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Inevitable #1

Inevitable Conclusions Lib/E

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Friends? Lovers? Both? For Kora and Tariq, those lines have been blurred for a long time. Every time clarity seems to be within reach, something shifts, and in a single moment, focus is lost. Once again, they're in limbo. Between them, there is only one secret, with the power to permanently alter their relationship. For good or bad, neither of them knows--nor are they willing to take that risk. Through the pain of past tragedies and the pressure of current dramas, they always find solace in each other's arms. Inescapably connected by the interminable bond of friendship, Tariq and Kora navigate family, life, and love, searching for separate answers to a problem that has only has one, unavoidable solution. Contains mature themes.

Audio CD

Published January 14, 2020

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Christina C. Jones

121 books4,422 followers

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5 stars
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232 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,589 reviews16k followers
September 22, 2020
If you love friends to lovers, you're going to love this book. Kora and Tariq have been best friends for 20 years. They've always been there for each other and even have a bit of a friends with benefits situation going on when they're not in other relationships. I really loved how close Tariq and Kora were and how important they were to each other. It was nice how they had actually tried to be together when they were super young (in their early 20s) and it didn't work, so they stayed friends. Of course, we have that moments when they both kind of like each other more but don't want to risk it because they've failed once and they don't want to lose their friendship. And it was great how much they supported each other in their jobs, especially with Kora directing her first play. I really loved how we had characters in their late 30s and so much theater in here! I flew through this audio and couldn't recommend it enough!
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
3,241 reviews6,413 followers
February 13, 2022
How many different ways can I say that CCJ does absolutely no wrong in this world? Literally, everything written by her is pure gold. This is definitely one of her more hard hitting contemporaries. I wasn't expecting it take on such a dark tone, but it was done with such compassion and care. 4.5 Stars

Inevitable Conclusions is the first book in CCJ's Inevitable series and it follows Kora and Tariq who have been friends for years. What's most interesting about their relationship is that they're close friends, but also friends with benefits when they aren't dating other people. It's clear from the beginning that these two have feelings for each other, but they've attempting dating before and it didn't go well. As a result, they tip toe around having a real relationship. The support that exists between these two is phenomenal. They both come from backgrounds where their parents have issues that have greatly impacted their lives. With each other, they find a partner that is non-judgmental and compassionate. There is a particular scene towards the end of the book that made my heart melt for Tariq as he stood up to Kora's mother about a pretty dark subject that occurred in the the past. I admired him for that strength and courage and the willingness to tell his truth and Kora's truth.

There were so many other elements to love about this book including the relationship that Kora had with her daughter and the relationship her daughter then had with Tariq. They were already a perfectly made family unit. I also enjoyed learning more about Kora's theater background. While I was invested in the romance, I was also really into everything that Kora did to maintain her company and how much success she had in the past. Overall, this was such a great start to a new series by CCJ. I know that I always talk about her versatility, but she has yet to prove me wrong. This is another series of hers that you don't want to miss.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,052 reviews289 followers
December 5, 2024
One of my absolute favorites…..The Best Friends to Lovers Story to me….coupled with outstanding narration from the Dynamic Duo…that is Wesleigh & Jakobi
Profile Image for Love Belvin.
Author 39 books1,867 followers
November 30, 2015
“Inevitable Conclusions” is another wonderful masterpiece penned by Christina C. Jones. The opening was one of the hottest and wittiest I’ve ever read! Tariq intrigued me at first sight. I was able to warm to him immediately and felt connected throughout the read.

This particular project by CCJ was more visual to me. I felt as though I was watching the story play out on film. The characters and setting were vibrant and familiar, in a sense of plausibility. She was able to make these celebrities be the friends you grew up with from the down the block. I enjoyed discovering the bond between Tariq and Kora. It only endeared me to them more. I was happy to experience their backstory and see just what made these two bond. Tariq’s relationship with Dawn warmed my heart especially. I completely enjoyed the inclusion of Tariq and Kora’s parents and learning what shaped them as adults.

