The Night

By: May Archer

Narrated by: Michael Pauley

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 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...and on us.

Please 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.

©2019 May Archer (P)2019 May Archer

This book is about a little girl

Let me preface this review by saying that I have listened to all of the Love in O'Leary books. I've enjoyed them all even through their sappy tropes of MM romance written by women (monogamy only, shockingly cute, perfect town, etc).
This book is not well done. It's a little under seven hours long but more than three quarters of it is NOT about the romance bubbling up/being dealt with between these two main characters. Instead, we get a book about how they handle his young daughter.
This book is not made with the male reader in mind. It goes beyond simple "moveries" (a phrase the author uses more than once in this book to describe the attraction these two men have for each other) to this being simply a parenting book, and a bad one at that.

I will continue reading this series as they come out, but this story was simply not for me, if you're also someone who can't stand annoyingly perfect/adorable children in your romance novels I suggest you skip this one.

Michael Pauley reads this the way he does all his novels. He has good pacing and shows a wide spectrum of emotions, but after you've listened to a dozen or so of his narrations you realize he doesn't have that many voices to call upon.

I worry that a lot of the five star reviews are payed plants.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Charming town and story with a great narrator

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*

Completely entertaining with a little Xmas magic

I love O’Leary, New York. May Archer has created a gem of a town that I joyfully anticipate returning to again and again. And the O’Learians are on their game in this book. I read the ebook in the tub and laughed until I cried, prompting worried queries from the spouse. But this audio . . . . the hysterical scheming of the O’Learians was, if possible, made even better by Michael Pauley’s narration. I laughed out loud over and over again, and then I laughed until I fell off the treadmill. And that was before the vipers.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this audio. If you’ve never read the book, get the audio (& the ebook, you won’t be sorry). If you’ve read the book, you STILL want to get the audio. The experience is that fun. Things that tickled me while reading (movaries, for example) were downright loveable in the audio. And I’ve found myself, unintentionally, saying fa-la-la-ing instead of that “other” word that starts with the letter F.

Archer’s book is delightful, amusing, heart-warming and I want to adopt precocious Hazel. Pauley’s narration makes the book even richer. Gideon has my heart; Liam earned my respect with his confrontation and Fia is the perfect small and soft to Gideon’s tough and rugged.

Cute Holiday Romance

The Christmas theme carried through the story and made it feel a bit like a Hallmark Christmas movie. Some parts with the townsfolk and competing love interest went a touch over the top. It was a pleasant second chance romance. The kid was cute. Overall an enjoyable listen. Lots of glimpses of how previous couples in the series are doing now, without overwhelming the love story. If you enjoy the small town where every single guy is gay trope, this series will not disappoint.

christmas giggles

I am Gideon,and this made me laugh. If you need a laugh then this book is for you,especially the bedroom scene. Lol Gideon and Liam's story makes for a perfect christmas story.

Magic is Never Losing Faith in Hope!✨⛄✨

Liam, Gideon, & Princess Hazel

So what happens when, what/ who happened in Vegas, left you in Vegas only to turn up in your town years later with a kid in tow, calling him, "daddy?" If you're thinking May Archer just tossed an M/preg into the middle of her O'Leary Series, well you'd be wrong. But, that's all that's getting said on that. Maybe...

I have to be 100% honest and say, as an extreme introvert, I would rather be whipped with a cat-o-nine-tails til I passed out than be subjected to so many people in my house, in my business, and talking to me all the time. But goddess I love reading about it in series like this.

O'Learians are one giant family, (figuratively speaking, of course) and they are about to meet Liam, who has come to the town to clear up some unfinished business and his daughter, the mighty and all powerful, Hazel Grace. Once these townspeople get wind of who Liam and Hazel are, and why they've come to town, they have to do what nature dictates...THEY MUST INTERFERE!😂

This is so much fun and I enjoyed Michael Pauley (as always), as he brought the characters, the town, and thus the book to life with his deep soothing caramel covered chocolatey voice. Don't judge.😋

While this is most definitely a second chance romance, it is also a story of magic and hope, and about one little girl's belief in the unbelievable.

While set around the Holiday season, this is one that can be read anytime you need a good dose of squishy feels, and laughter. All the snarky one-liners, creative "fa-la-la-ing" Christmas expletives (for the sake of innocent ears), Santa hats, cozy kittens, cookies, icing, ugly Santa bedding, and one very wise and precocious princess keep you smiling, giggling, and believing til The very end.

The Story: 4.5🌟
The Narration: 4.5🌟
Sharonica Stars: 4.5✨

I received a complimentary audio version of this book from LesCourt in exchange for an honest review.⛄

Hilarious Romantic Comedy

This is a new to me author and I decided to try out this story even though it’s the fifth in the series because I’ve been hearing good things about it on Facebook.

This story is FUN with capital F with a good narration from Michael Pauley.

What I love:
The town O’Leary makes me wish I can be a resident there. The town folks just came together to make positive things happen. That’s incredible and heartwarming!
The precocious 8 yr old Hazel who pretty much stole the show with her adorable wisdom and sassiness.
The Santa competition (fabulous event for the holidays).
The two well matched MCs: Gideon and Liam

What I am not in love with:
The why of the separation after Las Vegas (yes, it’s somewhat understandable at the end and yes, I get that both MCs are at fault) but really it was a long slog to get there to “understanding” for both MCs and the reader and it was painful. Granted, we as human beings constantly have misunderstanding and miscommunication but it’s painful to read/listen to esp. when the misunderstanding should have been cleared up in such a case (after a marriage).

In summary, it’s a feel good romantic comedy that’s filled with love, laughter, snark, sass, clueless MCs, and interfering well-meaning town folks. Perfect story to cuddle up with tea and cakes, and esp. for Christmas. Definitely recommended.

Awesome addition

Gideon and Liam were wonderful. This book was really good and kept me going from page to page. I was so excited to read this book and get to hear Michael bring it to life in my ears.

Laugh out Loud Hilarious

I love the O'Leary books and May Archer just keeps hitting them out of the park. This one is my favorite - by far.

Liam's and Gideon's work towards quickly signing divorce papers is hampered at every turn. Between a town full of Santa's, an adorable 7 yo, rats, vipers, and the "slippery slope of Christmas decorations ", they may not be getting a divorce anytime soon.

A sweet book with lots of laughs and feels.

Michael Pauley nailed the narration of this book!!

More O’Leary!!

My favorite O’Leary book so far!!! I loved how the town came together to get Liam and Gideon back together. This was a super sweet holiday read. Michael Pauley killed the narration!!!

PERFECT!!

After reading this book I wanted it right away in audio and with Michael narrating it. I was so not disappointed and the sass was PERFECT!

I am not one for reading or listening a 2nd time but this may the book that does that for me.

Married or not to be Married?

I really am enjoying this Love in O'Leary series by May Archer and this was a wonderful Christmas tale of romance and second chances. Michael Pauley/Michael Dean does a wonderful job with bringing all these fun, quirky characters to life and there's an adorable minx of a little girl thrown into the midst with her wish list for Santa...doesn't want much... a cat...a big house...a baby brother or sister...and to be a princess... yeah! Santa's got his work cut out for him with grumpy Gideon the town Fire Chief who's been mourning his lost love for five years! Liam had his reasons for his disappearing act, but maybe things are lining up better this time around. Highly recommended for all lovers of Contemporary MM romance with a second chance at making their marriage work.

The best one yet!

🌟🌟🌟🌟 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 8is witty, charismatic and [passionate. This flows through all the characters. I lover 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 lovable, second-chance story!

Thanks for reading!

Christmas in a small town

This had it all for a perfect Christmas read. Snow, a charming small town vibe, Santas, interfering, sorry that should read, kindly friends and neighbours. There's pining and a cute little girl and one of my favourite things:a grumpy MC!

Loved it

This was a great addition to this series.
I really enjoyed it.
I can’t wait to listen to more of this series.

My Favorite O'Leary

This is absolutely my favorite story in the O'Leary series. Pretty minimal angst in my opinion. although past deaths are mentioned and a wannabee boyfriend does add a little drama. Hazel was so sweet and funny in her dogged belief in Santa and the way she wore Gideon down to Christmas decorations and then even a tree. And those O'Learans! The people of O'Leary are surely the most annoying, well-meaning, sweetest, and hilarious folks around. This is a great tale full of love and holiday spirit...and lots of Santas. I loved the ending! Is seeing believing or is believing seeing? Either way, I will listen to this one again and again.

Michael Pauley is one of my favorite narrators and he really excelled with voicing Gideon, Liam, Hazel, and all the O'Leary citizens.

I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

5+++ Boom! Movaries! Stars!

5+++ Boom! Movaries! Stars!

I've only listened to one other book in this series (The Fire), and I had no trouble listening to this one now that I have a better understanding of how this magical town works. 

I loved Gideon since I met him in the previous book, yes, he was grumpy but also a big softy where Liam and Hazel were concerned. I wasn't too sure about Liam at first, but once his reasons came to light, I just couldn't not love him. He was such a great father for Hazel, too, and the chemistry between him and Gideon was out of this world. 

I absolutely love the sense of community in this book and the lengths they all went to ensure that Gideon and Liam would get their second chance at love. They're all insane, but I'd love to live in a place like that for sure. 

Michael Pauley is already one of my favorite narrators, but this book? Wow, just wow! All the voices and the comedic timing were just fantastic. 

Movaries, fa-la-la-ing, a very tight-knit community, a second chance romance for the ages (and this is coming from someone for whom second chance romances aren't that high on their favorites' list), a very precocious and adorable little girl, some Christmas magic, Michael Pauley's fabulous narration and a whole lot of fun, made this just the perfect audiobook and not just for Christmas! 

I really loved this book

I thought the story, married in Vegas that was kind of sorta not forgotten was cute. I love second chances and that's how it felt to me. I thought Hazel was an adorable, precocious little girl. I thought it was a sexy, well-paced story and I really enjoyed the narrator's voice and tone. He was easy to listen to and I enjoyed this audio book and would recommend it.

Enjoyed

I enjoyed listening to this book and following them as they reconnect after a one night stand years ago

Magical story in O'Leary

This story was wonderful. funny, sweet, full of all the wonderful people of O'Leary.

It was so easy to fall in love with Gideon, Liam and Hazel, they are all three amazing and work so well together.
I enjoyed the Christmas shenanigans that this town gets up to (made me wish I lived there).

Michael Pauley was, once again amazing in his narration and bringing them all to life.

Really recommend (can be listened as standalone, but might be better if you know some of the other characters first)