What a fun little historical mystery romance! I really enjoyed the mystery plot just as much as the romance, which is rare for me--lately, I've read a few that weren't as balanced, but Collins does a good job structuring the plots so that both feel like they're given equal weight. Will and Lucy don't feel like super complicated characters, but I think it fit the relatively light, almost "cozy" feeling of the book well. I know, it's odd to describe a mystery involving kidnapping and murder as "light", but Collins doesn't dwell too long in the angst or trauma. Something I haven't seen much that I liked--Will isn't automatically understanding of the social plight faced by his female family and friends. He isn't completely sold on Lucy's work with the police at first. He's never a misogynist or even very alpha male, but in his POV chapters, we see him learning and growing. Even though he and Lucy have a fairly smooth romantic road (and usually I prefer a romance to be TESTED, give me male angst and a third-act breakup that has to be resolved with a grovel!), I felt that his growth was enough to solidify their relationship for me. I have to say that this book wasn't perfect. I do wish Lucy had been a little more flawed--even her recklessness doesn't really get her in all that much trouble. I also got many of the side characters confused (but perhaps had I read the previous books in the series this wouldn't have happened)--there are SO many people that show up for just a scene or two that are treated like people I should already have known. And, finally, I wish this book had either stuck with just kissing or even a fade to black rather than one very very tame sex scene. It did nothing to advance the plot and it felt like the author's heart wasn't in it! All told--I had a lot of fun with this book even if it wasn't my usual cup of tea. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in mystery, a relatively conflict-free romance, or a hero that isn't as gruff or alpha as most. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Cozy, but still exciting romance. The love story was like a warm hug. It works well to offset the tense mystery.