Childhood best friends-to-lovers with a heap of family drama mixed in is how I would describe this book in one sentence. Morgan Swift and Dusty James were best friends growing up. Amid all the turmoil and tragedy in Morgan’s family, Dusty was the one person he could count on. Being with Dusty was the only place Morgan knew peace. But a misunderstanding drove Morgan out of town, and they hadn’t spoken in the ten years since. When Morgan returns to Birchbark after his estranged father has a stroke, he’s reunited with Dusty and realizes he needs to set things right between them. The fact that Morgan lives across the country and his family is still a hot mess makes that task challenging, however.

It was unfortunate that such a simple misunderstanding kept Morgan and Dusty apart for a decade. I thought that they reconciled awfully fast once Morgan returned home. Dusty was basically perfect and was unwavering in his support and love for Morgan, despite being left behind how he was. But even though Dusty forgave him easily, I was glad they found their way back because it was clear they were meant for one another. They were sweet together and had sizzling chemistry.

Alongside Morgan and Dusty reconnecting, Morgan was dealing with the mess his family had become. To say his relationship with his father and his brothers was complicated would be a massive understatement. They had to overcome unthinkable tragedy, compounded by the fact that their father was an awful man, and it’s left them all very broken. I liked how Dusty was kind of a mediator for all the Swift brothers; he really was a great guy. There was a bit of a turning point for the Swift brothers at the end of this book, but I think it’s going to take all 3 books for them to truly repair their relationship. I’m confident they’ll get there!