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Serendipitous Love #5
Love You Forever
Two years after leaving the neighborhood to pursue an opportunity she couldn’t pass up, Sydnee Scott is back. She’s smart, sassy, and maybe a little bit spoiled, but she’s ready to reclaim her place in her family, and in the family business…
Or not.
That spot is currently filled by Harlan Ramsey, head manager. He came to Stacks – the man, and the restaurant named after him – looking for connection, and he got it, in the form of a surrogate family. He’s frustratingly handsome, charming to the point of annoyance, and according to her father, Sydnee is supposed to think of him as her brother.
Seriously?
She’d rather not think of him at all.
They used to be friends, and were almost more before a betrayal shifted them apart. Sydnee has been comfortable in her anger for two long years, but when her father requests that they work together, they’re forced to confront how they really feel for each other. A decision has to be made: remain at odds, or give in to a love that has always been brewing, before it’s too late to matter?
Or not.
That spot is currently filled by Harlan Ramsey, head manager. He came to Stacks – the man, and the restaurant named after him – looking for connection, and he got it, in the form of a surrogate family. He’s frustratingly handsome, charming to the point of annoyance, and according to her father, Sydnee is supposed to think of him as her brother.
Seriously?
She’d rather not think of him at all.
They used to be friends, and were almost more before a betrayal shifted them apart. Sydnee has been comfortable in her anger for two long years, but when her father requests that they work together, they’re forced to confront how they really feel for each other. A decision has to be made: remain at odds, or give in to a love that has always been brewing, before it’s too late to matter?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
217 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 27, 2022
A good read, but I wasn’t drawn to the characters like the previous books. Nevertheless, CJJ can write no wrong!
August 7, 2022
4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sydnee and Harlan are my least loved couple in this series but, I still loved this book. If I know what you need better than yourself was a parent, it would definitely be Stacks. Lawd, he worked my last nerve! His willful ignorance to acknowledge Sydnee's wants was so frustrating! I wanted to reach into my iPad and strangle him! But, by the time he finally stop being stubborn and actually listen to Syd, it was too late. CCJ know she didn't have to take Stacks out like that. I let my guard down after he survived the first heart attack then, the man dies two chapters later. 😭😭😭 That's coldblooded! My heart broke for Sydnee and Harlan. Despite my lack of interest in the main characters, Love You Forever was still an excellent book.
Sydnee and Harlan are my least loved couple in this series but, I still loved this book. If I know what you need better than yourself was a parent, it would definitely be Stacks. Lawd, he worked my last nerve! His willful ignorance to acknowledge Sydnee's wants was so frustrating! I wanted to reach into my iPad and strangle him! But, by the time he finally stop being stubborn and actually listen to Syd, it was too late. CCJ know she didn't have to take Stacks out like that. I let my guard down after he survived the first heart attack then, the man dies two chapters later. 😭😭😭 That's coldblooded! My heart broke for Sydnee and Harlan. Despite my lack of interest in the main characters, Love You Forever was still an excellent book.
September 6, 2015
Well, she's done it again! And what is that? Given us another young, beautiful, ambitious, perfectly flawed Black couple in that wonderful fictitious town that we can't help but root for and fall in love with. This time it's Sydnee and Harlan.
While it took me a minute to warm up to Miss Sydnee, I'd be surprised that any reader was able to resist Harlan from the very beginning. That accent alone lured me right on in. He fits in perfectly with the rest of the delicious brother in this series.
I see it didn't take Sydnee long to get her mind right, and work things out with him.
And I can't forget Sydnee's parents. Sidney and Natalie were cuter than cute! CCJ did a great job of capturing the ease and banter of a long time married couple. And listen, whenThe Big Event happens, I was SO not ready! I thought things were gonna go left for Sydnee and Harlan, and was very happy that they turned to each other, instead of some silly drama coming between them.
I'm again amazed at CCJ's ability to write a fairly short story (in terms of page count), that is complete and not lacking, in terms of the storyline. I'm not really a fan of novellas and short stories, because they usually feel rushed and incomplete, but this is never an issue with CCJ. She can give you a kick-ass story in 200 pages or less. Real talk.
Keep up the good work, CCJ!
While it took me a minute to warm up to Miss Sydnee, I'd be surprised that any reader was able to resist Harlan from the very beginning. That accent alone lured me right on in. He fits in perfectly with the rest of the delicious brother in this series.
I see it didn't take Sydnee long to get her mind right, and work things out with him.
And I can't forget Sydnee's parents. Sidney and Natalie were cuter than cute! CCJ did a great job of capturing the ease and banter of a long time married couple. And listen, whenThe Big Event happens, I was SO not ready! I thought things were gonna go left for Sydnee and Harlan, and was very happy that they turned to each other, instead of some silly drama coming between them.
