At Last the Rogue Returns

The historical backdrop adds so much charm and tension, but I'm curious whether the setting was chosen for its societal constraints or personal interest.

The slow burn felt so authentic, but I wondered if the author intended to challenge the typical enemies-to-lovers trope or to deepen the characters' growth.

There were moments that made me laugh out loud but also some genuinely tender scenes. Was this mix something planned from the start or did it evolve during writing?