It Happened One Heist

by Shenee Howard, Amber Riley (Narrator), Anthony Rey Perez (Narrator)

Opposites attract trouble in this thrilling romantic suspense performed by Amber Riley (Glee, Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell) and a full cast!

Museum curator Amara Grant has big plans. Open a museum in Haiti plans. Return local artifacts to their country of origin plans. Getting fired from the prestigious museum she works at? Not part of the plan. But that’s exactly what happens when she discovers that a priceless set of bracelets on display are actually fake.

With her world turned upside down, the last thing she expects is to be approached by a wealthy benefactor offering the resources to track down the real bracelets. They’ll supply money to travel the world and manpower in the form of a mysterious bodyguard known only as Dante—a man who is as intriguing as he is infuriating.

Soon Amara and Dante are caught up in a web of black-market antiquities and secret societies as their treasure hunt takes them from Los Angeles to London, to the Scottish Highlands and Paris. As if their adventure isn’t daring enough, a powerful attraction ignites between them…and falling in love just might pose the greatest risk of all.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary, Crime, Clean Romance

Audible Audio

Published February 5, 2026

Reviews

[Hannah Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can a story be so far-fetched yet so boring??????

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

audible original- was hoping for more Haitian history. Disjointed

[Ashley Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun little romp. I hope Amber Riley narrates more, she has a great voice for it.

[Bribri09reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrators were an A+ but the story itself did not hold my attention

[Sarandah chrysalis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to slog through this, but the leads had zero- and I mean zero- chemistry. There was also a lot of repetition that could’ve been replaced with actual plot, like you don’t have to remind us that many times how you got fired or who the bracelets rightfully belong to.

[Kathleen Beamish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! A good listen. Recommend

[Glen Krisch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming characters that could have supported a stronger plot.

[Rebekah Kolaczek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was bored, had an extremely hard time with the writing, the characters weren't likeable enough either. couldn't finish it

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much! The mystery, the romance!! I want more!!

[Nbenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, lighthearted listen. Indiana jones type story with a female protagonist. Enjoyed it.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.
I will say the narrators on the audio were very good, but the story was lacking.

[Melisa GibsonKing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to listen too. Indian Jones ish with a strong sassy FMC and “sexy Rambo” MMC. Hope there will be a second book.

[Ari Imi02 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this. The American accents did nothing but deter me from enjoying the narrative. The plot was good but I felt as though it needed more work, was a little rushed and wishy washy at times. I wanted to feel more for the characters, I felt dissociated from them and in turn couldn’t enjoy it at full capacity. Perhaps if I physically read this instead of listening to to the audio book it would help.

[Lady Aimée · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this. No notes.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indiana Jones, Laura Croft, (although her characteristics are broken into two characters) , and a sexy Rambo take on a museum, jewelry theft cover-up. This is an action packed romcom with some fun escape-room drama, and a satisfying wrap-up. There is even the opening for future adventures for the main characters. I would be up for another story with the main four characters united against the collector.

This is not a literary masterpiece, but it is not intended to be. Is a Hallmark movie intended to be high drama?

I could have done without all the F-bombs. I hate that!

[Alicia Musgrove · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was honestly pretty boring and hard to follow at times. It could’ve been hard to follow cus I just didn’t care enough to really pay attention to everything they were doing and the riddles they were figuring out.

Amber Riley was a great narrator, I just couldn’t connect to the characters at all. The story had so much potential but, to me, it just fell flat.

[Derica Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I googled "Audible full cast black author" and this book was the first one in the list. It was everything I was looking for in an audiobook. Another bonus was that it was free with the membership so I didn't have to use a credit, but it would be worth every cent if I paid for it. The book, set from the POV of the female main character, utilizes many character voices that are easy to distinguish throughout the story. It is a light-hearted, feel-good read with connections to real world ideas and thought-provoking concerns. I sent it to my sister and friends after listening to the first two chapters because it was instantly enamoring.

Amber Riley and Anthony Rey Perez are good narrators. Their voices complement each other.

**Spoilers**
I did not read the blurb for this book before starting, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into! The beginning of the book had me intrigued with the initial cultural references, but Amara's life changing circumstance is what captivated me. She blew up everything she thought she knew and wanted in a moment of passion and realization. I love these a-ha moments in life where you are challenged to question your norm and consider a different perspective.

I love the dynamic between Amara and Dante. They have an attraction without it being exaggerated and unnecessarily dramatic. It has the perfect amount of tension and desire. Amara's naivete towards Dante's efforts to protect her makes you want to bop her a few times, but it still makes for a great read.

Overall, this book is a cute, quick read. I am excited to see what else Shenee Howard has up her sleeve!

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amara Grant is working her dream job as a museum curator and on her dream project when suddenly everything is pulled out from under her. Fired from her job and the artifact that she gave her all to stolen, she decides to hunt down the artifact to return it to where it belonged.
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O boo, I'm so sad that I didn't really enjoy this book? I really enjoyed the full cast narration, but the story just didn't work for me? I get it was trying to be campy and fun, but at the same time, it tried handling serious topics such as art repatriation and the aftereffects of colonialism, etc.

The mystery was fairly simple and honestly was pretty easy to guess? It was honestly just set dressing for the romance? Which also didn't really work for me because the whole book was essentially buildup and banter, and they never really got into an actual romance? Even in the end, it's implied to happen off page.

Amara, as a concept, is interesting, but she didn't feel real? I don't know, I just couldn't understand why she was so passionate and she just wasn't developed? There were just no real reasons behind her actions. She was extremely passionate about art repatriation, but why? Why did she care so much specifically about Haiti? I agree that art should go back to their original countries, but her ending solution to the issue just wasn't based in reality? I think maybe if I didn't do a paper about it, I wouldn't have focused on that aspect of the story.

I don't know. There just wasn't enough romance to make it a campy adventure romcom and not enough suspense to build up the mystery.

[Day Ravenstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. I love a modern take on the artifact hunter stories. I adore a series called the Harker Chronicals which is a religious conspiracy series tied to artefacts and I've been looking for something similar for years. This is that book.

This ended up being so much more complicated than I was expecting. With the cartoon cover and it being audio only I was expecting this to be up to my crime writer standards, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was just the right balance of traps and running around Western Europe with a villian that's actually realistic for it not to be too impossible to believe. I mean, rich white dudes are behind all bad things eventually.

The ending was so sweet. I need to see Amara and Dante growing old together chasing antiquities. There was such a good opening for a sequel and I'd be so down to read that. Move over O'Connells there's a new mummy chasing couple in town.

I love a more "academic" book having a black fmc. It added a really nice depth to the concept. Those were her bracelets to chase. Not knock off Indiana Jones'. What a prick. The various discussions about how major museums are just an extension of colonisation were so poignant and thought provoking (happy to say my favourite museum isn't part of that). Amara realising that the British museum was just as bad as her own was really sad. It was one if those moments where you realise just how grown up you have to be now.

I need this to come out in physical.

[Summie Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Happened One Heist by Shenee Howard is such an entertaining listen and works really well in audiobook format. The full cast narration is definitely the highlight—each character has a distinct voice, which makes the dialogue feel natural, engaging, and easy to follow. It adds a lot of energy to the story and really enhances the heist atmosphere.

The plot moves at a good pace, blending romance, banter, and tension in a way that keeps you listening. It’s one of those audiobooks that’s easy to binge because the performances keep things lively and immersive throughout.

The chemistry between the main characters also comes across really well through the narration, which I appreciated. However, there were a few moments where I personally wanted a bit more depth in the story and character development, which is why I’m giving it four stars instead of five.

Overall, this is a fun, engaging full cast listen that’s perfect if you’re looking for something light, romantic, and a little chaotic in the best way!

[Iris Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

FMC is annoying she doesn't know when to shut it. Some would say quirky but its more annoying. Example when she met the counterfeiter she gave too much. Have some air of mystery. Yet when the time comes for her to reveal stuff she doesn't say anything like when the other guy shows up at the mountain she doesn't tell the bodyguard. On top of that the consistent wanting to go back to the museum that clearly doesn't want to keep their word on things was extra annoying. Have some self respect and go elsewhere. I had to take breaks to get through the story. When she finally got out of her head and made smarter decisions near raw end it started to pull me in; wished it happened sooner. The ending was wonderful. I wished Viv had more scenes. If there is a sequel I would love to see Viv more involved she brings a little comedic relief

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book but I rated it an actual 3.5 but that's not an optional. While there was a story and adventures sometimes it didn't hold my attention. But still a good book overall. Amara Grant a museum curator had high aspirations of opening a museum in Haiti and returning the bracelets on display to their country of origin but things went array. Instead she gives a speech that insults the audience and benefactors and gets fired. Desiring one last look at the bracelets she discovers the bracelets on display are actually fact.
She is approached by a wealthy benefactor offering help and money to find the real bracelets. She also includes her bodyguard as help in the search. The bodyguard Dante is intriguing and easy on the eyes kind of guy. So the adventures begin and the sparks ignite.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Narration on this one was done well, the Male voice sounded very Chris Pine in my ears - so no matter how our FMC kept describing him, CP was all i saw when his parts arrived.

I unfortunately found the story itself a little lackluster. While the entire premise and plot was great in my opinion, it still bored me unfortunately. Perhaps not the book or author for me. I hope this does not discourage others from reading because the FMC wanting to do what any good person should and return special artifacts to their rightful people/countries wa a great plot point. I did very much enjoy SOME aspects of this story.

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off very interesting following a museum curator with a passion for Haitian history. It all goes downhill when she gets fired from the museum and realizes the jewels on display are fake. There should be enough wacky hijinks to keep things entertaining but it's written in a very boring way. Everything about the romance with Dante was cliche and forced. They had no chemistry together. And when she tried to compare him not revealing his last name for mystery reasons to her ancestors having their names stolen because of slavery I got irritated.

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember Amber Riley from Glee. She's also a great voice actress, as are the supporting cast members. In the beginning, when this was talking about the series topic of artifacts that should be returned to their home countries, I was all in. Then it started getting more over-the-top ridiculous in its hijinks, and I lost interest. It's a strange mix of tones. The romance is also paper-thin and basically consists of our heroine ogling her borrowed body guard.

[AJ Shattuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different style book for me, but I had a pretty good time.

Nothing super special but a good easy read. Odd "mystery" vibe. The FMC had some odd quirks around her internal dialog and I never figured out the whole sometimes she was talking out loud (?) thing since I listened to the audiobook. However, overall it was a good vibe and the audiobook was decent so it was worth the read.

Glad I gave it a chance and will keep an eye out for similar books in the future.

[R. Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

his one was a fun and fast paced read for me! I love the tension, chemistry and all of the chaos that kept things interesting. Also really enjoyed the banter. I do wish a couple moments had more depth... since they had so much potential. But overall.... this was a very entertaining read that kept me hooked!

[Tekayah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The production of this audiobook was amazing. The different narrators really brought the story to life. That being said, I’m not sure how I felt about the story itself. I loved the adventure side of it but the romance and realisticness of it fell flat to me. So I give it 3 stars because I’m unsure of how it really felt.

[Anete · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smadzeņu konfkete, ko klausoties nevari saprast, vai garšo, bet nespēj beigt patērēt. Muzeja darbiniece aiziet Indiana Džonsa pēdās, un pa ceļam satiek noslēpumaino Danti.

[Amber Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very romancing the stone…except with museum curators and stolen artifacts. The narrators were great but the story was just meh. It had a touch of mystery and romance but not enough of either to draw me into the plot a whole lot.

The theme and message were strong.

It was a okay book to read and if your just looking for a pallet cleanser type of book it was alright.