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Definitely NOT A Thing
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.
Something.
But not like… a thing.
Definitely.
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.
Something.
But not like… a thing.
Definitely.
Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
March 9, 2026
My girl Amelia is goin’ through it. She just broke up with her boyfriend of three years, she had to move out of her dream brownstone due to mold and, as if that weren’t enough, she’s moving into the same building as her ex. Queue the awkward run-ins. Men and relationships are the last thing on Amelia’s mind right now. She just wants to focus on herself and growing her business but, her annoying and sexy new neighbor is making that difficult to do. After doing the unthinkable, Calvin has been suspended indefinitely from the Brawlers for the rest of the season. His future with the team is undetermined at the moment so, he’s keeping himself busy with conditioning and practice drills. Calvin is a little bit of a night owl which, doesn’t bode well for Amelia. Between the constant sounds of weights dropping on the floor and the loud music past the building’s nine o’clock noise ordinance, she takes an instant dislike to her new neighbor. But, when a series of unforeseen circumstances keeps putting these two in each other’s spaces, Amelia realizes Calvin might not be such an azzhole at after all. I really enjoyed Definitely NOT a Thing. The witty back and forth banter between Amelia and Calvin was laugh out loud funny. They were killin’ it with the one liners. I love that these characters were able to build a solid friendship while denying their feelings for one another. Y’all know I love cameos. It was good catching up with Winnie. Somebody drop the sign-up sheet for the KANAOS class. I’m down to kick a ninja’s azz. Amelia fought the good fight but, she finally gave in and had to admit what she and Calvin had was definitely a thing.
November 24, 2025
Definitely Not A Thing was such a breath of fresh air! The back-and-forth between Amelia and Calvin had me dying of laughter. I loved every single bit of this book – it really warmed my heart! 🤗
October 11, 2025
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for the sarcasm and the back and forth witty banter. I was giggling and cheesing the whole way through. I’m hoping for a follow up book.
I really enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for the sarcasm and the back and forth witty banter. I was giggling and cheesing the whole way through. I’m hoping for a follow up book.
February 5, 2026
I loved the audiobook however, I wanted more. I wasn’t particularly happy with how it ended.
March 5, 2026
Def Not a Thing was one of the best books I’ve read this year — and I can already tell it’s going to end up being one of my top reads and favorite books of the year. It was just so incredibly good! I genuinely loved this book down.
One of my favorite parts was the humor woven throughout the story. The characters had so much personality, and the dialogue had me smiling and laughing more than once. The playful, witty banter between Amelia and Calvin was everything. Their neighborly dynamic — full of teasing, flirting, and genuine friendship — slowly blossoming into something deeper was such a joy to watch unfold.
I became really invested in both of their characters. The chemistry between them felt natural, sweet, and fun, and I loved watching Amelia slowly come to terms with what was clearly happening between them. Seeing her finally admit that it wasn’t “def not a thing” but actually a real thing was incredibly satisfying.
This book gave me all the feels — humor, warmth, romance, and that cozy feeling of rooting for two people who clearly belong together. I enjoyed every single minute of it and didn’t want it to end.
Highly recommend if you love charming romance, great banter, and characters that make you smile the whole way through.
One of my favorite parts was the humor woven throughout the story. The characters had so much personality, and the dialogue had me smiling and laughing more than once. The playful, witty banter between Amelia and Calvin was everything. Their neighborly dynamic — full of teasing, flirting, and genuine friendship — slowly blossoming into something deeper was such a joy to watch unfold.
I became really invested in both of their characters. The chemistry between them felt natural, sweet, and fun, and I loved watching Amelia slowly come to terms with what was clearly happening between them. Seeing her finally admit that it wasn’t “def not a thing” but actually a real thing was incredibly satisfying.
This book gave me all the feels — humor, warmth, romance, and that cozy feeling of rooting for two people who clearly belong together. I enjoyed every single minute of it and didn’t want it to end.
Highly recommend if you love charming romance, great banter, and characters that make you smile the whole way through.
September 27, 2025
Amelia and Calvin were an actual hoot. Their bantering was vintage CCJ dialog which is a very cool vibe. I enjoyed their relationship that wasn't supposed to be a relationship. Hunter was a dweeb. I am glad Calvin was her new neighbor in this new Heights love story with a hilarious undertone.
February 10, 2026
This was a cute rom com. The narrators definitely brought this story to life.
As soon as Amelia moved next door to Calvin she instantly caught an attitude and was rude. To return the gesture, Calvin ups the noise factor. The banter between these the two was super cute, add in some flirting, fake dating, accidental hookup and you are in for a good time.
As soon as Amelia moved next door to Calvin she instantly caught an attitude and was rude. To return the gesture, Calvin ups the noise factor. The banter between these the two was super cute, add in some flirting, fake dating, accidental hookup and you are in for a good time.
October 30, 2025
Amelia and Calvin were soo funny and just right! Amelia and Calvin meet at the worst and best time. She is exiting a relationship and dealing with the emotions that come with it while trying to run her tech business (the drama with that app lol). Calvin is also in the midst of transition and learning that one decision (although warranted!) can cost you everything. These are so unexpected, but end up being the best things for each other. The banter between them is hilarious, and you will LOL for real, especially at some of their inner dialogue. This was such a fun read, and I wish we had gotten to spend more time with this couple. Maybe we will see more of them with this basketball team in a future series that CCJ keeps hinting at us! Definitely check out this book if you're looking for something light and enjoyable!
November 24, 2025
This was exactly what I needed. The perfect palette cleanser.
November 23, 2025
Audio Review
Duet Narration by Wesleigh Siobhan and Sharif Stevens
Tropes:
Neighbors-to-lovers
Reverse grumpy/sunshine
Forced proximity
Chaotic banter
Christina C. Jones understood the assignment with this one. Amelia is spiraling, life is lifing, and then Calvin—shirtless menace, human inconvenience, walking temptation—keeps showing up. Their bickering is hilarious, unhinged, and way too charged to be innocent.
The shift from “he annoys me” to “…oh no I want him” is smooth, chaotic, and so fun to watch unravel. Their chemistry cracked me up AND had me blushing. Amelia’s accidental honesty + Calvin’s smug reactions? Peak entertainment.
Wesleigh Siobhan and Sharif Stevens brought this story alive with ridiculous charm. The way they captured the comedic timing, the attitude, and the growing heat made the audio experience unforgettable.
This book is the perfect mix of funny, messy, spicy, and heartfelt. CCJ stays undefeated.
Duet Narration by Wesleigh Siobhan and Sharif Stevens
Tropes:
Neighbors-to-lovers
Reverse grumpy/sunshine
Forced proximity
Chaotic banter
Christina C. Jones understood the assignment with this one. Amelia is spiraling, life is lifing, and then Calvin—shirtless menace, human inconvenience, walking temptation—keeps showing up. Their bickering is hilarious, unhinged, and way too charged to be innocent.
The shift from “he annoys me” to “…oh no I want him” is smooth, chaotic, and so fun to watch unravel. Their chemistry cracked me up AND had me blushing. Amelia’s accidental honesty + Calvin’s smug reactions? Peak entertainment.
Wesleigh Siobhan and Sharif Stevens brought this story alive with ridiculous charm. The way they captured the comedic timing, the attitude, and the growing heat made the audio experience unforgettable.
This book is the perfect mix of funny, messy, spicy, and heartfelt. CCJ stays undefeated.
December 21, 2025
5 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️ | 5 🎧
Full RTC
The way I LOVED this book! I am sitting here with the biggest grin on my face. I had so much fun, and this was exactly what I needed. I could read 200 more pages about Amelia and Calvin and not get enough of them. The audiobook was perfect! Wesleigh and Sharif's voices flow so well together.
What to Expect:
- Neighbors to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Sports Romance
- Fun Banter
- Dual POV
- Duet Narration
Narrators: Wesleigh Siobhan and Sharif Stephens
Full RTC
The way I LOVED this book! I am sitting here with the biggest grin on my face. I had so much fun, and this was exactly what I needed. I could read 200 more pages about Amelia and Calvin and not get enough of them. The audiobook was perfect! Wesleigh and Sharif's voices flow so well together.
What to Expect:
- Neighbors to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Sports Romance
- Fun Banter
- Dual POV
- Duet Narration
Narrators: Wesleigh Siobhan and Sharif Stephens
November 26, 2025
This book was very refreshing! I hope it’s a book 2! It was upbeat and hilarious! Well done
January 7, 2026
Audio - 2.5
This book was not at all what I was expecting. I hung in there because my favorite narrator Wesleigh, was facilitating the book and she always does a good job and keeping you locked in. I really wanted to like him, but he just was not it for me. He was a jokester when he shouldn't have been, he was a little bit immature, and he had the potential to be like this solid Alpha man and he really missed the boat.
She was kind of confused and not sure where she wanted to go. How she jumped out of a 3 year relationship into a relationship with him and it got so serious was pretty wild to me. They just never really moved past the friends zone if you ask me. I was not convinced they were each other's person at all.
The ending… Wha??!! I literally had to pick up my phone and check to make sure that the book was over. Not at all the way this book should've ended. It wasn't for me.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. I hung in there because my favorite narrator Wesleigh, was facilitating the book and she always does a good job and keeping you locked in. I really wanted to like him, but he just was not it for me. He was a jokester when he shouldn't have been, he was a little bit immature, and he had the potential to be like this solid Alpha man and he really missed the boat.
She was kind of confused and not sure where she wanted to go. How she jumped out of a 3 year relationship into a relationship with him and it got so serious was pretty wild to me. They just never really moved past the friends zone if you ask me. I was not convinced they were each other's person at all.
The ending… Wha??!! I literally had to pick up my phone and check to make sure that the book was over. Not at all the way this book should've ended. It wasn't for me.
December 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I loved the full-cast narration, so good! The story was super cute, and the banter was hilarious.
September 30, 2025
CCj neverrrr disappoints! I was giggling and cackling throughout this entire thing. Calvin and Amelia were so fun to read. And those side characters had me rolliiiiing. Jeanie and Arthur I'm looking at you.
If you're looking for a book with that will have you laughing so hard and awwing at the cuteness too then this is iiit. Get iiit!
If you're looking for a book with that will have you laughing so hard and awwing at the cuteness too then this is iiit. Get iiit!
December 2, 2025
This was too cute! Calvin and LiLi were def a thing. 😂
February 16, 2026
I smiled my way through this book.
March 24, 2026
Hold up. Whattt? How you gonna end me off like thaaaat? I need two more chapters boo!
December 15, 2025
3.25 🌟
March 3, 2026
A cute read, but it definitely felt rushed. Hated the ending.
January 1, 2026
They were so cute and the banter between them was hilarious, had my cracking up every other page. This was the perfect lighthearted book.
December 6, 2025
4.5 stars
This book was so damn fun! The perfect mix of spice, laughs, and the kind of pettiness that makes you do a slow clap. CCJ really gave us a romcom that felt like a romcom without being corny or predictable.
In this one, we meet Amelia, who’s fresh out of a three-year relationship and ready to start her new life in a brownstone she thought she’d be moving into… only to find out it’s not ready. And where does she end up instead? In the same building as her trifling-ass ex. To make matters worse, there’s a nosy neighbor stirring the pot, and Amelia’s barely hanging on by a thread.
Enter Calvin — a pro basketball player on probation and praying his future isn’t going up in flames. Falling for a neighbor wasn’t on his radar, especially one with a sharp tongue and a don’t-bother-me attitude. But baby… Calvin is persistent. And funny. And fine. And lowkey petty in the best way.
The tension between Amelia and Calvin? Chef’s kiss. The banter was elite. Calvin being purposefully annoying had me giggling like I was on FaceTime with my homegirl. But what I really loved was how they balanced each other — the way they clowned and roasted but also held space for each other’s vulnerability. That “I got you” energy? Yeah, I was eating it UP.
Also… Amelia’s ex, Hunter? 🗑️. Calvin had him in his feelings without even trying, and I lived for it. A man who applies pressure and reads the room? Yes, please.
The audiobook performance was another win — Sharif and Wesleigh never miss, and this duet narration just made the story hit harder.
If you’re into:
• forced proximity
• spicy romcoms
• MMCs who hoop
• FMCs in tech
Then you need to add this one to your TBR. Amelia and Calvin might swear it was “Definitely NOT a Thing,” but that chemistry? That support? That heat? Baby, it was definitely everything.
This book was so damn fun! The perfect mix of spice, laughs, and the kind of pettiness that makes you do a slow clap. CCJ really gave us a romcom that felt like a romcom without being corny or predictable.
In this one, we meet Amelia, who’s fresh out of a three-year relationship and ready to start her new life in a brownstone she thought she’d be moving into… only to find out it’s not ready. And where does she end up instead? In the same building as her trifling-ass ex. To make matters worse, there’s a nosy neighbor stirring the pot, and Amelia’s barely hanging on by a thread.
Enter Calvin — a pro basketball player on probation and praying his future isn’t going up in flames. Falling for a neighbor wasn’t on his radar, especially one with a sharp tongue and a don’t-bother-me attitude. But baby… Calvin is persistent. And funny. And fine. And lowkey petty in the best way.
The tension between Amelia and Calvin? Chef’s kiss. The banter was elite. Calvin being purposefully annoying had me giggling like I was on FaceTime with my homegirl. But what I really loved was how they balanced each other — the way they clowned and roasted but also held space for each other’s vulnerability. That “I got you” energy? Yeah, I was eating it UP.
Also… Amelia’s ex, Hunter? 🗑️. Calvin had him in his feelings without even trying, and I lived for it. A man who applies pressure and reads the room? Yes, please.
The audiobook performance was another win — Sharif and Wesleigh never miss, and this duet narration just made the story hit harder.
If you’re into:
• forced proximity
• spicy romcoms
• MMCs who hoop
• FMCs in tech
Then you need to add this one to your TBR. Amelia and Calvin might swear it was “Definitely NOT a Thing,” but that chemistry? That support? That heat? Baby, it was definitely everything.
February 20, 2026
Really cute. Really quick read. Quite enjoyable. I loved how they are so casual about their coming to know each other. Nothing feels rushed. It doesn’t feel awkward but it was so natural just like Amelia kept expressing. I found it utterly hilarious that her inside thoughts kept becoming outside thoughts though. That made for some tense and hilarious moments. This one was heavy on a sweet romance. It wasn’t driven by sex. The sex scenes aren’t too explicit. This is one I could participate in a book club that included my mom with. Very low spice.
CCJ has a way with details. One of my favorite things is always her ability to blend characters from other stories but also take us to places we’ve visited before. Urban Grind still can get my money! 😂
Some background characters definitely stand out though. Jeanie the delivery girl…sooooo daggum funny. Also Arthur the maintenance man…that man had so many jobs and a hat/shirt to match each! 😂
Arthur’s Tree Service
Arthur’s Fine Flooring
Arthur’s Refrigeration
Arthur’s Tub & Tile
Arthur’s Outdoors and More
Add the audio of course for a true experience. It’s duet narration and Wesleigh and Sharif do an amazing job with it. So many laugh out loud moments. They are acting their tails off!
CCJ has a way with details. One of my favorite things is always her ability to blend characters from other stories but also take us to places we’ve visited before. Urban Grind still can get my money! 😂
Some background characters definitely stand out though. Jeanie the delivery girl…sooooo daggum funny. Also Arthur the maintenance man…that man had so many jobs and a hat/shirt to match each! 😂
Arthur’s Tree Service
Arthur’s Fine Flooring
Arthur’s Refrigeration
Arthur’s Tub & Tile
Arthur’s Outdoors and More
Add the audio of course for a true experience. It’s duet narration and Wesleigh and Sharif do an amazing job with it. So many laugh out loud moments. They are acting their tails off!
January 2, 2026
5 stars ~ [9.06/10]
I knew starting the year off with a Christina C. Jones book was gonna be a great decision and I love being right. This author consistently delivers some of the most vibrant characters - they always feel like the most real people. I think it comes down to the way she writes dialogue because she has perfected how to make it read like a natural conversation whilst also moving the plot and the characters' emotional journeys at the right pace. The banter in here is PEAK romance and I couldn't have been happier to to spend the first day of the year with this book. I've read quite a lot from this author now and I truly think she is becoming one of my all time favs.
I knew starting the year off with a Christina C. Jones book was gonna be a great decision and I love being right. This author consistently delivers some of the most vibrant characters - they always feel like the most real people. I think it comes down to the way she writes dialogue because she has perfected how to make it read like a natural conversation whilst also moving the plot and the characters' emotional journeys at the right pace. The banter in here is PEAK romance and I couldn't have been happier to to spend the first day of the year with this book. I've read quite a lot from this author now and I truly think she is becoming one of my all time favs.
February 6, 2026
Now, Sis
After my last few reads, I was in the mood for some contemporary Black romance. I knew I needed to go with the GOAT. Of course she delivered. I loved the mix of drama, humor, and spice in this book. Calvin was such a fun book bae. I loved how blunt he was. Amelia tried to deny her attraction to him, but they were clearly meant to be. Their chemistry was amazing. I understood why she was hesitant so close after a breakup, but her bounce back was so rewarding. I really enjoyed their courtship.
After my last few reads, I was in the mood for some contemporary Black romance. I knew I needed to go with the GOAT. Of course she delivered. I loved the mix of drama, humor, and spice in this book. Calvin was such a fun book bae. I loved how blunt he was. Amelia tried to deny her attraction to him, but they were clearly meant to be. Their chemistry was amazing. I understood why she was hesitant so close after a breakup, but her bounce back was so rewarding. I really enjoyed their courtship.
January 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫!!!’s
I had SUCH a good time with this one!! The banter, chemistry, tension were just perfect! Quick little fun read had me CACKLING!! Loved their dynamics and how well they complimented each other.
And Calvin??!! That man could read a room. Understood the assignment at ALLL times. I swoon!
I also loved the FMC and her friendships! I rock with them HARD!
It was such a fun read, I can’t rave about this enough, just pick it up and get ready for a good time!
I had SUCH a good time with this one!! The banter, chemistry, tension were just perfect! Quick little fun read had me CACKLING!! Loved their dynamics and how well they complimented each other.
And Calvin??!! That man could read a room. Understood the assignment at ALLL times. I swoon!
I also loved the FMC and her friendships! I rock with them HARD!
It was such a fun read, I can’t rave about this enough, just pick it up and get ready for a good time!
February 28, 2026
Cute read. Amelia is literally moving on from a break up, but in the same building as her ex. Calvin is her super fine neighbor who is dealing with a NBA suspension, but is there to offer a hand when needed. Amelia is short and snappy with Calvin and they have good banter . After being neighborly, Amelia begins to develop feelings for Calvin and agrees to fake date for a party even. Calvin is everything her ex was not and eventually they have to decide if they are “a thing”.
January 31, 2026
The banter 🧑🍳 💋
The laughs I had to many to count
The number of time I called my BFF who threatened me with Divorce to talk about a moment in the book at least 10.
This was a super cute and funny book about just letting life do its thing when everything seems to be going wrong. Just what I need to pull me out of my three month book slump!
The laughs I had to many to count
The number of time I called my BFF who threatened me with Divorce to talk about a moment in the book at least 10.
This was a super cute and funny book about just letting life do its thing when everything seems to be going wrong. Just what I need to pull me out of my three month book slump!
January 1, 2026
one thing for sure CCJ is gonna make you laugh. And these two had me hollering. Banter was top tier
This was such a feel good story.
I enjoyed it for exactly what it was even tho I wanted to shake Amelia for trying to downplay her love for our guy
4.25. Ending left me wanting me.
This was such a feel good story.
I enjoyed it for exactly what it was even tho I wanted to shake Amelia for trying to downplay her love for our guy
4.25. Ending left me wanting me.
February 18, 2026
CCJ at her best. I could not put this down. This book reminded me of why she is a hall of famer for me when it comes to romance. This book is everything I love about romance, it’s going on the yearly reread list.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews