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The Prince & The Apocalypse #2
Heir, Apparently
An American teen learns she may have accidentally married the King of England, only to end up stranded on a tropical island with him in this highly-anticipated sequel to The Prince & The Apocalypse.
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.
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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2024
86 people are currently reading
13880 people want to read
About the author
Kara McDowell
6 books425 followersKara McDowell is the author of romcoms for teenagers and adults, including her upcoming adult debut THE WRITE OFF. Coming from Berkley in Spring 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 601 reviews
July 29, 2024
3.5⭐️ yes, I stayed up all night reading this after I finished the prince and apocalypse because you know I love Theo and Wren's love story
this was still action packed but made even less sense, if any. way more realistic because the crown prince, sorry, heir to the throne of England would be more protected and harder to get to than this. it's fiction so I'll let this flaw go.
then the story after the plane crush and their challenges felt oddly similar even in terms of sequence to the tv series named "the wilds". at the point, i'm so confused because that was a psychological thriller of a sort and I'm wondering, where is the romantic comedy we were promised??
in the end, I was just tired of their back and forth like "let's give up on each other but we love each other" bs though understandably, they are only just teenagers.
this was still action packed but made even less sense, if any. way more realistic because the crown prince, sorry, heir to the throne of England would be more protected and harder to get to than this. it's fiction so I'll let this flaw go.
then the story after the plane crush and their challenges felt oddly similar even in terms of sequence to the tv series named "the wilds". at the point, i'm so confused because that was a psychological thriller of a sort and I'm wondering, where is the romantic comedy we were promised??
in the end, I was just tired of their back and forth like "let's give up on each other but we love each other" bs though understandably, they are only just teenagers.
February 16, 2024
Well, my friends, even though the first book’s royal family and apocalypse theme made me question what was happening in the main plot, I quickly got hooked on the action-packed, well-characterized plot. I screamed when I reached the cliffhanger because I had no idea this was a duology, and I started to squirm because this meant I had to wait to find out what was going to happen next! Thankfully, I got the ARC copy, which lessened my palpitations and prevented me from having to wait until July, which is the release date! Thank goodness, anticipation is always killing me!
Did I enjoy the sequel with the plot line: irritating royals and their political schemes, forbidden love, trapped on an island theme, which fueled the adrenaline-pumping action scenes? Guess what, I loved the sequel and its satisfying conclusion so much more!
The second book picks up where the author left things in the primary book: Wren Wheeler is starting her freshman year after surviving the apocalypse and finding out the earth-shattering news that her elopement with the King of England is real! But she hasn’t heard from him, which pushes her to move on with her life as if their wedding ceremony in Greece never happened. Unfortunately, her rescue attempt of Comet, the famous Apocalypse dog, ends with her unexpected reunion with Theo, and it seems like there are still some unfinished business between them; their chemistry is still palpable. She finds herself flying to London to get protected from another paparazzi attack that may also ruin the entire reputation of the royal family. But their plan never arrives in London with another twist of fate, as it crashes onto a tropical island in the middle of nowhere. And unfortunately, they are not alone: Naomi, Brooke, Henry, the siblings also accompany them on their survival journey.
Being stranded in a place without any hope of rescue, with the threats of poisonous animals, catastrophic injuries, and an ill-timed volcano, is not the only trouble they have to face. The unresolved problems, long years of rivalry between brothers, and their endless passive-aggressive war turn into something more aggressive at each moment. Also, there are so many troubles in Wren and Theo’s emotional state that hit bricks with so many misunderstandings on both sides.
As they try to find a way to get rescued from this mysterious place, they also have to find a way to face their problems that prevent them from building healthier, more honest relationships. Could they achieve both of them? Could the brothers bury their hatchets, and could Wren and Theo catch their second chance in love by overcoming the misunderstandings and the huge gap separating them apart?
Wow, the action-packed parts of this book made me dizzy, absolutely kept me on my toes! I couldn’t finish faster, even skipping my nature calling! (Next time, I'll wear adult diapers during fast-paced, unputdownable readings, a lesson I still refuse to learn).
I’m giving another five stars for this heart-throbbing, adventurous romance! Looking forward to reading and reviewing more works by Kara McDowell.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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Did I enjoy the sequel with the plot line: irritating royals and their political schemes, forbidden love, trapped on an island theme, which fueled the adrenaline-pumping action scenes? Guess what, I loved the sequel and its satisfying conclusion so much more!
The second book picks up where the author left things in the primary book: Wren Wheeler is starting her freshman year after surviving the apocalypse and finding out the earth-shattering news that her elopement with the King of England is real! But she hasn’t heard from him, which pushes her to move on with her life as if their wedding ceremony in Greece never happened. Unfortunately, her rescue attempt of Comet, the famous Apocalypse dog, ends with her unexpected reunion with Theo, and it seems like there are still some unfinished business between them; their chemistry is still palpable. She finds herself flying to London to get protected from another paparazzi attack that may also ruin the entire reputation of the royal family. But their plan never arrives in London with another twist of fate, as it crashes onto a tropical island in the middle of nowhere. And unfortunately, they are not alone: Naomi, Brooke, Henry, the siblings also accompany them on their survival journey.
Being stranded in a place without any hope of rescue, with the threats of poisonous animals, catastrophic injuries, and an ill-timed volcano, is not the only trouble they have to face. The unresolved problems, long years of rivalry between brothers, and their endless passive-aggressive war turn into something more aggressive at each moment. Also, there are so many troubles in Wren and Theo’s emotional state that hit bricks with so many misunderstandings on both sides.
As they try to find a way to get rescued from this mysterious place, they also have to find a way to face their problems that prevent them from building healthier, more honest relationships. Could they achieve both of them? Could the brothers bury their hatchets, and could Wren and Theo catch their second chance in love by overcoming the misunderstandings and the huge gap separating them apart?
Wow, the action-packed parts of this book made me dizzy, absolutely kept me on my toes! I couldn’t finish faster, even skipping my nature calling! (Next time, I'll wear adult diapers during fast-paced, unputdownable readings, a lesson I still refuse to learn).
I’m giving another five stars for this heart-throbbing, adventurous romance! Looking forward to reading and reviewing more works by Kara McDowell.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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July 12, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Prince & The APOCALYPSE was one of my favorite books of 2023. So there was no question that if Kara McDowell wrote a sequel, I was going to scream for my chance to read it. Luckily, I got my digital ARC.
It was delightful. It was satisfying. I still love Wren and the Prince's chemistry. I like that once again, the pair are thrown into an impossible situation. How much do I ADORE a plane crash and an uninhabited island?
On the other hand, I wanted more focus on just them and sometimes I gritted my teeth at the other four characters that kept butting into this great fictional romance. Yet I did love the Prince's two royal siblings and Wren's best friend and her sister tagging along for the adventure. They did add some great comic relief. This variety of feelings that run through my veins is why I am going to settle on a 4-star.
I know, I know. This is a YA and I am 42. Why am I letting two fictional characters run my life?
But I swear this duology is just as good as The Princess Diaries movies. ( Yes, I know that this comparison will fail to warm the hearts of those who didn't like the movies But I did and this is my review....so🙄😏).
I hope that one of those streaming services takes these two books and makes us an entertaining 2 season, 8 episode storyline.
P.S. The covers of these books are fantastic.
Publication Date 09/07/24
Goodreads Review 11/07/24
The Prince & The APOCALYPSE was one of my favorite books of 2023. So there was no question that if Kara McDowell wrote a sequel, I was going to scream for my chance to read it. Luckily, I got my digital ARC.
It was delightful. It was satisfying. I still love Wren and the Prince's chemistry. I like that once again, the pair are thrown into an impossible situation. How much do I ADORE a plane crash and an uninhabited island?
On the other hand, I wanted more focus on just them and sometimes I gritted my teeth at the other four characters that kept butting into this great fictional romance. Yet I did love the Prince's two royal siblings and Wren's best friend and her sister tagging along for the adventure. They did add some great comic relief. This variety of feelings that run through my veins is why I am going to settle on a 4-star.
I know, I know. This is a YA and I am 42. Why am I letting two fictional characters run my life?
But I swear this duology is just as good as The Princess Diaries movies. ( Yes, I know that this comparison will fail to warm the hearts of those who didn't like the movies But I did and this is my review....so🙄😏).
I hope that one of those streaming services takes these two books and makes us an entertaining 2 season, 8 episode storyline.
P.S. The covers of these books are fantastic.
Publication Date 09/07/24
Goodreads Review 11/07/24
Want to read
September 12, 2023i knew there would be a part 2, cause that ending for book 1? it would’ve been too cruel to leave us at that. super happy to see this and also worried cause, author teased some songs before the news and they were… heart-wrenching, to say the least. dear fictional gods, let them get the life they deserve, and don’t break my heart in this. -love, an avid reader :D
Read
July 8, 2024I loved the first book, in spite of an ending that was less a cliff-hanger than driving right off a cliff. Now, with this second one, I'm wondering if this author's ideas and mine will never agree on how to end a story with some emotional resolution and growth. I loved this book until roughly the ninety-percent mark, at which point it took a left turn off into stupid-for-the-sake-of-drama, then it kind of staggered all over the place before settling into a copout, given the niche.
But up until then, it was tense and vivid, with terrific, complicated characters, as Wren--after a summer of non-communication with the heir to the UK in this world-next-door--decides to drive north to Canada while Theo is on a goodwill tour, to snatch...her dog.
Things immediately get complicated, largely due to the press's avid lack of boundary respect, and as a result, the royal family's teens, plus Wren, her sister Brooke, and Wren's bestie Naomi, end up on a plane with some crown functionaries and guards...until the plane crashes on an island.
Then things get really tense, as they try to survive as the volcanic island begins to build toward an eruption. Also erupting are teenage emotions, many of them held back for a long time.
I thought the author did a great job with the tension of an unreal lifestyle which, yes, includes all the pomp and circumstance that readers come to this particular YA romantic niche for (handsome princes 4-Ev-ah!) plus a good dose of the horrific reality of the media being in your face 24/7--and then making up lies in order to sell content. Or...what happens when a lot of the lies don't in fact come from the heads of publicity hacks?
The adventure climaxes with great drama, with everyone communicating (though Brooke pretty much drops out of the story entirely), and Wren and Theo beginning to talk, finally. Then, once they're saved, it promptly dives off the deep end.
SPOILERS BEYOND
REALLY--TOTAL SPOILERS
Okay, the twist where it turns out that the second prince is illegitimate and not the heir was a nice one, EXCEPT the way it was handled. As if the crown's physicians hadn't known all along about the blood-type glitch that indicates one prince was conceived outside of marriage. Now, if that news had been known and suppressed from the birth of Henry, I could buy that. But having no one have a clue and a teenager figure it out was *totally* beyond belief. The entire royal medical team are idiots?
And Henry accepts the fact that he's illegitimate when all his life he's wanted the throne, in two quick paragraphs?
Then comes the sadly predictable Bad Moment, the Grand Reconciliation...and then, just when it ought to get interesting--as in Theo and Wren deciding together to make the whole thing work (which is what I think readers who want middle class girls falling in love with handsome princes come to this sub-genre for) instead, Theo gives it all up for a mundane life. Middle class morality for the win! It's sensible, but it's emotionally a total bait-and-switch.
At least the dog makes it out fine!
But up until then, it was tense and vivid, with terrific, complicated characters, as Wren--after a summer of non-communication with the heir to the UK in this world-next-door--decides to drive north to Canada while Theo is on a goodwill tour, to snatch...her dog.
Things immediately get complicated, largely due to the press's avid lack of boundary respect, and as a result, the royal family's teens, plus Wren, her sister Brooke, and Wren's bestie Naomi, end up on a plane with some crown functionaries and guards...until the plane crashes on an island.
Then things get really tense, as they try to survive as the volcanic island begins to build toward an eruption. Also erupting are teenage emotions, many of them held back for a long time.
I thought the author did a great job with the tension of an unreal lifestyle which, yes, includes all the pomp and circumstance that readers come to this particular YA romantic niche for (handsome princes 4-Ev-ah!) plus a good dose of the horrific reality of the media being in your face 24/7--and then making up lies in order to sell content. Or...what happens when a lot of the lies don't in fact come from the heads of publicity hacks?
The adventure climaxes with great drama, with everyone communicating (though Brooke pretty much drops out of the story entirely), and Wren and Theo beginning to talk, finally. Then, once they're saved, it promptly dives off the deep end.
SPOILERS BEYOND
REALLY--TOTAL SPOILERS
Okay, the twist where it turns out that the second prince is illegitimate and not the heir was a nice one, EXCEPT the way it was handled. As if the crown's physicians hadn't known all along about the blood-type glitch that indicates one prince was conceived outside of marriage. Now, if that news had been known and suppressed from the birth of Henry, I could buy that. But having no one have a clue and a teenager figure it out was *totally* beyond belief. The entire royal medical team are idiots?
And Henry accepts the fact that he's illegitimate when all his life he's wanted the throne, in two quick paragraphs?
Then comes the sadly predictable Bad Moment, the Grand Reconciliation...and then, just when it ought to get interesting--as in Theo and Wren deciding together to make the whole thing work (which is what I think readers who want middle class girls falling in love with handsome princes come to this sub-genre for) instead, Theo gives it all up for a mundane life. Middle class morality for the win! It's sensible, but it's emotionally a total bait-and-switch.
At least the dog makes it out fine!
July 26, 2024
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.
Thank you to the publisher and RBmedia for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher and RBmedia for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
September 4, 2025
April 2024 Review:
I liked the ending more now that I knew what was going to happen. I still think the island parts were the best though.
January 2024 Review:
I adored the first 3/4, but the last little bit...ehh.
This book started right off with a bang including lots of action and comedy, which is exactly what I came for. It was all completely over-the-top and ridiculous, but that is why I loved it. We got to see a lot more of Theo's family and some more crazy adventures. When I say that I loved it, I mean that I sat down and read and read until a couple of hours had passed and I was 60% done with the book. I just couldn't put it down.
That being said, I was just not pleased with the last little bit of the book. The setting changed back to a more 'normal' environment where Theo and Wren were not together as much. The humor also disappeared here too. It just fell flat, and I will admit that I was not pleased with the decisions that the characters made as well as particular plot points.
Just as with the first book, I would recommend this to older high schoolers/college-age and up.
Overall, I am glad that I read the book and will be eagerly anticipating my preorder in the mail. However, I think that readers could also do just fine only reading the first if there is no burning desire to read Heir, Apparently.
4 Stars
Content: scattered language, fade-to-black between a married(?) couple
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. (However, I did end up buying my own copy.)
December 2023 Review:
I NEVER preorder books. But I did for this one.
I liked the ending more now that I knew what was going to happen. I still think the island parts were the best though.
January 2024 Review:
I adored the first 3/4, but the last little bit...ehh.
This book started right off with a bang including lots of action and comedy, which is exactly what I came for. It was all completely over-the-top and ridiculous, but that is why I loved it. We got to see a lot more of Theo's family and some more crazy adventures. When I say that I loved it, I mean that I sat down and read and read until a couple of hours had passed and I was 60% done with the book. I just couldn't put it down.
That being said, I was just not pleased with the last little bit of the book. The setting changed back to a more 'normal' environment where Theo and Wren were not together as much. The humor also disappeared here too. It just fell flat, and I will admit that I was not pleased with the decisions that the characters made as well as particular plot points.
Just as with the first book, I would recommend this to older high schoolers/college-age and up.
Overall, I am glad that I read the book and will be eagerly anticipating my preorder in the mail. However, I think that readers could also do just fine only reading the first if there is no burning desire to read Heir, Apparently.
4 Stars
Content: scattered language, fade-to-black between a married(?) couple
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. (However, I did end up buying my own copy.)
December 2023 Review:
I NEVER preorder books. But I did for this one.
November 18, 2024
this was by far one of the greatest book series i’ve ever read and it’s SO underrated! everyone should read this series, especially if you like the whole “prince and ordinary girl” trope or the survival genre. this series has everything you could ever want! plus, it’s so FUNNY! this series will have you rolling for days.
i will say that i’m so sad it’s over. i would do ANYTHING for a third book, even if it’s about any of the siblings. although, i really would absolutely love to see what life is like for our favorite couple after that ending! i would also like to say that this series would make a PHENOMENAL movie series. that would go absolutely crazy in the box office for sure. all-in-all, this series is fantastic and i believe anyone would enjoy it.
so you MUST read it!
i will say that i’m so sad it’s over. i would do ANYTHING for a third book, even if it’s about any of the siblings. although, i really would absolutely love to see what life is like for our favorite couple after that ending! i would also like to say that this series would make a PHENOMENAL movie series. that would go absolutely crazy in the box office for sure. all-in-all, this series is fantastic and i believe anyone would enjoy it.
so you MUST read it!
July 19, 2024
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
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
November 8, 2024
This book was really good. It was cringe in a good way that forced me to read most of this book at midnight to find out what happened. Wren made quite a few dumb mistakes and Theo was an absolutely impossible human being for forgiving/excusing/reassuring her that everything was fine despite the fact that everything was definitely not fine BECAUSE OF HER. Despite this, it was a funny book with some deep moments, excellent character growth, and a heart-warming romance. I'll definitely be picking up more books by this author!
January 15, 2025
DNF 52%
I just could not do this
I just could not do this
July 13, 2024
I devoured The Prince and the Apocalypse last year, and was thrilled to hear there'd be a sequel. I wondered though, how could anything outdo the apocalypse? I needn't have wondered, because Kara McDowell managed to outdo herself for sure! How'd she do it, you ask? By adding survival into the mix!
I won't say much because A) This is a sequel, and B) It's more fun going in without too much knowledge. But this one certainly upped the ante, which I did not think possible, because again, the first book was about the actual end of the world. So, bravo, really. The characters are as wonderful as ever- and I liked that we got to spend so much more time with some of the more secondary characters! And of course, seeing our main characters interact with them was awesome too.
As with book one, the charm and banter and humor offsets some very dire circumstances, and makes the story so very readable. In fact, this was yet another July book that I read from start to finish without moving- I simply could not put it down until I knew how it would shake out! There are some fabulous twists, and it ends in a very satisfying way, and you need this series in your life, is what I am saying!
Bottom Line: This is such an epic sequel/conclusion, incredibly exciting and charming in equal parts.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
I won't say much because A) This is a sequel, and B) It's more fun going in without too much knowledge. But this one certainly upped the ante, which I did not think possible, because again, the first book was about the actual end of the world. So, bravo, really. The characters are as wonderful as ever- and I liked that we got to spend so much more time with some of the more secondary characters! And of course, seeing our main characters interact with them was awesome too.
As with book one, the charm and banter and humor offsets some very dire circumstances, and makes the story so very readable. In fact, this was yet another July book that I read from start to finish without moving- I simply could not put it down until I knew how it would shake out! There are some fabulous twists, and it ends in a very satisfying way, and you need this series in your life, is what I am saying!
Bottom Line: This is such an epic sequel/conclusion, incredibly exciting and charming in equal parts.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
July 3, 2024
3 Stars ✨
Rom-Com
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me an audio ARC in return for my honest review.
Audio 🎧 version
Narrator 5/5
Heir, Apparently is the sequel to The Prince and the Apocalypse. It’s a romantic comedy, with high stakes, banter and a royal fake marriage trope. I enjoyed the pace of this book and its silliness. I think the author did a great job with keeping the action flowing like she did in the first installment. There are new characters introduced, and that gave it a whole new feel. We get to know the royal family and the drama that surrounds being a royal.
Things I didn’t like - I did miss the main characters being the focal point. Their whole relationship drove the first book and you couldn’t help rooting for them, and want more of their story. The lack of communication was a bit annoying and I think that put a hindrance on what I liked from the first one. There was a lot of new character building going on, and while I liked those characters, it took away from what I really wanted. I also felt that the ending was a bit rushed but other than that, it was a cute story. I think if I had to choose , book 1 was better.
Content ⚠️
Mild language
Adult Humor
Rom-Com
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me an audio ARC in return for my honest review.
Audio 🎧 version
Narrator 5/5
Heir, Apparently is the sequel to The Prince and the Apocalypse. It’s a romantic comedy, with high stakes, banter and a royal fake marriage trope. I enjoyed the pace of this book and its silliness. I think the author did a great job with keeping the action flowing like she did in the first installment. There are new characters introduced, and that gave it a whole new feel. We get to know the royal family and the drama that surrounds being a royal.
Things I didn’t like - I did miss the main characters being the focal point. Their whole relationship drove the first book and you couldn’t help rooting for them, and want more of their story. The lack of communication was a bit annoying and I think that put a hindrance on what I liked from the first one. There was a lot of new character building going on, and while I liked those characters, it took away from what I really wanted. I also felt that the ending was a bit rushed but other than that, it was a cute story. I think if I had to choose , book 1 was better.
Content ⚠️
Mild language
Adult Humor
April 6, 2024
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, this was a fun sequel, and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read both books back-to-back. In this, we are once again watching Wren and Theo dance with one another when it comes to their feelings. Nothing short of a quick disaster, like a plane going down and being trapped on an island, brings them both closer together. It was cute, and I enjoyed their bantering.
I also really liked getting to see and know his family a bit more. Henry was hilarious, and things could've started off on a better note with Victoria. Then there's Brooke and Naomi tagging along, and it was just very entertaining the entire time. One disaster after another, and I was smiling the entire time.
In the end, certain things had to happen in the way that they did. It helped them realize what they truly wanted in life and focus on what needed to happen next in order for those plans to fall into place. The ending was really cute and I'm really happy that everyone is happy.
Oh, this was a fun sequel, and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read both books back-to-back. In this, we are once again watching Wren and Theo dance with one another when it comes to their feelings. Nothing short of a quick disaster, like a plane going down and being trapped on an island, brings them both closer together. It was cute, and I enjoyed their bantering.
I also really liked getting to see and know his family a bit more. Henry was hilarious, and things could've started off on a better note with Victoria. Then there's Brooke and Naomi tagging along, and it was just very entertaining the entire time. One disaster after another, and I was smiling the entire time.
In the end, certain things had to happen in the way that they did. It helped them realize what they truly wanted in life and focus on what needed to happen next in order for those plans to fall into place. The ending was really cute and I'm really happy that everyone is happy.
June 28, 2024
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!!
February 21, 2024
Amazing sequel to The Prince & The Apocalypse! I read the first book about a month and a half ago, after learning that I would be receiving an advanced readers copy of this book. The first book was so good that I was anxiously checking my mail every day, even though I knew it was far too early for the book to arrive.
My only issue was I had had mixed feelings on the ending. It wasn't bad at all; it is the feeling you get at the end of a TV series, 'I wouldn't have gone that way'. You might not love where the writers went with the ending, but still love it just the same.
Definitely a must read ❤️
My only issue was I had had mixed feelings on the ending. It wasn't bad at all; it is the feeling you get at the end of a TV series, 'I wouldn't have gone that way'. You might not love where the writers went with the ending, but still love it just the same.
Definitely a must read ❤️
May 3, 2024
5/3/24
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“Blimey, Wheeler. You didn’t need to resort to blackmail. If you wanted to see me so badly, you could have called.”
I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the copy of this eARC. It was a little over a year ago that I finished The Prince and the Apocolypse and was screaming and begging into my review for a sequel and at that point, there was no indication one was coming.
I adored the first novel with my entire heart, and while this one had me rolling my eyes at times, I adored the ride, and wish I could read these again for the first time. Kara McDowell owns my entire heart with how she has crafted her characters and specifically their dialogue. I would happily read an enitre book of them going grocery shopping if I could just have more of them.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the inside look to Theo's family. His siblings each had their own quirks and while their selfishness at times was aggravating I had to remind myself jut how young they were and what they had on their shoulders.
Within the first few chapters they experience one of my worst nightmares and now im delusional enough to believe I too could survive a plane crash. Or that I could survive falling into a volcano. Kidding, but maybe it would put me out of my misery knowing that the series has concluded.
In all seriousness, I don't know how Kara was able to capture me so thuroughly, but she is an autobuy author for me and if you're looking for a fun summer beach read that doesn't take itself too seriously, pick up these books.
3/3/24
I’m about to enter the biggest reading slump of my life again aren’t I… here I am, at the end of Kara’s book again and begging for a(nother) sequel. I am not ready to let them go. I’ll never be ready to let them go. Finding out there *was* going to be a sequel had me squeal in unnatural ways but now the pain of saying goodbye is so much worse.
Full review to come soon, but to the author, if you see this, Thank you for giving me more. I don’t know if it’s Theo and Wren or if you could make me fall in love with anyone you conjure up, but you’ve created a lifelong fan and I can’t wait for my next meet cute with your characters. Cheers.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“Blimey, Wheeler. You didn’t need to resort to blackmail. If you wanted to see me so badly, you could have called.”
I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the copy of this eARC. It was a little over a year ago that I finished The Prince and the Apocolypse and was screaming and begging into my review for a sequel and at that point, there was no indication one was coming.
I adored the first novel with my entire heart, and while this one had me rolling my eyes at times, I adored the ride, and wish I could read these again for the first time. Kara McDowell owns my entire heart with how she has crafted her characters and specifically their dialogue. I would happily read an enitre book of them going grocery shopping if I could just have more of them.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the inside look to Theo's family. His siblings each had their own quirks and while their selfishness at times was aggravating I had to remind myself jut how young they were and what they had on their shoulders.
Within the first few chapters they experience one of my worst nightmares and now im delusional enough to believe I too could survive a plane crash. Or that I could survive falling into a volcano. Kidding, but maybe it would put me out of my misery knowing that the series has concluded.
In all seriousness, I don't know how Kara was able to capture me so thuroughly, but she is an autobuy author for me and if you're looking for a fun summer beach read that doesn't take itself too seriously, pick up these books.
3/3/24
I’m about to enter the biggest reading slump of my life again aren’t I… here I am, at the end of Kara’s book again and begging for a(nother) sequel. I am not ready to let them go. I’ll never be ready to let them go. Finding out there *was* going to be a sequel had me squeal in unnatural ways but now the pain of saying goodbye is so much worse.
Full review to come soon, but to the author, if you see this, Thank you for giving me more. I don’t know if it’s Theo and Wren or if you could make me fall in love with anyone you conjure up, but you’ve created a lifelong fan and I can’t wait for my next meet cute with your characters. Cheers.
July 30, 2024
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.
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.
August 2, 2024
I was so excited to read this after loving The Prince and the Apocalypse last year. It was such a fun and unique story, and I adored the characters, so I couldn't wait to find out what happened to them after the conclusion of the first book. Heir, Apparently is as fun and quirky as the first book!
What's better than one disaster to bring two people together? Two! In the first book, Wren and Theo face a possible global catastrophe, and in this one, they are stranded together with others on a deserted island after surviving a plane crash. Unlike the first book where Theo and Wren are mostly alone, in this book we have a fantastic cast of friends and family to complement the protagonists. I loved the relationships and dynamics throughout the story! The dialogue is great and really highlights the connections they share, the banter is fun and funny.
My favorite part of the story, of course, is the romance between Wren and Theo. They face so many challenges both in their lives and in their relationships, and I was eager to see if they would be able to work through everything. Being stranded on a deserted island comes with its share of problems from dangerous and deadly creatures, surviving the elements, and a potentially explosive volcano. Even though Wren and Theo come from very different worlds - worlds that are difficult to fit into - it seems like during these disasters they're on more common ground.
I would definitely recommend this duology to YA readers who like disaster romances. It's fun and exciting with great characters and a unique plot and love story. Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
What's better than one disaster to bring two people together? Two! In the first book, Wren and Theo face a possible global catastrophe, and in this one, they are stranded together with others on a deserted island after surviving a plane crash. Unlike the first book where Theo and Wren are mostly alone, in this book we have a fantastic cast of friends and family to complement the protagonists. I loved the relationships and dynamics throughout the story! The dialogue is great and really highlights the connections they share, the banter is fun and funny.
My favorite part of the story, of course, is the romance between Wren and Theo. They face so many challenges both in their lives and in their relationships, and I was eager to see if they would be able to work through everything. Being stranded on a deserted island comes with its share of problems from dangerous and deadly creatures, surviving the elements, and a potentially explosive volcano. Even though Wren and Theo come from very different worlds - worlds that are difficult to fit into - it seems like during these disasters they're on more common ground.
I would definitely recommend this duology to YA readers who like disaster romances. It's fun and exciting with great characters and a unique plot and love story. Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
February 2, 2024
I was impatient for this sequel so I'm glad that this book jumped right back into things! There's a bit of a time skip in between the books so we are seeing Wren and Theo connecting a few months after the comet.
In line with the first book, this one is similarly over the top (there's a plane crash?!) but that's exactly why I love this duology. Highly unlikely events, sure, but that's all part of the fun; there is a ton of action, life threatening situations, and spontaneous decisions that made this book hard to put down. I read this in a few hours and LOVED it!
The tone feels more serious than the first book; whereas before the two really embraced a carpe diem attitude, the world is no longer ending and they have to deal with real life again--not to mention survive being stranded on an island. Theo's coronation day is approaching quickly despite his reluctance to take the throne, while Wren feels directionless as she is about to begin university as an undeclared major. The two of them have a lot to figure out, and while the plot may be unrealistic the relationships certainly feel authentic.
This sequel had a larger cast of central characters, including Theo's siblings, which offered more insight into his upbringing. I also appreciate that this book addresses the morality of the monarchy.
I'm satisfied with the way this wrapped up Wren and Theo's story, though I'd love to read more books about Victoria and Henry!
In line with the first book, this one is similarly over the top (there's a plane crash?!) but that's exactly why I love this duology. Highly unlikely events, sure, but that's all part of the fun; there is a ton of action, life threatening situations, and spontaneous decisions that made this book hard to put down. I read this in a few hours and LOVED it!
The tone feels more serious than the first book; whereas before the two really embraced a carpe diem attitude, the world is no longer ending and they have to deal with real life again--not to mention survive being stranded on an island. Theo's coronation day is approaching quickly despite his reluctance to take the throne, while Wren feels directionless as she is about to begin university as an undeclared major. The two of them have a lot to figure out, and while the plot may be unrealistic the relationships certainly feel authentic.
This sequel had a larger cast of central characters, including Theo's siblings, which offered more insight into his upbringing. I also appreciate that this book addresses the morality of the monarchy.
I'm satisfied with the way this wrapped up Wren and Theo's story, though I'd love to read more books about Victoria and Henry!
July 4, 2024
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!
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!
July 23, 2024
This is the aftermath of the almost-apocalypse, where we see Wren struggling to get back into normal life and Theo struggling with being the new monarch. Like the first book, there's a lot of craziness going on, a bit too over-the-top, but entertaining none the less.
Wren isn't super likeable to me. She's less mean in this book at least, but for how smart she supposedly is, how can she make dumb decisions? I guess she's only eighteen and I should cut her some slack, but the other teens aren't this way so I don't know.
The ending is smashed with all the drama and I wish it would have been drawn out more and given more details. At least it's clear this is the final book and things are wrapped up.
P.S. I hate these covers so much.
Wren isn't super likeable to me. She's less mean in this book at least, but for how smart she supposedly is, how can she make dumb decisions? I guess she's only eighteen and I should cut her some slack, but the other teens aren't this way so I don't know.
The ending is smashed with all the drama and I wish it would have been drawn out more and given more details. At least it's clear this is the final book and things are wrapped up.
P.S. I hate these covers so much.
July 18, 2024
Disclaimer, this is the 2nd in the series and I have not yet read the first book but I was chosen to read this ARC. Despite not reading the first book first, I will definitely be going back and reading it. Heir, Apparently was funny, action-packed, totally unbelievable at times (but it managed to feel completely believable at the same time) and I literally listened to the whole audiobook in one day. 5 stars!
May 22, 2024
I have enjoyed every book that I’ve read by this author. She’s become an auto-read author for me when it comes to YA contemporaries. This was the follow up to The Prince and the Apocalypse which ended on a VERY interesting note, so I was excited to see where the story would go from there. It went in a direction I definitely wasn’t expecting and I liked getting to spend more time with some secondary characters like Henry or Brooke. Of course I loved Comet the dog. I would say I did enjoy the first book more, but this was still a really enjoyable sequel and I’m already looking forward to this author’s next book.
July 1, 2024
4.5⭐️
My heart is still pounding from this WILD ride! If you thought The Prince & the Apocalypse was a rollercoaster, buckle up, because McDowell doesn’t hold back with the action in this sequel - this story will have your heart pounding and keep you on the edge of your seat! McDowell cranks the intensity ALL the way up and I read this in one sitting because putting it down was an impossible feat.
The Prince & the Apocalypse was one of my favorite reads in 2023 and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel after that cliffhanger ending. I’m thrilled to say it did not disappoint! I loved being reunited with Wren and Theo (and Comet!) and getting to know characters that were briefly mentioned in the first book.
What’s fascinating about this duology is how these characters are always in high stress situations, so we get to see how they quickly process and respond to plane crashes, car chases, and erupting volcanoes. Wren and Theo complement each other so beautifully - they’re strong but also deeply human. It was touching seeing Wren continue to remind Theo there is no shame in being vulnerable or leaning on your support system for help, and the moments where they held space for each other, let down their walls, and even cried together as they processed their grief and struggles was deeply moving.
I truly could not put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these characters. This story was *nearly* perfect and my heart deflated a little right near the end with some back and forth drama that hurt my heart for the characters and felt very unnecessary, BUT the ending was very satisfying and left a huge grin on my face and a hug wrapped around my heart. I really loved how McDowell dove deeper into discussing mental health from book one, AND offered a thoughtful and relevant critique of the monarchy.
If you enjoyed the first book with its epic, end of the world adventure, warmth, romance, and endearing characters, I’m confident you will love this sequel!
My heart is still pounding from this WILD ride! If you thought The Prince & the Apocalypse was a rollercoaster, buckle up, because McDowell doesn’t hold back with the action in this sequel - this story will have your heart pounding and keep you on the edge of your seat! McDowell cranks the intensity ALL the way up and I read this in one sitting because putting it down was an impossible feat.
The Prince & the Apocalypse was one of my favorite reads in 2023 and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel after that cliffhanger ending. I’m thrilled to say it did not disappoint! I loved being reunited with Wren and Theo (and Comet!) and getting to know characters that were briefly mentioned in the first book.
What’s fascinating about this duology is how these characters are always in high stress situations, so we get to see how they quickly process and respond to plane crashes, car chases, and erupting volcanoes. Wren and Theo complement each other so beautifully - they’re strong but also deeply human. It was touching seeing Wren continue to remind Theo there is no shame in being vulnerable or leaning on your support system for help, and the moments where they held space for each other, let down their walls, and even cried together as they processed their grief and struggles was deeply moving.
I truly could not put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these characters. This story was *nearly* perfect and my heart deflated a little right near the end with some back and forth drama that hurt my heart for the characters and felt very unnecessary, BUT the ending was very satisfying and left a huge grin on my face and a hug wrapped around my heart. I really loved how McDowell dove deeper into discussing mental health from book one, AND offered a thoughtful and relevant critique of the monarchy.
If you enjoyed the first book with its epic, end of the world adventure, warmth, romance, and endearing characters, I’m confident you will love this sequel!
March 13, 2024
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.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Want to read
September 29, 2023i’ve never needed a sequel/part two to a book so bad in my entire life so finding out there will be a follow up feels like Christmas in September. can it be july 2024 already PLEASE!!!
July 28, 2024
good for them i guess
June 25, 2024
3.5/5
After the major cliffhanger in the first book, I was so excited to jump into Heir, Apparently. After the first book being a little out there/unrealistic in terms of plot (which made it fun!), I was expecting book two to be a little more realistic/normal life. However, Heir, Apparently also was a little out there on the plot. So if you read this series, you definitely need to expect an out there/unrealistic plot going into it. This book did a good job of not leaving me hanging with the cliffhanger from book one, and overall I liked it. Without getting too into the plot and spoiling book one for those who may not have read it yet, I think I just needed a little more romance throughout book two and felt like I didn’t get quite enough. I liked the ending though and felt like it was a good ending to the series/duology (but who knows, maybe there’ll be a third book??). I definitely liked this one, just a little less than the first book. But it was still a fun read!
Heir, Apparently is out July 9th! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
After the major cliffhanger in the first book, I was so excited to jump into Heir, Apparently. After the first book being a little out there/unrealistic in terms of plot (which made it fun!), I was expecting book two to be a little more realistic/normal life. However, Heir, Apparently also was a little out there on the plot. So if you read this series, you definitely need to expect an out there/unrealistic plot going into it. This book did a good job of not leaving me hanging with the cliffhanger from book one, and overall I liked it. Without getting too into the plot and spoiling book one for those who may not have read it yet, I think I just needed a little more romance throughout book two and felt like I didn’t get quite enough. I liked the ending though and felt like it was a good ending to the series/duology (but who knows, maybe there’ll be a third book??). I definitely liked this one, just a little less than the first book. But it was still a fun read!
Heir, Apparently is out July 9th! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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