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Hot for the Holidays #3
A Masc for Purim
Every year, tomboy-femme Liza plans the perfect party for Purim, and every year she goes alone. She's convinced her role as holiday host is enough to find happiness, but lately, the nights have gotten lonelier.
Carrie, a.k.a. Liza’s first love, a.k.a. the butch who broke her heart into a million pieces, is back in town and determined to win Liza back.
Their inexperience and inability to be vulnerable with one another may have driven them apart the first time, but has the last decade taught them both to be brave? Luckily, they have the whole megillah to figure it out.
A MASC FOR PURIM is an angsty, steamy, second chance romance between a bisexual butch and her tomboy lesbian. It's a part of the "Hot for the Holidays" series.
Carrie, a.k.a. Liza’s first love, a.k.a. the butch who broke her heart into a million pieces, is back in town and determined to win Liza back.
Their inexperience and inability to be vulnerable with one another may have driven them apart the first time, but has the last decade taught them both to be brave? Luckily, they have the whole megillah to figure it out.
A MASC FOR PURIM is an angsty, steamy, second chance romance between a bisexual butch and her tomboy lesbian. It's a part of the "Hot for the Holidays" series.
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First published March 5, 2022
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About the author
Roz Alexander
12 books50 followersRoz Alexander, a Chicagoan and obsessed gardener, writes smutty sapphic romance.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 9, 2022
If you know me, you know that I am constantly looking for romances that stray from the classic romance formula (meet cute, third act breakup, etc.) and this book did just that, and did it brilliantly.
I know I've already been hyping this up because SAPPHIC JEWISH PURIM ROMANCE but now that I know it's also amazing beyond what it says on the tin, I will be forcing everyone to read this.
This book takes place over the course of one night, sometimes skipping back in time, reminiscent of The Last Five Years. It follows Liza and Carrie, two former lovers, who find themselves back in each others' lives - or at least at the same Purim Carnival. (ITS CALLED QUEERIM AND THEY HAVE THEMED DRINKS CALLED VASHTINIS!! CAN SOMEONE PLAN THIS PARTY IN REAL LIFE SO I CAN GO???) The book features little vignettes of their relationship, from their first meeting to their pivotal breakup, interwoven with scenes of the night they spend reuniting and attempting to cross the distance that's been built between them over the last 10 years apart.
Roz's works are also refreshingly diverse, and this book is no exception. Liza is an Ashkenazi Jew, a lesbian, and has ADHD, and Carrie is Latina, Jewish, bisexual, has Stargardt Disease, and she uses a cane.
Super short, super sweet, and as always with Roz's works, super gay and Jewish, there is no excuse why you shouldn't go pick up this book. Purim Sameach!
Story contains: ADHD rep, alcohol, angst (lots!), deceased parents (including the character learning about the death of a parent), eating (including emotional eating), explicit sex, internalized ableism (on-page/historical), penetration, progressive vision loss (Stargardt Disease), sex toys, and, as always, an HEA (Happily Ever After)
I know I've already been hyping this up because SAPPHIC JEWISH PURIM ROMANCE but now that I know it's also amazing beyond what it says on the tin, I will be forcing everyone to read this.
This book takes place over the course of one night, sometimes skipping back in time, reminiscent of The Last Five Years. It follows Liza and Carrie, two former lovers, who find themselves back in each others' lives - or at least at the same Purim Carnival. (ITS CALLED QUEERIM AND THEY HAVE THEMED DRINKS CALLED VASHTINIS!! CAN SOMEONE PLAN THIS PARTY IN REAL LIFE SO I CAN GO???) The book features little vignettes of their relationship, from their first meeting to their pivotal breakup, interwoven with scenes of the night they spend reuniting and attempting to cross the distance that's been built between them over the last 10 years apart.
Roz's works are also refreshingly diverse, and this book is no exception. Liza is an Ashkenazi Jew, a lesbian, and has ADHD, and Carrie is Latina, Jewish, bisexual, has Stargardt Disease, and she uses a cane.
Super short, super sweet, and as always with Roz's works, super gay and Jewish, there is no excuse why you shouldn't go pick up this book. Purim Sameach!
Story contains: ADHD rep, alcohol, angst (lots!), deceased parents (including the character learning about the death of a parent), eating (including emotional eating), explicit sex, internalized ableism (on-page/historical), penetration, progressive vision loss (Stargardt Disease), sex toys, and, as always, an HEA (Happily Ever After)
May 24, 2022
Great read!
A tomboy-femme, a bisexual butch, a Jewish holiday, a progressive disability, protective friends and a first love you can't forget. Once heartbroken and abandoned and now, after years apart, can she trust her not to hurt her again? I loved how the story moves back and forth in time. It made you understand their history better. The whole story is well built with likable characters. This was my first book by this author and I will definitely read more books by them.
A tomboy-femme, a bisexual butch, a Jewish holiday, a progressive disability, protective friends and a first love you can't forget. Once heartbroken and abandoned and now, after years apart, can she trust her not to hurt her again? I loved how the story moves back and forth in time. It made you understand their history better. The whole story is well built with likable characters. This was my first book by this author and I will definitely read more books by them.
March 11, 2022
My first read of Roz Alexander's work.
A Purim party is the main setting for this short tale with leads Liza and Carrie. Once again but reluctantly, Liza is hosting the annual Purim party. At 34 she is pressured to find a partner by friends and family and wonders if this year it'll happen. Though many years have passed, thoughts of her ex Carrie hover in her mind . The agony and reason for their parting (initiated by Carrie) still held close. As fate would have it, Carrie's returned home as studly as ever but also vulnerable. They reconnect at Purim and we learn through alternating perspectives about their previous relationship mixed in with activities at the party and what happens after.
The author smoothly works difficult medical issues into the storyline and steamy scenes (past and present) leap off the pages. Who knew a Purim party could rock with a gay choir, triad of mascs and a drag queen MC among other fun stuff. I read hooked by the plot, a Jewish love story with a femme top and masc/stud bottom plus HEA. I look forward to more of her work and easily recommend this book.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a voluntary, unbiased review.
A Purim party is the main setting for this short tale with leads Liza and Carrie. Once again but reluctantly, Liza is hosting the annual Purim party. At 34 she is pressured to find a partner by friends and family and wonders if this year it'll happen. Though many years have passed, thoughts of her ex Carrie hover in her mind . The agony and reason for their parting (initiated by Carrie) still held close. As fate would have it, Carrie's returned home as studly as ever but also vulnerable. They reconnect at Purim and we learn through alternating perspectives about their previous relationship mixed in with activities at the party and what happens after.
The author smoothly works difficult medical issues into the storyline and steamy scenes (past and present) leap off the pages. Who knew a Purim party could rock with a gay choir, triad of mascs and a drag queen MC among other fun stuff. I read hooked by the plot, a Jewish love story with a femme top and masc/stud bottom plus HEA. I look forward to more of her work and easily recommend this book.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a voluntary, unbiased review.
March 16, 2022
This was a fun second chances novella. I liked the diversity in this book, there were a lot of fun characters and the jewish holiday backdrop was entertaining. I liked that the book takes you back to their first meeting and break up and felt like I understood their history and where each of them was coming from going in to the night the reconnect. The alternating chapters are told in first person by both MCs. While I generally like this style, it was a bit hard to follow since the chapters are so short and, being a novella, I didn’t feel like we got to know the MCs well enough to distinguish who was talking.
March 14, 2022
"I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of, A Masc for Purim (Hot for the Holidays, #3), and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review. It is a second chance romance, featuring proud women with disabilities. One character is Bisexual. Carrie and Liza are women of courage and strength. They grow as they face mistakes in their relationship from a decade ago. They now have a second chance at love. I fell in love with these women as they worked through their challenges in life and relationship. The story moves back in forth in time from both their POV’s. The past moves farther back with each jump. The varied timeline was not a distraction. It is worth the read and is 4.5 stars.
June 9, 2022
Liza and Carrie were the perfect couple. Till Carrie started losing her sight and dumped Liza. Liza has tried to put it behind her. But for her Carrie was the love of her life. At the Purim party, Liza is in charge of, Carrie shows back up. But is has been ten years. Can Liza forgive Carrie. Enjoyable book.
March 18, 2022
The steamy queer Purim book I never knew I needed!
CW: parental death, internalized ableism, progressive vision loss
CW: parental death, internalized ableism, progressive vision loss
March 22, 2022
UGHHGHHGHGH THIS BOOK IS GREAT
I'm not Jewish, but I'm very moved by the spiritual celebration of sex that Roz Alexander writes in these steamy sapphic holiday romances. Coming from a religious faith that shames and shuns sexuality of any kind, reading books like these are really healing for me.
If you know me as a romance reader, you know I LOVE a second chance romance, and the flashbacks in this one helped tell such a beautiful, cohesive story of pain, growth, internalized ableism, and romance.
Set against a fun, queer Purim celebration setting, this second chance sapphic romance with two disabled heroines is such a joy to read.
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
I'm not Jewish, but I'm very moved by the spiritual celebration of sex that Roz Alexander writes in these steamy sapphic holiday romances. Coming from a religious faith that shames and shuns sexuality of any kind, reading books like these are really healing for me.
If you know me as a romance reader, you know I LOVE a second chance romance, and the flashbacks in this one helped tell such a beautiful, cohesive story of pain, growth, internalized ableism, and romance.
Set against a fun, queer Purim celebration setting, this second chance sapphic romance with two disabled heroines is such a joy to read.
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
June 27, 2022
I didn’t know that there was a niche I was looking for until I stumbled upon A Masc for Purim by Roz Alexander. But, now that I’ve found it, I have the sneaking suspicion I’m going to be diving down the rabbit hole. A Jewish holiday WLW romance featuring a bisexual butch, and an inelegant (sorry Liza) lesbian? I’m all in. Add in a sprinkling of disability inclusion, jewtina representation, and I was swooning.
I was in the moment I read the description. I was even further committed when I read Roz’s foreword. I appreciated, from the onset, this representation of Jewish culture. It’s not often lauded as the beautifully diverse culture that it is. I was beyond happy to see it!
Now, here’s the reader’s digest of what Purim is: Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Jewish people being saved from Haman (a vizier to king Ahasureus of the Achaemenid Empire) who was planning on killing all of Persia’s Jewish subjects. This is a holiday of charity and giving back — it’s celebrated by exchanging gifts of food and drink (wine, too), eating a celebratory meal, and reading of the Megillah. But, most fun of all, it sometimes involves masks, costumes, and parades. Which is where the wordplay of our title comes in!
Liza, a scorned lover, and single-by-a-decade event coordinator has planned a Purim celebration (as it is delightfully referred to in the book, “Queerim”). She, at the behest of her best friend, is going to actively start looking for someone new. After a messy break-up with her girlfriend, Carrie (who was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease, oh, and also a stud. Get it now?), she’s been unwilling, or perhaps, incapable of trying. It seems a cruel twist of fate that when she decides to try again, Carrie saunters back into her life acting as if nothing has happened. We follow them through Purim and relive the moments that brought them closer, and tore them apart. It’s a sweet (and steamy) nail-biter as we’re left to wonder “will they/won’t they give it another try?”
I devoured this book. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the more delicate subjects were approached with the care and respect they deserve. I quickly fell in love with both Liza and Carrie, and was almost sad to have reached the end of their story.
I 10/10 would recommend this book to anyone looking for a steamy, swoon-worthy sapphic romance. Now, excuse me, I need to go read Roz’s entire backlog.
I was in the moment I read the description. I was even further committed when I read Roz’s foreword. I appreciated, from the onset, this representation of Jewish culture. It’s not often lauded as the beautifully diverse culture that it is. I was beyond happy to see it!
Now, here’s the reader’s digest of what Purim is: Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Jewish people being saved from Haman (a vizier to king Ahasureus of the Achaemenid Empire) who was planning on killing all of Persia’s Jewish subjects. This is a holiday of charity and giving back — it’s celebrated by exchanging gifts of food and drink (wine, too), eating a celebratory meal, and reading of the Megillah. But, most fun of all, it sometimes involves masks, costumes, and parades. Which is where the wordplay of our title comes in!
Liza, a scorned lover, and single-by-a-decade event coordinator has planned a Purim celebration (as it is delightfully referred to in the book, “Queerim”). She, at the behest of her best friend, is going to actively start looking for someone new. After a messy break-up with her girlfriend, Carrie (who was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease, oh, and also a stud. Get it now?), she’s been unwilling, or perhaps, incapable of trying. It seems a cruel twist of fate that when she decides to try again, Carrie saunters back into her life acting as if nothing has happened. We follow them through Purim and relive the moments that brought them closer, and tore them apart. It’s a sweet (and steamy) nail-biter as we’re left to wonder “will they/won’t they give it another try?”
I devoured this book. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the more delicate subjects were approached with the care and respect they deserve. I quickly fell in love with both Liza and Carrie, and was almost sad to have reached the end of their story.
I 10/10 would recommend this book to anyone looking for a steamy, swoon-worthy sapphic romance. Now, excuse me, I need to go read Roz’s entire backlog.
July 29, 2024
This was a spur of the moment KU borrow based on 1) that cover!; 2) the fact that I am a second chance stan; and 3) the special place in my heart for books with puns in the title. I swear, spur of the moment KU downloads are some of my fave reads.
Second chance stories can be difficult to get right: you’ve got to have a compelling reason for breaking up BUT with enough emotional space to heal the wounds of whatever caused the break-up. You’ve got to convince us of the worthiness of the original relationship without allowing ALL of the relationship development to happen in the past.
In a novella form? You’ve got to accomplish all that in, like, half the pages. And I think Roz Alexander absolutely knocked it out of the park!
The “past” scenes feel so carefully curated, chosen and written to perfectly establish the relationship that has Carrie coming back after a decade. And even though the “present” scenes occur all in one night, at a party no less, they contain enough honest, open, heartfelt discussion of hurts and hopes and fears to realistically convince you that these characters have a forever together. They created such a strong, distinct sense of character for each POV that I was really pulled into their perspectives - mischievous, flirty past Carrie; sad, hopeful present Carrie; vibrant, sensual Liza - and invested in their love story.
Ugh, it’s just such a successful novella! It makes me want to read the rest of the series, like, yesterday!
Also, if this info interests you: Toppy, tomboy-femme with ADHD x Jewish Latina bisexual butch with progressive vision loss & uses a cane
Second chance stories can be difficult to get right: you’ve got to have a compelling reason for breaking up BUT with enough emotional space to heal the wounds of whatever caused the break-up. You’ve got to convince us of the worthiness of the original relationship without allowing ALL of the relationship development to happen in the past.
In a novella form? You’ve got to accomplish all that in, like, half the pages. And I think Roz Alexander absolutely knocked it out of the park!
The “past” scenes feel so carefully curated, chosen and written to perfectly establish the relationship that has Carrie coming back after a decade. And even though the “present” scenes occur all in one night, at a party no less, they contain enough honest, open, heartfelt discussion of hurts and hopes and fears to realistically convince you that these characters have a forever together. They created such a strong, distinct sense of character for each POV that I was really pulled into their perspectives - mischievous, flirty past Carrie; sad, hopeful present Carrie; vibrant, sensual Liza - and invested in their love story.
Ugh, it’s just such a successful novella! It makes me want to read the rest of the series, like, yesterday!
Also, if this info interests you: Toppy, tomboy-femme with ADHD x Jewish Latina bisexual butch with progressive vision loss & uses a cane
April 17, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is the third volume in the Hot for the Holidays series, books about lesbian Jewish women finding love during Jewish holidays — with this one taking place during Purim. The books don’t need to be read in any order (which is fortunate as I haven’t had a chance to read the other two), and there’s no need to be familiar with the holiday, which serves as backdrops to the romances rather than being the focus. Though there is a third character in this particular book, which is the food, especially the hamantaschen, a Jewish cookie eaten during the holiday, which sound amazing.
Liza is a very self contained woman, living deep in her emotions and thoughts — so much so that it’s hard to get a read on her. She is also still very, very in love with Carrie. The ten years, the anger, the pain, they’re all a weight around her neck, dragging her down. And with Carrie here, standing in front of her, asking to be given a second chance at their love … Liza has a choice to make.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is the third volume in the Hot for the Holidays series, books about lesbian Jewish women finding love during Jewish holidays — with this one taking place during Purim. The books don’t need to be read in any order (which is fortunate as I haven’t had a chance to read the other two), and there’s no need to be familiar with the holiday, which serves as backdrops to the romances rather than being the focus. Though there is a third character in this particular book, which is the food, especially the hamantaschen, a Jewish cookie eaten during the holiday, which sound amazing.
Liza is a very self contained woman, living deep in her emotions and thoughts — so much so that it’s hard to get a read on her. She is also still very, very in love with Carrie. The ten years, the anger, the pain, they’re all a weight around her neck, dragging her down. And with Carrie here, standing in front of her, asking to be given a second chance at their love … Liza has a choice to make.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 10, 2022
I am so happy I decided to go back to this after my unplanned break because none of my negative feelings from before were actually related to this book.
This was just delightful and I need more of these types of f/f romances in my life. Liza and Carrie are both strong characters that feel truly real. We get to see them both in the present with frequent chapters jumping back over a decade to show the moments that surrounded their initial breakup. I love how it balances the dialogue with introspection to give us insight into their feelings without sounding like an off-brand self-help book (you know, when conversations get stilted and staged as the author uses inclusive words without understanding the spirit of it). No, we get to see and hear how both characters have put in the work with therapy and meds to grow and how that is what is can ultimately give their relationship another chance.
Also, the setting was incredible?! Queer-themed Jewish holiday/party with memorable side characters were a great backdrop for this second-chance romance and just fun to read about.
This was just delightful and I need more of these types of f/f romances in my life. Liza and Carrie are both strong characters that feel truly real. We get to see them both in the present with frequent chapters jumping back over a decade to show the moments that surrounded their initial breakup. I love how it balances the dialogue with introspection to give us insight into their feelings without sounding like an off-brand self-help book (you know, when conversations get stilted and staged as the author uses inclusive words without understanding the spirit of it). No, we get to see and hear how both characters have put in the work with therapy and meds to grow and how that is what is can ultimately give their relationship another chance.
Also, the setting was incredible?! Queer-themed Jewish holiday/party with memorable side characters were a great backdrop for this second-chance romance and just fun to read about.
July 22, 2022
On paper this book had everything going for it for me. Queer, check. Short, check. Not a huge miscommunication plotline, check. And yet, it felt like it took me ages to read it.
It was very good. I cried at the end. I wanted to wrap them both up in my arms and be like, you messed up, we get it, don't let it define your whole self. It should have only taken me 3 days to read this book. And yet, 11 days later I'm just wrapping up.
I can't even pinpoint what was going on with me that made it take that long. It's a cute little romp through a couple's journey back together. I don't know if it was the time jumping... we did get to see both MC POV from multiple points in the past and then present. So maybe that was too much?
Maybe it was that both women put their romantic lives on hold for 10 years and that felt unrealistic to me? I'm really not sure. Realism is not typically something I require in my fiction. But it was good, and I'm glad I read it.
It was very good. I cried at the end. I wanted to wrap them both up in my arms and be like, you messed up, we get it, don't let it define your whole self. It should have only taken me 3 days to read this book. And yet, 11 days later I'm just wrapping up.
I can't even pinpoint what was going on with me that made it take that long. It's a cute little romp through a couple's journey back together. I don't know if it was the time jumping... we did get to see both MC POV from multiple points in the past and then present. So maybe that was too much?
Maybe it was that both women put their romantic lives on hold for 10 years and that felt unrealistic to me? I'm really not sure. Realism is not typically something I require in my fiction. But it was good, and I'm glad I read it.
March 23, 2022
I ended up finishing this book right around the beginning of Purim, and this read definitely had me feeling the holiday cheer. The vibrancy of Purim is so well-captured, and the parts that I read aloud to my Jewish partner were so well received. It was also a very good depiction of disability and the ways it can complicate relationships; the layers of representation made me so, so happy. The romance was so wonderfully written, the chemistry between Carrie and Liza was a very good motivator to make me pick up another title in the series. Very good work!!!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. )
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. )
March 13, 2022
Okay, I LOVED this book! I knew I was excited from the title being a pun, but reading this book was its own reward! Loved that this love story was between two disabled women, and found a lot of the descriptions and experiences around disability to be relatable. I found myself constantly texting a friend as I found something new and too good not to scream about. The smut in this story was lovely, but the plot, friends, and family in the story were integral to the story too. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2022
An interesting take on a second chance romance. The character’s are fleshed out well through the story and there are a few steamy scenes sprinkled in. The flow of the story is a little confusing at times. I think the switching back and forth from present to past was clunky. I didn’t really understand the need to flashback at certain points. Overall, I think it’s a good rainy day read, something you can curl up with and finish in an afternoon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
March 15, 2022This us a second chance Jewish romance. Liza and Carrie were lovers 10 years ago until Carrie left because of an eye disease which would leave her blind. The plot involves the relationship between the two when Carrie returns and still loves Liza. There is love and drama. I recommend this book for second chance love readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2022
An enjoyable second chance romance, with some very thoughtful and interesting thoughts on internal ableism and its impact on relationships. I would have preferred a little more background and detail of the past before the reconnect, but that's more of a me thing.
I have really enjoyed Roz Alexander's other stories and will look for the future ones, especially to see Beth and Maddy's resolution!
I have really enjoyed Roz Alexander's other stories and will look for the future ones, especially to see Beth and Maddy's resolution!
January 1, 2023
This one was my favourite of the Hot for Holidays books. While it's short it manages to bring the angst expected from a second romance. Both lead characters felt humane and had realistic reasons to fall apart and back together. This one felt a bit less steamy than other Alexander's books but with more introspection on relationships and disability which I greatly appreciated.
Overall a strong romance and a great way to start the year
Overall a strong romance and a great way to start the year
March 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this second-chance romance. The dynamic between both MC's were interesting and I was really rooting for them. It was also interesting to learn more about Jewish customs.
Kuddo's for the information the author provides in the beginning of the novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kuddo's for the information the author provides in the beginning of the novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2022
It was a super short and sweet (and hot) second chance romance. I really liked that it was a queer-positive story
Read
July 27, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Ableism
Death of a parent
Ableism
Death of a parent
July 6, 2023
Dnf- The back- forth between the present and past was not my favorite.
Read
March 8, 2024adamantly Not a Romance Reader but read this for a book club and had a decent time.
April 11, 2022
Romance is what can get us through a hard time and Alexander provides it through flashbacks and how Carrie and Liza come back together. This romance brought me great cheer. A Masc for Purim has a little bit of everything, but mainly it has a happy ending which I love.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.
December 8, 2022
4.5 stars! Loved!!!
March 11, 2024
rep wise this book is everything 2 me ^_^
writing is eh but good quick read overall
3.75ish stars
writing is eh but good quick read overall
3.75ish stars
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews