The Hawthorne Legacy

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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cover backgroundThe Hawthorne Legacy

About this book

Avery Grambs inherited billions, but the mysteries surrounding Tobias Hawthorne's decision are far from solved. In this thrilling sequel to The Inheritance Games, Avery must unravel the secrets of Hawthorne House and the man who bequeathed her a fortune.

A DNA test confirms she's not a Hawthorne by blood, yet clues suggest a deeper connection to the family than she ever imagined. As the stakes rise, Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne pull her in different directions, their magnetic presence complicating her quest for answers. Danger lurks at every turn as adversaries emerge, willing to do anything to remove Avery from the game.

With billions on the line, Avery navigates a world of intrigue, riches, and romance, where the next clue could be her salvation—or her downfall.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Unraveling Avery's Family Ties

    The central mystery revolves around the identity of Avery's biological father and his connection to the Hawthorne family. This overarching question drives the plot as Avery and the Hawthorne brothers delve deeper into the family's past, uncovering hidden relationships, secret identities, and long-buried motives. The search for Avery's father becomes a personal quest for her, intertwining her fate with the Hawthornes in unexpected ways and forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths about her own origins and the complex web of relationships that define her life.

  • The Weight of Family Legacies

    The Hawthorne Legacy continues to explore the theme of inheritance, but shifts the focus from the monetary aspect to the legacies of family secrets, expectations, and the burdens they place on individuals. Avery grapples with the responsibility that comes with inheriting Hawthorne's wealth while uncovering the dark truths and hidden agendas of the family. The Hawthorne brothers also confront their own legacies, questioning whether they can escape the predetermined paths laid out for them by their grandfather and forge their own identities.

  • Navigating Romantic Entanglements

    Avery finds herself caught in a complex web of romantic interests, primarily with the Hawthorne brothers, Jameson and Grayson. The romantic tension is high. The novel explores the complexities of love, trust, and loyalty as Avery navigates her feelings for both brothers while trying to discern their true intentions. The romantic entanglements add another layer of suspense to the plot, as Avery questions whether the brothers are genuinely interested in her or if she is simply a pawn in their games.

  • The Hawthorne Family Dynamic

    The book delves further into the intricate dynamics of the Hawthorne family. The relationships between the four brothers, their individual ambitions, and their loyalty to one another are tested as they work together (and sometimes against each other) to solve the mysteries surrounding Avery and the Hawthorne fortune. The novel explores how family bonds can be both a source of strength and a source of conflict, particularly when immense wealth and complex secrets are involved. These complex relationships add intrigue to the story.

  • Secrets and Deception Abound

    Deception and hidden agendas are recurring themes in The Hawthorne Legacy. Almost every character seems to have secrets they are guarding, and Avery must constantly be on her guard, unsure of who she can truly trust. The constant threat of betrayal adds a layer of suspense to the story, as Avery tries to decipher the truth from the lies and unmask the individuals who are working against her. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

  • Avery's Growing Independence

    Following the initial shock of inheriting Hawthorne's fortune, Avery begins to assert her independence and make her own decisions, even when they go against the wishes of the Hawthorne family. She demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness as she navigates the challenges and dangers that come her way. The novel explores Avery's transformation from an ordinary teenager to a confident and capable young woman who is determined to control her own destiny, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Chapter Recap

Part 1The chapter opens with Avery and Jameson in the tunnels beneath Hawthorne House, discussing the first time Avery played chess with "Harry" in the park, shortly after her mother’s funeral. Jameson’s intense focus on Avery’s words highlights his fascination with mysteries. Avery recounts meeting the m
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About The Author

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Main Quotes

"Family is not just blood. It's the people who love and support you no matter what."

"Your past doesn’t define you; it’s your choices that shape your future."

"Tell me again about the first time the two of you played chess in the park."

"[Jameson] started looking at me like I was a mystery again, a puzzle."

"Picture yourself standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The wind is whipping your hair. The sun is setting. You long, body and soul, for one thing."

"If there's one thing the Hawthorne family isn't, it's fine. They were a twisted, broken mess before you got here and they'll be a twisted..."

"You don't have to say anything. You don't have to kiss me now. You don't have to love me now, Heiress. But when you're ready..."

"I love you. I would die to protect you. I would make you hate me to keep you safe. because damn it, Avery-some things are too precious to gamble."

"Some things are too precious to gamble."

"The most dangerous thing about playing a game is forgetting that it is one."

Who Should Read This Book

Young adults (ages 12-19)

Fans of mystery and detective stories

Readers who enjoy young adult fiction with elements of intrigue, riches, and romance

Fans of "The Inheritance Games" series

Readers interested in stories about games, puzzles, and riddles

Those who appreciate strong female leads

Readers who enjoy stories with billionaire characters and family drama

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The Hawthorne Legacy
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Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery Grambs has a plan: survive high school, win a scholarship, and escape. But her fortunes drastically change when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves her almost his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why.

To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, a mansion teeming with riddles, puzzles, and the watchful eyes of the Hawthorne family. Especially those of the four Hawthorne grandsons: Grayson, the calculating heir apparent; Jameson, the magnetic risk-taker; Nash, the loyal protector; and Xander, the observer.

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