Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect Blend of Cozy Mystery and Hot Romance

“Marriage and Murder” is pure magic, combining the complexities of a truly exceptional mystery with the heart and charm of a great, steamy romance. I’m giving all the stars to Penny Reid for creating this wonder of a book.

“Marriage and Murder” begins with Cletus being shocked by the “hoity-toity hellscape”, the “brouhaha bombshell” of the fanciness of his own engagement party. He’s maintained a hands-off approach to the festivities to placate his soon-to-be mother-in-law and expresses to his brother, Jethro that, “In marriage, sacrifices must be made. Compromises.” Jethro is as flabbergasted by Cletus being open to compromise as anyone who has ever read about Cletus previously would be. Such is Cletus in love.

“Within my woman exists such a vast quantity of magnificence, I shouldn’t be chastising myself for being blinded by it.”

During Jenn and Cletus’ engagement party the “murder” part of “Marriage and Murder” takes place thus setting the action in motion.

Jennifer Sylvester and Cletus Winston are thrown into the center of the murder investigation and the couple both use their superior wits to try to unravel the mystery all while preparing for their upcoming nuptials.

The Winston brood is very much present in this book which is so wonderful for fans of the Winston Brothers series. We get fun little jokes about Billy getting lost in a garden if it had three rose bushes as well as touching scenes between Cletus and his siblings. It is also very much accessible for those reading this as a complete stand alone. It’s still funny but you won’t laugh quite as much as you could have.

However, front and center in “Marriage and Murder” is the tangled mystery and the incredible relationship between Cletus and Jenn. The way that they love each other and express their love is so divine.

“To me she existed as a multi-dimensional angel and devil, owner of my heart, my joy and my pain, light years beyond beautiful, or celestial, or exquisite. Because when I saw Jenn, I saw all of her, all versions of her, and all our history and all the wondrous and frightening possibilities of our future.”

“But Cletus was mine. And I was his. And I wouldn’t change that fact for anything in the world.”

The mystery keeps you on your toes through the entire book – there are still twists until almost the very end. The romance is very well served. This book is hot and steamy! The pacing is perfect, the tension is fraught, the heat is high, you will cry, laugh and keep guessing until the perfect ending. This is a must read.

WRITING STYLE: 5/5
PLOT: 5/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5
ROMANCE: 5/5
HEAT: 5/5

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