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The Barden #3
A Vow Made Twice
The 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?
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
About the author
Emma Denny
3 books240 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.
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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.
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! ❤️
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.
March 16, 2026
A Vow Made Twice is queer historical fiction of my favorite sort: clearly well researched, creating realistic imagined spaces and stories our queer ancestors could have lived, loved and thrived in, while still being accessible and enjoyable for queer readers today. I’ve read (and loved) the other books in this series and really enjoyed the way Ash’s character and history was carried through to this book. (A reread of books 1 & 2 is definitely rewarded by AVMT!) I appreciated the pragmatic attitude the main characters bring to their prospective marriage, and their relationship develops very well, from mutual respect to mutual fondness, caring, then love. While AVMT definitely front-loads a lot of tragedy for its main characters, that pain doesn’t come across as egregious, rather it gives the characters more depth and sensitivity (and reminds us of the high stakes late medieval life brought) while making their well-fought-for ending all the sweeter. This third installment of the Barden series has more explicit sex than the first book especially (and the spice is very well done, advancing both the plot and enriching characters’ relationships), but if fans of Raff & Penn are feeling left out, author Emma Denny has an entry on AO3 entitled “kneel” you should look for.
I really enjoyed AVMT’s representation of gender nonconformity, medieval masculinity, queer sex, and romantic love. For history enthusiasts, this series doesn’t really make time for the period view of women as being more sexually motivated/aggressive than men, but AVMT does explore knightly/homosocial Arthurian devotion and allows its main characters to relate to queer sex in a historically accurate way (as an act rather than an identity) rather than imposing modern identities on them, which I appreciated.
Overall, I found A Vow Made Twice to be a thoughtful, beautifully developed historical romance with complex, realistic and very lovable characters. Its twists and complications are surprising, the romance is well plotted out and engaging, and its characters’ past experiences are considerately portrayed and well-managed. I’d definitely recommend it (and the series) for any lovers of queer historical fiction, especially those interested in polyamory, genderqueer or nonbinary & bisexual/pan romance. There is a little period-accurate queerphobia but the Barden series carves out an overwhelmingly positive, caring queernormative niche while still feeling grounded in realism. The audiobook is very well-performed as well!
Disability representation includes scarring (facial scars/disfigurement, arm scarring), a character with partial/low vision/blindness & partial hearing loss due to head trauma, and a side character with a debilitating past arm wound is present. Also included are PTSD & recurring migraines.
Content Warnings: A main character with combat-related PTSD—including episodes w/visual, aural, and olfactory hallucinations—and suicidality/suicidal ideation has a focus in the plot, but there is no death imagery and very minimal violence. Gaslighting family members, past (remembered) experiences with sexual harassment are present. Childhood trauma from a parent who died in childbirth is referenced. One main character has occasional gender dysphoria.
I really enjoyed AVMT’s representation of gender nonconformity, medieval masculinity, queer sex, and romantic love. For history enthusiasts, this series doesn’t really make time for the period view of women as being more sexually motivated/aggressive than men, but AVMT does explore knightly/homosocial Arthurian devotion and allows its main characters to relate to queer sex in a historically accurate way (as an act rather than an identity) rather than imposing modern identities on them, which I appreciated.
Overall, I found A Vow Made Twice to be a thoughtful, beautifully developed historical romance with complex, realistic and very lovable characters. Its twists and complications are surprising, the romance is well plotted out and engaging, and its characters’ past experiences are considerately portrayed and well-managed. I’d definitely recommend it (and the series) for any lovers of queer historical fiction, especially those interested in polyamory, genderqueer or nonbinary & bisexual/pan romance. There is a little period-accurate queerphobia but the Barden series carves out an overwhelmingly positive, caring queernormative niche while still feeling grounded in realism. The audiobook is very well-performed as well!
Disability representation includes scarring (facial scars/disfigurement, arm scarring), a character with partial/low vision/blindness & partial hearing loss due to head trauma, and a side character with a debilitating past arm wound is present. Also included are PTSD & recurring migraines.
Content Warnings: A main character with combat-related PTSD—including episodes w/visual, aural, and olfactory hallucinations—and suicidality/suicidal ideation has a focus in the plot, but there is no death imagery and very minimal violence. Gaslighting family members, past (remembered) experiences with sexual harassment are present. Childhood trauma from a parent who died in childbirth is referenced. One main character has occasional gender dysphoria.
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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)
April 2, 2026
Super cute final installment of this trilogy - Ash & Olly & Agnes were all great characters & I loved the development of their relationship.
March 24, 2026
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this was my favourite.
Mainly I picked up this book for being a trope that you rarely see - this could easily have been a set up for a love triangle, but instead it's the sweetest polyamorous story, and everyone gets their happy ending. But also I just loved all three major characters and wanted them to have everything good in the world.
**Agnes** is our non-binary MC, who uses she/her pronouns. Because this book is set in medieval times, she doesn't use the term non-binary, but she clearly describes it, and has gender dysphoria. The way she finds acceptance with Ash and Olly that she's never really had before, and wasn't expecting, was lovely. H
**Ash** is our lonely scarred Earl MMC with a traumatic past, seeing his lover die in front of him and his mother die in childbirth. He seems to have PTSD (not named, again because it's medieval times) and displays suicide ideation. He is willing to give up everything for the people he loves, and I was just desperate for him to feel that love in return.
**Olly** is the more irreverent, outgoing character. We met him in the last book briefly >!he was working as a minstrel!< and I loved how he pulls the other two together and shows them what they are missing by keeping each other at arm’s length. He really felt like the glue holding the three of them together.
The three of them together was a perfect combination, it felt that they all lifted each other up and complimented each other, and the HEA was so cute.
Mainly I picked up this book for being a trope that you rarely see - this could easily have been a set up for a love triangle, but instead it's the sweetest polyamorous story, and everyone gets their happy ending. But also I just loved all three major characters and wanted them to have everything good in the world.
**Agnes** is our non-binary MC, who uses she/her pronouns. Because this book is set in medieval times, she doesn't use the term non-binary, but she clearly describes it, and has gender dysphoria. The way she finds acceptance with Ash and Olly that she's never really had before, and wasn't expecting, was lovely. H
**Ash** is our lonely scarred Earl MMC with a traumatic past, seeing his lover die in front of him and his mother die in childbirth. He seems to have PTSD (not named, again because it's medieval times) and displays suicide ideation. He is willing to give up everything for the people he loves, and I was just desperate for him to feel that love in return.
**Olly** is the more irreverent, outgoing character. We met him in the last book briefly >!he was working as a minstrel!< and I loved how he pulls the other two together and shows them what they are missing by keeping each other at arm’s length. He really felt like the glue holding the three of them together.
The three of them together was a perfect combination, it felt that they all lifted each other up and complimented each other, and the HEA was so cute.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I ended up enjoying this book far more than I anticipated. Not realizing it was the third book in a series, I occasionally felt like pieces were glossed over and it took me longer than I wanted to fully understand what was happening. While it can be read as a standalone, it sometimes felt like joining a discussion already in progress and getting only a partial recap.
Once the story settled, though, I found it beautiful. The honesty and vulnerability surprised me in the best way. The characters’ internal judgments were often self-deprecating, while their openness and compassion toward others felt genuine and earned.
Olly quickly became a standout for me. He drives the story forward by questioning, challenging, listening, and learning — all while leading with his heart. His bawdy humor brought much-needed levity and had me laughing more than once.
What stayed with me most was the quiet message of the story: learning to simply be. Acceptance matters. Love matters. And sometimes, growth comes from allowing ourselves the space to exist as we are.
Once the story settled, though, I found it beautiful. The honesty and vulnerability surprised me in the best way. The characters’ internal judgments were often self-deprecating, while their openness and compassion toward others felt genuine and earned.
Olly quickly became a standout for me. He drives the story forward by questioning, challenging, listening, and learning — all while leading with his heart. His bawdy humor brought much-needed levity and had me laughing more than once.
What stayed with me most was the quiet message of the story: learning to simply be. Acceptance matters. Love matters. And sometimes, growth comes from allowing ourselves the space to exist as we are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2026
Listen, this emotionally humbled me 😩♥️
A marriage of convenience in a medieval keep. A grieving bisexual earl convinced moving on is a betrayal of the love he lost. An unconventional, bow wielding widow determined to live authentically in a world that doesn’t have the language for who they are. And then a face from the past reappears and they too are a queer icon wrapped in a the package of a cocky, sarcastic twit.
This is steamy, - open-door and not shy about it - but it’s also so achingly thoughtful about grief, PTSD, gender identity, and the terrifying idea that your heart might be big enough to love more than once or more than one person.
This was so tender, messy, beautifully queer, and ultimately so hopeful. Ash, Agnes, and Olly own my entire soul now.
If you want a historical romance with depth, heat, and a genuinely earned HEA - this is the book for you 😍
A marriage of convenience in a medieval keep. A grieving bisexual earl convinced moving on is a betrayal of the love he lost. An unconventional, bow wielding widow determined to live authentically in a world that doesn’t have the language for who they are. And then a face from the past reappears and they too are a queer icon wrapped in a the package of a cocky, sarcastic twit.
This is steamy, - open-door and not shy about it - but it’s also so achingly thoughtful about grief, PTSD, gender identity, and the terrifying idea that your heart might be big enough to love more than once or more than one person.
This was so tender, messy, beautifully queer, and ultimately so hopeful. Ash, Agnes, and Olly own my entire soul now.
If you want a historical romance with depth, heat, and a genuinely earned HEA - this is the book for you 😍
February 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. A Vow Made Twice was such a fun, heartfelt historical romance. I loved the m/m/enby poly dynamic between Ash, Olly, and Agnes (who reads as nonbinary even though that language isn’t used in the historical setting). The marriage-of-convenience setup turns into something surprisingly tender and emotionally thoughtful, especially as Ash navigates grief, loyalty, and new love. The chemistry is great, the spicy scenes absolutely deliver (yes… that pegging scene), and the relationships felt genuine and affirming. A sexy, emotionally layered read that made me really root for all three of them.
May 12, 2026
Hands down the best in this series. I’m a sucker for true loves who have been tragically separated and think the other dead. Then add into the mix a badass nonbinary character in a marriage of convenience falling for both of them and you’ve got a recipe for success. The tension and melancholy up top was great and it made the reunion hit even better. If you love A Lady For A Duke by Alexis Hall, then you will definitely eat this up.
CW: suicidal ideation, gender dysphoria, discussions of pregnancy, past death in childbirth, PTSD
CW: suicidal ideation, gender dysphoria, discussions of pregnancy, past death in childbirth, PTSD
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 😘
March 3, 2026
This was a great read, and a book I think anybody could fall in love with.
March 27, 2026
Okay, here's the thing. The plot of this, such as it is, is melodramatic and not elegantly handled. It is also very much a romance novel. HOWEVER. y'all I am so starved for good poly rep and I really enjoyed these three together. I liked their conversations and dynamics and if parts of it were over the top or contrived, fine. I'll allow it.
April 19, 2026
This series. Stellar. So very sad that it's over, but what a perfect way to end the trilogy. I've never tried to binge read an audiobook before- did my best here!
April 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐
April 26, 2026
Somewhere between 3.75 and 4 out of 5
April 30, 2026
4.5 stars
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.