I recommend this book if you enjoy real grown up storylines and chemistry!
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,182 reviews409 followers
August 5, 2023
I'm going to preface this review by saying, Kora and Tariq are the reason husbands, wives, girlfriends, and boyfriends NEVER trust so called "BFFs" of the opposite sex. With that being said, I have to say, Inevitable Conclusions started out kind of slow for me. Even with it opening with a sex scene. But, as the book progressed, it really started to pick up. I'm a sucker for friends to lovers so, while I loved Tariq and Kora as a couple, they worked my last nerve! They spent so much time worrying about why they shouldn't be in a relationship when, whether they knew it or not, they had already been in one for 30 years! 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ It seemed like everyone but Kora and Tariq knew they loved each other and should be together. I'm just glad it didn't take most of the book for them to finally find some common sense and come to that realization. Inevitable Conclusions was such a swoon worthy read. You honestly can’t go wrong with a Christina C. Jones book. I am definitely her new number one fan!
Profile Image for Nay .
444 reviews
October 1, 2022
Tariq & Kora was an amazing friends to lovers story. Crazy it look them so many years together but they finally did. But low key see why people side eye male & females being best friends 🤣
Profile Image for Sierra| HooksxBooks.
316 reviews19 followers
May 2, 2024
This book, had a heavy spice rating of a 4.5. If Tariq and Kora weren't going to do anything else - they were gonna knock boots. lol

Now Tariq, his character - the love he has for both Kora AND her daughter Dawn. Beautiful. These two found love and friendship at a young age. And I was most definitely rooting for them.

Tariq and Kora had safe spaces in each other, genuinely love and support for each other. There were parts where I was mad as hell at Kora for pushing that man into the arms of another woman. The drama, the stress and the plot twist.

Kora's mama was absolute garbage, and everything that came out behind the "scandal" made me sick. The way everyone wanted to vilify the victim.

Other than both of them dealing with their mom drama and their own respective careers, it was beautiful to see them choose each other and actually commit.

I can't wait to read about Nubia and Stephen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,394 reviews158 followers
November 15, 2023
More than friends

This was a good friend to lovers romance! Tariq and Kora have been friends for over 30 years. However, the friendship line was heavily crossed. After attempting to date when they were young in their early 20s and at the height of their very public careers, they decided friendship was best. They did decide to keep some benefits though 😏. These two were magnetic both in and out of the bedroom, which is why anyone they dated had issues with their "friendship," because it was clear they were meant to be. These were some beautiful likeable azz characters. Tariq was a protector, a thoughtful partner, and beyond sweet to Kora and her daughter Dawn. Not to mention tall, dark, and handsome with locs....chillllle. Kora was a survivor, hard working, and a muva! She was bad to the bone, with a dancer's body, and beautiful dark brown skin. The way she handled Julissa, with care and heat was everything! I loved that I could literally picture this story!

I struggled with the fact that it took over 67% for them to finally get out of their way. It was a slow grind and I ultimately wanted more of them together. Definitely a great story though!
Profile Image for Victoria.
399 reviews55 followers
November 24, 2015
First I need more stars!! I have never been disappointed in a Christina book. Her body of work is exemplar!! I feel in this book I have seen her grown yet another level... I feel for me anyway, her pen seems much more relaxed in this novel, like a second skin. I love her intimacy in her other books but the sex factor seemed a bit uncomfortable, however in this book I feel her growth in her own skin, a getting comfortable like with your favorite blanket or favorite shoe.
Tariq and Kora aka TAKO my second favorite couple...I am a sucker for friendship turned lovers dynamics and it's not always done effortlessly , but Ms.Jones has. This couple has a lifetime of familiarity yet can't seem to wrap up in a neat package the love they so obviously have for each other. Well I love the fact that she allowed them to work it out but with no politicking to the drama or emotional choking on rants but adults knowing they depended on each other but still had the capacity to long handle each other enough to see.. I need this tether but it's OK to extend the cord. If you are a fan you will be overjoyed as usual if you are new to Ms. Jones then an instant fan you will become!!
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,783 reviews1,421 followers
April 20, 2023
3.5 stars. Inevitable Conclusions is the first book in Christina C Jones’ Inevitable series and this one is a friends to lovers, contemporary romance! I love CCJ books and have heard great things about this series so I decided to jump in!

Kora and Tariq have been best friends since childhood and definitely have a complicated relationship with over 2 decades of friendship. They are everything to one another and have been together in the past as well. But the timing isn’t ever right when one wants more than the other. The lines have definitely blurred a lot for them and right when she’s ready to try for more, things get complicated again.

I liked that we have older characters in this one! Kora even has a 20something daughter who they’re both close with. Kora is a Tony award winner and stepping out to direct her first play, with her daughter cast in it. Tariq is a retired NFL player so both have that celebrity status as well that complicates their life some. I liked the complicated friends with benefits, but they mean everything to one another setup they have in this! I always fly through CCJ audios and this narration was fantastic! The friend group is great and I can’t wait to jump into the next book!
Profile Image for Keeping.Volumes.Harris.
251 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by how great this turned out! I’m really happy with the outcome. This story brought out so many feelings in me! I found myself cursing a little under my breath—it was quite a ride! As I kept listening, more things were revealed that gave me some fun “aha” moments. By the end, everything came together perfectly, and I couldn’t help but smile!
Profile Image for Anika.
77 reviews24 followers
January 8, 2016
YEEESSSS!!! This was a fresh take on a classic story and very worth the read. This novel is why I'm a fan of Christina C Jones. Just FYI--the opening scene is a (fantastic) SCORCHER and it sorta shocked me, so just be aware. :) It was a risky choice, but in the end, this was a solid, layered read. I mean....dysfunctional families, secrets from the past, people trying to come between them...everything. But it's well written and didn't feel too contrived. Also, these characters just could not get their sh*t together, but I fell in love with them and it was fun to watch them fumble their way to each other. And maybe I'm a big softy, but I got a little misty-eyed at parts (shhhhh! don't tell anyone!).
Profile Image for Bree Lauren.
672 reviews2,143 followers
November 3, 2021
♡ Friends with benefits to lovers
♡ Cinnamon roll hero
♡ Childhood friends
♡ (Somewhat) Famous Hero

OMG This is one of my new favorite friends (with benefits) to lovers romances!

Normally, I much prefer this trope when the friends’ attraction catches them off guard and this one started with a bang (literally).

This couple’s relationship has such a wonderful progression from childhood friends to friends with benefits to lovers. The hero is such a sweet cinnamon roll who absolutely adores the heroine and is willing to be whatever she needs, whether it’s just a friend or something more.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,101 followers
March 23, 2022
Where has Christina C. Jones been all my life!!!! When I say steamy right out the front door, 60 seconds in…. Whew!!! 🥵💦. I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Kora and Tariq are everything! Their friendship was so genuine and healing and I’m glad they both came to their senses. I’m completely obsessed and ready to dive into all things CCJ!
Profile Image for Kim.
740 reviews80 followers
November 22, 2015
This is the best writing that I have read from Christina Jones to date. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Nev.
1,443 reviews217 followers
February 16, 2021
Childhood-friends to failed-attempt-at-a-relationship to friends-with-benefits to lovers. There’s so much history between Kora and Tariq and that makes for some excellent chemistry between them. Sometimes I’m a hard sell on second chance romance or a romance where they’ve already been hooking up before the book starts. I prefer getting to actually see when the characters first get together. In some books it feels like the backstory isn’t explained enough for me to fully get on board.

But I felt like with this book Christina C. Jones did an excellent job of really fleshing out all the history surrounding Kora, Tariq, and their relationships with their families. There was definitely some interesting romantic drama on top of family history that explains why the characters made certain choices. Also, the steamy scenes were top notch.

While I really enjoyed this it didn’t totally knock it out of the park for me. I don’t have any real complaints, just that this set of tropes isn’t what typically makes up my god tier romances.
Profile Image for bree.
110 reviews12 followers
dnf
August 22, 2025
ngl. this book triggered me a little & i wasn't interested in finishing it. the main characters were insufferable. they clearly loved each other & their refusal to confront their fears about their relationship was so reckless when it came to the others they were emotionally involved with. i almost felt like they were gaslighting their other partners. not my cup of tea, chile. i'm sure they got there eventually cus i know how ms. christina c. jones does, but i didn't too much like the two main characters in this one. soft dnf & a hard pass.
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,159 reviews108 followers
January 17, 2020
Had the pleasure of beta reading this project. This is probably my fave release so far. I hope everyone loves it!

I feel as if Christina's writing as well as her ability to twist several story lines together into one beautiful knot improves with each book. Inevitable Conclusions isn't just about two friends who become lovers... it is about two people who are interdependent learning to become INdependent... and only then are they able to truly lean on and love each other.

This book deals in some realistic themes in an understandable way without pandering to drama and purposefully tear-jerking scenes. The emotions, from love to hate to jealousy to adoration are palpable.

And also there are some really hot love scenes....... but that's a given with a CCJ project!

I think CCJ fans will really enjoy this novel. If you've never read her, read this.. then go back and pick up her other series and stand-alones. You'll be glad you did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The_Book_Queen.
1,670 reviews281 followers
September 3, 2018
✦ Dual 1st POV

✦ Longtime friends (often with benefits)

✦ He’s former NFL, now works finance

✦ She’s in theatre (single mom)

✦ Both nearly 40 (36 or so, if I'm recalling correctly)

For the most part, I had a good time with this book, and this author's writing voice. I would definitely read her again (and have the next book in my TBR already). But I'm going to be honest: the romance itself was a bit of a let down here, and would probably only get 2 stars, max. I didn't actually have a problem with them switching between seeing/sleeping with others and being friends-with-benefits (though I know many would avoid this book like the plague for that). What disappointed me was that they didn't get together until SO LATE in the book. I never got a chance to actually see them be a couple! Which meant I was super underwhelmed, disappointed even, by their HEA ending.
Profile Image for Gemini.
1,636 reviews
January 18, 2025
Juicy!

Don’t expect a predictable friends to lovers story with this book. There was drama and scandal sprinkled in. The love scenes were extra hot. Tariq was the perfect book Bae. A tall, dark pro wide receiver with locs is what my dreams are made of. He was so reliable and protective on top of being super sexy. The backstory of three generations of professional actresses was interesting & creative. It was nice to catch up with familiar characters from other books. CCJ is such an amazing storyteller. I love working my way through her catalog.

Trigger warning: There were some taboo moments addressing schizophrenia, suicide, alcoholism, child sexual abuse and rape.
Profile Image for Deena.
540 reviews10 followers
January 17, 2022
Another excellent read from Christina C.Jones! I loved Tariq and Kora, and especially loved that they were grown folks. Tickled to see Dancin Ass Donnie doing too much, as usual.

Great characters, story line and excellent dialogue, that's fresh and current and makes you feel like you're listening in on somebody's conversations.

Got my fingers crossed that Nubia and Steph's story is coming soon!
Profile Image for The Love Librarian.
721 reviews1,361 followers
October 25, 2022
I have a new favorite from this author!! I was looking for a friends to lovers romance and Inevitable Conclusions gave me everything I was looking for and more!

Tariq and Kora have been best friends for over three decades. They’ve gone through a LOT together, including a failed attempt at a serious relationship when they were younger. Now, with Kora as a retired famous stage actress turned producer, and Tariq as a retired famous NFL player turned successful in the finance industry, these two have the “friends with (sometimes) benefits” thing down to a TEE. Whenever they aren’t in a serious relationship with someone else, they find comfort (both emotionally and sexually) in each other. But what happens when their feelings start to grow deeper for each other, and other lovers have entered the picture?

I loved everything about this. Kora and Tariq’s bond was unlike any I’d ever read. Their connection was forged through hard times, consistency, and an unconditional love that has never wavered for each other. As the book is aptly titled, they were definitely an inevitable conclusion because of the word “soulmate” had a definition, it would be Kora and Tariq. They go through some tough stuff in this book, but never once do they leave each other’s side in their time of need.

The side characters were hilarious and added so much depth to the story! Tariq’s close bond with Kora’s daughter (who is grown in this book and views Tariq as a father) was beautiful, and their found family made me cry. Their friend group was extremely supportive and I liked that they were rooting for Kora and Tariq from the beginning!

If you love friends to lovers that has a grown and sexy vibe to it, check this out!

TROPES: friends to lovers/childhood best friends; friends with benefits; single mom; actress/producer rich heroine; retired athlete/rich hero; great friend group; angsty; OWN voices

TRIGGER WARNINGS: mental illness rep (schizophrenia - not H/h); mentions of child molestation/rape
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
542 reviews61 followers
July 2, 2018
Rating: 4.5

Another great novel by CCJ. Tariq and Kora are characters that I've read about in Christina's other works, the Connecticut Kings series, The Serendipitous Love novels, and they've always been that OG couple all of the other younger couples looked up to. So it was interesting, entertaining and frustrating as all hell to see how these two came to be #relationshipgoals for so many of the other characters in this world.

I love that Tariq and Kora had such an intense and authentic bond. I feel like given the nature of their relationship, their friendship could have felt contrived or inorganic. So many friends to lovers stories, paint the characters on a light that makes it hard to believe the character were ever really JUST friends. But with Kora and Tariq that's not the case and it was refreshing to see.

Christina always does such a great job of giving her characters compelling and endearing histories and Tariq and Kora are no different. A large part of their friendship is based upon the shared trauma they went through as children at the hands of their parents and reading things experiences only made me feel for, care for and root for them even more.

I love that Christina doesn't shy away from the hard to talk about subjects, like sexual assault, and mental illness, things that are taboo in the black community. These things are happening in our families too and it's about time we start shedding a light on it instead of turning the other way and pretending nothing is wrong.

As always Christina delivers an amazing story and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Profile Image for AshleyNicole AshleyNicole.
Author 64 books800 followers
November 12, 2015
What can I say about Tariq and kora?...... What can't I say? Oh, wait. I know what I CAN'T say. I damn sure can’t bring myself to say it was bad because that would be the biggest lie I ever let past my lips. This book was EVERYTHING. Gave me my entire life. Christina wanted to shift the tone of her writing for this one and make it a little more grown up feeling than her other ones and she definitely hit her mark. Best friend love stories have always been my number one book dynamic. Always. Anytime I see "best friends since..." in the synopsis I'm just gon go ahead and buy it and pray it's good. I didn't need to pray for ths one to be good because Christina C Jones couldn't write a bad book if she tried.
Kora and Tariq's story has all the elements you need for the perfect best friend story: secret seedy past issues, good ol' fashion lovemaking scenes, comedy and sidebar best friends that push the plot even more. I love the relationship between Dawn and Tariq. Only a true best friend would take the position that he took in both of their lives and kill it the way he did. He was gorgeous. Kora was gorgeous. Every damn body was gorgeous. This book is freakin gorgeous.
Sidenote: Good reads, can you please add 5 more stars to your rating system so I can give this one a 10. Just saying.
Profile Image for April.
934 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2015
4.5 Tariq swooning stars!
Loved loved love it! Overall Great story. Just the right amount of everything for a stand alone story. Looking forward to the storyline of the next stand alone characters.

Why not 5 stars?
The grammatical errors. Not enough to take away from story, but enough to be noticed. Still really enjoyed the book, but couldn't give 5
Profile Image for Kat.
229 reviews17 followers
November 17, 2015
Great friends to lovers story. I love the banter and the steamy parts. Sometimes I wanted to strangle Kora and Tariq for being indecisive. I definitely recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
25 reviews
November 16, 2015
Awesome!!!!

This book was absolutely awesome, I love the characters . I can't wait for the next installment in the series. This author is up there with some of my favorite authors Brenda Jackson, Rochelle Allers and Francis Ray definitely will not be disappointed with these books.
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