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Minnesota Christmas #2
Winterfunke
The way to a man’s heart is on a sleigh.
Arthur Anderson doesn’t want anything to do with love and romance, and he certainly doesn’t want to play Santa in his mother’s library fundraising scheme. He knows full well what she really wants is to hook him up with the town’s lanky, prissy librarian.
It’s clear Gabriel Higgins doesn’t want him, either—as a Santa, as a boyfriend, as anyone at all. But when Arthur’s efforts to wiggle out of the fundraiser lead to getting to know the man behind the storytime idol, he can’t help but be charmed. The least he can do is be neighborly and help Gabriel find a few local friends.
As their fiery arguments strike hotter sparks, two men who insist they don’t date wind up doing an awful lot of dating. And it looks like the sleigh they both tried not to board could send them jingling all the way to happily ever after.
Warning: Contains a feisty librarian, a boorish bear, small town politics, deer sausage, and a boy who wants a doll.
Arthur Anderson doesn’t want anything to do with love and romance, and he certainly doesn’t want to play Santa in his mother’s library fundraising scheme. He knows full well what she really wants is to hook him up with the town’s lanky, prissy librarian.
It’s clear Gabriel Higgins doesn’t want him, either—as a Santa, as a boyfriend, as anyone at all. But when Arthur’s efforts to wiggle out of the fundraiser lead to getting to know the man behind the storytime idol, he can’t help but be charmed. The least he can do is be neighborly and help Gabriel find a few local friends.
As their fiery arguments strike hotter sparks, two men who insist they don’t date wind up doing an awful lot of dating. And it looks like the sleigh they both tried not to board could send them jingling all the way to happily ever after.
Warning: Contains a feisty librarian, a boorish bear, small town politics, deer sausage, and a boy who wants a doll.
265 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2014
33 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
50 books2,882 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
January 30, 2015
~4.5 lumberjack and librarian stars~
This was ALMOST a 5 star book...almost.
It was such a joy to read.
Paul and Arthur (Marcus's BFFs from book 1) were never going to make it as a couple, and Paul finally decides he's had enough of being Arthur's convenient fuck-buddy and moves out of Arthur's cabin. Arthur, the short bear, is temporarily out of work and lonely, so his mom decides to play matchmaker by forcing Arthur to play Santa at a library fundraiser.
Even worse, Gabriel, the town librarian, an uptight, lanky intellectual with a head full of crazy curls and geeky glasses, is going to be Arthur's sidekick Elf. What's a lumberjack to do?
Fall in love, that's what.
This book was gorgeously written and drowning in FEELS.
I loved the slight enemies-to-lovers trope. Gabriel and Arthur do not like each other, and it takes Gabe much longer to come around. He does not appreciate being pushed to spend time with the "ruddy, roguish" bear.
Gabriel is drowning in insecurities and shame; he craves what only Arthur can give. But Gabe is defensive, prickly, wearing his aloneness like armor, and he hurts Arthur. But Arthur, the gentle soul that he is, doesn't pout and doesn't retaliate, and I loved him for that. I grew to love Gabe too, his brilliance and kindness and the way he doted on children.
Hey, don't fuck with Gabe's venison!
Visiting with Marcus and Frankie again was wonderful. My heart ached for Paul, and I cannot wait for his happily ever after in book 3. I feel like I know this town and these MCs. Arthur's family, particularly his meddling but loving mom and sweet nephew Thomas, were wonderful characters.
The connection between Gabe and Arthur was palpable, but after the first couple sexy, kinky scenes, there was barely any on-page action at all. Gabe's shame stemmed partly from his sexual desires, which he thought were twisted and wrong, and Arthur was so wonderful at soothing him, caring for him.
I felt like the men's explosive chemistry wrapped up in kinky BDSM-lite was an important part of their relationship, so after the scenes started fading to black I was really disappointed.
It's the only reason I am rounding down to 4 stars instead of rounding up to 5. There was something missing for me, a promise without the fulfillment.
The last chapter was all kinds of wonderful, a perfect holiday feast regardless of when you read it.
JOYFUL, SASSY, FUNNY, TENDER, ROMANTIC: all that and a sleigh!
This was ALMOST a 5 star book...almost.
It was such a joy to read.
Paul and Arthur (Marcus's BFFs from book 1) were never going to make it as a couple, and Paul finally decides he's had enough of being Arthur's convenient fuck-buddy and moves out of Arthur's cabin. Arthur, the short bear, is temporarily out of work and lonely, so his mom decides to play matchmaker by forcing Arthur to play Santa at a library fundraiser.
Even worse, Gabriel, the town librarian, an uptight, lanky intellectual with a head full of crazy curls and geeky glasses, is going to be Arthur's sidekick Elf. What's a lumberjack to do?
Fall in love, that's what.
This book was gorgeously written and drowning in FEELS.
I loved the slight enemies-to-lovers trope. Gabriel and Arthur do not like each other, and it takes Gabe much longer to come around. He does not appreciate being pushed to spend time with the "ruddy, roguish" bear.
Gabriel is drowning in insecurities and shame; he craves what only Arthur can give. But Gabe is defensive, prickly, wearing his aloneness like armor, and he hurts Arthur. But Arthur, the gentle soul that he is, doesn't pout and doesn't retaliate, and I loved him for that. I grew to love Gabe too, his brilliance and kindness and the way he doted on children.
Gabriel shut his eyes tight. "If you walk out on me after this, I'll shred your library card." It was such an empty and endearing threat Arthur had to pause, letting Gabriel's vulnerability roll over him before he kissed the inside of his thigh.
"I won't walk out on you."
"If you try to take the deer sausage, I'll cut you."
Hey, don't fuck with Gabe's venison!
Visiting with Marcus and Frankie again was wonderful. My heart ached for Paul, and I cannot wait for his happily ever after in book 3. I feel like I know this town and these MCs. Arthur's family, particularly his meddling but loving mom and sweet nephew Thomas, were wonderful characters.
The connection between Gabe and Arthur was palpable, but after the first couple sexy, kinky scenes, there was barely any on-page action at all. Gabe's shame stemmed partly from his sexual desires, which he thought were twisted and wrong, and Arthur was so wonderful at soothing him, caring for him.
I felt like the men's explosive chemistry wrapped up in kinky BDSM-lite was an important part of their relationship, so after the scenes started fading to black I was really disappointed.
It's the only reason I am rounding down to 4 stars instead of rounding up to 5. There was something missing for me, a promise without the fulfillment.
Everything was intense, and yet some invisible barrier softened the world into a beautiful pastel haze.
The last chapter was all kinds of wonderful, a perfect holiday feast regardless of when you read it.
JOYFUL, SASSY, FUNNY, TENDER, ROMANTIC: all that and a sleigh!
December 9, 2014
“Sleigh Ride” is a story about family, friends, acceptance and finding love.
Like the first book in the series, “Sleigh Ride” is a opposites attract and an enemies to lovers story, this time one of the main character being Arthur, the ginger bear who we met in the previous book in the series, "Let It Snow".
Arthur Anderson is single now, after Paul, his fuck buddy, left him because he wanted more than Arthur was willing to give. Everyone in Arthur’s life is fixated on happily-ever-after, but he’s not interested in a relationship or anything serious, especially since is hard to find a man who wants what he wants in bed. When the Mil closes temporarily, Arthur starts to fix up different things and to take different projects his mother had been after him to finish. Arthur’s mom, Corrina is in the library board and she wants to have a fundraiser for Christmas with a sleigh, a Santa, an Elf and everything. And guess who will play Santa? Arthur, of course. She also wants to fix her son with the geeky librarian, who will be Santa's Elf.
Gabriel had been the librarian’s small town for eighteen months. He doesn’t have a big salary, but he’s not interested in that. His passion are small libraries. He only wants to make a difference in the small town and help children. He is married with his job, so when he figures out Corrina Anderson decided to play matchmaker, he is not very happy.
Arthur and Gabriel do not like each other. This at first, until sparks starts to fly.
“That’s right. Keep struggling, sweetheart. Show me how much you want me to fuck you. Wiggle and cuss and fight. Gonna suck you. Gonna make you scream. Gonna make you beg me.”
...and they start to fall for each other.
I really enjoyed this one. It was a light read, low in angst, with just a little drama to make things interesting.
I liked both main characters. Both were very easy to like. Gabriel has such a big heart. He wants to help the town’s children in more ways than one, but he's a sensible man, wanting what everyone else wants, to be accepted and loved. I loved how he used stories to make others be more accepting and I adored his stories. I also loved that in the end he accepted who he is and what he wants, that people are different and it’s not a shame to want something different.
Arthur with the help of his family will give him that and more and I loved him for that. I really liked how Arthur dealt with Gabriel insecurities. Evan if he doesn’t have any experience with relationships, he does a very good job with Gabriel. He is patient and caring and he knows what to say and how to say it.
The chemistry between the two men is off the charts and the sex scenes are really great. A little kinky at times, but were ok. I was expected more of these, but in the end what I've got was enough for me to enjoy this story.
I loved Corrina, Arthur’s mother. She was such an enjoyable character.
For me this one was more than just a Christmas story. In some ways I even liked it more than the first book in the series and I can’t wait for Paul’s book.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
December 5, 2014
**3.75 stars, rounded up because of that ending!**
This book was soooo sweet, like sugar-kink, holiday style!
I was a big fan of Let It Snow, and though I still like that story more, this was a very nice addition to the series.
I'm always a fan of opposite attract, and this book was exactly that. A fiery, enemies-to-lovers story with some very nice northern US atmosphere.
I think my favorite part of the book was the, well, books aspect of it! Gabriel is a skinny, buttoned up librarian and I adored how passionate he was about his job. Being able to connect and engage kids and get them excited about books is nothing to sneeze at. I was impressed with Gabriel and fell in love with his skills as a teacher and mentor to the families in his community. I want a Gabriel in my town!
I also really liked Arthur. I have a thing for hot redheads and I'm sure I would DIE for Arthur in real life. A hot, beefy ginger lumberjack-y man... *drools*
The chemistry between Arthur and Gabriel was REALLY hot... when we got it. A lot of the sex scenes are filled with introspection, which sort of took me out of the moments. I wanted these two men to get freaky. I KNOW they had it in them! Some of the scenes got steamy but the sex wasn't taken as far as I wanted it to go. In fact, I'd say this was one of Heidi's least erotic stories. That was a major sticking point for me because I saw the hotness potential with these two!
The chemistry was also a bit rushed for my taste. I didn't always buy it... until that lovely, ultra-romantic ending clinched the romance for me. It was swoon-worthy, I swear!
All in all, another sweet book in the lovable Minnesota Christmas series. All fans of Heidi's lighter stuff should certainly pick this up!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This book was soooo sweet, like sugar-kink, holiday style!
I was a big fan of Let It Snow, and though I still like that story more, this was a very nice addition to the series.
I'm always a fan of opposite attract, and this book was exactly that. A fiery, enemies-to-lovers story with some very nice northern US atmosphere.
I think my favorite part of the book was the, well, books aspect of it! Gabriel is a skinny, buttoned up librarian and I adored how passionate he was about his job. Being able to connect and engage kids and get them excited about books is nothing to sneeze at. I was impressed with Gabriel and fell in love with his skills as a teacher and mentor to the families in his community. I want a Gabriel in my town!
I also really liked Arthur. I have a thing for hot redheads and I'm sure I would DIE for Arthur in real life. A hot, beefy ginger lumberjack-y man... *drools*
The chemistry between Arthur and Gabriel was REALLY hot... when we got it. A lot of the sex scenes are filled with introspection, which sort of took me out of the moments. I wanted these two men to get freaky. I KNOW they had it in them! Some of the scenes got steamy but the sex wasn't taken as far as I wanted it to go. In fact, I'd say this was one of Heidi's least erotic stories. That was a major sticking point for me because I saw the hotness potential with these two!
The chemistry was also a bit rushed for my taste. I didn't always buy it... until that lovely, ultra-romantic ending clinched the romance for me. It was swoon-worthy, I swear!
All in all, another sweet book in the lovable Minnesota Christmas series. All fans of Heidi's lighter stuff should certainly pick this up!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 22, 2014
This is a sweet holiday-touched story about two man who are very different but in complimentary ways. Arthur is a big bear of a guy, who has been telling himself for years that he's content with having extended family to spend time with and a friendly fuck-buddy relationship at home. But when fuck-buddy Paul moves out to look for something more committed, and Arthur is alone in his home, he finds himself restless and unexpectedly lonely. Although not so lonely that he's willing to let his mother Corinna matchmake for him. He's pretty sure she has no idea what he likes in a guy, and he's more than happy to keep it that way.
Gabriel is a stellar librarian, who chose to move to a small town in the hopes of making a difference to the community. He's shy, a loner, and has never thought he was much good with relationships, or sex for that matter, so he's not looking for another one. He's a bit annoyed when one of the library board members keeps trying to fix him up. And he's definitely not interested in her rough, hairy, uncouth son. Definitely not.
This book is a love letter to librarians and books. For many of us, those golden moments spent inside the covers of a story, perhaps guided there by an understanding librarian, saved our teen souls. Gabriel uses books and storytime for the children to push his message of acceptance, of avoiding stereotyping, trying to widen the world of the children living in a very homogeneous, white-bread, straight and Christian small town. It may be a little heavy and his efforts over-successful at times, (and having had family try to find librarian jobs, I wonder at how hard he's recruited) but the basic message warms the heart.
Then there's the parallel story of Gabriel as a man who has to accept that his own desires and kinks are also okay. It's not just about teaching people that a little boy should be allowed to love a doll. It's also accepting that a good, loving person may want to be held down and called names or may enjoy rough sex and that wanting that is just as okay.
Arthur has the "what you want in bed is okay as long as it's mutual" message firmly in place. He can give Gabriel that. What he doesn't have, and needs, is the realization that emotional connection is what makes smokin' hot, dirty sex, into something more. His falling for Gabriel happens a bit fast, but it's a lot of fun to watch. There are little touches of humor, and a sweet ending. I hope that Paul, the third bear, gets his story eventually too.
Gabriel is a stellar librarian, who chose to move to a small town in the hopes of making a difference to the community. He's shy, a loner, and has never thought he was much good with relationships, or sex for that matter, so he's not looking for another one. He's a bit annoyed when one of the library board members keeps trying to fix him up. And he's definitely not interested in her rough, hairy, uncouth son. Definitely not.
This book is a love letter to librarians and books. For many of us, those golden moments spent inside the covers of a story, perhaps guided there by an understanding librarian, saved our teen souls. Gabriel uses books and storytime for the children to push his message of acceptance, of avoiding stereotyping, trying to widen the world of the children living in a very homogeneous, white-bread, straight and Christian small town. It may be a little heavy and his efforts over-successful at times, (and having had family try to find librarian jobs, I wonder at how hard he's recruited) but the basic message warms the heart.
Then there's the parallel story of Gabriel as a man who has to accept that his own desires and kinks are also okay. It's not just about teaching people that a little boy should be allowed to love a doll. It's also accepting that a good, loving person may want to be held down and called names or may enjoy rough sex and that wanting that is just as okay.
Arthur has the "what you want in bed is okay as long as it's mutual" message firmly in place. He can give Gabriel that. What he doesn't have, and needs, is the realization that emotional connection is what makes smokin' hot, dirty sex, into something more. His falling for Gabriel happens a bit fast, but it's a lot of fun to watch. There are little touches of humor, and a sweet ending. I hope that Paul, the third bear, gets his story eventually too.
December 13, 2015
Sleigh Ride is such a sweet and entertaining read.
When is long-term fuck buddy Paul decides to move out, as he is looking for a true relationship, Arthur has a hard time understanding Paul's decision. He isn't into dating, he likes his sex kinky and he isn't looking for a monogamous relationship at all. Being temporary out of work, Arthus soon gets lonely - he doesn't like returning to his empty cabin and he is spending less time with his best friends due to the argument with Paul.
Arthur's loneliness is engouraging his mother to intensify her match-making efforts and her newest potential candidate to date Arthus is the small town's librarian, Gabriel. The slightly geeky, definitly shy and very self-concious young man doesn't seem to have any interest in Arthur. Unable to understand his rough nature, he tries to keep all match-making efforts at bay. The same goes for Arthur. Unfortunately - or should I say luckily, both men underestimated the iron will of Arthur's mother.
And suddenly, two men very different from each other slowly start to fall for each other. I loved the pace of the story; it was perfect and made the relationship building feel very credible. The whole story was so full of emotion, it made me sad how unsecure Gabriel was and I enjoyed the way Arthur helped him to overcome his shame and insecurities.
One of the most beautiful scenes was Gabriel's story time reading of William's doll. Such a wonderful idea to face prejudices. It was a very intense and breath-taking moment.
This story got me right into a joyful christmas atmosphere. I'm ready! 4 stars!
When is long-term fuck buddy Paul decides to move out, as he is looking for a true relationship, Arthur has a hard time understanding Paul's decision. He isn't into dating, he likes his sex kinky and he isn't looking for a monogamous relationship at all. Being temporary out of work, Arthus soon gets lonely - he doesn't like returning to his empty cabin and he is spending less time with his best friends due to the argument with Paul.
Arthur's loneliness is engouraging his mother to intensify her match-making efforts and her newest potential candidate to date Arthus is the small town's librarian, Gabriel. The slightly geeky, definitly shy and very self-concious young man doesn't seem to have any interest in Arthur. Unable to understand his rough nature, he tries to keep all match-making efforts at bay. The same goes for Arthur. Unfortunately - or should I say luckily, both men underestimated the iron will of Arthur's mother.
And suddenly, two men very different from each other slowly start to fall for each other. I loved the pace of the story; it was perfect and made the relationship building feel very credible. The whole story was so full of emotion, it made me sad how unsecure Gabriel was and I enjoyed the way Arthur helped him to overcome his shame and insecurities.
