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Haunted Hearts : Season of the Witch #2
Heart of the Wren
In Ireland, Wren Day comes right after Christmas, and should be a time for music and merriment, but for burly gay farmer Lorcan Fitzgerald, it might just be the last day of his life.
When he unearths an ancient Celtic brooch on his remote farm in 1980s Ireland, he becomes plagued by mysterious fires, breakages, and disappearances. His beefy new lodger and farmhand Dara might be able to help — after all, he is a witch.
Accustomed to a solitary life on the road, friendly Dara must navigate life in the small village while drawing closer to lonely Lorcan, who carries an old pain that threatens to keep them apart.
Encountering a young woman with ESP, a terrifying spectral horse, and a fateful game of Hurling, can the men put a stop to the increasingly sinister supernatural forces gathering at the farm before Lorcan meets his final, horrible fate on Wren Day?
Haunted Season of the Witch — an Ownvoices MM Paranormal Romance Series. Join us on our romantic journeys from some of your favourite authors! Be sure to read the entire 11-book series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a charmed and bespelled lovelife! Each book is a standalone, but why not read them all? Come be enchanted. Everyone deserves the HEA!
When he unearths an ancient Celtic brooch on his remote farm in 1980s Ireland, he becomes plagued by mysterious fires, breakages, and disappearances. His beefy new lodger and farmhand Dara might be able to help — after all, he is a witch.
Accustomed to a solitary life on the road, friendly Dara must navigate life in the small village while drawing closer to lonely Lorcan, who carries an old pain that threatens to keep them apart.
Encountering a young woman with ESP, a terrifying spectral horse, and a fateful game of Hurling, can the men put a stop to the increasingly sinister supernatural forces gathering at the farm before Lorcan meets his final, horrible fate on Wren Day?
Haunted Season of the Witch — an Ownvoices MM Paranormal Romance Series. Join us on our romantic journeys from some of your favourite authors! Be sure to read the entire 11-book series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a charmed and bespelled lovelife! Each book is a standalone, but why not read them all? Come be enchanted. Everyone deserves the HEA!
- GenresParanormalRomance
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
4 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Quigley
11 books77 followersGlenn Quigley is an author and artist originally from Tallaght in Dublin, Ireland, and now living in Lisburn, Northern Ireland with his husband, Mark.
His first novel, The Moth and Moon, was published in 2018 by Ninestar Press.
He has eight novels to date — The Moth and Moon, The Lion Lies Waiting, We Cry The Sea, These Young Wolves: The Knights of Blackrabbit book one, The Star We Sail By: The Knights of Blackrabbit book two, Teacup Promises, Curse of the Stag's Eye, and Heart of the Wren. He has a short story, Use as Wallpaper, all from Ninestar Press, and a novella named The Great Santa Showdown with JMS Books which was collected in the anthology 2023 Top Ten Gay Fiction.
His second novel, The Lion Lies Waiting, was runner-up in the 2019 Rainbow Awards list for Best Gay Book. His third novel, We Cry The Sea, was runner-up in the 2021 Rainbow Awards for Best Gay Book.
When not writing, he paints portraits in acrylics and watercolours. He also designs for the popular brand themoodybear.com. In 2022, he created a series of portraits based on characters from his Moth and Moon novel trilogy which were displayed in Kallio Library, Finland, and at a gay event in Estonia.
His first novel, The Moth and Moon, was published in 2018 by Ninestar Press.
He has eight novels to date — The Moth and Moon, The Lion Lies Waiting, We Cry The Sea, These Young Wolves: The Knights of Blackrabbit book one, The Star We Sail By: The Knights of Blackrabbit book two, Teacup Promises, Curse of the Stag's Eye, and Heart of the Wren. He has a short story, Use as Wallpaper, all from Ninestar Press, and a novella named The Great Santa Showdown with JMS Books which was collected in the anthology 2023 Top Ten Gay Fiction.
His second novel, The Lion Lies Waiting, was runner-up in the 2019 Rainbow Awards list for Best Gay Book. His third novel, We Cry The Sea, was runner-up in the 2021 Rainbow Awards for Best Gay Book.
When not writing, he paints portraits in acrylics and watercolours. He also designs for the popular brand themoodybear.com. In 2022, he created a series of portraits based on characters from his Moth and Moon novel trilogy which were displayed in Kallio Library, Finland, and at a gay event in Estonia.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 17, 2025
Would you like a wee taste of Irish witchery?
Well then, youse come to the right place! (Did I say that right, Quigley?)
What a fantastic story!
Quigley has a way of taking the sublime, the surreal, the supernatural, and making it feel so real you'd have believed this was a testimony from Lorcan's past. Rich in detail and imagery, the Heart of the Wren will spellbind you with every page.
Another brilliant story from a very talented man.
Well then, youse come to the right place! (Did I say that right, Quigley?)
What a fantastic story!
Quigley has a way of taking the sublime, the surreal, the supernatural, and making it feel so real you'd have believed this was a testimony from Lorcan's past. Rich in detail and imagery, the Heart of the Wren will spellbind you with every page.
Another brilliant story from a very talented man.
October 3, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. Fantastic writing, a beautiful setting, and compelling characters. The plot pacing kept me hooked, and I easily finished the book in a day.
Heart of the Wren by Glenn Quigley is a beautiful riveting story. The author’s writing is evocative and transported me to the Irish countryside: the old farmhouse, the village pub, and narrow country roads. Set in 1980s rural Ireland, the dual first person PoV protagonists are middle-aged blue-collar men (already unique in the realm of MM fiction). These two felt like real guys with real emotions, and I was captivated from the first pages. I also loved the style of the book. It felt like the perfect blend of genre MM fiction (the alternating PoVs) and literary fiction (lyrical prose) with a dash of action-adventure and mystery. The supernatural elements were extremely well-executed in that the world felt coherent and realistic despite the existence of magic. I liked that the author played between the Romanticism tradition, modern fantasy, and allusions to Irish mythology.
The plot’s pacing is excellent, and the relationship between the ginger-bearded, Dara, and the 4th generation farmer, Lorcan, was a pleasure to read. If you’re looking to read a love story between two men, this is a breath of fresh air. It’s not common for books like these to have men in their forties with receding hairlines and thicker middles represented. That alone makes the book stand out in terms of MM fiction. But more importantly, the quality of writing and the storytelling, here, are top-notch. I loved this book and strongly recommend it. 5/5 stars.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Heart of the Wren by Glenn Quigley is a beautiful riveting story. The author’s writing is evocative and transported me to the Irish countryside: the old farmhouse, the village pub, and narrow country roads. Set in 1980s rural Ireland, the dual first person PoV protagonists are middle-aged blue-collar men (already unique in the realm of MM fiction). These two felt like real guys with real emotions, and I was captivated from the first pages. I also loved the style of the book. It felt like the perfect blend of genre MM fiction (the alternating PoVs) and literary fiction (lyrical prose) with a dash of action-adventure and mystery. The supernatural elements were extremely well-executed in that the world felt coherent and realistic despite the existence of magic. I liked that the author played between the Romanticism tradition, modern fantasy, and allusions to Irish mythology.
The plot’s pacing is excellent, and the relationship between the ginger-bearded, Dara, and the 4th generation farmer, Lorcan, was a pleasure to read. If you’re looking to read a love story between two men, this is a breath of fresh air. It’s not common for books like these to have men in their forties with receding hairlines and thicker middles represented. That alone makes the book stand out in terms of MM fiction. But more importantly, the quality of writing and the storytelling, here, are top-notch. I loved this book and strongly recommend it. 5/5 stars.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2025
Heart of the Wren is a lovely story. As someone from the US I was not at all familiar with Wren Day or a lot of the local mysticism from Ireland. I was hoping that Quigley would spell out all the details in his story so I didn’t miss anything and through context and wonderful dialogue I learned a lot about Wren Day and the Fae that inhabit Ireland, which made the story a lot of fun to read.
The characters, of course, are charming and sweet, and Quigley does a masterful job of making them rich and full of life. Which I always appreciate. What I love about Quigley’s stories is his characters, they are never the typical 20 somethings that you read about in all other books. These are adult men who have seen a few years and have history making them to much more relatable. His characters also aren’t what most people would consider ‘beautiful’ they represent most of us in society and I love that. I love seeing real people having wonderful adventures and falling in love.
If you want to read something that will give you a blast for the past (the 1980s) and give you an even bigger smile, then run, do not walk, and buy a copy of Heart of the Wren, it’s totally worth it.
The characters, of course, are charming and sweet, and Quigley does a masterful job of making them rich and full of life. Which I always appreciate. What I love about Quigley’s stories is his characters, they are never the typical 20 somethings that you read about in all other books. These are adult men who have seen a few years and have history making them to much more relatable. His characters also aren’t what most people would consider ‘beautiful’ they represent most of us in society and I love that. I love seeing real people having wonderful adventures and falling in love.
If you want to read something that will give you a blast for the past (the 1980s) and give you an even bigger smile, then run, do not walk, and buy a copy of Heart of the Wren, it’s totally worth it.
October 5, 2025
To say that Lorcan Fitzgerald is having an unlucky go of it is a complete understatement. But there's something about Dara that should hopefully fix that.
The stranger the events that seem to happen around Lorcan, the more Dara is invested in figuring out what happened, and how to fi it. Of course, getting Lorcan on board with the plan is a bit of a struggle. But once he gets there, it's full steam ahead for them both.
And, of course, there's the added tension of them being hopelessly attracted to each other at a time when their very existence has been deemed unlawful. But they find each other more than worth the risk.
What I loved most about this book was the deep dive into Irish folklore and mythology. It felt a little bit like coming home - somewhere between the Celtic mythology, the goddesses, the history, and the fae, I fell right back into my childhood, listening to my grandmother's stories from "the old country", and heeding her warnings about fairy circles and never giving your name to a stranger.
As Dara sunk into solving the mystery behind Lorcan's misfortunes, they were also figuring out what they mean to each other, and what that could mean for their future. I loved watching them figure it out together, and come up with a plan of action.
All in all, Glenn Quigley has caught me by the heartstrings all over again with Heart of the Wren. I loved this book, and I'm honestly left wanting more of Lorcan and Dara's story, and where their adventure takes them.
But the most important takeaway from this book - do not fuck with the fae, and leave their circles the fuck alone!
The stranger the events that seem to happen around Lorcan, the more Dara is invested in figuring out what happened, and how to fi it. Of course, getting Lorcan on board with the plan is a bit of a struggle. But once he gets there, it's full steam ahead for them both.
And, of course, there's the added tension of them being hopelessly attracted to each other at a time when their very existence has been deemed unlawful. But they find each other more than worth the risk.
What I loved most about this book was the deep dive into Irish folklore and mythology. It felt a little bit like coming home - somewhere between the Celtic mythology, the goddesses, the history, and the fae, I fell right back into my childhood, listening to my grandmother's stories from "the old country", and heeding her warnings about fairy circles and never giving your name to a stranger.
As Dara sunk into solving the mystery behind Lorcan's misfortunes, they were also figuring out what they mean to each other, and what that could mean for their future. I loved watching them figure it out together, and come up with a plan of action.
All in all, Glenn Quigley has caught me by the heartstrings all over again with Heart of the Wren. I loved this book, and I'm honestly left wanting more of Lorcan and Dara's story, and where their adventure takes them.
But the most important takeaway from this book - do not fuck with the fae, and leave their circles the fuck alone!
October 6, 2025
A great start to a new season of these wonderful books. This was a particularly clever piece of 1980s Ireland, Irish folklore, and some really creepy happenings. Lorcan and Dara really fit together well, being a good combination of down to earth grumpiness and flightier magic user. I particularly appreciated the way that Dara had to struggle and do research to be able to finally figure out which beings exactly were responsible for Lorcan's difficulties and eventually how to solve them. There was a really fitting ending that linked the whole story together.
October 16, 2025
A terrific read. !!
This is tremendous story. I knew from reding Gle's earlier books that I wouldn't be disappointed but this turned out to be a really good read. Obviously a gay romance as 'described on the tin' , but also a great tale set around the world of rural magic and mythology.
I dont want to say to much to give the story away but can highly reccomend giving this book a go , you won't be disappointed! Its a good stand alone story and you dont need to have read any of Glenn Quigley 's other work but I guarantee after this you will become a fan!
Give it a go !
This is tremendous story. I knew from reding Gle's earlier books that I wouldn't be disappointed but this turned out to be a really good read. Obviously a gay romance as 'described on the tin' , but also a great tale set around the world of rural magic and mythology.
I dont want to say to much to give the story away but can highly reccomend giving this book a go , you won't be disappointed! Its a good stand alone story and you dont need to have read any of Glenn Quigley 's other work but I guarantee after this you will become a fan!
Give it a go !
October 18, 2025
Sweet and magical
I really enjoyed this book.
There's great world building, wonderful, and engaging characters who are realistic and relatable.
They've lived a life full of experiences that they're able to draw on throughout the book.
The Irish folklore was wonderfully immersive and enlightening.
I loved the drop in to 80's Ireland, I really felt as though I were part of it.
I really enjoyed this book.
There's great world building, wonderful, and engaging characters who are realistic and relatable.
They've lived a life full of experiences that they're able to draw on throughout the book.
The Irish folklore was wonderfully immersive and enlightening.
I loved the drop in to 80's Ireland, I really felt as though I were part of it.
October 23, 2025
Glenn Quigley’s Heart of the Wren offers a significant contribution to the evolving landscape of gay/queer historical romance fiction. Set in rural Ireland during the 1980s, the novel intertwines supernatural folklore, mature gay male desire, and a richly atmospheric setting to create a love story that is both evocative and subtly subversive.
At the center of the story are Lorcan, a solitary gay farmer haunted by his past, and burly Dara, his new lodger and farmhand, who is also a practicing witch. When Lorcan discovers a mysterious Celtic brooch, a series of strange and magical disturbances disrupts his quiet life. As Lorcan and Dara work together to uncover the mystery—and grow closer to one another—the novel unfolds into a tender romance that challenges dominant tropes found in historical, romance, and gay/queer fiction. The novel initiates a broader queering of historical narratives, constructions of masculinity, ideals of the sexually desirable body, and normative assumptions regarding the preferred age of romantic protagonists.
Heart of the Wren offers a heartfelt, textured, and beautifully imagined gay/queer romance that situates love in a space often denied to it: rural, historical, and magical. Through its attention to older gay/queer characters, its affirmation of embodied desire, and its integration of folklore and witchcraft, the novel expands the boundaries of both historical romance and queer fiction, yet combines them wonderfully. It reminds us that queer lives have always existed not just in cities and subcultures but in fields, farms, and folk stories—often in silence, but no less vibrantly. In this, Quigley has not just written a love story; he has reclaimed space and time for queer possibility. Heart of the Wren is truly a wonderful book.
For my full review go to www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca
At the center of the story are Lorcan, a solitary gay farmer haunted by his past, and burly Dara, his new lodger and farmhand, who is also a practicing witch. When Lorcan discovers a mysterious Celtic brooch, a series of strange and magical disturbances disrupts his quiet life. As Lorcan and Dara work together to uncover the mystery—and grow closer to one another—the novel unfolds into a tender romance that challenges dominant tropes found in historical, romance, and gay/queer fiction. The novel initiates a broader queering of historical narratives, constructions of masculinity, ideals of the sexually desirable body, and normative assumptions regarding the preferred age of romantic protagonists.
Heart of the Wren offers a heartfelt, textured, and beautifully imagined gay/queer romance that situates love in a space often denied to it: rural, historical, and magical. Through its attention to older gay/queer characters, its affirmation of embodied desire, and its integration of folklore and witchcraft, the novel expands the boundaries of both historical romance and queer fiction, yet combines them wonderfully. It reminds us that queer lives have always existed not just in cities and subcultures but in fields, farms, and folk stories—often in silence, but no less vibrantly. In this, Quigley has not just written a love story; he has reclaimed space and time for queer possibility. Heart of the Wren is truly a wonderful book.
For my full review go to www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca
October 12, 2025
Lorcan & Dara
This was a good sort of grumpy/sunshine story mixed with a bit of spookiness. I found it very entertaining to read. It didn't take long to pull me into the story. I enjoyed it a lot.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This was a good sort of grumpy/sunshine story mixed with a bit of spookiness. I found it very entertaining to read. It didn't take long to pull me into the story. I enjoyed it a lot.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 6, 2025
This is the first book by this author that I've had the privilege of reading. I enjoyed his well detailed storyline and interesting characters and folklore of mystical Ireland.
The main characters are Lorcan, a farmer from County Kerry, Ireland, and Dara, a vagabond witch, who while passing by senses something amiss on the farm. Dara stops to try to solve the problem, and during the trials and tribulations of his attempts he and Lorcan fall in love.
As much as I enjoyed the characters and their story I felt their relationship needed more development and sexual tension. It sort of felt like oh we're both gay, I like the way you look, wham bam and I love you. At the end, they shared what had led them to develop those feelings but learning that earlier helps the reader connect more with the characters emotions.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.
The main characters are Lorcan, a farmer from County Kerry, Ireland, and Dara, a vagabond witch, who while passing by senses something amiss on the farm. Dara stops to try to solve the problem, and during the trials and tribulations of his attempts he and Lorcan fall in love.
As much as I enjoyed the characters and their story I felt their relationship needed more development and sexual tension. It sort of felt like oh we're both gay, I like the way you look, wham bam and I love you. At the end, they shared what had led them to develop those feelings but learning that earlier helps the reader connect more with the characters emotions.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.
October 11, 2025
Was not expecting a perfectly spooky story, this is going to be an October reread for sure. Love the history tied into the storyline. I need more books like this
September 17, 2025
I think by now Glen is a master of spooky queer stories and this one sets the tone for the upcoming season.
What I really love about this, aside from the beefier men, is the way he weaves traditional Irish folklore into this tale. Not only does it lend to the spookiness but it gives the story more weight and the way he writes it shows a depth I really enjoyed.
The main characters Lorcan and Dara were both a good spin on the grumpy/sunshine trope - neither fully at the grumpiest or sunniest but just enough to give a true sense of their character. Particularly when it comes to the witchiness 🧙
The one thing that I thought the story could have done without was the guilt Lorcan had over his sisters death, not that it was a bad thing to throw in, but the story would have been just as good without it 🤷🏻♂️
Overall, this is an excellent addition to Glen’s works, and I devoured this way too quickly
What I really love about this, aside from the beefier men, is the way he weaves traditional Irish folklore into this tale. Not only does it lend to the spookiness but it gives the story more weight and the way he writes it shows a depth I really enjoyed.
The main characters Lorcan and Dara were both a good spin on the grumpy/sunshine trope - neither fully at the grumpiest or sunniest but just enough to give a true sense of their character. Particularly when it comes to the witchiness 🧙
The one thing that I thought the story could have done without was the guilt Lorcan had over his sisters death, not that it was a bad thing to throw in, but the story would have been just as good without it 🤷🏻♂️
Overall, this is an excellent addition to Glen’s works, and I devoured this way too quickly
October 19, 2025
This book is a delicious read. Very unusually for me, I read the whole book in one day. The writing style is perfect. The characters are real and likeable. The pacing and plot are just right. The light touches on issues of social justice and personal tragedy are expertly done. The romance at the heart of the book is very gently done whilst also being very very sexy.
I love magic and Irish history, and combined with very sexy bears in rural south west Ireland, this book is an absolute feast for the imagination.
I love magic and Irish history, and combined with very sexy bears in rural south west Ireland, this book is an absolute feast for the imagination.
October 18, 2025
Hoooooooo this was so good. The writing was unbelievably immersive, I literally felt like I was living and breathing 1980's Ireland. The love, care and attention given to the country's ingrained history, folklore, superstitions was just a joy to read. I know the author is a native, but it was so evident that they really took the time to understand and weave that aspect into the story. So often we see fantasy or even urban fantasy set in Ireland, Wales or Scotland (and even England to a degree), and it is in name only. No time is taken to fully understand the cultures of those individual countries, which is a shame because they are all so, SO different. I just... I don't know... hailing from Wales 🏴 it just gave me a warm and tingly feeling, ya know? Like someone actually cares about us Celtic folk 🧙🏻♀️
Speaking of warm and tingly... the two male leads were amazing 🥲Real men. Imperfect men with bellies and receding hairlines and years of living under the radar just because society tells us loving someone is wrong. Own voices works just hit different in that aspect, and I am so glad it was explored in this story because it could have so easily have been glossed over in the name of escapism.
Dara's magic was also so awesome to read about. So often we get big, flashy shows of power, but here we have something quieter, and almost bordering on magical realism. The kind of general awareness of things, and his attitude towards the universe (you get what you give returned threefold etc). Just lovely and so nuanced.
Now, don't me wrong, it wasn't perfect. Within the first 50% there were quite a few rough patches editing wise, and a couple of times the formatting was off (although not sure if this was my kindle?!) I also wish the spicy scenes (of which I would say there was 1.5 as one is kinda abandoned halfway through), I wish they were more intense and lasted just a little longer. BUT, maybe my tastes have been ruined on that front because it seems like every sex scene is 4k-5k words these days.
Anyway, all that to say it was amazing. Also, FUCK THE FUCKING PRIEST! Seriously dude? Just jog on lad. 🕊️ Well done Glenn.
Speaking of warm and tingly... the two male leads were amazing 🥲Real men. Imperfect men with bellies and receding hairlines and years of living under the radar just because society tells us loving someone is wrong. Own voices works just hit different in that aspect, and I am so glad it was explored in this story because it could have so easily have been glossed over in the name of escapism.
Dara's magic was also so awesome to read about. So often we get big, flashy shows of power, but here we have something quieter, and almost bordering on magical realism. The kind of general awareness of things, and his attitude towards the universe (you get what you give returned threefold etc). Just lovely and so nuanced.
Now, don't me wrong, it wasn't perfect. Within the first 50% there were quite a few rough patches editing wise, and a couple of times the formatting was off (although not sure if this was my kindle?!) I also wish the spicy scenes (of which I would say there was 1.5 as one is kinda abandoned halfway through), I wish they were more intense and lasted just a little longer. BUT, maybe my tastes have been ruined on that front because it seems like every sex scene is 4k-5k words these days.
Anyway, all that to say it was amazing. Also, FUCK THE FUCKING PRIEST! Seriously dude? Just jog on lad. 🕊️ Well done Glenn.
October 3, 2025
Heart of the Wren is the first book in the Haunted Hearts 2 series.
And what a spectacular way to start.
I really enjoyed the immersion in Irish folklore, which is very well woven into the story. It's not something I had any prior knowledge or experience of, but I found myself so caught up in the story that it felt familiar. I have to find out more about it.
It's set in a small town, and I love these kinds of stories, especially when the characters are so well developed and you feel like the town is your own.
Dara and Lorcan are adorable. They are men who have grown up in somewhat difficult circumstances, but that has not prevented them from developing an innate kindness, especially since there are situations that they have not yet fully overcome.
Let's not forget the supernatural element that is present throughout the story, as it is the central theme. I was a little scared in some chapters, but I enjoyed that feeling.
I recommend it and look forward to reading the rest of the series, from which I expect great things.
+I want to thank the author for the ARC. This is my voluntary and honest opinion+
And what a spectacular way to start.
I really enjoyed the immersion in Irish folklore, which is very well woven into the story. It's not something I had any prior knowledge or experience of, but I found myself so caught up in the story that it felt familiar. I have to find out more about it.
It's set in a small town, and I love these kinds of stories, especially when the characters are so well developed and you feel like the town is your own.
Dara and Lorcan are adorable. They are men who have grown up in somewhat difficult circumstances, but that has not prevented them from developing an innate kindness, especially since there are situations that they have not yet fully overcome.
Let's not forget the supernatural element that is present throughout the story, as it is the central theme. I was a little scared in some chapters, but I enjoyed that feeling.
I recommend it and look forward to reading the rest of the series, from which I expect great things.
+I want to thank the author for the ARC. This is my voluntary and honest opinion+
October 14, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️
What I really loved about Heart of the Wren, aside from the delightfully beefy men, is the way Glenn Quigley weaves Irish folklore into the story. The folklore adds both atmosphere and depth — it’s spooky, grounded, and beautifully tied to the setting. You can really feel the weight of the myths and how they shape the mood of the book.
Lorcan and Dara are a lovely twist on the grumpy/sunshine dynamic — neither extreme, but both layered enough to feel real. I especially liked how their personalities played against each other, and how the witchy elements added texture to their growing connection.
That said, I did wish their relationship had a bit more buildup and tension. It felt a little too sudden at times, like “we’re both gay and we get along — now we’re in love.” By the end, their emotional backstories made sense of those feelings, but learning more about that earlier on would have made the romance land more strongly.
Even so, I really enjoyed this story. It’s atmospheric, rooted in local myth, and gave me a glimpse into traditions like Wren Day that I wasn’t familiar with. A haunting and heartfelt read.
spice: 🌶️🌶️
What I really loved about Heart of the Wren, aside from the delightfully beefy men, is the way Glenn Quigley weaves Irish folklore into the story. The folklore adds both atmosphere and depth — it’s spooky, grounded, and beautifully tied to the setting. You can really feel the weight of the myths and how they shape the mood of the book.
Lorcan and Dara are a lovely twist on the grumpy/sunshine dynamic — neither extreme, but both layered enough to feel real. I especially liked how their personalities played against each other, and how the witchy elements added texture to their growing connection.
That said, I did wish their relationship had a bit more buildup and tension. It felt a little too sudden at times, like “we’re both gay and we get along — now we’re in love.” By the end, their emotional backstories made sense of those feelings, but learning more about that earlier on would have made the romance land more strongly.
Even so, I really enjoyed this story. It’s atmospheric, rooted in local myth, and gave me a glimpse into traditions like Wren Day that I wasn’t familiar with. A haunting and heartfelt read.
October 4, 2025
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To say I was enthralled by this Irish-witchy-folklore romance would be an understatement!
I loved the vibe, rural Ireland in the 80s, where small town sentiment rules the day as much as the stories and folklore of the past.
When a stranger’s van happens to break down on the edge of Lorcan’s farm during a time that he seems to be having a terrible run of bad luck, they embark on a journey unexpected.
You don’t need to know much about Irish lore or Wren Day in particular, as Glenn reveals it beautifully, leading us down a path of mystery and some chaos. There were some great twists and turns, and the development of relationships, not just that of Lorcan and Dara, was wonderful and fulfilling.
It ends with a HFN, but it was one full of promise and an exciting future. I would love to see more of their future adventures.
To say I was enthralled by this Irish-witchy-folklore romance would be an understatement!
I loved the vibe, rural Ireland in the 80s, where small town sentiment rules the day as much as the stories and folklore of the past.
When a stranger’s van happens to break down on the edge of Lorcan’s farm during a time that he seems to be having a terrible run of bad luck, they embark on a journey unexpected.
You don’t need to know much about Irish lore or Wren Day in particular, as Glenn reveals it beautifully, leading us down a path of mystery and some chaos. There were some great twists and turns, and the development of relationships, not just that of Lorcan and Dara, was wonderful and fulfilling.
It ends with a HFN, but it was one full of promise and an exciting future. I would love to see more of their future adventures.
September 23, 2025
So, before I start, I should admit, I adore Glenn's writing. Moth and Moon is still one of my favorite books in general.
Heart of the Wren was similar in that it gripped me from the beginning and didn't let me go until the final chapter was read.
I have only a cursory knowledge of Irish folklore, but as I read this novel, I felt as if I were a part of that world. That I somehow was experiencing the same things the poor fella who screwed up and needed the witch to rescue him was experiencing.
If you like a tale that twist slightly, and sends you in a direction you weren't quite expecting, along with a very healthy dose of Irishness, you will fully enjoy the reading process as Glenn spins this delightful, slightly erotic tale. I know I certainly did!
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
Heart of the Wren was similar in that it gripped me from the beginning and didn't let me go until the final chapter was read.
I have only a cursory knowledge of Irish folklore, but as I read this novel, I felt as if I were a part of that world. That I somehow was experiencing the same things the poor fella who screwed up and needed the witch to rescue him was experiencing.
If you like a tale that twist slightly, and sends you in a direction you weren't quite expecting, along with a very healthy dose of Irishness, you will fully enjoy the reading process as Glenn spins this delightful, slightly erotic tale. I know I certainly did!
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
October 6, 2025
Heart of the Wren was my first book by Glenn Quigley—and I’m already planning to read more. Set in 1980s rural Ireland, this MM paranormal romance blends folklore, queer love, and quiet resilience in a way that feels both magical and grounded.
I knew nothing about Wren Day or Irish mysticism going in, but the story explains just enough through its rich atmosphere and dialogue that I felt completely immersed. The characters are what truly shine—real, older men with emotional depth, flaws, and quiet charm. I especially appreciated seeing people who felt like actual humans—not polished romance models—falling in love.
If you want a story that’s cozy, creepy, and full of heart (and a spectral horse!), Heart of the Wren is a standout. I’m so glad I picked this one up.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I knew nothing about Wren Day or Irish mysticism going in, but the story explains just enough through its rich atmosphere and dialogue that I felt completely immersed. The characters are what truly shine—real, older men with emotional depth, flaws, and quiet charm. I especially appreciated seeing people who felt like actual humans—not polished romance models—falling in love.
If you want a story that’s cozy, creepy, and full of heart (and a spectral horse!), Heart of the Wren is a standout. I’m so glad I picked this one up.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
October 15, 2025
Heart of the Wren is Glenn Quigley's contribution to the Haunted Hearts Season 2 multiauthor series. It takes place in 1980's Ireland and it's quite the enchanting story. I'm not very educated in Irish mythology or in the tale of the Wren. I only knew it was connected to Ireland through the Chieftain's The Wren in the Furze. So this story was a nice introduction to Celtic mythology.
Farmer Lorcan somehow runs afoul of the local Fae and Witch Dara, a vagabond Traveler, attempts to fix his problems. The story is nicely paced, a humorous and fun read. Glenn Quigley's characters are middle aged and not body perfect. Realistic. Their relationship sizzles, but their love is like a slow, gentle waltz.
A quick read. A story that's both sweet and fantastical. It's my first book by Mr. Quigley and I look forward to many more.
I received an advanced copy of this e book and this is my review.
Farmer Lorcan somehow runs afoul of the local Fae and Witch Dara, a vagabond Traveler, attempts to fix his problems. The story is nicely paced, a humorous and fun read. Glenn Quigley's characters are middle aged and not body perfect. Realistic. Their relationship sizzles, but their love is like a slow, gentle waltz.
A quick read. A story that's both sweet and fantastical. It's my first book by Mr. Quigley and I look forward to many more.
I received an advanced copy of this e book and this is my review.
November 16, 2025
Such a wonderful book. It was the gay romance I didn't realize I wanted. And that's just a part of it. The story is wonderful showcase of supernatural Irish folklore & mythology. I'll definitely reread it again many times I expect.
Lorcan and Dara will be in my heart forever. They are by far my favorite gay fictional couple from anything.
Lorcan and Dara will be in my heart forever. They are by far my favorite gay fictional couple from anything.
October 24, 2025
Wonderful fusion of MM Romance and Irish folklore that goes beyond the cliches of either and delivers a story with richly charismatic characters and a genuinely puzzling mystery.
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