Carter and Jayden's Christmas Wish list is adorable and page turning. I loved them together. This story made me smile and I never wanted it to end.

A Five star read.

I didn’t realize this was the 2nd book of a series. That being said I thought this was a cute holiday story and I didn’t have a problem following along.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

This was such a wholesome and fluffy holiday read. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I was going to. The storyline with Cass was so heatwarming and I really enjoyed this book. I loved this setting, I want to go to Hartbridge so badly now. I loved this M/M romance!

Absolutely adorable low-angst romance with a HEA. Perfect festive reading for a cosy evening. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. With super sweet characters and a beautifully descriptive setting, this is an lovely book. This is the second in the Hartbridge Christmas series but can easily be read as a standalone.

A slow-burn holiday romance with the right mix of explosive chemistry and candidly-developed connection. N. R. Walker did a fantastic job in bringing Jayden and Carter's story to the page in a way that kept me engaged and invested in the outcome of this pairing.

What a sweet Holiday romance. ❤ I missed the first book in the Hartbridge Christmas series, but I added Tic-Tac-Mistletoe to my TBR pile before I got more than a few chapters into Christmas Wish List. 😉 I also didn’t realize that this was the first book that I had picked up by N.R. Walker either. I’m pretty sure that will be rectified soon as well.

Jayden and Carter were both adorable. Jayden had no intention of starting a romance with his new boss, but there was something about him that he couldn’t resist. Carter was starting a new business as well as a new life, so romance wasn’t part of his plan either. Especially since Jayden’s stay in Hartbridge was temporary. Fate had different plans for this pair though – those are some of my favorite kinds of stories. ❤

The supporting characters in Christmas Wish List were perfect, including Carter’s ex-wife. The more time that Jayden spent with Carter, his kids and his friends, the more he wondered about the future he had mapped out for himself. I really liked getting to know these two and I can’t wait to visit Hartbridge again. 😉

4.5 Stars

I absolutely loved the first Hartbridge book and I was so excited to get a second book and N.R. Walker delivered! It is such a great holiday read with such heart and feeling!

I really loved Cass and Jayden, they were a great match and I really felt like Jayden was just perfect for Cass. He really gives Cass what he needs to finally be who he wants to be. I also loved seeing Jayden find his place and his person. Add in the bonus of seeing Ren and Hamish again and it was a perfect Christmas read! Heartwarming and wonderful!

I loooooooved this book! Nobody crafts a romance like NR Walker. These characters stole my heart. All the stars!

I really enjoyed this Christmas romance! Cass needs a chef to help him get his bed and breakfast off the ground for Christmas, and Jayden needs a job and a change of scene. The two work together in this cozy book, getting things ready and falling in love.

This has a great small town Christmas, almost hallmark movie vibe. There is basically all joy with very little angst. Exactly what I wanted as a holiday read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.

Une romance de Noel fluffy et emplie de bons sentiments tout aussi sucrée que Tic-Tac mistletoe et comme les personnages le font remarquer, tout les détails (scénario, décor....) nous évoque un téléfilm Hallmark !

J'ai aimé retrouver la petite ville d'Hartbridge qui abritera une nouvelle romance entre un homme du coin et un Australien de passage (enfin c'est ce qu'il croit), c'était aussi sympa de revoir le couple formé Hamish et Ren.
Le cadre, celui d'un charmant Bed & Breakfast, est aussi très agréable et sera le théâtre d'une histoire d'amour inattendue entre le propriétaire et son cuisinier... Carter et Jayden sont mignons tout plein, ils se plaisent mais cette attraction est aussi un peu effrayante pour eux.

Malheureusement, j'ai trouvé que ce roman était beaucoup trop long avec de nombreuses répétitions et cette impression de parfois tourner en rond. Et c'est vraiment mon gros reproche car pour moi ce genre d'histoire douce et dégoulinante de guimauve fonctionne quand le format ne dépasse pas les 150 pages, ce qui n'est pas le cas ici... j'ai donc fait une overdose à un moment et j'ai d'ailleurs mis beaucoup de temps à terminer ce livre. C'est vraiment dommage car les personnages sont attachants et l'atmosphère de Noel parfaitement retranscrite !

I liked this sweet and very cute story . It is a good and easy read , specially during the holidays when one wants to read a quick , comfort story while having a hot cup of cocoa.

Christmas Wish List by N.R. Walker is the second book in the Hartbridge Christmas series, set several years after the events of Tic Toc Mistletoe (a title that I have been eyeing for a little while), this follows aussie ex-pat Jayden Turner agrees to a short-term chef position at a Bed and Breakfast over the Christmas holidays. After all, how hard could it be in a small town in the mountains of Montana? But after meeting Carter “Cass” Campion, owner of the Bed and Breakfast, who has recently come out and is determined to get it ready for the busy holiday period.

But Christmas is a time of magic and a spark between the two, can a Christmas romance be on the cards?

This feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie: very sugary, very sweet, very fluffy with no real angst (which is surprising as Case is a recently divorced and has two kids. In most romance, the vengeful ex-wife or the bratty kids are usually a troupe to rock the fledging romance, but here, no drama. The ex is lovely and the kids are sweet).

It was a lovely, hot chocolate of a MM romance to read at Christmas, and I did like it. But, for a reason I can't figure out, I never really warmed to the story. Maybe I do need a little hint of angst in there, but both Cars and Jayden got over the issues in a refreshing way: they talked and listened (no miscommunication troupe here - thank f*** for that! I LOATHE that troupe in romance. That and s****y parents). Maybe it's because this book, while taking place over several days, had a mix of slow burn/instalust. Or maybe it was because, at times, both the leads (though I liked hugely) did things that annoyed me - Jayden was sometimes a tad full on. I'm not sure, but I couldn't fully fall for this book. I think I wanted something more.

But I do want to try this author again. I'm not sure when or what title (I suspect it will be Tic Toc Mistletoe or a later title in this series as I did like this little village) but I do want to return.

Another beautifully written book by NR Walker. Full of festive cheer, traditions and a very hot chef. My only criticism is I read the book too quickly, wish it was twice as many pages and would take me twice as long to read. I want to stay in Cass’s guesthouse and have Jayden cook me my meals for a week.

This was a super cute, sickeningly sweet holiday novel. Christmas Wish List is basically a Hallmark holiday movie in book form. Any other time of year, saying a book resembled a Hallmark movie would not be high praise from me, but I love it in a Christmas story. There's a small town, nearly no angst, an inn keeper (ok, a B&B), insta-love,
some sweet romance, and plenty of snow - if that doesn't scream Hallmark movie, I don't know what does.

If you enjoy MM romance, this should definitely find a place on your holiday reading list.

This books was really enjoyable and super cute.
It really felt like a hallmark romance and I had a great time reading it.
It had some sort of slow parts where it was easy to stop and lose a little interest, but over I definitely recommend it

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
You don't need to read the first book in the series to enjoy this book, but previous characters do show up in this book. Cass and Jayden are just amazeballs together. Instant attraction but they used restraint due to their working relationship. This is a Hallmark and Lifetime movie all in one. Sweet, wholesome, loving, and just a feel-good movie. Cass is so innocent and sweet and scared. Jayden is just wanting something and doesn't want to get his hopes up. This is a great Christmas story with lots of feels.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this just as much as I did the first book in the series last year, and was so happy that we met up with Hamish and Ren again too!

This time, Aussie ex-pat Jayden finds himself taking on a cheffing role over the Christmas holidays in Hartbridge. He is not sure where he is going to work next, but this is a good stopgap. Well, it turns out, he finds himself helping Cass finish off the B&B ready for its first guests as well as doing the cooking, and, just maybe, falling in love!

There are so many lovely little touches and quirks which endear us to both men, and bring them to life. As a complete match to Cass with his wonderful lists, but constantly changing priority brain, I loved how Jayden unpicked the issue and worked hard to keep the momentum going. It made what could have been boring tasks as they got to know each other incredibly amusing and engaging.

I love romantic stories about chefs, about Christmas. and about snow – so when you add in a lovely family dynamic, the reconnection with the guys from last year's story, and all the quaintness of Hartbridge, I loved this book!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in N.R. Walker’s Hartbridge Christmas series and we see another Aussie come to the small town. This time it is Aussie Chef Jayden. He is hired by Cass to work at his B&B for its opening over Christmas. Hartbridge is a picturesque town, and I was happy to get to be there again.

Jayden and Cass hit it off pretty quickly. Their mutual attraction is clear. I loved their flirting and conversations and how they respected each other. When Jayden arrives, he sees that Cass has renovated his property almost entirely on his own but a few jobs remain to be completed. Jayden steps in to help Cass and it was so cute seeing them work together. They were like two peas in a pod.

Over the course of the week Jayden spends with Cass there are lots of little delightful moments and the men have lovely people around them. And while I am getting all gushy about the romance of the story, it does have a dash of spice and it is just the right amount. Like everything about this story, the author got it just right, even though you could see where the story was headed and knew what was coming, it was still fabulous.

I adored a Christmas Wish List. For me, it is a perfect Christmas story. I loved sitting by the lights of my Christmas tree reading such a lovely and sweet romance.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Christmas Wish List is the second book in the Hartbridge Christmas series. It can be read as a complete standalone, but to completely enjoy the glimpses of past characters it is better to read in the order that the author intended.

Carter "Cass" Campion moved back into town after coming out as gay, divorcing his wife, and purchasing his aunt's manor to turn into a bed and breakfast. He threw himself into the restoration to avoid the guilt and pain of hurting everyone when he came out. He wasn't living at this point, he's just surviving until he hires a handsome chef to help him during Christmas with the grand opening.

Jayden Turner was in need of a new start after leaving his last job. He thought finding this temporary job would be perfect until he found somewhere to go. Jayden wasn't expecting to find out his boss is a newly out handsome man. The sparks fly as Jayden helps Cass give up the guilt he feels and be who he was meant to be.