I'm again amazed at CCJ's ability to write a fairly short story (in terms of page count), that is complete and not lacking, in terms of the storyline. I'm not really a fan of novellas and short stories, because they usually feel rushed and incomplete, but this is never an issue with CCJ. She can give you a kick-ass story in 200 pages or less. Real talk.
Keep up the good work, CCJ!
January 30, 2017
I am NEVERRRRRRRR EVERRRRRRRRRRR DISAPPOINTED!!! If you have not read Christina C Jones .......please get to Amazon as fast as you can and get one right now!!.. great great job as usual Chrissy.....
November 9, 2022
I Got You
Sydnee and Harlan, as some of the other couples have, frustrated me due to the nature of how they started out (horrible communication and assumptions leading to time wasted😒), yet once wrongs were righted, it was a go from there.
Since he was introduced first, I'll start with Harlan. Being a southern gal myself, I can definitely appreciate a southern man. He was sweet, caring and absolutely all man. I love that even though he respected Stacks owner Sidney and his wife Natalie, he didn't let the friendship between he and their daughter Sydnee stop at just them being co-workers. He listened to her and encouraged her. He respected her and didn't just see her as someone to sleep with; he saw more and before he could really sit with his growing crush for her, she up and leaves and blocks him, all over a misunderstanding that he took no part in. I thought when she came back that he'd beat around the bush, yet when his co-worker Jamar ask him if that was him, he hesitated for a moment, yet let him know, 'Yes'😏. I like that he was there and supportive of Sydnee, even if it put him on his mentor and father figure, which was her dad and his boss, bad side. He understood that in Love, you take chances and being by her side, no matter the cost, was a chance he was willing to take.
Sydnee was a bit frustrating at first. She was directing her anger for her dad, onto Harlan. He didn't do anything wrong and didn't deserve her petty attitude. I'm so glad her friends Quinn and Astrid had that talk with her bc she wasted so much time and energy on being upset, when all she had to do was talk about it with Harlan. Nonetheless, she apologized, which I was so glad she did, and went with the flow of how natural they're relationship blossomed. I was hoping she'd get to have a conversation with her dad about how he was treating her, yet I think by him leaving her that message, it's something she can save and have for a lifetime; a lasting memory of him. Although her dad didn't get healthy like I'd hoped, I think both Sydnee and Harlan will take Stacks to new heights and make the elder Sidney proud.
I don't quite get Eddie and Astrid's dynamic, yet I'm curious to read more about them in the next book.
Great read. Great series. Highly recommend.
Sydnee and Harlan, as some of the other couples have, frustrated me due to the nature of how they started out (horrible communication and assumptions leading to time wasted😒), yet once wrongs were righted, it was a go from there.
Since he was introduced first, I'll start with Harlan. Being a southern gal myself, I can definitely appreciate a southern man. He was sweet, caring and absolutely all man. I love that even though he respected Stacks owner Sidney and his wife Natalie, he didn't let the friendship between he and their daughter Sydnee stop at just them being co-workers. He listened to her and encouraged her. He respected her and didn't just see her as someone to sleep with; he saw more and before he could really sit with his growing crush for her, she up and leaves and blocks him, all over a misunderstanding that he took no part in. I thought when she came back that he'd beat around the bush, yet when his co-worker Jamar ask him if that was him, he hesitated for a moment, yet let him know, 'Yes'😏. I like that he was there and supportive of Sydnee, even if it put him on his mentor and father figure, which was her dad and his boss, bad side. He understood that in Love, you take chances and being by her side, no matter the cost, was a chance he was willing to take.
Sydnee was a bit frustrating at first. She was directing her anger for her dad, onto Harlan. He didn't do anything wrong and didn't deserve her petty attitude. I'm so glad her friends Quinn and Astrid had that talk with her bc she wasted so much time and energy on being upset, when all she had to do was talk about it with Harlan. Nonetheless, she apologized, which I was so glad she did, and went with the flow of how natural they're relationship blossomed. I was hoping she'd get to have a conversation with her dad about how he was treating her, yet I think by him leaving her that message, it's something she can save and have for a lifetime; a lasting memory of him. Although her dad didn't get healthy like I'd hoped, I think both Sydnee and Harlan will take Stacks to new heights and make the elder Sidney proud.
I don't quite get Eddie and Astrid's dynamic, yet I'm curious to read more about them in the next book.
Great read. Great series. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2021
an okay read but I didn't really care about these two
August 15, 2021
Sydnee and Harlan’s romance was overwhelmed by the plot choices regarding her father. I liked Sydnee and Harlan together, once she figured things out. I wish the focus had been more on them starting a relationship and whether they were going to work at Stacks together. Unfortunately, this turned out to be my least favorite installment in the series.
Character notes: Sydnee is a 26 year old Black chef and restaurant manager. She’s also a virgin. Harlan is a 28 year old Black head manager at Stacks pancake restaurant.
