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Cadence of the Storm
Two worlds. One storm.
Can we survive the chaos—or will it consume us both?
Ryan: My goals were simple, even if my life wasn’t. My world was black and white and straight lines.
That is, until Risha Verma crashed into it. With her radiance, creative expression, and that burning chemistry, she enveloped me to my core.
She gives me closure I didn’t know I needed. She makes me a better man; I didn’t realize I wanted to be. And, she opens my eyes to a world I didn’t know I yearned for.
Risha: My life was a struggle between control, peace, and independence. I was trapped between the weight of expectations and dreams of an elusive future. Breaking free would brand me rebellious, while every mistake would carve my present. I live in two worlds: one I can’t escape, and one I can never fully claim.
That is, until I cross paths with a devastatingly gorgeous Ryan McAlister. We have nothing in common—our goals, our lives, our futures couldn’t be further apart—yet he awakens a storm I’ve fought so hard to silence. Beneath all the differences, we are alike. And he stirs a storm in me I never saw coming.
I let myself get swept into it—playing along, surrendering to its rhythm, pretending the moment could last forever. And then, everything unravels, and I realize I was never meant to belong to this storm.
Can we survive the chaos—or will it consume us both?
Ryan: My goals were simple, even if my life wasn’t. My world was black and white and straight lines.
That is, until Risha Verma crashed into it. With her radiance, creative expression, and that burning chemistry, she enveloped me to my core.
She gives me closure I didn’t know I needed. She makes me a better man; I didn’t realize I wanted to be. And, she opens my eyes to a world I didn’t know I yearned for.
Risha: My life was a struggle between control, peace, and independence. I was trapped between the weight of expectations and dreams of an elusive future. Breaking free would brand me rebellious, while every mistake would carve my present. I live in two worlds: one I can’t escape, and one I can never fully claim.
That is, until I cross paths with a devastatingly gorgeous Ryan McAlister. We have nothing in common—our goals, our lives, our futures couldn’t be further apart—yet he awakens a storm I’ve fought so hard to silence. Beneath all the differences, we are alike. And he stirs a storm in me I never saw coming.
I let myself get swept into it—playing along, surrendering to its rhythm, pretending the moment could last forever. And then, everything unravels, and I realize I was never meant to belong to this storm.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2025
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Delia Duke
5 books4 followersA new and upcoming author, Delia writes contemporary romance with a deliciously stubborn alpha male, strong female, and plenty of angst.
A travel enthusiast and a foodie at heart, she loves incorporating her life experiences into her stories and will never say no to girls’ night out.
An analyst by day and a writer by night, if she is not working, you will find her traveling the world with her family or eating out with her friends.
To know more about Delia please visit at deliadukebooks
A travel enthusiast and a foodie at heart, she loves incorporating her life experiences into her stories and will never say no to girls’ night out.
An analyst by day and a writer by night, if she is not working, you will find her traveling the world with her family or eating out with her friends.
To know more about Delia please visit at deliadukebooks
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 15, 2025
Arc review✨
I would like to say a big thank you to Delia Duke, Victory Editing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an arc and leave an honest review of Cadence of the Storm.
Cadence of the storm is a gripping emotional love story that will stay with you after you read this book!
💐Star crossed lovers
💐Interracial romance
💐Billionaire CEO romance
💐Dual pov
💐Slow burn
💐Instant attraction
💐Different worlds
💐Emotional scars
Cadence of the storm is a beautiful story that has passion, intensity and includes a beautiful message of self-love and discovery.
The story follows Risha Verma who is a 2nd generation Asian American who is trying to navigate the difficulties of cultural expectations from her family and discovering what she truly wants in life.
Ryan McAlister is drawn to Risha the second he lays his eyes on her and the attraction is there from the beginning. Ryan is from a completely different world from Risha but he also has his own past that he struggles to deal with.
Ryan is the CEO of the McAlister group and doesn’t like any mess in his life and is determined to keep it that way… until he meets Risha.
Risha and Ryan have nothing in common but both cannot resist each other. Ryan admires Risha from the beginning and wants to be with her but he soon realises not everything as it appears to be.
The chemistry jumps from the pages and the emotional highs and lows will definitely get you hooked and you will want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
I enjoyed the story, it was a little slow for me personally at the beginning but I loved the portrayal of vulnerability from both characters and Ryan definitely became my new book boyfriend. You will go through a wide of emotions whilst reading this book but Cadence of the Storm has it all!
If you like an emotional ride where the chemistry is undeniable this book is for you!
I would like to say a big thank you to Delia Duke, Victory Editing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an arc and leave an honest review of Cadence of the Storm.
Cadence of the storm is a gripping emotional love story that will stay with you after you read this book!
💐Star crossed lovers
💐Interracial romance
💐Billionaire CEO romance
💐Dual pov
💐Slow burn
💐Instant attraction
💐Different worlds
💐Emotional scars
Cadence of the storm is a beautiful story that has passion, intensity and includes a beautiful message of self-love and discovery.
The story follows Risha Verma who is a 2nd generation Asian American who is trying to navigate the difficulties of cultural expectations from her family and discovering what she truly wants in life.
Ryan McAlister is drawn to Risha the second he lays his eyes on her and the attraction is there from the beginning. Ryan is from a completely different world from Risha but he also has his own past that he struggles to deal with.
Ryan is the CEO of the McAlister group and doesn’t like any mess in his life and is determined to keep it that way… until he meets Risha.
Risha and Ryan have nothing in common but both cannot resist each other. Ryan admires Risha from the beginning and wants to be with her but he soon realises not everything as it appears to be.
The chemistry jumps from the pages and the emotional highs and lows will definitely get you hooked and you will want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
I enjoyed the story, it was a little slow for me personally at the beginning but I loved the portrayal of vulnerability from both characters and Ryan definitely became my new book boyfriend. You will go through a wide of emotions whilst reading this book but Cadence of the Storm has it all!
If you like an emotional ride where the chemistry is undeniable this book is for you!
November 6, 2025
I think one of the most difficult and misunderstood struggles belongs to the first-generation children of immigrant parents. Unless you've lived through it, it is so difficult to understand the struggle of wanting a western lifestyle while being raised under the expectations of eastern traditions. And yes, some very outdated traditions as well. When this story first started to describe Risha's struggles with her family, I thought that someone unfamiliar with this east vs west dynamic may find Risha's experiences exaggerated. But for those of us who have lived through it, faced the silence from loved ones and felt the weight of familial duty, it rings painfully true. The author does a very good job at writing about the painful struggle faced by Risha.
Because this dynamic was important to me, I would have loved to see more exploration of how Risha navigated her family's disapproval of her lifestyle and how Ryan handled that tension as well. Personally, I would have traded a few of the spicier scenes for a deeper dive into this east vs west conflict, which I found to be the most compelling aspect of the story. That said, I understand this comes down to personal preference and what each reader seeks in a novel. For those who enjoy heavier romantic content and a fair share of smut, this balance will be satisfying. But personally, I was yearning for more focus on the cultural and emotional struggles beneath it all.
Cece. Was this woman a friend or a foe? I honestly thought I was going to be hit with a plot twist where Cece would be revealed as an enemy not a friend based on her comments and behavior. Right from the start, we see Cece telling Risha and Ryan that they have nothing in common. Two people who she knows well, are single and have an instant attraction to each other. Why, as a friend, would you say that? This continues throughout the book. Finally, when Vikki and Cece are talking about Risha in front of Risha and Ryan and discussing her struggles with her family and ex-boyfriend Patrick: Now, I can see why Vikki would do that. But again, isn't Cece supposed to be the best friend? Her role always felt disloyal to me.
Overall, Cadence of the Storm is a beautiful love story that taps into the complexity of living between two worlds.
Thank you Netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Because this dynamic was important to me, I would have loved to see more exploration of how Risha navigated her family's disapproval of her lifestyle and how Ryan handled that tension as well. Personally, I would have traded a few of the spicier scenes for a deeper dive into this east vs west conflict, which I found to be the most compelling aspect of the story. That said, I understand this comes down to personal preference and what each reader seeks in a novel. For those who enjoy heavier romantic content and a fair share of smut, this balance will be satisfying. But personally, I was yearning for more focus on the cultural and emotional struggles beneath it all.
Cece. Was this woman a friend or a foe? I honestly thought I was going to be hit with a plot twist where Cece would be revealed as an enemy not a friend based on her comments and behavior. Right from the start, we see Cece telling Risha and Ryan that they have nothing in common. Two people who she knows well, are single and have an instant attraction to each other. Why, as a friend, would you say that? This continues throughout the book. Finally, when Vikki and Cece are talking about Risha in front of Risha and Ryan and discussing her struggles with her family and ex-boyfriend Patrick: Now, I can see why Vikki would do that. But again, isn't Cece supposed to be the best friend? Her role always felt disloyal to me.
Overall, Cadence of the Storm is a beautiful love story that taps into the complexity of living between two worlds.
Thank you Netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2025
If you love a good romance that includes the chase, the patience and understanding this is a good book for you. He's a millionaire thrust into a position way too early and people think he has it all together. But he has a past he hasn't dealt with.
She's a successful and very sought after business woman who is living a double life.
Neither are considering a relationship until their eyes meet. Then they are locked in.
As the layers of onions are pulled away, the secrets begin to be exposed. The closer she gets to understanding and embracing love the more the past comes to haunt and sabotage their future.
She's a successful and very sought after business woman who is living a double life.
Neither are considering a relationship until their eyes meet. Then they are locked in.
As the layers of onions are pulled away, the secrets begin to be exposed. The closer she gets to understanding and embracing love the more the past comes to haunt and sabotage their future.
October 27, 2025
A breathtakingly beautiful story that will sweep you off your feet with its fast-paced, high-heat storyline and stunning metaphors. This interracial romance stole my heart with its portrayal of love and vulnerability, making it a truly unforgettable read.
Ryan McAlister is my new book boyfriend ❤️❤️❤️
Ryan McAlister is my new book boyfriend ❤️❤️❤️
November 17, 2025
This was a beautiful story that I will never forget.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
December 17, 2025
Do you believe that opposites attract? I definitely do, and even more so after reading Cadence of the Storm by Delia Duke. Risha Verma is a successful engineering director but feels burdened by the weight of her South Asian parents’ unreasonable expectations. When she meets real-estate tycoon and billionaire Ryan McAlister at a party, sparks begin to fly. These two come from opposite worlds, but there’s a magnetic pull between them that cannot be ignored…
What I enjoyed about this novel was that both central protagonists are well-developed characters with their own backstories. Risha, in particular, is complex and three-dimensional. Her cultural background as a child of South Asian immigrants, though she has lived in America her whole life, makes her feel conflicted about her own identity. Moreover, her mother is very controlling and constantly pressures her daughter to agree to an arranged marriage and start a family. She feels trapped and never good enough, and I feel for her predicament. The author’s clever use of metaphor and imagery gave me insight into her emotions: “The concept of matchmaking was bile constantly sloshing inside my bloodstream; neither could I run away nor swallow the poison once and for all.”
The chemistry between Risha and Ryan was what made this book truly addictive to read. I don’t think there was even one point at which the magnetism and sexual/emotional pull between this pair fell flat. This is due, I feel, to nuanced descriptions of body language, as well as dialogue that simmers with undercurrents of sexual tension. For example, “His jacket brushed the fabric of my dress and, suddenly, every nerve in me was awake, raw and aware of just how close we were.” As the story continued to unfold, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is a spicy romance that gets the pulse racing! The sex scenes are adeptly handled (I was glued to the pages!). Ryan is a dominant lover, and fans of contemporary romance with a high heat level will no doubt be enthralled with the undeniable pull between him and Risha.
However, I think this book is about more than simply finding your soulmate. Risha feels lost, unable to determine what she wants, with her parents’ expectations. I liked the way that Ryan encouraged her to embrace her love for interior design. He validates Risha in a way that nobody ever has, which means a lot to her. She struggles to stand up for herself, which affects her self-esteem. Ryan gives her the confidence to stand her ground with others.
If, like me, you enjoy spicy contemporary romance with well-developed characters who you can easily root for, then you won’t be disappointed with Cadence of the Storm. I feel that Delia Duke is able to skillfully combine sexual chemistry and heartfelt connection in a way that’s bound to satisfy any discerning reader of the romance genre. This one got my pulse racing; I’ll definitely be reading more of her books in the future!
What I enjoyed about this novel was that both central protagonists are well-developed characters with their own backstories. Risha, in particular, is complex and three-dimensional. Her cultural background as a child of South Asian immigrants, though she has lived in America her whole life, makes her feel conflicted about her own identity. Moreover, her mother is very controlling and constantly pressures her daughter to agree to an arranged marriage and start a family. She feels trapped and never good enough, and I feel for her predicament. The author’s clever use of metaphor and imagery gave me insight into her emotions: “The concept of matchmaking was bile constantly sloshing inside my bloodstream; neither could I run away nor swallow the poison once and for all.”
The chemistry between Risha and Ryan was what made this book truly addictive to read. I don’t think there was even one point at which the magnetism and sexual/emotional pull between this pair fell flat. This is due, I feel, to nuanced descriptions of body language, as well as dialogue that simmers with undercurrents of sexual tension. For example, “His jacket brushed the fabric of my dress and, suddenly, every nerve in me was awake, raw and aware of just how close we were.” As the story continued to unfold, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is a spicy romance that gets the pulse racing! The sex scenes are adeptly handled (I was glued to the pages!). Ryan is a dominant lover, and fans of contemporary romance with a high heat level will no doubt be enthralled with the undeniable pull between him and Risha.
However, I think this book is about more than simply finding your soulmate. Risha feels lost, unable to determine what she wants, with her parents’ expectations. I liked the way that Ryan encouraged her to embrace her love for interior design. He validates Risha in a way that nobody ever has, which means a lot to her. She struggles to stand up for herself, which affects her self-esteem. Ryan gives her the confidence to stand her ground with others.
If, like me, you enjoy spicy contemporary romance with well-developed characters who you can easily root for, then you won’t be disappointed with Cadence of the Storm. I feel that Delia Duke is able to skillfully combine sexual chemistry and heartfelt connection in a way that’s bound to satisfy any discerning reader of the romance genre. This one got my pulse racing; I’ll definitely be reading more of her books in the future!
November 10, 2025
I thought this was a very sweet love story.
The two main characters had instant chemistry that they each fought at times...and other times they both embraced it. They definitely had an up & down, back & forth relationship, but I enjoyed how it ended. Her friendships were strange & up & down also. Didn't really know what to expect from her friends - whether they would support her or be rude & demeaning.
The whole premise that she was from an immigrant family & her family only wanted her to marry someone of her same nationality, parents didn't approve of her, forced her to do a specific career, etc.... it didn't have to be written the way it was, that she was specifically Indian. This is common in many different nationalities, not to mention the whole rich vs poor.... none of that benefited or enriched the book. Nationality could have been left out of it & it probably would have been more relatable to more people.
Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The two main characters had instant chemistry that they each fought at times...and other times they both embraced it. They definitely had an up & down, back & forth relationship, but I enjoyed how it ended. Her friendships were strange & up & down also. Didn't really know what to expect from her friends - whether they would support her or be rude & demeaning.
The whole premise that she was from an immigrant family & her family only wanted her to marry someone of her same nationality, parents didn't approve of her, forced her to do a specific career, etc.... it didn't have to be written the way it was, that she was specifically Indian. This is common in many different nationalities, not to mention the whole rich vs poor.... none of that benefited or enriched the book. Nationality could have been left out of it & it probably would have been more relatable to more people.
Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
So, as an immigrant myself, and coming from a traditional family, I felt this book a little bit more than the regular reader (eventhough I am not Asian). But the story is relatable,
This is the story of two people who are so polar opposites in views, family, traditions, but are also so alike in independence, self worth, and a need to belong. Their chemistry is unreal, but they both have self battles /damage to deal with. For him is past relationships, his business, his need for order and control -made him grumpy-, for her is the expectations of family, legacy, and seeing herselft as not a part of his world.
It is interesting to see them trying to navigate the ups and downs of their chemistry/relationship, while hearing insight from those closer to them. At the end it is only them wthi iwll have to decided is the storm they are entering is worth their time!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of two people who are so polar opposites in views, family, traditions, but are also so alike in independence, self worth, and a need to belong. Their chemistry is unreal, but they both have self battles /damage to deal with. For him is past relationships, his business, his need for order and control -made him grumpy-, for her is the expectations of family, legacy, and seeing herselft as not a part of his world.
It is interesting to see them trying to navigate the ups and downs of their chemistry/relationship, while hearing insight from those closer to them. At the end it is only them wthi iwll have to decided is the storm they are entering is worth their time!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
Cadence of the Storm is a passionate and emotional ride, filled with angst and self-discovery. As a 2nd generation Asian American, Risha navigates the complexities of cultural expectations and finding her own identity. Ryan is drawn to her strength and perfection until he starts discovering the cracks and not so perfect woman he first thought she was. Together, they confront their own demons and learn to accept themselves for who they are and what they can be when they are with each other, making their romance a powerful exploration of love and identity.
October 27, 2025
Billionaire CEO
Steamy
Fast Paced
Dual POV
HEA
I wanted a swoon worthy steamy romance and that was exactly what I got!!
"I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more."
THIS BOOK DELIVERED EXACTLY WHAT IT SAID.
It had me hooked from the first chapter. What starts as a sexy, slow-burn billionaire romance soon turns into something deeper. It's about love, identity, and figuring out who you really are. It’s fast paced, steamy, emotional, and sprinkled with those perfect “aha” moments.
Risha and Ryan have nothing in common, but together they’re electric. Their chemistry crackles off the page, the banter is fun to read, and the emotional highs and lows keeps you going from chapter to another.
Delia’s writing as always, is smooth and fast paced and filled with beautiful metaphors. The humor, the heart, and the heat are all perfectly balanced. You’ll laugh, swoon, ache, and maybe see bits of yourself in their journey.
It's a story about self-discovery and the courage to let someone truly see you. Steamy, smart, and full of heart—Cadence of the Storm is one of favorite reads from an indie author.
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Heart level: 💖💖💖💖💖💖
Steamy
Fast Paced
Dual POV
HEA
I wanted a swoon worthy steamy romance and that was exactly what I got!!
"I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more."
THIS BOOK DELIVERED EXACTLY WHAT IT SAID.
It had me hooked from the first chapter. What starts as a sexy, slow-burn billionaire romance soon turns into something deeper. It's about love, identity, and figuring out who you really are. It’s fast paced, steamy, emotional, and sprinkled with those perfect “aha” moments.
Risha and Ryan have nothing in common, but together they’re electric. Their chemistry crackles off the page, the banter is fun to read, and the emotional highs and lows keeps you going from chapter to another.
Delia’s writing as always, is smooth and fast paced and filled with beautiful metaphors. The humor, the heart, and the heat are all perfectly balanced. You’ll laugh, swoon, ache, and maybe see bits of yourself in their journey.
It's a story about self-discovery and the courage to let someone truly see you. Steamy, smart, and full of heart—Cadence of the Storm is one of favorite reads from an indie author.
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Heart level: 💖💖💖💖💖💖
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews