I wanted this book to be longer! I did love the development of Benji and Estee's relationship, though. Also, the unplanned pregnancy trope is usually I wanted this book to be longer! I did love the development of Benji and Estee's relationship, though. Also, the unplanned pregnancy trope is usually a do not pass go for me, but I didn't hate it in this instance based on how Lasky continued the story. I thought it was delightful and spicy, and I enjoyed Benji's thoughtfulness regarding Hanukkah. Cooking Hanukkah meals, lighting the menorah, and giving gifts were prominent, and I enjoyed that representation. Overall, it felt really quick, and I would have loved to get more into the characters and their motivations. This one was cute, and I appreciated the nod to the first book and its characters. ...more
This was cute, and I loved going behind the scenes of the Matzo Baller. Seeing Jay and Rebecca pull everything off was great. I also loved Bubbe as a This was cute, and I loved going behind the scenes of the Matzo Baller. Seeing Jay and Rebecca pull everything off was great. I also loved Bubbe as a side character. However, Rebecca was far too stubborn and stuck in her past for me to enjoy any development she had. I thought she was too hot and cold with Jay, making it hard for me to like her. I also thought this one ended rather abruptly. I would have wanted to see what happened with both of them after the Matzo Baller. It's probably not my favorite of the series, but I'm excited to see more of the pairings....more
3.5 This book was super cute. I liked that it took place in New Jersey and New York. Many characters were Jewish, and I loved the small-town Hanukkah v3.5 This book was super cute. I liked that it took place in New Jersey and New York. Many characters were Jewish, and I loved the small-town Hanukkah vibes. I also enjoyed that Jessica was a journalist because I could relate to her. Thomas was dark and broody, and I liked that he came out of his shell and could talk about his trauma. I thought the story was paced super well. This also included an interfaith relationship, and it was nice to see Jessica stand up for what she wanted with Thomas, even though her mother was skeptical. The relationship was sweet, and I liked how it developed—some aspects were similar to my own, and that was special. The writing was a bit on the basic side, but overall, this was a cute story for the holiday!...more
3.5 I loved the first two books in the Matzo Ballers series, and this was also cute. Avi and Leah were a smidge of enemies to lovers, but their relatio3.5 I loved the first two books in the Matzo Ballers series, and this was also cute. Avi and Leah were a smidge of enemies to lovers, but their relationship developed quite nicely. I loved the forced proximity and all the cute moments the pair shared on the road. This book's rugelach sounded incredible, and I loved that it was a common theme. I loved that both main characters were Jewish, and I love seeing that in books. I was glad to see the boat trip made another appearance, and it was cool to see the cameos from previous characters. This was a fun read, and I'm excited to see the other relationships that form!...more
This is for sure one of the best Hanukkah books I've ever read. It had some of my favorite tropes, including brother's best friend and second-chance rThis is for sure one of the best Hanukkah books I've ever read. It had some of my favorite tropes, including brother's best friend and second-chance romance. The pining and the yearning just hit so well, and I was rooting for Ben and Gabby the whole time. I loved that the book took place in Israel for part of the time and that some Hebrew, Yiddish, and other Jewish traditions were sprinkled throughout the story. I wished Ben and Gabby would have opened up to each other sooner, but I get why they didn't. This book put me in all the feels and had me kicking my feet and swooning. It was so wholesome and well done. The spice was also fantastic; this was such a great romance. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know because it was fantastic! ...more
2.5 This book kept me entertained, but I wasn't super impressed. I enjoyed the Jewish representation, but the stereotyping was a little outdated. It wa2.5 This book kept me entertained, but I wasn't super impressed. I enjoyed the Jewish representation, but the stereotyping was a little outdated. It was quick enough and funny at times, for sure. I also didn't love how Becca was hooking up with everyone while in love with her best friend. I noticed a lot of grammar and missed editing, which took me out of the story. I also wish Becca had stood up to her mom sooner rather than later. It was delightfully spicy, but some date timelines didn't make sense. As I said, it was funny and entertaining but needed some work....more
This was fantastic novella/short story. I loved Nessa and Jack and that was an interfaith relationship. It actually reminded me a lot of my own relatiThis was fantastic novella/short story. I loved Nessa and Jack and that was an interfaith relationship. It actually reminded me a lot of my own relationship which I loved. While the story was short, I feel like I learned a lot about the characters and each of their traditions. It got a little spicy and I was here for that too. Overall, the Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations were super fun and I'm so glad I picked it up!...more
3.5 I loved the Janies series and I was excited to dive into the stsrt of the Mary's, but I didn't love this one as much as the original trilogy. I tho3.5 I loved the Janies series and I was excited to dive into the stsrt of the Mary's, but I didn't love this one as much as the original trilogy. I thought Mary was fierce and independent, but I found some of the side characters to be whiny and annoying, including Francis. He didn't know how to communicate at all and it was frustrating. I do like these funny takes on history and how the authors modernized the world and the characters. I also really liked the ending of this one because it was a lot of build up. I'm still going to read the rest of the series and I'm curious which other Mary's in history I'll meet....more
4.5 I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but I listened to it in one sitting. I had so much fun with these characters, and the setting of4.5 I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but I listened to it in one sitting. I had so much fun with these characters, and the setting of Scotland was so dreamy. This had many of my favorite tropes, including grumpy sunshine, slightly found family, and just enough paranormal activity. I'm not hugely into monster romance, but I genuinely loved this one. The spice was fun, the family secrets and magical mysteries were delightful, and how Lana Ferguson handled grief was well done. I'm glad the third-act conflict wasn't super long, and Key and Lachlan could communicate with each other. I also loved the epilogue. This was fun, and I really enjoyed reading this book!...more