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Now He's Mine
Halgrove Hill University was supposed to be my fresh start. I was ready to put the past behind me and bury the memories and heartache of a boy I once knew.
We'd been best friends since we were six years old, a pair of misfits who saw one another when the rest of the world didn’t. For years we were inseparable, two halves of a whole soul.
But nothing is meant to last forever.
Two days before my sixteenth birthday, Austin and his family moved across the country without a warning. I didn’t think that would be that last time I ever heard from him.
Now, five years later, he’s standing in my dorm room, with his perfect crooked smile, a far cry from the boy I once knew, telling me he's also enrolled at HHU.
He’s everything I’ve always wanted, and never allowed myself to have. But now? He’s here. And I’m never letting him go.
Please Note: This is not a happily ever after.
We'd been best friends since we were six years old, a pair of misfits who saw one another when the rest of the world didn’t. For years we were inseparable, two halves of a whole soul.
But nothing is meant to last forever.
Two days before my sixteenth birthday, Austin and his family moved across the country without a warning. I didn’t think that would be that last time I ever heard from him.
Now, five years later, he’s standing in my dorm room, with his perfect crooked smile, a far cry from the boy I once knew, telling me he's also enrolled at HHU.
He’s everything I’ve always wanted, and never allowed myself to have. But now? He’s here. And I’m never letting him go.
Please Note: This is not a happily ever after.
210 pages
Published February 4, 2026
21 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
About the author
Cadence Smoke
5 books1,013 followersCadence Smoke is a Contemporary, Dark Romance & Gothic Romance Author from Canada. In addition to writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies, as well as reading books of various genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
February 12, 2026
arc review to come
January 21, 2026
thank you Cadence Smoke for the ARC read for honest feedback!
i really liked this book and it starts with a strong, engaging premise. the emotional setup hooked me from the beginning, and i believed the connections between the characters in theory.. where it fell a little short for me was in how those relationships developed once reconnected
the soulmate concept does a lot of the heavy lifting, but some connections felt rushed. the childhood history with austin helped make their bond believable, but even then the pacing was off. we’re told they want to take things slow, and then suddenly they’re not?? they still missed 4 years together, critical years of growth. i just felt like there needed to be more.
& with Kash, i struggled more because we didn’t get enough time to see them actually bond before the emotional and physical connection was fully there. he’s supposed to love her, but they had 3 scenes together.. idk
friendships felt a bit fast too, especially her immediate closeness with leah.
overall, i get that the story leans into fate and soulmates, but a slower introduction and deeper development would have made these relationships feel more natural. looking at all these five star reviews, i’m glad to see that everybody had a really good time with it. i recognize that i’m the anomaly here, but i just really wanted more depth!!
this was meant to be a really emotional book with a big emotional payoff, and for me it didn’t quite hit because of the rushed pacing and lack of bonding moments.
the ending worked for me. it’s not a typical happily ever after, which i appreciated. it gave me a thousand boy kisses vibes in the way it handled emotion and inevitability. it might have landed even harder if the warning of “this is not a HEA” wasn’t in the beginning, i unfortunately saw it coming.
overall, i enjoyed this book. but some depth would’ve turned this into a 5 star read for me!
i really liked this book and it starts with a strong, engaging premise. the emotional setup hooked me from the beginning, and i believed the connections between the characters in theory.. where it fell a little short for me was in how those relationships developed once reconnected
the soulmate concept does a lot of the heavy lifting, but some connections felt rushed. the childhood history with austin helped make their bond believable, but even then the pacing was off. we’re told they want to take things slow, and then suddenly they’re not?? they still missed 4 years together, critical years of growth. i just felt like there needed to be more.
& with Kash, i struggled more because we didn’t get enough time to see them actually bond before the emotional and physical connection was fully there. he’s supposed to love her, but they had 3 scenes together.. idk
friendships felt a bit fast too, especially her immediate closeness with leah.
overall, i get that the story leans into fate and soulmates, but a slower introduction and deeper development would have made these relationships feel more natural. looking at all these five star reviews, i’m glad to see that everybody had a really good time with it. i recognize that i’m the anomaly here, but i just really wanted more depth!!
this was meant to be a really emotional book with a big emotional payoff, and for me it didn’t quite hit because of the rushed pacing and lack of bonding moments.
the ending worked for me. it’s not a typical happily ever after, which i appreciated. it gave me a thousand boy kisses vibes in the way it handled emotion and inevitability. it might have landed even harder if the warning of “this is not a HEA” wasn’t in the beginning, i unfortunately saw it coming.
overall, i enjoyed this book. but some depth would’ve turned this into a 5 star read for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
OH MY GOD THIS IS MAGNOLIA PARKS ON CRACK!! it is all of the happy flashbacks of parks and bj plus all of their present day joy just to be hit with all of the pain of the that series (without cheating trope) at the end and the book is ONLY 200 PAGES!!!!! I AM DEVASTATED AND HAVE LOST THE WILL TO LIVE! i don’t think my antidepressants are equipped to handle this kind of pain. with that said, WHERE THE HELL IS BOOK 2? BC I HAVE A FEELING WE HAVEN’T SEEN THE LAST OF A CERTAIN SOMEONE 👀
February 12, 2026
Thank you love notes PR for sending me the e-ARC
Unfortunately, I didn’t know it was not HEA and I don’t normally love these books so I couldn’t continue it. I admit I should have been more careful when I applied for the e-ARC
Unfortunately, I didn’t know it was not HEA and I don’t normally love these books so I couldn’t continue it. I admit I should have been more careful when I applied for the e-ARC
February 7, 2026
ARC Review
I really enjoyed the childhood flashbacks between Vix and Austin those moments added emotional depth and gave their connection a strong foundation. However, overall the story felt like it was missing something for me. The pacing moved very quickly, and I found myself wishing we had more time to truly get to know Kash and build deeper connections with the characters.
A lot of the major developments seemed to happen almost back to back which made some of the emotional moments feel rushed. The ending especially felt like it arrived suddenly without enough buildup.
That said, I still appreciated the story and the concept, and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future. Thank you for the ARC opportunity!
I really enjoyed the childhood flashbacks between Vix and Austin those moments added emotional depth and gave their connection a strong foundation. However, overall the story felt like it was missing something for me. The pacing moved very quickly, and I found myself wishing we had more time to truly get to know Kash and build deeper connections with the characters.
A lot of the major developments seemed to happen almost back to back which made some of the emotional moments feel rushed. The ending especially felt like it arrived suddenly without enough buildup.
That said, I still appreciated the story and the concept, and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future. Thank you for the ARC opportunity!
January 19, 2026
Y’all…I am not well!! Cadence Smoke broke my heart with this one and I can’t wait for her to mend it as the series continues!
I love that our soulmates got a second chance! I loved the flashbacks that showed how they were as kids, how they both fell for each other but couldn’t let their “best friend” know how they felt, and how this couple was the real deal from the moment they came back together. I loved how Vix was a black cat FMC (totally relatable) and Austin was a cinnamon roll MMC. Together they were perfection and you could feel how being best friends really connected them in the root of their souls. I loved all their cute moments, in the past and the present; I was literally kicking my feet with giddiness.
I loved Lee, Vix’s roommate/Kash’s sister/Austin’s former FWB, and how bubbly she was as well as how much of a girls girl she was. She was the biggest supporter of Vix and Austin’s relationship and I loved how she shut down any negative thoughts Vix had about them formerly hooking up. She was so freaking sweet and had such a good head on her shoulders. I’m going to need her to have a book at some point!
Aaaaaand I absolutely loved Kash!! Kash is a playboy who makes the group feel ridiculous because he is ridiculous in the best ways possible. I loved that he was also so different from Austin; Austin is the sweetheart and Kash is the badboy. Both with good hearts, both in love with Vix, both who she needs for different reasons 😊
Speaking of which, I honestly couldn’t believe how chill Austin was with Kash’s feelings for Vix, and some of Vix’s feelings for Kash as well… Kash is the reformed playboy in love with his best friend’s girl, and I felt so much for him at so many times. He was a guarded individual who was just as deserving of love as everyone else, and I loved where the story took him and the rest of the group together. I just know Kash is going to step up even more in future books, probably go through a lot of grief and heartache, and come out an even stronger and amazing man.
Lastly…THAT ENDING!!! Ok, I know Cadence has a couple books coming out this year, but I’m going to need book 2 STAT!!! I definitely believe that Vix has a long road ahead of her, but I also feel that she has a great support system around her. I’ll just be sitting here salivating until it’s written, Cadence…no pressure 🤣
Please note: THIS IS NOT AN HEA. I have a feeling we will get it, but we do not end on a good feeling in this book!! Please take your mental health seriously before reading.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Cadence Smoke for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
4.5 stars!
I love that our soulmates got a second chance! I loved the flashbacks that showed how they were as kids, how they both fell for each other but couldn’t let their “best friend” know how they felt, and how this couple was the real deal from the moment they came back together. I loved how Vix was a black cat FMC (totally relatable) and Austin was a cinnamon roll MMC. Together they were perfection and you could feel how being best friends really connected them in the root of their souls. I loved all their cute moments, in the past and the present; I was literally kicking my feet with giddiness.
I loved Lee, Vix’s roommate/Kash’s sister/Austin’s former FWB, and how bubbly she was as well as how much of a girls girl she was. She was the biggest supporter of Vix and Austin’s relationship and I loved how she shut down any negative thoughts Vix had about them formerly hooking up. She was so freaking sweet and had such a good head on her shoulders. I’m going to need her to have a book at some point!
Aaaaaand I absolutely loved Kash!! Kash is a playboy who makes the group feel ridiculous because he is ridiculous in the best ways possible. I loved that he was also so different from Austin; Austin is the sweetheart and Kash is the badboy. Both with good hearts, both in love with Vix, both who she needs for different reasons 😊
Speaking of which, I honestly couldn’t believe how chill Austin was with Kash’s feelings for Vix, and some of Vix’s feelings for Kash as well… Kash is the reformed playboy in love with his best friend’s girl, and I felt so much for him at so many times. He was a guarded individual who was just as deserving of love as everyone else, and I loved where the story took him and the rest of the group together. I just know Kash is going to step up even more in future books, probably go through a lot of grief and heartache, and come out an even stronger and amazing man.
Lastly…THAT ENDING!!! Ok, I know Cadence has a couple books coming out this year, but I’m going to need book 2 STAT!!! I definitely believe that Vix has a long road ahead of her, but I also feel that she has a great support system around her. I’ll just be sitting here salivating until it’s written, Cadence…no pressure 🤣
Please note: THIS IS NOT AN HEA. I have a feeling we will get it, but we do not end on a good feeling in this book!! Please take your mental health seriously before reading.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Cadence Smoke for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
4.5 stars!
January 24, 2026
I could not put this book down. I loved everything about it—except for the heartbreak 😭. The chemistry between all of the characters was incredible, and every relationship felt genuine and layered.
The flashbacks of Vic and Austin were especially well done. They gave such a clear understanding of the depth of their relationship and made it even more emotional to watch all the pieces fall into place as they found their way back to each other.
Vix’s friendship with her roommate Leah was another highlight. The black-cat/grumpy girl paired with the bubbly, sunshine roommate worked so well, and their bond felt authentic and supportive in all the right ways.
And of course, Kash— the playboy flirt, Leah’s brother, and Austin’s best friend. I absolutely loved him and the relationships he had with both Vix and Austin. It was refreshing and honestly beautiful to see that nothing changed between Kash and Austin after Kash finally confessed his feelings.
I knew going in that there wouldn’t be a happily ever after, but wow… I did not expect that ending. I braced myself for heartbreak, yet my heart was still completely ripped out. I’m so invested in seeing how Vix’s story continues, the road she has to walk, and how her relationships with everyone evolve from here.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Cadence Smoke for the advance review copy. I received this ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The flashbacks of Vic and Austin were especially well done. They gave such a clear understanding of the depth of their relationship and made it even more emotional to watch all the pieces fall into place as they found their way back to each other.
Vix’s friendship with her roommate Leah was another highlight. The black-cat/grumpy girl paired with the bubbly, sunshine roommate worked so well, and their bond felt authentic and supportive in all the right ways.
And of course, Kash— the playboy flirt, Leah’s brother, and Austin’s best friend. I absolutely loved him and the relationships he had with both Vix and Austin. It was refreshing and honestly beautiful to see that nothing changed between Kash and Austin after Kash finally confessed his feelings.
I knew going in that there wouldn’t be a happily ever after, but wow… I did not expect that ending. I braced myself for heartbreak, yet my heart was still completely ripped out. I’m so invested in seeing how Vix’s story continues, the road she has to walk, and how her relationships with everyone evolve from here.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Cadence Smoke for the advance review copy. I received this ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5☆
So this was a great ARC read and altough it was a shorter book I was totally invested. I already heard it was a tragic story with no HEA and altough I prefer books with a hea decided to read it. Because I knew, the impact was less, but I am glad I was emotionally prepared.
The story was fast paced and really enjoyed the writing style of the author. Also loved that the timeline went from present to past so we all get to learn how the friendship was in the past from our MC's.
I wished the book was a bit longer so the friendship between the FMC and her roommate and her brother had a more natural way of grow. It was a bit like insta love now.
I loved all 4 characters. And really looking forward to read the second book in Vic her story.
So this was a great ARC read and altough it was a shorter book I was totally invested. I already heard it was a tragic story with no HEA and altough I prefer books with a hea decided to read it. Because I knew, the impact was less, but I am glad I was emotionally prepared.
The story was fast paced and really enjoyed the writing style of the author. Also loved that the timeline went from present to past so we all get to learn how the friendship was in the past from our MC's.
I wished the book was a bit longer so the friendship between the FMC and her roommate and her brother had a more natural way of grow. It was a bit like insta love now.
I loved all 4 characters. And really looking forward to read the second book in Vic her story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
Review of advance copy received from the Author
This book is filled with romance, youthful passion, and a deep sense of connection, along with the MMC’s unwavering devotion. It moves between the present and the past of the protagonists, making their story even more emotional and meaningful.
Austin is truly a standout character—so beautifully written that it’s impossible not to fall for him, especially from the moment they reunite.
Just keep in mind that this isn’t a happily-ever-after kind of story, and I can guarantee it will bring a few tears.
This book is filled with romance, youthful passion, and a deep sense of connection, along with the MMC’s unwavering devotion. It moves between the present and the past of the protagonists, making their story even more emotional and meaningful.
Austin is truly a standout character—so beautifully written that it’s impossible not to fall for him, especially from the moment they reunite.
Just keep in mind that this isn’t a happily-ever-after kind of story, and I can guarantee it will bring a few tears.
February 12, 2026
This book may have only been 171 pages, but overall, it was a really good story. I’m not typically a novella reader. It was a quick read.
I definitely want to see what happens next. I knew going in that this book wouldn’t end with an HEA, but what did happen was not what I was expecting. I just wanted more... I didn't realize this was a novella when I signed up for the ARC.
I am intrigued and I will read book 2. I hope we get more depth.
I definitely want to see what happens next. I knew going in that this book wouldn’t end with an HEA, but what did happen was not what I was expecting. I just wanted more... I didn't realize this was a novella when I signed up for the ARC.
I am intrigued and I will read book 2. I hope we get more depth.
Review of advance copy
This book had a lot of things I liked, but the execution didn’t fully land for me :/
The childhood friends-to-lovers setup worked so well, and the chemistry between Vix and Austin was genuinely sweet! Their connection felt easy and natural, and the spice was solid for such a short book. I also really liked the friend group dynamic, especially Kash. He ended up being my favorite character in the story 💕
That said, the timing of some major plot choices really held this back. The MFM element came in very late, which made it feel rushed and bittersweet instead of fully developed. I actually liked the dynamic, but there wasn’t enough space to emotionally invest in it before everything unraveled
Austin’s death was sad, but knowing from the start (from the blurb and content note in the book) that this wasn’t a HEA dulled the emotional impact. I think I would’ve felt it more if I hadn’t been bracing for something bad the entire time. The ending itself also felt abrupt, more like a stopping point than a true conclusion, even knowing there's another book to continue the story
There were also a few unresolved threads and realism issues that pulled me out of the story, especially surrounding Austin’s disappearance and how easily everything fell back into place after five years
Overall, not terrible, but not fully satisfying either. I enjoyed parts of it, especially Kash's character, but the pacing, late plot turns, and abrupt ending kept this firmly at a 3-star read for me. I MIGHT read the next book, if only just to see what happens with Kash :p
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
The childhood friends-to-lovers setup worked so well, and the chemistry between Vix and Austin was genuinely sweet! Their connection felt easy and natural, and the spice was solid for such a short book. I also really liked the friend group dynamic, especially Kash. He ended up being my favorite character in the story 💕
That said, the timing of some major plot choices really held this back. The MFM element came in very late, which made it feel rushed and bittersweet instead of fully developed. I actually liked the dynamic, but there wasn’t enough space to emotionally invest in it before everything unraveled
Austin’s death was sad, but knowing from the start (from the blurb and content note in the book) that this wasn’t a HEA dulled the emotional impact. I think I would’ve felt it more if I hadn’t been bracing for something bad the entire time. The ending itself also felt abrupt, more like a stopping point than a true conclusion, even knowing there's another book to continue the story
There were also a few unresolved threads and realism issues that pulled me out of the story, especially surrounding Austin’s disappearance and how easily everything fell back into place after five years
Overall, not terrible, but not fully satisfying either. I enjoyed parts of it, especially Kash's character, but the pacing, late plot turns, and abrupt ending kept this firmly at a 3-star read for me. I MIGHT read the next book, if only just to see what happens with Kash :p
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
Thank you so much Cadence Smoke for the ARC of this incredible book! I am totally in a book hangover and dying to read the next one!
This story brought me back to when I was a bit younger (20s) and had me remembering all the amazing butterflies in my stomach feeling young love and passion for the first time. The author wrote these characters so distinctly that I was easily able to picture them in my mind. Vix, the sarcastic but loving loner that opens up her heart when she realizes she has found her true “family”. Austin the very loyal, loving, and accepting MMC that is just as loving as he is protective. Kash the gorgeous teddy bear comic relief that also has a big heart. Leah, the bubbly and gregarious bestie that is the kind of friend that most women wish that they could find.
This story had me feeling all the emotions. The nostalgia of being in love, the lusty steamy passion that finally comes after the slowest of slow burns, the excitement of something new and of things to come…. And the absolute devastation of loss and heartbreak.
The writing was perfectly paced and kept me guessing, while also being excited to see where the events of the story were going to lead. I can honestly say that I need so much more of these characters stories, and I am 1000% not ready for this book to be done. I am attached, and absolutely invested in where the next book is going to take them.
If you want a quick read that will make you fall in love and also crack your heart in to pieces, definitely read this book!
This story brought me back to when I was a bit younger (20s) and had me remembering all the amazing butterflies in my stomach feeling young love and passion for the first time. The author wrote these characters so distinctly that I was easily able to picture them in my mind. Vix, the sarcastic but loving loner that opens up her heart when she realizes she has found her true “family”. Austin the very loyal, loving, and accepting MMC that is just as loving as he is protective. Kash the gorgeous teddy bear comic relief that also has a big heart. Leah, the bubbly and gregarious bestie that is the kind of friend that most women wish that they could find.
This story had me feeling all the emotions. The nostalgia of being in love, the lusty steamy passion that finally comes after the slowest of slow burns, the excitement of something new and of things to come…. And the absolute devastation of loss and heartbreak.
The writing was perfectly paced and kept me guessing, while also being excited to see where the events of the story were going to lead. I can honestly say that I need so much more of these characters stories, and I am 1000% not ready for this book to be done. I am attached, and absolutely invested in where the next book is going to take them.
If you want a quick read that will make you fall in love and also crack your heart in to pieces, definitely read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
He’s going to ruin me, and I’m going to surrender without thinking twice."Austin is the love of my life, my best friend, the other half of me I never want to be without. I’ve known that since I was six years old."
💔 Tragedy
💕 First Love
🥰 Friends to Lovers
📖 College Setting
✨️ Found Family
🤞 Second Chances
"This feels like something new, something so incredibly different yet comfortable and just… right."
Review -
Wow for a novella this really packed an emotional punch! It had me feeling all the feels - I giggled, smiled, cringed, kicked my feet & cried all the in space of 180 Pages 🫠
The story of FMC Mavix & MMC Austin had me head over heels for them within the first couple chapters 🫶 the dual POV mixed with the dual timelines totally immersed me in their story & as a reader I couldnt help but just need them to be together!
From childhood besties reading all their stories & special pre/teen moments - to their here & now in college with a shot at a second chance, it really was a true love story ❤️ until it wasn't 💔
The found family they discovered in side characters Kash & Leah gave such a great dynamic, and the 4 of them together had easy flowing chemistry which just drew you into their instant friendship 🔥
But wow Cadence the ending - I think I stared at the last page for a good 10mins after finishing ... wondering just how could you 😭 its not one for the faint hearted! Here's to reading Thrill Her whilst impatiently waiting for the next book & the rest of their story 🖤
💔 Tragedy
💕 First Love
🥰 Friends to Lovers
📖 College Setting
✨️ Found Family
🤞 Second Chances
"This feels like something new, something so incredibly different yet comfortable and just… right."
Review -
Wow for a novella this really packed an emotional punch! It had me feeling all the feels - I giggled, smiled, cringed, kicked my feet & cried all the in space of 180 Pages 🫠
The story of FMC Mavix & MMC Austin had me head over heels for them within the first couple chapters 🫶 the dual POV mixed with the dual timelines totally immersed me in their story & as a reader I couldnt help but just need them to be together!
From childhood besties reading all their stories & special pre/teen moments - to their here & now in college with a shot at a second chance, it really was a true love story ❤️ until it wasn't 💔
The found family they discovered in side characters Kash & Leah gave such a great dynamic, and the 4 of them together had easy flowing chemistry which just drew you into their instant friendship 🔥
But wow Cadence the ending - I think I stared at the last page for a good 10mins after finishing ... wondering just how could you 😭 its not one for the faint hearted! Here's to reading Thrill Her whilst impatiently waiting for the next book & the rest of their story 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Outro
It was my first contact with the author, I must say that I liked it and that the chapters in her book are so short, that we don't even notice the pages passing by. A youthful love that is lost and that, in a very casual way, is rescued a few years later. There are loves with second chances, and many open hearts. He tells her that paper butterflies have their meaning and their love too. Even though I liked it, I felt that this book is just an introductory one to what will come next, I always felt a lot of melancholy in the writing, and even though there is no HEA, there are a lot of questions left in the air! I hope for answers! Kash grieves for Vix. Vix grieves for Austun. And we are left in limbo. I would have liked to have known Kash more, we already know who Austin is and where this love began, and oddly enough he was the character I liked the most, but he knows almost nothing about it. At times I felt everything was very superficial and I would have liked to have felt more towards him. But as an introductory book (in my opinion) I believe we will get to know all the characters and plots better.
I thank the author for sending her ARC, this is my opinion.
I thank the author for sending her ARC, this is my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Now He's Mine was a absolutely beautiful heart aching book to read. The characters were amazing and the plot had my emotions going wild. It was well written even with it being a short read it had everything you needed and the end left you needing more.
Mavix the FMC is a beautiful, dark, and is a hilarious woman. She tough and spicy. Off to college she never imagined having her love of her life walk right into her dorm after he vanished without a word for years.
Austin aka Aussy. He is a handsome, sweet, spicy MMC. After up and leaving the one girl he always loved he find himself walking straight into her dorm. They reconnect and he is finally able to tell her the truth.
Kash is a man any girl would be lucky to have. Best friends with Austin and enjoying college life. He is a jokester and always knows how to make someone laugh (he had me giggling).
Leah is Kash sister and quickly becomes Vix's best friend. She is girly and is the light to Vix dark. She brings a joy to their group of 4.
Past stories, futures, and heart break.
Mavix the FMC is a beautiful, dark, and is a hilarious woman. She tough and spicy. Off to college she never imagined having her love of her life walk right into her dorm after he vanished without a word for years.
Austin aka Aussy. He is a handsome, sweet, spicy MMC. After up and leaving the one girl he always loved he find himself walking straight into her dorm. They reconnect and he is finally able to tell her the truth.
Kash is a man any girl would be lucky to have. Best friends with Austin and enjoying college life. He is a jokester and always knows how to make someone laugh (he had me giggling).
Leah is Kash sister and quickly becomes Vix's best friend. She is girly and is the light to Vix dark. She brings a joy to their group of 4.
Past stories, futures, and heart break.
February 1, 2026
✨I finished this book a few days ago and I’m still trying to find the words! This book wrecked me! But I loved every minute of it. The writing was great and the way she was able to convey the emotions of the characters in the books. Just amazing!
✨I thought it was a beautiful storyline of childhood best friends losing touch for so many years only to be reconnected later on in life. I loved Vix’s and Austin’s relationship. But then enters Kash, and things get tricky or do they? I can’t wait for the next book in this series!! I need my heart to be put back together again! ❤️🩹
🤍FAVORITE QUOTE🤍
“I would fly across the world a thousand times over if it meant seeing you smile,”
📚18/150
ARC REVIEW #13 (How fitting, IYKYK)
✨Thank you to LoveNotesPR and Cadence Smoke for an opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
✨I thought it was a beautiful storyline of childhood best friends losing touch for so many years only to be reconnected later on in life. I loved Vix’s and Austin’s relationship. But then enters Kash, and things get tricky or do they? I can’t wait for the next book in this series!! I need my heart to be put back together again! ❤️🩹
🤍FAVORITE QUOTE🤍
“I would fly across the world a thousand times over if it meant seeing you smile,”
📚18/150
ARC REVIEW #13 (How fitting, IYKYK)
✨Thank you to LoveNotesPR and Cadence Smoke for an opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 8, 2026
To start, this was the first book I've read by Cadence, and I'll say I absolutely loved it and they have become an auto-buy author for me.
This storyline was strong, emotional, relatable and overall written very well. The MMC is one of my favorites. He's massively in love with the FMC and I love that for her. I enjoyed the friendships between the main characters and how their relationships developed throughout the book.
There was a massive plot twist, that I didn't see coming at all but I'm glad it happened that way. And THEN the ending smacked me out of nowhere and I was a blubbering, sobbing mess. I didn't expect to get emotional during this book but I absolutely did. It was one hell of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
This storyline was strong, emotional, relatable and overall written very well. The MMC is one of my favorites. He's massively in love with the FMC and I love that for her. I enjoyed the friendships between the main characters and how their relationships developed throughout the book.
There was a massive plot twist, that I didn't see coming at all but I'm glad it happened that way. And THEN the ending smacked me out of nowhere and I was a blubbering, sobbing mess. I didn't expect to get emotional during this book but I absolutely did. It was one hell of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
February 12, 2026
This is not a HEA! These characters learn early on that nothing lasts forever. The two MCs were childhood best friends that were separated because of the decisions of adults in their lives. Fate brings them back together and they begin to make up lost time but all good things come to an end. The author did a great job of switching between past and present to show how the connection between the MCs grew overtime. The relationships she built between the characters was amazing and made it possible to visualize them in real life. The emotional roller coaster this story takes you on is brutal and then it ends on a cliff hanger.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Candace for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own💜💜
February 25, 2026
OMG the feels!! Now He’s Mine is a childhood friends to lovers with why choose romance. This is Vix, Austin, and Kash’s story filled with past regrets, rekindling friendships and acceptance. Vix is starting college at her dream school and met Kash, who isn’t only an attractive guy but is best friends with her childhood friend Austin. Their story has a little love triangle, but also she got all her answers about what happened to Austin. I love how they rekindled and just grew more closer, but her building friendships with Kash opened doors for them. Their story is sweet and that twist in the end with a little cliffy!? I’ve never cried so hard! I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more!
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance reader copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance reader copy.
January 18, 2026
ARC REVIEW
The prologue had me from the get go and let me tell you I was not prepared for what was about to happen!
Vix and Austin are childhood best friends who always loved each other, Austin moved away without telling her on their 15th birthday due to his family. Years later they find themselves at the same university only that Austin has been keeping tabs on her since he left. They quickly became close and starting dating, but vix as much as she loves him also has feeling for his best friend. I’m
Not going to spoil the story but this book has so many plot twists I was not expecting, the heartbreak, spice, banter and the ending?!? CRIMINAL! I can’t wait to keep reading about their story and see how it progresses
Be prepared to cry your eyes out 😭
Thankyou love notes pr and cadence for this arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
The prologue had me from the get go and let me tell you I was not prepared for what was about to happen!
Vix and Austin are childhood best friends who always loved each other, Austin moved away without telling her on their 15th birthday due to his family. Years later they find themselves at the same university only that Austin has been keeping tabs on her since he left. They quickly became close and starting dating, but vix as much as she loves him also has feeling for his best friend. I’m
Not going to spoil the story but this book has so many plot twists I was not expecting, the heartbreak, spice, banter and the ending?!? CRIMINAL! I can’t wait to keep reading about their story and see how it progresses
Be prepared to cry your eyes out 😭
Thankyou love notes pr and cadence for this arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Read
February 8, 2026No HEA
Best friends Austin and Vix lose touch when he leaves without a word. Five years later they are reunited at college. I loved the friendship between her and Leah. There were things that made me raise my eyebrows like Leah and Austin's relationship prior to Vix. Vix and Kash connection from the beginning. At any rate I knew it was not going to end on a HEA and kinda of knew something was up when things veered in the direction they did. So I am curious how the next book will pan out.
Best friends Austin and Vix lose touch when he leaves without a word. Five years later they are reunited at college. I loved the friendship between her and Leah. There were things that made me raise my eyebrows like Leah and Austin's relationship prior to Vix. Vix and Kash connection from the beginning. At any rate I knew it was not going to end on a HEA and kinda of knew something was up when things veered in the direction they did. So I am curious how the next book will pan out.
January 16, 2026
I had the pleasure of being chosen as an ARC reader for this amazing book! This book hit all the emotions and I loved every second of it. The characters were so relatable and the tragedy that occurred 100% made me emotional.
I can already tell this book will be lingering with me for a long while.
🥰 He Falls First
💞 Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
🫶 First Loves
🌟 Cinnamon Roll MMC x Black Cat FMC
📚 College Life
💔 Tragedy
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
I can already tell this book will be lingering with me for a long while.
🥰 He Falls First
💞 Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
🫶 First Loves
🌟 Cinnamon Roll MMC x Black Cat FMC
📚 College Life
💔 Tragedy
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
February 3, 2026
I want more. I don’t know enough. Where did Aussy move? How long is his dad serving? What’s going on with the bad guys now? Did they just give up on revenge? Why would his mom put him through that? What did the butterflies say? And what about Vix? Where’s her dad? What was her life like when Austin was gone?
There’s just not enough. I also feel like I need Austin and Leah’s background. I need Kashs first impression of Vix. I need it all.
Vibes give wrecked or if he had been with me.
There’s just not enough. I also feel like I need Austin and Leah’s background. I need Kashs first impression of Vix. I need it all.
Vibes give wrecked or if he had been with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
ArC💕
“He's everything I've always wanted, and never allowed myself to have. But now? He's here. And I'm never letting him go.”
Trope:
-He Falls First
-Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
-First Loves
-Cinnamon Roll MMC x Black Cat FMC
-College Life
-Tragedy
“He's everything I've always wanted, and never allowed myself to have. But now? He's here. And I'm never letting him go.”
Trope:
-He Falls First
-Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
-First Loves
-Cinnamon Roll MMC x Black Cat FMC
-College Life
-Tragedy
Review of advance copy received from Author
what a read!!! I definitely almost cried at one point. this was an amazing story and my first read from candence I can't wait to see what's next for her!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I appreciate the warning that this is not HEA, but that was a knife straight to my heart! I'm still sobbing!! It's great, though, especially if you need a good cry 😭😭😭
February 12, 2026
What an emotional roller coaster!!
And I’m here for it!
I loved the characters and story line! My heart has been shattered into two and put back together again as per usual.
Cadence Smoke has a way with words, hitting deep within the core.
I couldn’t get enough of this and can’t wait to read more from the author!
And I’m here for it!
I loved the characters and story line! My heart has been shattered into two and put back together again as per usual.
Cadence Smoke has a way with words, hitting deep within the core.
I couldn’t get enough of this and can’t wait to read more from the author!
February 8, 2026
“I’ll go Lorelai Gilmore on someone’s ass if I haven’t had a fresh cup of Joe the moment I open my eyes.” You know it’s going to be a good read when it starts off mentioning our Queen.
I felt like I was back at college with my soulmate friends just fucking around and finding out. The love these characters share is incredibly heartwarming and their tragedy is absolutely heartbreaking.
I started reading this at night and told myself not to finish it because there isn’t a happy ending… so here I am crying in bed at 2am. I didn’t finish this book, it finished me.
🖤 Childhood Best friends to Lovers
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 First Loves
🖤 Cinnamon Roll x Black Cat
🖤 College Life
🖤 Tragedy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just so you’re aware, this is not a happily ever after. Take care of your heart and your mental health.
I felt like I was back at college with my soulmate friends just fucking around and finding out. The love these characters share is incredibly heartwarming and their tragedy is absolutely heartbreaking.
I started reading this at night and told myself not to finish it because there isn’t a happy ending… so here I am crying in bed at 2am. I didn’t finish this book, it finished me.
🖤 Childhood Best friends to Lovers
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 First Loves
🖤 Cinnamon Roll x Black Cat
🖤 College Life
🖤 Tragedy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just so you’re aware, this is not a happily ever after. Take care of your heart and your mental health.
March 1, 2026
Omg! This book! 🤯
If you want to feel every feeling possible then this is the book to read. It’s under 200 pages so it was a very quick read, which I enjoyed because I didn’t want to stop reading. I can’t wait for the release of book 2!
Available on KU
If you want to feel every feeling possible then this is the book to read. It’s under 200 pages so it was a very quick read, which I enjoyed because I didn’t want to stop reading. I can’t wait for the release of book 2!
Available on KU
January 25, 2026
Title: Now He’s Mine (Almost Forever: Book 1)
Author: Cadence Smoke
Review: I received an (ARC) Advanced Reader Copy for MY honest review for free.
This is my first book by Cadence Smoke, and to be honest, I don’t know how I feel.
This is the first book in the ‘Almost Forever’ series where we meet Vix and Austin (Aussy). Childhood best friends that have been in love with each other since they were six years old but had no idea how to say those feelings out loud without potentially ruining the friendship.
After Austin’s father makes some bad financial choices, his family has no other option but to leave town. Austin can’t face saying goodbye to his soulmate, so he leaves only a note saying he’s sorry that he had to go, and not to hate him. Thus, leaving Vix in absolute heartbreak, never really moving on with her life, feeling like a part of her is missing.
Fast-forward a few years and Vix is enrolled into college where she coincidentally comes face to face with the other half of her heart, Aussy. Finally reunited at last, but can they move forward after he broke her heart? (Not by choice, of course)
I should have known better after reading the blurb and authors note: This is not a happily ever after.
But I’m still left heartbroken… for what they could have had, for what they should have had, after being disconnected for so many years.
At first, there is a weird dynamic between the ex-lover/new bestie. The connection between Vix and Leah is fast, but you can’t not like Leah, she is the definition of a girls girl. She makes it easy and not weird, talking about hooking up with Austin, and I’m happy that Vix has finally found a best friend she can reply on.
Then there is the connection Vix has with Kash. He is so easy going, with his golden-retriever energy and good looks. What’s not to love. She has an undeniable connection to Kash but can’t wrap her head around it when she just got Aussy back.
The relationships are actually very mature and well written that I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see where it was leading.
The story so far has been addictive. The friendships, young love, turned into heartbreak, sorrow, then the meeting again after so many years. This is a fast-paced romance that will have you invested from the very first chapter. I really loved the past and present duel pov's. My only wish was that it was longer as I ate this up within a couple of hours. Now I'm left daydreaming for the rest of the day trying to wrap my heart around it.
I don’t even know what else to write without spoiling anything other than keep your tissues close, because this one has left me broken, and I need book two right now!
P.S. The box of one hundred paper butterflies… ahhh my heart!
“Austin doesn’t just hug you; he hugs you, holds you, and molds your body to his, making you feel safe. I’ve missed his hugs. I’ve missed him.”
“I thought I was never going to see you again.” She cries. “You left, and I didn’t hear from you. I had no idea what to do with myself. I was in love with you, you know. I didn’t know how to say it or if I ever would. But then you were gone, and I was alone with my grief, mourning my best friend and all that we could have had.”
“If ever you doubt for a single second how I feel about you, if ever you need that extra love on a day you are feeling unlovable, read the butterflies. You’ll see that living the rest of my life without you was never an option for me.”
Stars: 4.25/5 ★
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Recommend: Yes
Notes: ARC received from Love Notes PR and Author - Cadence Smoke
Author: Cadence Smoke
Review: I received an (ARC) Advanced Reader Copy for MY honest review for free.
This is my first book by Cadence Smoke, and to be honest, I don’t know how I feel.
This is the first book in the ‘Almost Forever’ series where we meet Vix and Austin (Aussy). Childhood best friends that have been in love with each other since they were six years old but had no idea how to say those feelings out loud without potentially ruining the friendship.
After Austin’s father makes some bad financial choices, his family has no other option but to leave town. Austin can’t face saying goodbye to his soulmate, so he leaves only a note saying he’s sorry that he had to go, and not to hate him. Thus, leaving Vix in absolute heartbreak, never really moving on with her life, feeling like a part of her is missing.
Fast-forward a few years and Vix is enrolled into college where she coincidentally comes face to face with the other half of her heart, Aussy. Finally reunited at last, but can they move forward after he broke her heart? (Not by choice, of course)
I should have known better after reading the blurb and authors note: This is not a happily ever after.
But I’m still left heartbroken… for what they could have had, for what they should have had, after being disconnected for so many years.
At first, there is a weird dynamic between the ex-lover/new bestie. The connection between Vix and Leah is fast, but you can’t not like Leah, she is the definition of a girls girl. She makes it easy and not weird, talking about hooking up with Austin, and I’m happy that Vix has finally found a best friend she can reply on.
Then there is the connection Vix has with Kash. He is so easy going, with his golden-retriever energy and good looks. What’s not to love. She has an undeniable connection to Kash but can’t wrap her head around it when she just got Aussy back.
The relationships are actually very mature and well written that I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see where it was leading.
The story so far has been addictive. The friendships, young love, turned into heartbreak, sorrow, then the meeting again after so many years. This is a fast-paced romance that will have you invested from the very first chapter. I really loved the past and present duel pov's. My only wish was that it was longer as I ate this up within a couple of hours. Now I'm left daydreaming for the rest of the day trying to wrap my heart around it.
I don’t even know what else to write without spoiling anything other than keep your tissues close, because this one has left me broken, and I need book two right now!
P.S. The box of one hundred paper butterflies… ahhh my heart!
“Austin doesn’t just hug you; he hugs you, holds you, and molds your body to his, making you feel safe. I’ve missed his hugs. I’ve missed him.”
“I thought I was never going to see you again.” She cries. “You left, and I didn’t hear from you. I had no idea what to do with myself. I was in love with you, you know. I didn’t know how to say it or if I ever would. But then you were gone, and I was alone with my grief, mourning my best friend and all that we could have had.”
“If ever you doubt for a single second how I feel about you, if ever you need that extra love on a day you are feeling unlovable, read the butterflies. You’ll see that living the rest of my life without you was never an option for me.”
Stars: 4.25/5 ★
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Recommend: Yes
Notes: ARC received from Love Notes PR and Author - Cadence Smoke
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