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Minnesota Christmas #4
Santa Baby
Trimming the tree is more fun with three.
Twin Cities developer Dale Davidson has come to Logan, Minnesota, to turn it into Christmas Town, not to give in to Arthur Anderson's offer to join him and his fiancE, Gabriel Higgins, for a Christmas Eve threesome. Dale is polyamorous, but it's clear Arthur is offering a night of fun and nothing more. Maybe one night with the couple he admires so much won't hurt...
Together the three of them light a fire hot enough to boil Lake Superior in January, and one night of fun becomes an extended engagement as Dale puts down some tentative roots in his new hometown. Everyone loves Dale, Logan's own Santa Claus, and somehow no one knows what wild times are happening right underneath their noses. No one knows, either, the complicated ways they're falling in love with one another.
But a shadow from Dale's past emerges, an abuser threatening him with violence and shame. Ronny doesn't want a happy ever after for Dale, only to draw him back into a consuming darkness. It will take the love of not only Gabriel and Arthur but all of Logan to convince their Santa he has nothing to be ashamed of--and that he will always have a home in their hearts.
Twin Cities developer Dale Davidson has come to Logan, Minnesota, to turn it into Christmas Town, not to give in to Arthur Anderson's offer to join him and his fiancE, Gabriel Higgins, for a Christmas Eve threesome. Dale is polyamorous, but it's clear Arthur is offering a night of fun and nothing more. Maybe one night with the couple he admires so much won't hurt...
Together the three of them light a fire hot enough to boil Lake Superior in January, and one night of fun becomes an extended engagement as Dale puts down some tentative roots in his new hometown. Everyone loves Dale, Logan's own Santa Claus, and somehow no one knows what wild times are happening right underneath their noses. No one knows, either, the complicated ways they're falling in love with one another.
But a shadow from Dale's past emerges, an abuser threatening him with violence and shame. Ronny doesn't want a happy ever after for Dale, only to draw him back into a consuming darkness. It will take the love of not only Gabriel and Arthur but all of Logan to convince their Santa he has nothing to be ashamed of--and that he will always have a home in their hearts.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2016
39 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
50 books2,880 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 169 reviews
November 16, 2016
It takes a willingness to disappoint some traditionalist romance readers - to take a happy couple from a previous book, and make them a thruple. And yet, in this genre, one of the things we try to do is present other visions of Happy Ever After. As we include our gay men and bi men and trans guys and ace guys and BDSM guys in romances, we also need to include our poly guys.
The whole point of M/M(/M...) Romance is that, for every person, their love, and romance, and sex, and happiness, don't have to look like anyone else's. Between consenting adults, what makes a successful relationship is defined by the people in it. I think Heidi did a great job of taking two guys who were happy together, but felt a little space that needed filling inside their lives, and not simply filling it with a dog or a child or a cause. But with a third man. And not even in a completely balanced three-way. This is a relationship in which each pair has a different, yet complementary, image of how they fit best together.
Arthur shines, as a Dom who not only loves his fiancé, Gabriel, but who wants the best for him, even when that means new ideas and compromises of his vision for their future.
Gabriel is the guy whose perception of his own needs and sexuality have been drastically and rapidly shifting under his feet, since he met Arthur. In the first book, he barely made his peace with the fact that there was nothing wrong with wanting to submit, or to be treated roughly, or to be mastered. He learned to love the things that filled his kinks, and the man who gave them to him.
And now, he's faced with the thought that there's a space in his life that Arthur hasn't managed to fill. That his contrary heart wants to put another guy there. But the last thing in the known universe that Gabriel wants is to mess up what he has with Arthur. He's ready to set that little part of him aside and starve it, for the pair bond he adores so much. Which is where he once again needs Arthur, his Dom and beloved, to show the way.
Dale has known for a long time that he's poly, and that his favorite thing is to be admitted into the bed of an established couple. He has hopes for a hot night with Arthur and Gabriel, when the signals, especially from Gabriel, seem inviting. But Dale is a bit of a mess. His last repeat lover was meant to be his Dom, but the games they played didn't feel safe to Dale. And now that he's ready to move on, Ronny won't let him go. When Gabriel's uncertainty make him unsure of his welcome, Dale's life hits a downhill slide. Instead of something warm and fun in Logan, Dale ends up alone, and lost.
Fitting three men together, especially when only two of them are really poly, is a balancing act that demands a master. Fortunately, Arthur is a master. But even his understanding of men, and his big heart, will face challenges and aches, before he can shepherd his lover and their new friend into some kind of safe haven.
There are some serious points about consent made in this book, in addition to heat and kink and an exploration of polyamory. In other stories, this author occasionally hits the teaching moments a bit hard, but this book felt well balanced, and the emotions were real. Although Dale caught my heart, Arthur was the man I admired. There is no truer definition of love than finding out someone you care about has needs you want to meet, but can't, and then figuring out how to let someone else meet them. I loved the structure of the relationship that comes out of this book, and the reminder that no one else gets to shape a love story, except the people living it.
The whole point of M/M(/M...) Romance is that, for every person, their love, and romance, and sex, and happiness, don't have to look like anyone else's. Between consenting adults, what makes a successful relationship is defined by the people in it. I think Heidi did a great job of taking two guys who were happy together, but felt a little space that needed filling inside their lives, and not simply filling it with a dog or a child or a cause. But with a third man. And not even in a completely balanced three-way. This is a relationship in which each pair has a different, yet complementary, image of how they fit best together.
Arthur shines, as a Dom who not only loves his fiancé, Gabriel, but who wants the best for him, even when that means new ideas and compromises of his vision for their future.
Gabriel is the guy whose perception of his own needs and sexuality have been drastically and rapidly shifting under his feet, since he met Arthur. In the first book, he barely made his peace with the fact that there was nothing wrong with wanting to submit, or to be treated roughly, or to be mastered. He learned to love the things that filled his kinks, and the man who gave them to him.
And now, he's faced with the thought that there's a space in his life that Arthur hasn't managed to fill. That his contrary heart wants to put another guy there. But the last thing in the known universe that Gabriel wants is to mess up what he has with Arthur. He's ready to set that little part of him aside and starve it, for the pair bond he adores so much. Which is where he once again needs Arthur, his Dom and beloved, to show the way.
Dale has known for a long time that he's poly, and that his favorite thing is to be admitted into the bed of an established couple. He has hopes for a hot night with Arthur and Gabriel, when the signals, especially from Gabriel, seem inviting. But Dale is a bit of a mess. His last repeat lover was meant to be his Dom, but the games they played didn't feel safe to Dale. And now that he's ready to move on, Ronny won't let him go. When Gabriel's uncertainty make him unsure of his welcome, Dale's life hits a downhill slide. Instead of something warm and fun in Logan, Dale ends up alone, and lost.
Fitting three men together, especially when only two of them are really poly, is a balancing act that demands a master. Fortunately, Arthur is a master. But even his understanding of men, and his big heart, will face challenges and aches, before he can shepherd his lover and their new friend into some kind of safe haven.
There are some serious points about consent made in this book, in addition to heat and kink and an exploration of polyamory. In other stories, this author occasionally hits the teaching moments a bit hard, but this book felt well balanced, and the emotions were real. Although Dale caught my heart, Arthur was the man I admired. There is no truer definition of love than finding out someone you care about has needs you want to meet, but can't, and then figuring out how to let someone else meet them. I loved the structure of the relationship that comes out of this book, and the reminder that no one else gets to shape a love story, except the people living it.
abandoned
November 13, 2016Okay, so I gave up. I'm not gonna rate this one. It contains several themes that I don't like in my books (dom/sub themes and 'cheating' - although it happens with everyone's consent and is lovingly called 'polyamy' here).
I really like M/M/M novels where three guys meet and become an item. What I don't like is a couple picking up a third and this book showed me again why, but with a different spin on things that caught my interest.
Arthur and Gabriel are a couple from a previous book in this series. Gabriel is a shy twink librarian who seems to have found love with Arthur, a handyman - and slut, but Gabriel doesn't mind him straying. This odd couple now takes on a third guy, Dale, who identifies as 'polyamorous', which -frankly- I've never heard before. Turns out it means he can have committed relationships with several men. And shame on those ultraconservative narrow-minded bigots who mistake that behavior for 'cheating' (i.e. *moi*)
So a guy like him would be the perfect third in an M/M/M story, right?
Only, Dale isn't much interested in Arthur, while Gabriel discovers he's polyamorous too and in love with both men... Arthur, however, is 'open-minded', which apparently means he takes all the sex he can get, no need for love...
Thing is... with Dale being polyamorous and not interested in Arthur, will he now pursue other relationships on the side too?
This whole concept didn't work for me from the beginning to the end. Arthur manipulated Gabriel into going for the 'polyamy' concept, because he had power over him (as his dom). In truth, Gabriel might have just gone the 'traditional' way and break things off with Arthur so he could be with Dale - and he would have had to swallow the fact that Dale reserved the right to sleep with others, drawing the ultimate free pass as a 'polyamorous' man. But then that wouldn't have been much different to his life with Arthur, so...
To be honest, this concept is bullshit. I'm sure it's a real thing, just as bareback sex parties are a real thing, but I still don't think either are smart.
Having a committed partner is not only about intimacy and sex, it's also about family and finances. Having a partner who also spends time with other lovers, telling them about you and your life together, is the ultimate breach of trust.
I also don't like how the word 'polyamorous' is thrown around here as if it were a new category, like gay/bi/straight. Defining a certain behavior by a fancy name doesn't make it any more acceptable.
I know I'm being narrow-minded here, but I read this story with a certain horrified fascination, wondering what else I might encounter in the romance genre to widen my horizon.
I'm sure other people will love this, just as many people love dom/sub stories which I can't stand at all. So it's better I'm not rating this through the system, since this is not a book that would have had a chance with me to start with. It did feed my curiosity, though.
And I quite liked Dale, even though I didn't care for Arthur and Gabriel at all.
DNF at 37%.
I really like M/M/M novels where three guys meet and become an item. What I don't like is a couple picking up a third and this book showed me again why, but with a different spin on things that caught my interest.
Arthur and Gabriel are a couple from a previous book in this series. Gabriel is a shy twink librarian who seems to have found love with Arthur, a handyman - and slut, but Gabriel doesn't mind him straying. This odd couple now takes on a third guy, Dale, who identifies as 'polyamorous', which -frankly- I've never heard before. Turns out it means he can have committed relationships with several men. And shame on those ultraconservative narrow-minded bigots who mistake that behavior for 'cheating' (i.e. *moi*)
So a guy like him would be the perfect third in an M/M/M story, right?
Only, Dale isn't much interested in Arthur, while Gabriel discovers he's polyamorous too and in love with both men... Arthur, however, is 'open-minded', which apparently means he takes all the sex he can get, no need for love...
Thing is... with Dale being polyamorous and not interested in Arthur, will he now pursue other relationships on the side too?
This whole concept didn't work for me from the beginning to the end. Arthur manipulated Gabriel into going for the 'polyamy' concept, because he had power over him (as his dom). In truth, Gabriel might have just gone the 'traditional' way and break things off with Arthur so he could be with Dale - and he would have had to swallow the fact that Dale reserved the right to sleep with others, drawing the ultimate free pass as a 'polyamorous' man. But then that wouldn't have been much different to his life with Arthur, so...
To be honest, this concept is bullshit. I'm sure it's a real thing, just as bareback sex parties are a real thing, but I still don't think either are smart.
Having a committed partner is not only about intimacy and sex, it's also about family and finances. Having a partner who also spends time with other lovers, telling them about you and your life together, is the ultimate breach of trust.
I also don't like how the word 'polyamorous' is thrown around here as if it were a new category, like gay/bi/straight. Defining a certain behavior by a fancy name doesn't make it any more acceptable.
I know I'm being narrow-minded here, but I read this story with a certain horrified fascination, wondering what else I might encounter in the romance genre to widen my horizon.
I'm sure other people will love this, just as many people love dom/sub stories which I can't stand at all. So it's better I'm not rating this through the system, since this is not a book that would have had a chance with me to start with. It did feed my curiosity, though.
And I quite liked Dale, even though I didn't care for Arthur and Gabriel at all.
DNF at 37%.
Read
November 18, 2016DNF @45%
I went into this with an open mind but I'll stop here, so no rating. As it turns out, polyamory is not my thing at all, but this is not the reason I didn't like this, so lets get this out of the way. Poly is NOT cheating. It's unconventional and diverse, and works for some people, but not for others. If you 're anything like me, you will not like this story at all. But it bothers me when people refer to polyamory as something disgusting and shameful. Imagine that you were poly, in a healthy poly relationship and someone called you disgusting. How is this different from someone bullying you for being gay?
The problem was, that this felt like Polyamory 101. It happens more and more lately with Cullinan's work. I feel like I'm reading this through a pamphlet or something. Too preachy and didactic. It's like the author goes out of her way to convince the reader, instead of letting her characters do the work.
Also, Dale (the third guy) was introduced to us from the get go. As soon as the book starts, Dale is already there for some time and already lusting after Gabriel. And these feelings were mutual. Since the author chose to use an already established couple that a lot of readers have loved, maybe it would be best for things to progress a little slower.
Arthur was annoying. He was borderline pushy about the whole thing.
I really wish that the author had used a different couple for this.
I went into this with an open mind but I'll stop here, so no rating. As it turns out, polyamory is not my thing at all, but this is not the reason I didn't like this, so lets get this out of the way. Poly is NOT cheating. It's unconventional and diverse, and works for some people, but not for others. If you 're anything like me, you will not like this story at all. But it bothers me when people refer to polyamory as something disgusting and shameful. Imagine that you were poly, in a healthy poly relationship and someone called you disgusting. How is this different from someone bullying you for being gay?
The problem was, that this felt like Polyamory 101. It happens more and more lately with Cullinan's work. I feel like I'm reading this through a pamphlet or something. Too preachy and didactic. It's like the author goes out of her way to convince the reader, instead of letting her characters do the work.
Also, Dale (the third guy) was introduced to us from the get go. As soon as the book starts, Dale is already there for some time and already lusting after Gabriel. And these feelings were mutual. Since the author chose to use an already established couple that a lot of readers have loved, maybe it would be best for things to progress a little slower.
Arthur was annoying. He was borderline pushy about the whole thing.
I really wish that the author had used a different couple for this.
Read
December 23, 2016DNF. Totally and completely not for me.
November 21, 2016
3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and my brain is still in a quandary about this one.
It's a matter of personal taste...
If you're a fan of Heidi Cullinan than I'm sure you're probably already aware of much of the controversy surrounding this book. So let's start with the elephant in the room. A large portion of this story is focused on the change that happens in Arthur and Gabriel's relationship when Arthur realizing that Dale Davidson, Marcus's friend and the developer from the twin cities who's going to help Logan's economy by making it into a vacation destination is interested in his fiance Gabriel.
What was suppose to be one time night of kinky sex and fun for the threesome ends abruptly leaving Arthur and Gabe to deal with a surprising realization and Dale making a hasty retreat to the city feeling alone and rejected. It's Arthur who finally takes matters in hand and plots to draw Dale back to Logan to try and put all their lives back onto a happier path only to discover that Dale needs more than love he needs help. Years of being in an abusive relationship have done a real number on him and his abuser is trying to insinuate himself back into Dale's life.
This was one hella' complex story in a lot of ways. So I'm going to try and share my thoughts on this without being spoilerish or confusing...good luck to me. I finished this book yesterday and to be honest I'm still trying to work through a lot of it but the one thing I did realize is I honestly have to give props to the author because what she's tackled here is a pretty complex issue in what's probably a not so popular way.
A lot of readers don't want to see the dynamics changed in established couples (and I'll include myself in this group) but Ms. Cullinan's vision of Arthur and Gabe's future did just that and while a part of me maybe frowned a little over this, all things considered it was not my biggest dilemma with this story. Maybe if Arthur and Gabe had been more than a one book couple I would have struggled with it even more. If it had been a couple from a long standing series like Ty and Zane from the Cut & Run series I probably would have just thrown my hands up and said "Oh hell NO!" and taken a total pass on the book. But it wasn't so I was willing to read and see where this would go.
What I found when all was said and done was that this was a huge emotional roller coaster ride that left me feeling a bit conflicted and confused. One of the issues that this story deals with is Polyamory and I know some of the reviews that I peeked at said the story at times felt like a 'Poly 101' course and maybe it did but for me this was good. I knew the word and what it meant, but beyond that I needed more information to be able to process how it would impact the MCs in this book so I was honestly relieved that it was information that was filtered into the story for me.
What I quickly realized is that from my perspective 'it's not cheating'. When a third party enters into a relationship with the knowledge and consent of both partners and everyone has been honest with each other in regards to expectations and feelings and there's no dishonesty involved then there is no cheating. Had Gabe and Dale or Arthur and Dale initiated a relationship without the others knowledge then yes, cheating has entered the equation. But this did not happen and another one of the things I liked about this story, the communication between Gabe and Arthur was good it was open and I think this was due in a big way to Arthur's determination to make things work and to make sure Gabe, whom he so obviously loved was happy.
Arthur ended up becoming one of my favorite characters. He truly embodied what it means to love someone. You put their happiness before your own. His objective from start to finish of this book was to see Gabriel happy. To give him what Arthur quickly recognized as being what Gabriel needed to feel happy and complete, but it didn't stop there because it also felt like doing this made Arthur feel happy and complete.
What was missing from this for me was that I didn't feel like Gabriel had that same imperative feeling about Arthur. I needed to feel like that Arthur's happiness and well being was of equal importance to Gabriel. I know there were a couple of times that he spoke the words but the words just didn't seem to contain the emotion. I never got the sense that Arthur's happiness came before all else for Gabriel. In fact there was more than one instance where I was left feeling like Arthur's love for Gabriel was stronger and because of how their relationship changed I needed for this not to be the case. That Gabriel opened up his heart and made room for someone else along with Arthur wasn't my issue that I felt like he gave some of what had been Arthur's place in his heart to that person was.
I think what it comes down to is that at the end of it all I really needed to feel a sense of balance had been achieved between the three. Not that they loved each other the same because they were three different men filling different needs within each others lives but I needed to feel that the core relationship between Arthur and Gabe had not been diminished, changed yes, all relationships grow and change it's part of what keeps them healthy and good, but growth and change shouldn't diminish what they had and yet to me it felt like that was exactly what had happened. In particular the event that happened immediately prior to the actual wedding of the 3 couples (Marcus & Frankie, Paul & Kyle and Arthur & Gabriel) was not something I was happy with and only reinforced my feelings that what was between Arthur and Gabriel had diminished and not remained as strong or stronger than it was originally.
My last big stumbling block with this story was in regards to the resolution of Dale's abuser. I loved that this man was brought to justice. That Dale who he obviously had a long history of abusing was totally removed from the case and not a part of it left me with two really big issues...
1. it just didn't seem realistic and even more importantly
2. there were other victims involved and it made me feel like they got tossed under the bus to spare Dale. Why was their suffering any less painful than Dale's. Did they all get the option to be removed from the case to spare themselves further hurt and torment? Sorry this part really bothered me.
For the most part these are my main thoughts in regards to 'Santa Baby' and here I sit at the end of it all still wondering how to rate this book. I like Heidi Cullinan's writing style and in this case it worked well for me and helped to give me some insight to a subject that I really knew little about. There were parts of the story that I really liked, parts that bothered me and things that yes, I just plain didn't like. But at the end of it was a story that has left me with a lot to think about and that's something that I really respect when it happens. So for that reason I'm going with 3.5 stars and a strong recommendation that anyone who is interested in this story check out all the reviews there's a wide range of diverse opinions out there about it and it's worth at least checking them out and making your own informed decision before you decide yea or nay as to whether or not you're actually going to read it.
******************
A copy of 'Santa Baby' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It's a matter of personal taste...
If you're a fan of Heidi Cullinan than I'm sure you're probably already aware of much of the controversy surrounding this book. So let's start with the elephant in the room. A large portion of this story is focused on the change that happens in Arthur and Gabriel's relationship when Arthur realizing that Dale Davidson, Marcus's friend and the developer from the twin cities who's going to help Logan's economy by making it into a vacation destination is interested in his fiance Gabriel.
What was suppose to be one time night of kinky sex and fun for the threesome ends abruptly leaving Arthur and Gabe to deal with a surprising realization and Dale making a hasty retreat to the city feeling alone and rejected. It's Arthur who finally takes matters in hand and plots to draw Dale back to Logan to try and put all their lives back onto a happier path only to discover that Dale needs more than love he needs help. Years of being in an abusive relationship have done a real number on him and his abuser is trying to insinuate himself back into Dale's life.
This was one hella' complex story in a lot of ways. So I'm going to try and share my thoughts on this without being spoilerish or confusing...good luck to me. I finished this book yesterday and to be honest I'm still trying to work through a lot of it but the one thing I did realize is I honestly have to give props to the author because what she's tackled here is a pretty complex issue in what's probably a not so popular way.
A lot of readers don't want to see the dynamics changed in established couples (and I'll include myself in this group) but Ms. Cullinan's vision of Arthur and Gabe's future did just that and while a part of me maybe frowned a little over this, all things considered it was not my biggest dilemma with this story. Maybe if Arthur and Gabe had been more than a one book couple I would have struggled with it even more. If it had been a couple from a long standing series like Ty and Zane from the Cut & Run series I probably would have just thrown my hands up and said "Oh hell NO!" and taken a total pass on the book. But it wasn't so I was willing to read and see where this would go.
What I found when all was said and done was that this was a huge emotional roller coaster ride that left me feeling a bit conflicted and confused. One of the issues that this story deals with is Polyamory and I know some of the reviews that I peeked at said the story at times felt like a 'Poly 101' course and maybe it did but for me this was good. I knew the word and what it meant, but beyond that I needed more information to be able to process how it would impact the MCs in this book so I was honestly relieved that it was information that was filtered into the story for me.
What I quickly realized is that from my perspective 'it's not cheating'. When a third party enters into a relationship with the knowledge and consent of both partners and everyone has been honest with each other in regards to expectations and feelings and there's no dishonesty involved then there is no cheating. Had Gabe and Dale or Arthur and Dale initiated a relationship without the others knowledge then yes, cheating has entered the equation. But this did not happen and another one of the things I liked about this story, the communication between Gabe and Arthur was good it was open and I think this was due in a big way to Arthur's determination to make things work and to make sure Gabe, whom he so obviously loved was happy.
Arthur ended up becoming one of my favorite characters. He truly embodied what it means to love someone. You put their happiness before your own. His objective from start to finish of this book was to see Gabriel happy. To give him what Arthur quickly recognized as being what Gabriel needed to feel happy and complete, but it didn't stop there because it also felt like doing this made Arthur feel happy and complete.
What was missing from this for me was that I didn't feel like Gabriel had that same imperative feeling about Arthur. I needed to feel like that Arthur's happiness and well being was of equal importance to Gabriel. I know there were a couple of times that he spoke the words but the words just didn't seem to contain the emotion. I never got the sense that Arthur's happiness came before all else for Gabriel. In fact there was more than one instance where I was left feeling like Arthur's love for Gabriel was stronger and because of how their relationship changed I needed for this not to be the case. That Gabriel opened up his heart and made room for someone else along with Arthur wasn't my issue that I felt like he gave some of what had been Arthur's place in his heart to that person was.
I think what it comes down to is that at the end of it all I really needed to feel a sense of balance had been achieved between the three. Not that they loved each other the same because they were three different men filling different needs within each others lives but I needed to feel that the core relationship between Arthur and Gabe had not been diminished, changed yes, all relationships grow and change it's part of what keeps them healthy and good, but growth and change shouldn't diminish what they had and yet to me it felt like that was exactly what had happened. In particular the event that happened immediately prior to the actual wedding of the 3 couples (Marcus & Frankie, Paul & Kyle and Arthur & Gabriel) was not something I was happy with and only reinforced my feelings that what was between Arthur and Gabriel had diminished and not remained as strong or stronger than it was originally.
My last big stumbling block with this story was in regards to the resolution of Dale's abuser. I loved that this man was brought to justice. That Dale who he obviously had a long history of abusing was totally removed from the case and not a part of it left me with two really big issues...
1. it just didn't seem realistic and even more importantly
2. there were other victims involved and it made me feel like they got tossed under the bus to spare Dale. Why was their suffering any less painful than Dale's. Did they all get the option to be removed from the case to spare themselves further hurt and torment? Sorry this part really bothered me.
For the most part these are my main thoughts in regards to 'Santa Baby' and here I sit at the end of it all still wondering how to rate this book. I like Heidi Cullinan's writing style and in this case it worked well for me and helped to give me some insight to a subject that I really knew little about. There were parts of the story that I really liked, parts that bothered me and things that yes, I just plain didn't like. But at the end of it was a story that has left me with a lot to think about and that's something that I really respect when it happens. So for that reason I'm going with 3.5 stars and a strong recommendation that anyone who is interested in this story check out all the reviews there's a wide range of diverse opinions out there about it and it's worth at least checking them out and making your own informed decision before you decide yea or nay as to whether or not you're actually going to read it.
******************
A copy of 'Santa Baby' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2018
*** This is an amazing, deeply emotional tale by Heidi Cullinan, about an abused man, trying to rise above and find his happiness. ***
This is not a lighthearted Christmas story full of HoHoHos. This is a serious subject.
Dale is a big, hunk of a bear who is organizing the campaign and
logistics to make Logan, MN., a Christmas tourism town.
We know Librarian Gabriel,
and Handyman Arthur from book 2.
Dale is attracted to Gabriel and also to Arthur's dominance. Gabriel is very much interested in Dale, but is wary within himself to not want the man.
He and Arthur are engaged, in love, and he'd never hurt Arthur for anything. We get deep emotional conversations, soul searching, and indisputable dedication, unconditional support, and the freedom of self to explore, because Arthur understands what is going on.
He accepts it, wants to expand it and is okay with Gabriel 's opportunity. Polyamory; loving more than one person at a time.
Arthur's a Dom and magnificent in that role, even though he's gruff, he is strong, proper and has an intense grasp of his role. An evil abuser in Dale's past is sending Dale into a tailspin. Arthur knows what to do, involving therapy also. This small community of gay men, a "family" of guys who are accepting, understanding, and fierce in their desire to help. Sweet Gabriel seems lost as to how he can help, but he simply puts Dale in his loving arms, giving comfort.
Their three-way is intense, yet tender, emotional and loving. Dale and Gabriel get one on one times, as do Arthur and Dale,
plus Gabriel and Arthur continue their richly fulfilling togetherness.
There is hard core BDSM, accomplished with Arthur's incredible steadiness as a Dom. These men are symbiotic in their need for one another. Of course there are outside factors, hiding their polyamory, tough talks, and eventually plans to defeat the evil ex of Dale's. (People don't understand the Polyamory and think it's cheating, when it isn't, it is consensual amongst the lucky people involved.)
They investigate the ex, acquire evidence, and use it to achieve justice.
During all of this, Dale has moved to Logan, hoping to start a new life and have the peace he needs in Arthur and Gabriel's arms.
It's a wonderful, well written tale of a deep topic, and healing comfort. We get the satisfaction of knowing Dale is healing.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===========================
Toward the end, we are given quite a lovely lesson and beautiful description of polyamory. and we learn a lot. Wonderfully explained with gentle focus. In the end this book is heartwarming.
=========================
Dale's abuse:
===========================
This is not a lighthearted Christmas story full of HoHoHos. This is a serious subject.
Dale is a big, hunk of a bear who is organizing the campaign and
logistics to make Logan, MN., a Christmas tourism town.
We know Librarian Gabriel,
and Handyman Arthur from book 2.
Dale is attracted to Gabriel and also to Arthur's dominance. Gabriel is very much interested in Dale, but is wary within himself to not want the man.
He and Arthur are engaged, in love, and he'd never hurt Arthur for anything. We get deep emotional conversations, soul searching, and indisputable dedication, unconditional support, and the freedom of self to explore, because Arthur understands what is going on.
He accepts it, wants to expand it and is okay with Gabriel 's opportunity. Polyamory; loving more than one person at a time.
Arthur's a Dom and magnificent in that role, even though he's gruff, he is strong, proper and has an intense grasp of his role. An evil abuser in Dale's past is sending Dale into a tailspin. Arthur knows what to do, involving therapy also. This small community of gay men, a "family" of guys who are accepting, understanding, and fierce in their desire to help. Sweet Gabriel seems lost as to how he can help, but he simply puts Dale in his loving arms, giving comfort.
Their three-way is intense, yet tender, emotional and loving. Dale and Gabriel get one on one times, as do Arthur and Dale,
plus Gabriel and Arthur continue their richly fulfilling togetherness.
There is hard core BDSM, accomplished with Arthur's incredible steadiness as a Dom. These men are symbiotic in their need for one another. Of course there are outside factors, hiding their polyamory, tough talks, and eventually plans to defeat the evil ex of Dale's. (People don't understand the Polyamory and think it's cheating, when it isn't, it is consensual amongst the lucky people involved.)
They investigate the ex, acquire evidence, and use it to achieve justice.
During all of this, Dale has moved to Logan, hoping to start a new life and have the peace he needs in Arthur and Gabriel's arms.
It's a wonderful, well written tale of a deep topic, and healing comfort. We get the satisfaction of knowing Dale is healing.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===========================
Toward the end, we are given quite a lovely lesson and beautiful description of polyamory. and we learn a lot. Wonderfully explained with gentle focus. In the end this book is heartwarming.
=========================
Dale's abuse:
===========================
December 11, 2019
This is book 4 in the " Minnesota Christmas" series. Twin Cities developer Dale Davidson has come to Logan, Minnesota, to turn it into Christmas Town. Dale is poly so Arthur invites him to a ménage with him and Gabriel but only for one night. Gabriel likes Dale but is to nervous to go through with there plans to have a threesome what he didn't realize is how much he wants to be with Dale and it causes some confusion for him because he loves Arthur. Dale is also dealing with a stalker ex Ronny who has nude pics of him doing stuff to him. Dale tries to do everything he can to get away from Ronny. Dale is also dealing with a broken heart because he likes Gabriel. When Dale goes back to Logan to deal with the plans they have he finds out from Arthur that Gabriel is not doing well he is depressed over the whole thing with Dale. I really liked this book and this series I felt bad for Dale and what Ronny did to him. I also liked how Arthur and the rest of the friends helped him. I also liked that they started a group for LGBT and that Dale had a counselor to help him. This was a really good book it was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
December 3, 2017
3 Stars
I’ll begin by stating that this review will not reiterate the plot of this story – if you haven’t read the rest of this series and/or you haven’t read the synopsis for this book then I wouldn’t bother reading this review because it is most definitely spoiler filled.
To absolutely nobody’s surprise (least of all mine) this was a tough book for me to read. I feel like I went through the emotional wringer with this one. There were aspects of this story and several moments throughout which made me smile and/or cry, and for that I have nothing but praise to dish out to Cullinan. Then again, I’m a reader who personally believes in monogamy (for myself) and shies away from books that mess with already established couples, which, for me, made this a really tricky book to emotionally and intellectually navigate.
To be clear, I believe that every single person has the right to love who they want however they want to love them, and if polygamy is your thing, then I wish you all the best in your romantic endeavours. But for me personally, I’m all about monogamy. I want to love and be loved by one person, wholeheartedly, mind, body and soul. That’s just how I roll. I don’t think there is anything wrong with either way of loving, but I also don’t enjoy being made to feel bad for being a monogamist either – which, if I’m being brutally honest, is how I felt at certain points while reading this story. I don’t believe Cullinan meant to come across judgemental or preachy – if anything, I’m sure the exact opposite is true – but there were several instances in this story when I felt like my personal beliefs were being negatively scrutinised, like those who believe or practice monogamy in their personal relationships were too close-minded to embrace their hearts full potential to love. I was quite perplexed by this, particularly because I feel like I’m a live and let live kind of person, who praises books such as this for expanding my knowledge and challenging my thinking for the better, yet I felt like I, in turn, was being judged for feeling how I feel. It’s hard to explain and I’m not angry, just saddened that this was the reaction I felt.
The thing is I really enjoyed the book in general. I still adored the small town setting of Logan and the secondary characters still warmed my heart and provided great support and unconditional love towards the main characters, Arthur, Gabriel and Dale. The decision to take an established couple (Arthur and Gabriel) and make one of them polyamorous (Gabriel) was an interesting move by Cullinan. As I mentioned before, I hate when the happiness of established couples is messed with, but impressively, this turned out to be much less of an issue for me, here. If it had to be done then I’m glad it was done the way it was. Cullinan handled this new development skilfully, providing the reader with an understanding of the intricacies of polyamory and why it was happening to these characters, while encouraging the reader not only to understand, but also accept, support and care for the happiness of all parties involved. At least, that was my experience. I put this down to the fact that everything that was happening (or had the potential to happen) between the characters was discussed first. They talked, as a group of three, continually, before anything happened with anyone else. There were absolutely no secrets; honesty and communication were key. I appreciated that and it allowed me to completely disengage from any feelings about behaviours being unfaithful, because they weren’t (thank God).
As for the characters themselves, I really liked the new addition of Dale, and even though I would have preferred he be incorporated into this series in a different way, I can admit that he fit well with Arthur and Gabriel, both together as a threesome and individually within pairs. I also still found myself adoring Gabriel, even with the suddenness of the poly stuff – which I’ll never truly accept as a natural progression for his character due to how he was represented in book two – but he continued to shine here, ensuring that my interest and adoration of his character only waived ever so slightly.
What I was surprised to find was how impressive Arthur’s character became. On one hand, I question how a man, who himself is NOT polyamorous, can so easily offer and accept when the love of his life (Gabriel) falls in love with another man (Dale). I don’t know whether to be wowed by his selflessness and confidence in his own role in Gabriel’s life, or to feel sorry for him because he now must share in Gabriel’s love. Either way, I’ve decided I was fascinated by Arthur's attitude and acceptance, as well as his fierce protection of the other two men throughout this story. His reactions were truly astounding and even brought me to tears on several occasions.
One thing that also needs to be made clear is that even though this story is predominantly focused on Gabriel’s new polyamorous status and his duel relationships with both men, Arthur and Dale also have an amazing connection, too, which should not be overlooked. For me, what Arthur and Dale shared didn’t come across as romantic love, but they loved each other in a different way. They provided something crucial for one another which was completely separate from what Gabriel shared with each of them. It’s difficult to explain if you haven’t read the story, but in its own way, it worked for me.
As I mentioned earlier, I like when my thinking is challenged; it’s one of the main reasons I love reading, because I get to expand on my knowledge and challenge the way I think and feel about a wide range of diverse and complex topics. For me, Cullinan is one of my main perpetrators when it comes to M/M authors who get me thinking and feeling to the extreme. My reactions to her books are anything but simple, with ratings ranging from 2 stars through to 5 starred books, but this is why I think so highly of her and as such will continue to read her stories in the future with a mix of careful trepidation and assured excitement.
I’ll begin by stating that this review will not reiterate the plot of this story – if you haven’t read the rest of this series and/or you haven’t read the synopsis for this book then I wouldn’t bother reading this review because it is most definitely spoiler filled.
To absolutely nobody’s surprise (least of all mine) this was a tough book for me to read. I feel like I went through the emotional wringer with this one. There were aspects of this story and several moments throughout which made me smile and/or cry, and for that I have nothing but praise to dish out to Cullinan. Then again, I’m a reader who personally believes in monogamy (for myself) and shies away from books that mess with already established couples, which, for me, made this a really tricky book to emotionally and intellectually navigate.
To be clear, I believe that every single person has the right to love who they want however they want to love them, and if polygamy is your thing, then I wish you all the best in your romantic endeavours. But for me personally, I’m all about monogamy. I want to love and be loved by one person, wholeheartedly, mind, body and soul. That’s just how I roll. I don’t think there is anything wrong with either way of loving, but I also don’t enjoy being made to feel bad for being a monogamist either – which, if I’m being brutally honest, is how I felt at certain points while reading this story. I don’t believe Cullinan meant to come across judgemental or preachy – if anything, I’m sure the exact opposite is true – but there were several instances in this story when I felt like my personal beliefs were being negatively scrutinised, like those who believe or practice monogamy in their personal relationships were too close-minded to embrace their hearts full potential to love. I was quite perplexed by this, particularly because I feel like I’m a live and let live kind of person, who praises books such as this for expanding my knowledge and challenging my thinking for the better, yet I felt like I, in turn, was being judged for feeling how I feel. It’s hard to explain and I’m not angry, just saddened that this was the reaction I felt.
The thing is I really enjoyed the book in general. I still adored the small town setting of Logan and the secondary characters still warmed my heart and provided great support and unconditional love towards the main characters, Arthur, Gabriel and Dale. The decision to take an established couple (Arthur and Gabriel) and make one of them polyamorous (Gabriel) was an interesting move by Cullinan. As I mentioned before, I hate when the happiness of established couples is messed with, but impressively, this turned out to be much less of an issue for me, here. If it had to be done then I’m glad it was done the way it was. Cullinan handled this new development skilfully, providing the reader with an understanding of the intricacies of polyamory and why it was happening to these characters, while encouraging the reader not only to understand, but also accept, support and care for the happiness of all parties involved. At least, that was my experience. I put this down to the fact that everything that was happening (or had the potential to happen) between the characters was discussed first. They talked, as a group of three, continually, before anything happened with anyone else. There were absolutely no secrets; honesty and communication were key. I appreciated that and it allowed me to completely disengage from any feelings about behaviours being unfaithful, because they weren’t (thank God).
As for the characters themselves, I really liked the new addition of Dale, and even though I would have preferred he be incorporated into this series in a different way, I can admit that he fit well with Arthur and Gabriel, both together as a threesome and individually within pairs. I also still found myself adoring Gabriel, even with the suddenness of the poly stuff – which I’ll never truly accept as a natural progression for his character due to how he was represented in book two – but he continued to shine here, ensuring that my interest and adoration of his character only waived ever so slightly.
What I was surprised to find was how impressive Arthur’s character became. On one hand, I question how a man, who himself is NOT polyamorous, can so easily offer and accept when the love of his life (Gabriel) falls in love with another man (Dale). I don’t know whether to be wowed by his selflessness and confidence in his own role in Gabriel’s life, or to feel sorry for him because he now must share in Gabriel’s love. Either way, I’ve decided I was fascinated by Arthur's attitude and acceptance, as well as his fierce protection of the other two men throughout this story. His reactions were truly astounding and even brought me to tears on several occasions.
One thing that also needs to be made clear is that even though this story is predominantly focused on Gabriel’s new polyamorous status and his duel relationships with both men, Arthur and Dale also have an amazing connection, too, which should not be overlooked. For me, what Arthur and Dale shared didn’t come across as romantic love, but they loved each other in a different way. They provided something crucial for one another which was completely separate from what Gabriel shared with each of them. It’s difficult to explain if you haven’t read the story, but in its own way, it worked for me.
As I mentioned earlier, I like when my thinking is challenged; it’s one of the main reasons I love reading, because I get to expand on my knowledge and challenge the way I think and feel about a wide range of diverse and complex topics. For me, Cullinan is one of my main perpetrators when it comes to M/M authors who get me thinking and feeling to the extreme. My reactions to her books are anything but simple, with ratings ranging from 2 stars through to 5 starred books, but this is why I think so highly of her and as such will continue to read her stories in the future with a mix of careful trepidation and assured excitement.
not-gonna-happen-because-reasons
December 7, 2017I've put this on my "not gonna happen because reasons" shelf because I was hesitant about this book after reading the blurb, but then I had the book spoiled for me...and nope. For the record, I have no issue with polyamory and I've read plenty of MMM, MFM, MMF books, but...and it's not really a spoiler, but I'll put it under one just in case...
Authors can write whatever they want, and at the end of the day each story is about their vision, but for me personally, this book would ruin the HEA that I loved at the end of Sleigh Ride and it would ruin my vision of Arthur and Gabriel.
November 11, 2016
This is a great series and part 4 continued with the heat and romance. This is Gabriel & Arthur's story that focuses on a new twist - Dale ! The story revolves around polyamory and the love between Gabriel & Dale and the D/s relationship between Arthur & Dale. As always family, friends and the town step in when needed. Can't wait for further adventures in Logan ❤️
February 5, 2017
Santa Baby starts pretty much immediately after Winter Wonderland left off, with no preamble or break, so it feels like a straight continuation of that story. Except, of course, the focus is on Arthur, Gabriel and Dale.
Many of my friends dnf'd this book, because polyamory is not for them, or because this story takes a couple that got their happy in a previous book and alters it. Fair enough, I totally get that. I, however, quite enjoyed it.
Was this story necessary? Well, no, not in the sense that it is such an integral part of the overall story that if you don't read it, you'll lose out. Truly, if Sleigh Ride was perfect for you as the story of Arthur and Gabriel, that's awesome. I was good with that one, too, but I wanted to see what Ms. Cullinan got up to with this one. I love ménage stories, if they're done well, and I knew that Heidi Cullinan could pull it off. Even still, Santa Baby was different than my expectations and not in a bad way, at all.
I recall in Sleigh Ride, Arthur saying he didn't want to share Gabriel. I thought that was sweet, but a bit out of character for Arthur, considering how much he really enjoyed having a third to play with. I figured at the time that the basis for his assurances, in that regard, was because he felt that was what Gabriel needed, and maybe he even wanted to try monogamy, as well. So when Santa Baby starts and Arthur observes the intense attraction that Gabriel feels toward Dale, well, he saw an opportunity to explore something new with his lover and he took it.
Of course, things don't really go as planned, because Gabriel, well, he is pretty much as neurotic as I am and he panicked. He was not really ready for such an exploration, as much as he wanted it, and I think that Arthur pushed for it a bit too much at first. And I totally got it. It's one thing to want an experience, but it's totally another thing to actually go through with it. Gabriel's barely comfortable being with Arthur, he has no idea how to bring a third in - especially one he sees he could have real feels for. That terrified him, because Arthur is his world and he doesn't want to lose that. But Arthur, being Arthur, gets to the real crux of the issue and does everything he can to help Gabriel be who he needs to be.
So Santa Baby is all about discovering your truest self and learning how to navigate those waters. And Gabriel doesn't have to do any of it alone because he has Arthur to be his rock and he has Dale to show him the poly ropes. And I liked that. And in the true Heidi Cullinan way, she takes a topic she wants to explore and she does it thoroughly from the viewpoint of someone just figuring things out. That's her style and I'm good with it.
The dynamic between Arthur, Gabriel and Dale was certainly different than I am used to in a ménage type story. Arthur, while he loves to have a third to play with, he isn't poly. His focus is on Gabriel and his happiness. And Dale comes with some pretty persistent baggage that needs to be dealt with. Dale is polyamorous, but that is something he tells very few people because of the stigma behind it. People see 'cheater' or 'homewrecker' and sometimes he trusts when he shouldn't, but who hasn't, right? He is still dealing with one of those situations that just won't go away. So there are definitely hurdles, here, but no one is left out in the cold. Arthur, Gabriel and Dale all get something out of their arrangement, and they all have something to give.
The whole deal with Ronny, the abusive ex, man, that made me ill. Ronny is a master of manipulation and he is not a good person. At all. Every time Dale had to deal with that man, I got sick to my stomach - just like Dale. My only real niggle is just how easily that whole thing was dealt with. It was wrapped up with a bow, with hardly any trouble at all. But then this is a Christmas story, after all, so I'll forgive that.
Santa Baby might not be your cuppa. For a lot of people I know, that is definitely the case. For me, though, I was glad for this story.
Many of my friends dnf'd this book, because polyamory is not for them, or because this story takes a couple that got their happy in a previous book and alters it. Fair enough, I totally get that. I, however, quite enjoyed it.
Was this story necessary? Well, no, not in the sense that it is such an integral part of the overall story that if you don't read it, you'll lose out. Truly, if Sleigh Ride was perfect for you as the story of Arthur and Gabriel, that's awesome. I was good with that one, too, but I wanted to see what Ms. Cullinan got up to with this one. I love ménage stories, if they're done well, and I knew that Heidi Cullinan could pull it off. Even still, Santa Baby was different than my expectations and not in a bad way, at all.
I recall in Sleigh Ride, Arthur saying he didn't want to share Gabriel. I thought that was sweet, but a bit out of character for Arthur, considering how much he really enjoyed having a third to play with. I figured at the time that the basis for his assurances, in that regard, was because he felt that was what Gabriel needed, and maybe he even wanted to try monogamy, as well. So when Santa Baby starts and Arthur observes the intense attraction that Gabriel feels toward Dale, well, he saw an opportunity to explore something new with his lover and he took it.
Of course, things don't really go as planned, because Gabriel, well, he is pretty much as neurotic as I am and he panicked. He was not really ready for such an exploration, as much as he wanted it, and I think that Arthur pushed for it a bit too much at first. And I totally got it. It's one thing to want an experience, but it's totally another thing to actually go through with it. Gabriel's barely comfortable being with Arthur, he has no idea how to bring a third in - especially one he sees he could have real feels for. That terrified him, because Arthur is his world and he doesn't want to lose that. But Arthur, being Arthur, gets to the real crux of the issue and does everything he can to help Gabriel be who he needs to be.
So Santa Baby is all about discovering your truest self and learning how to navigate those waters. And Gabriel doesn't have to do any of it alone because he has Arthur to be his rock and he has Dale to show him the poly ropes. And I liked that. And in the true Heidi Cullinan way, she takes a topic she wants to explore and she does it thoroughly from the viewpoint of someone just figuring things out. That's her style and I'm good with it.
The dynamic between Arthur, Gabriel and Dale was certainly different than I am used to in a ménage type story. Arthur, while he loves to have a third to play with, he isn't poly. His focus is on Gabriel and his happiness. And Dale comes with some pretty persistent baggage that needs to be dealt with. Dale is polyamorous, but that is something he tells very few people because of the stigma behind it. People see 'cheater' or 'homewrecker' and sometimes he trusts when he shouldn't, but who hasn't, right? He is still dealing with one of those situations that just won't go away. So there are definitely hurdles, here, but no one is left out in the cold. Arthur, Gabriel and Dale all get something out of their arrangement, and they all have something to give.
The whole deal with Ronny, the abusive ex, man, that made me ill. Ronny is a master of manipulation and he is not a good person. At all. Every time Dale had to deal with that man, I got sick to my stomach - just like Dale. My only real niggle is just how easily that whole thing was dealt with. It was wrapped up with a bow, with hardly any trouble at all. But then this is a Christmas story, after all, so I'll forgive that.
Santa Baby might not be your cuppa. For a lot of people I know, that is definitely the case. For me, though, I was glad for this story.
November 14, 2016
Ugh. I don't know if it's that I've changed, or the world sucks right now, or this author is just super uneven or maybe a combo platter of all three.
Poly doesn't bother me, in fact I was psyched cause there's so little true poly in fiction. This book was too Educational 101 on the topic for my taste, but she gets a pass because sure fine, many readers need it. Also, she falls into the born-that-way camp (vs choice). I'm on the fence there, and wonder how much of her belief was solely to justify-buttress the plot for non-poly readers.
Anyway, it wasn't the poly that killed it for me. Instead it was plot to some degree. The abuse plot took over from the romance. Then she clawed it back at the end into a quick tell-not-show resolution in order to focus on HEA stuff instead. So, we missed out on emotionally satisfying retribution.
Also, the sex was just too much. If you read this as erotica, you'll probably be a happy camper. I'm in it for the relationships, so I swiped through a lot. Which in itself is an easy test to see if you need that detailed a sex scene. If you can swipe and no harm done to the story, well....
Several specific things struck me as being kinda politically incorrect as well.
The first is an infantalization of Gabriel, who quickly felt more like an almost virginal, helpless girlie from a romance novel of a prior generation than an adult of the 21st century. The whole bathtub by the fire scene gave me the willies in particular, but there was more.
The second is using BDSM play as psychiatric therapy. Nope. Not like that anyway. At least the author does bring in an actual therapist later. But still.
Thirdly, the ménage scenes in a poly 101 book. Problematic because that feeds common misconceptions.
Fourth, I think it's problematic to blame subspace for why someone allows themselves to be abused. Well, ok date drugs for one instance, but subspace for others. I worry, in fact, if the author thinks only naturally submissive people can get abused. Which would be incorrect.
Fifth, the characters didn't have a strong sense of social responsibility or concern upon realizing there was a rapist on the loose. I understand not wanting to involve police, publicity, courts, etc. But. There is a rapist who you know is probably raping people ON THE LOOSE. Nobody jumped to action until that rapist threatened to hurt Dale again.
Sixth, what is it with this author and marriage? Everybody has to get married in her books. I'm not counting this as a spoiler because every book. However in a book about poly, marrying can feel a little weird as an inevitable resolution. One remark in particular made me think of those old time Mormons, and yuck.
And don't even get me started on the little hut in the woods they build. That's just a nightmare scenario for me. If I ever fall in love with someone from a small rural town and he tries to stick me in a little hut outside of town....
Seventh, only penetration below the waist counts as "sex".
Lastly, yay an actual bisexual woman shows up in the community. She's on page for a brief time, but better than nothing. Sadly it just made me consider how odd the series has been thus far, so very many gay men in one area and no lesbians. Not a win.
Poly doesn't bother me, in fact I was psyched cause there's so little true poly in fiction. This book was too Educational 101 on the topic for my taste, but she gets a pass because sure fine, many readers need it. Also, she falls into the born-that-way camp (vs choice). I'm on the fence there, and wonder how much of her belief was solely to justify-buttress the plot for non-poly readers.
Anyway, it wasn't the poly that killed it for me. Instead it was plot to some degree. The abuse plot took over from the romance. Then she clawed it back at the end into a quick tell-not-show resolution in order to focus on HEA stuff instead. So, we missed out on emotionally satisfying retribution.
Also, the sex was just too much. If you read this as erotica, you'll probably be a happy camper. I'm in it for the relationships, so I swiped through a lot. Which in itself is an easy test to see if you need that detailed a sex scene. If you can swipe and no harm done to the story, well....
Several specific things struck me as being kinda politically incorrect as well.
The first is an infantalization of Gabriel, who quickly felt more like an almost virginal, helpless girlie from a romance novel of a prior generation than an adult of the 21st century. The whole bathtub by the fire scene gave me the willies in particular, but there was more.
The second is using BDSM play as psychiatric therapy. Nope. Not like that anyway. At least the author does bring in an actual therapist later. But still.
Thirdly, the ménage scenes in a poly 101 book. Problematic because that feeds common misconceptions.
Fourth, I think it's problematic to blame subspace for why someone allows themselves to be abused. Well, ok date drugs for one instance, but subspace for others. I worry, in fact, if the author thinks only naturally submissive people can get abused. Which would be incorrect.
Fifth, the characters didn't have a strong sense of social responsibility or concern upon realizing there was a rapist on the loose. I understand not wanting to involve police, publicity, courts, etc. But. There is a rapist who you know is probably raping people ON THE LOOSE. Nobody jumped to action until that rapist threatened to hurt Dale again.
Sixth, what is it with this author and marriage? Everybody has to get married in her books. I'm not counting this as a spoiler because every book. However in a book about poly, marrying can feel a little weird as an inevitable resolution. One remark in particular made me think of those old time Mormons, and yuck.
And don't even get me started on the little hut in the woods they build. That's just a nightmare scenario for me. If I ever fall in love with someone from a small rural town and he tries to stick me in a little hut outside of town....
Seventh, only penetration below the waist counts as "sex".
Lastly, yay an actual bisexual woman shows up in the community. She's on page for a brief time, but better than nothing. Sadly it just made me consider how odd the series has been thus far, so very many gay men in one area and no lesbians. Not a win.
November 18, 2016
DNF at 33%
As a poly person I was incredibly excited for this book and now I'm equally incredibly disappointed.
And it wasn't the poly aspect that was a problem (or to a lesser extent). The problem was that this book feels like we missed one book between 3 and 4 somehow, even though 4th starts on the same day that 3rd ends. Even if were able to reconcile myself with quite brutal retconning of the characters (and some of it felt like slaps in the face) there was literally zero work put into any kind of buildup of the feelings that Gabriel and Dale have for each other. We see them talking privately once, which is basically a "hey wanna f*ck?" conversation, before it turns out they have deep feelings for each other, and we're supposed to believe they're in love and pining after each other to death for months? It's absurd, bad, lazy character and plot development.
We knew why Arthur fell for Gabriel - they shared the same values, kinks, their temperaments complemented each other. Dale? Who knows. We're just told we need to believe it, period. Well, my bad, I couldn't, and it stung that those characters felt nothing like "old" Gabriel and Arthur. It felt like a bad fic, like they were violently crammed into this plot because the author had an idea for a specific poly book instead of the plot growing from the characters organically. Shame.
As a poly person I was incredibly excited for this book and now I'm equally incredibly disappointed.
And it wasn't the poly aspect that was a problem (or to a lesser extent). The problem was that this book feels like we missed one book between 3 and 4 somehow, even though 4th starts on the same day that 3rd ends. Even if were able to reconcile myself with quite brutal retconning of the characters (and some of it felt like slaps in the face) there was literally zero work put into any kind of buildup of the feelings that Gabriel and Dale have for each other. We see them talking privately once, which is basically a "hey wanna f*ck?" conversation, before it turns out they have deep feelings for each other, and we're supposed to believe they're in love and pining after each other to death for months? It's absurd, bad, lazy character and plot development.
We knew why Arthur fell for Gabriel - they shared the same values, kinks, their temperaments complemented each other. Dale? Who knows. We're just told we need to believe it, period. Well, my bad, I couldn't, and it stung that those characters felt nothing like "old" Gabriel and Arthur. It felt like a bad fic, like they were violently crammed into this plot because the author had an idea for a specific poly book instead of the plot growing from the characters organically. Shame.
November 21, 2016
A pretty solid disappointment from one of my favorite m/m authors.
It just seems to be one of those years.
I just don't get it this one. I'm all for poly relationships and whatever makes people happy, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why these three didn't become a triad. They all love each other, they get together every now and then and all have sex together, they all provide things for each other equally... Yet Gabriel is just going to split his time between living with one and then the other? They had separate weddings, but Gabriel's married to them both, but I was left feeling despondent and maudlin because I felt like they were all being cheated.
I don't like my romance fiction leaving me feeling depressed.
Here's to hoping 2017 is a better reading year than this one has been.
It just seems to be one of those years.
I just don't get it this one. I'm all for poly relationships and whatever makes people happy, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why these three didn't become a triad. They all love each other, they get together every now and then and all have sex together, they all provide things for each other equally... Yet Gabriel is just going to split his time between living with one and then the other? They had separate weddings, but Gabriel's married to them both, but I was left feeling despondent and maudlin because I felt like they were all being cheated.
I don't like my romance fiction leaving me feeling depressed.
Here's to hoping 2017 is a better reading year than this one has been.
November 29, 2016
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
The signs were there. In Sleigh Ride Gabriel tells Arthur that one of the kinks he was most interested in when he looked at porn was orgies. Arthur telling Gabe that when he felt safe with his main partner he would be more likely to want to try it in real life, though Arthur wasn’t sure he could share Gabriel. What appeared to be a throwaway comment in Winter Wonderland about Gabriel’s apparent interest in Dale and whether he and Arthur would invite Dale for some fun, now appears to have been a seed planted for this book. This is definitely going to be a polarizing book for fans of the series. If you are not a fan of bringing someone new into an already established relationship, you are going to want to think twice about this story.
Santa Baby picks up right where Winter Wonderland ends. I would suggest having at least read Sleigh Ride prior to this one so you understand the relationship between Gabriel and Arthur, but Dale is pretty new to the series so you could jump in here. Dale is polyamorous and is taken by Gabriel after working with him for weeks on the Logan development project. He is running from a bad situation with a co-worker and plans to spend a lot of time in Logan. When Arthur invites him for a little fun with him and Gabriel after noticing the sparks between the two of them, Dale wants nothing more. When the time comes though, things don’t go as planned and Arthur realizes that for him it’s a bit of kink, but for Gabriel it’s so much more.
In Sleigh Ride, Gabriel had for the first time accepted who he is and what he wants, Arthur guiding him through it all. Here, with Dale, Gabriel is continuing that journey and once again, it is Arthur guiding him. Arthur wants nothing more than for Gabriel to be happy and if Dale makes Gabriel happy, then Arthur will do everything he can to make that happen.
If you follow my reviews at all you know I love ménage books, but this was a uniquely written relationship from anything I’ve read before. This wasn’t a story of a couple bringing in a third for fun and games then accidentally falling for him. Gabriel and Dale are polyamorous, but Arthur is not. While Arthur doesn’t mind playing with others, he only wants one romantic partner. But Arthur’s outlook on sex and relationships is open and he isn’t going to deny Gabriel what he needs, even if Gabriel doesn’t understand that he needs it quite yet. They both craft their own relationship with Dale. For Gabriel it’s another romantic partner to love and share his life with. For Arthur it’s a sub and a friend. For both, Dale’s a part of their life that fills a void they knew was there, but weren’t sure how to fill. Dale is a wonderful addition to the family these men in Logan have created and to Gabriel and Arthur’s relationship.
I liked the way the men were open and communicative with each other; obviously the only way any of this would work. The sex was there, of course, but it wasn’t the focus of the story. I do have to say though, that the scenes with the men ranged from tender to dirty and were different depending on who was involved. Arthur and Dale have a D/s relationship that has a set schedule of scenes, while for Gabriel and Dale it’s a full-blown romance. There are also times set aside for the three to be together and connect. I loved to see that Arthur was firm in his mindset, that he is not poly, he does not consider Dale to be his romantic partner such as Gabriel is, but he has a D/s relationship with Dale that is separate from everything else. He is not magically converted, rather the three work out something unique to them.
There was a bit of insta-love between Gabriel and Dale and I would have liked a little more time spent on the start of that relationship. There are some time jumps that took away from the initial bonding for me, but as the story went on it was clear that there was something very real. What Gabriel and Dale had was very different from what developed between Dale and Arthur, but at the heart of it is still Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship. It really is the anchor for everything else that happens and Arthur has cemented himself as my favorite in this series. I did want to be in Gabriel’s head a little more instead of feeling like he was just riding the waves. It’s in his nature to allow Arthur to lead and fix things, but I wanted to really know what was going on outside of those times where he voiced his feelings or he was having a moment of crisis.
There is a sub-plot regarding the abusive co-worker Dale had been with before leaving for Logan and the continuing development project. Dale was put through a horrifying ordeal that haunts him throughout the story. As Heidi Cullinan tends to do, there are serious issues brought up and on occasion the narrative tends to get a bit preachy in spots, but not enough that it impacted the overall story for me.
All the couples from the first three books are back and their engagements finally come to fruition, but only one ceremony had me with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. So while there were things I loved, and things I felt weren’t given as much time as I’d have liked, overall I really enjoyed this exploration of sexuality and love. These three men did what was right for them, regardless of what society and the small town gossip mill would say. They kept true to themselves and nurtured what was important to them and in the end found something that works and enriches their lives. In keeping in true Heidi Cullinan fashion, there is a HEA for everyone involved in the series.
The signs were there. In Sleigh Ride Gabriel tells Arthur that one of the kinks he was most interested in when he looked at porn was orgies. Arthur telling Gabe that when he felt safe with his main partner he would be more likely to want to try it in real life, though Arthur wasn’t sure he could share Gabriel. What appeared to be a throwaway comment in Winter Wonderland about Gabriel’s apparent interest in Dale and whether he and Arthur would invite Dale for some fun, now appears to have been a seed planted for this book. This is definitely going to be a polarizing book for fans of the series. If you are not a fan of bringing someone new into an already established relationship, you are going to want to think twice about this story.
Santa Baby picks up right where Winter Wonderland ends. I would suggest having at least read Sleigh Ride prior to this one so you understand the relationship between Gabriel and Arthur, but Dale is pretty new to the series so you could jump in here. Dale is polyamorous and is taken by Gabriel after working with him for weeks on the Logan development project. He is running from a bad situation with a co-worker and plans to spend a lot of time in Logan. When Arthur invites him for a little fun with him and Gabriel after noticing the sparks between the two of them, Dale wants nothing more. When the time comes though, things don’t go as planned and Arthur realizes that for him it’s a bit of kink, but for Gabriel it’s so much more.
In Sleigh Ride, Gabriel had for the first time accepted who he is and what he wants, Arthur guiding him through it all. Here, with Dale, Gabriel is continuing that journey and once again, it is Arthur guiding him. Arthur wants nothing more than for Gabriel to be happy and if Dale makes Gabriel happy, then Arthur will do everything he can to make that happen.
If you follow my reviews at all you know I love ménage books, but this was a uniquely written relationship from anything I’ve read before. This wasn’t a story of a couple bringing in a third for fun and games then accidentally falling for him. Gabriel and Dale are polyamorous, but Arthur is not. While Arthur doesn’t mind playing with others, he only wants one romantic partner. But Arthur’s outlook on sex and relationships is open and he isn’t going to deny Gabriel what he needs, even if Gabriel doesn’t understand that he needs it quite yet. They both craft their own relationship with Dale. For Gabriel it’s another romantic partner to love and share his life with. For Arthur it’s a sub and a friend. For both, Dale’s a part of their life that fills a void they knew was there, but weren’t sure how to fill. Dale is a wonderful addition to the family these men in Logan have created and to Gabriel and Arthur’s relationship.
I liked the way the men were open and communicative with each other; obviously the only way any of this would work. The sex was there, of course, but it wasn’t the focus of the story. I do have to say though, that the scenes with the men ranged from tender to dirty and were different depending on who was involved. Arthur and Dale have a D/s relationship that has a set schedule of scenes, while for Gabriel and Dale it’s a full-blown romance. There are also times set aside for the three to be together and connect. I loved to see that Arthur was firm in his mindset, that he is not poly, he does not consider Dale to be his romantic partner such as Gabriel is, but he has a D/s relationship with Dale that is separate from everything else. He is not magically converted, rather the three work out something unique to them.
There was a bit of insta-love between Gabriel and Dale and I would have liked a little more time spent on the start of that relationship. There are some time jumps that took away from the initial bonding for me, but as the story went on it was clear that there was something very real. What Gabriel and Dale had was very different from what developed between Dale and Arthur, but at the heart of it is still Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship. It really is the anchor for everything else that happens and Arthur has cemented himself as my favorite in this series. I did want to be in Gabriel’s head a little more instead of feeling like he was just riding the waves. It’s in his nature to allow Arthur to lead and fix things, but I wanted to really know what was going on outside of those times where he voiced his feelings or he was having a moment of crisis.
There is a sub-plot regarding the abusive co-worker Dale had been with before leaving for Logan and the continuing development project. Dale was put through a horrifying ordeal that haunts him throughout the story. As Heidi Cullinan tends to do, there are serious issues brought up and on occasion the narrative tends to get a bit preachy in spots, but not enough that it impacted the overall story for me.
All the couples from the first three books are back and their engagements finally come to fruition, but only one ceremony had me with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. So while there were things I loved, and things I felt weren’t given as much time as I’d have liked, overall I really enjoyed this exploration of sexuality and love. These three men did what was right for them, regardless of what society and the small town gossip mill would say. They kept true to themselves and nurtured what was important to them and in the end found something that works and enriches their lives. In keeping in true Heidi Cullinan fashion, there is a HEA for everyone involved in the series.
November 26, 2017
My FAVORITE of the series by far! I loved this book! It stretched boundaries beyond a typical MMM and dealt with polyamory in such a beautiful way. This was more than three guys getting it on. This was a story that depicted how love can differ from person to person, and just how much the heart can hold.
By far, my favorite character in this book is Arthur, Gabriel’s fiancé. He sees that the attraction that Gabe feels for Dale is different. He helps Gabe understand that he is poly and helps him on his journey to bring Dale into their relationship. Or rather, to become his boyfriend. How big a heart does one need to have to understand that this is something their partner needs, because he’s as much poly as he is gay. Arthur is an angel. An angel who can wield a paddle like a devil!
This book also dealt with the effects of abuse in the character of Dale, who we met in the previous book. His ex is stalking and tormenting him-and he fears letting others know his shame. Arthur to the rescue again. As well as the whole town of Logan.
As well as heart, this book has some nice kink which I REALLY ENJOYED. I especially loved the use of different kinds lubes-now that made for a nice google search!
I love this town and am so happy to know that Heidi is setting a standalone book in Logan!
By far, my favorite character in this book is Arthur, Gabriel’s fiancé. He sees that the attraction that Gabe feels for Dale is different. He helps Gabe understand that he is poly and helps him on his journey to bring Dale into their relationship. Or rather, to become his boyfriend. How big a heart does one need to have to understand that this is something their partner needs, because he’s as much poly as he is gay. Arthur is an angel. An angel who can wield a paddle like a devil!
This book also dealt with the effects of abuse in the character of Dale, who we met in the previous book. His ex is stalking and tormenting him-and he fears letting others know his shame. Arthur to the rescue again. As well as the whole town of Logan.
As well as heart, this book has some nice kink which I REALLY ENJOYED. I especially loved the use of different kinds lubes-now that made for a nice google search!
I love this town and am so happy to know that Heidi is setting a standalone book in Logan!
dnf-not-4-me
January 2, 2019Big nope. I want to keep Gabe and Arthur in their happiness bubble, looking forward to kids and fixing up the cabin. This sounds hot, but not with two characters who already had their HEA in the series.
November 18, 2016
2.5 stars. I think polyamory just really isn't my thing, especially for an established, seemingly monogamous couple in a series. In the end, I felt it was a little unfair to Arthur even though he ends up loving Dale as well. So this is probably a case of "it's me, not you" book situation.
December 5, 2019
Wow, this one has it all. Hurt/Comfort, abuse, coming out, acceptance... I could list about a dozen more. Truly lovely story.
December 1, 2016
Interesting book. I am torn about my ultimate takeaway from this. Good things: the friendship between Arthur, Paul and Marcus. Loved how they were consistently there for each other and the scene with the car and Arthur and his friends intervening was good stuff. Arthur himself straddled the line between good stuff and meh stuff. In some places, he was a rock and so great. In others, he sounded like a country bumpkin which was not the case in prior books (much more swearing, colloquialisms, etc.). Ultimately, my biggest meh was that I didn't feel the connection between Gabriel and Dale. I could read about how they suffered apart etc but when they were together, it felt like it was still all about Arthur.
I don't feel like this ruined their HEA, and it was interesting to read this primer on polyamory, particularly how it wasn't just a MMM thruple (kind of), but how each pairing allegedly had their own connections. Maybe that's where it ultimately left me a little cold though because actions belied the explanations (Arthur was far more supportive of and genuinely loving in action towards Dale but we were told over and over that Arthur was connected to Gabriel only who was connected to both). I don't know. It was interesting. Glad I read it but not my favorite in this series.
I don't feel like this ruined their HEA, and it was interesting to read this primer on polyamory, particularly how it wasn't just a MMM thruple (kind of), but how each pairing allegedly had their own connections. Maybe that's where it ultimately left me a little cold though because actions belied the explanations (Arthur was far more supportive of and genuinely loving in action towards Dale but we were told over and over that Arthur was connected to Gabriel only who was connected to both). I don't know. It was interesting. Glad I read it but not my favorite in this series.
December 27, 2016
Be sure to check out the giveaway on the blog!
Adding a third to Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship, which I really enjoyed in book 2, was a risky move. But the signs were there in previous books that this could be a possibility. Even so, I can understand why some readers may be upset or wary of polyamory if it’s with an established couple they’ve already read about and have an emotional connection to.
Overall, I think the author handled it with sensitivity, easing Dale into the relationship after open and honest discussions. In particular, Gabriel and Arthur realize that goals change over time, and relationships don’t have to be static.
Gabriel and Dale’s jump to love was quick, but didn’t at all feel contrived. I could understand the emotional and physical connection the two had. I did enjoy Gabriel and Arthur’s relationship more, but Dale and Gabriel still made for a sweet couple.
Dale and Arthur’s relationship is more complicated. They might not be in love the same way that Dale and Gabriel (and Gabriel and Arthur) are, but the two come to love and care for one another. Dale becomes Arthur’s sub, something that Gabriel isn’t, so they connect in a special way separately from Gabriel.
Beyond making the three-part relationship work emotionally, they also work on the physical aspect. And it was hot - whether it was Gabriel and Arthur, Gabriel and Dale, Dale and Arthur, or the three of them together. I’ll admit, the latter combination was my favourite.
Arthur, Dale, and Gabriel put in the time and emotional effort to make things work. Their relationship isn’t conventional at all, but they find their happy place in the end, and I’m not one to judge that.
I really liked getting back to Logan, the Christmas wonderland, and catching up with the other two couples. And it was great to see that Arthur’s mother is still as awesome, and hilarious, as ever!
However I didn’t really get the point of Ronny, Dale’s ex. He was a cartoonish villain, and served little purpose other than adding extra drama. The story could have worked just as well without him.
Also, and this is just a personal niggle, it occurred to me while reading ‘Santa Baby’ that most of Cullinan’s recent romances have ended in marriage. It’s odd, given that Cullinan makes a point of eschewing heteronormativity in her books. Yes, it makes for a romantic ending, but gay relationships can work just as well without rings and a piece of paper.
Overall, I liked ‘Santa Baby’. Adding Dale to Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship was risky and had its ups and downs, but I think it was pulled off well in the end. I would recommend this book only if you are sure that you’ll be okay with the direction that Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship takes. If not, book 2 is still a perfect HEA for the two.
Adding a third to Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship, which I really enjoyed in book 2, was a risky move. But the signs were there in previous books that this could be a possibility. Even so, I can understand why some readers may be upset or wary of polyamory if it’s with an established couple they’ve already read about and have an emotional connection to.
Overall, I think the author handled it with sensitivity, easing Dale into the relationship after open and honest discussions. In particular, Gabriel and Arthur realize that goals change over time, and relationships don’t have to be static.
Gabriel and Dale’s jump to love was quick, but didn’t at all feel contrived. I could understand the emotional and physical connection the two had. I did enjoy Gabriel and Arthur’s relationship more, but Dale and Gabriel still made for a sweet couple.
Dale and Arthur’s relationship is more complicated. They might not be in love the same way that Dale and Gabriel (and Gabriel and Arthur) are, but the two come to love and care for one another. Dale becomes Arthur’s sub, something that Gabriel isn’t, so they connect in a special way separately from Gabriel.
Beyond making the three-part relationship work emotionally, they also work on the physical aspect. And it was hot - whether it was Gabriel and Arthur, Gabriel and Dale, Dale and Arthur, or the three of them together. I’ll admit, the latter combination was my favourite.
Arthur, Dale, and Gabriel put in the time and emotional effort to make things work. Their relationship isn’t conventional at all, but they find their happy place in the end, and I’m not one to judge that.
I really liked getting back to Logan, the Christmas wonderland, and catching up with the other two couples. And it was great to see that Arthur’s mother is still as awesome, and hilarious, as ever!
However I didn’t really get the point of Ronny, Dale’s ex. He was a cartoonish villain, and served little purpose other than adding extra drama. The story could have worked just as well without him.
Also, and this is just a personal niggle, it occurred to me while reading ‘Santa Baby’ that most of Cullinan’s recent romances have ended in marriage. It’s odd, given that Cullinan makes a point of eschewing heteronormativity in her books. Yes, it makes for a romantic ending, but gay relationships can work just as well without rings and a piece of paper.
Overall, I liked ‘Santa Baby’. Adding Dale to Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship was risky and had its ups and downs, but I think it was pulled off well in the end. I would recommend this book only if you are sure that you’ll be okay with the direction that Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship takes. If not, book 2 is still a perfect HEA for the two.
December 29, 2016
Santa Baby is the fourth story of the Minnesota Christmas series, and takes a bit of a twist by having a couple who already had their happy ending in Sleigh Ride (book 2 of the series) and introducing a third man into their relationship. I haven’t read Sleigh Ride (though it is on my TBR) so I didn’t have a vested interest in this couple already when I started reading Santa Baby and was able to enjoy the story without any preconceived expectations.
Arthur and Gabriel have a satisfying and loving relationship, and a kinky one at that with Arthur being the dominant one and Gabriel a happy sub. When their past acquaintance Dale comes to town to help turn Logan, Minnesota into ‘Christmas town’ Arthur is aware of Gabriel’s crush on
Dale and that it is returned. His offer of a Christmas Eve threesome sounds like fun, but Gabriel’s worry about what his real feelings towards Dale might mean for his relationship with Arthur is a concern that can't be taken lightly.
Dale is polyamorous and understands the complexity of being involved with a couple. But he still is haunted by a past abusive relationship, one where his submissive status was taken advantage of by a lover who is still in his work circles. When he, Arther and Gabriel come to an understanding, he can get his kinky side satisfied, but isn’t sure about committing fully to them. Can this threesome find their way to an unconventional but loving happy ending?
This is not your traditional Christmas story by any means, though the holiday theme runs through it. What it is, is a look at a couple who are happy and complete and then find that they can expand their horizons by inviting in a third man. This is obviously not without some tension and stress as the roles they will play in the relationship get sorted out, and they worry about how their friends and neighbours will react to a threesome in their midst. Arthur being dominant, and Gabriel and Dale both being submissive means lots of kinky and steamy scenes. Clearly there is enough love to go around, and while Dale’s abusive past (and still sometimes present) is difficult to read about, it’s worth it for him to get the acceptance and understanding he needs from both Gabriel and Arthur. A thoughtful look at a polyamorous relationship and its consequences, combined with some lighthearted scenes, some kink and some emotional moments make this a decidedly unique Christmas story.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review also appears at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Arthur and Gabriel have a satisfying and loving relationship, and a kinky one at that with Arthur being the dominant one and Gabriel a happy sub. When their past acquaintance Dale comes to town to help turn Logan, Minnesota into ‘Christmas town’ Arthur is aware of Gabriel’s crush on
Dale and that it is returned. His offer of a Christmas Eve threesome sounds like fun, but Gabriel’s worry about what his real feelings towards Dale might mean for his relationship with Arthur is a concern that can't be taken lightly.
Dale is polyamorous and understands the complexity of being involved with a couple. But he still is haunted by a past abusive relationship, one where his submissive status was taken advantage of by a lover who is still in his work circles. When he, Arther and Gabriel come to an understanding, he can get his kinky side satisfied, but isn’t sure about committing fully to them. Can this threesome find their way to an unconventional but loving happy ending?
This is not your traditional Christmas story by any means, though the holiday theme runs through it. What it is, is a look at a couple who are happy and complete and then find that they can expand their horizons by inviting in a third man. This is obviously not without some tension and stress as the roles they will play in the relationship get sorted out, and they worry about how their friends and neighbours will react to a threesome in their midst. Arthur being dominant, and Gabriel and Dale both being submissive means lots of kinky and steamy scenes. Clearly there is enough love to go around, and while Dale’s abusive past (and still sometimes present) is difficult to read about, it’s worth it for him to get the acceptance and understanding he needs from both Gabriel and Arthur. A thoughtful look at a polyamorous relationship and its consequences, combined with some lighthearted scenes, some kink and some emotional moments make this a decidedly unique Christmas story.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review also appears at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
November 27, 2016
I really love Heidi’s Minnesota series. Each year we get to hop on over to Logan with the boys and see what great romance and amazing plot awaits them. As some of you know Sleigh Ride was where we met Gabriel and Arthur and their super-HOT romance began. So, I was really surprised that in Santa Baby we were back with them and adding to their love story.
However, this is likely different than what you’re expecting. I have not read many books about polyamory relationships (people). I’ll say this though, Heidi really does explain it in a way you won’t misunderstand. And that’s awesome because lack of knowledge is the main reason people discriminate. Dale and Gabriel have an instant attraction that grows into love… with Arthur’s help. Blown away? Yeah. I would say that I was really feeling Arthur in this. I connected with him the most throughout the whole story.
On a personal level I couldn’t be with someone who was polyamorous. That’s a personal thing for me though. I’m open minded but I am not good at sharing at all. So, that’s what made reading this so much more fascinating. I don’t know how Arthur works through it but he does and I’m enamored with him.
It was weird seeing the already established Arthur and Gabriel evolve in Santa Baby. I didn’t expect we’d visit them again. Now, Dale. The other guy lol. His story tore me apart. Oh how I ached for him and all he went through. I was afraid I was going to resent Dale for crashing into Arthur and Gabriel’s lives and changing everything but I wasn’t. You just fall in love with Dale. Just bam, I love him and he can stay!
I don’t have much to complain about this story but I will say that in some parts I felt It was stagnating. A little bit too draggy in parts and rushed in parts where I, the reader, needed more closure. Namely the “bad guy” I won’t give anything away. Even though we find out what happens I felt after the emotional journey with Dale we deserved to look that SOB in the face. Again, a personal thing I guess.
This is a great addition to The Minnesota Series! Read this one and all of them!
However, this is likely different than what you’re expecting. I have not read many books about polyamory relationships (people). I’ll say this though, Heidi really does explain it in a way you won’t misunderstand. And that’s awesome because lack of knowledge is the main reason people discriminate. Dale and Gabriel have an instant attraction that grows into love… with Arthur’s help. Blown away? Yeah. I would say that I was really feeling Arthur in this. I connected with him the most throughout the whole story.
On a personal level I couldn’t be with someone who was polyamorous. That’s a personal thing for me though. I’m open minded but I am not good at sharing at all. So, that’s what made reading this so much more fascinating. I don’t know how Arthur works through it but he does and I’m enamored with him.
It was weird seeing the already established Arthur and Gabriel evolve in Santa Baby. I didn’t expect we’d visit them again. Now, Dale. The other guy lol. His story tore me apart. Oh how I ached for him and all he went through. I was afraid I was going to resent Dale for crashing into Arthur and Gabriel’s lives and changing everything but I wasn’t. You just fall in love with Dale. Just bam, I love him and he can stay!
I don’t have much to complain about this story but I will say that in some parts I felt It was stagnating. A little bit too draggy in parts and rushed in parts where I, the reader, needed more closure. Namely the “bad guy” I won’t give anything away. Even though we find out what happens I felt after the emotional journey with Dale we deserved to look that SOB in the face. Again, a personal thing I guess.
This is a great addition to The Minnesota Series! Read this one and all of them!
November 24, 2016
I hated this book. I mean hated It. To take a established couple who was in a previous book and turn them into a three some. It could be daring right or it could be a disaster. She changed the personalities of the previous characters that the only thing that was left to them were their names. I love Heidi Cullinan books and she does porn the best. The reason I love her books is that she writes erotica but she is always true to her characters. In this book it was not that way. It had a feeling of wrongness. I couldn't get over Author being so excepting and loving as he decided it was just great for Gabe to go off and have sex with someone else. To cheat on him.
November 13, 2016
This really did not work for me. I managed to finish but I don't expect to ever read it again. Made me a little sick to my stomach actually.
December 11, 2017
An interesting addition to the series
3.5*
This wasn't what I was expecting for a Christmas romance and I know a lot of my friends didn't finish it because it changed the HEA of an established couple.
But, I have to say, I mostly enjoyed it although I don't understand the minutiae in why this wasn't a throuple given Arthur's feelings for Dale. In my mind, it felt pretty much like a poly menage with equal involvement from all three.
The secondary plot was also perhaps a tad dark for a festive story but, again, it mostly worked for me and I think it was realistically depicted alongside the build up of the relationship between the three.
Oh and it's very kinky, which I think perhaps would be a turnoff for some readers, again something I personally felt was done well and in keeping with this series and the couple as they expanded to take in one more.
3.5*
This wasn't what I was expecting for a Christmas romance and I know a lot of my friends didn't finish it because it changed the HEA of an established couple.
But, I have to say, I mostly enjoyed it although I don't understand the minutiae in why this wasn't a throuple given Arthur's feelings for Dale. In my mind, it felt pretty much like a poly menage with equal involvement from all three.
The secondary plot was also perhaps a tad dark for a festive story but, again, it mostly worked for me and I think it was realistically depicted alongside the build up of the relationship between the three.
Oh and it's very kinky, which I think perhaps would be a turnoff for some readers, again something I personally felt was done well and in keeping with this series and the couple as they expanded to take in one more.
November 15, 2016
3.5 stars for this one too. It was very hard to rate this because I really liked parts of it, was a tad uncomfortable with a part of it and had some disappointment with part of it. This wasn't exactly the same as any other MMM story I've read before. Not a radical difference but a change for me. I had to adjust my expectations and let go of some preconceived notions. Which was a good thing, as it made me really think and consider and pushed my boundaries just a little bit. I still couldn't warm up to the relationship between the three entirely, even as I came to understand it intellectually.
When Arthur, kinky man that he is, realizes Dale is attracted to Gabriel, he invites Dale over for what he assumes will be no more than a night of fun. After an abrupt, unsatisfactory end to the evening, things become complicated for a couple months. During that time, Dale gets blindsided by a former ex and flees back to Logan for safety. Arthur becomes a rock for Dale to lean on and things progress with Gabriel as well. Arthur seems like a different character to me in this story, mostly because Arthur seemed more his age than he did in Sleigh Ride. That story, at least, needs to be read before this one. Marcus and Paul are very present in this story, with Kyle and Frankie remaining more peripheral to it. Corinna isn't as front and center either, although she has her part to play.
I most enjoyed the plot line that revolved around Ronny. Marcus and a new character, Cassidy, who's a PI, as well as non-binary, helped tackle that problem. Proper counseling was included, which pleased me. Heidi depicted that part of it very well, making some fairly recent events resonate in the story. There was also some kinky play that was fairly enjoyable. I didn't care for all of the resolution about Ronny, although justice was served in the end. I also wasn't sold on the wedding solution for the three couples. I think I will always like more of Heidi's earlier works than I will this series.
When Arthur, kinky man that he is, realizes Dale is attracted to Gabriel, he invites Dale over for what he assumes will be no more than a night of fun. After an abrupt, unsatisfactory end to the evening, things become complicated for a couple months. During that time, Dale gets blindsided by a former ex and flees back to Logan for safety. Arthur becomes a rock for Dale to lean on and things progress with Gabriel as well. Arthur seems like a different character to me in this story, mostly because Arthur seemed more his age than he did in Sleigh Ride. That story, at least, needs to be read before this one. Marcus and Paul are very present in this story, with Kyle and Frankie remaining more peripheral to it. Corinna isn't as front and center either, although she has her part to play.
I most enjoyed the plot line that revolved around Ronny. Marcus and a new character, Cassidy, who's a PI, as well as non-binary, helped tackle that problem. Proper counseling was included, which pleased me. Heidi depicted that part of it very well, making some fairly recent events resonate in the story. There was also some kinky play that was fairly enjoyable. I didn't care for all of the resolution about Ronny, although justice was served in the end. I also wasn't sold on the wedding solution for the three couples. I think I will always like more of Heidi's earlier works than I will this series.
December 22, 2016
Originally posted at Smexybooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/12/decembe...
Grade: B-
Heidi Cullinan revisits Logan, MN and a favorite couple when a newcomer to town and finds an invitation to more than just the holiday festivities. The last installment in Cullinan’s Minnesota Christmas series gives readers the gift of erotic delights when a committed couple decides to add a third to their relationship. What first starts out as a physical connection that allows for some hot and heavy playtime soon turns emotional when love enters the equation. Cullinan addresses the various issues surrounding polyamory relationships in a frank and respectful manner though she didn’t completely sell me on the legitimacy of this relationship. The relationship centered on Gabriel being the common denominator. I never felt the connection between Arthur and Dale went any further than mutual affection. A faint suspense subplot adds tension to the story and helps to cement Dale’s place in Logan. Regardless of my issue, I felt Cullinan did an excellent job with the romance and showing that love is what we need it to be. I enjoyed my visit back to Logan and look forward to visiting again soon.
Grade: B-
Heidi Cullinan revisits Logan, MN and a favorite couple when a newcomer to town and finds an invitation to more than just the holiday festivities. The last installment in Cullinan’s Minnesota Christmas series gives readers the gift of erotic delights when a committed couple decides to add a third to their relationship. What first starts out as a physical connection that allows for some hot and heavy playtime soon turns emotional when love enters the equation. Cullinan addresses the various issues surrounding polyamory relationships in a frank and respectful manner though she didn’t completely sell me on the legitimacy of this relationship. The relationship centered on Gabriel being the common denominator. I never felt the connection between Arthur and Dale went any further than mutual affection. A faint suspense subplot adds tension to the story and helps to cement Dale’s place in Logan. Regardless of my issue, I felt Cullinan did an excellent job with the romance and showing that love is what we need it to be. I enjoyed my visit back to Logan and look forward to visiting again soon.
Want to read
November 11, 2016It's been two years since I read the book two of these guys were in. Not sure if I should reread, dive right in, or skip this one altogether. Not thrilled about it being menage, but I trust this author, so I'll probably give it a shot soon.
December 21, 2016
I’m a major Heidi Cullinan fan. Anyone who follows my reviews knows this. She consistently makes my Book-of-the-Month or Year-End Best lists. And, I’m a HUGE fan of her Minnesota Christmas series. Arthur and Gabriel, two of the MCs in Santa Baby, were the MCs in Sleigh Ride, the second book in the series, and I fell hard for them in that book. I love Logan, Minnesota, and all its residents. When it finally becomes Christmas Town, I’ll definitely be moving there. Heh. That’s how much I love this series! Here comes the BUT… Unfortunately, Santa Baby largely didn’t work for me.
Dale is in Logan to help the town realize its vision of becoming a large Christmas tourist attraction. Everyone in the town loves him—they even call him Santa—and he genuinely seems like a great guy. On top of being likeable, he’s also a long, tall drink of water whose bearded yumminess is not lost on Arthur or Gabriel. They’re caught ogling Dale at the Winter Wonderland celebration, and the flirting leads to an invitation for a threesome. I really, really like Dale. I respected so much how he handled his attraction to Gabriel, and how he respected Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship. It was so cute how he tried to hide how into Gabriel he really was from Arthur.
What was intended to be just a fun, kinky threesome, though, turns into a much bigger issue when Arthur realizes that Gabriel is struggling hard with the situation, and deduces that Gabriel has deeper feelings for Dale. This is where the story started to lose me. We never get to see anything develop between Gabriel and Dale. It went immediately from ‘Hey, let’s have him over for some kink’ to Gabriel being in love with Dale, too. It truly felt that quick. We were shown nothing to support Gabriel having such deep feelings for Dale that he freaked out before the threesome, and Arthur so easily being able to see what was going on.
I didn’t get any real sense that this was what Gabriel wanted. It felt like we were just told that it was what he wanted. Gabriel was just sort of ‘maneuvered’ through everything…we didn’t see him speaking up much, but rather, it seemed like everything was decided for him. Like, he wanted this relationship but couldn’t figure out how to get it for himself, or something; so, he let Arthur sort everything out. I feel like Gabriel got lost in this book. He wasn’t the Gabriel I fell in love with in Sleigh Ride.
The arrangement they came up with was hard to wrap my head around, too. I didn’t get the living part time with one, and part time with the other. I know Arthur is near perfect—but, I think even he would have a tough time with this. At least long term. It’s just so difficult to see how this would work if all parties weren’t poly. And, that could absolutely be simply a limitation of mine—the not being able to understand it. Arthur and Dale had a special bond of their own, and they did schedule in time for all three of them to be together as well, so perhaps that’s enough to keep everyone happy.
Here’s the thing…I don’t think I would have had as big of an issue with it if it didn’t seem to come out of left field. Arthur and Gabriel were an established couple who, aside from a few kinks, didn’t exhibit signs of anything like where they wind up. I’m all for loving poly relationships; this one just didn’t ever feel natural to me. Dale so deserved to find someone, and to get away from that motherfucker, Ronny (who I wanted to help Arthur kill). I just wish it would have happened more organically—and having it be with two new characters, instead, may have helped it feel less forced.
At the end of the day, I did adore Dale, Arthur is still the bee’s knees, Logan still rocks, and it was great to see the gang from the previous books, as well as some fun cameos…but, I just couldn’t buy the relationship between Dale, Arthur and Gabriel. Oh, and full disclosure, I guess…I was so disappointed with the cover. Whyyyyyyyy didn’t it get a gorgeous cover more similar to those of the other books? *sigh* I’ll quit nitpicking now. Onward and upward…I’m sure I’ll love the next one. This was definitely a very rare miss.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
Dale is in Logan to help the town realize its vision of becoming a large Christmas tourist attraction. Everyone in the town loves him—they even call him Santa—and he genuinely seems like a great guy. On top of being likeable, he’s also a long, tall drink of water whose bearded yumminess is not lost on Arthur or Gabriel. They’re caught ogling Dale at the Winter Wonderland celebration, and the flirting leads to an invitation for a threesome. I really, really like Dale. I respected so much how he handled his attraction to Gabriel, and how he respected Arthur and Gabriel’s relationship. It was so cute how he tried to hide how into Gabriel he really was from Arthur.
What was intended to be just a fun, kinky threesome, though, turns into a much bigger issue when Arthur realizes that Gabriel is struggling hard with the situation, and deduces that Gabriel has deeper feelings for Dale. This is where the story started to lose me. We never get to see anything develop between Gabriel and Dale. It went immediately from ‘Hey, let’s have him over for some kink’ to Gabriel being in love with Dale, too. It truly felt that quick. We were shown nothing to support Gabriel having such deep feelings for Dale that he freaked out before the threesome, and Arthur so easily being able to see what was going on.
I didn’t get any real sense that this was what Gabriel wanted. It felt like we were just told that it was what he wanted. Gabriel was just sort of ‘maneuvered’ through everything…we didn’t see him speaking up much, but rather, it seemed like everything was decided for him. Like, he wanted this relationship but couldn’t figure out how to get it for himself, or something; so, he let Arthur sort everything out. I feel like Gabriel got lost in this book. He wasn’t the Gabriel I fell in love with in Sleigh Ride.
The arrangement they came up with was hard to wrap my head around, too. I didn’t get the living part time with one, and part time with the other. I know Arthur is near perfect—but, I think even he would have a tough time with this. At least long term. It’s just so difficult to see how this would work if all parties weren’t poly. And, that could absolutely be simply a limitation of mine—the not being able to understand it. Arthur and Dale had a special bond of their own, and they did schedule in time for all three of them to be together as well, so perhaps that’s enough to keep everyone happy.
Here’s the thing…I don’t think I would have had as big of an issue with it if it didn’t seem to come out of left field. Arthur and Gabriel were an established couple who, aside from a few kinks, didn’t exhibit signs of anything like where they wind up. I’m all for loving poly relationships; this one just didn’t ever feel natural to me. Dale so deserved to find someone, and to get away from that motherfucker, Ronny (who I wanted to help Arthur kill). I just wish it would have happened more organically—and having it be with two new characters, instead, may have helped it feel less forced.
At the end of the day, I did adore Dale, Arthur is still the bee’s knees, Logan still rocks, and it was great to see the gang from the previous books, as well as some fun cameos…but, I just couldn’t buy the relationship between Dale, Arthur and Gabriel. Oh, and full disclosure, I guess…I was so disappointed with the cover. Whyyyyyyyy didn’t it get a gorgeous cover more similar to those of the other books? *sigh* I’ll quit nitpicking now. Onward and upward…I’m sure I’ll love the next one. This was definitely a very rare miss.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
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