Oxford 1360
When his sister’s betrothed vanishes the night before her politically arranged marriage, Raff Barden must track and return the elusive groom to restore his family’s honour.
William de Foucart — known to his friends as Penn — had no choice but to abandon his fiancé, and with it his own earldom, when he fled the night before his enforced marriage. But ill-equipped to survive on the run he must trust the kindness of a stranger, Raff, to help him escape.
Unaware their fates are already entwined, their unexpected bond deepens into a far more precious relationship, one that will test all that they hold dear. And when secrets are finally revealed, both men must decide what they will risk for the one they love…
In “One Night in Hartswood” by Emma Denny, the beautiful romance is at the heart of this story. The author does a wonderfully compelling job of introducing her characters, Raff and Penn and then giving time for the relationship to slowly evolve from friendship into love.
I loved how complex both characters are written, Penn with a conflicted past with his father and Raff who tries to take care of his entire family. Each has their reasons for escape and I love how that is developed in the romance. I also loved the mistaken identity allowing the relationship to bloom. The historical details are another aspect that drew me in, the author authentic to the time period and nothing out of place. The resolution of the story is gorgeous.
If you love historical lgbtq romance and friendship that develops into love, this is the story for you. It is a beautiful complex love story that has a beautiful romance. It is compelling and heartbreaking in all the best ways. The characters will make you fall in love with them.
Rating: 5 out of 5 bedrolls
