I don’t know why, but for some reason, when I think of the Middle Ages, I always tend to immediately think of dragons, unicorns, and magic, so when I find out that a book is set in this time period, I just assume it’s a fantasy. I realize that I sound really stupid right now (and yes, I am aware that dragons and unicorns aren’t real), but that is just where my mind goes. I say that because when I saw this book on Netgalley, I assumed I was going to be reading a fantasy novel with a same-sex romance, but that’s not what I got – and that’s okay because I loved it nonetheless.

The story begins with Raff Barden, his father, and his older brother Ash escorting their sister Lily from Northern to Southern England to be married. As was customary back then, their fathers arranged this marriage, and the two have never met. While traveling, we learn that Raff intends to journey out on his own once Lily is married. Raff feels as though he has been missing something in his life and intends to set out to find it.

Once they’ve arrived, Raff goes out to explore the woods in the area, and it’s here that he meets a young man named Penn. The two spend the evening walking through the woods and talking. The next morning, they share a very passionate kiss before going their separate ways. The next day, Raff learns that his future brother-in-law is missing and is tasked with finding him. He once again runs into Penn, and this time, Penn tells him that he is desperate to leave the area, and Raff agrees to help him. What Raff doesn’t know is that Penn is actually William – the guy his sister was betrothed to. Along these same lines, Penn has no idea that Raff is the brother of the woman he was betrothed to.

The two head North toward Raff’s home and, along the way, develop a deeper relationship that soon becomes physical. Eventually, they begin to fall for one another, but what will happen when both of their secrets are revealed?

What I liked most about this story was that the romance seemed believable. A lot of times, romances seem rushed, with the couple falling in love immediately. Here, we get characters who are definitely attracted to one another, but for at least the first half of the book, there’s a lot of wanting, a whole lot of “what if he doesn’t like me back” and “what if the kiss was a mistake” along with some light flirting, which I loved. Once Raff and Penn finally have sex, they’ve earned it. I love the buildup in a romance. I felt the intense attraction and the need these two had for each other. I love the whole “Does he feel the same? Should I make a move?” dance that happens. It makes the payoff so much better when the couple can’t help themselves anymore and finally connect.

As far as characters go, this book is filled with some great ones. With his unwavering loyalty and determination, Raff is a protagonist that readers will root for from the beginning. Penn, haunted by the choices he has to make, adds another layer of complexity to the story. Their relationship is beautifully depicted, evolving from strangers in desperate circumstances to two souls connected by an unbreakable bond.

I also loved Raff’s relationship with his siblings, Lily and Ash. They honestly had each other’s backs, and I loved that. On the flip side, Penn’s father is someone you love to hate. We completely understand why Penn was so desperate to leave home.

While One Night in Hartswood is a tale of love and romance, it also touches upon themes of family, honor, and sacrifice. The characters face difficult choices and must confront their own fears and prejudices. It left me reflecting on the lengths I would go for the one I love.

Overall, this is a captivating historical romance that will transport readers to another time and place. With its beautifully crafted storyline and engaging characters, it is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and LGBTQ+ romance. I adored Raff and Penn and their story. In a way, this book almost reminded me of a medieval Brokeback Mountain. It is a tale of love that lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned.