Black Bread : A Philly Christmas Novella

by Queen Philly

Author Queen Philly's first Christmas Novella Christmas in Philly wasn’t supposed to look like this. Empty streets, grounded flights, and a city too cold to move. But inside The Luxe penthouse, the lights at Black Bread still glow.

Solan runs everything but her heart. When a blizzard shuts down her region, she’s stuck for once, with nowhere to go, no one to save, and nothing but time.

Nazir builds cities for a living and leaves before anyone gets too close. But a blizzard grounds his plane and his heart.

There’s nowhere else to go except for Black Bread... The café that smells like butter, bourbon, and temptation. They’ve been here before... It’s all too familiar.

Late nights, unspoken rules, and chemistry that ends before morning. But this Christmas?

The city’s frozen. Black Bread’s lights are low. And the only thing left moving… Is them.

Love... Heat... Philly...

This Christmas, they’re all under the same roof.

Black Hallmark Vibes but Rated R

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

About the author

Queen Philly, a proud Philadelphia native, is an acclaimed romance fiction author known for her compelling storytelling and vibrant narratives. Her novels invite readers to plunge into their imaginations, bringing the gritty and colorful streets of the urban landscape to life. Queen Philly's works resonate with adult readers, capturing the complexities and nuances of urban life with authenticity and depth. Through her writing, she aims to entertain, provoke thought, and inspire, making each book a memorable journey for her audience.

Reviews

[lexx t · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Bread is the kind of winter romance that wraps you up, feeds you well, and then surprises you with a little extra heat when you least expect it. Set during a Christmas blizzard in Philly, this story brings Solan and Nazir back into each other’s orbit after time apart. Both of them were in situations before running into each other again, but neither was truly satisfied — and honey, the chemistry between them made that crystal clear. Forced together by snowed-in chaos, they finally have nowhere to run from old feelings, unresolved tension, and desires that never really went away.

What I loved most was how grown this romance felt. Solan and Nazir are adults with history, not strangers falling in love overnight, and that made every interaction hit harder. The snowed-in element added the perfect layer of forced proximity and emotional pressure, pushing them to finally confront what was left unsaid. And let’s talk about Black Bread itself. The restaurant, owned by Chef Marlon, felt like a character in its own right. It is a community staple full of good food, strong drinks, music, and the kind of warmth that invites people to stay awhile and maybe even rekindle a flame.

But baby girl Zoe? She absolutely stole the show. Every scene she touched brought heart, humor, and softness that balanced out the spice beautifully. This book made me laugh, swoon, and fully lean into the cozy holiday vibes while still delivering a romance that was sexy, intentional, and emotionally satisfying. Come in, grab a seat, and settle into a winter romance that will keep you warm, satisfied, and catching feelings by dessert.

[Stephanie H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sloan and Nazir were the perfect snowed-in couple. This holiday novella was cozy, fun, and full of chemistry in the best way. Two busy sneaky links getting stuck in the same apartment building during the holidays? Say less 😌❄️

Between the forced proximity, the holiday magic, and the undeniable pull between Sloan and Nazir, this story was such a good time. The stakes felt intimate, the tension was delicious, and the vibes were immaculate. And let’s not forget—good food from Black Bread was guaranteed, escape was not, and feelings absolutely got involved.

Short, spicy, and satisfying, this novella delivered exactly what it promised: warmth, connection, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Queen Philly did her thing with this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Highly recommend if you love snowed-in romances, sneaky links catching feelings, and holiday stories with heart.

[readandtellwithshantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Bread
Author Queen Philly

Solan is resolute in her decision to live her life focused on her professional aspirations. Her love life sits on the back burner. She accepts her original circumstances as a means of convincing herself. Convincing herself that she is too busy to pursue something that could be fulfilling.

Nazir knows exactly who he truly wants, but his indecision hinders him. It would be a waste of time for him to ignore what is blaringly obvious.

Black Bread and the inclement weather were the perfect factors to force Nazir and Solan to focus on what is right in front of them. The detail of Black Bread as a major setting along with the vitality of an upscale, but cozy restaurant is gratifying.

#readandtellshantel #authorqueenphilly #BlackBread #ARC

[Queen Philly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join me this Christmas as a blizzard shuts down Philadelphia, PA. The tenants of The Luxe, a luxurious high-rise penthouse, have access only to the cafe Black Bread in the lobby. While the public doors are closed, tenants can enter through the lobby. It's a holiday, it's romance, it's family, and it's black love. Meet Solan, Nazir, and some of the other tenants who are snowed in and finding warmth at Black Bread.

[DeLanni Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Queen Philly for the ARC:

A soft love that reminds you that not everything happens at a fast pace. I absolutely loved reading Nazir and Solan’s storyline. Now, Nazir did piss me off real quick but he did redeem himself quickly. This storyline was warm and slow and jut the perfect read I needed for the holidays.

[Tisa Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by Queen Philly…

Very romantic with lots of spice and romance for the season, it fits well for the couple being snowed in and trying to see where the friendship will lead them. I enjoyed it.

[Geri Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, To Be Snowed In!! 🥰🔥🥰

This was a short, fun and romantic story! It had all of the feel-goods and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is my first time reading this author’s work and it won’t be the last! A great Christmas story!! Kudos, Queen Philly! 💜