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Sweet Heat #3
A Touch of Sugar
Pru Ashford isn't looking for... anything. Which is how she ends up finding exactly what she needs - a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2017
177 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
November 28, 2022
Be right back. I'm swooning.
Trigger warnings for grief.
Trigger warnings for grief.
March 28, 2022
Cute & Short
Xavier & Pru had a cute short about 2 people sharing a distance crush on one another and finally getting the opportunity as a result of some bad weather to act on their crush.
Xavier & Pru had a cute short about 2 people sharing a distance crush on one another and finally getting the opportunity as a result of some bad weather to act on their crush.
May 30, 2023
Sweet New beginnings
Aww this was short and sweet😘
Pru and Xavier had been pining for each other for years. Always gazing from afar, never daring to really act on their attraction. Who knew one snowy night with Pru having a melt down would resort in their paths crossing unexpectedly. While Pru had a loud personality, Xavier was quiet and laid back, they seemed to have had some similar life experiences. While they both kept verbalizing they were not ready for more, their actions and hearts said differently. I was glad they overcame their fears and decided to see where things could go. Without giving away too much, life had not been kind to them in relationships and they deserved so much more. This was a sweet ending for them both.
Aww this was short and sweet😘
Pru and Xavier had been pining for each other for years. Always gazing from afar, never daring to really act on their attraction. Who knew one snowy night with Pru having a melt down would resort in their paths crossing unexpectedly. While Pru had a loud personality, Xavier was quiet and laid back, they seemed to have had some similar life experiences. While they both kept verbalizing they were not ready for more, their actions and hearts said differently. I was glad they overcame their fears and decided to see where things could go. Without giving away too much, life had not been kind to them in relationships and they deserved so much more. This was a sweet ending for them both.
January 8, 2023
Pru was a mess 🤣but Xavier and Pru were cute.
April 7, 2025
Short and sweet. Pru and Xavier both had crushes on each other for years. They finally got the opportunity to connect.
December 26, 2017
Best Christmas Surprise
I was ecstatic when CCJ dropped this novella. I could believe we got two books in one month. CCJ you da real mvp. This story was great as usual and I was surprised by what both characters had been through in previous relationships. This was a great addition to this series.
I was ecstatic when CCJ dropped this novella. I could believe we got two books in one month. CCJ you da real mvp. This story was great as usual and I was surprised by what both characters had been through in previous relationships. This was a great addition to this series.
December 23, 2017
Amazing
Come thru with you bad self CCJ. Pru is so sarcastically witty and Zav is bae material. I love CCJ shorts. They leave you wanting more but can also leave you completely satisfied at the same time. Awesome read. BRAVO CCJ BRAVO.
Come thru with you bad self CCJ. Pru is so sarcastically witty and Zav is bae material. I love CCJ shorts. They leave you wanting more but can also leave you completely satisfied at the same time. Awesome read. BRAVO CCJ BRAVO.
June 29, 2024
To grief that doesn't make sense.
Damn, I related. 😭💔
Also, I love 'quiet in the streets, insane in the sheets' kind of men.❤️🔥
Damn, I related. 😭💔
Also, I love 'quiet in the streets, insane in the sheets' kind of men.❤️🔥
August 15, 2023
Read in the Sweet Heat box set
January 2, 2022
I will never get tired of Christina C. Jones’ writing!
This book made me laugh soo much! I just couldn’t help it! The book was just soo good, I went on a highlight binge on this book! So many great funny moments, I couldn’t stop highlighting!
There’s so much more to say about this book, too much actually! Firstly, the book is about Pru and Zav. They have been attracted to each other for a while, but, were previously dating other people. Therefore, never got the chance to explore their connection…until now.
As always, CCJ’s stories are great and this was no exception. I was not expecting the reveal of what both characters had been through in their previous relationships. But it was a great addition, and it made Pru and Zav’s actions more understandable.
This book made me laugh soo much! I just couldn’t help it! The book was just soo good, I went on a highlight binge on this book! So many great funny moments, I couldn’t stop highlighting!
There’s so much more to say about this book, too much actually! Firstly, the book is about Pru and Zav. They have been attracted to each other for a while, but, were previously dating other people. Therefore, never got the chance to explore their connection…until now.
As always, CCJ’s stories are great and this was no exception. I was not expecting the reveal of what both characters had been through in their previous relationships. But it was a great addition, and it made Pru and Zav’s actions more understandable.
January 6, 2018
Grief
Pru was a Nut! She extra as they come but captivating aura pulled Zav in years ago.
Xavier solitude was disrupted to save a drunken feisty Pru from the winter storm. Who a knew grief everyone else don't understands brings sweet heat to these two.
Pru was a Nut! She extra as they come but captivating aura pulled Zav in years ago.
Xavier solitude was disrupted to save a drunken feisty Pru from the winter storm. Who a knew grief everyone else don't understands brings sweet heat to these two.
December 24, 2017
I could just imagine Pru trying to chop her tree. She was a live one. Great holiday humor & a delightful story!
February 24, 2024
Being completely honest, this book was TOO short. I think it might have been the shortest of the 3 books. Pru had me laughing out loud. Her interest in Xavier and his interest in her was briefly mentioned in previous books.
They both had back stories that so was unaware existed. Their story needed a whole book. (I'm so greedy, lol). I loved some of Pru's irrational thought processes. I could definitely relate.
I would have enjoyed reading about Xavier and Pru's relationship developing. It would have also been fun to read about the 3 couples interacting as a group.
Once again, the narration didn't do much for me. Ignoring the narration and focusing on the book, A Touch of Sugar was an enjoyable read that I wish had been longer.
They both had back stories that so was unaware existed. Their story needed a whole book. (I'm so greedy, lol). I loved some of Pru's irrational thought processes. I could definitely relate.
I would have enjoyed reading about Xavier and Pru's relationship developing. It would have also been fun to read about the 3 couples interacting as a group.
Once again, the narration didn't do much for me. Ignoring the narration and focusing on the book, A Touch of Sugar was an enjoyable read that I wish had been longer.
December 30, 2017
A touch of Sugar was a very sweet romantic read. I enjoyed this story, great for the holidays. Pru overall is going through a lot and she feels finding a real Christmas tree will solve all her problems. Until Zav enters into her life during the holidays.
Soon enough Pru and Zav find out they have a lot in common as far as why they want to spend the holidays alone. But the bad weather forces them together during Christmas, one they wouldnt forget.
This story is so sweet I enjoyed reading about Pru and Zav. I hope to read more about them soon and more about the side characters that were mentioned as well. Great story!
Soon enough Pru and Zav find out they have a lot in common as far as why they want to spend the holidays alone. But the bad weather forces them together during Christmas, one they wouldnt forget.
This story is so sweet I enjoyed reading about Pru and Zav. I hope to read more about them soon and more about the side characters that were mentioned as well. Great story!
February 1, 2022
Just Pru
I knew I'd like Pru. The start to this story was hilarious 🤭.
I like that Pru is open about her ex. I also am glad she has Cin to help her reason why she needs to be patient with Xavier.
Xavier is in limbo with his mourning for his ex-wife, yet has been interested in Pru since he basically laid eyes on her almost 4 years ago. I'm glad he's willing to work through his discomfort and uncharted emotions, so he can see where things might go with Pru.
I so hope we get a update on this crew; Cin and Landry, Maggie and Rene, Pru and Xavier- all people I would love to read more about.
Great short series. Very fun read. Highly
I knew I'd like Pru. The start to this story was hilarious 🤭.
I like that Pru is open about her ex. I also am glad she has Cin to help her reason why she needs to be patient with Xavier.
Xavier is in limbo with his mourning for his ex-wife, yet has been interested in Pru since he basically laid eyes on her almost 4 years ago. I'm glad he's willing to work through his discomfort and uncharted emotions, so he can see where things might go with Pru.
I so hope we get a update on this crew; Cin and Landry, Maggie and Rene, Pru and Xavier- all people I would love to read more about.
Great short series. Very fun read. Highly
February 6, 2026
Thoughts while reading:
The dog in on it too 😂
Xav!!!
She done called this man all kinds of unalivers.
Sausage of your cheeks.. crying 😂😂
Xav the grump in the big blue house.
I’m surprised he don’t have a generator.
One bed huh lol
Not you trying scratch an itch while in HIS bed🤣
Xav stop standing in your own way. Actually both yall
Aww Lan and Cin
Oop not arguing with you late ex about Prue
Oh damn.. the late wife was cheating.smh
They are too cute.
Not she musta put the roots on you 🤣
Imma need him get a bigger or second generator lol.. need to take my own advice
Aw he got her the tree ❤️
The dog in on it too 😂
Xav!!!
She done called this man all kinds of unalivers.
Sausage of your cheeks.. crying 😂😂
Xav the grump in the big blue house.
I’m surprised he don’t have a generator.
One bed huh lol
Not you trying scratch an itch while in HIS bed🤣
Xav stop standing in your own way. Actually both yall
Aww Lan and Cin
Oop not arguing with you late ex about Prue
Oh damn.. the late wife was cheating.smh
They are too cute.
Not she musta put the roots on you 🤣
Imma need him get a bigger or second generator lol.. need to take my own advice
Aw he got her the tree ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
2/5 stars!
I'm sad because this is just boring and our main characters, Pru and Xavier, don't have any chemistry at all. Aside from that, there's also little cameos from our other characters which is sad because the town/characters were the reason why I continued reading this series after finishing the first book. Overall, my favorite book in this trilogy is the first one and that's also the only book I would recommend if you want the small town aspect, great chemistry, an actual plot, and coziness.
I'm sad because this is just boring and our main characters, Pru and Xavier, don't have any chemistry at all. Aside from that, there's also little cameos from our other characters which is sad because the town/characters were the reason why I continued reading this series after finishing the first book. Overall, my favorite book in this trilogy is the first one and that's also the only book I would recommend if you want the small town aspect, great chemistry, an actual plot, and coziness.
May 23, 2024
Cute and short read! A savory and sweet story about Xavier and Pru. Following along with the series from Book #1, Xa (pronounced Zay) is Landry's brother, and Pru is Cin's bestie. Due to some terrible weather, these two wind up getting stuck together. Despite their initial differences, Xavier and Pru find common ground while trying to make the best of the situation and develop a connection during their time together. They have chemistry, although both are denying it. Someone also has a secret crush, making this a heartwarming and enjoyable read for fans of the series.
June 17, 2024
Pru Ashford and Xavier Augustin have an unexpected encounter days before Christmas that forces them to address the attraction, they have for each other. Both are dealing with past grief, and neither is looking for a relationship or love, but the heart wants, what it wants.
This was a cute read. Pru was a hilarious mess compared to Xavier’s calm, but it worked. I actually thought it was going to be Ben she ended up with, but I’m glad the unspoken lust between her and Xavier was finally explored.
This was a cute read. Pru was a hilarious mess compared to Xavier’s calm, but it worked. I actually thought it was going to be Ben she ended up with, but I’m glad the unspoken lust between her and Xavier was finally explored.
November 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this short Christmas-themed holiday novella! It was heartfelt, sweet, hilarious, and steamy. Both Pru, the female main character, and Xavier, the male main character, are dealing with grief—and significant others who let them down. I'm glad Pru and Xavier opened up to each other and gave in to their longing. I would love to read more about these two. I found Pru to be hilarious and Xavier to be the quintessential moody, quiet heartthrob. Their banter was everything! I adored their chemistry. I'm looking forward to reading more stories by the author, Christina C. Jones!
December 26, 2017
Yes!! Pru and Zav!!
From the beginning, I was laughing. Pru is a mess, in a good way. Her determination to get that dang tree??!!! Paid off in a major way. Xavier was the strong, silent type. I love those types!! These two definitely need a longer story because their shenanigans are hilarious. Zav just needed the right amount of spice to get him loosened up, Pru can definitely handle that.
From the beginning, I was laughing. Pru is a mess, in a good way. Her determination to get that dang tree??!!! Paid off in a major way. Xavier was the strong, silent type. I love those types!! These two definitely need a longer story because their shenanigans are hilarious. Zav just needed the right amount of spice to get him loosened up, Pru can definitely handle that.
March 24, 2018
Pru finds her self in a sticky situation...no, cold situation. When Xavier comes to the rescue, will the heat between them be enough to keep their cold hearts at bay?
The only problem with this book was that it ended too soon for me (lol). I loved Pru's fire and confidence which meshed well with the calmness of Zav. I didn't expect all that backstory from him and can't believe how much these two had in common. It really was a nice sweet heat!
The only problem with this book was that it ended too soon for me (lol). I loved Pru's fire and confidence which meshed well with the calmness of Zav. I didn't expect all that backstory from him and can't believe how much these two had in common. It really was a nice sweet heat!
November 26, 2021
My first Christina C. Jones, and I really enjoyed it! This is a Christmas novella about two people stuck together during a snow storm. Both are grieving deaths from Christmas time last year, and the two decide to not let their fears hold them back anymore. This was super steamy and I felt so much chemistry between them, but it was also really touching and heartfelt. Being only 61 pages things develop pretty quickly, however it didn’t really hinder my enjoyment.
December 16, 2021
Amusing
This was the most comical book in the series. Pru was so witty and entertaining. Xavier spent too much time brooding for my liking. There didn’t seem to be much romantic chemistry between them. Their physical attraction seemed pleasurable, but fleeting. It kind of felt like a weird way to end the series because they weren’t as sweet and loving like the two previous couples. Despite that, it was still a really fun read.
This was the most comical book in the series. Pru was so witty and entertaining. Xavier spent too much time brooding for my liking. There didn’t seem to be much romantic chemistry between them. Their physical attraction seemed pleasurable, but fleeting. It kind of felt like a weird way to end the series because they weren’t as sweet and loving like the two previous couples. Despite that, it was still a really fun read.
October 9, 2025
All I Want For Christmas….
“A Touch of Sugar” was also a familiar storyline along with its characters. ….Yup, I’ve read this book (series) before‼️Nevertheless, “A Touch of Sugar (Sweet Heat - Book 3)was a hilarious read (4.50 ⭐️’s). More so, Pru & Xavier were consummate comedians in the midst of an unprecedented snowstorm as well as their personal trauma, tragedy & grief. However, all I want for Christmas is…a touch of you😍‼️
“A Touch of Sugar” was also a familiar storyline along with its characters. ….Yup, I’ve read this book (series) before‼️Nevertheless, “A Touch of Sugar (Sweet Heat - Book 3)was a hilarious read (4.50 ⭐️’s). More so, Pru & Xavier were consummate comedians in the midst of an unprecedented snowstorm as well as their personal trauma, tragedy & grief. However, all I want for Christmas is…a touch of you😍‼️
January 4, 2018
Loved it!!
What can I say but this was a great read that I wish I could get more of...I couldn't get enough of the book or the characters. Pru and Zav have both experienced loss that still affects and stagnates them but they offer each other a glimpse of what could be and I am glad that they eventually decided to go for it.
What can I say but this was a great read that I wish I could get more of...I couldn't get enough of the book or the characters. Pru and Zav have both experienced loss that still affects and stagnates them but they offer each other a glimpse of what could be and I am glad that they eventually decided to go for it.
April 5, 2018
A Touch of Sugar (Sweet Heat Book 3)
A Louisiana Creole named Xavier (younger bro to Lan) lives alone on acres of wooded land. Prudence, full of holiday spirits, decides to cut down a 🌳 for Christmas. Problem...it's on Xavier's private property. A confrontation ensues as well as a 💘 connection between Zav & Pru. LAWD, this novella is 🔥. Read it and expect to feel the burn.
A Louisiana Creole named Xavier (younger bro to Lan) lives alone on acres of wooded land. Prudence, full of holiday spirits, decides to cut down a 🌳 for Christmas. Problem...it's on Xavier's private property. A confrontation ensues as well as a 💘 connection between Zav & Pru. LAWD, this novella is 🔥. Read it and expect to feel the burn.
May 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this snowed in Christmas romance complete with long term pining, hilarious tree-cutting antics, and lots of heat. I adored the heroine so much. This is part of a series of linked novellas and I plan to read them all!
Content Warnings
Content Warnings
July 30, 2020
Too much
Pru is often described as “too much “ in the short story about two acquaintances being stuck together in an isolated cabin during a snow storm. Xavier isn’t quite sure if he can handle what he thinks he wants. There was a tad too much description in the beginning, for me, but the dialogue was great.
Pru is often described as “too much “ in the short story about two acquaintances being stuck together in an isolated cabin during a snow storm. Xavier isn’t quite sure if he can handle what he thinks he wants. There was a tad too much description in the beginning, for me, but the dialogue was great.
May 12, 2022
Pru and Zav find themselves stuck together during a snowstorm and are forced to navigate their way around each other. Pru is outspoken and loud whereas Zav is quiet and laid back. Touch of Sugar was a sweet and romantic read that touches on grief and how hard it could be to move on. I loved how Pru and Zav understood each other on multiple layers. They were exactly what each other needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews