A Thousand Heartbeats

By: Kiera Cass

Narrated by: Karissa Vacker, Gary Tiedemann, Hillary Huber

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Selection series Kiera Cass is back with her most epic novel yet—a sweeping enemies-to-lovers standalone romance.

“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.

©2022 Kiera Cass (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Alright

I have always enjoyed Kiera Cass and her famous collection series. However, although this novel was a decent read, I was a bit disappointed on the story building aspect. The selection and its history was much more digestible and flowed well as the story spanned multiple books. The flaw I see here is the story felt a bit rushed and I had a hard time empathizing with the characters of the different clans as there was no reason for me to truly be swayed either way. I did enjoy the characters and the readers, but if you enjoy Kiera Cass I suggest possibly reading The Siren.

Surprising in the best way

As a 28 year old, I loved this book so much. There were about a thousand twists I did not expect. You expect this to be the usual fantasy romance but everytime I was like “oh ok this is gonna happen” NOPE. Surprise! For adults or the younger crowd this is a great book, truly. I even cried a few times and a book hasn’t made me do that in a while.

Another beautiful novel

Another wonderful story with in-depth characters on a royal line. Kiera Cass has done it again. Can’t wait for her next novel!

A nice enemies to lovers story

I really loved every bit of this book. Although.. it became more predictable throughout. I don’t think this author has ever had a bad ending story which is nice but it also gets a bit boring, my only critique! I won’t forget any of these characters and they’re more memorable than the selection series. They have a lot more personality and I also have to credit the voice actors for that one. Lastly, the epilogue was so reassuring. I love when a story doesn’t end off without a last peek into the future.

Possibly my new favorite book!

This isn’t usually the type of book I would go for, I’m more of a dystopian kind of girl, but I decided to give it a try after spending a week looking for my newest read. This book had me hooked from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the subtle build to a strong bond and love. And the voice actors did AMAZING, I have declined listening to an audiobook based on how the voice actor sounds so that’s a huge factor to me! This will definitely be a title I listen to again!!

Must read for any Kiera fan!

I didn't think I could love another heroine as much as America, I was wrong. Annika is wonderful! I absolutely adored the back and forth perspective set up between Lennox and Annika as it really lets you fall in love with both of them separately before falling in love with them as a couple. As always, Kiera is fantastic at unexpected twists and turns while also nodding to some so you're lured into a false sense of security 🤣 I love her for it.

If you loved the first three Selection books, I beg of you to read A Thousand Heartbeats. Annika and Lennox are every bit as fantastic as America and Maxon and now I honestly can't decide who I love more as a couple so I'll just love them both. While I love all Kiera's leading ladies and couples, America and Maxon have always had a special place in my heart I didn't think another couple could match until now.

I don't want to give anything away about the story, but if you love YA romance with action and adventure set in a medieval time period fantasy kingdom - you won't be disappointed.

Love this love story

Love is a sound. I cried sad tears and happy tears. Overall it was a little predictable but this book is one I’ll read again and again. I love how Kiera tells a story

Couldn't Put it Down!!

I loved this book. There are mysteries intertwined in this story from the beginning that aren't obvious, and you learn more and more throughout the story.
This book caused me some late nights, as I couldn't put it down!

Kiera never disappoints

I have loved Kiera’s writings since I first picked up The Selection over a decade ago. Each of her new books continue to get better, and by far this has to be my favorite (after The Selection Trilogy of course). I typically don’t like stories where the view point changes, however Kiera did a FANTASTIC transitioning each chapter, and it kept me entertained.

I seriously loved listening to this during my 12 hours shifts, and car rides.

I reccommend this book to EVERYONE.

Emotionally Invested!

I couldn't have loved this fantasy romance more!! It's daring, dashing, and so very dreamy. This clean young adult novel feel made me fall even more in love with it. The imagery and dialogue were absolutely swoony.

How can two opposites who have so much against them learn to see each other as they are and not as they've been told to? The past hasn't been kind to either one. And while the future is uncertain, it's an endless possibility that they both grab ahold of.

Watching these star-crossed lovers choose duty before all else is bittersweet, and when their stars finally align, it's beautiful to behold and so very magical!

This was everything my heart needed and so much more! Every single time the title made an appearance, I was positively giddy. The ending left my weepy, and I want to reread this at least a thousand times more.