Grumpy Sunshine

Tag: Mystery

  • Book Review: The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    The Hawthorne Legacy is the exciting sequel to The Inheritance Games, full of clever puzzles, sneaky secrets, and just a touch of teen romance and flirting.

    Avery Grambs is back! The clever, slightly chaotic teen who somehow inherited a billionaire’s fortune is back at the Hawthorne mansion, navigating more puzzles, mysteries, and the confusing (but super cute) Hawthorne brothers. She’s trying to figure out who to trust… and survive the wild games that come with being a teenage heiress.

    I genuinely loved reading this book. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is an amazing, creative writer. The story is fast-paced and engaging, with dynamic characters, witty banter, and unexpected plot twists that keep you guessing. The chapters are short (2–10 pages), so it never drags and is super easy to get through.

    🔞 Recommended for ages 13+ (maybe mature 12+) for puzzle-solving, banter, and mild PG content. There’s some talk of parental abandonment, minor violence, and light swearing. No steamy scenes, just one or two sweet kisses.

    ⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars. I loved the thoughtful characters, clever plot twists, and how age-appropriate the story is while still being super fun and mysterious.

    📚 If you like: Clever characters, puzzles and mysteries, fun banter, and a little teen romance. Similar authors: Holly Jackson (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), Karen McManus (One of Us Is Lying), Lynn Painter (Better Than the Movies) – for more YA romance

    Also by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:

    Book 1 of the Inheritance Games series

    Book 3 of the Inheritance Games series

    Book 4 of the Inheritance Games series

  • Book Review: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    If you’re into mysterious mansions, mind-blowing puzzles, smart girls, and flirty boys with secrets—The Inheritance Games is a total must-read.

    Avery Grambs is super smart, totally broke, and just trying to survive high school and maybe snag a scholarship. Then—plot twist—she inherits billions from a complete stranger. Sounds amazing, right? Except there’s a catch: she has to move into a creepy (but also super cool) mansion filled with puzzles, riddles… and four Hawthorne brothers who definitely aren’t thrilled she just stole their future.

    Let the games begin. 😏

    This book is soooo fun and totally addictive. Even though the whole “randomly-inherited-billions-at-17” thing feels unreal, the story actually makes sense. The clues and twists are really well thought out, and the plot keeps you guessing. I loved that the chapters are short (like 2–10 pages), so it’s fast-paced and never drags.

    The characters—especially the Hawthorne brothers—are all mysterious and charming in different ways. There’s drama, clever banter, and just enough flirting to keep things interesting without it taking over the story.

    🔞 Recommended for ages 12+ — there’s a little bit of talk about death and family stuff (like abandonment or emotional abuse), but it’s not graphic or too heavy. No swearing, no steam, just one or two sweet kisses

    ⭐ My rating: 5/5 stars. I loved everything—puzzle solving, plot twists, clever writing, and fun character dynamics. It kept me hooked from the very beginning.

    📚 If you like mystery with a side of romance and brainy main characters, you’ll totally love this. Similar authors: Holly Jackson (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), Karen McManus (One of Us Is Lying), and Lynn Painter (Better Than the Movies) — if you want more romance with smart girls!

    Also by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:

    Book 2 of the Inheritance Games series

    Book 3 of the Inheritance Games series

    Book 4 of the Inheritance Games series