2.5⭐️

the concept is so intriguing to me. and there were some aspects of the book i really liked (that final twist? loved it!). but overall, the book felt choppy. like one chapter we’re in one spot, the next chapter we’re in a different spot with no indication of how we got there. same with time. i think the story happened once the span of a couple of months? but no indication where we were with the timeline.

i also found a lot of repetition in the book. sometimes of the exact same sentences in two different paragraphs. it just wasn’t a book for me.

thank you so much, netgalley and azala press for an arc of this book!

This was a fun fantasy heist….. though what was the ending? I had a great time reading the story i was invested from the first page. I didn’t think the ending was exactly it for me. It kinda landed flat.

The description and start of this book was really promising. A strong FMC, with a secret identity goes on a perilous quest with a sassy MMC, what's not to like.

As I continued reading, I thought I had skipped chapters or that something was missing. This led me to feeling a bit lost. Because parts of it felt rushed and I couldn't grasp the undercurrent of the main plot.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC.

Let's start by saying any book that has twists that I don't see immediately goes up on my rating. I guessed the first but not the second.

A historical story based in France(post revolution) with a strong FMC, a good story that I read quite quickly.

The plot is fast moving and in my opinion just the right amount of romance to add to the story

The Heartbeat Heist by Florence Gray
💫💫💫💫💫5/5

Publication Date: 26th August 2025

Thank you to @netgally and @victoryediting for an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.

I loved Evelyn, the strong, no shit female lead, everyone needs a Evelyn in their life. It was so well written, and I could not put it down, I finished this one in record time. The mix between historical and fantasy was spot on, and loved the setting and the use of the catacombs. There was moments that brought a tear to my eye, the found family element in this was everything. It left me with some questions, so I am hoping we get more of Jaq, Evelyn and even Claira.

Review: The Heartbeat Heist by Florence Gray (Out August 26, 2025)
The Heartbeat Heist is an exciting mix of high-stakes romance, rebellion, and intrigue. Florence Gray introduces readers to Evelyn, the enigmatic “Bird of Bordeaux”, a master thief navigating a glittering world of underground auctions and whispered betrayals. With a mysterious employer known only as The Reaper and a charismatic partner-in-crime named Jaq, Evelyn sets off on a mission full of secrets, risks, and unexpected twists.
Gray’s writing is slick and stylish, and the tension, romantic and otherwise, keeps the pages turning. If you enjoy morally gray characters, intricate heists, and slow-burn dynamics, this novel checks many boxes. The atmosphere is evocative, and the narrative momentum rarely falters.
That said, the worldbuilding left me with mixed feelings. The setting is described as a magical realism or light urban fantasy take on post-Revolutionary France, but this backdrop wasn’t consistently grounded in historical detail. The tone and dialogue felt distinctly modern, and frequent anachronisms (sprung mattresses, carabiners, eclairs, jumpsuits, etc.) were distracting. While this could be intentional due to the alternate timeline, it sometimes came across as underdeveloped rather than deliberate. A stronger integration of historical elements, beyond just corsets and vague references to Paris, could’ve enriched the setting and added depth.
Character-wise, I found myself going back and forth. Evelyn is compelling but occasionally inconsistent in her motivations and choices. Jaq’s charm is undeniable, but some of their dynamics felt underexplored or erratic. A few plot twists were predictable, while others felt abrupt or unearned.
And while the ride was entertaining, the ending didn’t quite land for me. Without spoiling anything, it felt a bit senseless and disconnected from the emotional investment built earlier in the story.
Overall, The Heartbeat Heist is a bold, entertaining read with great pacing, a memorable lead, and an immersive heist plot. While some of the historical and character details could be more refined, it’s still a fun and stylish book that will appeal to fans of morally gray protagonists and suspenseful storytelling.

✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Florence Gray for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Fear has no power over me when it comes to how I feel about you.”

I absolutely devoured The Heartbeat Heist. From the first chapter, it had me completely hooked—and by the end, I was breathless. This book is a bold, fast-paced fantasy full of secrets, betrayal, tension, and one of the most compelling morally gray main characters I’ve read in a long time.

Evelyn, the Bird of Bordeaux, isn’t your typical heroine—and that’s exactly why I loved her. She’s sharp, dangerous, and broken in all the best ways. Her decisions aren’t always good, and sometimes they’re downright brutal—but they always make sense. She’s doing what she has to in order to survive, and you can’t help but root for her, even when you’re not sure you should. That blurred moral line made her feel real, raw, and unforgettable.

The romance? Perfection. The chemistry between Evelyn and Jaq is electric—tense, witty, slow-burn, and absolutely addictive. Their dynamic adds so much depth to the story without ever taking over. It’s the kind of enemies-to-lovers tension that keeps you flipping pages just to see who will snap first.

Florence Gray’s world building is also a standout. Set in a magically re imagined post-revolutionary France, the atmosphere is rich with underground secrets, deadly politics, and magic that feels both beautiful and terrifying. The writing is cinematic, lyrical when it needs to be, and razor-sharp when it counts.

The plot moves like a heartbeat—fast, rhythmic, and impossible to ignore. Twists hit at just the right moment, and the ending left me in stunned silence. It was bold. It was brutal. And it was exactly right.

If you love morally complex characters, high-stakes heists, sharp dialogue, and romance that cuts deep, The Heartbeat Heist is a must-read. Five stars without hesitation.

💔 Morally Gray FMC (Female Main Character)
– Evelyn isn’t your classic “good girl.” She’s flawed, dangerous, and driven by revenge, survival, and loyalty in ways that blur the line between right and wrong.

💘 Enemies to Lovers
– Sparks fly between Evelyn and Jaq, who start off clashing and suspicious, but their chemistry simmers beneath every sharp exchange.

🕯️ Dark Academia Vibes / Gothic Fantasy
– Set in a post-revolutionary France steeped in blood and power, the tone is rich with mystery, shadowy catacombs, and magic that corrupts.

🩸 Revenge Quest / Personal Stakes
– Evelyn’s motivations run deep—this isn't just about money or glory. It's about justice, vengeance, and protecting what little she has left.

🔪 Forced Proximity
– They’re unwilling partners on a deadly heist, forced to trust each other despite their baggage—and it only adds to the tension.

This review has been posted to Storygraph, Goodreads, Instagram on August 8 2025.
It will be posted to Instagram on August 9 2025.

Fantasy heist lovers, this one’s for you! This book hooked me from page one. It jumps right into the action with a fast paced, high energy start that made it hard to put down. I am a big fan of fantasy heist stories, so this one was right up my alley. The main plot centers on one big heist, but along the way there are plenty of smaller jobs that keep the tension and excitement going.
The whole story is told from Evelyn’s perspective, and I really enjoyed the first person POV. It was fascinating to watch her thoughts shift, especially when it came to her feelings about Jaq. Because everything is filtered through her perspective, she comes across as an unreliable narrator at times, contradicting herself in small ways.
Evelyn herself is a strong female main character who knows exactly how to handle herself. That becomes clear in the very first chapter. Throughout the story, she stands her ground and fights for her beliefs and survival for herself and the ones she loves in a time when women were often underestimated. The action never lets up, and I loved seeing her face challenges on her own terms. She does have some issues showing what she deems as weak, though.
Jaq was another standout character for me. He and Evelyn are alike in some ways but completely different in others, which made their dynamic even more entertaining. The two of them bicker almost every time they speak, and the banter was pure gold.
The romance takes more of a back seat to the main plot, but it is still woven in nicely. It is very much a “he falls first” situation, and since we are in Evelyn’s head the whole time, we get to watch her wrestle with and slowly shift her feelings about Jaq over the course of the story. I would have enjoyed a bit more build up of the relationship between the characters.
The setting is early 1800s France, and while most of the world building fits that period, the dialogue feels more modern. It did not bother me personally, but it is worth noting in case that matters to you.
The ending definitely threw me. I didn’t really understand the reasoning and was left with so many unresolved questions at the end of the book.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, with a thought provoking ending.

This was an enjoyable read. Good characters, great plot, great writing, world building, definitely going to be following.

