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Serendipitous Love #1

A Crazy Little Thing Called Love

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Simone is a woman on a mission: Stop being boring, and fall in love.
That's easier said than done with no prospects on the table... or under the table... or near the table. Her luck changes when fellow neighborhood business owner Roman Taylor walks through the door of her flower shop.
Roman is single, successful, and sexy — everything Simone is looking for to embark on a whirlwind summer romance with the potential to spark an everlasting love.
But things are never as "perfect" as they seem, and Simone — and Roman — have to decide if they're willing to risk their hearts when things get a little messy in their pursuit of a crazy little thing called love.

250 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2014

497 people are currently reading
1242 people want to read

About the author

Christina C. Jones

120 books4,466 followers

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5 stars
956 (51%)
4 stars
611 (33%)
3 stars
225 (12%)
2 stars
38 (2%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,544 reviews35.9k followers
February 11, 2022
3.5 stars

I really love Christina C. Jones writing, but this one had way too much drama for me personally. I felt so bad for Simone, it was one thing after the other for this poor girl. The ending was really great though and I’m so curious to read more from this series- especially Carter’s book!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Sean Crisden & Wesleigh Siobhan
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 5h 58m
Profile Image for Jess Owens.
401 reviews5,518 followers
January 17, 2024
3.5 rounded up

This was listed by CCJ as warm and fuzzy and at first it was. I was really enjoying how cute it was and then BAM mess, BAM heartache, BAM big sad, BAM trauma, BAM heartbreak, BAM more trauma. My god! I understand a little drama/mess but tooo much in this one. And I can’t help it, the music parts made me cringe. But I still love her writing and the characters felt real- a real damn mess - but real.

Actually I’m rounding down to 3. 3.25/5
Profile Image for Layeshia.
379 reviews
July 21, 2015
Looking for love

This is Roman and Simone's love story. Simone was looking for love but I didn't have a man. And walks Roman every woman's dream. He sexy he's smart he has his own business and he also has a daughter, previous relationship. And oh yeah baby mama. The question is can Simone overlook the baby and especially the baby mama. I loved the characters and their relationships. Although at times I was screaming at my kindle!
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,191 reviews412 followers
August 7, 2022
No one told me A Crazy Little Thing Called Love was going to be so emotional and dramatic. I thought this was going to be a cute little black romance. Well, it was not! It was a cute little black romance with so much more. You have a needy and manipulative baby mama, an unexpected miscarriage, and a break-up or two. I wasn't expecting all of this but, it was entertaining as hell. Simone and Roman meet by happenstance and, therein, ensues a whirlwind romance. Their attraction to one another was instant and intense but, it comes to a screeching halt when Roman is forced to reveal his daughter's mother lives with him platonically. Insert the dramatic portion of the storyline here. Whew chile! I wanted to fight Lea's conniving azz! Simone put up with a lot more than I would have. Lea slowly but, surly, let it be known she was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Roman, being a typical man, refused to take the blinders off and actually listen to Simone when she tried to tell him about Lea's shady azz. What I loved about this storyline is the slow build up to the conflict between these characters. You honestly don't see it coming until it's there. One minute they're all buddy and getting along then, the next minute, everyone is givin' each other the side eye. I generally don't like my books to have this kind of intense drama but, it worked for this storyline. And, of course Sean Crisden and Wesleigh Siobhan did their thing narrating. A Crazy Little Thing Called Love was so very entertaining and I really enjoyed this book. CCJ outdid herself with this one.
Profile Image for Just A Girl With Spirit.
1,403 reviews13.3k followers
December 23, 2022
Umm, well this book was deceiving. I thought it was going to be a sweet small town romance. Boy was I wrong, but I’m not upset about it. The drama!! Lawd have mercy on me Christina! My poor heart. I want my own Roman. He’s so hot and we have equal passions about coffee!! Take me to The Heights!! I can tell that this series will be total book crack!
Profile Image for Amy | Foxy Blogs.
1,840 reviews1,045 followers
February 11, 2022
THREE AND A HALF STARS

A CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE:
● Roman & Simone
● coffee shop owner / flower shop owner
● coffee shop by day and bar by night
● miscommunication
● co-parenting with his ex
● roommates with his ex (his child’s mom)
● miscarriage
● unplanned pregnancy

Roman & Simone have a complicated and messy relationship.

Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Sean Crisden & Wesleigh Siobhan
Length: 5H 58M
Profile Image for Love Belvin.
Author 39 books1,879 followers
September 25, 2014
"He smelled like coffee."

Daaaaaaaang!! I must admit, never in my two decades-plus of living (blank stare) have I ever been captivated by the first line of a book. I actually smelled roasted coffee beans! Who does that? Christina C. Jones.

She's evolving as a writer. With each project, I feel/empathize with her characters even more. Leah here in "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is an example of that. I didn't hate her - I didn't like her antics, but I couldn't hate her. This is because Jones carefully articulated her deficiencies and made her human. Simone never fought against love, which is refreshing in romance. She wanted it, but stood her ground until it was safe to share her heart. I got that!

Roman... -> insert dreamy eyes <- All I can say is, I'm still smelling coffee.

Good stuff, CCJ!
Profile Image for aarya.
1,533 reviews59 followers
January 29, 2022
2021 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Holding Hands

Content Notes:

Simone is amazing and doesn’t deserve half the shit that Roman put her through. At the very least, he should’ve groveled more.
Profile Image for Lette Reads.
248 reviews69 followers
April 25, 2023
I thought this was going to be a cute little wholesome love story... I should have known with CCJ it would be more. I really liked this story.
Profile Image for Deloris.
970 reviews42 followers
October 7, 2014
APB Perspective Reviews :
He smelled like coffee has got to be one of the best openings of a book I have read in a very long time and the story that went along with the opening line was a really good one! Roman was one sexy man but there was so much comedy in this story too, another favorite line from this book " Roman has a monster in his pants," you have to read the rest because I died laughing when I read it ,and I want you to be surprised. This was a wonderful book to read and I read it fast because I wanted to see what happens next, but I was not bored for one moment reading this book. I would describe this book as a new age sweet love story , kinda like Neo-soul/sweet but with two sugars . That means just enough of sweetness to make you swoon . I liked the fact that the secondary characters in this book, I wanted to know them better and I can not wait to see what happens in their stories.
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
543 reviews61 followers
February 10, 2017
Rating: 4.5

Ya’ll cute!

I always say that to characters when they’re being annoyingly adorable in the books that I’m reading because I’m crazy and talk to fictional characters…I need help! Lol.

Simone and Roman were cute, this story was cute, their relationship was cute. It was just cute. I’m starting to think 'cute' is Christina C Jones’ superpowers. She just knows how to write good stories with awesome characters in relationships that make you envious if you aren’t in a relationship of your own and jealous if you are because I can PROMISE you, it’s nothing like what the characters’ relationship is like.

Following the trend of Black Excellence that Christina loves to follow and that I have NO problem reading EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Simone owns her own flower shop “Posh Petals” that she started on her own, runs on her own and has developed, grown and garnered success from, on her own. Right across the street is Romans Coffee Shop “Urban Grind” which is the typical place for coffee connoisseurs by day and a nice hang out spot by night. Thanks to Romans friend being a major jackass and forgetting his wifes birthday, Roman and Simone cross paths and are thrown on a journey toward this Crazy Little Thing Called Love. (That was cheesy, I know, but ask me if I care!)

With a set-up like that, you would expect this book to be all rainbows and sunshine, chocolate chips and candy canes, Ben and Jerrys…you get where I’m going with this. But trust me…this book wouldn’t be receiving the rating it has if that were the case because that's BORING/ The stars have aligned for Simone and Roman to have a whirlwind romance filled with passion and happiness but everyone has baggage. "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" follows Roman and Simone on their journey as they try and figure out what they mean to one another and if their feelings for each other can trump the baggage they just can't seem to shake.

I'm going to go a little off book here...

I love that Christina’s books always feel real. Too many times, you read romance novels (new adult or just contemporary) and the stories seem so far fetched or out of reach that you can’t really LOSE yourself in the story. A Crazy Thing Called Love is a realistic and believable book. It’s a book that will having you stopping and thinking about what you would do if you were in some of the situations the characters end up in because the story is authentic enough that you COULD ask yourself these questions. Realistic enough that many people reading this story might have been or ARE in the very same position as them.

I think it's a testament to how great of an author Christina is because I feel like the majority of us read books to escape. To get away from reality and this baffling thing we call life. But to write a story that is realistic, that has the ability to stress you out because it is so easy to relate or put yourself in the characters shoes, but STILL make it fun and entertaining to read, that’s not easy to do. Yet time and time again, Christina does it and in a way that makes it seem effortless.

I know I’m supposed to be reviewing the book and I am instead gushing about how awesome of an author Christina is…but to be honest, there’s only so many times I can rave about her books being good. The book is good, READ IT….

I just want to give a little insight into WHY I enjoy her books so much. It’s not just that the characters are bomb, are always professional and always have just the right amount of swag. It’s not just that Roman is the kind of man every woman would kill to have and that every man should strive to be. (I can’t say why without spoiling a plot point) It’s not just that Simone comes off as a real girl with real problems that everyday women face. It’s because Christina consistently tells the stories of characters you can’t help but to love in a way that doesn’t feel contrived or over the top. Reading about these successful, mature, cool, Black business owners doesn’t feel like an exception, a rarity or surprise. It feels normal and like just another story because it IS normal and we need more of that.

To be honest, It’s a little bit funny that I decided this was the book that I was going to go all fan girl and rave about Christina on because this is my least favorite book out of the eight that I’ve read so far. With that being said, it was STILL good. I still enjoyed it, devoured it and I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series. Even at her worst, Christina slays…. And I don’t even feel right using that word!

Recommendation: I think what I’m going to say is pretty obvious at this point. Just pick up one of her books and read it. You won’t regret it I PROMISE you.
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,555 reviews274 followers
August 13, 2023
Absolutely loved. Roman was all the swooney things. His honor even got him in a bit of trouble but I wouldn't have had him be any other way. And Simone was ny kind of girl. I've read out of order but I'm happy to going back to the beginning of some of The Heights stories. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Tsholonki .
443 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2024
I almost just wrote "cuteness overload" then I remembered some crazy drama which takes place and yeah that's where I'll leave it, it's so worth it.
Profile Image for Lydia Ume.
26 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2020
You have a lazy weekend or just some free time and you need a fast-paced, feel-good romance novel? This is it.
Profile Image for The Love Librarian.
726 reviews1,363 followers
August 19, 2023
This was a cute romance between Simone, the local flower shop owner, and Roman, the local coffee shop owner. These two moved fast from jump…until Roman revealed his living situation was not something Simone wanted to hear (and I honestly didn’t blame her once the truth is revealed). They had some ups and downs but they eventually worked it out. They were always honest with each other about how they felt, which I think helped them overcome some of their challenges with each other.

Roman was a single dad, but my biggest complaint is that I would’ve liked to see more of him being a dad on page, and more page time of Simone bonding with his daughter. We eventually actually saw the daughter but it felt like we were told how great of a dad Roman was more than shown it.

On to the next couple in Mahogany Heights! I read the Equilibrium series first, not realizing that we meet the OG Mahogany Heights couples in this series so I definitely recommend this series before moving on to the Equilibrium series.
Profile Image for Taylor.
184 reviews
June 15, 2024
I love second chance romance!!!! This was so heartwarming and these characters were so likeable.
Profile Image for Demetrius.
426 reviews42 followers
March 12, 2024
This was a beautiful love story between Rome and Simone. Leah was the absolute worst. She constantly got on my damn nerves. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook, Wesleigh Siobhan did a great job bringing this story to life.
24 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2014


Love may indeed be a crazy thing but in this story crazy is a good thing.

Once again Ms. Jones has developed another good story. The dialogue in this book seemed different to me from her past books but in a very good way. The writing was emotional, humorous and clever.

The leads Simone and Roman's chemistry was believable and while things moved quickly between them their connection made sense. I felt as if I had been in this story, that I recognized these people and knew them. I found myself smiling a lot regarding Roman; you could feel his sexiness and his honesty. He is one of the good ones without a doubt. Simone was quick witted and no nonsense, she would be your ride or die chick for sure.

I am not big on unnecessary drama and when conflict comes up in a story I need it to make sense to me. The storyline in Crazy did just that. I got it, understood it and could accept it. There were a couple things that made me pause and question "would someone not know this or that" but in the end I didn't matter because I was entertained.

I do wish that Ms. Jones had utilized the secondary characters more in the one though. They were interesting and funny. Like Eddie, OMG! I wanted to know more about these people which I am sure was the authors intent. Knowing Ms. Jones I am sure there is more to come.

This is probably my favorite book by Ms. Jones so far. She is a very good writer and every new story seems to bring something different. I can't wait to see where her next literary journey takes us.


Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews66 followers
November 29, 2014
I thought this modern day romance was an excellent read that centered around 2 people who were ready for love. I loved the setting of the the book which was centered around a positive group of young entrepreneurs in the AA community. Although the characters had minor background issues, the focus of the storyline was placed upon their current lifestyle & their growth as maturing individuals. Simone & Roman's relationship was greatly detailed & their feelings leaped through the pages as I read. Although at times I wondered myself if they should remain as a couple, Christina Jones writing style convinced me they were definitely made for each other, & I found myself rooting for them to become a couple that lasted. Recommended to all!
Profile Image for MidnightAce.
189 reviews
November 5, 2014
AN APB PERSPECTIVE REVIEW

This book catches your attention with the headliner...."He smelled like coffee".

With Simone and Roman I enjoyed finding out how a man smelling like coffee and falling in love would unfold. The chemistry between the two are there from the beginning, but the getting to know each other is not an easy stroll in the park.
I liked how the author included the supporting characters as a block of entrepreneurs, who supported one another professionally and personally, which seemed more of a family.
A great weekend read, check out how the smell of coffee can be the start of a great love.
Profile Image for Candi.
155 reviews
February 10, 2015
good read

This was a quick easy read. Enjoyed the main characters Roman and Simone's developing relationship and the obstacles they faced (though Simone is better than me because i would have said hasta la vista).

This is a contemporary romance so be prepared for a lot of vivid and descriptive sex scenes. I had to scroll through at least 3-5 pages to get back to the storyline. I'm not a fan of that so I did deduct a star for that but other than that it was a great read for my day at the beach.
Profile Image for Leigh Kramer.
Author 1 book1,420 followers
November 29, 2019
This was my first Christina C. Jones book and it certainly won’t be the last! Loved the neighborhood setting and emphasis on black-owned businesses. If only the coffee house was real! This story does deal with harder subject matter and I thought it did a good job of exploring grief and loss, although I wish I had known those things were a part of the plot. See the content warnings below for more detail.

CW: miscarriage, unplanned pregnancy, loved one in a long-term coma, death of a loved one, past death of parent, grief, concern for infidelity
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
535 reviews113 followers
July 28, 2022
Simone really had patience because I forgot how irritated I was with Roman and Leah. This book is a classic wether read by ebook paperback or even audible (Wesleigh and Sean did that!). I love boy meets girl trope! Roman and Simone each had their baggage but I always enjoy going on the ride to HEA with them. I forgot Carter was a funny guy in this book lol this is a recommend and forever a classic!
Profile Image for mina reads™️.
643 reviews8,456 followers
January 4, 2018
“Just the thought of a love so good, so deep it made you sing wordless songs of love with such passion that even strangers could feel it made my chest ache.”

Ugh this was fantastic, it was everything I imagined it would be and more.
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews23 followers
November 3, 2022
Let's Love

First, I've had this book since 2017 (thanks Kindle for letting me know when I purchased this) and I'm JUST getting to this greatness 🤨. What the heck have I been doing 🤦🏾‍♀️.

Simone and Roman were definitely a cute read. I was a bit lost at times as to why Simone was so adamant at pushing Roman away when she obviously felt something for him, yet I'm going to chalk it up to her seeing her parents in a very dysfunctional relationship that aided to those feelings she was having. Even with them going about their relationship very fast, it worked and I'm glad they went at the pace they did. Now, when it comes to Romans ex/baby mama Leah and her drama she inserted into the mix, was so unnecessary. I just knew she was going to be a close friend to Simone, given that she's the one who was championing for Roman to make up with Simone. I get her feeling like her "family" was being taken away, yet she is too old for the antics she pulled. I feel like she did have some underlying feelings for Roman, yet since he was adamant about not wanting to be with her, she settled for Justin; just my opinion 🤷🏾‍♀️. I didn't care for Leah and I hope that's the last we see of her tbh.

As much as I thought Roman was being naive or even deceitful to Simone about the Leah situation, I saw him as the upstanding guy that he was. He never tried to play around with Simone and I like how straight forward he was. Now, did he mess up MAJORLY when it came to telling her about what happened the night her friend passed, yes, yet I get his apprehension. Either way, it all worked itself out.

I liked all the side friends and characters and can't wait to read more about Simone and Roman in the upcoming books. I think I'm going to like Vivienne and Carter. We shall see.

Great read. I'm so behind in the game on this one, yet if you're like me, do yourself a favor and read this series. Highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Genel F.
157 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2020
I don't even drink coffee, but I want some now!
Roman & Simone!!! I want some more! Let me start by saying the concept of Urban Grind is sooooo DOPE! Again, I don’t drink coffee, but i would show up to a space like this everyday of the week Just Because. CCJ describes the vibe so well that “The Heights” just seems like the place to be, a block full of Black own everything I LOVE IT!
This a quick feel good novel that gave me all the feels. When Simone meets “Mr. Coffee” himself, I knew he would be the one who could help her get back into the dating game. I loved that they both communicated what they wanted/ intended with one another. It wasn’t until Leah made her appearance that Roman had a little flaw. A “ Live in Baby Mama” BUT Roman still managed to navigate that correctly, from giving Simone space to encouraging Leah to move out, he managed. Although it took a few cups to get it right in the end, Simone and Roman figured out how to brew the perfect cup of Espresso.
Profile Image for JBucky.
453 reviews32 followers
May 19, 2023
Roman & Simone get a 5/5 for their chemistry, because baybeeehhh it was H O T! For me, I feel like it was so much overthinking going on in this book. Simone second guessed herself and the relationship she had with Roman a lot. Frankly, it was getting exhausting to read after a while. One thing I will say, is that she was spot on about Leah!!!! Like dead on about her!! Although she explained in the end, she made an adult decision & I would have had to be apart of the adult consequences. Carter, gave really great advice to Simone & became a really good friend even after trying to pursue her which made me happy.
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