One of the most beautiful scenes was Gabriel's story time reading of William's doll. Such a wonderful idea to face prejudices. It was a very intense and breath-taking moment.
This story got me right into a joyful christmas atmosphere. I'm ready! 4 stars!
December 16, 2014
Ignominious start that glides through the finish.
Sweet opposite attracts story in the wilds of Minnesota. Gruff mountain man and wound-just-a-bit-too-tight invested librarian collide and sparks ensue. Lots and lots of sparks. Little kinkier than the first story in the series and yet still sweet. There some nice discussion of gender roles and how as a society we pidgin hole many behaviors inappropriately. Shows the effect a dedicated librarian, but in many ways any citizen can have on a town. Takes a lot of work and for those driven to share and serve I thank, 'cause Lord knows patience is not my forte.
Loved the setting and the seeing how Gabriel and Arthur worked around their assumptions and preconceptions about each other. Very nice.
3.5 stars
Overall, like cinnamon kisses--sweet with just a bit of heat.
Sweet opposite attracts story in the wilds of Minnesota. Gruff mountain man and wound-just-a-bit-too-tight invested librarian collide and sparks ensue. Lots and lots of sparks. Little kinkier than the first story in the series and yet still sweet. There some nice discussion of gender roles and how as a society we pidgin hole many behaviors inappropriately. Shows the effect a dedicated librarian, but in many ways any citizen can have on a town. Takes a lot of work and for those driven to share and serve I thank, 'cause Lord knows patience is not my forte.
Loved the setting and the seeing how Gabriel and Arthur worked around their assumptions and preconceptions about each other. Very nice.
3.5 stars
Overall, like cinnamon kisses--sweet with just a bit of heat.
October 17, 2014
I have publically declared my love for the words that Heidi Cullinan writes before, and I admit there are times I wonder if I can be objective when I get a new book of hers in my hands. But I figured, who cares if I can be or not, I loved the hell out of this story. And yeah, I read a Christmas story in the triple digit heat wave through the desert in September. Am I crazy? Have you met me? Anyhoo…
I am just going to toss this out there and be done with it, first. I know there are people who can’t stand kids in books, but I love the dynamic they bring to the story. The want and the love they add and goodness, they were needed in this and done so very well. So kids are in this… oh *sigh* they are in this and my heart aches for the moments we get them.
So this, the second story of the three bears we get for Christmas; this beautiful story of our gruff toppy bear, Arthur, with the softest center ever and his lovely librarian Gabriel, who I want to read me stories. Ugh. I honestly have no idea how to say what I loved about this because I loved every single word. I thought Let it Snow was good, and it was, but this was amazing - this love letter to librarians was honest and just wonderful. I adored Gabriel’s dedication to the library as not just a building full of books but as a place for all information and how he wanted it all in the small town of Logan.
Arthur and Paul are splitting up, not really being a couple to begin with, and Paul decides he wants more than playing with Arthur. When the Mill closes temporarily, Arthur is left to find things to occupy his time. It’s a damn good thing his mother Corrine has a list of projects for her son and a list of boys she would like Arthur to try and date. I adored Corrine; she was so much fun to read and her meddling in the love life of her son and the new lonely librarian was perfectly orchestrated. Though I am sure she didn’t imagine just what would bind these boys together, because *ahem* they did bond, if you know what I mean?
Sweet Saint Brigid! This is hot. I mean, I read most of it at work, I had to because I couldn’t stop and holy freaking hell! I knew Arthur had a kinky side, we heard it like Marcus and Frankie did in Let it Snow, but getting it first hand was so freaking sexy. I love my ginger bears… Rawr. That boy, that man… I am getting a bit hot and bothered thinking of his NOT using words to get an answer out of Gabriel on the couch. I mean, fuck me gently with a chainsaw. That. Was. Hot. You know Heidi can bring the kink with the emotions and oh boy does she deliver with the boys. *fans self*
Arthur killed me with his whole “I wanted kids when I was a kid” business while he is playing with Becky’s kids? I mean, Thomas climbing in his lap and wanting to grow up just like his Uncle Arthur? Goodness. The man’s vulnerability while being all toppy with Gabriel about did me in, the dichotomy of Arthur is endearing and so sensual it drew me in so quick I couldn’t stop reading even with my eyes telling me the refused to stay open.
Gabriel. I love his first thoughts on Corrine and how she would try to play matchmaker with him so passive aggressively to the point of pulling the crumpled up numbers out of the trash and fixing them for him. Seeing him try to get out of doing anything with Arthur early on and his views of the burly ginger, I had no idea how they would end up together. Of course, the way they end up together was perfect. Have I used that word in this already? It was perfect. Of course, me being me, I won’t go into spoilers but let me say, fireplaces, couches, hallways and sleighs. Yeah, those are just a few moments where I melted out of my chair with these boys.
I love Christmas stories. It is my favorite time of the year and not because of the presents. It’s because of the magic of the season and all the possibilities it brings. A bit sappy of me to think? Could be, but it’s what I live for and why I seek out these stories as well as all the Hallmark movies on during the Christmas season. The story should have been odd to read when I did, but it wasn’t; I felt the cold of the snow as it fell over the small town of Logan, and yet warmed by the love coming at me from all areas in the story. Sure, there were bumps with the boys as there are in real relationships but that ending? Oh, that end is just one of the things I love about Heidi’s stories.
Sleigh Ride was exactly what I needed, and the best books do that for me. I needed to feel the real emotions that come from a real relationship. That is why this author’s words hit me so hard; they are so real. The emotions, the fears, the wants and the… everything the boys and their families and friends go through are so real, and they hit hard and deep. Oh yeah, I liked this story with our second bear and I cannot wait to read Paul’s story. Oh boy.
I am just going to toss this out there and be done with it, first. I know there are people who can’t stand kids in books, but I love the dynamic they bring to the story. The want and the love they add and goodness, they were needed in this and done so very well. So kids are in this… oh *sigh* they are in this and my heart aches for the moments we get them.
So this, the second story of the three bears we get for Christmas; this beautiful story of our gruff toppy bear, Arthur, with the softest center ever and his lovely librarian Gabriel, who I want to read me stories. Ugh. I honestly have no idea how to say what I loved about this because I loved every single word. I thought Let it Snow was good, and it was, but this was amazing - this love letter to librarians was honest and just wonderful. I adored Gabriel’s dedication to the library as not just a building full of books but as a place for all information and how he wanted it all in the small town of Logan.
Arthur and Paul are splitting up, not really being a couple to begin with, and Paul decides he wants more than playing with Arthur. When the Mill closes temporarily, Arthur is left to find things to occupy his time. It’s a damn good thing his mother Corrine has a list of projects for her son and a list of boys she would like Arthur to try and date. I adored Corrine; she was so much fun to read and her meddling in the love life of her son and the new lonely librarian was perfectly orchestrated. Though I am sure she didn’t imagine just what would bind these boys together, because *ahem* they did bond, if you know what I mean?
Sweet Saint Brigid! This is hot. I mean, I read most of it at work, I had to because I couldn’t stop and holy freaking hell! I knew Arthur had a kinky side, we heard it like Marcus and Frankie did in Let it Snow, but getting it first hand was so freaking sexy. I love my ginger bears… Rawr. That boy, that man… I am getting a bit hot and bothered thinking of his NOT using words to get an answer out of Gabriel on the couch. I mean, fuck me gently with a chainsaw. That. Was. Hot. You know Heidi can bring the kink with the emotions and oh boy does she deliver with the boys. *fans self*
Arthur killed me with his whole “I wanted kids when I was a kid” business while he is playing with Becky’s kids? I mean, Thomas climbing in his lap and wanting to grow up just like his Uncle Arthur? Goodness. The man’s vulnerability while being all toppy with Gabriel about did me in, the dichotomy of Arthur is endearing and so sensual it drew me in so quick I couldn’t stop reading even with my eyes telling me the refused to stay open.
Gabriel. I love his first thoughts on Corrine and how she would try to play matchmaker with him so passive aggressively to the point of pulling the crumpled up numbers out of the trash and fixing them for him. Seeing him try to get out of doing anything with Arthur early on and his views of the burly ginger, I had no idea how they would end up together. Of course, the way they end up together was perfect. Have I used that word in this already? It was perfect. Of course, me being me, I won’t go into spoilers but let me say, fireplaces, couches, hallways and sleighs. Yeah, those are just a few moments where I melted out of my chair with these boys.
I love Christmas stories. It is my favorite time of the year and not because of the presents. It’s because of the magic of the season and all the possibilities it brings. A bit sappy of me to think? Could be, but it’s what I live for and why I seek out these stories as well as all the Hallmark movies on during the Christmas season. The story should have been odd to read when I did, but it wasn’t; I felt the cold of the snow as it fell over the small town of Logan, and yet warmed by the love coming at me from all areas in the story. Sure, there were bumps with the boys as there are in real relationships but that ending? Oh, that end is just one of the things I love about Heidi’s stories.
Sleigh Ride was exactly what I needed, and the best books do that for me. I needed to feel the real emotions that come from a real relationship. That is why this author’s words hit me so hard; they are so real. The emotions, the fears, the wants and the… everything the boys and their families and friends go through are so real, and they hit hard and deep. Oh yeah, I liked this story with our second bear and I cannot wait to read Paul’s story. Oh boy.
December 15, 2016
***3.75 Stars***
This was a really great read....well, for about the first 70%....more on that later.
I have to say, I'm loving the theme of this series....physical opposites attract, but emotionally they end up having more in common than first impressions might show.
Gabriel is the town's new librarian...and by new I mean he's been there 18 months and has basically isolated himself from everything outside of work. Gabriel yearns to belong. He's tall, he's lanky, he's nerdy and he has some sexual desires that far from vanilla. He knows that the people of Logan know he's gay, but what would they think if they ever found out about the kinkier and dirtier things he likes in the bedroom. The shame he feels for those desires is the foundation to the walls he's built up.
Arthur and Paul, one of his best friends and fuck buddy, have gone their separate ways. Paul wants a relationship and that is nowhere near what Arthur wants. He wants to dominate, he wants to control...he wants to set a man on fire. He does not want strings and dates and obligations. Arthur is a simple man....he wants to work with his hands, live in his cabin and have fantastic sex....and maybe a little bit more, but no one needs to know about that.
After a rough introduction and bumpy acquaintance is formed, something about Gabriel's tenderness and thoughtfulness as he reads to the children at the library touches Arthur...thaws a part of his heart he's kept hidden from everyone.
And so begins the chase. However, what starts off as intrigue and attraction, quickly morphs into affection, care and a yearning for something more. Both men see their vulnerabilities as weaknesses, but they're drawn to each other and while hesitant to take that leap, they can't seem to stay apart for long.
I loved how rough-around-the-edges Arthur wanted to take care of Gabriel. He was attentive, patient and soothing with the right balance of supportive, affectionate and dominant. He wanted Gabriel to know that it didn't matter what people thought...what goes on in the bedroom is THEIR business and no one elses. He wanted Gabriel to see all the wonderful things about himself that Arthur saw.
Gabriel was such a gentle man. He loves his job and wants to help the people of Logan, especially the children, as much as he can. It's the one place in his life where he feels confident, knowledgeable, strong and proud. He may have brought out the softer side of Arthur, but Arthur helped him find his confidence, helped him accept himself and understand the strength he truly has outside of the library.
However, I do have a BIG grievance with this book. A large portion of Arthur and Gabriel's relationship stems from Gabriel's shame regarding what he likes in the bedroom. The first half of the book isn't overly explicit and filled with gratuitous sex, but it shows a different side to these men. Arthur's desire to control and chase, and Gabriel's yearning to be taken and let go of his inhibitions.
As the book goes on and emotions start to deepen, it evolves into being about the balance of kinky, dirty and possessive with tender, passionate and sweet. The two begin to admit to each other what they're truly feeling, their connection begins to solidify into something more and every encounter turns into a form of true intimacy....aaaaaaand we get fade to black for almost all of that.
I NEEDED to see this evolution of Arthur and Gabriel's connection. The fire that was building over the course of the first half of the book slowly began to fizzle for me. I was losing that spark, that extra layer of something that Arthur and Gabriel were giving me. I was losing the full emotional scope of their connection. HO HUM.
So, even though the last half left me a bit disappointed, I did enjoy the book. I loved seeing Marcus and Frankie again, and I can't wait to see what's in store for Paul...
November 21, 2014
I liked this better than the first book! And I really liked the first book! I loved seeing Marcus and Frankie again, but this story was all about Arthur, one of Marcus' best friends from book #1. He falls for the new librarian in town, Gabriel. Arthur is pretty kinky and Gabriel is pretty reserved, so things don't go that well at first. I loved Arthur's family. His mom is such a busy body, LOL! And the ending was absolutely perfect! I'm hoping poor lonely Paul gets his book next year :)
September 27, 2015
An adorable, easy read. On to the next in the series! Love these guys, so much.
December 9, 2014
We’re continuing the adventures of the three Minnesota lumberjack bears: Book 1 was Marcus(Papa Bear), Book 2 is Arthur(Mama Bear) and hopefully Book 3 will be Paul(Baby Bear). I had some issues with Paul’s character carried over from the first book. I found him to be pretty selfish and disrespectful to Marcus and Frankie but most especially to Paul. Paul is Arthur’s best friend and roommate for the past ten years but they’re also friends with benefits. Arthur seemed to push Paul past his sexual comfort zone several times in book 1 and I didn’t like that so I was definitely curious to read his story to see if he could be redeemed for me.
The story starts out with Paul breaking things off with Arthur and moving out. This is something that so needed to happen in order to save their friendship. Paul wants more in his life and Arthur just can’t understand why he won’t keep things as they are so Paul’s leaving really shakes Arthur up and leaves him at loose ends.
Arthur’s mother keeps trying to set him up with men but Arthur’s not interested in anything more than hook-ups. He finally gets her to stop when she ropes him into repairing a broken down sleigh so it can be used to help as a fundraiser for their town’s small library. When it’s finished Arthur will be Santa and Gabriel Higgins, the library director, will be his elf. It’s a situation that doesn’t work for either man as there’s no love lost between them. Gabriel thinks Arthur is a brutish oaf and Arthur thinks Gabriel is a prissy geek.
The men meet, they argue and then later that night they meet again and have an incredibly hot sexual encounter. It’s consensual dubcon with a smattering of BDSM that just burns off the pages. This book has stellar sex scenes, Cullinan is definitely a master at writing them. The men continue to have a sort of love/hate thing going on and neither one is sure if they’re actually attracted to each other.
For me, there’s a slow redemption here for Arthur and that really works. What I needed was his conversation with and apology to Paul so I was more than happy to see that and I can’t wait for his book. This was a beautiful read as the men discover that they’re actually meant for each other. I have to make a special note of Gabriel’s book reading of “William’s Doll” during library storytime, it was enlightening and really opened my eyes to what it takes to be a librarian, that’s not an easy job.
So despite initially having reservations about one of the main characters this ended up being a book that I adored. For the characters that were revisited and those who were introduced and the stories that were told. I would say that this didn’t have the natural separation that occurred between Marcus and Frankie in book 1. The issues that Gabriel had in his relationship with Arthur seemed somewhat forced and that didn’t flow well for me. Still this was a great second book in the series and I’ll definitely be looking for Minnesota Christmas #3 as well as anything else new by the author. She never disappoints.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
The story starts out with Paul breaking things off with Arthur and moving out. This is something that so needed to happen in order to save their friendship. Paul wants more in his life and Arthur just can’t understand why he won’t keep things as they are so Paul’s leaving really shakes Arthur up and leaves him at loose ends.
Arthur’s mother keeps trying to set him up with men but Arthur’s not interested in anything more than hook-ups. He finally gets her to stop when she ropes him into repairing a broken down sleigh so it can be used to help as a fundraiser for their town’s small library. When it’s finished Arthur will be Santa and Gabriel Higgins, the library director, will be his elf. It’s a situation that doesn’t work for either man as there’s no love lost between them. Gabriel thinks Arthur is a brutish oaf and Arthur thinks Gabriel is a prissy geek.
The men meet, they argue and then later that night they meet again and have an incredibly hot sexual encounter. It’s consensual dubcon with a smattering of BDSM that just burns off the pages. This book has stellar sex scenes, Cullinan is definitely a master at writing them. The men continue to have a sort of love/hate thing going on and neither one is sure if they’re actually attracted to each other.
For me, there’s a slow redemption here for Arthur and that really works. What I needed was his conversation with and apology to Paul so I was more than happy to see that and I can’t wait for his book. This was a beautiful read as the men discover that they’re actually meant for each other. I have to make a special note of Gabriel’s book reading of “William’s Doll” during library storytime, it was enlightening and really opened my eyes to what it takes to be a librarian, that’s not an easy job.
So despite initially having reservations about one of the main characters this ended up being a book that I adored. For the characters that were revisited and those who were introduced and the stories that were told. I would say that this didn’t have the natural separation that occurred between Marcus and Frankie in book 1. The issues that Gabriel had in his relationship with Arthur seemed somewhat forced and that didn’t flow well for me. Still this was a great second book in the series and I’ll definitely be looking for Minnesota Christmas #3 as well as anything else new by the author. She never disappoints.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 21, 2024
3.5 Stars
Huh. I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. Having said that though, my feelings about this book are all over the place.
Full disclosure.
The idea that this relationship eventually evolves to include a third person, as evidenced by the latest addition to this series - really, really, really bugs me. Of course, Ms. Cullinan is absolutely free to do whatever she wants with her characters, but I’m boring and staid, and I like my romance cut and dry. That means epic, monogamous love. So the fact that I know it doesn’t end up that way after the damn fantastic ending that this was, frankly ruined my enjoyment. A lot.
However, I’ll give credit where credit is due. Gabriel and Arthur pretty much hate each other on principle, despite the fact that they’re near strangers. Good thing a meddling mom who’s tenacious beyond belief, brings these two together kicking and screaming all the way. A bit insta-love once Gabriel and Arthur open their eyes, this was quite emotional, focusing heavily on accepting oneself, warts and all. Throw in some funny, in and amongst the vulnerable angst (plus a loud shout-out to the cutest, sweetest, most endearing nephew ever), this had some really great romantic feels and surprisingly, was light in the smex and kink. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed Gabriel and Arthur’s story, so much so that it's very doubtful I’ll continue to follow their journey.
Happy holidays!
Huh. I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. Having said that though, my feelings about this book are all over the place.
Full disclosure.
The idea that this relationship eventually evolves to include a third person, as evidenced by the latest addition to this series - really, really, really bugs me. Of course, Ms. Cullinan is absolutely free to do whatever she wants with her characters, but I’m boring and staid, and I like my romance cut and dry. That means epic, monogamous love. So the fact that I know it doesn’t end up that way after the damn fantastic ending that this was, frankly ruined my enjoyment. A lot.
However, I’ll give credit where credit is due. Gabriel and Arthur pretty much hate each other on principle, despite the fact that they’re near strangers. Good thing a meddling mom who’s tenacious beyond belief, brings these two together kicking and screaming all the way. A bit insta-love once Gabriel and Arthur open their eyes, this was quite emotional, focusing heavily on accepting oneself, warts and all. Throw in some funny, in and amongst the vulnerable angst (plus a loud shout-out to the cutest, sweetest, most endearing nephew ever), this had some really great romantic feels and surprisingly, was light in the smex and kink. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed Gabriel and Arthur’s story, so much so that it's very doubtful I’ll continue to follow their journey.
Happy holidays!
January 3, 2015
What a wonderful holiday story! I shed so many joyful little tears while reading this. Beautifully done.
If you read this story for nothing else, read it for the Thanksgiving scene and the storytime scene.
Just beautiful.
May 20, 2015
I can't get enough of this series!!! Can't recommend these enough!!! 5 Stars! ♥
October 21, 2015
Completely enjoyable Heidi Cullinan sweetness with a side of light kink around the holiday season. Arthur the kinky man-whore is knocked for a loop by his sudden attraction to librarian Gabriel, who is much more than the uptight nerd Arthur expects him to be.
Paul has finally had enough and moves out leaving Arthur alone and surprisingly lonely in his cabin. Town librarian Gabriel seems to have it all together but is insecure and emotionally fragile thanks to a lifetime of being put down. Neither of them could be more surprised by their first encounter, but it leaves Gabriel shaken and withdrawn while Arthur does everything he can to woo him back and try to gain his trust. I fell in love with Gabriel and his struggles and Arthur was an unexpectedly romantic surprise. The men are helped out by their friends Paul, Frankie and Marcus, along with Arthur's matchmaking mom. The chemistry between the two men was explosive, but their quieter moments were just as good. Topped off with a Heidi Cullinan HEA and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first.
Now I suppose I have to wait for next Christmas before Paul meets his match.
Paul has finally had enough and moves out leaving Arthur alone and surprisingly lonely in his cabin. Town librarian Gabriel seems to have it all together but is insecure and emotionally fragile thanks to a lifetime of being put down. Neither of them could be more surprised by their first encounter, but it leaves Gabriel shaken and withdrawn while Arthur does everything he can to woo him back and try to gain his trust. I fell in love with Gabriel and his struggles and Arthur was an unexpectedly romantic surprise. The men are helped out by their friends Paul, Frankie and Marcus, along with Arthur's matchmaking mom. The chemistry between the two men was explosive, but their quieter moments were just as good. Topped off with a Heidi Cullinan HEA and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first.
Now I suppose I have to wait for next Christmas before Paul meets his match.
November 24, 2014
I absolutely loved this book, it was a refreshing holiday story. It wasn't too sweet for me and it romance was refreshing and kinky! Love it Love it!
October 1, 2023
Arthur es un hombre trabajador "manitas", siempre dispuesto a ayudar a todos en el pueblo, pero desde que uno de sus mejores amigos y "fuckboy" se mudo, buscando hacer presión para que volvieran su relación mas "seria", se encuentra solo, cuando a el no le gusta vivir solo. Así que su madre comienza a buscarle pareja, inspirada en el amor que consiguió otro de los mejores amigos de Arthur, y no hay nada que él diga que pueda evitar las "manipulaciones" de su madre.
Así que ahora se encuentra con el encargo de reconstruir el trineo de Santa que hizo su abuelo, y vestirse de Santa para una recolección de fondos para la Biblioteca del pueblo. Lo que no espera es sentirse atraído por el alto, flaco y nerd Director de la Biblioteca, un hombre solitario que solo le gusta la compañía de sus libros. Pero mientras se acercan las fiestas, serán ambos capaces de ver lo que puede haber entre ellos, o el miedo instintivo a tener "relaciones serias" será un problema para los dos.
Es un libro dulce, romántico con un toquecito de BDSM. No hay mucho drama, mas que el interno de los personajes de si su relación puede ser verdadera a o no. No le vi mucho desarrollo como tal a los protas, pero me gustaron mucho los secundarios, sobre todo la mama y el papa de Arthur, además del sobrinito, esos 3 me causaron mucha risa y ternura.
Es una de esas lectura que puedes tomar en cualquier momento para pasar el rato, y sabes que te va a dejar una sonrisa en la cara con su final dulce y feliz. Ahora, es parte de una serie, y si, no he leído el primero todavía, porque la sinopsis me pareció mas tradicional, pero después de leer este les voy a dar una oportunidad a la serie mas adelante.
Así que ahora se encuentra con el encargo de reconstruir el trineo de Santa que hizo su abuelo, y vestirse de Santa para una recolección de fondos para la Biblioteca del pueblo. Lo que no espera es sentirse atraído por el alto, flaco y nerd Director de la Biblioteca, un hombre solitario que solo le gusta la compañía de sus libros. Pero mientras se acercan las fiestas, serán ambos capaces de ver lo que puede haber entre ellos, o el miedo instintivo a tener "relaciones serias" será un problema para los dos.
Es un libro dulce, romántico con un toquecito de BDSM. No hay mucho drama, mas que el interno de los personajes de si su relación puede ser verdadera a o no. No le vi mucho desarrollo como tal a los protas, pero me gustaron mucho los secundarios, sobre todo la mama y el papa de Arthur, además del sobrinito, esos 3 me causaron mucha risa y ternura.
Es una de esas lectura que puedes tomar en cualquier momento para pasar el rato, y sabes que te va a dejar una sonrisa en la cara con su final dulce y feliz. Ahora, es parte de una serie, y si, no he leído el primero todavía, porque la sinopsis me pareció mas tradicional, pero después de leer este les voy a dar una oportunidad a la serie mas adelante.
December 12, 2014
Loving all the Christmas stories out at the moment. This is another enjoyable read with a hot, sexy leather wearing Lumberjack & kinky Librarian! Light BDSM, rope play and consensual non-con included - in a very nice way!
Here's my Arthur - minus the red hair ;) Ho! Ho! Ho!
Here's my Arthur - minus the red hair ;) Ho! Ho! Ho!
November 17, 2015
3.5 stars
Sleigh Ride isn’t just a light, holiday romance where small-town librarian matches wits with small town bad boy. It’s as much a tribute to libraries and their importance as places of information and education. And in the small, rural towns such as the one in this story, they give children who might not have easy access to ipads or laptops, a way to connect with the bigger world.
Yes, Sleigh Ride has romance and it’s share of steamy sex but, in the end, this is the author’s passionate message.
You’ll remember Arthur from book one, Let It Snow. He and his lover, Paul, almost stole the show with their boisterous D/s loft shenanigans. They added a kinky edge to Frankie and Marcus’ sweet ’n vanilla romance.
Paul is out of the picture, now; he’s moved out on Arthur. I was a bit disappointed but not too surprised… What little we know of them is based on the hot and spanky sex and not much else and it seems that’s the problem. They’re may be better friends than they are lovers.
Poor Arthur, his best three buddies have moved on and he’s now beset by well-intentioned friends and family who want to see him hooked-up and just as happy as they are. But Arthur’s not sure that’s what he wants… stability, commitment, a b-b-b-boyfriend. He’s got very specific requirements in a lover and he’s not sure he’ll ever find anyone to match them.
Well, Arthur’s mom thinks that Gabriel, the cute town librarian is just the guy for Arthur, and she cooks up a scheme to bring them together. It involves raising money for the library by selling holiday sleigh rides in the snow with Arthur as the sleigh-driving Santa and Gabriel as his elf helper. But, while the guys think the fundraiser is a good idea, they aren’t enthusiastic about the matchmaking. It’s not surprising that Arthur wants nothing to do with the nerdy, buttoned-up Gabriel-the-Librarian. He likes his guys a little shorter and beefier and way kinkier. Gabriel just doesn’t look or act like his type. And Gabriel just sees Arthur as a rude, brutish lout.
The old adage ‘You shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover’ really holds true here.
It doesn’t take long for the sparks to fly and set off some kind of invisible kink meter when the guys finally get together. Gabriel may look and act like the nerdy, buttoned-up, uptight librarian, but he’s hiding a wealth of smutty, shameful sex fantasies he’d love to act out. Somehow, Arthur gets it, and he figures he’s just the guy to deliver on demand. I confess. I like Cullinan’s books for the dirty raunch. Man-o-man she does that exceptionally well. Ho, ho, ho, hummers!
There is a lot to like in Sleigh Ride. Feel-good sweetness, cute kids, colorful friends and town folk, a snowy holiday setting, lots of good deeds and family love. I really liked Gabriel, he is adorable, kinks and all. I feel for his worry about fitting into the small town community-- a gay man trying to justify his very private sexual fantasies with his clean-cut public persona. And even Arthur grows on you as he grows into a more sympathetic character. He starts falling for Gabriel watching him in action at the library story time…
“… it was sweet… It caught the edges of his heart when Gabriel turned to the kids and looked them in the eye, smiling and loving and bright as he led them in chorus through what were obviously favorite lines of the story.”
There’s no doubt that the writing is strong. I would recommend Sleigh Ride for all of these good things.
On the other hand… I’m afraid that my perverse side felt, at times, like the sweetness got a little too thick and heavy. And sometimes the story fell too close to lecturing or preachiness. This caused some drag and lag and pulled me out of the goodness, unfortunately. But I know Sleigh Ride will appeal to a lot of readers for it’s many moments of romantic tenderness and SSC (safe, sane and consensual) freak-a-licious kink, as well as getting to visit with Frankie and Marcus again. My rating gets rounded up just for that. And you can’t beat a sleigh ride with Santa.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.:
December 20, 2015
**** 4 kinky librarian stars ****
--------------------------------
"Goddam, but I love me some kinky librarian. My kinky librarian.
~Arthur~
--------------------------------
This was great! I liked this book better than the first in the series. Not that the first one is bad, but this one has the enemies-to-lovers feel to it!
----------------------------------
"What crawled up your butt, Gabe?"
Ugh. This man. "My name is Gabriel. Please do no call me Gabe."
"What crawled up your butt, Gabriel?"
"Nothing is in my ass, thank you. Please leave.
Arthur's eyebrows waggled. "Something in your ass might make you feel a lot less cranky."
----------------------------------
*snort* LOL!
Arthur is such a character from book one and he is meeting his match in this book for sure. But not where he expect. Meaning in the library. Gabriel and Arthur butt heads, but found interest in each other in the most surprising and hot scene. Jesus, I didn't see that coming, and it made it so much hotter. Phew!
This is not a kinky book, though. Sure Arthur and Gabriel are kinky, and they explore the kink some, but it's tame really. They are so sweet together, though.
---------------------------------
"I had no idea it was this intense." [Gabriel]
"It's totally intense. BDSM isn't in the body. It's in the head. You're sitting there letting me tie you up. It looks pretty boring to someone else, maybe mildly titillating. But for you and me? You're giving over to me, and I'm taking care of you. It's one thing to talk about it, to read about it. It's something else entirely to do it." [Arthur]
---------------------------------
I wished the kink would have been more explored, at least towards the end. But then, that might have taken the story on a more erotic road instead of the romantic one. And by God, it IS romantic. That ending! Me loves.
The book has several great moments. Thomas and his doll, the reading for the kids, the surprise sex scene, Gabriel and Arthur's bickering, Arthur and Paul's friendship, seeing Marcus and Frankie again, the bondage scene (Aww, Gabriel!) and as I said above, the ending. It's Christmas! I love sappy endings!
If you've read the first one in this series, I urge you to read this one too!
Recommended.
"Goddam, but I love me some kinky librarian. My kinky librarian.
~Arthur~
--------------------------------
This was great! I liked this book better than the first in the series. Not that the first one is bad, but this one has the enemies-to-lovers feel to it!
----------------------------------
"What crawled up your butt, Gabe?"
Ugh. This man. "My name is Gabriel. Please do no call me Gabe."
"What crawled up your butt, Gabriel?"
"Nothing is in my ass, thank you. Please leave.
Arthur's eyebrows waggled. "Something in your ass might make you feel a lot less cranky."
----------------------------------
*snort* LOL!
Arthur is such a character from book one and he is meeting his match in this book for sure. But not where he expect. Meaning in the library. Gabriel and Arthur butt heads, but found interest in each other in the most surprising and hot scene. Jesus, I didn't see that coming, and it made it so much hotter. Phew!
This is not a kinky book, though. Sure Arthur and Gabriel are kinky, and they explore the kink some, but it's tame really. They are so sweet together, though.
---------------------------------
"I had no idea it was this intense." [Gabriel]
"It's totally intense. BDSM isn't in the body. It's in the head. You're sitting there letting me tie you up. It looks pretty boring to someone else, maybe mildly titillating. But for you and me? You're giving over to me, and I'm taking care of you. It's one thing to talk about it, to read about it. It's something else entirely to do it." [Arthur]
---------------------------------
I wished the kink would have been more explored, at least towards the end. But then, that might have taken the story on a more erotic road instead of the romantic one. And by God, it IS romantic. That ending! Me loves.
The book has several great moments. Thomas and his doll, the reading for the kids, the surprise sex scene, Gabriel and Arthur's bickering, Arthur and Paul's friendship, seeing Marcus and Frankie again, the bondage scene (Aww, Gabriel!) and as I said above, the ending. It's Christmas! I love sappy endings!
If you've read the first one in this series, I urge you to read this one too!
Recommended.
March 25, 2016
Apparently I saved the best for last...well, almost...
I finished this book several hours ago and I'm still trying to figure out if I can possibly even begin to explain how much I loved this book. I had little to no doubt I was going to enjoy it. I know when I started reading I wasn't overly enamoured of Arthur and Gabriel...well, I just needed to know more about him. He was an unknown entity for me. Part way into the book I realized that Gabriel was going to break me and he did.
Gabriel was a character that I found it too easy, way too easy to identify with and I quickly began to feel his joys, frustrations, anger, fears all to easily and a little more strongly than I usually do...yep, Gabriel broke me. I haven't really decided if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I'm just quietly examining the pieces and deciding what ones I want to keep as they are, what ones I want to reshape and what ones just don't fit the puzzle that is me anymore.
As I continued to discover more of Gabriel, I also began to develop an appreciation for Arthur and how little of him, he truly showed to the world and yet became willing to give to Gabriel, I think I was a little in awe of him for this. To be strong enough to show that kind of vulnerability to someone is in my mind not an easy task.
By the end of the book I adored both Arthur and Gabriel and their story was the perfect ending to my marathon of holiday reads...well perfect almost ending, I still have one more book to go. It was suppose to be my New Years eve/day read but it got pushed back for this one after that I'm back to my regular scheduled program...whatever that is? I don't really have a clue and when it comes to reading I like that plan or lack thereof ;-)
I finished this book several hours ago and I'm still trying to figure out if I can possibly even begin to explain how much I loved this book. I had little to no doubt I was going to enjoy it. I know when I started reading I wasn't overly enamoured of Arthur and Gabriel...well, I just needed to know more about him. He was an unknown entity for me. Part way into the book I realized that Gabriel was going to break me and he did.
Gabriel was a character that I found it too easy, way too easy to identify with and I quickly began to feel his joys, frustrations, anger, fears all to easily and a little more strongly than I usually do...yep, Gabriel broke me. I haven't really decided if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I'm just quietly examining the pieces and deciding what ones I want to keep as they are, what ones I want to reshape and what ones just don't fit the puzzle that is me anymore.
As I continued to discover more of Gabriel, I also began to develop an appreciation for Arthur and how little of him, he truly showed to the world and yet became willing to give to Gabriel, I think I was a little in awe of him for this. To be strong enough to show that kind of vulnerability to someone is in my mind not an easy task.
By the end of the book I adored both Arthur and Gabriel and their story was the perfect ending to my marathon of holiday reads...well perfect almost ending, I still have one more book to go. It was suppose to be my New Years eve/day read but it got pushed back for this one after that I'm back to my regular scheduled program...whatever that is? I don't really have a clue and when it comes to reading I like that plan or lack thereof ;-)
March 20, 2018
.... naughty, edgy Arthur is rocking Librarian Gabriel's world...wow...!
Arthur, lumberman/handyman, was adrift after his lost friendship with Paul.
Gabriel is the new Librarian and quietly going about his work.
The Library needs a fundraiser, money for basics, and Arthur has always hated the Library, because it's where he was told he couldn't read what he wanted, only what they wanted. In getting ready for the fund raiser, Arthur and Gabriel are getting together whether they like it or not. Gabriel really wants Arthur, but denies it.
Arthur is drawn to the sweet man, but hasn't figured out why.
These guys are great. Burly, red haired, bearded Arthur and tall, lanky, shy, curly haired Gabriel seem like opposites, until they get it on and have super hot sexy times. Whew, they are intense when they get together ! Arthur seemed almost mean in the last book, but here he finds his "one" man who really "gets" him, understands him, just as he "gets" Gabriel. Outside forces are always against gays, and here it's no different, but the guys can survive anything together. Gabriel's presentation to the children about dolls is wonderful and insightful. Awesome ending in this sweet, charming, amazing tale.
You'll love it like I did. ENJOY !!!
Arthur, lumberman/handyman, was adrift after his lost friendship with Paul.
Gabriel is the new Librarian and quietly going about his work.
The Library needs a fundraiser, money for basics, and Arthur has always hated the Library, because it's where he was told he couldn't read what he wanted, only what they wanted. In getting ready for the fund raiser, Arthur and Gabriel are getting together whether they like it or not. Gabriel really wants Arthur, but denies it.
Arthur is drawn to the sweet man, but hasn't figured out why.
These guys are great. Burly, red haired, bearded Arthur and tall, lanky, shy, curly haired Gabriel seem like opposites, until they get it on and have super hot sexy times. Whew, they are intense when they get together ! Arthur seemed almost mean in the last book, but here he finds his "one" man who really "gets" him, understands him, just as he "gets" Gabriel. Outside forces are always against gays, and here it's no different, but the guys can survive anything together. Gabriel's presentation to the children about dolls is wonderful and insightful. Awesome ending in this sweet, charming, amazing tale.
You'll love it like I did. ENJOY !!!
December 6, 2019
Spoiler Ahead This is the second book in the " Minnesota Christmas" series. Arthur Anderson doesn’t want anything to do with love and romance, and he certainly doesn’t want to play Santa in his mother’s library fundraising scheme. He knows full well what she really wants is to hook him up with the town’s lanky, prissy librarian. It’s been about a year since Marcus and Frankie moved in together, and Arthur finds himself alone. Paul has called it quits with their relationship of convenience, wanting more than Arthur can give. Gabriel Higgins is the relatively new librarian in town who harbors a secret desire for what Arthur is capable of giving. Gabriel doesn't want anything to do with Arthur or the fundraiser. Gabriel has lived a life of solitude, pouring himself into ensuring the success of the library, and entertaining its patrons. These two decide that they don't want to date each other so Arthur decides to introduces Gabriel to some people. This was a pretty good read I thought that this book was charming I really liked both of these character's also. Gabriel was very sweet and liked his job I liked how he studied before story time to make sure his message was presented correctly. The sex scenes in this book were hot. This book was well written like the first book with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 4, 2016
I can't believe I read that book straight through. I totally enjoyed it - the characters were so interesting and the way they came together just worked so well. Loved the kink (but there could have been more of it... Nowhere Ranch has spoiled me for any of this author's other works).
Terrific plot, I respect the hell out of the whole thing the author does about gender stero-typing and helping change peoples' attitudes, that part was well done. Also the part where Arthur is reviewing his relationship with Paul (and I admit, this was one part about Let It Snow that I enjoyed the most). Arthur wonders if Paul had put up with some of the kink in the bedroom just because he wanted to have sex with Arthur, and that was a big part of what turned Arthur on... Just found it interesting to see Arthur be so introspective about his sexuality, felt like I really got to know these guys.
Great story all around. Can only look forward to the next one and hope that it works out as well for Paul.
Terrific plot, I respect the hell out of the whole thing the author does about gender stero-typing and helping change peoples' attitudes, that part was well done. Also the part where Arthur is reviewing his relationship with Paul (and I admit, this was one part about Let It Snow that I enjoyed the most). Arthur wonders if Paul had put up with some of the kink in the bedroom just because he wanted to have sex with Arthur, and that was a big part of what turned Arthur on... Just found it interesting to see Arthur be so introspective about his sexuality, felt like I really got to know these guys.
Great story all around. Can only look forward to the next one and hope that it works out as well for Paul.
Read
October 21, 2015
DNF at 18% and I am so sad and pissed about it!!
It was all going well, I liked the MCs. The grumpy bear and the uptight librarian? What's not to like? THE GROSS, ICKY SEX that's what!! Why oh why did it have to become some gross, stupid book? With humiliation and stuff: "you're a filthy whore!" and other stuff like that.. OK, some people might me into that and that's their business, more power to them but me? NO, NO, NO!!!
They ruined my Christmas book...
p.s. I'm not gonna rate it because I didn't make it pass the 50%, so...
It was all going well, I liked the MCs. The grumpy bear and the uptight librarian? What's not to like? THE GROSS, ICKY SEX that's what!! Why oh why did it have to become some gross, stupid book? With humiliation and stuff: "you're a filthy whore!" and other stuff like that.. OK, some people might me into that and that's their business, more power to them but me? NO, NO, NO!!!
They ruined my Christmas book...
p.s. I'm not gonna rate it because I didn't make it pass the 50%, so...
May 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
Cute, if improbable, holiday tale that made me go "aw".
I liked the characters, loved the schmaltzy love.
I would have liked for the sexy times that were there to have been a bit more descriptive, but it was still lovely and hot.
Cute, if improbable, holiday tale that made me go "aw".
I liked the characters, loved the schmaltzy love.
I would have liked for the sexy times that were there to have been a bit more descriptive, but it was still lovely and hot.
November 11, 2014
4 Sleigh Rides on Prism Book Alliance
This started out rather slow, while simultaneously passing through two-plus months of time by the end of chapter one. The bright spot were the scenes between Arthur and his nephew Thomas, and Gabriel with Grandma Cory, aka Corrina Anderson. Sort of a jumbled set up that probably could have been more tightly woven. Twas a bit scattered.
By chapter three, things started to pick up. Both Gabriel and Arthur have some humorous one-liners. It did help that the story is told from both of their points of view. This bode well in terms of emotional connections revealing themselves.
Then came the moment. In the Library. With the kids, and their books. I couldn’t help but smile.
Arthur is sweet and likes his kink-lite, he’s stubborn and a bit of an odd duck. Best of all? In spite of his stubbornness, especially in regards to what he may truly want out of life, he’s pretty darn good at reading other people. Aaaaaaaand since he doesn’t possess much of a filter, he lets them know about it, too. I love this mix of denying his ability to be self-aware while being very in tune with everyone else. I think it’s a very human thing to do.
Enter Gabriel. He’s got a multitude of internal battles waging and brewing. To say he needs someone with an abundance of patience, well… enter Arthur?
The sentence structure suffers now and then. I would be reading from Arthur’s point of view but then it read as if we were back inside Gabriel’s head. Along with this, there were definitely missing scene breaks on the page. One paragraph was Arthur’s domain and then it was Gabriel’s in the next. My guess is this is simply due to this being a review copy. But the sentence structure problems would be there regardless of the scene breaks.
Opposites do in fact attract. I find it interesting when some people are surprised by this, especially when they’re one of the opposites. Arthur and Gabriel are opposites in many ways, inside and out. Except in one. And then another. And these things fuel this twisty, hot, unsteady and undeniable ride they find themselves taking together.
Have I mentioned how shamelessly hot this is? No? Oh, how remiss of me. Ahem, this is hot. Not just because of the sex and how it is twixt Arthur and Gabriel (I don’t think I’m letting anything out of the bag by including that, yes, they have sex) but what they see in each other. Arthur knows Gabriel wants certain things but has great difficulty in admitting and asking for them. Gabriel responds unreservedly (despite himself) to Arthur because his instincts tell him he’ll be safe if he does.
*heard from the peanut gallery*
”Do we remember Arthur being this talkative?!”
I know, right? I’m trying to remember, too. What I do know is that his bandying about of those endearments towards Gabriel would normally make me cringe. Somehow, from Arthur they sucked me in just like they drove Gabriel wild and spoke to his very huge and wanting heart.
The story hits its stride, along with the writing itself, about halfway through. Emotion was kicked up a gargantuan notch. And what’s with me and loving the kids in books recently? Must be the great wordsmithing. :D
There’s no grand overarching plotline here. Just two people trying to work through life’s challenges, each other, and the people in their town, their families. They suffer through failure and demonstrate bravery. And they love. They fall in love. Let me leave you with this:
They knelt there in front of the fire, staring at one another, all the words out between them. All the ghosts chased out, the dark shame faded away.
Arthur smiled, his eyes shiny. “I never even knew to dream of a man like you.”
This started out rather slow, while simultaneously passing through two-plus months of time by the end of chapter one. The bright spot were the scenes between Arthur and his nephew Thomas, and Gabriel with Grandma Cory, aka Corrina Anderson. Sort of a jumbled set up that probably could have been more tightly woven. Twas a bit scattered.
By chapter three, things started to pick up. Both Gabriel and Arthur have some humorous one-liners. It did help that the story is told from both of their points of view. This bode well in terms of emotional connections revealing themselves.
Then came the moment. In the Library. With the kids, and their books. I couldn’t help but smile.
Arthur is sweet and likes his kink-lite, he’s stubborn and a bit of an odd duck. Best of all? In spite of his stubbornness, especially in regards to what he may truly want out of life, he’s pretty darn good at reading other people. Aaaaaaaand since he doesn’t possess much of a filter, he lets them know about it, too. I love this mix of denying his ability to be self-aware while being very in tune with everyone else. I think it’s a very human thing to do.
Enter Gabriel. He’s got a multitude of internal battles waging and brewing. To say he needs someone with an abundance of patience, well… enter Arthur?
The sentence structure suffers now and then. I would be reading from Arthur’s point of view but then it read as if we were back inside Gabriel’s head. Along with this, there were definitely missing scene breaks on the page. One paragraph was Arthur’s domain and then it was Gabriel’s in the next. My guess is this is simply due to this being a review copy. But the sentence structure problems would be there regardless of the scene breaks.
Opposites do in fact attract. I find it interesting when some people are surprised by this, especially when they’re one of the opposites. Arthur and Gabriel are opposites in many ways, inside and out. Except in one. And then another. And these things fuel this twisty, hot, unsteady and undeniable ride they find themselves taking together.
Have I mentioned how shamelessly hot this is? No? Oh, how remiss of me. Ahem, this is hot. Not just because of the sex and how it is twixt Arthur and Gabriel (I don’t think I’m letting anything out of the bag by including that, yes, they have sex) but what they see in each other. Arthur knows Gabriel wants certain things but has great difficulty in admitting and asking for them. Gabriel responds unreservedly (despite himself) to Arthur because his instincts tell him he’ll be safe if he does.
*heard from the peanut gallery*
”Do we remember Arthur being this talkative?!”
I know, right? I’m trying to remember, too. What I do know is that his bandying about of those endearments towards Gabriel would normally make me cringe. Somehow, from Arthur they sucked me in just like they drove Gabriel wild and spoke to his very huge and wanting heart.
The story hits its stride, along with the writing itself, about halfway through. Emotion was kicked up a gargantuan notch. And what’s with me and loving the kids in books recently? Must be the great wordsmithing. :D
There’s no grand overarching plotline here. Just two people trying to work through life’s challenges, each other, and the people in their town, their families. They suffer through failure and demonstrate bravery. And they love. They fall in love. Let me leave you with this:
They knelt there in front of the fire, staring at one another, all the words out between them. All the ghosts chased out, the dark shame faded away.
Arthur smiled, his eyes shiny. “I never even knew to dream of a man like you.”
November 14, 2014
In short, I loved it.
I wasn't sure what to make of Arthur in Let it Snow, but I really love him here. And Gabriel was just so adorable. And brilliant.
When the book started, with Paul moving out of the cabin, I was kind of sad. In Let it Snow, though Arthur and Paul weren't exactly a couple, they kinda were, and I figured that moving on from that would be all kinds of awkward. And it certainly had it's moments. But Paul knew the score. He knew that Arthur would never be his boyfriend. Not because Arthur didn't care about him, but because they just wouldn't work that way. And though Arthur really did want all those things he claimed to not want, Paul just wasn't the right man for the job, as it were.
And Gabriel is a bit of a hero in this story. I haven't been inside a library for a long time, but I can say that, in my experience, librarians rock. And Gabriel is truly amazing. He's living in a small town by choice and he goes out of his way to expand the horizons of the library patrons. I LOVED how he handled the situation with Thomas and Soupy. There are so many things that could go wrong, no matter how well intentioned and I think he did so well.
Some years ago, I read a book called Delusions of Gender and it very effectively dismantles what we think we know about gender roles that people assume are hard wired, but really aren't. They are just so ingrained in our thinking that we unconsciously push boys one way and girls another. It was a fascinating book. Anyway...
Gabriel and Arthur were an unlikely couple. But, people are not always how they seem on the surface and it turns out they are both part of the same beautiful, kinky puzzle. *shivers*
Sleigh Ride is a heartwarming holiday story that just might take your dislike of Christmas and turn it inside out. It kind of did mine. And I think there was even a homage to Laurie and Ed from Dance With Me, which made me really happy because I love them.
Recommended.
I wasn't sure what to make of Arthur in Let it Snow, but I really love him here. And Gabriel was just so adorable. And brilliant.
When the book started, with Paul moving out of the cabin, I was kind of sad. In Let it Snow, though Arthur and Paul weren't exactly a couple, they kinda were, and I figured that moving on from that would be all kinds of awkward. And it certainly had it's moments. But Paul knew the score. He knew that Arthur would never be his boyfriend. Not because Arthur didn't care about him, but because they just wouldn't work that way. And though Arthur really did want all those things he claimed to not want, Paul just wasn't the right man for the job, as it were.
And Gabriel is a bit of a hero in this story. I haven't been inside a library for a long time, but I can say that, in my experience, librarians rock. And Gabriel is truly amazing. He's living in a small town by choice and he goes out of his way to expand the horizons of the library patrons. I LOVED how he handled the situation with Thomas and Soupy. There are so many things that could go wrong, no matter how well intentioned and I think he did so well.
Some years ago, I read a book called Delusions of Gender and it very effectively dismantles what we think we know about gender roles that people assume are hard wired, but really aren't. They are just so ingrained in our thinking that we unconsciously push boys one way and girls another. It was a fascinating book. Anyway...
Gabriel and Arthur were an unlikely couple. But, people are not always how they seem on the surface and it turns out they are both part of the same beautiful, kinky puzzle. *shivers*
Sleigh Ride is a heartwarming holiday story that just might take your dislike of Christmas and turn it inside out. It kind of did mine. And I think there was even a homage to Laurie and Ed from Dance With Me, which made me really happy because I love them.
Recommended.
March 20, 2016
3.5 stars
In my review for the first book, Let It Snow, I said that I would love to see Arthur and Paul ended up with different men. I disliked the idea of them together. Well, I got my wish *lol*.
For the most part, I really liked this. I liked the contradictory of Arthur as character. Arthur, the big red-haired bear, who as actually really romantic and loved kids (the way he took care of Thomas, so sweet!) despite his manly burly stature. And Gabriel, the demigod librarian, who might be snappish and prickly, but boy he had kinky sex wish. So yeah, I liked them. Even if it got pretty lovey dovey, but I was okay with it. At least Gabriel made Arthur worked for it, so it didn't feel like it was instant-love *laugh*
BUT, I couldn't give this more than 3.5 stars because I have very personal quibbles that detract my enjoyment from the book. No, it wasn't my hatred towards Cullinan's penchant to use excessive endearments (baby, babe, sweetheart, honey, angel, sugar, boy -- seriously all the endearments in the English dictionary maybe), nor the number of sex scenes here. I could work through around those, thankfully.
Okay, like I said, it is personal, so it may not even a blip of issue for others. I will put it under spoiler tag.
That particular part just annoyed the heck out of me. Sorry, book.
In my review for the first book, Let It Snow, I said that I would love to see Arthur and Paul ended up with different men. I disliked the idea of them together. Well, I got my wish *lol*.
For the most part, I really liked this. I liked the contradictory of Arthur as character. Arthur, the big red-haired bear, who as actually really romantic and loved kids (the way he took care of Thomas, so sweet!) despite his manly burly stature. And Gabriel, the demigod librarian, who might be snappish and prickly, but boy he had kinky sex wish. So yeah, I liked them. Even if it got pretty lovey dovey, but I was okay with it. At least Gabriel made Arthur worked for it, so it didn't feel like it was instant-love *laugh*
BUT, I couldn't give this more than 3.5 stars because I have very personal quibbles that detract my enjoyment from the book. No, it wasn't my hatred towards Cullinan's penchant to use excessive endearments (baby, babe, sweetheart, honey, angel, sugar, boy -- seriously all the endearments in the English dictionary maybe), nor the number of sex scenes here. I could work through around those, thankfully.
Okay, like I said, it is personal, so it may not even a blip of issue for others. I will put it under spoiler tag.
That particular part just annoyed the heck out of me. Sorry, book.
November 11, 2014
3.75 stars full of awwwwwwwwww!
Ok, ok fine. I'm the first person to admit that I'm normally the biggest Scrooge but that was super duper extra sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were parts that were a little too preachy and felt like the author was having her characters speak more to her readers than to each other, but otherwise this was an excellent example of fluffy done right.
This book was also very light on the kink but made up for it by making me cry over a certain library scene that involves a doll. That scene was all kinds of perfection, Mrs. Cullinan, and should be required reading (and doing) for everyone everywhere.
While I'm a bit leery of m/m romance series in which the protagonists always I ended up being a little teary eyed at all the shiny happiness at the end. Yes, I was made to cry two times! Blasphemy! ;)
One last thing: I liked Arthur very much in this installment of the series but the character that really stood out for me was Gabriel. I identified with him in many ways, so I spent much of the book wanting to give him a hug. I'm glad he found a guy that got him.
I consider this book to be money well spent and now I can't wait to read Pete's story. I hope Mrs. Cullinan is busy working on that as we speak.
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