This book is the PERFECT blend of romance and plot. 

The romance part:
-Arranged marriage
-Idiots to lovers (the love is requieted but they're both just idiots)
-slow-ish burn
-Power couple once they learn how to work together
The only thing I didn't like about the romance aspect of this was just HOW stupid they both are about it. They could have been just a little  less obtuse. 

The murder mystery plot part:
-the accident wasn't actually an accident
-Internal security is a bit incompetent so the main characters have to solve the murder themselves
-the mystery is solved one tiny clue/detail at a time, stringing you along.
In my opinion the murder mystery aspect is perfect, 10/10, no notes.

Other than that, the world building for this book is AMAZING. I have such a clear idea in my head of the geography of Iskat as well as an understanding of the empire's politics, which did NOT bore me as some sci-fi politics do. I actually think the world building is at least half the reason I love this book so much. It paints such a vibrant picture of what the story looks like. And I love how little details are slipped in so subtly, you almost don't even notice them. Example: "keim spent all of the next week's 10 days..." casually mentions that a week on this planet is 10 days. A perfect example of good world building that isn't too detailed or boring. 

This book is one of my absolute favorites, and as of 2025 I've read it 5 times.