I think this book is good for youth readers. It reminded me of many of her books, the plots are very similar. I found it to be a very, slow read. The younger readers, who like her other works, will enjoy this one.

I know a lot of Kiera Cass fans who are going to love this book! She's such a good YA author.

Also, the cover for this book is beautiful!

Kiera Cass is great world builder. This YA novel was definitely different than the selection series but still a good read. Definitely recommend for teens!

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for an arc copy of this read
#AThousandHeartbeats #NetGalley

A thousand heartbeats is a beautiful, breathtaking, story where the Princess saves herself and everyone else. Fantastic worldbuilding gives this story so much depth and gives so much to the story itself.

Princess Annika has lived the life that from the outside most people would love to have, what those people don't see is her father becoming something she never thought she would see, a brother who is born to be king and a forced marriage to someone that she can barely tolerate let alone love.

Lennox has lived a thousand lives in his time on earth, he's doing everything he can to try and get his people's land back all while dealing with a "stepfather" that seems to want him dead, a mother who ignores him more than she says hello, and memories of things he's done that leave him shaking with regret.

Love and loss, joy and sorrow, this book takes you on a journey of discovery and the realization that even when it means giving up everything you hold dear love can be the thing that saves the day.

Annika never thought she'd have to make the decisions she does, never thought there was even a chance that she'd be the one leading her people, and never thought that she'd end up where she did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing an advance copy of this ebook, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Annika is a princess of a kingdom, Lennox is the unofficial leader of a band of misfits fighting to get their stolen kingdom back. A hurricane binds them together but can they bring peace to both of their people?

This is my first time reading a book by Kiera Cass but I do not think it will be the last! It is definitely YA as there is minimal heat to the romance that adult readers may seek. However, do be warned that there is a lot of violence, murder, and war. There is a theme of unrequited love in three separate cases which was distracting at times but I believe used to create red herrings for who the betrayer will be. I enjoyed the prevailing theme of the importance of libraries to document history, whether it is accurate descriptions or folklore. Trigger warning: if you have a parent with a mental illness or have suffered from parental loss, there is heavy mention of both in this book which may be upsetting to some.

I did appreciate the plot twist at the end of who the betrayer ended up being and it was very different from who I was convinced was the traitor. I took away a star from the rating due to there was a lot of fluff in the book and it could have been condensed without taking away from the main plot action. Without spoiling anything, another reason the star was taken away because of what happened to a beloved and innocent character. I understand the action was not only to show how truly heinous the villain is but also to spark Lennox into the action necessary to bring about the resolution. I get it, I am just still upset about it - if you know, you know :)

I had decided I wasn't going to review, as I DNFed at 15% because it was soooooo slow. I felt like it was just spinning its wheels.. I thought maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. So I sucked it up and tried again. I got as far as 21% and I just couldn't do it. I loved The Selection series, and it's one of my favorites of all time. This book just isn't for me. I have 2 stars because Kiera does build great worlds.

I was pleasantly surprised by this! I have loved every Kiera Cass novel that I have ever read, but when I initially read the blurb for this book I was a bit nervous that some of the plot points would match too closely to The Selection series. I am glad to say I was wrong and this book is absolutely beautiful. It's planned as a stand alone, but I would absolutely read more stories set in this world.

A Thousand Heartbeats (eARC) — 5 ⭐️

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: November 29th - Out now!

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: One of my favorite series growing up was The Selection series, so when I saw Kiera Cass was releasing a new book, I ran at the chance to read it. It did not disappoint! It might very well be my favorite fantasy book of 2022!

“Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time.”

The character development was *chef’s kiss*, and the plot twists kept me on my toes! I adored the majority of the characters too. I only dislike the characters we were meant to hate, and I enjoyed getting lost in this new world. My only wish is for this book to become a series!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 —
💔 Forbidden Romance
👀 Multiple POVs
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Fantasy
📖 Short Chapters
🔐 Closed Door Romance

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐟 —
👑 You wish you were royalty
🍫 Your favorite snacks are granola bars and cinnamon rolls
📚 You spend most of your time in the library
🤺 You know how to defend yourself
🛏 You hide all your secrets under your bed

𝐓𝐖: death, violence, blood, murder

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for providing me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Annika and Lennox are from two different countries that both want the same land. Despite their differences, their paths cross and their lives become entwined in ways they couldn't have imagined.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a good balance of joy and sadness, and I felt like it had a solid portrayal of the responsibilities of royalty. The romance was sweet (for several different couples) and it had some classic tropes that I enjoyed. The book was a little predictable, partially because of those tropes, but that doesn't make it less of a fun read. I always look forward to what Kiera Cass writes.

I really enjoyed this one - I love it when I read a really good, solid young adult book. So many fantasy's that are billed as young adult these days are really crossover/new adult books, but this one stayed firmly in the genre. Definitely recommend!

A huge Thank You to The author, The publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Good!

A clash between kingdoms to figure out the rightful rulers. The story telling is fantastic and descriptive enough to not be too overwhelming.

This book alternates from chapter to chapter between Lennox and Annika's viewpoints. Lennox is essentially the sword for his ruler and Annika is a princess that knows how to fight, is tough, and pretty handy. The both have similar family issues and inner demons.

The book started a little slower, but I really got hooked after the "cave" scene. Many of the side characters helped the story along and its purpose even if they weren't likeable (aka weenie Nicholas). Action scenes were plentiful as well.

This was a classic style story, but it really had good characters, action, and romance. I could see this book made into a movie.

Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

This was an enjoyable read and a wonderful way to spend a few hours. Annika and Lennox are star-crossed lovers from rival lands whose feelings for each develop slowly and who knows there is no way they can ever be together. Ah, but love tends to find a way, doesn't it? Cass gives us a galloping adventure in this slow-build romance.

I loved Kiera Cass since the Selection and have read every book she’s written! This book is a magical enemies to lovers with a fierce MC that you’ll fall in love with and a handsome romantic lead that’ll have you fawning over. Nothing less than perfection!

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley and Harper Collins!

When I saw Keira Cass had a new book coming out, I screamed. The way I was so obsessed with The Selection series was a little unhinged so when I read the description for this, I knew I needed it! The main characters parallel stories were interesting in that they were both being used and unappreciated despite their very different circumstances. Seeing how their story unfolded was a lot of fun! This is a great book if you’re a fan of The Selection obv, but also fans of Hunger Games, Divergent, Kiss of Deception, etc. This was a great read!

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank Harper Teen and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this ARC. Kiera Cass has been a long time favorite author of mine, and I’ve been fortunate enough to receive ARCs of hers in the past, and being granted another one was an honor and privilege.

“First of all if you, if you ever call me ‘my pet’ again, I will shove a fork down your throat.”

To be honest, A Thousand Heartbeats was a bit of a slow start from me plot wise, but it was full speed ahead in developing these characters on their own. Very quickly each one of them became unique, their own mannerisms, patterns I behavior and of course we had Annika who in my opinion is funny as hell. The relationships between Annika and her close group read with so much love, and you could feel the trust she had in Noemi, her love for Escalus and her disappointment and longing with her father.

Those relationships were so dominant that seeing Lennox in juxtaposition, someone who had no group by his own doing, was very stark, and it was fun to watch his trust in others grow as the story progressed.

But, I do think that Annika and Lennox’s relationship was not as strong for me in its development. Very rarely did they spend time together, and I feel like I longed for more. It felt too quick, and I understand the start cross lovers concept, but this entire story was about finding your true love, and they went rom disdain to madly in love in the span of one day.

The twists and turns and speculation I had as a reader was so much fun, and seeing betrayals that I didn’t expect on both sides was highly interesting in comparison to the ones I did expect. People are so willing to turn on each other in times of war and in search of power. But seeing those who stood true and sacrificed themselves for the good of the kingdom proved even more that good can conquer in worlds such as these.

While I don’t think this is Cass’s best work, it was still highly enjoyable and I would read it again to pick up on more and more. Lennox and Annika as characters I adore, and I just wish I had more of them. Keeping my fingers crossed she’ll pull a The Selection At some point and give me another look at this world through their children’s eyes.

DNF @ 18% - I don’t like DNF’ing this early on. However, this was just getting mind numbing already. The writing is just WAY too simple. The transitions between scenes are horrible. I have 0 connection to any of these characters and can barely even keep the two perspectives apart. Absolutely nothing has happened yet and I just can’t do it anymore even though I’m not even that far in yet. I’m sorry.

Read if you love:
💜enemies to lovers
💜star-crossed lovers
💜royal intrigue
💜trapped with the enemy
💜medieval setting
💜sword fighting
💜forgiveness

“She might also love me. But here’s what she doesn’t know,” I confessed with a smile. “Even if she did, she couldn’t love me half so much as I love her. I’m willing to rip the world in two for her.”

This book just spoke to the young adult in me! First of all, short chapters for the win! This was a longer book, but it didn’t feel like it at all. I couldn’t believe how fast I read this. It was so easily bingeable. Cheesy at times? Yes. But that’s young love and I am here for it. This book just made me feel all sorts of ooey gooey goodness!

Annika and Lennox were so well matched despite coming from completely different backgrounds. I loved all the ways they were connected and how some of these connections created great conflict. Why is getting stuck in a cave with your enemy becoming one of my favorite things ever?! While this was a swoony love story, there was also a lot of things our MCs had to overcome. Forgiveness was constantly woven through this story and the way it was addressed really showcased how powerful true forgiveness can be.

I also really loved Annika’s relationship with her brother Escalus; it was so sweet! His side story was the perfect balance to all the turmoil and loss. Lennox was a lone wolf so I really enjoyed the friendships he created and the leadership that came to him so effortlessly. His love for and protection of Annika slayed me in the best way. This story truly has it all — amazing sword practice/fights, betrayal, heroic characters, royal intrigue, epic romance, and lots of twists!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperTeen for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥.5

A princess stuck in a golden cage, dreading the day she is married away for politics.

A fierce warrior forced to serve a cruel stepfather.

Two people on opposite sides of a growing war, they were born to be enemies, but when circumstances force them to cross paths, they cannot seem to muster the animosity required of them. The more they get to know each other, the more rage and hatred start to make way for admiration..and maybe something more.

This read had a slow start as we get the lay of the land. It does start to gain momentum about a quarter in. The pacing after improves, giving us a balance of action, suspense, and romance.

The chemistry between Annika and Lennox is great. Even when they were ready to end each other, small details build their connection organically. The development of their enemies-to-lovers story felt natural, even inevitable. This is not a spicy read at all, but the arc of them coming together to fight everyone else who has done them wrong was equally as satisfying.

This standalone read was fun and engaging. I love how detailed and sometimes opulent this book universe is, and while Maxon and America remain as my favorite Kiera Cass couple, Annika and Lennox are not too far off.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kiera Cass, HarperTeen, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

I really loved this book. I read it in one day.

The characters are well-developed and I immediately loved both voices, Annika's and Lennox. It's a bit of an enemies-to-lovers, but also an insta-love (which I don't normally like, but I also just really love Annika and Lennox, so I was totally rooting for them.)

There is political intrigue. Battling kingdoms. Rebellion. Star-crossed lovers. And the best part? This is a clean book with only a couple of minor curse words.

Annika is strong and stubborn. But she's also soft and sweet. She shows mercy and forgiveness in the midst of unbelievable sorrows.

Lennox is a little bit of a morally grey character, but you soon see his heart and want him to win.

There is violence, but not overly graphic. Overall, wonderful story, with great characters, and a sweet romance.