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Winston Hills #3
Ascension
Power was never something I stumbled into; I forged it.
As CEO Calla Black by day and the masked dominatrix known only as The Black Dahlia by night, I built a life that kept everyone at a distance. Control kept me safe. Rules kept me steady. And then James Carter Jr. walked into my world with his slow Southern charm and a hunger that matched the darkness I thought I had buried. I could handle him. I convinced myself I could.
What I never expected was her.
Amiyah Patterson is soft in all the ways I never learned to be. She is sunshine and sweetness wrapped around sharp intuition. She sees me in ways that terrify me. She sees James, too, coaxing out the parts of him he tries to hide. Together they shift the ground beneath my feet, testing every rule I swore I would never break.
Desire becomes a living thing when the three of us collide. James offers submission wrapped in strength. Amiyah blooms under my touch and his. I find myself wanting both of them in ways that defy logic, craving the way they unravel me with hands, mouths, and loyalty.
But intimacy this deep comes with shadows. My past is a bruise that never fully healed. Their hearts carry wounds of their own. Loving one person is risky; loving two feels impossible. Still, I cannot walk away from the way they worship me, push me, challenge me, and anchor me when my walls start to crack.
Ascension is a sensual FMF why-choose romance set in the world of Winston Hills. It is steeped in BDSM energy with a sadistic dominatrix who refuses to bow, a Southern gentleman who aches to kneel, and a woman rediscovering her desire while learning she deserves to be chosen in every way.
Three hearts. One bond. No apologies. This is what it feels like to rise. Narrated in duet style.
As CEO Calla Black by day and the masked dominatrix known only as The Black Dahlia by night, I built a life that kept everyone at a distance. Control kept me safe. Rules kept me steady. And then James Carter Jr. walked into my world with his slow Southern charm and a hunger that matched the darkness I thought I had buried. I could handle him. I convinced myself I could.
What I never expected was her.
Amiyah Patterson is soft in all the ways I never learned to be. She is sunshine and sweetness wrapped around sharp intuition. She sees me in ways that terrify me. She sees James, too, coaxing out the parts of him he tries to hide. Together they shift the ground beneath my feet, testing every rule I swore I would never break.
Desire becomes a living thing when the three of us collide. James offers submission wrapped in strength. Amiyah blooms under my touch and his. I find myself wanting both of them in ways that defy logic, craving the way they unravel me with hands, mouths, and loyalty.
But intimacy this deep comes with shadows. My past is a bruise that never fully healed. Their hearts carry wounds of their own. Loving one person is risky; loving two feels impossible. Still, I cannot walk away from the way they worship me, push me, challenge me, and anchor me when my walls start to crack.
Ascension is a sensual FMF why-choose romance set in the world of Winston Hills. It is steeped in BDSM energy with a sadistic dominatrix who refuses to bow, a Southern gentleman who aches to kneel, and a woman rediscovering her desire while learning she deserves to be chosen in every way.
Three hearts. One bond. No apologies. This is what it feels like to rise. Narrated in duet style.
Audible Audio
Published October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 2, 2025
This series just gets steamier and steamier as it goes lol. What I appreciate most about Barnes’ writing is that she writes characters who are who they are unapologetically. Considering the topics she writes about, I really appreciate that. Seeing Black queer characters being written about finding happiness and living boldly is always a positive.
What I didn’t like about this story though was that the characters at times didn’t feel like real people. They felt like dolls being moved around, and speaking in ways that didn’t feel authentic. Lena (one of the side characters, and the lead in the next book) especially sounded like a walking, talking self help book.
Again, the characters just didn’t feel honest. For instance, I get being accepting, but Calla’s (one of the FMCs) brothers casually talk about Calla’s sex life, with her and with her two lovers. Tbh, I didn’t like way every character knew every other character’s business. It’s okay for some things to be private (and I’m not referring to the fact that Calla, James, and Amiyah were in a relationship. I mean details about their sex lives.)
Lastly, I did not like the surprise pregnancy storyline at all. I didn’t like the way it was handled. The three main characters have a conversation where all three definitively state they don’t want children, and explain why. Then when Amiyah finds out she’s pregnant, they’re all accepting and happy about it without ever having conversations about why their attitudes about it changed. The two women even surprise James with the news at a party they’ve planned, in front of all his friends. Again, as far as they know he doesn’t want children. Even if they’re sure he’ll accept it, it’s a conversation they should’ve first had in private.
This last, last gripe is just a personal preference. I like my fictional poly relationships to be equally yoked. I like all participants to love each other equally. Here I felt like the relationship leaned Calla/Amiyah with James as a third wheel.
Okay, maybe I wasn’t done complaining lol. Why does every character either have dead parents, or the mother stayed with the abusive father thinking she was protecting the kids?
What I didn’t like about this story though was that the characters at times didn’t feel like real people. They felt like dolls being moved around, and speaking in ways that didn’t feel authentic. Lena (one of the side characters, and the lead in the next book) especially sounded like a walking, talking self help book.
Again, the characters just didn’t feel honest. For instance, I get being accepting, but Calla’s (one of the FMCs) brothers casually talk about Calla’s sex life, with her and with her two lovers. Tbh, I didn’t like way every character knew every other character’s business. It’s okay for some things to be private (and I’m not referring to the fact that Calla, James, and Amiyah were in a relationship. I mean details about their sex lives.)
Lastly, I did not like the surprise pregnancy storyline at all. I didn’t like the way it was handled. The three main characters have a conversation where all three definitively state they don’t want children, and explain why. Then when Amiyah finds out she’s pregnant, they’re all accepting and happy about it without ever having conversations about why their attitudes about it changed. The two women even surprise James with the news at a party they’ve planned, in front of all his friends. Again, as far as they know he doesn’t want children. Even if they’re sure he’ll accept it, it’s a conversation they should’ve first had in private.
This last, last gripe is just a personal preference. I like my fictional poly relationships to be equally yoked. I like all participants to love each other equally. Here I felt like the relationship leaned Calla/Amiyah with James as a third wheel.
Okay, maybe I wasn’t done complaining lol. Why does every character either have dead parents, or the mother stayed with the abusive father thinking she was protecting the kids?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
Great love, story of acceptance
So after reading enigma, I felt like it would be hard to talk that story but yet if she does it, this story was very heartfelt. It was a story of self reflection acceptance, and desire. Definitely will recommend this as it is spicy so be prepared for that and it’s very detailed and graphic.
Keith book Korner
So after reading enigma, I felt like it would be hard to talk that story but yet if she does it, this story was very heartfelt. It was a story of self reflection acceptance, and desire. Definitely will recommend this as it is spicy so be prepared for that and it’s very detailed and graphic.
Keith book Korner
October 14, 2026
Okay, don’t get me wrong the spice was cool but the storyline wasn’t working for me.
This didn’t seem like a poly relationship. It was like Calla and Amiyah were together with a sprinkle of James. We get more one on one with Calla and Amiyah. Group times are mainly dom/sub dynamic and it doesn’t feel like a relationship. Even when Amiyah was “punished” it didn’t seem like a punishment. It was more a lesbian couple bringing in a third. I didn’t feel it was well balanced. It could use more James and Amiyah, James and Calla, them three together dating showing the love they spoke about so quickly. I don’t know how to explain it.
The pregnancy…. Why? I understand it happens especially with all they were doing but why not have another deeper conversation about it. We get a full conversation on them not wanting kids and why. Then Amiyah gets pregnant….. Amiyah- “Do you think he’s ready”, Calla- “he doesn’t have to be, we’ll be ready for him”…huh? I would’ve respected it more if it was told to him privately and they discussed it then announced it to everyone if that’s what they wanted. It could’ve still been special but it didn’t have to be public.
Can we get one with a good family background and no scorned ex? 🫣
Sorry for the tangent and maybe I’m being too critical. Idk
This didn’t seem like a poly relationship. It was like Calla and Amiyah were together with a sprinkle of James. We get more one on one with Calla and Amiyah. Group times are mainly dom/sub dynamic and it doesn’t feel like a relationship. Even when Amiyah was “punished” it didn’t seem like a punishment. It was more a lesbian couple bringing in a third. I didn’t feel it was well balanced. It could use more James and Amiyah, James and Calla, them three together dating showing the love they spoke about so quickly. I don’t know how to explain it.
The pregnancy…. Why? I understand it happens especially with all they were doing but why not have another deeper conversation about it. We get a full conversation on them not wanting kids and why. Then Amiyah gets pregnant….. Amiyah- “Do you think he’s ready”, Calla- “he doesn’t have to be, we’ll be ready for him”…huh? I would’ve respected it more if it was told to him privately and they discussed it then announced it to everyone if that’s what they wanted. It could’ve still been special but it didn’t have to be public.
Can we get one with a good family background and no scorned ex? 🫣
Sorry for the tangent and maybe I’m being too critical. Idk
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
My goodness this was not just an erotica. This was a novel that gave you the background of each of the main characters beautifully woven into an erotica. I think that for me this series pushes the sexual limitations that society has in the forefront. This book also explains why these people are sexually free.
I am going 2 be thinking about this book for a while. Again for me there was a lot to unpack & throw away because the social construct that I didn't know that I had in my mind was irrelevant to these characters. This is because they easily could be people that I personally know in real life but don't realize it.
What a way to free the chains in my mind that I didn't realize that I had!
I am going 2 be thinking about this book for a while. Again for me there was a lot to unpack & throw away because the social construct that I didn't know that I had in my mind was irrelevant to these characters. This is because they easily could be people that I personally know in real life but don't realize it.
What a way to free the chains in my mind that I didn't realize that I had!
October 21, 2026
"Calla's strength and James tenderness were a perfect blend, a testament to the love and trust that bound us."
"Don't talk, obey."
"You deserve to know what joy feels like on your own terms."
This series continues to be just as good and continues to get better and better. What I admire and adore about this series is the emphasis, and safe space of exploration on finding sexual liberation for all genders and sexualities, and removing the lens of monogamy and societal standards set inherently on the human race.
I really enjoyed listening to the audio, it truly made the listening experience so hot and intense hehe. Yes, this story is spicy asf (compliment), but what I most appreciate is the characters finding themselves and allowing themselves to step outside of the norm of what is "normal." My ears were very happy listening to this, the voice narrators did their thang! Calla, James, and Amiyah had such intense attraction and their conversations and vibe flowed and meshed so well together. The patience, love, and protection that Calla, James, and Amiyah have with each other, was so beautiful to read. To witness their relationship blossom into something that is centered on love and genuine happiness was heart filling. The conversations and banter between them always felt like a safe space and flirty. I adored how each of them were able to support one another as they each were navigating familial difficulties. The author did a phenomenal job providing space for the characters to be in therapy and exist and address familial tension and generational trauma within a safe setting such as group family therapy.
As always I love that the Winston Hills series always is a close knit community, and prior characters from past books always pop up, and the inclusion of all the poly relationships flourishing further provides a safe space for everyone.
"Don't talk, obey."
"You deserve to know what joy feels like on your own terms."
This series continues to be just as good and continues to get better and better. What I admire and adore about this series is the emphasis, and safe space of exploration on finding sexual liberation for all genders and sexualities, and removing the lens of monogamy and societal standards set inherently on the human race.
I really enjoyed listening to the audio, it truly made the listening experience so hot and intense hehe. Yes, this story is spicy asf (compliment), but what I most appreciate is the characters finding themselves and allowing themselves to step outside of the norm of what is "normal." My ears were very happy listening to this, the voice narrators did their thang! Calla, James, and Amiyah had such intense attraction and their conversations and vibe flowed and meshed so well together. The patience, love, and protection that Calla, James, and Amiyah have with each other, was so beautiful to read. To witness their relationship blossom into something that is centered on love and genuine happiness was heart filling. The conversations and banter between them always felt like a safe space and flirty. I adored how each of them were able to support one another as they each were navigating familial difficulties. The author did a phenomenal job providing space for the characters to be in therapy and exist and address familial tension and generational trauma within a safe setting such as group family therapy.
