A review by readwithmekt
The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

The Hawthorne brothers have always had more expected of them. Whether it was from expectations for the future or completing weekly challenges set to them by their grandfather. Now the boys are faced with 2 challenges. Jameson and Avery are presented with a challenge that he just can't turn down, because he always has to win. Grayson is faced with a challenge that he is positive he can manage on his own, that is until emotions come into the picture. Will the brothers be able to come together to solve the challenges? 
 
I have loved this series since the first book and this installment is no different. I really enjoyed the switch up to having it be from the boys point of view. The change between the present and the past was incredible because I felt that I got the chance to learn more about the boys and their experiences growing up with “the old man”. 
 
As with all multiple POV books I loved the switching. I will admit there were some times when I got frustrated because the perspective would change right as something big was about to happen! This just ended up motivating me to read just one more chapter often. I wish that there had been chapters from all the brother’s POVs but I enjoyed learning more about Grayson and Jameson specifically. 
 
I loved the 2 mysteries that were dealt with throughout. I will be honest and say that I experienced many emotions while reading and there were times when I would get incredibly frustrated and then want to protect the characters because the adults kind of suck! 
 
Jennifer Lynn Barnes does an absolutely incredible job of writing books that involve puzzles. It is something that I have not found a match to since starting to read her books. I get sucked in and hope that I can solve the puzzles before they are resolved. I did not solve any of these puzzles before the answers were revealed, which I love! 
 
With short chapters and fast pacing this is a wonderful addition to this series. I am so excited to see what the next book will bring! I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous for Grayson, iykyk.