Book Reviews

Book 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.

 

Book Review

“One day, your beauty will manifest in someone's eye.” — Anthony Liccione

 

Winter is the main character in ‘Merry and Bright’ by N.R. Walker. Life hasn’t been easy for him. After coming out as gay and ACE, his mother couldn’t accept it and pulled away. Luckily, his aunt stepped in, and they became close. Winter has always wanted to own a bookstore, so when he gets the chance, he takes it and brings his aunt along. This move is a new beginning for Winter, and he’s determined to make it work. He also decides to take a break from dating because he’s tired of meeting men who don’t understand his lack of interest in sex.

 

Deacon is a veterinarian who works with his father at their family clinic. He’s good at his job and is also autistic, which can make it hard for others to connect with him. When Winter brings in a cat that he accidentally hits with his car, Deacon treats her. The cat doesn’t survive, and Winter is heartbroken. Deacon wants to help but isn’t sure what to say, so he comes across as blunt and distant.

 

Since the cat was nursing, they guessed there were kittens nearby. The next day, Winter finds the kittens and brings them to Deacon, who assumes Winter wants to leave them. Deacon is surprised when Winter wants to help care for them. He shows Winter how to feed and look after the kittens, and Winter takes them home.

 

Deacon is attracted to Winter, but his discomfort with touch and closeness makes starting a relationship difficult. Winter notices what makes Deacon unique and tries to find common ground instead of focusing on their differences. Winter’s self-acceptance helps Deacon figure out what he wants. This support means a lot to Deacon, especially with Winter’s patience. As they care for the kittens together, their bond grows, and they both learn that love doesn’t have to look the same for everyone—it just needs to be real.

 

N.R. does a great job showing the different ways people think and also offers realistic solutions for dealing with situations that may otherwise be baffling for neurodivergent people. ‘Merry and Bright’ was uplifting, enlightening, and hopeful. Thank you, N.R., for the touching story.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 350 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	04-December-2025
Price	$5.99 ebook, $20.00 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2J9H7XH