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The Shorts #12

The Darkest Morning

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It used to be that Summer was just that annoyingly excitable girl he went to college with. But now, Lloyd is sure she’s the love of his life. It’s time to make it official, and what better place to propose than at his family home over the holidays?

But Lloyd has complicated, unfinished business with his father, a man whose example of matrimony he’s promised himself he will never follow.

Still … it’s tough to ignore the influence of a parent, even one you claim not to respect.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2021

57 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Nia Forrester

67 books957 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.

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5 stars
199 (71%)
4 stars
60 (21%)
3 stars
18 (6%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews66 followers
January 2, 2022
Firstly, I love author Nia Forrester's stories. That woman definitely knows how to weave great literature. If you haven't read anything by Nia please don't delay it anymore.

I love Lloyd and Summer, we get a chance to first engage with them from the prior stories (here and there) but then During the wedding of Deuce and Zora (Rhyme & Reason (The 'Afterwards' Series). I knew I needed more from these two and babbbyyyyyy did the author deliver it!

Lloyd and Summer, if looking from the outside in would make people wonder what could these two possibly have in common, Lloyd who is a writer for "The Atlantic" and know signed book author with aspirations to go into politics. Summer is a ball of energy, entrepreneur, writer, eclectic, and an empath. When you look at these two in your face impression of seeing them together, you may so no way. But Lloyd and Summer balances out the other so well, the Ying to the Yang, it's beautiful.

Lloyd knows Summer is the one and only for him, but the issues that he has with his father have caused him to love and hate his father at the same time. His brother Devon could care less what their father thinks about him, and it shows because he moved far away from their parents (but loves their mother immensely). But Lloyd is not there yet and if he doesn't take care of this thing he has with his father, he will be in danger of losing the only woman that makes his heart beat.

This was an amazing story and I was so sad when it ended. Hopefully, the author will from time to time give us glimpses of what Lloyd and Summer are up to.

Well Until My Next Review...Happy New Year!
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
539 reviews113 followers
December 29, 2021
Listen! I love Lloyd and Summer! They were everything in Silent Nights and I’m so glad they are back in The Darkest Morning! I loved how the prologue starts with them defining what they after a hookup from not seeing each other since Deuce and Zola’s wedding. And Summer, per her usual, overanalyzes and spirals lol. Luckily for her, everything she does is cute to Lloyd and he calms her down and they simply go back to bed as an official couple.

The book then starts with them going to spend the holidays with Lloyds family. We see right away the parallels in family dynamics between Lloyd and Summers's fathers. We also see how that father-son relationship dictates the mood for the entire weekend and ruins a few surprises.

Summer I feel was justified in her actions to a point but at the end of the day, her insecurities almost cost her. I wanted to yell through the pages “That man loves you! What are you doing??” But I get it, given the circumstances, she was right to feel put off by reveal at dinner, especially when she also has secrets of her own.

Overall I loved Nia’s story for these two but I honestly don’t feel like theirs is over. I want to know what’s the issue with Claudia suddenly being a hater friend. I want to see how they succeed with their new career goals. So much I want to still know about this couple! Nia you did it again with this one!
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,171 reviews108 followers
December 24, 2021
Absolutely loved

I don't know how Now does it but she always brings such depth and wisdom to the page. Her ability to see the smallest event as an inviting incident or turning point that blooms into this gorgeous love story... Sigh

I'm kinda biased but I'm also right. This was such a great read. Thanks for kicking off the vacation reads right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Malaika.
870 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2022
Love it!

I wanted a follow up on Lloyd and Summer and Nia didn’t disappoint! I love their connection and how they heal childhood wounds in each other. Definitely will need another follow up on their wedding.
3 reviews
December 22, 2021
Nia Forrester never disappoints

A book ( even a short one) by Nia Forrester is a treat,never fail, wonderful read….

Poor Nia…. Her fans are never satisfied. When I finished reading “The Darkest Morning”, I thought “I hope she will write a follow up” to Lloyd and Summer’s story, soon!
85 reviews
December 23, 2021
Amazing…

I’ve literally read every book by this author. And I’ve never been disappointed. The story telling is in a league of its own. Bravo👐🏽👏🏽👐🏽👏🏽
379 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2022
Not Surprising, Another Great Short ❤️🥰❤️

As mentioned in my previous reviews, I only have a few select “Fav Authors” and Nia Forrester included. I finally made the time to read “The Darkest Morning” and was not disappointed as usual when comes to her writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading more of Lloyd and Summer’s story. I absolutely love this group of Penn State Alums that Deuce and Zoraida brought into the fold. Looking forward to reading the next short…

T
883 reviews8 followers
January 31, 2024
Guaranteed satisfaction!

It's always comforting when you know that anytime a particular author releases a book, that you're guaranteed a well-developed, depth-filled, emotional foundation! With layered characters, life lessons and family dynamics played out, while a beautiful love story commences as the back drop...that would be Nia Forrester!
Profile Image for Tasha.
78 reviews
December 24, 2021
Here Nia goes making me like a character that I previously didn't. *heavy sigh*

The Darkest Morning picks up after the events in Silent Nights. This time, we see Summer and Lloyd spending the holidays with Lloyd's immediate family, his parents and younger brother, Damon.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short, though I spent a good chunk of it wanting to wring somebody's neck. And by somebody, I mean Lloyd's parents. Yes, both of them. On one end, you have a philandering, emotionless robot that thinks its okay to emotionally abuse his children; and on the other hand, you have his idiot wife, smiling in the background and making your typical "he's just a man" excuses. If this short isn't a prime example of how people either need to get therapy before having children or just not have them at all, I don't know what is. With the way these fools behaved, it's no wonder Lloyd turned Republican.

Not only that, I see how Lloyd's dad's trash parenting is still lingering in Lloyd. There were a couple of points, particularly at the beginning, where Lloyd displayed that same paternalistic, "oh, look at you and your silly ideas" attitude toward Summer. However, my girl is much smarter than him when she told him not to humor. Given what we already know about how her trash parents, it's kind of amazing how she was able to overcome it all.

Overall: Very solid and dramatic storyline. Engaging and fully fleshed out characters. Summer is amazing as always and the relationship between her and Damon was adorable. Lloyd and his republican-lite leanings can still kick rocks though. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Readaholic Running Realtor.
106 reviews9 followers
August 16, 2025
The Darkest Morning could not have been more perfectly titled. Once you dive in, the meaning behind it really hits. I loved catching up with Summer and Lloyd from Silent Night (Book 7). Watching them grow from dating to marriage was such a treat, and they still balance each other beautifully. What struck me most was Lloyd. On the outside, he’s confident, clear on his goals, his marriage, and his future. Yet deep down, he’s still chasing his father’s approval. His father was proud of his sons but could never say it out loud, and that silence weighed on Lloyd. The Nigerian father-son dynamic felt real and heartbreaking at the same time.

I appreciated the mother’s wisdom in explaining his father’s withdrawal, but I still found myself frustrated. There are so many ways to build a man up without tearing him down. And while the father helped shape his sons, his weakness as a serial cheater made me question why she stayed with him. The story showed how family and marriage can be both messy and meaningful, and it left me satisfied and eager for more in this 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.
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
December 23, 2021
It's the darkest before the dawn

The range of this author is tremendous as she continues to craft these stories full of intimacy that seeks to provoke both thoughts and emotions. We are able to link up with Summer and Lloyd again. The author maintained the integrity of the characters and provided more development giving the readers the necessary depth to connect with them. You can feel their angst, anxiety, frustration and most importantly their unwavering love, faith and commitment to each other. Lloyd's father represents a lot of the patriarchal structure in our community. It wasn't condoned by the author but it gave us insights on how our fathers processed things in providing for their children and to discover that the father held his validation to maintain his relevance and authority demonstrated his vulnerabilities and fear of losing his place even though he accomplished his goal of raising powerful Black men. That's a whole nother book that needs to be written. I thoroughly enjoyed this and looking forward to more of her works in the future.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,014 reviews111 followers
December 22, 2021
The Next Power Couple

I still believe that Lloyd and Summer will be the next power couple in the Deuce Scaife Friends Network. You remember Summer, yes? Well...I love it when Summer shows her awkward side, and Lloyd understands the point she is making. It was a delight to see them again after the wedding they attended and bonded in the previous book.... It was - Silent Night... I suggest you read it first to follow this one. One of the highlights in this tale was meeting Lloyd's brother Devon and watching his friendship to Summer develop. Mr. Winston was another story, a deeper story for another time. Overall, we took another rough and yet revealing ride with this couple to get to where they ended, with a sweet Happy ending.
56 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2021
I Freakin Loved This!

How Nia Forrester can fit two fully developed characters into a novella was beyond me, until I realized we’ve been knowing Summer and Lloyd. They’ve been minor characters when compared to others in this beautiful saga but we’ve been knowing them all along. Nia.. I freakin love your writing style. You are so wildly talented. I don’t see how Lloyd deals with Summer sometimes, but you help us see that they are perfect for each other. This story is so warm and fulfilling! The talk Lloyds mom had with him was so spot on. You always give life lessons or relationship advice in the midst of a romance novel. I can totally dig it. This book is so worth the read, and a reread. Thank you for this!
116 reviews
December 29, 2021
Master Storyteller and Wordsmith

Nobody can tell a story like Nia Forrester, I don’t even have the words to adequately describe the gift that is her but her stories, characters, colorful descriptions, and vast vocabulary is never overly done or feels put upon, it captivates and draws you in, totally!

Lloyd and Summer continued to be an unlikely but compelling couple that you fully invest in and root for. I loved the continuation of their story including the missteps and mishaps that only further cemented their bond.

I also enjoyed the evolution of Devon and Summer’s relationship. And Lloyd making peace with certain aspects of his familial dysfunction. I loved this book and the vivid imagery and the details. I just love Nia’s writing and have truly missed it!
13 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2021
Just beautiful

Nia Forrester just has a way with writing stories that engulf you. In each of her books, I literally smile and laugh and FEEL for the characters. Summer, sweet and frazzled as she is, stole my heart. Maybe because I saw alot of myself in her at that age. Insecure and broken in places that you try to hide by "performing" and smiling and presenting as perfect and unflawed. Insecure and trying so hard to put on a good front, until your Lloyd comes and you can gingerly take off the perfect makeup and costume. Summer and Lloyd were the perfect give and take. They balanced one another and saw the flaws and quirks, but loved anyway.
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,122 reviews10 followers
July 28, 2025
More Please 2.0

Thank you for the continuation of Summer & Lloyd’s story from “Silent Nights (The Shorts series - Book # 7)” which was a good read. Meanwhile, thank for the additional context & clarity to the peculiar paternal family dynamics of the Winston clan. Nevertheless, “The Darkest Morning (The Shorts series - Book 12)” (4.5 ⭐️’s) was still a good read with obvious reservations. However, there’s still the maternal family to consider & a comprehensive treatment plan for the dysfunctions with both sets of parents. ….or maybe they should just start something new! This journey 😮‍💨 must be love between Summer & Lloyd 🥴🤷🏾‍♀️‼️ More please 2.0…
143 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2021
Another amazing love story

MS Nia Forrester never ceases to deliver amazing stories of Black love. Lloyd and Summer's story was beautiful and a true description of opposites attracting without all the unnecessary drama. I really cannot comment on much because their story is full of so much that even small tidbits would be a spoiler. Just know that I still am getting goose bumps from the way Lloyd tells her to " C'mere." Definitely a must read recommendation as well as the other eleven in "The Shorts".
Profile Image for Nicole.
493 reviews27 followers
January 18, 2022
Such a great way to drop back in on one of my favorite Nia Forrester couples

I really enjoyed the first short that featured Summer and Lloyd (#7). They seem like the embodiment of the grumpy/sunshine trope but the way that Ms. Forrester interrupts and subverts expectations is a joy to witness. I wait a while and then binge these stories because her writing never fails to draw me in. She's even talented at getting me invested in the stories of characters I don't particularly even like. It's amazing!

I highly recommend this entire series, up to and including this title.
Profile Image for Shan.
195 reviews42 followers
October 7, 2023
“Summer …” Lloyd was shaking his head. “Baby. You think there’s anywhere, anyplace I would want to go, either geographically or in … life, where I wouldn’t also want to take you?” “Maybe I wouldn’t belong there,” she said. “You belong with me.”

I had every intention to finish this later or next week but one more page turned into one more chapter. It was so good! It ended with a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Summer and Lloyd. I am even a little curious about Lloyd’s parents and Lloyd’s new career.
35 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2021
The Darkest Morning

Another great read by one of my favorite Authors. It was great to read more about this couple we met in "Silent Nights" at the wedding of my favorite Nia Forrester couple, Deuce and Zora. I would love to get a follow-up on these Penn State couples and get a peak into their lives like we got in the Commitment series. I loved seeing Summer's relationship with Devon as well. Definitely recommend.
63 reviews
December 26, 2021
Summer & Lloyd

I loved this update! Nia took me on an emotional, but soothing ride. I enjoyed the conversation between Lloyd & his mother trying to understand his father. We, as children, hear & see things differently from our parents. I'm glad the situation was somewhat handled so they could get to the "good" parts of their upcoming future. But I need to hear more about Devon & Lucia.
194 reviews
January 7, 2022
What I needed to end and begin a year!

I always think this: I wish Nia blessed me with a novel or a short every other month. This continuation of secondary characters that she’s going gets me every time. Now I have to get something out of Florida based on Devon’s life. I reread Silent Night before reading this one to refresh my memory and fell in love with Summer and Lloyd all over again.
This follow up of their lives was perfect!
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,014 reviews
January 29, 2022
And the sun shall rise

Summer is a bit dramatic at times with her amplifying and spiraling but Lloyd thinks she’s so cute. She levels him and chills him out - calms him. In the months they’ve been together he really got to know her deeply and understand her. I enjoyed them as a couple.
When it seemed like things were dark, light shined through bringing with it a new day, joy, hope, amends and love.
This was a great read!
Profile Image for Katheryn.
219 reviews
December 24, 2021
I didn’t even realize I needed this LG lol

I love Lloyd and Summer, and I didn’t realize I needed to catch up on them BUT it was everything I needed. Summer’s light and Lloyd’s love for her is so beautiful. It was great to see and connect Lloyd to his family dynamics.
Stellar work as always!!
1,212 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2022
Another good book by Nia.

Summer had me on a roller coaster. She could be exhausting at times and need to stand up for herself more but I really liked her. Lloyd seems like he’s final coming out of being held hostage by the need for his fathers approval. Hopes treats summer as she deserves.

I hope Devon truly only has platonic feelings for summer
383 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2022
Perfection . . . as always

How Nia calls these weighty journeys through high, lows and everything in between a “short” is beyond me LOL but she always manages to pack a big emotional punch in a “small” package. Every relationship in this book gave me something powerful and different. I absolutely LOVED this story (which was no surprise since Nia hasn’t failed me yet!)
Profile Image for Candice DeRico.
36 reviews
March 26, 2022
C’mere

Lloyd abs Summer were so cute. They were both worried about different things, but they loved each other to much to let it destroy what they have. That dad was something. He like most men with sons was afraid. The mom was like a lot of women excepting of infidelity. Overall this was a great book. Thanks Nia.
Profile Image for Crystal Luckey.
752 reviews31 followers
December 16, 2024
I love them...

Lloyd and Summer are back, and it's been a year of them dating. For the holidays they go spend it with Lloyds family. Lloyd wants to ask Summer a question, but his dad changes his mind. When Summer finds out, she is upset, but she has a secret of her own. I didn’t think I could love Lloyd and Summer anymore then I already did, but Nia Forrester proved me wrong. I was happy to revist them and see them get to their HEA!!!
Profile Image for Ashley.
413 reviews17 followers
December 25, 2021
this book picks up where ‘Silent Night’ left off. I loved Summer and Lloyd, even more now. These guys are so freaking cute and perfect for each other. My only gripe is that after reading it, I NEED a full length story. They deserve it.
Profile Image for Rosemarie.
19 reviews10 followers
December 25, 2021
Love Lloyd and Summer

As always I expect nothing but the best from Nia, and as always she delivered. Loved them in Silent Nights and they are so sweet and lovable together. I would love a story about Devon. Thanks Nia for another heartwarming story. Best holiday gift!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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