I jumped back to this story after finishing the Belles of London, as I realized 1) these characters are all in the same universe, and I needed to know more about this hot(ly competent) solicitor and 2) I've had this on my TBR for ages because it's a road-trip romance! This did not disappoint, and I'm left in awe of the research Matthews must have done to make this story possible. Her story brings reclusive solicitor Tom Finchley and the desperate-for-adventure Jenny across the Chanel, to Cairo, and then on to India, where they travel through Calcutta, Delhi, and even Darjeeling. The modes of transportation alone are painstakingly described, and I found the trip itself fascinating. 

And the romance! I was missing a bit of context on the fall-out between Finchley and Jenny in the previous book, but it ultimately didn't lessen my appreciation for their current relationship tension. Matthews writes such beautiful longing, and I loved that these two actually divulge their affection for each other early on in the story, making the conflict the alignment of their life plans and not the declaration of hidden feelings or miscommunication of some kind. While the final resolution to their third-act breakup missed a beat or two for me, I had a great time with this story and appreciated how Matthews framed their grand gestures and declarations within the context of their backstories and goals.

So many character overlaps for the Matthews fans! Ahmad and Mira!! Alex Archer! Now I need to go back and read book one so I can blow through this series as well. Matthews writing is so elegant and romantic, and I just really enjoy her very earnest characters.