Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Shorts #7

Silent Nights

Rate this book
It’s a career-making opportunity.

Summer has an invitation to ‘Black America’s Wedding of the Decade’ and wouldn’t miss it for the world. Deuce Scaife is finally marrying his college sweetheart Zora Diallo (an outcome that was never in doubt, by the way, except maybe to the two people getting married) and since there’ll be celebrities all over the event, it’s in an expensive, remote location and all very hush-hush.

As an up and coming blogger and YouTuber for a series called ‘The Black Girls’ Guide to Slaying at Absolutely Everything’ Summer’s stock will increase considerably if she documents her experience at the wedding celebrations.

But when an unforeseen obstacle presents itself, Summer realizes she can only go to the most exclusive of the wedding events if she shares accommodations with the insufferable Lloyd Winston. Lloyd is a conservative, stuffy wannabe politico whom Summer is shocked even got an invite.

But whatever … she can tolerate him for one winter weekend, right?


222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2020

205 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Nia Forrester

68 books961 followers
I 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
288 (65%)
4 stars
118 (26%)
3 stars
27 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Jacinta Howard.
Author 21 books516 followers
January 20, 2020
This book was the absolute cutest. I smiled the entire time.

I mean what's not to smile about? You have a sexy dude who is kind of a Michael Steele-esque "republican" (don't worry, Nia makes it make sense with a bunch of Coates-inspired reparations and redlining epiphanies) who falls for an absolutely adorable girl (her name is Summer for goodness sakes) finding her way to womanhood. Plus there's a great catch up with the mini-Afterwards crew, including a wedding! Okay, so I don't care much about weddings in books or in real life, but if that's your jam, this one doesn't disappoint. Seriously, anytime Deuce cries it's pretty much a win for me, bless his finally-marrying-Zora heart. Deuce is the best. (Also, one time for the always-wise Asha who is one of my favorite Nia characters of all time).

Anyway.

Like Nia's 'Coffee Date' series, 'In Black & White,' 'The Wanderer' and 'In the Nothing' (all *completely* different books in terms of style, tone, and story)—'Silent Nights' is another example that Nia can write pretty much anything she feels inclined to write, and more importantly, do it very, very well. There's some great thoughts on friendships, self-worth, the post-college 'finding yourself' journey we all take, and of course, falling in love when you least expect it. Lloyd+Summer are now among my favorite Nia couples—I really dig their chemistry and the way they understood each other without a lot of pomp and circumstance.

This is a straight-forward romance, and it's super cute, super sensual, and super satisfying. One of my favorite romances I've read in a good minute, actually.

Loved it.
Profile Image for Tasha.
78 reviews
June 9, 2021
*shakes Kindle for more pages*

It's really over?! Shit.

I don't know about anyone else but Silent Nights gave me what I've been itching for: Deuce and Zora's wedding. When I found out that two of their old college friends, Summer and Lloyd, were going to be the stars of this short, I was intrigued. The last time we saw them was at the beginning of Rhyme & Reason and I wondered if I was able to get into these two mostly unknown characters. Unsurprisingly, I was.

Summer: Sis was just a bubbly ole ray of sunshine and I kinda loved that about her. Despite the nonsense that she dealt with during her childhood, she never really let that stop her pursuing her goal of building her vlogging/blogging career. What I also loved is how much she grew in the story. I liked that she learned how to set healthy boundaries and trust her abilities to build the life that she wanted. At some points, I just wanted to put her in my pocket; she's just adorable.

Lloyd: So I'm just gonna be honest: I didn't like this one initially. Matter of fact, I still haven't decided if I like him 0r not. At the beginning, he struck me as your typical pompous, "Look at me, I'm a special snowflake," Black Republican. From the way he talked to Summer to his referring to Deuce as a "hipster" because of the pre-wedding getaway, it made me wonder how the hell anyone normal woman (because Allison's social climbing ass doesn't count) would find him attractive. At the same time, I do think Summer was good for him, mainly in she was able to get him to pull his head out of his own ass. Take this gem for example.
Ebonics is not the language itself, Lloyd, it's a reference to the unique linguistic contruction that Black people sometimes employ. At least use the right term if you're going to look down on someone.

