Reserved for a Happily Ever After

by J. Nichole

Nora Jones has terrible luck with dating—and an even worse track record balancing work and romance. As a dedicated, easy-going professional, she’s content with her life… mostly. But when she lands a reservation at the infamous Table 52, the city’s most talked-about matchmaking experiment, she figures one dinner couldn’t hurt.

Omari Green is fresh off a breakup and in no mood for romance. The only reason he even had a Table 52 reservation was because of his ex—who, as of today, is officially out of his life. But when his sister intervenes the reservation isn't canceled. After all, fate might have something delicious in store.

Table 52 should be like a blind date, but Nora and Omari already know each other—he's her boss. What starts as an awkward business-meets-pleasure dinner quickly turns into a whirlwind of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and one very nosy restaurant hostess rooting for their happily ever after. But with office power dynamics, Omari’s meddling sister, and a bitter ex determined to stir up trouble, will their unexpected connection survive outside the glow of Table 52?

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about love, timing, and taking chances—even when the reservation doesn't go as planned.

126 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

J. Nichole is an African American Romance author who lives in the Northern Virginia area with her real-life muse, her husband, and her outer body heartbeats, her daughter & son. When she's not battling the hustle and bustle of the DMV, she's enjoying both sketchy and fancy restaurants with her husband, and experiencing life as a child again with her kids.

Find her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok: by_jnichole on all the things!

Reviews

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise for this story was interesting. There's a local restaurant that markets a table (Table 52) where people are able to make single reservations and then be paired with someone to have dinner with in the hopes of making a love match. Nora's friend was able to score a reservation and sent her to go on what should have been a blind date but she ends up "matching" with Omari who also happens to be her boss. They decide to not make it weird and end up having a really nice dinner together. From there it sparked some lusty but also mature feelings for one another and they have to figure out how to navigate that slippery slope while also dealing with work politics.

I enjoyed the story for the most part. It was really well written. Omari was giving cinnamon roll vibes and Nora complemented his personality well. I enjoyed their moments together however I feel like I was also missing a lot of moments too. My sense of time with their story was fast paced with scene changes I couldn't quite keep up with and left me feeling like I missed parts of their story. I also would have just rather been more immersed in them than reading about work politics and exes. There is some OW drama with Omari and the romance scenes are fade to black.

[Treasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

General thoughts:
I didn’t know, novella’s could be a slow burn but this is what J.nicole does best and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would say set a mood when you’re reading this book . A little glass of bubbly, some candle lights and a soulful lofi in the background. Thank me later

Book overview :
Nora is a successful PR who hasn’t been successful in the love department
Her work colleagues and bestie Bella Marie set her up for the famous “Table 52” hook up.
A special blind dating arrangement at a luxurious restaurant called Pearl and Vine.
The aim of this reservation is to bring together two completely strangers for a dinning experience that will lead to love.
In Nora’s case the person she get coupled up to dine with is her crush and boss Omari!
Omari has just been dumped and isn’t looking to date but when his sister forces him to go on the Table 52 experience,he didn’t know he will be coupled up with his employee that he she been admiring from far.

Will this be a match made in heaven or will this be a disaster!

Read this heartwarming story to find out !

[Jessica Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I read this in a few hours while I was at work (in between work, of course). The writing style and lighthearted dialogue made it a fun and easy read. Omari's interest in Nora seemed swift, Ocean was a little pushy (though well-meaning), and I would've loved to see more development of Nora and Omari's relationship on page, as it went from boss/employee to heavy feelings quickly, but I enjoyed it so much overall that I wasn't sweating that toooooo much. :)

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When in blind, picking this book up simply by the title and pretty cover. I was not disappointed, in the least. It was a steady pace read that kept my interest from beginning to end. Not overly spicy but loved how J. Nichole set the scenes of desires. I wish it was longer and I'm hoping the MMC's siblings get their own stories.

[binthestacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was cute and had me cheesin’ more than once. Nora and Omari’s vibe was sweet with just the right touch of flirt, and that blind-date setup? Loved it. I wanted a lil more depth in some parts, but overall, it was a feel-good read that hit the spot.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good and sweet story. I enjoyed Nora and Omari together and seeing them get to their happily ever after. If you like work place romance, then this is a good one.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nora and Omari

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I enjoyed this story.

[Lexie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute novella, and I had so much fun reading it! J. Nichole did a wonderful job allowing the story to unfold in a way that did not feel rushed, which can often happen with a story under 200 pages. Would definitely recommended as a good palate cleanser or quick pick me up read.