This was a really fun read! It’s a queer romcom murder mystery suspense thriller…I know, it sounds like a lot but it works so well together!! It was so easy to root for Ravi and Jack - and the mystery was really good too - it kept me guessing!

I was immediately invested in these characters - Ravi is a younger NYPD homicide detective who doesn’t quite fit in - he’s British and loves his designer suits and is “too smug” at times - but is really good at his job. He is assigned a high profile case and meets Jack. Jack is a rockstar and nothing like his persona in the press - he’s a little shy and has anxiety and is very sweet…and also a suspect!

As Ravi investigates he tries to focus solely on the case. But there is something about Jack. They have such great banter and chemistry and start to have feelings for each other…but there is case that needs solved!

I loved the secondary characters and the drama and sense of suspense. I would call this more of a cozy read, but does have some tougher moments too. Overall I loved this story and will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this author!

✨What To Expect:
🔍Romantic Murder Mystery
⁉️Romantic Suspense
🏳️‍🌈Queer Rom Com
🚔NYPD Officer x Suspect
🎸He’s A Rockstar
🌪️Twists & Turns
🩵MM Romance
💜Anxiety Rep
🗽NYC Setting

I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity

Firstly, SO sad I wasn't able to get this review out in time for this book's release. But that's life with chronic illness haha

Rav Trivedi is a member of NYPD's homicide squad, although a bit of an outsider in the department due to being gay, the youngest member, British, and a love of designer suits. However, he is able to prove himself with his high success rates and his need for the truth. When he's assigned a high-profile case, he's excited to prove himself to his team. He's grown up with the media following him due to his family, so he's not worried about being distracted by cameras and reporters.

What he didn't plan for, however, is the pretty-boy rockstar who makes him feel safe, and happens to be his #1 suspect with no alibi the night of the murder.

I loved this book. This was such a fun read and I truly adored seeing how both Vale and Rav navigated their relationship as well as the murders and mystery surrounding them. One of my favorite parts of this book was how Rav was so COMPETENT. I've spent so many thriller novels gripping my Kindle like my life depended on it because I was so stressed over the characters' lack of competency. But I did not have to worry about that here! Rav was competent and truly wanted to get to the bottom of what was happening, regardless of the cost to his professional life.

I really liked all of the characters we learn about, I typically have trouble remembering who is who but I had little to no trouble here! I grew really attached to each an every one of them, and since finishing it, have found myself being reminded of them with songs and the like.

I loved that this was a mix of a romance and a murder mystery. The entire story evolved so much over the course of the book, and I did not guess the major twists until the main character did! Some heavy topics are definitely touched upon, but this was still a very fun read.

Thanks to Minotaur Books for an early copy!

This read offers a captivating blend of crime thriller and romantic suspense. Detective Rav Trivedi, a young, ambitious, and openly gay British detective in the NYPD, finds himself investigating the murder of a record executive. The case is high-profile, attracting media attention and complicating the investigation. Adding to the complexity is the prime suspect: a strikingly attractive rock star with a clear motive but a seemingly airtight alibi. The synopsis hints at a compelling central conflict: Rav's professional ambition versus his undeniable attraction to the suspect. This intriguing premise promises a fast-paced narrative filled with suspense, romance, and the challenges of navigating a high-stakes investigation. The unique perspective of a gay, British detective in the American police force adds an interesting layer to the story, promising a fresh take on the genre.

🚨 NYPD Detective Rav Trivedi is assigned a high profile murder case that leads him directly to the penthouse suite of rock star Jack Vale. He and Jack have instant chemistry but a relationship is out of the question because Jack is the main suspect and Rav can’t chance damaging his career for a casual fling. But as their feelings intensify, Rav will risk everything to solve the case and protect Jack from the real perpetrator.

Happy Pride month y’all! Apparently I’m in my romantic mystery era.

Gripping, witty, and deeply sensual, I could not put this captivating debut novel down. The varied cast of characters who served as suspects kept me guessing until the very end, with a twist I did not see coming. Plus, Rav and Jack are absolutely swoon-worthy. Their relationship had an unexpected tenderness and heat that was simply irresistible. I loved the way these two fought for each other despite the odds stacked against them.

Check this one out if you like a tender rockstar romance with a bit of mystery and characters who do the right thing even when it’s the hard thing. Pairs well with a whiskey and an episode of Brooklyn 99.

Thanks to St. Martin's for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review! This book has a great murder meet cute and I have complex feelings about any police-adjacent main character, but posh lordling turned detective Rav falling for Jack, the rock star at the heart of the murder he’s trying to solve, was such a good time. A little suspense, a little glam, a lot of sizzle - perfect for the summer!

I have an 11 year old who is obsessed with Jake Peralta right now. Brooklyn 99 is the soundtrack of my life. So when I read the blurb for this romantic murder mystery, I had to dive in!

Rav is a posh NYC homicide detective whose only fault is inability to connect with everyone in the department when he catches the case of his career - investigating the murder of a record label executive. The only problem? He can’t stop thinking about the lead suspect, rock star Jack Vale.

Just the right mix of romance and crime solving with plenty of humor and spy style international adventure mixed in!

Things I loved:
I greatly appreciate a well-rounded cast of side characters- shoutout to Mo, Ana, Will and Aisha. I dearly hope this ends up being a series and we see more of them. Aisha in particular was incredibly fun.
Anxiety rep!
I didn’t figure out the murderer’s identify until the end of! So many authors feed you breadcrumbs along the way, but I loved the surprise reveal.
Rav and Jack’s romance was written SO well. The focus is definitely on their growing feelings and not on gratuitous spicy scenes. It’s so genuine. That doesn’t mean there’s no spice!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Erin Dunn and St Martin’s Press for the ARC! All opinions are my own. And I’ll definitely be following the author for future works

A murder mystery with a dreamy romance? Yes, please.

Rav Trivedi, a young NYPD detective, has just been given a case that has the potential to take his career to the next level. But when the investigation of the murder of a record executive leads him to an enticing rockstar, Rav will have to fight to keep his focus on the case, lest he fall for the number one suspect.

This book was described as Brooklyn Nine-Nine meets The Charm Offensive, but since I'm not familiar with either, I wasn't sure what to expect. Thankfully, I found this book absolutely delightful! I am a thriller girlie through and through, so I appreciated the suspense that the murder mystery added to the story. Though those who are in this for the romance shouldn't worry, there aren't any gory or graphic scenes- just a few tense ones. I didn't start to suspect who was behind everything until pretty close to the end, which is always a plus in my book.

While I thought the romance was enjoyable and I felt that the characters had good chemistry, I'll admit that I wasn't entirely convinced of their ability to last. I couldn't help but feel like Jack wasn't all-in with the relationship, but I enjoyed it for what it was. I can't deny that the yearning and flirting were my favorite parts of this book.

I loved Rav's character and all his eccentricities and complexities. I don't know if the author has any plans to write more of Detective Trivedi, but I honestly hope that she does because I would love to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you enjoy some detective murder mystery with your gay rockstar romance - this is a decent Pride Month read to pick up. It’s a 3.5-star, rounded up to 4, from me.

I found it did drag in parts, when it focused too much on trying to be the old detective novel (I read a lot of of romance, a lot of LGBTQ, and a lot of detective, mystery, thrillers), but didn’t mix everything, the two styles, well enough. I’ve read detective thrillers that were better romances… without intending to be. I didn’t feel or believe Rav and Jack’s chemistry. It didn’t come together organically like most every other romance, or even thriller, I’ve read.

I think this is Dunn’s debut? I don’t see other titles listed in this name. For a debut, it was fine - certainly nowhere to go but up! I would read it again, to watch for those clues, but definitely plenty of places it could have used improvement. I know there are going to be many fans, especially with the comparisons to the show/book that they’re using (not that I’m able to agree, since I never watched Brooklyn, but did love Charm - this is nothing like that, one of my top faves).

I received an early review copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books), and this is my honest feedback.

When Rav lands a major case as a detective, he meets Jack, the leading singer of a popular band. Jack is currently in a battle with his past record label for the rights for his bands songs (seems pretty poetic this was mentioned so close to Taylor Swift’s win). However, Jack ends up the prime suspect in Rav’s case, when someone from the record label winds up deceased with unanswered questions. As time goes on, Rav and Jack develop a closer relationship, but that can’t act on anything in their current state. What happens if Rav loses jurisdiction? Throughout the story, the threats increase against Jack: are some of his fans a bit too close for comfort? Can he rely on his band? The case had multiple threads, but can they be tied together? Jack did get Rav one of the coolest gifts with the rock albums, but the sentimental find was the best. Despite being a mystery read, the book found a way to be lighthearted.

What a great way to start Pride Month! It took me a while to finish simply because of life. But I absolutely love Rav and Jack. An edgy rock star and a rebellious English cop? A murder mystery that keeps getting more complicated? 10/10. While the book has no spice, the plot more than makes up for it and Erin Dunn did a fantastic job of covering their tracks in the story.

A CHARMING book. Really fun read. I loved the character of Rav. The mystery is good (although perhaps just a tad drawn out) and the romance is sparkling. Rav and Jack together are a delight.

"At 29, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. He may be a bit of an outsider in the department – an ivy-league educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits – but his meteoric rise and solve rate prove he belongs.

So when his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for action. He won’t be distracted by TV crews, tabloids, or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi.

This is it, his shot, and he is not going to screw it up—certainly not by falling in love with his number one suspect…"

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

DNF at 8%. Unfortunately this was not doing it for me. I am a fan of shows like Criminal Minds and Law and Order, but instead of being dynamic and engaging like those shows, this was reading as a script of an episode without any of the emotion. There was a lot of telling instead of showing about the MMC/narrator and yet I still feel like I know nothing besides the fact that he’s British and wears nice suits.

I was looking forward to this being a fun little romance/mystery book but it’s just not it. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.

After a studio executive is unalived, Rav, a detective investigating the case, begins to fall for one of the potential suspects, a rock musician, Jack Vale.

I was worried that their relationship would feel forced, mainly because I didn’t think they would be able to spend much time together due to being a cop and potential suspect. However, it wasn't like that at all. There was a good balance between the relationship part and the crime part, which made it feel more natural. I will say that I did care more about the relationship though.

This is a fun and quick read! I really liked the supporting cast and felt like the mystery part was done well. Jack’s character suffers from anxiety and I feel like that was depicted accurately.

I DNF'd this at 20%. Brooklyn 99 is one of my comfort shows, so I was eager to check this out, but the comparison ended up being a let down. The banter between Rav and his partner wasn't bad, but it also wasn't laugh-out-loud funny like I anticipated. The real deal breaker though was the Truth Social reference. It was a very bold move to bring Trump into this with the current political climate in the US revolving around him, and it popped my escapism bubble. It feels highly inappropriate to include a casual reference to the man behind the $125million cut to LGBTW health funding in a M/M romance. Understandably, this book was likely written before he began devastating America with his executive orders, but I think there was enough clear chaos surrounding him over the last 4 years to know that casually referencing him via his social media platform was a CHOICE.

It’s a murder-cute when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career making case.

i feel like i keep saying this but i ATE THIS UP. this was my first five star read in a bit and it didn’t disappoint. perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced & witty reads who enjoy a little romance with their mysteries

my rating: 5⭐️

read if you like:
- queer romance
- murder mystery
- witty banter

some fave quotes:

🌀It’s not on you. I just forget what it’s like to feel safe sometimes. It’s okay, though, because you’re reminding me.

🌀He puts a hand on Rav’s chest. “This is home.”

thank you so much to @minotaur_books for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for the free digital ARC. This was a good combination of Romance + police procedural. I loved the characters, even if some of them were more caricature than well-developed individuals. The romance between Rav and Jack was believable, even if a little too insta-lovey for my taste. I was rooting for them the whole time.

I did not go into this book expecting to love it as much as I did. The mystery is well-written, the characters are diverse, and the romance between Rav and Jack is good but not perfect, as no relationship is perfect. 

This book had the right blend of romance, mystery, and humor to keep me enthralled. It was hard to put it down. The mystery is what hooked me the most. I kept thinking it was different characters and did not guess the mastermind until all was revealed. 

I adored Rav's character. Who would expect a Brit to be an NYPD detective and one with a sense of style? He turned heads and earned the nickname Detective McDreamy.

I appreciated that Rav and Jack's romance was not easy. There are barriers to their relationship, primarily Jack's celebrity status. However, they make it work, but not without a few rough patches. 

This book was the right one for me at this time, and we give it 5 paws up.

Detective Rav Trivedi is assigned to investigate the murder of an influential music mogul the investigation leads Rav to suspect number one: Jack Vale - lead singer of The New Knickerbockers - who had a known disagreement with the victim. Immediately intrigued by Jack, Rav has to keep his attraction sidelined if he wants to prove Jack's innocence.

For being just shy of" closed door", and as nondescript as possible when it comes to the intimacy, this book was super spicy. That early tension between Rav and Jack is quite delicious.

I was immediately interested to read this because of its comparison to Brooklyn Nine-Nine as I've recently started watching the show.

I appreciate that Erin Dunn made a proper mystery out of the story and didn't sideline it in order to only highlight the romance. I was kept guessing until the reveal at the end, although I had my certain roundabout suspicions.

I do appreciate that Erin Dunn shows the conflict of interest between Rav's feelings for Jack and Jack also being a potential murder suspect. I don't want to say too much in order to avoid spoilers but I felt like it was handled in a very convenient way order to keep up with the romantic aspect of the story. I do wish it was a bit more high stakes though.

There were moments where there was too much back and forth which, unfortunately, made it feel like it dragged a bit in places. There would seemingly be some break in the case, but then something would change - rinse and repeat. There were moments where the connects between Rav's case and another case were too tenuous but through the repetition Erin Dunn eventually made it work.

I do wish we had gotten more time with RavV and his co-workers. Honestly, Rav made this book. I Loved the way Rav is presented from his penchant for nice clothes and accessories to hating beer but loving wine and whiskey. We've seen the celebrity Rockstar but not often the intelligent dandy cop.

All this to say, you never know how things are going to go when you pick up a book by a new author. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I'll be on the lookout for more from Erin Dunn in the future.

Thrilling mysteries and romcoms are my favorite genres, and this book is the PERFECT mash of both! Rav and Jack had this instant connection I swooned over but the murder case between them kept me on my toes! I was anxious and excited and ate this book up so fast it could give someone whiplash. Erin Dunn knows how to write sexy rockstars and swoony detectives like no other!!