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A Merry Pair
Two best friends. A charming small town. And one fake relationship. A Merry Rom-Com full of banter and swoon worthy moments.
Mason Cleary has almost everything he’s ever wanted. His bar, Roosters. A large family and one loyal golden retriever. The only thing he's missing is someone to spend his life with. He's already found her, but he can never tell her, because she's his best friend.
Olive Watson has sworn off relationships. She loves running her coffee shop, The Olive Bean, by day. Baking pastries and making unique drinks. By evening she crochets and hangs out with her guy best friend, Mason, at his bar. Mason and Olive's mothers have been best friends since high school, so they raised their kids as best friends too.
When Olive’s sister, Oakley, gets engaged. All the family pressure is directed on Olive and Mason. And the Thornwood Valley Cookie Chronicles is announced as a competition for couples only. Mason comes up with an idea to solve both issues. Fake date his best friend until New Year's Day.
Will Olive and Mason get through the holidays unscathed? Or will their life-long friendship be the cost?
A Merry Pair is the second novel in the Thornwood Valley Series. This is an interconnected standalone. You can read this one, without reading the first in the series.
Mason Cleary has almost everything he’s ever wanted. His bar, Roosters. A large family and one loyal golden retriever. The only thing he's missing is someone to spend his life with. He's already found her, but he can never tell her, because she's his best friend.
Olive Watson has sworn off relationships. She loves running her coffee shop, The Olive Bean, by day. Baking pastries and making unique drinks. By evening she crochets and hangs out with her guy best friend, Mason, at his bar. Mason and Olive's mothers have been best friends since high school, so they raised their kids as best friends too.
When Olive’s sister, Oakley, gets engaged. All the family pressure is directed on Olive and Mason. And the Thornwood Valley Cookie Chronicles is announced as a competition for couples only. Mason comes up with an idea to solve both issues. Fake date his best friend until New Year's Day.
Will Olive and Mason get through the holidays unscathed? Or will their life-long friendship be the cost?
A Merry Pair is the second novel in the Thornwood Valley Series. This is an interconnected standalone. You can read this one, without reading the first in the series.
297 pages, ebook
Published November 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Madeline
3 books37 followersSarah Madeline lives for small town romances. Swoon worthy, tension filled moments. Slow burn and meet cringes. She fills her pages with laughter, tears, farm animals, and happily ever afters.
She lives in small town Pennsylvania with her miniature dachshund, cat, and eighteen chickens. Hopefully adding some goats to her family soon. When she's not writing, you can find her reading in front of a warm fire, fishing, baking, or gardening.
She lives in small town Pennsylvania with her miniature dachshund, cat, and eighteen chickens. Hopefully adding some goats to her family soon. When she's not writing, you can find her reading in front of a warm fire, fishing, baking, or gardening.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 21, 2025
ARC review: This story of best friends to lovers was everything. The characters were meant for each other and the way they made each other laugh was everything. If you cannot laugh at each other in a relationship then you’re doing it wrong. Cannot wait to see more stories from this small town. I absolutely love all the characters.
September 27, 2025
I am not normally a romance reader but after reading @sarahmadelineauthor 1st book as an ARC, I knew I needed to read number 2 #AMerryPair. I was not disappointed! Read in order or as a standalone, we get to dip in to the lives of Olive and Mason. I haven’t wanted to live in a town more since Gilmore Girls! She really pulls you in as you follow lifelong best friends fake date for a contest and to keep their families off their backs for being single. It really made me feel so warm and fuzzy! I couldn’t put it down!! #bookstagram #bookreview #loveyourlibrary #readersgonnaread #booknerd #pagesandprimrose
September 22, 2025
Arc Review:
I really enjoyed getting to know Mason and Ollie!! It is one of those matches that just go together.
It was a great continuous small town feel story from story#1 and I am excited for story #3 coming up.
I really enjoyed getting to know Mason and Ollie!! It is one of those matches that just go together.
It was a great continuous small town feel story from story#1 and I am excited for story #3 coming up.
October 1, 2025
Happy to have received an arc copy
Very cute small town holiday romance.
🎄 meddling old ladies
🎄 chickens
🎄 migraine rep
🎄picturesque small town holiday setting
🎄A great read if you’re looking for something cute, cozy, and low stakes
Very cute small town holiday romance.
🎄 meddling old ladies
🎄 chickens
🎄 migraine rep
🎄picturesque small town holiday setting
🎄A great read if you’re looking for something cute, cozy, and low stakes
November 2, 2025
ARC Review-
Book two of the Thornwood Valley series, A Merry Pair centers on lifelong best friends, 29 turned 30 year old coffee shop owner Olive and 30 year old bar owner Mason “Knight” Cleary. When the town’s “gossip mill executive” approaches the duo and mentions the Thornwood Valley Cookie Chronicles competition, all bets are off. The only hitch is that the competition is for couples only. The pair then decides that they must fake a relationship so that they can participate in the competition for the sake of Olive’s love of baking. The idea also doubles as a way to quell their families’ needs to set them up with people to date and cease the relentless questioning of when they will find someone to settle down with. Will their innocently laid plans blow up in their faces and end disastrously or will something grow them that they never expected? This was another cozy and quirky hit from author Sarah Madeline. I enjoyed the friends to lovers aspect of the story as the two MC’s had a unique past of having their families as very close friends their whole lives. I loved that Olive’s character is vibrant and feisty whereas Mason was a total cinnamon roll and tender, the yin and yang of their personalities worked well together. One thing I especially love about this series is the addition of animals (mostly chickens) as secondary characters because they’re always creating chaos and getting into mischief. A Merry Pair had me kept me laughing at its antics, falling in love with its small cozy town atmosphere vibes, and feeling all the love with its love story and close knit family foundation. Definitely recommend for small town, cozy romance lovers who enjoy a bit of laughs along with a lot of love. 4 1/2⭐️
Book two of the Thornwood Valley series, A Merry Pair centers on lifelong best friends, 29 turned 30 year old coffee shop owner Olive and 30 year old bar owner Mason “Knight” Cleary. When the town’s “gossip mill executive” approaches the duo and mentions the Thornwood Valley Cookie Chronicles competition, all bets are off. The only hitch is that the competition is for couples only. The pair then decides that they must fake a relationship so that they can participate in the competition for the sake of Olive’s love of baking. The idea also doubles as a way to quell their families’ needs to set them up with people to date and cease the relentless questioning of when they will find someone to settle down with. Will their innocently laid plans blow up in their faces and end disastrously or will something grow them that they never expected? This was another cozy and quirky hit from author Sarah Madeline. I enjoyed the friends to lovers aspect of the story as the two MC’s had a unique past of having their families as very close friends their whole lives. I loved that Olive’s character is vibrant and feisty whereas Mason was a total cinnamon roll and tender, the yin and yang of their personalities worked well together. One thing I especially love about this series is the addition of animals (mostly chickens) as secondary characters because they’re always creating chaos and getting into mischief. A Merry Pair had me kept me laughing at its antics, falling in love with its small cozy town atmosphere vibes, and feeling all the love with its love story and close knit family foundation. Definitely recommend for small town, cozy romance lovers who enjoy a bit of laughs along with a lot of love. 4 1/2⭐️
December 1, 2025
Book besties, if you crave holiday romances, you’ve stopped at the right place! Because Sarah Madeline DELIVERED, and she delivered HARD!
With A Merry Pair I laughed until I wheezed, squirmed, cried happy tears, and then cried some more because I didn’t want to leave Thornwood Valley!
We have fake dating (my new obsession), forced proximity, one bed (duh), a protective tattooed cinnamon roll MMC who calls her Firefly, and a chaotic redhead coffee shop queen who decorates like Santa’s factory exploded and survives on caffeine IVs. Also… chickens. Actual walking chickens at his bar called Rooster’s. And a golden retriever named Moose. I’m in love.
The sledding crash? Booking my husband for the same activity this winter. The slow-dance in the empty bar? Goosebumps and palm-on-face nerves. The cookie bake-off that’s basically cozy Chopped? I need this televised.
When these two best friends finally realize what everyone else already knew? I SOBBED. Happy tears only.
I need Olive as my real-life bestie: unlimited chocolate-chip pumpkin scones, mulled wine dates, and Christmas cheer? Yes please (calories don’t count with friends, right?). Mason is the embodiment of perfect book boyfriend.
Thank you Sarah Madeline for this absolute gem of a rom-com! Already counting the days until I circle back to A Fowl Play and A Handy Christmas.
5★★★★★ obviously! 🎄☕🐓✨
With A Merry Pair I laughed until I wheezed, squirmed, cried happy tears, and then cried some more because I didn’t want to leave Thornwood Valley!
We have fake dating (my new obsession), forced proximity, one bed (duh), a protective tattooed cinnamon roll MMC who calls her Firefly, and a chaotic redhead coffee shop queen who decorates like Santa’s factory exploded and survives on caffeine IVs. Also… chickens. Actual walking chickens at his bar called Rooster’s. And a golden retriever named Moose. I’m in love.
The sledding crash? Booking my husband for the same activity this winter. The slow-dance in the empty bar? Goosebumps and palm-on-face nerves. The cookie bake-off that’s basically cozy Chopped? I need this televised.
When these two best friends finally realize what everyone else already knew? I SOBBED. Happy tears only.
I need Olive as my real-life bestie: unlimited chocolate-chip pumpkin scones, mulled wine dates, and Christmas cheer? Yes please (calories don’t count with friends, right?). Mason is the embodiment of perfect book boyfriend.
Thank you Sarah Madeline for this absolute gem of a rom-com! Already counting the days until I circle back to A Fowl Play and A Handy Christmas.
5★★★★★ obviously! 🎄☕🐓✨
December 15, 2025
This takes place over the entire month of December and absolutely screams small town Christmas vibes. Two best friends of thirty years whose families mean well but meddle constantly end up being pushed together when the town gossip columnist launches a couples only holiday baking competition. Mason knows Olive is tired of being the odd one out, so he offers to pretend to be her boyfriend so she can compete.
Friends to lovers, fake dating, mutual pining, and the “the other person is just a really good actor” trope are all here, but they’re executed so well that at one point I literally yelled “oh my god just have sex already.” It feels earned and realistic, especially because they’ve been best friends forever and their families are basically one big unit. The chemistry is obvious and the banter is solid.
This is technically a standalone, though it’s the second book in a series centered on the town. I didn’t feel lost at all jumping in here, but I did go back to check out the first book afterward, which says a lot. Now I’m genuinely looking forward to the third book coming out this spring.
Friends to lovers, fake dating, mutual pining, and the “the other person is just a really good actor” trope are all here, but they’re executed so well that at one point I literally yelled “oh my god just have sex already.” It feels earned and realistic, especially because they’ve been best friends forever and their families are basically one big unit. The chemistry is obvious and the banter is solid.
This is technically a standalone, though it’s the second book in a series centered on the town. I didn’t feel lost at all jumping in here, but I did go back to check out the first book afterward, which says a lot. Now I’m genuinely looking forward to the third book coming out this spring.
September 21, 2025
This book absolutely delivers all the cozy, small-town vibes! Set in Thornwood Valley, “A Merry Pair” charmed me with its comforting setting and lovable characters. Olive and Mason’s journey from friends to lovers, with some perfectly executed forced proximity, gave me serious happy sighs.
I really loved how Mason loves Olive in his own quiet, steady way, and it’s so satisfying to watch Olive finally realize he’s the one for her. Mason honestly sets the standard for fictional men; Sarah Madeline nailed it! The writing is smooth, the chemistry builds naturally, and the ending is the sweetest ever. If you’re looking for a book that makes you smile and leaves your heart cozy, this is IT. Can’t wait for the next Thornwood Valley story!
I really loved how Mason loves Olive in his own quiet, steady way, and it’s so satisfying to watch Olive finally realize he’s the one for her. Mason honestly sets the standard for fictional men; Sarah Madeline nailed it! The writing is smooth, the chemistry builds naturally, and the ending is the sweetest ever. If you’re looking for a book that makes you smile and leaves your heart cozy, this is IT. Can’t wait for the next Thornwood Valley story!
November 10, 2025
4.5⭐️. First of all, I was so glad to be back in this town with all of its quirky characters and of course, the chickens. I looked forward to reading Mason and Olive’s love story after being introduced to them in A Fowl Match and this book didn’t disappoint. Mason and Olive were truly best friends and everything to each other from the very beginning of the book. I love that Mason fell fast and hard for Olive years ago, maybe even his whole life. I loved reading about how kind Olive and Mason were to each other in words and gestures. It does take Olive some time to get there but Sarah Madeline delivers with the extended HEA so I didn’t feel I missed any of their love story after they got together. Thank you to Sarah Madeline for the opportunity to read this early!
November 2, 2025
In A Merry Pair, Sarah Madeline delivers a heartwarming small-town holiday romance brimming with charm, humor, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on you like the scent of freshly baked cookies.
We meet Mason and Olive, lifelong best friends and successful entrepreneurs in their cozy little town — the kind where everyone knows everyone else’s business and helps each other out no matter what. Olive runs her bakery and coffee shop, The Olive Bean, with passion and grit, while Mason manages his own bar, Rooster’s, just down the street. What Olive doesn’t know is that Mason’s been harboring feelings for her for years, content to stay quietly in love if it means keeping her close.
But when the local gossip queen announces a “couples-only cookie competition,” Olive’s disappointment over not being able to participate gives Mason the perfect excuse to make a bold move. In a moment equal parts impulsive and heartfelt, he declares that he and Olive are dating. The fake relationship sparks laughter, confusion, and a slow-burn realization that maybe, just maybe, the feelings between them were never one-sided after all.
Madeline’s writing shines with small-town warmth and witty banter. The chemistry between Mason and Olive leaps off the page — playful, tender, and full of that delicious tension that only comes from years of friendship turning into something more. The holiday setting adds the perfect sprinkle of nostalgia and joy, making this story feel like a cozy Hallmark movie with extra emotional depth.
A Merry Pair is a sweet, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance that will leave readers smiling and craving cookies. Perfect for fans of fake dating, small-town gossip, and holiday happily-ever-afters.
We meet Mason and Olive, lifelong best friends and successful entrepreneurs in their cozy little town — the kind where everyone knows everyone else’s business and helps each other out no matter what. Olive runs her bakery and coffee shop, The Olive Bean, with passion and grit, while Mason manages his own bar, Rooster’s, just down the street. What Olive doesn’t know is that Mason’s been harboring feelings for her for years, content to stay quietly in love if it means keeping her close.
But when the local gossip queen announces a “couples-only cookie competition,” Olive’s disappointment over not being able to participate gives Mason the perfect excuse to make a bold move. In a moment equal parts impulsive and heartfelt, he declares that he and Olive are dating. The fake relationship sparks laughter, confusion, and a slow-burn realization that maybe, just maybe, the feelings between them were never one-sided after all.
Madeline’s writing shines with small-town warmth and witty banter. The chemistry between Mason and Olive leaps off the page — playful, tender, and full of that delicious tension that only comes from years of friendship turning into something more. The holiday setting adds the perfect sprinkle of nostalgia and joy, making this story feel like a cozy Hallmark movie with extra emotional depth.
A Merry Pair is a sweet, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance that will leave readers smiling and craving cookies. Perfect for fans of fake dating, small-town gossip, and holiday happily-ever-afters.
December 11, 2025
this ones was a struggle. ngl mason is the worst kind of person and was a little creepy? Pining after you're friend for YEARS come on man. Also the tattoo - why are you making this girl guess riddles - you're a grown man use your words? "I'll silently suffer watching you fall in love with someone else" like I get what we were trying to do here but it just didn't land for me. Also miss Olive you can't be that unaware that he was obsessed with you??? Genuinely did not like the nicknames either. I wanted to like it 😔 just not for me
October 29, 2025
The yearninnnnnng! Whew!
A Merry Pair seriously was the sweetest friends to lovers I've ever read. After reading A Fowl Match (book 1) I couldnt wait to find out the MC'S for book 2. Then I found out it was Olivia & Mason. I already knew this would be a 5 star read. The chemistry these two have iss top tier.
Sarah Madeline not only write great plots and main characters but her side characters make you fall in love with every page turn.
thank you so much Sarah for the ARC. 🩷
A Merry Pair seriously was the sweetest friends to lovers I've ever read. After reading A Fowl Match (book 1) I couldnt wait to find out the MC'S for book 2. Then I found out it was Olivia & Mason. I already knew this would be a 5 star read. The chemistry these two have iss top tier.
Sarah Madeline not only write great plots and main characters but her side characters make you fall in love with every page turn.
thank you so much Sarah for the ARC. 🩷
November 6, 2025
A best friends to lovers, it’s been you all along Christmas romance. He falls first, its always been her, fake dating, experience. chicken shenanigans are included 😂
I loved this feel good Merry Pairing. And Mason, always being there? Always putting her first above his own desires? Absolutely swoon worthy.
I loved this feel good Merry Pairing. And Mason, always being there? Always putting her first above his own desires? Absolutely swoon worthy.
September 30, 2025
3.75 rounding up to 4 stars! ⭐️
A sweet small town friends to lovers romance with fake dating, which is all I love in one book! 👌 My very first ARC, thank you to the author 🙌
Also my favorite scene is, when Olive and Mason confess their feelings at the same time! 😍
A sweet small town friends to lovers romance with fake dating, which is all I love in one book! 👌 My very first ARC, thank you to the author 🙌
Also my favorite scene is, when Olive and Mason confess their feelings at the same time! 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
This book was an extremely cutesy, small town Christmas romance!
**arc review**
**arc review**
October 26, 2025
Olive and Mason completely won me over. Their friendship was already so strong, and seeing it slowly turn into something more felt natural and heartfelt. Thornwood Valley felt alive and cozy, with families, and traditions. Mason was genuinely sweet, protective, and so easy to root for, while Olive was funny, relatable, and lovable. The romance was slow burn but satisfying. 5 stars without a doubt! Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
December 17, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and really enjoyed it!
The storyline was super sweet and all of the characters were endearing and really felt like people you’d want to know in real life. Being a small town girl myself, I loved the setting and how the author used that atmosphere to really drive the story.
The storyline was super sweet and all of the characters were endearing and really felt like people you’d want to know in real life. Being a small town girl myself, I loved the setting and how the author used that atmosphere to really drive the story.
October 24, 2025
Received this as my first ARC read. Although this is a cute, cozy read, it fell a teeny bit flat for me. Was a nice read just nothing stood out. I felt some of the book dragged things out a bit. The characters, Olive and Mason were cute though and I loved that they had been friends so long. Also love that it is based in a small town where everyone appeared to like to know everyone’s business! It is always nice to read a good friends to lovers story.
September 19, 2025
ARC Review
A Merry Pair By Sarah Madeline
Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is seriously one of the sweetest fake dating books I've ever read! You have best friends Olive & Mason who are literally quite perfect together as friends! But they fake date for not only a competition but also to get their families off their backs! I loved watching the feelings unfold and how Olive & Mason realize how much the other means to them! Oh and lets not forget Constance! My goodness she is one meddling woman! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!!!
A Merry Pair By Sarah Madeline
Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is seriously one of the sweetest fake dating books I've ever read! You have best friends Olive & Mason who are literally quite perfect together as friends! But they fake date for not only a competition but also to get their families off their backs! I loved watching the feelings unfold and how Olive & Mason realize how much the other means to them! Oh and lets not forget Constance! My goodness she is one meddling woman! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!!!
October 25, 2025
Very sweet, friends-to-lovers small-town romance.
October 4, 2025
Rating: 3 ⭐️
Firstly thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this book as an eARC, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity!
Overall, I found this to be a fine and easy read. A small town romance, with meddling ladies, chickens, a little bit of baking and a beautiful friends to lovers arc. This is just an all round wholesome/sweet romance.
Not much stood out to me though, it was a fairly average read for me. It took me a little while to go through it, some bits I loved (I totally wanted more baking fun!), whilst others dragged a bit more.
I didn’t enjoy the occasional breaking the fourth wall that happens - I do have book 1, but ran out of time to read it before receiving this arc so I’m unsure if this is common in the series, but it took me out the story personally.
I really loved the character of Mason and seeing his POVs around Olive were so sweet. Olive was a breath of fresh air and fun though I occasionally wanted to take her by the shoulders and tell her to open her eyes to Mason. I’m sure they will cameo occasionally later in the series and it’ll be cute!
Spice: 1 🌶️ (there is 1 small scene, though not graphic)
Firstly thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this book as an eARC, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity!
Overall, I found this to be a fine and easy read. A small town romance, with meddling ladies, chickens, a little bit of baking and a beautiful friends to lovers arc. This is just an all round wholesome/sweet romance.
Not much stood out to me though, it was a fairly average read for me. It took me a little while to go through it, some bits I loved (I totally wanted more baking fun!), whilst others dragged a bit more.
I didn’t enjoy the occasional breaking the fourth wall that happens - I do have book 1, but ran out of time to read it before receiving this arc so I’m unsure if this is common in the series, but it took me out the story personally.
I really loved the character of Mason and seeing his POVs around Olive were so sweet. Olive was a breath of fresh air and fun though I occasionally wanted to take her by the shoulders and tell her to open her eyes to Mason. I’m sure they will cameo occasionally later in the series and it’ll be cute!
Spice: 1 🌶️ (there is 1 small scene, though not graphic)
November 9, 2025
I want to start with a big thank you to the author, and I’m sorry for being late with my ARC review. I love how Mason loves Olive-his POVs were filled with his affection for her. However, some parts of this book were dragging.
I really enjoyed the relationships everyone had in their town and how they were always so eager to help each other. Hmmm… it was a fairly quick read; however, nothing was surprising, and it was quite easy to see what would happen in the story and how it would end.
I really enjoyed the relationships everyone had in their town and how they were always so eager to help each other. Hmmm… it was a fairly quick read; however, nothing was surprising, and it was quite easy to see what would happen in the story and how it would end.
September 30, 2025
Sarah Madeline's A Merry Pair is the second interconnected standalone novel in the Thornwood Valley series. If you've read A Fowl Match, then you would've met our characters in this story, plus those quirky citizens who inhabit the small Pennsylvanian town. This novel is a great cozy read while sipping on a mug of hot chocolate and ensconced in a blanket while the fire crackles in the background. If you love the small town vibes with quirky characters, friends-to-lovers, and chickens, then this story is for you.
Mason Cleary and Olive Watson have known each other their entire lives. Both of their families are close and spend time with one another, even spending the holidays with one another. After all these years, many people, especially their families, thought that these two would be the perfect pair, if only they would see it and come to their senses. Mason has been in love with Olive for years, but has yet to tell her, while Olive, after a string of bad relationships, has decided to stray away from relationships. While these two are content with their friendship, with the help of some meddling characters, these two enter a fake relationship so they can enter a holiday baking competition. They'll maintain the guise for the holidays, then "break-up" after the new year. Everyone will be ecstatic when they enter a relationship, their mothers can stop trying to set them up with potential partners, and they can enter a baking competition. Plus, they would still be hanging out with one another, albeit with a more romantic flair, which they already do. It's a win-win situation. What could go wrong?
What I enjoyed reading about this story is how much love Mason and Olive have for each other, and the different ways that they show it. There are so many moments where their conversations with one another show how close they are and why they're best friends. While they both have numerous moments when their dialogue displays their love and affection, it's in the smaller, unsaid things that made the story better. They both acknowledge how the other is attractive, but the way that they see their character is something to adore. It's also the way they can read each other's moods, know what the other is going to say or do before they do it, making things with the other in mind, is cute.
The Clearys and Watsons are hilarious. They're one big giant family that constantly pulls pranks on one another. The particular Christmas scene was funny to read. You can see how close everyone is, and how it influences both Mason and Olive's perspective on what they want in life. Also, I love Moose and all of the chickens that live behind Mason's bar. After reading A Fowl Match and being introduced to all of these characters, you can't help but feel like you're in Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. There are so many quirky characters, but they all care for one another and are willing to lend a hand if needed. So it's easy to see how we're going to see how this town is going to try and get another couple together.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this story, and I can't wait to read the next one. I'm hoping there will be more chickens involved.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Sarah Madeline for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.
Mason Cleary and Olive Watson have known each other their entire lives. Both of their families are close and spend time with one another, even spending the holidays with one another. After all these years, many people, especially their families, thought that these two would be the perfect pair, if only they would see it and come to their senses. Mason has been in love with Olive for years, but has yet to tell her, while Olive, after a string of bad relationships, has decided to stray away from relationships. While these two are content with their friendship, with the help of some meddling characters, these two enter a fake relationship so they can enter a holiday baking competition. They'll maintain the guise for the holidays, then "break-up" after the new year. Everyone will be ecstatic when they enter a relationship, their mothers can stop trying to set them up with potential partners, and they can enter a baking competition. Plus, they would still be hanging out with one another, albeit with a more romantic flair, which they already do. It's a win-win situation. What could go wrong?
What I enjoyed reading about this story is how much love Mason and Olive have for each other, and the different ways that they show it. There are so many moments where their conversations with one another show how close they are and why they're best friends. While they both have numerous moments when their dialogue displays their love and affection, it's in the smaller, unsaid things that made the story better. They both acknowledge how the other is attractive, but the way that they see their character is something to adore. It's also the way they can read each other's moods, know what the other is going to say or do before they do it, making things with the other in mind, is cute.
The Clearys and Watsons are hilarious. They're one big giant family that constantly pulls pranks on one another. The particular Christmas scene was funny to read. You can see how close everyone is, and how it influences both Mason and Olive's perspective on what they want in life. Also, I love Moose and all of the chickens that live behind Mason's bar. After reading A Fowl Match and being introduced to all of these characters, you can't help but feel like you're in Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. There are so many quirky characters, but they all care for one another and are willing to lend a hand if needed. So it's easy to see how we're going to see how this town is going to try and get another couple together.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this story, and I can't wait to read the next one. I'm hoping there will be more chickens involved.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Sarah Madeline for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.
December 23, 2025
A best friends to lovers, fake dating holiday romance set in the small town of Thornwood Valley.
Mason Cleary's life is going great. His bar, The Rooster, is thriving and he's spending time with his family. Only thing is, he's been crushing hard on his best friend, Olive Watson, for nearly a decade. Olive has sworn off all romantic relationships after her last messy breakup, and she is afraid of all the pressure her parents are going to put on her this holiday season now that her final sister is engaged. To appease their parents, Mason and Olive decide to fake date until New Years in the hopes that their families won't pressure them during the holiday season. And bonus, there is a couples only baking competition that they'll be able to enter, too. However, fake feelings are hard to keep fake, especially when one's childhood best friend has been crushing on you for years.
I definitely didn't enjoy this one as much as the first, but it was a decently cute holiday read. I was a big fan of the beginning, but it sort of fell off a cliff after a while.
Some of the beginning parts of this book were really sweet. Mason and Olive stay at a remote cabin together with Mason's dog, which was a really cozy experience. The baking competition was another really sweet moment, especially because Olive owns a coffee shop/bakery. The sledding scene also added to the wintery fun.
My favorite part of this book has to be Mason and Olive's chemistry. These two have been best friends forever, so they mesh well. They had some great inside jokes and helped each other out before the other one even asked so many times. It was sweet to see the way that they care for one another, especially when it came to the little things they did for each other.
I must say, I did read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, so there is a chance some of these issues I'm about to discuss were fixed before the publication date. However, there was a part in the last third of the book where it repeated itself and it felt disjointed up to the very end. After the repeated scene, it just felt like parts of the book were completely out of order, and it was hard for me to coherently try to follow the plot. Also, there were several things that happened in this one that were never mentioned again. There is literally a scene in which Olive buys a gift for Mason, but then she gifts him something else entirely. The ending was so off that it was hard to enjoy, but it was great seeing Mason and Olive get together in the end.
Overall, "A Merry Pair" certainly had some problems, but it was still a decent enough holiday read. I really enjoyed the chaotic meet cute in the first book, but it was fun to change it up with a best friends to lovers in this one. Mason and Olive have a ton of chemistry and it was easy to ship them. However, the ending was rather disjointed and was confused by how some things went down in the end, but I did read an ARC, so hopefully some of these things were remedied before pub day. I look forward to checking out "A Handy Duo" in the New Year, despite my mixed feelings for this one!
Mason Cleary's life is going great. His bar, The Rooster, is thriving and he's spending time with his family. Only thing is, he's been crushing hard on his best friend, Olive Watson, for nearly a decade. Olive has sworn off all romantic relationships after her last messy breakup, and she is afraid of all the pressure her parents are going to put on her this holiday season now that her final sister is engaged. To appease their parents, Mason and Olive decide to fake date until New Years in the hopes that their families won't pressure them during the holiday season. And bonus, there is a couples only baking competition that they'll be able to enter, too. However, fake feelings are hard to keep fake, especially when one's childhood best friend has been crushing on you for years.
I definitely didn't enjoy this one as much as the first, but it was a decently cute holiday read. I was a big fan of the beginning, but it sort of fell off a cliff after a while.
Some of the beginning parts of this book were really sweet. Mason and Olive stay at a remote cabin together with Mason's dog, which was a really cozy experience. The baking competition was another really sweet moment, especially because Olive owns a coffee shop/bakery. The sledding scene also added to the wintery fun.
My favorite part of this book has to be Mason and Olive's chemistry. These two have been best friends forever, so they mesh well. They had some great inside jokes and helped each other out before the other one even asked so many times. It was sweet to see the way that they care for one another, especially when it came to the little things they did for each other.
I must say, I did read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, so there is a chance some of these issues I'm about to discuss were fixed before the publication date. However, there was a part in the last third of the book where it repeated itself and it felt disjointed up to the very end. After the repeated scene, it just felt like parts of the book were completely out of order, and it was hard for me to coherently try to follow the plot. Also, there were several things that happened in this one that were never mentioned again. There is literally a scene in which Olive buys a gift for Mason, but then she gifts him something else entirely. The ending was so off that it was hard to enjoy, but it was great seeing Mason and Olive get together in the end.
Overall, "A Merry Pair" certainly had some problems, but it was still a decent enough holiday read. I really enjoyed the chaotic meet cute in the first book, but it was fun to change it up with a best friends to lovers in this one. Mason and Olive have a ton of chemistry and it was easy to ship them. However, the ending was rather disjointed and was confused by how some things went down in the end, but I did read an ARC, so hopefully some of these things were remedied before pub day. I look forward to checking out "A Handy Duo" in the New Year, despite my mixed feelings for this one!
September 29, 2025
*ARC reader*
I really LOVED Mason and Olive! They have a really beautiful friendship and care so much about each other in a really unique and special way, I just loved seeing their interactions. Sure, they fall in love eventually, but their friendship is the foundation for everything and it's a damn good one! It made me feel warm and fuzzy. The fake dating + Christmas combo was just too good! The cozy vibes were 10/10 and I literally couldn't stop reading.
The dynamics with their families were great, so chaotic and relatable, specially during the holidays. The town is also amazing and totally gave me Stars Hollow vibes, with lots of events and people who care so much that it's almost too much sometimes.
Mason is such a sweet and caring guy (also a protector but not in that annoying caveman way male characters often are), I was so in love with him since the beginning. The way he talks about Olive had me giggling and kicking my feet. The man was madly in love and not afraid to show it in his own way. I also love Olive, she's so funny and very relatable! It was great seeing how happy she was to be herself with Mason knowing he would never judge her for it, it's just too cute!
I absolutely love romance and I was so ready for them to be together and it was totally worth the wait. also, THE kiss scene was sooo good!!
It was great seeing Violet and Dustin again and they are a great couple, but I have to admit Olive and Mason are my favorites so far! I'm sure I'll read it again soon because I already miss them!
I really LOVED Mason and Olive! They have a really beautiful friendship and care so much about each other in a really unique and special way, I just loved seeing their interactions. Sure, they fall in love eventually, but their friendship is the foundation for everything and it's a damn good one! It made me feel warm and fuzzy. The fake dating + Christmas combo was just too good! The cozy vibes were 10/10 and I literally couldn't stop reading.
The dynamics with their families were great, so chaotic and relatable, specially during the holidays. The town is also amazing and totally gave me Stars Hollow vibes, with lots of events and people who care so much that it's almost too much sometimes.
Mason is such a sweet and caring guy (also a protector but not in that annoying caveman way male characters often are), I was so in love with him since the beginning. The way he talks about Olive had me giggling and kicking my feet. The man was madly in love and not afraid to show it in his own way. I also love Olive, she's so funny and very relatable! It was great seeing how happy she was to be herself with Mason knowing he would never judge her for it, it's just too cute!
I absolutely love romance and I was so ready for them to be together and it was totally worth the wait. also, THE kiss scene was sooo good!!
It was great seeing Violet and Dustin again and they are a great couple, but I have to admit Olive and Mason are my favorites so far! I'm sure I'll read it again soon because I already miss them!
October 27, 2025
"It's always been you, Olive. There was no one else. It was only you."
3.5 stars
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I actually had the pleasure of beta reading this back in the spring, so it was really fun to get to revisit this characters and see how the story had changed!! If you're looking for a holiday rom-com with charming hallmark vibes, definitely give this one a shot.
This story is set in the quaint little town of Thornwood Valley. I loved the cozy setting and how involved the whole town is in everyone's business lol it was the perfect backdrop for classic rom-com shenanigans, including a cookie competition with a whole fake dating plot!!
It's clear from the start that Olive and Mason care so much for each other. Their friendship was truly one of the sweetest things and it was really endearing how they knew each other inside and out. I thought their connection was so special and I loved getting to witness it slowly bloom into something more. Mason falls first and definitely harder, but once Olive caught up to him, it was actually really sweet how all in she was.
If you didn't read the first book, you could totally still read this one, but I really enjoyed how involved Violet and Dustin were and getting to see them past their HEA from their book. This book is filled with nosy, meddling side characters who bring so much comedic antics to the story lol it'll definitely get you smiling at their ridiculous highjinks.
Anyway, I loved the sneak peek we got for the next book!! Can't wait!
3.5 stars
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I actually had the pleasure of beta reading this back in the spring, so it was really fun to get to revisit this characters and see how the story had changed!! If you're looking for a holiday rom-com with charming hallmark vibes, definitely give this one a shot.
This story is set in the quaint little town of Thornwood Valley. I loved the cozy setting and how involved the whole town is in everyone's business lol it was the perfect backdrop for classic rom-com shenanigans, including a cookie competition with a whole fake dating plot!!
It's clear from the start that Olive and Mason care so much for each other. Their friendship was truly one of the sweetest things and it was really endearing how they knew each other inside and out. I thought their connection was so special and I loved getting to witness it slowly bloom into something more. Mason falls first and definitely harder, but once Olive caught up to him, it was actually really sweet how all in she was.
If you didn't read the first book, you could totally still read this one, but I really enjoyed how involved Violet and Dustin were and getting to see them past their HEA from their book. This book is filled with nosy, meddling side characters who bring so much comedic antics to the story lol it'll definitely get you smiling at their ridiculous highjinks.
Anyway, I loved the sneak peek we got for the next book!! Can't wait!
October 1, 2025
When fake dating your best friend feels a little too real 💕
📖 A Merry Pair by Sarah Madeline
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🫑
Genre: Christmas romcom / Small town romance
Olive and Mason have been best friends their whole lives, growing up side by side thanks to their moms’ lifelong friendship. But when Olive’s sister gets engaged, suddenly the spotlight is on the two of them as the only singles left. With a couples-only holiday cooking competition on the horizon—and families meddling nonstop—they agree to fake date. What Olive doesn’t know? Mason has been in love with her for years.
This book is sweet, gentle, and so genuine. Their friendship-turned-romance was tender in the purest way, filled with small moments of devotion. Olive shines with all her quirks, passions, and unapologetic self, while Mason is the ultimate green-flag hero—protective, thoughtful, and completely devoted. The way he helps her, loves her, and notices every detail made me swoon.
The small-town holiday setting was full of warmth and laughter. Families meddle, yes, but with so much love and chaos (and pranks!). Even the chickens and the dog added charm. I finished with a big smile on my face—this story just radiates comfort and joy.
Thank you Sarah for this ARC!
Tropes:
👩❤️👨 Best friends to lovers
🎄 Fake relationship
🏠 Forced proximity
💌 “It’s always been you”
🛏 One bed
💚 He falls first and hard
🥰 Cute nicknames
🏡 Small town
👨👩👧👦 Family bond
🐔 Pet chickens + dog
❌ No third act breakup
📖 A Merry Pair by Sarah Madeline
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🫑
Genre: Christmas romcom / Small town romance
Olive and Mason have been best friends their whole lives, growing up side by side thanks to their moms’ lifelong friendship. But when Olive’s sister gets engaged, suddenly the spotlight is on the two of them as the only singles left. With a couples-only holiday cooking competition on the horizon—and families meddling nonstop—they agree to fake date. What Olive doesn’t know? Mason has been in love with her for years.
This book is sweet, gentle, and so genuine. Their friendship-turned-romance was tender in the purest way, filled with small moments of devotion. Olive shines with all her quirks, passions, and unapologetic self, while Mason is the ultimate green-flag hero—protective, thoughtful, and completely devoted. The way he helps her, loves her, and notices every detail made me swoon.
The small-town holiday setting was full of warmth and laughter. Families meddle, yes, but with so much love and chaos (and pranks!). Even the chickens and the dog added charm. I finished with a big smile on my face—this story just radiates comfort and joy.
Thank you Sarah for this ARC!
Tropes:
👩❤️👨 Best friends to lovers
🎄 Fake relationship
🏠 Forced proximity
💌 “It’s always been you”
🛏 One bed
💚 He falls first and hard
🥰 Cute nicknames
🏡 Small town
👨👩👧👦 Family bond
🐔 Pet chickens + dog
❌ No third act breakup
November 7, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this book as an ARC and it was so good I had to get the first book of the series, A Fowl Pair. But back to a Merry Pair...
This is the second book of Sarah Madeline's Thornwood Valley series. This one follows best friends Mason (the local tavern owner who allows his chickens to run free throughout the town) and Olivia (the local coffee shop owner and excellent baker) as they navigate their long term friendship with deeper feelings than both of them care to admit.
This is another believable love story that Sarah shares with us as we all know a pair of friends that should be together but are not. Everyone sees it but them. And through another year of the annual small business owners contest/games, the forced proximity of competing as a team allow them to see things in a different light. Frustrated with their families comments about being the remaining singles, they decide to fake a relationship to get them to leave them alone. And we all know how the fake relationships turn out......they turn into real ones.
The romantic tension between the two is palpable, and throughout the book there are times where it is actually comical in their refusal to admit to each other and themselves the feelings they both have for each other.
Spoiler alert: yes, there is a HEA ending. Great quick read that will make your heart feel good.
This is the second book of Sarah Madeline's Thornwood Valley series. This one follows best friends Mason (the local tavern owner who allows his chickens to run free throughout the town) and Olivia (the local coffee shop owner and excellent baker) as they navigate their long term friendship with deeper feelings than both of them care to admit.
This is another believable love story that Sarah shares with us as we all know a pair of friends that should be together but are not. Everyone sees it but them. And through another year of the annual small business owners contest/games, the forced proximity of competing as a team allow them to see things in a different light. Frustrated with their families comments about being the remaining singles, they decide to fake a relationship to get them to leave them alone. And we all know how the fake relationships turn out......they turn into real ones.
The romantic tension between the two is palpable, and throughout the book there are times where it is actually comical in their refusal to admit to each other and themselves the feelings they both have for each other.
Spoiler alert: yes, there is a HEA ending. Great quick read that will make your heart feel good.
September 25, 2025
A Merry Pair Review (ARC EDITION):
5 Stars
Okay let me start off by saying OH MY GOSH! Sarah Madeline is such an incredible writer, She really knows how to make you feel like you're right there inside of a hallmark movie. The way the characters come to life on paper and basically make you hang onto every word?
Brilliant. I was SO excited to get the chance to read her second book as my very first arc. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions to say the least lol. I cried a little bit towards the end (good tears!) and at times yelled so loud, my husband was genuinely concerned at first
Nonetheless, the rating is five stars all around
Olive and Mason has become one of my newest favorite couples. I was also extremely grateful to see some old characters come back like Violet and Dustin, just seeing how they were doing too was an amazing contribution. I also really love all the chickens that's incorporated into these books, they make me laugh. Top tier. To
Sarah, Thank you for this amazing opportunity! Please don't ever stop writing books, you're a magnificent writer. Can't wait for your next one!
5 Stars
Okay let me start off by saying OH MY GOSH! Sarah Madeline is such an incredible writer, She really knows how to make you feel like you're right there inside of a hallmark movie. The way the characters come to life on paper and basically make you hang onto every word?
Brilliant. I was SO excited to get the chance to read her second book as my very first arc. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions to say the least lol. I cried a little bit towards the end (good tears!) and at times yelled so loud, my husband was genuinely concerned at first
Nonetheless, the rating is five stars all around
Olive and Mason has become one of my newest favorite couples. I was also extremely grateful to see some old characters come back like Violet and Dustin, just seeing how they were doing too was an amazing contribution. I also really love all the chickens that's incorporated into these books, they make me laugh. Top tier. To
Sarah, Thank you for this amazing opportunity! Please don't ever stop writing books, you're a magnificent writer. Can't wait for your next one!
December 17, 2025
Olive and Mason have been best friends for their entire lives. Their mothers have been besties since school, making it so both families grew up super close and they celebrate the holidays together.
When there’s an announcement that there will be a “couples only” cookie baking competition, Mason and Olive decide to fake a relationship in order to participate. They figure it would also be a good way to get their mothers off their back for being single during Christmas, so they are decide to keep up fake dating until the new year.
I’m not usually big on fake dating tropes, but I loved the way that these two had been friends forever and knew everything about the other. They had nicknames and gave each other very thoughtful gifts. It was a slow burn that had me screaming at Olive to JUST KISS HIM but it was so worth the wait!
Reading this felt like being at home. I also live in a small PA town and have chickens, dogs, and a cat. Olive’s mom’s name was Beth too! There was nothing not to like about this book and I will happily recommend it to anyone looking good a good holiday romance!
When there’s an announcement that there will be a “couples only” cookie baking competition, Mason and Olive decide to fake a relationship in order to participate. They figure it would also be a good way to get their mothers off their back for being single during Christmas, so they are decide to keep up fake dating until the new year.
I’m not usually big on fake dating tropes, but I loved the way that these two had been friends forever and knew everything about the other. They had nicknames and gave each other very thoughtful gifts. It was a slow burn that had me screaming at Olive to JUST KISS HIM but it was so worth the wait!
Reading this felt like being at home. I also live in a small PA town and have chickens, dogs, and a cat. Olive’s mom’s name was Beth too! There was nothing not to like about this book and I will happily recommend it to anyone looking good a good holiday romance!
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