Sweet Potato Kisses: A Friendsgiving Romance

by Nina Stewart

Brandy Williams had a plan for her life, right down to the color of the autumn wedding she thought she’d be planning by now. Instead, she’s single weeks before Thanksgiving, nursing a breakup she didn’t deserve, and trying to convince herself that Friendsgiving won’t feel different this year.

Then she bumps into Sullivan Harper-her old college friend, the one with the easy smile and the almost-crush she never admitted, right in the middle of the grocery store baking aisle. He’s back in town after three years of missed Friendsgivings and bestselling book tours, looking steadier and softer in all the ways she remembers… and all the ways she tried to forget.

A chance encounter becomes a night of laughter, warm conversations, and sparks neither of them expected. And when Sullivan shows up again, offering comfort, helping hands, and a little sweetness when she needs it most, Brandy starts wondering whether the love she thought she’d already lost might be waiting right in front of her.

But just as things get cozy, her ex-fiancé reappears wanting closure and possibly a second chance.

Set against the backdrop of fall leaves, cozy kitchens, and a Friendsgiving full of chaos and heart, Sweet Potato Kisses is a warm, Black love romance about choosing the person who chooses you, rediscovering joy after heartbreak, and finding a soft place to land exactly when you stop looking.

Perfect for readers who
• Friends-to-Lovers
• Small-town fall vibes
• Cozy, clean romance
• Friendsgiving and holiday stories
• Heart healing + slow-growing sparks

If you crave a gentle, Hallmark-style romance with rich autumn atmosphere, found family, and a sweet, long-awaited kiss… Sweet Potato Kisses will feel like coming home.

Genres: Thanksgiving, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Cozy, Friends To Lovers, Clean Romance

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

Reviews

[BookmarkedByAlia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the cutest little story. Holidays, friends and a spark with an old friend? What more could you ask for?
Cute little novella to jump start the holiday season.
Even though Thanksgiving is over, this would still be a cute one for the holidays.
She also has a Christmas one coming out a few days before Christmas called Pecan Pie For Two.
Check her out!🍠🥧

[Genevieve McCane · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a huge thank you to Nina Stewart for the ARC! Sweet Potato Kisses is a cozy little novella packed with Friendsgiving holiday romance and fall vibes. I actually came across this book on TikTok and immediately said, “Yep, this is EXACTLY what I’ve been searching for!”, Black love, fall vibes and holiday warmth all wrapped together. And Nina Stewart brings it all together so well.

We follow Brandy, Sullivan, and their super close college friend group as they reunite for Thanksgiving. Brandy is going through it after her fiancé of three years, Dante, suddenly calls things off. Then Sullivan pops back into the picture, her old college friend and longtime crush who’s now a famous author, and home for the first time in years. The moment these two see each other again sparks fly. And just when things start feeling right, Dante pops back up wanting a second chance.

This novella moves fast but still gives you that soft, slow burn friends to lovers feel. It’s got classic Hallmark movie romance vibes, small town fall charm, and characters that feel so real. Sweet Potato Kisses gave me exactly the cozy holiday read I’ve been waiting for, and I honestly can’t wait for the sequel.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, no spice, feel good holiday romance with relatable characters and all the holiday love, this one’s for you.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the close-knit relationship of the college friend group. Each person, with their own unique personality, made their crew a whole vibe! Brandy still reeling from her broken engagement, must now face her group for Friendsgiving. 💔 Sullivan has come home after many years of hiding, to celebrate Thanksgiving with his friends. Brandy and Sullivan now both single, can find out if their flirty banter is something more. Me, liking a clean read? Who knew? 😜🤣 This was such a fun read.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet holiday book. I loved the friendship they all shared and the beginnings of safe and secure love forming for Brandy and Sullivan. I’ll definitely be reading the Christmas book about Ashe and Rick.

Loved the reference to Harper Stewart, “you’re a coward Harper”, because that’s exactly who Sullivan made me think of. Glad he didn’t turn into him though.

[Neci Waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Potato Kisses ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A deliciously warm fall romance that leaves you believing in love again. This book delivers everything I want in a fall romance; warmth, emotion, a touch of heartbreak, and the perfect dash of hope. If you enjoy Hallmark seasonal stories you will love this one. The story centers on Brandy, whose three-year engagement to Dante ends abruptly (and cruelly) via text message just before Thanksgiving. With her plans for a happily ever after suddenly shattered, she faces a lonely holiday season… until Sullivan, her old college friend and successful author, returns to Pine Hill for Friendsgiving. From the moment they reconnect, Brandy and Sullivan’s chemistry is undeniable. The slow-burn tension between them is tender, nostalgic, and refreshingly real. While Brandy struggles to rebuild her confidence and rediscover her worth, Sullivan faces his own fears. He’s spent years writing about love but has never truly risked his heart. Nina Stewart’s writing is cozy yet emotionally rich, capturing the bittersweet beauty of friendship begins evolving into something deeper. The Friendsgiving scenes shine with warmth, laughter, and that signature “found family” feeling that makes this book such a comfort read. When Dante resurfaces, readers get a jolt of romantic tension that perfectly tests Brandy’s growth and emotional strength. This isn’t just a romance it’s a story about choosing yourself first and trusting that real love will meet you there.This book feels like a cup of hot cider on a chilly evening. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and full of warmth that lingers long after the last page. Perfect for readers who love heartfelt holiday romances with relatable characters and genuine emotional growth. Sweet Potato Kisses is heartfelt, hopeful, and full of charm. It reminds us that sometimes the best love stories start with friendship and a plate of sweet potato pie.
🍁 Perfect for fans of:
* Friends-to-lovers & second-chance romances
* Small-town Fall/Thanksgiving stories
* Cozy reads with emotional depth
* Main characters who deserve a happy ending

[Gabrielle Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy of this book, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it! It's exactly as advertised—a sweet, quick read with all the cozy, holiday, Black love vibes. I absolutely loved the banter and connection between their group of college friends. It gave me a very familiar warm feeling, and I appreciated the no-spice element! I connected with Brandy due to my experience with a broken engagement. But also, Ryan is me, and I am she!! Love a good holiday decor and hosting aesthetic with all the extras!

I was pretty solidly thinking 4 stars for a good portion of the book, but a few things solidified me in the 3.0-3.5 range:
- I notice a trend of romance authors saying it's a "Hallmark-style romance" but then mentioning Hallmark several times as a descriptor in the story. Naming Hallmark over and over was such a vibe-killer for me in this story and made it feel forced when it didn't need to be.
- For such a short novella, there was a lot of repetition in how things were described. "Her breath caught" "His breath caught" "Pinterest" and lots of descriptions of their pulses. At first it felt genuine, but by the end of the book, I was longing for some other phrases to describe Brandy and Sullivan's physical reactions. Also, Sullivan really loved a green sweater/sweatshirt, lol. For some reason, the author told us multiple times about his green attire.
- The biggest hurdle for me was Brandy's choice to leave with Dante during Friendsgiving. Him showing up at all was a bold choice that really needed to be woven into the plot. So, Brandy's random decision to not just entertain a convo with him on the porch but then leave with him?? To go back to his place? To argue about the same few things all night? And she didn't drive so she was "stuck" there regardless of how the conversation went??? Her falling asleep there mid-argument really lost me. I can't see how that would've happened with everything we know about Brandy leading up to that moment.

Overall, I'd recommend it as a quick read with warm and cozy vibes. I was cheesing at multiple parts and got invested pretty quickly. Excited for the next book in the series!

[CourtneyRenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute and Sullivan is definitely my current book boyfriend.

[Jasmine VanDross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love friends to lovers

Don’t let your EX stop you from your NEXT!!! This was a cute novella. I love friend groups that tell you like it is.

[Patience · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟
Sweet Potato Kisses: A Friendsgiving Romance by Nina Stewart completely won me over. This story embodies everything I love about a cozy, no-spice small-town romance. Brandy and Sullivan are beautifully matched—two people whose years of silent pining finally find a soft landing in each other. Their chemistry is heartfelt, effortless, and built on genuine care.

The small-town setting adds so much warmth to the narrative; it feels like stepping into a place where everyone knows you and quietly roots for your happiness. The friends’ enthusiasm for Brandy and Sullivan getting together was a highlight—supportive, funny, and heartwarming.

Dante, on the other hand, is the perfect ex-fiancé villain: frustrating, self-centered, and the kind of person who immediately makes you want better for the main character. His presence only made Brandy’s growth and ultimate happiness more satisfying.

This book gave me comfort, sweetness, autumn coziness, and a romance that felt earned and meaningful. A definite 5-star read and one I’ll be recommending for anyone needing a warm, wholesome pick-me-up.

[Kelley Grissett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute holiday novella. Brandy and Sullivan are friends from college and are in town for a Friendsgiving. Sullivan hasn’t been back for a while and Brandy is coming off from a horrible breaks up. I enjoyed most the banter and funny moments throughout the book. The friendships are top tier.

In this short, but sweet book, you’ll find friends to lovers, holiday cheer, small town vibes, and no spice! Add this one to your list for a quick read that will leave you wanting more!

[Kei Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book to get me back into reading. I seen a lot of people talking about it, so, of course I had to see what the hype was about. For me personally... I wanted more of Sullivan's and Brandy's story. I wanted to know the background of their history in school.

I felt like the description were overkill. I could have went without them, especially when they became repetitive.

Overall, the book was a quick solid read. Something "festive" to read for the holidays.

Keep writing Nina ✍️🏾

[ToniReads_1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Read

This was a cute holiday read. A Friendsgiving get together amongst friends and some sparks fly which leads up to a cute romance. A little bit of a slow burn but I truly enjoyed it.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

YaY!!! Sweet Potato Kisses!!! An incredible, feel real good, Friendsgiving story! No profanity, no sex scenes, graphic or otherwise!

Just one arrogant, selfish ex-boyfriend finally confronted by his betrayal of loyal and kind Brandy. Dante ended their engagement by text. Sent his Mama to pick up his clothes and then crashes the Friendsgiving dinner because Brandy has the nerve to be moving on. And it doesn't stop there.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Keisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and quick

Gave me all the feels!! Smiled the entire book . I mean I would have been n happier if she would of punted those flowers 💐

[Kyliah Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Potato Kisses was such a light, fluffy read, exactly what I needed for the holiday season. I love how it shows that sometimes love shows up when you’re not even looking for it, and that’s what makes it feel so special.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

This was such a cute holiday love story. I enjoyed reading it and loved the theme of friendship, walking away when it's time, and finding love.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
Very cute Thanksgiving romance

[Authoress Nadia Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I arc read this book, and I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to do so. It was quick but it was romantic and festive. I loved the relationship between the characters from the very beginning! I can’t wait to read more by this author!

[Kash Mariee 🫶🏾 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review – Sweet Potato Kisses by Nina Stewart

This was a beautifully soft, cozy fall romance that hit all the right notes. Brandy’s healing journey and her slow-burn connection with Sullivan felt genuine, warm, and emotionally satisfying. The Friendsgiving vibes, small-town charm, and message of choosing someone who truly chooses you made this such a comforting read.

And let’s be real — the ex popping back up was a reminder: men always wanna come back once you’ve finally moved on 😌.

Heartfelt, sweet, and perfect for a cozy night in. Easy 5 stars. 🍂💛

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Sweet Potato Kisses was such a cute, sweet, and cozy read! It felt like a Hallmark movie with an all-Black cast. I loved how the book showed authentic Black characters and experiences, especially since they all attended an HBCU (Hampton University). The friendships gave me Insecure, Living Single, and The Best Man vibes — supportive, real, and drama-free. No trauma bonding, just love and friendship. Honestly, I wish I had a group of friends like them. Pure Black excellence!

Now let’s talk about Brandy. I really liked her. She’s a therapist with a genuine heart for helping others. Sadly, she was recovering from a bad breakup with Dante, who was immature and narcissistic. He broke off their engagement because he “wasn’t ready” — but how do you propose if you’re not ready for marriage? That made no sense. I was glad Brandy kicked him to the curb.

And then there’s Sullivan….whew. WHAT. A. MAN. A bestselling author with a longtime crush on Brandy from college — and the feelings were mutual! I loved how he titled his book If This Love Were Mine, inspired by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s If This World Were Mine. So romantic! Sullivan was kind, thoughtful, loving, and emotionally present. My heart broke when Dante showed up unexpectedly to Ryan’s Friendsgiving. Sullivan was really falling for Brandy, and she felt the same — but after being hurt before, she was understandably guarded. I loved them together and truly hope the author writes more about them!

Ryan reminded me so much of myself — she loves the holidays, decorating, Pinterest, and all things aesthetic. She was bubbly, adorable, and the mastermind behind matchmaking Sullivan and Brandy, which I thought was so cute.

Desiree was also a solid friend to Brandy. While her comment stung, she wasn’t wrong — it was just how she said it. When someone is healing from heartbreak, it’s important to speak with compassion and care.

Overall, this book is a 10000/10. Such a perfect holiday read! I can’t wait to read Pecan Pie for Two. Nina Stewart is an amazing writer, and I will definitely be reading more of her work.

[She_She reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

First - Huge thanks to the author Nina Stewart for the ARC! I love your writing and this books has made me a fan.


One thing I love is a book that provides atmosphere. A book that makes you feel like your on set. All I know is I want to visit Pine Hill and I want a seat at the next Friendsgiving.

This book is for you if you like:
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance Romance
Soft Love
Atmospheric books (Hello Thanksgiving/Fall vibes)
Friend Groups
Slow burn
Black Love 🤎

Brandy’s ex left her after years of her waiting for him to commit. Her friend Sullivan hasn’t been home in a long time. He’s been building his dream life. The only thing missing is love, and now that Brandy’s free - he’s about to show her how much she always meant to him and how love can be both real, sincere, and uncomplicated.

The soft love is what got me. The way Sullivan held Brandy up, and loved on her while she healed from that man who didn’t deserve her. Yes! Can I get one of him please! This man supported her healing and showed her what real love looks like. The friends were all interesting and I laughed along with all the scenes when everyone was together, like I would with my own friends. All types of love was represented here. While I absolutely loved the story of Brandy and Sullivan, the love between friends hit just as hard.

I loved this book. I loved the characters. I can’t wait to hear the other friend stories. I will most definitely be visiting Pine Hill again when the next book comes out, enjoying the cozy setting and Hallmark vibes.

[Kendall M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be selected as an ARC reader for this book. I first came across Sweet Potato Kisses on TikTok and what instantly grabbed my attention was the warm, cozy cover, the unique title, and the fact that it’s written by a Black author featuring Black characters. We don’t get nearly enough African-American holiday stories, especially ones centered around Thanksgiving, so I knew I had to check it out.

This book is set around a Friendsgiving gathering and follows Brandy, who is fresh out of a three-year engagement and still navigating her healing journey. While shopping for ingredients to make a pie for the event, she unexpectedly runs into Sullivan, a longtime college friend and secret crush. Sullivan is an accomplished author and part of their friend group, but rarely shows up for Friendsgiving. So when Brandy sees him in the store and learns he’s actually attending this year, she’s completely caught off guard. From there, the sparks start to fly just as someone from Brandy’s past tries to reappear and complicate things.

If you love Black love stories and holiday romances with heart, this one will make you smile. It has that soft, warm, Hallmark-style energy but with a voice and culture that feels real and refreshing. Nina Stewart did a beautiful job with this book, and I’m looking forward to reading it again over Thanksgiving weekend. Let me know what you think if you pick it up.

[Lyric Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an Arc & actually enjoyed this holiday romance! For some reason this reminded me of the movie Almost Christmas and that’s my favorite movie… right down to the sweet potato pie! (On a side note, I just now really understood the significance of sweet potato pie versus the almost disdain for pumpkin pie in a Black household during the holiday! So I chuckled a few times when thinking back to that during the pie scenes.) I will say I didn’t entirely feel the romance there between the FMC and MMC. I think there could be some more longing and admiration. There was a ton of description of the setting so maybe adding just as much yearning between Brandy and Sullivan and it’d def be a 4.5 for me! There were also a few grammatical errors that made me have to reread sentences. Or sentences wrote in a confusing way that could be wrote a different way for clearer, quicker understanding. But, overall it was a cute story! And I did like the teaser for Pecan Pie for Two! Cute! I can already tell Rick is a grump! lol. 😆
I also really appreciated the transition into Christmas and how both holidays were represented thoroughly and you can feel that as a reader! Very well done.
I will be looking forward to more from the author !

[Chantay · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sweet, cozy, and absolutely satisfying!

Sweet Potato Kisses: A Friendsgiving Romance by Nina Stewart was the perfect feel-good read—warm, comforting, and full of heart. From the very first page, this story wrapped me up like a cozy blanket on a crisp fall evening. The Friendsgiving setting felt intimate and inviting, and I loved how the author used it to bring all the characters together in such a natural, meaningful way.

The romance unfolded beautifully—slow enough to build real emotional tension, yet tender enough to make every small moment feel special. The chemistry was sweet and genuine, and the banter had me smiling more than once. What I appreciated most was how the story balanced romance with themes of friendship, chosen family, vulnerability, and healing. It felt authentic and deeply relatable.

This book left me with that warm, fluttery feeling only the best rom-coms deliver—the kind where you close the final page already missing the characters. If you’re looking for a charming seasonal romance that celebrates love, friendship, and finding your place with people who truly see you, this one is an easy recommendation.

Perfect for fans of cozy romances and holiday love stories—5 stars without hesitation! 💛🍂📚

[Nevaeh Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I’m want to thank Nina Stewart for an ARC Coop of SPK! I absolutely adored this book! Off the bat, the descriptive language is everything I look for and dream of especially in seasonal-themed books. So the over detailed descriptions is an A++ for me. this novella is the personification of YEARNING and I’m here for it! Sullivan is a workaholic so thankfully the holiday is gonna be his chance to slow down. Home for the holidays is the best type of holiday story. Being home gave Sullivan purpose/heart. Everybody was just making their way on this little life they called theirs. Ryan was a bit of a piece of work but I like her, everyone needs that friend that cares…a lot. Dante…I have nothing nice to say about Dante😅 It felt like I got invited over for the festivities and I’m watching the magic unfold with a glass of cider or something, that’s how beautifully the story folds you in as a reader. So if slow burn with adorable tension you can cut with ya mama’s good knife, banter out of this WORLD, and a comfy holiday story is thing…go ahead and pick up a copy of Sweet Potato Kisses🧡

[Tiara Lashae · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review — all thoughts are my own.

Sweet Potato Kisses is cozy, comforting, and full of Black love wrapped in warm fall vibes. Brandy is weeks out from a breakup she didn’t deserve when she unexpectedly runs into Sullivan Harper—her old college friend and quiet “almost crush” she never admitted. Their reunion in the grocery store is sweet, soft, and the perfect start to a slow-growing, heart-healing romance.

Brandy and Sullivan’s connection builds gently and naturally, with moments that feel like autumn air and quiet kitchens before Friendsgiving. Sullivan is tender in all the ways she needs, and watching them find their way back to each other made this such an easy, feel-good read.

But my favorite part? The friend group.
Ryan especially deserves her flowers—she’s the friend who shows up, tells you the truth, and knows your heart even when you won’t say it out loud. Their found-family dynamic made the story feel full and real.

If you love friends-to-lovers, small-town fall settings, clean romance, and holiday warmth, this book will feel like home. A sweet, gentle, Hallmark-style love story with characters you’ll root for.

Highly recommend. 🍁✨

[Alexis Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trope: Friends to Lovers
Small town Romance
No spice, cozy romance

ARC Reader. This story was such a cozy read! This novella, Sweet Potato Kisses, was about a newly single Brandy, in the midst of navigating a broken engagement and the upcoming holiday season. She runs into Sullivan, her college friend and secret crush, in the grocery store. They begin to reconnect and reveal their true feelings for one another. Before things can evolve, Brandy is faced with an unexpected visitor during their Friendsgiving party.

The scene was set from the beginning and it had me imagining the characters as if they were on my tv screen. Some descriptions were a bit repetitive. However, I enjoyed the flow and plot of the story. I felt wrapped up in a fall mahogany- Hallmark holiday movie! Sullivan was gentle and clear about what he wanted. Rooting for Brandy and Sullivan was as easy as 1-2-3! The Pine Hill crew dynamic was everything! This read gave 90s romcom, 90s r&b and black love! This story was short and so sweet! I was left wanting more it was so good! Can’t wait for the next book, great intro and I look forward to meeting the Pine Hill crew at Wintercrest.

[Maya Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: This is a voluntary and honest review.
Tropes: Friends to Lovers • Second Chance Vibes • Holiday Romance
Vibe: Cozy Fall, Light, Sweet

Sweet Potato Kisses is an adorable Friendsgiving novella that follows Brandy, a warmhearted therapist healing from a painful breakup, and Sullivan, a beloved hometown author returning after years away. The two shared a crush back in college, but the timing never aligned. With not so gentle nudges from their friend group, they finally begin exploring the chemistry they spent years avoiding.

I really enjoyed how soft, festive, and comforting this story felt. It is a quick holiday read that left me wishing it were longer, mainly because I wanted to know more about both characters’ pasts and see even further into their future together. The setup is strong, and the vibes are perfect for a cozy fall evening.

I would absolutely recommend this as a short, sweet introduction to Nina Stewart’s work, especially if you love friends to lovers romances with warm holiday energy.

[Rori.c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warm Holiday Story on Healing

Sweet Potato Kisses by Nina Stuart is a cozy, friends to lovers romance that was exactly what I needed to close out the season for the end of fall. It follows a woman picking up the pieces after a bad breakup from a man child and slowly realizing that the person she truly needs is to be her own best friend. Along the way there has been someone in her friend group that could be the other friend we look for all along. It’s tender, comforting, and exactly the kind of story that works beautifully as a bridge between Thanksgiving and the full swing of December Christmas books.

I really enjoyed this one. Loved the culture references and the nods to other days past nostalgia. The details were warm and real, the references felt natural and not too trendy, and the spice was present without burning me. It was a perfect seasonal wrap up for Thanksgiving, giving just enough emotional depth and romance to satisfy with good enough prose.

A cute, comforting read for sure!