To Heist and to Hold

Wimpole Street Widows Society #1

by Christina Britton

A vigilante widow and a casino owner are both trying to bluff their way to a winning hand.

Heloise Marlowe has always forged her own path. As a former blacksmith and fencing instructor, she wasn’t just going to sit around knitting after her husband died. The Wimpole Street Widows Society, a secret group dedicated to balancing the scales of justice, was a much better fit for her skills. Her newest mission: seduce the owner of the club Dionysus and gain access to the den’s inner workings. She didn’t mind putting her body on the line, but she wasn’t prepared to gamble her heart.

Ethan Sinclaire has worked hard to clean up his club after the betrayal of his brother. But now, rumors are swirling that his club is just as crooked as before. He won’t let anyone destroy what he’s built, so when Heloise starts poking around, he decides to go all in, in hopes that she’ll show her hand. Enjoying her company is the easy part. Keeping himself from falling—that’s a whole different card game.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Adult, Found Family

333 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 30, 2025

About the author

Christina Britton developed a passion for writing romance novels shortly after buying her first at the tender age of thirteen. Though for several years she turned to art and put brush instead of pen to paper, she has returned to her first love and is now writing full time. She spends her days dreaming of corsets and cravats and noblemen with tortured souls.

She lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area. A member of Romance Writers of America, she also belongs to her local chapter, Silicon Valley RWA, and is a 2017 RWA® Golden Heart® Winner. You can find her on the web at www.christinabritton.com, Twitter as @cbrittonauthor, or facebook.com/ChristinaBrittonAuthor

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you unexpectedly stumble upon a historical romance gem, and like the very gems our heroine seeks to recover at a scandalous gambling hell, I want to plan a heist around this entire book. New in an emerging series from Christina Britton, To Heist and to Hold has all the delightful accoutrement of the best historical romances. We have a widowed blacksmith attempting to seduce the owner of a gambling club, and we have that same stoic club owner choosing to succumb to her advances because of course you can better keep your eye on a widow you don't trust by sleeping with her. Of course you can. But don't let the utter hilarity fool you, To Heist and to Hold is a deeply emotional plunge into the physical and mental traumas of growing up on London’s streets, as well as the lives of widowed women socialized only to be useful and effectively cast out upon the deaths of their husbands. This book starts off with a smash as Heloise, our heroine, discharges a blade of her own invention (we love), and it really only gets better from there. Featuring a group of women—The Wimpole Street Widows, who use their position in society to solve cases, To Heist and to Hold brings an essential one: retrieve a missing ruby necklace from within a gambling hall. The plan: use the guise of a boxing event to do it—placing Heloise under the ire of Ethan Sinclaire, owner of Dionysus and the man she has been sent to seduce. What feels so refreshing about this novel isn't just the quiet stoicism of our hero but the capable nature of our heroine, be that in a blacksmith forge, fencing, or methods of seduction. Ethan and Heloise soldier a lot of pain from their pasts, but love and an ill-timed heist force them out of the roles they've cloaked themselves in and into a brave, uncertain, certainly chaotic, future together.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for providing the advance review copy.

Bookstagram | Blog

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Enjoyable

Heloise Marlowe, a former blacksmith and fencing instructor, was hardly going to sit idle after her husband’s death. The Wimpole Street Widows Society is the right place for her skills, a secret group that helps provide justice to those who can’t get it. Heloise’s newest mission is to seduce the owner of the club Dionysus and understand how the den works.

Ethan Sinclaire had enough to do when he had to clean up the club after his brother’s betrayal. He doesn’t need more rumors damaging its reputation. So, when Heloise starts to dig, he decides to let her in, hoping she will expose herself. It’s fun to be around her, but falling for her could be trouble.

The story comes in Heloise and Ethan’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book in a new series, so we get to meet a few women from the titular Wimpole Street Widows Society. There are a few references to the kind of work they do/ offer to other women. This gives us an idea of the establishment.

The FMC is interesting enough, though I wish we got more of her background than just summarization. In a way, she is a typical heroine you expect from the genre. The MMC’s characterization is similar. Rags to riches story, grumpy but kind, righteous, et al!

Based on the premise, you can assume that this is heavy on ‘romance’. There is insta-love, given the timeline of the plot. It is better to go with the flow and enjoy it as a fluffy read.

The descriptions of the gambling club were really good. I could picturize the extravagance and opulence that dripped everywhere in those halls and rooms.

The side characters on both sides are interesting. I am curious to see who will have books of their own in this series. I do hope the MMC’s friends feature as well. They made their presence felt.

To summarize, To Heist and to Hold was entertaining enough with a blend of romance, drama, intrigue, and some danger. However, it didn’t make a strong impact. Still, I will check out the next book in the series when it is available.

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #ToHeistandtoHold

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Heist and to Hold by Christina Britton
Wimpole Street Widows Society series #1. Historical romance.
The Wimple Street Widows Society is more than just a residence of widows. They go undercover in disguise or with creative stories to uncover fraud. Their current mission is to find the person stealing from elite gambling club Dionysus. Heloise Marlowe is to seduce whichever of the owners seems the most likely to get her access to the private areas of the club. Isn’t it perfect that the man who makes her shiver, is the exact man she will need use her wiles on.
Ethan Sinclair doesn’t know what is going on with the attractive widow. He’s never responded to anyone this way before. He simply gets lost in her eyes. And her femininity.
The game is on. The widows are on the case.

Entertaining story partially reminiscent of the Wild Wynchesters series by another historical author. Here, a group of women use their influence to get justice for their client. Heloise goes from insecure in her attractiveness and inability to seduce anyone to a self confident sexual female who can distract Ethan from anything. The other widows play minor roles in the caper as Heloise searches for the missing jewels. It gets a little raw during the boxing match.
I’m looking forward to the next romances with the other widows we’ve met in the story. And their infiltration of the next search for justice.

Enticing and seductively steamy.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been a while since I've read a new to me HR author and I've go to admit it was the title that drew me in. This is a departure from the routine HR in that neither of the main characters is a member of the aristocracy and each had their roots with the poorer working class of London. The plot is intriguing, the romance hot and the suspense, well aside from the initial theft and who did it and why, was lacking. Most of the book for the first half focused on the push and pull of Heloise and Ethan, which is what Romance is. The Suspense ramped up some in the second half, but the Romance was still dominate. I'm disappointed that this book didn't turn out to be what I wanted it to be, but that's on me. The book was lacking in other ways. Page after page of character ruminations, I'm not a reader that likes being all up in the characters heads. I prefer action and dialogue, and I just hate when the author tells me the story instead of showing me. The whole thing ended up being a big disappointment for me.

The Wimpole Widows Society is a group of widowed women each with unique skills which they use to help other women in 1800's London. Heloise Marlowe was a blacksmith and fencing master. When her sister-in -law, Julia, comes to her in tears Heloise is determined to help her, and the other women agree to help too. Julia is a lady's companion and a savant when it comes to card games. Her Lady took her to a gaming club, and it was there that the Lady's rubies were taken a collateral and disappeared. The Lady has threatened to have Julia arrested for theft if the rubies are not returned. Heloise and her friends devise a plan to infiltrate the club, find the rubies and retrieve them. Heloise's part is to seduce the owner to gain access to the private parts of the club.

Ethan Sinclaire and his brothers and friends pulled themselves out of the London gutter to open and run Dionysus, the premier gaming club in London, but that success has not happened without a price. Ethan is made aware of rumors circulating as to the club's reputation, he takes them seriously and is determined that nothing and no one is going to harm what he has built. When Heloise appears with a proposition and seductive moves, Ethan is on guard, but after all he's just a man, so he ascribes to the adage "keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Widows Club investigates Club Dionysus!

Heloise Marlowe, an inhabitant of the Widows Club had a pressing problem. Her sister-in-law Julie has had a valuable heirloom necklace belonging to her employer go missing. It had been used at her employer’s insistence, to bet with at the gambling club Dionysus. When Julie went to retrieve it the next morning there was no record of it. How that all happened is another story. Suffice to say if the necklace is not found Julie will be accused by her employer of theft. The penalty for that crime is death or transportation.
Heloise and the widows concoct a plan. Now all Heloise has to do is seduce the owner of the club Ethan Sinclaire. Something Heloise is not sure she can do.
Meanwhile Ethan has heard rumours questioning the honesty of his club. This is his worst nightmare. A club’s reputation is all that stands between success and failure. The slightest hint of trouble could ruin the club.
As a ruse to investigate the club, the widows propose a boxing match with the star being one of their members, the retired Mrs. Laney Finch. This will give them entree into the club to continue their search.
Sparks fly between the Ethan and Heloise. Ethan proves to be a gentle giant and Heloise finds herself out of her depth.
An enemies to lovers trope—a delicious read with all the necessary mystery, suspense and passion that we come to expect from Christina Button.

A Forever ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Jessie (Saffity) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very clear that it is the first of a series. That's the main thing that has it down at a 3 star. I really liked our main couple, the idea of a group of widows who are kind of a secret society was really interesting. The spicy scenes were fun and well written. The side characters all had their flair, and that was part of the issue. There were a number of times I wished all the people around the leads would get out of the way and just let them have their relationship. Usually the goal of a romance, historical or otherwise, is to go on the journey with the couple to their happy ending. This book felt like the first Avengers movies, all the main players for the rest of the series had to be introduced, developed, explained... It took away from the main couple in my opinion.

That being said, it was a decent romance that gets a 3. Cute couple with an interesting plot to drive them together, apart, and together again as all good romances do.

[b.andherbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great premise, but lacking in punch. For a heist, I just needed someone to be a bit more dastardly. Or gritty. The heist part itself felt more tangential to the romance (which would have been fine) but for all the interesting details, the plot itself wasn't propulsive enough for me. Why was Heloise a blacksmith and a fencing instructor if we never had a blade pulled .

I would be interested to read more in this series - hopefully it will find its groove!

arc received for professional review from library journal. opinions here my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin

To Heist and to Hold is both sensual and surprisingly sweet. Christina Britton’s first entry into the Wimpole Street Widows Society series features a kind, strong, determined heroine and a hero whose stoic mask hides a vulnerable heart.

Heloise is a former blacksmith and a fencing instructor who was taken in by the Wimpole Street Widows Society after the death of her husband. Heloise has a hard time believing people will care about her for herself alone rather than what she can do for them, which makes her very relatable. She and her fellow widows help people in need and this time it’s her sister-in-law who needs assistance. The case takes Heloise into the world of Dionysus and she’s determined to seduce the owner in order to gain access to the back rooms of the club. But Ethan is nothing like she expected. Ethan has been hurt, betrayed, and has pulled himself out of the gutter to be a success. At first, he seems like a broodingly sexy hero but then Britton does the unexpected and shows him to be rather emotional. I loved it and it made the whole book hit differently. The romance starts with heat and desire but what builds is off of emotion. The characters don’t always react predictably because said emotions are in play and it gave the story so much heart which I just loved.

To Heist and to Hold is fast-paced and engaging with romance, intrigue, and memorable characters to make the book appealing. The hunt for who is behind the theft at Dionysus brings the action, but it’s the characters at the heart of it that truly drew me into the story. I adored Heloise and her fellow widows and cannot wait to learn more about them. The same goes for Ethan and his partners at Dionysus. Everyone is intriguing and it makes me impatient to read the next Wimpole Street Widows Society tale.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Author, Christina Britton has left the Isle of Synne and headed for a gaming hell in London with her fun, new series opener, To Heist and to Hold!

This new series revolves around a group of widows affectionately known as the Wimpole Street Widows Society, who take on vigilantism in their spare time for their fellow widows and those in need.

Heloise Marlow is a person who has never felt like they belong somewhere on their own without providing or giving back to those with her, whether it be the aunt and uncle who raised her, to her husband of convenience, and now to the widow society, which took her in after her husband’s death. Always having to prove her worth and never wanting to ask for anything, Heloise finds herself in a tough spot when her sister-in-law comes to her in need after a gaming hell the frauds her and her livelihood is at risk.

Heloise takes this case personally as the Widows jump into action and infiltrate the elusive club Dionysus, by taking on the special job of seducing the owner of the club! She doesn’t mind putting her body on the line to protect her sister-in-law, it’s not like feeling feelings will be involved…

Ethan Sinclair has tirelessly worked to create club. Dionysis is spotless reputation within London Society. After being betrayed by his brother, he has a hard time trusting anyone… No wonder he suspicious of the lovely Heloise when she arrives at his club. But he can’t resist her!

I absolutely loved everything about this book from the characters to the gaming Hill location, to the mystery of the deception - every page kept me entertained and engaged. The romance between Ethan and Eloise was a treat to Reid as these two onions started to peel back and their skins. Both of these characters had great back stories and were very developed and fleshed out characters that made you root for them the whole time. I also was really attracted to the fact that they weren’t part of the aristocracy- this is a little HR catnip to me, personally.

The widows plan to solve Eloise’s step sister’s problem felt like an Ocean’s 11 caper and it was so much fun to see them flush out the plan and have the side characters jump in in there respective areas of expertise. The introduction to this group of ladies has got me really excited to see what they get up to next time. I also really loved the group of guys running the gaming hell. I’m hoping to see these guys in the future and hopefully they will also get some HEA‘s as well because I think there’s a lot of interesting characters hanging out here.

This was an excellent story, full of fun capers and steamy romance - a great start to a new series that I highly recommend!

Thanks to Forever Romance for the eBook review copy.

[Ceylan (CeyGo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heloise Marlowe has always forged her own path. As a former blacksmith and fencing instructor, she wasn’t just going to sit around knitting after her husband died. The Wimpole Street Widows Society, a secret group dedicated to balancing the scales of justice, was a much better fit for her skills. When her sister in law is in difficulties the Society step into help & Heloise’s mission is to seduce Ethan Sinclaire, the owner of the club Dionysus and gain access to the den’s inner workings. Ethan Sinclaire has worked hard to clean up his club after the betrayal of his brother. But now, rumours are swirling that his club is just as crooked as before. He won’t let anyone destroy what he’s built, so when Heloise starts poking around, he decides to go all in, in hopes that she’ll show her hand.
The start of a new series & a very good starter it was. I loved both Ethan & Heloise & loved how they fell for each other, the chemistry between them sizzled but things were bound to go pear shaped when Ethan discovered the truth. There are delightful humorous moments especially when Heloise was trying to be a ‘femme fatale’ but there’s also tension when the plan reaches its climax. I didn’t work out who the villain was, which is always a plus. A lovely series starter & I look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable start to a new series of widowed women with unique skills helping others. Heloise joined the Wimpole Street Widows Society two years ago following her husband’s death and not being able to keep his fencing salon open afterwards. She was trained as a blacksmith prior to her marriage and life has led her to believe that her worth is measured by her usefulness.

Ethan runs a gaming hell with his brother and two friends that worked together to get out of the gutter they were raised in. He is still haunted by his brother’s death and determined to not let what led to it happen again.

The first half was fun as Heloise tried different methods to seduce an oblivious Ethan. I loved that even though it was awkward, she got under Ethan’s skin - in a good way. With the second half having more action between Ethan and Heloise together and as the case culminates to an exciting end.

While a lot of series openers fall into spending too much time setting up characters and the series, I wished there had been more development of the main and side characters.

I’m intrigued with this series and the other widows in the society to see what else is to come.

To Heist and to Hold is the first book in a new series.

There are three open door encounters.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always get so excited when I find a new to-me author. Especially when they are so outstanding. What a talented
storyteller. I am hooked. And what a great book to discover and start with.
In this story we find Heloise. She is widow, but not your typical widow. She has been a fencing instructor and a blacksmith. She is also a member the Wimpole Street Widows
Society, a group of women dedicated to justice for everyone.
Ethan has had to work his way up from bad reputations. Now his club needs his help to regain favor after rumors of cheating has caused so much trouble.
Now when Heloise's sister in – law shows up begging for help the Society is determined to help. Even if it means she must now try to seduce the owner of a bad reputation club so she can get to the bottom of it all. Ethan won't let anyone or
anything destroy what he has built. Thrown together they must figure out what is really going on. Can they keep their attraction from clouding their minds and their mission?
Britton has created a wonderful story with characters you won't forget. This story has it all; action, mystery, secrets,
twists & turns and don't forget the perfect spice. You'll never
want it to end. What a story.
Enjoy this adventure for yourself.

Thanks NetGalley and the publishers for letting me enjoy this story.

[Kae | Kae’s Infinite Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

{Thank you NetGalley and Forever publishing for an early copy!}

This book had me gripped! I was living for how both Heloise and Ethan had their walls brought down by each other and we also got to start to see both of them heal from their painful pasts through each other. Ethan definitely fell first and harder and he was absolutely WHIPPED for Heloise! And speaking of which Heloise had one of the most emotional intimate gifts made for Ethan before she even realized she was in love with him and it was the sweetest thing to read. Now normally the third act angst and drama isn’t something I like reading about but let me tell you this one was realistic to both the plot and the characters and I was eating it up!

I also think the vigilante like group of Widows series plot is such a fun idea and I can’t wait for this series to continue! (I do hope Issac makes an appearance in the next one too because geez the Sinclair family needs some more happiness in their lives) In the meantime I definitely need to look into Christina Britton’s backlist because I had so much fun!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heloise Marlow promised her husband, on his death bed, to take care of his sister. When Julia comes to her in a life and death situation, she must do whatever it takes, including seducing the owner of the club Dionysus. With the help of the other ladies of the Wimpole Street Widows Society, they form a plan. Ethan Sinclaire is one of the owners of the club. Distrustful of everyone, at times even his partners, Heloise's part of the plan is to seduce him, but what happens when she earns his trust. Angst, betrayal, heartbreak and very explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Christina Britton in Sept 2021 and this is my 6th book my her. I really enjoy her writing and look forward to any new book she has out.

I really liked Heloise and Ethan. I loved the storyline. Give me a gaming hell owner any day. I love when a there is a hot gaming hell owner in the picture. I loved them together. They seemed to bring out the best of each other. They had great chemistry although subtle at the beginning but afterwards I love how he would not say and word, just grab her hand and take her somewhere with no talking. Yummy. I am adding this to my favorite books read for Oct, 2025. Definitely recommend.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great intro to a fun new series from Christina Britton. I love that the majority of the characters are from working class origins, with few mentions of Lord and Lady Whosie-Whatsit. The spice arrived sooner than expected, but was very satisfying (wink, wink). And then add in the mystery/caper, and it was simply a terrifically well-rounded, fun book! Thanks to Forever for the ARC.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

[Lacy]

Review in progress. 3.5 stars

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the MMC starts off with hating the FMC but likes the idea of having her close by, you know it’s going to be a great book. A group of widows unite to recover jewels from a gambling club, enter Heloise, she is to seduce one of the owners, Ethan, to recover said jewels. Ethan after failing to help his brother, he trust no one when it comes to keeping his club clean from any illegal shenanigans. He is cautious of Heloise until he falls madly for her. Heloise fumbles her part of seduction, her first marriage was not of love, she has zero experience seducing men. This was a great read, had all the makings of a rom-com enjoyed the entire book from start to finished.

Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review for To Heist and to Hold by Christina Britton. Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

There’s something so satisfying about a historical romance that doesn’t rely on grand ballrooms or dukes in disguise to sweep you off your feet. To Heist and to Hold takes a refreshingly grounded approach to Regency romance, centering on two characters who aren’t part of the glittering upper crust, but who still have everything to lose—and everything to offer each other. Christina Britton delivers a story that’s bold, heartfelt, and rich in character, with just the right blend of intrigue, slow-burn romance, and emotional vulnerability. I absolutely devoured it.

Our heroine, Heloise Marlowe, is a widow with a past that makes her stand out from the usual cast of historical romance leads. Before her husband’s death, she worked as a blacksmith and taught fencing. Now, she lives among a group of widows who don’t spend their days sipping tea or mourning silently—they’re part of a secret society called the Wimpole Street Widows, a sisterhood devoted to justice and mutual protection. When Heloise’s sister-in-law is accused of losing her employer’s jewels at the notorious Dionysus gaming club, Heloise is determined to infiltrate the club and find out what really happened. The plan? Use her feminine wiles (a skill she’s hilariously unpracticed in) to seduce the club’s part-owner, Ethan Sinclaire.

From the first moment Ethan and Heloise meet, there’s a spark—not the usual “insta-lust” kind, but something simmering and real. Ethan is a man who’s clawed his way up from nothing. Betrayed by his own brother, he’s determined to maintain the honesty of his business and protect the found-family of friends and co-owners who built Dionysus with him. So when a striking, overly charming woman shows up at his club with questions she shouldn’t be asking, he’s immediately suspicious—but also curious, and undeniably drawn to her.

Their dynamic is electric, but not flashy. The romance unfolds with the kind of delicious tension that comes from two people trying very hard not to want each other—while failing spectacularly. And it’s in the small, quiet moments where Britton’s writing truly shines: a glance that lingers too long, an unexpected touch, the simple act of one tending the other’s wounds. “I have not wanted anything in my life as much as I want you,” Ethan admits at one point, and that line lands like a soft punch to the chest. It’s raw, sincere, and utterly earned.

What I loved most was how both characters carry weight from their pasts, but instead of letting that pain harden them, it deepens their emotional landscape. Heloise isn’t invulnerable—she’s fiercely capable, yes, but also unsure of herself when it comes to intimacy, to letting someone in. Ethan, on the other hand, is the classic guarded hero, but there’s no cruelty in his armor. He protects because he’s been hurt, and that makes the way he opens up to Heloise feel even more meaningful.

Britton also builds a lovely sense of community throughout the novel. The Wimpole Street Widows are intriguing as individuals, but even more so as a collective—strong women who support each other without judgment or condescension. There’s an almost cozy feel to their world, even as they plot infiltration missions and engage in moral gray areas. The scenes at the club Dionysus bring in some fun intrigue and raise the stakes, but the heart of the book remains with Heloise and Ethan.

The pacing is steady, never rushed, which works beautifully for a story like this. It gives room for the romance to breathe, for the stakes to rise naturally, and for the tension to build. There’s a light touch of mystery around the cheating at the club, but it doesn’t overshadow the emotional journey—if anything, it reinforces the theme of trust, of risk, of deciding to bet on someone even when your instincts tell you to fold.

This isn’t a flashy romance, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s grounded in character and built with care. The chemistry is palpable, but it never shortcuts the emotional growth. The ending is satisfying without being overly neat, leaving just enough open to make you eager for the next book in the Wimpole Street Widows Society series. I have my eye on Ethan’s friend Parsons and hope he gets his own story—there’s something about him that feels ripe for a good unraveling.

If you’re looking for a historical romance that blends cozy camaraderie with real emotional stakes, this is the book for you. It’s a quiet triumph, filled with slow-burn tenderness, subtle humor, and characters who feel real from the moment they step on the page. Britton has crafted a world I want to return to again and again.

[Laysu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinh năm 1985 mua OnePlus Turbo 6 màu gì để hợp mệnh, hút may mắn?

Khi chọn mua smartphone, ngoài cấu hình và thiết kế, màu sắc hợp phong thủy ngày càng được người dùng quan tâm. Với những ai sinh năm 1985 (Ất Sửu), thuộc mệnh Kim, việc lựa chọn màu điện thoại phù hợp không chỉ giúp thiết bị trông đẹp hơn mà còn được tin là mang lại may mắn, tài lộc và sự ổn định trong công việc cũng như cuộc sống. Vậy sinh năm 1985 mua điện thoại OnePlus Turbo 6 màu gì để vừa hợp mệnh Kim, vừa tạo năng lượng tích cực lâu dài?

Tổng quan phong thủy cho người sinh năm 1985 mệnh Kim
Người mệnh Kim thường tượng trưng cho sự mạnh mẽ, quyết đoán và kiên định. Theo ngũ hành:

Thổ sinh Kim → màu thuộc hành Thổ mang ý nghĩa tương sinh, hỗ trợ may mắn và sự nghiệp
Kim hợp Kim → màu cùng hành giúp tăng sự tự tin, ổn định và bền bỉ
Hỏa khắc Kim → nên tránh màu thuộc hành Hỏa để hạn chế xung khắc, rối loạn năng lượng


Sinh năm 1985 mua OnePlus Turbo 6 màu gì để hợp phong thủy?

Dựa trên nguyên tắc này, việc chọn màu OnePlus Turbo 6 hợp phong thủy sẽ giúp người sinh năm 1985 cảm thấy hài hòa, tự tin và may mắn trong cuộc sống thường nhật.

OnePlus Turbo 6 có những màu nào?
OnePlus Turbo 6 được phân phối với 3 màu cơ bản, dễ phối và hợp xu hướng:

Đen
Xám
Xanh lá


Màu sắc điện thoại OnePlus Turbo 6

Mỗi màu sắc không chỉ mang phong cách riêng mà còn ảnh hưởng đến nguồn năng lượng tích cực cho người dùng theo quan niệm phong thủy.

Xám – Màu trung hòa, tương hợp mệnh Kim
iQOO Turbo 6 màu Xám là lựa chọn lý tưởng cho người sinh năm 1985 mệnh Kim. Màu Xám thuộc hành Kim, tương hợp hoàn hảo với bản mệnh, giúp củng cố sự tự tin, tinh thần ổn định và khả năng quyết đoán. Khi sử dụng điện thoại màu Xám, người mệnh Kim thường cảm thấy công việc và học tập trôi chảy, dễ đạt thành công, đồng thời mang đến cảm giác an tâm, lâu dài. Sắc Xám cũng rất sang trọng, hiện đại, dễ phối phụ kiện và phù hợp với nhiều phong cách, từ công sở đến cá nhân.


iQOO Turbo 6 màu Xám

Đen – Mạnh mẽ, an toàn và dễ sử dụng
Màu Đen Polar Night Black của OnePlus Turbo 6 mang vẻ ngoài sang trọng, huyền bí và mạnh mẽ. Xét theo phong thủy, Đen tuy là màu trung tính nhưng không xung khắc mạnh với mệnh Kim, vì vậy vẫn là lựa chọn an toàn và ổn định. Người sinh năm 1985 khi dùng điện thoại màu Đen sẽ cảm nhận được sự tinh tế, dễ phối ốp lưng, phụ kiện và phù hợp với môi trường chuyên nghiệp. Tuy không tạo ra sự tương sinh rõ ràng như màu Xám, nhưng màu Đen vẫn giúp người dùng duy trì sự cân bằng, tập trung và an tâm trong công việc.

Xanh lá – Nên cân nhắc kỹ
Xanh lá thuộc hành Mộc, mà Mộc lại không tương hợp trực tiếp với mệnh Kim. Việc chọn màu Xanh lá cho OnePlus Turbo 6 có thể khiến năng lượng phong thủy không tối ưu, thậm chí gây cảm giác khó tập trung hoặc không thuận lợi trong công việc. Tuy nhiên, nếu bạn yêu thích màu sắc tươi mới, trẻ trung và không quá đặt nặng yếu tố phong thủy, màu Xanh lá vẫn là lựa chọn cá tính, giúp chiếc smartphone nổi bật hơn trong mắt người khác.

Kết luận: Sinh năm 1985 nên mua OnePlus Turbo 6 màu gì?
Tóm lại, nếu bạn đang phân vân sinh năm 1985 mua OnePlus Turbo 6 màu gì, thì thứ tự ưu tiên theo phong thủy nên là:

Nên chọn: Xám – tương hợp mệnh Kim, bền bỉ, sang trọng
Có thể chọn: Đen – trung tính, mạnh mẽ, dễ sử dụng
Nên hạn chế: Xanh lá – năng lượng không tối ưu với mệnh Kim
Chọn đúng màu OnePlus Turbo 6 không chỉ giúp chiếc điện thoại đẹp mắt, thời trang, mà còn mang lại may mắn, tự tin và năng lượng tích cực trong cuộc sống hàng ngày. Bên cạnh việc quan tâm OnePlus Turbo 6 giá bao nhiêu để lựa chọn sản phẩm phù hợp ngân sách, với hai gam màu Xám hoặc Đen, bạn hoàn toàn có thể trải nghiệm công nghệ tối ưu mà vẫn hài hòa phong thủy cho người mệnh Kim.

[Whitney Theresa June · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing like the start to a new series! I adore a Christina Britton MC & if you are sleeping on having read anything by Christina Britton I hope one day you get to pick up one of her novels & be as captured by it as I always am.

Ethan Sinclaire is THE cinnamon role on the inside and gruff/scarred gambling hell owner on the outside that I LOVE! THIS FICTIONAL MAN had me in TEARS with his POV. He might just be topping the current book boyfriend list. Can we practial magic him into real life @christinabrittonauthor for me please & thank you! So Sinclaire is one of four men who run a gambling hell & after having been betrayed by one of his brother's in the past he's locked his heart up tight. With the knowledge that there is another employee close to him cheating, has him on the hunt to suss out who it is, even if he knows it is going to break him even more. His gut warns him about Heloise being up to something (which in all fairness she is...) but when one of his partners mentions that she is attempting to seduce Sinclaire, he cannot fathom how someone like her would even be attracted to what he believes himself to be; a brute from the gutter. So he attempts to seduce her first to keep her close & when he allows her in, he falls fast. (But the kinda fast that the hero doesn't know its love but thinks its indigestion - you know the type!) Their spicy interactions were HAF with the way he asks for her consent. When the truth of what Heloise is up to comes out, his reaction was so within his character that the initial outrage/anger turned into feeling bad for Heloise having to seduce someone has horrid as him. Which brought me to actual tears.

If you know me as a reader, you will know that I am really drawn to male friend groups in romance novels esp. how they aid in the plot. I fell almost has fictionally hard for these other GH owners as I did for Sinclaire! I am so hoping each of the other three get a book! Like I need it like I need air.

Heloise, I loved how we are introduced to her in the opening chapter. Lady is fierce and yet vulnerable. She has not allowed herself to be close to anyone after a childhood loss & how she was treated by the family that took her in. So being about of the Wimpole Widows is difficult for her in the fact that she does not believe this woman would care for her beyond what she can do for the organization. This quote in the novel really stayed with me: "Hadn't she been told since she was small that her only worth lay in what she could do for others, that without that she was not needed?" And this was a sentiment also felt by Sinclaire which made their HEA all the more poignant. “The comment was rough, self-deprecating. As if the man could not imagine anyone could worry about him for himself alone, as if he fully believed that people could care for him only due to what he could do for them and how he benefited them.” This notion of of worthiness as transactional is something I have lived with & I felt seen reading this.

Quotes I adored:
“Before she could even begin to put herself together again he was over her, mouth on her breast, on her neck, on her cheek, frantic kisses that made the ache between her legs return. ‘Can I, Heloise?’ he panted in her ear, the rough desperation sending shivers of renewed need through her body. ‘Can I love you?’
Can I love you? She shuddered at the hot hunger in that question. Not that she had any delusion that he was truly in love with her. Hell, they barely tolerated each other. This was purely physical.
But good God, that question went straight to her soul. ‘Yes,’ she breathed. ‘God, yes.’
He groaned, a sound that came from deep in his chest, even as he crushed her mouth under his.”

"When he finally did rise from the bed, however, it wasn’t to kick her from the room. To her shock—or, at least, as much shock as she was capable of with her body and mind in a state of such utter depletion—he bent and took her in his arms, lifting her against his chest. With deft movements he threw back the coverlet and lowered her with infinite care to the sheets. As she watched, stunned, he gently removed her shoes, followed by his own boots, before climbing fully dressed into the bed with her. And not only to lie beside her. No, he gathered her up in his arms, pulling her to his side. Then, hand cradling her head and lips at her temple, he gave a soft sigh, his large body relaxing."

I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Dyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about love, but not just one type of love, not just romantic love, but the love of friends who have been with you through thick and thin. The love of the “family”who have taken you in when you lost your home. The unconditional love of the people who surround you in your daily life.
I find myself drawn more and more these days to romance that involves characters who have gone through trials in their lives, characters who have pulled themselves up as best they can but are just missing that one sparkle, that one person that make them feel like the past can finally be put behind them and they can reach for happiness. This is the story of two such people.
Heloise Marlowe has basically just existed since the death of her mother when she was a child. She was an unwanted burden to both her father and then her uncle. The only saving grace is that she learned the art of blacksmithing fine weapons and this lead her into marriage with her late husband Gregory who owned a fencing salon. Now at age 32, a few years after her husband’s death she has found a new home among the Wimpole Street Widows Society. A collection of widows lead by and living at Viscountess Vastkern’s home. Although we are given a glimpse of who these widows are and what they are capable of, this book doesn’t dig too deep into the Society. This might frustrate some readers, but I for one like that there will be more to discover future books.
But now it seems her sister-in-law Julia is in trouble and it involves a high-end gaming club and the widows rally around Heloise and make a plan to find out who is behind it. But is Heloise capable of seducing one of the owners of the club to gain access to it back rooms?
As the co-owner of Dionysus, Ethan Sinclaire has done his best to uphold the integrity of the club has one of the best in Mayfair, with the most honest tables. But ever since he caught his late brother embezzling money a few years ago he has been on edge and now he has heard rumors that others may have unfairly lost money. While he works to find out who is spreading these rumors he is approached with an event that he can’t say no to. The come back of the famous Mrs Laney Finch, female boxer and her very attractive manager Mrs. Marlowe. I love how these two basically have an instant attraction for each other. Heloise may be on a mission to seduce Ethan but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a pleasant encounter. And oh boy, does it become some steamy encounters. These two can’t keep their hands off of each other!! Against a wall, a desk, sofa (maybe they might make it to a bed at some point!!). What is lovely about the two main characters is that neither of them are as “detached “ as they want to be in this “affair”. Ethan may own a gaming club, but he is far from the standard gaming hell rake that is usual in this trope. He has had a really rough life and his co-owners have been the only true family he has ever really had. There is such a sweet vulnerability in Ethan and that is what makes Heloise fall so hard for him. And once Heloise opens up her heart to the possibilities of romantic love, she also realizes the amazing warm of the widows who surround and will fight to help and protect her.
With this new series Ms. Britton brings us not to the glamours ballrooms of the ton, not the ingenues, not the dukes and earls, but to the everyday people who come together to help each other, who form a family who has each others backs. I’m excited to see where this all leads!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC for my unbiased review

[Visionary Druid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heloise Marlowe is a former blacksmith and fencing instructor. She uses her unique skills for The Wimpole Street Widows Society, a secret group of widows who help the less fortunate. Heloise accepts their latest case on behalf of her sister-in-law. She plans to seduce Dionysus’s owner, so she can secretly search within the gaming club’s inner sanctum. Heloise never anticipated growing close to Ethan or losing her heart to the man. Will she find what she is looking for in his club? Or will Heloise forfeit the mission?

Ethan Sinclaire is part-owner of a popular gaming club. He is haunted by the betrayal of his younger brother, who nearly destroyed Dionysus’ reputation. When Ethan learns about the rumors involving his business, he starts secretly investigating the matter. He is not about to let anyone, least of all the woman sniffing around the place, to destroy all he has built. Will Ethan be able to trust Heloise with more than his heart? Or will she betray him like his brother did? And will Ethan find the culprit behind the dirty dealings?

It did not take me long to like and connect with Heloise. The whole blacksmith and former fencing instructor, professions that are not common for women. I love how Heloise fumbled in her seduction attempts with Ethan. It shows that she is not the type of woman who goes around seducing men or enticing them. What I adore the most about Heloise is how she selflessly helped her sister-in-law. She could have left the girl to fend for herself, to fix her own problems. Instead, Heloise suffered from a guilty conscience to honor her late husband’s last wish.

Oh boy! What can I say about Ethan! There is just something about the grouchy, closed-off hero types that really get to me. Add in that Ethan is haunted (or tortured) by the memory of his brother’s betrayal. Yum! What I love the most about Ethan is how he came from nothing. He had no rich family member giving him a helping hand. Ethan, along with his two brothers and two friends, built a successful empire from scratch. Plus, he does not let the aristocracy intimidate him.

TO HEIST AND TO HOLD is the first book in Christina Britton’s newest historical romance series, WIMPOLE STREET WIDOWS SOCIETY. I admit, at first, I was a little uncertain about the series premises. The widow aspect is what threw me off. For some bizarre reason, I am not fond of reading about widowed heroines. I have yet to figure out why. Just an odd quirk of mine. It was the gaming club angle that interested me most. I have always been a sucker for stories that take place in such establishments. Which is kind of ironic since I do not care to gamble myself.

However, as I read, the characters grew on me. I like how the main couple, along with most of the side characters, are from the working class. It is a nice change-of-pace from the usual titled characters.

I wonder if the author plans to pair the widows up with Ethan’s three business partners. Teagan definitely! But the one who piqued my interest the most is Parsons. I kind of hope he will be paired with Iris. Something about their dynamic appeals to me. * fingers crossed*

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shortly after the death of her husband, Heloise Marlow was invited to move in with Sylvia Lutton, the widowed Viscountess Vastkern and several other ladies at her home and join the Wimpole Street Widows Society. Each widowed lady has a unique talent, and they all work together to help other women. For her part, Heloise is a blacksmith, forging swords and a fencing master, and she uses her talents to teach the other women self-defense. When her sister-in-law comes to visit her and asks for help in recovering her employer’s missing jewels that were used as collateral at Dionysus, a well-respected gaming hell and have since gone missing with the gaming hell claiming no record of the jewels, she plans to take care of the problem alone. But when the viscountess learns of her mission, she insists that the society helps her, and they form an elaborate plan to infiltrate the club and find the missing jewels. Convinced something shady is going on at the club and not knowing who can be trusted, Heloise plans to seduce one of the owners, which will hopefully give her access to the more private parts of the club. Seems simple enough, but that was before she met Ethan Sinclaire and realizes she has no idea how to seduce a man. But once they begin an affair, Heloise will question herself and start wondering if she will have to betray the man, she has come to love in order to keep a deathbed promise to her late husband.

Ethan Sinclaire is one of the owners of the wildly successful Dionysus club, a gaming hell he opened with his brothers and two other friends he grew up with on the streets. After a stunning betrayal and death of his middle brother Gavin, Ethan has closed himself off from everyone and has concentrated on maintaining a stellar reputation of the club. But lately there have been whispers of members saying they have been cheated, and after the fiasco with Gavin, Ethan is determined to learn the truth. When Heloise comes to the club, he immediately doesn’t trust her, but despite that, he is drawn to her and when they embark on an affair, he finds himself feeling again for the first time in years. But when the truth comes out will they be able to find a way to move past the secrets and lies or will the betrayal be too much to overcome?

This was a good start to a new series featuring strong, capable women, who get a second chance at finding their HEA. In this story, Heloise and Ethan are both likeable and relatable characters with an immediate chemistry. The book is filled with secrets, plans, laugh out loud seduction attempts, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, a bit of a mystery, betrayal, healing, forgiveness and finally a well-deserved HEA. I really enjoyed this book, but I do wish I had a better understanding about the origins of the Society, and I really want to know who won the boxing match!! Overall, this was a good book, and I would happily recommend it to my fellow HR readers and will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: gaming hell owner MMC; widowed MFC with a past; MFC seduces MMC; "he falls first"; MC's team up to solve a mystery
Steam level: 3

3.25 stars I couldn't round up. Despite some likable elements, this was a rare misfire from an author I usually enjoy. Here's my rundown:

PRO's:
--MMC Ethan gets all of the stars. A grumpy, scarred, protective gaming hell owner with a rough past who's sweet and sexy underneath it all? Yes please.
--MFC Heloise is a blacksmith who's handy with a sword and has a working class background. Nice change of pace.
--The steamy scenes are well written. Good blend of emotion and sexiness with "beauty and the beast" vibes.
--Writing style is polished.

ON THE FENCE ABOUT:
--The Wimpole Street Widows Society. I've read so many HR's lately with similar ladies' groups. This one just didn't have a strong identity to me. Like the storyline, the author wants it to be edgy but cozy at the same time. Eh.
--Heloise's awkwardness in the first half is amusing and makes her more real, which isn't a bad thing, but it doesn't set up the tone well for the second half.

CON'S:
--World building falls flat. Outside of the descriptions of the interior of the gaming hell, character behavior, dialog, and action didn't convince me that this was an empire run by a group of men who'd risen up from the streets.
--The premise. Still nearly virginal after an indifferent marriage, having never set foot in a gaming hell, Heloise plans to become a seductress and have sex with a gaming hell owner--with her friends' support, of course, because what else can she possibly do with her swordfighting/ blacksmithing skills?--in the hope that she's going to discover somewhere inside his palatial premises jewels her sister-in-law gambled away. Or he's going to feel the impulse at some point in under a month to show them off to her. Or something???
--The plot ends up not being as twisty as I'd hoped, would have been quickly solved if characters had communicated, and there's no heisting.
--Sex with feels before the halfway point, but afterward Heloise stubbornly refuses to consider that maybe Ethan's not the bad guy for a looong time. All the goodwill I'd had for her at the beginning drained away. She should have confessed earlier and she needed to grovel to Ethan a LOT sooner. Her stubbornness detracted from the genuineness of their connection. Also, Ethan should have gotten more support from his family/friends. I've NEVER read a book in this sort of setting where dishonestly was dismissed so lightly.

Bottom line: some set-ups don't work for some authors. I love an edgy, steamy "gaming-hell-owner" HR (and entire series set with underworld families) but I'm not sure it's this author's strength.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author and Net Galley for this opportunity.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Heist & To Hold, the first book in the Wimple Street Widows Society series by Christina Britton, completely captivated me—I cannot wait for more!

Heloise Marlowe, after the loss of her husband, finds both refuge and purpose within the Wimple Widows Society. As a former blacksmith and fencing instructor, she brings invaluable skills to this secret organization dedicated to helping those in need of justice. When her sister-in-law seeks help after being wronged at the notorious gambling club Dionysus, the society devises a daring plan. Heloise’s role? To charm her way into the heart of the club—by seducing its enigmatic owner to gain access to its hidden corners.

Ethan Sinclaire has poured his soul into rebuilding Dionysus after his brother’s betrayal shook its foundations. Determined to protect everything he’s worked for, Ethan is quick to notice Heloise’s probing curiosity. Their encounters? Simply magnetic. I adored how Britton crafted Heloise’s attempts at seduction—they were humorous, heartfelt, and endearing. Heloise’s devotion to her sister-in-law, her deep camaraderie with her housemates, and the slow, unintentional unraveling of her heart for Ethan made her an unforgettable character. The passion between them felt authentic and profound, especially for Heloise, who never experienced such depth in her previous marriage.

Ethan stole my heart completely. His gruff exterior hides scars from a difficult past and his brother’s betrayal. He believes himself unworthy of love, guarding his heart fiercely. But Heloise breaches his defenses effortlessly, and watching his struggle to resist his feelings was both tender and heart-wrenching.

As secrets unravel and the truth behind Heloise’s presence at the club surfaces, Britton masterfully navigates the emotional fallout. I won’t give too much away, but their reunion had me in tears—joyful, cathartic tears. The resolution left my heart full, and Britton’s storytelling prowess shone brilliantly.

What makes this series stand out is its focus on everyday people, not the privileged elite. Their trials, tribulations, and journeys toward healing are deeply relatable. While there’s a vibrant cast of secondary characters, Ethan and Heloise remain the story’s beating heart. Britton skillfully introduces characters who will star in future installments, sparking my curiosity without overshadowing the central romance. I’m already eager to read about Ethan’s brother, his partners, and some of the remarkable women from the Widow’s Society.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am sharing my honest thoughts. This series is off to an extraordinary start, and I can’t wait to dive into the next installment!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the beginning of a new series, with a bit of playful references to previous stories by the author and I quite enjoyed this one. Fun characters and relationship outside of the main characters, with atypical situations and backgrounds.

Heloise is a widow, brought to live with a viscountess on Wimpole Street, after failing to continue her dead husband's fencing school, despite being a blacksmith and talented fencer herself. Colour me intrigued already - and there is more that draws my interest in her as well! She's also not the only colourful, interesting character that lives at the Wimpole St. address either.

The ladies in the house form a bit of an eccentric group that come together in friendship but also as a loose cabal that appear interested in helping others. In this case, they work to recover jewels lost by a peeress, who threatens to implicate one of her family members. Heloise, to aid in their enterprise, decides to try to seduce one of the owners of a gambling den that is at the heart of their investigation, despite not having any seduction skills whatsoever.

Ethan Sinclaire is one of the owners and the object of her seduction. He and his brothers grew up on the street and they built their success from the dirt up. He is terse, focused, and with walls a mile high and thick, especially after a particularly hurtful betrayal in his past. He takes particular pride in the honesty and reputation of Dionysus, their successful gaming hell, and when it comes to his attention that there are grumblings starting that something underhanded is occurring at his tables, he is forced to take action.

Dionysus agrees to host an exclusive event featuring a noted female pugilist coming out of retirement, and Ethan secretly investigates the rumours of cheating. To Ethan's consternation, he is forced to work with Heloise as the fighters manager, and she is determined to be involved in every aspect of the planning. Even worse, she starts to cause breaks in his walls, and despite niggling suspicions, when he has her privately investigated, all that he learns just makes him like her more, and breaks more of his walls down.

Another story of found families, with elements of grumpy-sunshine, lies and betrayal. The characters, including the secondary characters and their relationships, are fun, charming, and appealing. Heloise and Ethan are spicy but also sweet in their vulnerability as well.

4 stars out of 5

[♡Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Heist and to Hold by Christina Britton is the first book in her Wimpole Street Widows Society series. If I had to sum it up in a couple of words, they would be overwrought and underwhelming. There are certainly some readers who love over-the-top melodrama, but unfortunately for this book, I’m not one of them. If you enjoy constant gasping, hitched breaths, whimpering, trembling, moaning, startling, jumping, paling, almost swooning, almost throwing up, terror for no real reason, and general overreaction to everything, this book is for you.

Personally, I didn’t feel any chemistry between the lead characters, Heloise and Ethan. I didn’t understand what they saw in each other, didn’t feel any emotional bond, and didn’t buy the intensity or insta-love between them. Even worse, the spicy scenes are rote and uninspired. How dull.

Usually, I find a romance is well-served by dual POV, but that wasn’t the case here. We are supposed to believe Ethan, the MMC who grew up in the streets, in conditions so harsh and poor that he almost died, pulled himself, his brothers and his friends up from the muck with hard work and determination, and created a gambling empire that he unemotionally rules with an iron fist, is swoony over a random woman with little personality whom he just met? And Heloise’s character is so all over the place, I don’t even know how to describe her; I do know I didn’t like or sympathize with her very much. Mostly, I was just annoyed with everyone and how they were behaving.

In the book’s description, the plot sounded promising and the characters quite interesting. In its execution, there’s convoluted logic, plot holes, nonsensical reactions and a lot (a lot!!) of drama merely for drama’s sake. You can’t create tension and stakes by telling the reader we should feel tension and stakes. You need to build it and make us care about these characters. For me, it didn’t work, it was just overemotional and eye-rolling. Also, where was the heist? I feel we’ve been cheated.

Side note: Ethan’s eyes are very chatty and articulate, constantly telling Heloise exactly how he’s feeling and what he’s thinking, with desperation, emotion and somehow, total clarity.

2.5 stars rounded to 3 because it has a decent premise and it’s a completed book with very few typos. I’m sure there are readers who will disagree with my take and I hope they do really enjoy this book.

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an ARC. Opinions are 100% mine.