As always I love that the Winston Hills series always is a close knit community, and prior characters from past books always pop up, and the inclusion of all the poly relationships flourishing further provides a safe space for everyone.
October 15, 2026
Listen… if you are a lover of SPICE, baby, THIS BOOK IS THE SPICIEST! 🥵🌶️🔥
I have been waiting to read Ascension for quite a while, and let me tell you, the Winston Hills series continues to test my ability to make it through these books without needing to fan myself! 😂🔥
With every book in this series, I find myself asking, “Oh my goodness, am I really going to be able to finish this?” Because the SPICE is SPICING! 🥵🥵🥵
Y’all, I was at CHAPTER FIVE and already in a full-blown HEAT! 😩🔥 Listen, I was not okay. I was in heat right along with these characters! 😂😂😂
Now, let me give y’all a little advice before you jump into this one. THIS IS BOOK THREE IN THE SERIES! Please do yourself a favor and read the first two books before starting Ascension. There are A LOT of characters, a lot happening, and so many connections to keep up with. If you haven’t read the previous books, you will be thoroughly confused, and you don’t want to miss out on all the details that make this story come together.
And let me be clear: if you’re a slow-burn girlie or spice isn’t your thing, this may NOT be the book for you. But if you’ve been following the Winston Hills series and already know what C.M. Barnes is bringing to the table, then baby, get comfortable because you’re in for a ride! 🌶️🔥
C.M. Barnes is definitely not playing with this series! I went into this book knowing what to expect, and somehow, I STILL wasn’t prepared. 😂
My verdict? If you love your romance HOT, your spice EXTRA SPICY, and your series filled with characters and drama, Ascension needs to be on your TBR! Just make sure you read books one and two first. Trust me on that!
Now excuse me while I recover because WHEW! 🥵🔥😂
⭐ Spice Level: OFF THE CHARTS! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have been waiting to read Ascension for quite a while, and let me tell you, the Winston Hills series continues to test my ability to make it through these books without needing to fan myself! 😂🔥
With every book in this series, I find myself asking, “Oh my goodness, am I really going to be able to finish this?” Because the SPICE is SPICING! 🥵🥵🥵
Y’all, I was at CHAPTER FIVE and already in a full-blown HEAT! 😩🔥 Listen, I was not okay. I was in heat right along with these characters! 😂😂😂
Now, let me give y’all a little advice before you jump into this one. THIS IS BOOK THREE IN THE SERIES! Please do yourself a favor and read the first two books before starting Ascension. There are A LOT of characters, a lot happening, and so many connections to keep up with. If you haven’t read the previous books, you will be thoroughly confused, and you don’t want to miss out on all the details that make this story come together.
And let me be clear: if you’re a slow-burn girlie or spice isn’t your thing, this may NOT be the book for you. But if you’ve been following the Winston Hills series and already know what C.M. Barnes is bringing to the table, then baby, get comfortable because you’re in for a ride! 🌶️🔥
C.M. Barnes is definitely not playing with this series! I went into this book knowing what to expect, and somehow, I STILL wasn’t prepared. 😂
My verdict? If you love your romance HOT, your spice EXTRA SPICY, and your series filled with characters and drama, Ascension needs to be on your TBR! Just make sure you read books one and two first. Trust me on that!
Now excuse me while I recover because WHEW! 🥵🔥😂
⭐ Spice Level: OFF THE CHARTS! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 7, 2026
Whew, where do I even start. ASCENSION is about control, desire, and what happens when the walls you built to survive start cracking in the presence of the right people.
Calla is commanding and layered. James brings quiet Southern strength and devotion, while Amiyah is softness with backbone and intuition. Their dynamic is magnetic, intentional, intimate, and emotionally charged.
This isn’t just about kink or power exchange. It’s about choosing love without apology, redefining safety, and rising into your truth, even when loving more than one person feels like the biggest risk of all.
And that ending 🤭 I’m ready for book four.
Calla is commanding and layered. James brings quiet Southern strength and devotion, while Amiyah is softness with backbone and intuition. Their dynamic is magnetic, intentional, intimate, and emotionally charged.
This isn’t just about kink or power exchange. It’s about choosing love without apology, redefining safety, and rising into your truth, even when loving more than one person feels like the biggest risk of all.
And that ending 🤭 I’m ready for book four.
February 6, 2026
This was such and amazing read. Giiiirl! okay I don't even know where to start but imma tell you'll this...This book will be a true awakening because now I want a Calla in my life🤭😉 I did cry a few times, this book was very raw breaking those generational curses and so much healing. 10/10 would recommend.
December 4, 2025
she did it again
This book was so well written. It’s rare we see a black man able to be submissive with out being seen as weak. This book showed me that there is still power in submissiveness. I can’t wait for the next one
This book was so well written. It’s rare we see a black man able to be submissive with out being seen as weak. This book showed me that there is still power in submissiveness. I can’t wait for the next one
December 5, 2025
Big Calla
Big Calla not the little one. The real Dom. The real Queen. Reading this, I felt like I needed to submit to her too lmao.
Big Calla not the little one. The real Dom. The real Queen. Reading this, I felt like I needed to submit to her too lmao.
December 9, 2025
The love and healing within this book was beautiful! Calla’s dad got exactly what he deserved. Glad Amiyah, Calla, and James got the love and family they’ve longed for.
January 23, 2026
Finally a book where the plus size female character has a tummy and not a small waist.
November 2, 2026
Winston Hills is freaked out. That's it.
December 22, 2025
The spice be SPICING 🥵🌶️
But the repetition is excessive to me…This book is extreme smut with half baked plot.
I’m of the belief that eroticas don’t need to be 400 pages, especially if the same sentiments are going to be repeated over and over again in between the spicy scenes.
