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Afterwards #6
Snowflake
Running away from his feelings is the one race he'll never win ...
A star athlete and Olympic prospect, Kal Carter is bound for greatness. Everyone says it, only he's not sure he entirely believes it. Because he’s lost something he can’t replace, and most days feels like he’s holding up the sky; and doing it all on his own.
To maintain focus, he never lets anyone close except in the most superficial ways and he’s become very good at it. Until a long, cold week when the solitary girl next-door who never speaks, smiles or makes eye-contact barges into his life and seems poised to upend the whole doggone thing.
A star athlete and Olympic prospect, Kal Carter is bound for greatness. Everyone says it, only he's not sure he entirely believes it. Because he’s lost something he can’t replace, and most days feels like he’s holding up the sky; and doing it all on his own.
To maintain focus, he never lets anyone close except in the most superficial ways and he’s become very good at it. Until a long, cold week when the solitary girl next-door who never speaks, smiles or makes eye-contact barges into his life and seems poised to upend the whole doggone thing.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2018
538 people are currently reading
1168 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
66 books942 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
March 8, 2020
#blackloveathon prompt: read a black sports romance novel💫
Readathon vlog: https://youtu.be/m4DqdInKA8E
There’s something really indescribable and beautiful about this story, I need to sit with it for a while these characters really wormed their way into my heart.
This is about a collegiate track star named Kaleem and his mysterious neighbor, Asha, spending a snowstorm together and how their relationship blossoms from that proximity. I really loved this author’s writing style, I was immediately drawn to the characters and fell in love with their connection. This story definitely gave me all the feels and it deals with some intense and emotional topics. Really really loved it.
cw: discussion of miscarriage, emotional neglect, and brief discussion of past unethical teacher-student relationship
Readathon vlog: https://youtu.be/m4DqdInKA8E
There’s something really indescribable and beautiful about this story, I need to sit with it for a while these characters really wormed their way into my heart.
This is about a collegiate track star named Kaleem and his mysterious neighbor, Asha, spending a snowstorm together and how their relationship blossoms from that proximity. I really loved this author’s writing style, I was immediately drawn to the characters and fell in love with their connection. This story definitely gave me all the feels and it deals with some intense and emotional topics. Really really loved it.
cw: discussion of miscarriage, emotional neglect, and brief discussion of past unethical teacher-student relationship
April 12, 2023
Asha x Kaleem
This was my first read by this author, and I didn't hate it. While the story moved a bit slow, I still enjoyed it. Asha and Kaleem lived across the hall from one another. She was quiet and quite a loner. But, there is so much behind that quiet demeanor. Kaleem was a track star. He was kinda like your typical athlete, but also not really. I mean, the ladies on campus loved him, but he also wasn't into the drinking in the party scene. Though he indulges. She and Kaleem stayed behind during their holiday break at Penn State, and through that, they formed a sweet friendship. There was a lot of push and pull between them, and the story was super cryptic. The entire book, the author is telling us something is going on with Asha, but we didn't find out till the very end of the book. I loved the whole popular kid and quiet girl getting together. Their chemistry was loud, and I loved the bond they formed. One thing I'll say is that the end was rushed and felt a bit incomplete
I didn't expect to enjoy the book, but I did, and I'm glad I read it.
4.4⭐️
This was my first read by this author, and I didn't hate it. While the story moved a bit slow, I still enjoyed it. Asha and Kaleem lived across the hall from one another. She was quiet and quite a loner. But, there is so much behind that quiet demeanor. Kaleem was a track star. He was kinda like your typical athlete, but also not really. I mean, the ladies on campus loved him, but he also wasn't into the drinking in the party scene. Though he indulges. She and Kaleem stayed behind during their holiday break at Penn State, and through that, they formed a sweet friendship. There was a lot of push and pull between them, and the story was super cryptic. The entire book, the author is telling us something is going on with Asha, but we didn't find out till the very end of the book. I loved the whole popular kid and quiet girl getting together. Their chemistry was loud, and I loved the bond they formed. One thing I'll say is that the end was rushed and felt a bit incomplete
I didn't expect to enjoy the book, but I did, and I'm glad I read it.
4.4⭐️
January 17, 2019
I really enjoyed Kal and Ash's story. Kal is a close friend of Deuce Scaife, so there is a bit of interaction in this book, of characters we've met before in the Commitment series. Makes me want to go back and reread Afterwards/Afterburn! I think this one can be read as a standalone, but it means more when you know the other characters mentioned in the background.
Kal is a good guy. Has been a player, but deep down he is an upright and sensitive man, and once he meets the right woman he works hard to be worthy of her. Asha is a likeable character who has been dealt a horrible hand - till she meets Kal and they connect. They make a lovely couple.
These two are college students who are starting out in their lives. I prefer the other stories in the series that follow more mature MCs with more complex lives. But, having said that, I still really liked this book. I'm looking forward to the next book, about Deuce and Zora, and also to Devin's book when it comes out.
Kal is a good guy. Has been a player, but deep down he is an upright and sensitive man, and once he meets the right woman he works hard to be worthy of her. Asha is a likeable character who has been dealt a horrible hand - till she meets Kal and they connect. They make a lovely couple.
These two are college students who are starting out in their lives. I prefer the other stories in the series that follow more mature MCs with more complex lives. But, having said that, I still really liked this book. I'm looking forward to the next book, about Deuce and Zora, and also to Devin's book when it comes out.
April 11, 2021
4.5. Okay this one hit me right in the feels. One of my favorite books of all time is Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson and this book absolutely gave me grown up/college version of that between the characters and the writing style. The story isn’t exactly the same obviously, but the vibes were absolutely there. Young, popular athlete on campus. The quiet girl no one pays much attention to who does her own thing. Yeah I’m a sucker for it. The two are thrown together during a snowstorm on campus and from there a relationship and connection that neither of them were looking for develops.
I felt like the chemistry between these two was off the charts. They were just so cute together even when they weren’t trying to be. Honestly the whole thing was just a vibe. I can’t explain it y’all. You just had to be there.
CW: discussions of miscarriage, absent parent and professor-student relationship, sexual content
I felt like the chemistry between these two was off the charts. They were just so cute together even when they weren’t trying to be. Honestly the whole thing was just a vibe. I can’t explain it y’all. You just had to be there.
CW: discussions of miscarriage, absent parent and professor-student relationship, sexual content
January 25, 2024
4.5 stars I love reading romances with wintry settings during the summer! No, it doesn’t really help me cool down. And yes, I hate actual snow and actual winter. But reading about it? It’s such a treat, especially when two characters connect thanks to a snowstorm the week of Thanksgiving like Kal and Asha. Plus, it’s neighbors to lovers! This had my name all over it.
This is the second book I’ve read by Nia Forrester and it similarly gripped me and didn’t let go. Asha’s characterization and depth made her a deeply sympathetic character but I was still surprised by how much her aloneness got to me. She is reserved and keeps to herself. Very few people have ever tried to get to know her and she’s gotten used to making her own way through the world. This was heartbreaking because she’s such a fascinating person. Given her upbringing, I could understand why she didn’t really try to get to know other people but I couldn’t understand how a whole university wouldn’t want to get to know her. She’s a hidden gem! Anyone would be lucky to know Asha. And that includes f*ckboy Kal.
Asha is very aware of her neighbor and his stream of women. He’s also aware of her but has never had a chance to talk to her since she avoids any interaction, until a snowstorm hits and they’re the only ones in the building. Asha doesn’t immediately open up to Kal, nor he to her. Everything that happened felt organic to the characters and their dreams and insecurities. The more time they spend together, the more they enjoy each other’s company and because school is out for the week, there’s no reason not to spend more time together. But even that doesn’t happen the way you might guess. They get to see each other in different contexts, from holiday parties to their homes, and it all made complete sense.
That’s not to say it’s smooth sailing. Far from it. They each have a lot to overcome. Asha’s hangups about her past; Kal and his reputation and his belief that a relationship will interfere with his Olympic dreams. This had some great angst and Asha’s plight in particular made me cry. I so badly wanted her to experience being loved and taken care of and for her to experience true community.
This turned out to be a good thought exercise because what works for some of the relationships depicted in this book would not work for me. Despite his conflicted relationship with his incarcerated father, Kal relies on his dad’s worldview about what good men are like. That extends to a more traditional patriarchal relationship. His dad has a pseudo-religious toxic masculinity philosophy that covers “clean” eating, believing the body is a temple, and that men are to take care of all of their woman’s needs. It’s rather misogynistic, especially since Kal rationalizes being a player because he gave his hookups pleasure since he didn’t want to care about them otherwise. His dad is also a massive hypocrite since he’s refused to see his wife or Kal since he went to prison 9 years ago. I could not understand how he thought was being a “real” man by removing himself from their lives. This read as red flag city to me but Asha thought Kal’s parents relationship was sweet and aspirational. And given her mom’s neglect and having very few people in her life, I can see how she’d want a more traditional relationship. She still finds ways to advocate for her needs but it does seem to work for them. I wish this hadn’t included so many catty female characters—it was difficult to see how Kal would even hook up with them in the first place but I also wanted him to have more of a comeuppance for his past behavior.
My one hang up is that we don’t really find out what happened between Asha and her old professor until the very end. Kal needed more more time to process and respond to learning about what happened. The professor is never held accountable, which certainly happened a lot in the past but I want to believe it doesn’t happen as often now. I didn’t understand Asha’s reasoning not to report him, nor her continued belief that she was partly to blame. That was all on her professor! It wasn’t clear what she’s done to either, which is a big piece of her emotional arc. More fleshing out would have gone a long way, as well as giving Kal (and readers by extension) time to grapple with what happened. I hope Asha gets counseling and the support she needs beyond her new relationship and friends.
That aside, this was a remarkable read. Now I want to go back and read the rest of this series! I enjoyed so many of the secondary characters and getting glimpses of their relationships.
Characters: Kal is a Black college senior and runner training for the Olympics. Asha is a light-skinned Black college senior. This is set at Penn State and Oakland, CA.
Content notes: past unethical professor-student relationship, past unplanned pregnancy and miscarriage, incarcerated father (voluntary manslaughter; killed man who was beating up his girlfriend), emotional neglect and past child physical neglect by FMC’s mom, misogyny, toxic masculinity (MMC’s father), microaggression, past racism, colorism, athlete diet (use of “clean” and religious rhetoric), ankle injury requiring crutches, secondary character’s parents disowned him for being gay (past), FMC does not know who her father was, unsafe sex practice (no condom during penetrative sex without discussion of pregnancy prevention; a big deal was made prior about doing other things since they didn’t have a condom), on page sex, fluid exchange, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, marijuana, N word (in-group use), gendered pejorative, gender essentialist language, ableist language, mention of man who was formerly incarcerated for woman killed on accident while driving drunk
This is the second book I’ve read by Nia Forrester and it similarly gripped me and didn’t let go. Asha’s characterization and depth made her a deeply sympathetic character but I was still surprised by how much her aloneness got to me. She is reserved and keeps to herself. Very few people have ever tried to get to know her and she’s gotten used to making her own way through the world. This was heartbreaking because she’s such a fascinating person. Given her upbringing, I could understand why she didn’t really try to get to know other people but I couldn’t understand how a whole university wouldn’t want to get to know her. She’s a hidden gem! Anyone would be lucky to know Asha. And that includes f*ckboy Kal.
Asha is very aware of her neighbor and his stream of women. He’s also aware of her but has never had a chance to talk to her since she avoids any interaction, until a snowstorm hits and they’re the only ones in the building. Asha doesn’t immediately open up to Kal, nor he to her. Everything that happened felt organic to the characters and their dreams and insecurities. The more time they spend together, the more they enjoy each other’s company and because school is out for the week, there’s no reason not to spend more time together. But even that doesn’t happen the way you might guess. They get to see each other in different contexts, from holiday parties to their homes, and it all made complete sense.
That’s not to say it’s smooth sailing. Far from it. They each have a lot to overcome. Asha’s hangups about her past; Kal and his reputation and his belief that a relationship will interfere with his Olympic dreams. This had some great angst and Asha’s plight in particular made me cry. I so badly wanted her to experience being loved and taken care of and for her to experience true community.
This turned out to be a good thought exercise because what works for some of the relationships depicted in this book would not work for me. Despite his conflicted relationship with his incarcerated father, Kal relies on his dad’s worldview about what good men are like. That extends to a more traditional patriarchal relationship. His dad has a pseudo-religious toxic masculinity philosophy that covers “clean” eating, believing the body is a temple, and that men are to take care of all of their woman’s needs. It’s rather misogynistic, especially since Kal rationalizes being a player because he gave his hookups pleasure since he didn’t want to care about them otherwise. His dad is also a massive hypocrite since he’s refused to see his wife or Kal since he went to prison 9 years ago. I could not understand how he thought was being a “real” man by removing himself from their lives. This read as red flag city to me but Asha thought Kal’s parents relationship was sweet and aspirational. And given her mom’s neglect and having very few people in her life, I can see how she’d want a more traditional relationship. She still finds ways to advocate for her needs but it does seem to work for them. I wish this hadn’t included so many catty female characters—it was difficult to see how Kal would even hook up with them in the first place but I also wanted him to have more of a comeuppance for his past behavior.
My one hang up is that we don’t really find out what happened between Asha and her old professor until the very end. Kal needed more more time to process and respond to learning about what happened. The professor is never held accountable, which certainly happened a lot in the past but I want to believe it doesn’t happen as often now. I didn’t understand Asha’s reasoning not to report him, nor her continued belief that she was partly to blame. That was all on her professor! It wasn’t clear what she’s done to either, which is a big piece of her emotional arc. More fleshing out would have gone a long way, as well as giving Kal (and readers by extension) time to grapple with what happened. I hope Asha gets counseling and the support she needs beyond her new relationship and friends.
That aside, this was a remarkable read. Now I want to go back and read the rest of this series! I enjoyed so many of the secondary characters and getting glimpses of their relationships.
Characters: Kal is a Black college senior and runner training for the Olympics. Asha is a light-skinned Black college senior. This is set at Penn State and Oakland, CA.
Content notes: past unethical professor-student relationship, past unplanned pregnancy and miscarriage, incarcerated father (voluntary manslaughter; killed man who was beating up his girlfriend), emotional neglect and past child physical neglect by FMC’s mom, misogyny, toxic masculinity (MMC’s father), microaggression, past racism, colorism, athlete diet (use of “clean” and religious rhetoric), ankle injury requiring crutches, secondary character’s parents disowned him for being gay (past), FMC does not know who her father was, unsafe sex practice (no condom during penetrative sex without discussion of pregnancy prevention; a big deal was made prior about doing other things since they didn’t have a condom), on page sex, fluid exchange, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, marijuana, N word (in-group use), gendered pejorative, gender essentialist language, ableist language, mention of man who was formerly incarcerated for woman killed on accident while driving drunk
December 30, 2021
4.5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟1/2
What I loved about Snowflake , first it was the title I really had no idea what the author mean. First the term was used in derogatory manner, by one of Kaleems female friends, when I say friend it’s not a real one.😒For Kaleem it was more that when he saw Asha,Kaleem knew no two snowflakes are the same , that each have their own individual beauty when you really take the time to really see them. Kaleem’s relationship with his father while a young man was what I really enjoyed reading, it was background music for who He became . I would really love to know more of his story ,especially with the love story of his parents.
I especially enjoyed The father’s conversations with Kaleem’s those moments are the jewel of this story .
What I loved about Snowflake , first it was the title I really had no idea what the author mean. First the term was used in derogatory manner, by one of Kaleems female friends, when I say friend it’s not a real one.😒For Kaleem it was more that when he saw Asha,Kaleem knew no two snowflakes are the same , that each have their own individual beauty when you really take the time to really see them. Kaleem’s relationship with his father while a young man was what I really enjoyed reading, it was background music for who He became . I would really love to know more of his story ,especially with the love story of his parents.
I especially enjoyed The father’s conversations with Kaleem’s those moments are the jewel of this story .
January 25, 2024
I loved this slow burn opposites attract romance between a star athlete and his quiet neighbor.
January 6, 2025
Another update: visuals of the characters on my Bookstagram- https://www.instagram.com/p/CoShOVKue...
Update: Just read this book again 2 years later, and it’s just as consuming as the first time. Definitely one of my all time favorites and will stay in fall/winter rotation. Asha and Kaleem will forever be my top 5 favorite book couple. I highly recommend for a cozy read that will get you sucked into their world.
Ahhhh, what can I say about this book. Let’s start with 5 stars! Asha and Kaleem are the only two left in their apartment building at Penn State over winter break during a huge snowstorm. Asha is his quiet next door neighbor with her own story behind the silence, and Kaleem is a sexy track star with more to him than parties and a large influx of women.
I was on Booktube in search of African-American Romance when I came across this book recommendation. I’d had it for a little while and just had the chance to read it this month. The storyline was intriguing, but I really didn’t know what to expect and slightly thought it would be a little predictable. I was wrong, guys. Nia Forrester is an amazing writer, and I ended up loving this book. I’m sure it will be on my list of annual reads. The characters are so well developed, and I really enjoyed the side characters too. It doesn’t leave you guessing but wanting more of their story. Highly recommend
Update: Just read this book again 2 years later, and it’s just as consuming as the first time. Definitely one of my all time favorites and will stay in fall/winter rotation. Asha and Kaleem will forever be my top 5 favorite book couple. I highly recommend for a cozy read that will get you sucked into their world.
Ahhhh, what can I say about this book. Let’s start with 5 stars! Asha and Kaleem are the only two left in their apartment building at Penn State over winter break during a huge snowstorm. Asha is his quiet next door neighbor with her own story behind the silence, and Kaleem is a sexy track star with more to him than parties and a large influx of women.
I was on Booktube in search of African-American Romance when I came across this book recommendation. I’d had it for a little while and just had the chance to read it this month. The storyline was intriguing, but I really didn’t know what to expect and slightly thought it would be a little predictable. I was wrong, guys. Nia Forrester is an amazing writer, and I ended up loving this book. I’m sure it will be on my list of annual reads. The characters are so well developed, and I really enjoyed the side characters too. It doesn’t leave you guessing but wanting more of their story. Highly recommend
January 21, 2019
I LOVED this book!!!!!
This is a classic love story that could've taken place during any timeframe. Soul connecting true love is everything. Kal's dad was a major player in this story, even though he wasn't a main character in the traditional sense. Two things really stood out for me. One that a good father is constantly teaching his son so that when or if they part he has most of the necessary tools to move into manhood confidently, and two, a GOOD man takes care of his woman emotionally, spiritually, materially, and physically. The right person, the person God made just for you can open you up to love and also heal your heart from love. Great read!!!
This is a classic love story that could've taken place during any timeframe. Soul connecting true love is everything. Kal's dad was a major player in this story, even though he wasn't a main character in the traditional sense. Two things really stood out for me. One that a good father is constantly teaching his son so that when or if they part he has most of the necessary tools to move into manhood confidently, and two, a GOOD man takes care of his woman emotionally, spiritually, materially, and physically. The right person, the person God made just for you can open you up to love and also heal your heart from love. Great read!!!
December 18, 2021
Amazing!
Nia never seems to disappoint with the characters she creates! I love everything about Asha and Kaleem. Their journey was filled with sorrow and pain but also perseverance and triumphs. I also loved getting an update on Deuce, who really turned out to be a great man. Hopefully there will be an update on Ash and Kal in the future.
Nia never seems to disappoint with the characters she creates! I love everything about Asha and Kaleem. Their journey was filled with sorrow and pain but also perseverance and triumphs. I also loved getting an update on Deuce, who really turned out to be a great man. Hopefully there will be an update on Ash and Kal in the future.
May 8, 2025
🥲
Snowflake was my second read from Nia, and I love her storytelling- the complexity of the characters, the buildup, conflict and resolution and the eventual HEA was done well. I did the audiobook, I loved the male narrator but I was not a huge fan for the female narrator.
Snowflake was my second read from Nia, and I love her storytelling- the complexity of the characters, the buildup, conflict and resolution and the eventual HEA was done well. I did the audiobook, I loved the male narrator but I was not a huge fan for the female narrator.
January 2, 2019
Nothing But Love
They say opposites attract. That is definitely the case with Kal and Asha. Nia really took us on a journey with these two, but loved it. Loved the sneak peek at the old gang and catching up with Deuce.
They say opposites attract. That is definitely the case with Kal and Asha. Nia really took us on a journey with these two, but loved it. Loved the sneak peek at the old gang and catching up with Deuce.
January 29, 2019
Opposites do attract!
I really enjoyed Asha and Kaleem! Their relationship evolved from nothing in a sense. Deuce and Zora were an intricate part and I really felt they were destined to be! I hated the ending because it left you hanging. Is there another book?? Not sure but I definitely want there to be and I will inquire. by the way Asha's mother was so superficial and fake and she really got on my nerves! Ibrahim was a deep dude, I liked the way he kept it real with Kal! These two struggled with their lives but prevailed and found common ground! Oh by the way Bennett should have been reported dirty dog! Great story of coming of age and real life issues!
I really enjoyed Asha and Kaleem! Their relationship evolved from nothing in a sense. Deuce and Zora were an intricate part and I really felt they were destined to be! I hated the ending because it left you hanging. Is there another book?? Not sure but I definitely want there to be and I will inquire. by the way Asha's mother was so superficial and fake and she really got on my nerves! Ibrahim was a deep dude, I liked the way he kept it real with Kal! These two struggled with their lives but prevailed and found common ground! Oh by the way Bennett should have been reported dirty dog! Great story of coming of age and real life issues!
December 4, 2021
1,25/5
En primer lugar, había algunas frases que se decían como algo romántico y me han parecido un tanto sexistas. Por ejemplo, daba a entender que un hombre no puede llorar o que una mujer no se puede mantener o proteger a sí misma.
Además, tenía el típico cliché "I'm not like other girls" que odio. Por ser tímida e introvertida no eres superior. Agh.
Por otro lado, lo he leído muy rápido, ya que es adictivo y ligero como la mayoría de los libros de romántica.
Por último, los personajes no son memorables y el final era poco factible.
En primer lugar, había algunas frases que se decían como algo romántico y me han parecido un tanto sexistas. Por ejemplo, daba a entender que un hombre no puede llorar o que una mujer no se puede mantener o proteger a sí misma.
Además, tenía el típico cliché "I'm not like other girls" que odio. Por ser tímida e introvertida no eres superior. Agh.
Por otro lado, lo he leído muy rápido, ya que es adictivo y ligero como la mayoría de los libros de romántica.
Por último, los personajes no son memorables y el final era poco factible.
November 21, 2022
4-4.5 stars
February 13, 2020
What I liked:
I think the the backstories of the characters was done well. It’s what kept me reading. I would have much preferred if the “romance” wasn’t even attempted and it was instead just a story about forgiveness and overcoming hardship. Would have been a much better book
What was eh:
Mostly, I was really bored by this book. It was laden with stereotypes and tropes that made the book come off as very uninspired. The supporting characters were lazily done, forgettable, and lacked depth but then again so did the main characters. Everyone is pretty unidimensional. However I learned after reading it that it’s part of a series so maybe the characters would have been better developed if I read all of them? But as a stand-alone it was blah.
The writing style is weird and kind of jumbled in some areas. It wants to be a multiple point of view book so bad but never takes the leap. Sometimes we get Kal’s perspective and thoughts & sometimes we get Asha’s but it’s not consistent.
Their voices were largely indistinguishable
I read the entire thing and I still don’t get why “snowflake” has enough significance to be the title lol. It’s referenced like 3 times out the whole book.
Half of Kal’s personality is being an Olympic caliber track star but the entire story takes place in the off season and we never see him compete. Also his training is like 3-5 miles a day and eating blueberry oatmeal. If you ask me, he doesn’t have the range.
He’s applying to STANFORD business school his senior year GETS IN but is also taking Economics his senior year????? Lol Whew between this and the Olympic track star thing, there’s seems to be a lapse in research on these topics. Like it’s not even mentioned what his event is in track & field. It was such a major characteristic of his but is never fully fleshed out.
Ugh. I can’t get over how mediocre this man is.
What I disliked:
The romance itself isn’t romance at all.
Nothing but trauma bonding, man worship, & struggle love- not interested. Their relationship is often times dishonest, uncommunicative, and lacks boundaries. Not really sure why as an adult I would want to emulate any part of this relationship.
At one point he kisses her on the lips, nothing major and she says it’s the most erotic thing that’s ever happened to her. ??????????????? I’m confused. There were several times he said something unremarkable and she would say “Ugh..this man...” I literally had to flip back bc Mayhaps I missed something. But no lol.
It seems that whenever authors create quiet & shy characters that somehow equates to them also lacking boundaries and not being self-advocates. I think that’s a really dangerous representation. You can absolutely be shy and quiet and NOT allow other people to mistreat you.
All throughout the book Kal is referenced as being a nice guy but ?¿ to me he disregarded the feelings and boundaries of others often?? Sooooo not really sure why Asha is so into this man, because he’s emotionally unavailable and kissed her? Lol. Okay, Miss. girl. The man worshipping in this book...WHEW. The only nice thing I can recall him doing for her is bringing her some oranges from Whole Foods...................my eyes are so far back in my head rn.
Kal states that it’s because Asha is so quiet and meek that he likes her. He contrasts her against other women he “”””dated”””” who are too loud and demanding (translation: holds him accountable for his actions, has expectations) that he disliked. Lol Kal is regular yet Asha is treating him like he’s Russell Wilson lol!!!!! I don’t get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kal is selfish.
Asha is spineless.
I’m unimpressed.
They do “grow” towards the end of the book, but chile not enough.
Also at one point Kal and Asha are intimate, Asha discloses an insecurity and you know what boy wonder does? Gives her a fist bump- I.............lol This is the bad place.
I think the the backstories of the characters was done well. It’s what kept me reading. I would have much preferred if the “romance” wasn’t even attempted and it was instead just a story about forgiveness and overcoming hardship. Would have been a much better book
What was eh:
Mostly, I was really bored by this book. It was laden with stereotypes and tropes that made the book come off as very uninspired. The supporting characters were lazily done, forgettable, and lacked depth but then again so did the main characters. Everyone is pretty unidimensional. However I learned after reading it that it’s part of a series so maybe the characters would have been better developed if I read all of them? But as a stand-alone it was blah.
The writing style is weird and kind of jumbled in some areas. It wants to be a multiple point of view book so bad but never takes the leap. Sometimes we get Kal’s perspective and thoughts & sometimes we get Asha’s but it’s not consistent.
Their voices were largely indistinguishable
I read the entire thing and I still don’t get why “snowflake” has enough significance to be the title lol. It’s referenced like 3 times out the whole book.
Half of Kal’s personality is being an Olympic caliber track star but the entire story takes place in the off season and we never see him compete. Also his training is like 3-5 miles a day and eating blueberry oatmeal. If you ask me, he doesn’t have the range.
He’s applying to STANFORD business school his senior year GETS IN but is also taking Economics his senior year????? Lol Whew between this and the Olympic track star thing, there’s seems to be a lapse in research on these topics. Like it’s not even mentioned what his event is in track & field. It was such a major characteristic of his but is never fully fleshed out.
Ugh. I can’t get over how mediocre this man is.
What I disliked:
The romance itself isn’t romance at all.
Nothing but trauma bonding, man worship, & struggle love- not interested. Their relationship is often times dishonest, uncommunicative, and lacks boundaries. Not really sure why as an adult I would want to emulate any part of this relationship.
At one point he kisses her on the lips, nothing major and she says it’s the most erotic thing that’s ever happened to her. ??????????????? I’m confused. There were several times he said something unremarkable and she would say “Ugh..this man...” I literally had to flip back bc Mayhaps I missed something. But no lol.
It seems that whenever authors create quiet & shy characters that somehow equates to them also lacking boundaries and not being self-advocates. I think that’s a really dangerous representation. You can absolutely be shy and quiet and NOT allow other people to mistreat you.
All throughout the book Kal is referenced as being a nice guy but ?¿ to me he disregarded the feelings and boundaries of others often?? Sooooo not really sure why Asha is so into this man, because he’s emotionally unavailable and kissed her? Lol. Okay, Miss. girl. The man worshipping in this book...WHEW. The only nice thing I can recall him doing for her is bringing her some oranges from Whole Foods...................my eyes are so far back in my head rn.
Kal states that it’s because Asha is so quiet and meek that he likes her. He contrasts her against other women he “”””dated”””” who are too loud and demanding (translation: holds him accountable for his actions, has expectations) that he disliked. Lol Kal is regular yet Asha is treating him like he’s Russell Wilson lol!!!!! I don’t get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kal is selfish.
Asha is spineless.
I’m unimpressed.
They do “grow” towards the end of the book, but chile not enough.
Also at one point Kal and Asha are intimate, Asha discloses an insecurity and you know what boy wonder does? Gives her a fist bump- I.............lol This is the bad place.
August 27, 2022
I really wanted this to be my next fav book, especially as I felt seen by Asha’s personality. But it was just a bit too melancholy for my personal tastes. With all that said, I can still see this been someone else’s fav book. So, I’d still recommend it.
March 25, 2020
Snowflake follows the story of Kal and Asha, stranger-neighbors who end up spending a Thanksgiving holiday together as the only ones left in their apartment complex in the middle of a serious snow storm. Kal is an outgoing, dedicated athlete with no time for serious relationships, while Asha is a wallflower still recovering from the fallout of a past relationship.
REP: Black MC's (one of whom is biracial), gay Latino SC, Black SC's.
PROS:
- Maturity. The common conflicts NA romance authors often employ can be pretty melodramatic and childish, but that wasn't the case here - no excessive immaturity, major miscommunication, or horrific event to make one love interest look better than the other. It felt genuine and thoughtful all of the way through.
- World building. Contemporary romances sometimes fail to wholeheartedly invest in this, because the focus centers so heavily on romance that everything else falls into shadow. I love the way that Kal and Asha's individuals lives and backgrounds were incorporated here.
- Pacing. I like that there wasn't this rush for Kal and Asha to declare their love after just one or two instances of their intense chemistry syncing up; warming up to and exploring each other took time, and it felt more realistic.
- Good sex scenes, LMAO. There are a lot of romance authors who still do not know how to write a sex scene without pulling out a thesaurus and every last piece of corny vocabulary known to man. Nia Forrester is not one of them, thank God.
CONS:
- Rushed ending. Despite the stellar pacing for the majority of the book, the last chapter did some major fast-forwarding in order to close some openends, and I don't think the book needed that. Sometimes open ends are okay!
- The "straightness" of it all. Sometimes Kal (or Asha, but it was mostly him) would say things that were so straight, and I don't know, it felt weird. It's true he developed his mindset as a result of his upbringing, but I kind of wish part of the story was him growing beyond it.
- Javier. I appreciate the gay Latino rep that he offered! But he had no purpose in the story other than to act as Asha's gay best friend, and in light of the above complaint, it was a little disappointing.
FINAL RATING: 4.5
REP: Black MC's (one of whom is biracial), gay Latino SC, Black SC's.
PROS:
- Maturity. The common conflicts NA romance authors often employ can be pretty melodramatic and childish, but that wasn't the case here - no excessive immaturity, major miscommunication, or horrific event to make one love interest look better than the other. It felt genuine and thoughtful all of the way through.
- World building. Contemporary romances sometimes fail to wholeheartedly invest in this, because the focus centers so heavily on romance that everything else falls into shadow. I love the way that Kal and Asha's individuals lives and backgrounds were incorporated here.
- Pacing. I like that there wasn't this rush for Kal and Asha to declare their love after just one or two instances of their intense chemistry syncing up; warming up to and exploring each other took time, and it felt more realistic.
- Good sex scenes, LMAO. There are a lot of romance authors who still do not know how to write a sex scene without pulling out a thesaurus and every last piece of corny vocabulary known to man. Nia Forrester is not one of them, thank God.
CONS:
- Rushed ending. Despite the stellar pacing for the majority of the book, the last chapter did some major fast-forwarding in order to close some openends, and I don't think the book needed that. Sometimes open ends are okay!
- The "straightness" of it all. Sometimes Kal (or Asha, but it was mostly him) would say things that were so straight, and I don't know, it felt weird. It's true he developed his mindset as a result of his upbringing, but I kind of wish part of the story was him growing beyond it.
- Javier. I appreciate the gay Latino rep that he offered! But he had no purpose in the story other than to act as Asha's gay best friend, and in light of the above complaint, it was a little disappointing.
FINAL RATING: 4.5
August 26, 2023
oh wow, this was really great. I'm so glad I noticed Leigh Kramer's reviewt!!
Wintery, Christmas-y in the more ennui way that I love, grappling with father figures that are absent, but for far different reasons, and money troubles, this is the New Adult romance I love to read.
Kal and Asha are both young, barely twenty-somethings who are attending college and are struggling, but mostly, to make ends meet. They get snowed into their otherwise empty apartment complex during the Thanksgiving break, where they finally speak to one another after both observing each other from across the hall. Kal isn't just the fuckboi Asha believes him to be, and Asha isn't just the quiet, recluse Kal thinks she is. I just really loved how the author slowly brought these two together.
Kal's Olympic running ambitions and the feelings he experiences while running felt so utterly captivating (I used to run, and he almost made me miss it lol). I loved that it was also something that Asha and Kal began to do together.
Beyond the central romance, we also get to see how Kal copes with his father, who is incarcerated and suddenly after many years, allows Kal to visit him, and what Asha's 'big secret' why she was absent for a whole semester is. I thought both aspects were important driving factors to the central romance, and also lovingly handled. I do wish more retribution had been reigned upon that professor, but we can't have it all.
I can't say enough nice things (but some details have slipped because I slacked on writing my review) so just go ahead and get this one you won't be sad.
content notes: Kal is a Black young man, a track star; Asha is a light skinned young Black woman. Miscarriage mention; inappropriate professor/student relationship discussed; Kal's father is incarcerated
Wintery, Christmas-y in the more ennui way that I love, grappling with father figures that are absent, but for far different reasons, and money troubles, this is the New Adult romance I love to read.
Kal and Asha are both young, barely twenty-somethings who are attending college and are struggling, but mostly, to make ends meet. They get snowed into their otherwise empty apartment complex during the Thanksgiving break, where they finally speak to one another after both observing each other from across the hall. Kal isn't just the fuckboi Asha believes him to be, and Asha isn't just the quiet, recluse Kal thinks she is. I just really loved how the author slowly brought these two together.
