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Light My Candle #1
Spark
He’s not the one who got away—he’s the one I never had the guts to pursue.
Asher sees beyond my neurodivergence to treat me like any other person—he’s been my friend for twenty years because of it, not in spite of it. So what if my teenage crush on the stocky boy next door has only grown as we have? After he nearly kissed me at Thanksgiving… yeah, it’s back, there’s no denying.
The problem? Every time I think I can finally tell him how I feel, that little voice inside my head convinces me I’m reading the situation wrong—again.
There are eight nights of Chanukah, but I know I won’t get eight more chances to show Asher how much I truly love him. Can I overcome my insecurities before he writes this off as another missed connection?
Asher sees beyond my neurodivergence to treat me like any other person—he’s been my friend for twenty years because of it, not in spite of it. So what if my teenage crush on the stocky boy next door has only grown as we have? After he nearly kissed me at Thanksgiving… yeah, it’s back, there’s no denying.
The problem? Every time I think I can finally tell him how I feel, that little voice inside my head convinces me I’m reading the situation wrong—again.
There are eight nights of Chanukah, but I know I won’t get eight more chances to show Asher how much I truly love him. Can I overcome my insecurities before he writes this off as another missed connection?
Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 30, 2024
DNF. Rushed and forced story- Absolutely no chemistry. Couldn’t handle the “I’m so in love” just because I said so.
December 17, 2023
Spark by Allie Lasky
Hanukkah Novella Standalone (for now)
3.25 stars
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This will be a quick review for a quick book. Spark by Allie Lasky is a 120-page Hanukkah novella featuring a neurodivergent heroine and a bisexual hero.
Arielle is visiting her family in Chicago from Boston for Thanksgiving. Their whole neighborhood and all of their friends from Hebrew School are gathered at the local bar when she sees her crush, Asher Gold, walk in. He lives in Boston now too but they only see each other in Chicago when visiting their hometown.
Arielle is Neurodivergent, though they never come out and say, she seems to be on the spectrum; she is easily overstimulated, doesn’t always understand sarcasm, doesn’t like hugs, and is very smart and funny. Arielle and Asher have a pretty intense moment that night, one they have both wanted but they never had it timed right, until she burst out that she had a boyfriend and ran away.
Two weeks later, on the first night of Hanukkah, they run into each other in Boston and both of their friends step in to ensure this meeting doesn’t fail. The rest of the story takes place over the rest of the nights of Hanukkah.
“I want to be the person she calls when she needs to talk out her thoughts. I want to be the one she rants and vents to. I want to help her, support her, in any way she needs. Emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually… I want to love her.”
Likes:
•The Little Lion nickname.
•Lots of representation.
•Sweet hero who is not afraid to verbalize his feelings.
•Pretty hot sex scenes with toys.
•Having a hero who is bisexual but totally devoted to the heroine.
•Normalizing smoking Marijuana.
•Once they were together, they were very healthy in their communication.
•How open they both were sexually.
Dislikes:
•Needed more editing- I had no problem with a character using the they/them pronoun, but because they were part of a couple, I was often confused as to whether the author was referring to Elliott (singular) or Elliott and Yoni as a couple. The word “they” could have been replaced with his name to make the situation much clearer. There were too many pronouns in general though, I often had trouble figuring out who I was reading about.
•They both had pretty big friend groups both in Boston and Chicago, but it seemed like every single one of them was Jewish.
The Down & Dirty:
I loved the representation in Spark, both for neurodivergence and sexual identity. There was a good amount of sex in this story and it was different from the norm as well. These different situations were handled beautifully and I loved how it made the characters acknowledge how they need to communicate even more clearly than the average couple to maintain a healthy relationship. The editing in this story held me back from loving it. I had to go back and re-read often to clarify who the author was referring to which often took me out of the story.
Rating: 3.25 Stars, 4.25 Heat
Purchase Spark by Allie Lasky
See my Complete list of Hanukkah Novels for 2023
See my Complete list of books with Jewish Characters
December 1, 2024
⭐️💫
For twenty years, Asher had been more than a friend to Arielle—he was the one person who truly saw her for who she was, neurodivergence and all. Her teenage crush on the boy next door never faded; instead, it deepened as they grew older. After a near-kiss at Thanksgiving, her feelings resurfaced with a vengeance. Yet every time she tried to tell him, self-doubt crept in, convincing her she was misreading the situation. With only eight nights of Chanukah ahead, Arielle knew she had to face her insecurities and show Asher how much he meant to her—or risk losing him forever.
This book was a flop for me. There was no chemistry between the main characters, and the author's push for queer and neurodivergent representation was very forced. The story did not flow naturally, and it's missing lots of bits and pieces that might make it somewhat enjoyable.
I'm honestly glad that I got this book for free on Stuff Your Kindle because I think I'd be a little disappointed if I paid for it. The only positive I can think of was the accurate portrayal of Jewish culture.
For twenty years, Asher had been more than a friend to Arielle—he was the one person who truly saw her for who she was, neurodivergence and all. Her teenage crush on the boy next door never faded; instead, it deepened as they grew older. After a near-kiss at Thanksgiving, her feelings resurfaced with a vengeance. Yet every time she tried to tell him, self-doubt crept in, convincing her she was misreading the situation. With only eight nights of Chanukah ahead, Arielle knew she had to face her insecurities and show Asher how much he meant to her—or risk losing him forever.
This book was a flop for me. There was no chemistry between the main characters, and the author's push for queer and neurodivergent representation was very forced. The story did not flow naturally, and it's missing lots of bits and pieces that might make it somewhat enjoyable.
I'm honestly glad that I got this book for free on Stuff Your Kindle because I think I'd be a little disappointed if I paid for it. The only positive I can think of was the accurate portrayal of Jewish culture.
November 19, 2025
Sweet Holiday ( Hanukkah) romance Friends to Lovers
I liked this sweet romance Novella. There definitely was a spark between close friends since childhood Afielle and Asher. When they are home for the holidays, Asher starts to tell Arielle that he likes her and has since there were 13 ( they are now 26). She tells him she has a boyfriend.
When they next see eachother at their hometown for hannukah. Arielle tells Asher she's broken up with her boyfriend for him. Mix in a mrfly of friends and exes , a wedding and a lot of people rooting for them to be together. Its a sweet romance and a fairly quick 📚 read.
I deducted a star because there was a lack of depth of the relationship smd their feelings that I was hoping to see as the MCs revealed their feelings.
I liked this sweet romance Novella. There definitely was a spark between close friends since childhood Afielle and Asher. When they are home for the holidays, Asher starts to tell Arielle that he likes her and has since there were 13 ( they are now 26). She tells him she has a boyfriend.
When they next see eachother at their hometown for hannukah. Arielle tells Asher she's broken up with her boyfriend for him. Mix in a mrfly of friends and exes , a wedding and a lot of people rooting for them to be together. Its a sweet romance and a fairly quick 📚 read.
I deducted a star because there was a lack of depth of the relationship smd their feelings that I was hoping to see as the MCs revealed their feelings.
December 9, 2023
4.5
I've been reading a ton of quick Hanukkah romances and I have to say this one is top-tier. Asher and Arielle were adorable and I loved that they've known each other since childhood. Their end game was a journey but with the help of their meddling friends, they were able to finally admit their feelings for each other. Not only was this filled with Jewish characters, but there were also LGBTQ+ characters which was a great addition. I also didn't know this was going to be steamy and I was so here for it. This one was really cute!
I've been reading a ton of quick Hanukkah romances and I have to say this one is top-tier. Asher and Arielle were adorable and I loved that they've known each other since childhood. Their end game was a journey but with the help of their meddling friends, they were able to finally admit their feelings for each other. Not only was this filled with Jewish characters, but there were also LGBTQ+ characters which was a great addition. I also didn't know this was going to be steamy and I was so here for it. This one was really cute!
December 10, 2023
I have never read a Chanukah 🕎 Romance before and this was absolutely delightful to read!
I loved the representation of the culture and the Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities.
As a bisexual woman, it’s always nice to see a bisexual main character truly represented!
If you’re looking for a fun, cute af, and steamy holiday read, look no further!
I loved the representation of the culture and the Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities.
As a bisexual woman, it’s always nice to see a bisexual main character truly represented!
If you’re looking for a fun, cute af, and steamy holiday read, look no further!
December 5, 2024
This sparked (I’m sorry) my interest because of the Chanukah aspect, but ultimately, it just didn’t work for me.
The descriptions of Chanukah traditions and food were very interesting, but the story itself just wasn’t developed enough. Although I'm aware that romance novellas, and especially seasonally-themed ones, should be taken with a hefty dose of suspension of disbelief due to the page count and thus their instant-lusty feel, Spark failed for me because the opposite was the case: we were expected to believe that Arielle and Asher realized they were soulmates after ten years of pining. However, both characters pointed out repeatedly that they don't really hang out as adults and that they maybe see each other once or twice a year. I really didn’t believe their friendship, which obviously sank the whole “friends to lovers” premise.
The novella also had some of my major dealbreakers. First, the book itself and the characters obviously thought the MMC was a real mensch, but he didn’t come across as one at all. In fact, he came across as a bit obsessive, pushing and love-bombing Arielle and proclaiming his undying love before they even went on a date. He really needed to take several seats. Also, Arielle is supposed to be neurodivergent, but that seems to be included only so that it could provide a platform for Asher to, again, show how he can, basically, manage her, and really didn’t contribute anything else to the story. I did like some aspects of Asher’s character, such as his bisexuality, but the conversations around that weren’t included organically in the text; I felt like I was at a seminar where someone explained everything to me in the preachiest way possible. The dialogue didn’t flow naturally at all. And finally, one of my ultimate pet peeves: if you’re going to tease something that’s not par for the course in traditional MF romance, stick to it and show it on page. It seemed that we were going to get a delicious pegging scene, but in the end it was bupkis.
The descriptions of Chanukah traditions and food were very interesting, but the story itself just wasn’t developed enough. Although I'm aware that romance novellas, and especially seasonally-themed ones, should be taken with a hefty dose of suspension of disbelief due to the page count and thus their instant-lusty feel, Spark failed for me because the opposite was the case: we were expected to believe that Arielle and Asher realized they were soulmates after ten years of pining. However, both characters pointed out repeatedly that they don't really hang out as adults and that they maybe see each other once or twice a year. I really didn’t believe their friendship, which obviously sank the whole “friends to lovers” premise.
The novella also had some of my major dealbreakers. First, the book itself and the characters obviously thought the MMC was a real mensch, but he didn’t come across as one at all. In fact, he came across as a bit obsessive, pushing and love-bombing Arielle and proclaiming his undying love before they even went on a date. He really needed to take several seats. Also, Arielle is supposed to be neurodivergent, but that seems to be included only so that it could provide a platform for Asher to, again, show how he can, basically, manage her, and really didn’t contribute anything else to the story. I did like some aspects of Asher’s character, such as his bisexuality, but the conversations around that weren’t included organically in the text; I felt like I was at a seminar where someone explained everything to me in the preachiest way possible. The dialogue didn’t flow naturally at all. And finally, one of my ultimate pet peeves: if you’re going to tease something that’s not par for the course in traditional MF romance, stick to it and show it on page. It seemed that we were going to get a delicious pegging scene, but in the end it was bupkis.
November 22, 2023
This is my first book by Allie Lasky but certainly won’t be my last! This was a quick read about two childhood friends who always carried feelings for each other, but the timing was just never right. Finally with the help of a fun and very determined group of friends, the two lovers are able to comfortably express their feelings after all these years and the story takes place over the 8 nights of Hanukkah.
There’s a bit of miscommunication that derails the relationship but it is quickly remedied and done so in a way that brings the characters closer together, and acknowledges their need to be open and honest with each other, which I really appreciated.
There is some beautiful rep in here including gorgeously and lushly written Jewish rep, realistic neurodivergent rep and beautifully described bisexual rep that was very deeply and respectfully discussed by the characters in their steamy and super consensual bedroom scenes.
If you’re in the mood for a well written friends to lovers novella with lots of mutual pining, cute nicknames and amazing friendships run and pick this up!
There’s a bit of miscommunication that derails the relationship but it is quickly remedied and done so in a way that brings the characters closer together, and acknowledges their need to be open and honest with each other, which I really appreciated.
There is some beautiful rep in here including gorgeously and lushly written Jewish rep, realistic neurodivergent rep and beautifully described bisexual rep that was very deeply and respectfully discussed by the characters in their steamy and super consensual bedroom scenes.
If you’re in the mood for a well written friends to lovers novella with lots of mutual pining, cute nicknames and amazing friendships run and pick this up!
November 21, 2023
The overall focus is the transition from friendship to more but woven amongst that are the themes of; religion, Neurodivergence, LGBQT, societal norms, family judgement amongst others. These themes are the basis for the vulnerabilities & insecurities both, but Arielle especially has to face & explore to make this change work.
I have very little knowledge of the Jewish faith & could understand without it feeling like an educational text.
The neurodivergent experience includes the outwardly contradictory needs that confuse many, the rules around hugs for example.
I think the line that sums up their whole journey is “The timing has never been right, and now it is.”
I have very little knowledge of the Jewish faith & could understand without it feeling like an educational text.
The neurodivergent experience includes the outwardly contradictory needs that confuse many, the rules around hugs for example.
I think the line that sums up their whole journey is “The timing has never been right, and now it is.”
May 24, 2024
This novella revolves around two long time friends, Asher and Arielle during a Jewish week long celebration. It's a rediscovery of their old friendship evolving into a new, more intimate one.
The main female character is neuro divergent and Asher is so understanding and helpful in assisting her in adapting to foreign situations. He has been in love with Arielle for years but the timing was just not right previously. Asher is bisexual so he's been in and out of relationships up until recently.
There are LGBTQ auxillary characters in this story and the story centres around one particular Jewish festivity. It was a nice short read.
The main female character is neuro divergent and Asher is so understanding and helpful in assisting her in adapting to foreign situations. He has been in love with Arielle for years but the timing was just not right previously. Asher is bisexual so he's been in and out of relationships up until recently.
There are LGBTQ auxillary characters in this story and the story centres around one particular Jewish festivity. It was a nice short read.
January 5, 2024
Great novella
I found this book through Skye Kilaen’s newsletter. And I really enjoyed it! Everyone is Jewish, the heroine is neurodivergent and the hero is bi. There are some minor communication issues that are a bit frustrating, but because it’s a novella they work it out pretty quickly. The hero is so gone for the heroine, but she struggles with some insecurities. The hero also enjoys receiving, which I feel is kind of rare in MF books, or I’ve been reading the wrong books.
I found this book through Skye Kilaen’s newsletter. And I really enjoyed it! Everyone is Jewish, the heroine is neurodivergent and the hero is bi. There are some minor communication issues that are a bit frustrating, but because it’s a novella they work it out pretty quickly. The hero is so gone for the heroine, but she struggles with some insecurities. The hero also enjoys receiving, which I feel is kind of rare in MF books, or I’ve been reading the wrong books.
November 18, 2024
I find it distracting when authors are overly specific about the location their story is set in. I live in the area of the two main characters and it's unlikely that one would just take the T to go from Medford to Malden.
In general, I found the author to be too detailed in some parts and missing detail in others. I realize there's only 120 pages, but the development of the MC's relationship felt abrupt - it was hard to believe.
In general, I found the author to be too detailed in some parts and missing detail in others. I realize there's only 120 pages, but the development of the MC's relationship felt abrupt - it was hard to believe.
December 19, 2024
I was looking forward to a different spin on a holiday novella and this book somewhat hit the mark. Where it fell flat for me was the FMC. It felt like her only personality trait was anxiety and the fact that she fled the wedding she was crashing based on one text message from a friend seemed juvenile as all hell. The MMC was nice but none of the characteristics he admired in the FMC were evident in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
Asher and Arielle grew up together, each crushing on the other, each too nervous to act on it. Both living in Boston now, they still only cross paths when they return home for family events. Still, it's time to finally act on their feelings.
These two were adorable together. This was a spicy and sweet Hanukkah romance. I loved that we got two plus sized MCs, both a bit socially awkward, and both just wanting the other. Excellent queer rep and use of toys as teammates as well!
These two were adorable together. This was a spicy and sweet Hanukkah romance. I loved that we got two plus sized MCs, both a bit socially awkward, and both just wanting the other. Excellent queer rep and use of toys as teammates as well!
December 14, 2025
This story was such a fun holiday read. It was such a great balance of super cute and hello spice 🌶🌶!!! I loved Asher and feel like he should teach classes to other men 🤣. I loved the neurodivergent representation in this story and how everyone in Arielle's life were amazing with her. One of my favorite things to read is when being neurodivergent is normalized and it's addressed instead of something that makes a character different.
December 6, 2024
I loved this sweet, childhood friends to lovers romance. Arielle and Asher have known each other since they were six years old. They ran into each other over the years and just finally realized that they like each other as more than friends. It’s a bumpy ride to get there, thanks to some miscommunication, but once they do, it’s sweet and hot!
December 29, 2024
DNF @50%
This is a short story and it would’ve only taken me about 35 minutes to finish it, but even that would be a waste. This book is here, there, everywhere, all around story wise!! We went from “I like Arielle” to “I want to marry Arielle” to “I love you so much don’t ever leave me be my forever” in… a chapter? And there is still 50% of the book left? No thanks.
This is a short story and it would’ve only taken me about 35 minutes to finish it, but even that would be a waste. This book is here, there, everywhere, all around story wise!! We went from “I like Arielle” to “I want to marry Arielle” to “I love you so much don’t ever leave me be my forever” in… a chapter? And there is still 50% of the book left? No thanks.
December 29, 2024
I wanted to get in another quick Hanukkah read this year, but unfortunately, because of its length, everything was super rushed. The writing also felt like it was for an elementary schooler, the author had a way of explaining/writing things out instead of showing the readers what was happening. I’m not sure I’ll continue with this series.
December 30, 2024
4.25
This one took me by surprise. I really loved both of the main characters. There is a lot of diversity in the representation in this book with characters who are Jewish, autistic and bisexual.
I feel like there is enough of a beautiful world and characters here to build a wonderful full length novel, but this novella was so sweet and spicy and all around a delightful holiday treat!
This one took me by surprise. I really loved both of the main characters. There is a lot of diversity in the representation in this book with characters who are Jewish, autistic and bisexual.
I feel like there is enough of a beautiful world and characters here to build a wonderful full length novel, but this novella was so sweet and spicy and all around a delightful holiday treat!
December 1, 2025
2.75 ⭐️ It’s a romance book. Two childhood friends who have always had unspoken feelings for each other. They both have their insecurities. I just felt like they had no chemistry together. No depth in their relationship. Spicy for sure! About 100 pages long- short/ easy read. I received this book from a stuff your kindle event.
December 18, 2025
2 🌟
For a short book, it wasn't too bad. I thought the friends pushing the two main characters together was cute, but the lack of communication from the MCs was annoying. And then it went straight from no communication about even liking each other into talk of possible marriage and them having sex right away without any issues. Soooo, overall I was a bit confused and didn't enjoy their romance.
For a short book, it wasn't too bad. I thought the friends pushing the two main characters together was cute, but the lack of communication from the MCs was annoying. And then it went straight from no communication about even liking each other into talk of possible marriage and them having sex right away without any issues. Soooo, overall I was a bit confused and didn't enjoy their romance.
November 30, 2024
Cozy
This is a cute, short and sweet kind of holiday romance. It’s not a usual holiday romance, Christmas isn’t even mentioned until the last chapter, it’s all about Chanukah. I loved the simplicity of this story. Two old friends falling in love over the holiday week.
This is a cute, short and sweet kind of holiday romance. It’s not a usual holiday romance, Christmas isn’t even mentioned until the last chapter, it’s all about Chanukah. I loved the simplicity of this story. Two old friends falling in love over the holiday week.
December 19, 2024
Una lectura corta y fácil de leer.
Me costó conectar con los personajes, a veces sus perspectivas y diálogos eran penosos de leer. Además, faltó desarrollo de los personajes. Muchas preguntas quedan sin resolver como ¿por qué a la protagonista no le gusta el contacto físico? ¿Hay una historia detrás?¿Por qué se llevan mal con sus padres? Mucho queda incompleto en la historia.
Me costó conectar con los personajes, a veces sus perspectivas y diálogos eran penosos de leer. Además, faltó desarrollo de los personajes. Muchas preguntas quedan sin resolver como ¿por qué a la protagonista no le gusta el contacto físico? ¿Hay una historia detrás?¿Por qué se llevan mal con sus padres? Mucho queda incompleto en la historia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2024
I really enjoyed the story, the characters diversity in all ways and how it was done so naturally and it didn't become the story but just a part of it. I did feel it was a bit repetitive at times and a bit predictable.
December 28, 2024
This was a bit uneven in pacing and my god, I wanted to shake Arielle sometimes with the way she jumped to conclusions. But ultimately, I really enjoyed the neurodivergent and queer rep a great deal. 3.5*
March 31, 2024
Absolutely wonderful
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. Such a great portrayal of neurodivergent characters. Absolutely loved it.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. Such a great portrayal of neurodivergent characters. Absolutely loved it.
November 16, 2024
3.5 stars. Cute
Want to read
November 27, 2024Excited to read this one. Here for the Jewish, neurospicy, and queer rep, AND the spelling of Chanukah preferred by the vast majority of Jewish people I know (including myself) 🙌🏻
December 22, 2024
I wasn’t sold on the romance aspect of this story. I enjoyed the Jewish, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ representation but it felt…lacking, meh
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews