Leo D’Lance’s One Night With Finnbar is a historical novel set in late 18th-century England, following the young aristocrat Martin as he prepares to leave his family estate to join the Royal Fusiliers. What begins as a reflective and somewhat humorous account of country life slowly unfolds into a deeply personal and emotional journey of identity, attraction, and transformation. At the heart of the story is Martin’s unlikely and intense connection with a stable boy named Finnbar, an ethereal, wild figure whose sudden appearance shifts the entire course of Martin’s life. Told with lyrical detail and a sharp eye for atmosphere, the novel weaves themes of class, repression, love, and liberation across a vivid historical backdrop.

The writing is immersive. The book takes its time, and I appreciated that. It’s not in a hurry to throw Martin into drama, but instead builds a world where things matter. The dialogue, too, had its own flavor. It’s clever and organic, full of tension and little moments of humor that make the characters feel real. But more than the writing style, it was the emotional honesty that drew me in. Martin isn’t always likable, and neither is Finnbar, really, but their flaws are human, and that made their bond all the more compelling.

There were also moments when the pacing slowed a bit. Some chapters seemed to linger on internal thoughts or minor domestic scenes. Still, I found myself drawn to the quieter emotional beats, the hesitation in Martin’s thoughts, the unspoken truths hanging in the air. The scenes between Martin and Finnbar crackle with tension, both sexual and social, and I admired how D’Lance didn’t flinch from the confusion, fear, and longing that come with forbidden desire in a rigid world. The book balances sensuality and restraint in a way that feels both grounded and poetic. It’s romantic, but also raw. Brave, but never melodramatic.

By the end, I wasn’t just invested, I was moved. One Night With Finnbar isn’t a sweeping epic or a battle-heavy war tale. It’s a story about moments, small choices that change everything. It’s about the ache of living in between what you want and what you’re allowed. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quiet but powerful historical fiction, particularly those interested in LGBTQ+ themes, character-driven stories, or slow-burn romance. It’s for readers who enjoy books that aren’t afraid to linger in difficult emotions or sit with the silence between words.

Pages: 346 | ASIN : B07QTC6SDX