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The Marleigh Sisters #3
An Unladylike Secret
Mira Marleigh is a writer of salacious society gossip and one of the extraordinary Marleigh sisters—the beautiful Anglo-Indian socialites who have scandalised the court of King George III and his queen Charlotte. Hiding behind her pen name of Aurelius, her world is turned upside down when a scandalous circular she writes sends Regency buck Finnegan Underwood on the run for murder.
Mira heads to Devonshire in a search of the real culprit. But not only must she defend herself from Devon’s most ungentlemanly ruffians, she must also keep the secret of her authorship from Finnegan. Now turned smuggler, he is proving to be one lawbreaker who is very hard to resist.
Mira heads to Devonshire in a search of the real culprit. But not only must she defend herself from Devon’s most ungentlemanly ruffians, she must also keep the secret of her authorship from Finnegan. Now turned smuggler, he is proving to be one lawbreaker who is very hard to resist.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2025
18 people are currently reading
3523 people want to read
About the author
Amita Murray
13 books197 followersAmita is a writer, based in London. She writes in two genres: contemporary mystery and historical mystery romance. Her Arya Winters series of mysteries is published with Agora. The first came out in 2021. Her mystery novel Thirteenth Night won the Exeter Novel Prize in 2022. Her first novel The Trouble with Rose came out with Harper Collins in 2019. Get in touch @AmitaMurray and amitamurray.Wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 26, 2025
After reading the first book in the Marleigh Sisters series, I was convinced that this is the historical romance series for viewers of Netflix's Bridgerton. The eponymous sisters are three illegitimate daughters whose mother was Indian and whose father was English. All three are pursuing unconventional careers, and all three have tenuous ties to Society. The first book, Unladylike Lessons in Love, introduces us to a fashionable gambling club. The second book, Unladylike Rules of Attraction, even features a cameo from Queen Charlotte. And the FMC of this one, An Unladylike Secret, is a celebrated anonymous gossip columnist. Not only are the three sisters of Indian origin, the series also includes other BIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters. Ever since the first season of Bridgerton aired, every new historical romance series is pitched as "Bridgerton meets [insert trope here]!" But in this case, I think it's actually a fair comparison to say this is Bridgerton Meets Romantic Suspense.
OK, let's talk more about this specific book! As I said, this is the 3rd in the Marleigh Sisters series, and it focuses on the youngest Marleigh sister, Mira. Mira is a gossip columnist who, months ago, reported overhearing an argument between the Underwood brothers during which Finnegan Underwood (illegitimate older son) threatened to slit his younger, legitimate brother, Stephen Underwood's, throat. When Stephen ends up dead a few weeks later under suspicious circumstances, Finn is forced to go on the run (especially since he was found next to his brother's body). Stephen's widow begs the anonymous gossip columnist to help clear Finn's name, as she's convinced he didn't do it (and it's better for her, financially).
Since this is a romance novel, it's perhaps unsurprising that Mira ends up falling for Finn. But the conflict involves more than just clearing his name, since Finn holds a grudge against the "tawdry, cheap" writer who ruined his reputation and his life. What did surprise me was how quickly Finn and Mira get together, and how relatively drawn out the resolution to the mystery plot felt. This makes sense, since the mystery takes a back seat to the romance (Finn doesn't much care about clearing his name except that it's preventing him from being with Mira). That said, I thought the pacing worked really well, and I liked that the early relationship building led to a believable crisis later in the text. The true focal character here is Mira, although Finn does get a few POV chapters, and I personally thought it was great.
Do I recommend reading this on its own? Maybe - I don't think you miss any plot points from skipping the other books. But I do recommend the full series, especially for people looking for more diverse historical romance reads!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
OK, let's talk more about this specific book! As I said, this is the 3rd in the Marleigh Sisters series, and it focuses on the youngest Marleigh sister, Mira. Mira is a gossip columnist who, months ago, reported overhearing an argument between the Underwood brothers during which Finnegan Underwood (illegitimate older son) threatened to slit his younger, legitimate brother, Stephen Underwood's, throat. When Stephen ends up dead a few weeks later under suspicious circumstances, Finn is forced to go on the run (especially since he was found next to his brother's body). Stephen's widow begs the anonymous gossip columnist to help clear Finn's name, as she's convinced he didn't do it (and it's better for her, financially).
Since this is a romance novel, it's perhaps unsurprising that Mira ends up falling for Finn. But the conflict involves more than just clearing his name, since Finn holds a grudge against the "tawdry, cheap" writer who ruined his reputation and his life. What did surprise me was how quickly Finn and Mira get together, and how relatively drawn out the resolution to the mystery plot felt. This makes sense, since the mystery takes a back seat to the romance (Finn doesn't much care about clearing his name except that it's preventing him from being with Mira). That said, I thought the pacing worked really well, and I liked that the early relationship building led to a believable crisis later in the text. The true focal character here is Mira, although Finn does get a few POV chapters, and I personally thought it was great.
Do I recommend reading this on its own? Maybe - I don't think you miss any plot points from skipping the other books. But I do recommend the full series, especially for people looking for more diverse historical romance reads!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
March 22, 2025
Oh dear! What a big mess!! Seriously, reading this gave me hives!!! Firstly, it’s a bit too similar to Bridgerton for my liking but I guess that was advertised and if Julia Quinn read it and didn’t have a problem, then who am I to judge. Secondly, love do you know what synonyms and pronouns are? It’s probably the first rule they teach in elementary school: you should avoid to use the same word in two consecutive sentences! Here, there are pages where whole paragraphs are just a repetition of the same noun!! Okay I understand that in the dialogues it can be seen as quirky or funny and in the fashion of a long back-and-forth but once is okay, twice a bit boring, thrice is quite extreme!!!
In the second chapter there is this sentence “Mira never named anyone in her circulars. But her descriptions were so good that people knew who she was talking about” that comes right after a passage where the names of Finnegan Underwood and Stephen Underwood are mentioned in every other sentence. Was the author scared that her actual descriptions weren’t good enough to make us readers understand? In truth, they aren’t but maybe instead of the constant repetition she should have tries harder to make them work?? Also personally I’m a big fan of rephrasing! Try it more maybe? I think the author should try to take one from Mira and work on avoiding mentioning the names of her characters when it's obvious who she's talking about and maybe use a pronoun...
While this book is actually the third one in a series, it can totally be read as a stand alone because there are so many superfluous parts and dialogues that basically explain everything that is important to understand the story.
Sorry, I tried. But the way it was written made it a big no-no for me!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!
In the second chapter there is this sentence “Mira never named anyone in her circulars. But her descriptions were so good that people knew who she was talking about” that comes right after a passage where the names of Finnegan Underwood and Stephen Underwood are mentioned in every other sentence. Was the author scared that her actual descriptions weren’t good enough to make us readers understand? In truth, they aren’t but maybe instead of the constant repetition she should have tries harder to make them work?? Also personally I’m a big fan of rephrasing! Try it more maybe? I think the author should try to take one from Mira and work on avoiding mentioning the names of her characters when it's obvious who she's talking about and maybe use a pronoun...
While this book is actually the third one in a series, it can totally be read as a stand alone because there are so many superfluous parts and dialogues that basically explain everything that is important to understand the story.
Sorry, I tried. But the way it was written made it a big no-no for me!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!
April 12, 2025
2.75 stars ✨️
I love a good historical romance from time to time, which is why An Unladylike Secret caught my attention. Here we follow Mira, who writes a society gossip circular under the pen name of Aurelius, and everything changes when one of her circulars sends Finnegan Underwood on the run for murder. After this, she goes on a journey to find the real culprit with Finn joining her.
This book was the definition of a rollercoaster, not only the plot but also my feelings toward it. From the beginning I enjoyed the dialogue and the characters, Finn and Ursula being my favorites. However, it didn't take long for me to have problems with some things.
While I was getting attached to the characters, the plot felt all over the place. A lot of things happen in this book, and I always complain about books with no plot, but this one tries to tackle too much. Everything is resolved quickly and ends up being very superficial.
The mystery wasn't compelling enough, and the romance developed far too quickly. Both lacked, but were enough to keep me reading. With the mystery, barely anything happens until the very end,and I didn’t like how easy to solve it was. As for the romance is established right at the beginning, with little development through the book.
I also struggled with Mira throughout the story. She was a bad partner to Finn, a bad friend, a bad sister and a bad investigator, and she never changed. I get that she's a complex character, but she barely grew as a character and it was very frustrating to see that. Finn was a great character to read, and also the only reason I finished this book.
While the plot didn’t appease me, the writing and the character were the highlights. Even though this book didn’t work for me, it might work for you.
~
Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing this eARC. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
England, 1811. Mira Marleigh makes a living as a gossip writer under the pseudonym Aurelius, because her publisher does not believe readers will purchase circulars written by a woman. A column she wrote implicated that Finnegan Underwood murdered his half-brother Stephen. Then Mira meets Stephen's young widow, who seems not to care much for her husband's death other than that she had no provision in the will. And then she meets Finnegan himself, the elder illegitimate son, a biracial smuggler; she becomes invested in helping him clear his name when they are kidnapped and set adrift on the sea together.
I've enjoyed the Marleigh sisters series, and the complexity of the women they each are. Mira has always seen herself as the outlier, the third wheel to her other sisters, and perhaps the one carrying the most emotional guilt for their choice to leave their younger triplet sisters behind in India. She carries these complicated feelings, which weigh on most of her social interactions and decisions. Choosing her affair with Finnegan feels very much like her only chance to grab joy.
I like that this book has a slightly unique structure with its mystery and the way the romance unfolds. While not a new favorite, I appreciate the challenges that Mira faces and the power of those challenges driving the narrative. Her gender poses barriers she'd rather ignore, her race makes her a curiosity, and her estrangement from her sisters makes her feel isolated. Finnegan is also biracial, and while he lives in the margins as a smuggler, he also inherits property and funds. This is a historically sound racially diverse regency romance, and I'm glad Amita Murray is tackling historicals in this way.
I've enjoyed the Marleigh sisters series, and the complexity of the women they each are. Mira has always seen herself as the outlier, the third wheel to her other sisters, and perhaps the one carrying the most emotional guilt for their choice to leave their younger triplet sisters behind in India. She carries these complicated feelings, which weigh on most of her social interactions and decisions. Choosing her affair with Finnegan feels very much like her only chance to grab joy.
I like that this book has a slightly unique structure with its mystery and the way the romance unfolds. While not a new favorite, I appreciate the challenges that Mira faces and the power of those challenges driving the narrative. Her gender poses barriers she'd rather ignore, her race makes her a curiosity, and her estrangement from her sisters makes her feel isolated. Finnegan is also biracial, and while he lives in the margins as a smuggler, he also inherits property and funds. This is a historically sound racially diverse regency romance, and I'm glad Amita Murray is tackling historicals in this way.
May 25, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 While Amita Murray’s latest novel is the third in a series, I read it as a standalone and had no problem jumping right in! An Unladylike Secret unfolds another side of Regency England, Mira was born in Delhi to a British earl and his mistress. Now living unassumingly as a companion amongst British society, she is a witness to some of the most salacious gossip and documents it all under a pen name. She inadvertently documents a fight between two half brothers days before one of them ends up dead, she finds herself in the middle of this murder investigation. And she crosses paths with the handsome fugitive, Finnegan, on the shores of Devonshire the chemistry is instant, the plot thickens, and the race to prove his innocence is on. Amita Murray delivers one delightful historical romance that doubles with mystery and intrigue!
📖 Book Review 📖 While Amita Murray’s latest novel is the third in a series, I read it as a standalone and had no problem jumping right in! An Unladylike Secret unfolds another side of Regency England, Mira was born in Delhi to a British earl and his mistress. Now living unassumingly as a companion amongst British society, she is a witness to some of the most salacious gossip and documents it all under a pen name. She inadvertently documents a fight between two half brothers days before one of them ends up dead, she finds herself in the middle of this murder investigation. And she crosses paths with the handsome fugitive, Finnegan, on the shores of Devonshire the chemistry is instant, the plot thickens, and the race to prove his innocence is on. Amita Murray delivers one delightful historical romance that doubles with mystery and intrigue!
April 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read a free early ebook edition!
I enjoyed the book. Mira writes a society gossip newspaper under an assumed name. She writes about a fight she overheard at a party. Shortly after that one of the men is dead. Everyone blames the person she wrote about fighting. She has to do some investigating to find out who the real killer is.
One thing I didn't understand at first was the word "ton". I had to look it up- fashionable, wealthy, influential elite.
I enjoyed the book. Mira writes a society gossip newspaper under an assumed name. She writes about a fight she overheard at a party. Shortly after that one of the men is dead. Everyone blames the person she wrote about fighting. She has to do some investigating to find out who the real killer is.
One thing I didn't understand at first was the word "ton". I had to look it up- fashionable, wealthy, influential elite.
June 4, 2025
CW/TW: SURPRISE PREGNANCY (ON OAGE), GROOMING AND A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH A STEP-BROTHER (OFF-PAGE)
1.5/5
First of all, the cover is misleading. The main male character has a light BROWN skin and has dark, curly hair as we see in the second chapter. He's was born in the West Indies (Saint Kitts) and his mother was from Gambia. It's all revealed in chapter 8. And who does the cover present? A BLOND, WHITE guy. Blonde. White. All the things that Finn is not. It's explicitly said in the text that his half brother, WHO DIED 10 MONTHS EARLIER, was a "blue-eyed golden-cherub, the counter to Finn.". Did the artist somehow confuse A DEAD MAN WITH A MAIN MALE CHARACTER?
The female character is from India and somehow, whoever created the cover included that. But they completely ignored MC's race and looks and made him to look like a generic white guy. Are you serious? How come nobody caught that?
I was wondering why didn't the actor catch it or demand the cover to be changed but tbh I gave up on the idea. The way she wrote the books and characters was just strange and she clealry didn't care enough.
Anyway, onto the plot. It's giving soap opera, not of a good kind. The sex scene was completely out of nowhere at 22% of the book, it was way too early with no build up whatsoever - whiich is basically a theme throughout the book. I get it, you almost died together, but you barely had a conversation TWICE, and MMC doesn't know that FMC is the reason everyone thinks he's the murderer! Come on, this is historical romance, I needed more buildup than that which was absolutely nothing.
FMC bemoaning that MMC hates her circular was so over the top and I didn't like that whining. 1) he didn't know you were behind it, and 2), YOU MADE PEOPLE THINK HE MURDERED HIS OWN BROTHER, what is wrong with you! FMC really annoyed me. She was constantly whining about Finn not having freedom to love anyone (her) while SHE WAS THE REASON. If she hadn't published that article, nobody would think he was guilty!
And then she had a few opportunities to tell him the truth and all she said was that she only worked for Aurelius and that he's there and her friend. You are Aurelius you idiot! Just tell MMC that! But noooooo, why would she.
The accidental pregnancy happens at 60% of the book. There was nothing in the book desription, nothing at the beginning of the book, no warnng whatsoever.
At 65% FMC is talking about pregnancy and hercondition and her nausea and how her body will change constantly every 2-3 sentences and I am hating every single second of it. Nowhere in the description there was even a hint of a surprise pregnancy and I avoid those books. I hate being tricked like that by the author.
It got worse. Apparently, FMC had been groomed by and had a sexual relationship with her step-brother (half brother?) when she was still living in her step mothers house. Was this even hinted at before? No, we find out at 89%! 89! The book's almost done when the author decides to hit us in a head with trauma again! And then, because of course, FMC and MMC are almost killed! Again!
If I had known this would turn into traumatic soap opera, I wouldn't have request it. Which is a shame because I enjoyed some parts of the book. But the author just dumps trauma for trauma's sake with no hints in the book description or at the beginning of the book at all and it's annoying. I hate it.
The female character was like a more miserable and unlikable version of Penelope Featherington, always bemoaming about her misfotune - which she brought onto herself. She whines about not having any relationship with her sisters - and she pushed them away and went no-contact for absolutely no reason. She complains about MMC not being able to be with her - but she was the reason he was a wanted man. And so on and so on.
And MMC? Well, he's either arrogantly cheeky or a coward. Axts like a rake and at the very sound of trouble abandons FMC. Ugh.
The other characters were all so over the top and were walking stereotypes. Most of them was suddenly gay for representation sake but they weren't even well-written, it was just bunch of stereotypes and tropes.
The male gay friend was just that: a male gay friend. A "dandy" as called in Regency: only caring about his looks and how fashionable he was, overly feminine for some reason, you know, the every gay best friend from a sitcom you can imagine.
The best friend was a bluestocking who only cared about the plants who suddenly realized she's gay and decided to move in with her new girlfriend after a month of meeting her. Aka every bookish lesbian from sitcoms.
The very feminine and badass lesbian who took no shit and always said what she wanted, aka every girlboss ever in existence.
The widow who was silly, liked parties and wanted a rich husband and a bunch of lovers. That was her whole personality.
I hated how they were written, it seemed like the author only included them for points, not because it made sense. They were all badly written with no personality.
The writing was horrible too. I'm not sure if the author ever learned about pronunciations or synonyms or SUBTLETY because there were none. The author doesn't use the words like "him/her/his etc, she mostly uses full names every single time. She is constantly repetitive, using the same phrases or descriptiosn every time. She lacks subtlety - when FMC started duspecting she might be pregnant, she brought it up in every other sentence. About the fact that she was pregnant. About "growing a new life". About changes in her body. About being pregnant. About the baby in her making her tired all the time. About being nauseous. Did I mention she was pregnant yet?
And the ending was so abrupt I wondered if I got the whole book - but yeah, the acknowledgments were on the next page. It felt like it was not just an open ending, but a sudden one too. She was almost killed again, reunited with him and they both almost died again, were saved by one of their captors and confessed their love - all in last chapter. And that's it.
What about all the things that were supposed to happen in this book, like, you know, the main point of the book which was proving MMC's innocence? Was the circular published? What was the reaction? Did the Bow Runner drop the case? What about the Antigua case? Or the triplets? WE GOT NO RESOLUTION WHATSOEVER.
I was surprised that FMC told MMC about her pregnancy tbh.
This was the first and last book I have and will ever read from this author. It was so convoluted and badly written with a trauma dump after trauma dump for just trauma's and drama's sake. Nothing was resolved, nothing was fixed, everything was just there, mostly hanging there by a thread and nothing was really resolved.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me this ARC.
1.5/5
First of all, the cover is misleading. The main male character has a light BROWN skin and has dark, curly hair as we see in the second chapter. He's was born in the West Indies (Saint Kitts) and his mother was from Gambia. It's all revealed in chapter 8. And who does the cover present? A BLOND, WHITE guy. Blonde. White. All the things that Finn is not. It's explicitly said in the text that his half brother, WHO DIED 10 MONTHS EARLIER, was a "blue-eyed golden-cherub, the counter to Finn.". Did the artist somehow confuse A DEAD MAN WITH A MAIN MALE CHARACTER?
The female character is from India and somehow, whoever created the cover included that. But they completely ignored MC's race and looks and made him to look like a generic white guy. Are you serious? How come nobody caught that?
I was wondering why didn't the actor catch it or demand the cover to be changed but tbh I gave up on the idea. The way she wrote the books and characters was just strange and she clealry didn't care enough.
Anyway, onto the plot. It's giving soap opera, not of a good kind. The sex scene was completely out of nowhere at 22% of the book, it was way too early with no build up whatsoever - whiich is basically a theme throughout the book. I get it, you almost died together, but you barely had a conversation TWICE, and MMC doesn't know that FMC is the reason everyone thinks he's the murderer! Come on, this is historical romance, I needed more buildup than that which was absolutely nothing.
FMC bemoaning that MMC hates her circular was so over the top and I didn't like that whining. 1) he didn't know you were behind it, and 2), YOU MADE PEOPLE THINK HE MURDERED HIS OWN BROTHER, what is wrong with you! FMC really annoyed me. She was constantly whining about Finn not having freedom to love anyone (her) while SHE WAS THE REASON. If she hadn't published that article, nobody would think he was guilty!
And then she had a few opportunities to tell him the truth and all she said was that she only worked for Aurelius and that he's there and her friend. You are Aurelius you idiot! Just tell MMC that! But noooooo, why would she.
The accidental pregnancy happens at 60% of the book. There was nothing in the book desription, nothing at the beginning of the book, no warnng whatsoever.
At 65% FMC is talking about pregnancy and hercondition and her nausea and how her body will change constantly every 2-3 sentences and I am hating every single second of it. Nowhere in the description there was even a hint of a surprise pregnancy and I avoid those books. I hate being tricked like that by the author.
It got worse. Apparently, FMC had been groomed by and had a sexual relationship with her step-brother (half brother?) when she was still living in her step mothers house. Was this even hinted at before? No, we find out at 89%! 89! The book's almost done when the author decides to hit us in a head with trauma again! And then, because of course, FMC and MMC are almost killed! Again!
If I had known this would turn into traumatic soap opera, I wouldn't have request it. Which is a shame because I enjoyed some parts of the book. But the author just dumps trauma for trauma's sake with no hints in the book description or at the beginning of the book at all and it's annoying. I hate it.
The female character was like a more miserable and unlikable version of Penelope Featherington, always bemoaming about her misfotune - which she brought onto herself. She whines about not having any relationship with her sisters - and she pushed them away and went no-contact for absolutely no reason. She complains about MMC not being able to be with her - but she was the reason he was a wanted man. And so on and so on.
And MMC? Well, he's either arrogantly cheeky or a coward. Axts like a rake and at the very sound of trouble abandons FMC. Ugh.
The other characters were all so over the top and were walking stereotypes. Most of them was suddenly gay for representation sake but they weren't even well-written, it was just bunch of stereotypes and tropes.
The male gay friend was just that: a male gay friend. A "dandy" as called in Regency: only caring about his looks and how fashionable he was, overly feminine for some reason, you know, the every gay best friend from a sitcom you can imagine.
The best friend was a bluestocking who only cared about the plants who suddenly realized she's gay and decided to move in with her new girlfriend after a month of meeting her. Aka every bookish lesbian from sitcoms.
The very feminine and badass lesbian who took no shit and always said what she wanted, aka every girlboss ever in existence.
The widow who was silly, liked parties and wanted a rich husband and a bunch of lovers. That was her whole personality.
I hated how they were written, it seemed like the author only included them for points, not because it made sense. They were all badly written with no personality.
The writing was horrible too. I'm not sure if the author ever learned about pronunciations or synonyms or SUBTLETY because there were none. The author doesn't use the words like "him/her/his etc, she mostly uses full names every single time. She is constantly repetitive, using the same phrases or descriptiosn every time. She lacks subtlety - when FMC started duspecting she might be pregnant, she brought it up in every other sentence. About the fact that she was pregnant. About "growing a new life". About changes in her body. About being pregnant. About the baby in her making her tired all the time. About being nauseous. Did I mention she was pregnant yet?
And the ending was so abrupt I wondered if I got the whole book - but yeah, the acknowledgments were on the next page. It felt like it was not just an open ending, but a sudden one too. She was almost killed again, reunited with him and they both almost died again, were saved by one of their captors and confessed their love - all in last chapter. And that's it.
What about all the things that were supposed to happen in this book, like, you know, the main point of the book which was proving MMC's innocence? Was the circular published? What was the reaction? Did the Bow Runner drop the case? What about the Antigua case? Or the triplets? WE GOT NO RESOLUTION WHATSOEVER.
I was surprised that FMC told MMC about her pregnancy tbh.
This was the first and last book I have and will ever read from this author. It was so convoluted and badly written with a trauma dump after trauma dump for just trauma's and drama's sake. Nothing was resolved, nothing was fixed, everything was just there, mostly hanging there by a thread and nothing was really resolved.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me this ARC.
May 26, 2025
An Unladylike Secret is the third book in Amita Murray's charming historical romance series The Marleigh Sisters. The heroines are Anglo-Indian women, which was a nice change of pace. The series arc dealt with the three oldest sisters, and my question is this: Are we going to get a chance to find out about their missing younger triplet sisters?! Please don't leave me hanging!
Mira Marleigh lives with her dear friend Ursula and accompanies her to society events. Little does anyone know, besides her sisters and Ursula, that Mira is the anonymous author of one of the most popular society circulars under the nom de plume Aurelius. Keeping a low profile allows Mira to see and hear all that's going on. One of Mira's circulars reported on the heated argument between brothers Finnegan and Stephen Underwood. When Stephen turns up dead two days later, her circular had everyone believing that Finn killed his brother. Mira heads to Devonshire to search for the real culprit. While there, Stephen's widow Lucretia is desperate for Aurelius's help to prove Finn innocent. Mira, acting as Aurelius's "assistant", agrees to help. When she meets Finn, who is on the run and has turned to smuggling, she must keep the secret of her authorship from the intriguing man while the attraction between them blazes. "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"
I have really enjoyed this fun series! The premise of three sisters who are estranged but are beginning to reconnect with each other has been very interesting. The sisters are all wonderful characters; but like the two prior books, it's the leading men who make this series shine! Let's start with Mira. She seems to be a prickly woman to me, having to keep her true self from everyone but her sisters and best friend. It's difficult for her, having to keep her successful writings a secret; her publisher doesn't think anyone would read her circular if it was known the writer was female. The more I got to know her, however, the more likable she became, her insecurities making her more approachable. Her parents died by drowning, and she was terrified she would die the same way. Her sisters tried to get her back into their lives, but she resisted. But Finn? Oh, no, he could not be resisted! Finn was my favorite character; I just adored him! He was the son of a white man and an enslaved woman. Since he was illegitimate, he could not inherit his father's estate. He was, though, left property in Surrey from an uncle. His brother Stephen did not treat Finn kindly at all. They had an argument when Finn was trying to get Stephen to behave responsibly. When he would not, Finn threatened to kill him. Days later Stephen was dead and Finn was on the run, smuggling and trying to avoid Bow Street Runners. He was entranced by Mira, even when she was yelling at him. She did not tell him her true identity; that didn't end well. The two had amazing chemistry. Steamy times were just that; have ice close at hand. There were secrets, lies, revelations and reunions. Finn was my favorite character, but two others really stood out. Ursula, Mira's best friend, was always studying plants, but she also had a dry sense of humor that made me chuckle. (And it seems Ursula had a wee secret of her own!). And Kenneth...oh, how I loved Kenneth! He was a homosexual man in a time when it was illegal and deadly. He agreed to be the face of Aurelius at Mira's request, and he had me laughing every time he appeared (except for the couple of times he made me cry). The duel between Kenneth and Finn was the highlight of the book! Now, do we get to find out about the missing triplets, please?
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Mira Marleigh lives with her dear friend Ursula and accompanies her to society events. Little does anyone know, besides her sisters and Ursula, that Mira is the anonymous author of one of the most popular society circulars under the nom de plume Aurelius. Keeping a low profile allows Mira to see and hear all that's going on. One of Mira's circulars reported on the heated argument between brothers Finnegan and Stephen Underwood. When Stephen turns up dead two days later, her circular had everyone believing that Finn killed his brother. Mira heads to Devonshire to search for the real culprit. While there, Stephen's widow Lucretia is desperate for Aurelius's help to prove Finn innocent. Mira, acting as Aurelius's "assistant", agrees to help. When she meets Finn, who is on the run and has turned to smuggling, she must keep the secret of her authorship from the intriguing man while the attraction between them blazes. "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"
I have really enjoyed this fun series! The premise of three sisters who are estranged but are beginning to reconnect with each other has been very interesting. The sisters are all wonderful characters; but like the two prior books, it's the leading men who make this series shine! Let's start with Mira. She seems to be a prickly woman to me, having to keep her true self from everyone but her sisters and best friend. It's difficult for her, having to keep her successful writings a secret; her publisher doesn't think anyone would read her circular if it was known the writer was female. The more I got to know her, however, the more likable she became, her insecurities making her more approachable. Her parents died by drowning, and she was terrified she would die the same way. Her sisters tried to get her back into their lives, but she resisted. But Finn? Oh, no, he could not be resisted! Finn was my favorite character; I just adored him! He was the son of a white man and an enslaved woman. Since he was illegitimate, he could not inherit his father's estate. He was, though, left property in Surrey from an uncle. His brother Stephen did not treat Finn kindly at all. They had an argument when Finn was trying to get Stephen to behave responsibly. When he would not, Finn threatened to kill him. Days later Stephen was dead and Finn was on the run, smuggling and trying to avoid Bow Street Runners. He was entranced by Mira, even when she was yelling at him. She did not tell him her true identity; that didn't end well. The two had amazing chemistry. Steamy times were just that; have ice close at hand. There were secrets, lies, revelations and reunions. Finn was my favorite character, but two others really stood out. Ursula, Mira's best friend, was always studying plants, but she also had a dry sense of humor that made me chuckle. (And it seems Ursula had a wee secret of her own!). And Kenneth...oh, how I loved Kenneth! He was a homosexual man in a time when it was illegal and deadly. He agreed to be the face of Aurelius at Mira's request, and he had me laughing every time he appeared (except for the couple of times he made me cry). The duel between Kenneth and Finn was the highlight of the book! Now, do we get to find out about the missing triplets, please?
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
March 21, 2025
I received an ebook reader copy of this book and was underwhelmed. When I got to the end I realized that this was the 3rd book of series and that explained a lot.
This book fell into that trap that series books have, in that, the writer being unsure if someone has read the previous books in the series or not has to reiterate a lot of information, and at the same time shortcuts a lot of information because it is assumed that the audience is familiar with some of the details. But as someone who started with book 3, I was annoyed. We are told that the sisters are nearby but don't speak. We get bits and pieces about some childhood trauma but never get the whole scoop. It feels irrational that Mira is still so unforgiving of herself for a choice she made as a five year old child and that she chooses to alienate what little family she has over it. She is an otherwise, progressive, modern for the times, woman, so this one thing feels overblown. But we don't learn how her sisters are dealing with the issue because presumably those details were covered in books 1+2.
It was also a strange splicing of societal conventions that Finnegan who was mixed British and St Kitts was passed off convincingly as a servant/valet, while Mira and her sisters who are mixed British and Indian were accepted socialites one of whom is a member of the Royal Court.
Mira's relationship with Finnegan was annoying, not because she so readily fell into bed with him, but that a bunch of wildly progressive (for their time) people never once even discuss the possibility of her getting pregnant. She isn't a delicate maiden who has no idea where babies come from, and as a society gossip columnist she must have heard of previous scandals on that front and Finegan with a brother who frequented brothels with such regularity would have also in turn heard not only of women ending up with unwanted children, but of tricks that the women in brothels employ to prevent such things from happening. And yet they just repeatedly fall into bed together as if they were in The Blue Lagoon and had no idea what would happen.
I understand that after so ridiculously alienating the sisters, the author needed something big to get them back into her life, but a baby was a cringe choice. It could have easily just been Kenneth who was friends with all of the sisters, putting his foot down and tricking them into reuniting. The murder charge hanging over their heads was enough to temporarily keep the lovers apart.
And just who is Mira that she gets invited to enough events that she can write a column? She's the mixed race, bastard daughter of a man that died, leaving her with .....? She's admittedly older, and unmarried, so who is inviting her anywhere and why? Her friendship with Ursula isn't enough to explain this. Or if it is, I wish the author went into that part of the rules of society. And again, because this is a series, maybe she touched on this in book 1 and didn't feel the need to do so again in book 3, but that leaves me rolling my eyes a lot as I read this book.
And sooooo many references to the missing triplet sisters, including private eyes hired to find them, and how they are the core reason for the elder sisters not having a relationship and then no pay off on that storyline. But of course not, this is a series, and it'll take 3 more books to meet each triplet individually before they find each other and then find the first 3 sisters....ugh...
I try not to request reader copies of books in a series because of the need to read the entire series in order to truly have a satisfying story.
This book fell into that trap that series books have, in that, the writer being unsure if someone has read the previous books in the series or not has to reiterate a lot of information, and at the same time shortcuts a lot of information because it is assumed that the audience is familiar with some of the details. But as someone who started with book 3, I was annoyed. We are told that the sisters are nearby but don't speak. We get bits and pieces about some childhood trauma but never get the whole scoop. It feels irrational that Mira is still so unforgiving of herself for a choice she made as a five year old child and that she chooses to alienate what little family she has over it. She is an otherwise, progressive, modern for the times, woman, so this one thing feels overblown. But we don't learn how her sisters are dealing with the issue because presumably those details were covered in books 1+2.
It was also a strange splicing of societal conventions that Finnegan who was mixed British and St Kitts was passed off convincingly as a servant/valet, while Mira and her sisters who are mixed British and Indian were accepted socialites one of whom is a member of the Royal Court.
Mira's relationship with Finnegan was annoying, not because she so readily fell into bed with him, but that a bunch of wildly progressive (for their time) people never once even discuss the possibility of her getting pregnant. She isn't a delicate maiden who has no idea where babies come from, and as a society gossip columnist she must have heard of previous scandals on that front and Finegan with a brother who frequented brothels with such regularity would have also in turn heard not only of women ending up with unwanted children, but of tricks that the women in brothels employ to prevent such things from happening. And yet they just repeatedly fall into bed together as if they were in The Blue Lagoon and had no idea what would happen.
I understand that after so ridiculously alienating the sisters, the author needed something big to get them back into her life, but a baby was a cringe choice. It could have easily just been Kenneth who was friends with all of the sisters, putting his foot down and tricking them into reuniting. The murder charge hanging over their heads was enough to temporarily keep the lovers apart.
And just who is Mira that she gets invited to enough events that she can write a column? She's the mixed race, bastard daughter of a man that died, leaving her with .....? She's admittedly older, and unmarried, so who is inviting her anywhere and why? Her friendship with Ursula isn't enough to explain this. Or if it is, I wish the author went into that part of the rules of society. And again, because this is a series, maybe she touched on this in book 1 and didn't feel the need to do so again in book 3, but that leaves me rolling my eyes a lot as I read this book.
And sooooo many references to the missing triplet sisters, including private eyes hired to find them, and how they are the core reason for the elder sisters not having a relationship and then no pay off on that storyline. But of course not, this is a series, and it'll take 3 more books to meet each triplet individually before they find each other and then find the first 3 sisters....ugh...
I try not to request reader copies of books in a series because of the need to read the entire series in order to truly have a satisfying story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
The third novel in the Marleigh Sisters series was just as fabulously compelling and witty as its predecessors—And I can honestly say I loved each and every swoon-worthy second!
As someone who’s been a fan since book one (Unladylike Lessons In Love) I’ve loved getting to know each of the Marleigh sisters (Lila, Anya and Mira). Their unique personalities, struggles and emotional journeys have been incredible, with story arcs that never shy away from the hard hitting social commentary of the era.
Yet, it’s Amita Murray’s ability to deftly explore those topics (such as racial identity, class inequality and the legacy of colonialism) via each sister’s experiences. And have them not only question those views, but openly defy them (along with the rigid expectations placed upon them as women) that really made this series soo good. Well, that and the scorchingly swoon-worthy romance.
I also loved Mira, the youngest Marleigh sister (a gossip columnist writing under a male pseudonym.) Who is definitely a little more cautious than her sisters, both of whom are perfectly happy to court scandal with their antics and success. Prefering to observe than to be in the spotlight under scrutiny, Mira’s definitely the sister I related to the most.
Her journey to self awareness, and the strength and determination she finds within herself (as she uncovers the truth and fights actively against the injustice she witnesses) was phenomenally complex. And by the end, had me utterly satisfied at the transformation and emotional growth we see in her.
Finn, Mira’s love interest (wrongly accused of murdering his own brother) was a nuanced and multifaceted character too. Born into slavery and freed by his father as a boy, only to be sidelined then bullied by his stepmother and half brother. He’s always existed on the periphery of Regency society (like Mira who has always felt like an outsider), so rejects everything it stands for (in an act of emotional self-preservation).
But in meeting Mira, he lets down his emotional barriers and finally opens up to the idea of trust and love that was utterly heartwarming to watch unfold.
The prose flows soo well too, with vividly lush descriptions and an immersive Devonshire setting that was a wonderfully refreshing change from the usual London. The feisty (and mostly female), supporting cast were fabulous too and I’d love to see more of Lucretia, Ursula and Morgan in future novels/spin offs.
And last but not least, I loved seeing Mira reunite with her sisters and work through their fraught relationship. It really highlighted just how far they’ve all come emotionally since their childhood, and I think Mira really needed that sisterly sense of support and love, after the circumstances she finds herself grappling. They’ve still got a long way to go but I’d love to explore their bond more in future works, maybe as they find/reconcile with their youngest (triplet) siblings .
Overall, a gorgeously crafted and emotionally resonant read that fans of regency romance, Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn really need to consider checking out. Though do check the TWs.
Also, a huge thank you to Amita for sending me a finished copy— I can’t wait to see where your writing takes me next!
As someone who’s been a fan since book one (Unladylike Lessons In Love) I’ve loved getting to know each of the Marleigh sisters (Lila, Anya and Mira). Their unique personalities, struggles and emotional journeys have been incredible, with story arcs that never shy away from the hard hitting social commentary of the era.
Yet, it’s Amita Murray’s ability to deftly explore those topics (such as racial identity, class inequality and the legacy of colonialism) via each sister’s experiences. And have them not only question those views, but openly defy them (along with the rigid expectations placed upon them as women) that really made this series soo good. Well, that and the scorchingly swoon-worthy romance.
I also loved Mira, the youngest Marleigh sister (a gossip columnist writing under a male pseudonym.) Who is definitely a little more cautious than her sisters, both of whom are perfectly happy to court scandal with their antics and success. Prefering to observe than to be in the spotlight under scrutiny, Mira’s definitely the sister I related to the most.
Her journey to self awareness, and the strength and determination she finds within herself (as she uncovers the truth and fights actively against the injustice she witnesses) was phenomenally complex. And by the end, had me utterly satisfied at the transformation and emotional growth we see in her.
Finn, Mira’s love interest (wrongly accused of murdering his own brother) was a nuanced and multifaceted character too. Born into slavery and freed by his father as a boy, only to be sidelined then bullied by his stepmother and half brother. He’s always existed on the periphery of Regency society (like Mira who has always felt like an outsider), so rejects everything it stands for (in an act of emotional self-preservation).
But in meeting Mira, he lets down his emotional barriers and finally opens up to the idea of trust and love that was utterly heartwarming to watch unfold.
The prose flows soo well too, with vividly lush descriptions and an immersive Devonshire setting that was a wonderfully refreshing change from the usual London. The feisty (and mostly female), supporting cast were fabulous too and I’d love to see more of Lucretia, Ursula and Morgan in future novels/spin offs.
And last but not least, I loved seeing Mira reunite with her sisters and work through their fraught relationship. It really highlighted just how far they’ve all come emotionally since their childhood, and I think Mira really needed that sisterly sense of support and love, after the circumstances she finds herself grappling. They’ve still got a long way to go but I’d love to explore their bond more in future works, maybe as they find/reconcile with their youngest (triplet) siblings .
Overall, a gorgeously crafted and emotionally resonant read that fans of regency romance, Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn really need to consider checking out. Though do check the TWs.
Also, a huge thank you to Amita for sending me a finished copy— I can’t wait to see where your writing takes me next!
June 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review!
After reading this book and the previous Unladylike Rules of Attraction, I can wholeheartedly say this book is superior.
Although there is a similar issue of the love interests getting incredibly physical and "in love" very fast, this book does include a massive life-or-death situation which makes their craziness way more understandable. They still come off horny af but you can get why at least. Declaring that one half of the couple is in love at 30% in still feels a little ridculous, but I was willing to go with it.
I also could not get why
I also did not know that this book was going to go to the place of *trigger warning for child SA* so if that is upsetting for you, be careful here because it sort of comes out of nowhere.
Finn and Mira did make a cute couple though, and the mystery of who killed Stephen was enjoyable. Lucretia was a highlight character for me, I loved her frank and flippant view of the world.
I would reccomend this one over the other, but due to the stuff I outline above, I am still going with a 3 star rating, but a higher feeling one than the last!
After reading this book and the previous Unladylike Rules of Attraction, I can wholeheartedly say this book is superior.
Although there is a similar issue of the love interests getting incredibly physical and "in love" very fast, this book does include a massive life-or-death situation which makes their craziness way more understandable. They still come off horny af but you can get why at least. Declaring that one half of the couple is in love at 30% in still feels a little ridculous, but I was willing to go with it.
I also could not get why
I also did not know that this book was going to go to the place of *trigger warning for child SA* so if that is upsetting for you, be careful here because it sort of comes out of nowhere.
Finn and Mira did make a cute couple though, and the mystery of who killed Stephen was enjoyable. Lucretia was a highlight character for me, I loved her frank and flippant view of the world.
I would reccomend this one over the other, but due to the stuff I outline above, I am still going with a 3 star rating, but a higher feeling one than the last!
April 12, 2025
I was initially drawn into An Unladylike Secret by the charming teasing banter that kicked off around chapter 3—it brought a lightness to the story that had me smiling as I read. There’s something delightful about a historical fiction sprinkled with a little murder mystery, and for a while, this book really delivered on that front.
Interestingly, I had no idea this was part of a series, but it absolutely works as a standalone. I never felt lost or confused, which is a major plus for anyone just jumping in.
However, my enthusiasm started to wane around the 66% mark. The pacing slowed significantly, and it felt like we were doing more sitting around and waiting than actually progressing. The FMC, who already leaned toward the overly emotional side (lots of tears), became even more dramatic once the pregnancy was introduced. Her emotional instability, frequent outbursts, and strong victim mentality made her increasingly hard to connect with—and honestly, a bit frustrating. I went from smiling to frowning as I turned the pages.
As for the mystery? It took a disappointing turn. What started with the intrigue of a dead body shifted into a storyline about illegitimate babies, which just didn’t have the same pull. The contents of the diary, which should have been compelling, fell flat. And the sudden inclusion of a childhood abuse subplot felt random and jarringly out of place, especially when it wasn’t given the depth or sensitivity it deserved.
Overall, the book had a strong start with engaging banter and a promising setup, but ultimately didn’t stick the landing. Still, fans of the genre might enjoy the early chapters and atmosphere—it just may not be the gripping historical mystery you’re hoping for all the way through.
Interestingly, I had no idea this was part of a series, but it absolutely works as a standalone. I never felt lost or confused, which is a major plus for anyone just jumping in.
However, my enthusiasm started to wane around the 66% mark. The pacing slowed significantly, and it felt like we were doing more sitting around and waiting than actually progressing. The FMC, who already leaned toward the overly emotional side (lots of tears), became even more dramatic once the pregnancy was introduced. Her emotional instability, frequent outbursts, and strong victim mentality made her increasingly hard to connect with—and honestly, a bit frustrating. I went from smiling to frowning as I turned the pages.
As for the mystery? It took a disappointing turn. What started with the intrigue of a dead body shifted into a storyline about illegitimate babies, which just didn’t have the same pull. The contents of the diary, which should have been compelling, fell flat. And the sudden inclusion of a childhood abuse subplot felt random and jarringly out of place, especially when it wasn’t given the depth or sensitivity it deserved.
Overall, the book had a strong start with engaging banter and a promising setup, but ultimately didn’t stick the landing. Still, fans of the genre might enjoy the early chapters and atmosphere—it just may not be the gripping historical mystery you’re hoping for all the way through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
Firstly, thank you so much to @amitamurray for sending me a copy of the third instalment to The Marleigh Sister series published by @harperfiction 💛
••• A Fun Regency Romance with a Modern Twist •••
This story is the perfect balance between entertaining storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of deep societal issues. I was engaged throughout with the humour, charm, and relatable characters, but simultaneously the story tackles more serious topics, including race, social status, sexual inequality, and queer relationships in a subtle yet impactful manner.
As with the first two books I adored the pomp and grandeur, and the nuances of the Regency era. But beneath this opulent surface, lay romance, mystery, intrigue, and suspense, keeping me captivated.
I loved Mira and her fiery, assertiveness. Her and Fin’s chemistry was undeniable and I was rooting for them all the way through.
Mira’s story was compelling as she grappled with the need to conceal her identity as the author of the circular. I loved watching her overcoming these challenges and reclaiming her voice.
Two other characters I adored were Kenneth, who we met in Lila’s story, and Ursula.
You couldn’t get more pompous than Kenneth. But beneath all the grandeur and self-importance was a lovable rogue with wit and humour.
Ursula was another fabulous character. She carried herself with unwavering confidence and authority. Her loyalty was steadfast, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She definitely left a lasting impression.
I think this book is my favourite of the three. Plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep me guessing but also a heartwarming story about love, sisterhood, and friendship. I would whole heartedly recommend the whole series 🧡.
My Star Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
••• A Fun Regency Romance with a Modern Twist •••
This story is the perfect balance between entertaining storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of deep societal issues. I was engaged throughout with the humour, charm, and relatable characters, but simultaneously the story tackles more serious topics, including race, social status, sexual inequality, and queer relationships in a subtle yet impactful manner.
As with the first two books I adored the pomp and grandeur, and the nuances of the Regency era. But beneath this opulent surface, lay romance, mystery, intrigue, and suspense, keeping me captivated.
I loved Mira and her fiery, assertiveness. Her and Fin’s chemistry was undeniable and I was rooting for them all the way through.
