Heist.: Thieves of Clover

by Ruby Darling

The Fox.
They say circumstances either make or break a man--I let them do both. Never in my life did i think I’d have to become a criminal just to get by... but like I said--circumstances change you. Some for the better... some for the worse. And the best change of all may just be my downfall.

The Songbird.
Never thought I’d be moonlighting as a singer at the infamous Inferno Nightclub could turn into this: Forced to help a band of thieves perform the perfect heist... while falling in love with the man in charge... I just wanted to sing.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark

545 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2026

Reviews

[Rachel Dane]

One of my favorite reads....not of 2026...of all time. The adrenaline, the love, the pain, the banter, the found family.

This book will stay with you. You feel like youre right there with everyone right in the story. Its hauntingly beautiful in every way. 🖤

Just trust me on this. Im struggling to even find words how much i love this story and these characters

[Kellie Jackson]

If you’re looking for the perfect fall type of read, look no further. This was and is the perfect vibe for this and for any other occasion. The 1950’s setting was a whole vibe to be messed with. It was different and gripping the entire way through. Not only will this have you locked in with spice and plot, but there is banter. You get all of this plus that dirty—filthy mouths we all dream about.

I truly loved the flip of who had the money in this and it being the FMC. Dahlia was everything, only missing the main piece any female wants. Love. I cones Jasper who comes from nothing money and the opposite of what Dahlia is.

Jasper is that burn the world down type MMC. The man you’ll find yourself rooting for the entire way through.

This being inspired by true crime events within the 1950’s timeframe was genius and made it more addictive. Everything built into this plot within this era was perfection.

There is pain, heartbreak and the need to overcome struggles is powerful—healing. The twist and turns you’ll find yourself in this is wild and chaotic, but so worth the fun. As you know reading a Ruby Darling book, you’re never left dry on the spice and you for sure will be sweating.

[irisreads_books]

Jasper “I ain’t her friend. I’m her future.” Collins
Dahlia “motherf&ckin spitfire” Murphy

I’m still a crying mess but in the best possible way. Heist was everything I could have wanted in a true crime story with all the love and emotion between Jasper and Dahlia. I literally don’t know what to do with myself now that it’s over. It really said the end.
Ruby has a way of pulling every single emotion out of you that you had no idea even existed. Heist is one of those books that I can’t even give a stat rating to because there aren’t enough. 5 just doesn’t seem fair.
The neurodivergent representation in Heist was amazing. Seeing it on multiple different sides of the spectrum showcased how easily it can be missed.
The evolution of Dahlia from meek and quiet to strong-willed and not to be messed with should go down in strong FMC history.
Jasper, ever the protector did everything he needed to provide for his loved ones, you cant say anything bad about Jasper. He’s so respectfully dirty and I loved every minute.

The spice: hydrate. And charge those batteries.
Heist | Thieves of Clover: every star in the galaxy

[Summer]

~Arc/Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

~Heist: Thieves of Clover by Ruby M Darling~

~Duet Multi-Cast Narration~Rachael Dane, Joe Arden, & Silas Hart~

~Production~Blue Nose Audio~

"My girl. My songbird. Dahlia Faye Collins."

♡Ruby truly transported me to the 1950's and I didn't want to come back. Dahlia our singer & Jasper our greaser grew up on different sides of the track but nothing can stand in the way of true love. The attention to detail & the amount of research I could tell went into this story is truly exceptional. I also really loved that we got povs from every characters perspective throughout the story. I fell in love with each & every character and I truly felt like I was watching the story unfold through their eyes.

The duet multicast narration for this audiobook was outstanding. Rachael, Joe, & Silas truly brought this story to life and made me feel like I was right along side these characters as the story unfolded feeling every emotion right along with them!

~As Always Happy Reading~

~Thank you Ruby & Blue Nose for the advance copies, all thoughts are my own~

[Tanya Banda]

Ruby wrote an absolute masterpiece. The way she transports you into the 1950s and makes you feel like you’re watching a movie was amazing. You know when you’re reading and you forget you’re reading because you’re so invested and transported into the book? That’s exactly what happened. The love story between Dahlia and Jasper was the best. Jasper is from no money and wrong side of the tracks while Dahlia has all the money and security she’ll ever need. She just doesn’t have the love she so desperately wants. Not until Jasper flips her world upside down.
I’ve never rooted for someone to do the wrong thing more than I was rooting for Jasper. The found family, the struggles, betrayals, heartbreak, healing, and twist will have you staying up all night just to keep reading. The ending was not what I expected and I can’t wait to see if there’s more in store.

[TheMillennialMoodReader]

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: 𝙃𝙚𝙞𝙨𝙩

♾️⭐️
4🌶️

🍀1950’s Dark Romance
🖤Rebels with a cause
🍀Greaser x Singer
🖤Good Girl Gone Rogue
🍀Man Obsessed
🍀Neurodivergent Rep
🖤Chosen Family
🍀High stakes, suspense
🖤Inspired by true events
🍀Standalone
🖤Trauma/ Grief


Heist is a dark 1950’s romance inspired by a true crime event. This is not just a story about two people who are from the opposite side of the tracks that simply fall in love. This is an epic story with a full cast, not just side characters, and we get to see their POV throughout the book.
Heist is gritty, suspenseful, spicy and full of emotional damage and drama. Easily one of my favorite reads this year and my favorite of Ruby’s to date. Now with it being almost 620ish pages , I have plenty to yap about but I’ll try to shorten it down!

This book gave me Peaky Blinders x Robin Hood vibes, but make it darker. The jazz scene and club setting added a sultry ambience. I loved the 1950s era and I easily imagined stepping back in time.

Dahlia is our leading lady and I loved her character growth throughout the book. She is the Kingston Princess destined to be corrupted by Jasper Fox Collins. She ends up being a ride or die kind of girl! From a quiet church girl to a bold and sultry vixen, her character was captivating.

Jasper Fox Collins is an enigma. This man is beyond loyal to his family and friends who are like brothers to him. He stumbles across Dahlia after years have passed and once she’s in his sights he doesn’t let her out of them. Man is OBSESSED. This character is like an onion, he’s complex with many layers. He wants to do the right thing but his circumstances force him to make tough decision.

The romance between Dhalia and Jasper is scorching! The chemistry and raw need they have for each other… whew! 🔥🔥🔥

The gang of brothers and other characters added so much to this story. I was as fully invested in them as I was Dahlia and Jasper. Each character had their struggles and woes and my heart hurt for them and also rooted for them!

One topic I have to sing my praises on is the neurodiversity representation through the entire story. This was one of the most well done reps I’ve read in a long time. The attention to detail to have it relate to this time period.. amazing. I balled like a baby.

The suspense and drama surrounding the heist plot had me gripping my kindle. There was such a perfect balance between the romance and the storyline of a group of brothers who are desperate to help their families and townspeople. If you’ve read Speak and Stutter there are certain people and places whose names you may connect.

Heist delivers an emotional, dramatic story of people who face tremendous hardships in life and despite their owns struggles they would do anything for each other. This story reached into my chest, squeezed my heart and didn’t let go. Ruby you can keep it because it belongs with these characters.

I absolutely loved this book and I want to see more of this world!! I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters!

Huge thanks to Ruby and her team for the advance reader copy of Heist. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny Talbot]

ARC Review

Ruby M. Darling sets the 1950’s mood in Heist right out the gate. Dear reader, you are going to feel like you fell into a time capsule packed with sexy, sinful, salacious lives and levels of crime. Heist is inspired by historical events that happened decades beyond the 1950’s. Ruby has taken out all of those details and infused a greaser/songbird inspired story of desperation, class difference, and the high cost of love.

The story centers around the love story of Jasper and Dahlia while folding in an intricate hierarchy of secondary characters who equally drive the plot with the pedal to the metal.

What Ruby does so well is to create a landscape of community and character, existing just outside of Boston, a place that feels worn-in by time and hard work. At the heart of this story we have a man, just barely into adulthood, who is faced with the financial burdens of caring for his sick mother and his group home stationed sister. Jasper is built by a life of blue collar work and grit as a mechanic.

When an opportunity arises to lift him out of the dollar to dollar life he’s barely surviving, he’s ready to risk it — all in the name of holding his family together.

Enter Dahlia Murphy.

Working at her father’s bank, imagine her surprise when she comes face to face with Jasper Collins in two defining moments in that bank. She’s got a story all her own that illustrated the vast differences these two have had leading them to this moment. When Jasper discovers her moonlighting as a performer at Inferno, the pull to her becomes undeniable.

Not only that, Dahlia has a tie to Jasper that is further complicated by the chips that fall scattered on the floor of her daddy’s bank; leaving a trail of secrets, deception and death in its wake.

The historical tone is reverently honored in this story. The characters feel much like when you are viewing a period piece on stage or screen — the characters felt pulled from an era that still has so much crime, glamour and grit surrounding it.

Living in northern New England myself, the characterization of the small town life during this time is flushed out in a way that feels authentic to the region. I especially loved the fictional ties that can be traced back to some of our more contemporary Rayne Moore universe.

In historical fiction it is so critical to gain buy-in while honoring the time period at the center of it all. Ruby accomplishes this through her characterizations of main characters, as well as secondary characters, who are just as integral to the overall plot.

Each of the self-proclaimed “Thieves of Clover” has everything to lose, or gain, in this bank heist. All of these men have stakes that are so high, and their stories evolve alongside Jasper’s in a way that speaks to found family, a brotherhood in a spiritual sense that feels inferior to any blood relation or societal definition of family.

I find myself thinking about these characters and wondering if they were able to live out full, long lives. What would they have been like later on in life, after the dust settles and the engines cools? Jasper, Cian, Ronan, Father Kilgore, Dahlia, Rose, Rowena and Ellie haven’t been far from my thoughts since I hit “the end”.

I think that’s the hallmark of a great book. And with Ruby’s signature flair, there is plenty of spice.

What drives this story is the emotion. I hope you find long after you finish reading, that sometimes the right choice is the only choice: driving 80 mph in the direction of freedom.

[India (ChaptersAfterDark)]

Gosh where do I even start on this one. Let’s start by saying she is a roller coaster and she is thick… but the story ooof nothing like anything else you will read. She’s a beast but she’s worth every second you put into it.

You know when your soul calls out to another era… I felt that in this book, sometime I feel like I should have been born a Dahlia (except I can’t sing 🎤😂) I loved her so much, she seems soft but is such a force. I think I loved her most but I loved all the characters in this story. I think that’s what truly makes the book so beautiful, yes you have Dahlia and Jazzy but it about all of them … and you really feel integrated as part of their found family. You get different POV, you get different minds, you see different perspectives.

You connect to each character, you feel the process you enjoy the happy moments with them… you also fall back to the struggles of that era, the way life was then… the limitations, the prejudices but also the simple things life brings in those times. Everything is reflected and you will be absorbed.

The plot is gripping, intriguing and keeps the story moving… part of it based and inspired by a real heist so it feels real. Your emotions will be tested, the spice is of course spicin this is Ruby we are talking about… and your heart will not want it to end but you mind will want to know what happens. Intrigued? Then get reading 🍀🎶

[Marieta]

This was a very emotional read. It's so well written, from the very powerful scenes to the beautiful love story, and even to the language that immersed me in the 1950s atmosphere. The plot was so intriguing, and I loved the bits about familiar names and places.

Of course, I fell in love with Jasper. He's the perfect mix of possessive and protective, with just the right amount of darkness. Dahlia was a wonderful balance to all of that, gentle, soft... until she has to protect the people she loves.

The best thing about this story is the family that I fell in love with. Dahlia, Jasper, and their whole little group, connected by blood or by friendship, I loved them all. Ruby made me care deeply not only for the main characters but also for all of the "side" characters, who are so well developed that it feels wrong to call them "side" characters. I was intrigued by each of them as a character and by the bonds between them.

I didn't want the book to end. I wanted to spend more time with these characters. They are all so well written that now, when I'm done with the book, I miss them. I can't wait to return to them when the audiobook is out.

[Fallon Story]

6⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🍀1950s Dark Romance 🍀Rebel w/a Cause
🍀Greaser X Singer 🍀Good Girl gone Rogue
🍀Chosen Family 🍀Stand Alone

First I want to thank the Queen Ruby for allowing me this amazing ARC. This was such a beautifully written story that had me feeling every emotion throughout the whole story. The way Ruby was able to capture that time with all the slang talk and just overall vibe was top tier. The story and characters just instantly drew you in. I loved how dynamic and unique each character was and what they brought to the friendship/family!! In true Ruby fashion she had my heart just melting for our Jasper and the intense deep way that he loved and worshipped Dahlia. The dirty mouth on that man had me blushing. Amazing read and can not wait for the audio!!!

[Nicole]

Holy cow! I just finished Heist, and I must say, it is now my favorite Ruby Darling book!!! And that’s saying a lot because every book I have ever read of hers has ended up being “my favorite.” Each one gets better than the one before.

I didn’t want it to end!!! I really hope there will be a book 2 (eventually). I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, and I need more of the side characters. I have so many questions about where everyone ended up and what’s going on with everyone. Ruby amazes me how she is able to write SO MANY characters and give them each a distinct, unique personality. And make the reader become invested in them all.

I loved the characters, the relationships (including the interactions between Jasper’s mom and his friend group—just adorable), the autism representation, the suspense, the SPICE (Ruby NEVER disappoints), the emotion, the clever banter, the humor, the filthy mouths, and the historical storytelling and slang from that time period. It’s clear to the reader how much research went into the writing of this book. The attention to detail was evident on every page.

I can’t wait for it to be out in the world so that EVERYONE can read it. I NEED my friend group to read it so I can talk to them about it. 😂 I am OBSESSED and IN LOVE. Congrats to Ruby on another masterpiece.

[Ivey]

This book completely swept me away! I was hooked by the atmosphere, high stakes plot, and the undeniable chemistry between The fox and The Songbird. The Fox is the perfect morally gray hero. Life has forced him into circumstances he never expected and watching him navigate the criminal world while trying to hold on to the man he once was made him impossible not to love. He's protective, complicated, and carries the weight of every decision on his shoulders. The Songbird, what started as a simple gig singing at the infamous Inferno Nightclub spirals into a dangerous game involving thieves, secrets, and the man she never planned on falling for. I loved her strength, determination, and the way she held her own in a world she was never meant to be part of. The chemistry between these two practically jumped off the page, and every stolen moment between them had me completely invested. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of danger, betrayal, and impossible choices. It's not just a romance, it's a story about survival, sacrifice, redemption, and finding love when life has already stacked the odds against you.

[Brittany Bullis]

If you’re looking for a book that will make you fall in love, hurt your feelings, and leave you emotionally wrecked… this is it!
You NEED it on your TBR! I had the privilege of eARC reading this one, and let me tell you… I absolutely devoured it! Ruby made me fall head over heels for fictional characters, only to completely break my heart in the process.
The tension, the chaos-I was hooked from start to finish. If you love a book that pulls you in and refuses to let go, this one is for you!

[Sydney Clawson]

ARC/ALC REVIEW

I knew going into Heist that I was going to LOVE the 1950’s atmosphere. The organized crime, the speakeasy vibes, the morally questionable decisions, and the incredible characters Ruby writes. I think with all the heart Ruby put into this book she might have purchased an extra one off the black market or something, because this book is so much more than a romance or a heist. The amount of time and effort that was put into her research for this masterpieace is outstanding. Every aspect was so deeply researched to paint the perfect picture that it shaped these characters, their choices, who and what they were allowed to be, and how they moved through the world. I love that Ruby also added in the little Easter eggs from her other books that come full circle.

Dahlia has so much vulnerability underneath her “good girl” exterior. I loved watching her find a place and people where she could actually be seen and loved for exactly who she is. Jasper is the kind of man who will shoulder everyone else’s burdens and never admit how heavy they become. He made himself responsible for keeping everyone he loves safe, no matter what it costs him. The way they became each other’s safe space was beautiful. Their relationship had all the tension, the protectiveness, and the heat of a Ruby written couple.

Sometimes I feel like too many POVs gets too messy or hard to follow, not with Heist. Ruby set it up perfectly so we get the full, 360 degree view of the story, which she makes seamless and so well done. The chosen family povs for this book just wrecked me in the best way possible. The Jackal, the Wolf, the Lion, and the Rabbits are not just part of this crew, they are family in every way that matters. The loyalty and history between everyone made every win feel bigger and every loss hurt so much worse.

AND THEN I LISTENED TO THE ALC —
The audiobook really took the metaphorical knife and TWISTED. The audio absolutely gutted me. Somehow it made the hurt worse, but also made Jasper “I ain’t her friend, I’m her future.” Collins even hotter. The narrators really outdid themselves. The performance they gave us for each character provided such a distinct presence and made the banter, tension, heartbreak, and spice feel so REAL. There were scenes I already knew were coming from reading the ARC and STILL found myself emotionally compromised hearing them.

Reading Heist made me love this crew and their story.
Listening to it made me feel like I was right there with them.

You experience everything with the characters. Laughter, tears, swooning, getting all hot and bothered, and everything in between.

Rachel, Joe, and Silas deserve a round of applause and a standing ovation for their performances. We require an encore whenever Ruby says it is time.

Heist is spicy and dark and funny and devastating and just full of so much damn heart. This book feels a bit different from Ruby’s previous books but is still so undeniably Ruby. The Easter eegs, the complicated characters, the chosen family, the lust and love, and the emotional damage that is unmistakably Ruby, is what keeps me coming back for more. Every. Single. Time. I still cannot believe it is over.

Ruby, thank you for trusting me with the ARC & Blue Nose Audio with the ALC for this masterpiece. Getting to experience Heist both on page and immersive audio was honestly such a treat.

ARC & ALC were provided for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bette]

Phenomenal Story & Narration🎧A Masterpiece!

Heist: Thieves of Clover
By: Ruby M. Darling
Narrated by: Rachel Dane, Joe Arden, & Silas Hart

Ruby M. Darling blew me away with her masterpiece of a novel, a story like no other and one I could not tear myself away from. Darling puts her unique spin on a historical event, runs with it and makes it her own, creating a complex, multilayered story that is absolutely brilliant. I went into this book not knowing much about it, and I am glad I did, because it is the best way to enjoy the ride and the journey of the amazing characters. The story takes place in a small-town near Boston, in the late 1950s, where a group of friends, who became a found family, a brotherhood, are struggling financially. While a good portion of this book focuses on Jasper “The Fox” Collins and Dahlia “Songbird” Murphy, their backstories and the building of their relationship, there are also points of view from each in the brotherhood, Ronin, Connor, Cian, and the twins, Sean and Finn, as well as their backstories. I loved the camaraderie among them, how well they worked together, and what they had in their hearts. I connected with each of those characters, their family members too, and was rooting for them all the way, except for Dahlia’s father and her boss, both connected men, on opposite sides: the Syndicate and the Mafia. This masterfully crafted story is incredible, as are the writing, plot, and world-building, detailed with lots of depth, and the same goes for the character growth and development. A story that gets your heart pounding, there were points I was afraid for the characters and what was going to happen next, and as long as this book was I did not want it to end. Superbly done, Ruby M. Darling, thanks for this phenomenal story, the wild ride, the steamy romance and all the feels, and thanks for keeping me up all night because I needed to know what happens next. I sure hope this is not the end of seeing these characters and the amazing world you created.

🎧📚🎧 Not only did this story blow me away, but so did the incredibly talented cast, Rachel Dane, Joe Arden, and Silas Hart, who, like the story, were phenomenal with their character voices and performances. They embodied their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities to deliver a spot-on portrayal of each. Both Arden's and Dane’s takes on the two lead roles, Jasper and Dahlia, were perfection, and they delivered a moving performance, not only in those roles but as the side/secondary characters too, accents and all. Silas was just as amazing in the roles he covered too, and his performance was equally amazing. Their expressive delivery conveys all the characters’ emotions, as well as their passion, making you feel it all. Audiobook listening does not get better than this: entertaining storytelling and enthralling performances that keep you spellbound, gluing you to the story and dialogue.

[Challe *OpalMoon1019*]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING & A DEFINITE MUST READ… AND LISTEN!! 5⭐️ 5🌶️
Ruby has done it again with another incredible story I absolutely fell in love with!!! Although to be honest, I have fallen in love with all her stories since she pours so much heart, soul and detail into her writing… this book is no different.

HEIST is a 1950s dark romance, inspired by true crime events from that period in history, and you can easily feel how much research went into the details. Not only do we get a love story about two people from opposite sides of the tracks, we also get immersed in the lives and motives of all the characters, along with the detailed planning and execution of the theft. Dahlia Murphy and Jasper Collins are the main characters, but the side characters also made quite an impression and had me feeling for them just as much. The slang and terms from that era, depictions of the locations (especially during their heist planning), sultry vibes of the jazz club scenes, even the specifics on clothing and hairstyles, truly made me feel like I had taken a step back in time and submerged me even deeper into the storyline. Bonus if you’ve read Speak and Stutter, because there are some location and storyline crossover tidbits that I absolutely ate up!

Each of the guys (Jasper, Cian, Ronan, Connor, Sean and Finn) have their own money issues and reasons for agreeing wholeheartedly to the robbery, bringing forth an emotional investment to each of them and their situations.

When Jasper runs into Dahlia, years after they’d graduated high school, he has a newfound appreciation for the young woman she’s grown into, and the instant chemistry has him quickly consumed with thoughts of her, fueling his obsession to be with and have her. Dahlia has had a crush on Jasper since they were in school, and their run-in pushes her thoughts and feelings right back to the surface. It doesn’t take long for them to give into their attraction and desire for one another – and boy, does it get hot-hot-hot!!

The brotherly bond and support between the guys is deep and their banter, (especially with Jasper’s mom), is laugh out loud funny, heartfelt and familial. I especially loved that, even from an era when women had very-little-to-no rights, Dahlia found her voice and strength while Jasper helped support and coax out her black kitten energy. The neurodivergent representation was brilliantly done, discovering and researching it, in a time when they had no clue what it was yet or how to treat someone with those differences.

This story definitely had me feeling ALL the feels — the jokes and laughs, the tension and intensity, the romance and spice, the tears and heartbreak, the anger and redemption, the suspense and surprises — no emotion was left out, and I could not put it down!! Ruby has truly created another masterpiece of a story, my absolute favorite read of the year, and without a doubt one of my top books of all time!

The audiobook is perfection, featuring the insanely talented voices of Rachel Dane, Joe Arden and Silas Hart. Produced by Blue Nose Audio, performed in duet multicast and immersive audio. I loved the small background noises pulling you into some scenes even more than the words alone. Not overly done, but just enough to paint a picture in your mind and put you alongside the characters. Masterfully done!!! It truly is the bee’s knees!

[Allie 👑 Wangg 🦑]

1950’s Dark Romance
Greaser & Singer
Neurodivergent Rep
Chosen Family
Suspense
Standalone


Who knew we needed a 1950’s vibe? Ruby did. You out did yourself, this story is captivating. I was stuck from the first time I sat down.

This book took me traveling into another era. It was such a vibe. I listened to the playlist while reading the ARC and boy did it just add to the experience. (You can find it on Spotify)

Jasper "Fox" Collins.....the mouth on this man is so deliciously vulgar (respectfully). "I ain't her friend, I'm her future." *MELTS* He is from the wrong side of the tracks, fighting for the ones he loves all while being this captivating morally grey dreamboat. He will have you rooting for the right man to do the wrong things with no regret. I fell in love with The Fox. Ruby has a way with creating new book boyfriends, this did not disappoint.

Dahlia "Songbird" Murphy has so much character growth. You meet her as a lonely rich girl that keeps to herself except for her little singing secret, and you witness a beautiful change. Dahlia transforms from a church going good girl and turns into a take shit from no one woman and I loved every moment.

I want to say the roller coaster of emotions I felt reading this made me dizzy. I am so glad this story had POVs from other characters. It brought depth to the story and made me invested in more than just the FMC & MMC. Everyone in this story had something to lose. It was like watching a movie in my mind.

I can’t express how much I enjoyed it. The way you wove in all the attention to detail. It was beautiful.

I have my audio preordered and I am ready for release day !!

Oh yea, before I go….
It has plot twists you will love & Angst. Banter. & Obsession.
The BANTER….LAWDDDDD I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT.


Original review: 10/5/2026 **Edited to add narration review: 10/6/2026**

ARC review; Thank you for the opportunity!

The narration is done beautifully. I could not wait to jump into this world in audio. This did not disappoint. If you are an audio girlie listen up: Charge your batteries & Drink ya water girl!!

Rachel voiced Dahlia sooooo well! The voice, the style is was done so good. I believe this is my first time hearing Rachael but i can assure you it will not be my last.

The male narrators played so many characters and it was skillfully performed and brought another immersive layer to this story.

[Tali]

🍀The Book🍀

WOW! I felt like I needed popcorn because this read like a movie. It was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

What I loved
~The time period taking place in the 1950’s
~ Me trying to guess which true crime this was based on because I love historical bank and jewelry heists! There are a few that take place in Boston too
~ The on page accents and banter
~ Enjoyed multiple POVs where side characters were brought to the front and made the story well rounded
~ Tight knit found family
~ The connection to Ruby’s other books like Rayne-Moore Uni and some very familiar last names IYKYK
~ Man does Ruby know how to write spice!

This story really sets the scene for 1950s Boston, the crime syndicate, the generational changes taking place, as well as the stigma women had but also able to express themselves more.

I had the honor and privilege of receiving an ARC of this book.


🍀The Audio🍀

I also had the honor and privilege of receiving the ALC and let me tell you when I say I listened to this in a day and a half! This is a beefy book too. I couldn’t stop!

Rachel Dane, Joe Arden, and Silas Hart did such an incredible job portraying all the characters in this story. THE ACCENTS!!!! Absolutely incredible. Okay we know Joe is the GOAT, so saying he did a great job just doesn’t even do it justice but lemme just say, his Irish accent is the bees knees (see what I did there? 1950s?! Anyhoo). Silas was amazing and also nailed those accents. But I’ll tell you who stole the show.. RACHEL MF DANE!!! Giirrrrrlllll!!! Listen, I’ve been following her as a fellow reader for years and when she started narrating I thought heck yeah, I think she can do it, but hello!? If you didn’t know she’s pretty new to voice acting, you’d think she’s been doing this for years and years. She deserves an award for her performance. I am so proud of you!

The audio itself was an EXPERIENCE! I’m not a big fan of some of the graphic novels I’ve listened to and tend to stay away from them, but this? This style I will listen to and when I said the book felt like a movie, the audio really brought it to life. So much so, I was looking around at where the sirens were coming from! It wasn’t overdone at all which I think is where most graphic audios get it wrong. BNA is paving the way for the next level of audiobook production and I am here for it.

[TeraKeepsBooks]

When committing a heist, attention to detail is crucial. And the era-specific details are truly impressive. It's clear that time and great care were taken to incorporate dialogue, references, and settings that feel authentic to the 1950s. Also impressive, is that it doesn't once feel gimmicky or trite.

The heist elements are really well-thought out, logical, and believable. The plot around that aspect, is well-paced, believably motivated, and builds tension nicely.

But... Not enough care was taken to establish anyone's backstories, or to give enough layers to their personalities. This is the first Ruby Darling book that doesn't have vibrant, vivid, fully fleshed-out characters.

Usually, her relationships are cultivated, complex, and earned, but not this time. The insta-love happens quicker than a bag of microwave popcorn. And has about the same amount of flavor.

Speaking of which... It's also the first of her books that lacks creative, passionate, inventive spicy scenes. Those moments are there, but they feel rushed, repetitive, clichéd, and detatched.

The characters and sexy-times aren't bad, they're fine. But when her usual level of character creation, relationship building, and scorching steam is fan-fucking-tastic, fine is a letdown.

Her writing itself, is outstanding as usual. Ruby Darling is brilliant, and her skill improves with each new book. There are some stunning descriptions, some phenomenal instances of dialogue, and some deep, profound moments and sharp, sharp observations.

However, a professional editor would make her into a diamond. The flaws just need a little polishing. Primarly the over-use of the same descriptive words. For example, 'peridot' and 'whiskey' are used far too often to describe eye colors, and 'found purchase' is used too often to describe the action of holding, grounding, or steadying. And nearly every time eyes or hair are mentioned, so is their color, which is unnecessary and annoying.

About the audiobook: Also not great, but fine. Rachel Dane is decent. Silas Hart is decent. Joe Arden is decent. There's some minor volume discrepancy between the narrators, but overall it's... Fine.

[Loni Solomon]

This was such a different story for Ruby, and she absolutely nailed it.

From the slang and venacular to the accents I could practically hear in every line of dialogue, the entire world felt so vivid. The setting, the characters, the way they spoke – it didn’t just give you the vibe, it completely dropped you into it.

And listen, this one was THICK, but there was so much packed into these pages. So many layers, so many moving pieces, and somehow they all felt like they belonged.

And the loops, turns, and twists this story takes? There were moments I genuinely had to sit there and go, wait ...what even just happened? Just when I thought I knew where Ruby was taking me, something shifted and suddenly I was questioning everything all over again.

The Songbird, comes from money, but behind all that privilege is a horrific family life that proves money can buy a lot of things, but it sure as hell can’t buy love, safety, or family.

And the Fox? He’s a greaser from the wrong side of the tracks. The guy people are quick to judge before ever bothering to actually see him. But underneath it all is a heart of gold, an unwavering love for his mama and sister, and this need to take care of everyone around him. Even when it means quietly carrying the weight himself.

And somewhere between these two completely different worlds are love stories that somehow see past status, survive lies and loss, and refuse to be erased by time. Love stories that despite everything standing in their way, they. just keep finding their way back.

Then there are his brothers. Because family in Hesit isn’t neccsearily about blood. These men are the definition of ride or die. The loyalty. The banter. The absolute certainty that when shit hits the fan, they’re showing up for one another, no questions asked.

You know found family gets me every damn time, but this kind of found family? The messy, fiercely loyal, your problems are my problems now kind? Yeah, thats my weakness.

And I think that’s what will stay with me most about Heist. Beneath everything else, it’s a story about love, but even more than that its about the familiies we’re born into, the families we choose, and just how far we’re willing to go for the people we all ours.

Different from what I’m used to from Ruby? Absolutely.

But damn, did she tell one hell of a story.

And Ruby miss ma’am ... how are you just going to leave me sitting here with THIS MANY QUESTIONS? Because apparently finishing the book did absolutely nothing to stop my brain from spinning and I am most definitly going to need more.

[Chantal]

Welcome to 1957.
Can we please bring back the term “RAZZ MY BERRIES”?! It is sublime.

In true Ruby fashion…
RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE WITH THE EMOTIONAL HEART PALPITATING DAMAGE.
Ma’am. I was not prepared. 😭

One of my favourite things about Ruby’s books is the little threads she weaves between stories, and there were so many fun little pieces of her other books sprinkled throughout this one.

Rayne Moore University. Inferno Club. Mr. Giordano.

Those little connections made me grin every single time.

But underneath all of that fun was SO MUCH FEELING.

Dahlia broke my heart.

She is so incredibly alone, and the way she reminisces about her mother, her experiences with being white passing, and what it means to love and be loved had me a complete mess.

“I’ll never understand racism. Love is love. Why should it have a color or a gender assigned to it?”

There is so much humanity in Dahlia’s story, and I loved getting to know her beneath the good girl exterior.

Then enter Jasper and the rest of the crew.

You feel just how much is riding on this job from the very beginning. From the opening scene with Ronan and Cian to Jasper’s home life and the enormous amount of responsibility he has taken on himself.

The caretaking. The pressure.
The feeling that if he doesn’t hold everything together, everything will fall apart.

UNREAL. Yet also relatable.

And then Chapter 30…
Then Chapters 42 and 43…
😭😭😭
I am both so scared and so excited to listen to those chapters. Just knowing how amazing the narrators who were cast are is going to make these moments feel so real.

And the reason these chapters hit so hard is because of the incredible found family they have in one another. The bonds these characters have built run so much deeper than friendship.

These people have found each other, protected each other, sacrificed for each other, and built something together despite everything life has thrown at them.

And then…
THAT ENDING.

Ruby really said, Here, have all the feelings you’ve been collecting for the last 300 pages…And then LIT THE MATCH.

Five stars. Easily.

And now I’m just sitting here thinking about them all…

…and THAT DAMN ENDING.

[Maria Franklin]

Arc Review

Who would have thought Ruby could write an even better book? Not me, because she already writes so damn well! I genuinely don’t know how she’s going to top this one. Set in the 1950s, Ruby brought an era to life that I completely fell in love with. The fashion, the slang, the Irish charm, the banter, ALL OF IT! Jasper Collins! A bad boy you will totally root for, with a wicked sense of humor, a heart that will claw at yours, and an absolutely FILTHY mouth! The way this man talks to Dahlia is so sinful, dahlface. Their chemistry is insane. But this book is so much more than romance and a heist. It’s about brotherhood, loyalty, grief, and found family. These characters are flawed, reckless, hilarious, and fiercely protective of one another. And let’s not forget Ma, whose strength, love, and ability to keep those boys in line had me laughing one minute and tugging at my heart the next. And sweet Firefly’s storyline brings such tenderness and emotional depth, especially considering the era and the limited understanding of her condition at that time. Ruby has a way of making you laugh one minute and completely breaking your heart the next. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that stay with you the longest. A flower, a promise, a little something left behind. Did I cry? Yes. Did I cry more than once? That’s a yes too. Will you cry? Have tissues ready. There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t love about this book. The characters, the friendships, the historical setting, the humor, the passion, and the absolutely fabulous writing. I came for a heist. I left emotionally attached to an entire fictional family.

[Mandy White]

🍀 HEIST 🍀

This is a phenomenal masterpiece. Absolutely the greatest work of Ruby’s so far! She should be so proud. This was everything and more. What a ride!! This had me feeling all the feels. On the edge of my seat and enjoying everything! Just as every Ruby book before. I will always have a special place in my heart for House of Shadows but this is an absolute masterpiece!!! I struggled a little getting through this one. It made me work through some emotions I’m not sure I was ready for. Jaspers mom hit a little too close to home for me at this point. So it took me longer to make my way through some of the story than I had planned. But that was not at all because of the story! I honestly couldn’t put it down through the other parts. I was getting frustrated with my kids for interrupting me while I was in the zone 😆 I just wanted to keep seeing what was going to happen next. I highly recommend you jump on this! If you haven’t read Ruby before this would be one helluva way to jump into her world!! And if you haven’t read Ruby read her before you will enjoy her amazing writing and storytelling as well as appreciate how much she put into this one. I loved everything!! Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I used clovers 🍀 in spot of stars for my photo

Out Now on Kindle, ebook, Immersive Audio, and print.

RUN!! NOW!! What are you waiting for?!

🍀Greaser x Singer
🍀Rebels w/a cause
🍀Good Girl gone Rogue
🍀Standalone
🍀Dark 1950s Romance
By Ruby M Darling

#heistthievesofclover #rubymdarling #rubydarlingheist #outnow

[Ashley]

HEIST | Thieves Of Clover | Ruby M. Darling

Simultaneous Release | 10.06.2026

PRINT | EBOOK | AUDIOBOOK

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

ARC | REVIEW

5 | ⭐️s
3 | 🌶s

🚨POSSIBLE SPOILERS🚨


At its heart, HEIST Thieves of Clover is a story about finding your people.

Set in the 1950s this book brought together a group of rebels, a daring heist, a good girl gone rogue, and a love story that gave me all the feelings. But what made it mean so much to me was the reminder that family isn't always who you're born to.

Sometimes it's the people who choose you, stand beside you, and make sure you know you have a place to call home.

Jasper is the kind of man who loves with his whole heart, even when life gives him every reason to be overwhelmed. His mother's cancer and his sister's need for extra care are at the center of why he's willing to take such a risk. His love for the women in his life is woven into every decision he makes.

And then there's Dahlia. Watching Jasper show her that she belongs with them, that she doesn't have to carry everything on her own anymore, was such a beautiful part of this story.

He doesn't just offer her love. He offers her a place in a family that will stand beside her.

The Thieves brotherhood is another part of that same promise. They're brothers at heart, and even when things get rough they remain committed to one another and to the plan. Their bond is built on trust, loyalty and a shared willingness to fight for the people they call family.

And yes, Jasper's filthy mouth deserves its own standing ovation.

But it's the way he loves, the way these men stand together and the way Dahlia finds her place among them that I'll carry with me long after this book

[Angel BOOK_ADDICTANGEL]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶
JAW STILL ON THE FLOOR!
Any freaking book by Ruby, you don't just read words on paper, you LIVE it, it's a movie in your mind!

This phenomenal story is inspired by true events, with real people problems and challenges. It is set up in the 50s, with all the glam and moulin rouge vibes, with some of the finest men if they would exist.

I could never do it justice, this book took me for a wild ride, from the emotional face offs, to the high stake mission, these characters had purpose, their lives dictated their actions, and I just couldn't put it down.

Dahlia (not so innocent ) Murphy, princess of Princeton, and daughter to the very owner of the bank, living a double life, quite Dahlia working a 9-5 at her daddy's bank, and we also get her secret life, comes night she turns to a sensual nightingale at the Inferno casino.

Jasper MF Collins, (God broke the mold after him! ) because this man is right as rain, but he wouldn't hesitate to go to hell for the ones he loves. This man was born to be king, with just the right amount of a kinky side🥵

A group of fine men, with hearts of gold, their mind set to change their lives.

It is a robbery that changes all their lives, the genius behind it, the mastermind, the aftermath ...

You will feel connection, to every element of the story, the way Ruby creates relatable characters, you just wait till you meet firefly 😭

Another thing you'd enjoy is that yummy spice, Jasper and Dahlia are a power house, and Dahlia got the best guide to bliss with Jazzy.
There are also scenes with side characters that will have you dripping ... I mean sweating 😅

If you like dark in your romance, this book shows a very dark reality, real struggles that will break your heart, and it is more than just a romance, it's all these lives in 500 and some pages!

I'M OBSESSED !!!

[Kiersten]

Let me start this review with saying Ruby has done it again! I mean I don’t know how she holds these amazing stories in her head.

Heist was a true Masterpiece, this wasn’t just a book this was a Cinematic experience that will live rent free in my head for the rest of my life.

Everything about this book was true perfection. From the character development, the story, her writing style, I was sucked in from the beginning and never wanted it to end.

Jasper Collin’s will forever be book husband material, and I will cherish Dahlia for life. But this wasn’t just their story. You saw and experienced the lives of each character in this book and truly fell in love with each them in your own way.

I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I felt every emotion in between.

Ruby did an amazing job of truly bringing the 1950’s to life. She depicted each event so well and I have NEVER read a book that portrayed and represented the neurodivergent community so well especially for that day and age.

I can’t wait for this book to take the world by storm and hear everyone’s different thoughts. This will truly be my Roman Empire for life.

I wish I never had to read The End. Because I truly wanted to read this story forever.

Thank you Ruby for giving me the honor of being on your team and trusting me with this masterpiece.

All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I hope you run to pick up this book now.

[Hannah Bird]

Oh BABY do I have a review for you. And the best part it’s release day!! @authorrubymdarling new book Heist is now available for you to read!! And when I tell you this book will give you all the feels, the flutters, and the excitement… I MEAN IT!!

Heist follows a group of men, Dahlia, her crooked father, and sleazy men waiting in the wings to take advantage of Dahlia and the guys. Dahlia Murphy has always been a little into the boy from the other side of the tracks, the boy that made her heart race, and the boy who was always there Jasper Collins. Jasper and his friends are down and need money. One has a baby on the way and 2 already, Jaspers momma needs cancer treatments and to pay his sisters stay while she gets the help she needs, a business is going under, and more. After running into Dahlia at her daddy’s bank, jasper forms a plan, tells the guys, and well they may or may not successfully get the money they deserve. Jasper makes a mistake and tells his “Dahlface” to listen to him and well this starts the epic love story of Jasper and Dahlia. His songbird becomes his obsession and when I tell you she loves every minute of it. She does. But trouble arises, people get hurt, and they navigate a shaky world. The ending though will make you ready for another book and more from the men in this book. So my question for you Ruby is when are we going to get “one more” 🤪🤍 A 5/5 read from me book babes!!

[Lauren]

✨ARC Review✨
Story: 5+ Infinity
Spice: 5

Available on Oct.6.26

Kindle Unlimited, Special Edition, Paperback, and Immersive Audiobook!

I had the honor of reading Heist by @authorrubymdarling as my very first alpha read! Where does one start when talking about this incredible fantastical book. It is a non-stop rollercoaster of emotions. It is captivating, completely heartbreaking, it details a found family unit having each other's backs, to love unconditionally through the highs and lows. Every detail is beautifully constructed, and the historical elements made my heart sing. Also, it is very VERY SPICY!

Heist is set in 1957/1958 Kingston, MA, near Salem and Boston. Heist is centered around Jasper "The Fox" Collins, his struggles to keep his family a float, the family by blood and his found family. Jasper has eyes for one songbird and that is Dahlia Faye Murphy. Within this story we not only get their story and POVs, we also get to hear from the other fantastic characters, their personalities, thoughts, and feelings throughout. I love all these characters! Their connection reminds me of my friends, my sisters who have been with me for 20 plus years!

Heist is definitely one of my top reads for the year and these characters are ones that stay with you, and will latch onto your heart. I think about this story everyday. Truly a remarkable book!

[Tiffany]

Ruby has done it again as always! Anything she writes will always be 1000% read. Heist is set in the 1950s following jasper and dahlia. Jasper comes from nothing and has his own family life struggles. Dahlia is the complete opposite coming from money but don’t let that convince you she’s snooty, quite the opposite. Jasper would do absolutely anything for dahlia, a big touch her and die MMC. The banter, emotional scenes and the spice was perfection. This story had me giggling, crying, cussing, and feeling hot and heavy 🥵. Ruby always kills it on the spice but there’s so much more to this story, from the drama, found family, betrayal, heartbreaks it’ll definitely have you 1000% hooked and at the end of your seat the whole time. The emotions this book made me feel was so intense and had me wanting and needing more! And not just from the main two characters but from all the brothers POV and Vicki’s! I hope to see more of them in the future!! I absolutely love how she took her time and did her research to make this story was it is, an absolute masterpiece. Ruby is and will always be a favorite author of mine!

[Nikki Roberts]

This audiobook was absolutely phenomenal! Racheal Dane, Joe Arden, & Silas Hart made this book come to life and really made the emotions come out with the characters.

If I could give this book infinity stars I would! ♾️♾️

This book is based in the 1950s, it’s not just your typical romance book, there is crime and that is based on a true event. The characters came from two different worlds. The FMC is used to money and fortune, whereas the MMC comes from having to work hard to provide for his mom and sister. The story comes with many crimes along with these two falling in love in between. Jasper and Dahlia couldn’t have had a better love story.

The suspense was done so good and the spice was perfect along with so much emotions.

Ruby’s writing was done so well I am floored with how good this book was.

This book hands-down is going in my top 10 for the year.

Tropes
1950s dark
Greaser x singer
Good girl x bad boy
Suspense
Trauma/ grief

Thank you Ruby and BlueNose audio for the ALC!