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Concrete & Cadence
Cadence Samuels has always believed in numbers, formulas, and solid foundations; after all, she's a Geotechnical Engineer who builds dams, not dreams. After too many dating disasters and lukewarm talking phases, she's officially done gambling with her heart. She's a pretty, nerdy, plus-sized woman who adores what she sees in the mirror, even if she's convinced love isn't in her calculations.
Enter Khalil "Concrete" Reed, the millionaire, playboy, and an award-winning rapper whose charisma and charm are as legendary as his chart-topping hits. He's vowed never to face hardship again after losing his mother tragically young, and now he has it money, fame, and an endless line of admirers. But when Cadence's best friend Nova drags her to Atlanta for Concrete's concert, the superstar is instantly captivated by the smart, sassy beauty in a vintage OutKast tee who's as quick with her wit as she is with her curves.
Concrete is determined to build something real with Cadence, but she's convinced their worlds are too far apart—a romance between them could only end in a catastrophic collision. Will Concrete's relentless pursuit and undeniable charm break down the carefully constructed dam around Cadence's heart, or will she calculate that love with him is just too great a risk?
A hilarious, heartfelt romantic comedy about love, vulnerability, and finding out that sometimes the best things in life aren't calculated, they just happen.
Enter Khalil "Concrete" Reed, the millionaire, playboy, and an award-winning rapper whose charisma and charm are as legendary as his chart-topping hits. He's vowed never to face hardship again after losing his mother tragically young, and now he has it money, fame, and an endless line of admirers. But when Cadence's best friend Nova drags her to Atlanta for Concrete's concert, the superstar is instantly captivated by the smart, sassy beauty in a vintage OutKast tee who's as quick with her wit as she is with her curves.
Concrete is determined to build something real with Cadence, but she's convinced their worlds are too far apart—a romance between them could only end in a catastrophic collision. Will Concrete's relentless pursuit and undeniable charm break down the carefully constructed dam around Cadence's heart, or will she calculate that love with him is just too great a risk?
A hilarious, heartfelt romantic comedy about love, vulnerability, and finding out that sometimes the best things in life aren't calculated, they just happen.
- GenresRomance
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
210 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 17, 2025
Concrete & Cadence ❤️ 💕 💗
3.5 ⭐️ This book was really cute 🥰! I loved Concrete & Cadence’s relationship, once it got there.
Although, the beginning of the book had me on the fence about continuing, I finished the book & wanted more on the back end about Concrete & Cadence!!
Either way, a book that makes me drop a tear is alright with me!!
“You are coming into a world that won’t always be easy. But you are also coming into a love that will never waver. We are not perfect, but we are present. We are healing in real time. We are building a legacy of softness, strength, laughter, and truth, and you are already part of it.”
3.5 ⭐️ This book was really cute 🥰! I loved Concrete & Cadence’s relationship, once it got there.
Although, the beginning of the book had me on the fence about continuing, I finished the book & wanted more on the back end about Concrete & Cadence!!
Either way, a book that makes me drop a tear is alright with me!!
“You are coming into a world that won’t always be easy. But you are also coming into a love that will never waver. We are not perfect, but we are present. We are healing in real time. We are building a legacy of softness, strength, laughter, and truth, and you are already part of it.”
October 12, 2025
I absolutely loved both Cadence & K.C. He almost fumbled her early on & she stood on business and demanded changed behavior before giving him a chance and he did that 10 fold. He was intentional in his pursuit of her. After that one little blip they just had the sweetest love story. It was warm & healing for the both of them. Also Ms Cadence was quick to tell somebody not to play in her face. And I loved that for her. I also enjoyed their friend group and look forward to reading more of their stories. I do wish we had some little update on Cadence’s family after the fall out and how her very public relationship with KC affected her career if at all. And there were a lot of moments that were told but not necessarily shown. However, even without this it was still a great book
September 27, 2025
I loved it!!! There’s 🌶️🌶️🌶️. Cadence deserved happiness. Concrete was a lil professional crash out. I need more!!! I can’t wait for the friend group stories.