May 14, 2026
Queer Historical Romance - 5 🌟
Overview - I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys unconventional Romance novels with sassy relationships dynamics and is looking for a story that handles heavy themes in a healing and hopeful way.
I enjoy the Romance genre, but it’s rare that I read a book that lands perfectly for me because I’m incredibly picky about how relationships are written, and that often leads me to be critical about other aspects of a novel. I finished this book and asked myself, “Is this the first* capital ‘r’ Romance book that I’m going to give an unapologetic five stars?” Yes, absolutely, 100%. I even told myself, “Okay, sleep on it, write your review breaking down the various narrative categories, see if you remember any things you disliked or thought weren’t done well, and re-evaluate.” Nah, this book was incredible. And honestly, every book has something that makes it less than perfect in an objective sense, but this was perfect for me, so five stars! 😎
*first romance book I’ve given 5 stars since I actually started writing reviews and not just going by first impressions/ vibes
Note: I haven’t read the other books in this romance trilogy, so this was my introduction to this medieval setting and the Barden family. This story does reference events in previous books, in case you want to avoid spoilers, but I definitely read it as a stand-alone novel.
Note the Second: This book explores some dark themes, including war trauma and thoughts of self-harm. Please read the trigger warnings before proceeding and be kind to yourself.
Note III: This book is a spicy romance with several open-door sex scenes between the main trio, so just be aware of that if explicit scenes are not your preference as a reader.
Plot&Pacing - Premise: Upon his father’s death, Ash must assume the title & responsibilities of Earl, including finding a wife and producing an heir. Ash is haunted by the war in France and the loss of his lover, and does not expect or want a love match. Agnes loves her family but wants to maintain the space afforded by her previous marriage. As a widow, she is looking for a practical partner who will allow her personal freedom and not ask too many questions about her wardrobe or hobbies. The two agree to a marriage contract, but when the presumed-dead love of Ash’s life, Ollie, returns to the castle, the three must figure out how to navigate their new relationship dynamics while fending off intrigue and threats from both Ash’s and Agens’ families.
Much of the plot is focused on developing the relationships of the main trio, but there were also some interesting external threats posed both by the religious environment of that time period and by family intrigue. I feel like a lot of romance stories set in historical or fantasy settings either fail to sufficiently develop the romance or take on too much with the political plotlines, but this book found a good balance between relational challenges and external threats. I think it helped that even the political intrigue was small in scope and maintained a personal connection to the characters, rather than a “fate of the realm” type of situation. This allowed the external threats to bolster the development of the main trio’s relationships as they are learning to trust and support each other. I thought the pacing was good, and the sex scenes were spread out throughout the book, which I appreciate as I tend to get bored when there are multiple spicy chapters back-to-back. The final confrontations felt bittersweet, but very realistic. I also really liked the HEA epilogue (not always the case) because it felt consistent with the dreams & lessons learned by the characters.
Setting - Set in 14th century Oxfordshire, the social, political, and economic environment brings so much to this story. (I felt like I was back in AP European History writing that sentence. 😂) The characters must navigate questions of sexuality and gender in a context that is unfriendly, even deadly, to anything that does not match the religious norm. This adds an additional obstacle for our main trio as they are learning if they can trust each other not just with their hearts but with their lives.
Characters - I adore Ash, Agnes, and Ollie. Each of them is believable and interesting in their own right, so I found myself invested in them as people first, and then in their romance as an extension of my love for the characters. I loved that any miscommunications were quickly dealt with, and when characters did keep secrets, it wasn’t due to pride but concerns about safety or not sharing what wasn’t theirs to tell. I loved that each pairing got equal attention and development, making the final romance between the three of them so satisfying. It was wonderful to see how they all learned to communicate and trust one another, as well as how they dealt with complicated emotions from their own traumas and navigating a relationship for which they had no template. The romances were heartwarming, but also just a lot of fun as the trio got comfortable enough with each other to tease and bicker. The chemistry between all of these characters was also incredible.
The wide cast of secondary characters (many from previous books in the series) was also excellent. I *love* when main characters in a romance also have other healthy, supportive relationships (friends and/or family) that lend themselves to a fulfilling life.
The antagonists were terrible and I loved to hate on them.
Themes - This book deals with topics of mental health, violence & PTSD, gender & sexuality, complicated family dynamics, religious trauma, feeling “other,” and finding ways to love yourself. Honestly, I was very impressed by how all these themes were handled; that is a lot to pack into a 400 page book. The story explored these themes through the personal experiences of the main trio and their budding romance. I’ve read many books that failed to find the balance between giving adequate attention to serious themes and maintaining a “romantic” vibe for the story, but this novel carefully navigated tough topics as the main characters learn who to trust and find the language to share their experiences and support one another. There were several scenes in which a character would build up the courage to share something, expecting a negative reaction like one they’d received previously from loved ones, to instead be met with compassion and understanding. It felt magical (but still believable) to watch these characters find healing and home with each other.
Personal Enjoyment - I *loved* this book. I haven’t enjoyed an open-door romance story in quite a while, but one of my friends raved about the book, so I figured I’d give it a try despite the spicy scenes. Oh. My. Gosh. This book was HOT. 🫣 Maybe I don’t dislike spicy romance books, maybe I’ve just not been reading good ones. 😅
Haha, okay, sex scenes aside, I honestly thought this book was so well done. It found the perfect balance between exploring very significant & serious themes and maintaining the expected atmosphere of a romance novel. Even the subjects that personally hit close to home were so well handled that I ended up feeling hopeful rather than re-traumatized. 😅 I loved the main trio, and although I was initially worried that maybe some of the dynamics would be weaker than others, I ended up so invested in all of their relationships. I was laughing, crying, gasping in shock, and giving side-eye throughout the whole adventure. I’m also a sucker for historical settings, so at times this novel felt like it was written just for my own enjoyment. Bottom line, this was just such a fun and wholesome read. (And yes, I am going to use the adjective “wholesome” despite the numerous spicy scenes. Get over it.)
Overview - I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys unconventional Romance novels with sassy relationships dynamics and is looking for a story that handles heavy themes in a healing and hopeful way.
I enjoy the Romance genre, but it’s rare that I read a book that lands perfectly for me because I’m incredibly picky about how relationships are written, and that often leads me to be critical about other aspects of a novel. I finished this book and asked myself, “Is this the first* capital ‘r’ Romance book that I’m going to give an unapologetic five stars?” Yes, absolutely, 100%. I even told myself, “Okay, sleep on it, write your review breaking down the various narrative categories, see if you remember any things you disliked or thought weren’t done well, and re-evaluate.” Nah, this book was incredible. And honestly, every book has something that makes it less than perfect in an objective sense, but this was perfect for me, so five stars! 😎
*first romance book I’ve given 5 stars since I actually started writing reviews and not just going by first impressions/ vibes
Note: I haven’t read the other books in this romance trilogy, so this was my introduction to this medieval setting and the Barden family. This story does reference events in previous books, in case you want to avoid spoilers, but I definitely read it as a stand-alone novel.
Note the Second: This book explores some dark themes, including war trauma and thoughts of self-harm. Please read the trigger warnings before proceeding and be kind to yourself.
Note III: This book is a spicy romance with several open-door sex scenes between the main trio, so just be aware of that if explicit scenes are not your preference as a reader.
Plot&Pacing - Premise: Upon his father’s death, Ash must assume the title & responsibilities of Earl, including finding a wife and producing an heir. Ash is haunted by the war in France and the loss of his lover, and does not expect or want a love match. Agnes loves her family but wants to maintain the space afforded by her previous marriage. As a widow, she is looking for a practical partner who will allow her personal freedom and not ask too many questions about her wardrobe or hobbies. The two agree to a marriage contract, but when the presumed-dead love of Ash’s life, Ollie, returns to the castle, the three must figure out how to navigate their new relationship dynamics while fending off intrigue and threats from both Ash’s and Agens’ families.
Much of the plot is focused on developing the relationships of the main trio, but there were also some interesting external threats posed both by the religious environment of that time period and by family intrigue. I feel like a lot of romance stories set in historical or fantasy settings either fail to sufficiently develop the romance or take on too much with the political plotlines, but this book found a good balance between relational challenges and external threats. I think it helped that even the political intrigue was small in scope and maintained a personal connection to the characters, rather than a “fate of the realm” type of situation. This allowed the external threats to bolster the development of the main trio’s relationships as they are learning to trust and support each other. I thought the pacing was good, and the sex scenes were spread out throughout the book, which I appreciate as I tend to get bored when there are multiple spicy chapters back-to-back. The final confrontations felt bittersweet, but very realistic. I also really liked the HEA epilogue (not always the case) because it felt consistent with the dreams & lessons learned by the characters.
Setting - Set in 14th century Oxfordshire, the social, political, and economic environment brings so much to this story. (I felt like I was back in AP European History writing that sentence. 😂) The characters must navigate questions of sexuality and gender in a context that is unfriendly, even deadly, to anything that does not match the religious norm. This adds an additional obstacle for our main trio as they are learning if they can trust each other not just with their hearts but with their lives.
Characters - I adore Ash, Agnes, and Ollie. Each of them is believable and interesting in their own right, so I found myself invested in them as people first, and then in their romance as an extension of my love for the characters. I loved that any miscommunications were quickly dealt with, and when characters did keep secrets, it wasn’t due to pride but concerns about safety or not sharing what wasn’t theirs to tell. I loved that each pairing got equal attention and development, making the final romance between the three of them so satisfying. It was wonderful to see how they all learned to communicate and trust one another, as well as how they dealt with complicated emotions from their own traumas and navigating a relationship for which they had no template. The romances were heartwarming, but also just a lot of fun as the trio got comfortable enough with each other to tease and bicker. The chemistry between all of these characters was also incredible.
The wide cast of secondary characters (many from previous books in the series) was also excellent. I *love* when main characters in a romance also have other healthy, supportive relationships (friends and/or family) that lend themselves to a fulfilling life.
The antagonists were terrible and I loved to hate on them.
Themes - This book deals with topics of mental health, violence & PTSD, gender & sexuality, complicated family dynamics, religious trauma, feeling “other,” and finding ways to love yourself. Honestly, I was very impressed by how all these themes were handled; that is a lot to pack into a 400 page book. The story explored these themes through the personal experiences of the main trio and their budding romance. I’ve read many books that failed to find the balance between giving adequate attention to serious themes and maintaining a “romantic” vibe for the story, but this novel carefully navigated tough topics as the main characters learn who to trust and find the language to share their experiences and support one another. There were several scenes in which a character would build up the courage to share something, expecting a negative reaction like one they’d received previously from loved ones, to instead be met with compassion and understanding. It felt magical (but still believable) to watch these characters find healing and home with each other.
Personal Enjoyment - I *loved* this book. I haven’t enjoyed an open-door romance story in quite a while, but one of my friends raved about the book, so I figured I’d give it a try despite the spicy scenes. Oh. My. Gosh. This book was HOT. 🫣 Maybe I don’t dislike spicy romance books, maybe I’ve just not been reading good ones. 😅
Haha, okay, sex scenes aside, I honestly thought this book was so well done. It found the perfect balance between exploring very significant & serious themes and maintaining the expected atmosphere of a romance novel. Even the subjects that personally hit close to home were so well handled that I ended up feeling hopeful rather than re-traumatized. 😅 I loved the main trio, and although I was initially worried that maybe some of the dynamics would be weaker than others, I ended up so invested in all of their relationships. I was laughing, crying, gasping in shock, and giving side-eye throughout the whole adventure. I’m also a sucker for historical settings, so at times this novel felt like it was written just for my own enjoyment. Bottom line, this was just such a fun and wholesome read. (And yes, I am going to use the adjective “wholesome” despite the numerous spicy scenes. Get over it.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fun romp! A Vow Made Twice is a polyamorous historical romance between an earl haunted by memories of the war in France, a genderqueer widow determined to be more than a chess piece for her family, and a puckish mistrel turned man-for-hire who's fallen on hard times. It's not often I see this kind of dynamic in historical fiction, so I was stoked to receive an ARC.
I'll preface my review by saying that I didn't realize this was the final book in a trilogy until I had almost finished the book. Thankfully, it does function perfectly fine as a standalone - and now I can go back to read the rest of the series!
What I absolutely love about this novel is the research and thoughtfulness that went into depicting nonconventional relationship dynamics in a way that felt historically accurate. While I'm certaintly not a historian, it's easy enough for an educated reader to recognize that anachronisms and inconsistencies tend to plague the historical fiction genre, especially in dialogue and in the way characters discuss LGBTQ+ subjects. I was so pleased to find that wasn't an issue here: the characters and their motivations felt true to the medieval setting. I was particularly impressed with the depiction of Agnes's gender identity and how her gender dysphoria was portrayed. While the language employed is very different from how we would understand being nonbinary/genderqueer today, her experiences felt incredibly honest and recognizable. Equally enjoyable were the explorations of achillean and polyamorous romance: we get to see the characters navigating what all of this means, both personally and given the societal expectations for their stations, and I loved that we get to go on that journey with them instead of it being swept aside. Each character feels equally significant in the relationship and is given plenty of time to develop chemistry with each other, and by the end, I genuinely thought the three of them made a lovely triad.
Ironically, if there is a weakness here I think it is that the romance is so much more developed than the rest of the plot. There are a few different narrative threads that weave throughout the story - an attempted murder, a duplicitous relative vying for power, an overbearing family drama - but all of it takes a backseat to the more introspective exploration of the trio's budding romance. While this is not uncommon for a romance, I did find that some plots were sidelined at times when urgency would have made more sense, and some were tied up too quickly and neatly for my liking. This led to some minor pacing issues, where some chapters felt too long and veered on the edge of tedious, and others went so quickly that I was left wanting more. To the novel's credit, however, even when the specifics of a storyline are resolved quickly, the emotional impact to each character is given ample room to develop.
Despite romance now comprising a significant portion of my reading, I still typically tend to prefer closed-door romances, which this is very much not - there's a lot of on-page spice here - but for once, it actually worked pretty well for me. The spice was spicing, and I was very okay with it lol.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with A Vow Made Twice. I love that it introduces such a heartfelt queer storyline to the historical fiction genre and challenges the misconception that queer relationships are new. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the trilogy, too!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'll preface my review by saying that I didn't realize this was the final book in a trilogy until I had almost finished the book. Thankfully, it does function perfectly fine as a standalone - and now I can go back to read the rest of the series!
What I absolutely love about this novel is the research and thoughtfulness that went into depicting nonconventional relationship dynamics in a way that felt historically accurate. While I'm certaintly not a historian, it's easy enough for an educated reader to recognize that anachronisms and inconsistencies tend to plague the historical fiction genre, especially in dialogue and in the way characters discuss LGBTQ+ subjects. I was so pleased to find that wasn't an issue here: the characters and their motivations felt true to the medieval setting. I was particularly impressed with the depiction of Agnes's gender identity and how her gender dysphoria was portrayed. While the language employed is very different from how we would understand being nonbinary/genderqueer today, her experiences felt incredibly honest and recognizable. Equally enjoyable were the explorations of achillean and polyamorous romance: we get to see the characters navigating what all of this means, both personally and given the societal expectations for their stations, and I loved that we get to go on that journey with them instead of it being swept aside. Each character feels equally significant in the relationship and is given plenty of time to develop chemistry with each other, and by the end, I genuinely thought the three of them made a lovely triad.
Ironically, if there is a weakness here I think it is that the romance is so much more developed than the rest of the plot. There are a few different narrative threads that weave throughout the story - an attempted murder, a duplicitous relative vying for power, an overbearing family drama - but all of it takes a backseat to the more introspective exploration of the trio's budding romance. While this is not uncommon for a romance, I did find that some plots were sidelined at times when urgency would have made more sense, and some were tied up too quickly and neatly for my liking. This led to some minor pacing issues, where some chapters felt too long and veered on the edge of tedious, and others went so quickly that I was left wanting more. To the novel's credit, however, even when the specifics of a storyline are resolved quickly, the emotional impact to each character is given ample room to develop.
Despite romance now comprising a significant portion of my reading, I still typically tend to prefer closed-door romances, which this is very much not - there's a lot of on-page spice here - but for once, it actually worked pretty well for me. The spice was spicing, and I was very okay with it lol.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with A Vow Made Twice. I love that it introduces such a heartfelt queer storyline to the historical fiction genre and challenges the misconception that queer relationships are new. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the trilogy, too!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars. I'm sad to say I did not like this as much as I had hoped I would, but I overall still liked it a lot.
The pros: First off, I love the characters. Our main trio of Ash, Olly, and Agnes are wonderful and I love them dearly, I was 100% rooting for them the whole time. In fact, I love everyone in the Barden keep - I realize Raff and Lily have their own books, which I may have to give a try, but I also loved Sarah and Pepper and the dogs. The villains were also interesting, and I liked the bit of mystery we had. I also liked how firmly we were in the setting and time period; there are a myriad of issues one runs into while writing historical pieces, and I am by no means an expert, but I could tell there was an attention to detail in the transportation and communication (and how long it takes), in clothing (and how much of it there is), and in why these marriages are needed. Also, as a nonbinary person, I want to specifically shout out Agnes and her gender troubles, because I really like how it was handled. I loved getting to hear her explain it to Ash and Olly, I understand her dysphoria and I like how she combats against it - I just really love Agnes. She is by far my favorite character. And, I've said this before in other reviews, but I am asexual and not the biggest fan of sex scenes, but these ones were pretty fun, and I like the dynamic the three of them have in and out of the bedroom.
The cons: To continue with the sex scene bit... I've heard jokes about the "mid-book smut montage" that some romance novels have, and this definitely has that. Which I'm sure is intentional, and they're not all exactly the same or anything, in fact I do like the development we see from sex scene to sex scene as their relationship changes and deepens, but it was also. Kind of tedious. And it did start to blend together for me. That may be me and my preferences, though. Also a little tedious was some of the chapter lengths. My assumption is that the author didn't want to have two back-to-back chapters of the same POV character, but some of those chapters were LONG and really started to feel like it. I also didn't like how quickly Olly and Ash's initial problem was solved, and how little it comes back (at least on Olly's side). I guess I understand that we have to solve it quickly so we can get to the matter of Agnes entering their relationship in the way she does, but it just didn't sit right with me. There were some other things I wasn't a huge fan of (like the attempted-murder plot being a little on the backseat) that I realize is just a genre thing so I ultimately don't mind, but the last thing that bothered me a little was in the epilogue. I'll be vague because spoilers. We kind of skipped over Agnes' issue with what's happened there, something she mentions multiple times throughout the book, and I wish we had gotten her feelings and experience about it, especially since it had been brought up previously.
I did ultimately have a good time, and I think my issues were mostly because I'm not usually a romance reader, so I'm sure this'll be a hit for the people who are!
3.5 stars. I'm sad to say I did not like this as much as I had hoped I would, but I overall still liked it a lot.
The pros: First off, I love the characters. Our main trio of Ash, Olly, and Agnes are wonderful and I love them dearly, I was 100% rooting for them the whole time. In fact, I love everyone in the Barden keep - I realize Raff and Lily have their own books, which I may have to give a try, but I also loved Sarah and Pepper and the dogs. The villains were also interesting, and I liked the bit of mystery we had. I also liked how firmly we were in the setting and time period; there are a myriad of issues one runs into while writing historical pieces, and I am by no means an expert, but I could tell there was an attention to detail in the transportation and communication (and how long it takes), in clothing (and how much of it there is), and in why these marriages are needed. Also, as a nonbinary person, I want to specifically shout out Agnes and her gender troubles, because I really like how it was handled. I loved getting to hear her explain it to Ash and Olly, I understand her dysphoria and I like how she combats against it - I just really love Agnes. She is by far my favorite character. And, I've said this before in other reviews, but I am asexual and not the biggest fan of sex scenes, but these ones were pretty fun, and I like the dynamic the three of them have in and out of the bedroom.
The cons: To continue with the sex scene bit... I've heard jokes about the "mid-book smut montage" that some romance novels have, and this definitely has that. Which I'm sure is intentional, and they're not all exactly the same or anything, in fact I do like the development we see from sex scene to sex scene as their relationship changes and deepens, but it was also. Kind of tedious. And it did start to blend together for me. That may be me and my preferences, though. Also a little tedious was some of the chapter lengths. My assumption is that the author didn't want to have two back-to-back chapters of the same POV character, but some of those chapters were LONG and really started to feel like it. I also didn't like how quickly Olly and Ash's initial problem was solved, and how little it comes back (at least on Olly's side). I guess I understand that we have to solve it quickly so we can get to the matter of Agnes entering their relationship in the way she does, but it just didn't sit right with me. There were some other things I wasn't a huge fan of (like the attempted-murder plot being a little on the backseat) that I realize is just a genre thing so I ultimately don't mind, but the last thing that bothered me a little was in the epilogue. I'll be vague because spoilers. We kind of skipped over Agnes' issue with what's happened there, something she mentions multiple times throughout the book, and I wish we had gotten her feelings and experience about it, especially since it had been brought up previously.
I did ultimately have a good time, and I think my issues were mostly because I'm not usually a romance reader, so I'm sure this'll be a hit for the people who are!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Emma Denny's Barden Series has been a delight from the beginning, and the trilogy now ends with A Vow Made Twice. The eldest Barden sibling, Ash, has spent years haunted by the death of the love of his life, Oliver. But now Ash’s father is gone, leaving him the earl and in need of a wife, heirs, and the continuation of the family name. Ash comes to an arrangement with Agnes, a young widow, and the two agree to wed. But then Olly comes back into Ash’s life, alive and mostly well. What will Ash choose to do now that there are two people in his life? And what if there’s a third option that all three can be happy with?
What I Liked:
- Examining PTSD and suicidal ideation. A Vow Made Twice doesn’t shy away from heavier themes, starting with Ash’s mental state following the battle in France. It left him physically scarred, yes, but the (apparent) death of Olly was the far deeper wound. It’s 1346, so the term PTSD didn’t exist, but Ash is certainly suffering the effects regardless. He’s also actively plotting his suicide, once an heir has been born, at least. It’s hard to read about, but with time, Ash does begin to heal and see a happy future for himself.
