Heir, Apparently by Kara McDowell is narrated by Laura Knight Keating, who delivers a wonderful performance. The story starts three months after the world *almost* ended, and Wren is just about to start her freshman year at university, even though she may or may not be married to the young King of England. Due to a series of unfortunate events (she was only trying to get custody of her rescue dog back!), she, her sister, and her best friend end up stranded on a deserted volcanic island with the King, and his two siblings, along with Comet the dog, trying to survive until rescue arrives. Then they still have to figure out the marriage situation before his official coronation, and the Firm is very unhappy about the whole thing.

This silly, fun royal romance is perfect for fans of the American Royals series by Katharine McGee. It delivers the same vibes, the pressures of royal expectations, and professions of love, if with a few more plane crashes and volcanic eruptions. It's YA romance with just a hint of steam, and it felt very age appropriate, if that's the kind of thing that matters to you. (As a parent, sometimes I like to know what's in a book my teen might pick up.)

Overall, it was the perfect kind of book to disappear into while doing chores around the house. Very fun, a (mostly) lighthearted read.

5 Stars

I was terrified to read this because I LOVED the first book and its ending had me BEGGING FOR MORE BUT WHAT IF MORE RUINS IT???!!!! Alas, it did not and I loved every moment.

For real though, a second book after the first one was so iconic and unique and magic and OMG HOW IS THIS SO AMAZING!!!! is a terrifying read. Will it live up to the first? (yes) Will it be as good as I remembered? (also, yes) Will this book make the first one seem cheesy??? (never).

Last we left our two lovebirds, the world had, in fact, NOT ended, one was back in the states while the other was back in Buckingham Palace after confessing their love and *possibly* being actually married?? It's all a bit unsure.

So when Wren sees freshly crowned King of England and possibly her husband (aka Theo) who still has her/their apocalypse dog (Comet) is on a royal engagement in Canada, not too far from her home in Chicago, she hatches a plan to cross the border to get said doggo back....and MAYBE see Theo and find out if their marriage is real (IS SHE THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND AND NO ONE KNOWS IT?)

The rescue may go tits up, resulting in Wren being thrust into the paparazzi spotlight, meaning she and her BFF and sister are now being forced back to London until the Firm can figure out what to do with her and Theo's Apocalypse marriage. EXCEPT IN CLASSIC WREN AND THEO AND FATE FASHIO< their plane crashes en route and they are all stranded on an island.

It's epic and hilarious and often times stressful. It's also incredibly sweet and romantic and honestly a perfect match for the magic that was the first book. It should feel ridiculous and laughable, but really it just feels ridiculously fun and one I would love to see hit a streaming service ASAP.

The ending wasn't a giant cliffhanger this time, and it felt impossible to resolve, until it wasn't. If you loved The Prince & Me with Julia Styles, then you will love how this one goes.

I cannot recommend this duology by Kara McDowell enough and they are absolutely books I will reread again and again. The writing is so fun and it pulls you immediately in. I also had the privilege of listening via audiobook and the narrator does an incredible job with the storytelling.

3 out of 5 stars. This heartwarming YA novel is the second in the series by Kara McDowell. It seamlessly picks up on Theo and Wren's journey where the first novel leaves on a cliffhanger.

While the first book was a Science-Fiction meets Dystopian Romance novel, the second book continues with many unfortunate circumstances that the FMC and MMC must face while balancing their "on-again, off-again" relationship.

I struggled with the miscommunication between the FMC and MMC during the book's first half as even though the plot points were less than believable, I was hoping their relationship would continue to be plausible to carry the emotional pull.

Overall, I thought it was an entertaining YA romance novel that certainly keeps the reader on their toes!

So I may or may not be an idiot. I didn't realize that this book was the second book in a series. I thought it was just a standalone, second-chance romance. Luckily, the book gave me all the context I needed within the first few chapters. And I had fun with the story! I think I probably would have liked the first book better, but I really did enjoy this one. The premise is fun and the humour is solid. I honestly had fun with the goofy drama of dog-heists and plane crashes. What I didn't love was all the melodrama surrounding the royal family and Wren's outsider status. I think that there was a little too much interpersonal conflict to match the otherwise lighthearted tone, but I still had a good time with this read.

Heir, Apparently is a fantastic YA rom-com. Definitely start with the first title, The Prince & the Apocalypse. The characters are funny and likeable making readers cheer for them until the final pages. Recommended for all collections serving teens.

Wren and Theo may be married, or not, and Theo may or may not be the King of England. This book follows the story of Wren and Theo from the Prince and the Apocalypse , which I definitely recommend reading before starting this one. Wren is very relatable, she doesn't know what she wants, yet feels like she is drawn to Theo. There's a lot of miscommunication among the characters which makes for a drama filled read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to an early copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Heir, Apparently by Kara McDowell released on July 9th, 2024.

I don't even know where to start. Heir, Apparently was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend the audio version, the narrator does a wonderful job giving life to each of the characters. This book is definitely one that provides excitement and allows you to slip into the place of the characters.

Ahh I absolutely LOVED this!!! The first book was equally amazing!! I loved following Theo and Wren as they navigated not only the first end of the world chaos but they had to navigate through yet another crisis!!

I loved everything about it and I am hoping we get a spin off series with Henry or Victoria or both because I would love that!!

I did not know this was a sequel when I requested it, I think I would've enjoyed it more if I would've read the first one prior. I wasn't able to fully get into this one, it just didn't hold my attention like I wanted it to and it did seem highly unbelievable for me. It was still a fun one though.

A cute continuation from the first book. I can't say I am in love with this series but it is easy to listen to. I'd not listen to it again, but I would recommend it to others.

Wren and Theo and their miscommunication issues are back in this sequel to The Prince and The Apocalypse.

Only this time, after being sent the marriage certificate from Greece, Wren is pulled into some drama of figuring out if it was real after someone leaked it to the internet! A King marrying a common American girl?? GASP 😱

On the way back to England to sort everything out, the plane crashes and now Wren and Theo are stranded on an island with no way of rescue.

We journey with them as they try to find a way out, and try to find a way to approach their feelings for each other.

I loved the banter between all the characters in this one. I think the relationship aspect was done well, but it made me so sad for them. I’m thankful we got the ending we did, because I really thought it was going to leave us hanging!

I rate this a 4/5

After reading this first book in this series and the cliffhanger ending I was so happy to hear there would be a second book. This contemporary romance was full of adventure and the narrator did an awesome job bringing the story to life. I enjoyed this one. Content- It does have some language (multiple fwords) and implied sex but no details.

The Prince and the Apocalypse was one of my fave books from last year. Think The Prince and Me meets The Amazing Race. So I was excited to read the sequel Heir, Apparently.

The second book is chock full of over the top shenanigans and adventures. You may have to suspend reality a bit as with the first book but I am here for it. I just love Theo and Wren’s character arcs. They are just the sweetest couple. While Heir, Apparently was fun it could not match the love I have for The Prince and the Apocalypse!

That ending! I'm so happy and frustrated at the same time! I'm so, so happy with the ending, but that last half hour really had me thinking the author was going to throw Wren and Theo another hurdle before they got to just be happy and together. I was almost in bits thinking there'd be another book (as much as I'd lowkey like that) with more trauma and fate testing the strength of their love painfully further.

This book has been wild! The universe is definitely out to get Wren and Theo. In Theo's words, fate can piss off—it tested them way too much. 😭 I was so relieved by the end that it decided to finally let them be safe and happy together. My gosh, do they deserve it after surviving dying twice and then even more bad news after that.

Absolutely loved all the other characters too, especially Henry. He has my heart fully. It was so good getting to look further into the royal families life and seeing the progression of their own lives and relationships with one another.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Kara McDowell for allowing me to listen to this audiobook! I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley, Recorded Book/RBMedia, and Kara McDowell for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is definitely best enjoyed after reading the first book in the duology- The Prince & The Apocalypse. Once I was approved for this ALC- I went back and read the first book and I'm glad I did.

I feel like I must write this review as an overarching experience of the series- and I LOVED it. The two books together told a compelling YA adventure tale with endless twists and turns. The romance is VERY charming and I felt the chemistry from the meet cute forward. Theo's royal experience and desire to protect Wren is VERY Harry and Meghan coded.

While this is an adventure tale- and things do go sideways, often- I don't think anxious readers should avoid it. I'm an incredibly anxious reader and really loved it.

While I wrote this about the series, I do want to be clear: I give this book 5 stars AND the series 5 stars!

🌟 Book Review: "Heir, Apparently" by Kara McDowell 🌟

📚 Genre: Romantic Comedy, Young Adult

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

✨ Blurb Insight:
"Freshman year is stressful enough without accidentally being married to the king of England." This delightful premise sets the stage for Kara McDowell's "Heir, Apparently," a high-stakes rom-com that promises a mix of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments.

Why You'll Love It:

👑 Regal Romance: The chemistry between Wren and Theo is electric, filled with tension and tender moments. Their journey from estranged partners to a potential future together is beautifully crafted and will have readers rooting for their happily ever after.

🌴 Adventure and Thrills: The plot is packed with thrilling escapades, from daring rescues to surviving on a deserted island. McDowell masterfully balances action with emotional depth, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

😂 Humor and Heart: McDowell infuses the story with humor, making it a lighthearted and enjoyable read. The witty banter and comical situations add a refreshing touch to the narrative.

👑 Complex Characters: Wren is a relatable and resilient heroine, while Theo's royal responsibilities add layers to his character. The supporting cast, including Theo's siblings and Wren's friends, bring additional charm and complexity to the story.

Perfect For:
✨ Fans of romantic comedies with a royal twist.
✨ Readers who enjoy stories of survival and adventure.
✨ Anyone looking for a fun, heartwarming read with a touch of regality.

"Heir, Apparently" by Kara McDowell is a charming, high-stakes rom-com that delivers on every front. It's a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and romance, making it a perfect summer read. McDowell's engaging storytelling and lovable characters will leave you eagerly anticipating what comes next. Thank you @netgalley for the ALC by @RecordedBooks that provided me the opportunity to enjoy this brilliant book.

#HeirApparently #NetGalley #KaraMcDowell 👑 #RoyalRomance 🌴 #StrandedAdventure #romancebook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #BookstagramCommunity ✨ #BookAddict ❤ #BookLovers 📸 #BookAesthetic 📚 #BookReview #BookishFun #MustRead #BookLove #BookNerd #ReadingEscape #BookAddict #BookLovers #BookRecommendations #AccidentalRoyalty #royalfiction 🌴 #SurvivalStory #humorfiction #romanticcomedy #romcom #youngadult #YA #romcomfiction #RomComReads #YAReads

Damn, this girl cannot catch a BREAK!

After reading “The Prince and the Apocalypse”, “Heir, Apparently” is exactly what you’d expect to be. Another rendition of murphy’s law. And leave it up to Wren to get a debilitating injury that she has to power through for an extended period of time in the name of survival. I will say I was surprised (in a good way) how much of the story was left after they were rescued from the island. And I did enjoy some of the parallels between the beginning and end of the story (such as being chased by paparazzi - though I was confused where they went after the car crash?). Much like the first book I did like the changing counter at the beginning of each chapter.

Overall I did like it just a little more than the first one.
——————
Audiobook performance: Much like the first book in the series, Laura Knight Keating does an except job portraying the personality and emotions of the two main characters, Wren and Theo. However this is a book that I feel would have bode well with 2 readers given the much larger cast of characters, especially those with a British accent.
There was also a line missing from page 306 (“I’ll drive.”)

I just finished Heir Apparent by Kara McDowell, the next book after The Prince and the Apocalypse.

Wren is now in college, still reeling from the knowledge that she might well be actually married to the king of England, Theo.

Making a snap decision with her best friend and sister, Wren travels to Canada where the soon to be crowned king is touring, in hopes of retrieving apocalypse, the dog she rescued.

It doesn’t end well and now she has to join Theo on his trip to England, after the paparazzi uncovers their marriage. Their plan goes down off-course and now they have to find a way to survive in hopes of being rescued and fight the attraction that is still between them.

I really enjoyed the first book so I was super excited when I received a copy of the book and the audio to go with it. The narrator was amazing! I loved how they brought Theo and Wren to life for me!

I adore Wren. She is a problem solver and she gets to flex her skills when their plane crashes. Trouble is she makes more mistakes than she fixes and it is lucky any of them survive!

The writing is excellent. The author does a wonderful job of giving the characters real depth and weaving a creative tale to go with it. I feel bad for Theo. Nothing ever runs smoothly for him. He is a reluctant monarch and all he wants is the chance to live his life his way, I think we can all relate to that. It’s a really cute story and I love watching their love for each other unfold in a really sweet and gentle way.

Definitely a 4 star book, series, for me!

Thank you to @netgalley, @recordedbooks and @wednesdaybooks for my gifted copies.

Out now

#heirapparent #karamcdowell #ya #romance #yaromance #bookreview #booklover #bookish #bookstagram #booksta #booknerdigans #reader #bookinfluencer

Having read The Prince and the Apocalypse recently, I was excited to read the sequel Heir, Apparently because of the cliffhanger. Unfortunately I felt like author Kara McDowell just threw too much into this novel to be enjoyable. There were pieces I enjoyed, but the overwhelming trope was miscommunication and it pulled me right out of the romance over and over again. I also felt like some of the storyline was entirely too easy. Naomi knows everything about the family but didn't know Princess Victoria has type 1 diabetes? Prince Harry isn't actually blood related, but nothing comes of that? If he getting a spin off because that was revealed and ignored entirely too easily. Prince turned King Theo didn't bring up abdication until I had already been thinking about it during the first book---it's not like abdication hasn't happened in the real life British Monarchy, it's how we had Queen Elizabeth.

If I could just pretend like the things that didn't make sense, made sense, I would have liked this more but it's a modern day book and I couldn't get past certain things. That said, the narrators did a fabulous job and really helped me finish this story.

Thank you RB Media for the gifted ALC. 5/5 stars for the ALC, 3/5 for the story.

⭐️ 4/5. Heir, Apparently published just a few days ago and is a really cute YA romance that is a great choice for middle readers and above! There’s a prince 👑, an adorable dog, snobby princesses, a plane crash ✈️, a deserted island 🏝️, and the “ a prince chooses a normal girl” troupe 🩷.

The plot of this book, as well as the first one in the series “The Prince and the Apocalypse”, ☄️ are unique and creative. I feel like we can all relate to a certain level about what we thought we’d do at the end of the world (when Covid quarantine hit), so the panic dying your hair or um…getting married? 😂 I think we’re relatable to a lot of people. Maybe the first more than the second…

I actually read this sequel as a @netgalley Arc before I read the first one, so it can be read as a stand alone. However, I ordered the first one because I now want the first part of the story!

There were a few things in this sequel that were harder for me to get fully inserted in as someone who is 24 (like I liked the brother of the MMC better than the MMC himself, or seeing a few small plot holes that honestly probably weren’t really relevant to the situation 😂, but this book is aimed at YA-aged readers and I don’t think they would notice these things.

Overall, a really cute, unique, and entertaining read! I’d recommend :-)