Literature & Fiction
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A Thousand Heartbeats
#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Selection series Kiera Cass is back with her most epic novel yet-a sweeping enemies-to-lovers standalone romance.
"Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time."
Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort-but no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn't her own to control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.
Miles away, small comforts are few and far between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the idea of love is merely a distraction-nothing will stand in the way of fighting for his people.
But when love, against all odds, finds them both, they are bound by its call. They can't possibly be together-but the irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won't let them stay apart.
Kiera Cass brings her signature sparkling romance to this beautiful story of star-crossed lovers and long-held secrets.
"Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time."
Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort-but no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn't her own to control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.
Miles away, small comforts are few and far between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the idea of love is merely a distraction-nothing will stand in the way of fighting for his people.
But when love, against all odds, finds them both, they are bound by its call. They can't possibly be together-but the irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won't let them stay apart.
Kiera Cass brings her signature sparkling romance to this beautiful story of star-crossed lovers and long-held secrets.
Editorial Reviews
"Cass's storytelling is flawless as she presents the star-crossed lovers' attempts to stay true to their own kingdoms. It's an enchanting tale that readers will enjoy watching unfold." - School Library Journal
PRAISE FOR THE BETROTHED: "Fans of The Selection series will anxiously await the second installment of this duology to learn Hollis's fate." - School Library Journal
"A headstrong heroine whom Cass's loyal following will champion." - Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR KIERA CASS: "A real page-turner. Romance, royalty, and revolution in a reality-show format serve Cass' boldly rendered heroine well in her quest for justice and love." - ALA Booklist
"America has the right mix of sass and heart, and her over-the-top royal treatment is enough to make any reader who has ever played dress-up envious. Cass wisely keeps readers on the edge of their seats to find out who Maxon will finally choose as his bride." - Publishers Weekly
"An engrossing tale reminiscent of Shannon Hale's Princess Academy and Ally Condie's Matched. Fairy-tale lovers will lose themselves in America's alternate reality and wish that the next glamorous sequel were waiting for them." - School Library Journal
"Deliciously entertaining." - Publishers Weekly
"Cass's immensely readable debut novel is a less drastic Hunger Games, with elaborate fashion and trappings. The fast-paced action will have readers gasping for the upcoming sequel." - ALA Booklist
"A cross between The Hunger Games (minus the bloodsport) and The Bachelor (minus the bloodsport), this trilogy launch is a lot of fun. Cass deftly builds the chemistry between America and Maxon, while stoking the embers of America's first, forbidden love." - Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR THE BETROTHED: "Fans of The Selection series will anxiously await the second installment of this duology to learn Hollis's fate." - School Library Journal
"A headstrong heroine whom Cass's loyal following will champion." - Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR KIERA CASS: "A real page-turner. Romance, royalty, and revolution in a reality-show format serve Cass' boldly rendered heroine well in her quest for justice and love." - ALA Booklist
"America has the right mix of sass and heart, and her over-the-top royal treatment is enough to make any reader who has ever played dress-up envious. Cass wisely keeps readers on the edge of their seats to find out who Maxon will finally choose as his bride." - Publishers Weekly
"An engrossing tale reminiscent of Shannon Hale's Princess Academy and Ally Condie's Matched. Fairy-tale lovers will lose themselves in America's alternate reality and wish that the next glamorous sequel were waiting for them." - School Library Journal
"Deliciously entertaining." - Publishers Weekly
"Cass's immensely readable debut novel is a less drastic Hunger Games, with elaborate fashion and trappings. The fast-paced action will have readers gasping for the upcoming sequel." - ALA Booklist
"A cross between The Hunger Games (minus the bloodsport) and The Bachelor (minus the bloodsport), this trilogy launch is a lot of fun. Cass deftly builds the chemistry between America and Maxon, while stoking the embers of America's first, forbidden love." - Publishers Weekly
Readers Top Reviews
Stephanie S.
This was the darkest Kiera Cass book I’ve read ( and I think I’ve read them all but one). The main character has a dark past that is referred to throughout-and the psychological effect of his actions on other characters is glossed over -because- love. But that’s not what made me abruptly quit reading. The description of the killing ( and mutilation of body) of a beloved pet animal was too dark. I don’t read Kiera Cass for dark, painful depictions of the actual worst of humanity. The real world has enough of those. Bringing in a character sadistically killing a innocent animal just to cause pain-caused me pain and was so distasteful I stopped reading right then and there.
leticia Stephan
I love all kiera books, can’t wait to read it and i’m pretty sure it’s going to be amazing like all others
Amanda S.leticia
I have been anticipating this book ever since Kiera Cass started the hashtag #thebookimnotwriting. And I’m happy to say it did not disappoint! I really enjoyed the overall setting of this story. Cass did a fantastic job with worldbuilding. I felt like I was there, walking through the castles and experiencing everything the characters were. I also thought the characters were well-developed! Annika was a strongwilled, kick-butt heroine who met her perfect match in the sweet, yet mighty Lennox. I absolutely LOVED the dual POV. For this being her first time writing that way, I thought Cass wrote the book fabulously and I really enjoyed getting Lennox’s POV. You don’t want to miss this book if you like: 🏰Medieval royalty vibes 🏰Enemies to lovers 🏰Plot twists 🏰Slow burn romance 🏰Love against all odds 🏰Standalone, Dual POV novels Content warning: death, violence, abusive men Thank you so much to HarperTeen and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