Stars – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Published: 26th August 2025

Synopsis – The Heartbeat Heist follows Evelyn, a master thief known throughout France as the Bird of Bordeaux. Evelyn is hired by a mysterious figure for a perilous heist. The reward promises to not only restore the orphanage that saved her, but also avenge the murder of her parents. The only downside… Having to team up with the enigmatic Jaq. As unexpected feelings grow between them, Evelyn must face the possibility that she may have to make an impossible choice… Her home, or her heart.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the idea that it was based in France near the beginning of the 19th Century, a time steeped in cultural transformation and social upheaval. The careful merging of real, historical events and fantastical elements transports you straight to pre-revolutionary France, where the air was thick with the whispers of change and the promise of freedom. You instantly fall in love with the sharp wit of the main character, whose intelligence and charisma shine through even in the direst of situations, and her unwavering need to provide for the people she loves adds a poignant layer of depth to her journey. As she navigates the complexities of her world, her struggles are relatable, reminding us of the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, which grip the reader’s heart and pull them deeper into her enchanting tale.

I also found Jaq to be an enchanting character, who balances out the sharpness of Evelyn with his charming demeanor. His playful wit and subtle charm create an intriguing dynamic that complements Evelyn’s more intense personality. As the story unfolds, I find myself wanting to hear more about him, especially since he seems to hold all his cards close to his chest, revealing little of his true self to others. The mystery surrounding his past and motivations adds layers to his character, making him all the more compelling. The only glimpse into his vulnerability comes through his genuine feelings for Evelyn, which he doesn’t shy away from, contrasting beautifully with his otherwise guarded nature. This complexity makes me eager to discover what other depths Jaq might reveal as the narrative progresses.

Overall, I loved reading this book – finishing it in a single day – as I found myself engrossed in its pages. The plot flowed seamlessly from one event to another, captivating my attention and keeping me on the edge of my seat. Just when you think you know what is about to happen, the rug is expertly ripped from under your feet, leading you down unexpected paths. I truly believed I had figured out how it was going to end, but the incredible twist at the conclusion caught me completely off guard and had me floored, prompting me to reflect on the entire story. The author has definitely left it open for a second book, and I sincerely hope she takes the opportunity to release one, as I find myself deeply invested in these characters’ journeys; I’m not ready to leave Bordeaux behind just yet!

I would 100% recommend this book. It is such an easy read, with a captivating storyline that flows effortlessly from one chapter to the next, and the characters are easy to love, each possessing unique traits that make them relatable and endearing. The author has skillfully crafted a world where emotions run high, and the interactions between the characters are genuine, inviting readers to become deeply invested in their journeys and experiences. Whether you’re looking for an escape or a compelling narrative to immerse yourself in, this book delivers on all fronts.

I enjoyed this book! It was a unique story set in a captivating world. The characters were really interesting and I loved the tension between the two. I really liked the setting of this book, being in the catacombs; it's such a creepy place.

This book has magical realism, revenge-driven action, and morally grey characters. It was a fun read that kept me captivated throughout.

⭐️⭐️/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I can’t give this more than 2 stars. I found myself skimming some parts of this book because it seemed so long-winded to me. The FMC frustrated me a lot of the time, and she seemed to be all over the place with her personality and “morals.”
Now, one of the redeeming qualities of this book was the MMC. He was perfect, well written, witty, and gorgeous, so of course the book had to end the way it did. Not to give any spoilers, but I’m not happy with the ending.
Maybe I could have given this book 3 stars had the ending been different, but I just can’t get over that. A few people in their reviews mentioned a potential second book, but I can’t see myself continuing even if that’s the case.

📖 The Hearbeat Heist | Florence Gray
ARC from NetGalley - Released Date 8/26/25
Victoria Editing

Historical Fantasy set in the late 1700’s in a magical urbane fantasy French Revolution Era in Paris.

Evelyn is the morally grey FMC known as, The Bird of Bordeaux and a master thief. She gets the opportunity from a mysterious person named The Reaper to perform a big heist under the streets of Paris for a big reward along with a revenge plan of her own. Alongside her is a man named Jaq who’s a bit hot and cold but equally as charming.

Fantasy/magic/world building is more of the focus with a sprinkle of romance, which I enjoyed! It wasn’t oversaturated with romance and focused more on the plot. Love to see fantasy books with different magical systems develop.

The ending…I’m not sure what to think of it! For sure leaves you mouth ajar.

Revenge Plot
Morally Grey FMC
Forced Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
Hidden Identity

Tropes:
🎭Hidden identity
🔦Heists
🥷Thieves
❤️‍🔥Hate to love
💔Betrayals
🤝🏾Reluctant allies to lovers
🌪️☀️Reverse grump/sunshine


Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. I am obsessed with these tropes, and am proud to say that this book lived up to them! It was so well done. I love when the MMC is mischievous and has a sunshine personality. The book was wonderful, but the ending was abhorrent. There was simply no need for that, and it really soured my experience of the book. She didn’t need to make that choice AT ALL. I hope the author changes the ending before publishing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)

A morally grey thief. An infuriatingly charming partner. A high-stakes heist under the streets of Paris. And an ending that will split readers right down the middle.

The Heartbeat Heist is a trope-packed, high-energy historical fantasy that reads like Dramione meets National Treasure with a dash of dark academia. Evelyn, the Bird of Bordeaux, is a master thief with a razor-sharp wit, a revenge plan years in the making, and a soft spot for the orphanage that raised her. When the shadowy Reaper offers her the score of a lifetime to steal a relic of dark magic hidden in cursed tunnels beneath Paris, she reluctantly teams up with Jaq, a sassy, infuriatingly charming thief whose quick wit and persistence make him both a liability and an irresistible distraction.

From the very first chapter, the tension crackles between the danger of the job, the magic surrounding the relic, and the sharp-edged banter between Evelyn and Jaq. It is a delicious mix of enemies to lovers, forced proximity (yes, there is only one bed😏), shadow daddy?? and just enough slow burn angst to keep you hooked. The romance is not the main focus, but when it hits, it hits.

The ending is bold, emotional, and very divisive. It is one of those finales that will either leave you impressed with the author’s guts or fuming at your bookshelf. Personally, it knocked my rating down from a solid four to 3.5, but I cannot deny I was fully entertained from start to finish.

Tropes:
꩜｡ enemies to lovers
꩜｡ morally grey FMC
꩜｡ revenge plot
꩜｡ he falls first
꩜｡ hidden identities
꩜｡ one bed
꩜｡ shadow daddy.

If you love heist stories with banter, twists, morally grey choices, and a heroine who will burn the world for those she loves, this belongs on your TBR. Just brace yourself for that ending😉

Thank you Victory Editing and Netgalley for the eARC!!

Such a quick cute read! The banter between the two main characters was perfect! I loved the main fmc, what a quirky little thief.

I absolutely loved this book! So much so that I finished in one day. The author did an amazing job keeping the plot going without it getting boring which is something I really look for in books. The characters were unique and I became very invested in their journey. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.

I really loved this book!

I did suspect the first twist very early on, so I give it 4.5 stars. I also know the author set up Book 2; however I did not think the ending was as jaw-dropping as I expected knowing a second one is coming!

That said, I loved the time period and the French setting. I loved Evelyn's character and her reasoning behind the heists. I also loved Jaq's character and am very curious to see how the events of this book play into the next! I also did not see the second twist coming, which I loved.

This book was EVERYTHING! It was so incredibly unique and completely had me hooked! I felt escape room vibes the entire time I was reading and I loved that! The plot was easy to follow, the world building was done well, and the FMC, while morally gray, is easy to root for. I loved her strength and willingness to be the villain for those she loves. And I loved the MMC even more! Evelyn and Jaq had tension, banter, chemistry, all the things that make good enemies to lovers. I feel like this book was set up in a way that purposely gave hints for some of the twists, to distract you from the biggest twist of all at the end. I had a feeling this one would surprise me and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where this story goes from here!

ARC Review

Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC! That has not influenced this review and all opinions are my own.

I’m so glad I got to read this book! I love a strong FMC and this absolutely delivered with that. There’s a great mixture of slow burn and angst, and I love an enemies to lovers trope! I really enjoyed the premise of the book, and the last 75% had some really great plot twists and action. The beginning was a great introduction to throw the reader into the action and it kept me hooked! I liked that the FMC felt very human and I liked the character progression. She started as a selfish stubborn girl and by the end you were really rooting for her and she showed that she was able to care and love for others. The ending was definitely unexpected and will likely upset a few people because it’s so emotional but I think that’s a testament to the author’s writing as you feel very invested into these characters and their lives.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves enemies to lovers & slow burn!

Rating: 4/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)