In order to inherit the Hawthorne fortune, Avery must live in the mansion for a full year.  At least she knows she is not a Hawthorne so Avery doesn't have to worry about being related to Jameson and Grayson, but that may have made her decision easier.  As Avery struggles to fully trust the Hawthorne grandsons, more secrets come out about the family and it is up to them to piece everything together before it is too late.

I was a little concerned that I wouldn't remember enough of The Inheritance Games when I started The Hawthorne Legacy, but it does recap what you need to know.  I like that although The Hawthorne Legacy picks up where The Inheritance Games left off, the primary puzzle of the sequel is new.  While it still connects to the larger mystery, I like when books in a series have their own plots instead of feeling like it's just another part to the first one.  I'm really looking forward to the finale of this trilogy!