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Equilibrium #2.7
Bittersweet
It's looking like Anika might be alone for the holidays... unless the very last person she'd ever want to spend them with can convince her otherwise.
Is it really enemies-to-lovers if the disdain is one-sided?
Bittersweet is a novella.
Is it really enemies-to-lovers if the disdain is one-sided?
Bittersweet is a novella.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2019
366 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
December 8, 2021
The Anika we met in Love Notes is not the Anika we get in Bittersweet. Her personality change was baffling. She was so dislikeable in this book. The constant sniping at Royal was unnecessary and annoying. All because of some unwarranted assumptions she had about him. Anika built up this idea of who she thought he was and just ran with it. Royal was a sweetheart. He was charismatic, funny, and patient. When I say he was patient, this man had the patience of Job. He never let Anika's rudeness get to him or take him out of character. That's just how much he liked her which, makes me give her poor attitude towards him the side eye. I guess I'm happy Royal got his HEA or whatever. I really enjoyed Bittersweet. Minus Anika, I loved all of the characters, the relationships, the black love that continues to flow through The Heights, and all of the holiday goodness. I'm a sucker for coffeeshop romances and Bittersweet did not disappoint.
January 11, 2020
Merry D*ckmas
So, Bittersweet is the story of Anika, the manger of the much beloved Urban Grind coffeeshop. A staple of Mahogany Heights. Royal is the manger trainee hoping to own a franchise location of his own someday soon. Anika finds herself constantly annoyed with Royal underfoot and he revels in getting under her skin. This novella was a blast and I absolutely adored these characters, their relationship and all the holiday goodness. 🗣You need this coffeeshop holiday romance!🗣
ROYALLLLLL listen he is my new book boyfriend. A charismatic, hilarious, sweet man who’s trying to take back his life and rebuild something for himself that his anxiety has been holding him back from? He can sing? He can lay pipe???? I love him. Plain and simple.
ANIKA I had so much love for her. She was so beautiful as a person and every time she thought about love and how much she wanted it and how distant domestic bliss seemed for her had me ready to cry. She deserved the world! Her and Royal are just so cute and their duet at UG made my heart sing.
As always with CCJ this was hilarious, wildly sexy and heartfelt. I’m so glad she decided to do this little holiday novella series 💖💖💖
So, Bittersweet is the story of Anika, the manger of the much beloved Urban Grind coffeeshop. A staple of Mahogany Heights. Royal is the manger trainee hoping to own a franchise location of his own someday soon. Anika finds herself constantly annoyed with Royal underfoot and he revels in getting under her skin. This novella was a blast and I absolutely adored these characters, their relationship and all the holiday goodness. 🗣You need this coffeeshop holiday romance!🗣
ROYALLLLLL listen he is my new book boyfriend. A charismatic, hilarious, sweet man who’s trying to take back his life and rebuild something for himself that his anxiety has been holding him back from? He can sing? He can lay pipe???? I love him. Plain and simple.
ANIKA I had so much love for her. She was so beautiful as a person and every time she thought about love and how much she wanted it and how distant domestic bliss seemed for her had me ready to cry. She deserved the world! Her and Royal are just so cute and their duet at UG made my heart sing.
As always with CCJ this was hilarious, wildly sexy and heartfelt. I’m so glad she decided to do this little holiday novella series 💖💖💖
March 12, 2023
4⭐️ all for Royal!
This book had so much potential but Anika was so mean to him the whole time, we get to see from her POV chapters it’s because she’s scared if she doesn’t keep hating him shes going to start liking him and shes scared of getting hurt again but he didn’t know any of this and I’m surprised he kept trying with her.
Still love Christina C Jones but this was my least favourite from the series
This book had so much potential but Anika was so mean to him the whole time, we get to see from her POV chapters it’s because she’s scared if she doesn’t keep hating him shes going to start liking him and shes scared of getting hurt again but he didn’t know any of this and I’m surprised he kept trying with her.
Still love Christina C Jones but this was my least favourite from the series
January 22, 2025
2023 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Happily Ever After
Too much acrimony for a novella. Read via Hoopla/audio (narrated by Eboni Flowers and Myles Washington).
Too much acrimony for a novella. Read via Hoopla/audio (narrated by Eboni Flowers and Myles Washington).
August 21, 2023
3.75 “Royal” stars ⭐️
December 1, 2021
This is a cute short about Anika & Royal FINALLY getting together. It took Royal a minute to convince Anika that he really liked her and that he wasn't a f**kboy....LOL...This was a really cute story.
August 10, 2023
3.5 stars - Review to come.
January 11, 2020
Bitter Sweet with a side of Heat
Christina C. Jones does it again with Bitter Sweet, an equilibrium novella. This story takes place during the Christmas season fitting aye? Anika ‘wrath’ Elliot Urban Grind manager and Royal ‘play too much’ Taylor manager in training are the epitome of a playground romance gone right! I really came to love Royal, he’s the whole package! I mean here’s this strong Black man whose hardworking, intelligent, easygoing, funny, musical, handsome but also coping with anxiety. Anika has changed her life drastically because of the hurt she’s experienced in her personal relationships. These two are as real as it gets and their interactions are moments! P.s. this story gets hot, I mean Royal PUT. IT. ON. HER! Whew 🥵 He was damn good to her kitty kat 😻 P.P.S if you do one thing this Christmas make sure it’s reading this novella!!
Christina C. Jones does it again with Bitter Sweet, an equilibrium novella. This story takes place during the Christmas season fitting aye? Anika ‘wrath’ Elliot Urban Grind manager and Royal ‘play too much’ Taylor manager in training are the epitome of a playground romance gone right! I really came to love Royal, he’s the whole package! I mean here’s this strong Black man whose hardworking, intelligent, easygoing, funny, musical, handsome but also coping with anxiety. Anika has changed her life drastically because of the hurt she’s experienced in her personal relationships. These two are as real as it gets and their interactions are moments! P.s. this story gets hot, I mean Royal PUT. IT. ON. HER! Whew 🥵 He was damn good to her kitty kat 😻 P.P.S if you do one thing this Christmas make sure it’s reading this novella!!
December 17, 2019
Just great!!
I just love the holiday shorts. Of course, CCJ never disappoints on any good read. I so enjoyed Anika and Royal.
I just love the holiday shorts. Of course, CCJ never disappoints on any good read. I so enjoyed Anika and Royal.
December 23, 2019
Royal showed Anika how he truly felt once he had the chance. Easy to follow storyline made this a nice holiday read
December 1, 2021
Nik x Royal
Loved it. Royal was a hot mess and I love well he knew Anika. Got under her skin every chance he got. Sweet Anika fought as hard as she could as long as she could about her feelings for Royal. But he knew what he was doing, and the way he put it on her. Short, funny, sweet and Christmassy.
Loved it. Royal was a hot mess and I love well he knew Anika. Got under her skin every chance he got. Sweet Anika fought as hard as she could as long as she could about her feelings for Royal. But he knew what he was doing, and the way he put it on her. Short, funny, sweet and Christmassy.
December 19, 2020
This was SO good! One of my faves from CCJ Anika and Royal had so much chemistry and I couldn’t get enough of them. I love the conversation about mental health and how Royal was so open about his struggles. This is such a sweet and delightful holiday novella. CCJ never disappoints!
Read this one if you haven’t already!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25 to be exact!)
Read this one if you haven’t already!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25 to be exact!)
July 18, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: i hate you to lovers, grumpy (her)/ sunshine (him)
Representation: black romance
Thoughts: royal and nic sure knew how to get on my nerves! nic wanted to act like she wasnt in love with this man and royal wanted to annoy the shit out of her lmfao. but once it was all said and done these two were so damn cute omg. also the meddling mama and friends will always be my favorite parts of books.
Tropes: i hate you to lovers, grumpy (her)/ sunshine (him)
Representation: black romance
Thoughts: royal and nic sure knew how to get on my nerves! nic wanted to act like she wasnt in love with this man and royal wanted to annoy the shit out of her lmfao. but once it was all said and done these two were so damn cute omg. also the meddling mama and friends will always be my favorite parts of books.
June 26, 2023
This is my favorite book in the series
December 25, 2019
Thanks For Perspective
I love this book because it shows that men have vulnerabilities too, and I love Royal. I understand Nik because I was her. I love Mrs Jones because she always has a way of bringing real life to her books!!
I love this book because it shows that men have vulnerabilities too, and I love Royal. I understand Nik because I was her. I love Mrs Jones because she always has a way of bringing real life to her books!!
December 16, 2019
Worth the Wait!
I have been waiting on Anika and Royal's story and boy, was it worth the wait! We could all see that underneath their butting heads was a whole lot of attraction just waiting for the right spark. Bless Anika's OCD workaholic heart, she tried her best to resist Royal's charms, that could only last so long. Royal had a really interesting and unexpected backstory. Put a different context on his laidback demeanor. They really compliment and balance each other personality wise. This was a fun story to read, enjoyed every page! Special shout out to a mellowed out Jules, my what being in love will do!😁
I have been waiting on Anika and Royal's story and boy, was it worth the wait! We could all see that underneath their butting heads was a whole lot of attraction just waiting for the right spark. Bless Anika's OCD workaholic heart, she tried her best to resist Royal's charms, that could only last so long. Royal had a really interesting and unexpected backstory. Put a different context on his laidback demeanor. They really compliment and balance each other personality wise. This was a fun story to read, enjoyed every page! Special shout out to a mellowed out Jules, my what being in love will do!😁
December 17, 2019
This was a fun quick read.
This was a perfect quick read. I feel like Royal and Anika were made for each other. I identified with the drive, and cautious nature of Anika and Royal just needed that green light to get it popping! The sexual energy and witty banter was on par. Memorial characters, complete storyline, awesome read!
This was a perfect quick read. I feel like Royal and Anika were made for each other. I identified with the drive, and cautious nature of Anika and Royal just needed that green light to get it popping! The sexual energy and witty banter was on par. Memorial characters, complete storyline, awesome read!
December 17, 2019
Short and very sweet
As Usual Ms C Jones did an awesome story, totally enjoyable and lovely. Love is beautiful and it always great to take a chance...
As Usual Ms C Jones did an awesome story, totally enjoyable and lovely. Love is beautiful and it always great to take a chance...
October 5, 2022
I see you Royal!
Royal Taylor didn’t come to play any games! He played for keeps. This story was such a great way to end the year in the Heights.
Royal Taylor didn’t come to play any games! He played for keeps. This story was such a great way to end the year in the Heights.
January 26, 2022
I'm so glad Anika, aka Nik, finally let go of that stick up her behind when it came to Royal. I get being cautious, yet she took it way too far.
Anika was a hopeless romantic whom kept getting her heart broken, so she decided to just be single. What she didn't expect was fine a** Royal to invade her life, or her managerial life at her job, Urban Grind, where she'd be training him to become a manager for another or future shop. She assumed his great looks and charm made him instant f***boy, so she immediately put up here guard to ensure she didn't fall for any of his traps. I hate that she was so broken that she was taking it out on Royal. He really hadn't done anything to her, yet once her realized he could get under her skin so easily, he just kept up the annoyance, until things got real 😏.
Royal was trying to find a new path and due to the success of his cousin, Roman, business Urban Grind, he found himself learning to be a manager for a newer location. What he didn't expect was the feisty manager. Once he realized that Anika was much more than her annoyance of him, he knew he'd want her; he'd have to go slow, yet he'd do it. He would need to prove to her that he was serious and not about to dog her. I loved his playful ways and ultimately how sweet he was.
I really hope there's more updates on these two bc I loved their vibe.
Another great story in this series. Highly recommend
Anika was a hopeless romantic whom kept getting her heart broken, so she decided to just be single. What she didn't expect was fine a** Royal to invade her life, or her managerial life at her job, Urban Grind, where she'd be training him to become a manager for another or future shop. She assumed his great looks and charm made him instant f***boy, so she immediately put up here guard to ensure she didn't fall for any of his traps. I hate that she was so broken that she was taking it out on Royal. He really hadn't done anything to her, yet once her realized he could get under her skin so easily, he just kept up the annoyance, until things got real 😏.
Royal was trying to find a new path and due to the success of his cousin, Roman, business Urban Grind, he found himself learning to be a manager for a newer location. What he didn't expect was the feisty manager. Once he realized that Anika was much more than her annoyance of him, he knew he'd want her; he'd have to go slow, yet he'd do it. He would need to prove to her that he was serious and not about to dog her. I loved his playful ways and ultimately how sweet he was.
I really hope there's more updates on these two bc I loved their vibe.
Another great story in this series. Highly recommend
July 31, 2025
Spiked Coco
That man sounded like a smooth and fast decent into per addiction. Everytime I make my way back into the CCJ universe I try to figure out why I ever left!!! (Probably cause when I’m here I spend too much money lol) Anyways, this was a great addition to this series. I need to finish it! And the holiday setting was nice and a good Xmas in July read cause I definitely would have wanted more if it was a Christmas time read. My favorite thing though was the character’s personalities and I loved loved loved the one sided enemies to lovers! This did still give me all feels.
That man sounded like a smooth and fast decent into per addiction. Everytime I make my way back into the CCJ universe I try to figure out why I ever left!!! (Probably cause when I’m here I spend too much money lol) Anyways, this was a great addition to this series. I need to finish it! And the holiday setting was nice and a good Xmas in July read cause I definitely would have wanted more if it was a Christmas time read. My favorite thing though was the character’s personalities and I loved loved loved the one sided enemies to lovers! This did still give me all feels.
October 27, 2020
A cute Christmas romance featuring Anika and Royal who we meet in book one. She can't stand him and yet...she can't help but notice he's fiiine. I really enjoyed the back and forth between Nik and Royal. As usual CCJ brings the banter and had me cackling.
The conversations that Anika and Royal have, Anika and her cuz Jules and Royal and his roommate left me laughing so much.
Royal sends Nik flowers and just her reaction was so cute and sweet I swear these two were just really cute! Guess I gotta go read the other novellas now huh?
The conversations that Anika and Royal have, Anika and her cuz Jules and Royal and his roommate left me laughing so much.
Royal sends Nik flowers and just her reaction was so cute and sweet I swear these two were just really cute! Guess I gotta go read the other novellas now huh?
August 28, 2022
Bittersweet is Anika and Royal's story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Royal is Anika's pain in the ass. He openly flirts with her, but Anika is not having it. Royal was sexy, hilarious, and smooth as silk. He had me blushing half the time. He and Anika had great chemistry; the sexual chemistry between them was hot.
I understood why Anika pushed him away so hard. She'd been burned too many times by men, and she was sure Royal would be added to that list. But he proved her wrong...in the best way. Merry Dickmas indeed.
I understood why Anika pushed him away so hard. She'd been burned too many times by men, and she was sure Royal would be added to that list. But he proved her wrong...in the best way. Merry Dickmas indeed.
December 13, 2025
Diving into this book, I was a little taken aback by Anika. She seemed so sweet in Love Notes and All for Love, but I also understand that everyone has their flaws. I enjoyed Royal I just wish we had gotten more of their relationship. I’m glad Jules and Troy are still standing. Overall, it’s a good series.
Audio was excellent 5 stars
Audio was excellent 5 stars
July 19, 2023
Anika really got on my nerves but she had the right one with Royal!!
December 29, 2024
Another great romance novel by Christine.
April 13, 2025
Im being very generous with my rating because what was Anika's PROBLEM...
January 9, 2020
Too good!
Too sweet! Too short! Just right! It was obvious that this had to be in the works. It was right on time - just enough of Nik and Royal.
Too sweet! Too short! Just right! It was obvious that this had to be in the works. It was right on time - just enough of Nik and Royal.
December 29, 2019
Anika is aghast when she learns her boss is having her train her nemesis Royal at the coffee shop she manages and runs the social media and marketing for. Plus her beloved parents are going on their dream vacation for the holidays, effectively leaving her alone for Christmas for the first time ever. Anika will find though that sometimes love is just the flip side of hate, and maybe she won't be alone for Christmas after all.
A fabulous holiday novella perfect for the season, I especially enjoyed reading one that wasn't all ho ho ho happy about the holidays, as a lot people do struggle. The sexual and emotional chemistry between Royal and Anika was also amazing!
This novella is set in Jones' Equilibrium series. I hadn't read any of the other books in this series, but was perfectly fine and didn't feel lost. That said, I've discovered Anika and Royal's tension is also built up in some of the other stories and I have to read them now!
Available on KU!
A fabulous holiday novella perfect for the season, I especially enjoyed reading one that wasn't all ho ho ho happy about the holidays, as a lot people do struggle. The sexual and emotional chemistry between Royal and Anika was also amazing!
This novella is set in Jones' Equilibrium series. I hadn't read any of the other books in this series, but was perfectly fine and didn't feel lost. That said, I've discovered Anika and Royal's tension is also built up in some of the other stories and I have to read them now!
Available on KU!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews