A Thousand Heartbeats - by Kiera Cass

Book Synopsis

#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.

Review Quotes

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