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Sweet Heat #2
A Dash of Heat
Maggie Augustin just wanted something sweet. A bit of self-soothing, to take the edge off the loneliness and heartache she’d been quietly enduring. When she walks away from his food truck, box of beignets in hand, she has no idea that Rene St. Martin – not his pastries – is exactly the something sweet she wanted, with the little dash of heat she needs.
PLEASE NOTE that this project, in entirety, was formerly available on my website. This version, for kindle, DOES NOT have additional content. The content contained here is no longer available on the website.
PLEASE NOTE that this project, in entirety, was formerly available on my website. This version, for kindle, DOES NOT have additional content. The content contained here is no longer available on the website.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2017
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586 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 6, 2020
Maggie was judgmental and horrible in book one so, of course, I went into her story with major dislike for her. But, after getting a glimpse into her background, you get a better understanding of why she acted the way she did. Her first and second problem was her friendship with Vera’s crazy azz. Vera, pretty much, pulled a Jim Jones on Maggie. She listened to and held onto every single word Vera said like it was scripture. The only reason Vera was even hanging around Maggie is because, she wanted Landry. When she finally realizes she’s doesn’t have a chance with him, she and her cohorts dump poor Maggie which, opens the door for Calvin’s trash azz to waltz right through and treat her horribly. After the whole ordeal with him, Maggie is a mess emotionally and unsure whether to trust her own judgment after making so many bad choices. Then, a beignet making angel named Rene St. Martin appeared and showed Maggie how a real man treats a woman. Oh, how I loved me some Rene. He was the opposite of everything Maggie thought she knew and exactly what she needed. I loved how their relationship developed and how Rene let her know that she was dealing with a grown azz man. A Dash of Heat was romantic, refreshing, and realistic. The ending will definitely have you wanting more from this couple.
May 29, 2023
Maggie faces her fears
I didn't really care for Maggie in the first book, but I got to understand her more in this one. Her parents passed away as well as her Gradmother and she was impressionable with no motherly guidance. Unfortunately for her she befriended Vera, who was a bitter, uptight, judgemental wench😒. Maggie is struggling trying to find her own way and falls prey to an fboy. As she tries to recover she meets Rene, and they both immediately feel at home with each other. They have a sweet connection and this is a fairly wholesome read, but I enjoyed it. You could feel the vibes between them. Once they quit playing Rene finally unleashes the heat and shows her how explosive sex could be.
Let me just add Calvin was the fboy of the century, he deserved at least one knock out punch 👊🏾. What a coward.
This was a good novella, but it was riddled with errors which is unlike CCJ.
I didn't really care for Maggie in the first book, but I got to understand her more in this one. Her parents passed away as well as her Gradmother and she was impressionable with no motherly guidance. Unfortunately for her she befriended Vera, who was a bitter, uptight, judgemental wench😒. Maggie is struggling trying to find her own way and falls prey to an fboy. As she tries to recover she meets Rene, and they both immediately feel at home with each other. They have a sweet connection and this is a fairly wholesome read, but I enjoyed it. You could feel the vibes between them. Once they quit playing Rene finally unleashes the heat and shows her how explosive sex could be.
Let me just add Calvin was the fboy of the century, he deserved at least one knock out punch 👊🏾. What a coward.
This was a good novella, but it was riddled with errors which is unlike CCJ.
March 29, 2022
Maggie had to learn that Rene wasn’t anything like the previous person in her life Calvin…Rene was really a good guy that was genuinely interested in her.It took Maggie a minute, but she soon understood the difference. Cute Short Story.
April 7, 2025
I was not a fan of Maggie in book 1 at all. But I actually enjoyed her story. Definitely wanted more of her and Rene at the end of the book.
August 24, 2025
The New Orleans accent was done so well! Maggie lost her motherly persons and her brothers are wrapped up into their own thing. Because of that she falls for corny Calvin who didn’t appreciate her.
Rene meant Maggie and his eyes were all on her. She told him her story and he chose to be a gentleman and not rush her into anything.
A short read but packaged well.
Rene meant Maggie and his eyes were all on her. She told him her story and he chose to be a gentleman and not rush her into anything.
A short read but packaged well.
December 25, 2017
More Than A Dash
I am enjoying this series the second time around. Magnolia was basically a witch to Cin in book one, and here we learn why she thinks the way she does. It was great getting more from Lan, Cin, and Pru.
I am enjoying this series the second time around. Magnolia was basically a witch to Cin in book one, and here we learn why she thinks the way she does. It was great getting more from Lan, Cin, and Pru.
November 5, 2020
Please excuse me while I read Christina C Jones’s entire backlist
February 26, 2017
Ma'am. MA'AM!!!
Loved the story! Wasn't a Maggie fan, but fell in love with her in this book. And Rene? He was perfection! Can I just say that I really, really, really wanted him (and Landry and Xavier) to lay hands on Calvin after he tried to air Maggie out at the opening? He deserved. For real.
Loved seeing Landry, Cin and Nutmeg, Xavier and Pru again. Couldn't decide what was up with Jamie, but I'm hoping we'll see her and Ben again. Can't wait for more from this crew.
But that ending! Almost screamed when I read The End. I wasn't ready! Kept pressing the next page button like there were more pages. Looking forward to finding out what happens next for these two!
Loved the story! Wasn't a Maggie fan, but fell in love with her in this book. And Rene? He was perfection! Can I just say that I really, really, really wanted him (and Landry and Xavier) to lay hands on Calvin after he tried to air Maggie out at the opening? He deserved. For real.
Loved seeing Landry, Cin and Nutmeg, Xavier and Pru again. Couldn't decide what was up with Jamie, but I'm hoping we'll see her and Ben again. Can't wait for more from this crew.
But that ending! Almost screamed when I read The End. I wasn't ready! Kept pressing the next page button like there were more pages. Looking forward to finding out what happens next for these two!
December 13, 2021
Decent
I just finished a psychological thriller that was haunting me. I knew I needed a quick CCJ book to cleanse my palate. This book served that purpose. It was a quick, easy read. Nothing special. I struggled with Maggie’s insecurities. She came off as weak and whiny. That turned me off. I could appreciate seeing her find a good guy after being with a trashy ex. Rene was more likable, but not Book Bae goals. I did enjoy catching up with Cin and Landry from the first book. I’m hoping that the final book brings lots of fireworks.
I just finished a psychological thriller that was haunting me. I knew I needed a quick CCJ book to cleanse my palate. This book served that purpose. It was a quick, easy read. Nothing special. I struggled with Maggie’s insecurities. She came off as weak and whiny. That turned me off. I could appreciate seeing her find a good guy after being with a trashy ex. Rene was more likable, but not Book Bae goals. I did enjoy catching up with Cin and Landry from the first book. I’m hoping that the final book brings lots of fireworks.
May 12, 2022
Maggie’s character from Hint of Spice really got on my nerves. But I was pleasantly surprised. After getting a better understanding of her, I was happy that she lost those no-good friends of hers and realized her worth when she dropped Calvin. She met Rene, who was exactly what she needed, and they hit it off. I really loved Rene. He was sweet and caring, but wasn’t afraid to tell Maggie what she needed to hear. Dash of heat was a cute love story.
March 5, 2025
3.5⭐️ and 1.5🌶️ - Maggie’s story
I’m glad we got a glimpse into her life after everything that happened in book 1 with her, Vera, and Cin. She’s definitely had a lot of growth as a character and that was nice to experience more than the romance in this one for me.
This was a cute “in between reads,” novella.
I’m glad we got a glimpse into her life after everything that happened in book 1 with her, Vera, and Cin. She’s definitely had a lot of growth as a character and that was nice to experience more than the romance in this one for me.
This was a cute “in between reads,” novella.
November 7, 2020
Heated!
This is the true redemption story!!!! I felt so sorry for Maggie... I saw flu of me in her. It saddened me to remember what made us similar. I’m so happy that Rene was the man to introduce her to better.
This is the true redemption story!!!! I felt so sorry for Maggie... I saw flu of me in her. It saddened me to remember what made us similar. I’m so happy that Rene was the man to introduce her to better.
January 4, 2023
It was interesting learning about Maggie because I didn’t like her in the first book. Glad Rene showed her what a real man is.
December 23, 2017
To be young
Man to have your heartbroken and the fear of moving on....I have to say how much I fell for Maggie and love her "come back".
Man to have your heartbroken and the fear of moving on....I have to say how much I fell for Maggie and love her "come back".
June 29, 2024
3.25 stars 🌟 Rene should have beat up Calvin.
February 20, 2017
Queenkey918
Hopefully you write book about Pru and Ben And a book about Zav hope he find love sometime soon !!!
Hopefully you write book about Pru and Ben And a book about Zav hope he find love sometime soon !!!
February 18, 2017
Rene and the luckiest lady in the literary world, Maggie
I want to go to New Orleans, find a Rene, marry him and have beignet making babies. I loved this. Rene was the perfect hero. His affection was intentional, he was protective, and most of all he could COOK. I love a cooking hero.
I liked Maggie a LOT which was surprising since I couldn't stand her in Cin's story. But she owned up to her mistakes and became endearing to me. I wanted to be her friend and get her to sneak me beignets my waistline says I don't need lol
I want to go to New Orleans, find a Rene, marry him and have beignet making babies. I loved this. Rene was the perfect hero. His affection was intentional, he was protective, and most of all he could COOK. I love a cooking hero.
I liked Maggie a LOT which was surprising since I couldn't stand her in Cin's story. But she owned up to her mistakes and became endearing to me. I wanted to be her friend and get her to sneak me beignets my waistline says I don't need lol
November 14, 2022
CCJ really knows how to write characters and stories really well, and Maggie really got her redemption arc in this book. I def wasn’t sure about her when she was briefly introduced in the first book, but she really grew on me. I loved her with Rene; he was really patient with her whilst she got over her hurt and trauma from her ex relationship. & I liked her new found friendship with Cin from book 1.
I lived for this novella! Short but surprisingly well developed!
I lived for this novella! Short but surprisingly well developed!
September 17, 2018
I Know Some Maggies
I hope we can all learn the lessons Maggie had to about internalized misogyny without having to lose friends or be used by an asshole.
Love Ms. Jones’s writing. I’m gonna be sad once I run out of books to read.
I hope we can all learn the lessons Maggie had to about internalized misogyny without having to lose friends or be used by an asshole.
Love Ms. Jones’s writing. I’m gonna be sad once I run out of books to read.
November 27, 2021
Okay, so I wasn't sure I wanted to give Maggie's story a chance since she had me wanting to smack her in the first book. Then, I read a review that piqued my interest about seeing things from Maggie's perspective. I did come to understand her a little better after reading about how she became attached to 'ole crazy Vera, and how her views were a bit skewed. I was surprised, however, about how closed off she was about the things that were going on with her. And her actions sometimes came off a little less mature than I thought she was in book one. She and her brothers had a tight relationship, but she kept important things from them. But she'd be crying, sad, and sometimes upset because she felt they didn't care as much about her as they used to. I was like, "girl, how they supposed to know you miss them if you don't tell them?!" And then there was Rene. What a charmer, and 100% all man. He was just the type of man Maggie-err-Magnolia needed to show her how a real man treats a woman. He was downright sexy too serving up his beignets and growing his own vegetables. Anyway, like book one, wish the author had given us a little epilogue or something. Felt like the story ended on an incomplete thought. Never got to see Maggie truly come into her own as a mature and confident woman because the last scene had ol girl trying to sneak out after sex. Seriously?! I wanted to see these two as couple. Some future snippets or somethin'!
January 31, 2022
Moving forward
This was cute. While I didn't quite understand Magnolia, aka Maggie, in the last book, I understand fully now. Young and naive to the realities of this world. I would say I hate that she was hurt by her ex-friends and ex-fling, yet I'm glad she had those experiences. I like that Cin and Pru were there for her and helped her. I wish she would've been more open with her brothers, yet I get that things change with age and she wasn't as comfortable talking to them about what had happened to her. Overall, I really liked Maggie.
Gotta love a man who loves to garden and is good with his hands. I like that Rene St. Martin was so laid back and a gentleman with Maggie. I love that his food truck and restaurant served food that was grown or sourced locally; providing the best for his customers. I wasn't too sure about his relationship with his co-worker Jamie, yet the way he was always fixated on Maggie, I don't think Jamie is of interest to him.
The way Maggie's ex tried to embarrass her at the party spoke volumes for how much of a f***boy he really was. Rene almost laid all the hands on him, yet old dude was at least smart enough to leave without being hurt.
I loved the update on Landry and Cin. Can't wait to see what Pru gets herself into in the next book.
Great series. Highly recommend
This was cute. While I didn't quite understand Magnolia, aka Maggie, in the last book, I understand fully now. Young and naive to the realities of this world. I would say I hate that she was hurt by her ex-friends and ex-fling, yet I'm glad she had those experiences. I like that Cin and Pru were there for her and helped her. I wish she would've been more open with her brothers, yet I get that things change with age and she wasn't as comfortable talking to them about what had happened to her. Overall, I really liked Maggie.
Gotta love a man who loves to garden and is good with his hands. I like that Rene St. Martin was so laid back and a gentleman with Maggie. I love that his food truck and restaurant served food that was grown or sourced locally; providing the best for his customers. I wasn't too sure about his relationship with his co-worker Jamie, yet the way he was always fixated on Maggie, I don't think Jamie is of interest to him.
The way Maggie's ex tried to embarrass her at the party spoke volumes for how much of a f***boy he really was. Rene almost laid all the hands on him, yet old dude was at least smart enough to leave without being hurt.
I loved the update on Landry and Cin. Can't wait to see what Pru gets herself into in the next book.
Great series. Highly recommend
February 24, 2024
I did not like Maggie in book 1. She was so judgmental, and Vera was her best friend. This book gave a good explanation about why Maggie behaved like she did in book 1.
I did like the conversation Rene had with Maggie in his apartment. Maggie's previous relationship and her ex was a whole other thing.
Then we have the family dynamics situation. I wish this story had been longer too. I felt like I was given a taste of something good and it was snatched away.
I liked it when the women got together although it felt forced. There wasn't much build up to or communication between them before the support kicked in.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narration didn't do much for me. The LA accents were mentioned. I didn't really hear much of an accent. The narrators did not do opposite sex narration very well.
I have to give it to the author. She packs a lot into these novellas and leaves me wanting more.
I did like the conversation Rene had with Maggie in his apartment. Maggie's previous relationship and her ex was a whole other thing.
Then we have the family dynamics situation. I wish this story had been longer too. I felt like I was given a taste of something good and it was snatched away.
I liked it when the women got together although it felt forced. There wasn't much build up to or communication between them before the support kicked in.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narration didn't do much for me. The LA accents were mentioned. I didn't really hear much of an accent. The narrators did not do opposite sex narration very well.
I have to give it to the author. She packs a lot into these novellas and leaves me wanting more.
June 10, 2023
Maggie x Rene
Ughhh, Pretty Magnolia 🥺🥺
I honestly did NOT care for Maggie, especially after she tried to play my baby Cin in the previous book 🙄 But after reading this book, my heart hurt so much for Maggie. She's been thru so much lost at a young age & felt the need to take on a responsibility that no one asked her to take on. Especially when she broke down how her friendship with Vera came about & just how easily Vera cut her off. I hated that she felt like a burden to her brothers & like she had no one. I was so happy that she was able to start forging a real relationship with Cin & Pru, especially after that holy-roller shit she pulled. Rene really came thru for her. He was straightforward in letting Maggie know he wanted her & didn't back down in letting Landry know either. Rene was so laidback, but not a pushover ! I loved how he was so focused on making his dreams come true for his parent.
This was a great installment & I can't wait to catch up with them in Pru book ❤️🔥
Ughhh, Pretty Magnolia 🥺🥺
I honestly did NOT care for Maggie, especially after she tried to play my baby Cin in the previous book 🙄 But after reading this book, my heart hurt so much for Maggie. She's been thru so much lost at a young age & felt the need to take on a responsibility that no one asked her to take on. Especially when she broke down how her friendship with Vera came about & just how easily Vera cut her off. I hated that she felt like a burden to her brothers & like she had no one. I was so happy that she was able to start forging a real relationship with Cin & Pru, especially after that holy-roller shit she pulled. Rene really came thru for her. He was straightforward in letting Maggie know he wanted her & didn't back down in letting Landry know either. Rene was so laidback, but not a pushover ! I loved how he was so focused on making his dreams come true for his parent.
This was a great installment & I can't wait to catch up with them in Pru book ❤️🔥
January 11, 2018
Sweet heat
I loved how this story unfolded. It was like a sweet heat. Even though Maggie was experienced, she was still naïve on a lot of things because she had no one to talk to about it. She had to let go of preconceived notions and to do what makes her happy. Enter Rene. He was the opposite of everything she knew and exactly who she needed. I enjoyed how their relationship developed and how he let her know that she's dealing with a grown man instead of little boys. I was also happy that Maggie formed a relationship with Cin and Pru. She needed that true friendship circle.
I loved how this story unfolded. It was like a sweet heat. Even though Maggie was experienced, she was still naïve on a lot of things because she had no one to talk to about it. She had to let go of preconceived notions and to do what makes her happy. Enter Rene. He was the opposite of everything she knew and exactly who she needed. I enjoyed how their relationship developed and how he let her know that she's dealing with a grown man instead of little boys. I was also happy that Maggie formed a relationship with Cin and Pru. She needed that true friendship circle.
July 11, 2024
Whew! Poor Magnolia!
You know you’re THAT WRITER when you can have the audience cheer for someone they couldn’t stand in the previous book! 😂 Magnolia was not a character I thought I would have any empathy for. After learning how she was basically groomed by Vera to have the attitude she had to n Book 1,her character was viewed in a different light. Nevertheless, be forewarned that Ms. Jones puts her through it in this book! I’m so glad she was able to overcome all of the heartbreak, embarrassment, and sadness. Rene is solid and just what she needs. Good read. It’s a short story but it packs a punch! Well done!
You know you’re THAT WRITER when you can have the audience cheer for someone they couldn’t stand in the previous book! 😂 Magnolia was not a character I thought I would have any empathy for. After learning how she was basically groomed by Vera to have the attitude she had to n Book 1,her character was viewed in a different light. Nevertheless, be forewarned that Ms. Jones puts her through it in this book! I’m so glad she was able to overcome all of the heartbreak, embarrassment, and sadness. Rene is solid and just what she needs. Good read. It’s a short story but it packs a punch! Well done!
January 25, 2023
2/5 stars!
What is that abrupt ending? The book literally ended right in the middle of them resolving the conflict. I want to see more of Rene! I was also slowly vibing with Maggie, since she's really hard to like because of how she acted in the first book, and then the book ended. There's also no mention on what happened with the situation where Rene hired Maggie's company to tend to their flowers. Overall, this book had potential to be a great book but it ended too fast and too soon for anything to progress into something.
What is that abrupt ending? The book literally ended right in the middle of them resolving the conflict. I want to see more of Rene! I was also slowly vibing with Maggie, since she's really hard to like because of how she acted in the first book, and then the book ended. There's also no mention on what happened with the situation where Rene hired Maggie's company to tend to their flowers. Overall, this book had potential to be a great book but it ended too fast and too soon for anything to progress into something.
October 9, 2025
Powdered Sugar & Spice 2.0
“A Dash of Heat” was familiar too, storyline & characters not as prominent as “Hints of Spice” 🤔….I’ve read this book (series) before as well‼️Nevertheless, “A Dash of Heat (Sweet Heat - Book 2) was a decent read. However, Maggie’s core personal issue & the dereliction issues with her brothers weren’t acknowledged, addressed & never rectified by her brother. Yet, Landry’s superficial interest afterwards was disgraceful & hypocrisy 🥴🤦🏾♀️‼️ Otherwise, Maggie & Rene I guess they’re a couple…in training🤭…powdered sugar & spice 2.0 🤷🏾♀️‼️
“A Dash of Heat” was familiar too, storyline & characters not as prominent as “Hints of Spice” 🤔….I’ve read this book (series) before as well‼️Nevertheless, “A Dash of Heat (Sweet Heat - Book 2) was a decent read. However, Maggie’s core personal issue & the dereliction issues with her brothers weren’t acknowledged, addressed & never rectified by her brother. Yet, Landry’s superficial interest afterwards was disgraceful & hypocrisy 🥴🤦🏾♀️‼️ Otherwise, Maggie & Rene I guess they’re a couple…in training🤭…powdered sugar & spice 2.0 🤷🏾♀️‼️
February 18, 2017
One Chapter Short
One more chapter would have pushed this over into five stars for me. It didn't have to be a lot, just something to tie it up so that the ending didn't seem so abrupt. If I know Mrs. Jones' writing like I think I do, we will see more of these two and possibly get their HEA in a later full length novel (hopefully Xavier and Pru). While that's nice, it's not the same as seeing them reach that point through one of their POVs.
One more chapter would have pushed this over into five stars for me. It didn't have to be a lot, just something to tie it up so that the ending didn't seem so abrupt. If I know Mrs. Jones' writing like I think I do, we will see more of these two and possibly get their HEA in a later full length novel (hopefully Xavier and Pru). While that's nice, it's not the same as seeing them reach that point through one of their POVs.
March 24, 2018
Maggie and Rene was the right dash of heat! Maggie wasn't my fav heroines from her actions in the previous book but she grew on me like a too big sweater in the winter.
I'm happy to see Maggie redeem herself; heck, I even felt sorry for her because I could see a lot of the younger me in her. I loved the fresh faced innocence about her and how Rene was exactly what she needed when she didn't even want him. I wanted more of Rene's ahem, jambalaya! Hawt!
I'm happy to see Maggie redeem herself; heck, I even felt sorry for her because I could see a lot of the younger me in her. I loved the fresh faced innocence about her and how Rene was exactly what she needed when she didn't even want him. I wanted more of Rene's ahem, jambalaya! Hawt!
April 5, 2018
A Dash Of Heat (Sweet Heat Book 2)
Magnolia (lil' sister to Lan & Zav) is a lover of beignets from Rene's Home Grown food 🚚. These are her favorite pastries. She meets the sexy owner and the attraction is hot like 🔥! But what will her big brothers think of this guy named Rene St. Martin? Doesn't matter to Maggie once he shows her what trust and love from a man is like. Plus he can cook the pants off ya. Mmmm... Luv a man in the kitchen.
Magnolia (lil' sister to Lan & Zav) is a lover of beignets from Rene's Home Grown food 🚚. These are her favorite pastries. She meets the sexy owner and the attraction is hot like 🔥! But what will her big brothers think of this guy named Rene St. Martin? Doesn't matter to Maggie once he shows her what trust and love from a man is like. Plus he can cook the pants off ya. Mmmm... Luv a man in the kitchen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews