Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Jude just is not into the holiday season this year. The shoppers and all the cheer is grinding on his last nerve. Mac is new in town and just unpacking. Helping Mac out is just what Jude needs to get over his doldrums. I was disappointed by this book. Both Jude and Mac have had bad experiences in the past but the first thing they do is jump into bed. Most of their relationship is built on sex with a few home improvements thrown in as filler. I enjoyed the character Mac and his gregarious personality but Jude was just plain dull and clueless. The two men are "very serious" about each other yet barely know anything about the other. The message of the dreidel at the end was touching but too much too fast. ( )

This is mostly a quiet story; I guess because Jude is a quiet man. But then there is Mac, and he definitely brings life into Jude's existence. As the two men get to know each other and end up celebrating Hannukah together, each man contributes something of his unique way of looking at things. Their growing knowledge of the other slowly fills the emptiness each felt when they were alone, and the story gains color and joy. Jude's life is entirely different by the end of the shot book, and much, much richer.

Jude is clever, writing his doctoral theses on a part of Greek history that most people might not even recognize. He isn’t too good around people, and very lonely since he left his (mostly disapproving of him being gay) family in LA for wintry Iowa. But he has his dissertation, right? Running into Mac, an extroverted chef, rattles him a little. He feels the attraction, but can’t believe he'll get more than the usual one-night stand. While he's busy telling himself not to get involved, he misses all the hints and clues Mac is sending…

Mac is a man who goes for what he wants. He loves cooking, and even breaking up with a lover of five years can’t keep him down. He is irrepressible, much like a force of nature, and just what Jude needs. The thing is – he proceeds carefully, quickly having understood that Jude won't trust easily. But he uses everything at his disposal, including the preparation of delicious food, to make his point. The two of them belong together.

If you like stories with lots of quiet charm, if you enjoy reading about a 'nerd' slowly thawing and joining the world of those who have a lover, and if you're looking for a Hannukah-themed story, you will probably like this short book.




NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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Jude is just working away and then there is Mac. They hit it off for a real Christmas miracle. ( )