📖 Overview
Maddie Jones arrives in Truly, Idaho to investigate a decades-old murder that shaped her life, while maintaining her cover as a true-crime writer. She rents an apartment above a bar owned by Mick Hennessy, whose connection to the case runs deeper than she initially reveals.
The relationship between Maddie and Mick develops against the backdrop of small-town dynamics and long-buried secrets. Their chemistry and mutual attraction compete with the weight of the past and questions of trust.
The story moves between present-day romance and the gradual uncovering of historical events that continue to impact the town's residents. Both main characters must confront their preconceptions and decide whether to risk vulnerability for a chance at connection.
This contemporary romance explores themes of forgiveness, the impact of family history, and the possibility of finding love even when the past threatens to stand in the way.
👀 Reviews
Readers found this contemporary romance provided humor and emotional depth through its journalist/bar owner pairing. Many highlighted the chemistry between Maddie and Mick, with several reviews noting their banter felt authentic.
Likes:
- Complex backstory involving family history
- Balance of light moments with serious themes
- Small-town Idaho setting details
- Secondary characters add dimension
Dislikes:
- Some found the pacing slow in the middle
- A few readers wanted more closure with supporting characters
- Several mentioned the conflict resolution felt rushed
- Multiple reviews noted similarities to Gibson's other novels
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.95/5 (14,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings)
"The way Gibson handles both the humor and heavier elements shows real skill," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another Amazon review stated: "The premise was unique but the execution became predictable halfway through."
BookBub readers gave it 4.2/5, with most praising the emotional depth while wanting more development of the mystery subplot.
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Ain't She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips A former mean girl returns to her hometown to face her past mistakes and discovers redemption through an enemies-to-lovers relationship.
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie A filmmaker arrives in a small town to make a movie and becomes entangled with the mayor in a story filled with family secrets and small-town politics.
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis Three sisters inherit a run-down resort and must rebuild both the property and their lives while finding romance in a coastal town.
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James Two competing lawyers who have known each other for years battle for the same partnership position while their antagonism turns to attraction.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Author Rachel Gibson worked as an insurance agent before becoming a successful romance novelist
📚 The book is set in Truly, Idaho - a fictional small town that appears in several of Gibson's other novels, creating an interconnected universe
💝 The plot involves a true crime writer investigating a murder-suicide that happened 30 years ago, making it one of Gibson's more suspenseful romance novels
🏆 Rachel Gibson won the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award (the highest honor in romance fiction) for other books in her collection, including "Simply Irresistible"
📖 The main character, Maddie Dupree, was partially inspired by true crime writers like Ann Rule, who turned real-life investigations into compelling narratives