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High Stakes #1
Ante Up
I know exactly why it turns you on…because you’re messed up too.
Asha’s life is no fairytale, by any stretch of the imagination. There was no kind, generous father to care for and protect her from the Vegas that exists beyond the glitz and glamour of The Strip. No wise, doting mother to look over and guide her, passing down essential lessons and leading her to the right path. And certainly no Prince Charming just around the corner, ready to rescue her from working late nights to cover steadily mounting bills.
But she’s alive. Overwhelmed with responsibility she never asked for, carrying secrets and scars that haunt her, and singularly focused on an uncertain path to escape, but… alive.
You’re not born to sharks without becoming one yourself.
In Vegas, King is exactly what his name implies. Born into money and influence, but respected – and feared – in his own right. The privileges of wealth have afforded him many things: freedom, power, massive eligibility – while simultaneously leaving him exposed to others: betrayal, exploitation, and manipulation.
But he learned. The tolls of duplicity, wrath, and vengeance have taught him to be more mindful, more shrewd, to keep himself clear of the vulnerability of certain situations, certain business deals, certain places, and certain women.
Women like Asha.
Like attracts like…
Her poker face has kept her alive all this time, and he keeps his cards close to his chest. Neither is interested in gambling their hearts, but when they can’t stay away from each other, there’s only one choice… ante up.
Asha’s life is no fairytale, by any stretch of the imagination. There was no kind, generous father to care for and protect her from the Vegas that exists beyond the glitz and glamour of The Strip. No wise, doting mother to look over and guide her, passing down essential lessons and leading her to the right path. And certainly no Prince Charming just around the corner, ready to rescue her from working late nights to cover steadily mounting bills.
But she’s alive. Overwhelmed with responsibility she never asked for, carrying secrets and scars that haunt her, and singularly focused on an uncertain path to escape, but… alive.
You’re not born to sharks without becoming one yourself.
In Vegas, King is exactly what his name implies. Born into money and influence, but respected – and feared – in his own right. The privileges of wealth have afforded him many things: freedom, power, massive eligibility – while simultaneously leaving him exposed to others: betrayal, exploitation, and manipulation.
But he learned. The tolls of duplicity, wrath, and vengeance have taught him to be more mindful, more shrewd, to keep himself clear of the vulnerability of certain situations, certain business deals, certain places, and certain women.
Women like Asha.
Like attracts like…
Her poker face has kept her alive all this time, and he keeps his cards close to his chest. Neither is interested in gambling their hearts, but when they can’t stay away from each other, there’s only one choice… ante up.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2017
660 people are currently reading
1676 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
April 21, 2023
Where is the 10-star option because, this book deserves all the stars! Ante Up was unbelievably good! Asha and Kingston were black love and black excellence personified. From the very start, I was completely engrossed in the Vegas lifestyle. I loved that the storyline was centered around a black female on the poker circuit. We don't see a lot of us represented in that game so, I was very happy to see a melanated sistah sittin' at the poker tables doin' her thang. You betta represent Asha! Kingston was definitely Bae. He was no nonsense, cut throat, and brutal in how he handled his business but, he was also wreck less at times in how he handled Asha. I wanted to go upside his head more than a few times. But, in his defense, both of them were stubborn, damaged, and battling their own demons. I just love the way he and Ace pulled up on her ex in that convoy to get Asha. I was literally screaming, "You betta get yo woman Kingston!" And, the sex scenes?!!! Whew! The sex scenes were steamy and smutty just like I like them! The narrators did a phenomenal job. Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem brought so much life into these characters. They are my new favorite narrating duo. This was my first book by Christina C. Jones and it will most definitely NOT be my last. I highly recommend this book!
April 26, 2021
I've literally been consuming Christina C Jones for the past couple of months and the variety of materials that she has out never ceases to amaze me. There is so much to choose from and I was happy to see that Ante Up showcased her ability to cover a darker story. 4.5 Stars
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I decided to pick up Ante Up. I didn't read a summary before diving in so a lot of my first impressions weren't skewed by other reviews and/or plot descriptions. In short, the book follows Asha who's had a tough life. As stated in the summary, she doesn't have familial support and she spends most of her time working, playing poker, and attempting to survive the life that is Vegas. After a one night Stand with King, the two characters collide in unexpected ways. It's interesting because Asha and King have some undeniable chemistry, but their baggage prevents them from connecting instantaneously which I actually preferred. And this baggage isn't baggage that readers will typically find in light contemporary romances. It's dark and heavy in ways that I didn't expect. Asha deals with a sick parent, the scars of an abusive parent, and an abusive ex. King has baggage that I can't specifically mention because of spoilers; however, it's definitely tough and heartbreaking.
The pacing and character development of this book were on point. It's takes skill to slowly break down the walls of characters so that they have the possibility of falling in the love. There is an undeniable parallel between the physical game of poker that King and Asha play and the emotional and mental poker game that they play with each other. To have been through so much individually, I was happy to watch these two characters get the opportunity to possibly find solace within each other. That took a huge leap of faith on both of their ends. And what never ceased to amaze me is the fact that Jones helps readers build such a level of empathy for King and Asha that their hesitancy of dating each other never felt frustrating. I knew as a reader that they needed to take their time and I respected their decision to take as much time as they needed even if I knew they had undeniable chemistry. Of course this chemistry led to some amazingly hot and heavy scenes, but that emotional connection they built was untouchable.
There were also some amazing side characters. I'm specifically thinking of Ace. I believe that next book in this series which is a collection of short stories does focus in on Ace so I'm excited to read that. As always, Jones did an amazing job with the writing. There wasn't a moment of this that I didn't enjoy and I was happy to see the exploration of a newer vibe. The grit and the darkness worked well and it simply proved how versatile Jones is as a writer. Honestly, if you haven't read this one you definitely need to check it out. It's one of my favorite of hers to date.
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I decided to pick up Ante Up. I didn't read a summary before diving in so a lot of my first impressions weren't skewed by other reviews and/or plot descriptions. In short, the book follows Asha who's had a tough life. As stated in the summary, she doesn't have familial support and she spends most of her time working, playing poker, and attempting to survive the life that is Vegas. After a one night Stand with King, the two characters collide in unexpected ways. It's interesting because Asha and King have some undeniable chemistry, but their baggage prevents them from connecting instantaneously which I actually preferred. And this baggage isn't baggage that readers will typically find in light contemporary romances. It's dark and heavy in ways that I didn't expect. Asha deals with a sick parent, the scars of an abusive parent, and an abusive ex. King has baggage that I can't specifically mention because of spoilers; however, it's definitely tough and heartbreaking.
The pacing and character development of this book were on point. It's takes skill to slowly break down the walls of characters so that they have the possibility of falling in the love. There is an undeniable parallel between the physical game of poker that King and Asha play and the emotional and mental poker game that they play with each other. To have been through so much individually, I was happy to watch these two characters get the opportunity to possibly find solace within each other. That took a huge leap of faith on both of their ends. And what never ceased to amaze me is the fact that Jones helps readers build such a level of empathy for King and Asha that their hesitancy of dating each other never felt frustrating. I knew as a reader that they needed to take their time and I respected their decision to take as much time as they needed even if I knew they had undeniable chemistry. Of course this chemistry led to some amazingly hot and heavy scenes, but that emotional connection they built was untouchable.
There were also some amazing side characters. I'm specifically thinking of Ace. I believe that next book in this series which is a collection of short stories does focus in on Ace so I'm excited to read that. As always, Jones did an amazing job with the writing. There wasn't a moment of this that I didn't enjoy and I was happy to see the exploration of a newer vibe. The grit and the darkness worked well and it simply proved how versatile Jones is as a writer. Honestly, if you haven't read this one you definitely need to check it out. It's one of my favorite of hers to date.
December 22, 2020
This book was definitely on the darker side compared to the other books I've read by Christina C Jones. Asha is a waitress at a casino, but she's also a poker player and is hoping to finally raise $50k in order to buy in to a prestigious poker tournament. She's been playing the tables and winning money, but her brother and a past relationship she had are part of some bad things that threaten her ability to play.
Asha has a one night stand with King and he ends up popping into her life quite a bit. King and Asha have completely different lives, but they can't deny their chemistry and can't seem to stay away from each other. As usual with Christina's books, I flew through this audiobook. I enjoyed the intensity of the romance and the darker themes of the book.
Asha has a one night stand with King and he ends up popping into her life quite a bit. King and Asha have completely different lives, but they can't deny their chemistry and can't seem to stay away from each other. As usual with Christina's books, I flew through this audiobook. I enjoyed the intensity of the romance and the darker themes of the book.
July 18, 2019
Audio – 4.25 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
Mostly a great story, but the romance was lacking for me. First, Asha and King didn’t spend enough time together in the story. Secondly, the steamy scenes lacked intimacy. Third, the ending is a weak HFN. Neither of them has even admitted to themselves, let alone each other, that what they were feeling is love. Since this is book one, I’m going to assume book two will continue their story. I hope so, because I can see Asha and King being a power couple.
My 3.5 rating is rounded up for the strong female lead.
Story - 3.5 stars
Mostly a great story, but the romance was lacking for me. First, Asha and King didn’t spend enough time together in the story. Secondly, the steamy scenes lacked intimacy. Third, the ending is a weak HFN. Neither of them has even admitted to themselves, let alone each other, that what they were feeling is love. Since this is book one, I’m going to assume book two will continue their story. I hope so, because I can see Asha and King being a power couple.
My 3.5 rating is rounded up for the strong female lead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2023
Overcoming odds
I enjoyed this book. This was different from anything I've read from CCJ and I was here for it. I decided I was falling down a CCJ rabbit hole and I'm glad I did.
Asha had a rough childhood. Her family walked on eggshells at the hands of her father. One terrible situation was the last straw for Asha, and she vowed to save her family. Unfortunately, it didn't magically cure anything and Asha was left responsible for taking care of the family financially. Eventually, she was wrapped up in an unhealthy relationship that she again had to find a way out of. She managed to steer clear for awhile and just as life was moving forward her past is constantly creeping up.
King is a wealthy, troubled, finer than wine casino boss with a street edge. Him and Asha cross paths and he just can't seem to shake the feelings he has for her. He had the smartest mouth and definitely was an as$hole, but I liked him. He loved hard and had mad respect for women. He wasn't a sweet talker, but his actions spoke loud and clear. He tried to fight his feelings at first and I was like here goes Mr. Wishy washy, but his connection and need to protect Asha won out.
I'm telling a sweet story, but it was really drama filled. There was always something going on. Asha was constantly having to overcome hurdles and eventually King was making sure she was clearing the hurdles.
Book frans we adding King to the almost bae list or what??
I enjoyed this book. This was different from anything I've read from CCJ and I was here for it. I decided I was falling down a CCJ rabbit hole and I'm glad I did.
Asha had a rough childhood. Her family walked on eggshells at the hands of her father. One terrible situation was the last straw for Asha, and she vowed to save her family. Unfortunately, it didn't magically cure anything and Asha was left responsible for taking care of the family financially. Eventually, she was wrapped up in an unhealthy relationship that she again had to find a way out of. She managed to steer clear for awhile and just as life was moving forward her past is constantly creeping up.
King is a wealthy, troubled, finer than wine casino boss with a street edge. Him and Asha cross paths and he just can't seem to shake the feelings he has for her. He had the smartest mouth and definitely was an as$hole, but I liked him. He loved hard and had mad respect for women. He wasn't a sweet talker, but his actions spoke loud and clear. He tried to fight his feelings at first and I was like here goes Mr. Wishy washy, but his connection and need to protect Asha won out.
I'm telling a sweet story, but it was really drama filled. There was always something going on. Asha was constantly having to overcome hurdles and eventually King was making sure she was clearing the hurdles.
Book frans we adding King to the almost bae list or what??
June 22, 2022
I’d bet on King
This was really good. I am of course dying to know Ace’s story. I think I get what CCJ meant about this expanding the definition of what a romance story is. I mean it’s basically a HFN (happy for now) instead of an HEA. But I’m good with that, it fits the capability of the couple in the story. King may not be a typical book boy friend but his actions definitely make the cut. And i’ll always be here for a man who’s a bit of a rough neck. Asha was a great FMC I enjoyed her and rooted for her. She’s a character I could relate to. Not quite gripping enough to compel me straight into the next book but one I’ll be happy to make my way back to.
This was really good. I am of course dying to know Ace’s story. I think I get what CCJ meant about this expanding the definition of what a romance story is. I mean it’s basically a HFN (happy for now) instead of an HEA. But I’m good with that, it fits the capability of the couple in the story. King may not be a typical book boy friend but his actions definitely make the cut. And i’ll always be here for a man who’s a bit of a rough neck. Asha was a great FMC I enjoyed her and rooted for her. She’s a character I could relate to. Not quite gripping enough to compel me straight into the next book but one I’ll be happy to make my way back to.
October 22, 2017
I could not put this book down. It was an exciting ride reading about the passionate and oft-times rocky relationship between two fascinating people: Asha Davis and King Whitfield. This was my first time reading a novel by Christina Jones and from her foreword, I take it this type of story was a worrisome departure for her. I sometimes prefer dark tales myself but even if I didn’t, she needn’t have worried. The story, dialogue, and characterizations were mad skillful. I loved not only the depth and breadth of the main characters and their exchanges but the secondary characters, even the ones I didn’t care for, had me emotionally invested from the beginning. I especially loved the still somewhat dark but playful and heartfelt ending, which made this a very strong standalone book that didn’t leave me hanging out to dry. Best of all there were clear places to go that would be engaging storylines if Mrs. Jones were so inclined to delve back into these characters. I’d personally come along for the ride if she did. As I said I could not put the book down and look forward to what might come next out of Las Vegas.
March 23, 2023
3/20/2023 - yes, I'm listen to this AGAIN. lmao I feel like I need CCJ and Jakobi today and this is one of my faves!!
OMG. I did NOT expect to love this book but I LOVE it!!
OMG. I did NOT expect to love this book but I LOVE it!!
January 24, 2018
I cannot wait to go on a CCJ binge. I loved this book and King! The chemistry portrayed throughout the story was explosive and I enjoyed the suspense. Excellent job, CCJ!
April 3, 2021
I am absolutely enamored with King and Asha. Two sexy, strong-willed, fiery spirits, burdened by their demons, fighting the push and pull of an inevitable romance. The tension is palpable. King and Asha are drawn into each other's worlds and neither can resist the urge to tear down the other's walls. They're pulled into a romance that forces both of them to be vulnerable, to drop the poker faces and trust that their hearts are safe in the other's hands.
This novel was a thrilling ride with intriguing characters and a plot that had me perched precariously at the edge of my seat. Someone needs to turn this book into a movie, seriously. I am so happy that this is the first in a series because I'm literally craving more of King and Asha. The romance between them had the kind of dark, electric kind of energy that I find utterly delicious. More, please!
This novel was a thrilling ride with intriguing characters and a plot that had me perched precariously at the edge of my seat. Someone needs to turn this book into a movie, seriously. I am so happy that this is the first in a series because I'm literally craving more of King and Asha. The romance between them had the kind of dark, electric kind of energy that I find utterly delicious. More, please!
February 6, 2021
Romantic Suspense Street Style
Asha was definitely a strong heroine. I love that she managed herself and her family. I love the connection she made with King and his possessive side needed to help protect her from her past.
Well written and suspenseful. Their chemistry was so sexy. One of the better love scenes I’ve read in a while
Asha was definitely a strong heroine. I love that she managed herself and her family. I love the connection she made with King and his possessive side needed to help protect her from her past.
Well written and suspenseful. Their chemistry was so sexy. One of the better love scenes I’ve read in a while
May 1, 2021
I enjoyed pretty much everything about this contemporary romance. Characters that I liked, in a setting that Jones made so atmospheric that I felt drawn into Vegas, and chemistry and steaminess that did nothing but enhance the read. I am way late to the Christina C. Jones fan club, but I'm here now and will be enjoying my time catching up on her backlist!
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
February 27, 2023
4.5 stars - review to come.
May 7, 2018
Ante Up!
This lovely little gem!! First book by Christina in 2017 and I'm legit pissed at myself that I've read it already. But it was so good!!!
"Ante Up" was different from Christina's usual fare, longer too which I will ALWAYS love coming from her because she usually sticks to short and sweet. So when I get a long and savory book from her....HEAVEN.
I'm used to professional and put together, upstanding but with a tiny bit of stain from Christina's characters. "Ante Up" wasn't like that. While all of her characters usually have a bit of an edge to them, the characters in this book were gritty and it was a nice and welcomed surprise.
King and Asha are both damaged. King had a rough 'break up' in his previous relationship and it has since shaped him as a man and partner and not in the most healthy of ways. Asha grew up in a broken home, filled with alcohol, abuse, gambling and dysfunction. Putting her in a position no child or teenager should ever find themselves in. It lead her to a world of trouble both personally and in her relationships. But she persevered and overcame. Using the 'lessons' taught to her by her gambling and drunk of a father to her advantage to survive in the monster that is Vegas. King and Asha meet when she kicks his ass at a game of poker and they can't seem to shake each other from that point on, no matter how many times King tries to distance himself.
Ante Up is dark. It had a rough edge to that kept me roused up the entire time I was reading because from the very first chapter of the book, things get pretty crazy and once you set the bar THAT high in terms of what can and can't happen in the story, its kind of hard to read the book and NOT expect the other shoe to drop at some point. There was a constant feeling of danger while reading which made it easier to get into Asha's head because she lived her life looking over her shoulder, expecting something bad to happen. I swear I loved every minute of it.
I loved that King and Asha had such an unconventional, confusing and at times explosive relationship. I would side-eye King sometimes because he would be just a TAD on the aggressive side, but as you read and get to know him you realize that that's just him and how he is but he would never do anything to hurt someone he loves. Not on purpose anyway. He is fiercely loyal, smart, headstrong, direct and sexy as all hell. Which combined with Asha who is also fiercely loyal, smart, direct and headstrong, made for a very entertaining read.
I loved all the side characters in Ante Up as well. Even in her shorter books, Christina has a way of making her secondary and even tertiary characters shine in a way that makes you want to read books about them as well. Like I would LOVE a book featuring Ace and Cree, or Jax and Camille. That can't be too much to ask for.
Basically...I loved this book. There isn't anything I would change or add or remove because it was very close to being perfect dammit! I want more!!! *sobs*
Recommendation: I should just type up a recommendations template for Christina's books because so far they all say the same thing. READ IT!!!
This lovely little gem!! First book by Christina in 2017 and I'm legit pissed at myself that I've read it already. But it was so good!!!
"Ante Up" was different from Christina's usual fare, longer too which I will ALWAYS love coming from her because she usually sticks to short and sweet. So when I get a long and savory book from her....HEAVEN.
I'm used to professional and put together, upstanding but with a tiny bit of stain from Christina's characters. "Ante Up" wasn't like that. While all of her characters usually have a bit of an edge to them, the characters in this book were gritty and it was a nice and welcomed surprise.
King and Asha are both damaged. King had a rough 'break up' in his previous relationship and it has since shaped him as a man and partner and not in the most healthy of ways. Asha grew up in a broken home, filled with alcohol, abuse, gambling and dysfunction. Putting her in a position no child or teenager should ever find themselves in. It lead her to a world of trouble both personally and in her relationships. But she persevered and overcame. Using the 'lessons' taught to her by her gambling and drunk of a father to her advantage to survive in the monster that is Vegas. King and Asha meet when she kicks his ass at a game of poker and they can't seem to shake each other from that point on, no matter how many times King tries to distance himself.
Ante Up is dark. It had a rough edge to that kept me roused up the entire time I was reading because from the very first chapter of the book, things get pretty crazy and once you set the bar THAT high in terms of what can and can't happen in the story, its kind of hard to read the book and NOT expect the other shoe to drop at some point. There was a constant feeling of danger while reading which made it easier to get into Asha's head because she lived her life looking over her shoulder, expecting something bad to happen. I swear I loved every minute of it.
I loved that King and Asha had such an unconventional, confusing and at times explosive relationship. I would side-eye King sometimes because he would be just a TAD on the aggressive side, but as you read and get to know him you realize that that's just him and how he is but he would never do anything to hurt someone he loves. Not on purpose anyway. He is fiercely loyal, smart, headstrong, direct and sexy as all hell. Which combined with Asha who is also fiercely loyal, smart, direct and headstrong, made for a very entertaining read.
I loved all the side characters in Ante Up as well. Even in her shorter books, Christina has a way of making her secondary and even tertiary characters shine in a way that makes you want to read books about them as well. Like I would LOVE a book featuring Ace and Cree, or Jax and Camille. That can't be too much to ask for.
Basically...I loved this book. There isn't anything I would change or add or remove because it was very close to being perfect dammit! I want more!!! *sobs*
Recommendation: I should just type up a recommendations template for Christina's books because so far they all say the same thing. READ IT!!!
April 25, 2022
Something was missing. It should’ve been a duet too.
I don’t know, things happened really quickly and the pacing was odd.
I didn’t believe in the relationship of Asha and King, they don’t even know each other that much. Or spend enough time together.
The poker aspect of the book/the poker tournament was the thing I was the most interested in and most of the scenes were fade to black.
The steamy scenes were meh, I didn’t feel like the chemistry was really there and so it was a bit awkward for my taste.
First book with an Happy For Now ending and I can definitely say that it’s not my cup of tea.
Overall it was an okay book but nothing more.
I’ve heard so much about this author so I guess I’ll continue with reading a couple of books by her but this one ? Not convinced.
I don’t know, things happened really quickly and the pacing was odd.
I didn’t believe in the relationship of Asha and King, they don’t even know each other that much. Or spend enough time together.
The poker aspect of the book/the poker tournament was the thing I was the most interested in and most of the scenes were fade to black.
The steamy scenes were meh, I didn’t feel like the chemistry was really there and so it was a bit awkward for my taste.
First book with an Happy For Now ending and I can definitely say that it’s not my cup of tea.
Overall it was an okay book but nothing more.
I’ve heard so much about this author so I guess I’ll continue with reading a couple of books by her but this one ? Not convinced.
April 25, 2023
Wow! Talk about a crazy roller coaster ride!
Poor Asha just can't catch a break between her: abusive father, cruel drug-dealing boyfriend and irresponsible, selfish brother. The men in her life just walk all over her.
So when she meets a decent man like Kingston Whitfield, her trust issues push him away. King's personal baggage makes him want to give Asha up but her pull is too strong for him to walk away.
Asha's $400,000 win in the Poker Tournament makes her dream, to finally leave Vegas behind, come true. But can Kingston persuade Asha to change her mind?
Poor Asha just can't catch a break between her: abusive father, cruel drug-dealing boyfriend and irresponsible, selfish brother. The men in her life just walk all over her.
So when she meets a decent man like Kingston Whitfield, her trust issues push him away. King's personal baggage makes him want to give Asha up but her pull is too strong for him to walk away.
Asha's $400,000 win in the Poker Tournament makes her dream, to finally leave Vegas behind, come true. But can Kingston persuade Asha to change her mind?
February 21, 2021
This was a little darker and grittier (which I was expecting) but the pacing really kept it moving so you weren’t just sitting in the stressful situations. Once King stopped trying to resist, that man went after what he wanted and would do anything to keep her happy/make her safe.
May 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
July 13, 2024
This book was actually really good. My boyfriend kept asking what am I listening to when I didn’t have my headphones in. But boy this was juicy, the drama like how someone think you owe them a kid cause you miscarry, whew chile. But this was too cute and I loved King even though he could be a true a-hole, he was falling for Asha and didn’t know how to deal. Love a good HEA anyway.
March 23, 2017
Asha is a beautiful waitress working at a Casino in Vegas...she stays below the radar. Family situations ride Asha's back from sun up to sun down, whether it's her brother that always has a problem that she has to clean up, or her mother who has health problems. It all boils down to money, everybody needs that money, by omission or commission.
On a whim, Asha decides that she wants to indulge in a one night stand, and against everything she choses a good looking man. Days later she finds out that she unintentionally mixed business with an unforgettable pleasurable tryst...will this make or break her?
Kingston Whitfield is sexy, rich, sexy, masculine, sexy and has a temper and a bodyguard with an even deadlier temper. Smells like fire to me...ain't no smoke with this combination because they will mos def deliver when required, no need for a firestarter. Because of his past hurts, sexual encounters have meant nothing to him, just a release...but what happens when one 'release' won't let go...the 'release' is contained...restrained...and wreaking havoc with your thought pattern. To top it off, she's been right under his nose.
Troubled pasts, heartbreaks, and family problems mar the possibilities that they could possibly become a couple. But when the heart gets involved with out a possible plausible reason, who's to say 'yes' and who can override a 'yes' and how do you find a 'yes' in the midst of all the turmoil.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Ante Up" and I loved the fresh plot without drugs or drugs money. This is my first Christina C. Jones read to my recollection, but it won't be my last. A smooth read.
3.78
On a whim, Asha decides that she wants to indulge in a one night stand, and against everything she choses a good looking man. Days later she finds out that she unintentionally mixed business with an unforgettable pleasurable tryst...will this make or break her?
Kingston Whitfield is sexy, rich, sexy, masculine, sexy and has a temper and a bodyguard with an even deadlier temper. Smells like fire to me...ain't no smoke with this combination because they will mos def deliver when required, no need for a firestarter. Because of his past hurts, sexual encounters have meant nothing to him, just a release...but what happens when one 'release' won't let go...the 'release' is contained...restrained...and wreaking havoc with your thought pattern. To top it off, she's been right under his nose.
Troubled pasts, heartbreaks, and family problems mar the possibilities that they could possibly become a couple. But when the heart gets involved with out a possible plausible reason, who's to say 'yes' and who can override a 'yes' and how do you find a 'yes' in the midst of all the turmoil.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Ante Up" and I loved the fresh plot without drugs or drugs money. This is my first Christina C. Jones read to my recollection, but it won't be my last. A smooth read.
3.78
July 8, 2022
Asha x King
This story felt like I was watching a Showtime mini series. It was long and packed. The book was really good, but it was a bit hard to follow. The poker talk and the poker was too much. I found myself disengaged and distant during a lot of the poker talk.
Asha was just a broken soul trying to keep her head above water. Sis needed a couple good therapy sessions. But she was managing the best way she could. She was such a bad ass with the poker though. Asha gave King a run for his money. Dude was broken too. Unable to express himself to Asha, but yet wants to give her everything, wants to protect her from everything and wants to be with her always. Overall, I enjoyed this story. The supporting characters were also very interesting. The sexual tension between Ace and Cree was thick, loud, strong, heavy, entense…whatever other vocabulary you wanna use to describe it. So to say, this story was pretty good. The end was really rushed but I got the picture. It was riddled with little errors and misspelled words. So I wasn't a fan on that. But pretty good read.
This story felt like I was watching a Showtime mini series. It was long and packed. The book was really good, but it was a bit hard to follow. The poker talk and the poker was too much. I found myself disengaged and distant during a lot of the poker talk.
Asha was just a broken soul trying to keep her head above water. Sis needed a couple good therapy sessions. But she was managing the best way she could. She was such a bad ass with the poker though. Asha gave King a run for his money. Dude was broken too. Unable to express himself to Asha, but yet wants to give her everything, wants to protect her from everything and wants to be with her always. Overall, I enjoyed this story. The supporting characters were also very interesting. The sexual tension between Ace and Cree was thick, loud, strong, heavy, entense…whatever other vocabulary you wanna use to describe it. So to say, this story was pretty good. The end was really rushed but I got the picture. It was riddled with little errors and misspelled words. So I wasn't a fan on that. But pretty good read.
March 25, 2022
This story was intoxicating in the best way possible 🥵💦. Asha and King sucked me in and took me on a ride. Christina C Johnson wasted no time moving to the top of my favorite authors list. I really enjoy her character development. It’s refreshing to fall in love with characters and see the “happily ever after”. Not necessarily in this story but in others for sure. I would have liked to see more romance and love develop between Asha and King. You can read and see it’s there but they were both stubborn and in denial. I would have liked to see more intentional love be expressed between the two of them. The “happily ever after” was implied in this story. I LOVED me some Ace. She intrigued me so much and was such a bad @$$. I can’t wait to dive into her story.
March 5, 2023
I love when characters has different talents/hobbies that you don't get to see often. Asha played her cards well. She did what she had to do to survive. Welcome to the Vegas life! Never read a storyline like as rare as this one but I loved it. Will be continuing the series. ♣️❤️
November 10, 2024
This was so good. Asha had struggle after struggle but that didn’t stop her at all. She was determined to take control of her life. King had his share of heartache and pain but he couldn’t deny there was something special about Asha. Asha finally got life she deserved.
August 17, 2017
I have a confession, I have read Christina'S work before and liked it but didn't LOVE it; but my last few reads by her have been AMAZING. Yes I have a new author crush :-)!
King and Asha aka Red was a great story. It had me on edge, I feLl in love with the both of them... They had so much in common and didn't even realized what was really pulling them to each other, which was their common life lessons.
I would love to have more of Kingston and Asha!
Awesome book Christina!!!!!
King and Asha aka Red was a great story. It had me on edge, I feLl in love with the both of them... They had so much in common and didn't even realized what was really pulling them to each other, which was their common life lessons.
I would love to have more of Kingston and Asha!
Awesome book Christina!!!!!
August 7, 2023
4 1/2 "All in!" Stars!!
I loved this story! King was such an ass and a hero at the same time. Asha was about her business in so many ways. I loved watching them fall hard for each other. I just think the ending was rushed and lacked details. Maybe I just wasn't ready for the story to end. Happy reading!
I loved this story! King was such an ass and a hero at the same time. Asha was about her business in so many ways. I loved watching them fall hard for each other. I just think the ending was rushed and lacked details. Maybe I just wasn't ready for the story to end. Happy reading!
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this story and the chemistry between Asha and King. At first, I wasn't too sure how I felt about King. As the story went on, he really started to grow on me. (I just wish he had learned to be a better communicator a little quicker). Sometimes his words and his actions didn't quite match up and he expected Asha to just know his intentions. With a past like hers, I wouldn't assume some intentions, either.
I do think in the beginning King may have wanted to rescue Asha because he couldn't do that for his wife. I think the more he got to know her, the more he could distinguish the differences between the two and started to like Asha for Asha.
Asha's brother needed hands and feet put on him for the dumb choices he continued to make. And although Asha's mother was sick for most of the book, she also needs to take some of the responsibility for the burden she put on Asha. Both her mother and brother benefited greatly from her stress and taking on the responsibility of being the protector of their family.
I was so glad when she was able to have some relief and have someone (King) look out for her for once. I have read several of CCJ's books and she's becoming an auto-read author.
I do think in the beginning King may have wanted to rescue Asha because he couldn't do that for his wife. I think the more he got to know her, the more he could distinguish the differences between the two and started to like Asha for Asha.
Asha's brother needed hands and feet put on him for the dumb choices he continued to make. And although Asha's mother was sick for most of the book, she also needs to take some of the responsibility for the burden she put on Asha. Both her mother and brother benefited greatly from her stress and taking on the responsibility of being the protector of their family.
I was so glad when she was able to have some relief and have someone (King) look out for her for once. I have read several of CCJ's books and she's becoming an auto-read author.
September 4, 2019
I really enjoyed Asha's and King's unlikely, but destined love story. I appreciated hearing the book read from the female and male dynamic. The book was easy to listen to and I found myself listening to it while I worked and finished it quickly. I was not ready to read a series, but I found out Ante Up was a series after the fact, so on to Book 2. I rated this book a 5 b/c the author was very descriptive in detailing the love story of Asha and King. It feel relative for me. I felt warm and fuzzy while reading Ante Up. ❤
April 16, 2023
3 stars ~ [5.71/10]
Another really enjoyable romance from Christina C. Jones and one where she got me invested in card games - it really did feel high stakes, especially with the way a lot of care and attention was given to Asha and her brother's relationship. I thought the chemistry between Asha and King was super fiery. There were a few moments at the beginning where I had my doubts about King but I think he mostly redeemed himself. Definitely a darker entry in the Jonesverse!
Another really enjoyable romance from Christina C. Jones and one where she got me invested in card games - it really did feel high stakes, especially with the way a lot of care and attention was given to Asha and her brother's relationship. I thought the chemistry between Asha and King was super fiery. There were a few moments at the beginning where I had my doubts about King but I think he mostly redeemed himself. Definitely a darker entry in the Jonesverse!
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