Boy, do I love historical setting books with some fantasy aspects to it. This book definitely has it all. looking for a slow burn with a mysterious stranger? Check. Want banter and tension between characters? Check. Need an action along with some magic? Check.

I love that the FMC is a strong-willed character who has her sights set on her next task. the MMC is definitely a mysterious but quick wit guy. The stakes get higher and higher. This was a story I did not want to put down. I can't wait to see what is next.

This is a historical romantasy featuring the FMC, Evelyn, and the MMC, Jaq, thieves who must complete a heist under the streets of Paris. The underworld is full of darkness, mystery, and magic - a great blend of history and fantasy.

I particularly enjoyed Jaq, our shadow daddy, who is mysterious and caring towards Evelyn, and I found myself wanting more of him. The banter between him and Evelyn is fun to read, and it's fun to watch them grow together.

A good read, and I'm looking forward to the next book!

Thank you netgalley and Victory Editing for giving me this wonderful Earc to give you an honest review.

I love reading about a good heist and this book was all I needed. I love the fact that the author mixed history lore, magic and science into a whole plot without making it seem like too much.

The fmc, Evelyn known as the 'Bird of the Bordeaux' is a well known thief who's trying to make enough money so that the orphanage won't be close down.

She's given the heist of a life time and the opportunity to get revenge on the man who killed her parents when she was a child.

She has always worked solo but for this heist she's forced to team up with Jaq our MMC who btw is a shadow daddy 🤭✨.

Their banter together was so much fun to read and adds to the tension between them.

Their relationship only grows when the heist doesn't go as planned and they have to depend on each other to complete the mission. 🙂

The cliffhanger didn't do it for me because I saw it from a mile away but I'll still read the second book when it comes out because I need more doses of Jaq and Evelyn.

Title: The Heartbeat Heist by Florence Gray
Publication Date: August 26, 2025
Reviewed via: NetGalley
Review posted on: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Instagram
Review run date: August 25, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am completely consumed by The Heartbeat Heist and it refuses to leave my mind. This story is sharp, seductive, and full of danger—the kind of book that pulls you in and never lets go.

Evelyn is bold, brilliant, and jumps off the page. Her choices had me gasping, laughing, and deeply invested in every moment. She’s clever, daring, and layered with a heart that makes her unforgettable.

Jaq? The SHADOW DADDY energy barely scratches the surface. Protective, magnetic, frustrating, and swoon-worthy, the tension between him and Evelyn is ELECTRIC. Their chemistry kept my heart pounding.

Florence Gray’s Paris is cinematic and immersive—dark, mysterious, and dripping with danger. The heist plot is flawless chaos, packed with twists, reveals, and stakes that kept me breathless. Suspense and romance weave together perfectly, making this impossible to put down.

This is a MUST for your fall TBR. Thrilling, clever, swoony, and gloriously chaotic. I preordered immediately and already know I’ll revisit this story again and again.

“Those who can’t worship you in all your glory could never afford even a moment in your presence.”

This book is a masterclass in tension, atmosphere, and swoony chaos. Evelyn and Jaq had me gasping, laughing, and holding my breath all at once. The world is cinematic, dangerous, and utterly addictive. I am obsessed.

I’d like to start off this review by thanking the publisher, netgalley and Florence Grey for an early copy of this amazing book!

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A heist, plenty of twists and turns, so much longing and slow burn romance, characters that will draw you in and have you falling in love so immediately that’ll leave you wanting book two as soon as possible! That doesn’t even begin to describe the amazing world-building, fantastic characters growth, hilarious banter between characters, and an ending that’ll leave you gasping, so if all of that sounds like the perfect next read than I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Heartbeat Heist today!

Evelyn is a thief… and a pretty good one at that. Her alias - The Bird of Bordeaux - is infamous, it strikes fear and grudging respect from all those who hear the name. Evelyn’s life goal wasn’t necessarily to become a thief but when she has people she loved who need coin to survive and a town that’s refused her help at every turn well she’s turned to what she’s good at… robbing the rich to feed the poor. And a mysterious man called the Reaper has just offered her the deal of a lifetime… but of course the deal of a lifetime comes with more than one danger and a partner. But for someone who has always worked alone Jaq is an unwanted obstacle on this mission. As they work together though Jaq proves he might just be worth a partnership with her after all. What seemed like a straightforward mission though has been anything but, and Evelyn’s feelings for Jaq will either be her saving grace or her inevitable downfall!

From page ONE this book had me enchanted! I loved our FMC, she was strong morally grey, but also everything she did was done with mostly good intentions. And I loved that she wasn’t afraid to put people in their place when they crossed or underestimated her or to protect those she loved fiercely! And Jaq was such a mysterious character everytime I thought I might have his character pinned down he’d do something to reintroduce that air of mystery that keeps you on your toes. The chemistry between Jaq and Eve was certainly not to be ignored! In fact you’ll be rooting for their romance from the second the two first swap words! Truly if you’re looking for a book that’s filled with mystery, a pinch of magic, more than one twist that’ll keep you dancing on your toes, a fantastic romance, and amazing characters I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list ASAP!

