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Serendipitous Love #6
Something Like Love
Eddie is arrogant, quite vain and slick at the mouth - or simply confident, discerning, and unafraid to speak his mind, if you ask him. Astrid is annoyingly perky, unpolished, and a little delusional about Eddie’s attraction to her - or, according to her, energetic, authentic, and absolutely spot on about the driving factor of a certain local tattoo artist’s “hatred” of her.
Undeniable attraction.
They may think they’re opposite, but have more in common than they think. For both of them, finding a connection that is deeper than surface-level is rare. Someone they can learn from, grow with, someone who can show them things they haven’t seen before and feel things they’ve never felt, with anyone.
No labels, no boxes.
Just…maybe… something like love.
Undeniable attraction.
They may think they’re opposite, but have more in common than they think. For both of them, finding a connection that is deeper than surface-level is rare. Someone they can learn from, grow with, someone who can show them things they haven’t seen before and feel things they’ve never felt, with anyone.
No labels, no boxes.
Just…maybe… something like love.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2017
213 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
July 10, 2020
“Well… I think we should resume our “mutually beneficial exchange of energy… on an exclusive basis. What do you think?”
I LOVE ASTRID SO DAMN MUCH OMG
I LOVE ASTRID SO DAMN MUCH OMG
April 22, 2023
An M/F opposites-attract Black romance where both leads are bi, so for this bi gal who loves to read more diversely, this checked so many boxes! And it was freakin' hilarious.
Eddie is a tattoo artist who prefers his partners corporate slick. Astrid is a smoothie-drinking yoga instructor and graphic designer who's convinced Eddie wants to sleep with her. Eddie thinks Astrid is imagining things. But Eddie's getting a strange feeling that it's time to break out of his comfort zone a little in life, so he takes a step into Astrid's world, and then another... and two people who swear up and down they don't want a relationship suddenly realize what they're doing looks an awful lot like one.
Totally fun and amusing without sacrificing emotional depth between the two main characters. Superb handling of stereotypes about bisexuals. And I think I pulled a muscle laughing during Eddie's battle of insults in the barber shop, and again when his mother read him the riot act about keeping his sister's secrets. Love Eddie and Astrid together, especially when they snarked at each other.
Content warnings: explicit biphobia from a date, community members, and from multiple family members.
I wish I could figure how to send cupcakes through Twitter, because I would love to send one to the gal who recommended this to me. (I've already said thank you, but it doesn't feel like enough!)
Eddie is a tattoo artist who prefers his partners corporate slick. Astrid is a smoothie-drinking yoga instructor and graphic designer who's convinced Eddie wants to sleep with her. Eddie thinks Astrid is imagining things. But Eddie's getting a strange feeling that it's time to break out of his comfort zone a little in life, so he takes a step into Astrid's world, and then another... and two people who swear up and down they don't want a relationship suddenly realize what they're doing looks an awful lot like one.
Totally fun and amusing without sacrificing emotional depth between the two main characters. Superb handling of stereotypes about bisexuals. And I think I pulled a muscle laughing during Eddie's battle of insults in the barber shop, and again when his mother read him the riot act about keeping his sister's secrets. Love Eddie and Astrid together, especially when they snarked at each other.
Content warnings: explicit biphobia from a date, community members, and from multiple family members.
I wish I could figure how to send cupcakes through Twitter, because I would love to send one to the gal who recommended this to me. (I've already said thank you, but it doesn't feel like enough!)
December 28, 2022
I can’t believe I believed I binged this series in a week! At Christmas time too!! This series was top tier chefs kiss and I love The Heights, these characters and the love predicaments they find themselves in. Man can CCJ write!!
I highly rec this outstanding series!!
I highly rec this outstanding series!!
December 27, 2022
Loved, loved. I haven't binged a series like this in a long time. Eddie and Astrid closed it out- at least for now- just right. They were fantastic contemporary characters. I loved their freedom. Highly recommend the whole series. Happy reading!
July 28, 2020
I always trust CCJ to lift me up to the sky and give me such a good romance story to always remember. Something Like Love was the perfect book for me right now. Hate to love, age gap, opposites attract? I'm all for that. I started this last night and got to 60% mark very very fast? CCJ takes my attention immediately as soon as I start a book of hers. And I cannot wait to read more! (Please recommend me other CCJ books you love!!!)
This title, even though is the six one in a series, can be read as a standalone! Though I do really want to read the rest of this series because all the previous couples are feature in this one and they all sound fantastic and had very good chemistry outside of their own book. Something Like Love is about Eddie and Astrid. And their love story is *chef kiss* Oof so good, yall! The best kind of teasing and "please don't make me fall in love with this person" energy.
Eddie dislikes Astrid and every time he encounters her, he can't help but say mean things and make her see and understand he doesn't want to be close to her. He doesn't know why really, but to be honest, maybe it's because she's young, a sunshine of a girl, and always look so good. Eddie can't understand how they got to point A to point B very quickly, but that's Astrid, and she's the best thing in the world. Their relationship starts as "just sex" you know? But we know that they soon realize that they spend so much time together, constantly miss each other when they are apart, can't help but go home with them after a long night. The softnest and sweetness of the romance is all there and CCJ always delivers.
Also want to mention both Eddie and Astrid are bisexual!!! And was it just me but when I read that Astrid's little sister and her bodyguard (because she's a superstar singer!!!) had an oops accidental pregnancy but Kev the bodyguard has loved her since forever, I totally wanted a book about that? I actually researched if they had their own book but I think not? Even couples that aren't even the main couple are so amazing in CCJ books wow. I seriously-- she's becoming one of my favorite go-to authors.
This title, even though is the six one in a series, can be read as a standalone! Though I do really want to read the rest of this series because all the previous couples are feature in this one and they all sound fantastic and had very good chemistry outside of their own book. Something Like Love is about Eddie and Astrid. And their love story is *chef kiss* Oof so good, yall! The best kind of teasing and "please don't make me fall in love with this person" energy.
Eddie dislikes Astrid and every time he encounters her, he can't help but say mean things and make her see and understand he doesn't want to be close to her. He doesn't know why really, but to be honest, maybe it's because she's young, a sunshine of a girl, and always look so good. Eddie can't understand how they got to point A to point B very quickly, but that's Astrid, and she's the best thing in the world. Their relationship starts as "just sex" you know? But we know that they soon realize that they spend so much time together, constantly miss each other when they are apart, can't help but go home with them after a long night. The softnest and sweetness of the romance is all there and CCJ always delivers.
Also want to mention both Eddie and Astrid are bisexual!!! And was it just me but when I read that Astrid's little sister and her bodyguard (because she's a superstar singer!!!) had an oops accidental pregnancy but Kev the bodyguard has loved her since forever, I totally wanted a book about that? I actually researched if they had their own book but I think not? Even couples that aren't even the main couple are so amazing in CCJ books wow. I seriously-- she's becoming one of my favorite go-to authors.
August 22, 2022
2021 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Meddling Characters
Narration made my monthly "I should probably deep-clean the apartment" obligations much less painful. Read via audio (narrated by Sean Crisden and Wesleigh Siobhan).
Narration made my monthly "I should probably deep-clean the apartment" obligations much less painful. Read via audio (narrated by Sean Crisden and Wesleigh Siobhan).
August 7, 2022
I didn't think I would like Eddie and Astrid's story but, it was very enjoyable. I love me some Eddie with his arrogant self. He and Astrid were perfect for each other. Both of them are unapologetic about who they were and who they like. Neither of them were here for the BS and anyone could get it if they tried it. I had no idea Eddie and Astrid were bisexual. I almost fell out of my bed during that opening scene with him and ole girl at Urban Grind. But, I love Eddie so much, I would've read this book if CCJ had given him a male love interest. We find out Aurielle, AKA Pixie, is Astrid's sister. Pretty sure that never came up in books four or five. I was really perturb at how CCJ turned Donnie into such an azzhole. I loved me some Dancin' Azz Donnie and, now, I have to give him the side eye for treating Aurielle so badly. And, Eddie's mama was a hoot! I mean she was no Ms. Anita but, Ms. Harriet was still funny as hell. Something Like Love was the perfecting ending to the Serendipitous Love series and I'm so sad it's over. CCJ really outdid herself. I enjoyed ever single book.
February 28, 2018
Soooo...I think this may have been my favorite book in this series...
Something Like Love focuses on Eddie and Astrid. I swear I didn't realize I was craving an Eddie story until I started reading this book. Based on the previous books in this series, you go into Something Like Love knowing that Eddie is bisexual and honestly, I would have been more than happy to read about him and either a girl or a guy. But in this book, you get to see him with Astrid.
Astrid is a yoga instructor, graphic designer and a complete and utter free spirit. Eddie is too, but if you take Eddie's energy and vibe and multiply it by 1000 you get Astrid. Young, open-minded, carefree, centered and all into the chakras and centering of the mind, body, soul and all that jazz.
Something Like Love brought a completely different type of dynamic to this series and to any other romance novel I've read. It was interesting seeing Eddie have to battle the ignorance and insecurities that other people had because of the way he chose to live his life and show his love. Just like in this book, there are people that I know who refuse to believe that a man can be bisexual. To them, if you're a man and you like men, you're gay and that is the beginning and end of it. I really enjoyed watching how Eddie and even Astrid had to navigate and deal with a world that had people in it who was constantly questioning Eddies identity. Its crazy, people see something they don't understand and either automatically reject it or feel the need to interject and try and change that something into something they can process and fit into a box.
One of the things I really love about CCJ's writing that was especially evident in this book is her conversations. They always feel so authentic and natural which is why I feel like it is so easy for me to get invested in these stories and these characters. Because she writes them and their voices in a way that is so easy to understand and relate to. I read these books and I feel like I'm reading a conversation that I've had with my friends or family. Nothing about these characters or their stories ever feels contrived or fake. I read these books and I think, this has happened to someone somewhere before.
I've grown used to not getting multiple books about the same characters for Christina but this is one of the times where I REALLY wish I could get another 250 - 300 pages about these characters and their relationships because I enjoyed it THAT much.
Another winner...and I truly hope that I get to read more. Not just about Eddie and Astrid but also about the other characters that were introduced and mentioned.
LOVED IT!!!
Something Like Love focuses on Eddie and Astrid. I swear I didn't realize I was craving an Eddie story until I started reading this book. Based on the previous books in this series, you go into Something Like Love knowing that Eddie is bisexual and honestly, I would have been more than happy to read about him and either a girl or a guy. But in this book, you get to see him with Astrid.
Astrid is a yoga instructor, graphic designer and a complete and utter free spirit. Eddie is too, but if you take Eddie's energy and vibe and multiply it by 1000 you get Astrid. Young, open-minded, carefree, centered and all into the chakras and centering of the mind, body, soul and all that jazz.
Something Like Love brought a completely different type of dynamic to this series and to any other romance novel I've read. It was interesting seeing Eddie have to battle the ignorance and insecurities that other people had because of the way he chose to live his life and show his love. Just like in this book, there are people that I know who refuse to believe that a man can be bisexual. To them, if you're a man and you like men, you're gay and that is the beginning and end of it. I really enjoyed watching how Eddie and even Astrid had to navigate and deal with a world that had people in it who was constantly questioning Eddies identity. Its crazy, people see something they don't understand and either automatically reject it or feel the need to interject and try and change that something into something they can process and fit into a box.
One of the things I really love about CCJ's writing that was especially evident in this book is her conversations. They always feel so authentic and natural which is why I feel like it is so easy for me to get invested in these stories and these characters. Because she writes them and their voices in a way that is so easy to understand and relate to. I read these books and I feel like I'm reading a conversation that I've had with my friends or family. Nothing about these characters or their stories ever feels contrived or fake. I read these books and I think, this has happened to someone somewhere before.
I've grown used to not getting multiple books about the same characters for Christina but this is one of the times where I REALLY wish I could get another 250 - 300 pages about these characters and their relationships because I enjoyed it THAT much.
Another winner...and I truly hope that I get to read more. Not just about Eddie and Astrid but also about the other characters that were introduced and mentioned.
LOVED IT!!!
February 3, 2021
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this, but for some reason I just couldn't fully connect with it. I loved the characters and the smut was *chef's kiss*, but I feel like everything happened very quickly and it was very trope-y.
I'd love to read more from this author though!
I enjoyed this, but for some reason I just couldn't fully connect with it. I loved the characters and the smut was *chef's kiss*, but I feel like everything happened very quickly and it was very trope-y.
I'd love to read more from this author though!
January 22, 2021
this was cute!! I always like it when two leading characters think they are so opposite and then they learn who alike they are..and all their first notions are thrown in the water..
November 10, 2022
New Feelings
This isn't what I expected from Eddie, yet I liked the vibes of him and Astrid.
As with the rest of the gang, these two, mainly Eddie, frustrated me😒. This is a grown man hiding his feelings by pushing or being intentionally mean to someone he's undoubtedly attracted to. I like that Astrid broke him down, yet I didn't understand, even when it was explained, why he didn't just go with the flow with her. He had to make all these changes, THEN he just went with it, giving in after she asked for him to help her relieve some stress😏.
I like that CCJ was consistent with the vibes of these stories, yet until the two love interest got on one accord, it was annoying😒. Either way, once Eddie let go of his unneeded mean demeanor towards Astrid, I really enjoyed them together.
Astrid was this open and free spirit that I really enjoyed. She gave such great advice, yet once it was time for her to soak in those words for herself, she didn't know how to. Not uncommon, yet I think had she just told Eddie to give her some time or a few days to gather her thoughts, she could've worked through what she needed to say to him instead of the freakout she did once he came to her home. Nonetheless, Sydnee and Quinn talked some sense into her and helped her out before it got too bad.
I liked the family dynamics of both Astrid and Eddie and hope there are updates on this whole crew.
This was a great series. I'm certain I'll be reading more about them as I dive more into CCJ catalog, since I have SO many of her books that I didn't know I had, that I bought YEARS ago and haven't read🤦🏾♀️.
Great read. Highly recommend.
This isn't what I expected from Eddie, yet I liked the vibes of him and Astrid.
As with the rest of the gang, these two, mainly Eddie, frustrated me😒. This is a grown man hiding his feelings by pushing or being intentionally mean to someone he's undoubtedly attracted to. I like that Astrid broke him down, yet I didn't understand, even when it was explained, why he didn't just go with the flow with her. He had to make all these changes, THEN he just went with it, giving in after she asked for him to help her relieve some stress😏.
I like that CCJ was consistent with the vibes of these stories, yet until the two love interest got on one accord, it was annoying😒. Either way, once Eddie let go of his unneeded mean demeanor towards Astrid, I really enjoyed them together.
Astrid was this open and free spirit that I really enjoyed. She gave such great advice, yet once it was time for her to soak in those words for herself, she didn't know how to. Not uncommon, yet I think had she just told Eddie to give her some time or a few days to gather her thoughts, she could've worked through what she needed to say to him instead of the freakout she did once he came to her home. Nonetheless, Sydnee and Quinn talked some sense into her and helped her out before it got too bad.
I liked the family dynamics of both Astrid and Eddie and hope there are updates on this whole crew.
This was a great series. I'm certain I'll be reading more about them as I dive more into CCJ catalog, since I have SO many of her books that I didn't know I had, that I bought YEARS ago and haven't read🤦🏾♀️.
Great read. Highly recommend.
September 6, 2023
I have been looking forward to Eddie's book since we first met him at the beginning of this series! Eddie and Astrid were the PERFECT couple for each other!
Eddie is a tattoo artist and known for not being one to settle down. Astrid is a yoga instructor/graphic designer who Eddie can't stand due to how much he wants her. At their core, these two were very similar. Their vibes and souls called to one another, even when they both wanted to fight it. Eddie and Astrid were the last two that thought they'd end up in a serious relationship, so it was both hilarious and adorable watching them grow closer and come to terms with their feelings as the book went on.
I also appreciated the conversations surrounding Eddie and Astrid's sexuality. Both characters are queer. The author was realistic in the discussions/thoughts of Eddie and Astrid regarding the stereotypes they had to deal with as queer black people.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little abrupt once they were back together, but the author does have a short story (The Proposal) available that follows Eddie and Astrid four years after the end of this book.
TROPES: black romance/OWN voices/BIPOC; LGBTQIA+ rep (hero/heroine are queer); he falls first (even though he tries to fight it); yoga instructor/graphic designer heroine; tattoo artist hero; great friend group; found family; great banter
TRIGGER WARNINGS: homophobia (on page)
Eddie is a tattoo artist and known for not being one to settle down. Astrid is a yoga instructor/graphic designer who Eddie can't stand due to how much he wants her. At their core, these two were very similar. Their vibes and souls called to one another, even when they both wanted to fight it. Eddie and Astrid were the last two that thought they'd end up in a serious relationship, so it was both hilarious and adorable watching them grow closer and come to terms with their feelings as the book went on.
I also appreciated the conversations surrounding Eddie and Astrid's sexuality. Both characters are queer. The author was realistic in the discussions/thoughts of Eddie and Astrid regarding the stereotypes they had to deal with as queer black people.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little abrupt once they were back together, but the author does have a short story (The Proposal) available that follows Eddie and Astrid four years after the end of this book.
TROPES: black romance/OWN voices/BIPOC; LGBTQIA+ rep (hero/heroine are queer); he falls first (even though he tries to fight it); yoga instructor/graphic designer heroine; tattoo artist hero; great friend group; found family; great banter
TRIGGER WARNINGS: homophobia (on page)
March 10, 2021
This is really a 2 star read but I’m being nice
Sigh...I’m giving this book 3 stars to be generous but it’s kind of a two star book for me 😓. There were many times when I thought about DNFing it and then I would hit a stride and things would be interesting. Sometimes the characters would say things that were kind of corny and I’d role my eyes and corny stuff has never really bothered me in a romance but maybe bc this is the 6 book in the series so I’ve seen it all already. I do like that both of the MCs are bisexual and Christina C Jones goes a little into the bias associated with that, but she should’ve leaned it those issues more. The MCs didn’t really have any challenges to work through in this novel. Astrid’s story was dominated by her sister’s problems. Her sister’s problems became Astrid’s problems and that kind of annoyed me. I don’t really like when authors don’t completely focus on the MCs and developing their characters and their romance. Astrid’s sister had more romance development (granted it was narrated to us in dialogue) than Astrid and Eddie did. Astrid and Eddie didn’t really have any individual challenges they had to overcome. Also the ending was so anticlimactic and it felt incomplete and unsatisfying. They just said I like you and let’s be exclusive, the end. Like what kind of ending is that? This hurts me to do this bc I like Christina C Jones’ novels but this one is definitely my last favorite. I think the issue is that after six books in the series, each book starts to be the same, and the couples stop being distinct. Carter and Vivienne are still my favorites though. This book was just not it.
Sigh...I’m giving this book 3 stars to be generous but it’s kind of a two star book for me 😓. There were many times when I thought about DNFing it and then I would hit a stride and things would be interesting. Sometimes the characters would say things that were kind of corny and I’d role my eyes and corny stuff has never really bothered me in a romance but maybe bc this is the 6 book in the series so I’ve seen it all already. I do like that both of the MCs are bisexual and Christina C Jones goes a little into the bias associated with that, but she should’ve leaned it those issues more. The MCs didn’t really have any challenges to work through in this novel. Astrid’s story was dominated by her sister’s problems. Her sister’s problems became Astrid’s problems and that kind of annoyed me. I don’t really like when authors don’t completely focus on the MCs and developing their characters and their romance. Astrid’s sister had more romance development (granted it was narrated to us in dialogue) than Astrid and Eddie did. Astrid and Eddie didn’t really have any individual challenges they had to overcome. Also the ending was so anticlimactic and it felt incomplete and unsatisfying. They just said I like you and let’s be exclusive, the end. Like what kind of ending is that? This hurts me to do this bc I like Christina C Jones’ novels but this one is definitely my last favorite. I think the issue is that after six books in the series, each book starts to be the same, and the couples stop being distinct. Carter and Vivienne are still my favorites though. This book was just not it.
December 16, 2024
I enjoyed Eddie & Astrid’s story, I’m not sure I loved it as the final book to this series. The rest of the books were such complete, feel good love stories. This book and their story feels incomplete.
May 24, 2018
Overall, I loved this romance, and highly recommend it. It is one of my favorite romances where both MCs are bisexual, and one of the best romances I’ve read in 2018.
Read my full review on my blog.
Content Warnings
Read my full review on my blog.
Content Warnings
May 19, 2017
Loved it!
Another great read from CCJ! Loved Astrid and Eddie. They weren't exactly the typical hero and heroine, but they were perfect for each other. I liked Eddie when we met him, but will admit to having mixed feelings about how he got down. This book definitely shed some light on that for me.
Eddie's mama was everything! She was hands down my favorite character. I smiled pretty much throughout the whole part with Eddie's family, because it was so funny and realistic. They reminded me so much of my crazy family.
I love how Aurielle's story is playing out in the background of the series. I'm glad that she's found happiness, with what seems to be a great guy. Take that, Dancin Ass Donnie!
Another great read from CCJ! Loved Astrid and Eddie. They weren't exactly the typical hero and heroine, but they were perfect for each other. I liked Eddie when we met him, but will admit to having mixed feelings about how he got down. This book definitely shed some light on that for me.
Eddie's mama was everything! She was hands down my favorite character. I smiled pretty much throughout the whole part with Eddie's family, because it was so funny and realistic. They reminded me so much of my crazy family.
I love how Aurielle's story is playing out in the background of the series. I'm glad that she's found happiness, with what seems to be a great guy. Take that, Dancin Ass Donnie!
May 20, 2022
TEAM EDDIE & ASTRID FOREVER!!
March 31, 2022
3.5 it was a cute quick read.
January 11, 2022
You know what, I started it at 4 stars but I changed my mind.
I will never read all of CCJ’s books because I will always want one to read, and now was the perfect time to pick up this one. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve read one of her books, but man did I miss this. I love the universe, the family, the feeling she creates, and it’s always a joy to come home to these folks. Also, I didn’t know I needed to read a pair of bi Black folks falling in love and talking about their experiences with their friends and everyone standing up for and respecting each other until I got into this book. Five stars for that alone.
Eddie and Astrid basically hate each other. But not really. Everybody knows that it’s just a cover for their annoying attraction. So when their passive aggressive behavior reaches a boiling point, what better way to resolve their issues than to share some of that good good. And where it goes from there, neither expects.
CN: yoga; sex on the page; homophobia (checked and unchecked); mention of miscarriage (side character); machismo; pregnancy (side character); hospital visit; positive family dynamics; excessive drinking
ETA: Transparency note: Christina C Jones is a mutual and also a contributor for my book.
I will never read all of CCJ’s books because I will always want one to read, and now was the perfect time to pick up this one. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve read one of her books, but man did I miss this. I love the universe, the family, the feeling she creates, and it’s always a joy to come home to these folks. Also, I didn’t know I needed to read a pair of bi Black folks falling in love and talking about their experiences with their friends and everyone standing up for and respecting each other until I got into this book. Five stars for that alone.
Eddie and Astrid basically hate each other. But not really. Everybody knows that it’s just a cover for their annoying attraction. So when their passive aggressive behavior reaches a boiling point, what better way to resolve their issues than to share some of that good good. And where it goes from there, neither expects.
CN: yoga; sex on the page; homophobia (checked and unchecked); mention of miscarriage (side character); machismo; pregnancy (side character); hospital visit; positive family dynamics; excessive drinking
ETA: Transparency note: Christina C Jones is a mutual and also a contributor for my book.
October 31, 2024
Eddie and Astrid were my favorites. Eddie is still the charming tattoo artist who has both men and women vying for his attention. Astrid is the yoga instructing, smoothie drinking, natural hair wearing graphic designer, Eddie seems to hate. Astrid on the other hand, believes his dislike is just a mask to hide his deep attraction to her. They are cool with the game between them, until one day Astrid calls him out on it.
The relationship between Eddie and Astrid flowed so naturally that they easily fell into a cute romance that neither one of them were looking for. While trying to maintain their non-monogamous status, their hearts can’t deny that the relationship has developed past just intimacy. The family dynamics added a good touch to the story and so did the friendships. I loved how all their friends held them accountable.
Christina C. Jones did an amazing job writing about some tough topics in a lighthearted way that didn’t minimize the emotions of the characters.
The relationship between Eddie and Astrid flowed so naturally that they easily fell into a cute romance that neither one of them were looking for. While trying to maintain their non-monogamous status, their hearts can’t deny that the relationship has developed past just intimacy. The family dynamics added a good touch to the story and so did the friendships. I loved how all their friends held them accountable.
Christina C. Jones did an amazing job writing about some tough topics in a lighthearted way that didn’t minimize the emotions of the characters.
February 19, 2024
Loooooooved this storyline, characters. All of it 🥺.
January 27, 2021
What a phenomenal way to end this series !! I laughed out loud so many time because of the banter. Loved this one too
June 24, 2023
- black romance
- both bi
- both "free spirit" as in never interested in anything committed before, and now being on the scared side of things
- talk of toxic masculinity
- hate to love, though most of the hate was in previous books in the series, and having read only this one felt unrooted/preposterous (my bad tho)
- YOGA!
- both bi
- both "free spirit" as in never interested in anything committed before, and now being on the scared side of things
- talk of toxic masculinity
- hate to love, though most of the hate was in previous books in the series, and having read only this one felt unrooted/preposterous (my bad tho)
- YOGA!
December 16, 2019
CW: mention of still birth, biphobia from family members
Oh my gosh I loved this book alot! Eddie my dude, I adored him from the first page when we get his POV. We get two black bi MC y'all yessss!!! Astrid was an amazing character and she and Eddie just fit together so well.
I know this is book 6 in a series but I didnt feel lost. We do get mentions of characters stories that obviously would have happened in the previous books but nothing was ever confusing. In fact it made me intrigued to want to go back and check out those characters books.
While there are some secondary story lines about Astrid's sister and Eddie's sis too, they never overshadow the MCs.
The scenes where Astrid is practicing her yoga felt so immersive and real. Like we're right there with her as she's unwinding or getting into a good headspace. I really liked how Eddie respected her space in those moments until she invited him in. These two are not about relationships but lol we know how that goes. Their conversation about how they felt really resonated with me, as it felt true to who these characters are as people. Astrid is afraid and Eddie is unsure but in the end his gesture was just so sweet and so him! And so right for them as a couple.
Loved this one and i'm gonna need to check out the rest of books soon in this series soon!
Oh my gosh I loved this book alot! Eddie my dude, I adored him from the first page when we get his POV. We get two black bi MC y'all yessss!!! Astrid was an amazing character and she and Eddie just fit together so well.
I know this is book 6 in a series but I didnt feel lost. We do get mentions of characters stories that obviously would have happened in the previous books but nothing was ever confusing. In fact it made me intrigued to want to go back and check out those characters books.
While there are some secondary story lines about Astrid's sister and Eddie's sis too, they never overshadow the MCs.
The scenes where Astrid is practicing her yoga felt so immersive and real. Like we're right there with her as she's unwinding or getting into a good headspace. I really liked how Eddie respected her space in those moments until she invited him in. These two are not about relationships but lol we know how that goes. Their conversation about how they felt really resonated with me, as it felt true to who these characters are as people. Astrid is afraid and Eddie is unsure but in the end his gesture was just so sweet and so him! And so right for them as a couple.
Loved this one and i'm gonna need to check out the rest of books soon in this series soon!
May 24, 2017
As always...
You can't get better than Christina C Jones. Don't try. I mean a few come close but the character development, the natural and flawed conversations is just HER style. I swear by my life her books are the whole of love. Romance has nothing on this author. This is not artificial sweetener, happy endings and insta love. Everything she writes pulls you into these characters so deeply that you don't know where they began and you end.
I won't leave a review about what I liked and disliked because honestly it doesn't matter. By time you finish one of her books you're going to feel the same way too. Just read her books. All of them. Doesn't matter which one because bruh... they're ALL amazing.
You can't get better than Christina C Jones. Don't try. I mean a few come close but the character development, the natural and flawed conversations is just HER style. I swear by my life her books are the whole of love. Romance has nothing on this author. This is not artificial sweetener, happy endings and insta love. Everything she writes pulls you into these characters so deeply that you don't know where they began and you end.
I won't leave a review about what I liked and disliked because honestly it doesn't matter. By time you finish one of her books you're going to feel the same way too. Just read her books. All of them. Doesn't matter which one because bruh... they're ALL amazing.
dnf
July 6, 2022DNF at 43%
I’ve really enjoyed this series but this installment isn’t keeping my interest. Once Astrid’s sister Anyway. I tried picking it back up but I don’t really care about what happens to Astrid anymore.
Characters: Eddie is a 36 year old bisexual Black tattoo artist. Astrid is a bisexual Black yoga studio owner, licensed massage therapist, and graphic designer.
Content notes: , past assault of FMC’s sister (attacker was famous rapper and he faced no consequences), infidelity (FMC’s sister cheats on her on-again, off-again toxic boyfriend before breaking up with him for good), biphobia, homophobia, toxic masculinity, past death of FMC’s parents (raised by aunt and uncle), n-word (not used as slur), on page sex, alcohol, vegan “jokes”, STD “joke”, ableist language, gender essentialist language, reference to sister having (past?) substance abuse issues
I’ve really enjoyed this series but this installment isn’t keeping my interest. Once Astrid’s sister Anyway. I tried picking it back up but I don’t really care about what happens to Astrid anymore.
Characters: Eddie is a 36 year old bisexual Black tattoo artist. Astrid is a bisexual Black yoga studio owner, licensed massage therapist, and graphic designer.
Content notes: , past assault of FMC’s sister (attacker was famous rapper and he faced no consequences), infidelity (FMC’s sister cheats on her on-again, off-again toxic boyfriend before breaking up with him for good), biphobia, homophobia, toxic masculinity, past death of FMC’s parents (raised by aunt and uncle), n-word (not used as slur), on page sex, alcohol, vegan “jokes”, STD “joke”, ableist language, gender essentialist language, reference to sister having (past?) substance abuse issues
November 28, 2021
this was 158 pages on ku and it shockingly wowed me bc i did not expect a novella to ever capture a romance so well w. such a short amount of time. the story was well paced, featured laughs and important conversations, and had spice to top it off.
i loved how bright asterid was bc it wasn’t obnoxious, it simply was how she existed. she had a good outlook on things bc she taught herself to be that way. everyday she made choices that were healthy for her and i adored that. she was unapologetically confident in herself and it’s not something we see in heroines too often.
eddie was meant to be a typical playboy, at least technically before the book started. he liked his life uncomplicated, and he enjoys both men and women to the fullest. however he was complex in a way i so rarely get to see. he felt too old to be playing the game, was tired of the constant assumptions people made about his sexuality, and was looking for a change. i loved that we got a man looking for positive ways to improve his life.
another great aspect about this book was that whole eddie struggled with the stigma of being a bisexual man, but he was also a black bisexual man. i enjoyed the representation of queerness in this book bc while it was there and important to the characters identity, it didn’t overpower the book and become the main theme.
it’s so nice for queer characters to just exist. it’s realistic bc while being queer comes with close minded people, queer stories also deserve to simply just be happy w.out angst / drama.
this was such an enjoyable read. my first ever christina c jones book and i plan to read so much more!
i loved how bright asterid was bc it wasn’t obnoxious, it simply was how she existed. she had a good outlook on things bc she taught herself to be that way. everyday she made choices that were healthy for her and i adored that. she was unapologetically confident in herself and it’s not something we see in heroines too often.
eddie was meant to be a typical playboy, at least technically before the book started. he liked his life uncomplicated, and he enjoys both men and women to the fullest. however he was complex in a way i so rarely get to see. he felt too old to be playing the game, was tired of the constant assumptions people made about his sexuality, and was looking for a change. i loved that we got a man looking for positive ways to improve his life.
another great aspect about this book was that whole eddie struggled with the stigma of being a bisexual man, but he was also a black bisexual man. i enjoyed the representation of queerness in this book bc while it was there and important to the characters identity, it didn’t overpower the book and become the main theme.
it’s so nice for queer characters to just exist. it’s realistic bc while being queer comes with close minded people, queer stories also deserve to simply just be happy w.out angst / drama.
this was such an enjoyable read. my first ever christina c jones book and i plan to read so much more!
September 24, 2020
Astrid and Eddie, a deeper connection
'Something Like Love' is less of a love story than it is a story of self discovery and friendship.
Eddie is a bisexual man unbothered by the rules of society or the constraints monogamy. Astrid is a sexually fluid woman driven by energy and not rules.
I enjoyed this story. I've never read anything quite like this before. I was curious how a story where the hero is very open about his sexual desire for both men and women, could be the other half of a love story with a woman (even though she's also bisexual). In my opinion, Christina C. Jones pulled it off. This was by no means your typical romance novel. Almost the entire book both Eddie and Astrid were clear that they were not interested in a relationship- neither had ever had a true relationship before. But they definitely clicked and a relationship is what they actually found (though not your typical one).
Some things that I really liked: Aurielle (Astrid's sister) and Kevin were so sweet. I would've loved to have had a little more time with them. Theirs was an actual love story. I loved Astrid having Eddie give her the tattoo she'd dreamed of. And Eddie drawing while Roman and his crew sang, was the icing on the cake of this book. I also like the brief visit with Carter and Viv's (book 2) little girl. I wish we'd had a visit with Nix and Charlie's (book 3) twins.
So, though I didn't see this as a conventional love story, I do see it as a book of intimacy and friendship. This is a thumbs up for me.
'Something Like Love' is less of a love story than it is a story of self discovery and friendship.
Eddie is a bisexual man unbothered by the rules of society or the constraints monogamy. Astrid is a sexually fluid woman driven by energy and not rules.
I enjoyed this story. I've never read anything quite like this before. I was curious how a story where the hero is very open about his sexual desire for both men and women, could be the other half of a love story with a woman (even though she's also bisexual). In my opinion, Christina C. Jones pulled it off. This was by no means your typical romance novel. Almost the entire book both Eddie and Astrid were clear that they were not interested in a relationship- neither had ever had a true relationship before. But they definitely clicked and a relationship is what they actually found (though not your typical one).
Some things that I really liked: Aurielle (Astrid's sister) and Kevin were so sweet. I would've loved to have had a little more time with them. Theirs was an actual love story. I loved Astrid having Eddie give her the tattoo she'd dreamed of. And Eddie drawing while Roman and his crew sang, was the icing on the cake of this book. I also like the brief visit with Carter and Viv's (book 2) little girl. I wish we'd had a visit with Nix and Charlie's (book 3) twins.
So, though I didn't see this as a conventional love story, I do see it as a book of intimacy and friendship. This is a thumbs up for me.
September 5, 2020
Man, I devoured this series.
I vacillated on whether to go with four or five stars for this one. Tbh, if the average rating were much lower, I’d have (been shocked and) gone with five—but the ending felt kind of rushed. I was so bummed when I checked how far in I was, thinking maybe two-thirds of the way, and realized it was almost over. I felt like I didn’t get enough with these characters, but maybe CCJ’s writing has just spoiled me. (I did love all the yoga, and Astrid’s whole vibe. Not that I didn’t love Eddie, too. This book has me gushing.)
I want to add that all the Black love in her books, and the way different facets of Blackness are celebrated, is really beautiful. There are almost no White people in this series—pretty sure it’s just the really minor one in book 4—and, even being one myself, it was such a relief not to have to deal with any White-induced nonsense. Kind of like how how a m/m romance is a relief because the protagonists don’t have to deal with misogyny.
Anyway, I’m so glad that CCJ has written so many books, because I don’t feel like ending this binge any time soon.
I vacillated on whether to go with four or five stars for this one. Tbh, if the average rating were much lower, I’d have (been shocked and) gone with five—but the ending felt kind of rushed. I was so bummed when I checked how far in I was, thinking maybe two-thirds of the way, and realized it was almost over. I felt like I didn’t get enough with these characters, but maybe CCJ’s writing has just spoiled me. (I did love all the yoga, and Astrid’s whole vibe. Not that I didn’t love Eddie, too. This book has me gushing.)
I want to add that all the Black love in her books, and the way different facets of Blackness are celebrated, is really beautiful. There are almost no White people in this series—pretty sure it’s just the really minor one in book 4—and, even being one myself, it was such a relief not to have to deal with any White-induced nonsense. Kind of like how how a m/m romance is a relief because the protagonists don’t have to deal with misogyny.
Anyway, I’m so glad that CCJ has written so many books, because I don’t feel like ending this binge any time soon.
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