Like many people, I loved The Selection series and Siren, but had to put down The Betrothed because the characters were deeply unlikable. I picked up A Thousand Heartbeats with a little trepidation because of this previous change in style between books. Luckily, I think fans of Cass' earlier books will be very happy with this one. Stylistically, it felt more like Siren and had some elements of The Selection, with just a setting similar to The Betrothed.

There is a lot of world-building woven throughout this book. We learn of a country at the center of controversy (though its residents don't know it), neighboring kingdoms with lax borders, a stormy island, and a forgotten land turned refuge at the edge of it all. The layers of history build throughout the story, with little nuggets of information found in different pockets of story. While this story is a standalone, I'd love to see more stories set in this world, as there are so many places included that I'd love to learn the story of.

The characters were also intriguing, though some of the details towards the end of the story seemed rushed and out of character for them. Annika's family was really interesting, as they seemed equally entwined in each other's lives in a close family way but also at odds without finding ways to see eye to eye. Lennox's found family, on the other hand, seemed to be incredibly close, despite seeming to only come together at the beginning of the story.

Overall, this story was well done. The ending could have been wrapped up better, but I think most readers will be satisfied with how things play out. It is unfortunate that so far this is a standalone story though, as it would be fascinating to see how the events of this book impact the future of this world.

I am excited for this book to come out so I can reread it. I liked the storyline but the computer audio was a little hard to focus on

Thank you so much for the ARC! I really enjoy Kiera Cass' work, and her Selection series is always a big hit in middle school, and early high school ELA classrooms. This new work is equally well done. The enemies to lovers narrative is really engaging. The character development is complex and yet so easy to read and enticing that is challenging to hit stop. I would highly recommend for fans of Kiera Cass or new readers alike.

This is a good stand-alone teen romance and I think Selection fans will be happy with it. Annika and Lennox, both royalty but neither ever expecting the crown, go from enemies to lovers and are able to unite their kingdoms and prevent a war. I felt like the first half of the book moved very slowly and that the scene where they go from enemies to loves required way too much suspension of disbelief. However, Cass does know how to write a good teen romance novel and this one has a lot going for it.

This was a netgalley voice over, not an actual audiobook narration. I gave it a try, wanting to see how the automated voice would translate to the story but I did not enjoy it and could not finish listening. I did read the text version and loved it and I'm sure when the performed audiobook is released it will be wonderful!

Kiera Cass is back with a new romance and I think fans of The Selection series will be happy-ish. A Thousand Heartbeats is not better than our favorite series by this author, but it is nice addition to the author’s work. The enemies to friends to unite a kingdom is what Cass does best. The characters, the plot, and the romance will have you satisfied. This is a stand alone work. I enjoyed reading this alternating narrative, my only wish would’ve been editing out some of the length.

I’m always worried our world will one day be taken over by machines, but having a computer synthesized audiobook really illustrates the need for humans! I struggled so much to get through this version of the story and am hopeful the mechanized version is just for early reviews. I had to delisted to chapters over and over because the presentation factor wasn’t there. That aside the book was really great and I don’t want the recording quality to take away from that.

No one writes a feel good romance book like Keira Cass, and A Thousand Heartbeats definitely has all the feels. I really enjoyed to two main characters in this story. Annika is a princess who is navigating her way in a world without her mother, and Lennox is the enemy of Annika, pushed out of his homeland by her ancestors. Wrapped up in seeking their leader’s approval, Lennox would do just about anything to serve his people and reclaim the land that is rightfully his, including stealing the princess from a neighboring land. Cue lots of action and adventure scenes here.

Overall the characters were lovely and relatable, but timing felt off in this book. The premise was great and an overall very enjoyable story to read. My only negative would be pacing. Some things happened quicker than I expected, making me question the authenticity of some of the emotions, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment while reading.

I have read all of Kiera Cass' books, so I was curious about this book when it was announced.
I enjoyed the Selection series, but her other work has been hit or miss for me. So I went into this one with low expectations.

I really Liked this book. I think having the book split into three sections was a good idea opposed to the author writing a trilogy. I think it helps to keep the storyline and plot points together. Now there were a lot of tropes and a couple things that were easily resolved, but the way they were done was pretty good because the book took its time revealing the various plot twists. Since the book took its time it felt more like there was more build up.

Speaking of building up the romance was a slow burn and I really enjoyed that I liked both of the main characters also, the book was told from each character's perspective and the story also took its time fleshing out each character and learning about their motivations. I really like how Annika was capable and the story shows how capable she is.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked it as much as I liked the selection and I'd be hard pressed to pick between the two as to which one is my favorite.

Many thanks to netgalley for a review copy.

At first I felt a little lost with the narrator switching POVs. It too a while to feel immersed into the story. True to Cass’s writing this was completely breathtaking and swoon worthy romance. I love how romantic and effortless reading her books feels. If you love her other books then this is a no brainer must read!

A lot of our patrons love YA but Annika wasn’t mature enough to translate well for our mostly-adult readership. She’s not political and doesn’t play the game. I’d give this to young high schoolers.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

I received a free digital ARC from Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley. A Thousand Heartbeats is another great read from Kiera Cass. Princess Annika was taught her family is protecting the kingdom. Lennox has devoted his life to reclaim his people’s throne. For Lennox, love is a distraction, while Princess Annika is being forced into a loveless marriage for political gain. But when the two of them are driven together, a thousand heartbeats will make it impossible for them stay apart. If you like enemies to lovers and love being chosen against all odds, this book is for you. A fan of The Selection series, then you’ll love this one. I was thrilled and delighted to read this ARC and grateful for the opportunity to review this title.

I have enjoyed Kiera Caddy’s books. I worried this would be too similar to her other books but found myself pleasantly surprised. Excited for more.

Voicegalley review - This is a fantastic standalone from Kiera Cass. Cass never fails to deliver an enjoyable YA fantasy, romance. Great characters and a great story! Recommend for all libraries where Cass's other titles are popular.

Oh, the nostalgia! I read Kiera Cass in middle school and loved having the chance to experience "A Thousand Heartbeats" . This is an incredible standalone!

I really enjoyed this story. Some of it was highly improbable but it did not stop me from throughly enjoying the book from beginning to end.

This was alright completely within the trope that Cass writes. her books are all interchangeable. I forgot which one i was listening too at times.