Kal's Olympic running ambitions and the feelings he experiences while running felt so utterly captivating (I used to run, and he almost made me miss it lol). I loved that it was also something that Asha and Kal began to do together.
Beyond the central romance, we also get to see how Kal copes with his father, who is incarcerated and suddenly after many years, allows Kal to visit him, and what Asha's 'big secret' why she was absent for a whole semester is. I thought both aspects were important driving factors to the central romance, and also lovingly handled. I do wish more retribution had been reigned upon that professor, but we can't have it all.
I can't say enough nice things (but some details have slipped because I slacked on writing my review) so just go ahead and get this one you won't be sad.
content notes: Kal is a Black young man, a track star; Asha is a light skinned young Black woman. Miscarriage mention; inappropriate professor/student relationship discussed; Kal's father is incarcerated
December 30, 2018
When I give a 5 rating, you can take it to the bank!
Kaleem and his dad, just like Deuce and his father are incredible father son duos to read about. I am blown away at this unique blend of black love that emerges in Nia's writing. This book had so many examples of black love at all ages that I am just overwhelmed. The deep couple intimacy experienced in Four continues and I was thrilled with being able to feel every moment of these connections. All I can say is when I give a 5 rating, you can take it to the bank! Bravo Nia. This from a reader who was in her feelings about Kaleem's book coming out before Deuce's.
Leave it to the masters of this art to determine pinpoint timing. I loved revisiting Zola and Deuce and can't wait to read about both of these couples and these four incredible young people.
Kaleem and his dad, just like Deuce and his father are incredible father son duos to read about. I am blown away at this unique blend of black love that emerges in Nia's writing. This book had so many examples of black love at all ages that I am just overwhelmed. The deep couple intimacy experienced in Four continues and I was thrilled with being able to feel every moment of these connections. All I can say is when I give a 5 rating, you can take it to the bank! Bravo Nia. This from a reader who was in her feelings about Kaleem's book coming out before Deuce's.
Leave it to the masters of this art to determine pinpoint timing. I loved revisiting Zola and Deuce and can't wait to read about both of these couples and these four incredible young people.
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April 8, 2019
April 2019 -- 4 Stars
December 15, 2021
Oh this was IT! I loved this
December 29, 2018
Wonderful
Simply wonderful. I literally couldn’t put the down. I instantly fell for Kal and Ash and loved their story from beginning to end.
Simply wonderful. I literally couldn’t put the down. I instantly fell for Kal and Ash and loved their story from beginning to end.
May 30, 2020
I have thoughts...unpopular ones... as you can tell by the rating. I thought I was going to be in love with this book. Instead, I was underwhelmed and lost interest as the story progressed. This was supposed to a romance between Kaleem, an aspiring Olympic runner, and Asha, a young adult trying to find her footing in the world.
Their relationship did not feel romantic to me. Instead, it felt saturated in dysfunction and was borderline unhealthy, if not flatout so. I think parallels were supposed to be drawn from each individual's family dynamic.
I found Kaleem to subscribe to several problematic ideals as it related to relationships, gender, gender roles, etc. I think there is a way to connect a troubled relationship with a parent to troubles with developing romantic partnerships, but I did not feel it was successfully executed in the book. It was clear Kaleem was affected by his father and it shaped who he was in the relationship with Asha. He often became upset with her when he felt she was assuming a caregiver position, because apparently only he can maintain that role due to his identity as a man.
Asha was a quiet and reserved character. This too, I believe, was supposed to connect back to the dysfunctional relationship she has with her mother, as well as a highly problematic relationship she had with a college professor. (Which was not her fault. She was groomed and manipulated and I do not think enough was done to unpack this theme). Asha so often felt unwanted by or as a burden to the people in her circle. Again, there is space for stories about women who are more introspected, guarded, and unsure and their presence is valid and needed.
However, Asha read as traumatized and lacking in agency. I simply do not think her character was given the opportunity to grow and heal from her past. Instead she was transitioned into an unstable relationship. There were times where Kaleem did not respect her boundaries and that she easily gave into him because she felt so insecure and inexperienced.
I realize they are seniors and college and still have a ways to go when it comes to identity, advocacy, and maturity. But I felt so much energy was put into having the reader root for Kaleem, which I couldn't. His views of the world don't align with mine. With Asha, I wanted to pull her aside and bring her into some awareness.
Kaleem and Asha did not need each other - they needed therapy.
Their relationship did not feel romantic to me. Instead, it felt saturated in dysfunction and was borderline unhealthy, if not flatout so. I think parallels were supposed to be drawn from each individual's family dynamic.
I found Kaleem to subscribe to several problematic ideals as it related to relationships, gender, gender roles, etc. I think there is a way to connect a troubled relationship with a parent to troubles with developing romantic partnerships, but I did not feel it was successfully executed in the book. It was clear Kaleem was affected by his father and it shaped who he was in the relationship with Asha. He often became upset with her when he felt she was assuming a caregiver position, because apparently only he can maintain that role due to his identity as a man.
Asha was a quiet and reserved character. This too, I believe, was supposed to connect back to the dysfunctional relationship she has with her mother, as well as a highly problematic relationship she had with a college professor. (Which was not her fault. She was groomed and manipulated and I do not think enough was done to unpack this theme). Asha so often felt unwanted by or as a burden to the people in her circle. Again, there is space for stories about women who are more introspected, guarded, and unsure and their presence is valid and needed.
However, Asha read as traumatized and lacking in agency. I simply do not think her character was given the opportunity to grow and heal from her past. Instead she was transitioned into an unstable relationship. There were times where Kaleem did not respect her boundaries and that she easily gave into him because she felt so insecure and inexperienced.
I realize they are seniors and college and still have a ways to go when it comes to identity, advocacy, and maturity. But I felt so much energy was put into having the reader root for Kaleem, which I couldn't. His views of the world don't align with mine. With Asha, I wanted to pull her aside and bring her into some awareness.
Kaleem and Asha did not need each other - they needed therapy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
Nia Forrestor knocks it out of the park yet again with this book. How she creates such intriguing characters, I’m sure I’ll never know. Asha really touched my heart; I wanted to give her the longest, tightest hug possible, while b*tch slapping her trifling Mama. When I think of the many women I know who long to be mothers, while she gives less than zero effort to being one, just infuriated me. And then denying Asha the slightest detail about her father - oooh chile, just the worst of the worst. I’m so glad that Asha had Javier, because she truly had no one else.
Conversely, Kaleem grew up in a loving household, with both parents, but loses his father in the most senseless way. I’m still trying to process how Ibrahim handles his situation. It was almost cruel. But I must confess that I read most of the reunion scene in tears. The author captures the scene so beautifully.
So much to love about this story, from the way Kal and Asha meet and get to know each other, to the way that each character’s story unfolds, the relationship between Kal and Deuce and Asha and Zora, and on and on and on. I finished reading this one yesterday, but I’m still processing today.
Nia Forrestor, you rock! Thanks for another excellent read. And because it can never be said enough, thank you for sharing your gift with us!
Conversely, Kaleem grew up in a loving household, with both parents, but loses his father in the most senseless way. I’m still trying to process how Ibrahim handles his situation. It was almost cruel. But I must confess that I read most of the reunion scene in tears. The author captures the scene so beautifully.
So much to love about this story, from the way Kal and Asha meet and get to know each other, to the way that each character’s story unfolds, the relationship between Kal and Deuce and Asha and Zora, and on and on and on. I finished reading this one yesterday, but I’m still processing today.
Nia Forrestor, you rock! Thanks for another excellent read. And because it can never be said enough, thank you for sharing your gift with us!
February 10, 2022
2.5 stars
This book had the potential to be really good. It could have been a great book about dealing with trauma and fighting against ideals of toxic masculinity. It even started that way. But sadly it devolved into a lot of not-like-other-girls-isms and the female lead not having much character development and solely depending on the male lead by the end.
I think not-like-other-girls can be a profound way to explore the constraints of femininity when done right (see: The Half of It on Netflix). Asha was also a promising character with anxiety and trauma and after A Prince on Paper, I have been on the lookout for more novels with woc struggling with anxiety.
Yet, there were innumerable instances where her being more ‘natural’ and reserved were contrasted to other promiscuous and gossipy girls. The other women were either mothers, Zora - who was actually interesting and who could’ve developed a more solid friendship with Asha, or random women who were throwing themselves at Kaleem.
Instead of being a solid campus romance with multi-faceted characters it devolved into something very basic by the end.
I will say that Kaleem was a very complex character and I enjoyed what the author did with him and his backstory- I wish Asha had been given similar solace to develop.
This book had the potential to be really good. It could have been a great book about dealing with trauma and fighting against ideals of toxic masculinity. It even started that way. But sadly it devolved into a lot of not-like-other-girls-isms and the female lead not having much character development and solely depending on the male lead by the end.
I think not-like-other-girls can be a profound way to explore the constraints of femininity when done right (see: The Half of It on Netflix). Asha was also a promising character with anxiety and trauma and after A Prince on Paper, I have been on the lookout for more novels with woc struggling with anxiety.
Yet, there were innumerable instances where her being more ‘natural’ and reserved were contrasted to other promiscuous and gossipy girls. The other women were either mothers, Zora - who was actually interesting and who could’ve developed a more solid friendship with Asha, or random women who were throwing themselves at Kaleem.
Instead of being a solid campus romance with multi-faceted characters it devolved into something very basic by the end.
I will say that Kaleem was a very complex character and I enjoyed what the author did with him and his backstory- I wish Asha had been given similar solace to develop.
November 25, 2020
This was so good! I’ve personally grown out of the new adult genre and I think this is the perfect book to read for people who have also outgrown it. I also think this is the perfect winter romance as this takes places during the week of Thanksgiving so perfect for this time of year. Asha and Kal had such a beautiful and natural connection and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I’m predicting that Nia Forrester will become one of my favorite authors. I adored her writing and I just think this story was so special! I look forward to reading Deuce and Zora’s story next.
For now ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but I might bump it up. I just need some time to think! I highly recommend this one
I’m predicting that Nia Forrester will become one of my favorite authors. I adored her writing and I just think this story was so special! I look forward to reading Deuce and Zora’s story next.
For now ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but I might bump it up. I just need some time to think! I highly recommend this one
December 29, 2019
OMG!! I REALLY ENJOYED IT
Nia never fails to give her readers what they need and not just what they want. I have been waiting for a book to make me feel and move me and she delivered. The emotions and the whole vibe that was displayed between Kal and Ash just made my insides melt. Great book!
Nia never fails to give her readers what they need and not just what they want. I have been waiting for a book to make me feel and move me and she delivered. The emotions and the whole vibe that was displayed between Kal and Ash just made my insides melt. Great book!
January 6, 2019
Damn Nia would it kill you to give us an epilogue... we not asking for much just a few more chapters... did he make it to the olympics and get the gold? How’d the plan go... how many kids did they have? A nice pretty bow for us who are invested.
On a real note... you can’t go wrong when this lady puts pen to paper. You get sucked in and invested. Love her writing.
On a real note... you can’t go wrong when this lady puts pen to paper. You get sucked in and invested. Love her writing.
February 22, 2019
All the feels...
Even with young characters Nia has the ability to give me all the feels. The love, the angst, the chemistry. Kal and Asha took me through a spectrum of emotions in their well spun love story. A definite recommendation if you are looking for complex characters who find each other in all the noise...
Even with young characters Nia has the ability to give me all the feels. The love, the angst, the chemistry. Kal and Asha took me through a spectrum of emotions in their well spun love story. A definite recommendation if you are looking for complex characters who find each other in all the noise...
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