- Gender dysphoria and nonbinary gender expression. Another beautifully explored theme is Agnes’s experience with gender. Ever since she was young, being a “girl” or “woman” has never felt exactly right, and she secretly dresses in men’s clothing when she can. I enjoyed seeing her navigate gender identity, how Ash and Olly help out and support Agnes, and how another character who is trans (plus stories about transgender people in history) offer new ideas on authentic gender expression.
- Throuple! Ash and Agnes are getting married… but Ash’s lover, Olly, is back in his life. Agnes is okay with her husband having a lover, but how long until new romantic feelings begin to arise? I loved seeing how all three characters navigate their rapidly changing relationships. Bit by bit, Agnes feels less like a third wheel and more like a part of this partnership. I haven’t read many books with polyamory or specifically a throuple, but I loved seeing how the relationship unfolded here.
Final Thoughts
I’ve loved all three books, but A Vow Made Twice is my favorite of the Barden trilogy! This is a perfect blend of deeper emotions, evolving relationships, and a new concept of what love and family can look like, all within a medieval setting. I’m so excited to read whatever is next for Emma Denny.
Special thanks to Harper 360 and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
What I Liked:
- Examining PTSD and suicidal ideation. A Vow Made Twice doesn’t shy away from heavier themes, starting with Ash’s mental state following the battle in France. It left him physically scarred, yes, but the (apparent) death of Olly was the far deeper wound. It’s 1346, so the term PTSD didn’t exist, but Ash is certainly suffering the effects regardless. He’s also actively plotting his suicide, once an heir has been born, at least. It’s hard to read about, but with time, Ash does begin to heal and see a happy future for himself.
- Gender dysphoria and nonbinary gender expression. Another beautifully explored theme is Agnes’s experience with gender. Ever since she was young, being a “girl” or “woman” has never felt exactly right, and she secretly dresses in men’s clothing when she can. I enjoyed seeing her navigate gender identity, how Ash and Olly help out and support Agnes, and how another character who is trans (plus stories about transgender people in history) offer new ideas on authentic gender expression.
- Throuple! Ash and Agnes are getting married… but Ash’s lover, Olly, is back in his life. Agnes is okay with her husband having a lover, but how long until new romantic feelings begin to arise? I loved seeing how all three characters navigate their rapidly changing relationships. Bit by bit, Agnes feels less like a third wheel and more like a part of this partnership. I haven’t read many books with polyamory or specifically a throuple, but I loved seeing how the relationship unfolded here.
Final Thoughts
I’ve loved all three books, but A Vow Made Twice is my favorite of the Barden trilogy! This is a perfect blend of deeper emotions, evolving relationships, and a new concept of what love and family can look like, all within a medieval setting. I’m so excited to read whatever is next for Emma Denny.
Special thanks to Harper 360 and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
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!
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.
June 14, 2026
I am not well enough equipped to discuss the queerness in this story. What Emma Denny is doing is too multifacetedly competent for me to begin to approach. Suffice to say though: y’all this book fucked me up. I have never felt a book so much in my bones. I ended one reading session lightheaded. I jumped up and down in a basement. I felt like my breath was being taken away. Top three romance books of all time what the hell just happened.
Emma Denny knocked this book out of the park. I love all three of our main characters to the depths of my soul. I don’t know how you write three distinct romance dynamics such that they also feel true to your three protagonists but goddamn — and also: holy fuck. Agnes my beloved anxious darling you deserve the world, and every win you got came with cheers from my soul. Olly you fucking maniac you make this shit work, and every time you felt jealous for a situation you yourself caused I loved you a little bit more. Ash my loser to end all losers, you’re so lucky you got two people that put up with your bullshit and my god do you know it.
I cannot heap enough praise onto this book to match the amount of love I have for it in my heart. I felt rabid reading it. I was so deeply invested in all these freaks, and the dynamic ways that they show each other love and care throughout the story pierced me to my core. Related addendum: hottest sex scenes I’ve ever read in any story ever. This book makes such a good case for why sex scenes are necessarily to the progression of character dynamics within some stories, and also on the side make me feel flush and like my skin is buzzing. I don’t know why Emma Denny put so much sauce into this book but holy shit.
Everything I have ever wanted from a romance novel this book does, and then also finds things I didn’t know to want and gives that to me too. I feel exhausted. I feel exhilarated. I feel like I just watched a once-in-a-generation mind construct her magnum opus. Holy shit what a book.
Emma Denny knocked this book out of the park. I love all three of our main characters to the depths of my soul. I don’t know how you write three distinct romance dynamics such that they also feel true to your three protagonists but goddamn — and also: holy fuck. Agnes my beloved anxious darling you deserve the world, and every win you got came with cheers from my soul. Olly you fucking maniac you make this shit work, and every time you felt jealous for a situation you yourself caused I loved you a little bit more. Ash my loser to end all losers, you’re so lucky you got two people that put up with your bullshit and my god do you know it.
I cannot heap enough praise onto this book to match the amount of love I have for it in my heart. I felt rabid reading it. I was so deeply invested in all these freaks, and the dynamic ways that they show each other love and care throughout the story pierced me to my core. Related addendum: hottest sex scenes I’ve ever read in any story ever. This book makes such a good case for why sex scenes are necessarily to the progression of character dynamics within some stories, and also on the side make me feel flush and like my skin is buzzing. I don’t know why Emma Denny put so much sauce into this book but holy shit.
Everything I have ever wanted from a romance novel this book does, and then also finds things I didn’t know to want and gives that to me too. I feel exhausted. I feel exhilarated. I feel like I just watched a once-in-a-generation mind construct her magnum opus. Holy shit what a book.
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
Representation: poly, non-binary
Summary:
Following his father's death, Ash is thrust into a new role of responsibility due to his inheritance of the family's title. Unwilling to risk his siblings' happiness with their partners, Ash is in desperate need of his own heir - which means finding a wife. The only problem is that following the death of his lover, Ollie, Ash has been bereft. He and a widow, Agnes, agree to marry, each for their own romantic reasons: Agnes because she struggles with feeling at home in her own body and Ash has no interest in trying to force her into a shape dictated by society, and Ash because it feels like less of a betrayal of Ollie's memory. However, on the way back to Ash's estate to marry, the party is ambushed by none other than Ollie, who is actually alive and has no idea he has been paid to kill Ash. Once the dust settles, can the three of them - Ash, Ollie, and Agnes - navigate complicated feelings of gender, old scars, mental health, Agnes' family, and above all - their growing feelings for one another?
Review:
I requested this book b/c I really enjoyed the 2 books ahead of this one in the series, and to my delight, I think this one might be my favorite of the three. I loved Agnes and Ollie specifically - I found Agnes' struggles with her body to be very authentic and I thought it was handled masterfully between the historical time period and what was safely possible for her. The best poly books for me work best when I can clearly see how each of them has a relationship with BOTH of the others, and it's clear to me how their lives are better with three instead of two, and while I've found some books to fall short of those measures, this one exceeded them greatly. I preordered this and cannot wait to have it on my shelf!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
Summary:
Following his father's death, Ash is thrust into a new role of responsibility due to his inheritance of the family's title. Unwilling to risk his siblings' happiness with their partners, Ash is in desperate need of his own heir - which means finding a wife. The only problem is that following the death of his lover, Ollie, Ash has been bereft. He and a widow, Agnes, agree to marry, each for their own romantic reasons: Agnes because she struggles with feeling at home in her own body and Ash has no interest in trying to force her into a shape dictated by society, and Ash because it feels like less of a betrayal of Ollie's memory. However, on the way back to Ash's estate to marry, the party is ambushed by none other than Ollie, who is actually alive and has no idea he has been paid to kill Ash. Once the dust settles, can the three of them - Ash, Ollie, and Agnes - navigate complicated feelings of gender, old scars, mental health, Agnes' family, and above all - their growing feelings for one another?
Review:
I requested this book b/c I really enjoyed the 2 books ahead of this one in the series, and to my delight, I think this one might be my favorite of the three. I loved Agnes and Ollie specifically - I found Agnes' struggles with her body to be very authentic and I thought it was handled masterfully between the historical time period and what was safely possible for her. The best poly books for me work best when I can clearly see how each of them has a relationship with BOTH of the others, and it's clear to me how their lives are better with three instead of two, and while I've found some books to fall short of those measures, this one exceeded them greatly. I preordered this and cannot wait to have it on my shelf!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
February 4, 2026
4.75 rounded up
“All of them were blurring the rules of sex – changing between man and woman.”
I received an eARC of A Vow Made Twice by Emma Denny from Harper 360 in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts!
💗 Ash Barden gave away his heart to another years ago, but when he inherits the title of Earl he’ll have to put his long-dead love aside and find a wife to ensure the family line. Agnes Forrett has found that her widowhood suits her and doesn’t want to remarry. But when her family pressures her to accept a proposal from the childhood friend who wronged her, Agnes decides to take matters into her own hands.
Ash and Agnes understand that theirs will be a marriage of convenience, but when a figure from Ash’s past attacks the couple while they journey to their new home everything gets complicated. As the growing attraction between Ash and Agnes becomes evident, they must decide…can your heart belong to two people instead of one? 💗
I had never read anything by Emma Denny before and I only skimmed the description, so I really had no clue what was in store for me when I picked up A Vow Made Twice. Y’all, I absolutely LOVED this book.
The stress and angst of the beginning of the story is paired so well with the softness and spice in the rest of the book. Ash, Agnes, and Olly are all such brilliant characters dealing with so much and the way they support each one another was just perfection.
This book was so, so queer and it was really interesting to see the characters explore their gender and sexuality without the modern words we have to do so.
If you can’t tell already, I definitely recommend picking up A Vow Made Twice when it’s released on February 17th. Now I gotta go pick up the first two books in the series - whoops 😅
[ID - a kindle with the cover of A Vow Made Twice pulled up sits on top of a a row of books on an orange-ish book cart in front of a full bookshelf.]
“All of them were blurring the rules of sex – changing between man and woman.”
I received an eARC of A Vow Made Twice by Emma Denny from Harper 360 in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts!
💗 Ash Barden gave away his heart to another years ago, but when he inherits the title of Earl he’ll have to put his long-dead love aside and find a wife to ensure the family line. Agnes Forrett has found that her widowhood suits her and doesn’t want to remarry. But when her family pressures her to accept a proposal from the childhood friend who wronged her, Agnes decides to take matters into her own hands.
Ash and Agnes understand that theirs will be a marriage of convenience, but when a figure from Ash’s past attacks the couple while they journey to their new home everything gets complicated. As the growing attraction between Ash and Agnes becomes evident, they must decide…can your heart belong to two people instead of one? 💗
I had never read anything by Emma Denny before and I only skimmed the description, so I really had no clue what was in store for me when I picked up A Vow Made Twice. Y’all, I absolutely LOVED this book.
The stress and angst of the beginning of the story is paired so well with the softness and spice in the rest of the book. Ash, Agnes, and Olly are all such brilliant characters dealing with so much and the way they support each one another was just perfection.
This book was so, so queer and it was really interesting to see the characters explore their gender and sexuality without the modern words we have to do so.
If you can’t tell already, I definitely recommend picking up A Vow Made Twice when it’s released on February 17th. Now I gotta go pick up the first two books in the series - whoops 😅
[ID - a kindle with the cover of A Vow Made Twice pulled up sits on top of a a row of books on an orange-ish book cart in front of a full bookshelf.]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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