The Evidence of Us

The Study Room Series #1

by Genna Black

Lila Jennings thought she was done with the Mayfair murder case after using it to ace her grad school thesis. But when another murder shakes the infamous family a year later, she can’t resist diving back in.

To uncover the truth, she’ll need help from Theo Grayson—the brooding professor and former defense attorney who’d probably rather eat glass than revisit the case that ruined his legal career. Theo knows the case inside out—better than anyone—and with the eerie similarities between the two murders, there’s no one better to dig into this with Lila than him.

Lila is brilliant, determined, and unafraid to challenge Theo’s maddeningly skeptical attitude. Theo, on the other hand, would prefer to keep his head down and his past buried. But when the Mayfairs—who have a connection to Lila’s past—invite her to stay at their secluded estate, Lila hatches a plan: pose as a couple to get inside and investigate without raising suspicion.

The Mayfair family might seem eccentric and charming, but their sprawling estate hides darker secrets than Lila anticipated. What she really doesn’t expect is for the fake dating part to feel a little too real. Between late-night brainstorming, stolen glances, and close calls, Lila starts to realize there’s more at stake than just cracking the case.

Perfect for fans of Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building, The Evidence of Us is a twisty, witty romcom full of murder, mystery, and just the right amount of awkward flirting.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Fake Dating, Mystery Thriller

Unknown Binding

First published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ 2.5 🌶️

I've read this book front to back, side to side and back to front a few times now and I swear it gets better every time. I fell so hard and so fast for these characters and the way Genna speaks on grief is unfathomably beautiful. All of this intertwined within a merdur mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end while you occasionally laugh your butt off.

The way this man Y E A R N S. Holy heck. We get Theo's POV in third because the man's got secrets... But it fits so perfectly within Lila's first person POV it's practically seamless. I loved the subtle switch and getting his inner thoughts had me so dang swoony. There's tension upon tension between these two, but when that dam breaks they are so hot. Lila's got certain... Proclivaties... And Theo is happy to oblige.

We get a sneak peek of Take This To Your Grave and I'm so excited for what's in store for us next. Thank you Genna for the copy!!

Beta Review: The banter, the tension and the spice were all off the charts. But the emotional impact this story makes will linger in your soul. I can't wait for y'all to meet Theo, Lila and Co.

In full disclosure, I'm Genna's friend and personal assistant, but these opinions are very much my own.

[Mora · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.7⭐️


I tried but I didn’t really enjoy this and it was boring for most of it.

The romance between the MCs was okay-ish but I felt that something was missing, esp when they talked about things that happened between them in the past 🤷🏻‍♀️, probably because the whole relationship building happened off-page and we were only given a brief mention of it without any details at all. Also, I didn’t understand why they couldn’t be together and ended up avoiding each other for a year! I didn’t get any clarity or maybe it was mentioned very briefly too.

Anyway, this book wasn’t for me.
______

Book info:

- Dual POV (mostly from the h’s pov) / (h’s pov - first person , H’s pov - third person)
- Fake dating
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Mystery


Safety:

Safety is good

- No info on the MCs’ past
- The H has been celibate since he met the h a year ago and the h has been celibate for years
- No OM (just some jealousy moment from the H)
- No ow/cheating/scene with other people
- HFN (in a relationship)

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

God this was GOOOOOOOD!! I seriously ate it up. There’s nothing more I love than murder & a love story and this book delivered that TEN FOLD!

Lila became a professor after doing her dissertation on a case that was too easily closed. Her professor & former fling, Theo, was a defense attorney on that same case but ended up losing and moved over to teaching & was present when she was doing her presentation. They also work at the same college….and she thinks he hates her. Now, there’s another death in the SAME family and her best friend (the daughter of the woman who died) invites her to stay over. So she gets herself a fake boyfriend (hello sexy professor Theo) and is set to go to find some answers!! The twists were so fun & I loved the investigating & the characters in the story. The mayfairs are something else.

The dynamic between Lila & Theo is EVERYTHING. I was laughing so hard because Lila is so fun and wild & a genius, and Theo is grumpy, dry & very much a rule follower…until he isnt heheheh they are such opposites of eachother but truly so perfect for one another. Like the yearning Theo does in the story had my fingers cramping from how much I highlighted on my kindle!!!!!!!

Highlyyyyyy recommend.

Type:ebook
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Tropes:
Forced proximity
Fake dating
Grumpy x sunshine
Only one bed
YEARNINGGGG

[Sevi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5🌟

me ha costado una barbaridad conectar, la resolución no está mal, pero a la vez me ha parecido muy sacada de la manga y ni siquiera entiendo en qué momento llegan a esa conclusión, de un momento a otro lo sueltan y ya. muy meh, disappointed porque me esperaba algo mucho mejor

[Kara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute masterpiece.

Let me start at the beginning. I begged the author to be on her ARC team to read book 2 - before I realized there was a book 1 - you can see the full story here.

But in order to be on the ARC team for book 2, I had to show my review for book 1. So I downloaded book 1 immediately. And I am so glad that I did.

I read this book in approximately 26 hours with a full-time job, 2 kids and after school activities. I read every possible minute and even then it didn't feel like enough time.

The FMC studied the Mayfair murder case for her grad school thesis. The MMC was the defense lawyer on the case who lost and is now a broody professor with a muddled past given his major lose on the case.

But something never sat right with either of them about this case. It was a little too cut and dry. Now here they are 4 years later and there's another murder with eerily similarities.

Lila devises a plan to go to the Mayfair estate since she is somewhat connected to the family, and ensures that the only other person who knows the case as much as her comes with her. But how can she show up with the defense attorney who lost?

As her fake boyfriend...of course!

There's that...there's one bed🛌....there's a freaking pierced you-know-what🍆. All the top tier tropes.

This is a case of who-dun-it with two of the best forensic scientists/investigators around. There's angst. There's tension. There's lots of pent up feelings from years past that are coming to fruition in this forced proximity contemporary romance.

This book is everything you could want and more. Genna Black is a goddess.

[madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

i really want to love anything reylo but i wasn’t into it

[Derryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It is a good mix of murder, unravelling mysteries (and feelings), dealing with grief and, of course, romance.

I love the FMC. She is whip-smart, funny and coming to terms with the loss of her best friend. The group chat with her online friends is amazing!

The MMC is the grumpy to the FMC's sunshine. He is smart, broody, tall, built, and...um... hung. He is also irrevocably in love with her.

The mystery that is unravelled kept me guessing the whole way through. I'm glad I didnt guess correctly early on like I usually do. And it brought up some ethics and moral questions to ponder as well.

I will probably read the next book (even though I wasn't a fan of Bear)

Series: Book 1 in an interconnected series of standalones. Book 2 is releasing in December 2026.
HEA: Yes
Spice: 2.5 🌶

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was not worth my time or a review lol

[Kimberly || apairofreaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic murder mystery romcom combination!

The Evidence of Us had me invested from page one! I enjoyed Lila and Theo's banter so much - it added so much to the tension. I never thought I'd be thinking jUST KISS ALREADY during a murder mystery, but here we are. This was Knives Out meets Only Murders in the Building with a hint of Nancy Drew. Only Nancy and Ned wish they had the chemistry that these two had.

Cannot WAIT for book two to see where this series goes!

[Mil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knives out but make the MMC Adam Driver coded ✨❤️‍🔥

It’s murder mystery, spicy, rom-com fun. It has a little bit of everything you could want and I want it all!!

A yearning, broody, grumpy professor who only has eyes for one fellow professor but she think he hates her? Absolute perfection. I’m not sure I’ve ever met such a yearning man, the silence was LOUD from this man. I loved how oblivious Lila was to how Theo really felt.

Not only was this a fun time but it was a beautiful time. Genna writes about grief and navigating it with such care and love.

Thank you, Genna for this arc! It’s truly a gem✨

[Kymberly Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 2.5🌶️

This was so freaking good! Secrets on secrets, twists I never saw coming and an ending that will have you laughing, crying, and when the pieces come together your brain will be doing mental gymnastics trying to make sense of it all. Theo and Lila have amazing banter, chemistry, yearning, push and pull and it’s so yummy!!

Thank you, Genna Black for an advanced copy of this book! I loved it so much, and I cannot wait for book two in the series to come out!

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Evidence of us is a murder mystery that follows two main characters in a fake-dating situation as they investigate a case tied to their past. It's reads a bit like a who-done-it, with great chemistry amongst the FMC and MMC.

[Jill McAndrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very Ali Hazelwood coded, but the execution wasn’t quite as strong. The corniness was a bit too high and the pacing felt kinda off. All in all, not a masterpiece but entertaining! 3.5/5 ⭐️

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The his was totally different from my usual genres and I really enjoyed it - the forensic psychology details and references, the murder whodunnit within one big weird super rich family, all with true crime podcast vibes was oddly charming. There was certainly romance that ran foundationaly throughout, but it was secondary in many ways to the mystery plot. The romance itself was a lovely tension-filled sloooow burn that hit when it finally hit. I really hate when authors compare their characters to real
actors because I want to create my own mental image. In this case, our MMC, Theo Grayson, was beyond unfortunately compared to Adam Driver, who may be a nice person in real life, but always plays assholes and I personably find revolting in appearance. So. I spent an incredible amount of energy undoing that comparison and fighting the image throughout. It lagged a bit around the halfway mark and I found myself caring less and less about the inner monologues, theories, and every single thought Lila had and needed to share. But…Theo’s dirty talk was worth the wait and I loved that he paid such close attention to what she liked after Emily shared her tying up kinks with the dinner table (a scene that Emily did not pay a single cent for, annoyingly) and did what he could to meet those needs while simultaneously falling into the deepest little cinnamon roll love he could with every second. Also seemed anticlimactic after Theo’s (weirdly third person) chapters full of hints of some big betrayal to discover he didn’t share his hunch that we all hunched…and then no real anger or reaction at all from Lila. Not that I’m a fan of 3rd act breakups, I’m glad we skimmed right over that, but still…why was it really all for?

*******

There are things I shared with her that I could never share with anyone else in the world. Memories, fears, the thoughts you don’t dare speak out loud to anyone. She held the unedited version of me. And now she’s gone, and I’m just here, carrying it all on my own, a locked diary no one else has the key to, gathering dust, full of stories and bullshit no one else will ever hear again. We spoke a language only two people spoke, and now I’m the only one left who remembers it. p. 127

Emily stiffens. “She loved you. She loved all of us.” “I didn’t say she didn’t,” Katherine fires back. “She did. Of course she did. Love just—it doesn’t cancel out cruelty, does it? Sometimes they hold hands.” She laughs then, breathless, immediately realizing she shouldn’t have said it, but the words keep coming anyway. “I think sometimes you can miss the version of someone you remember more so than the person they actually were. That’s terrible, isn’t it?” p. 190

He doesn’t remember the exact moment he decided to pierce his cock, just the stretch of days where everything about her had started feeling too much and too little all at once. She’d joined the faculty then, trading one boundary for another—no longer a student, but still untouchable in every conceivable way—and he’d needed something to break the tortuous monotony of wanting what he couldn’t have. It was his own strange version of control. A way to feel something that wasn’t longing. He’d told himself it didn’t matter, that he wasn’t touching anyone else anyway, that the healing time was irrelevant. But underneath all that rationale sat the truth he never said out loud: some part of him wanted to be different the next time he touched someone. A new thing no one else had ever experienced with him, and in turn something he hadn’t experienced with anyone else. And maybe—if the universe ever stopped laughing at him—that someone would be her. p. 261

“I need you to draw a line in the sand for me, Lila,” he says. “I need to know your boundaries, because I have none when it comes to you. If you knew the things I’ve imagined doing to you, you’d never look at me the same.”p. 298

“I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you,” he says. “And I don’t just mean like this. I mean everything. You with your morbid little lectures. You, grumbling in the morning without coffee. You in my bed. In my life. I want it fucking all.” p. 305

He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and kisses my temple. “You did so good,” he praises. “I just… I want you to always feel safe with me. Especially after. No regrets.” “I do,” I whisper. “With you, I do.” His eyes darken. “Good. Such a good girl for me. You are everything.” He says each sentence between kisses. It wrecks me a little. The praise. The heat behind it. The way it settles low in my belly and spreads like wildfire. p. 308

“How many times are you going to come for me today?” he whispers against my ear. “Theo—” It’s barely a sound. He sinks two fingers inside me and I nearly fall apart. The angle. The fullness. The way his other hand stays firmly wrapped around the tie, reminding me I’m held exactly where he wants me. “You’re going to come just like this,” he says. “On my fingers. On my desk. With your wrists tied and your thighs shaking and my name in your mouth.” p.355

[Jessica Vining · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genna Black delivers not only an amazing read, but quite possibly my new favorite book of all time.

5⭐️/2.5🌶️

Tropes:
•Knives-Out Style Murder Mystery
•Fake Dating
•Only One Bed (he takes the couch, but it breaks 🤭)
•Professor x Professor
•Grumpy/Sunshine
•Adam Driver MMC Vibes 🥵
•SO👏🏻MUCH👏🏻PINING👏🏻


I find that books that land within the “Top Five Reads of All Time” list are incredibly difficult to review; in the sense that it feels impossible to articulate exactly every detail you loved about it without writing a novel yourself. So I’ll just say that I loved every detail — the characters that felt like real people with real histories and traumas, the banter and wit, the tension, the drama, and the (accurate!) true crime and mystery aspect weaving its way through the middle of it all. “The Evidence of Us” in a nutshell is like Letizia Lorini, Ali Hazelwood, and Knives Out had a baby — which is probably the highest compliment I can give a book.

Our MMC, Theo, is a grumpy, muscled, ex lawyer turned professor after a lost case ruined his career. And our FMC, Lila, is a witty, yet traumatized, forensic psychology professor at the same university, that wrote her PhD thesis on said career-ruining case she obsesses over instead of proper therapy. They are both are messy and complicated and have a history that neither of them wants to address, and a new murder cracking the case wide open upends them both into a chaotic mystery that not only uncovers evidence towards justice, but also their attraction.

I absolutely adored these characters, but the tropes and supporting details made me fall head over heels in love. Coming from a career in Forensics, I am incredibly particular about the true crime content I consume, dramatized or otherwise. Having fiction content be based in scientific reality is such a treat for me because it’s so few and far between. Genna went above and beyond to not only create a riveting, well-paced, fictional, romance-mystery but also to verify the accuracy of all the forensic details within it. Ali Hazelwood was one of the first I discovered to really highlight scientific accuracy in fiction books, especially romance. So having another author come to the table to do the same, in a unique way, is a dream.

If you love the romances from Ali Hazelwood or Letizia Lorini, obsess over true crime (and appreciate the accurate details!), and - what the hell - have fantasized about Adam Driver more than once, this is a must read for you. Enjoy the ride!



Favorite Quotes (yes, this is the condensed list):

“Nothing says healthy relationship like unresolved trauma and a shared obsession with homicide.”

“Every time Theo thinks he’s finally done with Lila Jennings, she turns up again—smudged eyeliner, those blue eyes that edge toward purple, a whole arsenal of strong opinions—and he realizes he never actually was.”

“But of course he remembers. He always does. The details most people miss. The ones that make it impossible not to feel seen, even when you don’t want to be.”

““..people think I’m flighty, but I’m actually very grounded.” “By goats,” I murmur. “Exactly,” she says again, utterly sincere. “And crystals. And kombucha. And sometimes tequila, but only if it’s organic.””

“He looks good. Ruin-your-life good. I’m convinced he could make anything look obscene in the best possible way.”

“He didn’t mean to fall for her, but looking at her now, he can’t remember ever having had a choice in the matter.”

“He releases a breath, seemingly steeling himself for what he’s about to say next. “The day I met you, I stopped wanting anyone else.””

“Every contact leaves a trace. It’s the foundation of everything I believe. The rule I’ve never once questioned. And I feel that same certainty now.”


Thank you to Genna Black for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genna Black delivered me everything I wanted in a Only Murders in the Building x Knives out dark rom com mystery. Honestly, this dark rom com mystery is witty, riddled with dark humor, and just the right amount of spice. So if this your jam, join me in obsessing over this book. This book had me laughing out loud. I even voice memo-ed my favorite parts to a friend, while screaming "you gotta read this book!"

