Reviewed by Mal
TITLE: Merry and Bright
SERIES: Hartbridge Christmas
AUTHOR: N.R. Walker
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 350 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 4, 2025
BLURB:
When given the opportunity to make his dream of owning his own bookstore come true, Winter Atkins couldn’t say yes quick enough. Moving to Hartbridge, Montana, with his favorite aunt is the adventure he needs to start over. And leaving behind a string of unhappy boyfriends because of his asexuality, Winter is all too happy to shelve the idea of dating forever.
Deacon Clark has never fit in. Autistic and neurodivergent, he excels in his studies and at his father’s veterinary clinic, but his social skills are lacking. He’s attracted to men, but his bluntness and aversion to physical touch have made dating impossible.
When Winter brings an injured cat into Deacon’s clinic, it sparks an unlikely friendship; something both men need more than they realize. Hartbridge’s Christmas Cupid has his work cut out for him this year. But with the help of two newly orphaned kittens, from friendship, the strongest bond forms.
REVIEW:
Oh NR Walker, how do you do it, tell these utterly hopeful, beautiful, romantic tales of love. I am but a swooning puddle on the floor, a beatific smile afixed on my face, just blow away by this gorgeous love story.
Winter is such an amazing character … full of love and heart and joy and ready to make a good life for himself and Ro. He’s had enough of people taking issue with his asexuality and he’s ready for a fresh start. He’s chosen Hartsbridge to do that in and we know that tow is magical, not just for it’s Cupid lore but mostly for it’s found family, for it’s ideal representation of what a small town community should look like, for what accepting hearts and minds look like as they look out for each other.
Winter has a sad thing happen that leads him to meet Deacon who’s sincere, honest, exceedingly kind and autistic. Decon being vet and Winter being a bookstore owner were my favourite things to be honest. As were Merry and Bright, the rambunctious siblings. These two added so much humour and joy to the swoony story. Honestly this book had tonnes of funny moments I wasn’t expecting and lots of touching thoughtful moments that I’ll be thinking back on. The way this story crescendos building from small glances to an unbreakable connection. I loved how they communicate with each other, how they try for each other, how they are authentic with each other. Made my heart happy.
It’s a lovely slow fall into a lifetime of love and their story is unique and I couldn’t put it down. The neurodivergent rep and the ace rep were absolutely beautifully handled and it’s one of my favourite holiday romances till date. Can’t recommend it enough. Infinity Stars!
RATING: 
BUY LINK:
I completely agree. I have just read this and completely adored it. Shame I have already submitted my top 10 books of this year cos this would definitely have made the list