One night in Vegas I gave him my heart… one day later, he broke it. Look, I’ve never claimed to be a nice guy. I don’t do pretty words, I don’t give polite smiles, and I refuse to be sucked into the sappy bucket of sentimentality that is Christmas in small-town O’Leary. Smiling neighbors, overly decorated trees, a town parade, a Santa contest? Ho ho no. I do shifts as a firefighter, and I go home … as a firefighter, and I go home alone.
I fell into the trap once — that stupid night in Vegas — of believing there was more out there for me. I took a chance on a guy with magical green eyes and a gorgeous smile. The next day, Liam McKnight was gone. He took my heart with him… and left his wedding ring behind.
Except now my once-upon-a-time husband has reappeared with a kid in tow, and there are carols, lights, and cookies everywhere I turn. And worst of all? The spark between us burns brighter than ever, because whatever happened in Vegas definitely didn’t stay there. Liam came to town looking for an ending, but what’s building between us feels an awful lot like a beginning. Too bad it’s going to take more than a dozen interfering O’Learians to convince me to take a second chance on heartache, on love… on us.
Note: While The Night is very much Liam and Gideon’s story, characters from past books do make an appearance, and you’ll enjoy the book exponentially more if this isn’t your first trip to O’Leary.
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I love the world May Archer has created with this series, and this holiday-themed edition was no exception. Wonderful characters, some laugh out loud moments, a feel good romance, and the nuttiness that is O’Leary. Gah, I loved this so much.
Best fa la laing holiday book of the season! I’m in love with May Archer’s world and want to move to O’Leary. If you want the perfect gay holiday romance, you can’t go wrong with this one. It has everything. Please read it. <3
Another fantastic addition to the Love in O’Leary series, and a definite recommendation if you’re looking for a great Christmas story.
I always have the best time visiting O’Leary and its inhabitants, so I was SO excited when I managed to snag an early copy of May Archer’s holiday book. And OMG I was not disappointed. Gideon and Liam’s story was everything that a holiday story should be–full of light, love, Christmas decorations up the wazoo, kind friends and neighbors, the holiday spirit, and Santas. Lots and lots and lots of Santas.
I was really bracing myself for some Class-A level angsting when I realized what the premise of the story was, but of course this book is just as delightfully full of fun and whimsy and hot, hot romance as all the others have been. Whatever hurt and anger exists between Liam and Gideon, it doesn’t stick around too long, and the reader is left cheering them on as they work through the misunderstandings that separated them, and, more importantly, find new ground to lay the foundations for a future together.
Gideon and Liam’s chemistry, even after five years of separation, is absolutely off the charts. Not only that, these two really appreciate and bolster each other up, even when they should be angry or upset at one another. AND did I mention the adorable Hazel? Everyone is in love with Hazel, and rightly so.
I also should mention that all our favorites from the other O’Leary books came back to help get Gideon and Liam together, and it is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud throughout much of the first third of the book.
Overall, simply the perfect holiday read to make you BELIEVE in the true spirit of Christmas. Highly recommend.
This was a Hallmark Christmas movie if I ever read one! Liam finds Gideon after five years apart in a magical Christmas town in New York. Everyone in the town are matchmakers and little Hazel, Liam’s daughter brings so much laughter and love to the story to round out the hurt and confusion of why Liam and Gideon were separated to begin with. I cannot wait to go back to the beginning of the series to fall in love with this little town and cast of characters again.
This is the gay Hallmark movie we’ve all been waiting for! I love holiday books, but I adored The Night. It’ll most likely stay my favorite 2020 holiday story. It has your quintessential nosy and meddling (but well meaning) small town, a boy living in said small town, a boy from the city, and lots of Santa mischief. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer. It’s just a really feel-good, sweet romance.
The Night can be read as a standalone, but it is much better if you’ve read the series. And if you haven’t, you’ve been missing out! This is one of my favorite series and May has created a fun place in O’Leary.
Second chances
I fa la la-ing love this book and O’Leary! Every time I visit I never want to leave and I always find something new to love about the town and people. For one thing, I wouldn’t want to be someone they dislike considering what they do to “help” the ones they do. This book was hilarious and heartwarming but I think the real star was Hazel. She’s amazing and hosts the most most entertaining tea parties.
I most thoroughly enjoyed Gideon’s alternatives for cussing and celebrating the holiday spirit. I fell in love with sweet Liam and grumpy Gideon. They tugged at my heart, made me laugh, and made me want to decorate Gideon’s home during the holidays. The connection and chemistry they have is on fire and speaking of, never insult anyone Liam loves. “So don’t tell me it’s impossible just because it’s improbable, Liam, because you’ve got to leave room for all the improbable, magical [stuff] in this world.” I can’t wait to return for more. Outstanding, fantastic and wonderful, I believe in magic and O’Leary.
If you’re like me and have fallen in love with May Archer’s Love in O’Leary series, then you’ll understand my excitement!!
The Night is yet another amazing addition to this series.
It’s the perfect second chance holiday read!
I love my enemy to lovers trope, and Gideon and Liam did not disappoint!! The Night is a low angst, sweet, sexy book that delivers all the feels!!
Although this book is the 5th in the series, it can be read as a standalone, however, it’s best enjoyed if you’ve read the previous books in the series
This series started out with a literal small-town murder and ended with what I think was the suggestion that Santa is real. A good series overall, but I’ve had my fill of O’Leary.
