debating between a 4.5 and 5

tbh I wasn't expecting much because I have such limited reading experience in historical, romance, and historical romance. BUT this was just the super fluffy (and a bit steamy) book I needed to start off the year with. My ideal romance: hardly any conflict (none of which stems from miscommunication) and lots of sweet moments. It flew by a little quick but maybe I was just binging it, oops. I really liked the two MC's dynamic which is very grump/sunshine (and the characters are very aware of it too) and is basically just gay Sound of Music less the singing. Also very much idiots to lovers for a while even after they start getting Very Close which I also personally enjoy. My only complaint is that the ending felt a little abrupt and maybe that I actually for once wouldn't have minded a romance book being longer. I would have liked to spend more time with the kids especially to see Phillip learning to be a loving father and maybe to see how Phillip and Ben's relationship grows after decided to really commit themselves to one another. BUT I will also very happily take what I have been given!

Bonus points to the author for making the story feel very realistic. I definitely felt as though this kind of relationship and life could/did happen and it made the commentary on how love is defined in society and history especially poignant for me.

Audiobook note: I quite liked the audiobook, the narrator did a great job of distinguishing all the characters

Definitely going to be reading the rest of the series (and probably everything else this author has ever written) because this author's writing really gels with me in a way a lot of romances don't