What do you think?
Rate this book
Eight Days
This edition is no longer available. Story is now bundled with In Another Life.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar collection Evergreen.
Maccabe Fried and Josh Segal have nothing in common, but they’ve been friends forever. Maccabe is an athlete with dreams of playing professional baseball. Josh is a good student with dreams of being with Maccabe. Then both dreams come true.
Maccabe and Josh fall into a passionate long-distance romance, and after years of hiding from the world, Josh wants to bring their relationship into the open. When Maccabe refuses, Josh is faced with a tough decision: stay with the man he loves or live the life he deserves. Somebody's bound to get hurt, but in the season of miracles, there's always hope for a happy ending.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar collection Evergreen.
Maccabe Fried and Josh Segal have nothing in common, but they’ve been friends forever. Maccabe is an athlete with dreams of playing professional baseball. Josh is a good student with dreams of being with Maccabe. Then both dreams come true.
Maccabe and Josh fall into a passionate long-distance romance, and after years of hiding from the world, Josh wants to bring their relationship into the open. When Maccabe refuses, Josh is faced with a tough decision: stay with the man he loves or live the life he deserves. Somebody's bound to get hurt, but in the season of miracles, there's always hope for a happy ending.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Cardeno C.
70 books2,383 followersCardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 10, 2014
Written December 9, 2014
3 1/2 Stars - An amusing years go by story about eight different holiday days..
- -
Eight Days is a short holiday (Hanukkah) novella (1:45 hrs) narrated by Jeff Gelder. (My second "xmas story" narrated by Mr Gelder this last week. )
***********************************************************
Maccabe Fried and Josh Segal have been friends forever, their familys are best friends and every year are they all celebrating the Hanukkah holidays together. Maccabe always get a snow globe for Josh and so one years there are more too it.
Maccabe want to be an professional baseball player. Josh has dreams of being with Maccabe. In some parts both dreams come true to start with...
***********************************************************
This shortie started really well but unfortunately did I feel it dropped a bit of credibility towards after a while. It became a bit too unrealistic and actually quite silly. But finally it all worked out in a neat credible way and we got a nice end.
Anyway, this was very funny told, as much a fun romantic comedy a sweet romantic romance, quickly read or listened on, and this narrator did his part excellent.
I LIKE - fun and sweet
3 1/2 Stars - An amusing years go by story about eight different holiday days..
- - Eight Days is a short holiday (Hanukkah) novella (1:45 hrs) narrated by Jeff Gelder. (My second "xmas story" narrated by Mr Gelder this last week. )
***********************************************************
Maccabe Fried and Josh Segal have been friends forever, their familys are best friends and every year are they all celebrating the Hanukkah holidays together. Maccabe always get a snow globe for Josh and so one years there are more too it.
Maccabe want to be an professional baseball player. Josh has dreams of being with Maccabe. In some parts both dreams come true to start with...
***********************************************************
This shortie started really well but unfortunately did I feel it dropped a bit of credibility towards after a while. It became a bit too unrealistic and actually quite silly. But finally it all worked out in a neat credible way and we got a nice end.
Anyway, this was very funny told, as much a fun romantic comedy a sweet romantic romance, quickly read or listened on, and this narrator did his part excellent.
I LIKE - fun and sweet
December 21, 2012
3.5
This was an interesting and pretty sweet holiday story. It had a different sort of structure to it with it being based around the eight days of Hanukkah but spread over a few years. There was quite a bit of lost information but I did get a good feel for the characters and while for the most part they were very likeable I was at times frustrated with Maccabe who was tremendously self-centered for long chunks of the story.
Still, this had some pretty sweet moments and I really enjoy the friends to lovers trope.
This was an interesting and pretty sweet holiday story. It had a different sort of structure to it with it being based around the eight days of Hanukkah but spread over a few years. There was quite a bit of lost information but I did get a good feel for the characters and while for the most part they were very likeable I was at times frustrated with Maccabe who was tremendously self-centered for long chunks of the story.
Still, this had some pretty sweet moments and I really enjoy the friends to lovers trope.
April 22, 2013
3.65*
I enjoy the friends to lovers trope and I enjoyed this one a lot, it had a 'real' feel to it, in the sense that Maccabe was sort of dense in what he was saying and doing and not picking up on Josh's cues.
Josh needed to be clearer, but that's how young love an feelings are, all encompassing and not quite clear and rational.
The seven year jump was a little jarring, I couldn't believe that the fact that Josh had disappeared from all their lives didn't come up or that Maccabe didn't figure it out sooner, and the jump at the end was a surprise, but all in all a very sweet holiday story.
I enjoy the friends to lovers trope and I enjoyed this one a lot, it had a 'real' feel to it, in the sense that Maccabe was sort of dense in what he was saying and doing and not picking up on Josh's cues.
Josh needed to be clearer, but that's how young love an feelings are, all encompassing and not quite clear and rational.
The seven year jump was a little jarring, I couldn't believe that the fact that Josh had disappeared from all their lives didn't come up or that Maccabe didn't figure it out sooner, and the jump at the end was a surprise, but all in all a very sweet holiday story.
December 4, 2012
4.5 stars
Beautifully sweet without giving toothache. These two Jewish kids who grew up together (perhaps even from their mothers' wombs since their parents had been friends before they were born) were in love with each other, but only one, Josh, was ready to come out. The other, Maccabe, was not sure if he was 'gay' (he's not, he said. Later, he called himself Josh-sexual).
Too bad this is a short novella. Although, on the second thought, if this were a full-length novel, it'd be too angsty for me :-)
Interestingly, in some part I felt as if I was reading a Mary Calmes' book. What with the rapid response and back and forth dialogues between the characters...
The title, of course, refers to the Eight Days of Hannukah...
Beautifully sweet without giving toothache. These two Jewish kids who grew up together (perhaps even from their mothers' wombs since their parents had been friends before they were born) were in love with each other, but only one, Josh, was ready to come out. The other, Maccabe, was not sure if he was 'gay' (he's not, he said. Later, he called himself Josh-sexual).
Too bad this is a short novella. Although, on the second thought, if this were a full-length novel, it'd be too angsty for me :-)
Interestingly, in some part I felt as if I was reading a Mary Calmes' book. What with the rapid response and back and forth dialogues between the characters...
The title, of course, refers to the Eight Days of Hannukah...
December 5, 2012
I enjoyed the story and really liked Josh and Maccabe. The only thing that took away from the enjoyment was how the story jumped timewise. Other than that, a sweet story.
December 10, 2012
3.5 This was a really lovely story with fairly likable characters & quick, witty dialogue. I don't mind flash forwards, but seven years is quite a jump. I felt like the missing years combined with Josh's behavior felt a bit odd. This was enjoyable as a short, but I'd have preferred it at novel length. As for as Maccabe,
December 1, 2012
I really liked the premise of this story. I really liked the way it was told and I loved the guys, even though Maccabe was truly lacking in a few brain cells as a youngster. I don't like time jumping and I understand that this was meant to be a short, but with everything that was happening, I feel like a great novel length story could have been told. I would have loved this one to be longer.
December 15, 2012
Eight Days is a beautiful love story of friendship, acceptance and how the holidays brings families together.
Maccabe and Josh have known each other since birth and have been best friends ever since they remember. They have shared vacations, family dinners and everything in between. Maccabe's world revolves around baseball and not much else matters, except his family and friendship with Josh. Josh keeps mostly to himself. He is shy, enjoys building with Legos and is not interested in sports. But he loves Maccabe and he will do almost anything for him - even play video games.
One night, before dinner at Josh's house everything changes. Suddenly, Maccabe is noticing things about his friend that he hadn't before, he doesn't trust himself around his best friend anymore and rather than risk his friendship with Josh, he starts to keep his distance. Until a fateful night brings them together again and they start exploring this attraction between them.
What follows is an interesting set of events that will determine if they will continue being together or not. Is their friendship and new-found attraction ruined or will they be able to salvage it before it's too late?
I loved this story so much! The writing was excellent with the right mixture of humor, emotion and chemistry thrown in to keep my interest. Just what I have come to expect from Cardeno C. I even enjoyed the way the story was told. It jumped from event to event following the eight days of the Hanukkah celebration. Very creative of Cardeno C. The author managed to pack a great deal of story in just a few pages while keeping me entertained and well informed. Well done indeed!
The characters were both adorable and very easy to relate to. I enjoyed the familiarity of their interactions it really showcased the bond these two shared. I loved Maccabe's voice, even if he was clueless most of the time and I kept wanting to shake some sense into him. In truth, that's what really endeared him to me. He was so a strong, big baseball player, but when it came to Josh he was a goner. What's not to love?
And Josh is not far behind. I loved him to pieces. He was so honest and determined to be himself that he walked away from what meant the most to him - his family and Maccabe. I had to admire him for that but I also wanted to shelter him from the disappointment and pain he was feeling.
In the end, I was misty eyed when they finally came together and even found myself smiling even after I finished reading it. I also found the details included about the Hanukkah celebration very interesting to read. Every detail Cardeno C brought to the page regarding the celebration added to my enjoyment of the story. It made it seem much more real and like I was a part of it too. I ended up doing a bit of research about Hanukkah it because I wanted to learn more about it.
All in all, Eight Days is a short, wonderful holiday read that left me wanting more of Maccabe and Josh's story.
I received this title through Manic Readers and would like to thank them and Dreamspinner Press for the oportunity to read and review this short story in exchange of my honest opinion.
Maccabe and Josh have known each other since birth and have been best friends ever since they remember. They have shared vacations, family dinners and everything in between. Maccabe's world revolves around baseball and not much else matters, except his family and friendship with Josh. Josh keeps mostly to himself. He is shy, enjoys building with Legos and is not interested in sports. But he loves Maccabe and he will do almost anything for him - even play video games.
One night, before dinner at Josh's house everything changes. Suddenly, Maccabe is noticing things about his friend that he hadn't before, he doesn't trust himself around his best friend anymore and rather than risk his friendship with Josh, he starts to keep his distance. Until a fateful night brings them together again and they start exploring this attraction between them.
What follows is an interesting set of events that will determine if they will continue being together or not. Is their friendship and new-found attraction ruined or will they be able to salvage it before it's too late?
I loved this story so much! The writing was excellent with the right mixture of humor, emotion and chemistry thrown in to keep my interest. Just what I have come to expect from Cardeno C. I even enjoyed the way the story was told. It jumped from event to event following the eight days of the Hanukkah celebration. Very creative of Cardeno C. The author managed to pack a great deal of story in just a few pages while keeping me entertained and well informed. Well done indeed!
The characters were both adorable and very easy to relate to. I enjoyed the familiarity of their interactions it really showcased the bond these two shared. I loved Maccabe's voice, even if he was clueless most of the time and I kept wanting to shake some sense into him. In truth, that's what really endeared him to me. He was so a strong, big baseball player, but when it came to Josh he was a goner. What's not to love?
And Josh is not far behind. I loved him to pieces. He was so honest and determined to be himself that he walked away from what meant the most to him - his family and Maccabe. I had to admire him for that but I also wanted to shelter him from the disappointment and pain he was feeling.
In the end, I was misty eyed when they finally came together and even found myself smiling even after I finished reading it. I also found the details included about the Hanukkah celebration very interesting to read. Every detail Cardeno C brought to the page regarding the celebration added to my enjoyment of the story. It made it seem much more real and like I was a part of it too. I ended up doing a bit of research about Hanukkah it because I wanted to learn more about it.
All in all, Eight Days is a short, wonderful holiday read that left me wanting more of Maccabe and Josh's story.
I received this title through Manic Readers and would like to thank them and Dreamspinner Press for the oportunity to read and review this short story in exchange of my honest opinion.
July 18, 2015
Hiding who we really are, or parts of us we don't like, is not exactly an unknown concept to most people. People are in the closet for all kinds of reasons, and with varying degrees of determination. Maccabe, a macho baseball player, must be one of the most thorough, stubborn, and short-sighted guys to hide in the closet ever. 'Eight Days' is the story of his growing up, and finally realizing what is really important, and it's a painful one to read. Or at least, it was for me.
Maccabe really isn’t the brightest bulb on the chandelier. He doesn’t get interpersonal relationships, isn’t into figuring out what he wants beyond a career in baseball, and when Josh gets too emotional, he just figures that’s Josh and leaves it at that. A relationship is so far beyond what he thinks about, it might as well be on a different planet. Annoying? Yes. Very! Realistic? Absolutely. I know people who don’t have a clue, exactly like Maccabe, and most of them wake up one day and realize what they're missing. Maccabe takes a bit longer to get there – but when he does? Hold on to your hearts!
Josh is a great guy, a loyal best friend, and hopelessly in love with Maccabe ever since he figured out what those feelings of deep friendship actually are. He desperately tries to communicate his needs to Maccabe, but the man is oblivious. When Josh can’t take it anymore he leaves – without a trace. The only problem is that he cannot run away form his feelings, which just shows how deeply in love he really is.
The two men struggle to find happiness in the context of their families, who are close friends, and this 'forces' them back together again year after year. I loved the concept of following the eight days of Hanukah, except they are spread out over years in this novella. It gave the story an easy-to-follow red thread and while the theme wasn't overly religious, it did set the tone. Neither Maccabe nor Josh are particularly traditional, but their beliefs are definitely part of who they are. Nicely done!
If you like stories with 'stupid' characters (well, at least one of them) learning to see the light, if 'gay for one person' is a concept you like or are curious about, and if you’re looking for a somewhat angsty read with a great deal of emotion and a very happy end, then you will probably like this short book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Maccabe really isn’t the brightest bulb on the chandelier. He doesn’t get interpersonal relationships, isn’t into figuring out what he wants beyond a career in baseball, and when Josh gets too emotional, he just figures that’s Josh and leaves it at that. A relationship is so far beyond what he thinks about, it might as well be on a different planet. Annoying? Yes. Very! Realistic? Absolutely. I know people who don’t have a clue, exactly like Maccabe, and most of them wake up one day and realize what they're missing. Maccabe takes a bit longer to get there – but when he does? Hold on to your hearts!
Josh is a great guy, a loyal best friend, and hopelessly in love with Maccabe ever since he figured out what those feelings of deep friendship actually are. He desperately tries to communicate his needs to Maccabe, but the man is oblivious. When Josh can’t take it anymore he leaves – without a trace. The only problem is that he cannot run away form his feelings, which just shows how deeply in love he really is.
The two men struggle to find happiness in the context of their families, who are close friends, and this 'forces' them back together again year after year. I loved the concept of following the eight days of Hanukah, except they are spread out over years in this novella. It gave the story an easy-to-follow red thread and while the theme wasn't overly religious, it did set the tone. Neither Maccabe nor Josh are particularly traditional, but their beliefs are definitely part of who they are. Nicely done!
If you like stories with 'stupid' characters (well, at least one of them) learning to see the light, if 'gay for one person' is a concept you like or are curious about, and if you’re looking for a somewhat angsty read with a great deal of emotion and a very happy end, then you will probably like this short book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
December 2, 2012
It's not a secret that I adore this author's work. And Eight Days is just another to add to my list of favorites.
Maccabe and Josh are extremely lovable. They grew up together, spent family vacations and holidays together. Maccabe is focused on making the big leagues (baseball, for those of you who don't know) and is certain that if anyone finds out about his relationship with Josh, his career will be over. He's so focused on baseball and himself that he misses what was right in front of him. Josh is the more passive of the two. He wants Maccabe, loves Maccabe, but he doesn't want to spend his life in the closet, especially around his own family.
That's where the conflict of this story plays out. To come out to their families or not. It's an argument the two have often...until it ends their relationship. Both Maccabe and Josh are to blame, their lack of communication and selfishness play a big role in the events that lead to the demise of what once was.
The structure of this story is, as always, creative and captivating. The story plays out over the eight days of Hanukkah, each day a chapter, over a period of several years showing the progression of not only the relationship between Josh and Maccabe, but also the progression of their characters.
I adore that this story takes place during Hanukkah. The play of family and tradition is charming and heartfelt.
A little secret for those of you who don't know...This story was inspired by the song "White Flag" by Dido. Now when I listen to that song, I can see Maccabe and Josh's story.
This is heartwarming story of love, forgiveness, and growing up. This is the first Advent story I've read for this holiday season, and what a story to begin with. I highly recommend it to those who love sweet love stories, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, and wonderful holiday romance.
Maccabe and Josh are extremely lovable. They grew up together, spent family vacations and holidays together. Maccabe is focused on making the big leagues (baseball, for those of you who don't know) and is certain that if anyone finds out about his relationship with Josh, his career will be over. He's so focused on baseball and himself that he misses what was right in front of him. Josh is the more passive of the two. He wants Maccabe, loves Maccabe, but he doesn't want to spend his life in the closet, especially around his own family.
That's where the conflict of this story plays out. To come out to their families or not. It's an argument the two have often...until it ends their relationship. Both Maccabe and Josh are to blame, their lack of communication and selfishness play a big role in the events that lead to the demise of what once was.
The structure of this story is, as always, creative and captivating. The story plays out over the eight days of Hanukkah, each day a chapter, over a period of several years showing the progression of not only the relationship between Josh and Maccabe, but also the progression of their characters.
I adore that this story takes place during Hanukkah. The play of family and tradition is charming and heartfelt.
A little secret for those of you who don't know...This story was inspired by the song "White Flag" by Dido. Now when I listen to that song, I can see Maccabe and Josh's story.
This is heartwarming story of love, forgiveness, and growing up. This is the first Advent story I've read for this holiday season, and what a story to begin with. I highly recommend it to those who love sweet love stories, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, and wonderful holiday romance.
May 7, 2014
3.5 Stars rounded up
Nice enough story. This was definitely a novella that needed more length as the end was a bit rushed and I wanted to see more resolution play out.
I loved Josh, liked Maccabe. I wanted to swat Maccabe a few times, young or not, but he came good.
Another friends to lovers, family oriented read set around Hanukkah, which I think is a nice change.
A sweet and easy comfort read from Cardeno C.
Nice enough story. This was definitely a novella that needed more length as the end was a bit rushed and I wanted to see more resolution play out.
I loved Josh, liked Maccabe. I wanted to swat Maccabe a few times, young or not, but he came good.
Another friends to lovers, family oriented read set around Hanukkah, which I think is a nice change.
A sweet and easy comfort read from Cardeno C.
December 1, 2012
Overall a nice story. Two niggles: For me the whole baseball stuff was unbalanced - for all the importance it had in Maccabe's life in the beginning, suddenly it totally vanished. The jump between 7th and 8th day was rather big/rushed.
December 8, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Josh and Maccabe have been best friends since birth although they really did not have that much in common. Josh was fairly bookish and in the high school band while Maccabe was a dumb jock. Their two families always celebrate Hanukkah together. Josh has always had a thing for Maccabe but Maccabe freaks out when he finds himself lusting for Josh. The two guys have a long, secret affair until Josh wants to come out of the closet and Maccabe is afraid to ruin his baseball career. It finally dawns on the not overly bright Maccabe that he is indeed in love with Josh seven years later. I found all of the characters in this story to be totally enjoyable from the sweet Josh to the off the wall sisters. The closeness of the two families gave this wonderful short story depth and made it believable. Maccabe wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer but once he realized something, he pursued it relentlessly. I found the way the story was cut into the eight days to be extremely creative and let the author play with the time line. This playing with the time line that I enjoyed throughout most of the story totally confused me and ruined the HEA ending for me. I feel like too much time had been jumped between day seven and eight. I still recommend this wonderful, quirky short story but think that it would have made a much better novella.
Josh and Maccabe have been best friends since birth although they really did not have that much in common. Josh was fairly bookish and in the high school band while Maccabe was a dumb jock. Their two families always celebrate Hanukkah together. Josh has always had a thing for Maccabe but Maccabe freaks out when he finds himself lusting for Josh. The two guys have a long, secret affair until Josh wants to come out of the closet and Maccabe is afraid to ruin his baseball career. It finally dawns on the not overly bright Maccabe that he is indeed in love with Josh seven years later. I found all of the characters in this story to be totally enjoyable from the sweet Josh to the off the wall sisters. The closeness of the two families gave this wonderful short story depth and made it believable. Maccabe wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer but once he realized something, he pursued it relentlessly. I found the way the story was cut into the eight days to be extremely creative and let the author play with the time line. This playing with the time line that I enjoyed throughout most of the story totally confused me and ruined the HEA ending for me. I feel like too much time had been jumped between day seven and eight. I still recommend this wonderful, quirky short story but think that it would have made a much better novella.
December 2, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. I liked that it was told over almost a decade of time. Maccabe - the jock - was a bit dense and very frustrating sometimes but it was a charming how oblivious he was. Josh - the nerd - was my favorite, although he was way too forgiving in my opinion. The story is sweet and surrounded around Hanukkah. I thought it was very clever how the author separated each time frame and connected it with the eight days of Hanukkah.
My only problem was the length. It really should have been longer - novella size at least - because there were huge chunks of time missing that I'd have liked to see. Also, I would have liked the conflict and resolution to be more developed, whereas in the story it is over and done with very fast. The last chapter, however, left me feeling like it didn't fit the story because a lot happened between the between the ending of the second to last chapter and the beginning of the last chapter that we don't know about so I was confused and questioned how it all happened and how they go to that point. Still, a very nice read. It left me with a smile and the warm and fuzzies.
My only problem was the length. It really should have been longer - novella size at least - because there were huge chunks of time missing that I'd have liked to see. Also, I would have liked the conflict and resolution to be more developed, whereas in the story it is over and done with very fast. The last chapter, however, left me feeling like it didn't fit the story because a lot happened between the between the ending of the second to last chapter and the beginning of the last chapter that we don't know about so I was confused and questioned how it all happened and how they go to that point. Still, a very nice read. It left me with a smile and the warm and fuzzies.
November 28, 2012
It's nice I'm starting to see gay romance (heck, any romance story) that is inclusive of other cultures than WASP.
Please see my complete review November 30, 2012, the day before Release Day. I'll be offering a copy of the book to one lucky commentor. http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review November 30, 2012, the day before Release Day. I'll be offering a copy of the book to one lucky commentor. http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
December 1, 2013
Not a Christmas story but a Hanukah one and even though it contained two somewhat exasperating at times guys and a prolonged misunderstanding that really could have been sorted out by a bloody good talk, its a Cardeno story and I do love my CC fixes! So despite it being a bit eye rolling at times I still enjoyed it loads.
December 9, 2014
I really hate long separations. I especially hate them when they are kinda weird.
This was pretty good aside from that. It made me happy and it made me sad and it made me want to strangle someone.
Overall very enjoyable.
This was pretty good aside from that. It made me happy and it made me sad and it made me want to strangle someone.
Overall very enjoyable.
November 24, 2014
Sweet 2nd Chance Romance.
November 30, 2014
This book transitions the lovers from teen years to late twenties. Maccabe is a jock. Josh is a nerd. Maccabe is a star baseball player and looks and acts super straight. Josh has long hair and his skinny and is not super straight looking. They stick together from childhood and start having sex in their late teens. Macabbe is a total top. Josh is a total bottom. Maccabe takes everything literally and doesn't look for deeper meaning like a stereotypical male. Josh is super sensitive to every word and reacts like a 12 year old girl. Josh takes a jewelry making class and wants to wear wear a pink button at middle school graduation. So it's a CHICK WITH A DICK story.
They have the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.(Surprise! I bet you didn't see that coming.) It is resolved and they have their HEA. It isn't a deep or comprehensive story. How is their HEA going to work out when Maccabee gets forced out of major league baseball for being gay? Who knows? The author didn't think that would be important. We don't know what Josh does for a living but he can only afford a ratty slum apartment. How is Josh going to react when Maccabe is paying for everything? Will they live together? Where will they live? Do they get married? They end up with a baby. How? No explanations.
It would have been nice of Cardeno to write a Hanukkah story with a normal gay couple and their families. Normal gay couples aren't Mr. Macho and Miss Prissy. Normal gay couples are not just all total tops and total bottoms; they are versatile (switching positions) and 30 percent don't engage in anal sex at all.
The most unbelievable part of it all is Maccabe has a Jewish mother who cannot bake a cookie "My mother never met a cookie she couldn't burn." "The sufganiyot look like charcoal, not food…" Weirder still is Maccabe's mom is the only Jewish mother not to inflict Jewish mother guilt upon her children.
If you like big strong men and wimpy weak women in traditional heterosexual roles turned into a M/M fantasy with no questions asked, you might like this.
They have the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.(Surprise! I bet you didn't see that coming.) It is resolved and they have their HEA. It isn't a deep or comprehensive story. How is their HEA going to work out when Maccabee gets forced out of major league baseball for being gay? Who knows? The author didn't think that would be important. We don't know what Josh does for a living but he can only afford a ratty slum apartment. How is Josh going to react when Maccabe is paying for everything? Will they live together? Where will they live? Do they get married? They end up with a baby. How? No explanations.
It would have been nice of Cardeno to write a Hanukkah story with a normal gay couple and their families. Normal gay couples aren't Mr. Macho and Miss Prissy. Normal gay couples are not just all total tops and total bottoms; they are versatile (switching positions) and 30 percent don't engage in anal sex at all.
The most unbelievable part of it all is Maccabe has a Jewish mother who cannot bake a cookie "My mother never met a cookie she couldn't burn." "The sufganiyot look like charcoal, not food…" Weirder still is Maccabe's mom is the only Jewish mother not to inflict Jewish mother guilt upon her children.
If you like big strong men and wimpy weak women in traditional heterosexual roles turned into a M/M fantasy with no questions asked, you might like this.
October 18, 2016
First off, I love that this holiday romance is centered on Hanukkah-there are nowhere near enough romances out there with this holiday focus. It provides an uncommon yet excellent way to pace the story, particularly since the first several days are not consecutive, but over the course of years instead. Second, I have to tell you that I adored Josh’s character-but Maccabe aggravated the heck out of me for a large chunk of the story. BUT, thank goodness this isn’t just a holiday romance-it’s a second chance one as well…one of my favorite tropes, particularly in the M/M romance genre.
Josh is so sweet and innocent as the story starts out, and I couldn’t help but feel so much for his character throughout the entire book. Maccabe came across as a typical jock to me, just one who’s not quite so sure about his sexuality. Once the two of them finally get together, it seems like everything is primarily physical-and that chemistry is phenomenal-but Maccabe’s insistence on keeping their relationship quiet drags things between them down and ultimately results in them breaking apart. The older they got, the more Maccabe’s attitude ticked me off-I don’t care if he was in professional sports or not.
But Maccabe mostly redeemed himself in my eyes seven years after they split at the family Hanukkah dinner…although the way he acted after his and Josh’s initial reunion when Jim…er…James…er…no…John shows up I thought was a bit much. Maccabe has an ego-a big one-and he knows it too, it’s the one thing that I wasn’t fond of about his character. I’m just glad that in the end, it’s not himself that he puts first.
4 stars for Eight Days, it’s a good M/M holiday romance-even with Maccabe’s annoying attitude. Recommended for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content (oh yes, that part-hot…very hot).
The audio narration for Eight Days was a perfect 5 stars-unique character voices, packed full of emotion when needed and it really drew me into the story even more so than reading the ebook. The narration actually made Maccabe’s character a bit more palatable for me, particularly in that dinner scene seven years later where it is plainly obvious from his tone and the emotions in his voice that he realizes what he should have known before everything went wrong. Excellent narration, it really made this story so much more for me than the printed version gave me.
Josh is so sweet and innocent as the story starts out, and I couldn’t help but feel so much for his character throughout the entire book. Maccabe came across as a typical jock to me, just one who’s not quite so sure about his sexuality. Once the two of them finally get together, it seems like everything is primarily physical-and that chemistry is phenomenal-but Maccabe’s insistence on keeping their relationship quiet drags things between them down and ultimately results in them breaking apart. The older they got, the more Maccabe’s attitude ticked me off-I don’t care if he was in professional sports or not.
But Maccabe mostly redeemed himself in my eyes seven years after they split at the family Hanukkah dinner…although the way he acted after his and Josh’s initial reunion when Jim…er…James…er…no…John shows up I thought was a bit much. Maccabe has an ego-a big one-and he knows it too, it’s the one thing that I wasn’t fond of about his character. I’m just glad that in the end, it’s not himself that he puts first.
4 stars for Eight Days, it’s a good M/M holiday romance-even with Maccabe’s annoying attitude. Recommended for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content (oh yes, that part-hot…very hot).
The audio narration for Eight Days was a perfect 5 stars-unique character voices, packed full of emotion when needed and it really drew me into the story even more so than reading the ebook. The narration actually made Maccabe’s character a bit more palatable for me, particularly in that dinner scene seven years later where it is plainly obvious from his tone and the emotions in his voice that he realizes what he should have known before everything went wrong. Excellent narration, it really made this story so much more for me than the printed version gave me.
December 1, 2012
This is a loose 3 stars. A sweet, fluffy, short holiday/ Hanukkah read - the 1st day of the Dreamspinner Press Evergreen Advent package.
I enjoyed it... for the most part.
Our narrator is Maccabe, a Jewish guy who is "Josh-sexual." LOL He's a jock, and a rather stereotypically clueless one at that, but I have to give him credit for the fact that he *did* notice the small things. The snow globe gift tradition was super sweet, and I liked the part when he was describing all the little things that made him think of Josh, like cheesy tourist t-shirts at airports and Reese Cups.
Josh, one of Maccabe's oldest family friends, is adorable, and even though his father was a rat bastard after he , what he did took guts - it's just unfortunate that the result was distance from his family. I did wonder what he was doing in that seven year gap between the past and present to end up in such a shitty apartment, though. He was studying to become an architect and we never learn anything about that, which bugged me.
The only scene in this book that didn't work for me was when Maccabe . HOWEVER, he clearly matured during that time in terms of self-acceptance, if not attitude, and realizes what really matters.
I also liked the ending. :-)
I enjoyed it... for the most part.
Our narrator is Maccabe, a Jewish guy who is "Josh-sexual." LOL He's a jock, and a rather stereotypically clueless one at that, but I have to give him credit for the fact that he *did* notice the small things. The snow globe gift tradition was super sweet, and I liked the part when he was describing all the little things that made him think of Josh, like cheesy tourist t-shirts at airports and Reese Cups.
Josh, one of Maccabe's oldest family friends, is adorable, and even though his father was a rat bastard after he , what he did took guts - it's just unfortunate that the result was distance from his family. I did wonder what he was doing in that seven year gap between the past and present to end up in such a shitty apartment, though. He was studying to become an architect and we never learn anything about that, which bugged me.
The only scene in this book that didn't work for me was when Maccabe . HOWEVER, he clearly matured during that time in terms of self-acceptance, if not attitude, and realizes what really matters.
I also liked the ending. :-)
December 14, 2012
Maccabe ruined this story for me.
I do not even know where to start. I bought few stories from Dreamspinner's Advent Calendar this year and this one was one of them. I am not impressed. To me flawed character as Maccabe needed to have some kind of the character development. Hopefully his character arc would have showed his development for the better, but either way would have been fine by me, really.
Instead we have him behaving as ego centric spoiled jerk over and over again and then he has, what? A revelation?
Only this revelation does not make him any kind of better person. He starts to act as even more like egoistic, spoiled jerk IMO only now he decides that he has some kind of right to behave as he did.
Big timeline jump does not help at all.
I get that this story is short, but to me the characters needed a novel, because they had a HUGE road to go in front of them and short story did not do them justice at all.
It left me frustrated and unhappy.
I do not even know where to start. I bought few stories from Dreamspinner's Advent Calendar this year and this one was one of them. I am not impressed. To me flawed character as Maccabe needed to have some kind of the character development. Hopefully his character arc would have showed his development for the better, but either way would have been fine by me, really.
Instead we have him behaving as ego centric spoiled jerk over and over again and then he has, what? A revelation?
Only this revelation does not make him any kind of better person. He starts to act as even more like egoistic, spoiled jerk IMO only now he decides that he has some kind of right to behave as he did.
Big timeline jump does not help at all.
I get that this story is short, but to me the characters needed a novel, because they had a HUGE road to go in front of them and short story did not do them justice at all.
It left me frustrated and unhappy.
August 31, 2016
Overall book rating: 3 Stars
Audio Book:N/A
Book Cover: 2
I Love Cardeno C...but I didn’t love or even LIKE Maccabe Fried. There was just nothing to like about him except his name. I liked his name and that’s about it. Oh and maybe he can get a point or two for eventually “fixing” the thing between Josh and his dad/family .
Josh was just the sweetest guy. Him I liked. And to be honest, and I know I sound like a sour face here but really?, I feel that Josh deserved so much better than Maccabe. I was so saddened that he spent seven years of his life on someone like that.
So instead of getting a warm feeling after reading this I just wish that poor Josh got a better deal. I know it’s a very short read, and there wasn’t really time to evolve the characters, but that’s just how I feel.
Audio Book:N/A
Book Cover: 2
I Love Cardeno C...but I didn’t love or even LIKE Maccabe Fried. There was just nothing to like about him except his name. I liked his name and that’s about it. Oh and maybe he can get a point or two for eventually “fixing” the thing between Josh and his dad/family .
Josh was just the sweetest guy. Him I liked. And to be honest, and I know I sound like a sour face here but really?, I feel that Josh deserved so much better than Maccabe. I was so saddened that he spent seven years of his life on someone like that.
So instead of getting a warm feeling after reading this I just wish that poor Josh got a better deal. I know it’s a very short read, and there wasn’t really time to evolve the characters, but that’s just how I feel.
December 8, 2014
Oh Cardeno C. no one puts the feelz into a story quite like you do. It's Hanukkah and Maccabe and Josh have been friends for years their families are close and they have seen each other through many a holiday but as things often do this year they change. Eight days is a reflection through Macabe's eyes of the 8 days that defined and shaped his relationship with Josh and brought them to the inevitable conclusion. I loved this story and I was totally enchanted with Maccabe in all his flawed glory. It was wonderful and these two men are simply adorable together.
Simply put it was warm, sweet, wonderful, magical and everything a holiday story should be.
3.5 stars rounded up for GR.
Simply put it was warm, sweet, wonderful, magical and everything a holiday story should be.
3.5 stars rounded up for GR.
June 14, 2014
Cute holiday friends to lovers story told over the 8 days of Hanukkah with time jumps between each day. An unusual way to structure a story but it worked for me. I also liked the way the story was told by Mccabe as though he's recounting the story of how he got his HEA with Josh, so he would make funny comments about the often stupid choices he made. Another good story from Cardeno C!
Also, an observation: this is the fifth Hanukkah story I've read since I started reading m/m romances about a year and a half ago. I read m/f romance for 20 years and I don't think I ever read one!
Also, an observation: this is the fifth Hanukkah story I've read since I started reading m/m romances about a year and a half ago. I read m/f romance for 20 years and I don't think I ever read one!
December 10, 2012
Aw, this was so darn sweet!!
But I do really wish that there was more... It kinda just skipped and I really wished we'd seen what lead to certain parts or what certain reactions were... you'll see when you read, but I LOVE Cardeno C and this didn't diminish anything from my loving Cardeno's books.
But I do really wish that there was more... It kinda just skipped and I really wished we'd seen what lead to certain parts or what certain reactions were... you'll see when you read, but I LOVE Cardeno C and this didn't diminish anything from my loving Cardeno's books.
December 7, 2012
Wonderful, heartwarming story destined to become a holiday favorite.
Read my review of this wonderful story on 12/7/2012 at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
April 19, 2014
short and sweet
June 18, 2013
Wish it was longer but liked it.
March 12, 2022
This is a short and heartwarming, but slightly frustrating, Jewish romance told in eight vignettes. BFFs Josh and Maccabe have always spent combined family Jewish holidays together. As they grow and develop feelings for each other, Maccabe pulls away and goes on to have a successful but closeted baseball career. Josh comes out and becomes estranged from them all until Maccabe finally comes to his senses. Time passes between each of the eight vignettes, the longest being 7 long years and I felt really sad the two wasted so much time apart. Josh, understandably, can’t be with someone who won’t recognise their own feelings or make them public. Maccabe frustrated me - he’s not a sympathetic thinker - in some ways he has a very simplistic life view and expects the world and people around him to shift to accomodate him and they do in most cases, it’s what probably makes him a successful athlete. His character doesn’t detract from the story - quite the opposite - there are definitely successful people like him around and I think Cardeno C captured him and the other characters well. Audio narrator Nick J Russo brings his usual big heart to this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews