Member Reviews
In solidarity with the SMP Boycott I will be withholding my review for this title until SMP acts on the following:
1. Address and denounce the Islamophobic and racist remarks from their employee.
2. Offer tangible steps for how they are going to mitigate the harm this employee caused.
3. Address how, moving forward, they will support and protect their Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian influencers, authors and readers, in addition to supporting their BIPOC influencers, authors, and readers.
This is not a reflection of the author personally, nor is it a call to boycott buying this particular book. The star rating (4.25 stars) is an accurate assessment of my thoughts on the book.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for this advanced copy! You can pick up Heir, Apparently on July 9, 2024.
This was a super cute royal romance! I had no idea it was a sequel and still enjoyed myself immensely. Wren's character was funny and relatable, Theo was charming and tragic, and the entire cast had great chemistry. Was the tropical island/volcano exploding slightly outrageous? Yes, but that seems to be the running theme here, and I didn't mind it at all.
I felt there was a good balance between flashbacks to Theo and Wren's whirlwind romance and the present moment when they're confronting these emotions and the circumstances surrounding them. I wouldn't be mad if there were another book in this series or universe so we could catch up with Theo and Wren.
Definitely recommend if you love early 2000s movie vibes and shenanigans!
I absolutely enjoyed this sequel almost more than the first. What a fun adventure! I highly recommend!!!
I loved the ending to this story. I had to know how Wren and Theo’s story ended. McDowell sucked me in from page one, and each new disaster had me eagerly reading, not wanting to put the book down until I knew what was going to happen. Well done, full of emotion, and entertainment.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this novel.
Wren Wheeler is starting her freshman year at Northwestern with a secret. While everyone was living it up due to an impeding comet that threatened to destroy earth, she was on her own adventure with the heir to the British Throne, Theo. Separated in order to save him, she is still hung up on him, and also, he took her dog, Comet. Not to mention, they were accidentally married.
When she figures out that Theo is visiting Canada, she enlists her friend and her sister to go there in order to get her dog back. It doesn't seem like Theo has gotten over Wren either. But the Firm has obligations and expectations that don't include Theo marrying a teenage American.
Heir, Apparently is the sequel to Kara McDowell's The Prince & The Apocalypse. I hadn't read the first book, but I quickly picked up the plot. It is a fun and entertaining novel and went to places that I didn't know. The characters are a little surface-y, but I enjoyed reading it.
Wren and Prince Theo are back in a sequel to The Prince & The Apocalypse (July 2023). The open ending of the first book is quickly, sort of resolved. It is a few months after the first book and Wren travels to Canada not so much to see Theo who is making a state visit but to see her dog Comet. Of course there is commotion and reunion and of course paparazzi and leaks to the press. If that isn’t bonkers enough Wren and pals join the prince and his siblings on the flight back to London. Then the plane crashes on a tropical island.
This book, like the first one, is wildly unpredictable. The story, especially the first half, is humorous and adventure filled. Theo still doesn’t really want to be king but with the passing of his mother everything is on a countdown to his coronation. This is a YA novel and appropriate for younger (middle school) readers. I wouldn’t have made all the same choices but I did laugh at some of the pair's escapades. The story makes the most sense if you’ve read the previous book in the series.
At one point Wren says “Almost dying is what we do best” and that’s a good overview of the duology.
This has the same feel as the previous book, which I had labeled as the edgier cousin of a Disney family adventure movie - not a complaint! For all the death defying acts, it’s still a light and fun read.
While I wouldn’t have said no to a third book, the story does end in a good spot (I’m just greedy)
So. I got this book strictly based on cover and the fact I had seen the cover a couple places on Instagram. I didn’t read the description, check the GoodReads, anything before I requested.
When I was going to sit down and read I marked reading on GoodReads. It’s a book 2. 😬 oops.
With all that being said I snagged the audiobook in Libby for book 1 and what?! It was so good!!
IMMEDIATELY starts book 2 upon finishing.
And I LOVED it. Getting to know the family and friends as well as Theo and Wren was perfection. I loved them.
Um and obviously my cast for Theo was young Theo James and Henry was young Henry Cavill. I mean with those names and clearly the accents I know they have, it was all I could picture 😏
Anyway happy accident and soooooo glad I accidentally requested this book 2.
READ THIS BOOK
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.
To preface, I have different standards for Christian books than for secular books, but I was seriously surprised by this novel. It’s funny and absurd in its humor, but then it’s full of cuss words and I was no expecting that to be in a YA book. I finished the book out of curiosity for the ending. It was fine, but it would’ve been better without the curse words or scenes.
I like the author’s writing style, but I won’t pick up the first in this series. I would, however, be interested in seeing some of the author’s other work.
Just like the first book, this book was just plain fun!
It’s hard to categorize this book, it’s YA/teen, with a rom com adventure feel to it. Definitely read this book in order, it is not a standalone!
I zoomed right through it, I could literally not put it down. Slightly bonkers storyline, but I really enjoyed it. The side characters in this book were top notch, and really made the book.
Theo and Wren really have to deal with a lot of twist in this book, it really keeps you on your toes!
The follow-up to The Prince and the Apocalypse (a does-what-it-says-on-the-tin romance if there ever was one!), Heir, Apparently picks up a couple months after the end of book 1, with Theo preparing for his coronation as king and Wren preparing to start college at Northwestern. Wren is miserable, Theo looks happy in all his public appearances, and maybe they’re married? Wren hatches a plan to steal (is it stealing if it’s technically already yours?) back her apocalypse dog, Comet, when Theo and his siblings visit Canada on a royal tour. And because this is the sequel to a book that involved a literal world-ending comet, naturally, things end up with Wren and Theo landed on a deserted island with the dog, Wren’s sister and best friend and Theo’s two siblings - now the heir and spare to the throne. But getting off the island will be simple compared to figuring out if Wren and Theo can make it work.
Like the book before it, Heir, Apparently is silly, packed with adventure and has absolutely no business being as charming and delightful as it is. They actually act like teenagers (even if one of them is a literal king), with a helping of sibling bickering, pre-college jitters, and raging first-love hormones. There’s a plane crash! A volcano! An evil (or just selfish) palace staffer with an agenda of his own! It was absurd. I grinned the whole time. I loved it so much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars rounded up
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When you may have accidently married the future king of England what do you do? Go to school and pretend like you didn’t.
The premise is fun. The wit is quick. This is a second in a series so it helps if you read the first.
I liked getting to read another HEA.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for ARC.
Really enjoyed this book. I didn't read the first book in the series, but you don't really have to. I'll probably eventually read book #1 even though it doesn't sound as interesting as this one.
This was the perfect follow up to The Prince and the Apocalypse. Wren and Theo have been apart for months now, but when the royal family comes on tour only hours away, she attempt to get her dog back. Next thing she knows, the paparazzi is chasing them and she finds herself on her way to England. Then the plane goes down.
This has all of the wit and charm that I loved from The Prince and the Apocalypse. The light-hearted banter along with very real mental and physical health dealings are so well balanced. And, as expected, crazy antics ensue. While I wanted more of the Theo/Wren dynamic, I also loved the addition of the other characters. We are introduced to some of Theo's siblings as well as Wren's sister and best friend. The dynamic created when they were all together was just great. I will say that the ending, while ultimately satisfying, took a bit longer than expected to come around.
Heir, Apparently is heartwarming, hilarious, touching, and fun, all rolled into being trapped on a tropical island. It's over the top in the best way and absolutely delightful!
For those YA readers who read the first book “The Prince & The Apocalypse” that came out in July 2023, this book may make a bit more sense as earlier activities/situations are referenced in this new book. But, that said, this is a fun story about Wren, an American college freshman who may or may not have married Theo, the British heir to the throne the prior summer. While she feels she’s “over” him, she does miss Comet, the dog they rescued now living at the palace. And so off the story goes – a cute romcom.
Another slightly over the top, absolutely fun, YA adventure romcom that picks up right where The prince & the apocalypse left off. As Ren gets ready to start college and Theo prepares for his coronation as King of England, the two find themselves reunited one last time and stranded on a desert island with their siblings. Full of action, secrets and Royal Romance greatness, this was excellent on audio and perfect for fans of the American Royals series by Katharine McGee. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Kara McDowell is an auto-buy, never disappoints author for me!!
Kara McDowell’s Heir, Apparently brings a fresh twist to the familiar themes of royalty and romance, mixing adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments in a charming and engaging tale. This sequel to The Prince & The Apocalypse stands on its own, making it accessible even to readers who haven't read the first book.
Wren Wheeler, the protagonist, is a relatable and engaging character, navigating the tumultuous waters of freshman year while grappling with the bizarre reality of an accidental marriage to Theo, the King of England. McDowell effectively blends Wren’s normal teenage concerns with the extraordinary circumstances she finds herself in, creating a fantastical and grounded story.
The plot kicks off with a reunion between Wren and Theo that’s as unexpected as it is chemistry-laden, quickly escalating into a series of high-stakes adventures. The narrative does an excellent job of balancing romance with action, as Wren and Theo, along with a colorful cast of supporting characters, find themselves stranded on a tropical island after a plane crash.
The island setting adds a layer of survival drama to the story, with the group facing various challenges, from poisonous animals to a volcano. These elements are woven together seamlessly, providing plenty of tension and excitement. McDowell’s descriptive writing vividly brings the island to life, making it a character in its own right.
Theo’s royal baggage, particularly his relationship with his brother Henry, adds depth to the story, exploring themes of sibling rivalry and the pressures of living up to expectations. The dynamic between Theo and Wren evolves naturally, with their shared struggles on the island forcing them to confront their feelings and future together.
One of the strengths of Heir, Apparently is its ability to convey a sense of adventure without losing sight of its characters' emotional journeys. The balance of humor and heart keeps the story engaging, and McDowell’s writing ensures that the reader is invested in Wren and Theo’s relationship.
However, the story does have its predictable moments, and some of the plot twists can be seen coming. The pacing occasionally feels uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others linger a bit too long. Despite these minor issues, the overall narrative is compelling and enjoyable.
In conclusion, Heir, Apparently is a delightful read that offers a mix of romance, adventure, and humor. Kara McDowell successfully crafts a sequel that stands on its own, making it easy for new readers to jump in without feeling lost. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a fun and heartwarming story with a royal twist.
Wren and Theo have to figure out their future!
Wren Wheeler was trying to do her best about ignoring that she might have married the new King of England when they were traveling across Europe while waiting for The Apocalypse. But she had just started university and Theo was in Canada with her dog that they had rescued during their travels and now she wanted Comet back.
Her attempt to rescue Comet brought her back around Theo and now the people that run the royal family want to her to go to London while they figure out what to do with her. But their plane to London crashes and they have to cross an island while they wait for rescue and figure out their future.
Heir, Apparently is the sequel The Prince & The Apocalypse but it isn’t required to read it first.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✈️ Heir, Apparently ARC Review ✈️
Thank you so much to Kara McDowell and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!!
Heir, Apparently is a contemporary romance and the sequel to The Prince & the Apocalypse. As always, this will be as spoiler free as possible, so if this feels vague - that’s why. After the events at the end of the last book, Wren is trying to adapt to her current life. But there’s still some loose ends that are hanging over her head, one of them being the charming Theo - who is determined to hold her to the promises she made
I absolutely adored this book. I loved Wren and Theo in The Prince & the Apocalypse, and getting more of their story was absolutely perfect! The world building was just as fun and I loved that the characters had to work together to build their relationship. I could easily read so many more books in this world!
This was a great five star read for me! I love these characters and the story! This book did have some moments that could potentially be triggering, so please check them if you’re sensitive. This book had a romantic subplot but YA levels of spice, so one flame for spice
If you’re a fan of Royal Romances with great banter, sweet characters and disaster twists, then absolutely pick this series up! As this is a continuation of the story, I absolutely recommend reading The Prince & the Apocalypse first.
I know this duology is YA, and the covers are so colorful and cute, but don't let those things fool you. This duology had me STRESSED! Both books are low key traumatic. BUT I was so glad that we got to have a happy ending for Wren and Theo!
I enjoyed the first book more, but I did not love the cliffhanger. And while both books are a bit out there with unrealistic events, this second book did have much more realistic aspects. Having said that, I felt like it was too similar to real life events surrounding the royals. Due to that, this book a bit more predictable than the first. Outside of that, I loved this one so much. It was a quick, fast read. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship among the royal siblings. They all turned out so great despite all that they'd been through and that just warmed my heart. I also loved seeing Brooke and Wren's mended relationship.
Overall, I highly recommend this duology! Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.