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Hartbridge Christmas #2
Lista de deseos navideños
Jayden Turner, un emigrante australiano, necesita un trabajo y un cambio de aires y acepta un puesto de chef en un Bed and Breakfast para las fiestas de Navidad. Después de todo, ¿qué nivel de dificultad podría haber en un pequeño pueblo en las montañas de Montana? Lo que encuentra es una gran casa antigua en un pueblo precioso, y su nuevo jefe es guapísimo, gay y soltero.
Después de su divorcio, Carter “Cass” Campion compró la deteriorada casa de campo de su tía abuela en su pueblo natal, y está decidido a ponerla a punto para el ajetreado periodo de las festividades. Recientemente ha salido del armario como gay, por lo que se ha centrado únicamente en su negocio y no ha tenido tiempo para un hombre. No son muchos los homosexuales que pasan por Hartbridge...
Con la llegada de sus nuevos clientes, y estando lejos de sus dos hijos, celebrar la Navidad es lo último en lo que piensa Cass. Pero su nuevo cocinero tiene otras ideas. Y si hay una cosa en su lista de deseos navideños este año, Jayden puede hacerla realidad.
Después de su divorcio, Carter “Cass” Campion compró la deteriorada casa de campo de su tía abuela en su pueblo natal, y está decidido a ponerla a punto para el ajetreado periodo de las festividades. Recientemente ha salido del armario como gay, por lo que se ha centrado únicamente en su negocio y no ha tenido tiempo para un hombre. No son muchos los homosexuales que pasan por Hartbridge...
Con la llegada de sus nuevos clientes, y estando lejos de sus dos hijos, celebrar la Navidad es lo último en lo que piensa Cass. Pero su nuevo cocinero tiene otras ideas. Y si hay una cosa en su lista de deseos navideños este año, Jayden puede hacerla realidad.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2021
222 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
135 books5,318 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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October 28, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
Christmas Wish List is book two in the Hartbridge Christmas series by N.R. Walker. I love this little town and after reading the first book, have been so looking forward to coming back to see who the magic of this place would work on next.
Jayden Turner is twenty eight years old and is a very talented chef. It’s not that he is a wanderlust. It’s just that nowhere he has lived has ever felt like home, like it was his forever. It was time to leave his current job so he took a temporary, ten day job at a brand new bed and breakfast in Hartbridge. What he found was a breathtakingly beautiful manor and a newly out gay man who was a bit overwhelmed getting everything ready on time. It was a good thing Jayden’s organizational skills were his strength.
Carter “Cass” Campion has been working on the bed and breakfast for the last eighteen months. He has put everything he has, both physically and financially into the place to get it ready. So there has been no time for anything else in his life. He’s pretty much resigned himself to being eternally single. Then Jayden came into his life with his magical cooking skills. Jayden was a force and Cass fell fast. But Jayden was only here temporarily. Could he ever see himself staying? Making a life here?
“I wanted more in life. I wanted better.”
Both of these men had been missing something in their lives. In a very short time, feelings began to grow between them. Was it just chemistry, or could it be more? Jayden had never lived in such a small town but he couldn’t help but to be smitten with the beautiful town. Could he ever be happy in a place like this? Could he be happy with Cass? Could this be the ‘home’ he’d been looking for?
I adore this little town and can just picture how beautiful it is at Christmas. I felt bad for Cass and the guilt he carried for the people he felt he hurt when he came out. And I loved that Jayden was able to help him with that. These two were perfect for one another. One thing I have loved about both of these two books is that we don’t have any angsty break ups. I have so grown to dislike those in my romance reading. The characters make the decision that they are all in and that is just what they do. I adore the epilogues as well, giving us that perfect glimpse into the couple’s future to see how they are doing. Now I can’t wait to start book three, Merry Christmas Cupid.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Christmas Wish List is book two in the Hartbridge Christmas series by N.R. Walker. I love this little town and after reading the first book, have been so looking forward to coming back to see who the magic of this place would work on next.
Jayden Turner is twenty eight years old and is a very talented chef. It’s not that he is a wanderlust. It’s just that nowhere he has lived has ever felt like home, like it was his forever. It was time to leave his current job so he took a temporary, ten day job at a brand new bed and breakfast in Hartbridge. What he found was a breathtakingly beautiful manor and a newly out gay man who was a bit overwhelmed getting everything ready on time. It was a good thing Jayden’s organizational skills were his strength.
Carter “Cass” Campion has been working on the bed and breakfast for the last eighteen months. He has put everything he has, both physically and financially into the place to get it ready. So there has been no time for anything else in his life. He’s pretty much resigned himself to being eternally single. Then Jayden came into his life with his magical cooking skills. Jayden was a force and Cass fell fast. But Jayden was only here temporarily. Could he ever see himself staying? Making a life here?
“I wanted more in life. I wanted better.”
Both of these men had been missing something in their lives. In a very short time, feelings began to grow between them. Was it just chemistry, or could it be more? Jayden had never lived in such a small town but he couldn’t help but to be smitten with the beautiful town. Could he ever be happy in a place like this? Could he be happy with Cass? Could this be the ‘home’ he’d been looking for?
I adore this little town and can just picture how beautiful it is at Christmas. I felt bad for Cass and the guilt he carried for the people he felt he hurt when he came out. And I loved that Jayden was able to help him with that. These two were perfect for one another. One thing I have loved about both of these two books is that we don’t have any angsty break ups. I have so grown to dislike those in my romance reading. The characters make the decision that they are all in and that is just what they do. I adore the epilogues as well, giving us that perfect glimpse into the couple’s future to see how they are doing. Now I can’t wait to start book three, Merry Christmas Cupid.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 4, 2025
I grinned from page 1 to page 252. What is it about these books? They contain some mighty uppers …
This definitely helps with my tiny slump, hopefully it cured it, we will see.
So, this is not a very deep read or something meaningful, just your perfect lighthearted small town Hallmark Christmas story.
Aww, I love it …
Everything is so cute, and the characters from the first book make a brief appearance... wonderful. But it's not essential to read the first book; this one works well on its own.
When I started reading this book, I didn't think it would turn out this way for me. I mean, yes, I felt wonderful from the first page, but the two characters surprised me. I had judged them differently, and it was really a pleasure to be surprised.
The only thing I would criticize would be the minor repetitions. There are a few overlaps at the beginning, which are okay, but I could do without them. I'm not a fan of getting the same thing from two perspectives. Fortunately, this was only brief and didn't continue throughout the entire book. However, there were a few sentences later on that appeared repeatedly. That was a little distracting. But I'm also a bit sensitive at the moment. It wasn't too bad.
That said, Cass and Jayden put me in a wonderful mood, and I hope that lasts.
And even though I'm not a fan of winter, I can imagine this small town so well, and if snow wasn't so annoying, I would love to live there.
“Small town, snow, Christmas lights, happy people, and street food. What is there not to like?” ☃️☃️☃️
The room was still spinning, my bones were still sponge, when Cass lowered his body on mine and held so tight while he kissed me. This kiss was different. This kiss was something . . .
Hard, deep, all tongue, clash of teeth, and his arms wound around me a little too tight. At first I thought something was wrong, but the longer he kissed me like that, the more I realised something was very right.
This was pure emotion. 🫠🫠🫠
This definitely helps with my tiny slump, hopefully it cured it, we will see.
So, this is not a very deep read or something meaningful, just your perfect lighthearted small town Hallmark Christmas story.
Aww, I love it …
Everything is so cute, and the characters from the first book make a brief appearance... wonderful. But it's not essential to read the first book; this one works well on its own.
When I started reading this book, I didn't think it would turn out this way for me. I mean, yes, I felt wonderful from the first page, but the two characters surprised me. I had judged them differently, and it was really a pleasure to be surprised.
The only thing I would criticize would be the minor repetitions. There are a few overlaps at the beginning, which are okay, but I could do without them. I'm not a fan of getting the same thing from two perspectives. Fortunately, this was only brief and didn't continue throughout the entire book. However, there were a few sentences later on that appeared repeatedly. That was a little distracting. But I'm also a bit sensitive at the moment. It wasn't too bad.
That said, Cass and Jayden put me in a wonderful mood, and I hope that lasts.
And even though I'm not a fan of winter, I can imagine this small town so well, and if snow wasn't so annoying, I would love to live there.
“Small town, snow, Christmas lights, happy people, and street food. What is there not to like?” ☃️☃️☃️
The room was still spinning, my bones were still sponge, when Cass lowered his body on mine and held so tight while he kissed me. This kiss was different. This kiss was something . . .
Hard, deep, all tongue, clash of teeth, and his arms wound around me a little too tight. At first I thought something was wrong, but the longer he kissed me like that, the more I realised something was very right.
This was pure emotion. 🫠🫠🫠
November 27, 2021
I was happy to revisit the town where Ren and Hamish met and see them thriving years later.
I was equally happy to meet Jayden, another Aussie, and Cass, a newly out, divorced dad who's been renovating his aunt's house into a lush bed and breakfast.
Jayden is the temporary chef at Cass's B&B for the Christmas season ... temporary, until the hand holding and kissing, until Cass asks him to stay.
Steamier than the first book and very romantic, Christmas Wish List is a low-key, cozy story about two guys who find each other when they're not looking.
There's no ex-wife drama, and Cass's kids aren't overly present in the story. The small town, holiday vibe is strong in this one and will warm your heart.
The ending doesn't feel rushed, and the epilogue is filled with friends, warmth, and the best checklist of all time.
I was equally happy to meet Jayden, another Aussie, and Cass, a newly out, divorced dad who's been renovating his aunt's house into a lush bed and breakfast.
Jayden is the temporary chef at Cass's B&B for the Christmas season ... temporary, until the hand holding and kissing, until Cass asks him to stay.
Steamier than the first book and very romantic, Christmas Wish List is a low-key, cozy story about two guys who find each other when they're not looking.
There's no ex-wife drama, and Cass's kids aren't overly present in the story. The small town, holiday vibe is strong in this one and will warm your heart.
The ending doesn't feel rushed, and the epilogue is filled with friends, warmth, and the best checklist of all time.
December 19, 2025
Maybe I'm being a Grinch, but this felt very lukewarm and superficial to me. I didn't find the story romantic and I felt no chemistry between the characters. It felt more like a convenience: "I'm gay, turns out you're gay, wanna practise being gay with me?" That's literally Jayden's proposition to Cass within a day of meeting each other. They don't practise for a while, so you could call this a slow burn in that regard, but they do talk about sex a lot and Jayden is very pushy. It gets repetitive and boring real fast.
I didn't get any festive vibes, either.
I listened to the audio version of the book and I don't know how I feel about Glen Lloyd. I've listened to him narrate this author's books before and, to me, his voice is always on the verge of being overly sweet. Maybe it depends on the type of stories he narrates.
I didn't get any festive vibes, either.
I listened to the audio version of the book and I don't know how I feel about Glen Lloyd. I've listened to him narrate this author's books before and, to me, his voice is always on the verge of being overly sweet. Maybe it depends on the type of stories he narrates.
November 28, 2021
For me, this is better than last year’s Christmas offering by this author.
While wholesome and cute (who can tell me where I can get a ticket to Hartbridge, please?), we also get a really heart-warming storyline with Cass learning how to accept himself and let go of his guilt over the past. And I can never resist a ‘firsts’ trope.
Jayden is a chef, so all the yeahs! for that, and a great bloke on top of that! Loved his teasing and bantering a lot, but I’m not sure why it took him THAT long to make a decision about staying or leaving Hartbridge.
These guys are undoubtedly hot, and it was a shame that quite a few steamy scenes are ‘fade to black’. However, the UST and pining are really well done and quite sigh-worthy, something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Also loved that we got to revisit Hamish and Ren from book 1.
All in all, a definite winner in the Christmas book category this year..
While wholesome and cute (who can tell me where I can get a ticket to Hartbridge, please?), we also get a really heart-warming storyline with Cass learning how to accept himself and let go of his guilt over the past. And I can never resist a ‘firsts’ trope.
Jayden is a chef, so all the yeahs! for that, and a great bloke on top of that! Loved his teasing and bantering a lot, but I’m not sure why it took him THAT long to make a decision about staying or leaving Hartbridge.
These guys are undoubtedly hot, and it was a shame that quite a few steamy scenes are ‘fade to black’. However, the UST and pining are really well done and quite sigh-worthy, something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Also loved that we got to revisit Hamish and Ren from book 1.
All in all, a definite winner in the Christmas book category this year..
February 14, 2022
3.5 Stars
Another easy breezy Christmas story set in the quaint town of Harbridge!
Just like its predecessor Tic-Tac-Mistletoe, the holidays bring two people together, making them connect and take a chance on happiness.
As per the blurb, Jayden’s sorta a drifter with no ties to anyone or anywhere. A two week stint as the chef for a newly opened bed and breakfast is the perfect segue before he continues west. Owner Cass has finally found a new lease on life after divorcing and coming out of the closet. It soon becomes evident that though business and pleasure should not be mixed, Jayden and Cass work perfectly together on and off the job.
Again, nary a bit of angst, these two find in the other the happiness and strength they were missing all along. A sugary sweet mild sexy story to top off your holiday reading!
Another easy breezy Christmas story set in the quaint town of Harbridge!
Just like its predecessor Tic-Tac-Mistletoe, the holidays bring two people together, making them connect and take a chance on happiness.
As per the blurb, Jayden’s sorta a drifter with no ties to anyone or anywhere. A two week stint as the chef for a newly opened bed and breakfast is the perfect segue before he continues west. Owner Cass has finally found a new lease on life after divorcing and coming out of the closet. It soon becomes evident that though business and pleasure should not be mixed, Jayden and Cass work perfectly together on and off the job.
Again, nary a bit of angst, these two find in the other the happiness and strength they were missing all along. A sugary sweet mild sexy story to top off your holiday reading!
November 20, 2021
Trust NR Walker to get me out of my slump!!
After reading and not enjoying several books, I go back to one author who never lets me down.
This is what reading this book felt like:
A warm hug on a snowy Christmas season #Perfection
So... Q&A!
Q: Christmas book! Yay! What are the other tropes?
A: Close Proximity, First Times, Slight age gap, Holiday Cheers and So.Much.Fluff #OhTheFluff
Q: So the quintessential Christmas book?
A: Yes! As sweet as hot chocolate and as spicy as gingerbread cookies! #ChristmasFlavors
Q: What are the characters like?
A: These characters are just THE SWEETEST!
We have Carter (Cass) who owns a newly renovated B&B. He was married, has 2 kids and had only come out a couple of years before to his family. He's a hardworker who's been all about the B&B for so long that he didn't have any time for dating and getting the #GayExperience
Then we got Jayden, the aussie native, who's a chef that moves around from one job to another. He had never wanted to settle down until he saw a Christmassy Hartbridge and laid eyes on his newest employer, Cass! #ScrewPlans
Q: Well this sounds so cute! What about the steam-o-meter?
A: It's a slowish-burn with lots of UST and a dirty talking Jayden who like to tease Cass. Needless to say Cass needed to cool himself down quite a bit.
"I think I'm gonna need to go lie down on the snow for a bit."~ Cass
Add some pretty sexy love scenes, some pretty freaking HOT kissing scenes and... #HotDayum
Q: Pheww... Ok. Angst-o-meter?
A: No angst!! No conflict. no quarrels, no misunderstanding. Just a sweet book with two sweet men who talked things out, fell sweetly in love and are just plain adorable. #AllTheFeels
Q: What about the HEA?
A: You know the how Hallmark movies have this sugary sweet ending when everyone is happy and they all live happily ever after. It's like that. #Picturesque
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
After reading and not enjoying several books, I go back to one author who never lets me down.
This is what reading this book felt like:
A warm hug on a snowy Christmas season #Perfection
So... Q&A!
Q: Christmas book! Yay! What are the other tropes?
A: Close Proximity, First Times, Slight age gap, Holiday Cheers and So.Much.Fluff #OhTheFluff
Q: So the quintessential Christmas book?
A: Yes! As sweet as hot chocolate and as spicy as gingerbread cookies! #ChristmasFlavors
Q: What are the characters like?
A: These characters are just THE SWEETEST!
We have Carter (Cass) who owns a newly renovated B&B. He was married, has 2 kids and had only come out a couple of years before to his family. He's a hardworker who's been all about the B&B for so long that he didn't have any time for dating and getting the #GayExperience
Then we got Jayden, the aussie native, who's a chef that moves around from one job to another. He had never wanted to settle down until he saw a Christmassy Hartbridge and laid eyes on his newest employer, Cass! #ScrewPlans
Q: Well this sounds so cute! What about the steam-o-meter?
A: It's a slowish-burn with lots of UST and a dirty talking Jayden who like to tease Cass. Needless to say Cass needed to cool himself down quite a bit.
"I think I'm gonna need to go lie down on the snow for a bit."~ Cass
Add some pretty sexy love scenes, some pretty freaking HOT kissing scenes and... #HotDayum
Q: Pheww... Ok. Angst-o-meter?
A: No angst!! No conflict. no quarrels, no misunderstanding. Just a sweet book with two sweet men who talked things out, fell sweetly in love and are just plain adorable. #AllTheFeels
Q: What about the HEA?
A: You know the how Hallmark movies have this sugary sweet ending when everyone is happy and they all live happily ever after. It's like that. #Picturesque
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
December 7, 2021
This was such a perfect Christmas read, so charming and adorable...
January 3, 2022
3.5 Stars
Christmas Wish List follows the budding romance between newly out and divorced Cass and Aussie expat Jayden, who takes a short-term position as chef at Cass’s about-to-open B&B in Hartbridge, Montana.
It was lovely to be back in the small mountain town of Hartbridge, where the townsfolk are friendly and the holiday festivities are something straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s the kind of place I wish I could live and probably my favourite element of this series to date.
I liked both Cass and Jayden as characters, enjoying their very easy and compatible connection from the start, but I wasn’t as engrossed by their romance as I was in book one with Ren and Hamish—who, thankfully, made some much-welcomed appearances throughout the story.
In truth, this was a bit on the slow-side for me, but I decided to round up my rating because I adored the final quarter and relished some of the deeply romantic overtures shared between Cass and Jayden as they navigated their new relationship and what that meant for their individual and joint future plans.
Overall, a lovely Christmas romance that will leave readers in good spirits.
Christmas Wish List follows the budding romance between newly out and divorced Cass and Aussie expat Jayden, who takes a short-term position as chef at Cass’s about-to-open B&B in Hartbridge, Montana.
It was lovely to be back in the small mountain town of Hartbridge, where the townsfolk are friendly and the holiday festivities are something straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s the kind of place I wish I could live and probably my favourite element of this series to date.
I liked both Cass and Jayden as characters, enjoying their very easy and compatible connection from the start, but I wasn’t as engrossed by their romance as I was in book one with Ren and Hamish—who, thankfully, made some much-welcomed appearances throughout the story.
In truth, this was a bit on the slow-side for me, but I decided to round up my rating because I adored the final quarter and relished some of the deeply romantic overtures shared between Cass and Jayden as they navigated their new relationship and what that meant for their individual and joint future plans.
Overall, a lovely Christmas romance that will leave readers in good spirits.
December 8, 2021
3.75 stars
This was a typical N. R. Walker story, sugary sweet with very little (if any) angst and I loved it. It’s the perfect read for this time of year.
I loved both Jayden and Cass, learning about love and exploring their feelings for one another. Yes, it was kind of insta love, but it just all worked for me.
The epilogue was perfect and I was happy to see Ren and Hamish make a few appearances.
This was a typical N. R. Walker story, sugary sweet with very little (if any) angst and I loved it. It’s the perfect read for this time of year.
I loved both Jayden and Cass, learning about love and exploring their feelings for one another. Yes, it was kind of insta love, but it just all worked for me.
The epilogue was perfect and I was happy to see Ren and Hamish make a few appearances.
November 27, 2021
This is totally a case of having too high expectations. And yes I can see you all thinking “Gustaf, what are you talking about? You gave this a four star rating.” But hear me out, ok? I went in to this expecting all the feels. After the masterpiece that was Tic-Tac-Mistletoe (the first book in the series, which you totally have to read if you haven’t because it’s amazing and I want to read it over and over again), I expected this to give me the same kind of feelings as this one did, and it only partly did that. So yeah, I can only blame myself.
This was still a super cute read though. With little very little angst, all the small town feels and lots and lots of food. (Seriously, don’t read this book if you aren’t well fed). Both Cass and Jayden are nice guys deserving of love and a happy ever after. Even the kids and the ex wife were great. And maybe that’s what made me feel a little less towards this book. Not that they were great, but that they were there. I can’t seem to get over myself when it comes to the whole gay guy marrying and having kids with a woman because he’s ashamed of being gay. It feels icky. Another me thing.
This was still a super cute read though. With little very little angst, all the small town feels and lots and lots of food. (Seriously, don’t read this book if you aren’t well fed). Both Cass and Jayden are nice guys deserving of love and a happy ever after. Even the kids and the ex wife were great. And maybe that’s what made me feel a little less towards this book. Not that they were great, but that they were there. I can’t seem to get over myself when it comes to the whole gay guy marrying and having kids with a woman because he’s ashamed of being gay. It feels icky. Another me thing.
November 17, 2021
I absolutely loved this one. It’s the perfect Christmas read and I can see myself re-reading it every year about this time.
Hartbridge is your picture perfect small town. The kind of town where romantic Christmas movies are set.
Cass is a local which in a small town like this means everyone knows him. He’s a great guy struggling with guilt from breaking up his marriage. His ex-wife Kendra is lovely and they have two beautiful children. But Cass just couldn’t live a lie any longer.
So he’s bought his great-aunt’s old country manor and is turning it into a B&B. He’s done most of the work keeping himself busy. But he’s lonely and honestly he just doesn’t know how to be gay. Especially not in the town he grew up in. Plus his options are somewhat limited to zero. That is until he hires Jayden a twenty-eight year old chef who’s sick of moving around all the time.
And the rest as they say is history.
There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this book and therefore it’s gets a very rare 5* from me.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Hartbridge is your picture perfect small town. The kind of town where romantic Christmas movies are set.
Cass is a local which in a small town like this means everyone knows him. He’s a great guy struggling with guilt from breaking up his marriage. His ex-wife Kendra is lovely and they have two beautiful children. But Cass just couldn’t live a lie any longer.
So he’s bought his great-aunt’s old country manor and is turning it into a B&B. He’s done most of the work keeping himself busy. But he’s lonely and honestly he just doesn’t know how to be gay. Especially not in the town he grew up in. Plus his options are somewhat limited to zero. That is until he hires Jayden a twenty-eight year old chef who’s sick of moving around all the time.
And the rest as they say is history.
There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this book and therefore it’s gets a very rare 5* from me.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
November 20, 2021
Perfect festive pick me up which works beautifully even though it's pretty insta-love.
Set in the same picture perfect small town as Tic-Tac-Mistletoe, this one has another Aussie finding himself falling in love not only with the picture perfect setting, but also one of its residents.
I absolutely adored both Cass and Jayden and the way they just seamlessly slipped into a partnership running the B&B.
Throw in slow burn, a small age gap, cute kids, a great ex-wife, and surroundings you can picture clearly and it's a definite yes from me.
Loved it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Set in the same picture perfect small town as Tic-Tac-Mistletoe, this one has another Aussie finding himself falling in love not only with the picture perfect setting, but also one of its residents.
I absolutely adored both Cass and Jayden and the way they just seamlessly slipped into a partnership running the B&B.
Throw in slow burn, a small age gap, cute kids, a great ex-wife, and surroundings you can picture clearly and it's a definite yes from me.
Loved it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 17, 2022
This (and the previous one in the series) is exactly what I want from a Christmas themed m/m romance. Sweet, picturesque "Hallmark" setting, quite humorous, adorable characters, and slow-burn sexy! Perfect! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
December 8, 2021
🎅🎅**3.5 rating**🎅🎅
Brief Summary/Review
This was a very cute Christmas read. If you are looking for a lighthearted, cute Hallmark styled slow-burn romance/xmas story then this is for you.
It's got all the Christmas feels to it. Cute small town, nosey people and two hot men that fall for one another during my fave holiday. It was def giving what it was supposed to. There is tiny bit of angst but it was done well. Cass was such a sweet, shy, adorable man😍😍. I loved Jayden as well but Cass stole the show.
Worth the read? If you like cheesy xmas romance then yes!
Brief Summary/Review
This was a very cute Christmas read. If you are looking for a lighthearted, cute Hallmark styled slow-burn romance/xmas story then this is for you.
It's got all the Christmas feels to it. Cute small town, nosey people and two hot men that fall for one another during my fave holiday. It was def giving what it was supposed to. There is tiny bit of angst but it was done well. Cass was such a sweet, shy, adorable man😍😍. I loved Jayden as well but Cass stole the show.
Worth the read? If you like cheesy xmas romance then yes!
November 28, 2021
This one was cute and sweet and everything I’d expect in a Christmas read, right down to the perfect picturesque town.
I really liked Cass but found Jayden to be a bit…IDK, pushy maybe? Especially when it came to them being together. While it was mostly in jest his comments were a bit much at times.
And honestly I could’ve done with a bit more steam! 🤷🏻♀️
Overall not a bad holiday read from a solid author.
I really liked Cass but found Jayden to be a bit…IDK, pushy maybe? Especially when it came to them being together. While it was mostly in jest his comments were a bit much at times.
And honestly I could’ve done with a bit more steam! 🤷🏻♀️
Overall not a bad holiday read from a solid author.
December 16, 2021
I just love the author's MM romance stories!
They are so heartwarming and it feels so good reading them.
I got the same vibes reading this new book in the series. There's nothing I need to complain about the writing and the characters.
However, I felt like the story could have been a bit better. Maybe because I was really too hyped up when I got the ARC and read it as soon as I received it.
The romance is slow burn even when it looks and sounds like insta love.
I love the chemistry and the romance. Two aloof people met and they have found their soul partners finally. And I was the one really happy about them.
All the winter vibes! The book just got published. Hope many read this heartwarming book. It's actually difficult to stay away from my favourite MM author's works. Really happy having read this one!
Thank you, author and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
They are so heartwarming and it feels so good reading them.
I got the same vibes reading this new book in the series. There's nothing I need to complain about the writing and the characters.
However, I felt like the story could have been a bit better. Maybe because I was really too hyped up when I got the ARC and read it as soon as I received it.
The romance is slow burn even when it looks and sounds like insta love.
I love the chemistry and the romance. Two aloof people met and they have found their soul partners finally. And I was the one really happy about them.
All the winter vibes! The book just got published. Hope many read this heartwarming book. It's actually difficult to stay away from my favourite MM author's works. Really happy having read this one!
Thank you, author and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
December 15, 2021
[3.25] it's so strange for me to be on the fence about a holiday read from NR Walker yet here i am. as per my rule when i'm bouncing between two ratings, i'm rounding up, but i may come back and tweak my rating in the future. consider the rating tweaked 😆
i think there's plenty good to say about this book: fluffy holiday goodness (handholding 🥺), no vindictive ex-wife (score!), cute kids being kids (didn't overpower the mcs 👍), and Hamish & Ren cameos to name a few. but place it side by side with book one and there's zero competition. admittedly i'm very biased as i adored Hamish & Ren with my entire being, but Jayden & Cass certainly paled in comparison when it came to their chemistry and general story progression (i found it got a little repetitive here and there).
one thing i did notice that probably won't bug other people but stood out to me was Jayden's tendency to do something he knew was pushing boundaries/slightly overstepping before apologizing afterwards in a way that made it seem like it was done as an afterthought. once in a while is fine, but make a character behave like this too often and they can come across hasty and inconsiderate (even though Jayden’s portrayed as the dependable one you can go to for help any other time). i can say for sure that's not what the author intended at all, but maybe my grinchy self's tainting my interpretation of everyday behavior 🤣
i think there's plenty good to say about this book: fluffy holiday goodness (handholding 🥺), no vindictive ex-wife (score!), cute kids being kids (didn't overpower the mcs 👍), and Hamish & Ren cameos to name a few. but place it side by side with book one and there's zero competition. admittedly i'm very biased as i adored Hamish & Ren with my entire being, but Jayden & Cass certainly paled in comparison when it came to their chemistry and general story progression (i found it got a little repetitive here and there).
one thing i did notice that probably won't bug other people but stood out to me was Jayden's tendency to do something he knew was pushing boundaries/slightly overstepping before apologizing afterwards in a way that made it seem like it was done as an afterthought. once in a while is fine, but make a character behave like this too often and they can come across hasty and inconsiderate (even though Jayden’s portrayed as the dependable one you can go to for help any other time). i can say for sure that's not what the author intended at all, but maybe my grinchy self's tainting my interpretation of everyday behavior 🤣
January 29, 2026
This book was just. so. overly. wholesome. Some things obviously ARE too sweet for me 🤷♀️
I’m with my friend Snjez in this one: maybe I’m a grinch, too? It didn’t feel christmassy, the attraction was a bit… idk… convenient?
The story is simple (which isn’t necessarily bad, mind you): Jayden, a chef, originally from Australia, comes to Hartbridge, having been hired by Cass, who opens his B&B for the first time during Christmas, and who needs dinner temporary help. Cass has been out for 3 years, is divorced from his very sweet and understanding Highschool sweetheart, has 2 cute kids, but no time for relationships.
Everything is so… sweet. The house Cass renovated is beautiful, an architects wet dream, decorated with care, he’s a good father, has very understanding parents, is friends with everyone. Jayden is playful, a good cook, good looking, and, conveniently, also gay (and now the only single gay man in Hartbridge).
So ofc, they fall for each other.
I don’t buy it, sorry.
Why I didn’t dnf, you ask? I listened to the audio, and I quite enjoyed the Australian accent. But it took me ages, because I wasn’t interested enough in the couple to pick it up.
It was a lot. Please, dear authors, for the love of mlm romance, add a bit of plot. We don’t always need a full blown drama, but give us a little bit of storyline and delopement.
2.5 rounded up because of the Australian accent.
I’m with my friend Snjez in this one: maybe I’m a grinch, too? It didn’t feel christmassy, the attraction was a bit… idk… convenient?
The story is simple (which isn’t necessarily bad, mind you): Jayden, a chef, originally from Australia, comes to Hartbridge, having been hired by Cass, who opens his B&B for the first time during Christmas, and who needs dinner temporary help. Cass has been out for 3 years, is divorced from his very sweet and understanding Highschool sweetheart, has 2 cute kids, but no time for relationships.
Everything is so… sweet. The house Cass renovated is beautiful, an architects wet dream, decorated with care, he’s a good father, has very understanding parents, is friends with everyone. Jayden is playful, a good cook, good looking, and, conveniently, also gay (and now the only single gay man in Hartbridge).
So ofc, they fall for each other.
I don’t buy it, sorry.
Why I didn’t dnf, you ask? I listened to the audio, and I quite enjoyed the Australian accent. But it took me ages, because I wasn’t interested enough in the couple to pick it up.
It was a lot. Please, dear authors, for the love of mlm romance, add a bit of plot. We don’t always need a full blown drama, but give us a little bit of storyline and delopement.
2.5 rounded up because of the Australian accent.
December 12, 2021
4.5 Sweet-Christmassy-Stars!! ⭐️🎄❤️ This was another wonderful book by NRW, full for holiday goodness, romance, sentiment and some sizzle. For fans of the slow burn this story had quite the slow burn between the two MCs.. it was both steamy 🔥and a little frustrating😉. Jayden has taken on the job of a temporary chef just for the holidays at a B&B in the small town of Hartbridge. With his parents living in his native Australia, he doesn't have any true roots or place to call home. Things take a turn when he meets his employer/the owner of the B&B; "Cass" or Carter. He feels an immediate attraction but isn't even sure that Cass is gay. Cass has devoted all his time and much of his money over the last year into the house/manor he inherited from his great-aunt; to make it into a fully functional B&B and bring back it's former glory days. Since his coming out to his ex-wife and his parents, followed by his divorce he really hasn't had time to date or do much of anything between his work and the restoration. When he meets Jayden and they start to work together to get the house ready before their first guests arrive, he starts to feel the emptiness of his life. He starts to yearn for companionship and love, but he is afraid to jeopardize the professional relationship they have established. Jaden too wants to get to know Cass in every way, but cannot guarantee that he will stay after the holidays. Will Cass take a chance on Jaden? Will Jaden change his plans?
This is a perfect holiday book which has a very Hallmarky setup of a picturesque small town, where everybody knows everybody, people are nice to each other, exes are friends, kids are well behaved, snow is pretty and food is delicious. ❤️❤️❤️ It is a light read, with no real angst and lots of kisses and making out 😍. Highly recommended for all fans of holiday romances!! 👍🎄
This is a perfect holiday book which has a very Hallmarky setup of a picturesque small town, where everybody knows everybody, people are nice to each other, exes are friends, kids are well behaved, snow is pretty and food is delicious. ❤️❤️❤️ It is a light read, with no real angst and lots of kisses and making out 😍. Highly recommended for all fans of holiday romances!! 👍🎄
August 25, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I wanted romance. I wanted to fall in love with a man. I wanted to be loved by a man in return, to know what that felt like. I wanted it with him.
A really sweet little holiday book. I was enjoying it quite a lot, and Glen Lloyd did a great job with the audio (as he always does). Something is revealed about one of the MCs eventually that really affected my enjoyment (see content warnings), which was a massive shame, but no matter the circumstances, that’s not something I have understanding for. Thankfully it didn’t really fit who the MC was during the book so I was able to finish the book and enjoyed it a fair amount.
It was cute, and I always enjoy a single dad book, but I don’t really have a lot of thoughts about it. Can definitely recommend it if you want an easy and christmasy read though.
Plus points for the cutest darn cover.
3.8🌟
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Newly divorced
Single dad
Closeted MC
Small town
Forced proximity
Boss/employee
Holiday themed
Holiday fling to more
First times
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of homophobic community (past)
Mentions of MC trying to cheat with man while married (past)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Holiday romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 28 and not specified
Kids’ age: 6 and 8
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 252
Happy ending: Yes
“When he leaves, I’ll know what I’m missing. Right now, I can guess. I can wish, and I can long for it. But I don’t know what it’s like, how it feels, or how much I want it. And if he shows me . . . when he leaves, I’ll know then what I won’t have again. I’ll know what I’m missing.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I wanted romance. I wanted to fall in love with a man. I wanted to be loved by a man in return, to know what that felt like. I wanted it with him.
A really sweet little holiday book. I was enjoying it quite a lot, and Glen Lloyd did a great job with the audio (as he always does). Something is revealed about one of the MCs eventually that really affected my enjoyment (see content warnings), which was a massive shame, but no matter the circumstances, that’s not something I have understanding for. Thankfully it didn’t really fit who the MC was during the book so I was able to finish the book and enjoyed it a fair amount.
It was cute, and I always enjoy a single dad book, but I don’t really have a lot of thoughts about it. Can definitely recommend it if you want an easy and christmasy read though.
Plus points for the cutest darn cover.
3.8🌟
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Newly divorced
Single dad
Closeted MC
Small town
Forced proximity
Boss/employee
Holiday themed
Holiday fling to more
First times
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of homophobic community (past)
Mentions of MC trying to cheat with man while married (past)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Holiday romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 28 and not specified
Kids’ age: 6 and 8
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 252
Happy ending: Yes
“When he leaves, I’ll know what I’m missing. Right now, I can guess. I can wish, and I can long for it. But I don’t know what it’s like, how it feels, or how much I want it. And if he shows me . . . when he leaves, I’ll know then what I won’t have again. I’ll know what I’m missing.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
November 29, 2021
2,5 stars.
Is it me? Is it the book? Were my expectations too high? Or am I just not in the right mood to read holiday romances at the moment?
This was my second holiday romance I read this year, and I did not really enjoy it, as I didn't enjoy the other one I read.
Seeing as there are quite some people who like this, I think it should be fair to come to the conclusion it is probably me. Whether it's my mood, or whether it's about not connecting with the mc's, nor with the story, I probably won't find the answer to that question.
Ever since I began reading MM romance, NR Walker has been one of those authors I loved. A few from her books have even become like classics, such as Red Dirt Heart, or Switched. But surprisingly I did not really like the first book in this series, and I did not enjoy this one either. Of course I have expectations when I pick up one of her books, but it somehow feels like she never reached the level of writing that she did with her previous books. It's too fluffy, too sweet, too insta-love, too...shallow maybe? The inner dialogues seem repetitive and I just didn't feel the connection I hoped I would find. And sure, I know holiday stories are supposed to be warm and fluffy, all about the sweetness and the positive feels. Low angst and giving off Hallmark vibes. But that's also my complaint: it misses the depth of a story that gives you more than that, the lack of layers the mc's have, the lack of character development. Maybe that's the answer to the question why I did not enjoy this story like I hoped I would.
Sigh...I hate it when I don't enjoy a book by one of my favorite authors. But with so many books being published, I think it's quite normal that it happens. Doesn't mean I like it, though.
I kindly received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Is it me? Is it the book? Were my expectations too high? Or am I just not in the right mood to read holiday romances at the moment?
This was my second holiday romance I read this year, and I did not really enjoy it, as I didn't enjoy the other one I read.
Seeing as there are quite some people who like this, I think it should be fair to come to the conclusion it is probably me. Whether it's my mood, or whether it's about not connecting with the mc's, nor with the story, I probably won't find the answer to that question.
Ever since I began reading MM romance, NR Walker has been one of those authors I loved. A few from her books have even become like classics, such as Red Dirt Heart, or Switched. But surprisingly I did not really like the first book in this series, and I did not enjoy this one either. Of course I have expectations when I pick up one of her books, but it somehow feels like she never reached the level of writing that she did with her previous books. It's too fluffy, too sweet, too insta-love, too...shallow maybe? The inner dialogues seem repetitive and I just didn't feel the connection I hoped I would find. And sure, I know holiday stories are supposed to be warm and fluffy, all about the sweetness and the positive feels. Low angst and giving off Hallmark vibes. But that's also my complaint: it misses the depth of a story that gives you more than that, the lack of layers the mc's have, the lack of character development. Maybe that's the answer to the question why I did not enjoy this story like I hoped I would.
Sigh...I hate it when I don't enjoy a book by one of my favorite authors. But with so many books being published, I think it's quite normal that it happens. Doesn't mean I like it, though.
I kindly received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
November 27, 2022
Christmas Wish List is the second instalment in N.R. Walker's Hartbridge Christmas series. And I loved it just as much as the first one. It's just as sweet as Tic-Tac-Mistletoe, with a pinch more angst and minus the car crash.
It's a cute and cosy read about a romance between the owner of a new Bed and Breakfast and a chef hired to help our during the Christmas period.
Carter, who's mentioned in book 1, and Jayden's romance was really wholesome. Their flirt game was strong. Carter's recently come out as gay, and has two kids with his ex-wife. It added an interesting dynamic, but their was no drama they remained friends which was nice.
As this is set in the same town, we get to see Hamish and Ren which was lovely.
I'm now caught up and ready for the next release in this series Merry Christmas Cupid!
It's a cute and cosy read about a romance between the owner of a new Bed and Breakfast and a chef hired to help our during the Christmas period.
Carter, who's mentioned in book 1, and Jayden's romance was really wholesome. Their flirt game was strong. Carter's recently come out as gay, and has two kids with his ex-wife. It added an interesting dynamic, but their was no drama they remained friends which was nice.
As this is set in the same town, we get to see Hamish and Ren which was lovely.
I'm now caught up and ready for the next release in this series Merry Christmas Cupid!
Read
November 28, 2021DNF at 28%
December 15, 2021
✽ 4.25 STARS ✽
This is second book of Hartbridge Christmas Series, eventhough it's standalone, I recommend reading Tic-Tac-Mistletoe first. Some characters are introduced in #1 book and we meet them here too. Especially Ren and Hamish appear again, not just slightly, they have some scenes together with Cass and Jayden.
This book was much more sexually intense as #1 book, which was very welcoming and appreciated. I missed those sexual encounters in #1 book, where they were abruptly skipped.
On the other hand this book had so many familiarities in details with #1 book: Jayden and Hamish were both Aussie, one character in each book was not morning person, pace and overall feeling was the same, etc. From this POV first story was a little more fav than this one; but lack of sexual tension there - I give both stories same rating: 4,25 stars!
This is second book of Hartbridge Christmas Series, eventhough it's standalone, I recommend reading Tic-Tac-Mistletoe first. Some characters are introduced in #1 book and we meet them here too. Especially Ren and Hamish appear again, not just slightly, they have some scenes together with Cass and Jayden.
This book was much more sexually intense as #1 book, which was very welcoming and appreciated. I missed those sexual encounters in #1 book, where they were abruptly skipped.
On the other hand this book had so many familiarities in details with #1 book: Jayden and Hamish were both Aussie, one character in each book was not morning person, pace and overall feeling was the same, etc. From this POV first story was a little more fav than this one; but lack of sexual tension there - I give both stories same rating: 4,25 stars!
February 26, 2023
I’m not really sure what I just read. And I’m REALLY shocked what I just read was by a seasoned author I love.
I felt zero connection between these two. 65% we wait for even just a kiss and it was… meh.
There was a ton of repetitive situations/dialogue/interactions. There was a lot of focus on menus and renovations and LISTS. Which is fine as long as it’s done well and banter and the relationship builds through that, but it was just boring filler.
Also, the American said/thought “arse” a couple times and that’s just bad editing. I know the author is Australian, and the other MC is Australian, but an American wouldn’t use that term.
Aaaaand. Diabetes jokes were deemed cruel and a form of bullying a lonnnnng time ago. That’s just… so bad to read in 2021.
My biggest issue, and why I gave it the dreaded one star, is the absolutely unnecessary drama around Jayden leaving. Literally the first time he’s introduced he’s like “I’m tired of moving. I want to settle down.” And that sentiment is mentioned repeatedly. Then once Cass asks him to stay, he totally freaks out and there is NO REASON for it. He doesn’t have anything or anyone anywhere else. And there is a job RIGHT THERE waiting for him. There was drama created out of nowhere for no reason at all and it was so cheap. I kept having to remind myself who wrote this and my straight up shock over it over and over. Then we’re at 93% and Jayden is still waffling about staying. And once Jayden decided to stay, it was almost reluctant. How AWFUL for Cass. He deserved better, honestly..
I adored Tic Tac Mistletoe. What it lacked in steam it made up for in absolutely precious shmoopieness and hysterical one liners and endearing characters. It WAS like a sassy Hallmark movie. This though? It was the B movie shown on late night Lifetime Network.
I felt zero connection between these two. 65% we wait for even just a kiss and it was… meh.
There was a ton of repetitive situations/dialogue/interactions. There was a lot of focus on menus and renovations and LISTS. Which is fine as long as it’s done well and banter and the relationship builds through that, but it was just boring filler.
Also, the American said/thought “arse” a couple times and that’s just bad editing. I know the author is Australian, and the other MC is Australian, but an American wouldn’t use that term.
Aaaaand. Diabetes jokes were deemed cruel and a form of bullying a lonnnnng time ago. That’s just… so bad to read in 2021.
My biggest issue, and why I gave it the dreaded one star, is the absolutely unnecessary drama around Jayden leaving. Literally the first time he’s introduced he’s like “I’m tired of moving. I want to settle down.” And that sentiment is mentioned repeatedly. Then once Cass asks him to stay, he totally freaks out and there is NO REASON for it. He doesn’t have anything or anyone anywhere else. And there is a job RIGHT THERE waiting for him. There was drama created out of nowhere for no reason at all and it was so cheap. I kept having to remind myself who wrote this and my straight up shock over it over and over. Then we’re at 93% and Jayden is still waffling about staying. And once Jayden decided to stay, it was almost reluctant. How AWFUL for Cass. He deserved better, honestly..
I adored Tic Tac Mistletoe. What it lacked in steam it made up for in absolutely precious shmoopieness and hysterical one liners and endearing characters. It WAS like a sassy Hallmark movie. This though? It was the B movie shown on late night Lifetime Network.
December 15, 2021
Well this was a bust. I'm bummed because N.R Walker is usually my comfort read but this one wasn't it, unfortunately. Both characters were in turn overstepping and pushy . I did not really feel like we got to know the guys, they mostly talked about sex. When the sex finally arrived, you have to be patient, it was honestly a let down for me. Everything went WAY too fast. I know those stories are not meant to be realistic but they never talk about cleaning the B&B, surely Cass would need to hire someone for that as well as the cooking. Cass' ex-wife and children did not feel real to me either. I had skipped book 1 of this series after seeing the review and I should have skipped this one as well.
December 13, 2022
2★'s = it was ok.
I try to be less naughty when it comes to my Christmas reads but this one just didn't really work for me. I wasn't a fan of how pushy Jayden was. All he did was push, push, push and as soon as something was pushed on him he got angry. I didn't like it.
The Bed and Breakfast just didn't make any sense. Cass has a full time job, he can't cook at all and aside from his Christmas guests there was no talk of any others or how he was getting the word out to get more.
Add to that the indecisiveness toward the end and really, well, I just was not a fan. Honestly it felt long and I was bored.
I don't know. I just never got a feel for either of them and really, they only seemed to talk about sex.
Oh, and the guy from book 1 was kind of stuck up here.
Oh well.
I try to be less naughty when it comes to my Christmas reads but this one just didn't really work for me. I wasn't a fan of how pushy Jayden was. All he did was push, push, push and as soon as something was pushed on him he got angry. I didn't like it.
The Bed and Breakfast just didn't make any sense. Cass has a full time job, he can't cook at all and aside from his Christmas guests there was no talk of any others or how he was getting the word out to get more.
Add to that the indecisiveness toward the end and really, well, I just was not a fan. Honestly it felt long and I was bored.
I don't know. I just never got a feel for either of them and really, they only seemed to talk about sex.
Oh, and the guy from book 1 was kind of stuck up here.
Oh well.
December 13, 2022
Christmas Magic!
Yet another sweet and sexy Christmas treat by N. R. Walker! A delicious holiday story! 5 stars all the way! I’ll definitely be reading the third book in this series soon!
Yet another sweet and sexy Christmas treat by N. R. Walker! A delicious holiday story! 5 stars all the way! I’ll definitely be reading the third book in this series soon!
October 16, 2023
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
One of the best and most well-rounded Christmas romances I've read in a long while.
I was more than a little excited to head back to Hartbridge, and honestly, anything with "'N. R. Walker" on the cover jumps to the top of my immediate TBR, no questions asked.
This time around we're following another Australian ex-pat, though one that has been drifting through the US for over a decade. Jayden Turner is a chef who moves where his job takes him, passionate about his job and extremely talented to boot, Carter "Cass"' Campion can't say no to him when he applies for the job as the Holiday Chef on the opening week of his B&B. Small town shenanigans ensued.
With a magical Christmas atmosphere, sweet (and steamy) romance, and adorableness all around - in short, what you can be sure expect from NRW.
But this gave me even more than that. I loved seeing Jayden bring Cass out of his shell, help him make friends, reassure him and comfort him. And, of course, I loved checking in with Ren & Hamish from the first book.
Overall, this book just struck something in my heart, and I see myself revisiting it every holiday season.
Or, knowing me, at random intervals whenever I feel like it.
And sign me up for the audiobook - and to have it be narrated by Glen Lloyd is going right at the top of my Christmas Wish List.
One of the best and most well-rounded Christmas romances I've read in a long while.
I was more than a little excited to head back to Hartbridge, and honestly, anything with "'N. R. Walker" on the cover jumps to the top of my immediate TBR, no questions asked.
This time around we're following another Australian ex-pat, though one that has been drifting through the US for over a decade. Jayden Turner is a chef who moves where his job takes him, passionate about his job and extremely talented to boot, Carter "Cass"' Campion can't say no to him when he applies for the job as the Holiday Chef on the opening week of his B&B. Small town shenanigans ensued.
With a magical Christmas atmosphere, sweet (and steamy) romance, and adorableness all around - in short, what you can be sure expect from NRW.
But this gave me even more than that. I loved seeing Jayden bring Cass out of his shell, help him make friends, reassure him and comfort him. And, of course, I loved checking in with Ren & Hamish from the first book.
Overall, this book just struck something in my heart, and I see myself revisiting it every holiday season.
Or, knowing me, at random intervals whenever I feel like it.
And sign me up for the audiobook - and to have it be narrated by Glen Lloyd is going right at the top of my Christmas Wish List.
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