HAPPY READING 📖

Gray does a wonderful job of creating this fantasized and re-imagined alternative France in the wake of the Reign of Terror. Using Bordeaux as a backdrop, we sees how known thief "The Bird of Bordeaux" navigates this city of corruption. Our FMC, Evelyn, flies under the radar as this master thief knowing no one would ever suspect the Bird of being a woman. As a result, she slips through the cracks doing job after job.

After a particularly close call, where she also meets our MMC (Jaq), she is presented with the opportunity of a great heist and the opportunity to get revenge on the man who killed her parents when she was a child. She is forced to team up with Jaq, vowing to double cross him at the end of the job in order to take his earnings for herself. As the two grow closer, it becomes harder and harder for her actually put this plan into place. With stubborn and contradictory at times, Evelyn is a fun character at times to follow. Her banter with Jaq is fun and adds to the tension between the two of them.

The plot mixes together bits of magic, history, lore, and science as these two plot to get revenge on a known nemesis. However, the heist goes awry and they have to rely on their wits and each other to complete the mission. Gray does leave the reader on a rather interesting cliffhanger that makes you want to know exactly what happens next. I hope in the next book we can see more descriptions of the world around them and the magic that exists in this world.

The Heartbeat Heist had me in the first half. Its witty with a strong badass lead and a compelling MMC. The plot, magic, shadow man, banter, and wit were spot on. I did enjoy this read as a fun historical romantsy. Evelyn is a strong FMC we rarely see with a MMC like Jaq who would bleed for her.

However, I felt lost in the middle and it was leading up to something that fell flat to me with the plot. As the reader, I did not feel satisfied with the ending as it all seem predictable, shocking but I saw it coming. The ending is worth sticking around for though and I'm hoping there's a second to dive back in with Evelyn and Jaq.

thank you for netgalley and the author for an early copy of this e-arc

i would of given this book higher as i really did enjoy it but i cannot as i dislike the ending its not what i wanted to happen :(

the whole journey was amazing twists and turns and alot happened i didnt expect to.

the FMC at the end really just didnt go it for me and felt she almost turned into a villian somehow.

3.5
It was an okay story, nothing that swept me of my feet. Still enjoyed it though but won’t be reading anymore

The hold this book is gonna have on me!

She’s a thief and a very good one. When she is brought this special heist she knows she can never turn it down. She wants to protect her sister and give her a future. This heist could help the revenge for her family. Her partner on this well he’s dreamy!!! Jaq is just so much fun and sexy! Ugh i absolutely fell in love with him right away!

I will forever be on team Jaq no matter what!

“It seems you’re quite accustomed to the dark, but perhaps it’s what’s in the dark that makes the terror worthwhile.”

⭐️ 3/5

This book pulled me in with its mix of historical setting, subtle magic, and a romance that felt natural and forward throughout. The writing style was smooth and easy to follow, making it a fun read. But the ending? The character made a choice that felt totally out of step with everything that came before.

Set in an alternate 1815 France, Evelyn and Jaq are tasked with a dangerous heist under the streets of Paris where secrets, betrayal, and hidden magic linger in the shadows. Their reluctant partnership slowly shifts into romance, but their mission—and their choices—carry consequences that could change everything.

I really enjoyed the ride through most of this book. The writing was clear and easy to sink into, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the dynamic between Evelyn and Jaq had just the right amount of tension and warmth. The romance is absolutely front and center—sweet, steady, and believable, even without open-door scenes.

For the majority of the story, I was invested. It gave me what I wanted: a clever heist woven with slow-burn romance, and a unique alternate-history setting that didn’t feel overcomplicated. The balance between plot and character development worked well.

But the ending… no. One major character choice completely derailed it for me. It didn’t line up with their arc or the emotional groundwork laid throughout the book, and instead of feeling surprised, I felt confused and let down.

Thank you to Florence Gray and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC and the opportunity to share my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

He wasn’t a hero. Virtue and morality were not his cup of tea, nor were they mine.

4.25 stars

This was a fun read I ended up finishing in one sitting. I loved the stabby Robin Hood vibes Evelyn gave.. and what's not to love with shadow daddy Jaq who also likes her stabby? Everyone is a little morally grey, there were heists, banter, AND forced proximity of one bed. I did see the one twist coming but not the second! Can't wait for the next one!

Favorite quotes:
“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?”

“No matter what we see, no matter what we endure, I’m enduring it with you.”

“Maybe not to you,” I said, flashing my own blade. “But he’s my trouble.”
2 likes

You guys, I just finished this book and I'm obsessed! 🤩 Evelyn is such a total boss, a master thief with a super cool alias, and her mission to save her orphanage and get revenge? So good! But then she meets Jaq, her infuriatingly clever partner, and the sparks just FLY. 🔥 Seriously, their banter and the slow-burn tension are everything. The heist itself sounds epic – cursed tunnels under Paris for a dark magic relic? Yes, please! But it's the emotional stakes, the secrets, and that hint of betrayal that really got me. If you love a smart, badass heroine, a grumpy-but-hot partner, and a story packed with action, mystery, and undeniable chemistry, this is your next obsession!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Heartbeat Heist is a dazzling blend of historical fantasy, romance, and intrigue—part heist novel, part star-crossed love story, and entirely addictive.

Evelyn, the infamous Bird of Bordeaux, is a heroine you can’t help but root for. Sharp, cunning, and driven by loyalty to her childhood orphanage, she’s drawn into the ultimate challenge: stealing a relic of dark magic from beneath the streets of Paris. But the biggest complication isn’t the cursed tunnels or the Reaper’s high-stakes game—it’s her assigned partner, Jaq. Their banter crackles with wit, their chemistry simmers with tension, and the line between rivalry and attraction blurs with every stolen glance.

Florence Gray captures the atmosphere of Paris with a shadowy, gothic beauty, weaving in rich details of cursed catacombs and the dangerous underworld Evelyn inhabits. The pacing balances thrilling action sequences with moments of vulnerability, and the romance feels both inevitable and devastating. This isn’t just a story about a heist—it’s about trust, betrayal, and what we’re willing to risk for love and redemption.

I did want a little more depth in some of the side characters, and a few twists were easier to guess than others, but overall this was an exciting, emotional ride. The Heartbeat Heist is perfect for fans of morally gray heroines, reluctant partnerships, and slow-burn romance wrapped inside a dangerous game of magic and survival.

A sharp, seductive story that lingers long after the last page—I’ll definitely be reading whatever Florence Gray writes next.

An alternate fantastical version of post-Revolution era France that follows a thief out for revenge. And money. And to steal things. Valuable things.

Except the opportunity for revenge that she gets is presented to her by a mysterious person AND she has to accomplish this with someone she is not too thrilled about.

This book has thieves, heists, tension, shadow magic, and a dash of mystery. And I am ALWAYS down for a heist. Especially a spooky and magical one.

Because I am a historical design enthusiast, I do have to say that I feel like there was a lack of invention research. There were quite a few things that I do not think were invented at the time that this story takes place (I don't recall a specific date for this story being stated, but based on context clues I could ballpark it). I am sure that most people will not notice that sort of thing (or care about it at all), but it is something I noticed that maybe someone else will also care about.

I did want more from the characters, some aspects of them and their relationship felt random and forced. I also wanted more from the ending, it wasn't as exciting or satisfying as it could have been or as I wanted it to be.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Mix in some magic, slow-burn tension and historical elements and I am sold!

I overall really enjoyed this story. Our two main characters are out for revenge for the man responsible for killing so many innocent people. But they are keeping secrets between each other.

Our FMC is a famous thief named the Bird of Bordeaux, and she is hired for another heist, one that will allow her to get her revenge for her family. There is a lot at stake for her, but she will have to face her fears to get through this heist.

I loved the setting and pacing of this book. The adventure was fun and thrilling, and sometimes spooky. The tension and banter were perfect.

The ending was a wild ride that I did not see coming!

(If you are claustrophobic I would consider if you're okay with reading about small spaces.)

(Thank you NetGalley and Florance Gray for the ARC of this book.

Pretty good!

Usually a story about a thief and a difficult gig with a touch of romance works for me. I don't know why it didn't quite work that way this time. Maybe I needed a stronger fantasy and magic world.

The book got better towards the end and I especially liked the events in the catacombs, so I'm giving it 3.5 stars. I think the end of the book suggests that this was the beginning of a series, and if there's a sequel I'd be happy to read it...

Thanks to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the early review copy!

Ok, that was fun. I love heist plots and when I saw this one had themes of fantasy and was set in wine country of France in the 1800s I was sold. This is a fun and quick read where just when you think you have the characters completely figured out you are thrown a truly wild ending. My biggest downside on this novel is that any time an author chooses to do a “shadow daddy” type trope you are going to equally attract one audience and then alienate others… I am on the side where seeing a MMC wielding shadows makes me immediately less excited about it because it feels like an easy fantasy element to grab for instead of coming up with something new. It felt out of place in this setting where none of the other characters had similar “powers”. I still don’t know how I feel about the ending but what I do know is it shocked me! It’s fun to be shocked. I’m going to continue following this author and watching what else she puts out, there’s definitely some talent there.

The Heartbeat Heist by Florence Gray is a gripping and atmospheric tale that blends high-stakes thievery with dark magic and a touch of romance. Evelyn, the Bird of Bordeaux, is a fascinating protagonist whose sharp wit and vulnerability kept me turning the pages. The dynamic between her and Jaq added tension and heart to the story, making the twists even more powerful. The Parisian setting was vividly crafted, and the balance between action, intrigue, and emotion made this an unforgettable read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and rated it five stars.

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.

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…

It has tension, yearning, super fun banter, and twist at the end that will leave your jaw on the floor. The romance is a sweet, slow burn that they fight with everything they have in them. It’s pointless of course. The chemistry is undeniable. I really can’t say much more here since I’m avoiding spoilers but just read it. It’s honestly so good and such a UNIQUE story. And he’s a shadow daddy if you needed another reason to read.

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!

Full extended review posted to my website!