This was my first Joanna Shupe book. I also don’t read a ton of American-set historical romances. I haven’t found a new favorite author, but I will read more books by Joanna Shupe.
This has a friends-to-lovers element, but it also has some unrequited love which is not a trope I like. I liked Harrison and Maddie was OK. I didn’t mind their romance, but I didn’t fully connect with it. My issue mainly stemmed from a lack of belief in Maddie’s investment in the romance.
There’s definitely a lot of sequel bait here with Harrison and Maddie’s friends. I’m definitely a big fan of sequel bait. Generally, I’m interested in their friends. ANd I’m definitely happy they have good, supportive friends.
There was a secondary plot toward the end that kind of confused me. I don’t want to go into spoilers so I’ll be vague. Because of how that issue was resolved I’m unsure what the point of that plot point was. At this point it just feels like lazy writing for relationship drama. Maybe it’ll come up in a future book.
Thanks for reading!
Holly