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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.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
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.
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
June 19, 2026
i wasn’t feeling this one at first but I am glad I gave it a shot! It turned out so good! Omg yes and yes!
June 21, 2026
I really liked this. I loved that she was nerdy and he wanted to be apart of her world as her as her apart of his. Plus size fmc in STEM. Rapper mmc. They had minimal problems and a great bond. Their love was intentional. I couldn’t stand her parents. They had a lot of nerve. I will say certain things were missing for me personally but I still would recommend reading tho. It was a good time.
December 8, 2025
This book is one of the few books I DNF. It was boring. The entire storyline is how much concrete loves candence. That’s it. Nothing less and nothing more. So boring. And the spicy scenes were not good at all. I couldn’t finish it. I’m surprised how many 5 stars ratings this book has.
January 25, 2026
Khalil and Cadence
May 21, 2026
I wanted more vengeance towards the mom.
That wasn’t enough.
I ‘m glad Cadence got her HEA.
The situation with Donovan was sooo random. like ??
Idk if I would read the rest of the series.
That wasn’t enough.
I ‘m glad Cadence got her HEA.
The situation with Donovan was sooo random. like ??
Idk if I would read the rest of the series.
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.
May 26, 2026
I know I'm late, but better late than never! I loved everything about this story! Concrete & Cadence delivers all the heat, heart, and top-tier banter of a romantic comedy, while giving Black love the soft and secure spotlight it deserves.
And the narrators, both new to me, left no crumbs! Don't walk, run to pick up Book 1 of the Welcome to Stonebridge series!
And the narrators, both new to me, left no crumbs! Don't walk, run to pick up Book 1 of the Welcome to Stonebridge series!
May 27, 2026
Fire
I have had this book in my library for over a month. Now that I finally read it I'm mad at myself for now reading it sooner. The banter in this book was EVERYTHING!!! The love story itself (especially as a "More to love diva") had me swooning. I mid-read I send a few screenshots and the title of the book to my sister with one word "Biiiiiih" she replied "Added" because she already knew. 🤣🤣
I have had this book in my library for over a month. Now that I finally read it I'm mad at myself for now reading it sooner. The banter in this book was EVERYTHING!!! The love story itself (especially as a "More to love diva") had me swooning. I mid-read I send a few screenshots and the title of the book to my sister with one word "Biiiiiih" she replied "Added" because she already knew. 🤣🤣
June 9, 2026
Cute read! It was a good read and I love the main characters.
June 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I love when he man knows what he wants and stand 10 toes down in it! This was so good. SPICY AF, a lot of romance, funny banter, besties being real and even made me teary eyed. If you liked the Curvy Girl Summer series you will love this one.
🌶️ Spice Level: 4
🤑 Billionaire/Celebrity Romance
💪🏾 Alpha Hero
💅🏾 Strong Female Lead
🌶️ Spice Level: 4
🤑 Billionaire/Celebrity Romance
💪🏾 Alpha Hero
💅🏾 Strong Female Lead
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.
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.
January 26, 2026
Whew.
It's over.
Let me start off by saying this is a solid 3-star read. However, this story was a bit too long, and I mean long as in it FELT long because the story dragged.
I liked Cadence and Concrete but these two thirty-somethings were boring. I'm talking 'sit on the front porch swing all day and drink sweet tea while watching the cars drive by' boring. This couple literally had nothing going on 'TOGETHER'. Cadence is a geotechnical engineer. Concrete is an award-winning (per the synopsis, it was never stated in the story) rapper. Both are great at what they do, but TOGETHER? Yeah, it's a no for me dawg.
Cadence and Concrete jumped into a relationship and from there it seemed the main goal was for Cadence to have a baby. There was no getting-to-know-you stage. Yeah, he was patient, but they didn't do anything together except have sex, and that got boring after a while too. Didn't get one date night and barely got an "I love you" from either of them (near the end of the book), but they quickly became the social media 'It' couple. I feel the author got stuck in that zone and had them moving like a married couple that had been together for over forty years. The social media postings were cute at first then it got weird when the author started name-dropping celebrities near the end. Viola Davis? LOL stop playing with me. 🤣🤣🤣
The beginning of the epilogue was unnecessary (and overall, just too long). Why back track to a dream that was mentioned in the previous chapter? If it was important to the storyline, why not discuss it when it was first brought up? Honey, it's the epilogue. We're ready to land the plane, not circle the skies. We don't care about the dream at that point (or at all honestly 🤷🏾♀️). That added a good ten minutes to the end of the book for no reason.
It's over.
Let me start off by saying this is a solid 3-star read. However, this story was a bit too long, and I mean long as in it FELT long because the story dragged.
