Sleigh Ride

Maybe it's the season, maybe it's my mood or maybe it's that Heidi Cullinan is a sorceress in any case I loved this book and in spite of the harsh winters I'm considering moving to Logan.

Arthur Anderson isn't looking for a relationship and much less if it comes in the form of Gabriel Higgins the town librarian. Gabriel is tall, lanky, wears glasses, has numerous degrees, has curly longish hair, reserved to the point of seeming standoffish and definitely doesn't like anything about about Arthur. Arthur who is a bearded, red headed, stocky, bearish, shorter and seemingly oafish. And yet they are yin and yang, they key to the others lock and the only way they discover this is through the good offices of the most fabulous character I've come across in a long time, Corrina Anderson. (more on her later)

I loved being privy to Arthur's inner monologue which was alternately funny in the way he skewers inane things with common sense, poignant in how he thinks and cares about Thomas, and self reflective as he comes to care about Gabriel and wants to be the man he needs and wants.

Gabriel with his shame, self doubt and hurt after having experienced many different forms of rejection is, sadly, a more familiar character in M/M romances but no less endearing and lovable. He's also brave and heroic in unconventional ways.

However plain, everyday, small town Arthur is a true gem. I fell in love with him. Arthur shows love by taking care of those he loves with big gestures marriage proposal dressed as Santa on Main St. or by fixing your broken appliances. He can be bossy or dom-like if that's what Gabriel needs without fancy (sometimes fantastical) playrooms or a bunch of expensive toys. He is always who he is: a small town logger and mister-fix-it, hanging on to middle class with both hands. Those are the true unsung heroes of love.

Although the relationship develops pretty quickly it feels true and organic and I totally believed in the love between Arthur and Gabriel. They are adult men who are finally able to acknowledge and embrace dreams they'd kept at bay or never allowed themselves to have because they have found a home in each other and it's a beautiful thing.

And OMG Corrina Anderson!!! I want to move to Logan and become her best friend. When Corrina is on your side your life is bound to be better.