Thanksgiving Leftovers

by Shawna C. Jones

Velora Jackson has spent years building a perfectly curated life. A downtown condo, a high-powered career, and enough distance from her old neighborhood to keep painful childhood memories at bay. But when her sharp-tongued mama demands her presence for Thanksgiving dinner, Velora is drawn back home and straight into a collision course with Roe Manning, the boy who made her miserable as a skinny, awkward kid and the man who’s suddenly making her heart race.

As old wounds and buried desires surface between family feasts and kitchen confessions, Velora must decide whether she’s willing to let go of her armor and rediscover the woman she left behind. With humor, heat, and a deep sense of home, this steamy romance unfolds over a holiday weekend filled with meddling relatives, rekindled attraction, and the bittersweet taste of second chances.

Perfect for fans of stories where coming home means facing your past, forgiving old hurts, and discovering passion worth fighting for. If you love deeply emotional, character-driven romance with a side of spicy banter and heart, Thanksgiving Leftovers will satisfy your craving for both laughter and longing.

Genres: Thanksgiving, Spicy, Romance

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2025

Reviews

[readwithtrinnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

a fun, spicy novelette - and just in time for thanksgiving weekend! love love love 🦃🤎✨

[Sharay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!

A great short, steamy, second–chance romance! Velora, now a confident, successful, thick and beautiful woman, is no longer the skinny, unsure girl who was humiliated by her brothers’ friend, Roe. After she is called home for Thanksgiving by her mother, she learns Roe will be there for dinner. When she sees him, he is no longer the lanky kid she knew. He’s handsome, self–assured, successful, a gentleman and she’s immediately smitten. After finding out Roe humiliated because he was a dumb 15–year–old boy who wasn’t brave enough to confess his love for her, everything changes for Vee, and she has to admit to herself why his jokes affected her so much. Their chemistry is undeniable, they are no longer hiding and a new love is discovered. Awesome read!

[Tamara Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute & quick holiday romance with a touch of spice. I really liked it! Im not sure if people noticed it says its a NOVELETTE on the cover (which is even shorter than a novella) so the speed made more sense to me. And I'm not complaining at all. I also see this is a new author, so for a first book this wasn't bad at all. Looking forward to seeing her get better & better, can't wait to read more of her future work. If Vee & Roe get a longer book though, count me in! Kinda wanna see more of their story 🥰

[Denise Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

This is the kind of Thanksgiving that only happens in book girlies dreams and I loved every single moment of it.

Childhood neighbors, Roe and Velore have known each other forever but teenage hurt and embarrassment have keep them apart. And once they talk through it so they can heal the friendship and admit their true feelings the rest is nothing but love, growth and finally feeling whole.

If you love fast paced novellas then add this to your TBR!

[amirahlynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

So he’s been in love with her for 15 years but they haven’t spoke or seen each other, ever, throughout those 15 years and apparently, she’s been “in love” with him all those years too. Even though she said she’s been mad at him since he humiliated her by calling her sticks when she wore a bikini to the public pool thus making her self conscious since the age of 12… nope

[Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things got hot and heavy quick baby! Vee is miss queen of talking you through it.

This is a cute read, perfect for the holidays. I wanted to be mad at her at first for folding so fast. Because if somebody did me like that In front of my family too? They’d be apologizing and so would the rest of everybody else.

It was a bit repetitive at times. But, still a nice quick, spicy read.

[Cheyanne Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was well written, and I know it was a novella, but it still felt rushed. If it was longer it would have been better in my option. I did enjoy the story though, the characters were well formed even for how quick the story was. I wish it was longer for more building of the relationship because it had such potential of a great story.

[Krissy’s Korner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay Read!

It was an okay read for me! I feel like this is one of those stories that needed to be longer! I have questions after you have scarred me for over 16 years! I feel like adding a little more to this story would have helped me see more of their chemistry developed! Overall I did enjoy the writing style so I do plan to read more of her work!

[Roshawn Brunson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

This was a slow but enticing burn! I like that Roe was able to explain what happened in the past and how he really felt. I also like that Marcus and Damon knew Roe was in love with Vee. This was a cute novella!

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leftovers For Sure!!!

Good book. Love the second first chance to find love. Past trauma and hidden love sends Roe and Vee lusting after each other vowing to start their own traditions and giving them a chance.

[MMMonroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel good read to start off the holiday season

This book beautifully weaves together themes of healing, love, and growth. The author did an incredible job bringing the characters’ emotions to life. I felt connected to their journeys, and I truly enjoyed reading it.

[Zaneta Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roe and Vee

It was short, but sweet! I loved the accountability on his part for apologizing for wrongdoing sixteen years ago. I was proud of Vee for accepting his apology and being able to move past the hurt and embracing the future.

[Uniqua White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

I love a holiday themed novella. I can't wait to read more books by you. It was a very good read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick cozy little read. Things pop off pretty fast but why not when you wait years to admit your love for someone.

[Sabrina Ravenscroft · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the enemies to lovers I was looking for. 😬

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

🤷‍♀️

[Kierra Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Thanksgiving Read

[Bianca C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roe and Vee

This started off good but idk. It's a novella so things move quick but after 16 years something seemed off

[Maya McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Velora Jackson has her whole adult life put together. Glossy job, city condo, and plenty of space between her and the childhood memories she would rather ignore. When her mama demands she come home for Thanksgiving, she ends up face to face with Roe Manning, the boy who once tormented her and is now looking way too good for someone who used to stress her out on sight. One holiday dinner turns into old feelings bubbling up, family drama popping off, and Velora trying to figure out if she is willing to open her heart or keep those walls sky high.

This book had a cute setup and some sweet second chance vibes. I liked the holiday atmosphere and the way Velora’s inner conflict felt real. Her long history with Roe gave the romance a little extra flavor, and there were some genuinely warm moments that worked for me.

This is a cozy holiday romance with nostalgic feels, messy family moments, and a soft little spark between two people trying to rewrite their story. Cute, warm, and a quick read for the season.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing but sex literally it was a cute little read, but it is definitely something spicy