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His for Hanukkah
Most people like vacations. And Christmas. They both make Adam want to scream. And kick things. Anxious, lonely, Jewish, and in serious need of a Daddy, Adam finally loses it in the lobby of his favorite BDSM club--right in front of the guy he's been crushing on.
Tate's been dreaming about Adam for a long time. Trying to pick him up for a scene seemed to scare him away, and he worries that Adam wasn't as accepting of his transgender status as he'd hoped. But when the sobbing boy seeks comfort in his arms, he hopes this can be another chance.
When Tate learns how invisible Adam feels being Jewish during "the holiday season," he sets out to win his boy over by making him his for Hanukkah. He plans to spoil him with eight nights of affection, laughter, and submission, showing Adam that he can be the Daddy that he deserves. But will it be enough for Tate to keep him after the holiday's over?
The Traditions series follows the Jewish calendar in making old traditions new and bringing romance to life. The series features many transgender, genderqueer, and gender-bending characters, as well as BDSM elements. As the series is united by a theme rather than characters, the books may be read in any order.
Tate's been dreaming about Adam for a long time. Trying to pick him up for a scene seemed to scare him away, and he worries that Adam wasn't as accepting of his transgender status as he'd hoped. But when the sobbing boy seeks comfort in his arms, he hopes this can be another chance.
When Tate learns how invisible Adam feels being Jewish during "the holiday season," he sets out to win his boy over by making him his for Hanukkah. He plans to spoil him with eight nights of affection, laughter, and submission, showing Adam that he can be the Daddy that he deserves. But will it be enough for Tate to keep him after the holiday's over?
The Traditions series follows the Jewish calendar in making old traditions new and bringing romance to life. The series features many transgender, genderqueer, and gender-bending characters, as well as BDSM elements. As the series is united by a theme rather than characters, the books may be read in any order.
130 pages, ebook
First published December 25, 2019
53 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Reese Morrison
29 books325 followersReese Morrison lives in Philadelphia with their partner, two precocious children, and intermittent housemates, guests, and homeless, queer teens. Their hobbies are volunteering on too many boards, planting gardens that they forget to water half-way through the summer, making up songs for their kids, and putting off writing their dissertation.
Reese and their partner both identify as genderqueer and are part of a vibrant community of queer and trans folks. They started writing because they were dissatisfied with the lack of trans and genderqueer characters in what they were reading and finally decided to do something about it. Many, but not all, of their books are kinky (for a whole range of kinks...) and they feel that it's important to represent a range of backgrounds, dis/abilities, gender presentations/ identities, and body types in their writing.
Reese and their partner both identify as genderqueer and are part of a vibrant community of queer and trans folks. They started writing because they were dissatisfied with the lack of trans and genderqueer characters in what they were reading and finally decided to do something about it. Many, but not all, of their books are kinky (for a whole range of kinks...) and they feel that it's important to represent a range of backgrounds, dis/abilities, gender presentations/ identities, and body types in their writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 8, 2021
I had extremely high hopes for His for Hanukkah by Reese Morrison. I mean, Hanukkah M/M romances alone are rare, but a Hanukkah romance with daddy kink and a trans MC?? OMG, I was ready to be living that dream. But, alas, it was not the Jewish nirvana I was expecting it would be.
I'm hoping Reese Morrison is Jewish because they made Adam so unlikeable that if they weren't Jewish I would even feel mildly offended. Adam is intolerable. I'm a Jew who exists in the world around the holidays, and yeah, it's a little annoying how Christmas gets all of the focus, but Adam complained about it every single chance he got. He made being Jewish look exhausting. His whining was so pervasive that it was actually his main personality trait.
The kink was.... meh, and the romance was literally non-existent. I kept wanting these two to have a lick of chemistry but I couldn't find it.
Bonus points for a trans dom (more of this, please), but if you are looking for good Hanukkah romances, I'd look elsewhere.
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I'm hoping Reese Morrison is Jewish because they made Adam so unlikeable that if they weren't Jewish I would even feel mildly offended. Adam is intolerable. I'm a Jew who exists in the world around the holidays, and yeah, it's a little annoying how Christmas gets all of the focus, but Adam complained about it every single chance he got. He made being Jewish look exhausting. His whining was so pervasive that it was actually his main personality trait.
The kink was.... meh, and the romance was literally non-existent. I kept wanting these two to have a lick of chemistry but I couldn't find it.
Bonus points for a trans dom (more of this, please), but if you are looking for good Hanukkah romances, I'd look elsewhere.
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December 14, 2022
Well I just wanted to say how excited I was for this. Really, there should be more Jewish and/or Hanukkah centered holiday romance books.
Second I was excited because it seems this author tends to have one mc that’s trans. Again more ways to broaden our horizons. I’m all over that.
Unfortunately this all came up short. And here’s why.
Nothing happens, it’s like a Seinfeld episode but unlike that, there was absolutely nothing entertaining about this. Both characters were bland, especially Tate. I found Adam hugely pretentious and annoying.
I’m not against a trans character using a packer, I understand why and I’m all for it. But at times it feels less intimate, I would rather at some point the two characters have nothing between them literally and figuratively.
I will say of the three writers that I’ve read who tackled a trans character, Reese is the most respectful.
Having said that why does the trans character always have to be dominant? There’s a wide variety of personalities and I have to imagine there are trans men that are laid back, submissive, even effeminate. Can we see more of that?
On another high note, I don’t know if the writer is Jewish but if they’re not I feel like they did their homework not only on Hanukkah but the history of Judaism.
Even as I couldn’t force myself to turn another page because I didn’t feel like I would gain any pleasure from it. I still wanted to like it.
I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.
DNF 42%
Second I was excited because it seems this author tends to have one mc that’s trans. Again more ways to broaden our horizons. I’m all over that.
Unfortunately this all came up short. And here’s why.
Nothing happens, it’s like a Seinfeld episode but unlike that, there was absolutely nothing entertaining about this. Both characters were bland, especially Tate. I found Adam hugely pretentious and annoying.
I’m not against a trans character using a packer, I understand why and I’m all for it. But at times it feels less intimate, I would rather at some point the two characters have nothing between them literally and figuratively.
I will say of the three writers that I’ve read who tackled a trans character, Reese is the most respectful.
Having said that why does the trans character always have to be dominant? There’s a wide variety of personalities and I have to imagine there are trans men that are laid back, submissive, even effeminate. Can we see more of that?
On another high note, I don’t know if the writer is Jewish but if they’re not I feel like they did their homework not only on Hanukkah but the history of Judaism.
Even as I couldn’t force myself to turn another page because I didn’t feel like I would gain any pleasure from it. I still wanted to like it.
I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.
DNF 42%
December 7, 2020
Tate and Adam need each other...
A quick Daddy/boy, BDSM, story of a tender soul, Adam, who is struggling to manage his life without his Daddy to help him stay controlled. His anxiety can overwhelm him at times.
Longtime friend, transgender Dom/Daddy, Tate, is waiting for Adam to let him know if he can try being what Adam needs.
It takes the Hanukkah/Christmas season event at the Escape club, to set Adam’s built up tension to explode. Tate is right there to handle the situation. From that night forward, Tate takes Adam to his home and gives Adam what he needs.
We have spanking, St. Andrew’s Cross, and more.
Tate is a strong Dom, and soothes Adam to his very soul.
Enjoy !
=====
A quick Daddy/boy, BDSM, story of a tender soul, Adam, who is struggling to manage his life without his Daddy to help him stay controlled. His anxiety can overwhelm him at times.
Longtime friend, transgender Dom/Daddy, Tate, is waiting for Adam to let him know if he can try being what Adam needs.
It takes the Hanukkah/Christmas season event at the Escape club, to set Adam’s built up tension to explode. Tate is right there to handle the situation. From that night forward, Tate takes Adam to his home and gives Adam what he needs.
We have spanking, St. Andrew’s Cross, and more.
Tate is a strong Dom, and soothes Adam to his very soul.
Enjoy !
=====
November 15, 2020
This was the sweetest holiday romance I have read in a while. There was slight angst and a tad of family drama but it added to the story. Both MCs, Adam and Tate, suited each other so well and had wonderful chemistry. I enjoyed their dynamics as Daddy and his Boy and how they explored each other not only $*xually but in everyday life. It was all very cute and domestic. A bit of kinky time was passionate and at times romantic. The author also incorporated a lot of information about Jewish community and religion as well as Hanukkah in particular. The story was a curious mix of information and cute steamy romance between two men who are meant for each other. I enjoyed it. Copy received for me honest and unbiased review.
December 23, 2020
I was gifted this book by a Secret Elf this year and I feel so lucky! This is the first book that I have read by Reese Morrison and I can guarantee it won't be the last. Reese did a really good job about educating on Hanukkah while writing a very inclusive novel.
"Most people like vacations. And Christmas. They both make Adam want to scream. And kick things. Anxious, lonely, Jewish, and in serious need of a Daddy, Adam finally loses it in the lobby of his favorite BDSM club--right in front of the guy he's been crushing on.
Tate's been dreaming about Adam for a long time. Trying to pick him up for a scene seemed to scare him away, and he worries that Adam wasn't as accepting of his transgender status as he'd hoped. But when the sobbing boy seeks comfort in his arms, he hopes this can be another chance.
When Tate learns how invisible Adam feels being Jewish during "the holiday season," he sets out to win his boy over by making him his for Hanukkah. He plans to spoil him with eight nights of affection, laughter, and submission, showing Adam that he can be the Daddy that he deserves. But will it be enough for Tate to keep him after the holiday's over?
The Traditions series follows the Jewish calendar in making old traditions new and bringing romance to life. The series features many transgender, genderqueer, and gender-bending characters, as well as BDSM elements. As the series is united by a theme rather than characters, the books may be read in any order."
"Most people like vacations. And Christmas. They both make Adam want to scream. And kick things. Anxious, lonely, Jewish, and in serious need of a Daddy, Adam finally loses it in the lobby of his favorite BDSM club--right in front of the guy he's been crushing on.
Tate's been dreaming about Adam for a long time. Trying to pick him up for a scene seemed to scare him away, and he worries that Adam wasn't as accepting of his transgender status as he'd hoped. But when the sobbing boy seeks comfort in his arms, he hopes this can be another chance.
When Tate learns how invisible Adam feels being Jewish during "the holiday season," he sets out to win his boy over by making him his for Hanukkah. He plans to spoil him with eight nights of affection, laughter, and submission, showing Adam that he can be the Daddy that he deserves. But will it be enough for Tate to keep him after the holiday's over?
The Traditions series follows the Jewish calendar in making old traditions new and bringing romance to life. The series features many transgender, genderqueer, and gender-bending characters, as well as BDSM elements. As the series is united by a theme rather than characters, the books may be read in any order."
December 12, 2022
HIS FOR HANUKKAH was an overall good read and I liked the Jewish rep and trans rep but it didn't make a stronger impression on me. Adam was fairly annoying and while I know a part of it was meant to be bratty sub behavior, it came across as too childish for me. While this has Daddy/boy kink and Adam's behavior occasionally toes the line of age play, he's not technically a Little. The caretaking scenes were really great though and I loved that we had a trans Dom MC. I also really enjoyed how much Tate embraced learning about Hanukkah and Judaism (though Adam sometimes seemed more angry than happy about being Jewish) and how much he wanted to make things special for Adam while also finding the right balance to not push too much.
One big thing that I didn't enjoy was Tate's family and the fact that he and his sister still feel obligated to spend the holidays with them even though they're racist toward Tate's Chinese brother-in-law and they're transphobic toward Tate, going so far as to deadname him. I don't understand why I keep seeing these LGBTQ+ romances where characters are being forced to still interact with their toxic families simply because it's the holidays and "family should be together". I will also note that Adam makes a comment about Tate's use of a strap on that was meant to be a positive thing but felt vaguely transphobic to me; but maybe I'm wrong, I'm not trans so take my statement with a grain of salt.
Content Warning: racist, transphobic family; dead naming of the trans MC from his parents; on page anxiety
One big thing that I didn't enjoy was Tate's family and the fact that he and his sister still feel obligated to spend the holidays with them even though they're racist toward Tate's Chinese brother-in-law and they're transphobic toward Tate, going so far as to deadname him. I don't understand why I keep seeing these LGBTQ+ romances where characters are being forced to still interact with their toxic families simply because it's the holidays and "family should be together". I will also note that Adam makes a comment about Tate's use of a strap on that was meant to be a positive thing but felt vaguely transphobic to me; but maybe I'm wrong, I'm not trans so take my statement with a grain of salt.
Content Warning: racist, transphobic family; dead naming of the trans MC from his parents; on page anxiety
December 11, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
His for Hanukkah is the first book in Reese Morrison’s new Traditions series, which looks like it will follow a variety of Jewish holidays, and I am super excited. Every year, I try to find some new books to read for Hanukkah, as they tend to be few and far between (and you can find a list of what we’ve reviewed here). And I am even more excited to see that Morrison will be focusing books on other Jewish holidays as well, as that is almost impossible to find (check out the Tarnished Souls series for one example). So I snapped this one up right away, and it was a great introduction for me to Morrison’s writing. The author develops a sweet and sexy story that has a lot of nuance and depth as it explores a variety of areas.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
His for Hanukkah is the first book in Reese Morrison’s new Traditions series, which looks like it will follow a variety of Jewish holidays, and I am super excited. Every year, I try to find some new books to read for Hanukkah, as they tend to be few and far between (and you can find a list of what we’ve reviewed here). And I am even more excited to see that Morrison will be focusing books on other Jewish holidays as well, as that is almost impossible to find (check out the Tarnished Souls series for one example). So I snapped this one up right away, and it was a great introduction for me to Morrison’s writing. The author develops a sweet and sexy story that has a lot of nuance and depth as it explores a variety of areas.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 17, 2022
I loved everything about this book and I am excited to read more from the author. Easily my favorite holiday book this season!
December 10, 2020
2.5 stars
Ok, first: If you haven't read this author before, start with Love Language
Reese Morrison has become one of my new go-to authors for a comfort read combining gooey feels and hot sex, and this delivered all of those. I did knock the rating down a bit because this was three of their books in a row that used a version of the same trope to serve as the main internal relationship conflict, and it doesn't help that it happens to be one that really frustrates me. Three in a row is too many for the same conflict! Hopefully they mix it up with the next one.
Daddy's are also one of their go-to's that I don't usually seek out, but the last two were awesome surprises. This one was a little ... well, "little", even though it's said that he's not a little. It didn't work for me as well as the others, so I'm glad this wasn't my first try with the author. Definitely won't keep me from reading another of theirs, and soon -- I've already read three, in fact, while I was procrastinating on this review! -- but definitely start with Love Language.
Adam's experience of the Christmas thrall as a Jew was also really interesting. It gave me major flashbacks to how I feel around here at Easter time.
Ok, first: If you haven't read this author before, start with Love Language
Reese Morrison has become one of my new go-to authors for a comfort read combining gooey feels and hot sex, and this delivered all of those. I did knock the rating down a bit because this was three of their books in a row that used a version of the same trope to serve as the main internal relationship conflict, and it doesn't help that it happens to be one that really frustrates me. Three in a row is too many for the same conflict! Hopefully they mix it up with the next one.
Daddy's are also one of their go-to's that I don't usually seek out, but the last two were awesome surprises. This one was a little ... well, "little", even though it's said that he's not a little. It didn't work for me as well as the others, so I'm glad this wasn't my first try with the author. Definitely won't keep me from reading another of theirs, and soon -- I've already read three, in fact, while I was procrastinating on this review! -- but definitely start with Love Language.
Adam's experience of the Christmas thrall as a Jew was also really interesting. It gave me major flashbacks to how I feel around here at Easter time.
December 19, 2023
4⭐️
3.5🌶️
Tags: M/TM, spicy holiday novella, gay Jewish MMC, transgender MMC, dom/sub, DADDY, dual POVs, secret pining, praise, punishments, ørgasm control, bondage, spanking, degradation, brat, c*ck cage,
Triggers: bad breakup, anxiety,
This shit was cute and hot af
3.5🌶️
Tags: M/TM, spicy holiday novella, gay Jewish MMC, transgender MMC, dom/sub, DADDY, dual POVs, secret pining, praise, punishments, ørgasm control, bondage, spanking, degradation, brat, c*ck cage,
Triggers: bad breakup, anxiety,
This shit was cute and hot af
December 10, 2025
Reread December 2021
Well I still really love this book. I get frustrated when reviews make comments about one of the main characters, Adam, saying that he is too much and to whiny and complains too much mostly because just let people be. Honestly I really hate it when reviewers comment about characters being over the top because I know that there are people like that, myself included, who have been told that they're over the top and too much and not worth the effort and it is frustrating and disheartening to see readers who hypothetically should have more open minds about all sorts of human experiences, trash a specific personality type.
Anyway, Adam is frustrated and exhausted and tired of living as a Jewish person in a Christmas dominated society. He hates every moment of the holiday season and ends up having a tantrum of sorts in the lobby of his local kink club. Tate, a friend of Adam's and a Dom, happened to be there during the tantrum and becomes dedicated to giving Adam the best Hanukkah he can. This book has a trans Dom which is super fun and very enjoyable. It is a daddy / boy dynamic with no age play. There are a couple explicit scenes.
As much as I enjoy this book, I do think it could have benefited with some sort of prequel or just more expansion on Adam and Tate's relationship as friends beforehand. There is some brief comments about it but it's never dealt into enough and I think that that sometimes doesn't allow a reader to connect fully with their experience. But as a whole, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Original review:
Apparently I've been seriously missing out on kinky trans and queer romance books. I'm a little obsessed with Reese Morrison and love all their stories and their writing style. I swear nothing is off limits and nothing is shamed. It's kind of miraculous to see such open and honest trans kinky rep. This one features a gay trans Dom and gay Jewish sub. Both the trans and Jewish rep is own voices.
Well I still really love this book. I get frustrated when reviews make comments about one of the main characters, Adam, saying that he is too much and to whiny and complains too much mostly because just let people be. Honestly I really hate it when reviewers comment about characters being over the top because I know that there are people like that, myself included, who have been told that they're over the top and too much and not worth the effort and it is frustrating and disheartening to see readers who hypothetically should have more open minds about all sorts of human experiences, trash a specific personality type.
Anyway, Adam is frustrated and exhausted and tired of living as a Jewish person in a Christmas dominated society. He hates every moment of the holiday season and ends up having a tantrum of sorts in the lobby of his local kink club. Tate, a friend of Adam's and a Dom, happened to be there during the tantrum and becomes dedicated to giving Adam the best Hanukkah he can. This book has a trans Dom which is super fun and very enjoyable. It is a daddy / boy dynamic with no age play. There are a couple explicit scenes.
As much as I enjoy this book, I do think it could have benefited with some sort of prequel or just more expansion on Adam and Tate's relationship as friends beforehand. There is some brief comments about it but it's never dealt into enough and I think that that sometimes doesn't allow a reader to connect fully with their experience. But as a whole, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Original review:
Apparently I've been seriously missing out on kinky trans and queer romance books. I'm a little obsessed with Reese Morrison and love all their stories and their writing style. I swear nothing is off limits and nothing is shamed. It's kind of miraculous to see such open and honest trans kinky rep. This one features a gay trans Dom and gay Jewish sub. Both the trans and Jewish rep is own voices.
August 16, 2020
All the boy wants for Hanukkah is a Daddy to call his own.
What an enchanting story! The developing Daddy/ boy dynamic is wonderful to watch unfold. Set over the eight nights of Hanukkah, the story progresses quickly. Along the way you will learn a lot about Jewish traditions. There are also intolerant family, goals, rules, a transgender man, bdsm elements, and HEA. I love this book.
Tate is a transgender man. He is also a Daddy. Tate has been wanting Adam to be his boy for a long time. Adam wants Tate, too. He's just too shy to act on it. The disparity of Christmas hype and forgotten Hanukkah spurs Adam to act out. Tate becomes his Daddy for the eight nights. The fun is in watching them learn about each other.
The Jewish traditions are done with respect; explained in a manner easy to understand. I do not believe anyone will be offended. This also has some of the most explicit, erotic and well written trans sex scenes. You will love this book.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
What an enchanting story! The developing Daddy/ boy dynamic is wonderful to watch unfold. Set over the eight nights of Hanukkah, the story progresses quickly. Along the way you will learn a lot about Jewish traditions. There are also intolerant family, goals, rules, a transgender man, bdsm elements, and HEA. I love this book.
Tate is a transgender man. He is also a Daddy. Tate has been wanting Adam to be his boy for a long time. Adam wants Tate, too. He's just too shy to act on it. The disparity of Christmas hype and forgotten Hanukkah spurs Adam to act out. Tate becomes his Daddy for the eight nights. The fun is in watching them learn about each other.
The Jewish traditions are done with respect; explained in a manner easy to understand. I do not believe anyone will be offended. This also has some of the most explicit, erotic and well written trans sex scenes. You will love this book.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
January 18, 2020
I was afraid that the book was going to be a stereotypical dom/sub relationship. The dom uses the sub and the sub takes it. It was so much more. I want Tate as my daddy. The man is perfect and unfortunately only exists in literature. He saw Adam as so much more than just an outlet for his sexual needs. I'm not sure if Tate was the perfect dom before Adam or because of Adam. Maybe his finding Adam brought out the best in him.
Adam could have easily been a two dimensional character. He's a brat and is emotionally needy. But he blossomed under Tate's care. He grew into a much deeper character. Yes, he's still a brat and emotionally needy, but that doesn't define him any longer.
Watching these characters grow was so special. I want to thank the author for this book! I want more Tate and Adam as well!
Adam could have easily been a two dimensional character. He's a brat and is emotionally needy. But he blossomed under Tate's care. He grew into a much deeper character. Yes, he's still a brat and emotionally needy, but that doesn't define him any longer.
Watching these characters grow was so special. I want to thank the author for this book! I want more Tate and Adam as well!
December 16, 2020
Very sweet, solid holiday romance.
I think this is my first novel by Reese Morrison and I'm definitely looking forward to more. Unique and interesting characters who were richly developed. I didn't really feel the connection between the characters as much as I would have liked... it was more a case of right place, right time for them, but that's okay. It was just supposed to be a sweet, holiday romance not a huge drama.
Great hurt/comfort aspects between dealing with Tate's transition, as well as Adam's anxiety and other mental health issues.
I think this is my first novel by Reese Morrison and I'm definitely looking forward to more. Unique and interesting characters who were richly developed. I didn't really feel the connection between the characters as much as I would have liked... it was more a case of right place, right time for them, but that's okay. It was just supposed to be a sweet, holiday romance not a huge drama.
Great hurt/comfort aspects between dealing with Tate's transition, as well as Adam's anxiety and other mental health issues.
December 11, 2021
“I was just thinking of how you glitter like a star all the time, but you have all of this contained power ready to go supernova, too.”
2.5 stars. A short and steamy holiday novella. Adam, fresh off a break-up, is frustrated that he's been cajoled into taking a vacation during the holidays. He's annoyed by the overwhelming prevalence of Christmas, how his Judaism feels invisible during this season, and he's just feeling a little unmoored to boot. He ends up running into an old acquaintance, Tate, a dom who turns out to be just what he needs. Tate offers to take care of him for the eight nights of Hanukkah, and the more time they spend together, the deeper their bond grows. Tate isn't Jewish, but he does everything and more to learn and celebrate Hanukkah the way Adam wants to. There's a lot that he (and the reader) learns through Adam. I did really like that, and it's always great to see trans characters in romance. But the romance, unfortunately, is what I wasn't really sold on. I guess I wasn't really in love with the type of dynamic they have; brats like Adam aren't really compelling to me. They worked well for each other, because Tate is so kind and understanding and firm, and I adored the lengths he went to to make sure Adam always felt comfortable and that his needs were met, and that his anxiety didn't overwhelm him. But I just wasn't in love with the relationship/dynamic. This moved super fast, and we didn't get to know them enough as individuals.
Also,
Overall pretty sweet, and it fits the bill if you're looking for something kinky that involves a lot of genuine care, or a holiday romance that isn't Christmas related. It just wasn't totally for me.
Content warnings: .
November 20, 2020
This was my first ever Hanukkah story and I really enjoyed it. I was in the mood of holiday romance and I read a few in this month, it was a bit refreshing to read something different than Christmas.
Imagine the surprise on my face when I found out it's a daddy holiday romance! I mean, you know that daddy kink is my number one favorite, so I was more than happy with it.
The story was cute, it was really insta at the beginning but I didn't mind it, the sooner thebetter and the more the merrier.
If you are familiar with Reese's books than this isn't a new thing for you, His for Hanukkah was exactly the book I wanted and to wich I am accustomed with. Perfectly written trans character, light kink, all the romance and a bit erotica. The little touches and all the little things - those are my favorite from every Reese book.
I enjoyed reading this book, the Hanukkah scenes were lovely and the romance really cute. The ending was good too but so abruptly, I wanted read a bit more.
Imagine the surprise on my face when I found out it's a daddy holiday romance! I mean, you know that daddy kink is my number one favorite, so I was more than happy with it.
The story was cute, it was really insta at the beginning but I didn't mind it, the sooner thebetter and the more the merrier.
If you are familiar with Reese's books than this isn't a new thing for you, His for Hanukkah was exactly the book I wanted and to wich I am accustomed with. Perfectly written trans character, light kink, all the romance and a bit erotica. The little touches and all the little things - those are my favorite from every Reese book.
I enjoyed reading this book, the Hanukkah scenes were lovely and the romance really cute. The ending was good too but so abruptly, I wanted read a bit more.
January 18, 2022
- Mutual pinning
- D/S Dd/Lb
- Close proximity
- Trans MC, Gay MC with anxiety
as always, Reese Morrison never disapoints. Amazing well rounded and compeling characters. a beautiful holiday romance that doesn't revolve around christmas. So much cute moments and a character learning about hanukkah and trying his best to share that holiday and make it special.
- D/S Dd/Lb
- Close proximity
- Trans MC, Gay MC with anxiety
as always, Reese Morrison never disapoints. Amazing well rounded and compeling characters. a beautiful holiday romance that doesn't revolve around christmas. So much cute moments and a character learning about hanukkah and trying his best to share that holiday and make it special.
December 14, 2020
I went into this one wanting a steamy read for the holiday season but it was actually much more on the sweet side (although it does still have a few good steamy scenes, don't worry). It ended up working perfectly for me, I found myself really loving this cute story.
Tate and Adam worked so well together. There is an immediate connection between the pair which doesn't always work so well for me but I liked it here. They have known each other for a while before the book starts, although not in a romantic or sexual way, which is why I think it worked so well. (at time I was still a little unsure, I mean Adam thinks about giving Tate control of his finances on whats basically their first date 😳 but it's fiction so I let it fly aha, but I know some people will probs be more put off by this)
I loved the discussion of Hanukkah here. I don't know too much about Hanukkah so I actually felt like I was learning something whilst reading. Adam really cares about his culture and religion and wants to share it with Tate and I just really loved reading those sections, and seeing how open Tate was to listening and learning more.
I was back and forth at first on a rating as some of the insta-love aspects and Adam's bratty nature was a little much for me but I really did enjoy it and I think it made for a great holiday read so 4 stars it is!
Tate and Adam worked so well together. There is an immediate connection between the pair which doesn't always work so well for me but I liked it here. They have known each other for a while before the book starts, although not in a romantic or sexual way, which is why I think it worked so well. (at time I was still a little unsure, I mean Adam thinks about giving Tate control of his finances on whats basically their first date 😳 but it's fiction so I let it fly aha, but I know some people will probs be more put off by this)
I loved the discussion of Hanukkah here. I don't know too much about Hanukkah so I actually felt like I was learning something whilst reading. Adam really cares about his culture and religion and wants to share it with Tate and I just really loved reading those sections, and seeing how open Tate was to listening and learning more.
I was back and forth at first on a rating as some of the insta-love aspects and Adam's bratty nature was a little much for me but I really did enjoy it and I think it made for a great holiday read so 4 stars it is!
November 24, 2020
Oh, this was so cute (and really hot) but what else would you expect from Reese Morrison. At this point, I'm convinced they can do no wrong and I am full-on trash for them.
Tate and Adam were so freakin' cute! I loved the balance of their sweet moments with kink. And Tate is a daddy above daddies. He is officially in my top ten daddies ever. I swooned so hard. Adam was also super relatable for me. Characters that are super subby but also witty and bratty are my absolute fave.
I also want to add in case the title wasn't clear enough, this book has a lot to do with Jewish culture and religion. There's a lot of references and history woven in here, but it's done in such a way that it's fairly easy to understand and follow. At least I didn't have a problem keeping up (I learned a lot).
This is a healthy romance which I know can seem boring but as it's also kinky as all hell the sex is OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD! I was living my best life reading this. It's the kind of cozy thing you want to read this time of year. If you're looking for something fluff and sweet but also kink and dirty, here it is. 5 stars because seriously Tate was just SWOON!
Tate and Adam were so freakin' cute! I loved the balance of their sweet moments with kink. And Tate is a daddy above daddies. He is officially in my top ten daddies ever. I swooned so hard. Adam was also super relatable for me. Characters that are super subby but also witty and bratty are my absolute fave.
I also want to add in case the title wasn't clear enough, this book has a lot to do with Jewish culture and religion. There's a lot of references and history woven in here, but it's done in such a way that it's fairly easy to understand and follow. At least I didn't have a problem keeping up (I learned a lot).
This is a healthy romance which I know can seem boring but as it's also kinky as all hell the sex is OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD! I was living my best life reading this. It's the kind of cozy thing you want to read this time of year. If you're looking for something fluff and sweet but also kink and dirty, here it is. 5 stars because seriously Tate was just SWOON!
January 14, 2022
I love Reese Morrison and, as with the Love Language series, this did not disappoint.
A steamy romance with dom / sub, kink, gay, trans, queer and Jewish rep all centered around celebrating Hanukkah.
A steamy romance with dom / sub, kink, gay, trans, queer and Jewish rep all centered around celebrating Hanukkah.
December 28, 2022
DNF @ 50% - parts are largely inaccurate when concerning Judaism, both when it comes to religion and history, to the point it’s just antisemitic
December 14, 2021
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
I saw trans and I saw Jewish, that was all I needed to want this book immediately. I am a simple boy, simple needs.
This book has a lot of Jewish, but mostly angry Jewish. There were rants about what was hidden in the religion and what no one talks about. There was hate for even the simple dreidel game. Every time Jewish anything came up, I had to prepare myself for a rant and anger. It was really off putting. The ideas and stories told would have fit better in a different book. This was mostly smut and then angry religious rants.
The smut itself was pretty tame. There was lovely dysphoria and transphobia in the scenes which is a big no for me. I don’t need to be reminded that people hate me for existing when I am trying to read smut. It was also really weird that a trans guy waited until the middle of a scene to check in about what his partner thought of his genitalia. That should have been a discussion before they ever hooked up, no matter how long they had pined for each other.
The romance aspect was completely not there. I tried so hard to ship them, but how could I? There was no building of romance. There was no mention of previous romance. It was all “wow he is hot as a dude”. I got so annoyed. I needed something to care about this couple, but I didn’t get anything. They seemed mostly compatible for kink, but not in a relationship. If I was told one more time that they wanted each other, I would have screamed. There was just so much telling and no showing. It is a huge step down from what I expected of Morrison.
This book is only not a one star, because I am so desperate for trans doms that I would pretty much accept anything to get it.
I got an ARC of this book.
I saw trans and I saw Jewish, that was all I needed to want this book immediately. I am a simple boy, simple needs.
This book has a lot of Jewish, but mostly angry Jewish. There were rants about what was hidden in the religion and what no one talks about. There was hate for even the simple dreidel game. Every time Jewish anything came up, I had to prepare myself for a rant and anger. It was really off putting. The ideas and stories told would have fit better in a different book. This was mostly smut and then angry religious rants.
The smut itself was pretty tame. There was lovely dysphoria and transphobia in the scenes which is a big no for me. I don’t need to be reminded that people hate me for existing when I am trying to read smut. It was also really weird that a trans guy waited until the middle of a scene to check in about what his partner thought of his genitalia. That should have been a discussion before they ever hooked up, no matter how long they had pined for each other.
The romance aspect was completely not there. I tried so hard to ship them, but how could I? There was no building of romance. There was no mention of previous romance. It was all “wow he is hot as a dude”. I got so annoyed. I needed something to care about this couple, but I didn’t get anything. They seemed mostly compatible for kink, but not in a relationship. If I was told one more time that they wanted each other, I would have screamed. There was just so much telling and no showing. It is a huge step down from what I expected of Morrison.
This book is only not a one star, because I am so desperate for trans doms that I would pretty much accept anything to get it.
November 30, 2024
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers and general tags. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
4.25/5
Ebook
* Summary: Two acquaintances from the same old friend group find an unexpected connection as they celebrate the holiday together.
* Stats: CR, MM, trans rep, open door with BDSM and daddy kink, part of a series but stands alone.
* Notes: Look, I read this for the cover. I did enjoy it, though daddy kink isn’t my thing and this gets close to but not actually age play which is very much not my thing. Both characters are flawed - particularly Adam who is an anxious hot mess. Tate was a little bit too composed for me - and I didn’t entirely understand his relationship with his parents who are The Worst - but I also get it. Sometimes we do maintain relationships with people who hurt us. Adam is highly critical of… everything, just an FYI, but I like that he is a character who engages critically and deeply with his religion. That did make it easier for me to handle a religious contemporary main character, when I usually find it uncomfortable.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
4.25/5
Ebook
* Summary: Two acquaintances from the same old friend group find an unexpected connection as they celebrate the holiday together.
* Stats: CR, MM, trans rep, open door with BDSM and daddy kink, part of a series but stands alone.
* Notes: Look, I read this for the cover. I did enjoy it, though daddy kink isn’t my thing and this gets close to but not actually age play which is very much not my thing. Both characters are flawed - particularly Adam who is an anxious hot mess. Tate was a little bit too composed for me - and I didn’t entirely understand his relationship with his parents who are The Worst - but I also get it. Sometimes we do maintain relationships with people who hurt us. Adam is highly critical of… everything, just an FYI, but I like that he is a character who engages critically and deeply with his religion. That did make it easier for me to handle a religious contemporary main character, when I usually find it uncomfortable.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
November 24, 2020
This is the story of Tate and Adam. Adam is overwhelmed by the “holiday” season, since holiday seems to only mean Christmas and since he doesn’t have the Daddy he wants to help him navigate it all. Tate is exactly what Adam needs in the moment that he needs it, and his offer to be Adam’s Daddy for Hanukkah is the beginning of a beautiful connection for them both. I love the way this novel balances the heat of the scenes Adam and Tate share with the sweetness of them falling for each other. I love how well Adam and Tate fit together: Tate can give Adam the structure and caring he needs without being intimidated by his intellect or intensity, and Adam provides Tate with a focus for all his love and caretaking instincts, as well as a partner for awkward family gatherings with his intensely transphobic (and xenophobic, and anti-Semitic) parents. I also love that their connection, while strong and organic, is not effortless: Tate is a good dom but he isn’t perfect, and he learns and adapts to Adam’s needs in a way that’s more rewarding than if he’d gotten everything right from the first. I love, too, how this novel immerses readers in Hanukkah-- the history, the cultural context, the rituals and the symbolic objects. Adam’s delight at sharing Hanukkah with Tate, and Tate’s eagerness to learn, in order to participate and to make Adam happy, feels deeply symbolic of the way their relationship works: each learns from and draws upon the other in the best possible way. There’s something really beautiful about that.
An ARC was provided to me by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review.
An ARC was provided to me by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review.
November 29, 2020
4.5 Stars
His For Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday romance. This Reese Morrison book is the first in the Traditions series.
From the start, I enjoyed the writer's voice, making it easy to get sucked into this story.
Adam and Tate's story has a lot of layers. Adam desperately wants a Daddy in his life. Tate's attracted to the young femme man, but still struggles with being accepted, as he's trans. They're two men with an equal attraction, and some miscommunication in their pasts.
Adam's a brat who's never found his Daddy, till now. I love his brat side when it comes out. And he's about to get the best gift ever - a daddy for Hanukkah.
This is a tale with plenty of heat, lots of emotions, and some tender romance. The sex is hot, with some spanking, a St Andrews cross, and more. But it's the relationship that I love. It develops over the holiday, with the feelings becoming all too real, and it's perfectly beautiful.
One of the overwhelming feelings throughout is that of Tate and his trans status. I love that he finds the man he loves accepts him as is, and actually sees the benefits of Tate being trans.
The author also adds in a lot of information about the history and culture of the Jewish community. It's well done, adding in info here and there, resulting in me learning a lot. As for the Happy Holidays term, the author is spot on.
His for Hanukkah is sweet, with just a little bit of angst, and will leave you excited for the holidays. Reese Morrison definitely had me riveted by these men and their story.
His For Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday romance. This Reese Morrison book is the first in the Traditions series.
From the start, I enjoyed the writer's voice, making it easy to get sucked into this story.
Adam and Tate's story has a lot of layers. Adam desperately wants a Daddy in his life. Tate's attracted to the young femme man, but still struggles with being accepted, as he's trans. They're two men with an equal attraction, and some miscommunication in their pasts.
Adam's a brat who's never found his Daddy, till now. I love his brat side when it comes out. And he's about to get the best gift ever - a daddy for Hanukkah.
This is a tale with plenty of heat, lots of emotions, and some tender romance. The sex is hot, with some spanking, a St Andrews cross, and more. But it's the relationship that I love. It develops over the holiday, with the feelings becoming all too real, and it's perfectly beautiful.
One of the overwhelming feelings throughout is that of Tate and his trans status. I love that he finds the man he loves accepts him as is, and actually sees the benefits of Tate being trans.
The author also adds in a lot of information about the history and culture of the Jewish community. It's well done, adding in info here and there, resulting in me learning a lot. As for the Happy Holidays term, the author is spot on.
His for Hanukkah is sweet, with just a little bit of angst, and will leave you excited for the holidays. Reese Morrison definitely had me riveted by these men and their story.
November 26, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I liked the relationship between Tate and Adam. They certainly had some hiccups on working towards their HEA, but that was very understandable give how quickly their romance developed. I'm glad that it was touched on them having a history together (as friends, not as a romance), because it made the quick jump into a relationship not feel too quick. Daddy kink may not be my kink, but this story was so enchanting that it really brought out the connection between Tate and Adam so much more.
Tate was amazing. He really put time and effort into learning both what he needed to do as Adam's Daddy and learning about Hanukkah (and Jewish culture). I think he was able to bring not only the structure Adam needed, but a bit of the wonder back for him. I really could identify with Adam's frustration at the "holiday" season. Christmas is everywhere and Hanukkah is such a minor holiday for Jews (unless you have little kids), that it is easy to feel lost (or at least overlooked). I liked that as the story progressed Adam's attitude shifted to finding things in Hanukkah to connect to (like playing dreidel with Tate's nieces).
I did find it odd that there were comments from Adam about how the "Orthodox" do things (and how he was different). There was nothing that seemed to indicate that he was raised Orthodox, and there are so many different varieties of Judaism that it just kept catching my attention.
I liked the relationship between Tate and Adam. They certainly had some hiccups on working towards their HEA, but that was very understandable give how quickly their romance developed. I'm glad that it was touched on them having a history together (as friends, not as a romance), because it made the quick jump into a relationship not feel too quick. Daddy kink may not be my kink, but this story was so enchanting that it really brought out the connection between Tate and Adam so much more.
Tate was amazing. He really put time and effort into learning both what he needed to do as Adam's Daddy and learning about Hanukkah (and Jewish culture). I think he was able to bring not only the structure Adam needed, but a bit of the wonder back for him. I really could identify with Adam's frustration at the "holiday" season. Christmas is everywhere and Hanukkah is such a minor holiday for Jews (unless you have little kids), that it is easy to feel lost (or at least overlooked). I liked that as the story progressed Adam's attitude shifted to finding things in Hanukkah to connect to (like playing dreidel with Tate's nieces).
I did find it odd that there were comments from Adam about how the "Orthodox" do things (and how he was different). There was nothing that seemed to indicate that he was raised Orthodox, and there are so many different varieties of Judaism that it just kept catching my attention.
November 25, 2020
The best Jewish representation I've seen in a long time.
I usually don't read kink/daddy theme books. No judgment, just not my thing. But when I saw this new book, much like with the chanukah displays at my local TJ Maxx store, I felt obligated to get it. And from the first chapter, I felt seen in a way I rarely feel seen in books as a queer jew. I'm not sure who I want to be friends with more, Adam (the character) or Reese (the author). Adam's feelings on the Christmas season, the real meaning of "Happy Holidays" as a blanket statement, the conversations about what Jewish holidays are actually meaningful (and get ignored) vs chanukah, which is terrible, but gets this unnecessary, undeserved spotlight. And Adam, whose anxiety is significantly more life-altering than my own and yet still feels so familiar, wanting a Daddy as someone to care for him, ground him, and ease that anxiety? It's like I finally *get it.* Will I be seeking out Daddy-themed books now? Probably not. But I am so, so glad I read this one. My favorite line, one I felt in the depths of my American Jewish soul: "Like, a little bit subversive even though it still fulfils the mitzvah. Actually, that’s very Jewish, too. Like, defining things on a technicality.”" Yasher koach, Reese Morrison!
I usually don't read kink/daddy theme books. No judgment, just not my thing. But when I saw this new book, much like with the chanukah displays at my local TJ Maxx store, I felt obligated to get it. And from the first chapter, I felt seen in a way I rarely feel seen in books as a queer jew. I'm not sure who I want to be friends with more, Adam (the character) or Reese (the author). Adam's feelings on the Christmas season, the real meaning of "Happy Holidays" as a blanket statement, the conversations about what Jewish holidays are actually meaningful (and get ignored) vs chanukah, which is terrible, but gets this unnecessary, undeserved spotlight. And Adam, whose anxiety is significantly more life-altering than my own and yet still feels so familiar, wanting a Daddy as someone to care for him, ground him, and ease that anxiety? It's like I finally *get it.* Will I be seeking out Daddy-themed books now? Probably not. But I am so, so glad I read this one. My favorite line, one I felt in the depths of my American Jewish soul: "Like, a little bit subversive even though it still fulfils the mitzvah. Actually, that’s very Jewish, too. Like, defining things on a technicality.”" Yasher koach, Reese Morrison!
November 24, 2020
Adam was feeling alone and forgotten, everywhere he went it was 'Christmas' he wasn't Christian, he was Jewish! His boss had made him take time off work due to him not using his allocated vacation days, and it just made him feel worse, he needed his routine he couldn't cope with weeks off work! He decided to go to Escape, he hadn't been for a while it hadn't been the same after Jacob had dumped him, he hadn't known who their group of friends belonged with and before long they had all parted ways one way or another. When he got to the club Tate was in the foyer putting decorations up, Adam became overwhelmed and started kicking a box...he couldn't stop. He'd always liked Tate even before he'd transitioned, but when Tate had moved back to town Adam had struggled to feel comfortable around him at the club and couldn't talk to him like he used to because Tate was just so hot! By the end of the night they would be in agreement, Adam would be his for Hanukkah!
I really liked their story they were so sweet together and although they had known each other in the past, they hadn't truly known each other.
I really liked their story they were so sweet together and although they had known each other in the past, they hadn't truly known each other.
November 28, 2020
This book was refreshing in that not only was it not about your typical December holiday, but one of the main characters is transgender. I truly enjoyed this book. The relationship between Tate and Adam could easily have been awkward since they were friends before Tate’s transition. But Adam is the first one to admit the only awkwardness he has around Tate is because suddenly he is hot and available. What Adam needs is someone to take charge of him and to help soothe away his anxieties and no one is better suited to that than Tate, who has secretly thought the other man was attractive for a while and is hoping that there won’t be any problems. Tate is sure in his masculinity and his dominant tendencies and he longs to have a boy to take care of. He decides to take the 8 days of Hanukkah and show Adam that he can be everything the other man needs. This is really a sweet story of love and caring and realizing that it is okay to let go and trust the right person when you find them. The way these characters are written really drew me in and made me fall in love with them from the first words. I will be looking for more books by this author!
December 1, 2020
This book taught me lots about both Hanukkah traditions and dom/sub relationships. It was pretty cute too.
I picked it up because the author and one of the protagonists are trans, and its different than the usual holiday story. The dynamics had an authenticity that I appreciated, a move away from cishet ideas of queerness and imagined kink (I say this as someone who wrote slash fantasies in my teens), both of which I'm wary of.
I liked both the characters, but Tate was too perfect. His only worry about himself is that he was trans, which I totally get because it makes relationships are a little bit more complex, but it sometimes seemed like the book was saying he even though his actions were constantly caring and right, he wasn't perfect because he was a trans man... and I take issue with that.
Also, I'm sure this was intentional, but I wanted to know how old the boys were, and what their jobs were. It was a bit of an awkward omission.
Honestly though, very cute. Adam's anxiety is so real, and I just wanted to protect him (and also be him). I'll keep an eye out for Morrison in the future <3
I picked it up because the author and one of the protagonists are trans, and its different than the usual holiday story. The dynamics had an authenticity that I appreciated, a move away from cishet ideas of queerness and imagined kink (I say this as someone who wrote slash fantasies in my teens), both of which I'm wary of.
I liked both the characters, but Tate was too perfect. His only worry about himself is that he was trans, which I totally get because it makes relationships are a little bit more complex, but it sometimes seemed like the book was saying he even though his actions were constantly caring and right, he wasn't perfect because he was a trans man... and I take issue with that.
Also, I'm sure this was intentional, but I wanted to know how old the boys were, and what their jobs were. It was a bit of an awkward omission.
Honestly though, very cute. Adam's anxiety is so real, and I just wanted to protect him (and also be him). I'll keep an eye out for Morrison in the future <3
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