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The Hanukkah Hoax: A Holiday Romantic Comedy
She didn’t mean to lie about having a boyfriend, and she definitely wasn’t prepared for a sexy Scottish rugby player to say yes.
Christmas can’t come early enough for nice Jewish girl Marisa Silver. Her floundering confectionery business needs a visit from a huge—sorry, Santa—cash cow. If not, she’ll spend her thirties still wearing the two things she wishes she could douse in oil and light on her daytime cater-waiter uniform and her family’s perpetual disappointment.
What she needs is a Hanukkah—or Christmas, she’s not picky—miracle.
What she needs is for the chairwoman of the town’s couples-only Crystal Christmas Ball to hire her.
What she needs is . . . not to lie through her teeth about having a boyfriend who loves Christmas.
Or correct the assumption that the sexy Scot standing behind her, none other than famed rugby player Alec Elms, is actually her Christmas-loving boyfriend and a draw that festivalgoers can’t resist.
And for some meshuggeneh reason, he goes along with her fake-dating charade, though it’s not without objectives of his own.
Locked into a lie greasier than the most deep-fried of latkes and hotter than a menorah’s sparks, Marisa tries hard to focus on the saving her business. But when plaids and promises go flying, can her heart—and career—survive the hit if her Hanukkah hoax puts her on the naughty list?
Christmas can’t come early enough for nice Jewish girl Marisa Silver. Her floundering confectionery business needs a visit from a huge—sorry, Santa—cash cow. If not, she’ll spend her thirties still wearing the two things she wishes she could douse in oil and light on her daytime cater-waiter uniform and her family’s perpetual disappointment.
What she needs is a Hanukkah—or Christmas, she’s not picky—miracle.
What she needs is for the chairwoman of the town’s couples-only Crystal Christmas Ball to hire her.
What she needs is . . . not to lie through her teeth about having a boyfriend who loves Christmas.
Or correct the assumption that the sexy Scot standing behind her, none other than famed rugby player Alec Elms, is actually her Christmas-loving boyfriend and a draw that festivalgoers can’t resist.
And for some meshuggeneh reason, he goes along with her fake-dating charade, though it’s not without objectives of his own.
Locked into a lie greasier than the most deep-fried of latkes and hotter than a menorah’s sparks, Marisa tries hard to focus on the saving her business. But when plaids and promises go flying, can her heart—and career—survive the hit if her Hanukkah hoax puts her on the naughty list?
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
7 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Robinson
13 books30 followersAimee Robinson is a lover of romance novels in all forms. Her absolute favorites, though, are the ones that offer a little bit of something extra: time travel, guardian angels, good old-fashioned meddlesome grandmothers with a supernatural secret to hide, you name it.
She believes romance novels should transport you from the humdrum to the swoon-worthy, preferably while being curled up on the couch with chocolate and tea (or wine...or both!). Aimee’s overactive imagination lends itself to fun tales with emotional adventures, sexy snark, and happily ever afters.
When not writing or reading, Aimee enjoys spending time with her husband and keeping up with her two young sons.
She believes romance novels should transport you from the humdrum to the swoon-worthy, preferably while being curled up on the couch with chocolate and tea (or wine...or both!). Aimee’s overactive imagination lends itself to fun tales with emotional adventures, sexy snark, and happily ever afters.
When not writing or reading, Aimee enjoys spending time with her husband and keeping up with her two young sons.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 22, 2025
I won this book in an Instagram giveaway and I’m so glad I did! It was wonderful. Very romantic.
Marisa is a candy maker who happens to be Jewish and from New Jersey. She’s trying to meet the business woman Monica because she believes an endorsement from her would be incredible her Candy company.
Alec is Scottish rugby player. He’s recently gotten injured and isn’t sure where his career will go from here but he’s not ready to give up rugby.
Marisa and Alec meet at a party. Marissa is there to try to get a moment with Monica.
Through a turn of events, she kind of gets invited to Monica’s Christmas Ball but it’s dependent on Marisa having a date. The ball is couples only.
Alec overhears this conversation and pretends to be Marisa’s boyfriend.
Afterwards, they talk alone and realize it would benefit both of them to pretend to be a couple.
But rather than ever actually setting up any terms and conditions, they just kind of roll straight into acting like a real couple.
After a kiss, they both realize their fake relationship is starting to feel real.
This book was really romantic in my opinion. Alec was so lovable. He’s such a great leading man. The most beautiful scene in this book was Alec buying Marisa candles for her menorah.
I loved that.
This book is a little bit about Hanukkah and a little bit about Christmas. And it’s a lot about love. It’s also funny!
Marisa is a candy maker who happens to be Jewish and from New Jersey. She’s trying to meet the business woman Monica because she believes an endorsement from her would be incredible her Candy company.
Alec is Scottish rugby player. He’s recently gotten injured and isn’t sure where his career will go from here but he’s not ready to give up rugby.
Marisa and Alec meet at a party. Marissa is there to try to get a moment with Monica.
Through a turn of events, she kind of gets invited to Monica’s Christmas Ball but it’s dependent on Marisa having a date. The ball is couples only.
Alec overhears this conversation and pretends to be Marisa’s boyfriend.
Afterwards, they talk alone and realize it would benefit both of them to pretend to be a couple.
But rather than ever actually setting up any terms and conditions, they just kind of roll straight into acting like a real couple.
After a kiss, they both realize their fake relationship is starting to feel real.
This book was really romantic in my opinion. Alec was so lovable. He’s such a great leading man. The most beautiful scene in this book was Alec buying Marisa candles for her menorah.
I loved that.
This book is a little bit about Hanukkah and a little bit about Christmas. And it’s a lot about love. It’s also funny!
December 17, 2025
Cute romance, but I wouldn't really call it a Hanukkah romance. While it takes place partially over Hanukkah, Marisa spends the whole time not wanting to celebrate Hanukkah and not enjoying the holiday at all.
December 24, 2025
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a fake dating trope. The Hanukkah Hoax was a perfect holiday read! Hot Scottish Rugby player meets Jewish candy maker in this steamy Hanukkah romance. It’s fun, it’s relatable, it’s beautifully written!
October 15, 2025
This book is a super cute twist on the sports romance with a small town person. I loved the characters and the way they grew as the book went on!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews