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Hartbridge Christmas #6
Merry and Bright
When given the opportunity to make his dream of owning his own bookstore come true, Winter Atkins couldn’t say yes quick enough. Moving to Hartbridge, Montana, with his favorite aunt is the adventure he needs to start over. And leaving behind a string of unhappy boyfriends because of his asexuality, Winter is all too happy to shelve the idea of dating forever.
Deacon Clark has never fit in. Autistic and neurodivergent, he excels in his studies and at his father’s veterinary clinic, but his social skills are lacking. He’s attracted to men, but his bluntness and aversion to physical touch have made dating impossible.
When Winter brings an injured cat into Deacon’s clinic, it sparks an unlikely friendship; something both men need more than they realize. Hartbridge’s Christmas Cupid has his work cut out for him this year. But with the help of two newly orphaned kittens, from friendship, the strongest bond forms.
Deacon Clark has never fit in. Autistic and neurodivergent, he excels in his studies and at his father’s veterinary clinic, but his social skills are lacking. He’s attracted to men, but his bluntness and aversion to physical touch have made dating impossible.
When Winter brings an injured cat into Deacon’s clinic, it sparks an unlikely friendship; something both men need more than they realize. Hartbridge’s Christmas Cupid has his work cut out for him this year. But with the help of two newly orphaned kittens, from friendship, the strongest bond forms.
350 pages, ebook
First published December 4, 2025
192 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
134 books5,303 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
December 6, 2025
~2.75~
The good news is that I liked Merry and Bright better than the fifth book (featuring Dr. Rob and the fireman) in this series.
The bad news is that the whole schtick is getting repetitive. The Christmas cupid, previous MCs playing matchmaker, super-duper queer-friendly town, lighting of the Christmas tree ... we've reached Groundhog Day levels of sameness.
The MCs were my favorite thing about this story, mostly because they were unconventional.
Deacon, a vet who works at his dad's practice, is autistic; he struggles with social interactions, doesn't like to be touched, and is abrupt to the point of rudeness (which, of course, is not his intention).
Winter, who's homoromantic but asexual, has just moved to town with his aunt and is opening a book store. Winter is a bit awkward, emotional, and goes off on tangents.
The men bond over books, poetry, and two orphaned kittens.
As much as I liked the MCs, they read much younger than their ages (mid-20s). Something about this story (and it wasn't the lack of sex) felt juvenile, like YA in disguise.
Deacon still lives with his parents, and his dad is all up in his business (dad means well of course, but it's still a lot). Winter lives with his aunt who helps him out financially and is his mom/bestie combined. Everyone treats the MCs like they're soft and precious, but they're grown men, fully capable of navigating life.
There is no plot, no relationship angst, just a couple minor conflicts, adorable kittens, and flufftastic feel-goodness.
The good news is that I liked Merry and Bright better than the fifth book (featuring Dr. Rob and the fireman) in this series.
The bad news is that the whole schtick is getting repetitive. The Christmas cupid, previous MCs playing matchmaker, super-duper queer-friendly town, lighting of the Christmas tree ... we've reached Groundhog Day levels of sameness.
The MCs were my favorite thing about this story, mostly because they were unconventional.
Deacon, a vet who works at his dad's practice, is autistic; he struggles with social interactions, doesn't like to be touched, and is abrupt to the point of rudeness (which, of course, is not his intention).
Winter, who's homoromantic but asexual, has just moved to town with his aunt and is opening a book store. Winter is a bit awkward, emotional, and goes off on tangents.
The men bond over books, poetry, and two orphaned kittens.
As much as I liked the MCs, they read much younger than their ages (mid-20s). Something about this story (and it wasn't the lack of sex) felt juvenile, like YA in disguise.
Deacon still lives with his parents, and his dad is all up in his business (dad means well of course, but it's still a lot). Winter lives with his aunt who helps him out financially and is his mom/bestie combined. Everyone treats the MCs like they're soft and precious, but they're grown men, fully capable of navigating life.
There is no plot, no relationship angst, just a couple minor conflicts, adorable kittens, and flufftastic feel-goodness.
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January 2, 2026
Merry and Bright is the sixth book in the Hartbridge Christmas series by N.R. Walker. I have loved this series from the very first book. But this book, this wonderful, sweet, romantic, swoony book, is now my favorite. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a story filled with so much sweetness, so much happiness, that I was afraid my own heart was going to explode. There is no angst, no sadness, just wonderful, heart squeezing love.
“I was going to be happy here. I just knew it.”
Winter “Win” Atkins is twenty eight years old. He and his Aunt Ro have just moved to Hartbridge, Montana, and Winter is about to achieve his dream, opening his own bookstore. He can’t believe that he gets to live in this beautiful little town. Win is from Boise. He has had a few short lived boyfriends but it never lasts because he is asexual. It’s something any potential partners have never been able to accept. So now he’s decided that owning his own bookstore is enough. He’s given up on ever finding a partner to love.
