4 stars!

I just love Timothy Janovsky's books so, so much, and "The Merriest Misters" is no exception! It's basically a more modernized version of "The Santa Clause," with a second-chance "save our marriage" plot attached to it. Janovsky's bouncy writing style fits this holiday romp. "The Merriest Misters" is absolutely adorable and deceptively deep. It captures the Christmas spirit in a tremendous, joyful way. I really liked the main characters, a married couple named Quinn and Patrick, who are going through a bit of a rough patch in their young marriage. Though they love each other, they are each unhappy at work and in life, and they find themselves slowly drifting apart. On Christmas Eve, an accident happens. One thing leads to another, and Patrick is presented with the opportunity to become Santa Claus. Hoping to rekindle their crumbling marriage, Quinn decides to uproot himself, too, to go with Patrick to the North Pole. While I fully admit that this book can be cheesy at times, it's the right kind of cheesy, the kind you want to feel during the holidays, the kind that warms your insides and makes you believe in magic. There's so much jollyness here that I found myself smiling the entire time I was reading it. It's well-paced and flows well. There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, but it didn't bother me as much as it usually does. Maybe it's because I liked these characters and their journey. I loved Mark Sanderlin and Zach BarelaI's voiceover narration of the audiobook. They bring these characters to life in majestic, whimsical ways! had fun reading this one and highly recommend you add it to your holiday TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This delightful and slightly spicy holiday story offers all the heartwarming emotions one expects from such a tale. The inclusion of an LGBTQIA+ couple is refreshing, and it addresses important issues like acceptance and job challenges. However, the most significant aspect is the transformation of their relationship.

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
Holiday diverse M-M paranormal romance. Dual POV.
Patrick Hargrave and Quinn Muller have been married for less than a year and with a cumbersome mortgage and jobs neither are fully happy with, their relationship is suffering. Their lives are Interrupted when Patrick knocks out Santa with a frying pan and has to step into the role to save Christmas. They agree to stay at the North Pole for a year and become busy with making the toys and all the tasks needed for the job. Their relationship doesn’t take thrive which puts the magic in jeopardy. Will Christmas survive? Will they?

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The recording was performed by Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela who each takes on one of the POV’s. I did speed up the playback to 1.5 to better match reading speed and conversational comfort. The audiobook was easy to follow even when it switched to a memory as chapter changes and time changes were announced.
Because of the memories and flashbacks, the print version may be easier to read for some.

The story was sentimental with adult issues. I expected it to be happier simply because of the premise of Christmas and the North Pole and the cartoonish cover. It is not a comedy at all. It is a romance so hea, but I shed some tears as they both recognized their own needs as adults and living life. Romance hea.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.

Not wholly original; a queer-retelling of The Santa Clause. I didn't care for the jumping around of time periods but other than that the story was enjoyable. I wish Christmas books came out closer to Christmas; it's tough to get involved in a Christmas story before Halloween.

I was really enjoying the beginning, but I didn't know this was magical realism and I don't really enjoy that. So when that started I really tuned out and I couldn't continue. I had to DNF this one unfortunately.

Very cute story that makes you believe in the power of Christmas and love. It is a heart warming story of how love looks different for each couple. A great representation of LGBTQIA+ and a couple you cannot help but root for. Christmas now has a different, endearing meaning! Quinn and Patrick make you get invested and make you root for them.

For lovers of The Santa Clause and Hallmark movies, The Merriest Misters is the perfect holiday read for you. It's light hearted, festively fun second chance romance that will smack you right in the feels!

Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela did an absolutely fantastic job of bringing Quinn & Patrick's story to life. I'm a sucker for second chance romances, and I loved every minute of this sweet but emotional romance!

Also, a BIG thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

I’m a big Timothy Janovsky fan… but this is his second Christmas book that I haven’t enjoyed. Maybe it’s the time of year, the seasonal stories of his that don’t mesh for me? His other books (I’ve read all but Never Been Kissed now, so I have basically the whole catalogue to draw experience from) are some of my very favorite ones out there! I just haven’t clicked with his two Christmas books, Matthew Prince and Merriest Misters.

I was looking very much forward to this specific storyline, hoping for a redemption to recover from his last Christmas novel that I just did not get on with (Prince was extremely juvenile); however, it is a marriage in crisis plot and my hopes of Christmas redemption from an author I wanted to give me a book with that disliked trope I could finally enjoy - but it didn’t happen. I generally can’t get into this trope, and even with the Christmas and Santa magic, and what should have been a lovely male couple remembering why they fell in love, and all the other seasonal trimmings? Nah, sorry. I had such a hard time getting through.

This one will probably have a huge following and many fans out there, since the idea of the storyline is interesting. Many romance readers will love the gay marriage in crisis plot as well, since it’s always straight couples who are written about with this trope. I couldn’t get into it, but I know many others are going to love it and eat it up this Christmas season! Don’t pass it by because this wasn’t for me - give it a try! Janovsky is a great author, and I’ve loved nearly all his other books!! It does have some great parts, but just wasn’t for me.

The audiobook was narrated by Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela, both new voices to me (still always such a surprise as a dozen + year listener! so many new ones popping up). I enjoyed both of their performances, but it still didn’t bring up my overall impression of the whole experience.

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin), and Macmillan Audio, and this is my honest feedback.

The Merriest Misters
Timothy Janovsky
Pub 10/1 (available now)
3.5-4☆

The Santa Clause meets Husband Material.

Overall I enjoyed this queer, marriage-in-trouble, holiday romance. It was a nice mix of cute banter, sweet romance and a splash of magic. Patrick and Quinn were both likeable and although the communication struggles frustrated me, I ultimately couldn't help but root for their HEA.

This was my first read by Janovsky and I look forward to more.

I alternatined between digital and audio copies and loved the mix though I think the audio was my preferred format. Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela’s narration is well done and entertaining to listen to.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copy.

It’s Christmas in October!

Timothy Janovsky delivers a fun and magical holiday romance with today’s release of The Merriest Misters!

Patrick and Quinn are coming up on their one year anniversary and finding that the magic that brought them together is starting to wane- that is until Patrick knocks out a mysterious burglar on Christmas Eve…

They discover that it’s not a burglar, but the current rendition of Santa Claus doing his yearly rounds! With Santa incapacitated, Patrick and Quinn need to step up to ensure Christmas isn’t ruined!

After successful round of present deliveries, they find out is not a one time gig! Patrick is asked to come to the North Pole and Santa Claus. Quinn is expected to follow along and be the Mrs. Claus to his Santa, The Merriest Mister!

Can their relationship handle having their lives be put on hold? Can Patrick balance his Santa Claus expectations and his relationship? Can Quinn find happiness in Santa’s shadow in the North Pole?

I really enjoyed Patrick and Quinn’s journey in this story. Not only is this a fun holiday romance, both characters put in the work to fix their marriage and become closer and more actualized in the end. Sometimes marriage and trouble is a hard one for me to enjoy, but with such loving and good hearted characters it was easy to root for both Patrick and Quinn to find a way back to each other’s hearts.

I listen to the audiobook narrated by Mark Sanderlin & Zach Barela and found the dual narration fit Patrick and Quinn to a tee! Both narrator captured their characters essence and did a great job differentiating the opposite MC and side characters. They did a great job bringing the story to life!

I haven’t watched the movie the Santa Claus with Tim Allen, but I guess this is a bit of a parody on that story. I found the Christmas magic and the Santa Claus story depicted to be a lot of fun! This is an extremely enjoyable romp! The perfect start to my holiday reading this year!

Thanks to SMP romance for the review copy and McMillan audio for the audiobook copy.

A Delightfully Queer Holiday Romance

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky is a delightful and refreshing holiday read that brings a unique twist to a familiar premise. Similar to The Santa Clause, the story revolves around Patrick and Quinn, but as with any Janovsky novel, the narrative soon veers into its own charming queer romance with a happily-ever-after ending. I loved how the book explored various thought-provoking issues and incorporated LGBTQIA+ representation, all wrapped up in a neatly packaged Christmas tale filled with warmth and joy.

Janovsky’s storytelling is elevated by his vibrant side characters and the way he gently tackles complex topics without ever losing the festive spirit of the novel. It’s what makes his books not only fun and easy to read but also distinctively engaging.

The audiobook, narrated by Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela, was an excellent choice. Both narrators brought Patrick and Quinn to life with a chemistry that felt genuine and heartfelt. The ideal listening speed for this one is 1.75x, where their voices perfectly complement the pacing and emotional tone of the story. Overall, The Merriest Misters is a fantastic addition to Janovsky’s collection and a wonderful queer holiday romance.

Thank you Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and Timothy Janovsky for this eARC!

A couple whose marriage is on the rocks gets surprised by a special someone with a unique proposal that might make or break their relationship. They must save Christmas, deal with bad behavior from family AND repair their relationship?!

This was such a fun holiday book! I really enjoyed the story and thought there were some amazing moments between characters. I loved that it focused heavily on Christmas and real issues that so many people struggle with when it comes to self worth and family. I really felt for Patrick and Quinn at certain times even though some toxic behavior was passed off as typical. Overall, this was a cute story with great representation that will put anyone in the holiday spirit!

This audiobook was narrated by Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela. They were so fun to listen to!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Timothy Janovsky, and Macmillan Audio for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review. This publishes today on October 1st!

I have posted my review on Goodreads, my Facebook book club, and will make a TikTok to post before the pub date raving about this book!

The winter holiday reading season has officially begun! I was expecting a totally fluffy holiday romance. I got some of that . . . and more depth.

I wasn't a fan of the frequent flashbacks on top of the alternating points of view between chapters. While there is a great deal of humor—of which I always seek more and appreciate greatly—it's not all smooth sailing for Patrick (an architect) and Quinn (a teacher), who have a lot of growing and maturing to do, individually and collectively. [They are in their late twenties.] I loved the couple's professions—what they are, and how they feel about them. Both are dedicated and are trying to find their way to the best application of their talents and skills. Quinn helps a young elf gain confidence and develop. Patrick's family (especially his parents) provide some tension to the storyline.

There is gay, lesbian, and asexual representation. This is especially powerful in the ways that Patrick's and Quinn’s successes influence rules revisions for the current Santa Claus and partner, as well as for the North Pole community.

Bonus points are always awarded for a character named Milo—in this case, a shelter dog. [Background for those who are new to my party: I proposed the name for our babies and was denied. So, years later I named my animal companion—an adorable and fun ball python—after the main character in The Phantom Tollbooth.]

Janovsky is a new-to-me author. I'm definitely open to reading more of his work. Narrators Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela did a great job of bringing all the characters to life.

Overall, The Merriest Misters was a fun, light Christmas romance/fantasy read!

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky is a cozy queer Christmas read. If you're a fan of The Santa Clause movies with Tim Allen, you’ll love this — but take away the kid and make it gay!

The story follows Patrick and Quinn, a newlywed couple struggling under the pressures of work, their mortgage, and the day-to-day realities of domestic life. On Christmas Eve, things take a hilarious and unexpected turn when Patrick knocks out an intruder with a frying pan—only to discover that the intruder is Santa Claus himself.

Santa’s had enough and quits on the spot, leaving Patrick and Quinn with the impossible task of saving Christmas. After a whirlwind night of delivering presents, the sleigh whisks them away to the North Pole, where they learn they’re the new Santa and “Merriest Mister” (instead of Mrs. Claus). They commit to the role for a year, and in the process, their relationship begins to heal. But the big question remains: Can they truly grow together as a couple, or will the challenges of their new life drive them apart once again?

This novel is a closed-door romance, but I loved how the book embraced queer representation in a way that felt like a Hallmark Christmas movie but, you know, gayer. I’m giving it 4 stars!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC audiobook.

Thank you Macmillan audio and NetGalley for an ARC of this audio book.

The merriest mister is about Quinn and Patrick, husbands that are stuck in a rot of everyday life. When on Christmas eve they stumble upon an intruder that will change their lives forever.

I loved this audiobook. The narrators did a wonderful job of making these characters come to life! This book was so cute and a perfect holiday read!

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
Narrator: Mark Sanderlin; Zach Barela
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pub date: 10/1

Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook. #macaudio2024

When Patrick accidentally knocks out Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, he and his husband, Quinn, end up having to take over Santa’s duties. What starts as a wild night of trying to save Christmas turns into a bigger challenge: fixing their marriage.
This turned out to be a cute read. I’m still not sure how I feel about the ‘marriage in trouble’ trope, and this didn’t make me feel better about it. These two have a difficult time communicating and their relationship continued to suffer for it. There were some very frustrating moments and it didn’t feel like their issues were ever resolved.

There is a good balance of humor and heart, with Quinn’s snarky narration making me laugh while rooting for him and Patrick to figure things out. Their marriage, less than a year in, is already feeling the pressure from work, bills, and just life in general. It’s easy to relate to how they’ve drifted apart, even though they clearly still care about each other.

The flashbacks show how Patrick and Quinn’s relationship got to where it is, and while it was helpful, it also disrupted the flow of the story.
The narrators did an amazing job with Patrick and Quinn’s personalities, and I enjoyed listening to this one.

Overall, this is a good pick if you’re looking for a feel-good holiday read with lots of laughs.

Patrick and Quinn’s marriage is strained until a Christmas Eve incident lands them in charge of Santa’s sleigh and the toy shop at the North Pole. To save Christmas, they must work together, leading to a year-long trial run as Santa and his spouse. Can their relationship can survive?

If you like modern Christmas fairytales, this book is for you. From a romance perspective, I found it unsatisfying. Patrick’s toxic ideas about masculinity are challenged, but he never really proves that he can be the kind of supportive spouse Quinn needs. I did, however, enjoy the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I received this ALC from NetGalley and MacMillan audio and I thought the narrators Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela did fabulous jobs. Their performances really brought this story to life and made it enjoyable. Thanks you NetGalley for the audio!

This book felt like a bit of a The Santa Clause retelling - but with queer characters in a rocky marriage.

It's a sweet holiday romance that is closed door and has a non-traditional ending. I'm not big on non-traditional HEA's so I'm still on the fence about how I felt about this one, but it's not terrible.

It was cute but not great. I liked it fine.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a delightful LGBTIA holiday romance with M-M representation. I loved that this book was more than just the same old romantic comedy, and that the story had depth and emotion to it. I can't believe that I haven't read a book by Timothy Janovsky until now. I've certainly been missing out. So I encourage YOU to definitely not miss out on this book either! I wasn't familiar with either of the audiobooks narrators -- Mark Sanderlin or Zach Barela but I found their voices lovely to listen to, so I would definitely consider looking for more books narrated by them in the future.

And yes, if you loved The Santa Clause like I did as a child, I think you will fall head over heels for this book!

Many thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

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Patrick Hargrave and Quinn Muller have been married for less than a year, but their passionate romance is cracking under the pressures of domestic life and a cumbersome mortgage. That’s until Christmas Eve when Patrick wakes Quinn up with: “I think I’ve killed a man.” Quinn realizes the “burglar” Patrick knocked out is none other than Mr. Claus himself. Instructed by a harried elf to don the red suit and take the reins of the reindeer-guided sleigh up on the roof, Quinn and Patrick work together to save Christmas.

But as the sun rises on Christmas morning, the sleigh brings them back to the North Pole instead of New Jersey, and they’re in for a massive shock. The couple must assume the roles of Santa Claus and the first ever Merriest Mister or Christmas will be canceled… permanently. With Christmas–and their marriage–on the line, Patrick and Quinn agree to stay together for one year.

4⭐ (audio) I listen to a ton of audiobooks, and this one was well done. Both narrators pull you into the story and entertain. They both do a fine job with the voices and the narrative, and bring you along on a fun story!

4⭐ (story) I rather enjoyed this! The story is fun and the characters are relatable. I enjoyed the writing, and while the plot was a bit far-fetched, it is fiction so I can overlook that for the sake of some holiday cheer! There was a lot of backstory that made this "light" story a bit more meaty, and some things (like Quinn's relationship with his mum) felt a bit underdeveloped, but overall, this was an entertaining Christmas story!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced audio copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!