Thank you Amanda for the ARC! Now Alexa, go ahead and play “Can You Stand The Rain” by Boyz II Men, because that’s the exact mood this novella put me in.
Quick Take
I devoured this novella. Truly. Ria and Onyx have always owned a piece of my reader heart from the Bloom universe, so stepping back into their world felt like catching up with a couple you root for like family. And honestly? This novella might just be even stronger than their original book, More Than My Mistakes.
Amanda clearly heard the collective “We need more Ria and Onyx!” and said, “Say less.” She delivered it gift-wrapped, holiday-coded, and better than I even expected.
The Love Story
Let’s start with Onyx… because whew. That man does not play behind Ria. He loves her out loud—loyal, dramatic when needed, and low-key hilarious. Getting his POV throughout the novella brought their relationship to life in the best way. I was giggling and kicking my feet like he wasn’t very much taken.
The novella leans into the miscommunication trope, but it isn’t annoying or drawn-out. Instead, Amanda shows what it looks like when two people who genuinely want forever choose to do the real work. Counseling, tough conversations, honesty… all the things engaged couples deal with but rarely get to see in romance.
This didn’t just feel like a holiday story—it felt like watching two grown people intentionally build a life together, mess and all.
What I Loved
• Onyx being the most Onyx version of himself
Protective. Playful. Slightly petty. A man in love and proud of it.
• Ria being soft, strong, and beautifully human
Her vulnerability made the entire story feel grounded and heartfelt.
• The glance into their future
I’m patiently (not really) waiting for the wedding book… and I’m absolutely nosey enough to want to know if Amanda is blessing them with babies.
• The Relationship Check-In Pages
Yes, Amanda gave us worksheets at the end. Actual reflection questions for couples. A thoughtful, unique touch I adored.
The Vibes
Warm. Funny. Tender. Holiday-coded without being cheesy. And rooted in Black love in a way that feels soft, intentional, and familiar.
This is the novella you read with a cozy blanket, a warm drink, and a full heart.
If Amanda wanted us to fall even deeper in love with Ria and Onyx… mission accomplished.
Lavender Bliss 