“Cozy town, cozy bookstore, cozy me.”
Deacon Clark is twenty six years old. He has lived in Hartbridge all his life. Deacon is extremely smart and is a veterinarian alongside his father. Deacon is autistic and neurodivergent. He also has an aversion to physical touch. Because of this, he lacks in some social skills that come naturally to others. Even though he is gay, he has never been able to have a relationship.
When Winter rushes into the town veterinary clinic with an injured cat, he meets Deacon. When Win ends up adopting two tiny kittens, it once again brings the two men back together. A friendship quickly blooms but both men are quite overwhelmed with one another. I never knew that the smallest gesture, the lightest of touch, could make my heart do somersaults. Could set off a whole multitude of butterflies in my stomach. This whole book is filled to the brim with such moments. I should let you know that there is no sex in this book. Believe me when I say that you won’t need it. These two will melt your heart right out of your chest.
I do believe you can read this as a stand alone. The couples from the other books make appearances but not knowing their story won’t have any impact on your enjoyment of this one. I do believe, though, that if you read this first, you won’t be able to help yourself but to go back to the beginning and read them all.
“I was going to be happy here. I just knew it.”
Winter “Win” Atkins is twenty eight years old. He and his Aunt Ro have just moved to Hartbridge, Montana, and Winter is about to achieve his dream, opening his own bookstore. He can’t believe that he gets to live in this beautiful little town. Win is from Boise. He has had a few short lived boyfriends but it never lasts because he is asexual. It’s something any potential partners have never been able to accept. So now he’s decided that owning his own bookstore is enough. He’s given up on ever finding a partner to love.
“Cozy town, cozy bookstore, cozy me.”
Deacon Clark is twenty six years old. He has lived in Hartbridge all his life. Deacon is extremely smart and is a veterinarian alongside his father. Deacon is autistic and neurodivergent. He also has an aversion to physical touch. Because of this, he lacks in some social skills that come naturally to others. Even though he is gay, he has never been able to have a relationship.
When Winter rushes into the town veterinary clinic with an injured cat, he meets Deacon. When Win ends up adopting two tiny kittens, it once again brings the two men back together. A friendship quickly blooms but both men are quite overwhelmed with one another. I never knew that the smallest gesture, the lightest of touch, could make my heart do somersaults. Could set off a whole multitude of butterflies in my stomach. This whole book is filled to the brim with such moments. I should let you know that there is no sex in this book. Believe me when I say that you won’t need it. These two will melt your heart right out of your chest.
I do believe you can read this as a stand alone. The couples from the other books make appearances but not knowing their story won’t have any impact on your enjoyment of this one. I do believe, though, that if you read this first, you won’t be able to help yourself but to go back to the beginning and read them all.
December 5, 2025
So, I didn't think an Ace couple would ever be more relatable to me than Jordan and Hennessy from Upside Down, but Deacon and Winter just totally stole the crown!
The relationship between Deacon and Winter is my absolute dream! Deacon was the most romantic character that I've read in a while and I loved his poetry quotes, plus the way he takes care of Winter with the scarf, the gloves, the food.... Absolutely swoonworthy!!
I had a really strong attachment to Winter immediately too. He's Ace and has the same preferences as me which I'm always going to love reading about because it means a zero spice book and focus on an emotional connection instead of a physical one. The 'courting' was beyond sweet and I loved all of the dates that these guys had.
Deacon being autistic also added so much depth to the story and I thought it was a really good representation. I related to his parents so much because my son is also autistic, albeit at the opposite end of the spectrum to Deacon, but it was honestly refreshing to read parents of an autistic person not trying to make them fit into society, or bemoaning their differences - there's nothing wrong or negative about being autistic and I loved how much this book emphasised that. I also loved learning the Maori word for autism 'takiwātanga' and it's meaning is so perfect.
The relationship between Deacon and Winter is my absolute dream! Deacon was the most romantic character that I've read in a while and I loved his poetry quotes, plus the way he takes care of Winter with the scarf, the gloves, the food.... Absolutely swoonworthy!!
I had a really strong attachment to Winter immediately too. He's Ace and has the same preferences as me which I'm always going to love reading about because it means a zero spice book and focus on an emotional connection instead of a physical one. The 'courting' was beyond sweet and I loved all of the dates that these guys had.
Deacon being autistic also added so much depth to the story and I thought it was a really good representation. I related to his parents so much because my son is also autistic, albeit at the opposite end of the spectrum to Deacon, but it was honestly refreshing to read parents of an autistic person not trying to make them fit into society, or bemoaning their differences - there's nothing wrong or negative about being autistic and I loved how much this book emphasised that. I also loved learning the Maori word for autism 'takiwātanga' and it's meaning is so perfect.
December 15, 2025
im so glad these two don’t even think about having sex because i would’ve been so uncomfortable otherwise.
the mcs are supposed to be 26 and 28, but they feel so much younger. mid teens at BEST.
not only the way they interact, but how they’re treated throughout the entire book.
their families literally treat them as they’re children that need to be guided most of the time.
this is also a friendly reminder that neurodivergent people aren’t children and shouldn’t be treated as such.
all in all, it made me so uncomfortable that i had trouble reading it.
the mcs are supposed to be 26 and 28, but they feel so much younger. mid teens at BEST.
not only the way they interact, but how they’re treated throughout the entire book.
their families literally treat them as they’re children that need to be guided most of the time.
this is also a friendly reminder that neurodivergent people aren’t children and shouldn’t be treated as such.
all in all, it made me so uncomfortable that i had trouble reading it.
December 4, 2025
Oh NR Walker, how do you do it, tell these utterly hopeful, beautiful, romantic tales of love. I am but a swooning puddle on the floor, a beatific smile afixed on my face, just blow away by this gorgeous love story.
Winter is such an amazing character … full of love and heart and joy and ready to make a good life for himself and Ro. He’s had enough of people taking issue with his asexuality and he’s ready for a fresh start. He’s chosen Hartsbridge to do that in and we know that tow is magical, not just for it’s Cupid lore but mostly for it’s found family, for it’s ideal representation of what a small town community should look like, for what accepting hearts and minds look like as they look out for each other.
Winter has a sad thing happen that leads him to meet Deacon who’s sincere, honest, exceedingly kind and autistic. Decon being vet and Winter being a bookstore owner were my favourite things to be honest. As were Merry and Bright, the rambunctious siblings. These two added so much humour and joy to the swoony story. Honestly this book had tonnes of funny moments I wasn’t expecting and lots of touching thoughtful moments that I’ll be thinking back on. The way this story crescendos building from small glances to an unbreakable connection. I loved how they communicate with each other, how they try for each other, how they are authentic with each other. Made my heart happy.
It’s a lovely slow fall into a lifetime of love and their story is unique and I couldn’t put it down. The neurodivergent rep and the ace rep were absolutely beautifully handled and it’s one of my favourite holiday romances till date.
Winter is such an amazing character … full of love and heart and joy and ready to make a good life for himself and Ro. He’s had enough of people taking issue with his asexuality and he’s ready for a fresh start. He’s chosen Hartsbridge to do that in and we know that tow is magical, not just for it’s Cupid lore but mostly for it’s found family, for it’s ideal representation of what a small town community should look like, for what accepting hearts and minds look like as they look out for each other.
Winter has a sad thing happen that leads him to meet Deacon who’s sincere, honest, exceedingly kind and autistic. Decon being vet and Winter being a bookstore owner were my favourite things to be honest. As were Merry and Bright, the rambunctious siblings. These two added so much humour and joy to the swoony story. Honestly this book had tonnes of funny moments I wasn’t expecting and lots of touching thoughtful moments that I’ll be thinking back on. The way this story crescendos building from small glances to an unbreakable connection. I loved how they communicate with each other, how they try for each other, how they are authentic with each other. Made my heart happy.
It’s a lovely slow fall into a lifetime of love and their story is unique and I couldn’t put it down. The neurodivergent rep and the ace rep were absolutely beautifully handled and it’s one of my favourite holiday romances till date.
December 12, 2025
Of, I had forgotten how much I adored all of the other books in this series.
I loved seeing all of our old friends, and of course, making the new ones.
This time around, Hartbridges Christmas Cupid struck Winter and Deacon.
I loved both the asexual and the Autistic representations.
So sweet, beautiful and heartfelt.
I loved seeing all of our old friends, and of course, making the new ones.
This time around, Hartbridges Christmas Cupid struck Winter and Deacon.
I loved both the asexual and the Autistic representations.
So sweet, beautiful and heartfelt.
December 18, 2025
Sugary sweet. ✅ Light and fluffy. ✅ Christmassy. ✅
This was exactly the story I was hoping for! This entire series is amazing and I love that ALL the prior couples make guest appearances in all the books! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
This was exactly the story I was hoping for! This entire series is amazing and I love that ALL the prior couples make guest appearances in all the books! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
December 8, 2025
This was by far my favourite book in the series. I mean, when I say it’s cute, times that by ten! Also, anything with a Yuri on ice reference wins my vote.
The Ace and Autism representation was so good. The author made a beautiful story without filling pages with smut, which I think is a hard thing to do as you’ve nothing to hide behind. The romantic poetry, the slow and steady flow of their relationship, the kittens! These two were just so perfect!
They were also front and centre. Unlike in the other stories, the previous characters didn’t overwhelm the story too much, and the Cupid theme was more of a back note compared to the others.
I loved it. Perfect fluff for the Christmas season.
The Ace and Autism representation was so good. The author made a beautiful story without filling pages with smut, which I think is a hard thing to do as you’ve nothing to hide behind. The romantic poetry, the slow and steady flow of their relationship, the kittens! These two were just so perfect!
They were also front and centre. Unlike in the other stories, the previous characters didn’t overwhelm the story too much, and the Cupid theme was more of a back note compared to the others.
I loved it. Perfect fluff for the Christmas season.
abandoned
January 14, 2026First dnf of 2026! Time of death Jan 14 @ 43%
Come for the ace x autistic m/m romance; leave for the infantilization, and basic, artless, insulting prose. If it weren't for a bunch of reviews complaining how much worse this is than the author's usual writing, I'd also be deleting the other book by her I've been eyeing for a while from my wishlist, it's that bad.
Props for the attempted rep, and it seems like she's done a bit of research, but perhaps hasn't actually internalized it? Like, the book keeps saying Deacon is intelligent. He's a DVM after all. But it doesn't treat him like it. Either the other characters or the narration. It permeates the prose, even in the sections from Winter's pov.
I took a pretty early dislike for the prose, but wanted to push through for the rep, but I just can't take anymore.
Hope the next thing I try from this author works better.
Come for the ace x autistic m/m romance; leave for the infantilization, and basic, artless, insulting prose. If it weren't for a bunch of reviews complaining how much worse this is than the author's usual writing, I'd also be deleting the other book by her I've been eyeing for a while from my wishlist, it's that bad.
Props for the attempted rep, and it seems like she's done a bit of research, but perhaps hasn't actually internalized it? Like, the book keeps saying Deacon is intelligent. He's a DVM after all. But it doesn't treat him like it. Either the other characters or the narration. It permeates the prose, even in the sections from Winter's pov.
I took a pretty early dislike for the prose, but wanted to push through for the rep, but I just can't take anymore.
Hope the next thing I try from this author works better.
Read
December 10, 2025My tummy is crummy and my daughter is having major surgery tomorrow so I don’t have the capacity to properly review this one tonight but I really want at least a few little notes for myself.
There were elements of the ace rep and Winter’s neurospiciness that I REALLY liked and that truly resonated with me. Those are the things that kept me reading when other things rubbed me wrong and I thought about DNFing.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series so the many references to them went right over my head but honestly, those references made me think Walker’s style isn’t for me. I wasn’t thrilled with the way the queer call back characters felt almost cartoonish or like caricatures of gay people. Furthermore, I could not believe that Winter and those characters would talk to each other in such bizarre and intimate terms when they’d just met and barely knew each other. It was offputting and weird to me.
Dani(ela)’s review makes some points that I really appreciate and mirrored my own. I agree whole heartedly with her when she says “Something about this story (and it wasn't the lack of sex) felt juvenile, like YA in disguise.” Although what I kept thinking as I read was that it gave me the feeling of walking into an art museum and finding coloring book and paint by number art hung on display. Kids art is adorable and I actually have several of my own daughters’ childhood art framed and hung, but it’s not what I expect when I walk into an art museum or gallery 🤷🏻♀️
No rating because there were elements that I loved, particularly the broad strokes of Winter and Deacon’s relationship and the ace rep and aspects of Winter’s neurospiciness. I don’t feel comfortable commenting on the portrayal of Deacon’s autism other than to say I hope it was well done, it seemed thoughtful and lovely to me. Past those elements of the story, Walker’s style didn’t work for me and I think maybe she’s just not for me.
There were elements of the ace rep and Winter’s neurospiciness that I REALLY liked and that truly resonated with me. Those are the things that kept me reading when other things rubbed me wrong and I thought about DNFing.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series so the many references to them went right over my head but honestly, those references made me think Walker’s style isn’t for me. I wasn’t thrilled with the way the queer call back characters felt almost cartoonish or like caricatures of gay people. Furthermore, I could not believe that Winter and those characters would talk to each other in such bizarre and intimate terms when they’d just met and barely knew each other. It was offputting and weird to me.
Dani(ela)’s review makes some points that I really appreciate and mirrored my own. I agree whole heartedly with her when she says “Something about this story (and it wasn't the lack of sex) felt juvenile, like YA in disguise.” Although what I kept thinking as I read was that it gave me the feeling of walking into an art museum and finding coloring book and paint by number art hung on display. Kids art is adorable and I actually have several of my own daughters’ childhood art framed and hung, but it’s not what I expect when I walk into an art museum or gallery 🤷🏻♀️
No rating because there were elements that I loved, particularly the broad strokes of Winter and Deacon’s relationship and the ace rep and aspects of Winter’s neurospiciness. I don’t feel comfortable commenting on the portrayal of Deacon’s autism other than to say I hope it was well done, it seemed thoughtful and lovely to me. Past those elements of the story, Walker’s style didn’t work for me and I think maybe she’s just not for me.
December 8, 2025
This was a fun read. Most of the books I have read where a character is asexual or neurodivergent seem to be failures to me. I think Walker did a great job with both characters here. Neither seemed to be a caricature at all. The romance was sweet, and the town of Hartbridge was as nice as always. I've really enjoyed this series.
December 5, 2025
OMG! I have never, in my life, swooned so much and so hard. This adorably sweet story has completely stolen my heart! Winter has such David Rose vibes with how exuberant he can be and I rarely picture a character so clearly as I did Deacon. This story is everything Christmas should be - sweet, loving and with plenty of friends and family. I didn't think it was possible to top the previous Heartbridge books, but this one might be my new favourite. I don't believe I have ever squeed so much when reading a book! If you can't tell, I absolutely loved this book. Read it!
December 5, 2025
This series is everything, and I literally could not stop smiling throughout this book. It just makes me HAPPY - not just Deacon and Winter, although definitely Deacon and Winter, but every single thing about Hartbridge and every couple in it. 🥰
December 5, 2025
Perfect MM Christmas romance
This series gets better and better! I love Deacon and Winter so, so much. I can’t count how many times my eyes got glassy reading this. They’re just so perfect, and Hartbridge is perfect, and this is the perfect Christmas read.
I’m so impressed. This series has depended a lot on sexual attraction and spicy scenes, but yet this book has neither, it is the most romantic ever.
This series gets better and better! I love Deacon and Winter so, so much. I can’t count how many times my eyes got glassy reading this. They’re just so perfect, and Hartbridge is perfect, and this is the perfect Christmas read.
I’m so impressed. This series has depended a lot on sexual attraction and spicy scenes, but yet this book has neither, it is the most romantic ever.
December 23, 2025
Sooo ... am I not autistic enough to get this or is this just weird? And condescending? And did I mention weird?
Can someone with maybe more than a toe on the 'tism talk to me about this one? I'm serious, I would appreciate it.
I'm trying really hard not to rant because I like Walker. I like the fact that there is always just cute dialogue and banter (well, not so much banter in this one, but still), no third act breakup and all that. Every time. But the main caracters in this book are supposed to be grown ass adults. Why are they being treated like children? It makes me really uncomfortable.
Do I secretly love the Hallmark christmas movie vibes? Yes. And have I read too many books on this theme this christmas? Yes, I have. Will I do it all over again next year? Yes, yes I will.
And Walker is still my go-to when I want something cute and uncomplicated. Just not this one.
Can someone with maybe more than a toe on the 'tism talk to me about this one? I'm serious, I would appreciate it.
I'm trying really hard not to rant because I like Walker. I like the fact that there is always just cute dialogue and banter (well, not so much banter in this one, but still), no third act breakup and all that. Every time. But the main caracters in this book are supposed to be grown ass adults. Why are they being treated like children? It makes me really uncomfortable.
Do I secretly love the Hallmark christmas movie vibes? Yes. And have I read too many books on this theme this christmas? Yes, I have. Will I do it all over again next year? Yes, yes I will.
And Walker is still my go-to when I want something cute and uncomplicated. Just not this one.
December 13, 2025
DNF at 60%
This is too slow, like slow slow, even slower than my tortoise in his lazy day slow.
I don't like Deacon's parents who treated him like he's a 7 year old boy instead of the 26 year old man.
The long chapters didn't help as well.
I really wanted to like this book since this is for holiday and all but I can't.
I didn't even care to peek the epilogue.
Sorry, this one didn't work for me.
This is too slow, like slow slow, even slower than my tortoise in his lazy day slow.
I don't like Deacon's parents who treated him like he's a 7 year old boy instead of the 26 year old man.
The long chapters didn't help as well.
I really wanted to like this book since this is for holiday and all but I can't.
I didn't even care to peek the epilogue.
Sorry, this one didn't work for me.
December 5, 2025
3.5 stars. Very sweet story. It's a real holiday one, but didn't go too overboard on the Christmas dinners and cookie baking.
I do have to say that I'm not sure what to think about the way Deacon's parents interacted with him. Yes, he had autism, so they needed to be clear with him, and since this was the first time he came close to a relationship it made sense to have some conversations with him about it, but at times it felt like they were treating him like he was 13, instead of a grown man of 26. Especially with the remarks his father made, like 'Don't stay out too late', which he said every time Deacon went somewhere in the evening, like he was a teenager with a curfew.
The poetry every morning was nice though and the kittens were cute. The epilogue was also very sweet, but maybe a bit of a cop out too, because I really wanted to know how their relationship would progress longterm. Would they eventually move in together? How would that exactly work? Etc.
So, nice for the holidays and nice to read a story that's not about lusty guys, but not without some issues for me.
I do have to say that I'm not sure what to think about the way Deacon's parents interacted with him. Yes, he had autism, so they needed to be clear with him, and since this was the first time he came close to a relationship it made sense to have some conversations with him about it, but at times it felt like they were treating him like he was 13, instead of a grown man of 26. Especially with the remarks his father made, like 'Don't stay out too late', which he said every time Deacon went somewhere in the evening, like he was a teenager with a curfew.
The poetry every morning was nice though and the kittens were cute. The epilogue was also very sweet, but maybe a bit of a cop out too, because I really wanted to know how their relationship would progress longterm. Would they eventually move in together? How would that exactly work? Etc.
So, nice for the holidays and nice to read a story that's not about lusty guys, but not without some issues for me.
January 10, 2026
5⭐️
🖤🩶🤍💜
Oh my goodness
N.R. Walker did it again
The swooning for this book. Deacon is the most precious person, and Winter is a total dream. This was number 6 in the Hartbridge Christmas series, and if the first 5 were as good as Merry and Bright, I’ve got some late Christmas reading to do.
🖤🩶🤍💜
Oh my goodness
N.R. Walker did it again
The swooning for this book. Deacon is the most precious person, and Winter is a total dream. This was number 6 in the Hartbridge Christmas series, and if the first 5 were as good as Merry and Bright, I’ve got some late Christmas reading to do.
December 5, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!!! The ace rep! The autism rep! The touch aversion! The KITTENS!!!!
Hartbridge at Christmas is my new favourite happy place 🥰 I loved that Winter moved there to open a book store with his aunt, and that he immediately connected with Gunter and the youth center, and if course that Hamish was one of the first people he met in town as well! I don’t recall Deacon or the vet clinic making any big appearances in the previous books, but he fit in so organically it was like he’d always been there in the background, and I loved his family so much!!
This book is so swoony, so full of feelings and adorableness and I absolutely devoured it!!! 10/10 would recommend to everyone!!!!!
Hartbridge at Christmas is my new favourite happy place 🥰 I loved that Winter moved there to open a book store with his aunt, and that he immediately connected with Gunter and the youth center, and if course that Hamish was one of the first people he met in town as well! I don’t recall Deacon or the vet clinic making any big appearances in the previous books, but he fit in so organically it was like he’d always been there in the background, and I loved his family so much!!
This book is so swoony, so full of feelings and adorableness and I absolutely devoured it!!! 10/10 would recommend to everyone!!!!!
December 29, 2025
"Deacon was perfect for me. All his idiosyncrasies and quirks matched my own. Like a patchwork of odds and ends, of bright colors that at first glance might look out of place, but together we made a cohesive, happy picture." - Winter
"Winter let me be me. On my own terms, in my own time. And that trust unlocked something in me." - Deacon
I knew I would give this book 5 stars from very early in the beginning. I mean, a small town, found family, an asexual cat dad of 2 orange kittens who owns a bookstore meets an autistic vet who sends him poems/quotes every day as a way to express his feelings, and it's a Christmas book. That sounds amazing to me. Their relationship is so beautiful and real. I love that Deacon discussed a lot with his parents about the feelings that he has for Winter and that they really listen and see him for the amazing person that he is. Deacon is very good with animals and loves to read. Winter needed help with his kittens, and that is what they mostly communicated about in the beginning. Winter and his aunt Ro just moved to this small town, opening a bookstore in December, while he just found 2 orange kittens, and getting to know Deacon at the same time is a lot, but they made an effort to keep communicating, and I love that them getting comfortable with each other was a process; it felt realistic and real. This story made me cry a lot because I felt so seen.
I really LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! I love that Deacon & Winter have A LOT in common. They both felt so understood, and they always took the time to reassure each other. I love that Deacon has moments with his dad and also moments with his mom alone and together as well. I love reading about their routines; it just feels like I'm in it with them. And Winter having conversations with his amazingly sweet but honest aunt Ro, him finding friends and realizing he finally has his found family, and I also love that the kittens were really a part of the story; they were mentioned so many times, which made me very happy. I love that every big thing and every change was celebrated because everyone around them knew that they were very big steps, especially if you think about the timeline. A lot has happened in a short amount of time, and I'm so glad that I could read about their wonderful journey! They weren't perfect, and that makes them so real. They are the perfect match; they have found their soulmate. I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series as well; everyone is so incredibly sweet. Definitely 5 stars; this whole book feels like a warm hug. I feel so seen. I think it might have healed me a bit; I was smiling and crying so much.
"Winter let me be me. On my own terms, in my own time. And that trust unlocked something in me." - Deacon
I knew I would give this book 5 stars from very early in the beginning. I mean, a small town, found family, an asexual cat dad of 2 orange kittens who owns a bookstore meets an autistic vet who sends him poems/quotes every day as a way to express his feelings, and it's a Christmas book. That sounds amazing to me. Their relationship is so beautiful and real. I love that Deacon discussed a lot with his parents about the feelings that he has for Winter and that they really listen and see him for the amazing person that he is. Deacon is very good with animals and loves to read. Winter needed help with his kittens, and that is what they mostly communicated about in the beginning. Winter and his aunt Ro just moved to this small town, opening a bookstore in December, while he just found 2 orange kittens, and getting to know Deacon at the same time is a lot, but they made an effort to keep communicating, and I love that them getting comfortable with each other was a process; it felt realistic and real. This story made me cry a lot because I felt so seen.
I really LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! I love that Deacon & Winter have A LOT in common. They both felt so understood, and they always took the time to reassure each other. I love that Deacon has moments with his dad and also moments with his mom alone and together as well. I love reading about their routines; it just feels like I'm in it with them. And Winter having conversations with his amazingly sweet but honest aunt Ro, him finding friends and realizing he finally has his found family, and I also love that the kittens were really a part of the story; they were mentioned so many times, which made me very happy. I love that every big thing and every change was celebrated because everyone around them knew that they were very big steps, especially if you think about the timeline. A lot has happened in a short amount of time, and I'm so glad that I could read about their wonderful journey! They weren't perfect, and that makes them so real. They are the perfect match; they have found their soulmate. I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series as well; everyone is so incredibly sweet. Definitely 5 stars; this whole book feels like a warm hug. I feel so seen. I think it might have healed me a bit; I was smiling and crying so much.
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January 11, 2026Not going to leave a star review because wow was this ever not a book written for me, but I’m glad that it exists for people out there who might relate? I honestly found it a bit juvenile and condescending, but also really sweet and cute in a way. Walker’s writing is, as usual, lovely. I think this just reaaaally wasn’t for me.
The first chapter also includes one of the main characters running over a cat and killing it, and thank fuck for the warning because I fully skipped it. I found it incredibly unnecessary and I think just finding abandoned kittens would’ve been enough to get the main characters to meet. I felt a bit resentful the entire story of that. Especially in a “hallmark Christmas book”
The first chapter also includes one of the main characters running over a cat and killing it, and thank fuck for the warning because I fully skipped it. I found it incredibly unnecessary and I think just finding abandoned kittens would’ve been enough to get the main characters to meet. I felt a bit resentful the entire story of that. Especially in a “hallmark Christmas book”
January 1, 2026
I love this tradition of getting a new Hartbridge book every Christmas. And as someone who is asexual, I was super excited to see that represented in this world. And I really enjoyed it. Likable characters, a sweet romance, and all the Christmas feels.
January 10, 2026
This was a very sweet story of two very sweet boys falling in very sweet love.
Don't expect and angst, any rollercoaster events, any explicit content. It's just simply that: loveable boys, including an autistic guy and an asexual (neurodivergent-questioning) guy, who fall in love.
It's not a 5-star read because I felt a little uncomfortable at times, seeing how Deacon could be treated like a child (mostly by his parents). They do so in a very kind way, yes, and I understand that his autism can impact some parts of his life, but still...
Don't expect and angst, any rollercoaster events, any explicit content. It's just simply that: loveable boys, including an autistic guy and an asexual (neurodivergent-questioning) guy, who fall in love.
It's not a 5-star read because I felt a little uncomfortable at times, seeing how Deacon could be treated like a child (mostly by his parents). They do so in a very kind way, yes, and I understand that his autism can impact some parts of his life, but still...
December 17, 2025
Holiday Swoons
This authors holiday books are not to be missed. Yet, this story HAS TO be the swoonest one yet. The MMCs are perform one another. Cannot recommend enough
This authors holiday books are not to be missed. Yet, this story HAS TO be the swoonest one yet. The MMCs are perform one another. Cannot recommend enough
December 17, 2025
Sweet, swoony perfection ❤️
I adored this book. Both characters were anxious overthinkers, but they communicated well and quickly grew to understand each other. I especially appreciate this author’s ability to show that love doesn’t have to involve bedroom antics to be truly intimate and romantic. This might be my favorite in the series yet!
I adored this book. Both characters were anxious overthinkers, but they communicated well and quickly grew to understand each other. I especially appreciate this author’s ability to show that love doesn’t have to involve bedroom antics to be truly intimate and romantic. This might be my favorite in the series yet!
December 8, 2025
This book is the swooniest of swoons, the most Hallmark-iest of Hallmarks. Everything about this book is a delight and sleeve holding will forever be my favourite thing in a book.
(Disclaimer: I proofread this book for the author)
(Disclaimer: I proofread this book for the author)
December 6, 2025
Oh. I laughed, I cried, and I definitely swooned. This might just be the most romantic story I’ve ever read, and that’s saying a lot. It was everything I hoped it would be. Thank you to the author for bringing this Christmas gem to life.
December 7, 2025
I am actually in shambles! I’ve cried so many times I lost count. It was just so very sweet and precious. I LOVE love and damnit this delivers.
December 11, 2025
I adored this story! Winter and Deacon were so damn cute together. This story is a warm hug and a dose of pure happiness.
Deacon is a vet in town who works with his father at his practice and has autism. He is sensitive to touch, sound, crowds, etc. He meets Winter when Winter accidentally hits a stray cat and brings him to the vet. Winter is new in town and opening a book store with his aunt, Rowena. Winter is asexual and has clearly struggled in the past to find partners who understand and respect his boundaries.
This is the ultimate slow burn. Omg - I never thought I could swoon so hard over eye contact and the touch of a sleeve. ☺️. If you’re looking for low angst holiday happiness with a unique perspective, this is for you. I adore them. ❤️
❤️No third act breakup
🗣️All the awkward communication. I love how these two understood each other and were patient and kind to each other; talking when things are tricky. Fully respecting boundaries.
🌶️spice - this is a love match between an autistic adult who does not like being touched and an asexual gay man. Their love is shown in ways outside of sex.
🥺Swoon - omg - the daily poems from Deacon, the hugs at the end when his heart is too full, I can’t. It’s so damn sweet.
🏡Family - Deacons family is amazing and supportive. Thank you, NR Walker for providing parents who deeply love and accept their child and who are deeply loved and respected in return.
🧠Neurodivergence - Deacon is openly on the spectrum and it is discussed. They each talk to each other and get comfort from each other. Winter is so patient w Deacon, but it doesn’t feel performative. You can tell that he genuinely accepts and adores him. Plus, he may be neurodivergent as well - they have similar characteristics 🥗. the food separating, not liking small talk, sensory issues, etc.
☺️ no deep trauma for either. Deacon had an impactful and uncomfortable moment in college, but no abuse, etc. Winter had parents who didn’t accept his limits, but no abuse. Winter is estranged from his heartless mom, but it’s not a big element in the story. He has had unconditional love throughout his life from his aunt.
🫣No OM. At all.
🐈 Kittens - Merry and Bright. Winter finds the orphaned kittens the next day in his bookstore and takes care of them with Deacons help. It’s a really cute part of the story.
l👥Dual POV; HFN, I love you’s and 3 month later epilogue. Cutest epilogue ever.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and it didn’t matter. All the characters are referenced but it wasn’t confusing or distracting.
This story brought tears to my eyes; it was so sweetly written. 🥰🥰
Favorite bits:
- the daily one line poems from Deacon and how much Winter loves them
- when Deacon hugs his dad at the end
- how they each can never stop smiling
- the dinner w Deacons parents
- any scene w the kittens lol “the boys”
- Whenever Deacon helps at the book store.
- How they each get in their heads and spiral but then talk to each other and feel better
- their little text messages and phone calls; how Winter can immediately tell when something is wrong
- the little sleeve tugs
- their favorite dinosaur conversation; the Antique Road Show
- when they first start holding hands and they just pass their fingers over each others palms 🥺
Deacon is a vet in town who works with his father at his practice and has autism. He is sensitive to touch, sound, crowds, etc. He meets Winter when Winter accidentally hits a stray cat and brings him to the vet. Winter is new in town and opening a book store with his aunt, Rowena. Winter is asexual and has clearly struggled in the past to find partners who understand and respect his boundaries.
This is the ultimate slow burn. Omg - I never thought I could swoon so hard over eye contact and the touch of a sleeve. ☺️. If you’re looking for low angst holiday happiness with a unique perspective, this is for you. I adore them. ❤️
❤️No third act breakup
🗣️All the awkward communication. I love how these two understood each other and were patient and kind to each other; talking when things are tricky. Fully respecting boundaries.
🌶️spice - this is a love match between an autistic adult who does not like being touched and an asexual gay man. Their love is shown in ways outside of sex.
🥺Swoon - omg - the daily poems from Deacon, the hugs at the end when his heart is too full, I can’t. It’s so damn sweet.
🏡Family - Deacons family is amazing and supportive. Thank you, NR Walker for providing parents who deeply love and accept their child and who are deeply loved and respected in return.
🧠Neurodivergence - Deacon is openly on the spectrum and it is discussed. They each talk to each other and get comfort from each other. Winter is so patient w Deacon, but it doesn’t feel performative. You can tell that he genuinely accepts and adores him. Plus, he may be neurodivergent as well - they have similar characteristics 🥗. the food separating, not liking small talk, sensory issues, etc.
☺️ no deep trauma for either. Deacon had an impactful and uncomfortable moment in college, but no abuse, etc. Winter had parents who didn’t accept his limits, but no abuse. Winter is estranged from his heartless mom, but it’s not a big element in the story. He has had unconditional love throughout his life from his aunt.
🫣No OM. At all.
🐈 Kittens - Merry and Bright. Winter finds the orphaned kittens the next day in his bookstore and takes care of them with Deacons help. It’s a really cute part of the story.
l👥Dual POV; HFN, I love you’s and 3 month later epilogue. Cutest epilogue ever.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and it didn’t matter. All the characters are referenced but it wasn’t confusing or distracting.
This story brought tears to my eyes; it was so sweetly written. 🥰🥰
Favorite bits:
- the daily one line poems from Deacon and how much Winter loves them
- when Deacon hugs his dad at the end
- how they each can never stop smiling
- the dinner w Deacons parents
- any scene w the kittens lol “the boys”
- Whenever Deacon helps at the book store.
- How they each get in their heads and spiral but then talk to each other and feel better
- their little text messages and phone calls; how Winter can immediately tell when something is wrong
- the little sleeve tugs
- their favorite dinosaur conversation; the Antique Road Show
- when they first start holding hands and they just pass their fingers over each others palms 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
The word of the day was... ANTICIPATION!!! 🥰
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