Title: The Heartbeat Heist
Author: Florence Gray
Publication date: August 26, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- M/F
- Romantic Fantasy
- 1st person single POV
- Heart bonds
- Thieves
- One bed
- First of a duology
- Secret identity
- Shadow daddy
- Slow burn
- 1800s France
First Thoughts
I’m speechless. I honestly didn’t even know how to review this book without spoilers so I had to think on that and wait to post a full review to my website after a few days. But… Wow. Read it. That’s all. 5 stars. But be prepared to stare at a wall for a while unable to wrap your head around the ending. If you’re anything like me, at least.
Minor spoilers ahead.
“Maybe not to you,” I said, flashing my own blade. “But he’s my trouble.”
The Story
The Heartbeat Heist is a sort of urban fantasy set in 1800s France that follows Evelyn, AKA The Bird of Bordeaux as she attempts her biggest heist yet. When she is approached by a mysterious stranger who offers her enough money to provide safety and security for her and the children in her orphanage, she can’t turn it down. Unfortunately, Evelyn is not the only thief offered the job – Jaq, a handsome stranger she met an her last heist, is also offered the job, AND MORE MONEY. She quickly realizes she, unfortunately, needs to work with the mysterious man. But that does NOT means she trusts him. Because, frankly, his part of the reward could do so much for those children. She might even have to leave him behind…
“If I couldn’t love him, then I would hate him with every fiber of my being. If I couldn’t kiss him, then I would kill him instead.”
Magic System
The Heartbeat Heist has minimal magic, honestly. Our MMC is a shadow daddy, but we don’t see a whole lot of him using it in this first book really. There are magical objects and magical tricks used, but it’s never really explained how some people are able to use it. Or at least not that I noticed. I didn’t mind, though. Also there are some strange beings, vampires etc., that make an appearance.
The Romance
Evelyn and Jaq are reluctant to get close to each other. Jaq less so than Evelyn. She really feels like she needs to keep her distance. Unfortunately for her, the chemistry between them is undeniable. After a few close calls and “this never happened” moments, the romance took an abrupt turn and I could practically hear them say “fuck it” as they gave in to the spark between them.
“We both know you won’t kill me,” he taunted. “Now, be a good girl and lower the weapon.”
The tension was only elevated with the addition of the heart bond that was required of them to be able to complete the heist. They could feel strong emotions, feel each other’s heartbeats, and it created a connection that would last between them forever if they allowed it to – and if they both survived. I really loved this addition to the romance in The Heartbeat Heist because it added that extra sweetness to their romance.
“No matter what we see, no matter what we endure, I’m enduring it with you.”
“Don’t let go.”
Our MMC is pretty much perfection. Witty, easy going, lovably arrogant, infuriatingly charming. And our FMC is much more goal oriented, stoic, hard-headed. This creates the BEST banter. It’s seriously written so well.
“Do you argue for the sake of it, or do you enjoy driving women mad?”
Jaq cocked his head to the side. “I’m not sure. Is it working?”
Final Thoughts
I’m so looking forward to book two!! Thanks so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
