An entertaining cozy mystery, cozy fantasy, and slow-burn romance all in one! It was refreshing reading about an attractive matron getting her second chance at romance while re-learning how to be just herself; not mom, not wife, not widow. I felt like I was reading a slower-burn, closed door version of Amanda Quick's historical fantasy romance mysteries. If you like CJ Archer or Deanna Raybourn, you'll be right at home! While this is a spin-off series, you don't have to read the Lady Jewel Diviner to dive into this world. In fact, I've had that book in my TBR for a while and intend to devour it now that I've fallen in love with that heroine's mother.

The interludes were well-done, slowly unfolding a sad romantic past and building the tension in the present. Indeed, this is a very slow-burn. Don't expect anything physical to happen in this book, my guess is we won't get anything until Book 2 or maybe even Book 3. The mystery had twists and turns, and were a good plot device to force the hero and heroine to work together after a long separation.The banter got better as the story moved along and emotional walls broke down between our hero and heroine.

All in all, a fun, cozy, second-chance mystery that promises a satisfying series and I hope a delightful interlude where the slow-burn catches fire.

Better than the original

Considering how much I dislike Mansfield Park, I spent the entire book dreading its traditional ending only to stop, surprised, and then barrel forward to read the remainder of the book. I'm glad, because you know, even Jane thought Fanny was "too good," and I think she foisted Edmund upon her because she despises her own character. This book feels more balanced, and now that I know the ending, I want to reread and give it another go without my original heavy suspicions it would end poorly (like the original).

And not to go completely off topic since this is more about the original text than this retelling..... but really Fanny.

Edmund?!

Mooning after some other woman for the entire book and Fanny just accepts his inconstant feelings in the last chapter of the book? I've only ever thrown two books across the room, and Mansfield Park was one of them, even for all that I adore Pride & Prejudice.

Ohhh yes I needed this book to jolt me out of a funk. This felt like I was watching Buffy as a teen for the first time on the WB. Or maybe the OG Roswell.

If you're a fan of the old 1930s Cary Grant movies like His Girl Friday, Arsenic & Old Lace, or The Philadelphia story, then you know EXACTLY how Eugene speaks. Go find some clips on YouTube, then come back and read Eugene's dialogue. It's spot on! I couldn't stop picturing Cary Grant, and it had me grinning for the entire book. Honestly, picture Cary Grant playing Angel + the weird smexy creepiness from Hexus in Ferngully and you've got the dynamic right there... Except with a little less slapstick and a little more slow burn angsty romance, explosive love scenes, and a delightful autistic representation in Ella.

I enjoyed Ella's growth throughout the book, partially because of the forced proximity. It gives us time to see her process things in HER way. The threats are very real and just scary enough to be both entertaining and startling.

Is cozy horror a thing? If so, I think this book is at the top of the list for me, and I can't wait for the sequel.

So excited and pleased to have read an ARC in exchange for this review.