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A Homemade Hanukkah
Noah Stern's patients at Seattle Children's Hospital don't mind his OCD quirks. He loves his job as a physical therapist. Working with children is easy. Checking in on Gideon "the Beast" Wilder at his remote mountain cabin as a favor for the owner of the Seattle Emeralds proves to be anything but easy. Gideon seems determined to live up to his nickname. But beneath his surly demeanor, Noah glimpses a man who is longing for love.
Seattle Emeralds star player Gideon Wilder doesn't want company, especially a physical therapist with a charming smile and eyes that sparkle when he laughs. Noah Stern's arrival on his doorstep is an unwelcome interruption, complicated when an avalanche traps them together for Hanukkah. Gideon came to his cabin to nurse both the physical injury that ruined his soccer season and a heart broken by failed relationships. People he dares to love always leave him. Noah will surely do the same.
With each homemade Hanukkah gift, Noah tames the Beast. When the snow clears and Hanukkah comes to an end, Gideon's fear takes hold before he realizes that Noah's presence in his life has been the greatest gift of all. Will Noah accept Gideon's belated Hanukkah gift—Gideon's heart?
Seattle Emeralds star player Gideon Wilder doesn't want company, especially a physical therapist with a charming smile and eyes that sparkle when he laughs. Noah Stern's arrival on his doorstep is an unwelcome interruption, complicated when an avalanche traps them together for Hanukkah. Gideon came to his cabin to nurse both the physical injury that ruined his soccer season and a heart broken by failed relationships. People he dares to love always leave him. Noah will surely do the same.
With each homemade Hanukkah gift, Noah tames the Beast. When the snow clears and Hanukkah comes to an end, Gideon's fear takes hold before he realizes that Noah's presence in his life has been the greatest gift of all. Will Noah accept Gideon's belated Hanukkah gift—Gideon's heart?
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2024
9 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Eliana West
32 books48 followersStoryteller, adventurer, and diversity advocate. Crafting captivating tales while making a positive impact on the world.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 26, 2024
This is a super sweet and endearing story. Even my black heart fell in love with those guys.
There is: grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity (they got snowed in), only one bed (one bed and a comfy couch) homemade food and Hanukkah gifts.
The story still couldn't deliver because there were some really strange things mixed in.
Why was there a supernatural element (ghost?) Meddling friends (were they even friends???). A weird scene involving more meddling (or intrusive) cafe owners, going to see a therapist (good for you!) because said friends strongly suggested you should see one?
And yes, the ILY's were throwing around after knowing each other a week?!
I had some great moments but also big disappointments reading this story.
There is: grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity (they got snowed in), only one bed (one bed and a comfy couch) homemade food and Hanukkah gifts.
The story still couldn't deliver because there were some really strange things mixed in.
Why was there a supernatural element (ghost?) Meddling friends (were they even friends???). A weird scene involving more meddling (or intrusive) cafe owners, going to see a therapist (good for you!) because said friends strongly suggested you should see one?
And yes, the ILY's were throwing around after knowing each other a week?!
I had some great moments but also big disappointments reading this story.
December 24, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐/🌶️🌶️🌶️
A cute, spicy Hanukkah novella. Grumpy soccer player trapped in the snow with the shy physical therapist during Hanukkah. Also winking blinks and ghosts.
Pros: All my favorite tropes and Hanukkah, what isn't to love?
Cons: No complaints here!
Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, soccer, hurt/comfort, grovelling
TWs: OCD, tourette's and mental health representation, injury and hospitals
E-book on Kindle Unlimited
A cute, spicy Hanukkah novella. Grumpy soccer player trapped in the snow with the shy physical therapist during Hanukkah. Also winking blinks and ghosts.
Pros: All my favorite tropes and Hanukkah, what isn't to love?
Cons: No complaints here!
Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, soccer, hurt/comfort, grovelling
TWs: OCD, tourette's and mental health representation, injury and hospitals
E-book on Kindle Unlimited
December 27, 2024
Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, two emotionally damaged characters, and a visit from a hundred year old cowboy ghost—this story packs some interesting and quirky twists.
Both main characters in this tale have had very bad experiences with relationships. For Gideon, a pro soccer player, no one ever stays. From his world-traveling parents to his ex-boyfriends, each time he thinks he’s found a forever situation, they leave. In Noah’s case, he’s the one who irritates family and former boyfriends with his anxiety and his need to over analyze and over organize, or so he thinks, so he now stays away from commitment. As the story opens, he’s planning a quiet celebration of Hanukkah by taking a three-day vacation in the mountains from his job as a physical therapist. As a favor to a friend, he agrees to stop in that area to check on an injured pro soccer player and make sure he’s doing the therapy he needs to recover from an ACL tear. He’s aware the player’s nickname is the Beast but that won’t stop Noah.
What does stop him before he can move on to his retreat after his brief encounter with the Beast is an avalanche, so he’s stuck with the Beast in a one-room cabin until the roads open. Coincidence or destiny, both men are gay and both are Jewish and estranged from their families so normally don’t celebrate Hanukkah with them. But Noah would like to keep some tradition alive so Gideon agrees to a homemade menorah and eight day celebration. What they don’t count on is coming to care for each other. Worse, both their insecurities kick in and Gideon is counting down the days until Noah leaves him, and Noah is counting the days before Gideon tells him to get out.
I enjoyed the story very much, particularly the setting, and the slow bloom of friendship before desire. Their dynamic was nicely balanced—until the roads opened and their worst nightmares came true. Never fear, however. This is a holiday romance and the two finally work their way to their HEA, and it’s well worth the journey it took them to get there.
One minor plot point that struck me as odd was the presence of the ghost of a hundred-year-old cowboy, who appears to ride in on his horse, give a cryptic message, and depart again. Twice! I think the book was just fine without that and, in fact, both instances pulled me from the flow of the story. Also, I didn’t care for the fierce attitude of the trio in the local coffee shop, who pretty much dumped their anger on Gideon for breaking Noah’s heart after Noah left. It was too much of a busybody scene, and considering Gideon is their new neighbor, not Noah, whom they met only once, their interference felt off.
On a positive note, most of the secondary characters were great, in particular Gideon’s coach and team owner and their wives, who worked with Noah. And the hoops Gideon jumped through, with some help from those characters, to get Noah to believe his sincerity were just the right touch.
In summary, this is definitely a fun and romantic holiday read with plenty of focus on the main characters’ issues and solutions along the way, difficult to put down, and highly recommended.
Note: Review copy provided through Rainbow Book Reviews
Both main characters in this tale have had very bad experiences with relationships. For Gideon, a pro soccer player, no one ever stays. From his world-traveling parents to his ex-boyfriends, each time he thinks he’s found a forever situation, they leave. In Noah’s case, he’s the one who irritates family and former boyfriends with his anxiety and his need to over analyze and over organize, or so he thinks, so he now stays away from commitment. As the story opens, he’s planning a quiet celebration of Hanukkah by taking a three-day vacation in the mountains from his job as a physical therapist. As a favor to a friend, he agrees to stop in that area to check on an injured pro soccer player and make sure he’s doing the therapy he needs to recover from an ACL tear. He’s aware the player’s nickname is the Beast but that won’t stop Noah.
What does stop him before he can move on to his retreat after his brief encounter with the Beast is an avalanche, so he’s stuck with the Beast in a one-room cabin until the roads open. Coincidence or destiny, both men are gay and both are Jewish and estranged from their families so normally don’t celebrate Hanukkah with them. But Noah would like to keep some tradition alive so Gideon agrees to a homemade menorah and eight day celebration. What they don’t count on is coming to care for each other. Worse, both their insecurities kick in and Gideon is counting down the days until Noah leaves him, and Noah is counting the days before Gideon tells him to get out.
I enjoyed the story very much, particularly the setting, and the slow bloom of friendship before desire. Their dynamic was nicely balanced—until the roads opened and their worst nightmares came true. Never fear, however. This is a holiday romance and the two finally work their way to their HEA, and it’s well worth the journey it took them to get there.
One minor plot point that struck me as odd was the presence of the ghost of a hundred-year-old cowboy, who appears to ride in on his horse, give a cryptic message, and depart again. Twice! I think the book was just fine without that and, in fact, both instances pulled me from the flow of the story. Also, I didn’t care for the fierce attitude of the trio in the local coffee shop, who pretty much dumped their anger on Gideon for breaking Noah’s heart after Noah left. It was too much of a busybody scene, and considering Gideon is their new neighbor, not Noah, whom they met only once, their interference felt off.
On a positive note, most of the secondary characters were great, in particular Gideon’s coach and team owner and their wives, who worked with Noah. And the hoops Gideon jumped through, with some help from those characters, to get Noah to believe his sincerity were just the right touch.
In summary, this is definitely a fun and romantic holiday read with plenty of focus on the main characters’ issues and solutions along the way, difficult to put down, and highly recommended.
Note: Review copy provided through Rainbow Book Reviews
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December 27, 2024Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, two emotionally damaged characters, and a visit from a hundred-year-old cowboy ghost—this story packs some interesting and quirky twists.
Both main characters in this tale have had very bad experiences with relationships. For Gideon, a pro soccer player, no one ever stays. From his world-traveling parents to his ex-boyfriends, each time he thinks he’s found a forever situation, they leave. In Noah’s case, he’s the one who irritates family and former boyfriends with his anxiety and his need to overanalyze and overorganize, or so he thinks, so he now stays away from commitment. As the story opens, he’s planning a quiet celebration of Hanukkah by taking a three-day vacation in the mountains from his job as a physical therapist. As a favor to a friend, he agrees to stop in that area to check on an injured pro soccer player and make sure he’s doing the therapy he needs to recover from an ACL tear. He’s aware the player’s nickname is the Beast but that won’t stop Noah.
What does stop him before he can move on to his retreat after his brief encounter with the Beast is an avalanche, so he’s stuck with the Beast in a one-room cabin until the roads open. Coincidence or destiny, both men are gay and both are Jewish and estranged from their families so normally don’t celebrate Hanukkah with them. But Noah would like to keep some tradition alive so Gideon agrees to a homemade menorah and eight-day celebration. What they don’t count on is coming to care for each other. Worse, both their insecurities kick in and Gideon is counting down the days until Noah leaves him, and Noah is counting the days before Gideon tells him to get out.
I enjoyed the story very much, particularly the setting, and the slow bloom of friendship before desire. Their dynamic was nicely balanced—until the roads opened and their worst nightmares came true. Never fear, however. This is a holiday romance and the two finally work their way to their HEA, and it’s well worth the journey it took them to get there.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Both main characters in this tale have had very bad experiences with relationships. For Gideon, a pro soccer player, no one ever stays. From his world-traveling parents to his ex-boyfriends, each time he thinks he’s found a forever situation, they leave. In Noah’s case, he’s the one who irritates family and former boyfriends with his anxiety and his need to overanalyze and overorganize, or so he thinks, so he now stays away from commitment. As the story opens, he’s planning a quiet celebration of Hanukkah by taking a three-day vacation in the mountains from his job as a physical therapist. As a favor to a friend, he agrees to stop in that area to check on an injured pro soccer player and make sure he’s doing the therapy he needs to recover from an ACL tear. He’s aware the player’s nickname is the Beast but that won’t stop Noah.
What does stop him before he can move on to his retreat after his brief encounter with the Beast is an avalanche, so he’s stuck with the Beast in a one-room cabin until the roads open. Coincidence or destiny, both men are gay and both are Jewish and estranged from their families so normally don’t celebrate Hanukkah with them. But Noah would like to keep some tradition alive so Gideon agrees to a homemade menorah and eight-day celebration. What they don’t count on is coming to care for each other. Worse, both their insecurities kick in and Gideon is counting down the days until Noah leaves him, and Noah is counting the days before Gideon tells him to get out.
I enjoyed the story very much, particularly the setting, and the slow bloom of friendship before desire. Their dynamic was nicely balanced—until the roads opened and their worst nightmares came true. Never fear, however. This is a holiday romance and the two finally work their way to their HEA, and it’s well worth the journey it took them to get there.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
October 8, 2024
Reviewing an Advance Reader Copy
I don't reach much LGBT romance but I liked this story a lot. Both men are dealing with a lot of family baggage/trauma that was very relatable. As a Jewish knitter, I loved reading a story that incorporates both of these elements of my identity. I chuckled when I read how very productive Noah was under stress; some of us do knit very fast and it's nice to see that authentic representation. I was all set to be mad at Gideon for the gifted yarn, but the way he phrased the card earned him so many thoughtfulness points. Major points for picking chunky yarn! That's the only way I could knit a sweater in a week, that's for sure. (Don't worry it's not all about knitting, I just really appreciated those parts because they are rarely so well done).
The # of times someone had to explain that they don't celebrate Christmas because they are Jewish - so relatable, and could have thrown in about triple and not come close to my reality. My family doesn't do "going home for Chanukah", but I got a similar reaction to Noah's the year I didn't go home for Passover lol.
Overall a fun read and very relatable! Looking forward to reading more in the Emerald Hearts series after the fall holiday season quiets down.
I don't reach much LGBT romance but I liked this story a lot. Both men are dealing with a lot of family baggage/trauma that was very relatable. As a Jewish knitter, I loved reading a story that incorporates both of these elements of my identity. I chuckled when I read how very productive Noah was under stress; some of us do knit very fast and it's nice to see that authentic representation. I was all set to be mad at Gideon for the gifted yarn, but the way he phrased the card earned him so many thoughtfulness points. Major points for picking chunky yarn! That's the only way I could knit a sweater in a week, that's for sure. (Don't worry it's not all about knitting, I just really appreciated those parts because they are rarely so well done).
The # of times someone had to explain that they don't celebrate Christmas because they are Jewish - so relatable, and could have thrown in about triple and not come close to my reality. My family doesn't do "going home for Chanukah", but I got a similar reaction to Noah's the year I didn't go home for Passover lol.
Overall a fun read and very relatable! Looking forward to reading more in the Emerald Hearts series after the fall holiday season quiets down.
October 21, 2024
Received an ARC of this book from the author.
Okay. So you know when you read a book that is really relatable, cozy, makes you tear up, and has you cheering at the end? That was me reading this book. I couldn't put it down. It is difficult for me to feel any of those things while reading let alone all of them in one book so that speaks to the caliber of writing and storytelling that Eliana has achieved.
Eliana has perfectly captured such a real and loving couple with all of the realistic things in life like mental illness, trauma, navigating parent-adult child relationships, or having weather impact holiday celebrations. Reading this story I felt like Noah and Gideon were my friends and I was rooting for them through all the ups and downs. So much of the story was relatable like people not knowing various Jewish holidays or people making inadvertently insensitive comments about mental health.
The spicy times were spicy and very well-written. The sweet parts were sweet and kind (thanks for raising the bar of Hanukkah gifts I’ll allow from partners moving forward). The realness was very real.
I loved it and even saying that feels like it doesn’t encapsulate how much I loved this book.
Okay. So you know when you read a book that is really relatable, cozy, makes you tear up, and has you cheering at the end? That was me reading this book. I couldn't put it down. It is difficult for me to feel any of those things while reading let alone all of them in one book so that speaks to the caliber of writing and storytelling that Eliana has achieved.
Eliana has perfectly captured such a real and loving couple with all of the realistic things in life like mental illness, trauma, navigating parent-adult child relationships, or having weather impact holiday celebrations. Reading this story I felt like Noah and Gideon were my friends and I was rooting for them through all the ups and downs. So much of the story was relatable like people not knowing various Jewish holidays or people making inadvertently insensitive comments about mental health.
The spicy times were spicy and very well-written. The sweet parts were sweet and kind (thanks for raising the bar of Hanukkah gifts I’ll allow from partners moving forward). The realness was very real.
I loved it and even saying that feels like it doesn’t encapsulate how much I loved this book.
November 29, 2024
Hanukkah novella + snowed in + queer MCs!
When Noah & Gideon end up snowed in at a cabin for Hanukkah, they make the most of it with homemade gifts and big feelings.
Read if you love...
🫶🏼dual perspective
✨insta love
⚽️MC pro soccer player
✨MC physical therapist @ children's hospital
🕎Hanukkah & homemade gifts
✨forced proximity
🧶MC who knits
✨snowed in at a cabin
📚MC who reads
✨found family
I always have such mixed opinions on novellas because I crave character & plot depth, and the considerably lower page count makes that so hard.
I adored the homemade Hanukkah gifts, the snowed in at a cabin vibes, and the forced proximity.
But insta love is such a struggle for me, and it rarely feels believable. This one was exactly that. One MC was much more open and vulnerable, the other hardly shared anything. And yet, by the time they were no longer snowed in, they loved each other.
And while I do think there was character growth by the end of the book, thanks to a classic third act breakup that makes sense, I still struggled with really loving this one & believing their relationship.
📍Washington State
✨Representation: Jewish gay MC; biracial Jewish gay MC; anxiety; OCD; Tourette's
‼️Content: toxic relationship with family members
When Noah & Gideon end up snowed in at a cabin for Hanukkah, they make the most of it with homemade gifts and big feelings.
Read if you love...
🫶🏼dual perspective
✨insta love
⚽️MC pro soccer player
✨MC physical therapist @ children's hospital
🕎Hanukkah & homemade gifts
✨forced proximity
🧶MC who knits
✨snowed in at a cabin
📚MC who reads
✨found family
I always have such mixed opinions on novellas because I crave character & plot depth, and the considerably lower page count makes that so hard.
I adored the homemade Hanukkah gifts, the snowed in at a cabin vibes, and the forced proximity.
But insta love is such a struggle for me, and it rarely feels believable. This one was exactly that. One MC was much more open and vulnerable, the other hardly shared anything. And yet, by the time they were no longer snowed in, they loved each other.
And while I do think there was character growth by the end of the book, thanks to a classic third act breakup that makes sense, I still struggled with really loving this one & believing their relationship.
📍Washington State
✨Representation: Jewish gay MC; biracial Jewish gay MC; anxiety; OCD; Tourette's
‼️Content: toxic relationship with family members
January 5, 2025
This was very sweet, and both Noah and Gideon were endearing. It was shaping up as a solid 4☆ read for me until the
After , it turned into this really weird extended wrap-up where, instead of actually immersing us in the story, the author gave every single character ling-winded, incredibly unrealisitic-sounding dialog full of info-dumping about the two guys' feelings and innermost motivations. From that point in, it was no longer about experiencing their love story as it unfolded, but sitting back at a clinical distance while it'll the emotions were logically laid out by each character.
I'd probably read this author again, but I might give her a few books before I do, in the hopes that she develops her story craft a little more. Still, the sentiment was lovely throughout, and I really did enjoy both men. ❤️
After , it turned into this really weird extended wrap-up where, instead of actually immersing us in the story, the author gave every single character ling-winded, incredibly unrealisitic-sounding dialog full of info-dumping about the two guys' feelings and innermost motivations. From that point in, it was no longer about experiencing their love story as it unfolded, but sitting back at a clinical distance while it'll the emotions were logically laid out by each character.
I'd probably read this author again, but I might give her a few books before I do, in the hopes that she develops her story craft a little more. Still, the sentiment was lovely throughout, and I really did enjoy both men. ❤️
November 3, 2024
Thank you Eliana for providing me with an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Noah Stern works as a physiotherapist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dedicated to his job and managing life with OCD, he heads out to a cottage retreat with friends. They ask if he can check on Gideon, a nearby neighbor recovering from an injury at his own cottage, not too far from Noah’s Airbnb.
Gideon, a football player with a reputation, nicknamed “The Best,” has been frequently traded from one team to another due to his temper.
This is an open-door, steamy romance where Noah and Gideon find themselves snowed in and confined to Gideon’s cottage due to a snowstorm.
If you enjoy books with Jewish representation, grumpy-sunshine tropes, forced proximity, and a fair amount of spice, this one is for you. It’s a quick read that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Noah Stern works as a physiotherapist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dedicated to his job and managing life with OCD, he heads out to a cottage retreat with friends. They ask if he can check on Gideon, a nearby neighbor recovering from an injury at his own cottage, not too far from Noah’s Airbnb.
Gideon, a football player with a reputation, nicknamed “The Best,” has been frequently traded from one team to another due to his temper.
This is an open-door, steamy romance where Noah and Gideon find themselves snowed in and confined to Gideon’s cottage due to a snowstorm.
If you enjoy books with Jewish representation, grumpy-sunshine tropes, forced proximity, and a fair amount of spice, this one is for you. It’s a quick read that will keep you hooked until the very end.
November 5, 2024
This is a really nice story, it takes place during December and close to the seasonal holidays. It is the cozy story about Gideon, a soccer player of the Seattle Emeralds and Noah a physiotherapist. Their story will develop at a cabin near the town of Blink. The setting and characters are fitting to the story and as it unravels, we get to know more about the main characters and also others in the town of Blink. Noah and Gideon follow the Jewish traditions and prepare to celebrate Hanukkah. Noah and Gideon will find themselves snowed in at the cabin. The story is very good and I did enjoy reading it from the first till the last page. It really gets you in to the winter theme of things, making you take those knitting projects that have been waiting in the basket. Staying close to the fire and just having that content feeling. I can definitely recommend this read!
Charlotte N
Charlotte N
November 4, 2024
What a rich, subtle, delightful holiday novella.
Noah and Gideon are deeply charming; they feel like the kind of fascinating folks my husband and I would meet at a party and immediately want to invite over for dinner. And once again the world West builds is rich with sympathy and heartfelt specifics. Little buried treasure throughout... In particular, the ways that healing can reveal beauty. Noah kept giving me little sizzling flashes of the unique humor and insights that come with being neurospicy.
Eliana and I are close friends, so you may think I'm biased, but anyone who's close to me can confirm I don't pull punches. A marvelous holiday read!
Noah and Gideon are deeply charming; they feel like the kind of fascinating folks my husband and I would meet at a party and immediately want to invite over for dinner. And once again the world West builds is rich with sympathy and heartfelt specifics. Little buried treasure throughout... In particular, the ways that healing can reveal beauty. Noah kept giving me little sizzling flashes of the unique humor and insights that come with being neurospicy.
Eliana and I are close friends, so you may think I'm biased, but anyone who's close to me can confirm I don't pull punches. A marvelous holiday read!
October 8, 2024
I read an arc of this book provided by the author. It’s a tale as old as time. The physical therapist and soccer player both must learn to be true to themselves before they can move forward in their lives. Noah is already on that path when he meets Gideon, a pro footballer. Will the miracle of Hanukkah bring them together? Sporty, spicy and sweet.
October 15, 2024
I received an ARC edition of this book from the author.
This book has it all, mental health awareness, LGBT romance, and Jewish rep.
The main characters have to confront their mental health and traumas in order to maintain a healthy relationship.
The cowboy “neighbor” was an interesting side character to the story! IYKYK
The romance was absolutely precious! Loved it so much!
This book has it all, mental health awareness, LGBT romance, and Jewish rep.
The main characters have to confront their mental health and traumas in order to maintain a healthy relationship.
The cowboy “neighbor” was an interesting side character to the story! IYKYK
The romance was absolutely precious! Loved it so much!
January 1, 2025
Physical therapist with OCD, likes to cook & knit. Likes his job at phys therapist to kids. Asked to check on a soccer star with a bad ACL who happened to have a home in the mountains where PT was going to vacation for Hanukkah. Both don't like crowds or being with their families for different reasons. Sweet story. Soccer star comes around.
December 9, 2025
Grumpy, grumpy and sweet OCD sunshine all wrapped up in a Chanukah package. Found family including a ghost, the Christmas sisters and a soccer team. Oh and the food, I wish I was there to share in Noah's meals for Gideon.
This was a heart warming story of walls coming down and learning who you want to give your heart to, who deserves your trust.
Happy Chanukah to me.
This was a heart warming story of walls coming down and learning who you want to give your heart to, who deserves your trust.
Happy Chanukah to me.
November 5, 2024
Gideon and Noah have both had a string of tough relationships that left the feeling broken. This forced proximity only one bed romance is cute and has the elements of a holiday romance. I love that it's hannukah. They both find what they are looking for in love. It was fun to read.
November 27, 2024
Liked the idea - a bit Beauty and the Beast like (being trapped in the cabin after an avalanche happened) - but didn't enjoy the execution much. Too easy to fall in love, not enough heart-to-heart connection, and I just didn't enjoy the sex scenes. It a so-so read for me (thus my 3-stars)
November 5, 2024
This was sweet, but I really didn’t buy it: the experience of a professional athlete, Gideon’s behaviour, the relationship or the resolution.
December 26, 2024
This was very sweet, but the pacing was uneven and the side characters were a bit tropey - especially the cafe owners.
January 3, 2025
3.5 stars
November 19, 2025
It was a nice story, but a few times I caught myself having to reread sentences to get the meaning. And I skimmed the last scene.
January 29, 2026
Cute and fast paced festive read. Grumpy x sunshine was well executed and the portrayal of mental issues gave the story some deeper meaning.
December 29, 2025
I'm torn between 2 and 3★. I wanted to keep reading the whole time, and it wasn't bad. It was too insta-lovey for me, though, and I didn't fully buy the moment the main characters' relationship changed. Plus, the sheer number of supporting characters made them feel underdeveloped and even stereotypical.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews