to make me feel that way!
Now...this book. This book is what I like to call the apology. An apology by JLB for all those atrocious things she wrote in The Final Gambit.
The grandest game (book after this) will be the apology sequel...for the few things she missed in this one.
The Brother's Hawthorne was so much better than The Final Gambit. Grayson as an elder brother to Gigi and Savannah. Jameson's plot was amazing and for real though HIM AND AVERY were madeeeee for each other. I was disappointed because of 0 Libby and Maxine and was gonna give it 4 stars BUT those last chapters and the exclusive ones made it worth it.
"No one else will ever understand you the way your brothers do. No one. It's the four of you against the world, and it always will be."
The boys' were perfect as always. Their brotherhood is immaculate. I don't care if you think this series is about a bunch of white boys BECAUSE CLEARLY you lack braincells to have such an opinion.
Nash, Xander and Jamie taking care of Grayson and FINNALY him opening out to them about him not feeling okay was such a need. I'm so happy for Gray. He deserves the world. He's healing LET.HIM.BE.
The short flashback chapters of the brothers was quite unique and very much required. I also loved how Tobia's Hawthorne was kinda like always there...in the boys' head.
The old man did deter them, but in times when the brothers really needed to man up Tobias' voice was always there for them and so were his lessons.
“Let the rest of the players think I’m dealing with daddy issues. Hawthornes have grandaddy issues instead.”
Taylor wrote Wonderland for Jamie and Avery she told me herself.
Jameson my man, serveddddd once again ladies and gentleman. He was so amazing and so hawt.
I really hate Ian...that piece of ship should rot in prison, drown in water and burn in hell. The whole Devil's Mercy game was super fun and tbh I was playing alongside Jamie and Avery.
I think Jamie needed Vantage as much as Grayson needed Gigi and Savannah because in a way all the brothers were hurt in the terms of family relations and each needed their own consolation.
But pls, Jameson and his smirking have me in a chokehold.
“What look?” he asked softly.
JAMESON MF HAWTHORNE DEAR LORD HELP
“If you want, Mystery Girl,” he murmured, heat rising between them, the name a remnant of another time, “you can start calling me Mystery Boy.”
YES BE MY MYSTERY BOY BE MINE FFS!!!
Hes so hot
"H, the word is, two lowercase letters at the very end: v and e."
*Spits out chia...chokes on cookies*
Funny thing is I figured out 3 words from 4 because I couldn't place the right first name and had to find out in the end.
I mean Jennifer Lynn has a thing for weird resurrections so this was meant to come. Although if you think on it...we still don't know what happened in Prague.
"And he winked.
What is life without a little risk?"
Jameson and me are the same people fr fr.
"I remember...you." Gray's voice was thick with emotion now. "Always you."
Grayson ...you will forever be the Love of My Life.
In this book I believe all the people who called Grayson mean and broody will understand his character more...and realize that it was all the old man's doing and NOT Grayson's.
You can't say he's heartless YOU CAN'T. Because throughout this book his main agenda was to protect Avery. Not because he hasn't moved on (he very much has moved on) but because he protects his family.
He needed to meet Gigi and Savannah, he needed to heal. He needed some time away from Hawthorne House and he did. And I am so happy. Now we Hope against hope that JLB gives him a wonderful girl...large emphasis on 'girl' in the next book and he's happy.
We don't see him like we did in The Final Gambit. We do see him broken...but a Grayson Hawthorne type of broken. And he finally let his guard down.
Aside all that...he was ALSO very hawt *cough*
I mean his Armani suit can make me fold let alone him driving a Ferrari Spider.😭💖
The things I'd do to sit in a ferrari with Grayson-
"Repeat after me, Gray: My feelings are valid"
Say what you want but Alexander Hawthorne has carried this series so far..and will continue to do so.
He was not just Gray's therapist but MINE TOO THROUGH OUT THIS BOOK. He's so funny pls 😭✋
Him and Nash's duo will forever be iconic. Which reminds me: SOOOO happy for my boy Nash him and Libby were meant to be. His bachelorette party was definitely the stuff of legends and I'm glad the younger brothers have him.
"Betrayed by the Girl with the face of Your Dead Girlfriend: The Grayson Hawthorne Story."
Almost all my annotation tabs in this book are for Xan.
"Were I a member. I'd be wagering on the likelihood that Ms. Grambs breaks up with him within a year." He met Jameson's gaze. "No offense."
"None taken," Jameson replied.
"Lots taken," Avery told Rohan, eyes narrowing.
This here is why Avery is my favorite female character. She was amazing in her own series and continues to slay.
It was nice to see her from someone else's perspective other than her own. She was there for Jamie and she let him win. She was the OG heiress the one and only queen.
Eve ....EVE
How far up does a stick need to be wedged up your butt for you to be sooooo ANNOYING?!
I need to physically HURT THAT WOMEN. Freakin beach. Can't she leave Gray alone....like pls back off.
iM sO lOneLy
WELL YOU WOULDNT BE IF YOU WOULDNT HAVE BETRAYED GRAYSON YOU SENSLESS BARBARIC FOOL.
Still don't know what happened about that girl who called Grayson and all that stuff about Tobias and her dad...next book?
Gigi and Xander are the same ppl. Sorry not sorry. She was adorable and the cutest. I'm so glad she's Graysons sister. Her personality was so intimately nice. Like she was overall a fluffball.
I love that she gave Grayson another chance and it's so lovely how she doesn't realize it but she practically saved Grayson's life and brought him back together.
Savannah is what I like to call The Grayson Variant. She is Him and He is Her. She was kind annoying me in between with all the 'Push grayson away agenda'But she made a comeback. I like her. Lmao and Gray hyping up Sav in his head was so funny I could NOT
"What in the name of all that is good and holy do you mean by clubbing/RBG?"
Thank you to Caleigh for sending me the exclusive chapters thank u love<3
I wanna thank Hanna for buying a signed hardback of this book for me, even though I begged her to cancel the order, and she did, the entire time I was reading this book I felt as if it was the one she almost bought me.
This the first time I've ever delayed a TIG book this long
SORRY for such a long review I just love this series
October 1, 2023
screaming crying throwing up for more gray and jamie content !!! i love these brothers more than my own
(i’m an only child)
-REVIEW-
i went in with lowwwww expectations, considering i this considerably later than the pub date, and saw …mixed… reviews. and tbh i honestly loved it.
grayson’s story was definitely far more interesting and had higher stakes than jameson’s. i loved how they all came together at the end, especially for grayson.
i loved graysons family so much!!!!! that whole plot line was MWAH chefs kiss. gigi was amazing— and her a grayson’s relationship was one of my favorites in this book. AND OMG acadia was amazing, even tho i’m littllleeee suspicious of anyone as nice as her but idk we’ll see in the next book.
jameson and avery were a lil dry, and kinda boring, but they honestly fit each other. i like rohan probably better than both of them. he was an interesting character.
andddd as always xander and nash were amazing, we love them. however i did miss libby, yet i see she doesn’t have as strong of connection to the youngest 3 boys so i can see why she wasn’t as present.
low expectations always measures up to making for a good read!!
(i’m an only child)
-REVIEW-
i went in with lowwwww expectations, considering i this considerably later than the pub date, and saw …mixed… reviews. and tbh i honestly loved it.
grayson’s story was definitely far more interesting and had higher stakes than jameson’s. i loved how they all came together at the end, especially for grayson.
i loved graysons family so much!!!!! that whole plot line was MWAH chefs kiss. gigi was amazing— and her a grayson’s relationship was one of my favorites in this book. AND OMG acadia was amazing, even tho i’m littllleeee suspicious of anyone as nice as her but idk we’ll see in the next book.
jameson and avery were a lil dry, and kinda boring, but they honestly fit each other. i like rohan probably better than both of them. he was an interesting character.
andddd as always xander and nash were amazing, we love them. however i did miss libby, yet i see she doesn’t have as strong of connection to the youngest 3 boys so i can see why she wasn’t as present.
low expectations always measures up to making for a good read!!
Want to read
October 27, 2022grayson hawthorne I will see you in therapy inshallah
Want to read
October 4, 2022ANOTHER ONE?? get that bag ms barnes 😩🤚🏾
September 1, 2023
*spoilers for the final gambit*
okay look
I went into this with the absolute lowest, underneath-the-ground expectations ever. The Final Gambit was one of my most anticipated releases last year (maybe even ever- at least in the top 10) mostly because I hate unresolved love triangles. And usually, I am happy with the eventual resolution, because as a general rule, I am never wrong. About anything. Most especially, love triangles.
I have never been disappointed by a love triangle because I am always on the right team. The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Vampire Diaries, fucking Twilight, you name it. Because I knew how this sort of thing played out, right? there was always a distinct difference between the one you like and the one you marry. I was always right.
Until I wasn't.
Or, in other words, until I read the final gambit.
Naturally, this hit me hard. On top of disliking the general plot, the inconsistent pacing, the overall existence of Eve, and the constant mentions of Jameson's full name ( Jameson Winchester Hawthorne, I'll be reciting that in my sleep), she didn't end up with Grayson??
What I thought was the finale left the series with a bitter taste in my mouth. I couldn't not think of it with disdain. Not only did A Very Risky Gamble end up with Jameson, but the author completely left Gray's character hanging. Not a whiff of a happy ending, alone or otherwise, in sight.
Then, this book was announced. My initial reaction was something along the lines of 'What in the fucking cash grab is this? Absolutely not, get lost.
Alas, the voice in the back of my mind saying this, finally this is where Grayson gets his happy ending, where he makes a comeback hotter, smarter and richer with a new love interest who doesn't make heart eyes at his brother got too loud and I succumbed.
Nevertheless, I went in expecting nothing because to quote Jameson Winchestor Hawthorne “Nothing hurts unless you let it”.
I was pleasantly surprised.
*spoilers for the brothers hawthorne below*
Don't get me wrong, this was far from a literary masterpiece. Don't let this 4-star rating fool you; it was rated based solely on how much I enjoyed it and is still very much subject to change.
The story alternated between two separate plot lines, told from Jameson's and Grayson's POV respectively.
Unsurprisingly, Jameson's was my least favourite of the two. Not only because he and Avery read like a badly written wattpad fanfic what with those godawful nicknames and code words they had for each other. Give. Me. A. Break.
Also, his plot wasn't particularly interesting until the end, and even then I couldn't really see how it connects to the overall story. Was there even an overall story? Huh.
Grayson's POV, however..now that's where this is at. I loved the introduction of his family, especially Gigi. Oh my god, she's just what he needs and I adore her. I love Savannah too, and I love how he can gets to view himself from an outsider's perspective through her.
I am not looking forward to whatever that bitch Eve has planned. (I am not even going to start talking about her. She makes my blood boil.)
In regards to Grayson's character...he did not come back particularly hotter, smarter or richer. This was not his 'ultimate comeback' book. I fear I may have to read The Inheritance Games #5 for that.
No, this book was Gray's healing journey. And he did. We get to see Grayson from his own point of view for an extended period of time, and we get to see him slowly come to terms with the events of the past and open up to the possibility of a happy future. Seeing him grow to understand that he wasn't doomed for a lonely, miserable life, he doesn't have to carry everything on his shoulders and that if his brothers had allowed themselves to find happiness, why not he? was rewarding and lovely and almost made up for the butchering of his character in The Final Gambit. But not quite.
Honestly, I feel a little silly talking about the characters in a mediocre YA series at such length (seriously, where is all this thinking when I read something that actually requires analysis??)
The wait begins for the next book. In which I better get that fucking comeback because, yeah, healing and all is nice, but I'm not gonna tolerate that again. I will be given the hotter, smarter, richer Grayson comeback that I deserve or you can keep the damn book.
okay look
I went into this with the absolute lowest, underneath-the-ground expectations ever. The Final Gambit was one of my most anticipated releases last year (maybe even ever- at least in the top 10) mostly because I hate unresolved love triangles. And usually, I am happy with the eventual resolution, because as a general rule, I am never wrong. About anything. Most especially, love triangles.
I have never been disappointed by a love triangle because I am always on the right team. The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Vampire Diaries, fucking Twilight, you name it. Because I knew how this sort of thing played out, right? there was always a distinct difference between the one you like and the one you marry. I was always right.
Until I wasn't.
Or, in other words, until I read the final gambit.
Naturally, this hit me hard. On top of disliking the general plot, the inconsistent pacing, the overall existence of Eve, and the constant mentions of Jameson's full name ( Jameson Winchester Hawthorne, I'll be reciting that in my sleep), she didn't end up with Grayson??
What I thought was the finale left the series with a bitter taste in my mouth. I couldn't not think of it with disdain. Not only did A Very Risky Gamble end up with Jameson, but the author completely left Gray's character hanging. Not a whiff of a happy ending, alone or otherwise, in sight.
Then, this book was announced. My initial reaction was something along the lines of 'What in the fucking cash grab is this? Absolutely not, get lost.
Alas, the voice in the back of my mind saying this, finally this is where Grayson gets his happy ending, where he makes a comeback hotter, smarter and richer with a new love interest who doesn't make heart eyes at his brother got too loud and I succumbed.
Nevertheless, I went in expecting nothing because to quote Jameson Winchestor Hawthorne “Nothing hurts unless you let it”.
I was pleasantly surprised.
*spoilers for the brothers hawthorne below*
Don't get me wrong, this was far from a literary masterpiece. Don't let this 4-star rating fool you; it was rated based solely on how much I enjoyed it and is still very much subject to change.
The story alternated between two separate plot lines, told from Jameson's and Grayson's POV respectively.
Unsurprisingly, Jameson's was my least favourite of the two. Not only because he and Avery read like a badly written wattpad fanfic what with those godawful nicknames and code words they had for each other. Give. Me. A. Break.
Also, his plot wasn't particularly interesting until the end, and even then I couldn't really see how it connects to the overall story. Was there even an overall story? Huh.
Grayson's POV, however..now that's where this is at. I loved the introduction of his family, especially Gigi. Oh my god, she's just what he needs and I adore her. I love Savannah too, and I love how he can gets to view himself from an outsider's perspective through her.
I am not looking forward to whatever that bitch Eve has planned. (I am not even going to start talking about her. She makes my blood boil.)
In regards to Grayson's character...he did not come back particularly hotter, smarter or richer. This was not his 'ultimate comeback' book. I fear I may have to read The Inheritance Games #5 for that.
No, this book was Gray's healing journey. And he did. We get to see Grayson from his own point of view for an extended period of time, and we get to see him slowly come to terms with the events of the past and open up to the possibility of a happy future. Seeing him grow to understand that he wasn't doomed for a lonely, miserable life, he doesn't have to carry everything on his shoulders and that if his brothers had allowed themselves to find happiness, why not he? was rewarding and lovely and almost made up for the butchering of his character in The Final Gambit. But not quite.
Honestly, I feel a little silly talking about the characters in a mediocre YA series at such length (seriously, where is all this thinking when I read something that actually requires analysis??)
The wait begins for the next book. In which I better get that fucking comeback because, yeah, healing and all is nice, but I'm not gonna tolerate that again. I will be given the hotter, smarter, richer Grayson comeback that I deserve or you can keep the damn book.
April 15, 2024
↳ 5 ★
"if you want, mystery girl, you can start calling me mystery boy."
this series just CANNOT fail me. i'm also soo excited for the Grandest Game!! no, but that plot-twist in the end??? i alr spoiled it for myself but still ...
"if you want, mystery girl, you can start calling me mystery boy."
this series just CANNOT fail me. i'm also soo excited for the Grandest Game!! no, but that plot-twist in the end??? i alr spoiled it for myself but still ...
Currently reading
February 23, 2023i will be reading this solely for my favorite blonde, grayson hawthorne. istg he better be happy in this or i will be burning this book.
September 8, 2023
4/5⭐️
Why is it so hard for Jennifer Lynn Barnes to make Gray happy? when are we gonna see him enjoying life?
Why is it so hard for Jennifer Lynn Barnes to make Gray happy? when are we gonna see him enjoying life?
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