Showing results by author "Christina C. Jones" in All Categories

Smack in the middle of a cascade of unfortunate events, Amelia finds Calvin (derogatory)—cocky, annoying, too-often shirtless, and right next door (bummer). Sparked by an unfortunate habit of inside thoughts not staying that way (she’s working on it!), their petty back-and-forth banter easily—and a little too quickly—slides into something neither of them shake.

Gabi isn't looking for love. At all. She's much more interested in starting a new life, in a new city, away from the overbearing demands of her parents. Terrence...is even less into the idea of a relationship than Gabi. He's in a good place in his career, focused on receiving a coveted promotion. Follow along with Gabi and Terrence as they navigate the stages of a relationship that was never meant to go further than a single night. Will they be able to overcome the challenges of family and career to build something that could last?

Alicia "Ace" Miller has always had a somewhat contentious, arms-length relationship with Las Vegas Detective Cree Bradley. She likes their level of engagement exactly where it is - non-existent, never any occasion to cross paths. Until she needs his help. Only the most powerful of emotions - paired with fractured memories and the unshakeable feeling that something is missing - can make Alicia seek assistance from a man whose very presence puts her on edge.

Thrust into a life and family that neither of them were looking for, Gabi Jacobs and Terrence Whitaker decide that they'll just make the best of it, because the have most important ingredient: love. Through the ashes of their failed romantic relationship, they're able to form a different type of bond, one that allows them to effectively co-parent their daughter, and even become friends. Constantly pulled together by chance and circumstance, will Gabi and Terrence decide to embark on a journey to finish what they started, or will they decide that it's best to leave the past in the past?

For better or worse… That was the promise Denver and Kensa made, but it’s a sentiment they’ve somehow lost along the way. What started as a passionate wildfire has diminished to a flicker, all but snuffed out by unspoken fears, perceived betrayal, and a complete breakdown in communication. Can either of them tuck their ego away long enough to rekindle their flame?

Teagan Tolliver is learning the hard way that for every new trophy, every tournament win, comes more scrutiny, more pressure—far beyond what she can do on a court. As an elite, Black female athlete, she's got the eyes of the world on her. Ambrose McNeil is familiar with the concept. Coming out of BSU, he was a star cornerback, fulfilling a long term dream—and challenge—of having his name on the Connecticut Kings roster. Living the dream.

Best friends forever. Just friends…forever. That’s the only possibility she’s ever considered, the reality they’ve accepted, and a relationship that’s allowed them to thrive. Through distance and tragedy, grief, and insecurities, their friendship has been the one constant they could rely on. Each other. They’ve grown; they’ve changed; they’ve… transformed. So maybe their relationship should, too.

It's looking like Anika might be alone for the holidays...unless the very last person she'd ever want to spend them with can convince her otherwise.

Asha's life is no fairytale, by any stretch of the imagination. There was no kind, generous father to care for and protect her from the Vegas that exists beyond the glitz and glamour of The Strip. No wise, doting mother to look over and guide her, passing down essential lessons and leading her to the right path. And certainly, no Prince Charming just around the corner, ready to rescue her from working late nights to cover steadily mounting bills.

Sometimes, the best choice might be the one that leaves you vulnerable. The one that forces you to face a past that hurts or go through with something you never thought would come to fruition. The one that makes taking a risk your only option. Wilhelmina "Wil" Cunningham is no stranger to pressure. The child of an Olympian and a boxer, and a former Olympian herself, Wil has gained an "America’s sweetheart" reputation—a high pedestal to fall from when her world gets rocked by betrayal and deceit.

If there’s any one thing Pierre and Logan have in common, it’s their ability to invite snap judgements based on shallow views of who they are. Logan is the privileged only daughter of a respected family whose legacy runs long and deep. Pierre is the moody, orphaned son of big screen royalty who couldn’t possibly live up to the prestige of his pedigree. Or maybe not.

All Devyn wants - besides a tall, fine husband and eventually a few babies to fulfill her "about to turn thirty, running out of time, cute black family" dreams - is to finish her yearlong internship at University Hospital. She's excited about the experience, eager to learn, glad to help wherever she can...it should be easy, right? Well, it would be...if it weren't for arrogant, know-it-all, always-got-something-to-say Dr. Joseph Wright. Devyn can't stand him, and if his attitude is any indication, the feeling is mutual...or is it?

Vivienne is one of “those” people, the kind who believes in love at all costs. Broken hearts are a natural product of that, and Viv is used to dealing with it by simply ignoring the ache and moving on to a new love. But this time, she can’t seem to shake the pain - until Carter comes along, handing out easy smiles and the kind of attention that makes her not feel so fractured after all.

Dawn Oliver - daughter of theater royalty, talented in her own right, and, according to the internet...a complete and total fraud. All she wants is a fair chance to prove herself - no nepotism, no social media campaigns, no sponsors. Just pure talent, which she has in spades, if she can just get someone to believe in her. The way Patrick Bell does.

For Nalani Stark, legacy matters… maybe more than most things. Important enough that when that legacy — inextricably tied to her mother’s memory - is challenged, she’s forced to consider even the most undesirable options… Such as a match made in hell with Orion Sterling. The heir to the competitor she grew up being warned about. Orion is a man well-accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. Other than opportunities to grow the family business, he’s moved by very few things.

When 26-year-old Reese accepts a position as a grad assistant, she has no idea an unpleasant encounter with a student will lead to the discovery of what she calls "the trifecta": fine, intellectual, and a little bit rude - three qualities she finds irresistible in a man. She has no intention of doing anything with that discovery. But everybody knows what happens to best laid plans. Jason is a grown man. He's at Blakewood State University to finish his degree and move on. The last thing he's interested in is the female population on campus...Reese might be a notable exception.

Everyone is a stranger at some point, right? Pulled by an explicable, undeniable thread of...something...Nick and Noah find themselves keen on becoming more. Hashtags and flights, and late-night text sessions lead to a connection neither has experienced, or expected. Beyond the shiny veneer of social media, further than the shallow depths of a good selfie, down to the real, for real stuff that relationships are made of...Can Nick and Noah actually reach their prematurely awarded goal?

There’s no such thing as a right time to fall in love. It happens, or it doesn’t. Possible to fake, but not force. Impossible to simply wish away. This is the path that Rob and Iris find themselves on. He’s adjusting to cross-country move, a new job, and an existence that doesn’t include the woman he thought he’d spend his life with.

Keris Bradford is a woman on the brink. Of what? She doesn’t quite know. Her life is shifting, rapidly, and the sudden, captivating intrusion of Laken Kimble isn’t exactly...reassuring. For Keris, Laken is comfort and risk wrapped in one very appealing package. For Laken, Keris is barrier and providence all at once. For both, there arises a need to navigate those contrasts to a conclusion neither was looking for...a need to answer a simple question. If you want this...what are you willing to offer in exchange?

For as long as she can remember, Ancelin has felt as if she were living a life not her own - confined to an ill-fitting, somewhat empty existence. One she'd come to terms with. Now though, something is wrong. She can't see it, she can't touch it, but something sinister is there, lurking in the shadows, determined to consume her...if she lets it. Ancelin loves the paranormal, the fairy tales, the dark fantasies she's read about in books and watched on a screen - all the things her sister wishes Ancelin would stop insisting were more than stories. But what if they really are?