Noora and Bilal Do (each other for) Christmas

by Nikki Clarke

It's been a decade since nerdy best friends Noora and Bilal made a high school pact to marry each other. Ten years later, they're both successful and alone at their high school Christmas reunion, and Bilal is ready to fulfill the pact. Noora's life is a little more complicated, but they can agree on one thing—a little fun between two old friends is fine, at least for the holidays.

This contemporary holiday quickie first appeared in the anthology A Holiday Welcome to Counterpoint.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

About the author

Nikki Clarke is a poet and writer who’s always loved a good love story in books and on film. Her favorite on screen love declarations in no particular order are: Darius and Nina under the viaduct, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in the field (Knightley and MacFadden version), and Dwayne and Whitley at the wedding. Nikki doesn’t mind a little weird (or raunch) mixed in with her romance and hopes to contribute to more happily ever afters of all shades and styles.

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super freaking cute. And had me laughing. Perfect title for this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this cute and quick Christmas book.

[Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noora was breaking my heart man. Meanwhile Bilal stood firm and knew what he wanted. He gave this nice detailed explanation and you still say no. Ughhh why keep fighting when you know that you want him, Noora. Like dang come on your new motto is going to be "live like Carol" cause Carol? Oh she was doing it. Outside of me wanting Noora to live a little, besides skinny dipping in the middle of winter cause yeah that is pure insanity, I did like this book! Two icicles having sex.

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is perfection

Even better the second time! Bilal is the definition of pressure. Noora didn’t stand a chance and she honestly didn’t want to. Friends to lovers isn’t always my jam until it is and then I eat it up!! Cause it really is swoonie to have someone know you that well, see you, have years of trust and friendship to fall back on.

[Thema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute story. I thoroughly enjoyed the short holiday romance.

[Sistaharlem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Former Best Friends = Lovers

Noora is an awkward tech phenom & Bilal is a confident tech phenom. They were best friends in high school & and returned to town for their reunion. First of all, the relationship between Noora & her therapist, Caroll, is entirely 2 close. There needs to be more separation between the 2 of them.
Bilal has waited 10 years 2 make Noora his. He was not taking no for an answer & she wasn't saying no at all.
Can the two lovebirds make it to the finish line, or will Noora's awkwardness & secret permanently derail the wedding caboose.

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and it was such a cute reading sprint with my BOOKCLUB. I read other books by Nikki clarke and I enjoy her writing style. I will be reading more books by her especially cute romance books like this. Really good read.

[Lesanda Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this live with BWLTD and I loved it! Bilal wasn't playing no games. New to me author and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Cashmere Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

noora and bilal

This was such a cute holiday readdddddd!! I loved them both and how Bilal stuck beside his girl, a lil delulu went a long way with getting Noora to join in with him and see things the way they always should’ve been. They were so sweet together and the way the spice was fire hot and irresistible anything other than a HEA would’ve had me rioting ! I loved this

[Qiana Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute friends to lovers type of romance set around the holidays. The banter was everything. It had me giggling and wanting more. If your into spice this had the best straight to the point mixture of spice and storyline.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connecting all over the place

This book will make you regret not attending your class reunion. It will make you nostalgic and tempted to take chances in life. It is a must-read.

[Charmy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can tell when I really enjoy a novella when I get sad that it doesn't have more pages. This was definitely one of those instances. It may be short but was very well written and nothing felt left out. I just didn't want to leave the characters :).

Bilal was coming hard with his A game because he meant every single word of what he said when he mad that pact with Noora when they were teenagers. I definitely wasn't expecting the turn of events toward the end but thoroughly enjoyed this short read. I have recommended this read to several people.

[Danielle Wright-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was cracking up from beginning to end!
Oh how I wanted Noora to just let go and enjoy getting loved on by Bilal. I mean Bilal LOVED Noora down!
The way Bilal would just slip in sexy talk just in regular conversation had me feeling like he would drink Noora’s bath water ok.

I’m glad Noora was finally able to put into words what she had always felt for Bilal. I think he would’ve waited for Noora for however long it took which had me “awe”-ing the whole book.


I’m glad they got a second chance to be together though. I enjoyed their bond and overall friendship.

The supporting characters were good to the story as well. Carol seemed like she was fun.

[Freddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bilal & Noora

This was super cute and sweet! A high school besties that made a pact for forever! Bilal had a glow up and siren his decade away becoming all the man he felt Noora deserved him to be. I loved how he knew Noora so well that he allowed her to be herself and “run” from every uncomfortable situation, believing that she was escaping the gear, yet, not realizing he was always willing to jump into the fire for her. I loved them down!

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Bilal had hella patience because Noora didn't know what she wanted. Even though Noora was frustrating, I liked her character. She put poor Bilal through it. That slight plot twist had me yelling WHAT!!!! The spice in the book was hot. Bilal was putting her through the mattress, the tree, and everything in between, lol. My first read by this author and it definitely won't be my last.

[Samone Webber-Blount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this in one sitting & absolutely loved everything about this book! I’m not usually into Second Chance romances, but this story really hit the mark for my reading experience. The undeniable chemistry and longing Noora and Bilal shared for each other had me hooked! The perfect cozy Christmas novella!🤭☃️

10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!🤎

[Tonee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick read by Nikki Clarke

I’ve been a fan of Nikki Clark for a number of years. I enjoy her books, her characters, lots, and her sex scenes. This is a short book about two reuniting friends from high school, who have actually been in love with each other for years. They come together at a 10 year class reunion. It’s a very enjoyable, quick read less than 100 pages.

[Keyaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noora and Bilal's cute story

This was a very quick sweet read. I enjoyed learning about these 2. I needed a lot more of these two. This is my first time reading anything from Nikki Ckarke and it will not be my last. Pick up this book if you want a quick read with a MMC that knows exactly what he wants and tells you from the first moment he opens his mouth!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read

This was a sweet hot friends to lovers romance. I really enjoyed these two even when Noora was getting on my nerves! I’m glad Bilal knew her well enough to help her get out of her own way. And kudos to her therapist.

[Kassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was cute, I love a high school sweetheart romance. I really liked that it was 2 black people in tech, I wish it had more christmas theme elements tho it didnt really feel like a christmas novella!

[whatbreeread · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

[Yanique (YanCanWorld) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good quirky best friends to lovers situation!

[Jameil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and steamy tale of a high school reunion week. Managed a plot twist at 91% that made me gasp! Well done!

[H (sosheescapes) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 ⭐️
Not my favorite novella. Felt choppy. The premise was there but execution not the best.

#JTB25 free book

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noora and Bilal

[AJ. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Swan ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doing(each other)

This was such a cute second chance book!! Started off slow but whew he applied the pressure that was needed!!!

[GetLitWithRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Angee Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and quick

There was a good twist in this short story. Good story and pacing. I was surprised a few times by Noora's revelations as time progressed. Highly recommend.