Wednesday Books eARC
This was such a fun duology. I am going to start with how I love how authors are starting to write these; it let's me spend more time with fun characters without being beholden to an entire series. These books do require the suspension of disbelief, but I loved the glimpse into the British royal family through the teenage heirs, especially from Wren's POV. This book took off right away from where the first one ended and what a book it is. It was fast paced, terrifying, and showed that love can happen at any age. The cast of characters were easy to keep straight. The plot kept me engaged. And it was just a lot of fun to read. I can't wait to see what this author does in the future.

A sweet love story about two star-crossed teens who fight fate and the British media to see if they can find a way to be together.

In the sequel to The Prince and the Apocalypse, Wren can't quite let go of everything that happened during Comet Week, where she and Crown Prince Theo trekked across Europe together as the world almost ended. In between daydreaming about their wedding on a Greek beach - was she legally married to a future king? - and nightmares about his security dragging him away, Wren struggles to feel like a normal college student. When she sees that Theo will be on the same continent as her for the first time since that week, she hatches an incredible plan: a road trip to Canada to steal back the dog she and Theo rescued together. But when the media finds out about Wren and Theo, her life becomes crazier than she ever dreamed.

Theo is such a sweetheart, forgiving Wren everything, even some pretty disastrous teenage petty mistakes. We get more delightful banter and to see how well their relationship works when they can find a bubble away from everything else. As a Royal Family fan, this book also did a great job portraying the pressures the Royals face, not only from the media but from their own staff.

As Wren aptly puts it, after a courtier says he's always in service of the Crown: "I'm reminded that the Crown and the monarch aren't necessarily the same thing."

The book also had some deliciously gossipy twists, leading to an ending that may not be what's entirely expected. A masterfully crafted regal delight perfect for fans of Tokyo Ever After and The Princess Diaries.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author and netgalley for this e-arc!

So I didn't know it was a sequel when I read it, so now a lot of my thoughts make more sense. I thought it went from 0-100% real quick and there wasn't a lot explained on the "world ending comet" or "greece" side of things, but now that I know there was a whole first book (oopsies) I understand haha. I loved the dynamic between Theo and Wren, it was very first love and complicated. I liked seeing the inner turmoil between Theo and his duty versus what he wants. Very interesting book!

I read this book giggling and kicking my feet in happiness. I've been dying to read this book since I read The Prince and the Apocalypse. I needed to know what happened to Wren and Theo! And boy, this did not disappoint.

Heir, Apparently picks up just a few weeks after The Prince and the Apocalypse. Wren is about to start her freshman year of college, but she can't forget about the events of the almost-apocalypse and the prince she accidentally married. But are they married? Whatever, she isn't thinking about him, she just wants her dog back. So when Wren and Theo's paths cross on a dog-napping attempt gone wrong, things to awry pretty quickly. Our favorite couple ends up stranded on an island with their siblings and friends, and, oh, the island is actually a volcano that is about to erupt. It wouldn't be a reunion without life and death stakes, right?

Once again, I loved this book. It was fun, even with the whole facing certain death. I loved Wren and Theo being awkward about their situationship, and enjoyed getting to spend time with characters that didn't get much, or any, screentime in the first book.

Highly recommend this duology, and I really, really, hope we get more about some of the other characters. Theo's sister seems like a great choice for her own book...

A crazy ride of a five-star read. This is the second story in the Price and the Apocalypse series, I have read the first, and even I was a little lost at times, but overall, I loved the story. It was madness, but so much fun. There is so much going on at certain parts of this story, you get hooked into it and then just swept into the crazy plot twists, some parts will have you so hoked the world will stop moving around you. Then you have Wren and Theo and they chemistry, but there are parts of their story that make it difficult. There are so many parts of this story, and you will not be able to stop reading.

Just as delightfully absurd as book one! I was so excited to see that The Prince & the Apocalypse was getting a sequel, the story demanded a next chapter to tell Wren and Theo's story. The stakes didn't feel as high in this book, although McDowell did a good job of adding to the tension with a different kind of ticking clock on the island. I loved the continuation from the first book of everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Putting these characters in the most extreme of situations and circumstances does a lot to erase the problems I usually have with the instalove trope.

It was also wonderful to experience an expanded cast of characters this time around. The royal siblings all came off as strong and unique individuals (although I would have loved to see a bit more of Henry outside of just his rivalry with Theo); this was lost a bit on Wren's side when I found myself constantly mixing up Brooke and Naomi. I do wish we had gotten to spend a bit more time on the island, the rescue felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic after all of the drama and chaos that had ensued. And then likewise the coronation sequence felt a bit rushed as well. So the pacing of this book felt a little bit weaker than in book one, but overall it was a very fun read with an entertaining group of characters in delightfully outlandish circumstances. Give me more apocalypse and/or desert island romance please!! Can't wait to see what McDowell releases next.

I haven't read the first book in this duology but now I definitely have to. I loved this book so much and tried explaining the plot to my mom, only to realise that it's so hard to describe!

So that made me understand that the plotline isn't the prime highlight of this novel, but the characters and writing. McDowell does such a good job of showing the conflict of emotions and past hurt on the sides of both MCs so that the reader feels them. I loved seeing them thrown into random situations that are pretty bad, but they tackle them in their own unique ways, displaying their personalities.

I think the side characters played a HUGE part in the novel, especially Henry and Victoria with their angst and views. I'm not a close follower of the royal family and the way they function, so this gave great insights although I'm not sure how true they are.

I must say that this combo is a hard one to come by. I'm literally addicted to them and I haven't found a YA, forbidden love, action packed, close proximity, royal family novel, which alsi happend to be part of a duology.

Of course, no book is perfect and here Is say the last 5o-100 pages which had a very different vibe and pacing compared to the rest of the story. I'm not sure I've made peace with the ending, but maybe reading the first book is the closure I need.

I enjoyed this book so much, and I mean every second of it, so reading reviews of the duology (many readers claim the first book was better than the sequel) make me very hopeful about reading more by this supremely talented author. 100% recommend.

This sequel to The Prince & the Apocalypse is even crazier than the first book, and it was so so good! If you were like me and screamed at the ending of the first book, you will love this one! Wren and Theo are reunited, and disaster strikes again as they are marooned on a volcanic island along with two of Theo's siblings, Wren's sister, and Wren's best friend. I'm astounded how much plot McDowell was able to cram into this book. I laughed, I swooned, and teared up. And I cheered as Wren and Theo made their own happily ever after for themselves, on their own terms.

Unfortunately this sequel didn’t give me the same happiness as the first book. I think it would’ve been better to just fully end the first book with closure, rather than separate it into the two books. I would still definitely recommend reading the first, but when it comes to the second, you can give it a pass.

Crashing a plane onto a deserted island seems like a great time, right? Sun, sand, and relaxing waves? But when the plane crashes with Great Britain's Prince in tow - the world scrambles to get him back. Prince Theo, though? He has a mission of his own. Half a conversation with his erstwhile wife and figure out how to keep him and his friends safe on that island.

Heir Apparently, is the second book in The Prince & The Apocolypse series, but I don't feel like I missed out on too much to enjoy the first book. As an actual young adult series with closed-door romantic elements, it's ridiculous in the most adorably half-hazard way!

Even though I haven't read the first book, I would definitely still read the third book in the series.

**Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

4.4 rounded down to 4/5.

"Heir, Apparently" by Kara McDowell is a captivating and entertaining sequel that continues the whirlwind romance and adventure of its predecessor, picking up right where the first book left off. Filled with action, comedy, and plenty of heart, this novel takes readers on a journey that is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

From the outset, the story grabs readers' attention with its fast-paced narrative and engaging characters. The chemistry between Wren and Theo is palpable, and their banter adds a delightful sense of humor to the story. McDowell does a fantastic job of building tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot unfolds.

However, while the first two-thirds of the book maintain a strong pace and tone, the final third feels somewhat rushed and lacking in depth. The comedic elements that were prevalent earlier in the story seem to fade away, and the ending, while satisfying, feels somewhat flat compared to the rest of the book.

Despite this, "Heir, Apparently" offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as the morality of monarchy and the complexities of relationships. The introduction of the side cast adds depth and dimension to the story, and the inclusion of mental health representation is commendable, although it could have been explored more thoroughly when compared to the first book.

Overall, "Heir, Apparently" is a fun and enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of romance and adventure. While it may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it still delivers an entertaining and satisfying conclusion to Wren and Theo's story. McDowell's witty writing style and engaging characters make this a book worth picking up for anyone looking for a light-hearted escape.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as I anticipated. I ended up forgetting a lot about the first book so by the time I got to this one it wasn't fresh in my memory anymore which might have been part of the problem.

This novel reminded me of the adventurous spirit found in Jumanji. The plot is utterly fantastical, which, surprisingly, was its most enjoyable aspect. I devoured it in a single day, drawn in by its fast-paced narrative, witty dialogue, and endearing Labrador companion.

This book may not offer profound depth, but it certainly provides an escape and a good time. Sometimes, a slightly unhinged read is exactly what one craves. Initially unaware that this was a sequel, I later went back and read the first installment, and I'm grateful for the decision. Experiencing both books consecutively was a fortunate stroke of luck, especially considering the significant cliffhanger in the first book. I highly recommend reading them in order for the full experience.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Kara McDowell for providing me with the ARC of this delightful novel.

This was a sweet romance. I did not realize there was a first book to this until I started reading. I was still able to enjoy and follow Wren and Theo’s story. I really enjoyed this book and need to go back and read the first one. I enjoyed the royal family mixed with an ordinary American college student and her family.

Thank you Net Galley and publishers for allowing me to read an arc of this book for an honest review.

What a cute sequel and ending to this series. I liked this romcom better than the first. It was both serious and funny in all the ways that mattered and they learned alot through the journey, not just about themselves. They had to go through yet another life ending apocalypse and so many more emotional back and forths. What a rollercoaster of almost dying again. I'm so happy they finally got their happy ever after. It was fun getting to meet the rest of the family and why they act the way they do.

Title: Heir, Apparently
Author: Kara McDowell
Genre: YA
Rating: 5 out of 5

Freshman year is stressful enough without accidentally being married to the King of England. Of course, Wren Wheeler can’t tell her Northwestern classmates about that; after surviving a narrowly-averted apocalypse over the summer, everyone’s had enough excitement for one lifetime. Wren knows she needs to move on from Theo, but she can’t forget the look in his eyes when he left her on that island in Greece—and also, he took her dog.

When an ill-fated attempt to rescue Comet the Apocalypse Dog turns into a chemistry-fueled reunion with Theo that’s caught by the paparazzi, Wren finds herself under the royal spotlight. Suddenly, she’s a problem for “the firm” to solve, and in order to be protected from the rabid press, she’ll have to fly back to London with Theo. Along for the ride are Naomi and Brooke, as well as Theo's siblings, including Henry, the brother he's spent his life being compared to. But because the universe can’t let these two maybe-newlyweds have one conversation in peace, their plane goes down over the Atlantic, crashing on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere.

Stranded with no sign of rescue, the group will have to band together against poisonous animals, catastrophic injuries, a brotherly rivalry, and an ill-timed volcano if they’re going to make it out alive. And, scariest of all, Wren and Theo will have to face their feelings for one another and decide what they want their futures to look like—and if that future will be heartbreak, or happily ever after.

This book was so much fun! Full disclosure: I tried---and failed---to read seven books in a row and ended up DNFing Every. Single. One. That's definitely a record for me. So, I decided to console myself by reading this. This was the perfect pick-me-up read! It was funny, it was cute, it was romantic...it was perfect!

I loved Wren’s POV of view and voice so much, she captures the confusions and chaos of her life so well. Theo is, of course, super attractive and appealing, despite a few annoying tendencies, and their chemistry is so much fun to read. I loved all the secondary characters, too, even Victoria.

Kara McDowell lives in Mesa, Arizona. Heir, Apparently is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 7/2).

This was SO good!! I’m obsessed with these characters and love that we spent so much time with Theo’s siblings. I wish we could stay in this world forever but this ending was so perfect.

Heir, Apparently by Kara McDowell continues the story of Wren and Theo after the world literally did not come to a dramatic end. Unfortunately, life continued and left Wren wheeling as she tries to come to grips with the consequences of her actions during what is now known as "Comet Week".

This story takes just as many dramatic twists and turns as the first book and left me lost for words at some point. Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down until I reached the last page. An amazing way to continue the foundation set by book 1.

Thank you to NetGalley and most importantly, Kara McDowell for allowing me to read this e-ARC of Heir, Apparently in exchange for this review.

Ok Kara, you finally get the 5th star that I've been holding for ransom on The Prince and the Apocalypse!

Heir, Apparently is the anxiously awaited sequel to last year's The Prince and the Apocalypse. When we left off, Wren was back in Chicago getting ready to start college and Theo had just been crowned king. Wren gets a piece of mail that sends her life into a tailspin.

We pick up the story with Wren deciding she's going to reclaim Comet, the dog she and Theo rescued during "Comet Week", leading Wren, her sister Brooke, and her best friend Naomi to a stop on Theo's royal press tour in Canada. Chaos ensues and all 3 girls are swept away on a plane with Theo, his oldest brother Henry, and oldest sister Victoria. When the plane goes down on a deserted island, the 6 of them must figure out how to work together to be rescued.

Let me start by saying, do NOT try to take this book seriously. It is meant to be a light-hearted, completely unbelievable, romantic comedy. Nothing in this book is remotely realistic, but I'm completely okay with that. I love books that help me escape reality, and this one does an amazing job with that. You get swept up into all the chaos that Wren and Theo find themselves getting into. There was one point in this book that if anyone had interrupted my reading, I would probably yell at them. I was so enthralled with what was going on in the story.

Kara McDowell is an auto-buy author for me now. In fact, I had already pre-ordered this book before NetGalley gifted me with an advanced copy. If you haven't read these yet, what are you waiting for? Go read The Prince and the Apocalypse and buy this one when it is released in July!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. Though I wasn't quite sure what to expect, it exceeded my expectations! I absolutely adore Wren and Theo, and I'm thrilled they were given the opportunity for a happily ever after in this story. The supporting characters were also fantastic, and it was great to see them all band together and try to survive. There were twists I wasn't expecting, romance, and snark, and although I would put this in a romance genre, it was not too spicey and had so much other plot that made me absolutely devour this in 1 day.