The Evidence of Us (aka Lila and Theo Solve a Murder...or two) runs on amateur detectiving, pining, and sheer determination and I cannot stress enough how much I loved every minute of it. Theo, the former defense attorney, trying to write a wrong. Lila, the forensic psychologist unable to let this case stay in the past. They are the perfect crime fighting duo to launch the Study Room Series. Their interactions (THEY FREAKING FAKE DATE TO SOLVE A CRIME...drama ensues) are filled with awkward flirting and some hot investigative moments keep these book going in the best ways. Genna keeps the plot moving by sprinkling in sleuthing, some interrogations with the wildly eccentric Mayfair family, and of course, some red herrings (because every mystery needs them).

I couldn't write a review without talking about the Calla-Serena-Lila found family dynamic. Their group messages were the perfect mix of humor, unhinged, and absolutely on par for how friends chat with each other. I looked forward to those portions of the book because I knew they were going to do have me cackling.

This series was a sheer joy to read during the stress of 2026 and I CANNOT WAIT for [redacted]'s story (you gotta wait until the end). But seriously, if you love mysteries with dark humor, awkward moments, and some romance, ignore your tbr and jump right into this book instead.

[Pip London · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: 3🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Romantic Suspense(Murder Mystery), Fake Dating, Grumpy/Sunshine, One Bed, Slow Burn
Couple: Theo Grayson and Lila Jennings

The was a new to me author and I enjoyed the read. It definitely gave murder mystery vibes without crazy intense suspense. I enjoyed the slow burn between the MCs and the payoff felt genuine.

I found it interesting that the bulk of the story was told in first POV by Lila and then we got a few snippets of 3rd POV for Theo.

Fav Quotes:
“If he thinks ignoring me will make me go away, he wildly underestimates my commitment to being a nuisance when it comes to getting what I want.”

“‘Remember, we’re tragically dysfunctional, but still together for now. So try to look both annoyed and mildly affectionate.’ He levels me with a flat stare. ‘I am only capable of one of those things.’ ‘Look at you,’ I say, lips twitching. ‘Already halfway there.’”

“We didn’t talk much outside of meetings, but somehow, he always knew exactly where my brain would go next. Still does.”

“For a second, all I can do is stare at him—this casually brilliant man who somehow puts up with my overthinking episodes, cuts through the noise with his incisive perspective, and—against all odds—has become the one person I trust to help me make sense of any of this. When everything feels like it’s falling apart, he’s the one looking at the wreckage like it’s just a puzzle. Like it’s solvable.”


What I Loved:
He makes her tea without thought or question exactly the way she likes it. Accidental chloroform mishap.

[Aida Rivero · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Evidence of Us
By Genna Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Evidence of Us by Genna Black is a sharp, atmospheric murder mystery that expertly blends "fake dating" tension with a Knives Out-style investigation. The story follows Lila Jennings, a brilliant grad student whose obsession with a cold case leads her straight into a fresh crime scene at the eccentric Mayfair estate. To get the inside scoop, she recruits Theo Grayson, a brooding former defense attorney whose career was destroyed by that same original case.
The narrative structure is fascinating—the chapters alternate between Lila’s immediate, sharp-witted first-person perspective and Theo’s more guarded third-person perspective. This choice works perfectly for a mystery because it allows you to feel Lila’s determination and humor while keeping Theo’s deeper secrets and "yearning" just slightly out of reach. Their chemistry is a slow-burn masterpiece, especially once they are forced into the "one bed" trope while posing as a couple to infiltrate the family.
I was completely hooked by how well the author balanced the dark, academic vibes with the absolute chaos of the Mayfair family. Even though the pacing dipped slightly in the middle, the final reveal and the emotional weight of Lila and Theo finally trusting one another made it a standout read for me. It’s the perfect spicy mystery to curl up with if you want a plot that makes you think as much as it makes you swoon.

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished it so my feelings are new and squishy with recency bias, but I think this was a really solid “almost.” I loved Lila, I enjoyed Theo as a love interest, and the supporting cast was good. It felt heavily inspired by both Reylo fanfic and modern detective franchise success, but still managed to feel fun and authentic.

Lila’s narration brought a lot of levity to the heavy topics (grief, murder, etc), and the humor didn’t feel forced. The group chats with her friends were particularly enjoyable for me. But, I did not enjoy that the few chapters we got from Theo’s POV were written in third person when Lila’s were written in first. I found it jarring.

I would have liked more depth/development of characters and relationships. Theo was easy to like but fell a bit flat. Lila’s relationship with Emily didn’t seem close enough (on page) to hold up the plot premise. The family members bordered on caricatures at times. The banter and chemistry between the main couple was great, but the depth of feelings felt a bit exaggerated compared to what we actually see unfold on page.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this but it wasn’t quite 5 star level. I think this author has a lot of potential, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

[Brooke (darkcoffeedarkerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 3🌶️

Haverhill Burning will always have a special place in my heart…but this is hands down my favorite Genna Black book to date. Romantic mystery suspense is 100% her lane and I hope she stays there forever.

Lila and Theo are everything. From the banter to the yearning, I couldn’t get enough. I adored how they both pined for one another after all this time and was kicking my feet with glee when they finally gave in and went for it. It’s a slow burn, friends, but the tension is delicious and the spice is absolutely worth the wait.

This was witty, mysterious, and captivating—I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out whodunit the entire time and the big reveal at the end was both expected and totally not what I expected at all. 10/10. No notes.

And while there were moments that induced giggles and laughs and down right feral snorts, there were also beautiful moments that tugged straight on the strings attached to my cold black heart. Genna’s exploration of grief and loss was poignant and heartfelt and really brought a sense of balance to the overall narrative.

So….when can I preorder book 2? 👀

[Annie Simmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a really good time reading this!!!

I loved the setting of the rich family compound that they’re digging around for clues. I’m not afraid to admit that the tunnels would have terrified me. The mystery unfolded really well and it was a nice parallel that it seemed like the further they got in the mystery, the further they got in their relationship too!

Let me just say, NOTHING in my life could have prepared me for the location of their first somewhat sexual encounter (where he 💦 in his pants) and I loved it.

The reveals at the end were much more unique than how you would expect a murder mystery to go! I was really impressed with how the author took it seriously that she didn’t want this book to just be like every other mystery that has a big reveal while everyone is sitting together and whoever the detective character is explains all of the clues. Real life is messier than that, and the ending reflected that.

Another thing I want to touch on that was done very well was Lila’s grief over Laurel. I’ve never been in that situation but the way I felt the hollowness that Lila described was harrowing. And the way her feelings tie in a little bit to the ending was perfect.

[BobbiJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The angst and longing in the slow burn are killer but also works so well with the characters and their storyline. The banter between Theo and Lila is entertaining but it also made me giddy, and I couldn't wait for their next round. That banter is what pulled me in so quickly in Chapter One.

While I was pulled in by the banter, I stayed and lived for the plot and all of the different characters. So much mystery. Look, I know that the author described this book as a Knives Out vibe... but I haven't watched that. For me, it was like reading a Dark Rom-Com version of Clue, and I was so here for it. I really did love all the nuances of the side characters; they brought so much to the plot of the book.

Beyond the banter from all the characters and the random funny moments (I am looking at you, fancy fridge), I was just in love with the relationship between Lila and Theo. The quiet moments that showed how much they were meant for each other as well as how long they both have longed for the other.

[Ari Hambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so cute, sweet, silly romcom. It was full of loyalty, friendship, family, and characters with good heads on their shoulders. I honestly hadn't read a murder mystery like this and taking on the case watching the evidence pile up through their eyes had me on the edge of my seat (my bed.. I read it all laying in bed but you get the idea).

The romance was so sweet and sassy. It felt like her walls held him at a distance most of the book but you felt their pull towards each other. He was just down bad from the beginning.

The friendships were all so loyal and fun. From friendships lost from d3ath to in person friends who are there to cry on their should to long distance friends who are a message away. It also tossed in some friendship within family dynamics, growing up together. In it all was strength in loyalty, seeing each other, listening, encouraging.

It was overall an easy read. I loved the other aspects too, like old homes with secrets, historic artifacts, crazed family members, whatever was happening with grandma and the family stable...man...

[Cardi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Read:

This book made my brain tingle. I loved this book so much as someone who not only loves a good mystery but delicious slow burn with a blazing pay off. Between the who dunn it and the please do IT of it all this has truly been a treat.

I also really enjoy the way the POVs were done. Lila’s (FMC) was in first person while Theo’s (MMC) was in third person. Kinda of kept our focus on Lila and made it so if you weren’t paying attention or picked the book back up in the middle of the chapter there was no confusion as to who’s POV it was. The spice! It was delectable when we FINALLY hit pay dirt. I mean Theo put in work. Made up for lost time 😂😮‍💨.

Overall, I love how the story panned out it kinda left you in a weird nothing is black or white, kinda grey area that didn’t make you really question yourself. All the emotions and depth worked really well for me! Thank you so much to Genna Black for the ARC!

[Kat Burg · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!

firstly, we have a very Ali Hazelwood coded MMC - Theo is the tallest, grumpiest, broodiest man around campus (and he DEFINITELY hates Lila. for sure, no doubt about it)

Lila is so fun and lively, and she absolutely lives to push every single one of Theo's buttons. Their dynamic is so tense and delicious but most of all, they're both obsessed with each other's brains, which I just cannot get enough of
Theo was so tightly wound for the whole book that it was (as expected) simply glorious when he finally let himself go wild

This book is perfect for fans of true crime, Knives Out, and rich people behaving badly (and getting called out on it by some plucky investigators)

also Lila's group chat with her two friends had me laughing out loud - it's just perfect

AND THAT SNEAK PEEK it had me going a little weird

Thank you so much Genna for the eARC!!!!

[Vice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Evidence of Us is true to its description as a little Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building. Overall, this was a quick and interesting read with Lila and Theo investigating a murder mystery with some rich people family drama and missing antiquities. I really liked Lila's text thread with her friends throughout and thought it added a fun, light element. The cast of characters was well rounded and everyone felt unique. The MMC and relationship setup did, as others have mentioned, did feel like the Ali Hazelwood formula that I do quite enjoy in that she's brilliant, they work together, he's gruff, she thinks he hates her, surprise! he's been secretly obsessed with her for years. I do think that some elements felt a little superficial grab bag thrown in for the shock value and for the sake of making it on a trope list but didn't really add anything of value to the plot or character development.

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

5/5⭐️, 2/5🌶️

-Grumpy x Sunshine
-One Bed
-First & Third Person POV: Dual
-Fake Dating
-Professor x Professor

Holy hell. Where do I even begin? This was phenomenal. It took me a second to be hooked but once the line was cast I couldn’t put this down. Genna Black just has a way with words. I will say, I don’t always love Third Person POV but the way she did it had me pretty okay with it.
I absolutely love Theo and Lila. They both have their own quirks that just make them beautiful people. And together after going through a lot they are a beautiful couple.
The way that the plot was twisty and turny had me in a choke hold. There was so many things that happened that I could not have predicted. My jaw was quite literally on the floor.

Check the TW’s prior to reading.
Otherwise I have to absolutely recommend this!

[Isabella L. Ivor · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a forensics nerd and thriller/romance lover I REALLY thought I was going to love this.

I love the grumpy trope with Theo, and I think his background and why he chooses to say yes to Lila’s proposed idea really adds to the depth of his character.
Lila is a kind but albeit cheeky FMC who’s easy to find a place in your heart with her chaos.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get past the 50% mark. It started strong, but for whatever reason, I could not get on with the writing. It was super difficult to follow, a bit… dare I say, immature/unrealistic with the humour. Trying to feel immersed in this story became harder and harder.

I have read other reviews that’s says it picks up around the 60/70% mark of the book so maybe I’ll give it another try in the future, but for now I’m having to put the book down.

[RoseGreyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me HOOKED. I loved the setting and the history between the two main characters, with tension building from the very start. I am usually hesitant with professor romances, but these two being equals/no icky power imbalance made their dynamic work so well.

I also was so intrigued by the plot, a rich family plagued by tragedy and mystery. Investigating the original crime, through the lenses of the second murder was so unique and the characters had me constantly suspecting someone new!

Ultimately, this romance was so enjoyable and I loved how deeply they felt for each other even before they knew how each other would react. The MMC was so besotted and obsessed with the FMC in the best ways and I love to see a man that down bad.

This book will have you constantly guessing what comes next, while also giggling and squealing at every time they accidentally touch!