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mastersal's review against another edition
3.0
Not much to say here - fans of Ms. Quick (of which I am one) will find a lot of comforting familiarity in this ostensible end of the Vanza series. The Vanza lore matters little in this book - which is actually good as I disliked the mix between orientalist and weirdly supernatural (?) fantasy that the other books had.
This book works pretty much like a straight mystery with a strong dollop of romance. For people who read Ms. Quick romantic suspense books will know the story beats here. The mystery is fairly simple and the romance is between a sassy heroine (who is “modern”) and a taciturn but competent hero who “learns to love”.
I will say that the heroine does say the following:
“.... it would be best if you and I were to put our connection on a businesslike footing...”
This book works pretty much like a straight mystery with a strong dollop of romance. For people who read Ms. Quick romantic suspense books will know the story beats here. The mystery is fairly simple and the romance is between a sassy heroine (who is “modern”) and a taciturn but competent hero who “learns to love”.
I will say that the heroine does say the following:
“.... it would be best if you and I were to put our connection on a businesslike footing...”
annerollins's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
audreylee's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
allthebookssheloved's review
5.0
This might be my favorite! This is the funniest Amanda Quick book to date. I was giggling and grinning like a fool all the way through. The mystery plot was fantastic, the romance was sexy, well paced and the MCs were very compatible. The banter between Ambrose and Concordia was very funny. The positively nonchalant attitude toward LGBTQ+ community was well delivered. And the side characters were the very delicious cherry on this delicious cake. I am happy John Stoner made a triumphant comeback. And it was a love letter to teachers. Perfect ending to the Vanza series. 10/10; no notes.
sigrros's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
bearyboo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.25
i,,,,, don't know how to feel. the murder mystery plot was cool but the romance was,,,, annoying at best. yes, it was cute and dark and ~emotional~ but. unfulfilling. that's all.
qwelling4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Lie by Moonlight
3.5 Stars
Private inquiry agent, Ambrose Wells, is investigating a suspicious death when he crosses paths with Concordia Glade and her four students escaping from a blazing castle. Soon Concordia and Ambrose are working together to stop a notorious crime lord from carrying out his nefarious plan for the girls.
Anyone who has read Quick's Arcane Society books will immediately recognize Ambrose and Concordia as they are virtually identical to every hero and heroine in that series. While this isn't necessarily negative as Quick's characters are always endearing, it does make for a rather unoriginal romance.
Both Ambrose and Concordia have intriguing backstories, but neither really contribute to their characterization in any meaningful sense. Although there is a definite attraction between the two, it remains underdeveloped and the eventual sex scenes feel contrived.
The mystery is better with one or two interesting twists and an exciting climax. The Vanza elements are, thankfully, kept to a minimum here and the book is more readable without them.
All in all, a typical Amanda Quick story with likeable characters and a solid mystery. Not recommended for newbies to her books though.
3.5 Stars
Private inquiry agent, Ambrose Wells, is investigating a suspicious death when he crosses paths with Concordia Glade and her four students escaping from a blazing castle. Soon Concordia and Ambrose are working together to stop a notorious crime lord from carrying out his nefarious plan for the girls.
Anyone who has read Quick's Arcane Society books will immediately recognize Ambrose and Concordia as they are virtually identical to every hero and heroine in that series. While this isn't necessarily negative as Quick's characters are always endearing, it does make for a rather unoriginal romance.
Both Ambrose and Concordia have intriguing backstories, but neither really contribute to their characterization in any meaningful sense. Although there is a definite attraction between the two, it remains underdeveloped and the eventual sex scenes feel contrived.
The mystery is better with one or two interesting twists and an exciting climax. The Vanza elements are, thankfully, kept to a minimum here and the book is more readable without them.
All in all, a typical Amanda Quick story with likeable characters and a solid mystery. Not recommended for newbies to her books though.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
3.0
I actually kind of enjoyed this...more for the characters/plot than the sexy parts, but whatever. I can see why "someone" likes romance novels so much.