It’s Your For Me This Christmas

by Amanda Linette

After years of being in and out of a situationship, Ria and Onyx are finally ready to tie the knot, but one thing stands in their way: pre-marital counseling.

What they thought would be a walk in the park instead uncovers new truths and challenges that tests their bond this holiday season.

Unfortunately for these two, the therapy session sets off a chain of events that leaves them questioning: Is love really enough?

It's You for Me This Christmas is a short, heartfelt, and vulnerable love story that explores a timeless truth: any love worth having is worth fighting for.

Genres: Christmas

91 pages, Unknown Binding

First published December 5, 2025

Reviews

[Baje Bookclub - Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ Book Review✨

It’s You For Me This Christmas
by Amanda Linette
Genre: Romance
Book No. 112
Release day: December 5, 2025

It’s You For Me This Christmas (IYFMTC) is a novella about the couple Onyx and Ria. Onyx and Ria were the main characters in Linnette’s debut novel More Than My Mistakes (MTMM) which was published in June 2025. At this point Onyx joined the book boyfriend list - second place.

This 91 page book was told from Onyx’s POV. Onyx and Ria are a couple and they are engaged 💍 and going to premarital counseling. One session takes a turn, up pops an ex and all that follows are issues looking to stop them from having a great future and happy Christmas.

I enjoyed this novella of Onyx and Ria’s life together and loved that it was from Onyx’s POV. It’s like getting o see inside a male’s head which is up there with figuring out world peace.

I was just telling one of my Bookstagram friends that for me to read romance the story must be real and IYFMTC was real. It highlighted the importance of communication, unwavering love and some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ in any relationship as well as the examination of how misunderstandings and arguments can arise.

In this novella they completed a couple goal that I absolutely loved.

Go read both books and come back here and tell me your thoughts.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you Amanda for this Digital ARC.

[Savannah R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this as an ARC, and I feel like this was just enough of an update on Ria and Onyx! It was nice to see that even once they got together, things weren't all peachy and when we saw some of Ria's doubts creeping back in, you see how Onyx really worked to reassure her. My guy was tired of her running😭😂. I really liked that we got this entire book on Onyx's POV. You don't normally see that in books, and seeing more of the way he thinks through things and handles them was something I enjoyed. I give this a 3.5!!

[Nacia Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Amanda for the ARC!
Now Alexa, please go ahead and play “Can You Stand The Rain” by Boyz II Men, because that’s exactly the mood this novella put me in.

Quick Take
I devoured this novella. Truly. Ria and Onyx have always owned a piece of my reader heart from the Bloom universe, so stepping back into their world felt like catching up with a couple you root for like family. And honestly? This novella might be even stronger than their original book, More Than My Mistakes.

Amanda must’ve heard the collective, “We need more Ria and Onyx!” and said, “Say less.” She delivered it gift wrapped, holiday-coded, and better than I even expected.

The Love Story
Let’s talk about Onyx… because whew. That man does not play behind Ria. He loves her out loud loyal, dramatic when needed, and low-key hilarious. Getting his POV throughout the novella brought their relationship to life in the best way. I was giggling and kicking my feet like he wasn’t very much taken.

The novella leans into the miscommunication trope, but not in that frustrating way. Instead, Amanda shows what it looks like when two people who genuinely want forever actually do the work. Counseling, honest conversations, vulnerability… the real stuff engaged couples face but rarely get spotlighted in romance.

It didn’t just feel like a holiday story—it felt like watching two grown people intentionally build a life together, mess and all.

What I Loved:
• Onyx being peak Onyx
Protective. Playful. Slightly petty. A man in love and proud of it.

• Ria being soft, strong, and beautifully human
Her vulnerability grounded the entire story.

• A glimpse into their future
I’m patiently (not really) waiting for the wedding… and yes, I’m nosey enough to wonder if Amanda is giving them babies.

• The Relationship Check-In Pages
Amanda gave us worksheets. Actual reflection questions for couples. A thoughtful, unique touch that made me cheese.

The Vibes:
Warm. Funny. Tender. Holiday-coded without the cheese. Black love front and center , soft, intentional, familiar.

This is the novella you read wrapped in a blanket, sipping something warm, with your whole heart open.

If Amanda wanted us to fall even deeper in love with Ria and Onyx… mission very much accomplished.

[Zhane’l Speaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: It’s You For Me This Christmas follows a couple trying to work through their differences before taking the next step in their relationship. I definitely think you need to read the first book to really understand the characters and where they’re coming from. This book focuses on Onyx’s pov and I liked getting inside his mind and seeing how he processed everything.

