Genre: Hanukkah Romance
My Review - 5 Stars
This Hanukkah romance was amazing! So cute and fun and funny and gah I loved it so much. I completely bought into how Larissa and Yo’s relationship evolved over the course of 8 nights. This is a legit Hanukkah romance too: the traditions are front and center. Larissa and Yo argue about whether sour cream or applesauce is better for their latkes. I’ve heard about this argument before but I did not know how heated people could get over their preference and I got such a kick out of it. (For the record, I’d probably choose sour cream.)
Larissa and her neighbor Yo don’t get off to the best start when they first meet. But when she can’t find her menorah and he can’t find any candles, they decide to band together for one night and that leads to the next and suddenly they’re taking full advantage of not having work (for him) or school (for her) that week. Larissa is in grad school for bioethics and her studies were fascinating. And then I became fascinated by Yo’s fascination with bioethics and how he loved learning for the sake of learning but also for the sake of learning more about what matters to the people he cares about. Larissa tends to be more serious but we get to see her fun side, like her glee when it snows and how she interacts with her nieces and nephew.
Yo has been added to my Favorite Hero canon. He took her to the downtown public library and he bragged about the wingspan of his snow angels! Is he my dream man? Did he make me swoon repeatedly? Did he make me smile from his antics and from how fully and quickly he fell for Larissa? Absolutely on all counts. I also found his backstory to be refreshing. He used to be a douche player but reformed his ways and is really looking for someone to love. He’s also a hair dresser. It’s his family’s business but also something he loves. And he’s secure in his sexuality so he doesn’t mind if people assume he’s gay because of his profession. Just refreshing all around!
The side characters are no slouch either. I especially appreciated Larissa’s sister who writes erotic romance and loves to push the envelope. And Yo’s cousin was such a good friend to him. My heart bursts at the thought of them spending Hanukkah together for years to come.
I will for sure re-read this next year and I’m going to have fun exploring more by this author. This is the 6th book in a series but it's a standalone. Might as well go back to read book 1!
CW: none noted
Synopsis
It'll take a miracle for the two of them to last more than eight nights...
Larissa:
Hanukkah's never been my favorite holiday. In fact, I usually forget it's happening. This year though, despite nearly being killed by my tall drink of water new neighbor, I'm in the mood to celebrate. Only I can't seem to find my menorah...
Yo:
Hanukkah's one of my favorite holidays. I look forward to celebrating every December. This year could be more interesting than ever, when a gorgeous, curvy (and grumpy) woman moves in next door. Only I seem to have misplaced my candles...
Together these two opposites will light up the night.
If you love Hallmark movies, but sometimes wish the language was a tad saltier and the loves scenes, well, existed, then this funny, sweet, and sexy Hanukkah novella is for you.
Buy the book:
Amazon (affiliate link)
