One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

A cozy, medieval MM romance, perfect to keep you warm on cold winter nights.

I saw this recommended by someone on Instagram and the cover and description really stuck with me. I hope other romance lovers find this too!

Raff's sister is set up for a political marriage with another noble family, and he and his brother are accompanying her to the keep ahead of her marriage. Penn is supposed to get married, but aside from the fact that he's gay, he also feels trapped under the thumb of his tyrant father. The night before the marriage Penn escapes into the forest, where he is found by Raff. Both men are craving a different sort of freedom and introduce themselves under false identities. The rest of the book is about Raff sneaking Penn out of the county, and how their relationship grows and changes as they progress towards Scotland.

This story really hinges on our main characters, Raff and Penn. They are both fighting their own demons, while also leaning on each other for comfort. It's a beautiful story. You'll feel like you're in the forest, sleeping on the leaves, huddled together for warmth.

This book is best read by a raging fire in a castle's great room on a cold winter's night, while your brother and sister are playing a game of dice and your father is reviewing the ledgers.