Mira’s story was compelling as she grappled with the need to conceal her identity as the author of the circular. I loved watching her overcoming these challenges and reclaiming her voice.
Two other characters I adored were Kenneth, who we met in Lila’s story, and Ursula.
You couldn’t get more pompous than Kenneth. But beneath all the grandeur and self-importance was a lovable rogue with wit and humour.
Ursula was another fabulous character. She carried herself with unwavering confidence and authority. Her loyalty was steadfast, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She definitely left a lasting impression.
I think this book is my favourite of the three. Plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep me guessing but also a heartwarming story about love, sisterhood, and friendship. I would whole heartedly recommend the whole series 🧡.
My Star Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 6, 2025
Devonshire, England - Regency Era
Mira Marleigh has floated through London Society appearing to be no one but the companion of her friend, Ursula. In reality, however, Mira is the mysterious gossip writer Aurelius, whom everyone assumes is a man. Able to hear and witness all sorts of valuable information due to her fairly invisible status, Mira has become the talk of the ton. While discreet, most of her writings invite speculation as to which member of Society is being discussed. Usually there is nothing that comes of her publications except some minor gossip. But one article about an argument between two brothers causes concern when one of the brothers is found dead not long after the incident.
Stephen Underwood is found deceased after he and his half brother Finnegan were heard having a heated discussion, and now, due to Mira's column, it is Finnegan who is suspected of killing Stephen. Stephen's widow, Lucretia contacts "Aurelius" asking for his help in proving Finnegan's innocence as well as finding a missing diary that Stephen claimed was worth a fortune. Feeling mildly guilty about her story, Mira, along with her friend, Ursula, travels to Devonshire to meet the girl. Introducing herself as Aurelius' assistant, Mira agrees to help Lucretia, although she has no idea how. But, during a walk along the coast, Mira meets a man who may, or may not, be able to help.
AN UNLADYLIKE SECRET is a delightful combination of a Regency romance and a mystery. Mira is a strong, intelligent young woman with a past few know about. Her meeting with the handsome stranger sets in motion the search for answers, as well as a time for Mira to come to grips with her past as well as her future. Character driven, AN UNLADYLIKE SECRET is an excellent tale.
Mira Marleigh has floated through London Society appearing to be no one but the companion of her friend, Ursula. In reality, however, Mira is the mysterious gossip writer Aurelius, whom everyone assumes is a man. Able to hear and witness all sorts of valuable information due to her fairly invisible status, Mira has become the talk of the ton. While discreet, most of her writings invite speculation as to which member of Society is being discussed. Usually there is nothing that comes of her publications except some minor gossip. But one article about an argument between two brothers causes concern when one of the brothers is found dead not long after the incident.
Stephen Underwood is found deceased after he and his half brother Finnegan were heard having a heated discussion, and now, due to Mira's column, it is Finnegan who is suspected of killing Stephen. Stephen's widow, Lucretia contacts "Aurelius" asking for his help in proving Finnegan's innocence as well as finding a missing diary that Stephen claimed was worth a fortune. Feeling mildly guilty about her story, Mira, along with her friend, Ursula, travels to Devonshire to meet the girl. Introducing herself as Aurelius' assistant, Mira agrees to help Lucretia, although she has no idea how. But, during a walk along the coast, Mira meets a man who may, or may not, be able to help.
AN UNLADYLIKE SECRET is a delightful combination of a Regency romance and a mystery. Mira is a strong, intelligent young woman with a past few know about. Her meeting with the handsome stranger sets in motion the search for answers, as well as a time for Mira to come to grips with her past as well as her future. Character driven, AN UNLADYLIKE SECRET is an excellent tale.
April 12, 2025
2⭐️
This plot had so much potential. I love a good regency gossip column, and the idea of the love interest being someone she accidentally accused of murder was intriguing.
I really enjoyed the side characters in this one. Kenneth once again is a star, I love him dearly. Ursula and lucrettia bounce off each other really well. The scene of them all in the parlour is hilarious and without a doubt my favourite part of the book.
The romance sadly left much to be desired. It's insta love, and there's no tension. Maybe I interpreted the blurb wrong because I was expecting enemies to lovers vibes. I didn't feel the chemistry, and there's no real development for the romance side.
The writing felt rushed. We dive straight into the plot, and the ending feels like it just cuts off. There's so many unanswered things. The Antigua court case? Is he cleared of murder? Does she still move in with her sister? I'm also quite interested in whether lucrettia finds a new husband. the plot winds up quite muddy, and the mystery element wasn't particularly compelling.
I had also incorrectly assumed that this was a trilogy and that we would solve the mystery of the triplets in it, but it looks like they are perhaps due their own books. I think sadly I will give those a miss.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
This plot had so much potential. I love a good regency gossip column, and the idea of the love interest being someone she accidentally accused of murder was intriguing.
I really enjoyed the side characters in this one. Kenneth once again is a star, I love him dearly. Ursula and lucrettia bounce off each other really well. The scene of them all in the parlour is hilarious and without a doubt my favourite part of the book.
The romance sadly left much to be desired. It's insta love, and there's no tension. Maybe I interpreted the blurb wrong because I was expecting enemies to lovers vibes. I didn't feel the chemistry, and there's no real development for the romance side.
The writing felt rushed. We dive straight into the plot, and the ending feels like it just cuts off. There's so many unanswered things. The Antigua court case? Is he cleared of murder? Does she still move in with her sister? I'm also quite interested in whether lucrettia finds a new husband. the plot winds up quite muddy, and the mystery element wasn't particularly compelling.
I had also incorrectly assumed that this was a trilogy and that we would solve the mystery of the triplets in it, but it looks like they are perhaps due their own books. I think sadly I will give those a miss.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
May 5, 2025
The premise of An Unladylike Secret initially intrigued me. A gossip columnist named Mira accidentally implicates someone in a murder and then teams up with him to uncover the real culprit.
Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired. I won’t say this book was bad as it was obvious by the descriptions that this was a labor of love for the author, but I had to force myself to turn the pages. There was action and the mystery was pretty much fleshed out but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being underwhelmed. The mystery itself was intriguing enough but I had hoped that by the end I would be so enthralled I’d go back to read the stories of her sisters, but I found I didn’t care how we had come to this point in their stories.
Finn was a delight, but the class distinctions made no sense. The belief that one of them could move in society with ease while the other could not was something that pulled me out of the story given the historical context. I also didn’t like Mira. She had nothing to recommend as a friend or a lover and her inner dialogue kept me from connecting with her. She wasn’t bad per say but just Eh. I may go back and start with the other two books for context but for now this book is a solid 3 Stars.
I didn’t hate this book, I just really struggled with be immersed in the story. I just could not get invested in the plot.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired. I won’t say this book was bad as it was obvious by the descriptions that this was a labor of love for the author, but I had to force myself to turn the pages. There was action and the mystery was pretty much fleshed out but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being underwhelmed. The mystery itself was intriguing enough but I had hoped that by the end I would be so enthralled I’d go back to read the stories of her sisters, but I found I didn’t care how we had come to this point in their stories.
Finn was a delight, but the class distinctions made no sense. The belief that one of them could move in society with ease while the other could not was something that pulled me out of the story given the historical context. I also didn’t like Mira. She had nothing to recommend as a friend or a lover and her inner dialogue kept me from connecting with her. She wasn’t bad per say but just Eh. I may go back and start with the other two books for context but for now this book is a solid 3 Stars.
I didn’t hate this book, I just really struggled with be immersed in the story. I just could not get invested in the plot.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
May 7, 2025
An Unladylike Secret is a Regency romance with a dash of mystery, following Mira Marleigh—a woman living quietly on the surface but secretly writing a gossip column under the name “Aurelius.” Things take a turn when one of her articles leads to a murder accusation, and she ends up teaming up with the accused, Finnegan Underwood, to find out what really happened.
The premise is fun, and the banter between characters—especially Finn and Mira’s friend Ursula—really works. The writing is engaging, and there’s definitely some charm to the story. But overall, the plot felt a bit all over the place. There’s a lot going on, and while it never gets boring, it also never really dives deep into anything. The mystery doesn’t pick up until late in the book, and the romance happens quickly without much build-up.
Mira is a tricky character. She’s complex, which is great in theory, but she often comes across as a bad friend, sister, and partner—and she doesn’t really grow much by the end. Finn, on the other hand, is a standout. He’s well-written and easily the highlight of the book for me.
So while the story didn’t fully click for me, the writing and a few strong characters kept me reading. If you’re into historical romances with smart dialogue and don’t mind a lighter mystery, this one might be up your alley.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for an advanced copy in exchange for and honest review.
The premise is fun, and the banter between characters—especially Finn and Mira’s friend Ursula—really works. The writing is engaging, and there’s definitely some charm to the story. But overall, the plot felt a bit all over the place. There’s a lot going on, and while it never gets boring, it also never really dives deep into anything. The mystery doesn’t pick up until late in the book, and the romance happens quickly without much build-up.
Mira is a tricky character. She’s complex, which is great in theory, but she often comes across as a bad friend, sister, and partner—and she doesn’t really grow much by the end. Finn, on the other hand, is a standout. He’s well-written and easily the highlight of the book for me.
So while the story didn’t fully click for me, the writing and a few strong characters kept me reading. If you’re into historical romances with smart dialogue and don’t mind a lighter mystery, this one might be up your alley.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for an advanced copy in exchange for and honest review.
March 28, 2025
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about An Unladylike Secret. There are plenty of elements that really appealed to me, not least the diversity of the characters with the FMC being of colour, along with multiple other characters, and with LGBT+ rep – though the gay character’s stereotypical obsession with his clothes was perhaps a little disappointing. I also liked the mystery element and the idea that Mira was determined to prove Finn’s innocence and save him from the gallows. The strong female characters, particularly for the time, were excellent, especially showing how women could work and hold their own in society, as well, as showing how women supported each other.
However, the fact that Mira writes a gossip circular felt rather overdone (hello Lady Whistledown!), and I really wasn’t a fan of the accidental pregnancy element of the story. More than anything, I’m deeply confused by the cover of the book, which shows a white man as Finn, when he is clearly described as the bastard son of an African slave woman in the Caribbean and an English slave owner, and as therefore being mixed race. It’s a key component of the book as he stands out as a fugitive, so I really don’t understand this creative design decision, which is very misleading.
Overall, I thought the book was enjoyable, but it didn’t have the pace that kept me desperate to read more.
Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
However, the fact that Mira writes a gossip circular felt rather overdone (hello Lady Whistledown!), and I really wasn’t a fan of the accidental pregnancy element of the story. More than anything, I’m deeply confused by the cover of the book, which shows a white man as Finn, when he is clearly described as the bastard son of an African slave woman in the Caribbean and an English slave owner, and as therefore being mixed race. It’s a key component of the book as he stands out as a fugitive, so I really don’t understand this creative design decision, which is very misleading.
Overall, I thought the book was enjoyable, but it didn’t have the pace that kept me desperate to read more.
Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
June 5, 2025
This book was a smorgasbord. Romance, intrigue and mystery coupled with well-developed and diverse characters makes for a fun and interesting read.
An Unladylike Secret focuses on Mira, one of three sisters. Living amongst high society, Miria prefers to be an observer rather than be caught up in the spotlight. Using the juicy tidbits she sees and overhears, she writes a gossip column under a male pseudonym. One day she writes about a fight that has taken place between two half-brothers and a few days later, one of them is found dead. Mira soon finds herself caught up in a murder investigation.
This book explores social topics such as race, class and gender roles while portraying strong women figures who defy these views. It captures Mira as she blossoms, finding herself and her inner strength and voice. It also explores the bond of sisterhood as the sisters work their way through their relationships with each other.
The author does an amazing job of painting a setting so vivid and beautiful that you feel like you have been transported there.
An Unladylike Secret is the third book in the Marleigh Sisters series. While it can be read as a standalone, I would like to go back and read the first two books for a more rich and full experience.
Thank you to Avon for the copy of this book. It was a wonderful treat!
An Unladylike Secret focuses on Mira, one of three sisters. Living amongst high society, Miria prefers to be an observer rather than be caught up in the spotlight. Using the juicy tidbits she sees and overhears, she writes a gossip column under a male pseudonym. One day she writes about a fight that has taken place between two half-brothers and a few days later, one of them is found dead. Mira soon finds herself caught up in a murder investigation.
This book explores social topics such as race, class and gender roles while portraying strong women figures who defy these views. It captures Mira as she blossoms, finding herself and her inner strength and voice. It also explores the bond of sisterhood as the sisters work their way through their relationships with each other.
The author does an amazing job of painting a setting so vivid and beautiful that you feel like you have been transported there.
An Unladylike Secret is the third book in the Marleigh Sisters series. While it can be read as a standalone, I would like to go back and read the first two books for a more rich and full experience.
Thank you to Avon for the copy of this book. It was a wonderful treat!
June 25, 2025
An Unladylike Secret by Amita Murray reminds me so much of my favorite literary classic novel, Sandition by Jane Austen. Mira Marleigh is similar to the main character from the classic novel, Sandition. I kind of enjoyed reading about the lead female character, Mira, from this historical romance novel. She is bold behind the scenes as a gossip column writer. Her words hold some power in society which is funny because she is an illegitimate daughter of an English man and an Indian woman from India. This woman has two personalities that come to clash when a duke is now in trouble for something he didn't do. Then, there's Mira being dragged into the drama of her own doing in a way by another woman. Mira has to help solve the issue for the Duke while trying to keep her identity a secret. How unladylike...but fun. Secrets, deception, mystery, drama, and romance bubble and toil in this new release. If you love the trouble that the ton go to and the secrets and romance that spark the pages into fire, then this is the read for you! Amita Murray can write an engaging story.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
March 20, 2025
This story follows Mira as she tries to unravel the mystery of who killed Finnegan Underwood's brother and prevent Finn from being convicted of the crime.
I enjoyed the friendships in this book, and the development of the relationship between Mira and her sisters. . There were a lot of elements for the story to balance: the mystery, romance and the family history, as well as a lot of character development from Mira. I liked the parts of this that were done well, seeing Mira grow and become a stronger person who can rely on those around her was excellent, for example.
For me personally, the romance felt a little rushed and not as developed as I would've liked. I also felt the ending wasn't paced as well as it could've been, that there was a rush at the end and not much time to savour the romance.
Overall I'd give this 3.5 stars, I had a fun time while reading and the elements that worked for me were excellent. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the friendships in this book, and the development of the relationship between Mira and her sisters. . There were a lot of elements for the story to balance: the mystery, romance and the family history, as well as a lot of character development from Mira. I liked the parts of this that were done well, seeing Mira grow and become a stronger person who can rely on those around her was excellent, for example.
For me personally, the romance felt a little rushed and not as developed as I would've liked. I also felt the ending wasn't paced as well as it could've been, that there was a rush at the end and not much time to savour the romance.
Overall I'd give this 3.5 stars, I had a fun time while reading and the elements that worked for me were excellent. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2025
As always, Amita Murray marries regency era romance with mystery, intrigue and just a bit of darkness. I enjoyed the final book in the Marleigh sister's journey. Mira was a nice character to follow, seeing her character grow into a more outspoken and proud version of herself. I can't say I was moved by her romance with Finn though, they were okay. It felt very insta love which isn't my favorite. The murder mystery aspect was very fun, though I did find myself getting a little lost at times. The ending was a bit abrupt for my taste as well, I would have liked an epilogue picking up after all the conflict was taken care of and to see them shine as a full couple. There's a lot going on in this one, I would recommend reading the first two books before this one, as it keeps you informed of the world and family relations a bit better.
TW: brief mention of CSA, nothing too graphic but it could be unsettling for those with triggers around that subject.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyage for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
TW: brief mention of CSA, nothing too graphic but it could be unsettling for those with triggers around that subject.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyage for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 10, 2025
I have been reading and enjoying the Marleigh Sisters series since the first book and each time a new story comes out it becomes my new favourite. I love the writing style and there is the right mix of romance and mystery, and, in An Unladylike Secret, we have murder, scandal, smuggling, and adventure.
The protagonist of the novel is the third younger of the Marleigh Sisters. Daughters of an English lord and his Indian mistress, the three sisters were brought to England after the death of their parents and raised (and mistreated) by their father’s wife and their son. The three sisters became estranged and started leading an independent life and now Mira is the true writer behind Aurelius, the famous journalist who reveals all the aristocracy scandals. Her latest circular about the disagreement she overheard between the two Underwood brothers led everyone to believe that Finnegan Underwood had murdered his brother a few days later and he is now on the run. Feeling responsible and not sure of Finnegan’s guilt, Mira heads to Devonshire to investigate. She certainly doesn’t expect to find herself involved with smugglers or adrift on a boat in the middle of the night with a handsome and charming suspect. Used to be alone and independent, Mira is surprised to find herself surrounded by friends ready to help her and a man who becomes harder and harder to resist.
I must admit that I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters, the mystery, the romance between Mira and Finnegan, and also the setting of the coast of Devon. Mira, like her sisters, is still haunted by her past and her upbringing and Finnegan, too, has his own demons to face. Their characters develop quite well and the story flows easily, keeping me glued to the pages. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
The protagonist of the novel is the third younger of the Marleigh Sisters. Daughters of an English lord and his Indian mistress, the three sisters were brought to England after the death of their parents and raised (and mistreated) by their father’s wife and their son. The three sisters became estranged and started leading an independent life and now Mira is the true writer behind Aurelius, the famous journalist who reveals all the aristocracy scandals. Her latest circular about the disagreement she overheard between the two Underwood brothers led everyone to believe that Finnegan Underwood had murdered his brother a few days later and he is now on the run. Feeling responsible and not sure of Finnegan’s guilt, Mira heads to Devonshire to investigate. She certainly doesn’t expect to find herself involved with smugglers or adrift on a boat in the middle of the night with a handsome and charming suspect. Used to be alone and independent, Mira is surprised to find herself surrounded by friends ready to help her and a man who becomes harder and harder to resist.
I must admit that I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters, the mystery, the romance between Mira and Finnegan, and also the setting of the coast of Devon. Mira, like her sisters, is still haunted by her past and her upbringing and Finnegan, too, has his own demons to face. Their characters develop quite well and the story flows easily, keeping me glued to the pages. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
June 4, 2025
Mira Marleigh is a writer, the only problem is, no one knows it! She currently writes under the pseudonym Aurelius, who writes the Ton's salacious gossip for all to read. Mira poses as Aurelius' secretary when nosy ton memebers ask questions.
However, a circular she wrote nearly a year ago spoke of a dispute between brothers, where Finnegan Underwood threatened to kill his brother Stephen Underwood. Finn is the half brother and illegitimate older brother of the Underwood estate. Stephen is the one who inherited the Underwood fortune and title.
But when Stephen is murdered a few days after the circular is published, the ton assume that Finn is the murderer without any other evidence (in other words, no evidence). So Finn is forced to go on the run, and live life as a smuggler between England and France. However, months later, Stephen's widow desperate to be supported financially, asks Mira (to ask Aurelius) to investigate the murder and find the true culprit.
Thus smuggling, kidnaping, attempted murder and lots of kissing take place! Also Aurelius is unmasked - or is he (she)?
What a great installment of the Marleigh Sister series! This was a thrilling, fun and romantic read from beginning to end. I have spoken before on how this series makes me feel seen and I can't explain or emphasise it enough. To be a Austen Heroine is something I have always dreamed about and this series brings that to reality.
Having representation in books is so important on so many levels and to be seen and related to brings a feeling I cannot describe...my inner child is crying (with sadness and mainly joy).
I loved the supporting cast - my fave Kenneth is back with a bang, the romance(s), the intrigue, Mira being caught inbetween her duality of identities but also hiding behind a male pseudonym. This story hits on a lot of themes and does it with tremendous heart and skill.
I thoroughly enjoy reading Amita's writing and how it transports me to a time and place where bastards are not looked lightly on...especially half Indian and half English ones!
We also see the return of her sisters Lila and Anya, who we have grown to love in their individual stories. But I CANNOT WAIT for Amita to write the triplets stories and hope one day for a reunion with all the sisters 🙏🏽
Thank you Amita for gifting me this copy, for writing these stories to begin with and for including me in your acknowledgments...it means more than I can ever describe.
Go read this series now...go on...I'll wait 😉
Favourite quote(s):
"Mira often thought that India had slipped away from her. Not only had the picture of the country become fuzzy over the years, but she couldn't even locate it within herself. She couldn't find the child she had been when she lived there. She had held her hairpin close to her until the dreaded passed."
However, a circular she wrote nearly a year ago spoke of a dispute between brothers, where Finnegan Underwood threatened to kill his brother Stephen Underwood. Finn is the half brother and illegitimate older brother of the Underwood estate. Stephen is the one who inherited the Underwood fortune and title.
But when Stephen is murdered a few days after the circular is published, the ton assume that Finn is the murderer without any other evidence (in other words, no evidence). So Finn is forced to go on the run, and live life as a smuggler between England and France. However, months later, Stephen's widow desperate to be supported financially, asks Mira (to ask Aurelius) to investigate the murder and find the true culprit.
Thus smuggling, kidnaping, attempted murder and lots of kissing take place! Also Aurelius is unmasked - or is he (she)?
What a great installment of the Marleigh Sister series! This was a thrilling, fun and romantic read from beginning to end. I have spoken before on how this series makes me feel seen and I can't explain or emphasise it enough. To be a Austen Heroine is something I have always dreamed about and this series brings that to reality.
Having representation in books is so important on so many levels and to be seen and related to brings a feeling I cannot describe...my inner child is crying (with sadness and mainly joy).
I loved the supporting cast - my fave Kenneth is back with a bang, the romance(s), the intrigue, Mira being caught inbetween her duality of identities but also hiding behind a male pseudonym. This story hits on a lot of themes and does it with tremendous heart and skill.
I thoroughly enjoy reading Amita's writing and how it transports me to a time and place where bastards are not looked lightly on...especially half Indian and half English ones!
We also see the return of her sisters Lila and Anya, who we have grown to love in their individual stories. But I CANNOT WAIT for Amita to write the triplets stories and hope one day for a reunion with all the sisters 🙏🏽
Thank you Amita for gifting me this copy, for writing these stories to begin with and for including me in your acknowledgments...it means more than I can ever describe.
Go read this series now...go on...I'll wait 😉
Favourite quote(s):
"Mira often thought that India had slipped away from her. Not only had the picture of the country become fuzzy over the years, but she couldn't even locate it within herself. She couldn't find the child she had been when she lived there. She had held her hairpin close to her until the dreaded passed."
April 17, 2025
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, so was interested in this new installment. This book had a great sense of mystery, which I really enjoyed. It also continues the overarching story of the Marleigh sisters. There were some fun side characters as well. However, overall it didn't appeal to me as much as the past two books in the series. I think it boiled down to some of the plot points being things I don't typically enjoy in books. Mira wasn't my kind of character, and I couldn't follow the quick development of her relationship with Finn. I ended up finding myself skimming portions while reading. Again, this is just because of my own preference. Otherwise, it's a great story full of mystery and action.
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 21, 2025
This is the third book in the series and focuses on the third Marleigh sister, Mira, who is a society reporter.
The book follows the adventures of Mira and Finn, who Mira ‘accused’ of murdering his stepbrother and must now work with him to clear his name.
I enjoyed it because of the mystery which kept me guessing and for the multicultural aspect. The author briefly explored the issue of colonialism and slave trade and I loved the main characters’ dialogue.
There were some hilarious scenes and all the characters delivered. The description of the Devon coast was superb. I enjoyed Mira’s reunion with her sisters.
If you love historical romance with a dash of danger then you should read this.
June 18, 2025
I really enjoyed that this book has diverse characters, mystery, and intrigue. More specifically, the characters have interesting backstories that I find are generally lacking in other historical romance books. For example, the FMC is from India and the MMC is from the West Indies. Furthermore, their backgrounds actually play significant roles in their current lives and ways of thinking and behaving. The mystery element is also nice, although I personally don't think histroms need mystery in order to be interesting.
I think this is what the Bridgerton series aspires to be.
I didn't particularly like the insta-love aspect of the plot and I found the FMC a bit irritating at times, but that's not a dealbreaker.
I think this is what the Bridgerton series aspires to be.
I didn't particularly like the insta-love aspect of the plot and I found the FMC a bit irritating at times, but that's not a dealbreaker.
May 19, 2025
Mira is one of the Anglo-Indian Marleigh sisters in Regency England, and she secretly writes a circular filled with the latest spicy society gossip. Her most recent article nearly accuses Finnegan Underwood of murdering his brother, a claim that throws both his life and hers into turmoil.
This book is a captivating blend of romance, mystery, historical fiction, and social commentary on class and race. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself turning pages quickly. 4 stars.
Thank you to Avon Paperback and NetGalley for providing an early read in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. 4 stars.
This book is a captivating blend of romance, mystery, historical fiction, and social commentary on class and race. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself turning pages quickly. 4 stars.
Thank you to Avon Paperback and NetGalley for providing an early read in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. 4 stars.
May 21, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
more like a 3.5
After finishing An Unladlylike Secret I have to go back and read the first two books! I loved Mira's character development as she figures out what her future holds. This is a historical fiction romance meets murder mystery. What we can witness is just a glimpse of the full story. While the actual romance part was pretty sudden - for my tastes - I loved their interactions. I loved reading An Unladylike Secret before bed. We are able to see both Mira and Finn's perspectives and witness the angst, miscommunications, and yearning.
more like a 3.5
After finishing An Unladlylike Secret I have to go back and read the first two books! I loved Mira's character development as she figures out what her future holds. This is a historical fiction romance meets murder mystery. What we can witness is just a glimpse of the full story. While the actual romance part was pretty sudden - for my tastes - I loved their interactions. I loved reading An Unladylike Secret before bed. We are able to see both Mira and Finn's perspectives and witness the angst, miscommunications, and yearning.
May 5, 2025
3.6 - You follow Mira, a gossip writer under a pen name in London society, who has had her previous writing catch up to her in the present. Although written as speculation, Mira’s pervious gossip article has caused dire circumstances for others, namely Mr. Finnegan Underwood. As the reader, you follow the journey to not only clear Finn’s name and save his life, absolving him from the scandal he has been attached to, but to find the true murderer as well.
Overall, a very easy read that keeps you on the top of your toes - the romance, the murder mystery, and the family secrets - this book pleasantly took me by surprise! This novel escalates through the storyline at a reasonable pace. It was generally a good time and kept the reader engaged to find the truth. This was a book that was truly just vibes - something that you can turn your brain off with and just coast through the waters it takes you through. Unfortunately, I just didn’t like the insta-love portion of it, there didn’t seem to be much true tension in the beginning of Mira and Finn’s relationship, but the chemistry grows as the book carries on.
Overall, a very easy read that keeps you on the top of your toes - the romance, the murder mystery, and the family secrets - this book pleasantly took me by surprise! This novel escalates through the storyline at a reasonable pace. It was generally a good time and kept the reader engaged to find the truth. This was a book that was truly just vibes - something that you can turn your brain off with and just coast through the waters it takes you through. Unfortunately, I just didn’t like the insta-love portion of it, there didn’t seem to be much true tension in the beginning of Mira and Finn’s relationship, but the chemistry grows as the book carries on.
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