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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. Told in alternating POV we are first introduced to Raff and Penn as they prepare for their families to be united in marriage. On the eve of the wedding Raff happens upon Penn in Hartswood forest and the chemistry between them is palpable. Whilst not knowing the true identity of each other the pair go their separate ways to prepare for the marriage of Penn and Raff’s sister. For Penn this preparation involves him escaping via a secret tunnel, in search of his own freedom and happiness, unbeknown to him, Raff, has been tasked with finding Penn and returning him to the castle to save his sister’s honour. It’s not long before our two protagonists find themselves in each other’s company once more and Raff offers to help Penn find a new beginning.
With both Raff and Penn, their lies are found out by o What does it matter, you say. It matters because writers of historical romance owe it to their readers to depict the history credibly. And because one kind of sloppiness foretells others. (Who needs Merlin to make prophecies?)I wanted more steam, less about them just walking day after day, going to inns, blah blah blah. When something was happening, it was great and interesting, but there was a lot of just these two...not talking enough, almost doing something or wanting to do something, and not doing it, and them delaying the journey North to spend more time together and just have as much freedom as they wanted. I loved this historical romance, and it's the first I've read with a queer love story which was very refreshing. The two characters are well developed and whilst their love story is not easy, it's tenderhearted and sweet. I absolutely ADORED this book. I was hooked from the start and found it ridiculously hard to put down. If I hadn't been told it was a debut from this author, I'd never have guessed. This was fanciful and heartwarming, I really enjoyed it. Raff is the aimless younger son of an Earl, trying to find his place in the world. While attending his sister’s betrothal celebration, he meets a mysterious man in the woods and they share a kiss. When his sister’s fiancé disappears, Raff stumbles upon the same man again and offers to help him escape, not knowing he’s aiding his sister’s runaway intended. As they travel, they fall in love but have to deal with the lies they’ve told each other as well as their respective families.
Users who like One Night in Hartswood, By Emma Denny, Read by Tom Alexander and Sebastian Humphreys Set in 1360, Penn and Raff are two sons of Earls, one from the south and one from the north of Englan.
We read a lot of historical romance, but not a ton of medievals, and definitely not a ton of queer medievals. In fact, we think this was our first trad-published LBGTQ+ medieval romance. It hits a lot of spots: And the thing is, you don't need any special research for an episode like that. If you want to get fancy, you can take a little time to look at snares and what kinds of animals they catch, but at least give your characters half a gram of common sense. This story takes place in the 14th century but I really didn’t get the feeling that I was anchored in any time period - It felt almost fantasy leaning, which is probably due to the majority of the book taking place in the woods while Raff and Penn were traveling so there was minimal interaction with the world outside of their little bubble. I never believed Historical Romance would be my thing until I read this book! Set in the 1300s in England, Raff and Penn collided in Hartswood Forest, more than once… Penn is escaping a life of cruelty and an arraigned marriage. Raff is in search of his sister's runaway groom. Both hiding their true identities, they ventured together through the forest and beyond during an unbearably cold winter month, finding themselves growing closer, which makes this a perfect cosy, winter read! A romance where both leads are hiding aspects of their identities from each other (but are able to be more themselves by not being their "public" selves);
This is a really sweet historical romance between Penn and Raff. Both are hiding big secrets about who they are but also sharing some very sensitive topics. I want to make a content warning about abuse really just talking about some severe abuse in this book. TL:DR - One Night In Hartswood is a perfect, addictive, steamy romp set in the 1300s. It's cosy, the characters are brilliantly crafted and the plot makes it impossible to put down. It's full of adventure and has just the right amount of angst and twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. There's nothing to fault with this story - it's an absolute must read for any M/M lover.It makes sense at first, as they're thinking to just know each other for a night and then never again, but after that, when Penn truly runs away and Raff is sent after him to find him, and they run into each other, they don't clear up the lie. 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.
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