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High Stakes #2
King of Hearts
King & Asha.
Jackson & Camille.
Trei & Zora.
Three Couples.
Three Days.
A holiday they won't forget.
Jackson & Camille.
Trei & Zora.
Three Couples.
Three Days.
A holiday they won't forget.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2018
516 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 22, 2022
I didn't realize there was a continuation to King and Asha's story in King of Hearts. Otherwise, I would've read this book immediately after Ante Up. I love that we got to see where King and Asha's relationship is a year later. Asha is still distrustful as ever and King is still patient and putting up with her shyt. I love them! I don't think the relationship with Camille and Jackson was developed enough. I feel like if you blinked, you kind of missed their story. It just wasn't enough for me. I get that these are shorts but, their story was too damn short. Initially, I wasn't all that excited about Zora and Trei's story. I'm not a huge fan of older women; younger men storylines but, I ended up liking their story the best. Baaaabbbbyyyy, when I tell y'all Trei put it on Zora! Whew chile! Clutches my pearls just thinking about that scene in her office! Trei broke down Zora's walls and she finally accepted the love this man wanted to give her. This is one couple who definitely deserved their own book. King of Hearts was a quick awesome read. I enjoyed all three stories. I loved the characters, each story was sensual, hypnotic, romantic, and pleasurable to read from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book.
March 18, 2021
Finally!
I had to read this....these were definitely some of my favorite characters from this series! I’m happy that each couple finally got together to make their relationships official!
I had to read this....these were definitely some of my favorite characters from this series! I’m happy that each couple finally got together to make their relationships official!
May 13, 2021
Christina C. Jones is very clear in her introduction that these little stories are snippets and are meant to just be a taste of spice and fun, but you know I'm greedy and secretly hoped for more. No one's fault but my own for not believing what was clearly stated, but this was very worth picking up and enjoying.
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
January 28, 2023
Love, Like, and Lust prevail
I really enjoyed this little snack of an update.
I'm so glad I got more King and Asha. They were still doing their love and war dance. Asha was trying hard to protect her heart, while King was trying to shower her with love. Her past had her hella jaded, but love wins! I could feel King beaming sharing his win with his sister and I loved that Asha had a man that was extremely happy to make her happy.
The second story with Jackson and Camille was cute. I knew right away what Jackson had up his sleeve. It was hella funny that Camille was holding a grudge for over a year and was completely over looking the signals he was throwing out. Once Camille was finally hip to his game, she wasted no time matching his energy.
Zora and Trei... well well this was a long time coming. Zora had been ignoring Trei's googly eyes for over a decade. Zora was 7 years his senior and she had no time to be schooling a baby. Trei and his unsuredness went out the door finally and he let it be known at 30 he was a grown as$ man that wanted her. He put it on her and had her questioning why she was running from him. It took her a bit to reflect, but she made a decision to give him a chance. I think sis made an excellent informed decision the way he broke her back. No sense in letting ALL of that go.
I really enjoyed this little snack of an update.
I'm so glad I got more King and Asha. They were still doing their love and war dance. Asha was trying hard to protect her heart, while King was trying to shower her with love. Her past had her hella jaded, but love wins! I could feel King beaming sharing his win with his sister and I loved that Asha had a man that was extremely happy to make her happy.
The second story with Jackson and Camille was cute. I knew right away what Jackson had up his sleeve. It was hella funny that Camille was holding a grudge for over a year and was completely over looking the signals he was throwing out. Once Camille was finally hip to his game, she wasted no time matching his energy.
Zora and Trei... well well this was a long time coming. Zora had been ignoring Trei's googly eyes for over a decade. Zora was 7 years his senior and she had no time to be schooling a baby. Trei and his unsuredness went out the door finally and he let it be known at 30 he was a grown as$ man that wanted her. He put it on her and had her questioning why she was running from him. It took her a bit to reflect, but she made a decision to give him a chance. I think sis made an excellent informed decision the way he broke her back. No sense in letting ALL of that go.
May 16, 2021
3.6⭐⭐⭐💫
June 10, 2022
I’m soo late to this novella but loved every second! King and Asha are still everything and joy Asha must feel to finally have peace! Love that for her and King! Camille and Jackson was a mess lowkey lol. They were the definition of “it’s the thought that counts” 😩. Im glad they got their HEA but whew my boy Jackson almost ruined it lol. Zorya and Trei whew! Im glad that girl let her ego go cause Trei is bae!! Let’s just say her office will never be the same 😜
April 24, 2023
Loved catching up with King and Asha from Ante up! King of Hearts is a series of novellas following King/Asha, Jackson/Camille, and Trei/Zora. For the last two couples, this was basically a sampling on how their relationship gets started, since neither of these couples were together in Ante Up, but the chemistry was definitely there.
I wish Jackson/Camille and Trei/Zora had full stories, but this was a fun read!
I wish Jackson/Camille and Trei/Zora had full stories, but this was a fun read!
April 25, 2023
Super Spicy, Super Sizzling and Super Surprising!
3 novellas featuring:
King/Asha - their continuation from the first book is a little disappointing. Really wanted to get more details on their current lives.
Jackson/Camille: really, really funny!
Trei/Zora: hot, hot, hawt!!!!
December 18, 2018
Zora and Trei are the sole reason I’m giving this 4 stars MISS JONES PLEASEEEE GIVE THEM A FULL NOVEL I NEED IT
April 18, 2021
If there's one thing that can be said about Christina C. Jones, it's that she always, always delivers. This sweet and sultry follow-up to Ante Up consists of three parallel short stories, each taking place in the three days surrounding Valentine's Day. In story #1, King of Diamonds, we are reacquainted with the fiery King and Asha, and oh how sweet of a reunion it was! We're briefly tossed back into their rollercoaster ride of a romance as they finally break through the last remnants of resistance.
Story #2, King of Clubs, gives us a glimpse into the love life of Asha's roommate, Camille. While in the midst of preparing for her big Valentine's Day show, Camille finds herself embroiled in a mystery; who is this new secret admirer and what exactly are their intentions? And then finally, the pièce de résistance, the icing on the cake and the cherry on top is the story that shares a title with this collection, King of Hearts. This steamy story brings us into the world of King's older sister Zora and her business associate, Trei. A difference in age and the need to be professional have kept these long-time acquaintances apart, but an important meeting between the two ends up being more about pleasure than business.
Christina C. Jones structured these stories like a pro. The first two were like foreplay, punctuated by the sweet euphoria of something fruity and high grade (roll one if you got it). The last story was the main event, the big show, the fireworks spectacular. I love this world, I love these characters, and I love this High Stakes collection. Just as before, I am quite excited to read the next book in this series.
Story #2, King of Clubs, gives us a glimpse into the love life of Asha's roommate, Camille. While in the midst of preparing for her big Valentine's Day show, Camille finds herself embroiled in a mystery; who is this new secret admirer and what exactly are their intentions? And then finally, the pièce de résistance, the icing on the cake and the cherry on top is the story that shares a title with this collection, King of Hearts. This steamy story brings us into the world of King's older sister Zora and her business associate, Trei. A difference in age and the need to be professional have kept these long-time acquaintances apart, but an important meeting between the two ends up being more about pleasure than business.
Christina C. Jones structured these stories like a pro. The first two were like foreplay, punctuated by the sweet euphoria of something fruity and high grade (roll one if you got it). The last story was the main event, the big show, the fireworks spectacular. I love this world, I love these characters, and I love this High Stakes collection. Just as before, I am quite excited to read the next book in this series.
October 22, 2023
A quick check in with some of my favs
I love me some King and Asha! The whole crew is just fun. I’m glad we got a little more of their story. Now time for Ace and Cree!
I love me some King and Asha! The whole crew is just fun. I’m glad we got a little more of their story. Now time for Ace and Cree!
February 13, 2018
Happy Valentines Day!
CCJ never disappoints me! I loved these short stores and how they all intertwined with one another. I especially enjoyed a further look into King and Asha who absolutely loved in their stand alone. Hats off to you CCJ for making me have another unproductive day...😂
CCJ never disappoints me! I loved these short stores and how they all intertwined with one another. I especially enjoyed a further look into King and Asha who absolutely loved in their stand alone. Hats off to you CCJ for making me have another unproductive day...😂
July 26, 2022
Flow with it
So I just went with the flow and followed the path. This book was a fun, well-written and interesting. I will leave all the unanswered questions up to my imagination.
Great job Christina C. Jones
So I just went with the flow and followed the path. This book was a fun, well-written and interesting. I will leave all the unanswered questions up to my imagination.
Great job Christina C. Jones
August 10, 2023
Loved this little Valentines Day treat. Happy reading!
March 5, 2025
Three short stories of three different couples. Asha was still annoying as she was in a previous book. She finally got it together. I enjoyed the other couples.
April 4, 2025
When I saw the book was so thin, literally about 100 pages, I was a little confused. The I read it only covered 3 days per couple and was even more confused, but I truly enjoyed this little “intermission.” Each couple had such a cute story!
February 16, 2018
Yassss Please! This story was hawwwttt!!
First of all... No one can write a book like CCJ! The way she pulls you in from the beginning, keeps you engaged throughout and leaves you satisfied at the end is a true gift. This story was no different. The characters grabbed you immediately and each couple was unique in their own way. Although they were all unique, that last couple, Zora and Trei were the show stealers of this story! I could have read about them forever. I loved this story and it was a perfect V day check in with these couples.
First of all... No one can write a book like CCJ! The way she pulls you in from the beginning, keeps you engaged throughout and leaves you satisfied at the end is a true gift. This story was no different. The characters grabbed you immediately and each couple was unique in their own way. Although they were all unique, that last couple, Zora and Trei were the show stealers of this story! I could have read about them forever. I loved this story and it was a perfect V day check in with these couples.
February 14, 2018
How does she do it?
Absolutely loved how CCJ sprang this Valentine's delight on us! These are truly short stories, but each one packed a lot of punch; three very different couples, with three very different storylines, each one very, very good. Now, I know CCJ said that this would be it for these couples, and I'm trying to accept that, but ooh chile, I would love to read more about Trei and Zora and Camille and Jackson. A good writer always leaves you wanting more, and honey, CCJ writes her butt off.
Thanks for another great read!
Absolutely loved how CCJ sprang this Valentine's delight on us! These are truly short stories, but each one packed a lot of punch; three very different couples, with three very different storylines, each one very, very good. Now, I know CCJ said that this would be it for these couples, and I'm trying to accept that, but ooh chile, I would love to read more about Trei and Zora and Camille and Jackson. A good writer always leaves you wanting more, and honey, CCJ writes her butt off.
Thanks for another great read!
July 14, 2022
The thing about short books is you have to tell a story of the character but also keeping the reader interested and this did somewhat that. Asha was alittle annoying but she just didn’t trust King fully yet with it being a year in their dynamic. She needs to heal maybe therapy cause whew, King was patient surprisingly. Camille and Jackson was short really a teaser. Now Trei gave ENERGY and I thought he was sweet
June 18, 2025
It was nice to see the progression of Asha and Kingston. I was a little skeptical at first because it also had Jackson and Camille and Zora and Trei as couples too. I thought there was maybe books that were missing, but I should’ve known CCJ wouldn’t do us like that. Now let’s see if they continue in the last book.
November 13, 2023
Oh this was soo good, so hot & spicy!!! This was a short novella really quick to read but very entertaining 🧡
I NEED more of Trei and Zora and Jackson and Camille like immediately… Asha and King got their story now they need there’s it’s only fair🤪
I NEED more of Trei and Zora and Jackson and Camille like immediately… Asha and King got their story now they need there’s it’s only fair🤪
April 23, 2021
ONLY cared about King and Asha, could’ve absolutely done without the other two stories.
November 29, 2022
I just did this quick read because I’ve been putting it off for a long time. I already listened to Ante Up (several times) and Deuces Wild so I pretty knew some of the book. I like how she did the three stories. CCJ is one of my faves.
March 5, 2018
The characters from Ante Up are back in this steamy collection of 3 short stories that occur within days of Valentine's Day. I would suggest reading Ante Up for not just an enjoyable read, but to get some background info on all these well developed characters.
If you haven't read Ante Up by this author, then what are you doing in life!?
OMG this book has me upset, UPSET! I just couldn't get enough of it and I wanted more to the point of keep turning the last page, hoping it would magically appear. Christina C. Jones has a way about writing a short that it seems like a full length novel! She intertwined pasts details well, not to the point of taking over the shorts present timeline, but in a way that helps readers understand why the characters are the way they are. Heck, if I had not read Ante Up, I still would be able to see the characters' past and development from it within these pages.
Omg, ya shouldn't wear panties reading this...danggggg Trei is all I'm going to say!!! And King was just King, all powerful and commanding. A true alpha hero that be having me ready to stand at attention. Yes Gawd! And can I say it now: Zora is one of my fav heroines and we haven't even seen her full length story! It was truly remarkable how this author was able to pack so much into this novella. I loved how each short followed through with the other to let the storyline flow and for readers to get even more dets from the previous short read which showed great progression. All stories had conflict throughout and resolution by its end, giving readers doses of drama and steamy chemistry to boot. I can't believe it's over, sigh!!!!
If you haven't read Ante Up by this author, then what are you doing in life!?
OMG this book has me upset, UPSET! I just couldn't get enough of it and I wanted more to the point of keep turning the last page, hoping it would magically appear. Christina C. Jones has a way about writing a short that it seems like a full length novel! She intertwined pasts details well, not to the point of taking over the shorts present timeline, but in a way that helps readers understand why the characters are the way they are. Heck, if I had not read Ante Up, I still would be able to see the characters' past and development from it within these pages.
Omg, ya shouldn't wear panties reading this...danggggg Trei is all I'm going to say!!! And King was just King, all powerful and commanding. A true alpha hero that be having me ready to stand at attention. Yes Gawd! And can I say it now: Zora is one of my fav heroines and we haven't even seen her full length story! It was truly remarkable how this author was able to pack so much into this novella. I loved how each short followed through with the other to let the storyline flow and for readers to get even more dets from the previous short read which showed great progression. All stories had conflict throughout and resolution by its end, giving readers doses of drama and steamy chemistry to boot. I can't believe it's over, sigh!!!!
September 18, 2024
Very cute.
I’d take as many novellas about these couples as Mrs. Jones is willing to write.
Asha was pressing my nerves in KOD but I imagine trying to let a man (a good man) love you and letting yourself be vulnerable enough to love him back after the shit she had been through would be an uphill battle but I’m glad she got it together in the end and that King had enough patience and love for her to stick it out.
Jackson and Cammy were too cute. I called it from the moment she mentioned the stargazer lily’s in KOD but I would’ve loved a bit more from their story. And she need to call Cree and tell him not to come over after he got off work lol
Zora and Trei were everything. They definitely gave me a soft spot for age cap where the woman is older. I love that Trei wasn’t afraid to put it all on the line for Zora, especially given their history and how much he’s seen her through. I’m glad Zora got out of her own way enough to open herself up to the possibility of something new, real and meaningful.
I’d take as many novellas about these couples as Mrs. Jones is willing to write.
Asha was pressing my nerves in KOD but I imagine trying to let a man (a good man) love you and letting yourself be vulnerable enough to love him back after the shit she had been through would be an uphill battle but I’m glad she got it together in the end and that King had enough patience and love for her to stick it out.
Jackson and Cammy were too cute. I called it from the moment she mentioned the stargazer lily’s in KOD but I would’ve loved a bit more from their story. And she need to call Cree and tell him not to come over after he got off work lol
Zora and Trei were everything. They definitely gave me a soft spot for age cap where the woman is older. I love that Trei wasn’t afraid to put it all on the line for Zora, especially given their history and how much he’s seen her through. I’m glad Zora got out of her own way enough to open herself up to the possibility of something new, real and meaningful.
July 19, 2020
So I really liked this book which is more like a filler novella - but it's entertaining and fun, giving you more on some other characters.
Kinda the "after" of Asha and King. Then Jackson and Camille, and Trei and Zora[ya].
You got a hint of the latter two in Ante Up and I liked seeing how it panned out.
It's so ... Asha to be like "wait what?" And she still has shit to figure out, and/but she does, which is great. I wouldn't mind more vignettes of them. <3 It was a nice follow up.
For Jackson and Camille - oof. I KNEW IT when he noticed/mentioned the flowers because what dude notices flowers? I mean sure some do but ... >.> most don't.
And it was cute how she went all in on the ~pretend and he let her go with it - but how it works out.
A blip but sweet.
For Trei and Zora, I'd love to read more of them. And love that Zora is so dominant. I mean she has to be kickass to hang/deal with her family - and Trei being grown up enough now to go after the woman he wants.
Kinda wish there was more from them - I really liked it.
Honestly I liked all 3.
The issue though is this is the first CJC book I "read" - in text - and there were some typos and other such word mistakes etc so ... :|
I'd probably have found that really distracting if I'd been text reading.
I still went and read another CJC right after though - and I wouldn't mind reading King's parents book - seems like that'd be a good one.
C+
Kinda the "after" of Asha and King. Then Jackson and Camille, and Trei and Zora[ya].
You got a hint of the latter two in Ante Up and I liked seeing how it panned out.
It's so ... Asha to be like "wait what?" And she still has shit to figure out, and/but she does, which is great. I wouldn't mind more vignettes of them. <3 It was a nice follow up.
For Jackson and Camille - oof. I KNEW IT when he noticed/mentioned the flowers because what dude notices flowers? I mean sure some do but ... >.> most don't.
And it was cute how she went all in on the ~pretend and he let her go with it - but how it works out.
A blip but sweet.
For Trei and Zora, I'd love to read more of them. And love that Zora is so dominant. I mean she has to be kickass to hang/deal with her family - and Trei being grown up enough now to go after the woman he wants.
Kinda wish there was more from them - I really liked it.
Honestly I liked all 3.
The issue though is this is the first CJC book I "read" - in text - and there were some typos and other such word mistakes etc so ... :|
I'd probably have found that really distracting if I'd been text reading.
I still went and read another CJC right after though - and I wouldn't mind reading King's parents book - seems like that'd be a good one.
C+
March 6, 2022
Short and Sweet...
I loved the follow-up on King and Asha and she is still being difficult but when she finally tells King what is going on, he realized why she was acting the way she was. Asha finally grew on me and I'm happy for her and King.
Camille and Jackson run ins were so cute and I was finally glad he stepped up and figured out what to do to get Camille, until Camille thought it was her crazy ex. I wanted more of them, but this short kind of shows us how they will be with each other.
Zora and Trei story was hot AF and I'm finally glad she gave that man a shot and I'm glad he didn't disappoint her. Trei proved to her that she was not a boy, but all man in many ways than just the bed. This entire book was good and a great update on some of my favorite characters from Ante Up!!
I loved the follow-up on King and Asha and she is still being difficult but when she finally tells King what is going on, he realized why she was acting the way she was. Asha finally grew on me and I'm happy for her and King.
Camille and Jackson run ins were so cute and I was finally glad he stepped up and figured out what to do to get Camille, until Camille thought it was her crazy ex. I wanted more of them, but this short kind of shows us how they will be with each other.
Zora and Trei story was hot AF and I'm finally glad she gave that man a shot and I'm glad he didn't disappoint her. Trei proved to her that she was not a boy, but all man in many ways than just the bed. This entire book was good and a great update on some of my favorite characters from Ante Up!!
May 18, 2018
CCJ never disappoints!!
If you have not read a CCJ novel or you have decide to take a gamble an roll the dice to see what she is all about. This is the book for you. Eventhough I would suggest reading Ante Up before this collection of shorts stories, you will still come away with what fans of hers has been saying for a few years now. She is a great author who can tell a story like no other and can make you laugh or want to smack a character. I waited to read this collection of shorts because I knew she was coming out with another book in relation with some of the characters in this book. You will fall in love with her writing style and her latest release Dueces Wild. Once again Bravo CCJ Bravo.
If you have not read a CCJ novel or you have decide to take a gamble an roll the dice to see what she is all about. This is the book for you. Eventhough I would suggest reading Ante Up before this collection of shorts stories, you will still come away with what fans of hers has been saying for a few years now. She is a great author who can tell a story like no other and can make you laugh or want to smack a character. I waited to read this collection of shorts because I knew she was coming out with another book in relation with some of the characters in this book. You will fall in love with her writing style and her latest release Dueces Wild. Once again Bravo CCJ Bravo.
December 8, 2024
CW: domestic violence, mention of previous baby loss, pregnancy
🌟 Short story collection
🌈 Black MCs
I didn't realise this was a collection of short stories at first and I was hella confused 🤣 Took me a sec to figure out what was happening.
So first off, this can't be read as a standalone imo. We jump back into Kingston and Asha's story post-Ante Up. I LOVVVVVED seeing them further down the line with Asha still keeping him on his toes. Definitely a slay.
Then we have Camille (Asha's friend), and Zora (King's sister), having a short story of their own.
All super satisfying even though they were short stories, but damn... Zorayaaaaaa! I bend the knee 🙏🥵
Anyway, if you love CCJ and/or you've read Ante Up, you should definitely read this.
🌟 Short story collection
🌈 Black MCs
I didn't realise this was a collection of short stories at first and I was hella confused 🤣 Took me a sec to figure out what was happening.
So first off, this can't be read as a standalone imo. We jump back into Kingston and Asha's story post-Ante Up. I LOVVVVVED seeing them further down the line with Asha still keeping him on his toes. Definitely a slay.
Then we have Camille (Asha's friend), and Zora (King's sister), having a short story of their own.
All super satisfying even though they were short stories, but damn... Zorayaaaaaa! I bend the knee 🙏🥵
Anyway, if you love CCJ and/or you've read Ante Up, you should definitely read this.
September 5, 2019
three short stories that will have you wanting more
I loved dropping in on the world of High Stakes in Las Vegas NV with the characters that were introduced or partially introduced to use in Ante Up book one of the series. I loved the edge of danger and violence all wrapped up in a black love romance. I loved that it was not just quick wrap up but it felt like more of a continuence of what Kind and Asha began. I loved that we were given an in to Jackson and Camille and Trei and Zora. That last install in the short was hot like fire. Where do the couples go from her a year after Ante Up?
I loved dropping in on the world of High Stakes in Las Vegas NV with the characters that were introduced or partially introduced to use in Ante Up book one of the series. I loved the edge of danger and violence all wrapped up in a black love romance. I loved that it was not just quick wrap up but it felt like more of a continuence of what Kind and Asha began. I loved that we were given an in to Jackson and Camille and Trei and Zora. That last install in the short was hot like fire. Where do the couples go from her a year after Ante Up?
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