I'm glad he calmed down but dear God, he was such a dick for half of the book.

The Regulars: I will never mind seeing Zora, Deuce, Asha, and Kaleem. Why? Because I love them. The end.

The Wedding: Let's be honest. I was pretty much only here for the wedding. Everything else was a great addition but I came for the wedding and I was not disappointed. The nuptials alone made this a 5 star read for me. I was literally squealing internally for every second of it. From Deuce tearing up to Zora walking down the aisle...it was just everything.

Overall:Despite Lloyd's asshole-ness, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I loved Summer; I got to see many of my favorites; and the wedding was beautifully written. 5 stars.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,051 reviews118 followers
December 19, 2021
Another reviewer said it and I have to agree. I wanted more. Tap tap tap.... oh well... I can never get enough of D and Z and the Carters...I loved the wedding and the vibe. Deuce and Zora are my favorite couple. Deuce is my young man crush... And, I just love him and Zora together. The new couple... I see them. Summer was a ray of sunshine, and Lloyd was the Republican Snude Dude. He was conflicted in his views until Summer shook up his life and brought him into the light. This new couple will make magic... I'm so happy I met them...
Profile Image for Charm &#x1f33b;.
255 reviews42 followers
October 28, 2025
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but it was super cute. I resonated with Summer’s character in a few ways. I love Zora-Deuce and Kaleem-Asha’s stories, so it was great to see a little more of their relationships as well. I’d recommend it. Short and sweet
Profile Image for Angelia Menchan.
95 reviews27 followers
January 22, 2020
I loved seeing Zora and Deuce. They are after all Black entertainment royalty and all. However, Summer and Lloyd stole the show. Seeming opposites, she’s a bubbly vlogger and he’s a black republican. Right... but life, sex and humans are rarely as simple as that. Nia Forrester deftly and surely unveiled them to us and each other with just enough drama... for just a little while and between all the good bits.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,486 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2020
Title: Silent Nights
Author: Nia Forrester
Publisher: Stiletto Press, LLC
Series: The Shorts Book 7
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Silent Nights" by Nia Forrester

My Speculation:

I loved this journey of Summer and Lloyd's in this story of 'Silent Nights.' Also, the other characters with all of the different personalities just added so much more to this exciting story. It was something in how Summer and Lloyd both had father issues that they had to get past but were able in the end to be able to handle it all as their love grow as their chemistry seemed so perfect for each other. This author did an excellent job of bringing everything together, giving the reader an enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Nakia Brown.
23 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2020
The nights that speak volumes

Summer and Lloyd are a great addition to Nia Forrester’s cast of swoon-worthy couples. A black Republican and a bubbly lifestyle vlogger? Yes! Silent Nights reinforces that individuals are not one dimensional. More glimpses of Deuce/Zora, Kal/Asha are awesome too!
Profile Image for Jackie Bush.
43 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2020
This book makes you fall in love with love.

Nia Forrester does such a wonderful job of telling a story that slowly pulls you in and really gets you invested in the characters. Nia continues the story of Duece & Zora and introduces us to another unlikely couple; Summer and Lloyd. Such a sweet love story. Great job, Nia.
Profile Image for Malaika.
870 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2022
Another hit!

I love the characters that Nia creates and I especially loved Deuce and his crew. So mature and wise beyond their years, they made reading a YA novel beyond enjoyable. I loved Summer and Lloyd’s journey. I definitely want more of them.
Profile Image for Jen Jones.
24 reviews
May 11, 2024
Simply Amazing

I don’t know how you do it but another couple has stolen my heart. Summer and Lloyd friendship/romance was beautifully written.
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews67 followers
February 12, 2020
Seriously the new crop of couples that Nia Forrester is so eloquently weaving (the next generation) is just as fantastic as her original series she started out with.

Summer and Lloyd are a part of the same graduating class as; Deuce & Zora, Kaleem & Asha and the rest of the crew who didn't really play a prominent role. Summer and Lloyd are briefly mentioned in the former books and then again in "Rhyme and Reason" but that is it. But come to find out Summer and Lloyd have a story to tell and what a story it is.

Summer is a vlogger, she quit her job at Harper Collins to forgo on her own entrepreneurial adventure, she has a story and great ideas that have quickly morphed into a great following. Lloyd is a Black Republican, whose strong and staunch ideas that he had in college are quickly changing, he is currently employed by "The Atlantic" and although he likes working there, he can't help to feel as if something is missing.

Summer and Lloyd have both been invited to the "Black Wedding of the Century" Deuce and Zora which Summer dubbed. Summer's personal life is not going in the way that she thought it should be going but her professional life is going well. But what happens when the "Amplified" woman and the "Conservative" man get together, the least expected of these two? Lloyd and Summer discover that they are exactly what the other needed and never even knew it.

I knew I was going to love Lloyd and Summer, their differences that they believed were so obvious for everyone to see was in fact the balm and the calm to each other's storms. I look forward to revisiting with them in the future as well as, Deuce & Zora, Kal & Asha.

Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
Profile Image for Readaholic Running Realtor.
113 reviews9 followers
August 11, 2025
I’m an Nia fan through and through the woman can do no wrong in my eyes. I absolutely love this short series because, while she’s focused on developing the two main characters, she still gives us those little glimpses of other favorites we’ve come to adore.

I especially loved how Summer and Lloyd brought balance to each other; a true tale of opposites attracting. Summer had a way of self-sabotaging and getting in her own way, largely because of her negative upbringing. Lloyd, on the other hand, was a quiet storm. She brought balance to him too, opening his eyes to worlds he wouldn’t have seen in his daily routine and helping him truly become himself.

I’m so happy with the ending and can’t wait to catch up with them in the rest of the series!

SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:

5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.
1,217 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2020
“Those people from the islands always think they’re better than everybody” a lot a black Americans really think e this about people from the Caribbean and African countries, when its not true. If someone is trashing you and your culture you’re gonna defend yourself, then it gets turned into “you think you’re better” Pretty annoying and shitty. Black folks is the only diaspora that don’t stick together. And that’s what they want... divide and conquer

Claudia is those friends you question if it’s better to have a known enemy

Lloyd and summer are cute together but she gave herself to him too quickly after the Allison-not-Juliet incident. And definitely not the time to raw dog it. I see potential for their relationship so I hope it’s not the last of them

Deuce and Zora got their HEA.Yea!!!
Profile Image for Ashley.
415 reviews17 followers
October 1, 2020
So here’s the thing, Nia Forrester has crept into fav author list. Dead ass nothing she can write that I won’t read.

I LOVED this book. Like fan girl smiled through this whole thing. First, Deuce and Zora are probably my favourite couple of all time. Something about them that just lights my soul. While this book wasn’t about them, I read it because of them and I’m so glad I did. I got the pieces of them I needed while getting a whole new dope ass couple. Like, I’m here for Lloyd and Summer. It was cute, light, modern, dope, spicy. Like they gave me all the feels and I stan.

I just really hope it’s not over. I need more of the Scaife family and friend saga. I need more Deuce/Zora, Lloyd/Summer.

Welp, off to follow Nia Forrester on all social media accounts so I know when she drops new heat.

Profile Image for Shan.
198 reviews42 followers
October 2, 2023
Wow. Deuce and Zora finally got married. Seeing some of the old characters. Asha, Zaleem and Asif. Nia Forrester and her character development is top notch. She takes the time to develop each character making you feel like you really know them.

In this novel she created two characters with imperfect backgrounds and childhoods and made them perfect for each other. Summer is a lifestyle vlogger and blogger. Lloyd is somewhat in between his beliefs about politics, which was very interesting to read about.

I felt everything they felt, and deeply. Summer and Lloyd seem to bloom with every chapter I read. They did have a few hiccups along the way but it wouldn’t be Nia if she didn’t make it a beautiful and complicated love story.

I really enjoyed this one. It is one of my favorites by her.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,459 reviews27 followers
January 25, 2020
Loved

I really love your writing and the way you just end things! I like to savor the stories and then when it’s over I am always hit with more meaning. Your pen game is so blessed! Deuce is one of my favorite characters. I’ve watched him grow. Saw him struggle with his feelings behind his mom and dad and how to become a man a part from his father’s big shoes to fill. His love for Zora has always endeared me to him even more. I am happy to be a guest at their wedding! Attending their wedding through Summer’s eyes was genius. I was able to fall in like with new characters and catch up with old ones. I loved the way Lloyd and Summer fell into their silent nights♥️
Profile Image for Tammy.
209 reviews
January 23, 2020
Yay! This was just what I needed. I should have known better, I was so afraid this was going to be some Deuce and Zora drama I cringed a little when I read the teaser about the “...wedding of the decade.” Again, I should have known that Nia Forrester would bring forth something new and fun. Truthfully, I don’t remember Summer or Lloyd from the previous books but I like them and now I plan to revisit the 1.0 versions of them. That is yet another Nia Forrester gift, expanding previously minor characters into worthy main characters and surrounding them with previously main characters who now play their minor roles with such grace. BTW, love the title.
Thank you for this delightful midwinter read.
85 reviews
January 20, 2020
Once Again.....

Nia Forrester nailed it! The character development of Summer and Lloyd, showing them evolve as people and a couple was heart warming. Ms. Nia almost always writes stories and characters that are deep thinkers, that will sometimes challenging you as the reader. One of my all time favorite authors, not just independent authors, thank you for writing great books!
Profile Image for Tina Jackson.
615 reviews12 followers
January 23, 2020
Totally Swoon Worthy

I am so NOT a gushing kind of girl AT ALL, but His this book Wow just WOW. Saying I loved this story does not completely convey my feelings for this book. I love me some Duece and Zora as well as Kal and Asha, but Summer and Lloyd may just be my new favorite couple. This story had me captivated from beginning to end. Yes yes Nia Forrester great story. If it was possible I would give it 10 stars. I have loved your work from the first story but this story SMH it took me to FAN GIRL status.
6 reviews
January 20, 2020
Always A Grat Read

I love Nia's books. Once I start reading one I cannot put it down until I am done. I love Deuce and Zora. The stories about their friends are always a chance to get a glimpse of their life and fall in love with a new couple.
174 reviews
January 23, 2020
Loved it

I haven’t read many of the author’s latest books in a whole. Quite honestly, the update on the four took A LOT out of me. I really love her writing style and character development, so the blurb felt like something that wouldn’t drown me in a book hangover lol. I really really loved this story. New characters were introduced in a way that made me remember why I fell in love with her work. It was well developed yet had a sweet element to it. Highly recommend.
266 reviews12 followers
January 24, 2020
Perfect!

I loved this! Summer and Lloyd were so unsuspecting of this romance between themselves. They were so different but complimented each other, she needed his strength and uplifting words, he needed her chirpy spirit and determination. I see them going far, and dropping Claudia like a hot cake (how could she?).
175 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2020
Nice

This novella was unexpected until the author shared earlier that it was coming. Didn’t start off caring about Summer and Lloyd but they grew on me. Was much more interested in the wedding of Deuce and Zora initially. But as usual this author brought everything together in a satisfying way. Enjoyable read.
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,108 reviews21 followers
December 14, 2020
Opposites attract

Good story, I love how different Summer and Lloyd were. It was nice getting an update on Zora, Deuce, Kal and Asha. I love how Lloyd evolved and was rethinking his stance on what being a black republican meant.
148 reviews
January 24, 2020
I needed this book from Nia

I needed this book from Nia, this was so good and emotional and refreshing at the sane time. I love the beginning stages of love and relationship. Great job Nia, you never disappoint.
Profile Image for Anita.
995 reviews
January 27, 2020
Really well written and engaging.

This was so fun to read. Felt very realistic, Nia fleshes out characters so beautifully. Really great supporting characters too.
Profile Image for LaToya Brooks.
3,002 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
Ok read

This was an ok read. It didn’t pull at my heart strings like usual. Hopefully, the next book will have the wow factor
194 reviews
January 21, 2020
Another great one.

I read this strictly for the the supporting characters Deuce, Zora, Kaleem, and Asha. Getting new characters was a bonus. I love the previous four and it’s a testament to Nia’s writing that I will never get enough of them.
If you’re looking for your next book boyfriend, start with Young, Rich, & Black. You’ll be glad you have the backstory to this beautiful ending (hope it’s not really).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.