The characters that Katie Crabapple have created in this series are amazing. They are flawed and real in a way that a lot of other authors cannot capture. Reading about a character in the old west who suffers from a germ phobia or crippling social anxiety was a revelation to me as it's difficult to even find contemporary romance books that address those issues.
3.5 stars
In my review for the first book, Let It Snow, I said that I would love to see Arthur and Paul ended up with different men. I disliked the idea of them together. Well, I got my wish *lol*.
For the most part, I really liked this. I liked the contradictory of Arthur as character. Arthur, the big red-haired bear, who as actually really romantic and loved kids (the way he took care of Thomas, so sweet!) despite his manly burly stature. And Gabriel, the demigod librarian, who might be snappish and prickly, but boy he had kinky sex wish. So yeah, I liked them. Even if it got pretty lovey dovey, but I was okay with it. At least Gabriel made Arthur worked for it, so it didn't feel like it was instant-love *laugh*
BUT, I couldn't give this more than 3.5 stars because I have very personal quibbles that detract my enjoyment from the book. Not, it wasn't my hatred towards Cullinan's penchant to use excessive endearments (baby, babe, sweetheart, honey, angel, sugar, boy -- seriously all the endearments in the English dictionary maybe), nor the number of sex scenes here. I could work through around those, thankfully.
Okay, like I said, it is personal, so it may not even a blip of issue for others. I will put it under spoiler tag.
It had to do with the story -- or should I say Cullinan, since she is the author -- dealt with the "dolls are not for boys" issue. I felt like it was handled in a very hard-lesson kind of way, almost like I was being preached upon. I didn't like it. I didn't like the fact that such 'lesson' being presented in a blatant kind of way when I read my romance. I prefer soft lesson, so it will actually make me think, and analyze my views of the world.
This though? This is like I am sitting on a class, and the teacher is shouting in front on my face saying "You are messing with kids if you do the separation of toys for boys and dolls for girls thing!!". Okay. I got you. Now stop shouting.
That particular part just annoyed the heck out of me. Sorry, book.
It had a meet-cute in front of a book store. So as a book lover, I gave props for that. Although the ending was very, truly abrupt.
“See your disappointments as good fortune. One plan's deflation is another's inflation.” ~Jean Cocteau, Diary of an Unknown
After a disappointing Christmas last year, Colin, of 'A Trip to Remember' by Meg Harding, is really looking forward to being with his family this year. Unfortunately the weather isn't cooperating. There's a blizzard raging outside and Colin's emotions go from disappointed to angry and determined. Since his flight is grounded, but Colin is not going to let anything stop him from seeing his family, he decides to try to drive there instead of flying. One way or the other, this will be a trip to remember.
As soon as Colin steps outside, he begins to question his judgement, but forges ahead. He digs his car out and drives off. Colin comes face-to-face with just how treacherous road conditions are. The next thing Colin knows, he's spinning out of control. When the spinning stops, he ends up in a ditch injured and bleeding. Colin knows he can't stay there or he will freeze, so he starts walking. He finally finds a home. With the last of his strength, Colin struggles up the driveway. Colin knocks and the door opens just as his world goes black.
When Colin opens his eyes he's inside. The owner of the house has taken measures to help Colin warm up, but isn't too sympathetic about Colin's reason for walking out in a blizzard. When Colin finally asks what his name is he tells him: “It's Logan, and yours? I've been calling your Popsicle in my head.” As time goes by, Colin is still pouting about his condition and his spoiled trip and sounds a bit ungrateful. But Logan's family was suppose to come be with him for Christmas and couldn't either. Logan's intent is not to play nursemaid to Colin, but he turns out to be pathetically bad at taking care of himself so Logan takes over. As Colin begins to feel better, their verbal interaction turns from harsh to teasing with some sexual innuendos mixed in. Christmas isn't anything like they are expecting, but it's an experience nonetheless.
Even though their relationship progressed obscenely fast, it worked. I loved the way Logan didn't let Colin get away with feeling sorry for himself and how he kept reminding Colin that he wasn't the only one who was in the situation of not being with family. I loved their banter back and forth which took different forms from strict “judgement”, to lectures about common sense and priorities, to an understanding, emotional flow. If you like stories with handsome men, screwed-up plans, and having a great Christmas although it wasn't one either man expected, you may enjoy this holiday read. Thanks, Meg! It's a great story.
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