This perfect little town is overflowing with Christmas cheer and provides a picture-perfect backdrop for this sweet, unrushed love story. The banter between Jayden and Cass is perfect while you see them fall deep for each other. Definitely a cozy holiday read.

Such a cute story! While I didn't quite enjoy this as much as the first one in this series, I absolutely loved the characters and Walker's trademark "make-me-swoon-but-also-nearly-cry-in-the-same-chapter" energy!

4.5 stars

Christmas Wish List is that warm, sweet, and totally satisfying holiday book read you need in a world of apocalyptic years-long pandemic madness! It is a super cute and sweet with a lovely and sigh-inducing holiday romance. You honestly can't go wrong with N.R. Walker.

We were obliquely introduced to Cass (Carter) character by story only in Tic-Tac-Mistletoe from a remembered story Ren told to Hamish. Christmas Wish List opens with Jayden (an Americanized- Aussie) entering Hartbridge as he was embarking on his newest job as seasonal chef at a local Bed & Breakfast (owned by Cass). As he stops to get directions he makes the acquaintance of Ren and Hamish. Cass is a newly out, nearly newly divorced dad of two renovating his aunt's house into a luxurious B&B. As Jayden sets into his new working accommodations, he finds his new boss and he shares quite a bit of similarities.

I loved the near-instant chemistry and steam between Cass and Jayden. Cass had such a self-imposed restriction on his sexuality, it was great to be there with him as he started to really live as a gay man for the first time. And what a great intro into this life Jayden was. He was so sweet and supportive, it really was such a pleasure to read. Did I also mention the steam? Because, while CWL is a fairly slow burn, the smoke was definitely there. ::wink, wink::

I loved that we got to check back in with Ren and Hamish and that they also got some inclusion into the story. And, I am always a super huge fan of ex-partners that are supportive and kind. The kids were super cute and really the whole coming out and relationship in a small town typical hang-ups were nowhere to be found. I heart low angst, I really, really do.

Honestly, this was the exact level of sweet, cozy, steamy, holiday romance I was looking for. No Hallmark needed, just N.R. Walker. I hope we get more stories from Hartbridge next season too.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST follows Jayden Turner as he takes a short-term position as the chef for a bed and breakfast that’s opening for the holidays. There’s instant attraction between him and his new boss, Carter (Cass) Campion. Cass recently came out to his family and friends, but he hasn’t really had the time to explore his sexuality.
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This was a sweet holiday romance! It’s a light, low angst read, perfect for this busy month. It does also has some sexy moments. Think small-town Hallmark holiday romance, but with a little bit of spice.
I really enjoyed seeing Cass with his family (his parents, his ex wife, their kids) and how they all welcomed Jayden. I liked Ren and Hamish and the little bit of tension between Cass and Hamish was interesting.
I would have liked this story to be more fleshed out and have it go deeper, but I’m still satisfied with this light read.
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I didn’t realize this was a sequel to a book I bought recently until I started reading it. I haven’t read book 1 (TIC-TAC-MISTLETOE) yet but this book made me even more excited to pick it up.
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3.5 stars, CHRISTMAS WISH LIST by N. R. Walker is available now!
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Thank you to Blueheart Press and Netgalley for sending me an eARC to review.

Sweet and wonderful with just enough spice!

The newly published MM Christmas stories that I’ve read this year have just been wonderful and Christmas Wish List is no exception. Jayden and Cass are pretty great together and this was a great slow-burn story.

Jayden’s a professional chef and a bit of a wanderer. He’s accepted a short temp job at Cass’s newly opened bed-and-breakfast. I loved N.R. Walker’s descriptive writing, especially her description of the manor house that Cass renovated and turned into a B & B. The town of Hartbridge sounds like a perfectly wonderful place to visit. I probably wouldn’t mind living there either if it didn’t have all that cold and snow. 😊

Cass has never had a relationship with a man. Two years ago, he turned his life upside down by admitting to his wife and parents that he’s gay. Things are pretty good between him and his ex-wife now and when she sees him with Jayden, she can see that Cass has feelings for him that he hasn’t even admitted to himself yet. Jayden is also great with Cass’s two kids. He loves cooking for people and made special treats for them.

This really is a beautiful slow-burn romance. Although the relationship develops over a matter of only a few days it’s well past the 50% mark before even kissing happens and I thought that was just perfect for this story.

Once Cass admits to himself that he doesn’t want Jayden to leave he has to convince Jayden that he needs to stay. I loved how Jayden organized lots of things throughout the story, making lots of lists, and how Cass used that to help convince Jayden to stay in Hartbridge.

I have one tiny thing that bothered me just a bit, but didn’t affect my star rating. N.R. Walker is an Aussie but this book is set in the U.S. and I was a bit surprised that U.S. spelling of various words wasn’t used. Don’t get me wrong, I love books by non-U.S. authors; they probably make up at least 50% of the reading I do. I just think that the spelling of English words should reflect the country/region/location where the story is set. Jayden using arse to describe Cass’s butt was fine but when Cass said he admired Jayden’s arse it just didn’t seem like he would have used that word.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***