Winter Wonderland

*Review also posted on BackPorchReader.com & GoodReads*3.5 StarsI was really looking forward to this third book in the Minnesota Christmas series. We didn’t get a whole lot of Paul in the other books, so he was a bit of an enigma and I was looking forward to his story.Kyle was a surprise to me as the love interest. I said it about the first book—that Heidi Cullinan has a way of smashing stereotypes; and she did it beautifully with the toppy-twink Kyle. I loved him! Part of his persona was an act based on the expectations of the townsfolk, but lots of it wasn’t. He was still figuring himself out, I think, but for the most part knew who he was and what he wanted. He's genuinely kind, giving, and full of love and caring for everyone in his life.And, well…while I really liked Kyle for him and overall liked the story, I don't feel like I fully connected with Paul. He was so quiet, his speaking parts were sparse, and we were rarely in his head. The story seemed to be mostly driven by Kyle, so felt slightly imbalanced.Even with my lack of connection to Paul, and desire to have more of him driving the story, I liked them together and loved the way Kyle wormed his way into Paul’s heart.Paul’s family was horrible and, as uncomfortable as they made me feel, I wanted a bit more about them for a more complete resolution. But I love families created by people who choose each other and families enlarged by graciously sweeping others into the fold. Paul has that…on both counts.This was a nice wrap-up to the Three Bears finding their own Goldicocks.I have a sneaking suspicion that there might be a continuation to the series in the year to come. Fingers crossed.

Final review for the series! I finished all three books in a day and enjoyed each one more than the last.The final book was both nostalgic and thought-provoking. The two characters, Paul and Kyle were so likable and I liked that they switched 'roles' a little bit (I've read too many stories where the one character is always the giver and the other is always the receiver based on physical appearance, and I am glad this one (or the series as a whole) at least doesn't follow that idea). Kyle and Paul are so cute together and have a much darker existence than the others mentioned in the prior books. I like that all of them appear in the various installations, at least in part.The nostalgia from this books comes from the fact that my father, like Paul, adores Hallmark movies, especially the Christmas ones. I recognized each title and remember watching them with my father, who DVRs these things and watches them with me every year, even if they are ridiculous. Paul wants that happy ending; my dad likes that happy bow-tie at the end, too.Kyle is the epitome of the person that many people want for their significant other. He's cute, has a job, adores his family, and is the perfect older brother to his sister, who needs special care. I loved seeing the two interact and sing Bloody Mary's signature song from South Pacific. I played the role in high school, so I was singing along with the two them in my head as I read. I also imagined Linda Kay singing Wash that Man Right Outta my Hair, since I could see the two of them performing that at some point if she likes South Pacific as much as the story implies. (Inferencing is good!)The story gives some thought provoking material, as well, not just the love story. The antagonists in this particular book are worse than the one in the second in that they were clear-headed and out to push their agenda. It's sad that this kind of stuff still happens when someone's beliefs are not the same as another's. I've seen the ugliness in the world, and I am glad the ugliness in this book is counteracted with love. We need more of that, everywhere.

Throughout the first two books of this series, one of the three bear characters was left behind--Paul, the seemingly submissive blond who was dumped by his long time bed buddy Arthur and tossed into the sparse rural Minnesota gay dating pool and sort of left behind.In this one we get to know Paul for the enigma he turns out to be--and we also get to meet his hyperkinetic, extremely talented, and all around wonderful suitor, Kyle. The off-the-wall opening chapter is just the beginning of the most developed, dynamic, and most doozy of the series.Sparked by that manipulative fairy godmother persona of Corinna Anderson (Arthur's mother), this one has as its behind-the-scenes theme all those syrupy and HEA Christmas movies to which Paul is unaccountably addicted. There is just too much goodness and competence in Kyle, however, for Paul to believe in--and sometimes, even the reader might be forced to raise an eyebrow at this young man's talents.But at the heart of the story are two extraordinary hearts--one which has been pierced by Cupid's arrow, the other who is doing everything he can to avoid getting shot.The seamless interaction of the characters from the first book, along with Kyle and Paul's totally opposite families, are knitted into a fine comforter by author Cullinan--much like Kyle does with his own needles and wool. The plot is a little out there but also very possible, and the ending--well, we don't need a sequel but maybe a short wrap-up story would be nice just so all of us can celebrate what likely follows this tale. Ho ho ho!

What a wonderful story. It can be read as a standalone, but I would advise you to read the previous two in the series. Frankie and Marcus are here, as are Arthur and Gabriel, but this is Paul's and Kyle's book. I absolutely loved the story of how Paul and Kyle got together, and how Paul came to realise that he did deserve a happy ending.Paul is lonely, his friends are coupled and loved up, and he desperately wants the same, he just can't see it happening. His bigoted and homophobic family have belittled and picked away at him over the years so he feels ashamed and unworthy. Along comes Kyle, with his snow penises ( and a little help from Corrina, Arthur's mum), and the rest, as they say, is history.This book demonstrates what Ms Cullinan does best, she writes about emotion and vulnerabilities, real people with real problems and draws you in. My favourite parts of the book were when Paul and Kyle were together, the development of their relationship is written beautifully. I could've cried for Paul, he thinks so little of himself. All he wants is to be in a loving relationship and part of a loving family; when he smashed his family's hold over him, I nearly cheered out loud.This was my favourite book of the series, it was perhaps more serious than the others, however, there was actually very little angst present. It was touching, warm and fuzzy and left me smiling. Linda Kay, Kyle's sister and a tribute to a friend in Ms Cullinan's past, was a joy to read. l'm so sad it's the last in the series of the 'three bears'. Maybe we'll get Dale's story next year, and find out how Logan, and our heroes are doing. Pretty please, I'm really not ready to let this series go.

I liked these books very much. Typical romances with great characters, good but not complicated plots, and lovely endings. Now, Heidi, can we please have the Christmas special novella, with the update on the town, and the weddings.

Oh this third book in the series is just perfect. Baby bear gets his guy . I truly loved the entire series

Beautiful characters, beautiful setting, positive lives , endless loving and hope. This would make a fantastic Christmas movie as well.

a really great story