The characters do a lot of contemplation. There’s a lot of telling and not enough showing through action. If we’re going to have 400 pages, I’d rather see Calla show some tendencies of her father’s corruptive/controlling behavior towards James & Amiyah (outside of her being a Dom, bc that’s where the fear really resides) rather than her express she’s scared she’s going to become her dad over and over. Then I’d love to see how James & Amiyah respond to that. Then see Calla choose to work through that in therapy bc she loves them so much.
I’d rather see real, tangible evidence of their possession of one another rather than them claiming “you’re mine” or “you’re ours” over and over. And if I took a shot for every time I read the phrase “mind, body & soul” or a variation thereof, I would’ve had alcohol poisoning, respectfully 😭
Idk, I feel like the writing has potential and the spice is good…but the book overall kind of lacks depth for me.
I honestly keep coming back bc I enjoy the smut 🤷🏾♀️😂
But the repetition is excessive to me…This book is extreme smut with half baked plot.
I’m of the belief that eroticas don’t need to be 400 pages, especially if the same sentiments are going to be repeated over and over again in between the spicy scenes.
The characters do a lot of contemplation. There’s a lot of telling and not enough showing through action. If we’re going to have 400 pages, I’d rather see Calla show some tendencies of her father’s corruptive/controlling behavior towards James & Amiyah (outside of her being a Dom, bc that’s where the fear really resides) rather than her express she’s scared she’s going to become her dad over and over. Then I’d love to see how James & Amiyah respond to that. Then see Calla choose to work through that in therapy bc she loves them so much.
I’d rather see real, tangible evidence of their possession of one another rather than them claiming “you’re mine” or “you’re ours” over and over. And if I took a shot for every time I read the phrase “mind, body & soul” or a variation thereof, I would’ve had alcohol poisoning, respectfully 😭
Idk, I feel like the writing has potential and the spice is good…but the book overall kind of lacks depth for me.
I honestly keep coming back bc I enjoy the smut 🤷🏾♀️😂
April 6, 2026
Let’s go ahead and tell the truth the way it deserves to be told this book is not for the faint of heart but it is for the woman who knows what it means to survive and still crave more. There are books you read and then there are books that pull something out of you. ASCENSION: A Winston Hills Novel did not come to play safe, quiet or easily digestible. This is raw, consuming and unapologetically bold storytelling wrapped in a world where power, pain, pleasure and healing all sit at the same table. 🗣️Let’s be clear this is grown woman literature. It leans heavy into desire, control and exploration but what hit me wasn’t just the heat. It was the humanity underneath it.
James Carter Jr yeah, he did something to me. Not in a surface level way but in a way that lingers. This is a man who learned control as survival. Imagine watching someone you love be slowly broken and realizing your role is to keep the peace at all costs. That kind of weight doesn’t just disappear. It shapes you. It hardens you. For James, it made him powerful but also quietly desperate to lay that power down. There’s something deeply emotional about a man who wants to surrender not out of weakness but because he’s tired of carrying everything alone.
💔 then there’s Calla 💔 Calla is what happens when a Black woman takes every expectation, every wound, every moment of being silenced and turns it into armor. Sadly the armor gets heavy. This story does not let her hide behind it. Her journey felt personal in a way that sneaks up on you. Because if we’re being honest, a lot of us understand what it means to have pieces of ourselves taken. Not all at once but slowly through responsibility, grief, survival, manipulation and the unspoken pressure to always be strong.
Amiyah is softness but don’t mistake that for weakness. She is the balance, the bridge, the quiet force that sees everything. The kind of presence that makes you confront parts of yourself you thought were buried for good.
What makes this story hit different is the emotional layering. Yes, desire is there. Yes, the dynamic between them is intense, complex and consuming. But beneath all of that is a story about reclamation. Reclaiming your body. Reclaiming your voice.nReclaiming your right to feel joy, pleasure and love without apology. That’s what stayed with me. Loving one person is vulnerable. Loving two, while still learning how to love yourself that’s a different level of exposure. This book explores that tension beautifully. The push and pull between control and surrender, strength and softness, fear and trust.
By the end, this didn’t just feel like a romance. It felt like witnessing three people learn how to be seen fully and deciding they were still worthy of being loved anyway. This one will have you clutching your chest one minute and questioning your life choices the next. Somehow, in the middle of all that intensity, it will also remind you that healing doesn’t always look gentle sometimes it looks like breaking every rule you created just to survive. I will say I've mastered discretely squirming in my seat and clinching my thighs.
James Carter Jr yeah, he did something to me. Not in a surface level way but in a way that lingers. This is a man who learned control as survival. Imagine watching someone you love be slowly broken and realizing your role is to keep the peace at all costs. That kind of weight doesn’t just disappear. It shapes you. It hardens you. For James, it made him powerful but also quietly desperate to lay that power down. There’s something deeply emotional about a man who wants to surrender not out of weakness but because he’s tired of carrying everything alone.
💔 then there’s Calla 💔 Calla is what happens when a Black woman takes every expectation, every wound, every moment of being silenced and turns it into armor. Sadly the armor gets heavy. This story does not let her hide behind it. Her journey felt personal in a way that sneaks up on you. Because if we’re being honest, a lot of us understand what it means to have pieces of ourselves taken. Not all at once but slowly through responsibility, grief, survival, manipulation and the unspoken pressure to always be strong.
Amiyah is softness but don’t mistake that for weakness. She is the balance, the bridge, the quiet force that sees everything. The kind of presence that makes you confront parts of yourself you thought were buried for good.
What makes this story hit different is the emotional layering. Yes, desire is there. Yes, the dynamic between them is intense, complex and consuming. But beneath all of that is a story about reclamation. Reclaiming your body. Reclaiming your voice.nReclaiming your right to feel joy, pleasure and love without apology. That’s what stayed with me. Loving one person is vulnerable. Loving two, while still learning how to love yourself that’s a different level of exposure. This book explores that tension beautifully. The push and pull between control and surrender, strength and softness, fear and trust.
By the end, this didn’t just feel like a romance. It felt like witnessing three people learn how to be seen fully and deciding they were still worthy of being loved anyway. This one will have you clutching your chest one minute and questioning your life choices the next. Somehow, in the middle of all that intensity, it will also remind you that healing doesn’t always look gentle sometimes it looks like breaking every rule you created just to survive. I will say I've mastered discretely squirming in my seat and clinching my thighs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2026
Three Books In, and This Series Just Keeps Getting Better! 🔥
C.M. Barnes, WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING IN THESE BOOKS?! Because every time I think I’ve found my favorite story in the Winston Hills universe, here comes another one raising the bar! 😮💨
Ascension is book three, and I cannot get enough of this series! One thing I absolutely love about these characters is how unapologetically themselves they are. They know what they want, they embrace their desires, and they refuse to let society dictate what happiness should look like for them. I LOVE THAT!
Beyond the undeniable chemistry and the spice that completely BROKE THE SCALE, there’s so much heart in this story. Barnes continues to explore healing, vulnerability, trust, and the beauty of found family in ways that make these characters feel like more than just people on a page.
What I especially appreciate is seeing grown adults confront their past trauma, recognize the ways it has shaped them, and make intentional decisions about the lives and relationships they want moving forward. Healing isn’t always pretty, and it certainly isn’t linear, but there’s something powerful about watching people choose themselves without closing the door on love.
And the found family aspect?! One of my favorite things about this entire universe! The connections, the loyalty, and the way these characters create space for one another to exist without judgment are everything.
Now, THE SPICE?! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Listen! Whatever scale we’re using, throw it away because it no longer applies! 😂🔥 The passion, the intensity, the chemistry?! OFF THE METER!
Three books in, and I’m still completely invested in this world. Each installment brings something different while reinforcing what makes this series so special: the freedom to love, heal, and live unapologetically.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ascension, and I’m already looking forward to spending more time in Winston Hills!
C.M. Barnes, WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING IN THESE BOOKS?! Because every time I think I’ve found my favorite story in the Winston Hills universe, here comes another one raising the bar! 😮💨
Ascension is book three, and I cannot get enough of this series! One thing I absolutely love about these characters is how unapologetically themselves they are. They know what they want, they embrace their desires, and they refuse to let society dictate what happiness should look like for them. I LOVE THAT!
Beyond the undeniable chemistry and the spice that completely BROKE THE SCALE, there’s so much heart in this story. Barnes continues to explore healing, vulnerability, trust, and the beauty of found family in ways that make these characters feel like more than just people on a page.
What I especially appreciate is seeing grown adults confront their past trauma, recognize the ways it has shaped them, and make intentional decisions about the lives and relationships they want moving forward. Healing isn’t always pretty, and it certainly isn’t linear, but there’s something powerful about watching people choose themselves without closing the door on love.
And the found family aspect?! One of my favorite things about this entire universe! The connections, the loyalty, and the way these characters create space for one another to exist without judgment are everything.
Now, THE SPICE?! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Listen! Whatever scale we’re using, throw it away because it no longer applies! 😂🔥 The passion, the intensity, the chemistry?! OFF THE METER!
Three books in, and I’m still completely invested in this world. Each installment brings something different while reinforcing what makes this series so special: the freedom to love, heal, and live unapologetically.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ascension, and I’m already looking forward to spending more time in Winston Hills!
October 20, 2026
I really struggled with this one. C.M Barnes is always gonna deliver on the smut.. but everything else kinda fell flat for me.. I really struggled to feel connected to the characters. They were just so unbalanced. It felt like a FFM story vs FMF.. in the relationship James always felt like an afterthought. I mean, even the way she shared her pregnancy with Calla.. She wanted to tell Calla in a way that was special for her and intimate.. where was that for James ?? And I understand they still wanted to tell him in a special way, but it wasn’t intimate.. especially after they just talked about not having kids a few chapters before and then you turnaround and throw a baby on him in front of everybody. What if he really didn’t want that!!
To add insult to injury I hated that pregnancy was made a part of this journey.. Like WTF. It wasn’t even a few chapters before that you guys were all anti-kids, and then boom pregnant! And it would’ve hit different if the emotion surrounding the pregnancy felt real. Pregnancy is bound to happen when you shooting up the club with no protection - but give me real emotion - be shocked, acknowledge that this wasn’t what you wanted/expected, process that emotion and then eventually accept it and be happy - that would’ve been real. The immediate excitement and acceptance of the pregnancy made me roll my eyes!
I just wish that their love story was more developed. There was a lot of background on their self journey to growth, healing and use of therapy. But I wanted to see more of them growing together as a couple or one on one that wasn’t just surface level.
To add insult to injury I hated that pregnancy was made a part of this journey.. Like WTF. It wasn’t even a few chapters before that you guys were all anti-kids, and then boom pregnant! And it would’ve hit different if the emotion surrounding the pregnancy felt real. Pregnancy is bound to happen when you shooting up the club with no protection - but give me real emotion - be shocked, acknowledge that this wasn’t what you wanted/expected, process that emotion and then eventually accept it and be happy - that would’ve been real. The immediate excitement and acceptance of the pregnancy made me roll my eyes!
I just wish that their love story was more developed. There was a lot of background on their self journey to growth, healing and use of therapy. But I wanted to see more of them growing together as a couple or one on one that wasn’t just surface level.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 4, 2026I’m not sure what rating to give this, TBH.
I thought going into it, we’d see a balance in the relationship; instead, I felt like I was reading a story about Calla and Amiyah with a little bit of James in it when Calla felt like it. We weren’t really introduced to him as though it would be that way so I was extremely confused and didn’t like it at all. I didn’t mind Calla being their Dom (though I generally don’t like that Dom style in any book) but the whole thing felt “off.”
I didn't see myself particularly liking any of them which is unfortunate. In the previous books, there was at least one character I liked in each book. Speaking of the other characters, I know they’re in a polycule with each other but I thought it kind of odd that they were so openly in Amiyah, Calla, and James’s business like that.
Spoiler: For two women who had NEVER been with women before, they sure were written like subject matter experts from the first time, huh? LOL!
Oh, that conversation the three of them had in New York did NOT match how the “news” played out later. If it was going to be all that, the convo was unnecessary.
Lastly, I was so turned off by Lena’s…inspirational moments? I don’t know what to call it but I wanted her to stop. Some friends tell each other everything which is fine but some of her responses had me thinking SHE wanted to get with Amiyah.
Well, I guess I didn’t like it too much but I read the sneak peek for “Reverence,” I think it was and that seems like it could be interesting. Looking forward to that!
I thought going into it, we’d see a balance in the relationship; instead, I felt like I was reading a story about Calla and Amiyah with a little bit of James in it when Calla felt like it. We weren’t really introduced to him as though it would be that way so I was extremely confused and didn’t like it at all. I didn’t mind Calla being their Dom (though I generally don’t like that Dom style in any book) but the whole thing felt “off.”
I didn't see myself particularly liking any of them which is unfortunate. In the previous books, there was at least one character I liked in each book. Speaking of the other characters, I know they’re in a polycule with each other but I thought it kind of odd that they were so openly in Amiyah, Calla, and James’s business like that.
Spoiler: For two women who had NEVER been with women before, they sure were written like subject matter experts from the first time, huh? LOL!
Oh, that conversation the three of them had in New York did NOT match how the “news” played out later. If it was going to be all that, the convo was unnecessary.
Lastly, I was so turned off by Lena’s…inspirational moments? I don’t know what to call it but I wanted her to stop. Some friends tell each other everything which is fine but some of her responses had me thinking SHE wanted to get with Amiyah.
Well, I guess I didn’t like it too much but I read the sneak peek for “Reverence,” I think it was and that seems like it could be interesting. Looking forward to that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
After reading book 3 in the Winston Hills series, I love every FMC equally. Ascension became my favorite book in the series, well before I read the last page of the epilogue. I loved that each FMC and MMC all invested in healing before and while they were with their partners, being careful not to harm them verbally and emotionally. Some would say most of them had mommy and daddy issues but that is realistic to a lot of people’s lives. When you are afraid or refuse to do the work, you can and WILL carry those issues into your romantic relationships and parenthood.
Despite Calla, James and Amiyah mentioning they had no interest in marriage and children, Amiyah’s pregnancy changed all of that for them. It was after they did the work individually and Amiyah being visited by her mother and grandmother in her dreams that changed everything.
At times, I felt like Calla was more in love with Amiyah than James; only because there weren’t as many chapters of their lovemaking as it was with Calla and Amiyah. They experienced pleasure differently but sometimes I didn’t get that from Calla with James.
Ms. Calla Black aka The Black Dahlia is prove positive that the REAL dominants are WOMEN! That’s it and that’s ALL!
Great job C.M. Barnes, you knocked it out the park with your pen game AGAIN!
Despite Calla, James and Amiyah mentioning they had no interest in marriage and children, Amiyah’s pregnancy changed all of that for them. It was after they did the work individually and Amiyah being visited by her mother and grandmother in her dreams that changed everything.
At times, I felt like Calla was more in love with Amiyah than James; only because there weren’t as many chapters of their lovemaking as it was with Calla and Amiyah. They experienced pleasure differently but sometimes I didn’t get that from Calla with James.
Ms. Calla Black aka The Black Dahlia is prove positive that the REAL dominants are WOMEN! That’s it and that’s ALL!
Great job C.M. Barnes, you knocked it out the park with your pen game AGAIN!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
I liked this book more than Book 1, but not as much as Book 2.
My biggest issue was Calla. We get it they belong to you🙄 the constant possessiveness became repetitive and started to overshadow the actual relationship development.
I also felt like James was severely underwritten. Most of the emotional relationship building happened between Calla and Amiyah, while James often felt like an afterthought. For a relationship that's supposed to center all three of them, he didn't get enough individual development with either woman.
The pregnancy storyline also didn't work for me. James explicitly said he didn't want kids, yet Calla and Amiyah decided to discuss the pregnancy privately first and then surprise him with a celebration. That choice felt odd and didn't align with what we'd been told about his feelings.
And honestly, I struggled to buy into the depth of their relationship. We're constantly told how much they love each other, but they rarely spend meaningful one-on-one time together. James barely gets significant page time alone with either woman, and when all three are together, they're usually getting freaky rather than building their connection.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read, but I needed more relationship development and less being told these characters were in love.
My biggest issue was Calla. We get it they belong to you🙄 the constant possessiveness became repetitive and started to overshadow the actual relationship development.
I also felt like James was severely underwritten. Most of the emotional relationship building happened between Calla and Amiyah, while James often felt like an afterthought. For a relationship that's supposed to center all three of them, he didn't get enough individual development with either woman.
The pregnancy storyline also didn't work for me. James explicitly said he didn't want kids, yet Calla and Amiyah decided to discuss the pregnancy privately first and then surprise him with a celebration. That choice felt odd and didn't align with what we'd been told about his feelings.
And honestly, I struggled to buy into the depth of their relationship. We're constantly told how much they love each other, but they rarely spend meaningful one-on-one time together. James barely gets significant page time alone with either woman, and when all three are together, they're usually getting freaky rather than building their connection.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read, but I needed more relationship development and less being told these characters were in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2026
One thing I love about C.M. Barnes’ Ascension, and this series overall, is how the characters stay true to themselves. They define what love, partnership, and family look like for them, and they aren’t afraid to pursue it. Everybody else’s expectations don’t get to dictate their happiness. As someone who wants a different path for myself, I really connect with that. There’s something refreshing about characters who know what they want and give themselves permission to have it, even when it doesn’t follow the status quo.
And yes, there’s plenty of spice…but there’s also a real story here. These characters have complicated relationships, real familial pain, and things they have to work through. The healing matters just as much as the intimacy, and that emotional depth is what keeps me invested in them beyond the erotic elements.
The only reason this landed at four stars is because the author threw in a trope that isn’t a favorite of mine. If I'm being honest...I kind of hate it lol...so I wasn’t exactly excited to see it, but I am curious about how this new dynamic will play out. These characters have already shown that they’ll do things their own way, so I want to see how they navigate this and continue making their family their own.
And yes, there’s plenty of spice…but there’s also a real story here. These characters have complicated relationships, real familial pain, and things they have to work through. The healing matters just as much as the intimacy, and that emotional depth is what keeps me invested in them beyond the erotic elements.
The only reason this landed at four stars is because the author threw in a trope that isn’t a favorite of mine. If I'm being honest...I kind of hate it lol...so I wasn’t exactly excited to see it, but I am curious about how this new dynamic will play out. These characters have already shown that they’ll do things their own way, so I want to see how they navigate this and continue making their family their own.
December 15, 2025
Strikingly personal
In every book, one powerful theme consistently stood out to me: healing. C.M. Barnes doesn’t just tell stories she creates deeply emotional journeys that emphasize the importance of counseling, love, commitment, and the strength found in chosen family. Her characters are allowed to be broken, to confront their pain head on, and most importantly to heal without shame.
Reading Ascension felt like a release of everything I didn’t realize I’d been holding onto. The story unfolded in a way that felt intensely personal, as if it mirrored unspoken emotions and struggles I hadn’t yet given myself permission to face. There is a beautiful honesty in how Barnes portrays healing not as something neat or easy, but as something earned through vulnerability, support, and unwavering love.
This book is also a powerful celebration of found family and living life unapologetically. It reminds us that healing doesn’t mean forgetting the past it means choosing yourself, choosing love, and committing to a life that honors who you truly are. Ascension resonated with me on a deeply emotional level and is, without question, one of my favorite stories by C.M. Barnes.
In every book, one powerful theme consistently stood out to me: healing. C.M. Barnes doesn’t just tell stories she creates deeply emotional journeys that emphasize the importance of counseling, love, commitment, and the strength found in chosen family. Her characters are allowed to be broken, to confront their pain head on, and most importantly to heal without shame.
Reading Ascension felt like a release of everything I didn’t realize I’d been holding onto. The story unfolded in a way that felt intensely personal, as if it mirrored unspoken emotions and struggles I hadn’t yet given myself permission to face. There is a beautiful honesty in how Barnes portrays healing not as something neat or easy, but as something earned through vulnerability, support, and unwavering love.
This book is also a powerful celebration of found family and living life unapologetically. It reminds us that healing doesn’t mean forgetting the past it means choosing yourself, choosing love, and committing to a life that honors who you truly are. Ascension resonated with me on a deeply emotional level and is, without question, one of my favorite stories by C.M. Barnes.
September 6, 2026
*Cue Music* No Chill x PND
@57% - The guardedness of these lovers was evident. It’s like I didn’t understand or know when they fell for each other. The buildup was surface level and I couldn’t get into it like the other books. Intentional? Maybe.
Final thoughts: 10/10 would highly recommend. This book was more than the other two gave us. The pain, rediscovery, then healing that took place was intensely felt. The somatic connection that’s been demonstrated was beautiful to witness. I did find myself disassociating a bit much, due to my own healing journey of getting out of a lovers survival mode. I had to reread so many parts because I found myself skimming over it. This book took me a lot longer to get through and it’s a testament to what my healing journey looks like…up and downs, downs and downs, ups and ups, round and round. Moments feeling like I’m all over the place, but once I make the connections, I feel peace. Choosing different is choosing me…Cranes in the Sky x Solange
🧡
@57% - The guardedness of these lovers was evident. It’s like I didn’t understand or know when they fell for each other. The buildup was surface level and I couldn’t get into it like the other books. Intentional? Maybe.
Final thoughts: 10/10 would highly recommend. This book was more than the other two gave us. The pain, rediscovery, then healing that took place was intensely felt. The somatic connection that’s been demonstrated was beautiful to witness. I did find myself disassociating a bit much, due to my own healing journey of getting out of a lovers survival mode. I had to reread so many parts because I found myself skimming over it. This book took me a lot longer to get through and it’s a testament to what my healing journey looks like…up and downs, downs and downs, ups and ups, round and round. Moments feeling like I’m all over the place, but once I make the connections, I feel peace. Choosing different is choosing me…Cranes in the Sky x Solange
🧡
December 21, 2025
I struggled to finish this one. It took me days, mostly because I never felt connected to the characters—they didn’t feel real enough for me to stay invested.
C.M. Barnes can absolutely write steamy smut, and that was the strongest part of the book. I did appreciate the therapy elements and the focus on healing—the emotional work the main characters were doing was one of the better aspects of the story. But the relationship dynamics didn’t work for me. It felt like Calla/Amiyah were already together and James was just there when convenient, which made things feel unbalanced.
And the surprise pregnancy? Major eye roll. One chapter everyone is firmly anti-kids, and the next she’s pregnant and suddenly everyone’s on board and excited. It felt rushed, convenient, and honestly irritating. That kind of whiplash undermines the emotional weight the moment is supposed to have. At that point, I probably should’ve DNF’d.
C.M. Barnes can absolutely write steamy smut, and that was the strongest part of the book. I did appreciate the therapy elements and the focus on healing—the emotional work the main characters were doing was one of the better aspects of the story. But the relationship dynamics didn’t work for me. It felt like Calla/Amiyah were already together and James was just there when convenient, which made things feel unbalanced.
And the surprise pregnancy? Major eye roll. One chapter everyone is firmly anti-kids, and the next she’s pregnant and suddenly everyone’s on board and excited. It felt rushed, convenient, and honestly irritating. That kind of whiplash undermines the emotional weight the moment is supposed to have. At that point, I probably should’ve DNF’d.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2026
I reserve the right to alter this review once the book is finished but thus far friends it reads the same as enigma to me…FLAT.
I can usually make space for things that are different from my norm but Calla is not interesting or alluring to me as a mistress.
I am much more interested in James and Amiyah. It took until I’m 55% into the book for them to even get together and it was all at the directive of Calla.
Also, they’ve been doing this for like what 10days how do we go from Amiyah telling her friend she wants to be protected professionally and then Calla’s like yeah, them me! Over there at table 2 him & her at a professional banquet! Amiyah is James’ PM and Calla just won a contract where she’s doing work with the company…it is just I’m not interested.
Okay, here we are up to her daddy being a terrible person…girl. I am so not interested bc it just doesn’t make sense that they would go public without full and work done!
I can usually make space for things that are different from my norm but Calla is not interesting or alluring to me as a mistress.
I am much more interested in James and Amiyah. It took until I’m 55% into the book for them to even get together and it was all at the directive of Calla.
Also, they’ve been doing this for like what 10days how do we go from Amiyah telling her friend she wants to be protected professionally and then Calla’s like yeah, them me! Over there at table 2 him & her at a professional banquet! Amiyah is James’ PM and Calla just won a contract where she’s doing work with the company…it is just I’m not interested.
Okay, here we are up to her daddy being a terrible person…girl. I am so not interested bc it just doesn’t make sense that they would go public without full and work done!
December 18, 2025
Loved it
This was a beautiful story. I loved that James was comfortable being himself and being open to share himself with his partners without being ashamed. I believe that many men are not completely comfortable with being open to exploring themselves and being honest about their likes and dislikes in the bedroom. So focused on looking a certain way. Calla being able to be herself being in control yet learning to trust and show vulnerability was so good to watch. The only critique I have is that there could have been a better way to build the relationship with James and the women. I wish the story showed him bonding with each woman a little more. It was implied but not shown. If that makes sense. It didn't flow for me like the other 2 books. Other than that I loved it. I can't wait for the next book.
This was a beautiful story. I loved that James was comfortable being himself and being open to share himself with his partners without being ashamed. I believe that many men are not completely comfortable with being open to exploring themselves and being honest about their likes and dislikes in the bedroom. So focused on looking a certain way. Calla being able to be herself being in control yet learning to trust and show vulnerability was so good to watch. The only critique I have is that there could have been a better way to build the relationship with James and the women. I wish the story showed him bonding with each woman a little more. It was implied but not shown. If that makes sense. It didn't flow for me like the other 2 books. Other than that I loved it. I can't wait for the next book.
October 23, 2026
Ascension by C.M. Barnes
The third book in the Winston Hills series was a decent read, although I found myself getting bored at times. I was happy that Amiyah got the chance to experience motherhood after losing her child and enduring the cruel things her ex said to her. She deserved that apology and closure. I didn't particularly like Calla, but as the story progressed, I came to understand her character better. It was interesting getting James's love story, but I found Maverick's story much more compelling and engaging. I did feel for James, constantly having to play peacemaker in his family. I'm glad he finally got his moment to express himself during therapy with his father and brothers. Overall, I enjoyed certain aspects of the book, but it didn't hold my attention as much as the previous one.
The third book in the Winston Hills series was a decent read, although I found myself getting bored at times. I was happy that Amiyah got the chance to experience motherhood after losing her child and enduring the cruel things her ex said to her. She deserved that apology and closure. I didn't particularly like Calla, but as the story progressed, I came to understand her character better. It was interesting getting James's love story, but I found Maverick's story much more compelling and engaging. I did feel for James, constantly having to play peacemaker in his family. I'm glad he finally got his moment to express himself during therapy with his father and brothers. Overall, I enjoyed certain aspects of the book, but it didn't hold my attention as much as the previous one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
Favorite book of the year!! No debate! This book was POWERFUL AF!! The words of affirmation, the encouragement, the healthy love and communication, OMG the communication is top tier; no keeping secrets, holding back words, nothing!! And hem GEMS dropped about knowing who you are, what you want and what you deserve…damn!! The way each character had to have their own individual healing journey that was also so similar to one another in a way that they could heal and grow together. Omg!!! This book had me boohoo’ing, crying real ass happy tears! I’m sad it’s over. Then the end, the Midnight Ballerina!! Come on!!! This whole series was amazing but this book here….EVERYTHINGGGGGG!!!! 🥹🥹🥹😩🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🖤🫶🏾🥵
October 16, 2026
Overall rating 4⭐
Spice🌶️ 10
Narration 5⭐
Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan and Lawrence Baldwin
Okay so this is book 3 in the Winston Hill series and just like the others this one just as nasty😜😝 but there was a story between our main characters James letting control ago when it came to Calla and Amiyah. Now this was so sexy Calla who is a dominatrix and didn't have no problem being that Dom and then Amiyah she just fit right in with the two of them this book was just good sexy time. So let's talk about the narration Lawrence and wesleigh yes they both had me hot and bothered 🥵 and Lawrence moaning I definitely want more of that. But yes this was a good very sexy book.
Spice🌶️ 10
Narration 5⭐
Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan and Lawrence Baldwin
Okay so this is book 3 in the Winston Hill series and just like the others this one just as nasty😜😝 but there was a story between our main characters James letting control ago when it came to Calla and Amiyah. Now this was so sexy Calla who is a dominatrix and didn't have no problem being that Dom and then Amiyah she just fit right in with the two of them this book was just good sexy time. So let's talk about the narration Lawrence and wesleigh yes they both had me hot and bothered 🥵 and Lawrence moaning I definitely want more of that. But yes this was a good very sexy book.
December 10, 2025
listen!!
IF you aren't open minded to bodily autonomy, polycules, and BDSM, these are not for you!
ME, I'm about that life so when I read the complete series, i almost cried! these books tell you of the WORK that it to be put in these relationships. sometimes when people are outside looking in, they are either prejudice, ignorant, OR celebratory.
this set of books will open your mind or completely turn you off.
and PLEASE, don't come on the internet, crying that there is no plot. it's there, your maturity level might not let you see it yet.
IF you aren't open minded to bodily autonomy, polycules, and BDSM, these are not for you!
ME, I'm about that life so when I read the complete series, i almost cried! these books tell you of the WORK that it to be put in these relationships. sometimes when people are outside looking in, they are either prejudice, ignorant, OR celebratory.
this set of books will open your mind or completely turn you off.
and PLEASE, don't come on the internet, crying that there is no plot. it's there, your maturity level might not let you see it yet.
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