This was a fun, quick read.
The premise was not totally believable, but I still enjoyed the story.
I really liked the charachters and the relationship they develop.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
Narration: 4.5
The best one yet!
I haven’t read all the O’Leary stories but I do love the small town, an extra friendly atmosphere especially present in this story!
A great second-chance/love-at-first-sight story, with a whole lot of zing! May’s writing is witty, charismatic and passionate. This flows through all the characters. I love the small-town vibes and small town matchmaking! This story follows grumpy Gideon and sweet single parent Liam as they are reunited after 5 years and realize what they had was more than they ever thought it could be and that there is more to their connection than the initial sparks. Add in an endearing 7-year-old with a Santa obsession and you have the perfect Christmas miracle story. I really enjoyed this one and think its the best story from O’Leary yet. Now I just need to go back and learn about all the other colorful characters!
Michael’s narration is exceptional as always, with only a minor dialect issue where he voices Liam as Gideon and Gideon as Liam which was a little funny and something I’m sure no one else would notice.
Highly recommend and lovable, second-chance story!
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Audiobook Review:
Beyond a couple shorts courtesy of the Heart2Heart anthologies, The Night marked my first full foray into the town of O’Leary and I know I’ll be back. In a word, The Night was charming. Although there were some syrupy sweet parts, it didn’t feel like too much. Instead, the tone and story embodied the holiday-in-a-small-town spirit and made me want to stay awhile.
I liked the main characters straight away and really liked the premise of this second chance romance. Per usual, Mr. Pauley delivered a great performance with a smooth, flowing delivery and plenty of emotion to make the book come alive and the town of O’Leary that much more enchanting. The magic of Christmas appeared in a variety of ways throughout O’Leary, but none more so than through Liam’s daughter, Hazel Grace. Watching her relationship with Gideon and the town as a whole develop, as well as the love between Liam and Gideon rekindle was lovely and heartwarming. And while I didn’t know all the couples making cameos throughout the book or appreciate them as much as readers who have followed the full series, the story and town still felt warm and welcoming. If you’re in the mood for some holiday magic that can melt a perpetual grump’s walls, I’d definitely recommend The Night.
*Received ACX promo code via LesCourt Author Services. The PA and author had no influence over this review*
Have I told anyone lately how much I adore May Archer’s books? Well, if I haven’t been saying it loudly enough, I’ll make sure you can hear me in the back. I ADORE May Archer’s books! The Night, a Love in O’Leary novella, wasn’t just a perfect addition to this series, it was simply magical.
When Liam and his seven-year-old daughter Hazel pack up and head to O’Leary, he’s met with more than his grumpy soon to be ex-husband. Instead of Liam quickly having Gideon sign divorce papers, a town full of Christmas do-gooders lie in wait. It seems the people of O’Leary have decided to turn their local fire chief, Gideon, from the Grinch into a Christmas sweater-wearing, carol singing citizen of Whoville.
With some clever Santa’s and an adorable seven-year-old paving the way, it was easy to fall in love with this story.
The way May Archer writes romance has captivated me as a reader. I so look forward to reading whatever she has planned for us next. I hope you take a chance on her books and find the magic in her words as I have.
Gideon:
I have read all the Love in O’Leary novels and in all honesty Gideon was a side character I didn’t pay much attention too. Was I missing out. As much as Gideon thinks he is closed off he still has a huge heart and capacity for love. When he loves he gives his all. They problem is he already gave it away years ago.
Liam:
At first I was a little skeptical. I didn’t want to like him. He left and devastated Gideon and it seems he is coming back to “twist the knife” but as usual with an author the caliber of May Archer Liam surprised me. He is carrying a lot on his shoulders and being an altruistic idiot (maybe I’m still a tad bit protective of Gideon) he did what he thought was best at the time.
Now that they are in the same town the real question is will the let down the walls that they have built over the years and embrace each other and the magic that only O’Leary can bring?
Hilarious, heartwarming and hot! A book that will have you laughing out loud and loving every fantastically witty word! Welcome to O’Leary!!!
Christmas in O’Leary is every bit as magical as one would expect. Liam married Gideon five years ago in Las Vegas, then left him the next morning with no warning or explanation. He comes to O’Leary with his young daughter in tow, seeking closure with Gideon, but is taken aback by the sparks that are still very much there between them, and by the incredible town that is O’Leary. Is it truly closure he wants, or a second chance with the only man with whom he’s ever felt a total connection? All of your favorite O’Learians are on hand to meddle and otherwise prompt a smile, and a tissue or two may be required. My highest recommendation.
I rarely am left speechless after reading a book, but after this one I was totally mute. It’s funny, sweet, angsty in the right amount to counter that. The characters are brilliant, from MCs to the most insignificant spot appearances. It’s just perfect!
As a fan of this series, I was so lucky to received an ARC of this book, and I totally loved it. Liam and Gideon’s (and Hazel’s) story is all about second chances at love and family. You could find emotional sweet moments, romance, hot scenes and Princes and Princesses (Haha). Even with some angst that could led you to cry a little bit, the book is a wonderful relaxing reading. I recommend to read the whole series to completely enjoy the familiar encounters all around town.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.