Another thing I really appreciated is how this book shows that premarital counseling is normal and that it’s okay for couples to not agree on everything. I liked that Onyx actually tried to fix things between him and Ria instead of letting time just pass by.

I also liked the Christmas setting and their couples gift tradition, but I wish the holiday vibe was stronger. I wanted more sensory details, like the smell of cinnamon or vanilla, the taste of something warm, snow falling, just something to make me really feel the season while reading. I also wanted a little more from Ria, even though it being told from Onyx perspective.

I’m giving the plot a 3.9 mainly because I feel like if I had a bit more details it would’ve made me feel more connected to the characters and the story. If you’re into stories that talk about marriage, therapy, and working things out in relationships, you might enjoy this one.

[Just D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet Holiday Gut Punch
This story may be short, but it hits with real emotion. I went in expecting something cute and Christmas-y, and it is, but it’s also honest in a way that surprised me. Ria and Onyx’s journey felt like watching two people who love each other try to finally say the quiet parts out loud. The therapy scenes didn’t feel gimmicky. They felt real, a little messy, and very much needed.
What I loved most is how much heart Amanda Linette fit into such a small space. It didn’t waste time. Every conversation mattered. Every moment between them carried weight. And even with all the tension, you can still feel the love underneath everything.
And the communication between them was clear and hit. Even when things got tough, it felt honest instead of dramatic for the sake of drama. The spice was steamy and well placed, adding to the story instead of taking over.
By the end, I was rooting for them harder than I expected. This is one of those holiday reads that leaves you in your thoughts and a little in your feelings. Quick, emotional, and worth it.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little novella is the cherry on top of a dessert. It’s the hot Cheeto dust on your fingers after you’ve demolished the whole bag!

Getting Onyx’s point of view is everything you didn’t know you needed but were secretly begging for. His voice is raw, tender, and so full of love that it made me want to hug him.

Wrapped up in a cute orange bow, this novella brings drama, love, vulnerability to the forefront of Onyx and Rhia’s continuing story. It feels like a gift directly to the readers who fell in love with them the first time around.

From the unexpectedly soft, heart-to-heart conversations Onyx has with Kayla to the way he’s constantly trying to keep Rhia from busting out her Nikes and sprinting straight into avoidance mode,
every moment feels intentional, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

This novella isn’t just an add on, it enhances the original book in every way, giving us clarity, closure, and a whole new layer of connection with these characters.

Five stars, a bag of Hot Cheetos, and a hug for Onyx and Rhia.

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Romance, accountability, and emotional growth are at the center of this holiday novella. This was my first book by this author, and while I enjoyed the quick read, I could tell starting with book one would’ve given me more context. I’ll definitely be going back, because this story came fully intention-coded. Onyx was the standout for me. He’s loyal, intentional, and loud about his love for Ria. His POV shows just how faithful and down bad he is for his “wife,” and I loved it. I also appreciated seeing a couple preparing for marriage through counseling. The book shows the real work — the vulnerability, the miscommunication, and the tension that shows up when emotions run high. Ria made a few choices I side-eyed, but they made sense for her character and the personal growth she’s navigating. My only critique is the holiday aspect. I wanted more seasonal details to really pull me into the Christmas spirit. Overall, this is an intentional read about love, therapy, and choosing each other through the tough moments. It doesn’t come with some drama, but it’s perfect for readers who love communication and a man who shows up with purpose.

[Treasure · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initial thoughts :
You must read more than my mistakes to understand this novella and the dynamic of Oxyn and Ria’s love story.
It didn’t feel like an Christmas / holiday story

Book review :
This is the follow up from the main story “more than my mistakes”
We go on a journey with Onyx and Ria exploring Pre marital counselling, honest conversations, vulnerability and the intentionality of a couple that had set their minds to build a life together.
This can be a challenge and that’s highlighted in this story.
Onyx did not play about Ria, which should’ve been enough for Ria but she came across a little frustrating when was acted like child in certain parts of the story. I wasn’t a fan of the immaturity displayed especially when they have known each other for the time they have.

I will recommend you reading book 1 and follow up with this one . It gives you closure to Onyx and Ria love story

[Jeanette H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Amanda Linette for this eARC.

It’s You for Me is a follow-up novella to More Than My Mistakes, told entirely from Onyx’s POV. Full disclosure: I haven’t read More Than My Mistakes, so I went in blind to Ria and Onyx’s history—and still had a great time. I knew I was in for a treat the moment Onyx opened with, “But love is patient, kind, and all that other shit you can find in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Aight, now enjoy the ride from my POV.”

This novella does such a good job highlighting real relationship issues, especially the emotional minefield of pre-marital counseling. Ria was in her head but Onyx stood ten toes down for Ria. I loved that he gave her space to process—and then wastes zero time going to get his woman.

Now I need to go back and read More Than My Mistakes to get the full backstory and meet more of the Girl G@ng. They seem like exactly the kind of friend group every woman needs.

Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): YES

Tropes: miscommunication (but not in the way we hate), found family, friends to lovers, he falls first

[DeLanni Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the E-ARC

I absolutely loved that this one was told from Onyx’s point of view. That made it the perfect follow up to previous novel, More Than My Mistakes.

This novel showed that love is not all rainbows and sunshines. If you want it to work, you’re gonna put in that work to make it work. I also loved that it didn’t make therapy into a bad thing and showed the way other types of therapies can work in relationships.

Side note: I definitely almost went through my kindle to drag Ria by her edges, because please stop playing Onyx!!

It was a very quick and enjoyable read.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review 💕📚
First off, thank you so much, Amanda, for this ARC! Now let’s get into it…

I absolutely loved watching Onyx love Ria down. The way they’re learning and growing in their relationship felt so real and soft. I love how he affirms and reassures her whenever she gets in her head, and how fast he shuts down anything that tries to disturb their peace.

And y’all know I adore how Onyx rides for his siblings — he loves them down and shows up every single time.

Overall, this novella was such a good read. Short, sweet, and full of love. I really enjoyed it! 💛📖

[Chloe Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Linette writes her characters in such a way that the reader feels like part of the friend group, AKA The Girl Gang. The banter emulates real life group chats. The love and loyalty amongst the friendships is GOALS.

The spin-off novella had me side eyeing my girl Ria a bit, the same way I would my closest friends if they were self-sabotaging cause of their insecurities-anxieties. But I love the way she’s loved! And Onyx had me questioning if trouble follows him, but I love a man who doesn’t mind hurting feelings if it means protecting the feelings of his lady.

[Ambra | ambreadbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

3.5/5
- This was great update on the relationship between Ria and Onyx, from More Than My Mistakes — written from Onyx’s POV. This story shows that relationships aren’t always easy and requires work from both partners, even including therapy.
- Ria stressed me out, but Onyx had enough patience and reassurance for the both of them.
- This is a quick and enjoyable read for someone in the mood for a story where vulnerable hearts and pure love is worth fighting for.

Pub Date: 12/5/25

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review - 3.5 stars
Release date - December 5th

The story of Onyx and Ria. Onyx's strength played out throughout this entire novella - how he knew Ria was the one even when she was a bit unsure, how he was patient, how he appreciated their differences. And Ria definitely got Onyx too. I loved seeing them pour into each other.
The mini dramas in between had me laughing and feeling for Onyx.
Overall, a great Christmas read.

[Brittany Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review I really enjoyed this read. I loved experiencing the story from Onyx’s point of view and seeing the two of them grow together. I appreciated how Onyx always stood by his woman, even when her doubts tried to take over. The way he could flip her words into something positive every time was everything. And my girl Kayla? She definitely needs to find her true love next! 3.7 rating

[Shanna Standifer-Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella set during Christmas and provided us an update on Ria and Onyx. I love this was told from Onyx’s POV. I love that It showed how Onyx was not going to give up on Ria . Amanda brought in the premarital therapy aspect that I believe is needed for each marriage. Once again, Amanda wrote a solid book. Please, continue with Kayla’s story!

[Tywa Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Arc review ⭐️

I enjoyed everything about this book. Every woman needs a man like Onyx. Ria and Onyx have a lot thrown at them in just a few hours and it has Ria questioning their relationship but Onyx is willing to do everything in his power to prove to her that they are ment to be together forever. This book has a bit of everything love, drama, friendship, n spice .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Alisha Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read! Love the update on the characters. Onyx still doesn’t play about his wife.

[BookedoutLoud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review! Thank You Amanda for the e-arc book!

💍✨ This was such a great update on the soon-to-be newlyweds! I loved getting the story from Onyx’s POV.
The way Onyx handles Ria is top tier 😮‍💨🔥. I love how he affirms and reaffirms her whenever she gets in her head, and how quickly he shuts down anything that threatens their peace. It’s a yessss for me! 🙌🏽💕
I also appreciated how they sat down and talked through the things Ria felt unsure about and found common ground that worked for both of them. Couples evolve and don’t stay the same—and it’s so important to love each other through those changes, acknowledging them and pouring into each other in healthy, supportive ways. 🫶🏽🌱💫