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.