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!

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.

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.