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Where beats and brushstrokes collide to form a colorful love affair

In the pulsating heart of Atlanta's hip-hop scene, Kadus Yacob's dreams throb with ambition until one event sends him spiraling. Fleeing from a brush with the law, he finds himself in the vibrant chaos of Houston's art world, right in the path of Rebecca "Bex" Hartley.

Bex is a force to be reckoned with—a rockstar by night, leading her band with wild energy, and a bold, defiant artist by day, her murals splashing the city with rebellion, challenging every societal norm.

Kadus, striving to carve his name in the music industry, finds an unexpected muse in Bex, pestering her for help. But Bex is fighting her own war, torn between her art installations, her band’s touring schedule, and her family's conservative expectations, she doesn’t want or need a nagging kid around. When he steps into her world, a collision of paint, power, and passion ensues, igniting a sizzling connection that neither can deny.

From the underground beats of Atlanta's nightclubs to the colorful splashes of Houston's art district, their connection deepens, painting a love story as passionate and chaotic as Bex's art. Can the rhythm of Kadus's hip-hop beats resonate with the wild pulse of Bex's rock anthems and the vibrant strokes of her artwork, or will it be another one-hit wonder between these two?

Kadus is an electrifying romance that dances across the lines of opposites-attract, blending the raw energy of a hip-hop artist and a punk rock painter. This passionate narrative charts the journey of two unlikely lovers, discovering that true harmony resonates in embracing their differences, melding their disparate worlds of music and art, and igniting a love as vibrant as a mural and as rhythmic as a beat.

Kadus is the fourth book in The Cougars and Cubs Series and is a connected standalone. It is a steamy, reverse age gap, rockstar, hip hop artist, painter and artist, interracial couple, sister’s best friend, opposites attract romance.

Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

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About the author

Gigi Meier

20 books152 followers
GIGI MEIER retired from a thirty-year career in corporate America to write romance novels about strong female characters and their complicated, swoon-worthy men. She loves telling stories and figuring out why her characters do what they do. With heartbreaking angst, panty-dropping lust, and enviable love, her stories linger long after you close the book.

When GiGi is not eating over her laptop, she likes to spend time in the pool with her children, walk her furry babies, and film videos for Instagram. Whether working out with her trainer, attending a book club, or hosting a game night, she loves connecting with new people and making friends.

Learn more about GiGi:
www.GiGiMeier.com
www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/autho...
https://gigimeier.substack.com



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5 stars
14 (24%)
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34 (58%)
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7 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Kacie Mummawh0reads.x.
787 reviews29 followers
July 28, 2024
⭐️4🌶️3💧0

Fave Moment:
Kadus- “That won’t work, woman. I need more from you.”
Bex - “what exactly do you think you’re entitled to?”
Kadus- “I need to know what you’re hiding behind those fiery eyes. Let me in, baby.”

Thoughts:
Another reverse age gap romance by Gigi Meier! This one features some of my faves, including- best friends brother, rockstar and opposites attract. However while I do enjoy a dominant FMC who knows what she wants, I personally am not a fan of “role reversal”. The author wrote the scene perfectly, it’s just not for me so I kinda zoned out and lost interest during those scenes.
I loved the way the FMC supported the MMC even when others basically gave up. Sometimes a little help and outside perspective is all it takes!
Also, Bro Mountain, I was in hysterics when I read that! 🤣



#gigimeier #kadus #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife #spicybooklover
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,367 reviews81 followers
July 31, 2024
An intense and spicy romance between 26 y.o Kadus, and 39 y.o Bex.
I loved their chemistry, their personalities complement each other so well, and they help each other to grow in so many ways.
They are both artists and rebels, but damaged in their own ways, but their steamy connection helps to explore what they both needed in life, even if Bex was resistant at first towards her best friend's brother.
It was great seeing a mature FMC confident in her own skin and style, and being a lover and supporter to Kadus. She was bold and fierce but also showed her vulnerable side, and Kadus matches her energy and gives her the adoration she needs.
Their back and forths in dominance was entertaining, and seeing them explore to push boundaries with some creative kinks.
Absolutely loved the artistic epilogue too!

"You're cute and all, but you're my best friends brother. That's a line I do not want to cross"

"The sooner I put space between us, the faster my horny haze will clear and I won't throw myself at him like a feral cat in heat"

"I need to know what you're hiding behind those fiery eyes"

"I love this power dynamic, watching her squirm, her eyes full of lust and a hint of anger"

"This is what I bring to the table for her. Acceptance. Appreciation. Adoration."

"I like my baby in all her forms. Chaotic and loud, vulgar and aggressive, dominant and demanding"

"He's better than good. He's everything I need. Everything i want"
Profile Image for Charlene (pageandplace).
374 reviews21 followers
July 24, 2024
From Atlanta’s underground beats to Houston’s colorful palette art district meet Kadus and Bex who on the outside could not be more different but on the inside, are more alike and complimentary than either want to admit!

She is his anchor and compass, what grounds him and sets him on a straight course. And what he brings to her, chapter 19! It’s absolutely relationship goals!

I had fun reading about Bex and Kadus, she is such a fierce FMC and he truly empowers what it is to love without shame!

This is book 4 in the Cougars and Cubs series and my first by author GiGi Meier. This is a connected standalone and I didn’t not feel lost or like I didn’t understand what was going on by reading book 4 first.

Thank you to the author, GiGi Meier, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Can I just say that I had the opportunity to chat with GiGi online and she is absolutely the sweetest! Please take the time to get to know the authors when the opportunity presents itself- truly wonderful people and I really appreciated that she took the time for a genuine chat!

July 23, 2024
Another awesome read from Ms Meier!
This came to me as an ARC, from the author, this in no way affects my review.
I really enjoyed this story, that wrnt from zero to sizzling in no time at all.
Because Kadus has gotten himself into trouble he needs to get out of Dodge tout de suite! But where to go, where he'll be safe?
His big sister, Kacie's place of course!, because there's no way he's heading back to his mum to disappoint her further.
But, when he gets there, his first question is. . .who's this Bro Mountain answering the door!? And even more-so, who's the pink haired beauty who's only too happy to make her opinion known, as she escapes out the open door!
Bex and Kadus fall into a companionable friendship which quickly turns into more after a roll in the hay.
Well , this couple really surprised me- and that was an unexpected reveal, there madam Bex!!
Things get hot and steamy with our newest Cougar and Cub couple and it's awesome!!!
These two, fit really well together, love their energy!
Profile Image for Enelyae Is Reading.
588 reviews15 followers
July 26, 2024
If you like reverse age gap, opposites attract, dominant FMC and a pierced 🍆, this is the book for you. Kadus is book 4 in the stand-alone series Cougars and Cubs. I have not read the other books and had no problems following along with the story.

Good, fun read. I did like the opposite personalities between Bex and Kadus as I believe they made each other better and helped push their boundaries to be better people. I did struggle a little with Bex’s maturity level as sometimes she acted like a teenager and not a woman in her late 40’s. Despite this, the story was good and the spie and tension between the two of them was highly pleasing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
261 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2024
Bex is a well known artist, working in both music and paint. She has many personas and doesn’t like them to mingle. She meets Kadus, a young hopeful musician who happens to be her best friends brother. She can see potential in him, and quickly the attraction becomes a reality. I enjoyed reading about Bex and Kadus. They had a lot of heat between the two of them and the spicy scenes showed it. I enjoyed how Bex encouraged him to try new things and how open he was. I would like to thank Gigi for the arc copy of her book, I enjoyed reading it and freely leave my review.
Profile Image for Lisa Diamond-Weaver.
147 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2024
As always I love Gigi's characters she writes. Everyone one of them are relatable in some way real life. Bex by far has been my favorite character she has written!! She lives her life unapologetically as herself. Her fierceness is amazing!! I loved the banter back and forth between her and Kadus. I also enjoyed watching both of them grow throughout this books and face the challenges they did. It wasn't perfect or fairytale like. I loved reading through every raw emotion Gigi captured in their story.
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
1,224 reviews30 followers
August 6, 2024
I liked this, she's a new to me author & this is Kadus & Bex's story. She's a lot older than him, & he's had to go to his sister's because he got in the wrong crowd. There's a lot that happens here, & I'm so glad they got their HEA. Recommend this book & author.
Profile Image for Haney Hayes Promotions.
1,520 reviews69 followers
August 22, 2024
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a passionate and electrifying romance that celebrates the beauty of embracing differences, blending genres, and finding harmony in the unlikeliest of pairings, with a dash of steamy tension and a vibrant, artistic backdrop.
Profile Image for love,care and self - ashlea.
513 reviews17 followers
July 24, 2024
This book maybe titled Kadus but for me, it’s bex who shines brightest, she’s a strong woman who’s made her dreams a reality, And Kadus is still figuring his career out. Both have similar interests and feel a connection like no other, and I like how even though there is quite a big age gap it’s not the centre of the story, the struggle and find yourself and building relationships makes for a emotional and relatable read that really draws you in.

Plus there is some pretty spicy scenes too which add a dose of fun the the story 😊🌶️

Will definitely be going and checking out that else @gigimeier has to offer.
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,586 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2024
Normal I am a sucker for a dom guy but this one here is making me rethink all I know lol. Bex is such a baddie she is ultimate goals now! Kadus is that perfect imperfect guy. Total resonates that you don’t always have to have your stuff together but still know what you don’t want in life that you will just settle. That’s definitely the message I took from him 😉.
Profile Image for Becky Mansur.
571 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2024
Steamy age gap romance, obviously since it’s from the Cougars and Cubs series. Both characters grow throughout the series, which is always good to see. Bex is a strong female, but she still learns and grows in the book.
Profile Image for Maurisa Risareads221.
814 reviews12 followers
July 20, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Kadus has hit rock bottom, he runs from a brush with the law to Atlanta where his estranged sister lives. There he collides with Bex.

Bex is amazing. I completely relate to her live our loud and beautiful herself lifestyle, but wow the pain of being to much for people. Kadus just get her for her. He likes her just as she is and that acceptance with no requirements is just what she didn’t know she needed.

Their love is everything, open, raw, harsh and loud. They push each other’s limits and greatness together.

#kadus #gigimeier #romance #dualpov #romancereview #rockstarromance #readersofinstagram #books #readers #romance #romancereader
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #books #steamy #romancebooks #booksta #romance #bookworm #reader #booklover #lovetoread
#cougersandcubsseries
#romance #rockstarromance
#reverseagegap #artistfmc
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#steamyread
Profile Image for PrettyLadyMaine Writes.
160 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2024
ARC read I love the rap battle Kadus owes some rough people money which he doesn’t have so he goes to his sister place to duck off. She’s an attorney for the D.A. So he can’t bring none of his bs there she isn’t having it nor is her boyfriend. I love the growth of Kadus and the way his plans and goals were mapped out this story is nicely written and spice 🌶️
Profile Image for Kimberly Walters.
738 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. I usually don't go for the reverse age gap, but man, am I happy I have this book a chance.
I loved the banter between Bex and Kadus, I also enjoyed watching both of them grow throughout the book.
This was my first book by Gigi, and it won't be my last!
And the spice was 🥵🥵🥵
10/10 recommend this book!
263 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2024
This the fourth book in the Cougars and Cubs series didn't dissapoint me.
Kadus an "up-comming" rapper meets Bex a rockstar and artist, which is his sister Kacie's best friend. So if you love
# reverse age gap
# rockstar vs rapper
# family issues
# trust issues
# lack of recognition
Then you have to read this book
Profile Image for Shia.
1,176 reviews24 followers
October 6, 2024
Very steamy but a good romance!
Profile Image for Drishika Bikraj.
115 reviews
July 27, 2024
Kadus is running away from his past, so he goes to his sister, Kacie’s, place in Houston. While trying to figure out his career, he collides with Bex. Bex is an up-and-coming artist and a rockstar. They are battling their own demons but come together explosively, finding out they have more in common than they think.
I loved that Bex wasn’t afraid of being herself despite people’s opinions of her. Bex and Kadus really complemented each other and pushed each other to be the best they could be. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, and I haven’t read the others, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
Profile Image for Katrin.
253 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2024
Absolutely great book!!! This was a very good story. Made me feel so many emotions and I loved the characters!! I couldn't stop reading it when i started reading it. Love this author, amazing writing. Love reverse age gap and romance.
Profile Image for Molly Ryan.
78 reviews
July 27, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for a review.

This book was not my jam. The strong female character constantly was smacking, hitting, punching and shoving the main male - who was going through his own trauma. They got together with almost no actual interactions (but not insta love, it just felt flat). Their whole struggle was that Kadus’ estranged sister is rivals with Bex’s father in the courtroom). That’s forgetting that Bex herself is best friends with Kacie (Kadus’ sister), and that Bex doesn’t get along with her upper class parents.

Not to mention Bex is a Dom very suddenly and likes to control men but also lets Kadus control her. Just soooo many red flags in this book that I couldn’t get past.
Profile Image for Cal D.
1,011 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2024
Phew, this is a steamy, k!nky, reverse age gap romance that features growth and understanding and loving someone for who they are.

THOUGHTS 💭
🎨 I love the artistic bends our main characters have and how they connect on a physical, but also emotional and mental level. Bex mentors Kadus and tries to help him along his path.
🎨 The energy between these two is palpable. The forbidden vibe (“I want this, but I shouldn’t”) is just so excellent and PHEW - the spice is plentiful and kinky!
🎨 Bex is a ball-buster, I-eat-nails-for-breakfast FMC that I am here for! Kadus is trying to figure his life out and is down for anything.
🎨 Both our main characters have a lot to unpack from their pasts and learn how to manage.

Thanks so much to Happily Booked PR and Gigi Meier for the ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Amanda.
365 reviews20 followers
August 1, 2024
✨ARC Review✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
🌶🌶.5 (2.5/5)

"No more waiting for chances to come. I'm building my own path, one beat at a time. It's all on me now."

This story was beautifully written! I loved the forbidden aspect of it; best friend's younger brother. Bex is the epitome of a strong FMC both literally and figuratively. I loved her feminist soul and the way she continued to live her life authentically despite the opinions of others. I enjoyed the dynamic between Bex and Kadus as they complemented and pushed each other to be better.
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,278 reviews24 followers
September 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

On paper Kadus and Bex couldn’t be more wrong for each other. However, when these two come together, Gigi Meier gave us a couple who complement each other so well. A perspective not frequently seen in the romance world, Gigi provides us a female domme who has no trouble taking charge and asking for what she wants.

Bex is an artist by day, but by night she has a persona that most likely will never see the light of day. She isn’t ashamed by any means, but likes to keep the two separate. When she meets Kadus, they are both instantly attracted to each other and their relationship sizzles. Bex is a strong woman, determined, driven, and is unapologetically herself every day.

Kadus is an up and coming musician, who upon meeting his sister’s best friend, knows there is something different about her. Bex grounds him in a way no one has ever been able to before. The banter between these two is so much fun to read and the spice leaps off the pages. His development throughout the story was fun to watch unfold.

This is my first book by Gigi, and although book 4 in this series, I did not feel lost while reading the story line. She writes in a voice that brings the characters to life easily, the storyline is well paced, and the tension is so good. I enjoyed reading about an older female character, who was comfortable in her own skin.

As always review trigger warnings before reading.

Tropes:
❤️ Reverse age gap
🎵 Rockstar
❤️ Hip hop artist
🎵 Painter and artist
❤️ Interracial couple,
🎵 Sister’s best friend
❤️ Opposites attract romance
🎵 Instalust
❤️ Steamy
Profile Image for Ianuendowreads.
17 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2024
Shorter and Sweeter.

I've not read the others in the series, but I found that it didn't really matter, we meet Kadus's sister and her partner, who I assume were the protagonists in a previous book, but not knowing didn't take away from Kad and Bex's story,and GiGi was really good for giving enough to get there's a backstory, but not feeling like we have to go back and read.

I loved how quick, but full the story was, as a neurodivergent person that also works full time and has two neurodivergent kids, it was so lovely to be able to consume this full story in a short duration and not getting distracted by life things.

I loved how strong Bex was, even when she wasn't okay, it really spoke to me.

I think the best line in the book was "don't worry I am a fixed bitch" which had me cackling!!

I also really appreciated the whole discussions between characters around the importance of goals setting and educating yourself, and how the author did this without it being preachy.

The main negative I had and why I didn't give 5/5 was everything thing did feel conveniently wrapped up for example issues with the parents or the whole reason Kadus left his original city felt like 'oh this is a big, serious issue, but here's the quick fix' (I do know this somewhat contradicts my comment about loving how short it was)

I will be going back and checking out the rest of the series and other books by GiGi and sincerely appreciated being given the chance to read this book prior to release.

Please go check it out and let me know your thoughts!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Judie.
402 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2024
This is the fourth book in the Cougars and Cubs series, but my first read from author Gigi Meier. I did not have a problem following this book or the story even though it was my first read. As an older woman, I can appreciate Bex. She is a strong and capable woman, but also has her own challenges.

Kadus needs a retreat and goes to his sister's house. It's there he meets Bex, who is older. She is 39 and he is 26 so pretty significant, but it works. I never felt it detracted from my enjoyment of the story. The chemistry is there, even if there is denial of the attraction at first!

The two pf them become friends and soon there is more after, you know… some sexy times. The spice in this book had me sweating, both exploring and giving each other what they needed. I liked the way the story developed and the way the characters helped and supported each other's growth in the areas they needed it. Pushing each other to be better. Kadus gave Bex the affection and adoration that she desired, but she gave him the support that he needed. I loved that they completed each other in ways that met both of them where they were at.

This was a fun and quick read that I enjoyed very much. I can’t wait to read more by this newly discovered author for me!
2,240 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2024
Kadus gets into trouble and decides to seek refuge with his sister, Kacie, in Houston, where he meets Bex. Bex is an accomplished artist and also a rockstar. Soon, she becomes the wake up call and mentor which Kadus needs to kickstart his music career. I really liked the scene where they discussed goals!

While Kadus is facing his own issues, Bex is also stuck in a vicious cycle of family drama whereby each time she meets her parents, she is reminded that she does not fit their expectations of what she should be (ie. married, working in a “stable career”).

Bex is really good for Kadus as he is going through what she has experienced when younger. She helps him find clarity and focus, though in a rather “unique” way 😆. In return, Kadus helps her to truly accept herself for who she is, without the need to hide her true self from him.

The epilogue is one of the most unique ones I have ever read. Read it and find out for yourself!

Ps. To be honest, I cringed whenever she called him “kid” as he is much younger than her. I wished that nickname had been used to a lesser extent, especially once things got serious.
Profile Image for Ashley.
435 reviews27 followers
August 13, 2024
Spice Level: 4.

Tropes:
reverse age gap
sister's best friend
art and music scenes
toy play
dominant FMC
piercings everywhere
Dual POVs.

Kadus follows the POVs of young buck Kadus, who's been trying to make it in the hip-hop world, and Bex, an older woman who not only getting ready for her own art show, but she's also making waves in the rock music world.

After a run in with some tough guys, Kadus runs to his estranged sister's house to get his crap together. Bex, his sister's best friend decides to help him (and his sister out) by giving him some work to do around her art studio. Mutual lust immediately takes over and, well, Kadus is about to learn a few things after all....

I enjoyed Kadus and Bex story. It was super spicy! I thought things moved a little quickly but you know what, to each their own. Sometimes you can't deny what the body wants. I feel like both Bex and Kadus' characters each grew by the end of the story too. Overall, it was a hot quick spicy read!
1,980 reviews38 followers
August 1, 2024
- Reverse age gap
- Artistic
- Best friend's brother
- Bro Mountain

This book, 4th in the Cougars and Cubs series, features Kacie's best friend Bex and Kacie's little brother, Kadus. Kadus got himself in with the wrong crowd and owed the wrong people money. When they come looking for him, he leaves Atlanta in a hurry and heads to his sister's place.

He is surprised to find Bro Mountain (I mean, I giggled like crazy over that!), who is Kacie's boyfriend, Gio. Gio isn't happy that Kadus is bringing his problems to Kacie, who is under enough stress. But family is family, so Gio and Bex take Kadus under their wings.

Kadus is so drawn to this pink haired bundle of energy! They are in synch in many ways, but Bex doesn't want to cross that line because of Kacie. Soon enough, though, Bex can't resist Kadus and neither of them are mad about that!

Bex is such a great character. She is tough as nails, but is also very supportive. The chemistry between these two, though. Wow!
Profile Image for meevreads.
369 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2024
I did not get this book. The FMC, Bex, was very unlikeable in my opinion, she was condescending and violent towards Kadus, the MMC, all because she was older and somehow it gave her the authority on what was best for him.
The book is named after the MMC, but the story revolves mostly around Bex; her taking Kadus under her wing, her art show, her music, her conflict with her parents, and with Kadus' sister. And while we're on the subject, the whole drama with the sister was way over the top. Why should they feel obligated to reveal anything about their relationship when it's not even been a week, and they don't know yet what they are to each other? Seemed unnecessary.

I got an early copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews