Indie Author Spotlight: Christina C. Jones
Love, suspense, and everything in between—exploring the extensive world of CCJ
By Jourdan McIntosh
For too long, traditional publishers have dictated which books deserve attention—but readers are rewriting the rules. Traditional publishing houses invest massive marketing dollars into their authors, ensuring that their books dominate bestseller lists, social media feeds, and bookstore displays. As a result, readers tend to gravitate toward books that already have a flood of favorable reviews, hoping to avoid a "waste of time" on an unknown author. But the landscape is shifting. The online book community—especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Goodreads—has worked tirelessly to rally behind indie authors, proving that all it takes is one viral video to catapult an independent writer into the spotlight. Reviews, shares, and word-of-mouth recommendations can make an enormous impact, sending a powerful message to publishing houses: readers decide what stories matter, not just the industry gatekeepers.
But what exactly does it mean to be an indie author? An indie (independent) author is a writer who published their books outside of traditional publishing houses. They take control of everything—from writing and editing, to marketing and distribution. This independence allows them full creative freedom but also means they rely heavily on direct support from readers to sustain their careers.
Christina C. Jones
Christina C. Jones is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Black romance. Since the release of her debut novel, Love and Other Things, in 2013, she has penned over 80 wildly popular novels and novellas. Readers have been raving about her latest release, Hostile Takeover: Blackwood Billions.
Navigating such an extensive catalog might seem daunting, but like the true queen she is, Christina has thoughtfully crafted a comprehensive guide to her works 🙌🏾. Her downloadable resource assists readers in selecting the perfect starting point, categorizing her books by genre, and detailing the interconnected places and characters within her stories.
(Tiktok clips from @xomiyeko/video, @airwreckasbookto, and @shadeaspeaks8)
Christina C. Jones’ work spans an impressive range of genres, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller. Her catalog includes romantic comedy, suspense/thriller, contemporary romance, paranormal, adult fantasy, erotica, and sports romance. Whether readers are looking for lighthearted and witty love stories like The Love Sisters, a romcom novella series, or something darker and action-packed like Roses, a series about assassins, Christina has something to offer. She seamlessly moves between genres, from steamy and intense narratives like The Clarke Brothers series to gripping suspenseful tales in Predators. Her stories cater to every type of romance reader, proving that Black love stories are as diverse and dynamic as the people they represent.
Fellow romance author Talia Hibbert praises Christina's novella, “I Think I Might Love You”, in a GoodReads review, "This book is the definition of my perfect romcom. Seriously. A nonstop hilarious book that has you smiling/grinning/cackling throughout, with wacky shenanigans, yet thoroughly believable characters, a cosy romantic arc, and a happy ever after that made me literally swoon."
What the BookTok Streets Are Saying
Some of the most trusted voices in the Black romance community shared thoughts about Christina C. Jones and her work.
Torri (@blackromanceconnoisseur) – The Vegas Nights Hype
Torri is an OG BookTok creator and a reliable source for all things Black romance. If she’s hyped about a book, you know it’s worth checking out. Here, she shares her excitement for one of the books in Christina C. Jones’s Vegas Nights Series.
Robin (@Sometimesrobinreads) – Top 5 CCJ Books You Need to Read
Robin has been putting people on to indie authors for years. She knows her stuff, and when she ranks her top 5 favorite Christina C. Jones books, you better believe they’re must-reads.
Tammi (@bookishbytammi) – The CCJ Backlog Experience
Making your way through CCJ’s extensive backlog is a journey, and Tammi is taking us along for the ride. In this video, she shares her thoughts on the Equilibrium series, and what it’s like tackling Christina’s incredible body of work.
Supporting Indie Authors
Diving into Christina C. Jones's work means immersing yourself in stories that reflect the richness of Black love and life. The authenticity of her work is unmatched and so needed, which is why we aim to amplify her work and the work of indie authors like her.
Here’s how you can support indie authors like Christina C. Jones:
Buy Their Books – Bonus for purchasing directly from their personal websites, which ensures they receive the most profit.
Leave Reviews – Ratings and reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and social media help boost visibility and credibility.
Spread the Word – Share their books with your friends, family, and online communities.
Engage on Social Media – Follow, like, comment, and share their posts to help them reach a wider audience.
Join Their Newsletters & Patreon – Many indie authors offer exclusive content, early releases, and behind-the-scenes looks at their work through subscriptions.
Indie authors are reshaping the literary world, but they can’t do it alone. If you're searching for your next unforgettable read, consider starting with Christina C. Jones—because supporting indie authors means championing stories that truly matter.
Links to the original TikTok videos in this article:
Torri (@blackromanceconnoisseur) – The Vegas Nights Hype
Robin (@Sometimesrobinreads) – Top 5 CCJ Books You Need to Read
Tammi (@bookishbytammi) – The CCJ Backlog Experience
