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A Wexford Carol: A Closed-Doors MM Small-Town Friends-to-Lovers Romance
Going home for Christmas was expected of him.
Falling for his best friend wasn’t part of the plan.Twenty-eight-year-old Liam Breem left the small Wexford town of Killyglen years ago for Dublin, with a career in fine arts and a vibrant city life.
Connor Crowe, Liam’s best friend for more than twenty years, still lives in Killyglen, running his family’s carpentry business.
When disaster leaves Connor’s workshop flooded and his flat uninhabitable, a shared cottage turns an old friendship into something neither of them were expecting.
As Connor fights to save his career, and Christmas closes in around them, Liam realises that some things are worth more than he can put a price on.
But the question could this be anything more than a holiday romance?
Falling for his best friend wasn’t part of the plan.Twenty-eight-year-old Liam Breem left the small Wexford town of Killyglen years ago for Dublin, with a career in fine arts and a vibrant city life.
Connor Crowe, Liam’s best friend for more than twenty years, still lives in Killyglen, running his family’s carpentry business.
When disaster leaves Connor’s workshop flooded and his flat uninhabitable, a shared cottage turns an old friendship into something neither of them were expecting.
As Connor fights to save his career, and Christmas closes in around them, Liam realises that some things are worth more than he can put a price on.
But the question could this be anything more than a holiday romance?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found the book on NetGalley and usually try to support debut or indie authors writing m4m books. I enjoy living vicariously through others (new romance, youth, haha!) and especially like when they're part of a larger series and I get to know characters book over book. The initial download for this book on my iPad was a dark grey background and black font, which was terribly difficult to read. I attempted 3 times but couldn't focus well enough, plus there was a bit of Irish brogue, which under usual circumstances, would be okay. But trying to get thru both at the same time wasn't working (that's a me problem, tho I am curious why the publisher let the format go thru that way). I gave up and then eventually found a way to download to my laptop where it was a standard background color and font, and it was much more enjoyable. So... pushing that all aside, I ended up around 3.5 stars. Cute romance. Fun, slow boil. I liked the town and family setting. But it was missing a little something more.... heavily based in dialog where you didn't quite get to know what the characters were thinking and feeling along the way. But I see potential and I was amused and saw many fine, tender moments.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 Stars
If you're looking for a quick and simple queer holiday tale, with endearing small-town folk (including ridiculous-but-real family goings on) for background, an only-one-bed trope to make your eyes roll, and a friends-to lovers plot––this one might be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nightsgale Books for an ARC copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I do reccomend, easily, for the right audience.
I found this one enjoyable, cliché and simplistic. The slight colloquial style gave me occasional pause, but was easy to get used to. The townsfolk and family relations were endearing and fun at every turn. They threaded the stressors of the story well throughout the story, besides a few nitpicks I have about moments of miscommunication (although, I'll argue against myself, that they do not take them long to resolve in the end, even if they act a bit blown out of proportion in the moment). The one-bed-trope made me roll my eyes both in pain and in humor-filled ridiculousness. And, speaking of humor, there's plenty of that to go around, even if a handful did fall flat to me. It's a good read, but not a great one.
On that note, I had a good handful of complaints that kept this from being a high rater, despite enjoyment:
I felt the depth of the main characters to be one sided, and wished we had gotten more of a sense of both the characters (this may be fault of the biggest plot conflict besides their romance being a one-character issue), especially since they're supposed to have had an existing past around friendship. Additionally, as I said, a handful of humor fell flat, but there were also a few moments where I had trouble interpreting what had occurred within an interaction and why characters were laughing, etc. In the same way, some of the dialogue felt clipped, where, and, especially with the main two, I would have loved to have felt moments and connections through longer conversation on the page (I think this would have helped with the character depth I felt was lacking). Surprisingly, one of my bigger issues was with the characters once they were at the stage of hooking up. It felt like any moment of emotional or physical intimacy turned to sex (even if behind doors), and this almost became a part of their personality and plot, like a regular chapter ender. I personally found this oddly unsexy, and rattled off way too often, like it was doing more work for the plot than it was. At one point the characters apparently have sex three times in a row before going for a fourth round not long after–– geez, save some for Christmas Eve, boys! But I'm not sure if any of these issues will bother other's the same way it bothered me, but this will at least explain my challenges with the book.
Again, I do reccomend for the right audience. Readers, you know yourselves well, I hope I'm able to help give a sense of if this will click with you!
If you're looking for a quick and simple queer holiday tale, with endearing small-town folk (including ridiculous-but-real family goings on) for background, an only-one-bed trope to make your eyes roll, and a friends-to lovers plot––this one might be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nightsgale Books for an ARC copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I do reccomend, easily, for the right audience.
I found this one enjoyable, cliché and simplistic. The slight colloquial style gave me occasional pause, but was easy to get used to. The townsfolk and family relations were endearing and fun at every turn. They threaded the stressors of the story well throughout the story, besides a few nitpicks I have about moments of miscommunication (although, I'll argue against myself, that they do not take them long to resolve in the end, even if they act a bit blown out of proportion in the moment). The one-bed-trope made me roll my eyes both in pain and in humor-filled ridiculousness. And, speaking of humor, there's plenty of that to go around, even if a handful did fall flat to me. It's a good read, but not a great one.
On that note, I had a good handful of complaints that kept this from being a high rater, despite enjoyment:
I felt the depth of the main characters to be one sided, and wished we had gotten more of a sense of both the characters (this may be fault of the biggest plot conflict besides their romance being a one-character issue), especially since they're supposed to have had an existing past around friendship. Additionally, as I said, a handful of humor fell flat, but there were also a few moments where I had trouble interpreting what had occurred within an interaction and why characters were laughing, etc. In the same way, some of the dialogue felt clipped, where, and, especially with the main two, I would have loved to have felt moments and connections through longer conversation on the page (I think this would have helped with the character depth I felt was lacking). Surprisingly, one of my bigger issues was with the characters once they were at the stage of hooking up. It felt like any moment of emotional or physical intimacy turned to sex (even if behind doors), and this almost became a part of their personality and plot, like a regular chapter ender. I personally found this oddly unsexy, and rattled off way too often, like it was doing more work for the plot than it was. At one point the characters apparently have sex three times in a row before going for a fourth round not long after–– geez, save some for Christmas Eve, boys! But I'm not sure if any of these issues will bother other's the same way it bothered me, but this will at least explain my challenges with the book.
Again, I do reccomend for the right audience. Readers, you know yourselves well, I hope I'm able to help give a sense of if this will click with you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Liam, employed at Darby & Darby, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers in Dublin, is the sort of guy who has a favorite pocket square and carries a back-up just in case. Connor, his best friend from childhood, still lives in their home village Killyglen (about 2 hours from Dublin) and works with his da at their carpentry workshop Crowe's. "Connor never escaped Killyglen the way Liam had. He'd never wanted to."
The author really brings the village to life - a close-knit community where neighbors help neighbors, everyone knows your family, and the community hall hosts a Christmas Nativity pageant combed with singing and dancing, a visit from Santa and "three goats wearing reindeer antlers." About this pageant - Mary and Joseph come on stage, pulling a stuffed donkey nailed to a skateboard, with Mary saying "Oh em gee, Joseph, we've been walking for days [...] my poor wee feet hurt." Absolutely charmed, I was.
Maybe it's the season, or maybe it's the single bed scenario where Liam and Connor end up staying together at Liam's great aunt cottage (extensive water damage at Liam's flat and a warring married couple at Liam's house whose husband takes over his bedroom), but soon Liam and Connor find themselves in a relationship that is, although there's no on-page sex, very hot. The relationship itself is fairly low-angst with just a bit of miscommunication, but bottom-line Liam is a city boy with a job that involves travel and Connor thrives in Killyglen. How can they continue what they have when Liam is returning to Dublin after Christmas?
This book has a nice steady pace, as the reader becomes enthralled and charmed with Killyglen and its inhabitants and Liam and Connor's love. There is little in the way of deep introspection and serious angst from either MC, but in the context of the story, it works. This debut novel by the author (and published by an independent publisher) is a charming slice of a life that is warm and cozy, sweet and hopeful with a nice ending, and that definitely works for me. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Cross-posted at www.gayromance.org - check it out!
The author really brings the village to life - a close-knit community where neighbors help neighbors, everyone knows your family, and the community hall hosts a Christmas Nativity pageant combed with singing and dancing, a visit from Santa and "three goats wearing reindeer antlers." About this pageant - Mary and Joseph come on stage, pulling a stuffed donkey nailed to a skateboard, with Mary saying "Oh em gee, Joseph, we've been walking for days [...] my poor wee feet hurt." Absolutely charmed, I was.
Maybe it's the season, or maybe it's the single bed scenario where Liam and Connor end up staying together at Liam's great aunt cottage (extensive water damage at Liam's flat and a warring married couple at Liam's house whose husband takes over his bedroom), but soon Liam and Connor find themselves in a relationship that is, although there's no on-page sex, very hot. The relationship itself is fairly low-angst with just a bit of miscommunication, but bottom-line Liam is a city boy with a job that involves travel and Connor thrives in Killyglen. How can they continue what they have when Liam is returning to Dublin after Christmas?
This book has a nice steady pace, as the reader becomes enthralled and charmed with Killyglen and its inhabitants and Liam and Connor's love. There is little in the way of deep introspection and serious angst from either MC, but in the context of the story, it works. This debut novel by the author (and published by an independent publisher) is a charming slice of a life that is warm and cozy, sweet and hopeful with a nice ending, and that definitely works for me. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Cross-posted at www.gayromance.org - check it out!
October 19, 2026
—SUMMARY
Liam left his small Irish hometown Killyglen for university in Dublin and never looked back. He’s an art historian slash collector for an auction house and is quite successful. He has two weeks off for the holiday and heads home for a visit.
Connor has been Liam’s best friend since childhood. He returned home after university to take over his family’s successful woodworking business… and he seems quite happy there.
Liam and Connor have known they were gay forever, without having said it… but for some reason, they never hooked up other than a drunken kiss back in high school.
But when Liam comes home for an extended stay, and water damage plus family drama send the boys to stay at a family cabin with just one bed, what could possibly happen?
Suddenly Connor and Liam are taking notice of each other in new ways. And it seems like the entire town has been shipping them forever…
—REVIEW
I was entirely charmed by this story! It is Peadar Morrigan’s debut novel and it is sweet and perfect.
While the romance between Liam and Connor is obviously the central arc of the story, the main characters live in a funny little town where everyone knows everyone else’s business.
We have war between a married couple, a Nativity pageant from hell, fun locals, a couch called Satan’s sofa, and so much more.
I loved the local colour of small town Ireland that the author wrote so capably from his own experience. And the romance, though closed door (aka no spice), was sweet and tender.
You know when a book doesn’t ask too much of you? It gives you all the warm cozies without being overly dramatic or taking itself too seriously? This is that book.
I absolutely loved it and I hope you will too.
Liam left his small Irish hometown Killyglen for university in Dublin and never looked back. He’s an art historian slash collector for an auction house and is quite successful. He has two weeks off for the holiday and heads home for a visit.
Connor has been Liam’s best friend since childhood. He returned home after university to take over his family’s successful woodworking business… and he seems quite happy there.
Liam and Connor have known they were gay forever, without having said it… but for some reason, they never hooked up other than a drunken kiss back in high school.
But when Liam comes home for an extended stay, and water damage plus family drama send the boys to stay at a family cabin with just one bed, what could possibly happen?
Suddenly Connor and Liam are taking notice of each other in new ways. And it seems like the entire town has been shipping them forever…
—REVIEW
I was entirely charmed by this story! It is Peadar Morrigan’s debut novel and it is sweet and perfect.
While the romance between Liam and Connor is obviously the central arc of the story, the main characters live in a funny little town where everyone knows everyone else’s business.
We have war between a married couple, a Nativity pageant from hell, fun locals, a couch called Satan’s sofa, and so much more.
I loved the local colour of small town Ireland that the author wrote so capably from his own experience. And the romance, though closed door (aka no spice), was sweet and tender.
You know when a book doesn’t ask too much of you? It gives you all the warm cozies without being overly dramatic or taking itself too seriously? This is that book.
I absolutely loved it and I hope you will too.
November 6, 2026
It’s a very low angst, very low action book. It has a lot of slang in the first 30% of the book and it slowly goes away as the book progresses for some reason. You get way too many names dropped with very little background or purpose. I’m assuming the goal was to reaffirm a Christmas with family setting but it just missed the mark. The middle part is so very slow and nothing really happens. I’m sorry but this book was just a miss for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is it too early to be reading a holiday book? Probs, but this was just so freaking cute! I could not put it down because of how much I was enjoying reading about Liam and Connor and their silly "wait, do I like my best friend?" thing. Like, I'm sorry, could they be any more obvious? Super cute though. And I loved their banter; it's the kind you can only have with your best friend. One of my favourite parts was the whole small-town cosy vibe it had going was just perfect.
Reasons to read:
🎄 nerds clearly in love
🎄 cosy small-town romance
🎄 a whole village vibes
🎄 friends to lovers
🎄 Christmasy miracles
Tis a perfect read to get one in the holiday spirit even this early on, tbh. For sure an enjoyable read with loads of fun.
Thank you, Nightsgale Books and NetGalley, for the ARC
Reasons to read:
🎄 nerds clearly in love
🎄 cosy small-town romance
🎄 a whole village vibes
🎄 friends to lovers
🎄 Christmasy miracles
Tis a perfect read to get one in the holiday spirit even this early on, tbh. For sure an enjoyable read with loads of fun.
Thank you, Nightsgale Books and NetGalley, for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pub Date 3 Nov 2026
Thanks to Nightsgale Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cloyingly sweet, but what else do you want from a Christmas romance?
I really enjoyed the cast of characters: the main couple, the crazy aunt and uncle, the sweet parents, the sassy/blunt sister, the silly nieces and nephews, and the dishevelled teacher/play director. Everyone added something fun to the story!
I appreciated that there wasn’t a ton of conflict, and what conflict there was (the ruined workshop, selling a family heirloom, and the long-distance relationship) felt realistic within the context of the story. Low-conflict romances are definitely something I enjoy, so this worked well for me!
I wish it had been a little more Christmasy and had more spice (although wanting more spice is just my personal preference).
I do wish we’d gotten more internal dialogue. We know the characters have been childhood friends, and they move into a deep romantic relationship relatively quickly. Although they talk about their feelings, I would have loved more insight into their internal thoughts and how they navigate the shift from friendship to romance.
I saw another review mention that character headings would have been helpful. I didn’t notice this much while reading, but after finishing the book and reading that review, I realized I’d felt the same way at times. That said, it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment.
Finally, I wish we’d gotten to see more of Liam’s job! Maybe we’ll get more of that in a sequel?
Thanks to Nightsgale Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cloyingly sweet, but what else do you want from a Christmas romance?
I really enjoyed the cast of characters: the main couple, the crazy aunt and uncle, the sweet parents, the sassy/blunt sister, the silly nieces and nephews, and the dishevelled teacher/play director. Everyone added something fun to the story!
I appreciated that there wasn’t a ton of conflict, and what conflict there was (the ruined workshop, selling a family heirloom, and the long-distance relationship) felt realistic within the context of the story. Low-conflict romances are definitely something I enjoy, so this worked well for me!
I wish it had been a little more Christmasy and had more spice (although wanting more spice is just my personal preference).
I do wish we’d gotten more internal dialogue. We know the characters have been childhood friends, and they move into a deep romantic relationship relatively quickly. Although they talk about their feelings, I would have loved more insight into their internal thoughts and how they navigate the shift from friendship to romance.
I saw another review mention that character headings would have been helpful. I didn’t notice this much while reading, but after finishing the book and reading that review, I realized I’d felt the same way at times. That said, it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment.
Finally, I wish we’d gotten to see more of Liam’s job! Maybe we’ll get more of that in a sequel?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you ARC copy from NetGalley
I basically devoured the book in a day, and it turns out I love this version of Hallmark stories a lot better. The city boy is just going home for the holiday, and nothing is imploding in his career. They fall in love and keep their relationship working without either side giving up their hope and dream for a relationship. The book is very cozy; things happen, but the love and community are never questioned. This is one of those books where even in the darkest time there is still hope. I didn't know how much I needed this story at my current (pretty rough) stage of life. Great for those whose hearts can use some warmth.
I basically devoured the book in a day, and it turns out I love this version of Hallmark stories a lot better. The city boy is just going home for the holiday, and nothing is imploding in his career. They fall in love and keep their relationship working without either side giving up their hope and dream for a relationship. The book is very cozy; things happen, but the love and community are never questioned. This is one of those books where even in the darkest time there is still hope. I didn't know how much I needed this story at my current (pretty rough) stage of life. Great for those whose hearts can use some warmth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars. Liam and Connor had known each other forever, but never as anything but best friends. Liam is spending two weeks holiday at his childhood home. After Connor's workshop is flooded, the two temporarily move to an empty family cottage and Liam finally learns to see Connor in a different light. Connor is frustratingly stubborn in refusing the help the people in their town keep offering. There wasn't really much plot and no surprises, making this a light and fluffy seasonal read.
Thanks for the advance copy via NetGalley, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Thanks for the advance copy via NetGalley, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks #NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This was a cute closed door story. A good read for the upcoming holiday season!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always have a soft spot for indie books and genuinely go into every ARC hoping to discover a new favorite, so I'm disappointed that this one didn't quite work for me.
A Wexford Carol has a cozy premise: a small-town holiday setting, childhood friends-to-lovers romance, and plenty of seasonal charm. Unfortunately, I struggled to fully connect with both the characters and the romance, which made it difficult for me to become invested in the story as a whole. My biggest issue was the lack of internal dialogue. Because of that, I often felt at arm's length from both protagonists. Because I didn't have enough insight into their emotions, I found it difficult to believe the progression of the romance.
This was especially noticeable because the story is built around a childhood friends-to-lovers relationship. These characters have known each other for years, yet the romantic shift felt sudden to me. I found myself wanting more yearning, more reflection, and more exploration of why these feelings were surfacing now after such a long friendship. Those quieter emotional moments would have helped me better understand and invest in their relationship.
I also found myself occasionally confused about whose perspective I was reading. Clearer POV markers, such as including the character's name beneath the chapter heading, would have made navigating the story much easier.
Additionally, while I have absolutely no issue with closed-door romances, I do think they require particularly strong emotional chemistry and relationship development to create the same sense of romantic intensity. Unfortunately, I never quite felt that spark between the two leads, which made the romance less impactful for me than I had hoped.
Ultimately, A Wexford Carol wasn't the right fit for my personal reading tastes. However, readers who enjoy gentle, low-spice, low-angst holiday romances and small-town vibes may connect with it more than I did. While I wasn't able to fully invest in the characters or their relationship, I still appreciate the heart behind the story and wish the author success with the final release. I also want to note that I received a beta copy, so many of my critiques might have been addressed in the published version! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Tags/Warnings
.
.
.
Tropes: small town, childhood friends to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed
Third act break-up: No
OM/OW: Nothing on page, but these two have been friends since they were around 7, they've dated other people but are both single at the start of this novel.
A Wexford Carol has a cozy premise: a small-town holiday setting, childhood friends-to-lovers romance, and plenty of seasonal charm. Unfortunately, I struggled to fully connect with both the characters and the romance, which made it difficult for me to become invested in the story as a whole. My biggest issue was the lack of internal dialogue. Because of that, I often felt at arm's length from both protagonists. Because I didn't have enough insight into their emotions, I found it difficult to believe the progression of the romance.
This was especially noticeable because the story is built around a childhood friends-to-lovers relationship. These characters have known each other for years, yet the romantic shift felt sudden to me. I found myself wanting more yearning, more reflection, and more exploration of why these feelings were surfacing now after such a long friendship. Those quieter emotional moments would have helped me better understand and invest in their relationship.
I also found myself occasionally confused about whose perspective I was reading. Clearer POV markers, such as including the character's name beneath the chapter heading, would have made navigating the story much easier.
Additionally, while I have absolutely no issue with closed-door romances, I do think they require particularly strong emotional chemistry and relationship development to create the same sense of romantic intensity. Unfortunately, I never quite felt that spark between the two leads, which made the romance less impactful for me than I had hoped.
Ultimately, A Wexford Carol wasn't the right fit for my personal reading tastes. However, readers who enjoy gentle, low-spice, low-angst holiday romances and small-town vibes may connect with it more than I did. While I wasn't able to fully invest in the characters or their relationship, I still appreciate the heart behind the story and wish the author success with the final release. I also want to note that I received a beta copy, so many of my critiques might have been addressed in the published version! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Tags/Warnings
.
.
.
Tropes: small town, childhood friends to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed
Third act break-up: No
OM/OW: Nothing on page, but these two have been friends since they were around 7, they've dated other people but are both single at the start of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Wexford Carol by Peadar is such a sweet, cozy, and wholesome holiday romance! I’m a sucker for a good small-town, friends-to-lovers story, and this one absolutely delivers on both fronts. It has all the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie vibes, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
The story follows childhood best friends Liam and Connor, who reconnect during the holiday season when Liam returns to their hometown of Killyglen for two weeks over Christmas. Connor, a beloved pillar of the Killyglen community, finds himself facing a major setback when flooding damages both his carpentry workshop and his home. With nowhere else to go, he ends up sharing a cottage with Liam, where, of course, there's only one bed!
As Christmas approaches, old feelings begin to resurface, and their 20 year friendship starts to transform into something deeper. While Connor struggles to save his livelihood, Liam begins questioning what truly matters to him. Both men must figure out whether what’s growing between them is simply a holiday romance or something more.
This was the perfect book to kick off my holiday reading season! The warm, cozy atmosphere was exactly what I needed and felt like a balm after a rough October. I highly recommend picking this one up, especially if you're a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, small town romances, and Alexis Hall's London Calling series!
The story follows childhood best friends Liam and Connor, who reconnect during the holiday season when Liam returns to their hometown of Killyglen for two weeks over Christmas. Connor, a beloved pillar of the Killyglen community, finds himself facing a major setback when flooding damages both his carpentry workshop and his home. With nowhere else to go, he ends up sharing a cottage with Liam, where, of course, there's only one bed!
As Christmas approaches, old feelings begin to resurface, and their 20 year friendship starts to transform into something deeper. While Connor struggles to save his livelihood, Liam begins questioning what truly matters to him. Both men must figure out whether what’s growing between them is simply a holiday romance or something more.
This was the perfect book to kick off my holiday reading season! The warm, cozy atmosphere was exactly what I needed and felt like a balm after a rough October. I highly recommend picking this one up, especially if you're a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, small town romances, and Alexis Hall's London Calling series!
November 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for this book! This was such a cute book! This made for a very nice, short, lighthearted read that will leave your heart warm and your spirit healed. The development of the relationship took a while to get to, but once they finally reached that point, it felt like the relationship was handled with much respect and love, which I really appreciated. The book does a really good job with making the setting feel like a small town, with various characters and locations being referred to numerous times throughout the book. There is quite a bit of Irish lingo and geography in this, but it didn't prevent me (as someone from the United States) from understanding anything that was going on or being said. The only thing that I would like to see improved is the use of the word, "said", when one of the characters was speaking. It felt as though there was not a range of vocabulary when referring to dialogue, and in a dialogue-heavy book such as this one, the impact was felt quite a bit. The lack of better verbs contributed to some of the dialogue lacking importance or emotion. Overall, though, this was a great read (especially during the holiday season!) and I was able to really connect with both of the main characters! I'd definitely recommend this book!
November 6, 2026
Thank you to Nightsgale Books for providing me with an eARC of A Wexford Carol by Peadar Merrigan! I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this book early and share my thoughts with you all. As always, my review reflects my honest opinions and personal reading experience. All thoughts are entirely my own.
I will forever love a return home, small town romance, especially one set around Christmas time… but it has to be well done. A Wexford Carol was done well. This story has best friends to lovers, small town romance, and a small town coming together. There’s a funny Christmas performance, and each minor character was flushed out. The minor characters are memorable and important to the story.
Although growing up together, Liam and Connor’s dialect and outlooks could not be more different from the start; however, they found a way to grow, learn and meet in the middle. Liam was surly and had no emotion at the start, but by the end he was happy and passionate. Connor was happy and passionate but learned that he couldn’t do it all on his own. They fall in love (obviously, this is a Christmas rom-com, what else would happen).
Although I would have liked a longer, different, ending, the story is beautiful anyways. I love the representation throughout the novel, and the care put into it.
I will forever love a return home, small town romance, especially one set around Christmas time… but it has to be well done. A Wexford Carol was done well. This story has best friends to lovers, small town romance, and a small town coming together. There’s a funny Christmas performance, and each minor character was flushed out. The minor characters are memorable and important to the story.
Although growing up together, Liam and Connor’s dialect and outlooks could not be more different from the start; however, they found a way to grow, learn and meet in the middle. Liam was surly and had no emotion at the start, but by the end he was happy and passionate. Connor was happy and passionate but learned that he couldn’t do it all on his own. They fall in love (obviously, this is a Christmas rom-com, what else would happen).
Although I would have liked a longer, different, ending, the story is beautiful anyways. I love the representation throughout the novel, and the care put into it.
November 6, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
Tbh, I found this book on NetGalley and decided to read it, because I really liked the cover. But I ended up liking the story.
First of all, you should read this book if you like friends-to-lovers trope. Usually, I am not a big fan of it, but here it seemed to be very fitting and natural. Their relationship were portrayed so believable and real, that I felt like I was being told a real story. They acted very naturally and it was something, that sold me this story.
Secondly, the story is completely drama-free, so if you’re looking for something very light and simple, that is the book to go. (There are also no spicy scenes, but for me it is more of a drawback, than a benefit).
And lastly, the spirit of Christmas and New Year was strong. It even set me in a mood, even though it is quite early for that yet.
Speaking about minuses - definitely, it is cheesiness and lack of drama. I felt like it was a Christmas movie on Hallmark. The way the things were shown in their little town was way tooooo cheesy. And I really wanted to see something dramatic, (not a breakup, God forbid) like jealousy or something similar.
So overall, if you want a good friends-to-lovers Christmas story that feels too good to be true, that is your client.
Tbh, I found this book on NetGalley and decided to read it, because I really liked the cover. But I ended up liking the story.
First of all, you should read this book if you like friends-to-lovers trope. Usually, I am not a big fan of it, but here it seemed to be very fitting and natural. Their relationship were portrayed so believable and real, that I felt like I was being told a real story. They acted very naturally and it was something, that sold me this story.
Secondly, the story is completely drama-free, so if you’re looking for something very light and simple, that is the book to go. (There are also no spicy scenes, but for me it is more of a drawback, than a benefit).
And lastly, the spirit of Christmas and New Year was strong. It even set me in a mood, even though it is quite early for that yet.
Speaking about minuses - definitely, it is cheesiness and lack of drama. I felt like it was a Christmas movie on Hallmark. The way the things were shown in their little town was way tooooo cheesy. And I really wanted to see something dramatic, (not a breakup, God forbid) like jealousy or something similar.
So overall, if you want a good friends-to-lovers Christmas story that feels too good to be true, that is your client.
November 6, 2026
Fresh off reading; "A Holiday Inn, Maine" I dove right into this book via NetGalley, and it had many of the same things I really enjoyed from that book in this one, too. The pacing feels right, the characters are likeable, and the author does a great job of capturing the community of a small town. (As someone who lives in a small town and grew up here, I felt like I could really relate to a lot of the experiences that were depicted through this book). Similar again to A Holiday Inn, Maine, there's not a lot of angst, and there's a bit of miscommunication. While I find it to be an incredibly frustrating trope, and am not a fan of it, I feel like this book didn't lean heavily into that and didn't drag it on for an unreasonable amount of time. That, I can appreciate.
Around the holiday season I absolutely love slice of life to keep me sane while struggling with university assignments and professor mix ups, and this was a perfect remedy for that, even if it was a fairly fast read. I can't wait to see more works from this author!
I recommend for fans of:
-Friends to Lovers
-One bed trope
-Miscommunication trope (though it's not as intense as many I've seen in this trope)
-And slightly pretentious (in an endearing way, I swear) gay people
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this early in exchange for an honest review!
Around the holiday season I absolutely love slice of life to keep me sane while struggling with university assignments and professor mix ups, and this was a perfect remedy for that, even if it was a fairly fast read. I can't wait to see more works from this author!
I recommend for fans of:
-Friends to Lovers
-One bed trope
-Miscommunication trope (though it's not as intense as many I've seen in this trope)
-And slightly pretentious (in an endearing way, I swear) gay people
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this early in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Peadar Merrigan and Nightsgale Books for the ARC.
A holiday romance set in a small town, between childhood friends, low-angst, no drama, no miscommunication, just a slow simmering until the flavour sets in.
I loved it so much! It is cozy and filled with just warming moments between family, friends, neighbors, community. Nothing crazy that makes you want to shake the characters into being logic. It is a perfect read for Christmas, low-stakes, heart-warming rewards. If I could, I would like to be in their town, to spend Christmas with everyone there.
I loved the fact that Liam and Conrad were from beginning to end their own person, with defined likes and dislikes. Neither tries to be someone else, or change the other, for them to fit together.
If you ever want a cozy read, where the emphasis on cozy from start to finish, this is the book for you. No Hallmark movie tropes, no crazy shenanigans, just people being their very best during Christmas.
Can't wait to see what else Peadar Merrigan will write next. This book has definitely charmed my heart.
A holiday romance set in a small town, between childhood friends, low-angst, no drama, no miscommunication, just a slow simmering until the flavour sets in.
I loved it so much! It is cozy and filled with just warming moments between family, friends, neighbors, community. Nothing crazy that makes you want to shake the characters into being logic. It is a perfect read for Christmas, low-stakes, heart-warming rewards. If I could, I would like to be in their town, to spend Christmas with everyone there.
I loved the fact that Liam and Conrad were from beginning to end their own person, with defined likes and dislikes. Neither tries to be someone else, or change the other, for them to fit together.
If you ever want a cozy read, where the emphasis on cozy from start to finish, this is the book for you. No Hallmark movie tropes, no crazy shenanigans, just people being their very best during Christmas.
Can't wait to see what else Peadar Merrigan will write next. This book has definitely charmed my heart.
November 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Nightsgale Books, and Peadar Merrigan for an ARC!
What a cute lil Christmas book. I’m usually a grinch when it comes to anything Christmas, but this story made my heart so big and it felt like a warm hug.
Liam and Connor are childhood best friends who have been there for each other for their seasons through life in Ireland. Even though they are opposite on paper (small town/big city, occupation, personality), their connection is too sweet. Liam is a workaholic who loves art while Connor is a small town carpenter where everyone knows him. Even though this quick read, there is so much packed in here: the character development, the small town community with a big personality, friends to lovers, and amazingly written characters. I loved how much depth the characters had: from Liam and Connor all the way down to the side characters. They built (pun intended) off of each other nicely.
Cozy, quick, and adorable read. Highly recommend for the holiday season!
Great job to Peadar Merrigan for a wonderful debut novel! Can’t wait to see more.
What a cute lil Christmas book. I’m usually a grinch when it comes to anything Christmas, but this story made my heart so big and it felt like a warm hug.
Liam and Connor are childhood best friends who have been there for each other for their seasons through life in Ireland. Even though they are opposite on paper (small town/big city, occupation, personality), their connection is too sweet. Liam is a workaholic who loves art while Connor is a small town carpenter where everyone knows him. Even though this quick read, there is so much packed in here: the character development, the small town community with a big personality, friends to lovers, and amazingly written characters. I loved how much depth the characters had: from Liam and Connor all the way down to the side characters. They built (pun intended) off of each other nicely.
Cozy, quick, and adorable read. Highly recommend for the holiday season!
Great job to Peadar Merrigan for a wonderful debut novel! Can’t wait to see more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set in gorgeous Ireland, this is a must-read Christmas Story. It has everything to make it a traditional feel-good Christmas goodie. It’s wholesome, warm, and perfect for reading by the fire with a festive hot chocolate—a little nip of brandy is optional.
We have the Christmas markets, the nativity, and all the good stuff that Christmas brings. All set around family and small-town Irish life.
Liam is a busy man, but he has to go home to the town he left behind for the holiday. He’s gone up in the world and has a good career and life in the city. Reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Connor, is fun... until things go wrong for Connor when his carpentry business is wiped out.
Liam feels for his old mate, but are the feelings too much when he has a whole other life to go back to?
Make this your Christmas go-to; it’s sweet, warm, and a Christmas Cracking read.
We have the Christmas markets, the nativity, and all the good stuff that Christmas brings. All set around family and small-town Irish life.
Liam is a busy man, but he has to go home to the town he left behind for the holiday. He’s gone up in the world and has a good career and life in the city. Reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Connor, is fun... until things go wrong for Connor when his carpentry business is wiped out.
Liam feels for his old mate, but are the feelings too much when he has a whole other life to go back to?
Make this your Christmas go-to; it’s sweet, warm, and a Christmas Cracking read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a sweet romance with tons of delicious local details. I liked the semi-closed-door aspect (I just get tired of reading sex scenes sometimes), though it wasn't as fade-to-black as the subtitle would have led me to believe.
I liked the setup and the wacky families and townspeople. I think, though, the intensity of emotion I look for in a romance was lacking. I also didn't really understand the big deal about the chest—yes, it had belonged to his great-grandfather, but it was sitting in the back of the shop unused. Why not sell it and let some collector enjoy it? I also didn't buy that a charity auction could be put together and take place in the course of a few hours.
Overall, while this story didn't entirely work for me, I will look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
I liked the setup and the wacky families and townspeople. I think, though, the intensity of emotion I look for in a romance was lacking. I also didn't really understand the big deal about the chest—yes, it had belonged to his great-grandfather, but it was sitting in the back of the shop unused. Why not sell it and let some collector enjoy it? I also didn't buy that a charity auction could be put together and take place in the course of a few hours.
Overall, while this story didn't entirely work for me, I will look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
October 30, 2026
A really sweet story with a lovely cast of characters, both protagonists and secondary ones. I’m not usually the biggest friends-to-lovers person (I tend to go for more explosive romances), but there’s just something about this one that makes it perfect for the holiday season ahead.
The friendship between Liam and Connor feels believable, and the transition from lifelong friends to something more is handled really well. There’s something particularly heartwarming about watching two people who already know each other so well start seeing each other in a different light.
This felt like a warm hug and a cosy blanket of a story, and I’m so glad these two found their way to each other. The Irish setting is also a definite plus in my books.
A lovely little Christmas read!
The friendship between Liam and Connor feels believable, and the transition from lifelong friends to something more is handled really well. There’s something particularly heartwarming about watching two people who already know each other so well start seeing each other in a different light.
This felt like a warm hug and a cosy blanket of a story, and I’m so glad these two found their way to each other. The Irish setting is also a definite plus in my books.
A lovely little Christmas read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cute Christmas MM romance
This books has been a lush way to get into the festive spirit
Low stakes
Green flags
Friends to lovers
I had such a great time reading this story, finished it in 2 sittings
There were a few moments where I'd have to reread sections because the flow would go a bit off (this may be how my device downloaded it, and paragraphs just weren't being laid out right), but it wasn't enough to distract me from the story
A great debut, and will be looking forward to what the author releases next
Definitely give this book a read for those cosy winter vibes and hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did
Thank you to NetGalley and also to Nightsgale Books for the ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review
A cute Christmas MM romance
This books has been a lush way to get into the festive spirit
Low stakes
Green flags
Friends to lovers
I had such a great time reading this story, finished it in 2 sittings
There were a few moments where I'd have to reread sections because the flow would go a bit off (this may be how my device downloaded it, and paragraphs just weren't being laid out right), but it wasn't enough to distract me from the story
A great debut, and will be looking forward to what the author releases next
Definitely give this book a read for those cosy winter vibes and hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did
Thank you to NetGalley and also to Nightsgale Books for the ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A perfect MM Christmas RomCom
You dont want these kind of stories to be perfect, you want them to be full of small town querqs, christmasy vibes and a whole lot of falling in love and this book is exactly all of that!!
Seeing Liam and Connor moving from their best friends status to finally realising their feelings in a nativity story was wholesome and reading it gave me all the right feelings. And, even though its not christmas time yet i feel like after this reas i am fully ready for it!!
Honestly if you are looking for a cozy and romantic christmas book i will 100% recommend this one, you womt be disapointed 😊
You dont want these kind of stories to be perfect, you want them to be full of small town querqs, christmasy vibes and a whole lot of falling in love and this book is exactly all of that!!
Seeing Liam and Connor moving from their best friends status to finally realising their feelings in a nativity story was wholesome and reading it gave me all the right feelings. And, even though its not christmas time yet i feel like after this reas i am fully ready for it!!
Honestly if you are looking for a cozy and romantic christmas book i will 100% recommend this one, you womt be disapointed 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Wexford Carol was the cutest, cosiest, most lovely, Christmas MM romance! Both Connor and Liam are best friends, who have been friends forever, complete opposites, who begin to see each other differently. This one is a closed-door romance with a small town full of the most wonderful and supportive people! Then bonus, it's set in Ireland! It was stunning! A Wexford Carol was written in 3rd person, which usually puts me off, but honestly, I couldn't put this book down. It was written so well, thoroughly enjoyed the banter and found family element. Thank you for this one and accepting my request to read! I loved it!
October 24, 2026
This was an advanced copy provided by the author. (Did I do that right?)
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I’m not a hallmark channel Christmas movie person and this book wasn’t that at all. There was plenty of sugar but it was way more substantial and I loved it. It was exactly the type of book I like…low spice and great characterization.
I don’t write reviews unless forced to :-) so I’m not going into detail on book plot (read the dust cover) but give this book a go. You’re going to like it.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I’m not a hallmark channel Christmas movie person and this book wasn’t that at all. There was plenty of sugar but it was way more substantial and I loved it. It was exactly the type of book I like…low spice and great characterization.
I don’t write reviews unless forced to :-) so I’m not going into detail on book plot (read the dust cover) but give this book a go. You’re going to like it.
October 27, 2026
A very cute queer, Christmas-time romance that takes full advantage of its small Irish town setting. All throughout it had a wonderful Schitt’s Creek vibe and both Liam and Connor were great romantic leads. Really enjoyed the lovable townsfolk and crazed family members.
My only real gripes were I wish it were a bit spicier and more Christmassy (really just the holiday time and Nativity play were our main Christmas points).
Overall, a great debut and a lovely holiday romance! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My only real gripes were I wish it were a bit spicier and more Christmassy (really just the holiday time and Nativity play were our main Christmas points).
Overall, a great debut and a lovely holiday romance! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2026
I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley. This book was such a cute and short holiday romance. I really love the natural chemistry between the two MMCs, and found it completely believable that they were longtime best friends. For me,
I think my only complaint is that there isn’t more story to read, and that just comes from personal preference for longer books. The story is well written and wraps up nicely.
I think my only complaint is that there isn’t more story to read, and that just comes from personal preference for longer books. The story is well written and wraps up nicely.
Read
October 31, 2026Cute, short and cozy. It’s a fun quick read with lots of small town community vibes, friends to lovers, and very well written characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a quick short holiday MM romance for me. Where I enjoyed every moment of it. I’d recommend it to anyone who love a holiday MM romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
During the reading of this book i kind of got aware that i haven’t actually read many book set in Ireland and I think I want to remedy this. Even if I will mess up some names in my head probably.
A Wexford Carol by Peadar Merrigan was a great kind of traditional romance book set at Christmas time. You have your “coming home for Christmas”, you have family drama, you have unresolved big feelings and a town full of great characters. Oh and a too little cottage.
Still it felt not tropey or too predictable for comfort.
It was a wonderful cute read, great writing and something I think I would recommend especially maybe for readers new to mm romance. Feels like a good book to warm up to more. In more sense than one.
A Wexford Carol by Peadar Merrigan was a great kind of traditional romance book set at Christmas time. You have your “coming home for Christmas”, you have family drama, you have unresolved big feelings and a town full of great characters. Oh and a too little cottage.
Still it felt not tropey or too predictable for comfort.
It was a wonderful cute read, great writing and something I think I would recommend especially maybe for readers new to mm romance. Feels like a good book to warm up to more. In more sense than one.
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