I've been searching for this book for years. I'm in publishing and I still can't bloody find it; spent years in English Departments in universities - still nothing!
I read it when I was about 14. It was about a woman named possibly Angharad who was on a journey through some very dark, winding woods with a man (a Knight?), and I think he was protecting her but they bickered a lot...I think. They ended up falling in love from what I remember. It was a fantasy type, medieval I think. It most definitely was not YA, so adult fiction and not for kids.
Cover was a John William Waterhouse style painting of a woman with (I think) red or dark blonde hair, and possibly a Knight, surrounded by gnarly trees. I'm thinking it may have been written in the 90s, but honestly can't tell you. Not sure if the author was male or female.
Am I imagining this book?! 😂 I loved it as a kid but the library refurbished. I went back and...poof! Gone! Any help and I will drink a glass of prosecco in your name. 😁 I'd love to find it before Christmas and have a nostalgic read during the week!