Content notes: , sexist father, MMC’s father died of chronic liver disease 8 years ago, on page sex, unprotected sex (no pregnancy results and they both claim to not have STDs afterward), alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialism, ableist language, acephobic line , fathers fought in Vietnam War together, FMC became friends with her former counselor which is a breach of ethics , MMC’s parents were divorced and he’s estranged from his mom, FMC’s mother had a difficult pregnancy and birth with her, reference to past migraines and panic attacks
Character notes: Sydnee is a 26 year old Black chef and restaurant manager. She’s also a virgin. Harlan is a 28 year old Black head manager at Stacks pancake restaurant.
Content notes: , sexist father, MMC’s father died of chronic liver disease 8 years ago, on page sex, unprotected sex (no pregnancy results and they both claim to not have STDs afterward), alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialism, ableist language, acephobic line , fathers fought in Vietnam War together, FMC became friends with her former counselor which is a breach of ethics , MMC’s parents were divorced and he’s estranged from his mom, FMC’s mother had a difficult pregnancy and birth with her, reference to past migraines and panic attacks
November 18, 2024
"When you came back this time, I wasn't starting from scratch...I feel like I've loved you forever."
Sydnee and Harlan were too cute. I love the way CCJ can pack a very fulfilling story in a matter of 175 pages.
Their history and backstory made their initial reactions make sense. I like how we saw what happens when there is miscommunication in a friendship and the aftereffect. I'm so glad they were able to communicate and push through that issue.
Their love was beautiful and I love how Harlan handled Syd and her secret with care.
Sydnee and Harlan were too cute. I love the way CCJ can pack a very fulfilling story in a matter of 175 pages.
Their history and backstory made their initial reactions make sense. I like how we saw what happens when there is miscommunication in a friendship and the aftereffect. I'm so glad they were able to communicate and push through that issue.
Their love was beautiful and I love how Harlan handled Syd and her secret with care.
February 5, 2017
There's a reason why I own every CCJ book: the lady can write! I'm never disappointed when I read one of her books. This book had me laughing and crying. Stacks, Short Stacks, and Hot Cakes will all keep you entertained! I'm really enjoying this Serendipitous Series.
Merged review:
CCJ can write!
I'm really loving this Serendipitous series! This book had me laughing & crying. Stacks, Short Stacks, & Hot Cakes will all keep you entertained!
Merged review:
CCJ can write!
I'm really loving this Serendipitous series! This book had me laughing & crying. Stacks, Short Stacks, & Hot Cakes will all keep you entertained!
September 18, 2015
Another excellent read.
September 4, 2015
Excellent! Really enjoyed the characters and the development of their love!
December 10, 2017
I started this book at around 6am this morning, (because for whatever reason, when I woke up this morning to use the bathroom, I thought it would be a good idea to start a new book than to go back to sleep) went back to sleep at around 9am, woke back up at 11am to keep reading and finished at around 1pm. I think I broke a record.
As a matter of fact, not only do I think I've broken a personal record for least time taken for me to finish a book, but I also think Christina C Jones broke a record as well. For pumping enough feeling and emotion into such a short book to make me cry...YUP I CRIED! GO ON AHEAD AND JUDGE ME.
First of all...the Serendipitous Love series has been nothing but a ray of sunshine in my reading life. When I pick up each book in this series, no matter which characters the focus is on, I can always count on these books to deliver high intensity feels, great banter, amazing dialogue, authentic life situations and #relationshipgoals.
I felt a really special connection to Sydnee while reading this book for several reasons. We eerily have a lot in common so while reading this novel, it was so easy to put myself in her shoes, which is why I think this book hit me enough to elicit those traitorous tears.
This review isn't going to be about me being sappy though. Let's get on to the goods! Love You Forever follows Sydnee "Short Stack" Scott and Harlan "Hot Cakes" Ramsey and of course, since this is a CCJ novel, regardless of how short it was, we also get to follow their family and friends. Sydnee shows back up at home after two years working as a chef at a restaurant in NYC only to have to revisit the feelings of betrayal and jealousy towards Harlan as well as anger and resentment towards her father. Sydnee has wanted to manage her father's Pancake Restuarant "Stacks" since she was a little girl, so having to face the fact that her father gave that position to Harlan instead is the main point of contention between the two who were once very very close friends.
I loved reading the journey Sydnee went through in coming to terms with her feelings towards Harlan and her dad. CCJ's ability to pack such an emotional punch in all of her stories, regardless of how long or short the novel is, never ceases to amaze me. This book is only 160 pages, yet I feel like I not only got to witness a relationship develop and fully blossom between Harlan and Sydnee, but I was also fully engrossed and invested in the relationship between Sydnee and her dad, her friends, and THEIR friends...WHAT KIND OF SORCERY!? SERIOUSLY.
*sighs* I loved this book...that is the bottom line. I loved the character development, the progression of relationships, the family dynamics and the peeks at different friendships and potential relationships (*coughs* there should be at LEAST two more books after this *coughs*) strewn throughout. Did I mention this book is only 160 pages??
So that's all I'm going to say for now because I keep having to read the synopsis to make sure I don't spoil anything, so READ IT!
As a matter of fact, not only do I think I've broken a personal record for least time taken for me to finish a book, but I also think Christina C Jones broke a record as well. For pumping enough feeling and emotion into such a short book to make me cry...YUP I CRIED! GO ON AHEAD AND JUDGE ME.
First of all...the Serendipitous Love series has been nothing but a ray of sunshine in my reading life. When I pick up each book in this series, no matter which characters the focus is on, I can always count on these books to deliver high intensity feels, great banter, amazing dialogue, authentic life situations and #relationshipgoals.
I felt a really special connection to Sydnee while reading this book for several reasons. We eerily have a lot in common so while reading this novel, it was so easy to put myself in her shoes, which is why I think this book hit me enough to elicit those traitorous tears.
This review isn't going to be about me being sappy though. Let's get on to the goods! Love You Forever follows Sydnee "Short Stack" Scott and Harlan "Hot Cakes" Ramsey and of course, since this is a CCJ novel, regardless of how short it was, we also get to follow their family and friends. Sydnee shows back up at home after two years working as a chef at a restaurant in NYC only to have to revisit the feelings of betrayal and jealousy towards Harlan as well as anger and resentment towards her father. Sydnee has wanted to manage her father's Pancake Restuarant "Stacks" since she was a little girl, so having to face the fact that her father gave that position to Harlan instead is the main point of contention between the two who were once very very close friends.
I loved reading the journey Sydnee went through in coming to terms with her feelings towards Harlan and her dad. CCJ's ability to pack such an emotional punch in all of her stories, regardless of how long or short the novel is, never ceases to amaze me. This book is only 160 pages, yet I feel like I not only got to witness a relationship develop and fully blossom between Harlan and Sydnee, but I was also fully engrossed and invested in the relationship between Sydnee and her dad, her friends, and THEIR friends...WHAT KIND OF SORCERY!? SERIOUSLY.
*sighs* I loved this book...that is the bottom line. I loved the character development, the progression of relationships, the family dynamics and the peeks at different friendships and potential relationships (*coughs* there should be at LEAST two more books after this *coughs*) strewn throughout. Did I mention this book is only 160 pages??
So that's all I'm going to say for now because I keep having to read the synopsis to make sure I don't spoil anything, so READ IT!
December 16, 2024
This fifth book in the series is touching but it’s the love story I feel the least connected to. The rest are the books are such feel good love stories that this one seems to pale in comparison.
September 27, 2015
Bittersweet and Emotional
Excellent, well-written story of how miscommunication…or failure to communicate at all…can build resentment and alter lives.
Sydnee “Short Stack” Scott has returned home to New Orleans, the family restaurant – “Stacks” …and her overprotective father. She’s also returned still full of anger and resentment towards the man who was once her best friend. Harlan Ramsey had become a very important part of Syd’s life…and heart. They would spend nights texting and talking about everything. But during the days, Harlan would treat her like nothing more than a sister. Syd hated thinking he wasn’t as affected by her as she was him, but made up her mind when he got a job position she felt was hers. Feeling betrayed, she walked away without a backwards glance.
Syd has worked hard over the last couple of years at a job that she truly hated (but her father felt was good for her career) while completing her education. But she’s tired of not making her own decisions and being seen as her parents’ spoiled, only child. She’d like nothing better than to manage her dad’s restaurant, but convinced he doesn’t believe she’s capable of the job, she takes a position with a local upscale restaurant scheduled to open soon.
Until her new job starts, her dad asks to help him out at Stacks…and work with Harlan. Syd would rather have hot needles plunged into her eyeballs than work with Harlan. Especially since he STILL seems so unaffected by her. Always ready for a challenge though, she takes on a cool, indifferent demeanor whenever he’s around.
Harlan “thinks” he knows what turned Syd against him, but he’s not sure. The night after he was named manager of her father’s restaurant, she hightailed it out of town without even saying goodbye. She doesn’t answer or return his calls. Harlan moves on, even if his heart can’t.
A pseudo-intervention by Syd’s BFFs, Quinn and Astrid, and some enlightening counsel from her mother, give Syd reason to pause…and reflect. She just might be able to work out her differences with Harlan. But, can she come to a meeting of the minds with her overprotective, and at times, overbearing father?
All of the characters in this quick read are very likable. Even when you disagree with their actions and decisions, it’s not difficult to understand why they do what they do.
I felt at times, Syd was overly dramatic. For all that she had accomplished, and the goals she had set for herself, it seemed too easy for her to act the roll of the spoiled, pampered princess. But…I think she had similar thoughts, because once she set a course, there was no deterring her from it.
What can I say about Harlan? He was the “nice guy” women pray for. He could have been more aggressive in bringing Syd “to the table” to talk out their problems, but like the typical nice guy, he waited until she was ready.
