The Vault & The Vixen

by Adam Gaffen

**NOW WITH BONUS CONTENT!**

Trust no one. Steal everything.
Dive into the heart-pounding world of The Vault & the Vixen, where heist thriller meets romantic suspense in a gripping tale of crime, love, and redemption. Set against the gritty, neon-lit backdrop of Brooklyn, this novel weaves a complex web of high-stakes heists, intricate plots, and unyielding loyalty.

Meet Dakota Chase, a master planner and the fearless leader of a crew that specializes in pulling off the impossible. With her long dark hair and iconic leather coat, Dakota is the epitome of cool, collected, and cunning. She’s spent years navigating the treacherous waters of organized crime, always staying one step ahead of both the law and her rivals. But as she gears up for the heist of a lifetime, the stakes have never been higher.

Dakota's meticulous plans are put to the test as unforeseen complications arise, and betrayal lurks around every corner. Her crew, a tight-knit group of skilled misfits, stands by her side, each member bringing their unique talents to the table. New to the crew is McKenna, a tough-as-nails tech expert with short blonde hair and a penchant for plaid shirts. Their relationship is fraught with tension and unspoken feelings, and could throw a monkey wrench into Dakota’s plan.

As Dakota and her team delve deeper into the underbelly of urban crime, they must confront powerful enemies, navigate dangerous alliances, and uncover secrets that threaten to tear them apart. The city of Brooklyn itself becomes a character in the story, its streets and shadows providing the perfect setting for the unfolding drama.

Will Dakota succeed in pulling off the ultimate heist, or will she find herself ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse? Can she trust her crew—and her heart—as she navigates the perilous world of organized crime? The Vault & the Vixen is a thrilling ride, packed with twists and turns, that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Heist Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Crime Fiction, Urban Fiction, LGBTQ+ Fiction, Mastermind, Loyal Crew, Heist Gone Wrong, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Gritty Urban Setting, Complex Characters, Plot Twists, High Stakes, Emotional Depth, Tension and Betrayal.

Join Dakota on her electrifying journey through danger, deceit, and desire in The Vault & the Vixen. If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat action, intricate plots, and deeply human stories, this is the book you’ve been waiting for!

Fans of Elmore Leonard, Donald Westlake, Emily Kimelman, and the Ocean's Eleven movies will feel right at home!

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Come for the starships. Stay for the soul.

Adam Gaffen is the award-winning author of the Cassidyverse, a genre-blending universe where science fiction, fantasy, romance, and rebellion intertwine. His books span centuries and genres but share a common thread: characters with grit, stories with heart, and futures worth fighting for. Recognized across multiple indie award platforms, his work includes sweeping sagas, pulse-pounding missions, and mythic romances with cosmic consequences.

Every book stands on its own—each a gateway into a world where chosen family matters, love defies expectation, and change is always possible.

Start anywhere. You’ll find your people.

Reviews

[Deirdre VanHorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book, great mystery, great read, this was an ARC BOOK given by the author for me to read, I found it was well written, easy to follow, great plot, relatable characters , and just an all the way around great read! I hope to read many other books from this author

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a departure from my usual kind of books. (I'm a romantasy girlie for the most part). That said it was an ok read. Kept me entertained enough. Sapphic slow burn heist story. I enjoyed most of the characters. The story fell flat on occasion but picked up by the end. I'm still glad I read it though. I'm all for female-lead and sapphic stories.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝
⚜️ Book Title - The Vault & The Vixen
⚜️ Author - Adam Gaffen
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Suspense, and Heist

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via Book Sirens. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.

This is my first experience with Adam’s writing, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The blurb sounded amazing, and I’m glad I decided to check it out.

The characters were all well-developed, each playing a distinct and crucial role in the heist. As a fellow IT gal, I found Sienna particularly compelling.

The planning stages were just as entertaining as the heist itself, filled with clever twists and unforeseen obstacles that kept me hooked. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a climax that, while a bit predictable, was still very enjoyable.

I rounded my star rating up since I don’t give half stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heist stories.

Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life (very difficult to get but not impossible).

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Adam Gaffen, I received this book as an ARC

I first have to say YAY Kal & Faith are back (albeit not the main focus but getting to see them and snippets of their life made me happy)(another side note please please please go read the Godsfall books!!) and hearing about Kal’s escapades never fail to make me giggle 🤭

This is such a great read full of adventure and I mean who doesn’t love a good jewel heist 💎

There were twist and turns, there were shady crocked cops, a ‘tiny bit’ of breaking the law, a lil bit of arson & and a whole lot of crazy chaotic plans ! Oh and maybe a sneaky lil slow burn ?

These characters are amazing, they all have their quirks and niches, they are far from perfect but they sure are loveable and I cannot wait for you to read and meet them!

Dakota, she’s a planner and those plans don’t typically fall on the lawful side of things!
McKenna, she’s new to the group but she can crack any safe (even Dakota’s heart?)
Sienna, my girl boss in STEM, hacker extraordinaire!
Chelsea, Mrs drove straight into my heart ♥️
Kal, okay we all already knew I love and am obsessed with Kalili and to have her in the 21st century is fantastic!

[Francis Nantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heists are fun reads and Adam Gaffen doesn't disappoint with this standalone novel The Vault & The Vixen as the pacing is fast and the usual smart insights come to fore with the initial planning.
It's the interaction between key characters which elevates the reader experience beyond the clever strategizing and main protagonist Dakota Chase has it tough juggling her attraction to a new crew member while keeping the usual gang in line.
But no heist plan ever goes smoothly and the hiccups keep the narrative energized enough to navigate through the typical middle slump ahead of the critical execution.
Given the POV is from the heist gang's perspective, the glimpses of the antagonistic hurdles come across more as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out world-building. Turns out there is very good reason for this aspect, which the author explains at the end-notes that you should definitely read.

[Brandee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vault & The Vixen by Adam Gaffen is a heist/crime novel with romantic suspense and with a contemporary urban setting. It's a slow start, but the plot pulls you in and keeps you invested in Dakota and the heist crew. And what a crew it is!

The descriptions of the characters (and their relationships) and the setting are realistic and well written. The Vault and the Vixen is a LBGTQ+ friendly story that shows the intricacy and complications of all kinds of relationships: friends, lovers, cohorts, etc. It's a wonderful study of humans during their ups and downs and how the people with whom we surround ourselves can make or break our grand life plans.

While The Vault & The Vixen is intriguing in its use of contemporary vocabulary, sometimes the story gets weighed down by trying to be one of the cool kids. This is really my only complaint of an otherwise enjoyable read.


This is my first book by Gaffen, and I look forward to reading his other stories. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

[Odette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot of this story how ever I did find it hard to maintain my attention, to begin with, a lot was going on before it got the juicy parts if you will. once I was in far enough I was quite absorbed in the story I had my guess about what was happening to Dakota and I guessed right. Saying that it was an interesting read still and I'm intrigued about Mal and Faith’s story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite genre, but a reasonable heist mixed with romance.

I almost didn't get started due to the content trigger warning, which triggered emotions by being present. While reading I was triggered by the plural reference to a individual being.

[Samarium Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great story. I feel it needed more conflict and more action. I felt the resolve was too quick and easy. It could have been more tumultuous.

[K06n · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can a ragtag group of people pull off a heist on a grand scale?! That is the question readers will be asking as they read The Vault and the Vixen. The ending was not expected, but does not leave one feeling upset. The characters are ones you could see yourself hanging out with.

Depending on your views/beliefs this book can be difficult to read in portions, but thankfully that is not a huge part of the plot.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is group of people trying pull off a heist on a grand scale. The views/beliefs this book can be question your moral possibility but it is a little bit of plot. The characters are ones you could easily be friends with. The characters are good and the storyline got me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. The ending was not expected. Recommend to read it.

[Escape_withStephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
This book started of slow and at first wanted to DNF but thank God i trusted the process cause it was so worth it. I loved the fact Dakota was always there for her team no matter what and kal omg kal is literally fairy God mother. i really enjoyed it.

[Gee Rothvoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphic Ocean's 8? Even better than you'd think. RTC!