More Books for February

[under_the_silk_tree]

Well the world news could definitely be better. I almost decided to not write this post but then I knew it would at least give me a small sense of accomplishment because I've been meaning to post for the last few days and maybe people would enjoy the book recs as well. I hope you guys are all as well as can be.

In this group of books I have 1 romance, 2 historical mysteries, & 1 graphic novel.


Beauty expert and influencer Jia Ahmed has her eye on the prize: conquering the internet today, the entire makeup industry tomorrow, and finally, finally proving herself to her big opinionated family. She has little time for love, and even less time for the men in her private messages—until the day a certain international superstar slides into her DMs, and she falls hard and fast.

There’s just one wrinkle: he has no idea who she is.

The son of a powerful Bollywood family, soap opera star Dev Dixit is used to drama, but a strange woman who accuses him of wooing her online, well, that’s a new one. As much as he’d like to focus on his Hollywood fresh start, he can’t get Jia out of his head. Especially once he starts to suspect who might have used his famous name to catfish her…

When paparazzi blast their private business into the public eye, Dev is happy to engage in some friendly fake dating to calm the gossips and to dazzle her family. But as the whole world swoons over their relationship, Jia can’t help but wonder: Can an online romance-turned-offline-fauxmance ever become love in real life? ~Goodreads Description

This was such an adorable story. I loved both main characters they are just such nice people who are honestly trying to do their best to be kind to others. I had read some negative reviews about this book before I started reading and for once I am glad I did. Why you ask? Because it gave me a heads up on what to expect. Most of the complaints seemed to be that the characters lacked chemistry or that it didn't feel romantic. While I didn't agree with those sentiments after I read it I do think you have to go into this book expecting a more low-key romance then you would get with most modern love stories. I felt Dev and Jia both had really good chemistry and the romance although more subtle was there. Their relationship was just so lovely, full of respect, and affection. I also loved that the author didn't just focus on the romance but also really fleshed out both of their families and the various dynamics between all the characters so the novel felt more real. 


Among the ton of Regency London, one breath of scandal can be disastrous. Enter Rosalind Thorne, a young woman adept at helping ladies of quality navigate the most delicate problems—in this charming mystery series inspired by the novels of Jane Austen...

It is every mama’s dearest wish that her daughter marries well. But how to ensure that a seemingly earnest suitor is not merely a fortune hunter? Rosalind is involved in just such a case, discreetly investigating a client’s prospective son-in-law, when she is drawn into another predicament shockingly close to home.

Rosalind’s estranged father, Sir Reginald Thorne—a drunkard and forger—has fallen into the hands of the vicious scoundrel Russell Fullerton. Angered by her interference in his blackmail schemes, Fullerton intends to unleash Sir Reginald on society and ruin Rosalind. Before Rosalind’s enemy can act, Sir Reginald is found murdered—and Fullerton is arrested for the crime. He protests his innocence, and Rosalind reluctantly agrees to uncover the truth, suspecting that this mystery may be linked to her other, ongoing cases.

Aided by her sister, Charlotte, and sundry friends and associates—including handsome Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness—Rosalind sets to work. But with political espionage and Napoleon loyalists in the mix, there may be more sinister motives, and far higher stakes, than she ever imagined... ~Goodreads Description

This is one of my favorite historical cozy mystery series. I have loved all of them and this the fifth in the series is no different. Rosalind continues to be such a great protagonist. She is hardworking, pragmatic, kind, and thoughtful. The mystery was an engaging one with Rosalind drawn into a situation that becomes more convoluted and mystifying the more she learns about it. Her relationship with Adam moves delightfully forward and I continue to love the two of them together. All in all a great book and I can't wait for the next one!

As India celebrates the arrival of a momentous new decade, Inspector Persis Wadia stands vigil in the basement of Malabar House, home to the city's most unwanted unit of police officers. Six months after joining the force she remains India's first female police detective, mistrusted, sidelined and now consigned to the midnight shift.

And so, when the phone rings to report the murder of prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot, the country's most sensational case falls into her lap.

As 1950 dawns and India prepares to become the world's largest republic, Persis, accompanied by Scotland Yard criminalist Archie Blackfinch, finds herself investigating a case that is becoming more political by the second. Navigating a country and society in turmoil, Persis, smart, stubborn and untested in the crucible of male hostility that surrounds her, must find a way to solve the murder - whatever the cost. ~Goodreads Description

I have loved Mr. Khan's Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation series so when I saw he was writing a different series and this one was a historical mystery (which is a genre I love) I quickly picked up the first one. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series. Persis is a great character and I love seeing the mystery through her eyes. She smart, prickly, and very dedicated. The mystery was very well done and kept me guessing until the end. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series.

This was a really good graphic novel.  I have always loved Kara but I haven't read a comic with her in it in a long while, so it was great to be able to do so.  I thought this reboot of her origin story was particularly well done.  I thought this was a well written and the art was so well done.  

Reading Challenges 2022:
Mount TBR: Midnight at Malabar House, How Much for Just the Planet?
LJ Book Bingo A-Z: A Counterfeit Suitor, First Comes Like, How Much for Just the Planet?, Edge of Destruction
Cloak & Dagger Challenge: A Counterfeit Suitor, Midnight at Malabar House