Santa Baby by Heidi Cullinan
Series: Minnesota Christmas, #4
Romance Contemporary/MM
November 8, 2016
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.

Hold Me Down by Shari Slade
Series: Devil’s Host MC, #4
Dark Romance Suspense
November 29, 2016
Grade: B

Shari Slade’s fourth and final installment takes us back into the Devil’s Host MC. Noah enforcer for the MC and Star, a waitress with a debt over her head, are waiting to see if the MC will help rescue Noah’s sister from a rival MC. Noah needs Star more than ever now-she is the only one who knows the other MC and who’s behind the kidnapping.  These edgy, suspenseful, erotic little niblets are an action-packed surprise that gives readers a decadent taste of the dark side of Motorcycle Clubs and the bikers who give their undying loyalty to this brotherhood. Emotionally stronger this round, Noah and Star have both grown considerably. The intense sexual chemistry blends well with the connection this couple has forged. Noah’s influence on Star has peeled away the fear and shame and a warrior is born. Slade wraps up the conflict and settles the romance perfectly though she leaves enough open to allow her to revisit this serial if she so chooses.

Hunt the Dawn by Abbie Roads
Series: Fatal Dreams, #2
Romance Suspense
December 6, 2016
Grade: DNF

As with book one, the trope is fated mate romance with strong paranormal and suspense elements. It can be read as a standalone though there are cameos from previous characters. I found the hero’s extrasensory ability quite unique but as with book one, it all reads very jumbled, disorganized, and the heroine is once again portrayed as a stereotypical victim. The rapid thought jumping and choppy dialogue, along with the incredulous plotline, left me confused and unimpressed. I got ½ way through and couldn’t do it anymore.