Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Four brothers. Two missions. One explosive read. Jennifer Lynn Barnes returns to the world of her #1 bestselling Inheritance Games trilogy, and the stakes have never been higher. . . . 
 
Grayson Hawthorne was raised as the heir apparent to his billionaire grandfather, taught from the cradle to put family first. Now the great Tobias Hawthorne is dead and his family disinherited, but some lessons linger. When Grayson’s half-sisters find themselves in trouble, he swoops in to do what he does best: take care of the problem—efficiently, effectively, mercilessly. And without getting bogged down in emotional entanglements.
 
Jameson Hawthorne is a risk-taker, a sensation-seeker, a player of games. When his mysterious father appears and asks for a favor, Jameson can’t resist the challenge. Now he must infiltrate London’s most exclusive underground gambling club, which caters to the rich, the powerful, and the aristocratic, and win an impossible game of greatest stakes. Luckily, Jameson Hawthorne lives for impossible.
 
Drawn into twisted games on opposite sides of the globe, Grayson and Jameson—with the help of their brothers and the girl who inherited their grandfather’s fortune—must dig deep to decide who they want to be and what each of them will sacrifice to win.

The Inheritance Games #4

The Brothers Hawthorne

Sophia

And in that moment, staring at her, imagining this future with her, Jameson knew: He was going to tell her everything. If he’d learned one thing from the Game he’d played—and won—it was that he could trust himself to tell her.

He was more than hunger, more than want, more than drive, more than what Tobias Hawthorne had raised him to be.

“Do you believe it now?” Avery asked him. “That you are extraordinary?”

The way she said the word made him feel like he was, like he always had been. Like winning might never be enough, but he was. Together, they were.

“I didn’t say that.” Jameson thought back to the moment before he’d leapt onto the bell. He’d hesitated, one thing—one person—on his mind. Avery. Jameson was fast cars and tantalizing risks, laughing in the face of danger and stepping right up to the edge of magnificent drops. But he was also 

Jameson looked to Avery. He saw nothing in the room but Avery. “Give the key to Zella,” he said softly.

Two years earlier, Jameson wouldn’t have hesitated to do the same. He would have welcomed the danger, the thrill, used it to wash away everything else. But now?

 matter what you win, he could hear Ian saying, you always need more.

Jameson came to a stop and turned to face her, so he could quiet the storm inside in the only way he knew how. He pushed Avery’s wild, wind-blown hair back from her face. She tilted her head back, and he brought his lips down on hers—not hard this time but soft and slow. His mouth hurt. His face and body hurt. Everything hurt. But kissing Avery? That hurt in the best possible way.

“Men like us love only once,” the old man said quietly. “Fully. Wholeheartedly. It’s all-consuming and eternal. All these years your grandmother has been gone.…” Tobias Hawthorne’s eyes closed. “And there hasn’t been anyone else. There can’t and won’t be. Because when you love a woman or a man or anyone the way we love, there is no going back.” That felt like a warning more than a promise.

“So there is no what if I’d chosen a different life or fallen in love with someone truly capable of loving me back. There is no what if I knew then what I know now. No regret. There can’t be. Because as much as I want a different life right now, I want to be their mom more.”

, Grayson thought, but it was, because he had never in his life been that for anyone, least of all Skye. And suddenly, he wanted to play what-if himself, because having that—it would have changed everything.

“I’m not asking you to, Jameson.” Avery brought her hand to his abdomen, just under his rib cage—his bruised and battered rib cage. “I am asking you,” she continued fiercely, “to remember that 

Once upon a time, he would have had a flippant response for that, would have deployed it like a grenade. But not now. Not with her.

I don't like Ian but I still kinda do💀 He reminds me so much of Jameson.. Why can't he be like Xander's dad and built a connection😭 I pray to god this is his way of doing exactly that and not just get it back and never speak to him again🥲

“You winked at him? During the descent?” Ian threw his head back and laughed. It was so unexpected that Jameson almost didn’t notice—

That last sentence, more than anything else, convinced Jameson that Ian’s offer was genuine. 

If I win him Vantage, he’ll leave it to me.

 The Hawthorne side of Jameson recognized the obvious: He could win it for himself, cut Ian out.

But then it wouldn’t be a gift from his father.

He needed this. He needed her. Kissing Avery always felt right. It felt like everything, like more, like there was a purpose to his hunger, and this was it. This was it. This was it.

And still, he couldn’t turn off the part of his brain that said he’d failed. That yet again, he wasn’t enough. 

I literally LOVE that they are partners in crime

“You’re going to do it, aren’t you?” Avery asked.

Jameson opened his eyes, stared into hers, then lit the fuse.

Love him😭 trying to find a connection even if he doesn't want any🤧

But Jameson wasn’t the Hawthorne known for making the smart choice. He took risks. He went with his gut. This might be the only conversation we ever have.

If Avery had wanted to force him to tell her, she could have. One little word— Tahiti— and his secrets would have been hers. But she wouldn’t force this, and Jameson knew that, and it killed him. Everything about her killed him in the best possible way. 

“You’ve got that look on your face.”

Jameson ran a hand over Avery’s hair. Her head was still on his chest, but her eyes were open.

Avery’s brain was just as wired for puzzles as his was. 

I love them😭 idk how anyone could ever be Team Grayson but thank god we left that behind us

Heads or tails was an invitation. A challenge. You kiss me, or I kiss you. “Dealer’s choice, Heiress.” 

I literally LOVED the he's hungry quote in the series but I'm also worried he's too hungry to really fuck it up in the future💀

The roar of the falls. The mist in the air. The feel of the back of Avery’s body against the front of his. Jameson Winchester Hawthorne was hungry— for this, for her, for everything, all of it, more. 

shiya

“It was—now and always—Jameson and Avery against the world.”

taci

"Have a different answer for me, Hawthorne?" Rohan asked. "As a matter of fact," Jameson replied. “I do." He held Rohan's gaze, his own blazing, adrenaline coursing through his veins. “Silence. " Jameson let the answer hang in the air, just for a moment. "More valuable than secrets," he continued. The ability to say nothing, to keep those secrets. Silence. “And this"-Jameson nodded toward the silver chestisn't just a box. It's a music box. The music plays, the ballerina turns. Except this time, no music. Silence." Rohan's lips slowly curled into a closed-mouthed smile. “It looks like we have a winner”

Jameson closed his eyes. He thought back to the very beginning of the game. He remembered the instructions that Rohan had given them. And then he smiled.

The truth, Jameson, is that you are indeed intelligent. But what had he done with his gap year? What had he ever really done, period, that was his? Not Avery's. Not his grandfather's. His. Do great things. Jameson had spent his entire life knowing that if he wanted to be extraordinary, he had to want it more. He had to be willing to risk more. Third-born sons are.. disappointing. Jameson banished that thought, banished every memory of coming in second-or third or fourth. He breathed in a ragged breath, then a steady one. He kept right on breathing. And then the bell rang.

"If you don't have the key, ma' am, and you're not the primary account holder, then I'm afraid you're going to have to" The bank manager didn't get the chance to finish that sentence. Savannah reached beneath the high-necked shirt she was wearing and pulled out a chain, identical to Gigi's. On the end of the chain, there was another key. "Try mine," Savannah said. Grayson stared at her. Since when do vou baye a key?" Gigi asked.

“If you're going to succeed," lan replied, all trace of laughter gone from his tone, "you're going to have to do a hell of a lot more than win at the tables." Know no fear. Hold nothing back. Jameson felt something unfurling inside himself. Then I won't confine mỷ winning to the tables." He could do this. He was this. Tomorrow, I'll start the night in the ring."

I was WAY more invested in Jameson's story than Grayson's. In fact I don't think I cared for Grayson once it became clear the threat wasn't really there and he just had issues with letting people close lmao

I wish Jameson had his own book and then Grayson one of his own as well.

I was WAY more invested in Jameson's story than Grayson's. In fact I don't think I cared for Grayson once it became clear the threat wasn't really there and he just had issues with letting people close lmao

I wish Jameson had his own book and then Grayson one of his own as well.

I missed this world. This was a little different than what the series originally felt like. I love the puzzles still included but the other part of the plot reminded me of the Debutante Duet also by Barnes. I really wish Grayson’s character would have been written in the first three books like this one. He was still going through things but wasn’t unlikeable because of the whole love triangle thing. This ending was wild and I’m excited for more of this series to continue and just know I’m going to love it. 

Priscilla Stanfield

loved both grayson and jameson’s sories! book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time!!

Hannah Williams

Catia

i likes the book it had me going crazy wanting to know what would happen after the twists. i was so glad that i read this because i havent read in a while and ( 1 1/2 months) and this book definitely tokk me out of a readin slump. 4.5⭐️

In "A Very Risky Gamble," the absence of Eve and the constant mention of Jameson's full name left me perplexed as Grayson's fate remained unresolved. The announcement of another book evoked skepticism, yet the hope for Grayson's redemption compelled me to read on.

Despite initial doubts, the alternating perspectives between Jameson and Grayson proved intriguing. While Jameson's storyline lacked depth, Grayson's journey towards healing and self-discovery resonated deeply. The introduction of his family, particularly Gigi, added layers to his character.

Although Grayson's transformation fell short of expectations, his gradual acceptance of happiness was a redeeming aspect. While the series may not be a literary masterpiece, its characters and their growth offer a compelling narrative.

Looking ahead, I anticipate Grayson's resurgence in the next installment. While healing is commendable, a satisfying comeback is imperative to justify continued investment in the series.

Liana

In "A Very Risky Gamble," the absence of Eve and the constant mention of Jameson's full name left me perplexed as Grayson's fate remained unresolved. The announcement of another book evoked skepticism, yet the hope for Grayson's redemption compelled me to read on.

Despite initial doubts, the alternating perspectives between Jameson and Grayson proved intriguing. While Jameson's storyline lacked depth, Grayson's journey towards healing and self-discovery resonated deeply. The introduction of his family, particularly Gigi, added layers to his character.

Although Grayson's transformation fell short of expectations, his gradual acceptance of happiness was a redeeming aspect. While the series may not be a literary masterpiece, its characters and their growth offer a compelling narrative.

Looking ahead, I anticipate Grayson's resurgence in the next installment. While healing is commendable, a satisfying comeback is imperative to justify continued investment in the series.

BRO IT WAS INSANE!! The middle is kinda eh BUT THE ENDING??? HELLO??? Totally shocked with the two plot twists and that makes me excited for The Grandest Game!! 

elle

I’m obsessed with all the brothers especially Jameson 

There were too many characters to remember 

Saya Snyder 

The last 150 pages was SO good

The beginning was insanely good too 

I’m obsessed with all the brothers especially Jameson 

The middle was lowk bad 

There were too many characters to remember 

nina 

4.5/5

I missed them SO MUCH!

I was not expecting to have two different plots, but I loved it. Jameson's plot was my favorite but Grayson's plot was so important to me. 

I wish we had more of Xander and Nash tho! 

I am just so happy of the family they became and I love them so much. God, my heart is just dying rn. 

I NEED TO NEXT BOOK RN.

meh dnf i think 3 books are enough.. im gonna read it tho when i feel like im in a jameson avery kind of mood 

hanni

this was very entertaining I’m glad I read it! I think overall the plot wasn’t as tight as the main series bc it was meant to add character development to the boys and not necessarily focus on the plot but oh I looooved jameson’s plot it was so exciting and fun, and I liked seeing Avery from an outsider’s POV. I hope there’s another one in the works, and that that other one maybe focuses a little more on nash and xander too bc I love them nash is my bestie

fris🐝

Not my fool ass thinking this was me finishing this series finally by reading this... a series that I am so weary of, only to discover it's the start of a whole new trilogy?! Girl...

Apiecalypse Jen

Jess

Loved Gigi and Savannah -- excited for the next book!

I love how easy it is to read these books. The chapters where extremely short and I loved the dubble storyline. I do wonder if the series Neede an other book… I also thought of how good these books would be as a movie!

Emma Kamer

FOUR BROTHERS. TWO MISSIONS. ONE EXPLOSIVE READ. Jennifer Lynn Barnes returns to the world of her international #1 bestselling, 'impossible to put down' (Buzzfeed), thrilling Inheritance Games trilogy, and the stakes have never been higher. Grayson Hawthorne was raised as the heir apparent to his billionaire grandfather, taught from the cradle to put family first. Now the great Tobias Hawthorne is dead and his family disinherited, but some lessons linger. When Grayson's half-sisters find themselves in trouble, he swoops in to do what he does best: take care of the problem - efficiently, effectively, mercilessly. And without getting bogged down in emotional entanglements. Jameson Hawthorne is a risk-taker, a sensation-seeker, a player of games. When his mysterious father appears and asks for a favor, Jameson can't resist the challenge. Now he must infiltrate London's most exclusive underground gambling club, which caters to the rich, the powerful, and the aristocratic, and win an impossible game of greatest stakes. Luckily, Jameson Hawthorne lives for impossible. Drawn into twisted games on opposite sides of the globe, Grayson and Jameson - with the help of their brothers and the girl who inherited their grandfather's fortune - must dig deep to decide who they want to be and what each of them will sacrifice to win. AND THERE'S NOTHING MORE HAWTHORNE THAN WINNING . . . Praise for The Inheritance Games: 'Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists.' E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars 'Impossible to put down' Buzzfeed

I had such high expectations for this book because I loved The Inheritance Games, and it lived up to them! Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ writing always amazes me! I love that things that seem minor can turn into such important things even books later. The world building is so impressive and fascinating. I love the characters so much. I was hooked and kept wanting to pick it up and I can’t wait for the next book! I will always love any books in this world and will definitely be rereading them!

Michaela

the best parts of the book for me was averyjameson and gigi!! gigi is honestly my new fav

i wish the book had more moments with the brothers together but its understandable that the book is about the brothers' separate journeys. i would've liked to see nash's and xander's journeys as well.

for jameson's plot - it was fun and interesting to see the secret society storyline! jameson was having his kenough moment in this book! finding his self-worth! LOVED all the averyjameson moments <3

for grayson's plot - i felt like i understood grayson better as a character after this book. his storyline showcased grayson's slow build up for his eventual character development. however, his character development fell a little flat for me like grayson realized that he love his sisters but then didn't go back for them?? like he just accepted that he lost them like gigi had to go to him IDK UGH

the best parts of the book for me was averyjameson and gigi!! gigi is honestly my new fav

i wish the book had more moments with the brothers together but its understandable that the book is about the brothers' separate journeys. i would've liked to see nash's and xander's journeys as well.


spoilers incoming
for jameson's plot - it was fun and interesting to see the secret society storyline! jameson was having his kenough moment in this book! finding his self-worth! LOVED all the averyjameson moments <3

for grayson's plot - i felt like i understood grayson better as a character after this book. his storyline showcased grayson's slow build up for his eventual character development. however, his character development fell a little flat for me like grayson realized that he love his sisters but then didn't go back for them?? like he just accepted that he lost them like gigi had to go to him IDK UGH

I really like the series, although I wasn‘t sure about the 4th book in the beginning. I especially loved the growth of the characters. Can’t wait for the next one :)

Lili

Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne are both involved in adventures that include their blood relatives.  Grayson's half sisters and their mother are in trouble, and he isn't about to let them lose everything even though he believes they hate him.  In helping them, though, he must be careful to keep a devastating secret about their father.  Jameson has been looking for another challenge, one that will occupy his mind and make him feel he is worthy of the Hawthorne name.  When his father, Ian, presents him with a test that consists of a game to play, Jameson can't resist.

The Brothers Hawthorne is a bit of a departure from the original three books in the Inheritance Games series.  While characters are familiar, the main conflict only includes the two brothers, each with a different game of his own to play.  The other two Hawthorne brothers and Avery are still involved, but they are just supporting characters in this book.  One problem with this story is that there are so many references to the original trilogy that all of the books need to be binged in order for those details to be fresh in the reader's mind.  Also, the emotional stakes aren't high enough for the reader to be able to connect with the characters and the plot lines never intersect, which doesn't allow for Jameson and Grayson to have any conflict between the two of them.  However, the two mysteries and the clues that lead to their solutions are well developed and enjoyable to read.  Overall, The Brothers Hawthorne is two good mysteries that lack emotional depth. 

Lynn Braden

Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne are both involved in adventures that include their blood relatives.  Grayson's half sisters and their mother are in trouble, and he isn't about to let them lose everything even though he believes they hate him.  In helping them, though, he must be careful to keep a devastating secret about their father.  Jameson has been looking for another challenge, one that will occupy his mind and make him feel he is worthy of the Hawthorne name.  When his father, Ian, presents him with a test that consists of a game to play, Jameson can't resist.

The Brothers Hawthorne is a bit of a departure from the original three books in the Inheritance Games series.  While characters are familiar, the main conflict only includes the two brothers, each with a different game of his own to play.  The other two Hawthorne brothers and Avery are still involved, but they are just supporting characters in this book.  One problem with this story is that there are so many references to the original trilogy that all of the books need to be binged in order for those details to be fresh in the reader's mind.  Also, the emotional stakes aren't high enough for the reader to be able to connect with the characters and the plot lines never intersect, which doesn't allow for Jameson and Grayson to have any conflict between the two of them.  However, the two mysteries and the clues that lead to their solutions are well developed and enjoyable to read.  Overall, The Brothers Hawthorne is two good mysteries that lack emotional depth. 

No one speak to me. How Jennifer Lynn Barnes manages to amaze me every time will never not mesmerize me.

The Brothers Hawthorne The Inheritance Games #4

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