I really loved this book, an incredible journey of love. I couldn't put it down. Totally lost in the story, it was well written and I can't wait for more by this author.

Very atmospheric read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.

This was a cute medieval queer love story with a gentle ambling pace but plenty of adventure. It's definitely a slow-burn but it works. I did feel the story lagged a little in the middle but overall this was very sweet and a great story.

I really enjoyed this one. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this medieval romance. The world-building was amazing and the gorgeous descriptive prose grabbed me right from the first paragraph. The slooooooooow burn of the relationship was tortuously good and kept me hooked right the way through. Can't wait for more from this author

great read.

two young boys falling in but there was to much shall i shant i
to much im lying

but like i said a great read.

Raff and Penn’s story might be one of my favourite romances of 2022.

I adored everything about this book, the travel companion trope, the slow burn, the humour- it was perfect!

-Synopsis-

The night before the wedding, strangers Raff and Penn are desperate for some space from their stressful, strained lives so they venture into Hartswood Forest, where they share a night (and a kiss) before parting.

Raff’s sister was supposed to get married, but her husband to be mysteriously disappeared the night before the wedding. Being a skilled hunter, Raff is tasked with finding this man so the wedding can go ahead.

Penn isn’t ready for a marriage he doesn’t want, has never wanted. He wants freedom from a cruel home and is desperate for escape.

The two men find each other again, and concealing their true identities from the other, set off on a journey that will challenge them physically, and emotionally.

This is set in 1360 in Oxfordshire. Raff is on his way with his family for the wedding of his sister to a man she has never met. All they know is that his name is William and he is the son of De Foucart who is a formidable Earl.

Raff goes for a walk in the forest and finds a doe that has been snared and is in pain. As he goes to cut her down a man appears and offers to help. He introduces himself as Penn.

Penn is escaping an arranged marriage to a woman he has never seen. They share a moonlight kiss unaware of each other’s true identity. Penn is in fact William.

This book is beautifully written and the love story is so special. My only criticism is that the middle part appeared to drag for me and could have been condensed without losing any of the storyline. Overall though I really enjoyed this book and the ending was perfect. It just goes to show that love will always prevail.

Oh, I really loved this.
Denny creates such a beautiful love story, that draws you in from the first chapter, and such loveable characters, that you find yourself rooting endlessly for them. It's a slow burn that is just the right amount of slow, with moments of such pure softness in the face of adversity, and is truly everything I could want in a romance. Their relationship felt so very real, and you cannot help but fall in love with this story, right along with them.
4.5

(Thank you to NetGalley and Mills & Boon for this eARC!)

One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny

Thank you Netgallery and Mills & Boon for an ARC for an unbiased review.

Confession time. Never, ever, in a million years did I think I would be reading a Mills & Boon book (Harlequin for those of you across the pond). Yet here I am. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a book snob, and just because I've never read one (until now) it doesn't mean I look down at those who do. I even knew someone who was published by them. It is just usually not my genre at all.
But this one? This one is unapologetically LGBTQIA! And I'm a bit of a sucker for historical fiction. How could I not read it?

Did it hold up? Within the genre it definitely has. In fact, this could easily be touted by other publishing houses out there as a Romance/Historical fiction book and it comfortably fits.

So yes, we see a happily ever after. Yes we are slightly more romance perhaps than historical fiction, but it generally worked for me. I would have liked a little more on the historical side, but considering the fact it's a M&B it was actually more than I expected. If romance is more your genre, and LGBTQIA rep is important to you, then this definitely hits those notes.

Raff and Penn, the main characters were engaging and so too were the side characters. Lily especially intrigued me. I'd love to see another book going forward with her story, as hints in regards her sexuality were there. I've no idea if that is planned or not, but I feel it could certainly work within this setting.

This wasn't quite a full stars book for me, but I always need to sit back and think: wow - after reading for that to apply on my reviews. So don't take it as a slight I'm putting this down at 4/5 stars. It was good! Great in many spots. Just a little too predictable at times, hence my knocking a star off. Some readers will consider it good enough for full ratings though of that I've no doubt.

If this is the direction Mills & Boon continue to take, I guess I will be reading more content from them. Huh. Who would've thought that? Not me, that's for sure.

4/5 stars 🌟

I enjoyed this. It was predictable and fluffy but I enjoyed the setting and the characters were well written. I reserve 5 stars for books I would read again in a heartbeat, so I will give this 4 stara

Oh what a great romance. What I loved about this was actually how unpredictable it was. Even though I knew it would have a HEA, I could not foresee how it would play out and lots of bits took me by surprise.

Penn and Raff were such a great couple. Despite some misunderstandings and deceptions, I absolutely adored them together. Their relationship was passionate and tender, just a joy to read.

Great to have a queer romance story set in the 14th century! Don’t seem to get many set in this period, so was really refreshing. Would perhaps have liked a bit more historical detail, but was a great back drop for this story.

The side characters were great and I would actually have loved to have a bit more time with some of them, particularly Raff’s sister Lily. There were lots of hints about her being queer too and I’m torn between enjoying the subtlety and wanting more information!! I’d love to see her have a story!!

Very enjoyable and well written. A great setting, a little political manoeuvring and lots of feels!

A deeply romantic historical story, that left me wanting an immediate sequel. Raff and Penn are a pairing for the ages. One Night in Hartswood is brimming with romance and heartwarming affection.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book.

This book’s description sounded interesting but unfortunately wasn’t for me. I never really felt the characters chemistry and didn’t get on with the writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is completely engrossing, beautifully written and the details are delicious. It's unlike anything I've read before and I am so here for the LGBT+ representation combined with the historical setting and relentless talent of the author. A unique and unforgettable read. Can't wait to read more from Emma Denny in the future!