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New Heights #2
Split Decision
Winnie sees it one way - Jonathan sees it another. Where will the decision land?
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2022
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332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 30, 2022
4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm absolutely loving the New Heights series. The introduction of these new characters into an already established town full of black excellence is a wonderful thing. After doing a three year bid, Johnathan is back in The Heights trying to rebuild his life and career. Winnie has been crushin’ on him since she was 14 so, sis said this is her year. She was gon’ get her man by any means necessary. Winnie is Jonathan's deceased BFF’s little sister so, he's trying to keep it cute and friendly while fighting his attraction but she’s havin’ none of that. Winnie made no apologies for her attraction to Johnathan and she made sure he knew what it was. She was unapologetically blunt and I absolutely loved that about her. Winnie’s personality really shined through in this book. Her quick wit and sassiness were easy to fall in love with. Johnathan’s quiet personality was in complete contrast to Winne which, made them total opposites. While I can appreciate Johnathan trying to be a gentleman and a good friend, I needed him to just stop fighting the good fight and accept his fate. Oh but, when he finally did, he was all over Winnie’s azz. Johnathan gave new meaning to the phrase, “don’t tap out.” Whew! He had Winnie rethinking her entire life. After that ending, I’ll never look at a boxing ring the same way ever again. Split Decision was an awesome read. I didn’t want Winnie and Jonathan’s story to end. I could’ve easily read more on this couple. Their chemistry really blossomed into something amazing. I can’t wait to read more from the New Heights.
I'm absolutely loving the New Heights series. The introduction of these new characters into an already established town full of black excellence is a wonderful thing. After doing a three year bid, Johnathan is back in The Heights trying to rebuild his life and career. Winnie has been crushin’ on him since she was 14 so, sis said this is her year. She was gon’ get her man by any means necessary. Winnie is Jonathan's deceased BFF’s little sister so, he's trying to keep it cute and friendly while fighting his attraction but she’s havin’ none of that. Winnie made no apologies for her attraction to Johnathan and she made sure he knew what it was. She was unapologetically blunt and I absolutely loved that about her. Winnie’s personality really shined through in this book. Her quick wit and sassiness were easy to fall in love with. Johnathan’s quiet personality was in complete contrast to Winne which, made them total opposites. While I can appreciate Johnathan trying to be a gentleman and a good friend, I needed him to just stop fighting the good fight and accept his fate. Oh but, when he finally did, he was all over Winnie’s azz. Johnathan gave new meaning to the phrase, “don’t tap out.” Whew! He had Winnie rethinking her entire life. After that ending, I’ll never look at a boxing ring the same way ever again. Split Decision was an awesome read. I didn’t want Winnie and Jonathan’s story to end. I could’ve easily read more on this couple. Their chemistry really blossomed into something amazing. I can’t wait to read more from the New Heights.
December 8, 2023
Winnie said you got the game twisted if you not gone let me give you this 🐱!!!! Ayeeeeee!! 😋😈
Winnie is the younger sister of Jonathan’s best friend Dray! After being tasked with looking out for his baby sis, Jonathan was game because I mean his boy asked so it was a done deal. Well as time went on, Winnie caught feeling or even always had them but Jonathan said his d*ck was not part of the deal! He was always there to protect Winnie even putting his freedom on the line so it’s clear that he took looking out for her to heart but with their age gap he didn’t see taking things to the next level as a wise decision.
There was a tug of war between these two and I loved the build up until the moment they both threw caution to the wind and gave in to their hearts desires! Im loving these novellas and the audiobooks are hitting the spot!! I can’t wait to jump into the next one!
Winnie is the younger sister of Jonathan’s best friend Dray! After being tasked with looking out for his baby sis, Jonathan was game because I mean his boy asked so it was a done deal. Well as time went on, Winnie caught feeling or even always had them but Jonathan said his d*ck was not part of the deal! He was always there to protect Winnie even putting his freedom on the line so it’s clear that he took looking out for her to heart but with their age gap he didn’t see taking things to the next level as a wise decision.
There was a tug of war between these two and I loved the build up until the moment they both threw caution to the wind and gave in to their hearts desires! Im loving these novellas and the audiobooks are hitting the spot!! I can’t wait to jump into the next one!
January 3, 2023
I’m Here For All Things About The Heights….Winnie & Jonathan’s story is no different…this is the new and younger Heights Residents Story…Winnie is the younger sister of Jonathan’s now deceased best friend Dray….Jonathan promised to look out for Winnie…he didn’t think falling into bed included looking out for her…..
August 28, 2022
I’m in love with the Heights and the people who live there, old & new.
Winnie was a whole lot of woman and she made no apologies for it. She had her eye on Jonathan for a long time and now she’s ready to make her move—shooters shoot.
Winnie was a PROBLEM and I loved every second of it.
Jonathan was trying to keep it friendly but he was fighting a losing battle. Winnie was off limits to him for a few reasons, one being, he felt a sense of loyalty to his best friend.
When THAT line got crossed, Jonathan was on her a$$ lmao.
This is Best friend’s little sister trope done right, CCJ doesn’t disappoint. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Winnie was a whole lot of woman and she made no apologies for it. She had her eye on Jonathan for a long time and now she’s ready to make her move—shooters shoot.
Winnie was a PROBLEM and I loved every second of it.
Jonathan was trying to keep it friendly but he was fighting a losing battle. Winnie was off limits to him for a few reasons, one being, he felt a sense of loyalty to his best friend.
When THAT line got crossed, Jonathan was on her a$$ lmao.
This is Best friend’s little sister trope done right, CCJ doesn’t disappoint. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2022
Winnie and Jonathan owe me nothing, they literally laid it all on the pages, the boxing ring, the stairwell and anywhere else they could. What I loved the most about this story was the way that Winnie knew what she wanted and she went after it. She did not hold back, she is my shero! I loved Jonathan’s character, he has a mysterious personality and loyalty and boundaries are a big deal for him. While he tried so hard to fight the temptation of Winnie, he too wanted her something serious! How he was able to restrain himself, I will never know because Winnie was laying it on THICK! I loved that these two knew each other, they were friends first- and they looked out for each other. The writing in this book was really good, I could vividly see the scenes as they played out. I like that we got just enough of a backstory on the characters history. I would have loved to see them as a couple because I feel like Jonathan is putty for Winnie. lol. This was a really good story. I enjoyed it all! 💙
I received an arc from the author.
I received an arc from the author.
June 2, 2024
Initial reaction: Oh man, hurts that this didn't work for me, but we'll talk about it. I think there were too many things about Split Decision that threw me out of this story and felt incomplete. I mentioned age gap romances aren't usually my cuppa, but that was only one part of this (albeit, it was a major one) that didn't work for me. I wish I could have connected better to Jonathan and Winnie. 2 stars. Review to come.
Full review:
I know what some of you are going to say - "Rose, what happened?! You love this author." (2 to 2.5 stars isn't a bad rating. For me this was okay, but it is the lowest rated book I've read from this author's collective work so far.)
I know, I know. But even with having a favorite author, you can pick up books by them that end up not working for you. Hurts me that this one didn't. Think I feel comfortable enough after finishing it to say why without thinking too much about it. As you probably know, I loved the first novella in the "New Heights" series, "Forced Perspective" - I eagerly watched the dynamic between Brooke and Kyir and loved following them. That it also focused on Brooke being a photographer and Kyir being a successful musician and the challenges that came with their relationship - I was 100% sold on that story. When I learned there was a follow up, didn't hesitate picking up the 2nd novella on audio. (J Shani Michaels and Myles Washington narrate. I was fine with Michaels, but I think there were some pieces where Washington read a little awkward. Wasn't enough to deter my enjoyment of the book on that part, though.)
I should have technically loved following Jonathan and Winnie's story in "Split Decision". Having a FMC be into boxing/athletic fitness instructor (ya'll know my passion for exercise science/sports medicine) and a push/pull dynamic between the two? That should have sold me. But let's unpack this book a bit.
Winnie is both a fitness instructor and building owner helping out Jonathan. She is frustrated because she's into Jonathan and you're not exactly sure what their dynamic is at the very start of this book. Jonathan is a retired boxer/ride share driver who's out of prison trying to rebuild his life. From the start of the book, they're attending a concert with Kyir. (Brooke was there too, watching Kyir on stage and I was like "D'aww." :D Jonathan was the ride share driver from the previous book that shuttled Brooke to Kyir's place. That's the connection between this and the previous book for relationships, so if you haven't read the first book, you wouldn't make that connection until here or know why that was significant. That was nice for detail to see.)
Turns out that Winnie had a crush on Jonathan since she was a teenager and had a very "generous" view of an encounter he had with another girl when she was 14 (I didn't love that scene, for reasons. I know some may but I was like the quicker I can get through that, the better). You also learn that she's the little sister to his best friend, who has passed away. So it made sense once that piece was revealed as she kept trying to be seen as more to Jonathan and him trying to tap down his own complicated feelings about her. He's protective of her on multiple parts of this book, and even during a certain scene when he thought she was in trouble and went rushing in his boxers to get to her...that was telling.
I didn't feel like this book should have held onto the reveal of what they were to each other for so long (that comes nearly halfway through the narrative). Nor did I really feel like I connected to these characters as much as the couple from the previous story.
I know I'm in the minority for thinking this but I'm going to say it anyway. *puffs out chest* Winnie was way too pushy, even from the beginning. I'm like "Girl, stop harassing him and don't put that much expectation on him, give him time and respect his space. Even for what you both feel - boundaries!" I know there are people seeing this like "Go get your man if you want him! Y'all grown folk!" and the age gap between them isn't that much. (Context is still...eh.) At any rate, for Jonathan having to sort through the death of his best friend, the trajectory of his life being upended for what he did for Winnie and for him seeing Winnie as someone he wanted to respect boundaries for and feeling conflicted, felt like Winnie could have had a little more understanding of what that entailed. It rubbed me the wrong way. Plus Winnie making light of a pretty serious encounter that Jonathan steps in for towards the beginning of the story was not something that endeared me to her character either.
There were spaces of this story that didn't feel as cohesively knitted and engaging as some of CCJ's other short fiction, almost felt like we needed more time to see their chemistry as adults and more of their dynamic.
Still, I'm going to be like Levar Burton and say "You don't have to take my word for it" for this book. The steamy scenes are VERY steamy (CCJ is consistently good on that), but I just didn't connect as well with this one as the former, as much as I wanted to. I think there are people who will like this story, but it wasn't my cuppa, despite liking pieces of it.
Overall score: 2/5 stars.
Full review:
I know what some of you are going to say - "Rose, what happened?! You love this author." (2 to 2.5 stars isn't a bad rating. For me this was okay, but it is the lowest rated book I've read from this author's collective work so far.)
I know, I know. But even with having a favorite author, you can pick up books by them that end up not working for you. Hurts me that this one didn't. Think I feel comfortable enough after finishing it to say why without thinking too much about it. As you probably know, I loved the first novella in the "New Heights" series, "Forced Perspective" - I eagerly watched the dynamic between Brooke and Kyir and loved following them. That it also focused on Brooke being a photographer and Kyir being a successful musician and the challenges that came with their relationship - I was 100% sold on that story. When I learned there was a follow up, didn't hesitate picking up the 2nd novella on audio. (J Shani Michaels and Myles Washington narrate. I was fine with Michaels, but I think there were some pieces where Washington read a little awkward. Wasn't enough to deter my enjoyment of the book on that part, though.)
I should have technically loved following Jonathan and Winnie's story in "Split Decision". Having a FMC be into boxing/athletic fitness instructor (ya'll know my passion for exercise science/sports medicine) and a push/pull dynamic between the two? That should have sold me. But let's unpack this book a bit.
Winnie is both a fitness instructor and building owner helping out Jonathan. She is frustrated because she's into Jonathan and you're not exactly sure what their dynamic is at the very start of this book. Jonathan is a retired boxer/ride share driver who's out of prison trying to rebuild his life. From the start of the book, they're attending a concert with Kyir. (Brooke was there too, watching Kyir on stage and I was like "D'aww." :D Jonathan was the ride share driver from the previous book that shuttled Brooke to Kyir's place. That's the connection between this and the previous book for relationships, so if you haven't read the first book, you wouldn't make that connection until here or know why that was significant. That was nice for detail to see.)
Turns out that Winnie had a crush on Jonathan since she was a teenager and had a very "generous" view of an encounter he had with another girl when she was 14 (I didn't love that scene, for reasons. I know some may but I was like the quicker I can get through that, the better). You also learn that she's the little sister to his best friend, who has passed away. So it made sense once that piece was revealed as she kept trying to be seen as more to Jonathan and him trying to tap down his own complicated feelings about her. He's protective of her on multiple parts of this book, and even during a certain scene when he thought she was in trouble and went rushing in his boxers to get to her...that was telling.
I didn't feel like this book should have held onto the reveal of what they were to each other for so long (that comes nearly halfway through the narrative). Nor did I really feel like I connected to these characters as much as the couple from the previous story.
I know I'm in the minority for thinking this but I'm going to say it anyway. *puffs out chest* Winnie was way too pushy, even from the beginning. I'm like "Girl, stop harassing him and don't put that much expectation on him, give him time and respect his space. Even for what you both feel - boundaries!" I know there are people seeing this like "Go get your man if you want him! Y'all grown folk!" and the age gap between them isn't that much. (Context is still...eh.) At any rate, for Jonathan having to sort through the death of his best friend, the trajectory of his life being upended for what he did for Winnie and for him seeing Winnie as someone he wanted to respect boundaries for and feeling conflicted, felt like Winnie could have had a little more understanding of what that entailed. It rubbed me the wrong way. Plus Winnie making light of a pretty serious encounter that Jonathan steps in for towards the beginning of the story was not something that endeared me to her character either.
There were spaces of this story that didn't feel as cohesively knitted and engaging as some of CCJ's other short fiction, almost felt like we needed more time to see their chemistry as adults and more of their dynamic.
Still, I'm going to be like Levar Burton and say "You don't have to take my word for it" for this book. The steamy scenes are VERY steamy (CCJ is consistently good on that), but I just didn't connect as well with this one as the former, as much as I wanted to. I think there are people who will like this story, but it wasn't my cuppa, despite liking pieces of it.
Overall score: 2/5 stars.
January 24, 2023
Friends to More
I'm always here for the little sister falling for her big brother's bff trope and this story did not disappoint.
Winne was a firecracker. She was outgoing, sassy, and headstrong. She was head over heels in love with Jay her brother's best friend and she had been for years. She was at the point in life that the age difference no longer mattered and for once she sensed that he might actually be attracted to her too. Sis was going after her man!
Jay was back after doing a 3 year bid. He was trying to get acclimated, but was having a hard time because the blinders he had for Winne were nowhere to be found. He had never seen her in this light, but now he couldn't unsee it. She was baaaad and he wanted her badly too. His loyalty to her deceased big brother Dray was looming over him. He just didn't feel like it was appropriate for him to feel the way he felt. He tried so hard to fight their connection, but when he couldn't take it anymore he gave her all of the business. They felt natural, they felt right together. I definitely could have read more about them.
I'm enjoying the New Heights stories. This cover was also amazing.
I'm always here for the little sister falling for her big brother's bff trope and this story did not disappoint.
Winne was a firecracker. She was outgoing, sassy, and headstrong. She was head over heels in love with Jay her brother's best friend and she had been for years. She was at the point in life that the age difference no longer mattered and for once she sensed that he might actually be attracted to her too. Sis was going after her man!
Jay was back after doing a 3 year bid. He was trying to get acclimated, but was having a hard time because the blinders he had for Winne were nowhere to be found. He had never seen her in this light, but now he couldn't unsee it. She was baaaad and he wanted her badly too. His loyalty to her deceased big brother Dray was looming over him. He just didn't feel like it was appropriate for him to feel the way he felt. He tried so hard to fight their connection, but when he couldn't take it anymore he gave her all of the business. They felt natural, they felt right together. I definitely could have read more about them.
I'm enjoying the New Heights stories. This cover was also amazing.
December 29, 2025
This story completely caught me off guard—in the best way. I really loved how relatable it was, and the humor was absolutely on point from beginning to end. And let’s talk about the spice… it was hot like fire 🔥. Every moment pulled me in, and I enjoyed every single second of it.
August 27, 2022
Winnie and Jonathan were fire and the older man younger girl fav trope started for me this year! Also prison Bae is a new thing for me soooo yea this short delivered on all the heat, drama and just overall excitement of you rooting for them to figure it out! And baby that ending?!? Listen I can’t wait to tell someone “Don’t tap out!” 🤪 definitely recommend this short! Possible trigger when DV is referenced but not detailed on the page. Happy Reading y’all!
Read
February 13, 2023Winnie stole my heart and refused to give it back! This novella hit me in the feels in a way I didn’t expect. Winnie was on it from the first page. And my heart broke for her once I learned about the losses she’d taken, in addition to what she perceived as Johnnys rejection. Ugh, this was so, so good.
January 28, 2024
Spicy novella about a heroine who has been in love with her now dead brother’s best friend. Jonathan tried his best to resist Winnie due to loyalty to her brother, but Winnie did not make it easy!
Narrators: J. Shani Micheals and Myles Washington
Narrators: J. Shani Micheals and Myles Washington
January 28, 2025
I’m all for a woman being assertive and going for what she wants but Winnie was very much annoying and just gave me an ick.
November 4, 2025
3.25⭐️
Split Decision is a short, punchy romance novella that packs in the beloved brother’s-best-friend trope with a twist. Winnie has been crushing on Jonathan—her late brother’s best friend—since childhood, but he never saw her as more than “kid sister.” Now Jonathan is back in town after years away, and Winnie’s all grown up with her heart set on him. It’s a childhood-crush-turned-second-chance story that adds an extra hook: Winnie is a boxing instructor and Jonathan is a retired boxer. This athletic angle brings a fresh, knockout vibe (sorry, but I had to) to their chemistry and immediately sets the stage for some sparky, sweat-inducing encounters. 🥊
Winnie and Jonathan are the heart of this novella, and their character dynamics shine early on. Winnie is a fearless, fitness-loving heroine who literally packs a punch. Having a female main character who’s into boxing felt fresh and empowering. Winnie knows what (and who) she wants, and she isn’t shy about going after it. That go-getter attitude leads to some bold moments—she flirts, pushes, and isn’t above reminding Jonathan that she’s not a little girl any more. Her confidence brings a lot of fun to the story, and I loved seeing a heroine who can throw a jab in the ring and throw Jonathan off his game in equal measure.
Jonathan, on the other hand, is a gentle soul behind a tough exterior. As a former boxer and newly minted rideshare driver, he’s navigating life after a stint in prison, trying to rebuild from the ground up. Jonathan’s a bit bruised by life (figuratively and literally), and it shows in his hesitance. He’s careful, soft-spoken, and carrying guilt and grief—especially when it comes to Winnie’s brother (his best friend who has passed away). The contrast between Winnie’s determined fire and Jonathan’s wary tenderness creates an intriguing push-pull dynamic. When they’re together, you feel both the warmth of their old familiarity and the crackling new tension of unacknowledged attraction. Every interaction has you waiting for that moment when Jonathan finally drops his guard and gives in to what Winnie (and what WE readers) have wanted all along.
The chemistry between them has its sweet moments and some steam. There’s a particularly cute scene early on where Winnie’s frustration with Jonathan’s obliviousness is almost palpable, you can’t help but sigh as she inwardly screams, “Notice me already!” Meanwhile, Jonathan is fighting his own internal battle: he does notice her, far more than he lets on, but he’s wrestling with the idea of “I shouldn’t”. This slow ignition of mutual attraction is satisfying, and when things finally spark, it feels earned. They have a shared history and genuine affection that make the romantic payoff sweet.
Though, I must admit, I could have lived without the flashback scene here teenage Winnie witnessed Jonathan in an intimate encounter with another girl....
My main hiccup is the fact, that because the story is so short, the deeper issues only get surface-level attention. For example, we learn Winnie’s brother’s death affected them both, but we see very little of Jonathan actually grappling with that loss on-page. There’s a lot of untapped potential here: moments where a longer novel could have dived into Jonathan’s feelings of unworthiness or Winnie’s coming to terms with the real Jonathan versus the idealised version she’s held on to since adolescence.
The fast pacing keeps the momentum up (you certainly won’t be bored!), yet a part of me wished the book would slow down and go the distance. It’s the kind of scenario that could have filled a full-length novel with delicious slow-burn tension and deeper emotional payoff.
Because the novella has to cover a lot in a short span, the romantic progression can feel a tad rushed. Winnie’s persistent flirting and Jonathan’s walls coming down happen within just a couple of chapters. A slower build-up would have made the eventual “I choose you” moment hit even harder.
In the end, Split Decision lands somewhere in the middle of the ring. Christina C. Jones’s easy, witty writing style and talent for character chemistry are definitely present, so I had a good time reading it. Winnie and Jonathan are likeable, and you’ll root for them to figure it out. The romance delivers sweetness and a touch of heat, and the story wraps up with a heartwarming conclusion that will leave a smile on your face. However, if you’re the type of romance reader who relishes deep dives into characters’ pasts and psyches, you might feel a tad unsatisfied.
Split Decision is a short, punchy romance novella that packs in the beloved brother’s-best-friend trope with a twist. Winnie has been crushing on Jonathan—her late brother’s best friend—since childhood, but he never saw her as more than “kid sister.” Now Jonathan is back in town after years away, and Winnie’s all grown up with her heart set on him. It’s a childhood-crush-turned-second-chance story that adds an extra hook: Winnie is a boxing instructor and Jonathan is a retired boxer. This athletic angle brings a fresh, knockout vibe (sorry, but I had to) to their chemistry and immediately sets the stage for some sparky, sweat-inducing encounters. 🥊
Winnie and Jonathan are the heart of this novella, and their character dynamics shine early on. Winnie is a fearless, fitness-loving heroine who literally packs a punch. Having a female main character who’s into boxing felt fresh and empowering. Winnie knows what (and who) she wants, and she isn’t shy about going after it. That go-getter attitude leads to some bold moments—she flirts, pushes, and isn’t above reminding Jonathan that she’s not a little girl any more. Her confidence brings a lot of fun to the story, and I loved seeing a heroine who can throw a jab in the ring and throw Jonathan off his game in equal measure.
Jonathan, on the other hand, is a gentle soul behind a tough exterior. As a former boxer and newly minted rideshare driver, he’s navigating life after a stint in prison, trying to rebuild from the ground up. Jonathan’s a bit bruised by life (figuratively and literally), and it shows in his hesitance. He’s careful, soft-spoken, and carrying guilt and grief—especially when it comes to Winnie’s brother (his best friend who has passed away). The contrast between Winnie’s determined fire and Jonathan’s wary tenderness creates an intriguing push-pull dynamic. When they’re together, you feel both the warmth of their old familiarity and the crackling new tension of unacknowledged attraction. Every interaction has you waiting for that moment when Jonathan finally drops his guard and gives in to what Winnie (and what WE readers) have wanted all along.
The chemistry between them has its sweet moments and some steam. There’s a particularly cute scene early on where Winnie’s frustration with Jonathan’s obliviousness is almost palpable, you can’t help but sigh as she inwardly screams, “Notice me already!” Meanwhile, Jonathan is fighting his own internal battle: he does notice her, far more than he lets on, but he’s wrestling with the idea of “I shouldn’t”. This slow ignition of mutual attraction is satisfying, and when things finally spark, it feels earned. They have a shared history and genuine affection that make the romantic payoff sweet.
Though, I must admit, I could have lived without the flashback scene here teenage Winnie witnessed Jonathan in an intimate encounter with another girl....
My main hiccup is the fact, that because the story is so short, the deeper issues only get surface-level attention. For example, we learn Winnie’s brother’s death affected them both, but we see very little of Jonathan actually grappling with that loss on-page. There’s a lot of untapped potential here: moments where a longer novel could have dived into Jonathan’s feelings of unworthiness or Winnie’s coming to terms with the real Jonathan versus the idealised version she’s held on to since adolescence.
The fast pacing keeps the momentum up (you certainly won’t be bored!), yet a part of me wished the book would slow down and go the distance. It’s the kind of scenario that could have filled a full-length novel with delicious slow-burn tension and deeper emotional payoff.
Because the novella has to cover a lot in a short span, the romantic progression can feel a tad rushed. Winnie’s persistent flirting and Jonathan’s walls coming down happen within just a couple of chapters. A slower build-up would have made the eventual “I choose you” moment hit even harder.
In the end, Split Decision lands somewhere in the middle of the ring. Christina C. Jones’s easy, witty writing style and talent for character chemistry are definitely present, so I had a good time reading it. Winnie and Jonathan are likeable, and you’ll root for them to figure it out. The romance delivers sweetness and a touch of heat, and the story wraps up with a heartwarming conclusion that will leave a smile on your face. However, if you’re the type of romance reader who relishes deep dives into characters’ pasts and psyches, you might feel a tad unsatisfied.
September 2, 2022
CCJ came through with a dominant heroine and a loyal hero can literally box you out of your drawers. Winnie and Jonathan’s friendship and protective nature are too tier this story, but their banter is the real MVP! They had me WEAK!! I cackled continuously at their antics. Winnie isn’t playing AT ALL! If I had a word to sum her up, it would be “Determined”. Sis was applying PRESSURE! She wanted him and she made it known. Every situation that came up Winnie came with the, “But that dick though” and I loved every second on it. Poor Jonathon, he struggled with his feelings for Winnie and his loyalty to her brother, but that didn’t last long, he folded like a lawn chair. I need more “Brother’s Best Friend” books from CCJ because she did what needed to be done. This couple got it in. They took “Anytime, Anyplace” to another level and when I go in a boxing ring, I hope to receive the same energy from this book. This book checks three of my boxes. It has sex toys, solo &mutual masturbation, plus a man who treats sex toys like a team member and not competition. We love to see it. CCJ wrote a sweet, sexy and fun book. I would’ve loved a few more chapters of them as a couple on page, but overall, I’m satisfied! It’s a must read and you won’t be disappointed.
December 21, 2022
The bestfriend sister trope done right. The confidence Winnie has I love. I think reading both Johnathan and Winnie please themselves just off the thought of one another built up the tension. I’m gonna need Christina to stop teasing us with these characters. I wanted more of Johnathan and Winnie
July 23, 2023
Loved this short audio. I love The Heights!!!
February 12, 2023
This was a new favorite. My favorite of CCJ’s 2022 releases that I’ve read. Honestly? Immaculate. CW for death of brother from gun violence, domestic abuse, imprisonment for beating an abuser, all historical off page and just mentioned.
March 31, 2024
Entertaining
Instant laughs with these two. Winnie said she’s gonna get her man by any means necessary and she ain’t let up!!! Cute story and I enjoyed it
Instant laughs with these two. Winnie said she’s gonna get her man by any means necessary and she ain’t let up!!! Cute story and I enjoyed it
August 20, 2022
Another great Heights tale... Couples Goals.. Yes
May 31, 2024
Winnie was absolutely insufferable (to me). She needed some therapy to deal with the loss of her brother, not dick. Her immaturity almost ruined the story for me. I like Johnathan though.
December 26, 2022
Good read!
This was a very good read. However, I now understand why some readers said it just ended. The storyline was on point because, well, CCJ is a beast with the pen, but… the ending left me feeling like we needed more while still understanding the conclusion🥴. Anyways I’m here for the next book!
This was a very good read. However, I now understand why some readers said it just ended. The storyline was on point because, well, CCJ is a beast with the pen, but… the ending left me feeling like we needed more while still understanding the conclusion🥴. Anyways I’m here for the next book!
November 5, 2023
Babyyy these New Heights is something else!! Winnie said you gonna see me AND FEEL MEEE! Whewww! A young woman that knows what she wants. And that was her brothers bff Jonathan! Sis did not hold back. When you know what you want you cant hold back. I loved this story. I gotta run certain parts back 🥵😋 lol!
June 28, 2025
Winnie & Jonathan a friend to lovers story. Winnie has been crushing on Jonathan since she was in high school Jonathan promised Winnie’s brother that he would watch after her when he passed away.
Winnie is doing all she can to get Jonathan and Jonathan is doing all he can to keep away from Winnie while keeping his promise to her brother.
This is a good cute short read that I wish was longer.
Winnie is doing all she can to get Jonathan and Jonathan is doing all he can to keep away from Winnie while keeping his promise to her brother.
This is a good cute short read that I wish was longer.
September 19, 2022
A cute short steamy novella ft. Age gap and brother's best friend.
The jealousy, the passion, the love, the protective streak. Enjoyed it, also liked how the fmc knew what she wanted and was honest about her expectations.
The jealousy, the passion, the love, the protective streak. Enjoyed it, also liked how the fmc knew what she wanted and was honest about her expectations.
November 27, 2023
I love the Heights and it’s ppl! We need some full length stories 😭😭😭
February 8, 2024
Hot. So much tension. Jonathan stood on business until he couldnt stand no more! This novella felt like a slow burn but when the gloves came off they broke the bell in the ring!!
May 9, 2024
This was a good, sexy 😍 read. I am here for this series. Ready for the next book!
August 28, 2022
when done right, the “best friend’s little sister” trope is gonna do it for me every time. i devoured this novella right on up before i even rolled out of bed this morning.
i fell in love with winnie almost immediately. without even trying she was so damn funny. she wasn’t giving jonathan no room to play with her. as much as jonathan was trying to act like he ain’t want my girl, he knew what the deal was. i’ll never look at a boxing ring the same ever again after these two.
i fell in love with winnie almost immediately. without even trying she was so damn funny. she wasn’t giving jonathan no room to play with her. as much as jonathan was trying to act like he ain’t want my girl, he knew what the deal was. i’ll never look at a boxing ring the same ever again after these two.
August 31, 2022
Split Decision (New Heights #2) by Christina C. Jones is about athletic fitness trainer Winnie & retired boxer/ride share driver Jonathan. Winnie has always had a crush on her on her older brother’s best friend Jonathan. Now that Jonathan is back in the Heights after being incarcerated for several years, Winnie is helping him rebuild his life. Starting with giving Jonathan a place to live as they are apartment neighbours. Nothing has changed on the crush front, Winnie wants Jonathan wants him bad, real bad! Johnathan is a stand up guy, he doesn’t feel right trying to sleep with his deceased best friend’s younger sister. He’s fighting the attraction but Winnie sure doesn’t make it easy 👀 I love that Winnie is the aggressor! She’s confident and sexy, she makes a great fmc. Jonathan didn’t stand a chance! Lawd all the sexual tension and pent up attraction bubbled over 🔥🫦 CCJ turned up the heat on this one! If you want more background knowledge on the Heights, other Heights characters, self love sessions fuelled by powerful imaginations, a sexy sparring session and fresh out D (it hit different 🤭 💦) this one is for you! Short, sexy and straight to the point, another hit for the New Heights.
CW~ mentions loss of a sibling, mentions domestic abuse
CW~ mentions loss of a sibling, mentions domestic abuse
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