I liked Cadence and Concrete but these two thirty-somethings were boring. I'm talking 'sit on the front porch swing all day and drink sweet tea while watching the cars drive by' boring. This couple literally had nothing going on 'TOGETHER'. Cadence is a geotechnical engineer. Concrete is an award-winning (per the synopsis, it was never stated in the story) rapper. Both are great at what they do, but TOGETHER? Yeah, it's a no for me dawg.
Cadence and Concrete jumped into a relationship and from there it seemed the main goal was for Cadence to have a baby. There was no getting-to-know-you stage. Yeah, he was patient, but they didn't do anything together except have sex, and that got boring after a while too. Didn't get one date night and barely got an "I love you" from either of them (near the end of the book), but they quickly became the social media 'It' couple. I feel the author got stuck in that zone and had them moving like a married couple that had been together for over forty years. The social media postings were cute at first then it got weird when the author started name-dropping celebrities near the end. Viola Davis? LOL stop playing with me. 🤣🤣🤣
The beginning of the epilogue was unnecessary (and overall, just too long). Why back track to a dream that was mentioned in the previous chapter? If it was important to the storyline, why not discuss it when it was first brought up? Honey, it's the epilogue. We're ready to land the plane, not circle the skies. We don't care about the dream at that point (or at all honestly 🤷🏾♀️). That added a good ten minutes to the end of the book for no reason.
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
June 8, 2026
4.5⭐
CM Barnes didn't have to write this book so good omg, I'm kind of happy that I waited and was able to immersive read it with the audio because the narrators did what needed to be done.
This story follows Cadence Samuels who is a Geotechnical engineer, and rapper Khalil Concrete Reed. Concrete locked eyes with Cadence and just knew that was going to be his woman. Cadence not used to that lifestyle, and not being the typical girl that those types of men go for, had a hard time accepting that this man wanted her. KC applied all the necessary pressure especially after their first time, he was like you aren't going to give me a taste and then disappear LOL.
I will be adding KC to my certified munch list as well as Mr. talk you through it. Even though he made his intentions clear, he was still patient with going all the way with her because he knew she wasn't ready. It was a good balance between spice, emotions, and a beautiful love story. Adding Cadence's parents to the no-good list as well. Really enjoyed the banter, and the side characters. Can't wait to see if we get more books in the series.
CM Barnes didn't have to write this book so good omg, I'm kind of happy that I waited and was able to immersive read it with the audio because the narrators did what needed to be done.
This story follows Cadence Samuels who is a Geotechnical engineer, and rapper Khalil Concrete Reed. Concrete locked eyes with Cadence and just knew that was going to be his woman. Cadence not used to that lifestyle, and not being the typical girl that those types of men go for, had a hard time accepting that this man wanted her. KC applied all the necessary pressure especially after their first time, he was like you aren't going to give me a taste and then disappear LOL.
I will be adding KC to my certified munch list as well as Mr. talk you through it. Even though he made his intentions clear, he was still patient with going all the way with her because he knew she wasn't ready. It was a good balance between spice, emotions, and a beautiful love story. Adding Cadence's parents to the no-good list as well. Really enjoyed the banter, and the side characters. Can't wait to see if we get more books in the series.
May 31, 2026
Listen I loved the narrators. I could listen to Gillian and Lawrence all day and all night! The story was just as amazing. C. M. Barnes did her thing!! It’s been a long time since I was excited for another book in a series but I’m totally ready for the next couple in this series. If you enjoy a great read with top tier narrator’s this is the audiobook for you. Everything is addressed in this book with the characters: who needed to cursed out was, Scallywags that can’t let go when the relationship is over were exposed. Childhood hurt wasn’t sweep under the rug. And the sex scene 🎬 🌶️🌶️🌶️. And yes there is BDE that’s attached to a man that loves his woman. (And he wanted to please her 😜)
Playlist was on point 🎤🎵🎼
Main female character is an engineer degree, accolades, and gives back to her community 👏👏👏
Main male character is an artist who loves his grandma & takes her & her best friend vacations with him 🤩🤩🤩
The friends group are all comedians and they truly add to the story 🥰🥰🥰
Sometimes I really need a pallet cleanser that doesn’t include people selling drugs, gangs, murders, & backstabbing people. Just people finding one another, working through their own personal issues with really cool, & support friends in their circle.
Do yourself a favor and get this book!
Playlist was on point 🎤🎵🎼
Main female character is an engineer degree, accolades, and gives back to her community 👏👏👏
Main male character is an artist who loves his grandma & takes her & her best friend vacations with him 🤩🤩🤩
The friends group are all comedians and they truly add to the story 🥰🥰🥰
Sometimes I really need a pallet cleanser that doesn’t include people selling drugs, gangs, murders, & backstabbing people. Just people finding one another, working through their own personal issues with really cool, & support friends in their circle.
Do yourself a favor and get this book!
February 2, 2026
Unexpectedly Good Read
One night backstage at a concert change not only the headliner’s (Concrete) life, but also the woman (Cadence) he couldn’t take his eyes off of.
Beauty and brilliance were synonymous aligned with Cadence. As an engineer, mentor, philanthropist, and all around nurturer, she was thriving in all aspects of life except for her love life.
Despite being a world renowned artist, Concrete immediately knew Cadence was his after their first interaction. Almost jeopardizing their potential future, he knew he had to do everything in his power to secure his destiny.
This book is an example of how pouring into one another can blossom not only a beautiful life and relationship, but help heal damaged roots and heartbreaks. Also love the song based chapter themes.
Themes:
Opposites Attract
Grief
Parental issues
Insecurities
Generational healing
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
One night backstage at a concert change not only the headliner’s (Concrete) life, but also the woman (Cadence) he couldn’t take his eyes off of.
Beauty and brilliance were synonymous aligned with Cadence. As an engineer, mentor, philanthropist, and all around nurturer, she was thriving in all aspects of life except for her love life.
Despite being a world renowned artist, Concrete immediately knew Cadence was his after their first interaction. Almost jeopardizing their potential future, he knew he had to do everything in his power to secure his destiny.
This book is an example of how pouring into one another can blossom not only a beautiful life and relationship, but help heal damaged roots and heartbreaks. Also love the song based chapter themes.
Themes:
Opposites Attract
Grief
Parental issues
Insecurities
Generational healing
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 18, 2026
A Black celebrity romance that was full of sweet, endearing quotes and genuine caring actions. Cadence and Concrete connected and moved at lightening speed!
💕Some of the quotes I loved are💕:
"Love don't wait for convenience; you either show up now, or show up too late"
"Let me be for you what you are for me...a safe space to heal, find joy and cuss a mf out for playing with your heart"
"KC taught me that love can be peaceful, that it can sound like silence and feel like sunlight"
Only critique is that there was soooo much sex and that says alot coming from a BOF like myself. I never want to hear “sit on his face” again! 🤭😂
it’s something about this book that made me think of all the celebrity couples who meet, fall in lust overnight, get pregnant in 2 months and break up before the baby is born.
I really enjoyed the new voices narrating the audiobook!! This one has a GR rating of 4.49 so it’s one I think most would enjoy ☺️
💕Some of the quotes I loved are💕:
"Love don't wait for convenience; you either show up now, or show up too late"
"Let me be for you what you are for me...a safe space to heal, find joy and cuss a mf out for playing with your heart"
"KC taught me that love can be peaceful, that it can sound like silence and feel like sunlight"
Only critique is that there was soooo much sex and that says alot coming from a BOF like myself. I never want to hear “sit on his face” again! 🤭😂
it’s something about this book that made me think of all the celebrity couples who meet, fall in lust overnight, get pregnant in 2 months and break up before the baby is born.
I really enjoyed the new voices narrating the audiobook!! This one has a GR rating of 4.49 so it’s one I think most would enjoy ☺️
June 21, 2026
When A Man Knows HE KNOWS!
Concrete & Cadence was a good love story. Concrete just knew Cadence was something special from the moment he laid eyes on here. Even though he made a few mistakes in the beginning, fate has a way of bringing everything together. Cadence needed Concrete too, and he ended up being a healing pillar for her too. Even though both of them had TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, love doesn’t care at all. Concrete fell in love with her & really played no games about Cadence. That man applied some pressure when it came to her and stood on business. His fame & her low key brilliance was a nice dynamic to see make work. Cadence played no games about her man, lol when she checked his ex like that I WAS CRYING! Their ending was definitely beautiful and had me saying, “Awwwwww I know that’s right!” I can’t wait to see what goes down with Lennox & Lane because those two are something else !!!!
Concrete & Cadence was a good love story. Concrete just knew Cadence was something special from the moment he laid eyes on here. Even though he made a few mistakes in the beginning, fate has a way of bringing everything together. Cadence needed Concrete too, and he ended up being a healing pillar for her too. Even though both of them had TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, love doesn’t care at all. Concrete fell in love with her & really played no games about Cadence. That man applied some pressure when it came to her and stood on business. His fame & her low key brilliance was a nice dynamic to see make work. Cadence played no games about her man, lol when she checked his ex like that I WAS CRYING! Their ending was definitely beautiful and had me saying, “Awwwwww I know that’s right!” I can’t wait to see what goes down with Lennox & Lane because those two are something else !!!!
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.
June 22, 2026
This is my first read from this author and although my book consumption is through audiobook 99 percent of the time and prefer my audiobooks written in first person because it feels more natural, I enjoyed Barnes’s writing style. Despite it being written in third person, the love story l is beautiful, even in audio. Concrete is book BAE even though he had a minor faux pas he redeemed himself and had me smiling through tears. The way he loves Cadence out loud is awesome and beyond words. He showed her that beauty and brains can melt even the hardest lyricist, especially when you have some help from above.
I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the others in the series!
I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the others in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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!
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