The supporting characters are all…supportive. LOL! I know there’s a great story surrounding Quinn’s life, and who wouldn’t want to hang out with free-spirit Astrid? The woman is bound to say or do anything! Natalie Scott is the consummate mom…and wife. Sid Scott has a course mapped out for his daughter, and doesn’t appreciate her trying to deviate from it. Even when they argue, you know it’s not from him being a control freak, but more so his not wanting Sydnee to experience the pitfalls and struggles he did.
Once again, Christina C. Jones delivers a captivating, bittersweet story that shows problems aren’t as big as they feel, especially when we listen to our hearts.
Excellent, well-written story of how miscommunication…or failure to communicate at all…can build resentment and alter lives.
Sydnee “Short Stack” Scott has returned home to New Orleans, the family restaurant – “Stacks” …and her overprotective father. She’s also returned still full of anger and resentment towards the man who was once her best friend. Harlan Ramsey had become a very important part of Syd’s life…and heart. They would spend nights texting and talking about everything. But during the days, Harlan would treat her like nothing more than a sister. Syd hated thinking he wasn’t as affected by her as she was him, but made up her mind when he got a job position she felt was hers. Feeling betrayed, she walked away without a backwards glance.
Syd has worked hard over the last couple of years at a job that she truly hated (but her father felt was good for her career) while completing her education. But she’s tired of not making her own decisions and being seen as her parents’ spoiled, only child. She’d like nothing better than to manage her dad’s restaurant, but convinced he doesn’t believe she’s capable of the job, she takes a position with a local upscale restaurant scheduled to open soon.
Until her new job starts, her dad asks to help him out at Stacks…and work with Harlan. Syd would rather have hot needles plunged into her eyeballs than work with Harlan. Especially since he STILL seems so unaffected by her. Always ready for a challenge though, she takes on a cool, indifferent demeanor whenever he’s around.
Harlan “thinks” he knows what turned Syd against him, but he’s not sure. The night after he was named manager of her father’s restaurant, she hightailed it out of town without even saying goodbye. She doesn’t answer or return his calls. Harlan moves on, even if his heart can’t.
A pseudo-intervention by Syd’s BFFs, Quinn and Astrid, and some enlightening counsel from her mother, give Syd reason to pause…and reflect. She just might be able to work out her differences with Harlan. But, can she come to a meeting of the minds with her overprotective, and at times, overbearing father?
All of the characters in this quick read are very likable. Even when you disagree with their actions and decisions, it’s not difficult to understand why they do what they do.
I felt at times, Syd was overly dramatic. For all that she had accomplished, and the goals she had set for herself, it seemed too easy for her to act the roll of the spoiled, pampered princess. But…I think she had similar thoughts, because once she set a course, there was no deterring her from it.
What can I say about Harlan? He was the “nice guy” women pray for. He could have been more aggressive in bringing Syd “to the table” to talk out their problems, but like the typical nice guy, he waited until she was ready.
The supporting characters are all…supportive. LOL! I know there’s a great story surrounding Quinn’s life, and who wouldn’t want to hang out with free-spirit Astrid? The woman is bound to say or do anything! Natalie Scott is the consummate mom…and wife. Sid Scott has a course mapped out for his daughter, and doesn’t appreciate her trying to deviate from it. Even when they argue, you know it’s not from him being a control freak, but more so his not wanting Sydnee to experience the pitfalls and struggles he did.
Once again, Christina C. Jones delivers a captivating, bittersweet story that shows problems aren’t as big as they feel, especially when we listen to our hearts.
January 30, 2017
This sereis contiues to be one of my favorites , Christina have created a neighborhood I would love to live in . With each book we are introduced to another business that I would love to visit , as I become engaged with the story behind it. Stacks is the latest and Harlan and Sydnee my relationship kept me intrested from the beginning. When Sydnee walked in the resturant and she looked at Harlan with the mean gaze I knew it was on . One thing I am loving about Christina is the way she makes me laugh throughout this book " Short Stack " was a cute nickname for Syndee from her father , and their interaction with eachother truly made me smile made , and itpulled my heart strings at times . Harlan was the man most women dream of , one that was so realistic we could see ourselves with this man. I truly enjoyed Astrid and Quinn and I hope their stories come to the neighborhood with the characters this authors creates I can see this series being a long time success.
Merged review:
APB Prespective Review:
This series contiues to be one of my favorites , Christina have created a neighborhood I would love to live in . With each book we are introduced to another business that I would love to visit , as I become engaged with the story behind it. Stacks is the latest and Harlan and Sydnee my relationship kept me intrested from the beginning. When Sydnee walked in the resturant and she looked at Harlan with the mean gaze I knew it was on . One thing I am loving about Christina is the way she makes me laugh throughout this book " Short Stack " was a cute nickname for Syndee from her father , and their interaction with eachother truly made me smile made , and itpulled my heart strings at times . Harlan was the man most women dream of , one that was so realistic we could see ourselves with this man. I truly enjoyed Astrid and Quinn and I hope their stories come to the neighborhood with the characters this authors creates I can see this series being a long time success.
Merged review:
APB Prespective Review:
This series contiues to be one of my favorites , Christina have created a neighborhood I would love to live in . With each book we are introduced to another business that I would love to visit , as I become engaged with the story behind it. Stacks is the latest and Harlan and Sydnee my relationship kept me intrested from the beginning. When Sydnee walked in the resturant and she looked at Harlan with the mean gaze I knew it was on . One thing I am loving about Christina is the way she makes me laugh throughout this book " Short Stack " was a cute nickname for Syndee from her father , and their interaction with eachother truly made me smile made , and itpulled my heart strings at times . Harlan was the man most women dream of , one that was so realistic we could see ourselves with this man. I truly enjoyed Astrid and Quinn and I hope their stories come to the neighborhood with the characters this authors creates I can see this series being a long time success.
January 30, 2017
Just Bittersweet Enough
Mrs. Jones delivers another winner in her Serendipitous Love series! I lovvvvvvved Sydnee's and Harlan's dance. The chemistry and history shared between the two made their match so well suited. They really went through it separately as well as together which reinforced a genuine, feel-good bond. I really enjoyed the relationships of Sydnee and her mom as well as her friends. There was real dimension involved without that overbearing quality that many substories can take on.
Mrs. Jones delivers another winner in her Serendipitous Love series! I lovvvvvvved Sydnee's and Harlan's dance. The chemistry and history shared between the two made their match so well suited. They really went through it separately as well as together which reinforced a genuine, feel-good bond. I really enjoyed the relationships of Sydnee and her mom as well as her friends. There was real dimension involved without that overbearing quality that many substories can take on.
September 9, 2015
A soft and fluffy novella
Each story in the Serendipitous Love series gets more and more interesting. Who would have thought of a restaurant called Stacks that specializes in homemade (with real ingredients - nothing fake) pancakes, old-fashioned cured meat, and delectable syrups? Mrs. Jones that's who! Love the Stacks emblem!! Sydnee was a bit annoying, but I chuck it up to her overprotective parents and being spoiled. Harlen brought sensibility and balance to the whole family dynamic. This one makes you feel good.
Each story in the Serendipitous Love series gets more and more interesting. Who would have thought of a restaurant called Stacks that specializes in homemade (with real ingredients - nothing fake) pancakes, old-fashioned cured meat, and delectable syrups? Mrs. Jones that's who! Love the Stacks emblem!! Sydnee was a bit annoying, but I chuck it up to her overprotective parents and being spoiled. Harlen brought sensibility and balance to the whole family dynamic. This one makes you feel good.
September 4, 2015
HAPPY RELEASE DAY to one of my author frans on her 15th novel, Love You Forever. This is the story of Sydnee and Harlan, some GOOD lovin’ and some AMAZING sounding food. Centered around a family owned pancake house, Love You Forever is sweet but tangy and will satisfy your hunger for more than pancakes and waffles.
Yup, I’ve read it and YES IT IS GOODT! Grab this one and enjoy it over the long holiday weekend!
Yup, I’ve read it and YES IT IS GOODT! Grab this one and enjoy it over the long holiday weekend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2017
3.5 stars
I think Sydnee and Harlan are my least loved couple. I just didn't feel that same connection to them that I felt with other characters in this series. However, I was a fan of the plot and the ongoing conversation about parents and how what they think is best for you is sometimes to your detriment. Despite my lack of passion for this particular relationship/these characters, as always the author has a great writing style and her dialogue leaves me in stitches every time.
I think Sydnee and Harlan are my least loved couple. I just didn't feel that same connection to them that I felt with other characters in this series. However, I was a fan of the plot and the ongoing conversation about parents and how what they think is best for you is sometimes to your detriment. Despite my lack of passion for this particular relationship/these characters, as always the author has a great writing style and her dialogue leaves me in stitches every time.
September 4, 2015
This was an amazing read. I love the creativity that was put into this story. The character chemistry was amazing. The writing was superb as always. Great job!
January 30, 2017
I just love this series and the writing skills of Ms. Jones. I laughed & shed a few tears while reading Harlan & Syd's story and had a craving for a short stack & some bacon. Great read!!!
September 14, 2015
Another hit.
Christina C Jones never disappoints A recommend read. Misplaced anger, unrequited love, regrets, and love found. Life, death and real talk. An adult romance.
Christina C Jones never disappoints A recommend read. Misplaced anger, unrequited love, regrets, and love found. Life, death and real talk. An adult romance.
March 11, 2025
I love how each book in the series features a different couple from the business section of this block. Christina Jones has built an entire community in this series. A community of people that’s been a joy to follow and read about.
Sydnee and Harlan are featured in this book. The business features is Stacks, the other restaurant in the business district.
Sydnee is the only daughter of the proprietor of Stacks. She’s lived her entire life there and hoped to run it some day. But her father had different ideas, sending her to college, culinary school and finally forcing her to work in a kitchen in NYC.
Harlan is the son of an Army buddy who comes to Stacks when his father dies. Sydnee’s father takes Harlan under his wing, treats him like a son, trains him and makes him the Manager of Stacks. He and Sydnee developed a friendship during the times she was at home until her father makes Harlan the Manager instead of her.
This is a enemies to lovers romance. They started as friends, became enemies, then became lovers. Love is the binding factor in this book. Love of family, love of friends, maternal & paternal love, and the deep and abiding love of a man and a woman.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
Sydnee and Harlan are featured in this book. The business features is Stacks, the other restaurant in the business district.
Sydnee is the only daughter of the proprietor of Stacks. She’s lived her entire life there and hoped to run it some day. But her father had different ideas, sending her to college, culinary school and finally forcing her to work in a kitchen in NYC.
Harlan is the son of an Army buddy who comes to Stacks when his father dies. Sydnee’s father takes Harlan under his wing, treats him like a son, trains him and makes him the Manager of Stacks. He and Sydnee developed a friendship during the times she was at home until her father makes Harlan the Manager instead of her.
This is a enemies to lovers romance. They started as friends, became enemies, then became lovers. Love is the binding factor in this book. Love of family, love of friends, maternal & paternal love, and the deep and abiding love of a man and a woman.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
May 6, 2023
Sydnee x Harlan
Sydnee is back home after two yrs of living someone else's dream. She's ready to come back to the love & the family business. She knows that she was robbed of her namesake position but she's back to so what she's always wanted to do. The issue is that her dad's adopted "son" Harlan stole everything from her. Worst of all, they were really building a genuine something, but it all went down the drain the day he accepted her job.
While I couldn't really get into the chemistry of Harlan & Sydnee, I loved the family dynamic of this installment. I loved how Stacks only wanted the best for his lil girl, but I also loved how Sydnee stood her ground. She already had lived someone else dream for two yrs, she was ready to live her own. Harlan was the sweetest. I hated how Sydnee was treating him, but he just kept taking her attitude in stride. Quinn & Astrid was everything that Syd needed to hold her ass accountable & keep her grounded. While the chemistry between Syd & Harlan lacked, I was still thoroughly invested in their HEA. & I LIVEDDDDDD for the annoying chemistry between Astrid & Eddie. Can't wait to dive into them.
I'm so invested in how complex CCJ keeps making The Heights 👏🏿👏🏿
Sydnee is back home after two yrs of living someone else's dream. She's ready to come back to the love & the family business. She knows that she was robbed of her namesake position but she's back to so what she's always wanted to do. The issue is that her dad's adopted "son" Harlan stole everything from her. Worst of all, they were really building a genuine something, but it all went down the drain the day he accepted her job.
While I couldn't really get into the chemistry of Harlan & Sydnee, I loved the family dynamic of this installment. I loved how Stacks only wanted the best for his lil girl, but I also loved how Sydnee stood her ground. She already had lived someone else dream for two yrs, she was ready to live her own. Harlan was the sweetest. I hated how Sydnee was treating him, but he just kept taking her attitude in stride. Quinn & Astrid was everything that Syd needed to hold her ass accountable & keep her grounded. While the chemistry between Syd & Harlan lacked, I was still thoroughly invested in their HEA. & I LIVEDDDDDD for the annoying chemistry between Astrid & Eddie. Can't wait to dive into them.
I'm so invested in how complex CCJ keeps making The Heights 👏🏿👏🏿
September 25, 2024
Sydnee and Harlan didn't seem to have that chemistry I have come to expect. I really didn't like the miscommunication and anger coming from Sydnee. I did like the way Harlan tried to have her back, even when her attitude didn't warrant his support.
I didn't feel like there was much going on in this book other than Sydnee moaning about the situation with Stacks and her father and her dislike of Harlan. Even when the air was cleared, I still didn't think much of Sydnee's character.
I liked Harlan. I liked the camaraderie of the characters in the neighborhood. I liked the way Sydnee and Harlan's characters were added to the group when they were not mentioned in previous books. The slightly expected, yet unexpected twist at the end was very emotional. The narration was good. I did wonder if Harlan's accent was supposed to be straight up southern. It sounded more Louisiana to me, but I don't think the book mentioned anything other that the south.
I still have to read Eddie's book. I am hoping that Brock gets a book as well.
I didn't feel like there was much going on in this book other than Sydnee moaning about the situation with Stacks and her father and her dislike of Harlan. Even when the air was cleared, I still didn't think much of Sydnee's character.
I liked Harlan. I liked the camaraderie of the characters in the neighborhood. I liked the way Sydnee and Harlan's characters were added to the group when they were not mentioned in previous books. The slightly expected, yet unexpected twist at the end was very emotional. The narration was good. I did wonder if Harlan's accent was supposed to be straight up southern. It sounded more Louisiana to me, but I don't think the book mentioned anything other that the south.
I still have to read Eddie's book. I am hoping that Brock gets a book as well.
September 23, 2020
Love in the time of pancakes and syrup
Harlan and Sydney's romance was sweet. It was just sweet. No hot or heart pounding, just sweet. I didn't feel like I really knew either of them. They were somewhat one dimensional. Harlan has a thing for Sydney, has for many years. He's a hard worker and a trusted employee at her family owned restaurant. That's pretty much what we know about him. He was very one dimensional.
Sydney on the other hand, had a little more depth. She wanted her fathers approval, but was unwilling to sit around and wait for it. She cared for Harlan, though it didn't stop her from taking off two years earlier without confronting him about something she assumed.
The father daughter dynamic of the story was interesting, even complex, but unresolved.
Sydney and Harlan's relationship felt too 'storybook fairytale.' The love they professed came off as forced and unrealistic. This book was okay, but its my least favorite of this series so far.
Harlan and Sydney's romance was sweet. It was just sweet. No hot or heart pounding, just sweet. I didn't feel like I really knew either of them. They were somewhat one dimensional. Harlan has a thing for Sydney, has for many years. He's a hard worker and a trusted employee at her family owned restaurant. That's pretty much what we know about him. He was very one dimensional.
Sydney on the other hand, had a little more depth. She wanted her fathers approval, but was unwilling to sit around and wait for it. She cared for Harlan, though it didn't stop her from taking off two years earlier without confronting him about something she assumed.
The father daughter dynamic of the story was interesting, even complex, but unresolved.
Sydney and Harlan's relationship felt too 'storybook fairytale.' The love they professed came off as forced and unrealistic. This book was okay, but its my least favorite of this series so far.
December 16, 2020
CCJ 5th installment of the Serendipitous Love series deliveries us another young, beautiful, ambitious, flawed Black couple that you can't help but to root for.
Our heroine Sydnee “Short Stack” 🥞 is a lot and caused me to have heartburn because she appears to be so difficult at the silliest of times. In my notes of this read I even wrote “COME ON Girl!!” cause her thinking and dramatics at times was a bit off base but that is because she was spoiled. 🙄(Don’t ask me how I know this) 😂 .
Our hero is Harlan who was narrated by Sean Crisden, the way he said darling made me drool 🤤 a little, ijs 🤷🏾♀️. He is loveable and patient with “Short Stack” and family. He is the nice guy that we are want at the end of the day.
This story for shows another aspect of the a love story the supporting through tragedy. The selflessness that is needed to support your partner. This read hit home because of the triggering 🚨subject of sudden death that was explored heavily in the later part of this read. Even though I did ugly cry, Mrs. Jones handles it so beautifully that I fell in love with Sydnee’s spoiled tail. 😊 5 stars ✨
Our heroine Sydnee “Short Stack” 🥞 is a lot and caused me to have heartburn because she appears to be so difficult at the silliest of times. In my notes of this read I even wrote “COME ON Girl!!” cause her thinking and dramatics at times was a bit off base but that is because she was spoiled. 🙄(Don’t ask me how I know this) 😂 .
Our hero is Harlan who was narrated by Sean Crisden, the way he said darling made me drool 🤤 a little, ijs 🤷🏾♀️. He is loveable and patient with “Short Stack” and family. He is the nice guy that we are want at the end of the day.
This story for shows another aspect of the a love story the supporting through tragedy. The selflessness that is needed to support your partner. This read hit home because of the triggering 🚨subject of sudden death that was explored heavily in the later part of this read. Even though I did ugly cry, Mrs. Jones handles it so beautifully that I fell in love with Sydnee’s spoiled tail. 😊 5 stars ✨
January 10, 2019
Lol, okay, this is my new favorite book from this series. Jones has a magical way of telling a realistic story full of hop and heartbreak. I love the portrayal of Harlan and Sydnee. The story is believable complete with life's realities. I laughed and cried. Stacks and Short Stack are believable nicknames. Growing up, I had a friend whose dad owned a breakfast spot that us kids would hang out at. The story had me in a nostalgic mindset. Five books in and I see the errors significantly decreased in this book. I don't know if there was an editor change but, I am glad to see less errors so that the story flowed more smoothly without having to stop to figure out what is being said. On to book six.
April 13, 2018
Most of the time, when I read books by this author, I am drawn in so quickly that I feel like I know the characters personally. It's one of the main reasons why I love her books. However, this story was a little dry for me. I'm used to hot passion between the two main characters, but didn't get it with this couple at all. In fact, they seemed a bit awkward. Even the location of the book seemed different compared to the others. Hopefully the next book in this series will pick up where Book #4 left off.
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