What do you think?
Rate this book
A Vow Made Twice
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26The heart-stopping new love story from Emma Denny, following beloved characters from One Night in Hartswood and All the Painted Stars.
'I loved every moment’ Freya Marske, International bestselling author of A Marvellous Light, on One Night in Hartswood
……..
Haunted by love. Bound by duty.
After inheriting his father’s title, Earl Ash Barden has no choice but to find a wife to ensure the family line. But Ash has pledged himself to another, and making new vows – even with his lover long-since dead – feels like the ultimate betrayal to his memory.
Skilled bowman and unconventional widow Agnes Forrett wants two to be true to herself, and to avoid marrying the childhood friend her family is determined will take her hand. When Ash arrives in her keep, she realises he’s the perfect choice to grant her the freedom she needs to be the person she is – be that lady, lord, or something else entirely.
Agreeing to enter a marriage of convenience, their plan is set … until a roadside attack thrusts a familiar face back into Ash’s life, and with it a choice about his future. Whilst his feelings for the ghost from his past remain as strong as ever, he can’t deny his growing affection for Agnes too. Now Ash must ask can one heart truly be pledged to two people?
'I loved every moment’ Freya Marske, International bestselling author of A Marvellous Light, on One Night in Hartswood
……..
Haunted by love. Bound by duty.
After inheriting his father’s title, Earl Ash Barden has no choice but to find a wife to ensure the family line. But Ash has pledged himself to another, and making new vows – even with his lover long-since dead – feels like the ultimate betrayal to his memory.
Skilled bowman and unconventional widow Agnes Forrett wants two to be true to herself, and to avoid marrying the childhood friend her family is determined will take her hand. When Ash arrives in her keep, she realises he’s the perfect choice to grant her the freedom she needs to be the person she is – be that lady, lord, or something else entirely.
Agreeing to enter a marriage of convenience, their plan is set … until a roadside attack thrusts a familiar face back into Ash’s life, and with it a choice about his future. Whilst his feelings for the ghost from his past remain as strong as ever, he can’t deny his growing affection for Agnes too. Now Ash must ask can one heart truly be pledged to two people?
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 17, 2026
387 people want to read
About the author
Emma Denny
3 books212 followersEmma Denny is a queer author of LGBT+ historical romance stories about yearning, swordplay, and kissing in the woods. She enjoys walks in the forest, collecting daggers, and overpriced craft beer.
Winner of the Mills & Boon Romance Includes Everyone competition.
Winner of the Mills & Boon Romance Includes Everyone competition.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 9, 2025
I devoured this one in a matter of days and had the absolute time of my LIFE! I’ve been so curious to learn more about Ash’s backstory since Hartswood (we LOVE a deeply traumatised & emotionally repressed man 💕 😂 ), so when I saw that this book was following him I was incredibly excited, and when I learned that it was also poly, AND that one of his partners is nonbinary, AND the other is I very nearly fell off my chair.
There were so many aspects this book that I loved absolutely to bits - the mistaken identities, the arranged marriage/“fake relationship,” the exploration of Agnes’ identity and IRL examples of medieval genderfuckery, Ash healing from trauma and grief, Ollie grappling with his insecurities and finally finding a place where he belongs…!! The dynamics between all three were just fabulous, and I love the care that Denny took in exploring each side of their relationship, from some wonderfully tender emotional scenes to some *excellently* spicy sex scenes 👀😂
It’s bittersweet seeing this series come to an end, but this book delivered on all my expectations and made me want to go back and reread the whole trilogy again. These characters are going to live rent-free in my head for some time to come, and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next! ❤️
There were so many aspects this book that I loved absolutely to bits - the mistaken identities, the arranged marriage/“fake relationship,” the exploration of Agnes’ identity and IRL examples of medieval genderfuckery, Ash healing from trauma and grief, Ollie grappling with his insecurities and finally finding a place where he belongs…!! The dynamics between all three were just fabulous, and I love the care that Denny took in exploring each side of their relationship, from some wonderfully tender emotional scenes to some *excellently* spicy sex scenes 👀😂
It’s bittersweet seeing this series come to an end, but this book delivered on all my expectations and made me want to go back and reread the whole trilogy again. These characters are going to live rent-free in my head for some time to come, and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next! ❤️
November 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel. I have read the author's other books and I enjoyed A Vow Made Twice just as much. The author's writing is beautiful and brilliantly paced and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
❤️ Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
❤️ Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1364, England.
Ash Barden is now, reluctantly, an earl. Once, he assumed that his brother Raff would handle the business of heirs, but Raff is besotted with their "hostage" Penn, and after years of Raff caring for him after the war in France, Ash cannot ask him to forsake his happiness. Agnes is a Scottish widow, pressured by her family to remarry. While she isn't necessarily interested in a second marriage, she'd rather marry someone of her choice than the family friend whom she hates. When she meets Ash, she's put off by his temper, but drawn to the strangeness of his family and the kinds of promises he makes to her: most importantly that he'll allow her to continue to dress as a man. It seems as though they may have the perfect friendly arrangement, until Oliver, the lover Ash thought long dead, walks unexpectedly back into his life.
This is for the reader who wants every love triangle to resolve in a poly relationship. It's well balanced between the three perspectives of Ash, Agnes, and Olly, and as a reader I felt attuned to each of their internal struggles related to the development of their relationship. There is an overarching plot--Agnes and Ash must get married--and an overarching conflict--someone is trying to prevent that marriage. The focus on the introspective keeps the reader's interest with the quieter plot.
Agnes's internal struggle is the most complex. She would identify as nonbinary in contemporary times, but lacking the vocabulary and framework for discussing nonbinary gender in 14th century English, considers herself "she" some of the time, and simply more comfortable in men's attire and behavior other of the time. She experiences body dysmorphia over the course of the book, and we know Ash and Olly are good for her because they respond to her in different and equally comforting ways.
Ash is the classic romance hero who has pledged his heart to a long lost love and cannot possibly love again. His internal struggle ponders the nature of broken vows, or whether the vows he made with Olly "count" or not. He's loyal and thoughtful and kind to those who deserve it, despite the PTSD he experiences from the war in France.
Olly is the charmer (fitting as the minstrel) of the group. His internal struggle is over abandonment when being held for ransom, but this resolves fairly quickly when he and Ash talk. He also worries about being left out, as the one who hasn't said vows recognized by the Church and in front of more than one witness. He's the first to recognize that Ash and Agnes catch feelings, and the last to realize that he has, too.
I enjoyed the exploration of queer identity and poly relationships in the medieval era. The way Emma Denny sets up the story and engages with social standing and marriage is interesting, and my brain immediately started approaching the story from an academic perspective (gender in medieval Christianity was part of my grad school days), and I found it a little more complicated for me personally to engage with the swoon of the romance. This book heats up significantly in the last third, with plenty of intimate scenes -- explicit and not -- between all parties.
Thank you to Harper 360 for an eARC. A Vow Made Twice is out 1/27/26.
Ash Barden is now, reluctantly, an earl. Once, he assumed that his brother Raff would handle the business of heirs, but Raff is besotted with their "hostage" Penn, and after years of Raff caring for him after the war in France, Ash cannot ask him to forsake his happiness. Agnes is a Scottish widow, pressured by her family to remarry. While she isn't necessarily interested in a second marriage, she'd rather marry someone of her choice than the family friend whom she hates. When she meets Ash, she's put off by his temper, but drawn to the strangeness of his family and the kinds of promises he makes to her: most importantly that he'll allow her to continue to dress as a man. It seems as though they may have the perfect friendly arrangement, until Oliver, the lover Ash thought long dead, walks unexpectedly back into his life.
This is for the reader who wants every love triangle to resolve in a poly relationship. It's well balanced between the three perspectives of Ash, Agnes, and Olly, and as a reader I felt attuned to each of their internal struggles related to the development of their relationship. There is an overarching plot--Agnes and Ash must get married--and an overarching conflict--someone is trying to prevent that marriage. The focus on the introspective keeps the reader's interest with the quieter plot.
Agnes's internal struggle is the most complex. She would identify as nonbinary in contemporary times, but lacking the vocabulary and framework for discussing nonbinary gender in 14th century English, considers herself "she" some of the time, and simply more comfortable in men's attire and behavior other of the time. She experiences body dysmorphia over the course of the book, and we know Ash and Olly are good for her because they respond to her in different and equally comforting ways.
Ash is the classic romance hero who has pledged his heart to a long lost love and cannot possibly love again. His internal struggle ponders the nature of broken vows, or whether the vows he made with Olly "count" or not. He's loyal and thoughtful and kind to those who deserve it, despite the PTSD he experiences from the war in France.
Olly is the charmer (fitting as the minstrel) of the group. His internal struggle is over abandonment when being held for ransom, but this resolves fairly quickly when he and Ash talk. He also worries about being left out, as the one who hasn't said vows recognized by the Church and in front of more than one witness. He's the first to recognize that Ash and Agnes catch feelings, and the last to realize that he has, too.
I enjoyed the exploration of queer identity and poly relationships in the medieval era. The way Emma Denny sets up the story and engages with social standing and marriage is interesting, and my brain immediately started approaching the story from an academic perspective (gender in medieval Christianity was part of my grad school days), and I found it a little more complicated for me personally to engage with the swoon of the romance. This book heats up significantly in the last third, with plenty of intimate scenes -- explicit and not -- between all parties.
Thank you to Harper 360 for an eARC. A Vow Made Twice is out 1/27/26.
Read
January 14, 2026A Vow Made Twice gives the reader intrigue, skullduggery, archery, and an outpouring of medieval history skillfully woven into a thoroughly entertaining narrative.
Ever since I first read One Night in Hartswood, I have yearned for more of Ash, the troubled eldest son of the Barden clan. Ash is not merely an angsty alpha-hole but a fully realized portrait of a human being forcing himself to endure despite the agonies for the sake of his loved ones. His heart was torn from his chest and buried in an unmarked grave on a battlefield in France, and ever since then he has dragged himself forward against his will to fulfill his duty.
With such a strong character (to whom the reader of previous books is already very well-attached) at its center, the true genius of A Vow Made Twice lies in his love interests. One is a massive spoiler, so the less said the better, aside from the just reward awaiting close readers of All the Painted Stars. The other is Agnes, a widow and bowman (yes, both gendered nouns are deliberate) whose commanding and steadfast presence instantly charms the reader. Her struggles feel just as real and imperative as Ash's, and you quickly realize that they must succeed together.
Writing a convincing love triad that the reader can believe in and yearn for is a staggeringly difficult balancing act. Denny carries it off with all the grace of Cirque du Soleil. None of the three is a mere accessory to someone else's true love. Each lover in the triad is a whole individual whose bond to both their beloveds feels achingly real and true to their core.
Highly recommended.
Ever since I first read One Night in Hartswood, I have yearned for more of Ash, the troubled eldest son of the Barden clan. Ash is not merely an angsty alpha-hole but a fully realized portrait of a human being forcing himself to endure despite the agonies for the sake of his loved ones. His heart was torn from his chest and buried in an unmarked grave on a battlefield in France, and ever since then he has dragged himself forward against his will to fulfill his duty.
With such a strong character (to whom the reader of previous books is already very well-attached) at its center, the true genius of A Vow Made Twice lies in his love interests. One is a massive spoiler, so the less said the better, aside from the just reward awaiting close readers of All the Painted Stars. The other is Agnes, a widow and bowman (yes, both gendered nouns are deliberate) whose commanding and steadfast presence instantly charms the reader. Her struggles feel just as real and imperative as Ash's, and you quickly realize that they must succeed together.
Writing a convincing love triad that the reader can believe in and yearn for is a staggeringly difficult balancing act. Denny carries it off with all the grace of Cirque du Soleil. None of the three is a mere accessory to someone else's true love. Each lover in the triad is a whole individual whose bond to both their beloveds feels achingly real and true to their core.
Highly recommended.
Read
January 12, 2026A steamy, addictive read with compelling characters and delicious drama - Denny’s best yet. Very readable as a standalone, my fave of the three, and ideal if you want an upbeat, modern-language-y queer historical(ish) with Gender and sweet, hot poly scenes with very fun dynamics
(Sent an advance copy, though I was in fact already awaiting this book & reading the series of my own accord)
(Sent an advance copy, though I was in fact already awaiting this book & reading the series of my own accord)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An absolute delight from start to finish! The poly dynamics, the medieval genderfuckery, the care taken with every character's emotional core - all top tier. Some of the plot stuff was a little thin but even still, easily my favorite book of the trilogy and I look forward to whatever Emma Denny writes next!
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced copy 😘
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced copy 😘
January 3, 2026
I have loved this series but this book? Y’all I am OBSESSED!
It was sweet and funny and hot and the perfect way to end our time with the Bardens (even though I don’t want to!!!). Literally though, I absolutely devoured this. Took me less than 24 hours.
It was sweet and funny and hot and the perfect way to end our time with the Bardens (even though I don’t want to!!!). Literally though, I absolutely devoured this. Took me less than 24 hours.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OK y'all here's the deal: Ash pledged himself to Oliver on the battlefield but then Olly got himself killed so Ash has been really super mega depressed for years. Also has post-war PTSD but since he's a medieval earl he just thinks he has fits. Ash has finally decided he needs to do his duty by the earldom, marry a woman, and have some heirs. (Actually, he'll just ACKNOWLEDGE some heirs, since his wife is the one who is going to have the responsibility of getting herself pregnant by someone else since Ash can never be unfaithful to Olly.)
He meets Agnes (who seems super cool) and they agree that getting married to each other is mutually beneficial. (Ash is 100% better than the guy Agnes's family wants her to marry, which is honestly his best character trait.) Ash doesn't tell her that he used to be in love with a man and Agnes doesn't tell him that sometimes she hates existing in her feminine body so they're both keeping some secrets. And that's all before Olly (who's NOT dead) is hired to kill Ash and disrupt the marital alliance...
So you may know that I absolutely love bonkers historical romance plots, and this fits the bill. But the highlight of this book for me is the super interesting way gender and sexuality were handled both through a medieval and a modern lens. (The references in the author's note are all bookmarked!) The relationship conflict itself isn't super angsty because Ash, Olly, and Agnes are all the nicest people ever to exist and who want to be honest with each other all of the time even when it's hard! I wish the antagonist had truly gotten his comeuppance (it's the middle ages, I'm out for blood!), but I didn't hate how the resolution was handled.
So you know how spices were really expensive in medieval times? Just call Emma Denny Scrooge McDuck because her characters are SWIMMING in spice. There are elements of voyeurism, light D/s, and historically accurate toys. (The author's note is bookmarked for a reason.) I will admit that the specific acts were not always to my taste, but I do realize that this is simply my subjective preference. If you read Denny's previous two books, they were also quite explicit, but the spice started later in the book since the characters were getting to know each other/feeling out their relationships. Olly and Ash know each other and had a previously-established sexual relationship, so the added scenes are in how Agnes will fit into their relationship. Do note that this is definitely MMEnby and not MMF, and the intimate scenes reflect this nuance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
He meets Agnes (who seems super cool) and they agree that getting married to each other is mutually beneficial. (Ash is 100% better than the guy Agnes's family wants her to marry, which is honestly his best character trait.) Ash doesn't tell her that he used to be in love with a man and Agnes doesn't tell him that sometimes she hates existing in her feminine body so they're both keeping some secrets. And that's all before Olly (who's NOT dead) is hired to kill Ash and disrupt the marital alliance...
So you may know that I absolutely love bonkers historical romance plots, and this fits the bill. But the highlight of this book for me is the super interesting way gender and sexuality were handled both through a medieval and a modern lens. (The references in the author's note are all bookmarked!) The relationship conflict itself isn't super angsty because Ash, Olly, and Agnes are all the nicest people ever to exist and who want to be honest with each other all of the time even when it's hard! I wish the antagonist had truly gotten his comeuppance (it's the middle ages, I'm out for blood!), but I didn't hate how the resolution was handled.
So you know how spices were really expensive in medieval times? Just call Emma Denny Scrooge McDuck because her characters are SWIMMING in spice. There are elements of voyeurism, light D/s, and historically accurate toys. (The author's note is bookmarked for a reason.) I will admit that the specific acts were not always to my taste, but I do realize that this is simply my subjective preference. If you read Denny's previous two books, they were also quite explicit, but the spice started later in the book since the characters were getting to know each other/feeling out their relationships. Olly and Ash know each other and had a previously-established sexual relationship, so the added scenes are in how Agnes will fit into their relationship. Do note that this is definitely MMEnby and not MMF, and the intimate scenes reflect this nuance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So I really loved All the Painted Stars, which was Book 2 in this series. I still need to read the first book! A Vow Made Twice is about Raff and Lily's older brother Ashwy, the new Earl of Dunlyn, who is stuck between two vows.
Ash swore a battlefield trothplight to his true love Olly... and then Olly died in battle. Ash is now Earl and must carry on the family line (since neither of his younger siblings will be doing it), so he must somehow find a bride that can be a companion, since he made a lover's vow once and can never break it. He chooses Agnes, a non-binary widow who is mainly just hoping for a husband that's better than the spiteful guy her family keeps trying to force at her, but she dreams of finding one who would give her the space to be herself. As Ash and Agnes prepare for companionship, a face from the past pops up, and the new family discovers a true love where you're safe to be your full self.
So if book 1 was M/M and book 2 was F/F, book 3 is an M/M/nonbinary poly romance.
As mentioned in the author's note, Agnes is genderqueer but uses she/her pronouns because the 1300s didn't have the language we do now. In addition to a nonbinary lead character, we also have a trans man side character.
I haven't read a lot of polyamorous romances, this might be my first? I expected this to be two couples with a hinge, but this ended up being a trouple? While yes, I enjoyed the way that love grew between our characters, I especially loved the moments of friendship and love that Agnes found with [redacted]. Those quiet scenes were my favorite. I think the dynamic of a Second Chance for one couple and the introduction of a new, budding love with a third person was an interesting contrast with some true anxiety for the characters that I assume mirrors some realistic fears.
Trauma and depression are big themes in this book. Ash has PTSD from losing the man he loved in battle, and he talks to his brother about suicidal ideation. Agnes has anxiety attacks that are triggered by gender dysphoria. A character has an anxiety attack when it's suggested that someone might be pregnant. This could even be a Hurt/Comfort novel because of how our three lovers help each other through the pain and anxiety.
This was a lovely romance with some very big personal growth for our main characters (especially Agnes who had to stand up to their family), and I wish we could get another book specifically about Pepper.
CW: Sex, homophobia, transphobia, abusive family members, death of a parent, portrayal of PTSD and anxiety attacks, and suicidal depression.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper360 for the ARC!
Ash swore a battlefield trothplight to his true love Olly... and then Olly died in battle. Ash is now Earl and must carry on the family line (since neither of his younger siblings will be doing it), so he must somehow find a bride that can be a companion, since he made a lover's vow once and can never break it. He chooses Agnes, a non-binary widow who is mainly just hoping for a husband that's better than the spiteful guy her family keeps trying to force at her, but she dreams of finding one who would give her the space to be herself. As Ash and Agnes prepare for companionship, a face from the past pops up, and the new family discovers a true love where you're safe to be your full self.
So if book 1 was M/M and book 2 was F/F, book 3 is an M/M/nonbinary poly romance.
As mentioned in the author's note, Agnes is genderqueer but uses she/her pronouns because the 1300s didn't have the language we do now. In addition to a nonbinary lead character, we also have a trans man side character.
I haven't read a lot of polyamorous romances, this might be my first? I expected this to be two couples with a hinge, but this ended up being a trouple? While yes, I enjoyed the way that love grew between our characters, I especially loved the moments of friendship and love that Agnes found with [redacted]. Those quiet scenes were my favorite. I think the dynamic of a Second Chance for one couple and the introduction of a new, budding love with a third person was an interesting contrast with some true anxiety for the characters that I assume mirrors some realistic fears.
Trauma and depression are big themes in this book. Ash has PTSD from losing the man he loved in battle, and he talks to his brother about suicidal ideation. Agnes has anxiety attacks that are triggered by gender dysphoria. A character has an anxiety attack when it's suggested that someone might be pregnant. This could even be a Hurt/Comfort novel because of how our three lovers help each other through the pain and anxiety.
This was a lovely romance with some very big personal growth for our main characters (especially Agnes who had to stand up to their family), and I wish we could get another book specifically about Pepper.
CW: Sex, homophobia, transphobia, abusive family members, death of a parent, portrayal of PTSD and anxiety attacks, and suicidal depression.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper360 for the ARC!
![Profile Image for Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1642113904i%2F116166019._UY200_CR2%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 ⭐️ Now this is the kind of historical romance I need in my life!
Thank you so much Emma Denny and Net Galley for the eARC!
I cannot begin to describe how unexpected this book was. I thought it'd be up my alley, hence my request to review it, but holyyyyy did I not expect to love this so much. I cried SO MUCH. Like, so much! Agnes and her gender pains, Ash's mental health and his PTSD and Olly's struggle to settle in a life he wants to badly after so many years of struggle and resentment... It broke my heart everytime. And with every scene where there was nothing but understanding and open communication, it put it back together.
This book is unique, in the sense that I have personally never read a story where one of the protagonist describes the experience of gender queerness in a historical setting like this, without trully being able to describe any of it. I have read stories where the protagonists in those historical romaces would have been transgender. But the non-binary or gender queer experience is different, and set in a time where there's hardly talk of anything to do with gender, where it is the absolute for your sex to determine who you are... The wholehearted understanding from Olly and Ash, and the respect they still held for Agnes was one of the most beautiful, healthy and eye-opening things I have felt in a while. I am aware that this is a fiction book, but omg it really is that simple, isn't it? When someone tells you who they are, you believe them and respect them. You may like it or share it more or less, but there is no need for outrage, or hate, or the stupid need to invisibilise them! You just... listen. And you love them because of everything they are, and not spite them.
I love romance books. I could cry. They are the only thing that can truly reinstate my faith in humanity. Emma Denny seems like the kind of author we need everywhere. Unafraid to tell stories that make queer characters happy. Where things may not be easy, but they are simple. At least simple enough when you focus on what's important.
I dont' know how to say more without big spoilers, but I cannot recommend this book enough. It is my first 5 star read of 2026 and I am so, so glad I pick it up!
🌶🌶.5 / 5 - There are a good handful of open door scenes in this book, nothing out of this world but very important for the plot and the way the relationships are built.
Thank you so much Emma Denny and Net Galley for the eARC!
I cannot begin to describe how unexpected this book was. I thought it'd be up my alley, hence my request to review it, but holyyyyy did I not expect to love this so much. I cried SO MUCH. Like, so much! Agnes and her gender pains, Ash's mental health and his PTSD and Olly's struggle to settle in a life he wants to badly after so many years of struggle and resentment... It broke my heart everytime. And with every scene where there was nothing but understanding and open communication, it put it back together.
This book is unique, in the sense that I have personally never read a story where one of the protagonist describes the experience of gender queerness in a historical setting like this, without trully being able to describe any of it. I have read stories where the protagonists in those historical romaces would have been transgender. But the non-binary or gender queer experience is different, and set in a time where there's hardly talk of anything to do with gender, where it is the absolute for your sex to determine who you are... The wholehearted understanding from Olly and Ash, and the respect they still held for Agnes was one of the most beautiful, healthy and eye-opening things I have felt in a while. I am aware that this is a fiction book, but omg it really is that simple, isn't it? When someone tells you who they are, you believe them and respect them. You may like it or share it more or less, but there is no need for outrage, or hate, or the stupid need to invisibilise them! You just... listen. And you love them because of everything they are, and not spite them.
I love romance books. I could cry. They are the only thing that can truly reinstate my faith in humanity. Emma Denny seems like the kind of author we need everywhere. Unafraid to tell stories that make queer characters happy. Where things may not be easy, but they are simple. At least simple enough when you focus on what's important.
I dont' know how to say more without big spoilers, but I cannot recommend this book enough. It is my first 5 star read of 2026 and I am so, so glad I pick it up!
🌶🌶.5 / 5 - There are a good handful of open door scenes in this book, nothing out of this world but very important for the plot and the way the relationships are built.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Thank you to Harper360 and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! This is out January 27th.
After inheriting his father’s title, Earl Ash Barden has no choice but to find a wife to ensure the family line. But Ash pledged himself to his lover Olly before his death, and making new vows feels like the ultimate betrayal to his memory.
Agnes Forrett wants two things: to be true to herself, and to avoid marrying the childhood friend her family is determined will take her hand. When she meets Ash, she realises he’s the perfect choice to grant her the freedom she needs to be the person she is – be that lady, lord, or something else entirely.
Agreeing to enter a marriage of convenience, their plan is set … until a roadside attack thrusts Olly back into Ash’s life, and with it a choice about his future. Now Ash must ask himself: can one heart truly be pledged to two people?
I loved this book so much. While I thought the first two books in this trilogy were enjoyable, this is definitely my favorite. Denny says in the author’s note that their favorite of the siblings is Ash and that’s clear in the way they wrote his story with so much heart and care.
Ash, Olly, and Agnes are all such wonderful, multilayered characters. I loved them and was rooting for their happiness both individually and together. They all have their difficulties - Ash has PTSD from the battle he lost Olly in and deals with suicidal ideation, Agnes experiences dysphoria, and Olly had to fight to survive after he thought Ash abandoned him.
I thought Agnes’s experience with her body and gender was such an excellent depiction of being nonbinary in the medieval era. I also loved how much we got to see Penn and Raff. I wish there had been more of Lily and Jo too!
There were times where I felt the story was a bit melodramatic which keeps it from being a full five stars from me but I still really loved this book. Denny’s growth as a writer from One Night in Hartswood to this book is amazing and I can’t wait to see what they write next.
Thank you to Harper360 and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! This is out January 27th.
After inheriting his father’s title, Earl Ash Barden has no choice but to find a wife to ensure the family line. But Ash pledged himself to his lover Olly before his death, and making new vows feels like the ultimate betrayal to his memory.
Agnes Forrett wants two things: to be true to herself, and to avoid marrying the childhood friend her family is determined will take her hand. When she meets Ash, she realises he’s the perfect choice to grant her the freedom she needs to be the person she is – be that lady, lord, or something else entirely.
Agreeing to enter a marriage of convenience, their plan is set … until a roadside attack thrusts Olly back into Ash’s life, and with it a choice about his future. Now Ash must ask himself: can one heart truly be pledged to two people?
I loved this book so much. While I thought the first two books in this trilogy were enjoyable, this is definitely my favorite. Denny says in the author’s note that their favorite of the siblings is Ash and that’s clear in the way they wrote his story with so much heart and care.
Ash, Olly, and Agnes are all such wonderful, multilayered characters. I loved them and was rooting for their happiness both individually and together. They all have their difficulties - Ash has PTSD from the battle he lost Olly in and deals with suicidal ideation, Agnes experiences dysphoria, and Olly had to fight to survive after he thought Ash abandoned him.
I thought Agnes’s experience with her body and gender was such an excellent depiction of being nonbinary in the medieval era. I also loved how much we got to see Penn and Raff. I wish there had been more of Lily and Jo too!
There were times where I felt the story was a bit melodramatic which keeps it from being a full five stars from me but I still really loved this book. Denny’s growth as a writer from One Night in Hartswood to this book is amazing and I can’t wait to see what they write next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved All the Painted Stars, and One Night in Hartswood, so picking up Ash’s story — the third of the Barden siblings — was a given. This book suffers all the same flaws of the first two books: Was it all too easy? Yes. Was it all too quick? Yes. But did I enjoy the story while I was reading it? Absolutely yes.
Ash is dealing with PTSD and some suicidal ideation; Agnes is suffering dysmorphia that has her unable to look at her own body in the mirror, let alone feel comfortable in her clothes; Olly is half deaf, half blind, and also dealing the the PTSD of being taken prisoner by the French and abandoned by everyone he loved. They’re three broken people finding healing in one another, and that’s a trope I will never get tired of, especially when it’s done well.
The plot is … there. It’s paper thin and not too interested in what’s actually going on outside the main characters. There’s a murder plot! Yep, but the camera is focused on the fucking. There’s betrayal to be had! Yep, but watch Olly and Agnes flirt with one another. The bad guy is doing foul deeds! Yes, but watch Ash play with his dogs!
So if you’re looking for something with a darker, more realistic plot laden with angst, this isn’t the book for you. This book shows just enough of what’s causing each character their unhappiness and pain and then twirls away to the fun stuff. The flirting, the falling in love, the falling into bed … If you want a historical fantasy romance with good, solid history — the author’s notes list their research sources — and an actual sense of the story taking place in a living, breathing, historical world with a lighthearted focus on love, forgiveness, and acceptance … do try this book. And the other two books focusing on Ash’s brother and sister, because they’re just as charming.
Ash is dealing with PTSD and some suicidal ideation; Agnes is suffering dysmorphia that has her unable to look at her own body in the mirror, let alone feel comfortable in her clothes; Olly is half deaf, half blind, and also dealing the the PTSD of being taken prisoner by the French and abandoned by everyone he loved. They’re three broken people finding healing in one another, and that’s a trope I will never get tired of, especially when it’s done well.
The plot is … there. It’s paper thin and not too interested in what’s actually going on outside the main characters. There’s a murder plot! Yep, but the camera is focused on the fucking. There’s betrayal to be had! Yep, but watch Olly and Agnes flirt with one another. The bad guy is doing foul deeds! Yes, but watch Ash play with his dogs!
So if you’re looking for something with a darker, more realistic plot laden with angst, this isn’t the book for you. This book shows just enough of what’s causing each character their unhappiness and pain and then twirls away to the fun stuff. The flirting, the falling in love, the falling into bed … If you want a historical fantasy romance with good, solid history — the author’s notes list their research sources — and an actual sense of the story taking place in a living, breathing, historical world with a lighthearted focus on love, forgiveness, and acceptance … do try this book. And the other two books focusing on Ash’s brother and sister, because they’re just as charming.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ever since One Night in Hartswood, I've loved every installment in this series, and this is a perfect close. Mixing a historical setting not often seen in romance novels with genuinely engaging plots and characters is a hard thing to do over three books, but Denny pulls it off with aplomb, and I loved reading Ash's story.
This one is definitely more "romance" than the other two, possibly necessarily because we have three people's worth of situations to be figured out. But it's nice to have that slower pace so that we have the time to really get a sense for who Ash, Agnes, and Olly are as people and what they want and how that shifts with knowing each other. Bringing acceptance and recognition in such a way that fits in wonderfully with the historical setting was such a joy to read, and the spice levels are off the chart, as usual. I loved the treatment of Agnes' non-binarity, of Ash's PTSD, of Olly's need to have a place to belong and how they all fit together in the end.
My one qualm is that I don't really understand why Muriel was so, so set against Agnes marrying Ash - even going back to read the misunderstanding was such a non-event that it felt like an outsized reaction to have resulted in such arguments. I also would have loved to have seen more of the trio settled in a little, but let's be honest, I would've been happy with a novella-length epilogue and getting to see everyone again.
This one is definitely more "romance" than the other two, possibly necessarily because we have three people's worth of situations to be figured out. But it's nice to have that slower pace so that we have the time to really get a sense for who Ash, Agnes, and Olly are as people and what they want and how that shifts with knowing each other. Bringing acceptance and recognition in such a way that fits in wonderfully with the historical setting was such a joy to read, and the spice levels are off the chart, as usual. I loved the treatment of Agnes' non-binarity, of Ash's PTSD, of Olly's need to have a place to belong and how they all fit together in the end.
My one qualm is that I don't really understand why Muriel was so, so set against Agnes marrying Ash - even going back to read the misunderstanding was such a non-event that it felt like an outsized reaction to have resulted in such arguments. I also would have loved to have seen more of the trio settled in a little, but let's be honest, I would've been happy with a novella-length epilogue and getting to see everyone again.
dnf
December 18, 2025Thank you to Harper360 for the ARC! I'm so sorry this one didn't land for me.
I knew from the prologue that this one probably wasn't going to be one I could finish - the exposition was told to us entirely through dialogue. The next few chapters improved a bit, but the writing style just didn't vibe for me. I hadn't read the author's first two books so this may just be intentional, but everything is VERY modern. Modern dialogue and modern in the sense of 'this is what a 21st century person is imagining when they think of the 14th century' setting. And that is okay!! It made the book incredibly easy to read! This is just not my preference when reading historical romances (especially queer historical romances).
The aspect I really enjoyed though? The poly dynamic and the genderqueer character - loved it and I thought it felt very natural and well done. The sex (also very modern) was also very well written and I, someone who typically doesn't love smut, really liked the smut.
Very very much a case of a good book, just not to my preferences. But if you are looking for a poly romance and don't mind your history feeling ahistorical, I recommend it!
I knew from the prologue that this one probably wasn't going to be one I could finish - the exposition was told to us entirely through dialogue. The next few chapters improved a bit, but the writing style just didn't vibe for me. I hadn't read the author's first two books so this may just be intentional, but everything is VERY modern. Modern dialogue and modern in the sense of 'this is what a 21st century person is imagining when they think of the 14th century' setting. And that is okay!! It made the book incredibly easy to read! This is just not my preference when reading historical romances (especially queer historical romances).
The aspect I really enjoyed though? The poly dynamic and the genderqueer character - loved it and I thought it felt very natural and well done. The sex (also very modern) was also very well written and I, someone who typically doesn't love smut, really liked the smut.
Very very much a case of a good book, just not to my preferences. But if you are looking for a poly romance and don't mind your history feeling ahistorical, I recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
All the feels for this one! I loved it.
The last book in the series and we finally get Ash Barden’s HEA. And what a journey it is! Ash has been the mysterious, gruff big brother in previous books. Here we learn about why he is the way he is.
All our main characters are wonderful, fully formed with their own difficulties and insecurities. Their happy ending is hard fought and tender and I enjoyed their high level of communication to get there.
Aside from that, it is really light-hearted and funny at times, with two great canine sidekicks.
I really enjoyed how this book explored gender and sexuality. And it comes with receipts, in the form of a really interesting author’s note.
It has a slow start, but please stick with it. You will not be disappointed.
This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series in order to get even more out of it.
This book does deal with some heavy themes. Please check the content warnings.
Thank you Harper 360 and NetGalley for supplying this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The last book in the series and we finally get Ash Barden’s HEA. And what a journey it is! Ash has been the mysterious, gruff big brother in previous books. Here we learn about why he is the way he is.
All our main characters are wonderful, fully formed with their own difficulties and insecurities. Their happy ending is hard fought and tender and I enjoyed their high level of communication to get there.
Aside from that, it is really light-hearted and funny at times, with two great canine sidekicks.
I really enjoyed how this book explored gender and sexuality. And it comes with receipts, in the form of a really interesting author’s note.
It has a slow start, but please stick with it. You will not be disappointed.
This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series in order to get even more out of it.
This book does deal with some heavy themes. Please check the content warnings.
Thank you Harper 360 and NetGalley for supplying this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2025
I feel like I've been waiting for this forEVER. I'm a little sad the series is now over, I'd have loved to read more in this world, but this is such a good ending. I've loved Ash from the beginning and finally here is his book!!
this was a fun read, if sometimes a bit emotionally gut-punchy. I loved seeing Ash and Agnes come together, then Oliver reappear, and then Agnes and Oliver come together, and then all three of them. I love poly stories and genderfuckery and this one delivered on all fronts. They're such a good team.
Btw this is probably the horniest book of all three. not that I'm complaining! Just saying. ;p
I can't wait to see what the author does next.
I got an ARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
this was a fun read, if sometimes a bit emotionally gut-punchy. I loved seeing Ash and Agnes come together, then Oliver reappear, and then Agnes and Oliver come together, and then all three of them. I love poly stories and genderfuckery and this one delivered on all fronts. They're such a good team.
Btw this is probably the horniest book of all three. not that I'm complaining! Just saying. ;p
I can't wait to see what the author does next.
I got an ARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a bit of a romance turned on its head at least compared to others that I have read!
Our story focuses on Ash, who becomes an earl after the death of his father. He suffers from the trauma of fighting in battle and losing the love of his life. Part of his responsibility as the earl includes producing an heir.
Thus he needs to find a wife. There are so many interesting characters in this book. Their gender and sexuality are explored. Some of the other characters are accepting and some are not. The main characters are very likable and I really empathized with what they experienced. I really enjoyed the book, reading it in one day! I was excited to discover that there are two more books set in this world. They will definitely be added to my TBR l
Our story focuses on Ash, who becomes an earl after the death of his father. He suffers from the trauma of fighting in battle and losing the love of his life. Part of his responsibility as the earl includes producing an heir.
Thus he needs to find a wife. There are so many interesting characters in this book. Their gender and sexuality are explored. Some of the other characters are accepting and some are not. The main characters are very likable and I really empathized with what they experienced. I really enjoyed the book, reading it in one day! I was excited to discover that there are two more books set in this world. They will definitely be added to my TBR l
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of arc copy received from Netgalley
This was cute! Gender identity problems, fake relationships, voyeuristic-ness? prejudice, trauma, and karma that gets its mark in the end.
I was pleasantly surprised with the spicy spice, but it also had some wonderfully written emotionally charged scenes that were great too.
Medieval era problems about marriage, queerness, and poly love exploration was a surprisingly easy and enjoyable read for me. Absolutely loved it.
The character's are loveable. Charming and witty with just the perfect amount of ✨️trauma & drama✨️ that it'll keep you reading.
I will be reading the authors other works because this one was so fun.
This was cute! Gender identity problems, fake relationships, voyeuristic-ness? prejudice, trauma, and karma that gets its mark in the end.
I was pleasantly surprised with the spicy spice, but it also had some wonderfully written emotionally charged scenes that were great too.
Medieval era problems about marriage, queerness, and poly love exploration was a surprisingly easy and enjoyable read for me. Absolutely loved it.
The character's are loveable. Charming and witty with just the perfect amount of ✨️trauma & drama✨️ that it'll keep you reading.
I will be reading the authors other works because this one was so fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved this! I adored the two previous books, but this was my favorite in the trilogy. I tore through this in two days because I couldn't put it down.
The handling of disability, mental illness, and gender was really well done, but the highlight is for sure the trio of characters, who all complement each other so well.
I am feral for whatever Emma Denny writes next and eagerly hope there's more to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.
The handling of disability, mental illness, and gender was really well done, but the highlight is for sure the trio of characters, who all complement each other so well.
I am feral for whatever Emma Denny writes next and eagerly hope there's more to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.
January 2, 2026
Giving 4 but maybe a 3.5 rounded up? This was cute, the best in the series by far, with the most interesting romantic dynamic of the three books and conflict that felt small but important enough to the characters that it was compelling. I wish we’d gotten more time with Olly and Agnes, and was sad that Lily and Jo didn’t make an appearance, but the central trio (with Penn and Raf in the background) held my attention just fine. I would like a spot in the Barden household.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!!!!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Received as a free ARC*
Genuinely, I think this is the best of this series yet. Ash, Agnes, and Olly were excellent. There wasn't too much relationship drama, but there was enough external plot that there were stakes. Everything about it was delightful. Yes, Ash is very deeply traumatized. Which is not exactly delightful. But it works so very well. I assume this is the last book in the series since there are only three Barden siblings, but what fun it's been!
Genuinely, I think this is the best of this series yet. Ash, Agnes, and Olly were excellent. There wasn't too much relationship drama, but there was enough external plot that there were stakes. Everything about it was delightful. Yes, Ash is very deeply traumatized. Which is not exactly delightful. But it works so very well. I assume this is the last book in the series since there are only three Barden siblings, but what fun it's been!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book pulled at the heartstrings a little bit for me and I loved it, I didn't know that it was book 3 from a series, but i felt like I did just fine without reading the first 2 books. BUT knowing there are 2 other books for me to read makes me feel much better, because now I can read them. The polyamory, the gender fluidity and the mental health awareness all set in a medieval timeline, literally chefs kiss.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Each book in this series just gets better and better. I really enjoyed this and the characters complex relationships with themselves and with each other. I was cheering for them at the very beginning. I also liked the little throwbacks to the other books which I thought were funny. The story is well written and well paced and I devoured it. The main characters were so sweet with each other in the end.
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher, all thoughts are my own.
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher, all thoughts are my own.
Read
December 17, 2025I never finish romances these days. I like to see how people get together and then I lose interest. But any queer rep in historical fiction is a big plus in my book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews