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Sugar Valley #1
The Culmination of Everything
Losing everything doesn't have to be the end. Sometimes, it's a chance to find something different.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2018
429 people are currently reading
1586 people want to read
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June 3, 2023
“Compassion was necessary.”
I was not expecting for this book to be so heavy. My heart just feels stomped on right now. 😪
I’m considering the details of the trigger warnings as spoilers, since they don’t come out till much, much later on in the book and they stay a mystery. Not for any dramatic purposes, but mainly because our main characters refuse to talk about it. They cannot think it, let alone talk about it. So I’ve mentioned them at the very end if you need to know them.
For now, I will say that both of them have suffered some unbelievable losses.
I adored our heroine, Kyle. She’s come to this small town to escape. She’s not had it easy and is looking to leave her old life behind. Or find a temporary reprieve till she’s able to face things again.
Now, the hero, Ben, is what you call a dick. Not only does he encompass dickish behaviour, he’s emotionally constipated on top of that. So those things combined didn’t make him the most likeable character at first. He’s not the nicest to Kyle.
But then. But then.
Christina C. Jones peeled back those layers and explored them for both of our characters and my heart just broke into pieces.
The dickish behaviour is never excused. The idiot is self-aware enough at least to recognise when he’s being an ass and he gets called out. But he began to make so much sense.
They both are in so much pain, have such a guard up. They’re so unbelievably closed off because of their tragic pasts and you don’t get to find out right away what is hurting them. You really see these characters function on autopilot for most of the book.
I wish it was slightly longer. I needed more vulnerable moments between them so the relationship could be solidified in my mind and the needs I had for it.
I wouldn’t say they were in love by the end of this. They were on the road to love whilst still going through the process of grief and healing and it fit their story perfectly. I think an epilogue would’ve been nice.
But I still loved this. Christina C. Jones is such a gifted writer.
4.5 ⭐️
Trigger warnings - POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
•The heroine loses her child and her husband in a tragic school shooting.
•The hero deals with the loss of his father and a friend he lost through a fire, in which he bears scars.
•Mention of suicidal ideation
I was not expecting for this book to be so heavy. My heart just feels stomped on right now. 😪
I’m considering the details of the trigger warnings as spoilers, since they don’t come out till much, much later on in the book and they stay a mystery. Not for any dramatic purposes, but mainly because our main characters refuse to talk about it. They cannot think it, let alone talk about it. So I’ve mentioned them at the very end if you need to know them.
For now, I will say that both of them have suffered some unbelievable losses.
I adored our heroine, Kyle. She’s come to this small town to escape. She’s not had it easy and is looking to leave her old life behind. Or find a temporary reprieve till she’s able to face things again.
Now, the hero, Ben, is what you call a dick. Not only does he encompass dickish behaviour, he’s emotionally constipated on top of that. So those things combined didn’t make him the most likeable character at first. He’s not the nicest to Kyle.
But then. But then.
Christina C. Jones peeled back those layers and explored them for both of our characters and my heart just broke into pieces.
The dickish behaviour is never excused. The idiot is self-aware enough at least to recognise when he’s being an ass and he gets called out. But he began to make so much sense.
They both are in so much pain, have such a guard up. They’re so unbelievably closed off because of their tragic pasts and you don’t get to find out right away what is hurting them. You really see these characters function on autopilot for most of the book.
I wish it was slightly longer. I needed more vulnerable moments between them so the relationship could be solidified in my mind and the needs I had for it.
I wouldn’t say they were in love by the end of this. They were on the road to love whilst still going through the process of grief and healing and it fit their story perfectly. I think an epilogue would’ve been nice.
But I still loved this. Christina C. Jones is such a gifted writer.
4.5 ⭐️
Trigger warnings - POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
•The heroine loses her child and her husband in a tragic school shooting.
•The hero deals with the loss of his father and a friend he lost through a fire, in which he bears scars.
•Mention of suicidal ideation
November 14, 2020
Trigger warning for loss of a loved one.
The synopsis of this is so vague, so I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. Kyle has arrived in Sugar Valley and takes a tumble while climbing the mountain and is saved by Ben, who's a forest ranger (I think? It might be called something else, but I can't remember). From the moment they meet, Ben is grumpy and butts heads with Kyle, but the heat between them is undeniable. It was so cute watching them fall for each other while they fought and while they were both recovering from their pasts. A lot of this book took place climbing the mountain and in the wilderness, which I loved! The setting was fun and the chemistry was great and I'd highly recommend!
The synopsis of this is so vague, so I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. Kyle has arrived in Sugar Valley and takes a tumble while climbing the mountain and is saved by Ben, who's a forest ranger (I think? It might be called something else, but I can't remember). From the moment they meet, Ben is grumpy and butts heads with Kyle, but the heat between them is undeniable. It was so cute watching them fall for each other while they fought and while they were both recovering from their pasts. A lot of this book took place climbing the mountain and in the wilderness, which I loved! The setting was fun and the chemistry was great and I'd highly recommend!
February 16, 2021
I don't know why it took me so long to finish the book because it was so beautiful. I didn't expect the story to make me so emotional. Definitely a great pick for my first Christina C. Jones book. CW:
The Culmination of Everything was a great choice for my first CCJ book. I've heard so many wonderful things about her as an author and I thought that I would take the opportunity to finally read one of her books. It did not disappoint. It's been a while since I've read a hate to love romance and this definitely filled that void. Kyle traveled to Sugar Valley did get away from things and ended up getting into an accident. Through this accident she meets Ben. The way that they can't stand each other is AMAZING. The tension radiates off the page. I appreciated the banter between the two characters; however, I think what I enjoyed most of all was the support systems they became for each other. It would have never crossed my mind that this well-known, high-profile ER doctor and low-key wilderness junkie of a man would find so many commonalities, but they did. When they were able to move past their pain and trauma and truly see each other, the story unfolded into such a beautiful tale. Jones has a way of reaching to the heart of readers and connecting them emotionally to the characters. The emotional connection that I felt to Kyle blew my mind away especially since our experiences are so different. I felt for her in every way and was so happy when she opened up her heart to new possibilities. For a character that experienced so much I know that wasn't necessarily an easy feat for her. Overall, this book was beautifully done and I can't wait to read the second in the series. In fact, I can't wait to work my way through Jones' back list and see what else she has to offer.
The Culmination of Everything was a great choice for my first CCJ book. I've heard so many wonderful things about her as an author and I thought that I would take the opportunity to finally read one of her books. It did not disappoint. It's been a while since I've read a hate to love romance and this definitely filled that void. Kyle traveled to Sugar Valley did get away from things and ended up getting into an accident. Through this accident she meets Ben. The way that they can't stand each other is AMAZING. The tension radiates off the page. I appreciated the banter between the two characters; however, I think what I enjoyed most of all was the support systems they became for each other. It would have never crossed my mind that this well-known, high-profile ER doctor and low-key wilderness junkie of a man would find so many commonalities, but they did. When they were able to move past their pain and trauma and truly see each other, the story unfolded into such a beautiful tale. Jones has a way of reaching to the heart of readers and connecting them emotionally to the characters. The emotional connection that I felt to Kyle blew my mind away especially since our experiences are so different. I felt for her in every way and was so happy when she opened up her heart to new possibilities. For a character that experienced so much I know that wasn't necessarily an easy feat for her. Overall, this book was beautifully done and I can't wait to read the second in the series. In fact, I can't wait to work my way through Jones' back list and see what else she has to offer.
February 14, 2022
Everything is everything 🎶
This story was just what I needed!! Kind of a forced proximity by choice with a dash of enemies to lovers who love to bang, plus the hero was one of those woodsy types I LOVE!! This was past heartbreak and trauma on both counts, and the healing power of love with Ben & Kyle. I can’t even express the love I had for this story, and the audio was chefs kiss 😘
Read this book!!
This story was just what I needed!! Kind of a forced proximity by choice with a dash of enemies to lovers who love to bang, plus the hero was one of those woodsy types I LOVE!! This was past heartbreak and trauma on both counts, and the healing power of love with Ben & Kyle. I can’t even express the love I had for this story, and the audio was chefs kiss 😘
Read this book!!
March 12, 2023
The Culmination of Everything was everything! I absolutely loved this book! Kyle and Ben’s love story started off quickly as enemies to lovers. These two bumped heads from the jump. Primarily because, Ben was an azzhole. This dude was so dislikable. Kyle has come to Sugar Valley to heal her heart after losing her husband and daughter to gun violence two years earlier. While reflecting on the mountaintop, she has a run in with a bear and Ben has to save her. Fast forward 48 hours later when they run into each other at the bar in the inn and Ben is outrageously rude for absolutely no reason at all. I mean, this dude was all kinds of out of line. From that moment on, Ben and Kyle embark on a rollercoaster ride of dislike for one another. But, as we delve deeper in the book, we find out that Ben is dealing with his own trauma which, is the cause for his atrocious behavior. Kyle and Ben were two broken hearted souls who were perfect for one another. They may not have known it at the time but, they were what each other needed to start their healing process. Then we have a little senior drama brewing on the side with Regina and Doris and their deceased and ex-husbands. As much as I loved this book, I had a few issues with it. Why was there no closure with Morgan? The last we saw of him was when he was having dinner with Kyle and some other people. After she and Ben had their fight, we didn’t hear from Morgan again. I feel like we should’ve had some kind of closure with him because, Kyle definitely led him on. Did he ever find out about Kyle and Ben? Why was the fact that Kyle was older than Ben never bought up? That's clearly an age gap that should’ve addressed. They never discussed their ages with one another so, I don’t think Kyle even knew she was older than Ben. And, the whole baby issue is something that should’ve been resolved. She kept telling Ben she couldn’t have kids but, they never discussed other alternatives. It’s almost like she kept bringing it up because, she didn’t want to have anymore kids. And, I know good and well that can’t be considering how Regina kept going on and on about wanting grandbabies. I really wish those issues had been fleshed out better but, other than that, The Culmination of Everything was a great book. It was definitely a love story for the grown and sexy.
April 27, 2022
This was what I expected it would be, short and sweet. I wasn't ready for all the grief though, and I think that it both helped the story and took away from it.
Some key points:
- The setting is great, very woodsy, much nature-y, I really like it. And Kyle also wasn't incompetent in the wilderness despite her mishaps at the start.
- The small town atmosphere is cool too, but I think the sense of community was missing somewhat due to Kyle and Ben being the focus of the story. Maybe it'll get expanded on in the next books.
- Now the romance...overall it was fine, but I don't really like how it started. In most cases I prefer that the characters have at least some sort of friendship/relationship before getting sexual and here it was the opposite. I have liked a few books like that, but it didn't work for me here.
And why didn't it work for me? Well, for starters I didn't feel the chemistry between Kyle and Ben, it was nonexistent.
This might be because Kyle had a previous relationship with someone who was the love of her life and that ended how it ended, so this is technically a second chance romance and I really really don't like those.
I like my heroes and heroines pining over their one true love until they take their last breath, and if it's not like that, then they better have amazing-off-the-charts chemistry, which, like I said, didn't happen here.
But I can appreciate the journey both of them had to take to move past their grief all the same.
Some key points:
- The setting is great, very woodsy, much nature-y, I really like it. And Kyle also wasn't incompetent in the wilderness despite her mishaps at the start.
- The small town atmosphere is cool too, but I think the sense of community was missing somewhat due to Kyle and Ben being the focus of the story. Maybe it'll get expanded on in the next books.
- Now the romance...overall it was fine, but I don't really like how it started. In most cases I prefer that the characters have at least some sort of friendship/relationship before getting sexual and here it was the opposite. I have liked a few books like that, but it didn't work for me here.
And why didn't it work for me? Well, for starters I didn't feel the chemistry between Kyle and Ben, it was nonexistent.
This might be because Kyle had a previous relationship with someone who was the love of her life and that ended how it ended, so this is technically a second chance romance and I really really don't like those.
I like my heroes and heroines pining over their one true love until they take their last breath, and if it's not like that, then they better have amazing-off-the-charts chemistry, which, like I said, didn't happen here.
But I can appreciate the journey both of them had to take to move past their grief all the same.
April 5, 2024
Grumpy Love
CCJ yo backlist crazy😩
Why was this book so good. I mean had me all in my feelings 😭. Kyle and Ben had an bumpy first interaction...Well Ben was determined to be an azz🤣 I love a grumpy mc🤷🏾♀️ so I was unbothered.
However, even though they didn't seem to care for each other they had a fiery chemistry. Unbeknownst to them they both were battling grief and it felt like they were each other's mirror. Finding familiarity in the core of one another.
Y'all when I tell you, you could literally feel the pull between them. Sigh this was such a beautifully layered story and I loved it!
If you have yet to read it, this is your sign to read it!
CCJ yo backlist crazy😩
Why was this book so good. I mean had me all in my feelings 😭. Kyle and Ben had an bumpy first interaction...Well Ben was determined to be an azz🤣 I love a grumpy mc🤷🏾♀️ so I was unbothered.
However, even though they didn't seem to care for each other they had a fiery chemistry. Unbeknownst to them they both were battling grief and it felt like they were each other's mirror. Finding familiarity in the core of one another.
Y'all when I tell you, you could literally feel the pull between them. Sigh this was such a beautifully layered story and I loved it!
If you have yet to read it, this is your sign to read it!
March 26, 2022
4 1/2 to 5 stars
March 4, 2024
Listen, I didn’t know where this book was going to go when I started reading it but im glad it went in the direction it did! You literally cannot go wrong with CCJ! I love me some her!
Small town romance that I ate up! It follows Kyle & Ben. Kyle, who is escaping her hometown after something tragic, and Ben who is the ranger of the town (Sugar Valley) in which she finds herself in. I loved the banter between these two. This wasn’t your typical enemies to lovers but i loved it all the same!
Such a beautiful story about love after losing a love one!
Content/Trigger Warnings: loss of a loved one, grief on and/off the page, gun violence, and school shooting.
Small town romance that I ate up! It follows Kyle & Ben. Kyle, who is escaping her hometown after something tragic, and Ben who is the ranger of the town (Sugar Valley) in which she finds herself in. I loved the banter between these two. This wasn’t your typical enemies to lovers but i loved it all the same!
Such a beautiful story about love after losing a love one!
Content/Trigger Warnings: loss of a loved one, grief on and/off the page, gun violence, and school shooting.
July 19, 2022
CCJ is my queen of black romance and I've enjoyed every single book I've read by her. This is definitely a favorite of mine by her as I think the story and writing is *chefs kiss*. This is an emotional story that deals with heavy topics, but it had a lighthearted feel that really balanced out the book. If you want a black small town romance then I highly recommend this book!
Tropes
Small Town Romance
Black Romance
"Enemies" to lovers
Grumpy Hero
Broken Hero
What I liked
- I love small town romances and I am on the hunt for more black romances in this trope (small town). I really enjoyed it!
- The heroine, Kyle is a doctor and I loved that about the story as well.
- Ben, our grumpy hero grew on me as I felt that he was a little beyond grumpy and more just straight up mean lol. However, it added for some fun banter and sexual tension to the story.
- This has a lot of climbing and wilderness moments which was a fun addition do the story and something I enjoy in small town romances.
- This is one of CCJ's best written books in my opinion. She has her classic style of writing the dialogue, steam, characters are very good. However, this story deals with some difficult topics and I think she did an awesome job with not making this book sad and depressing. It was well balanced and I appreciated that.
What I didn't like
- This book deals with a lot of triggering content and I think TW's were really needed. Please be aware of this if you plan on reading this book.
- The mc's had sizzling chemistry and sexual tension which I enjoyed.
- Lastly, this book ended abruptly and I think this would've benefited from an epilogue.
Audiobook Performance
- The narrators were excellent and I highly recommend listening to it.
- The narrators are Sean Crisden and Wesleigh Siobhan (one of my favorite female narrators)
- 4.5/5 ⭐️ for the narration
CW: death of a loved one, grief, gun violence, school shooting.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*July 19th- bumped this to 5 star. One of my favorites of the year. One of my favorites by this author.
Tropes
Small Town Romance
Black Romance
"Enemies" to lovers
Grumpy Hero
Broken Hero
What I liked
- I love small town romances and I am on the hunt for more black romances in this trope (small town). I really enjoyed it!
- The heroine, Kyle is a doctor and I loved that about the story as well.
- Ben, our grumpy hero grew on me as I felt that he was a little beyond grumpy and more just straight up mean lol. However, it added for some fun banter and sexual tension to the story.
- This has a lot of climbing and wilderness moments which was a fun addition do the story and something I enjoy in small town romances.
- This is one of CCJ's best written books in my opinion. She has her classic style of writing the dialogue, steam, characters are very good. However, this story deals with some difficult topics and I think she did an awesome job with not making this book sad and depressing. It was well balanced and I appreciated that.
What I didn't like
- This book deals with a lot of triggering content and I think TW's were really needed. Please be aware of this if you plan on reading this book.
- The mc's had sizzling chemistry and sexual tension which I enjoyed.
- Lastly, this book ended abruptly and I think this would've benefited from an epilogue.
Audiobook Performance
- The narrators were excellent and I highly recommend listening to it.
- The narrators are Sean Crisden and Wesleigh Siobhan (one of my favorite female narrators)
- 4.5/5 ⭐️ for the narration
CW: death of a loved one, grief, gun violence, school shooting.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*July 19th- bumped this to 5 star. One of my favorites of the year. One of my favorites by this author.
February 9, 2020
Although Ben and Kyle's relationship started rocky, communication and finding themselves made it alright. Ben was not the easiest person to get along with... Great relatable characters and realistic situations. This author has a way of writing a story that, by the end has me feeling all giddy inside. This story was well worth the read and I'm looking forward to reading more about these Big Sugar residents
October 20, 2018
Sometimes you have to lose it all to find yourself. But even in a bottomless pit you can find light. That's what Kyle sets out to do and in the most unlikely place too. Ben doesn't really like Kyle being on his mountain, but when these two meet in a series of unfortunate events, he can't help but see they have more in common than he would have ever thought.
I have yet to see Jones take on a storyline that is even remotely similar to her past books (and that's a lot of books, lol) or anything that is out on the market. The storylines are so unique and plausible, giving you a dose of fantasy mixed with reality. I appreciated this book so much and could relate to some of the heroine's feelings.
I also can appreciate the fact that not only was the heroine broken but so was the hero. There is no 'damsel in distress needing saving'. They both need to be rescued from past pains and guilt. I loved that Kyle is a sharp shooter and a 'take no mess' kind of woman. She was just the right match against Ben's cantankerous nature. And let's get this right, he is an a-hole for most of the book, but when you understand why you will be rooting for him to let Kyle in and mend his bruised heart...while patching her own.
I love the way Jones infuses the hero and heroine's pasts into the plot so we get small crumbs as to what has happened to make them who they are in present time. There was a feel of mystery and suspense throughout the entire plot: I really was shocked at what Kyle and Ben had faced. I was pleased with the pacing and that it ended with the story coming full circle and that it also ended on a note that was well suited to the characters.
April 21, 2022
The Culmination of Everything takes place in the small town of Sugar Valley! Kyle (named after her dead uncle) is temporarily staying in Sugar Valley in an effort to find closure after suffering the loss of her husband and daughter several years ago. During a hike in the mountains, Kyle falls and is rescued by the town's park ranger, Ben. Ben is a top notch a**hole who has his own baggage as well. They start off on the WRONG foot, liking nothing about each other's personalities. They can't deny that the physical attraction is there, which leads to an enemies with benefits situation that leads to more.
I enjoyed watching Kyle and Ben come to terms with their own baggage so that they could enjoy their happily ever after with each other. This book was less than 300 pages, but the author was able to superbly develop both the main characters, and supporting characters who will be in later books. Kyle and Ben were hilarious, and their chemistry was something I definitely enjoyed reading! My only wish is that there had been an epilogue to see more of their HEA! If you like enemies to lovers and small town living, with a hero and heroine who are working through some things to find love, then this is the read for you!
TROPES: enemies to lovers/enemies with benefits; small town
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death of a spouse/child; physical scars due to fire
I enjoyed watching Kyle and Ben come to terms with their own baggage so that they could enjoy their happily ever after with each other. This book was less than 300 pages, but the author was able to superbly develop both the main characters, and supporting characters who will be in later books. Kyle and Ben were hilarious, and their chemistry was something I definitely enjoyed reading! My only wish is that there had been an epilogue to see more of their HEA! If you like enemies to lovers and small town living, with a hero and heroine who are working through some things to find love, then this is the read for you!
TROPES: enemies to lovers/enemies with benefits; small town
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death of a spouse/child; physical scars due to fire
June 23, 2022
The Culmination of Everything is my new favorite Christina C. Jones read! This is a shorter (less than 300 pages), small town romance with two strong characters dealing with grief, loss, and loads of chemistry! This book does deal with heavy loss and I’ve noted content warnings for this read at the end of this review.
Kyle is a successful trauma surgeon from the big city. She has taken a sabbatical from work to venture to the small mountain town of Sugar Valley. Kyle is dealing with the loss of her husband and their daughter and just wants the time with her own mind and heart out in the wilderness. On one of her first days, she ends up falling while hiking the local mountain and wakes up after she was saved from grumpy, but hunky, forest ranger Ben. Ben can’t stand Kyle from the start, when he had to rescue her he definitely assumes the worst about her: that she was ill-prepared and only up there trying to get a social media-worthy photo. But she equally cannot stand his grumpy self. Their chemistry though is sizzling from the start and Kyle is the first to point out they should give in and enjoy this enemies-with-benefits situation.
I love a small town romance and this one was no different, it delivered on all of those close-knit ties that small town reads give you. Kyle is also trying to decide if she even wants to return back to the city, her home where she’s reminded of her loss, and her busy job. I really loved the romance and chemistry in this one and it also had a very heavy, emotional vibe running through it. Kyle and Ben both have lost loved ones in their lives recently and have that grief in common. I liked how the weight of that and emotions came into play for their story together. The push and pull of these characters does not stop and I was laughing at some of the stubborn banter they have with one another. I didn’t want to leave these 2 when their story was over!
CW: death of a loved one, loss of a spouse, loss of a child, burn scars from a fire, gun violence and school shooting
Kyle is a successful trauma surgeon from the big city. She has taken a sabbatical from work to venture to the small mountain town of Sugar Valley. Kyle is dealing with the loss of her husband and their daughter and just wants the time with her own mind and heart out in the wilderness. On one of her first days, she ends up falling while hiking the local mountain and wakes up after she was saved from grumpy, but hunky, forest ranger Ben. Ben can’t stand Kyle from the start, when he had to rescue her he definitely assumes the worst about her: that she was ill-prepared and only up there trying to get a social media-worthy photo. But she equally cannot stand his grumpy self. Their chemistry though is sizzling from the start and Kyle is the first to point out they should give in and enjoy this enemies-with-benefits situation.
I love a small town romance and this one was no different, it delivered on all of those close-knit ties that small town reads give you. Kyle is also trying to decide if she even wants to return back to the city, her home where she’s reminded of her loss, and her busy job. I really loved the romance and chemistry in this one and it also had a very heavy, emotional vibe running through it. Kyle and Ben both have lost loved ones in their lives recently and have that grief in common. I liked how the weight of that and emotions came into play for their story together. The push and pull of these characters does not stop and I was laughing at some of the stubborn banter they have with one another. I didn’t want to leave these 2 when their story was over!
CW: death of a loved one, loss of a spouse, loss of a child, burn scars from a fire, gun violence and school shooting
February 24, 2021
Loved this book. Gorgeous writing, lovely characters and a beautiful story.
I adore a cranky ass hero who becomes sweet as pie for the person he falls in love with. I just want to read all those stories please.
This is a super lovely and at times a funny read but it also deal with heavy themes. I bawled my eyes out but they get their HEA so it was all worth it.
Honestly, my only criticism is that I really would have loved a longer story.
did-not-finish
April 26, 2024DNF at 24%.
"They say crazy women have the best 🐱" (quote by "hero" who is inside the heroine at the time he says it)
🤮
I already hated the way the heroine acts TSTL. And then, this!? I cannot.
"They say crazy women have the best 🐱" (quote by "hero" who is inside the heroine at the time he says it)
🤮
I already hated the way the heroine acts TSTL. And then, this!? I cannot.
March 27, 2022
Great read
I want to take a trip to Sugar Valley. Ben was not the typical sweep you off your feet kind of guy but I loved him. Kyle did not take his crap and I enjoyed their back and forth banter. I was late to the party but I would recommend this book.
I want to take a trip to Sugar Valley. Ben was not the typical sweep you off your feet kind of guy but I loved him. Kyle did not take his crap and I enjoyed their back and forth banter. I was late to the party but I would recommend this book.
June 11, 2023
What a beautiful story of grief, love and embracing a new life. CCJ crafts such wonderful stories that make you feel every emotion possible.
August 12, 2025
4.5⭐️ Grief, healing, and the kind of love that grows in the cracks
When Stacie recommends me a book, I usually just say “okay” and dive in—no questions asked. Christina C. Jones is already an auto-read for me (and I’m still gleefully binging her backlist), so I thought I knew the emotional terrain I was stepping into. But this one? This one blindsided me.
The Culmination of Everything was heavier than I expected—life after immense tragedy, set against the backdrop of a small mountain town so vividly drawn I’d book a getaway to Sugar Valley tomorrow (not for the tragedy). This isn’t just a romance. It’s a meditation on grief—raw, honest, authentic grief—and how it reshapes people in ways they don’t always recognise until they meet someone carrying a weight of their own.
Kyle comes to Sugar Valley to escape. We don’t know why. She’s on a kind of sabbatical, nursing wounds we can’t yet see. Ben, on the other hand, is… well, an asshole. A grumpy, judgmental, emotionally constipated asshole. But Christina C. Jones doesn’t leave him there. She peels back his layers—slowly, deliberately—until you understand the reasons underneath and, against your better judgment, you’re joining the Ben fan club.
The beauty of this book is in the unfolding. We get pieces of Kyle’s and Ben’s stories in careful increments, each revelation deepening the ache and the connection. There’s one particular small-town meeting scene that stopped me cold—suddenly I understood Kyle in a way that made me both like and admire her even more.
Yes, there’s insta-lust, and yes, they get to it quickly, but here, intimacy is a plot device, not the plot itself. It’s sex as therapy, distraction, and escape… until it begins to shift into something slower, steadier, and infinitely more dangerous for two people used to their own walls. That shift felt organic, earned, and so true to how grief-touched relationships often evolve.
This isn’t a perfect romance—not in the fairy-tale sense. Instead, it’s one of those rare love stories that offers you a fragment of what love can look like beyond your own definitions. It’s about finding someone whose broken edges fit yours just enough to let in the light. And it’s about how, sometimes, the culmination of everything isn’t a grand, sweeping gesture—it’s simply the courage to stay.
When Stacie recommends me a book, I usually just say “okay” and dive in—no questions asked. Christina C. Jones is already an auto-read for me (and I’m still gleefully binging her backlist), so I thought I knew the emotional terrain I was stepping into. But this one? This one blindsided me.
The Culmination of Everything was heavier than I expected—life after immense tragedy, set against the backdrop of a small mountain town so vividly drawn I’d book a getaway to Sugar Valley tomorrow (not for the tragedy). This isn’t just a romance. It’s a meditation on grief—raw, honest, authentic grief—and how it reshapes people in ways they don’t always recognise until they meet someone carrying a weight of their own.
Kyle comes to Sugar Valley to escape. We don’t know why. She’s on a kind of sabbatical, nursing wounds we can’t yet see. Ben, on the other hand, is… well, an asshole. A grumpy, judgmental, emotionally constipated asshole. But Christina C. Jones doesn’t leave him there. She peels back his layers—slowly, deliberately—until you understand the reasons underneath and, against your better judgment, you’re joining the Ben fan club.
The beauty of this book is in the unfolding. We get pieces of Kyle’s and Ben’s stories in careful increments, each revelation deepening the ache and the connection. There’s one particular small-town meeting scene that stopped me cold—suddenly I understood Kyle in a way that made me both like and admire her even more.
Yes, there’s insta-lust, and yes, they get to it quickly, but here, intimacy is a plot device, not the plot itself. It’s sex as therapy, distraction, and escape… until it begins to shift into something slower, steadier, and infinitely more dangerous for two people used to their own walls. That shift felt organic, earned, and so true to how grief-touched relationships often evolve.
This isn’t a perfect romance—not in the fairy-tale sense. Instead, it’s one of those rare love stories that offers you a fragment of what love can look like beyond your own definitions. It’s about finding someone whose broken edges fit yours just enough to let in the light. And it’s about how, sometimes, the culmination of everything isn’t a grand, sweeping gesture—it’s simply the courage to stay.
June 29, 2025
4.5 stars
Kyle and Ben’s story was everything. After experiencing deep loss, Kyle heads to Sugar Valley in search of healing and a sense of self. What she didn’t expect was to find love especially not with Ben, the grumpy, frustrating stranger who somehow becomes exactly what she needs.
Their journey was tender, emotional, and unexpectedly beautiful. A story about grief, growth, and love that shows up when you least expect it.
Kyle and Ben’s story was everything. After experiencing deep loss, Kyle heads to Sugar Valley in search of healing and a sense of self. What she didn’t expect was to find love especially not with Ben, the grumpy, frustrating stranger who somehow becomes exactly what she needs.
Their journey was tender, emotional, and unexpectedly beautiful. A story about grief, growth, and love that shows up when you least expect it.
October 19, 2018
Differently Delicious
A bitter enemies to ardent lovers story, told with a flare for deliciousness. Kyle and Ben nearly drew blows with their harsh world, to end up in a loving relationship was unfathomable at the onset of the story. She was a match for his harsh coat of armour. The masterful way the author made us believe their relationship would culminate into something sweet was Real Talk!
A bitter enemies to ardent lovers story, told with a flare for deliciousness. Kyle and Ben nearly drew blows with their harsh world, to end up in a loving relationship was unfathomable at the onset of the story. She was a match for his harsh coat of armour. The masterful way the author made us believe their relationship would culminate into something sweet was Real Talk!
October 20, 2018
Absolutely amazing
Sugar Valley definitely sounds like a place I'd love to visit and unwind. I love Ben and Kyle's story. I love how there separate tragedies brought them familiar solace. Can't wait to see more from the Sugar Valley cast.
Sugar Valley definitely sounds like a place I'd love to visit and unwind. I love Ben and Kyle's story. I love how there separate tragedies brought them familiar solace. Can't wait to see more from the Sugar Valley cast.
October 19, 2018
Waxed Poetic
I knew after reading the first page that CCJ was playing no games! She has proven her talent time and time again but this latest offering, you felt as if something had shifted her writing to the next stratosphere. This book was not like anything that I have read from her before.
Kyle and Ben were intoxicating, I love a good love/hate dynamic because that means that there is unbridled passion bubbling at the surface. CCJ has been the author that often teleports her reader to the afro centric, urban metropolis Mahogany Heights but this time the trendy epicenter is exchanged for a small town landscaped with trees, mountain, expansive land and I was totally here for it.
I inhaled this book in one sitting, I could not get enough. The story was complete but left room for so much more. This is another certifiable banger! Read this one today!
I knew after reading the first page that CCJ was playing no games! She has proven her talent time and time again but this latest offering, you felt as if something had shifted her writing to the next stratosphere. This book was not like anything that I have read from her before.
Kyle and Ben were intoxicating, I love a good love/hate dynamic because that means that there is unbridled passion bubbling at the surface. CCJ has been the author that often teleports her reader to the afro centric, urban metropolis Mahogany Heights but this time the trendy epicenter is exchanged for a small town landscaped with trees, mountain, expansive land and I was totally here for it.
I inhaled this book in one sitting, I could not get enough. The story was complete but left room for so much more. This is another certifiable banger! Read this one today!
March 29, 2022
4 1/2 "Healing" Stars!
I absolutely loved this story. Life after immense tragedy in the perfect small mountain town. Enemies to lovers at it's best. Happy reading!
I absolutely loved this story. Life after immense tragedy in the perfect small mountain town. Enemies to lovers at it's best. Happy reading!
October 19, 2018
This was everything!
I wish I could get a CCJ novel once a week. I won’t be greedy and ask for one daily. She always manages to help me escape into the world of really interesting people that I have a hard time letting go of. As always, I have secondary characters that I hope will get books of their own.
I wish I could get a CCJ novel once a week. I won’t be greedy and ask for one daily. She always manages to help me escape into the world of really interesting people that I have a hard time letting go of. As always, I have secondary characters that I hope will get books of their own.
November 24, 2023
This was a beautiful story on dealing with grief and finding happiness after such major loss. I definitely enjoyed the banter between Kyle and Ben it was funny, both unapologetically themselves and the tension was great. Another great read from CCJ. Definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 14, 2018
Love!!!!!
Omg I so want more of them! I love how they weren’t the traditional boy meets nice girl and falls in love. They were so perfect for each other and I definitely would love to read more about them.
Omg I so want more of them! I love how they weren’t the traditional boy meets nice girl and falls in love. They were so perfect for each other and I definitely would love to read more about them.
February 25, 2020
Healing
Both of the characters were going through a healing process and it was nice that they were able to work on it together. I enjoyed their story and being introduced to the Sugar Valley community.
Both of the characters were going through a healing process and it was nice that they were able to work on it together. I enjoyed their story and being introduced to the Sugar Valley community.
November 1, 2018
Excellent
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