One Night in Hartswood

I love high stakes in a quiet place. One Night in Hartsford was such a cozy read.

It starts with sibling drama, which I love. As one of four, dude, I get it. Sometimes, your brother is the rash one, and your sister is the person most stilted by societal expectations, and you have to be the voice of... reason? Practically? All this when you only want to convene with nature on your family's estate as their groundskeeper. Relatable.

Thus, it's not surprising when Raff finds himself strolling through an unknown forest for a breather, only to bump into Penn, a man he mistakes for a servant.

Miscommunications and misdirections abound, folks! And honestly, it's all so precious and understandable and I am so here for it.

Penn stole my heart with his hurt. The brave way he carries his pain, even as it eats at his vision of himself, is equally heartbreaking and inspiring.

These two journey together under trees and stars, facing inclement weather and the occasional disastrous run-in with entitled nobles and nosey brothers.

I'm not quite sure how the author, Emma Denny, manages to calm and stress you out (in the best "what-the-heck-is-about-to-happen-next" way) on every page, but she must have some kind of magic in her bones because it is present in every detail.

I am more than ready for the rest of this series.