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Love And Other Things
Tara... well, Tara sucks at choosing men. Cheaters, deadbeats, even criminals, Tara just seems to have a magnetic attraction for dysfunctional relationships. That is, until she meets Chris. Will she be able to move past her failures at love to explore something new?Val is a handful. Completely uninterested in anything that even resembles love, she's willing to push away the one person who would do anything for her. Can she come to her senses, and embrace the possibility of forever before it's too late?Kristin already has the perfect marriage. For almost 15 years, her friends have considered her relationship the "blueprint" for lasting love. But the surface is usually a lot more polished than what it covers. When her marriage is put to the test, will it pass?Love and Other Things takes you on a journey with three friends as they navigate betrayal, hurt, demons from the past to find second chances at love.
202 pages, Paperback
Published December 29, 2018
156 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 23, 2023
I enjoyed this audiobook
November 3, 2021
I hate to say this but, I was not a fan of Love and Other Things. This book was a drastic change from CCJ’s other books. It was so PG-13, that it bordered on being G rated. You could count the cuss words in this book on one hand and not use all of your fingers. There was only one sex scene and, if you blinked, you missed it. She clearly changed her writing style and thank God she did. Each story was good but, they just weren’t what I come to expect from a CCJ book. I’m just glad Love and Other Things wasn’t the first book I read by CCJ because, if it was, I probably wouldn’t’ve read another by her.
April 12, 2015
Love and Other Things tells the story of three friends, with their own challenges, attempt to breakthrough their challenges and find love again. This book could be considered a collection of “second chance at love” stories.
In Part One, “Third Time’s A Charm,” we meet Tara who has had her fill of the cheaters, deadbeats and, yes, criminals to last a lifetime. She has just about given up on the male population when she meets Chris. Even though she and Chris meet under unusual circumstances, the attraction is apparent and Chris makes the first move and asks Tara out. The two embark on a relationship, but Chris realizes Tara has past scars and is afraid to trust her heart.
In Part Two, “Where I Want To Be,” Val is running from love and does almost everything under the sun to push Devon away but cannot stop wanting to be with him. Devon, a devout bachelor, has fallen hard for Val and wants more than the friends-with-benefits relationship they have establish but cannot figure how to get Val to see they are meant for each other.
Finally, in Part Three, “Do Over,” we meet Kristen and Jackson. Kristen has been married to Ahmed for 15 years and everyone believes she had the perfect marriage. She suspects all is not well with her marriage, and during this turbulent time she meets Jackson at a conference. She feels the attraction but knows she must stay true to her vows, not realizing that betrayal is not far from her doorstep.
I really enjoyed Love and Other Things, and it was a quick read. Readers will see Tara’s struggles to realize Chris is one of the good ones. Val has past issues that will not allow her to find happiness with Devon, but a tragic event forces her to realize she is worthy of him. Finally, Kristen faces the ultimate deception and feels her world has ended until she meets Jackson. She realizes that she has not really experienced love until Jackson came into her life.
Ms. Jones told a great story with these friends and I love forward to book 2. Overall this was a good read.
-Reviewed by Deborah
In Part One, “Third Time’s A Charm,” we meet Tara who has had her fill of the cheaters, deadbeats and, yes, criminals to last a lifetime. She has just about given up on the male population when she meets Chris. Even though she and Chris meet under unusual circumstances, the attraction is apparent and Chris makes the first move and asks Tara out. The two embark on a relationship, but Chris realizes Tara has past scars and is afraid to trust her heart.
In Part Two, “Where I Want To Be,” Val is running from love and does almost everything under the sun to push Devon away but cannot stop wanting to be with him. Devon, a devout bachelor, has fallen hard for Val and wants more than the friends-with-benefits relationship they have establish but cannot figure how to get Val to see they are meant for each other.
Finally, in Part Three, “Do Over,” we meet Kristen and Jackson. Kristen has been married to Ahmed for 15 years and everyone believes she had the perfect marriage. She suspects all is not well with her marriage, and during this turbulent time she meets Jackson at a conference. She feels the attraction but knows she must stay true to her vows, not realizing that betrayal is not far from her doorstep.
I really enjoyed Love and Other Things, and it was a quick read. Readers will see Tara’s struggles to realize Chris is one of the good ones. Val has past issues that will not allow her to find happiness with Devon, but a tragic event forces her to realize she is worthy of him. Finally, Kristen faces the ultimate deception and feels her world has ended until she meets Jackson. She realizes that she has not really experienced love until Jackson came into her life.
Ms. Jones told a great story with these friends and I love forward to book 2. Overall this was a good read.
-Reviewed by Deborah
January 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! This was my first read by this author, but it most definitely won’t be my last!
What I enjoyed most about this book is that it gave me MAJOR “Love Jones” vibes. Love Jones is the GREATEST (romance) film of all time-don’t debate me on this. Just, don’t-so you can imagine how I was reeling and swooning while reading! It helped that there was a LJ reference towards the end of the book as well!
I was REALLY impressed with the author’s ability to pack so much information into this book. It’s not that big of a book at all, and I was kinda taken aback that I was able to connect with the characters as much as I did because of this. There are THREE stories intertwined together throughout he duration of this book. THREE UM! Lol!
I really wanted to give it 5 stars but I didn’t for two reasons: 1. There’s a spoiler in the book. 😩 I learned a MAJOR detail about a couple before it actually happened (girlfriend chit chat, but still...) and that was kind of huge for me. I’m pretty sure that this wasn’t intentional on the author’s part, but it happened. 2. I felt that the last story was a bit rushed. Again, this book isn’t big by any means, but I still felt that the last couple’s relationship moved a bit too fast considering the circumstances around it. It felt a bit rushed.
Above all, this was an awesome book and I am so glad that I can add another BOMB Black, Female author that writes about #BlackLove to my list! Every single character in this book was black! Chocolate brown, butter pecan brown with kinky twists, blackety-Black with locs. I just...LIVE! 🖤🖤
🖤🖤
What I enjoyed most about this book is that it gave me MAJOR “Love Jones” vibes. Love Jones is the GREATEST (romance) film of all time-don’t debate me on this. Just, don’t-so you can imagine how I was reeling and swooning while reading! It helped that there was a LJ reference towards the end of the book as well!
I was REALLY impressed with the author’s ability to pack so much information into this book. It’s not that big of a book at all, and I was kinda taken aback that I was able to connect with the characters as much as I did because of this. There are THREE stories intertwined together throughout he duration of this book. THREE UM! Lol!
I really wanted to give it 5 stars but I didn’t for two reasons: 1. There’s a spoiler in the book. 😩 I learned a MAJOR detail about a couple before it actually happened (girlfriend chit chat, but still...) and that was kind of huge for me. I’m pretty sure that this wasn’t intentional on the author’s part, but it happened. 2. I felt that the last story was a bit rushed. Again, this book isn’t big by any means, but I still felt that the last couple’s relationship moved a bit too fast considering the circumstances around it. It felt a bit rushed.
Above all, this was an awesome book and I am so glad that I can add another BOMB Black, Female author that writes about #BlackLove to my list! Every single character in this book was black! Chocolate brown, butter pecan brown with kinky twists, blackety-Black with locs. I just...LIVE! 🖤🖤
🖤🖤
November 28, 2025
This one follows three friends who were unlucky in love… until they weren’t.
Tara & Chris - How does the FBI agent investigating your ex end up being your new man!?
Val & Devin — Whew, Val had to go through a horrible encounter to realize that love should never require abandoning yourself. Watching her healing, and then choose Devin! Beautiful.
Kristen & Jackson — Listen… Ahmad would’ve had to give me a better reason because I still have questions. But Kristen and Jackson were so sweet together, I just wanted a little more time with them and their love.
CCJ gave us three different relationships, but all came together perfectly.
Happy 12th anniversary, CCJ! Thank you for these beautiful love stories🥰♥️
Tara & Chris - How does the FBI agent investigating your ex end up being your new man!?
Val & Devin — Whew, Val had to go through a horrible encounter to realize that love should never require abandoning yourself. Watching her healing, and then choose Devin! Beautiful.
Kristen & Jackson — Listen… Ahmad would’ve had to give me a better reason because I still have questions. But Kristen and Jackson were so sweet together, I just wanted a little more time with them and their love.
CCJ gave us three different relationships, but all came together perfectly.
Happy 12th anniversary, CCJ! Thank you for these beautiful love stories🥰♥️
December 11, 2016
I was attracted to this because of the cover. It just looked like something I needed to read.
I was a bit hesitant because it isn't one story it is three shorts that are loosely connected and my track record with being happy with shorts is well, short.
But I have to say the author worked the length for all three stories great.
Of the three I thought I would like Kristen's the most because there is just something in me that likes a woman triumphing over a shady ass loser husband. I find that kinda rewarding. I thought I'd like Tara's the least maybe because there is just something in me that swerves away from the bad man magnet type. Neither of those things came true. I liked both stories equally but actually liked Val's the best. There was something so charming at her and Devon.
Anyway, this was a nice surprise for me and a nice Af-Am romance/Chick lit.
I was a bit hesitant because it isn't one story it is three shorts that are loosely connected and my track record with being happy with shorts is well, short.
But I have to say the author worked the length for all three stories great.
Of the three I thought I would like Kristen's the most because there is just something in me that likes a woman triumphing over a shady ass loser husband. I find that kinda rewarding. I thought I'd like Tara's the least maybe because there is just something in me that swerves away from the bad man magnet type. Neither of those things came true. I liked both stories equally but actually liked Val's the best. There was something so charming at her and Devon.
Anyway, this was a nice surprise for me and a nice Af-Am romance/Chick lit.
February 9, 2014
Christina C. Jones is an author to watch.
Her female characters are like good friends, women you recognize immediately, and love right away, flaws and all. The men are regular guys, trying to figure out this crazy thing called love. In this book, with three shorts about three best friends, she manages to develop her characters fully, and avoid all of the romance cliches that sometimes make you feel like you're reading the same book over and over again, albeit by different authors.
Jones' voice is relaxed and conversational, witty and fun. And she's not seduced by the gimmick of lots of graphic sex either, a gutsy move for a romance writer in this day and age. But her writing is strong, so she doesn't need it. I'm pretty sure I'll read all her stuff from now on.
Her female characters are like good friends, women you recognize immediately, and love right away, flaws and all. The men are regular guys, trying to figure out this crazy thing called love. In this book, with three shorts about three best friends, she manages to develop her characters fully, and avoid all of the romance cliches that sometimes make you feel like you're reading the same book over and over again, albeit by different authors.
Jones' voice is relaxed and conversational, witty and fun. And she's not seduced by the gimmick of lots of graphic sex either, a gutsy move for a romance writer in this day and age. But her writing is strong, so she doesn't need it. I'm pretty sure I'll read all her stuff from now on.
July 13, 2020
Three really cute stories intertwining three best friends and their quests for solid relationships and true love.
However, you also get to see that although love can be beautiful and sweet, with the wrong person it can also be scary and dangerous.
However, you also get to see that although love can be beautiful and sweet, with the wrong person it can also be scary and dangerous.
February 25, 2018
This book left me a bit wanting. Check out my full review here: https://youtu.be/m0HEXn7_XHM
February 3, 2025
Relationships can be complicated, but love is the answer. 😊
December 26, 2015
So, I'm a quirky reader, aight? Ya'll know this. I like books that are set in the US because I am an ethnocentric a-hole. I like historical fiction, but not set in wartime (usually) and not set abroad. And I like novels. Big, long, full length novels. I don't want to have an affair with a short story, a tryst with a novella. I want a long relationship with a book.
So when I come upon a collection of stories, my first mind is nah. NAH. Because... I can't have a relationship with a character for 50 pages, and then switch to some other character like those fast tail short story readers I know. *judgy face*
This book though? This book right here ya'll? THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE is a collection of stories done right. It is, in actuality, three novellas, each telling their own story but all are wrapped up together. Brill. BRILL, I SAY!
Story One is Tara and Chris. Tara.......really sucks at choosing men. Her last two are the antithesis of #WINNING. So when she meets FBI agent Chris, she is extremely leery of making a bad choice. But Chris is a fine, upstanding and patient young man who shows Tara that maybe her run of bad luck with men is over.
Story Two (my fave of the three) is Val and Devon. They're Cut Buddies that used to be a couple and they just cannot let it go. While both of them try to move on, the attraction is still strong and, eventually, they both need to make moves toward what makes them happy. I really enjoyed this story, especially Devon giving his current girlfriend the boot she so richly deserves.
Story Three is Kristen and Jackson. I didn't enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed the first two, however there were still plenty of jaw dropping moments. Kristin and Ahmed have been married for 15 years and the relationship is falling apart. When Kristin comes face to face with Ahmed's secret life, she's not even all that sad... because she's got something-- someone-- to look forward to.
I may be biased, since I enjoy all of Christina's work, but an author that gets me to read short stories is a darn good author. I forced myself to read Twelve Tribes of Hattie (because Auntie Oprah said to!), which is also a short story collection where the stories are intertwined. Maybe it was the length of this book, maybe it was the subject matter or the author or that I have........grown......since Twelve Tribes, but I enjoyed this novel and I'm still working my way through Christina's backlist.
Pick this one up if you like funny, romantic, sexy reads featuring black characters.
So when I come upon a collection of stories, my first mind is nah. NAH. Because... I can't have a relationship with a character for 50 pages, and then switch to some other character like those fast tail short story readers I know. *judgy face*
This book though? This book right here ya'll? THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE is a collection of stories done right. It is, in actuality, three novellas, each telling their own story but all are wrapped up together. Brill. BRILL, I SAY!
Story One is Tara and Chris. Tara.......really sucks at choosing men. Her last two are the antithesis of #WINNING. So when she meets FBI agent Chris, she is extremely leery of making a bad choice. But Chris is a fine, upstanding and patient young man who shows Tara that maybe her run of bad luck with men is over.
Story Two (my fave of the three) is Val and Devon. They're Cut Buddies that used to be a couple and they just cannot let it go. While both of them try to move on, the attraction is still strong and, eventually, they both need to make moves toward what makes them happy. I really enjoyed this story, especially Devon giving his current girlfriend the boot she so richly deserves.
Story Three is Kristen and Jackson. I didn't enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed the first two, however there were still plenty of jaw dropping moments. Kristin and Ahmed have been married for 15 years and the relationship is falling apart. When Kristin comes face to face with Ahmed's secret life, she's not even all that sad... because she's got something-- someone-- to look forward to.
I may be biased, since I enjoy all of Christina's work, but an author that gets me to read short stories is a darn good author. I forced myself to read Twelve Tribes of Hattie (because Auntie Oprah said to!), which is also a short story collection where the stories are intertwined. Maybe it was the length of this book, maybe it was the subject matter or the author or that I have........grown......since Twelve Tribes, but I enjoyed this novel and I'm still working my way through Christina's backlist.
Pick this one up if you like funny, romantic, sexy reads featuring black characters.
April 25, 2014
Love and Other Things... Where to begin? I originally read this book because I was impressed by the cover, which I believe was designed by the author. I liked the cover because it is original and gives that Best Man, Love and Basketball, Something New vibe. You know those films that are all about trials and tribulations of relationships and genuine friendships? This book can easily be one of those movies with Gabrielle Union or Sanaa Lathan as one of the leads. Or maybe a television show, a la Girlfriends. With that said, this book definitely lived up to my expectations.
At first I was hesitant upon discovering that the three love stories were told separately instead of interwoven, but it allowed each woman and her respective relationship to be the full center of attention and for the reader to truly bask in the drama. And oh, was there was some drama and foolery and scandal, especially as each stories progressed. If I had to pick my favorite story of the three it would probably be Val, then Kris, and Tara last. Or maybe, Kris first, and Val second. You'll just have to check out this fun little read to decide which woman's story had the most angst, love and redemption.
At first I was hesitant upon discovering that the three love stories were told separately instead of interwoven, but it allowed each woman and her respective relationship to be the full center of attention and for the reader to truly bask in the drama. And oh, was there was some drama and foolery and scandal, especially as each stories progressed. If I had to pick my favorite story of the three it would probably be Val, then Kris, and Tara last. Or maybe, Kris first, and Val second. You'll just have to check out this fun little read to decide which woman's story had the most angst, love and redemption.
September 20, 2021
I originally rated this book three stars when I read in in March 2021 while I was bingeing all things CCJ. I reread it in September 2021 in preparation for the CCJ book club, and I increased the rating to 3 1/2 stars. It is actually a pretty good book, it is just not up to the standard I expect from CCJ which is understandable given how long ago she wrote this.
This is a trilogy of interconnected stories that would probably read a little better if they were woven into a single story. The story of Tara and Chris is the longest story and is your typical girl with relationship trauma meets boy who is just what she needs. Mr. Perfect sweeps her off her feet and she wonders if he is too good to be true. The second story is Tara’s best friend Val and Chris’ friend Devon; neither wants to be in a relationship in the beginning so they are FWB… until Devon catches feelings. Val realizes she loves Devon too, but is scared to death so she is willing to do everything she can to run him away. The final story is Kristen (another of Tara’s friends) who has been happily married to Ahmed through the first two stories… but everything isn’t as good as she thinks it is and a minor flirtation with Jackson might turn in to something more.
This is a trilogy of interconnected stories that would probably read a little better if they were woven into a single story. The story of Tara and Chris is the longest story and is your typical girl with relationship trauma meets boy who is just what she needs. Mr. Perfect sweeps her off her feet and she wonders if he is too good to be true. The second story is Tara’s best friend Val and Chris’ friend Devon; neither wants to be in a relationship in the beginning so they are FWB… until Devon catches feelings. Val realizes she loves Devon too, but is scared to death so she is willing to do everything she can to run him away. The final story is Kristen (another of Tara’s friends) who has been happily married to Ahmed through the first two stories… but everything isn’t as good as she thinks it is and a minor flirtation with Jackson might turn in to something more.
March 4, 2014
One of my favorite authors suggested this book on FB, and since it was free, I decided to check it out. I'm so happy I did! This was a really good book. I loved all of the characters (well, except Ahmad, of course), and for 3 short stories, the storylines all felt pretty complete, and were very good. The dialogue (especially internal!), situations, texts were all on point.
I can't believe this book was free! But, I'm glad it was, because otherwise, I may not have taken the chance on reading the book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
Great job!
I can't believe this book was free! But, I'm glad it was, because otherwise, I may not have taken the chance on reading the book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
Great job!
March 10, 2014
Love conquers all? Sometimes yes sometimes no.
This was a very real story. It tells of the other things that occur when you're in love. It's the story of three friends and their love and other things. A very good read. Sometimes you must let go to go forward...message well delivered. You must read to get the message. You will not be disappointed.
This was a very real story. It tells of the other things that occur when you're in love. It's the story of three friends and their love and other things. A very good read. Sometimes you must let go to go forward...message well delivered. You must read to get the message. You will not be disappointed.
April 28, 2014
I enjoyed these three stories in one about 3 friends and their issues with love. Tara, Kristin, and Val each have unique experiences with love. In this book they each have to face their issues in one way or another. This was a fun, quick read. Perfect if you're looking for a happily ever after ending.
November 9, 2014
Really liked the concept of this book, you get three stories in one book and each one is just as entertaining as the last one. You get to follow the lives of three friends who encounter a lot along their way to happiness. I really want to see what happens next in Nothing but Love. This was my first read by Mrs. Jones but I am definitely going to check more of her work out.
November 8, 2014
I'm not usually a fan of short stories however this was a very good read. The more work I read by this author the more I appreciate her realistic characters and use of humor. The male leads are priceless and the stories are short but at the same time complete and not rushed. Thanks Christina, a really pleasant way to spend a little free time.
February 20, 2014
A pleasant read about 3 friends and their quest to finding real love. Tara and Chris, Valini and Devon and Kristin and Jackson after her divorce from her cheating husband. Three well written, hilarious stories
February 5, 2014
This was another enjoyable read by this author. This is three great love stories. I can't wait to read more of this authors work in the future.
July 30, 2015
Trashy holiday reading. Well written trash though!
November 24, 2025
Love and Other Things was a really good read.
This was a collection of fast-paced short stories. CCJ packed a lot into such a small book. There is no slow build or wasted time. She jumps right into the emotions and the drama, so get really for an emotional roller coaster ride that you will not want to get off.
I loved that we got three separate stories focusing on three different couples (strong BFF FMC group), yet everything still felt interconnected. Even after finishing one couple’s story, you still get little updates about them later in the other stories, which was cool.
I appreciated that each story had its own vibe. The first one had me laughing quite a bit. The second story was a bit more serious and that third one, I felt so sad for
Kristin and how her husband was treating her; when she got her HEA, I rejoiced.
Like every other CCJ book I have read in the past, this was very well written with relatable characters; they felt like people you would know or could meet in real life. The characters were flawed individuals just trying to do their best; I really liked that. The character development and progression were well done, especially for such short stories.
Out of the three, Chris and Tara’s story was my favorite and felt the strongest overall. Val and Devon’s story was also good, though Val had me pulling my hair out with all her indecisiveness and the way she played around with Devon’s emotions. I am happy she got her act together in the end. Kristin and Jackson’s story, while emotional, was my least favorite. After finishing the first story, I was excited for Kristin’s, but it felt a bit rushed and left me wanting more.
The narration for this book was top tier. CCJ always gets the best in the business to narrate her books, so you already know your ears are going to be in heaven when listening to the great Wesleigh Siobhan and Myles Washington. They were a great narrator duo and did an amazing job bringing the characters to life.
Overall, this was a great book. It was quick, emotional, funny, and beautifully narrated. I enjoyed and would absolutely recommend it.
This was a collection of fast-paced short stories. CCJ packed a lot into such a small book. There is no slow build or wasted time. She jumps right into the emotions and the drama, so get really for an emotional roller coaster ride that you will not want to get off.
I loved that we got three separate stories focusing on three different couples (strong BFF FMC group), yet everything still felt interconnected. Even after finishing one couple’s story, you still get little updates about them later in the other stories, which was cool.
I appreciated that each story had its own vibe. The first one had me laughing quite a bit. The second story was a bit more serious and that third one, I felt so sad for
Kristin and how her husband was treating her; when she got her HEA, I rejoiced.
Like every other CCJ book I have read in the past, this was very well written with relatable characters; they felt like people you would know or could meet in real life. The characters were flawed individuals just trying to do their best; I really liked that. The character development and progression were well done, especially for such short stories.
Out of the three, Chris and Tara’s story was my favorite and felt the strongest overall. Val and Devon’s story was also good, though Val had me pulling my hair out with all her indecisiveness and the way she played around with Devon’s emotions. I am happy she got her act together in the end. Kristin and Jackson’s story, while emotional, was my least favorite. After finishing the first story, I was excited for Kristin’s, but it felt a bit rushed and left me wanting more.
The narration for this book was top tier. CCJ always gets the best in the business to narrate her books, so you already know your ears are going to be in heaven when listening to the great Wesleigh Siobhan and Myles Washington. They were a great narrator duo and did an amazing job bringing the characters to life.
Overall, this was a great book. It was quick, emotional, funny, and beautifully narrated. I enjoyed and would absolutely recommend it.
January 21, 2021
Love And Other Things by Christina C. Jones (2021/01/21)
Rating 3/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own
This story follows a group of three girlfriends, and they all get their HEAs. The first story called Third Time's a Charm follows Tara who is in her 30s and hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to love. After her ex-boyfriend cheats on her she finds out that he isn't who he said he was, and she meets Chris.
The second story is called Where I Want to Be and it follows Val who is a big fan of a causal relationship but that all changes when she meets Chris's best friend, Devon.
The third story is called the Do-Over and this follows Kristin who has been married to the love of her life for years but then realizes that her relationship isn't as perfect as she once thought it was and then meets Devon’s’ cousin Jackson.
I enjoyed this story. It was really fun to see each girl fall in love. I really enjoyed the first story the most. I loved the relationship dynamic. I was really excited to read the second story, but it didn't go in the direction I thought It was. My biggest issue with this story was that the heroine didn't know what she wanted and kept leasing the hero on. The third story was super sweet, I feel like I would have liked to see the character bond more. It felt like their story was too short compared to the other two stories.
Overall, this is the first story I've read by this author and I am really excited to read more of her work.
TW: Cheating, Miscarriage, Being Shot, Death Of Loved One, Physical Assault, Cancer (Brain Tumor)
Rating 3/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own
This story follows a group of three girlfriends, and they all get their HEAs. The first story called Third Time's a Charm follows Tara who is in her 30s and hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to love. After her ex-boyfriend cheats on her she finds out that he isn't who he said he was, and she meets Chris.
The second story is called Where I Want to Be and it follows Val who is a big fan of a causal relationship but that all changes when she meets Chris's best friend, Devon.
The third story is called the Do-Over and this follows Kristin who has been married to the love of her life for years but then realizes that her relationship isn't as perfect as she once thought it was and then meets Devon’s’ cousin Jackson.
I enjoyed this story. It was really fun to see each girl fall in love. I really enjoyed the first story the most. I loved the relationship dynamic. I was really excited to read the second story, but it didn't go in the direction I thought It was. My biggest issue with this story was that the heroine didn't know what she wanted and kept leasing the hero on. The third story was super sweet, I feel like I would have liked to see the character bond more. It felt like their story was too short compared to the other two stories.
Overall, this is the first story I've read by this author and I am really excited to read more of her work.
TW: Cheating, Miscarriage, Being Shot, Death Of Loved One, Physical Assault, Cancer (Brain Tumor)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
Man I get Tara she has every right to be fearful of dealing and accepting of any dudes loves. Her exes were complete T.Rash!! I think Chris is amazing and a refreshing depiction that men too just want to settle down, fall in love with one woman. Their love story was great to start to the book.
Val is all kinds of messed up because of the generational curse that children experience when seeing the disfunction of our parents even if they are great parent we model how the are intimate with their partners.
Alex is one of those women that self sabotage relationships by putting way too much thought into your partners ex. I’m struggling with the transition for the couch getting ready to do the do to them getting married but I’m happy that Val got over here fears and for with Devon.
Kris marriage was a mess. I wished we could have gotten more of Jackson’s life. But I loved the ending. Great black love stories told. 5stars
Man I get Tara she has every right to be fearful of dealing and accepting of any dudes loves. Her exes were complete T.Rash!! I think Chris is amazing and a refreshing depiction that men too just want to settle down, fall in love with one woman. Their love story was great to start to the book.
Val is all kinds of messed up because of the generational curse that children experience when seeing the disfunction of our parents even if they are great parent we model how the are intimate with their partners.
Alex is one of those women that self sabotage relationships by putting way too much thought into your partners ex. I’m struggling with the transition for the couch getting ready to do the do to them getting married but I’m happy that Val got over here fears and for with Devon.
Kris marriage was a mess. I wished we could have gotten more of Jackson’s life. But I loved the ending. Great black love stories told. 5stars
April 8, 2021
Loved this!!!
Three stories of three friends and finding love. Chris and Tara meet in an unconventional way, but when Chris set his sights on Tara he was going to let her go. Tara was skeptical about being with Chris due to past relationships, but she gave it a try and found love.
Val and Devon meet and had the same plans, to not fall in love, but it happened. Devon wanted more with Val, but she didn't. When Devon met someone and started a new relationship, Val realized she missed him and couldn't handle it. Going through something traumatic, Val got help and got her man.
Kristin and Jackson had to work through Kristin dismantling marriage after meeting at a conference. Jackson waited until Kristin was available and made his intentions known.
This was a good read, seeing three different women going through different relationship issues was nice to read. Everything about this book was good and so much more!!!
Three stories of three friends and finding love. Chris and Tara meet in an unconventional way, but when Chris set his sights on Tara he was going to let her go. Tara was skeptical about being with Chris due to past relationships, but she gave it a try and found love.
Val and Devon meet and had the same plans, to not fall in love, but it happened. Devon wanted more with Val, but she didn't. When Devon met someone and started a new relationship, Val realized she missed him and couldn't handle it. Going through something traumatic, Val got help and got her man.
Kristin and Jackson had to work through Kristin dismantling marriage after meeting at a conference. Jackson waited until Kristin was available and made his intentions known.
This was a good read, seeing three different women going through different relationship issues was nice to read. Everything about this book was good and so much more!!!
March 22, 2021
This actually wasn't bad and I should have known because its Christina C. Jones. I was expecting it to be just "okay" because it's 3 short stories in one but I liked it. I only disliked how time flies by in these stories, months pass quickly but for obvious reasons. And I felt that the last story ended too fast. But I still enjoyed it.
The last story actually made me mad because I know so many woman who put up with a man for SOOO many years and did everything they could to make him happy, put their lives on hold, even stopped doing things just to make them happy, only for the dude to do some fucked up shit but I think because it made me so mad, that it goes to show why I love Christina C. Jones
TW: cheating, loss of a baby, assault
The last story actually made me mad because I know so many woman who put up with a man for SOOO many years and did everything they could to make him happy, put their lives on hold, even stopped doing things just to make them happy, only for the dude to do some fucked up shit but I think because it made me so mad, that it goes to show why I love Christina C. Jones
TW: cheating, loss of a baby, assault
January 5, 2023
This is actually three separate but connected stories of a BFF trio each finding love.
I've read Wonder by CCJ before and loved that, unlike this one.
I will read more from her though as she has a vast backlist with different types of CR as it was the stories here rather than the writing that I was not a fan of.
(04.01.23 - Re-up from export file following the Great GR Data Loss of Oct 2022)
I've read Wonder by CCJ before and loved that, unlike this one.
I will read more from her though as she has a vast backlist with different types of CR as it was the stories here rather than the writing that I was not a fan of.
(04.01.23 - Re-up from export file following the Great GR Data Loss of Oct 2022)
November 26, 2025
Squad Goals
While I have conquered the majority of CCJ’s catalog, I somehow skipped over her first book. I loved getting this peek into her early work. This book gave me drama, spice, romance, and humor. I enjoyed all of it. The three friends each had a lot of relationship baggage. It was nice to see them get their second chance at love. I enjoyed how each woman’s story picked up two years after the previous story. We got to see years of growth and joy from them. This was the perfect read for a lazy pre-holiday work day.
While I have conquered the majority of CCJ’s catalog, I somehow skipped over her first book. I loved getting this peek into her early work. This book gave me drama, spice, romance, and humor. I enjoyed all of it. The three friends each had a lot of relationship baggage. It was nice to see them get their second chance at love. I enjoyed how each woman’s story picked up two years after the previous story. We got to see years of growth and joy from them. This was the perfect read for a lazy pre-holiday work day.
August 7, 2020
Loved the dynamics on the three relationships explored on this. It's real and to be honest Val's journey hit me a bit but I love that she managed to get to the light at the end.
Kris and her marriage and how things went, well I mean it will happen to some and its amicable and others are wiild.
I low key feel like since this was ages ago, there was a lot resolving things to be easily peaceful everywhere unlike how unpredictable things might get.
Kris and her marriage and how things went, well I mean it will happen to some and its amicable and others are wiild.
I low key feel like since this was ages ago, there was a lot resolving things to be easily peaceful everywhere unlike how unpredictable things might get.
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