A review by themeadowlibrary
To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

“Perfectly normal, just another day at a house party where anyone might be guilty of crimes large or small.”


The definition of an “easy read”, this mystery peppered with romance is light and sweet. 

If you’re looking for a fast, fun mystery, this is the one for you. It’s not overly complex even though it does deal with some deeper themes. 
Our main characters (Eva and Nathan) are so adorable. The way he talks openly and frankly with her and perceives her feelings is truly refreshing. He’s a great detective and he starts to use those resources in their relationship, which is a cool detail. Also, I love a jealous hero, but I love even more that Nathan knows he shouldn’t be jealous no matter what, saying, “He was not used to the sudden surge of possessiveness that he knew could not be healthy.” I couldn’t wait for them to end up together. 
The side characters range from truly evil to so charming. Sammy especially was a favorite of mine, and I enjoyed how Eva and Nathan’s relationship with him also grew. Nathan’s mom and sisters are fun to read. Maybe some of them will get books in the future? 
The writing is good but clunky at times. Sometimes she uses big words and I’m not sure she completely knows the definitions. I don’t mean this in a mean way, it’s just a tiny bit off. The mystery was fun and yet a little bit obvious. I absolutely loved all the historical details about things like photography. 
Overall this is a nice book that I absolutely recommend! 

Tropes: Friends to lovers, fake dating
CW: Kidnapping, murder, violence, toxic personalities 

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley. Opinions are all my own. 
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