The Night

Love in O'Leary, Book 5

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.

4 hits and 1 miss...

I love the O'Leary series, except for some of the graphic scenes, it reminds me of audio hallmark movies... something I would love to see. This one in particular had potential to be a great Christmas chapter in the O'Leary saga, but it was a miss for me. The performance was outstanding as usual, but again, as others have said, the author has to know their audience and introducing kids into this type of story is cringe for a couple of reasons. Although it is suppose to humanize and move the plot along.. there were scenes in there (tea party for one) that were way uncomfortable and awkward. the other mood breaker are the voices, child voices are hard to narrate, I have yet to listen to a performer who can do it successfully... and in this case, the child had way too much focus for the story, and also did not talk like a child. Overall, the good parts still make this one worth the listen. But I really hope future stories will be mindful of who is actually interested in these stories and adapt to that.

A Hallmark worthy Holiday Romance!✨

This was an amazing addition to the series.
It is the fifth book in the Love in O'Leary series and I recommend listening to this in the series order for maximum enjoyment since characters from previous book make a special appearance as well.

This was a sweet, second chance, soulful Christmas romance.

The romance was Hallmarkish perfect!
I loved Gideon in the previous books and was excited when he got his own story.

Overall a cute magical Holiday romance with fun, cheer and heart.

Michael Pauley's narration and audio was so soothing and brilliant.

*** The BEST of the Series!!! ***

A comic once said "you should NEVER perform with kids or animals, 'cause you'll be upstaged every time!" I think Gideon found that out in spades! I have to admit May Archer knit the trio together so skillfully; HOT men, a precocious little girl, Christmas cheer off the charts, and the nutty inmates of O'Leary. Masterfully aligned for Michael Dean's magical voice to take it toward completion.

This final book in the Love in O'Leary series was truly perfection. I often felt I needed a shot of insulin, or a cold shower, to offset the delicious tale as it unfolded. Hazel's sweet love affair with heavily frosted cinnamon rolls, and Liam & Gideon's reigniting passion was beautifully crafted together. You'll love this holiday romp in totality..., or you've ceased living!! Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful collection.

In my top 10 favorite books of all time

This book was absolutely amazing. Something totally unexpected. I like May Archer's work and with this one, she outdid herself.

You simply must read this book. For me, chapter 8 was therapy. When you read/listen to this, you will understand what I'm talking about.

I have nothing further to say except this is now one of my favorite books of all time and I highly recommend it to anyone. It might even make you evaluate your life through a different lens. I know it did for me.

Do yourself a favor and get this one. You won't regret it.

Excellent second chance Christmas romance!

I really liked Gideon in the previous stories. I was excited when he got his own story. The laugh out loud humor and touch of Christmas magic in this story has made it one of my favorite holiday romances.

Miracle in O’Leary town

Perfect holiday romances do exist! Cozy, warm, fun and endearing! Who wouldn’t love another love story from the cozy O’Leary.

So apparently what happened in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. Gideon the Grinch’s heart was broken five years ago and he has practically given up on the idea of finding love and making a home. Once he was bewitched by a magical green eyes elf in the land of fantasy. But the past has a habit of catching up with the present. And when his elf came knocking on his door with a rather adorable and precious bundle, Will our Grinch still be a grinch?

Fun, heartwarming and so sweet. This has a bit of everything in it. A grumpy MC who’s secretly a softie and charming Liam who can make our grinch smiles. Just the right amount of pining and sweet romance and O’Learians meddling is just too fun and hilarious. Overall, an audio that will make you smile and feel cozy. Loved it.


4.5 Miracle in O’Leary town stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫




Audio rating

Story - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This series keeps getting better.

I love this series. Michael Dean did an amazing job as always. You get to see past couples and once again how they all come together to help Liam and Gideon find their way back to each other. Great read.

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*

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.

Brilliant

I read this book some time ago but had forgotten how good it was. The narration was perfect too. it is so worth listening to, such a great story

my favorite from the series

I absolutely loooved it! I'm not a fan of kids, and I hate them in books, but Hazel makes me wanna have kids. I loved the story, the town plotting, and everything.

The only thing I didn't like was that it was too easy; "I don't wanna be with you, ok I do".... I mean, he was a fireman... it would have been way cooler and more thrilling for Liam to realize he couldn't live without Gideon after seeing him jumping into a burning building, but still so much fun.

Christmas in O'Leary

One of the best O'Leary stories! Pure Christmassy fluff - loved it so much.

OMG! 😮🥰🥰😢😂😁

Just when I think MA has outdone herself in book 4, that anything else would be on the same par, she writes this book and blows me away again! 😮🥰🥰

All I can say is, I absolutely loved this audiobook - it has everything I look for in a MM romance. Every facet is ‘just right’ - nothing is overdone or too overwhelming.

I’m not one for writing reviews and putting in spoilers, because as the word ‘spoilers’ insinuates, it will spoil the potential readers experience.

All I can say is how I loved this audiobook and I certainly do not feel anyone would be let down by either reading/listening to the audiobook (like me).
I really don’t think reading this book would do it justice, whereas Michael Pauley excellently narrates this audiobook and you certainly won’t be disappointed 😊

Definitely worth the 5🌟 I rated 🥰🥰😁

Hopefully there will be more stories from O’Leary yet to come in audiobook format (not novellas, as they are not released in audiobook format)

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.