The Dog Comes First: Heir, Apparently Review

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and are my own.

Publication Date: July 9, 2024

Author: Kara McDowell

Synopsis

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.

Review

“Heir, Apparently” by Kara McDowell is a captivating and entertaining sequel that continues the whirlwind romance and adventure of its predecessor, picking up right where the first book left off. Filled with action, comedy, and plenty of heart, this novel takes readers on a journey that is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

From the outset, the story grabs readers’ attention with its fast-paced narrative and engaging characters. The chemistry between Wren and Theo is palpable, and their banter adds a delightful sense of humor to the story. McDowell does a fantastic job of building tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot unfolds.

However, while the first two-thirds of the book maintain a strong pace and tone, the final third feels somewhat rushed and lacking in depth. The comedic elements that were prevalent earlier in the story seem to fade away, and the ending, while satisfying, feels somewhat flat compared to the rest of the book.

Despite this, “Heir, Apparently” offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as the morality of monarchy and the complexities of relationships. The introduction of the side cast adds depth and dimension to the story, and the inclusion of mental health representation is commendable, although it could have been explored more thoroughly when compared to the first book.

Overall, “Heir, Apparently” is a fun and enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of romance and adventure. While it may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it still delivers an entertaining and satisfying conclusion to Wren and Theo’s story. McDowell’s witty writing style and engaging characters make this a book worth picking up for anyone looking for a light-hearted escape.