Pecan Pie for Two: A Christmas Romance

by Nina Stewart

A cozy, closed-door Christmas romance filled with small-town charm, snowy banter, and a love story sweeter than pecan pie.

Chicago brand strategist Asha Stewart knows how to create holiday magic on camera. Off camera? Her career is hanging by a thread. She needs this Wintercrest project to no missed deadlines, no mistakes, and absolutely no distractions.

Rick Franklin had one hop on a plane to Tulum and spend the weekend soaking up the sun, beaches, and hot sand. Instead, a blizzard strands him in the small town of Wintercrest with a house full of festive couples… and one woman determined to “curate the aesthetic” of his boss’s book signing at the local bookstore.

They clash instantly.
They annoy each other hourly.
The chemistry? Immediate. Inconvenient. And impossible to ignore.

When Asha ropes Rick into checking the bookstore setup, the worsening storm traps them together in a whirlwind of forced proximity, sarcastic banter, and one unforgettable pecan pie kiss.

Now Wintercrest’s favorite grinch and Christmas’s loudest cheerleader must
Is this just holiday magic… or something real?

Perfect for fans of Hallmark romances, Black love holiday stories, enemies to lovers, snowed-in romance, and cozy small-town Christmas novellas.

This holiday novella is intentionally short, sweet, and made to be read in one cozy sitting.

Genres: Christmas

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2025

Reviews

[BookmarkedByAlia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another super cute novella by Nina Stewart to get you in your holiday feels🥧🥰.
I enjoyed this friend group just as much as I did before.
If you’re looking for a no spice, enemies to lovers, sweet read for the holidays this one’s for you. Definitely giving Hallmark Christmas vibes🎄💕
If you haven’t already read Sweet Potato Kisses by her, please pick that one up as well as this one when it drops on 12/23.
Thank you to the author and her team for selecting me to be a beta reader for this one. Truly appreciated 🫶🏾🫶🏾

[She_She reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to the Author, Nina Stewart for providing the opportunity to Beta Read this book. I came here directly from Sweet Potato Kisses and I could not wait to get into this next story!

Ever met that person that instantly got under your skin? That person that makes your skin buzz with electricity anytime you see them? This is the case for Asha and Rick. Two people made for each other even though they refuse to tap into the obvious chemistry. Stranded together due to a snow storm, both trying to weather the literal and figurative storms of their life, Asha and Rick find shelter in each other.

This book is for you if you like:
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Black Love 🤎

While this was a cute book, there are some gems out there. The scene where Brandy and Rick made the pecan pie; the flight scene; the scene after the photoshoot; and my favorite quote: “I am where you are. If you want me there.” I felt the warmth deep down in my toes. This book was too cute! I smiled from beginning to end. This is the perfect book for cozy, Christmas vibes, but it’s also not lacking depth. I’ll be back during the next holiday! Yasmine and Zavier this time? 😉

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and Easy

This book seamlessly picked up where Sweet Potato Kisses left off. It brought the same lovable characters. The vibe was happy and cozy. Even with Rick being grumpy, it still felt lighthearted and breezy. I appreciated that the storyline didn’t get spicy. It felt wholesome and full of holiday cheer. This story left me feeling like I was wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping hot chocolate.

Thank you to Nina Stewart for providing the advanced copy for me to be a beta reader.

[YanaKeii · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love holiday movies since Christmas starts in July for me. This is a darn near perfect Hallmark/Bet Special Christmas movie. Rick is grumpy and Asha is optimistic and joyful. Rick gets trapped in a cabin with his bosses friends and now has to join the holiday festivities stuck in a blizzard instead of his annual Tulum. This story takes you through the motion with Rick and Asha teasing and learning, each other, stolen and direct glances. Cute scenes between each others. Asha was perfect for Rick bringing his holiday cheer out and how he does fit her more relaxed but also serious personality. If this was adapted into a movie it would def be in rotation on my holiday movie list.

Thanks to the author for this Beta Read. :)

[LatricaRDH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a beta copy of this novella. Thank you!

Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes. We meet take charge ray of sunshine Asha as she bombards Rick, the brooding scrooge, with Christmas cheer. This is a cute novella that will keep you in the holiday spirit. It's the perfect mix of yearning, chaos, and festive cheer. Asha and Rick both try hard to resist the obvious, but who can resist the obvious chemistry and perfectly placed mistletoes?

[Dorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest Christmas romance to read as we go through Christmas and move to new years. The wintercrest crew at it again. Cute, light hearted cozy, fun. I want a whole series with each of the couples! Perfect book to end the year on a light, happy, loving note.

[Meleia Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute read by Nina Stewart. Sometimes you just need a feel good read that gives you all the feels in a quick read. I always love the frenemies to lovers tropes. You get to know Rick and Asha and watch them give in to an opportunity neither of them thought possible.

[Gabby Cepeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a beta reader and honestly so cute!! What an adorable novella! The banter was top tier, the relationship was adorable. It was a bit fast paced but its also a novella so that makes sense. If you read it and you love a good almost kiss you will have so much fun with this one!

[Mangosandhotsauze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Reader

Pecan Pie for Two follows Rick and Asha. Rick wants more from his life/career and Asha wants the same. They just express themselves differently. Rick seems uptight and grumpy while Asha seems upbeat, sunshine and rainbows. But they’re both suffering on the inside. This cozy novella has love, laughter, and so much more.. The chemistry flying off of these two will have you screaming for more.

The pacing and flow of this book is medium and would love to read more.

I’m wondering who we’ll read about next…..
@Nina Stewart keep them coming ❤️

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed to be a beta reader for this book!
I really liked it . It was the coziest holiday read I love an enemies to lovers trope the banter was great. The storyline as well as the plot were dead on. I can’t wait for the official copy.

[Dannireads17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beta Reader

Pecan Pie for Two follows Asha & Rick from Sweet Potato Kisses. Rick is grumpy while Asha is Ms Sunshine! There is a good plot going & relatable characters. I can’t wait to read the finished product.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an early copy.

Cute novella! I love enemies to lovers romance and I also love the holidays so this was perfect for me. The chemistry, curiosity, and banter were all there. I wanted a little more to close things out completely for Rick and Asha but aside from that it’s still a 4 star read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute, heartwarming, and funny read! This book is the sequel to Sweet Potato Kisses: A Friendsgiving Romance. It follows Sullivan’s assistant, Rick, and Ryan’s brand strategist, Asha, as they navigate romance, career ambitions, and personal growth.

Both Asha and Rick are staying in Wintercrest for Ryan’s Christmas celebration and Sullivan’s book signing when they get caught in a terrible blizzard. At first, they don’t get along—Asha is bubbly and cheerful, while Rick is more of a Christmas grinch. Rick is especially upset because he can’t travel to Tulum for the holiday. But while they’re stuck together in Wintercrest, they slowly develop a crush on each other, which I thought was absolutely adorable.

Both characters are very career-driven. Asha dreams of working with celebrities, while Rick wants to become a screenwriter. When Asha gets a call from a well-known celebrity in New York City, she jumps at the opportunity. Rick overhears the conversation and gets upset without talking to her first—which, of course, creates tension.

One of my favorite parts of the book was when Rick talks to the guys about women. It reminded me so much of that iconic scene in The Best Man, but this version felt more mature, positive, and emotionally intelligent. Another moment I absolutely loved was when Rick hopped on a plane from Chicago just to be with Asha—so romantic, sweet, and thoughtful. There’s nothing sexier than a man who makes the effort to show up for a woman he truly likes.

What I loved most is how supportive Asha and Rick are of each other. Their relationship felt healthy, warm, and intentional.

This was such a great holiday read! I truly hope the author writes more about Xavier and Yasmen—I would love to see where their story goes. Overall, this book gave total Hallmark-meets-The Best Man vibes, without trauma. Such an adorable, cozy holiday romance.

10000/10. 🎄📚✨

[Dai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so first of all, huge shoutout to Nina Stewart for letting me be a beta reader for Pecan Pie for Two. It was my first time doing anything like this, and honestly? Such a fun experience. I was already excited after that little teaser in Sweet Potato Kisses (which I loved), so I went in READY.

Here’s the cute rundown:
Pecan Pie for Two isn’t that instantly-cozy Christmas romance, not at first. The beginning is more “enemies-to-lovers with a sprinkle of chaos,” Asha? I loved her from the jump. She’s real, she’s relatable, she’s got that mix of vulnerable and funny that makes you want to be her friend. The type of girl you instantly root for.

Rick… okay, I’m not gonna lie. At first I was like “sir, what is your problem?” He was not my fave. And THEN the flight happened. If you know, you know!! That moment flipped everything. After that scene I swear I was reading the rest of the book with a smile on my face because suddenly I was rooting for them HARD. Although there is no spicy I will say Nina can provide the necessary tension!

Their dynamic is just the right mix of gentle tension, cute banter, and those little moments that make you go “ohhh they like each other for real.” And the ending? Perfect. Cozy, Christmassy, and exactly the ending I needed.
In short: I absolutely loved Asha, Rick surprised me in the best way, and watching them come together made my whole heart warm.

[Genevieve McCane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of beta reading Pecan Pie for Two, and it was such a cozy Christmas holiday read. After reading her novella Sweet Potato Kisses, I already knew Nina Stewart’s holiday novellas were for me.

We follow Asha, a Chicago girl through and through, who’s a brand strategist going through a rough time with her business. She’s hired to create holiday content for a group of friends, the same group I fell in love with in book one!

Rick, Sullivan’s assistant (the MMC from Sweet Potato Kisses), has one plan for the holidays: hop on a plane to Tulum for a quick getaway. But thanks to bad weather, his flight gets canceled, leaving him stuck in Wintercrest for 72 hours with his boss and friends.

The pacing was a nice build up, and I was really hoping this second book would live up to the first ,and it absolutely did. I loved the Chicago references sprinkled throughout, they added so much charm. The friend group dynamics carried over beautifully, the spades game scene had me smiling, and the banter between Asha and Rick felt natural and fun.

Nina Stewart has such a lovely way of crafting holiday stories that center the romance while still honoring the characters we’ve already come to know and love. This book was hard to put down, the romance was heartfelt and believable, and there were plenty of aww moments mixed with just enough tension to keep me engaged. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to read more from her!

[Pamela Osbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Sweet and Cozy romance with a nice balanced slow burn story line featuring two characters that grate on each other's nerves (a little bit of grumpiness in there). I was very happy to serve as a beta reader for this wonderful book.

I Loved the pacing of the story and if you love enemies to lovers, this one will grab you. I feel like this book is fast paced because readers will be invested by Asha and Rick's love story.

I enjoyed reading two points of view and the sweetness of the story. The holiday romance develops in a natural way that is realistic and fun to experience. Finally, a good holiday story not focused on trauma but a healthy relationship that develops over time in the black romance. Author Nina Stewart nails it in this genre.

The story was written in a wonderful way where you can see the holiday environment (very descriptive storytelling). Very emotive and readers will truly enjoy this story. The holiday vibes are embedded in the story and this writer does a great job at character development, pacing, description and grabbing a hold of the reader's interest. Get the book when it drops on 12-23. You won't be disappointed. Happy Holidays!

[Cheonica Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pecan Pie for Two was one of those reads that perfectly captures how hard it can be to get a read on someone. One minute it’s tension, the next it’s chemistry, then right back to friction again. Asha and Rick started off beefing immediately like real, grown folk annoyance then softened, then snapped again. Honestly that back and forth felt very true to life, especially when two people are stressed, displaced and pretending they don’t feel what they clearly feel. Thoughts of job jeopardy and job security will have anyone tweaking out.

Asha is career-driven and under pressure, Rick is annoyed that his tropical escape turned into a snowed in Christmas nightmare and Wintercrest forces them into proximity whether they like it or not. The banter was sharp, the chemistry undeniable and that pecan pie kiss was cute, sweet and perfectly timed.

What I really liked was the ending. No fairytale rush, no instant forever. Just two people acknowledging, “I want you in my life beyond this moment.” Sometimes that’s the most realistic kind of romance choosing to keep showing up in the new year and seeing where it goes. Short, sweet and very on brand for a one sitting holiday novella.

[MikeQuita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the joy of diving into an advance copy of Pecan Pie for Two, and let me tell you, I ate up every single page. After Sweet Potato Kisses stole my heart on Thanksgiving Day, Nina shot straight to the top of my holiday reading list.

This tale is the perfect warm-and-cozy Holiday escape. Rick and Asha’s friends-to-lovers journey unfolds during a festive cabin getaway, and watching them navigate real-life challenges while wrestling with those slow-blooming feelings? Whew. It felt like being wrapped in a soft blanket with a cup of hot chocolate in your favorite mug, while watching the snow fall.

Nina has a way of pulling you right into the moment—every scene feels lived-in, tender, and full of charm. I could smell the pie baking, picturing my friends and I arguing over a game of spades. I truly didn’t want this book to end.

And now? I’m already counting down the days until we see what kind of pie we’ll be savoring as Yasmine and Xavier’s story comes to life.

A sweet, heartwarming holiday treat from start to finish.

[Moodyy Readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pecan Pie for Two was such a light, fun, and cozy read
an easy 5 stars for me. This is a clean Black Christmas romance that delivers all the warm, fuzzy feelings without the spice, making it perfect for anyone who loves sweet love stories.


Asha and Rich’s enemies to lovers dynamic was one of my favorite parts. Their banter felt natural, funny, and full of tension in the best way. Add in a snow storm setting and a solid friend group * Chefs Kiss *, and the story really shines with heart and charm.
This book feels like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie short, comforting, and impossible not to smile through. It’s a quick read that doesn’t try to be heavy, just genuinely enjoyable and uplifting.

If you’re looking for a cozy holiday romance with great vibes, lovable characters, and festive feels, this one is definitely worth picking up 🎄🥧💖


Thank You to the Author Nina Stewart and her team for choosing me to be a beta reader for Pecan Pie for Two

[Chantay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like comfort. Like slowing down, exhaling, and letting yourself enjoy something sweet without overthinking it.

Pecan Pie Got Two gave me exactly what I wanted in the moment—warmth, charm, and an easy romance that felt cozy from start to finish. The chemistry was playful and soft, the banter was enjoyable, and the small-town, holiday-adjacent vibes wrapped the story in that familiar, comforting glow I always crave in reads like this.

It didn’t try to be more than it was—and honestly, I appreciated that. While I did find myself wishing a few moments went a little deeper emotionally, it still delivered a satisfying, feel-good experience that made me smile and kept me engaged.

This is the kind of book you pick up when you want something light, sweet, and reassuring—like dessert at the end of a long day. Not overwhelming. Not heavy. Just enjoyable.

A solid 4 stars for a cozy, flirty romance that absolutely understood the assignment 🥧✨

[Colette Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beta Reader: This review may contain spoilers.

I couldn't wait to get into this story after finishing Sweet Potato Kisses. This enemies to love interests holiday novella gave all the feels!  I'm a sucker for undeniable, immediate chemistry and I was hooked right away.  This was so sweet and heartfelt as 2 people afraid to take a chance on one another just dive right in...in a matter of days.  Can't say I've ever experienced a slow burning whirlwind, but I love every minute of it right through the NYE culmination!

As a fellow Chicago native, I loved Asha's unapologetic personality and quick wit!

The author may be one of the best I've read recently at setting the scene and making you feel immersed in the festivities. 

Sweet Potato pie at Thanksgiving. Pecan Pie at Christmas. I'm hoping for French Silk around Valentine's Day for Zavier and Yasmine!  

[Tee Magnificent · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Sweet Potato Kisses around Thanksgiving, this was the perfect book to kick off the Christmas holiday season! If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers romance with a cozy, Christmas movie vibe, this is definitely the read for you.
I really enjoyed Asha and Rick’s story. I was a little on edge at first because of how much they disliked each other, but watching their relationship grow into something sweet and meaningful was everything. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but let’s just say, if a man wants to, he will! Rick realized Asha was worth so much more and showed up for her in the way that mattered most.
Thank you to the author, Nina Stewart, for allowing me the opportunity to be receive an advanced reader copy. I loved this novella and highly recommend it, especially during the holiday season.

[Antonia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Pecan Pie for Two and I’m really glad I got to read it before Christmas. The story hit several of my favorite tropes:

• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Holiday romance
• Hallmark movie ready (not a trope per se, but it definitely fits sooo 🤷🏾‍♀️😂)

It gave me all the cozy holiday feels you want from a small-town romance.

It is a novella, so I knew what to expect going in. I just wished it gave a little more, but that might honestly be me being greedy. Outside of that, it was a solid 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me.

I’m also new to the author and even though she mentioned you don’t have to read Sweet Potato Kisses first, I did anyway lol. It was nice catching the character crossovers.

I’ll definitely be picking up more from her catalog.
Thank you Nina Stewart for the opportunity to read your work.

[Neci Waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being a BETA and ARC reader for this book. If cozy had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this book. Pecan Pie for Two wrapped me up in warmth, charm, and holiday magic from the very first page and I absolutely loved it. This story gave me Hallmark energy with depth, and the writing was.. so smooth and intentional. Nothing felt rushed even though it’s a novella. Every moment served a purpose. Asha and Rick are the kind of opposites-you-know-will-fall-but-don’t-know-how-yet couple that makes enemies-to-lovers so satisfying. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was instant (and inconvenient), and the forced proximity during a snowstorm? Chef’s kiss. What I loved most is how warm this book felt. It was not just romantic but comforting. It's the kind of story you read curled up on the couch and finish in one sitting with a smile on your face.

[Ciara J · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! I read this book as an early copy and all I have to say is that this read was good!! Pecan Pie for Two is a cozy holiday Christmas novella. There is no spice in the book, but you can definitely understand the characters feelings and the love that grows overtime between them. From enemies to lovers, Asha and Rick begin to realize their own stubbornness is what keeps their feelings at a distance. Who would think a couple of days in a cabin in a snowstorm, would spark more than just lights?! The pacing of the book as perfect. Asha is outgoing and “bossy” and Rick is grumpy! But you see Rick’s grumpiness begin to disappear as Asha and him interact more and she “sees him”. You see their love story unfold and a new year’s countdown you wouldn’t want to miss.

[Cadijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was beyond excited to receive this book and dive in. After how much I loved the first one, I knew I needed to take my time with this read—I had high expectations and hoped the second book would live up to them. Thankfully, it absolutely did. Nina Stewart has a beautiful way of crafting a holiday story that centers on two characters while still honoring the ones we’ve already come to know and love. This book was incredibly hard to put down, with well-developed characters and rich backstories. The conflict felt believable, the romance was heartfelt, and there were plenty of aww moments mixed with uncertainty that kept me engaged. Honestly, if she released a book for every holiday, I’d be first in line to read them. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

[Burgundy Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a beta copy from the author. This is one of the coziest and warmest romance stories that you should read during the Christmas holiday season. It the beginning of a love story of Rick and Asha . Rick and Asha are two people who are more alike than they are different even though they don’t see it. In this book, we will be taken on a journey of two people who have such a strong dislike to each other to the beginning stages of one beautiful, love story. From the grumpiness of Rick to the joyful, optimistic woman that is Asha we are taken on a journey. From snowball fight to getting stuck in the snow to bonding over a last slice of pecan pie. This story is perfect for your Christmas holiday season and it should be read by everyone.

[Jayla Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading ‘Pecan Pie for Two’ felt like settling into a warm, wintry afternoon. At first, the story definitely took its time, and I found the back-and-forth between the leads a bit drawn out. But once I got past those early chapters, the holiday charm kicked in. The moment they shared a kiss over a piece of pecan pie was just as sweet as I’d hoped, and that’s the scene that really sold me on the book in the first place. Sure, there’s a bit of the enemies-to-lovers tension that maybe lingers a tad too long, and there’s some classic miscommunication that might make you sigh, but the surprises and the cozy holiday vibe make it a lovely little festive read. In the end, it’s a charming and quick holiday escape, perfect for curling up before Christmas.

[Alexis Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asha and Rick are two pieces to a beautiful puzzle! I loved their banter! It was refreshing to have these two characters meet and have no previous connection to one another! I enjoyed the realness they shared with one another off the bat.. plus the support and encouragement they had for each other. Without even realizing it they were becoming a team! I enjoy Nina’s writing so much! Her books are such a great palate cleanser. I’ve enjoyed being apart of Nina’s arc team for a second time! Thank you for the opportunity! Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, it was nice to experience this trope w no spice. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a black holiday romance! This book gives all the hallmark vibes with black culture is always a cherry on top! Love me some black love! This book takes no time to read, so grab your fav xmas season drink and a blanket to embrace this love story!

[KaLan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the ARC version of this novella, thanks to the author.

I really enjoyed this cute novella and a follow up to the first holiday romance book. This was probably my first enemies to lovers book and won't be the last one. Lots of cute banter back and forth between the characters in the beginning, some adorable moments as they began drawing closer to each other and cozy scenes. I almost wish the story was longer and gave more backstory especially with Rick and his complex feelings but it probably wouldn't be a novella then. :-) its safe to say im a fan now, looking forward the third books and more about this cute group of friends. Glad there is another author writing African american clean romance and i loved the hints to Chicago as well.