The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: A Thousand Heartbeats

Series: Standalone

Author: Kiera Cass

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Enemies to Lovers

Rating: 4.75 stars

Review:

“Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time.”

Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort—but no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn’t her own to control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.

Miles away, small comforts are few and far between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the idea of love is merely a distraction—nothing will stand in the way of fighting for his people.

But when love, against all odds, finds them both, they are bound by its call. They can’t possibly be together—but the irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won’t let them stay apart.

Kiera Cass brings her signature sparkling romance to this beautiful story of star-crossed lovers and long-held secrets. -summary from Goodreads

This was the perfect slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance I have been waiting for!

I loved the characters and the setting, and the storyline was amazing!

I love sad main male characters and Lennox did not disappoint. He was a complex character, and I loved seeing him grow as the book progressed. While I have read a lot of main make characters that are sad and regretful, they don’t cry too often. Lennox was a strong character, both in the story and in the written sense, and he wasn’t afraid to cry, which I enjoyed.

Annika was the second main character, and I also liked her. I sometimes struggle with female main characters in fantasy books, but I really enjoyed Annika. She was a kind but strong character, and willing to do anything for her country. She also had such a strong relationship with her brother, and I really enjoyed that. I love a good sibling relationship in literature, so I was pleased this was such a big part of the story.

The story was everything I look for. There was political drama, on multiple fronts. There was romance and drama, rebellion and dual POVs. All things I love!

The story was very slow paced though the chapters were very fast. I am all for shorter chapters, but these felt really short. Even though the story moved a little slow, I think since the chapters were so short, not enough time was dedicated to some things. I would have liked to go a little deeper on some aspects of the story.

The romance took some time to develop, but once it did it was very fast paced. The romance was sweet and I enjoyed it. Lennox and Annika were adorable, and I loved reading there story. Annika actually had a few other people vying for her hand, and I loved the comparison of how they treated her to how Lennox treated her.

There were actually a few romantic storylines involved throughout the book. I loved all of these storylines, and I wish each of them got their own book.

Annika definitely had more relationships outside of the romance. I wish Lennox had more of a development on that front, especially with how part of his storyline was being more open. He did make friends, but it wasn’t shown in as much detail as I would have liked.

There was also a really great theme of home that I absolutely adored. I loved how that was played out, and the loyalty and desire to go/remain home. It was beautifully done!

There were a few scenes I really liked this book. I loved the dream sequences- they were well written and evoked feelings! I also really liked the Island scenes, especially the parts that took place in the cave! These were tense and kept me on the edge of my seat!

A Thousand Heartbeats is a romantic fantasy, with political drama, royalty, and two wonderful main characters! This book is perfect for anyone looking for a clean, slow burn enemies to lovers romance!

Quotes:

“I’d said I’d settle for being feared if I couldn’t be known. I was wrong. I preferred being feared. Being known left you bare, and I was chilled to my bones at the thought of it happening to me.”