December 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
This book was sexy AF.. a vibe from the first chapter! The beginning felt a little confusing, like I jumped in at a point where Concrete & Cadence already knew each other but they actually didn’t, but it wasn’t a major ick for me. Overall I loved the story. Concrete looooved his Cadence and their chemistry was bomb! She was a boss 🐝 in her own right with a bomb career which got major points from me because I just know that lady is brilliant and we love to see it. I enjoyed all the dates that probably weren’t really dates but built on the love.
I always love a found family trope, strong friend group. There was good banter, fun quips, stuff that had me gigging and blushing from everybody. The setup for the follow up stories was really good.. I’m definitely intrigued and will be reading!
This book was sexy AF.. a vibe from the first chapter! The beginning felt a little confusing, like I jumped in at a point where Concrete & Cadence already knew each other but they actually didn’t, but it wasn’t a major ick for me. Overall I loved the story. Concrete looooved his Cadence and their chemistry was bomb! She was a boss 🐝 in her own right with a bomb career which got major points from me because I just know that lady is brilliant and we love to see it. I enjoyed all the dates that probably weren’t really dates but built on the love.
I always love a found family trope, strong friend group. There was good banter, fun quips, stuff that had me gigging and blushing from everybody. The setup for the follow up stories was really good.. I’m definitely intrigued and will be reading!
January 4, 2026
Beautiful
It is always an emotional ride when reading a C.M. Barnes book. She will have you laughing crying and wanting to rub something out at the same darn time. Emotional intelligence always prevails in her storytelling. Healing is always at the base and love is wrapped up nicely.
It is always an emotional ride when reading a C.M. Barnes book. She will have you laughing crying and wanting to rub something out at the same darn time. Emotional intelligence always prevails in her storytelling. Healing is always at the base and love is wrapped up nicely.
November 16, 2025
😍
Khalil and Cadence were cute! I enjoyed seeing Cadence continue to grow in her confidence.
Spoilers!! 🚨🚨
The book has some parts that seemed misplaced. Like Khalil’s post on IG before Cadence made it to St.Barts. Also, it seemed Cadence’s dream with Monica should’ve be been before they visited her at the cemetery. There were also places where it switched from third person to first.
Khalil and Cadence were cute! I enjoyed seeing Cadence continue to grow in her confidence.
Spoilers!! 🚨🚨
The book has some parts that seemed misplaced. Like Khalil’s post on IG before Cadence made it to St.Barts. Also, it seemed Cadence’s dream with Monica should’ve be been before they visited her at the cemetery. There were also places where it switched from third person to first.
November 25, 2025
Cae & KC
This book was everything!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 All the feels and the laughs, it hit on all cylinders 🥰 Khalil Concrete Reed aka Concrete aka KC was a successful rapper, raised by his grandma Vivian after his mother, Monica, died when he was 14.. his father had been in and out of jail the majority of his life and when his mom passed and he went to inform his father behind bars, he criticized his mother’s weight as a factor in her death which pissed off Concrete and probably assisted in how he would view plus size women.. Nova, Lane and Cadence were best friends that always showed up and supported one another.. Nova was attempting to make a name for herself in the industry singing and had gotten the opportunity to go to a concert for Concrete which happened to be Cadence’s favorite rapper, and meet him backstage afterwards.. as soon as he saw her he was smitten and attracted.. however her mother was very harsh and cruel with her size growing up making her doubt that she was still beautiful at any size.. Cadence was smart and an engineer that was a plus sized beauty.. when KC came on strong he applied pressure but she never thought someone of his status would be interested in a nerd like her.. she seemed to dim her own light because of how brutal her mothers words had been.. but Khalil saw her beauty brains and witt and was very much intrigued.. he became her favorite eater and she ghosted him at first, but then he found her and came on strong. He loved her robotics and stem initiative and loved that she didn’t want anything from him besides him.. the banter was so funny especially with the friends, Nova, Lane, Tariq and Lennox.. the baby reveals both times was epic.. this was a great read.. can’t wait to see what Lane and Lennox will bring
This book was everything!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 All the feels and the laughs, it hit on all cylinders 🥰 Khalil Concrete Reed aka Concrete aka KC was a successful rapper, raised by his grandma Vivian after his mother, Monica, died when he was 14.. his father had been in and out of jail the majority of his life and when his mom passed and he went to inform his father behind bars, he criticized his mother’s weight as a factor in her death which pissed off Concrete and probably assisted in how he would view plus size women.. Nova, Lane and Cadence were best friends that always showed up and supported one another.. Nova was attempting to make a name for herself in the industry singing and had gotten the opportunity to go to a concert for Concrete which happened to be Cadence’s favorite rapper, and meet him backstage afterwards.. as soon as he saw her he was smitten and attracted.. however her mother was very harsh and cruel with her size growing up making her doubt that she was still beautiful at any size.. Cadence was smart and an engineer that was a plus sized beauty.. when KC came on strong he applied pressure but she never thought someone of his status would be interested in a nerd like her.. she seemed to dim her own light because of how brutal her mothers words had been.. but Khalil saw her beauty brains and witt and was very much intrigued.. he became her favorite eater and she ghosted him at first, but then he found her and came on strong. He loved her robotics and stem initiative and loved that she didn’t want anything from him besides him.. the banter was so funny especially with the friends, Nova, Lane, Tariq and Lennox.. the baby reveals both times was epic.. this was a great read.. can’t wait to see what Lane and Lennox will bring
December 20, 2025
Cute, soft love vibes
This is a great spicy but really sweet read from a new to me author. Featuring rap superstar Concrete who falls in love at first sight with plus size engineer, Cadence, who’s found confidence but still deals with the trauma of being emotionally abused by her mother because of her size, this is a really vibey love story about healing and growth in love. I really enjoyed the emotional maturity both Cadence and Concrete (KC) showed in this book, their friends were fun and this was a pleasure to read so much so I kept expecting the dramatic twist to come temporarily be a spanner in the works but it was all breezy and wish fulfillingly lovely without ever being boring or pastoral. Would recommend for an easy breezy beach read where you’re looking for the fantasy rather than the drama.
This is a great spicy but really sweet read from a new to me author. Featuring rap superstar Concrete who falls in love at first sight with plus size engineer, Cadence, who’s found confidence but still deals with the trauma of being emotionally abused by her mother because of her size, this is a really vibey love story about healing and growth in love. I really enjoyed the emotional maturity both Cadence and Concrete (KC) showed in this book, their friends were fun and this was a pleasure to read so much so I kept expecting the dramatic twist to come temporarily be a spanner in the works but it was all breezy and wish fulfillingly lovely without ever being boring or pastoral. Would recommend for an easy breezy beach read where you’re looking for the fantasy rather than the drama.
January 4, 2026
This was refreshing for me! Was definitely swooning and feeling all the things. Although there were a couple of times I was looking at Khalil sideways. “But you too strict” I would have cussed him out. And then talking about he had her address and had been to her house. I think that would have turn me off a little. Think about if this was a man that Cadence WASN’T feeling and he said some shit like that. Stalker! But all in all I really enjoyed it. Lovedddd the pictures.
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Shoutout to Nova getting in KC’s ass about his treatment of Cadence!
*acts like i’m throwing my kindle* I was rooting for safe sex!! Smh. Let me just keep reading.
Fly Spirit like a normal person?? I guess i’m not normal! 😂😂😂 I refuse!
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Shoutout to Nova getting in KC’s ass about his treatment of Cadence!
*acts like i’m throwing my kindle* I was rooting for safe sex!! Smh. Let me just keep reading.
Fly Spirit like a normal person?? I guess i’m not normal! 😂😂😂 I refuse!
December 26, 2025
I liked this one! There were some moments where I felt that things were moving a bit fast, but overall this was a good read. Concrete and Cadence’s relationship was swoon worthy. Concrete (Khalil) got himself together after realizing that Cadence was who he wanted and applied pressure from beginning to end. This was funny, steamy, and light for it to be a little under 300 pages. And of course with this being the first book in the series it set up the potential plot lines for the other two couples in the book. I can say that I’m excited to see what Lane and Lennox have going on because from the sneak peek in this book, their chemistry already feels electric and intense and I’m here for it.
October 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Celebrity romances are one of my favorite and overall this one was cute. However, there were some errors and inconsistencies that took away from the story.
I love the friendships in this book, even though some of the sharing between friends didn’t flow well. It was like they knew information the character hadn’t disclosed yet. Which may have been more of an editing issue more than anything.
Either way, I’m really interested in reading Lennox and Lane’s story. And hopefully Nova and Tariq.
Celebrity romances are one of my favorite and overall this one was cute. However, there were some errors and inconsistencies that took away from the story.
I love the friendships in this book, even though some of the sharing between friends didn’t flow well. It was like they knew information the character hadn’t disclosed yet. Which may have been more of an editing issue more than anything.
Either way, I’m really interested in reading Lennox and Lane’s story. And hopefully Nova and Tariq.
October 19, 2025
Beautiful Black Love
This book was beautiful and nasty 😜 I was not hip to Author C.M Barnes pen game but I’m on it now. Khalil was a whole man that went after what he wanted and applied pressure. Did he make mistakes? Yes, but he was mature enough to own up to them. Cadence was a vibe. I loved seeing a nerdy, educated black woman portrayed as the love interest. As an educator and stem girlie myself, I felt seen and valued. I laughed and even teared up their journey to love. I rate this book 4.5 stars ⭐️
This book was beautiful and nasty 😜 I was not hip to Author C.M Barnes pen game but I’m on it now. Khalil was a whole man that went after what he wanted and applied pressure. Did he make mistakes? Yes, but he was mature enough to own up to them. Cadence was a vibe. I loved seeing a nerdy, educated black woman portrayed as the love interest. As an educator and stem girlie myself, I felt seen and valued. I laughed and even teared up their journey to love. I rate this book 4.5 stars ⭐️
November 18, 2025
Khalil & Cadence 💛
Don’t let the cover fool you 😌. This is a spicy rom com with plus size and STEM/STEAM rep. Beauty and brains meets love bombing rapper (who is also very smart). Khalil had me singing Anything by Jaheim the whole time. That man said “you can have anything I got 🎶.” My nerdy fellow plus size girlie heart was swooning. I also really enjoyed the friends and look forward to their stories. The banter was A1 in this book but i know it will be top tier in Lennox and Lane story. This is a fun spicy time. Read it!
Don’t let the cover fool you 😌. This is a spicy rom com with plus size and STEM/STEAM rep. Beauty and brains meets love bombing rapper (who is also very smart). Khalil had me singing Anything by Jaheim the whole time. That man said “you can have anything I got 🎶.” My nerdy fellow plus size girlie heart was swooning. I also really enjoyed the friends and look forward to their stories. The banter was A1 in this book but i know it will be top tier in Lennox and Lane story. This is a fun spicy time. Read it!
December 29, 2025
I love Cadence & KC!
Nothing could come between their bond. Not the exs, their parents, or the media. I love the way KC continuously reminded Cadence that she was deserving of his love. Privately & publicly, KC loved her. In return Cadence showed KC he was deserving of a genuine & healthy love.
Their parents can choke, not KC mom though. His grandma & her best friend was so loving. I need their best friends in a book of their own 👀
I didn’t think I would relate so much to Cadence & this book hit close to home. Thank you C.M. Barnes for this beautiful love story.
Nothing could come between their bond. Not the exs, their parents, or the media. I love the way KC continuously reminded Cadence that she was deserving of his love. Privately & publicly, KC loved her. In return Cadence showed KC he was deserving of a genuine & healthy love.
Their parents can choke, not KC mom though. His grandma & her best friend was so loving. I need their best friends in a book of their own 👀
I didn’t think I would relate so much to Cadence & this book hit close to home. Thank you C.M. Barnes for this beautiful love story.
October 1, 2025
Can I have a rapper boyfriend that don't play about me? I will also take the STEM baddie who knows how to stand on her own - except when it comes to her family. These two are what good love stories are made of! I especially loved the end - but- no spoilers. I also like how she doesn't tolerate any BS. It's giving Cadence is a low key Taurus lmao. And the 🌶🌶🌶🌶 is so romantic I got a little weepy in some parts. Don't judge me.
October 12, 2025
A Beautiful Romance
I truly enjoyed meeting Concrete and Cadence and their love journey. The first night Concrete met Cadence, he knew that she was it for him. Cadence; however, was in denial a little bit. This book experienced a couple bumps in the road, but it concluded a beautiful way. I love how C.M. Barnes make sure that her characters heal from their trauma way traumas. Make sure you check this beautiful romance out. There is also a good amount of spice to it as well.
I truly enjoyed meeting Concrete and Cadence and their love journey. The first night Concrete met Cadence, he knew that she was it for him. Cadence; however, was in denial a little bit. This book experienced a couple bumps in the road, but it concluded a beautiful way. I love how C.M. Barnes make sure that her characters heal from their trauma way traumas. Make sure you check this beautiful romance out. There is also a good amount of spice to it as well.
November 13, 2025
Cute sexy romcom
I loved the kickoff to the Stonebridge series that follows the main characters Cadence and Concrete . This book is equal parts swoon, good laughs and the cherry on top- heat. It was a good time with a host of side characters that you can’t help but love AND side eye. I look forward to the continuation of this series but this HEA was well destined and deserved.
Great job! CM Barnes!
I loved the kickoff to the Stonebridge series that follows the main characters Cadence and Concrete . This book is equal parts swoon, good laughs and the cherry on top- heat. It was a good time with a host of side characters that you can’t help but love AND side eye. I look forward to the continuation of this series but this HEA was well destined and deserved.
Great job! CM Barnes!
November 17, 2025
this was so cute
This is such a sweet story and I love a good rapper romance love that cadence is beautiful smart in steam and about her business even though she ran from his love when she got it together it was all gas no breaks behind her man and I love that concrete (his stage name) is all about her even when he was going through it he still wasn’t involved with someone else he was about her since he meet her
This is such a sweet story and I love a good rapper romance love that cadence is beautiful smart in steam and about her business even though she ran from his love when she got it together it was all gas no breaks behind her man and I love that concrete (his stage name) is all about her even when he was going through it he still wasn’t involved with someone else he was about her since he meet her
November 24, 2025
5 Stars Plus
One of my favorite reads of the year. Rap superstar Concrete aka KC aka Kahlil took one look at Cadence and saw home and his safe place.
Plus size engineer Cadence stood on business and put Concrete on block. He has to work with win her heart. Cadence is such a different leading lady and I love everything about her.
Both characters grew and developed throughout the book. It was so well rounded and had a great supporting cast.
One of my favorite reads of the year. Rap superstar Concrete aka KC aka Kahlil took one look at Cadence and saw home and his safe place.
Plus size engineer Cadence stood on business and put Concrete on block. He has to work with win her heart. Cadence is such a different leading lady and I love everything about her.
Both characters grew and developed throughout the book. It was so well rounded and had a great supporting cast.
November 28, 2025
Such a cute read!
Concrete & Cadence was such a cute romantic read! This story literally had me in my feels so much from how well the chemistry & intimacy was written. The supporting characters were a great addition to this beautiful love story. The only thing I didn't love was that there was no clear timeline, so it did seem a little rushed. Othete than that I really enjoyed this story & I can't wait for Lane & Lennox!
Happy Reading!!!
Concrete & Cadence was such a cute romantic read! This story literally had me in my feels so much from how well the chemistry & intimacy was written. The supporting characters were a great addition to this beautiful love story. The only thing I didn't love was that there was no clear timeline, so it did seem a little rushed. Othete than that I really enjoyed this story & I can't wait for Lane & Lennox!
Happy Reading!!!
October 29, 2025
Ate this up in a day!! This was so good beautifully written and had me swooning. The love could be felt on the pages, it was just chefs kiss 🤌🏾🤌🏾. Khalil worshiped Cadence okay! Literally worshipped the ground she walked on and dammit didn’t have me praying for this type of man, to be seen to be loved to be cherished and adored. Just beautiful. Can’t wait to read Lennox and Lane next
October 31, 2025
Started off good
This book started off good but towards the middle got a little wordy. I wish I had more backstory on everyone it felt like I started reading the book in the middle or like there was a book before this I should have read. I think that’s the reason I didn’t really connect with any of the characters.
This book started off good but towards the middle got a little wordy. I wish I had more backstory on everyone it felt like I started reading the book in the middle or like there was a book before this I should have read. I think that’s the reason I didn’t really connect with any of the characters.
November 14, 2025
NTMA and i just fell in love
NTMA and i just fell in love , i loved everything sent this story line. To read a book where a woman don’t have to go through heartbreak to be loved properly is beautiful. I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the next book, but until then I’m about to invade her catalogue.
NTMA and i just fell in love , i loved everything sent this story line. To read a book where a woman don’t have to go through heartbreak to be loved properly is beautiful. I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the next book, but until then I’m about to invade her catalogue.
November 18, 2025
Kept Me Giggling
This has easily become one of my favourite reads for the year. K.C loved Cadence loud and publicly and it was just everything she didn't know she needed. Their chemistry was top tier, the banter was on point and the spice was spicing. I'm now about to dive into to her entire catalogue because the wiring was so good.
This has easily become one of my favourite reads for the year. K.C loved Cadence loud and publicly and it was just everything she didn't know she needed. Their chemistry was top tier, the banter was on point and the spice was spicing. I'm now about to dive into to her entire catalogue because the wiring was so good.
November 27, 2025
lorrddd I got some things I need to saaaayyy
I love love, my soil siren came into her self, her confidence , the love she had to give was everything! then you got my new favorite eater, mr talk you through it himself. a man that knew what he wanted and wasnt afraid to get it. PERIOD
I love love, my soil siren came into her self, her confidence , the love she had to give was everything! then you got my new favorite eater, mr talk you through it himself. a man that knew what he wanted and wasnt afraid to get it. PERIOD
December 27, 2025
A cute story with rom com moments
Nova and Lane had me laughing with the commentary but this shows what true sisterhood can be, just filled with laughs and love. Now Mr Khalil knew what he wanted but also was human and made almost a relationship ending mistake. Luckily Cadence was still willing because he could have missed out on his forever. Overall cute story.
Nova and Lane had me laughing with the commentary but this shows what true sisterhood can be, just filled with laughs and love. Now Mr Khalil knew what he wanted but also was human and made almost a relationship ending mistake. Luckily Cadence was still willing because he could have missed out on his forever. Overall cute story.
December 27, 2025
Love from the first page
This is a soft sweet everybody in journey. Its not a does he want me does she want me....we gotta fight the ex's.....he needs to save her journey. This is two people who deserve each other falling in love! My type of cotton candy love! I loved the plot the characters and the chemistry. Perfect!
This is a soft sweet everybody in journey. Its not a does he want me does she want me....we gotta fight the ex's.....he needs to save her journey. This is two people who deserve each other falling in love! My type of cotton candy love! I loved the plot the characters and the chemistry. Perfect!
December 30, 2025
Hip Hop King Meets Curvy Scientist
This story really walks you through the timeline of a couple who are successful career wise, have great close friends but have childhood trauma. I thought it was beautifully done. This book will have you laughing, angry at certain family members & saddened by the lose of certain family. Can't wait for the next book.
This story really walks you through the timeline of a couple who are successful career wise, have great close friends but have childhood trauma. I thought it was beautifully done. This book will have you laughing, angry at certain family members & saddened by the lose of certain family. Can't wait for the next book.
January 11, 2026
Complete Love Story
I loved everything about this read. The character development, the friendships, and the love story. They all worked together to form a seamless story that even taught me a few things about tried and trauma. I am looking forward to continuing this series. This is a great read!
I loved everything about this read. The character development, the friendships, and the love story. They all worked together to form a seamless story that even taught me a few things about tried and trauma. I am looking forward to continuing this series. This is a great read!
November 4, 2025
Solid 3.5- Not gonna lie, i was ready for it be over after 80% in. It started to drag. There was some mix up’s in the story that caused me to be a little lost but i enjoyed it for the most part. It was funny and spicy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews