Review: The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games
(The Inheritance Games #1)
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

September 1, 2020
384 pages

Goodreads Summary:

A Cinderella story with deadly stakes and thrilling twists, perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out.

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why--or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch--and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes.

Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.

Review

I have heard a lot of praises for Jennifer Lynn Barnes and her books and after reading The Inheritance Games I can see why. I wholeheartedly agree and am joining to rain love her stories.

The Inheritance Games has it all. The mystery was every bit as compelling as the romance. I had a really great time working on the riddles and figuring out the puzzles alongside the characters. There's only a bit of romance in the story but it's enticing enough to have me invested.

Avery was intelligent, mature and kind despite her surroundings. Throughout the numerous tough situations she encountered, Avery had her head on straight. She handled people/things well so I found it really easy to root for Avery. Her loyalty to her half sister was especially admirable.

All four Hawthorne boys were enigmas. Each attractive in their own right. Grayson was my favourite. I felt like his words and actions were the most sincere throughout the story. The others like Jameson, were always more playful in nature. The Hawthorne boys all radiated danger yet they're so highly addictive I can't help but want more of them!

I read The Inheritance Games in one day which brought me out of a reading slump. I had so much fun reading this book I know I'll be rereading it soon. The Inheritance Games is a book for all types of readers.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.