Does anybody else see archery and immediately think about Chris Pine teaching Anne Hathaway how to shoot a flaming arrow through a small golden hoop or am I just really showing my age here?

✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷

anywhooooooo - I read this one on the recommendation of a ton of people through bookstagram and I am so happy to say that it did not disappoint! It has a lot of things going for it - good characters, an engaging plot, comeuppance of a stupid character (STUPID), sibling joviality, female archery clubs (!!) - but all of that aside, this was such an absolute FUN enemies to lovers / marriage of convenience / grump v sunshine romance and I was HERE for it.

It was so nice to see Tristan and Marigold spar prior to their hasty engagement (is it absolutely ridiculous that he had to propose to her under the circumstances he did? Yes. Is it probably fairly accurate for the time period? Also, unfortunately, yes.) But what was even better than their initial verbal sparring is watching them get to know one another, to not only see one another's faults but to look behind them and try to understand.

(It also really helped that the verbal sparring continues throughout, because a healthy relationship full of good natured ribbing is one of my absolute favorite things)

This is one that I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a Regency Romance (esp if you want closed door!). Now if you'll excuse me I either need to acquire the rest of Joanna Barker's books OR watch Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement and then acquire the rest of Joanna Barker's books.