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REVERENCE: A Winston Hills Novel
Three souls.One forbidden connection.A love that dares to rewrite every rule.Lena Barré grew up the perfect pastor’s daughter, the fragile ballerina whose body was at war with itself. But under the neon glow of Provocateur, she becomes Soleil, the Midnight Ballerina. A woman who sheds her good-girl skin and dances for freedom, pleasure, and the right to choose her own life.
And the woman she chooses first is Zaria.
Zaria Thomas is a breathtaking Black trans woman with a smile sharp enough to cut and a heart soft enough to heal. After years of being desired in secret and rejected in daylight, she vows never to fall again.
Until Lena walks into her world and kisses her like truth.
Until loving Lena becomes the one thing she never safe.
Then everything changes the night Calil Black walks in.
Calil, the quiet Black. The soft dominance of the powerful Black family and a tenured WHU professor. Calil has always lived by logic and legacy. He built his idea of a perfect future in his mind—one his late father would approve of.
But what happens when he sees Lena and Zaria together?
What happens when desire cracks open everything he thought he knew about intimacy, identity, and himself.
What begins with curiosity grows into something tender, tangled, and dangerously honest. As the three of them circle each other with heat, longing, and fear, they must confront their pasts, their shame, and the rules they were raised to follow.
This is a poly romance featuring a Black trans woman seeking to be loved freely, a brilliant professor unlearning old beliefs so he can be free from the abuse he was raised in, and a ballerina fighting for her own liberation from the confines of her ailing body. REVERENCE is sensual, emotional, and unapologetically fluid.
In a world that doesn’t always make room for love that looks like this—Lena, Zaria, and Calil must decide if what they’ve found together is worth risking everything for. Because some love stories aren’t meant to fit inside a box. They're meant to flow and be free.
And the woman she chooses first is Zaria.
Zaria Thomas is a breathtaking Black trans woman with a smile sharp enough to cut and a heart soft enough to heal. After years of being desired in secret and rejected in daylight, she vows never to fall again.
Until Lena walks into her world and kisses her like truth.
Until loving Lena becomes the one thing she never safe.
Then everything changes the night Calil Black walks in.
Calil, the quiet Black. The soft dominance of the powerful Black family and a tenured WHU professor. Calil has always lived by logic and legacy. He built his idea of a perfect future in his mind—one his late father would approve of.
But what happens when he sees Lena and Zaria together?
What happens when desire cracks open everything he thought he knew about intimacy, identity, and himself.
What begins with curiosity grows into something tender, tangled, and dangerously honest. As the three of them circle each other with heat, longing, and fear, they must confront their pasts, their shame, and the rules they were raised to follow.
This is a poly romance featuring a Black trans woman seeking to be loved freely, a brilliant professor unlearning old beliefs so he can be free from the abuse he was raised in, and a ballerina fighting for her own liberation from the confines of her ailing body. REVERENCE is sensual, emotional, and unapologetically fluid.
In a world that doesn’t always make room for love that looks like this—Lena, Zaria, and Calil must decide if what they’ve found together is worth risking everything for. Because some love stories aren’t meant to fit inside a box. They're meant to flow and be free.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 22, 2026
Reverence… whew 😮💨 this book wrecked me. One minute I was clutching my pearls, the next I was crying my eyes out. Lena, Zaria, and Calil gave a love story that was bold, healing, and way deeper than I expected. Watching them navigate desire, identity, freedom, and all the rules they were taught to follow had me locked in. And I really appreciated how C.M. Barnes brought awareness to sickle cell disease with care and intention. That added another layer of depth that stayed with me. Beautiful, emotional, and fearless. And that ending?? 👀 Yeah… we need to talk.
April 15, 2026
Favorite Book In The Series. Callil Is Something Serious, Whew!!
During The Third Book, I Found Lena To Be Annoying And Thought This Was Gonna Be The Case In This Book Too, I Was Mistaken.
Obviously The SPICE? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Double Trouble Continuation? Please Say Yes, For My Sake.
During The Third Book, I Found Lena To Be Annoying And Thought This Was Gonna Be The Case In This Book Too, I Was Mistaken.
Obviously The SPICE? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Double Trouble Continuation? Please Say Yes, For My Sake.
April 6, 2026
Beautiful.
I loved it so much. The respect paid to the overall vulnerability of Zaria as a character was beautifully done. I so enjoyed watching her bloom. Calil was A MAN, and even his character arc, his healing. Then you have Lena, who immediately captured my heart, such a beautiful soul. I loved them time we got to spend with them. This one will stick with me for a while.
I loved it so much. The respect paid to the overall vulnerability of Zaria as a character was beautifully done. I so enjoyed watching her bloom. Calil was A MAN, and even his character arc, his healing. Then you have Lena, who immediately captured my heart, such a beautiful soul. I loved them time we got to spend with them. This one will stick with me for a while.
May 5, 2026
I love this series so bad!!!! They got better and better. This was definitely different for me but I loved the way she wrote this . Truly a good story and I perfect way to end the series
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC READER REVIEW
If You Are A Fan Of The Winston Hills Series Then You Know That Each Book Is A RIDE (Pun Intended). That Being Said Reverence Is In A League Of Its Own. If You Haven’t Read The Series It Is Okay, You Can Still Enjoy The Story W. Out Any Prior Knowledge. In This Book We Are Reintroduced To Lena Barré (The Sister To Ajaih Jeffries From Awakening) and Calil Black (The Brother To Caleb Black From Enigma). We Are Introduced To New Character Zaria Thomas Who Is A Trans Woman.
In Awakening We Learn That Lena Has Sickle Cell Disease Therefore Has Fighting The Battle Of Living With A Blood Disease Her Entire Life. A Professional Ballerina By Day & Midnight Ballerina By Night Lena Refuses To Succumb To Limitations Being Forced On Her. She Lives Life To The Fullest To The Best Of Her Ability. Choosing To Love & Be Loved The Way She Sees Fit, Encouraging The Same Of Others. She Falls In Love W. Zaria Who Is Learning What It Means To Be Loved Out Loud But Still Insecure That It’s Possible W. Out Pain/Disappointment Following. Years Of Rejection From Family & Partners Has Left Zaria Skeptical & Not So Trusting Of People With Her Heart. Lena Is Also In Love W. Her Professor Dr. Calil Black Who Has Fallen For Both Women. After Finally Choosing To Live For Himself Outside Of His Fathers Shadow Calil Is Ready To Live In His Truth, OUT LOUD & Free. Together The Couple Faces Fears Of Abandonment, Acceptance & Loving Each Other Through Insecurity, Grief & Lost Love.
This Was My First Read W. A Transgender Character As A Main Character AND The First Time I Saw A Main Character W. Sickle Cell Written So REAL & Well. Zaria Was Truly Loved & The Many Struggles That One Who Transitions May Face Were Described So Tastefully But RAW. The Pain One Living With Sickle Cell & The Effects Were Felt Through The Pages. As Someone Who Has Lost A Loved One To Sickle Cell This Hit Home. Reading This Book I Cried (Ugly Cried), I Laughed, I Smiled & I Cried Some More. The Growth C.M. Barnes Has Displayed W. That Pen From Book 1 To Book 4 Is Undeniable. A Must Read For Sure.
If You Are A Fan Of The Winston Hills Series Then You Know That Each Book Is A RIDE (Pun Intended). That Being Said Reverence Is In A League Of Its Own. If You Haven’t Read The Series It Is Okay, You Can Still Enjoy The Story W. Out Any Prior Knowledge. In This Book We Are Reintroduced To Lena Barré (The Sister To Ajaih Jeffries From Awakening) and Calil Black (The Brother To Caleb Black From Enigma). We Are Introduced To New Character Zaria Thomas Who Is A Trans Woman.
In Awakening We Learn That Lena Has Sickle Cell Disease Therefore Has Fighting The Battle Of Living With A Blood Disease Her Entire Life. A Professional Ballerina By Day & Midnight Ballerina By Night Lena Refuses To Succumb To Limitations Being Forced On Her. She Lives Life To The Fullest To The Best Of Her Ability. Choosing To Love & Be Loved The Way She Sees Fit, Encouraging The Same Of Others. She Falls In Love W. Zaria Who Is Learning What It Means To Be Loved Out Loud But Still Insecure That It’s Possible W. Out Pain/Disappointment Following. Years Of Rejection From Family & Partners Has Left Zaria Skeptical & Not So Trusting Of People With Her Heart. Lena Is Also In Love W. Her Professor Dr. Calil Black Who Has Fallen For Both Women. After Finally Choosing To Live For Himself Outside Of His Fathers Shadow Calil Is Ready To Live In His Truth, OUT LOUD & Free. Together The Couple Faces Fears Of Abandonment, Acceptance & Loving Each Other Through Insecurity, Grief & Lost Love.
This Was My First Read W. A Transgender Character As A Main Character AND The First Time I Saw A Main Character W. Sickle Cell Written So REAL & Well. Zaria Was Truly Loved & The Many Struggles That One Who Transitions May Face Were Described So Tastefully But RAW. The Pain One Living With Sickle Cell & The Effects Were Felt Through The Pages. As Someone Who Has Lost A Loved One To Sickle Cell This Hit Home. Reading This Book I Cried (Ugly Cried), I Laughed, I Smiled & I Cried Some More. The Growth C.M. Barnes Has Displayed W. That Pen From Book 1 To Book 4 Is Undeniable. A Must Read For Sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars
"Just let me in baby, I won't let you fall. I'll catch you."
"The gravity of them grounding me in happiness."
Big thanks to the author for an e arc of this! Wow, I truly will miss this series and I am so sad it is coming to an end! This story is definitely different compared to the others (compliment.) This story will give you all of the feelings of happiness, sadness, rage, contentment, and most of all gratitude and a new way of understanding love, and what happens when you find that safe space. I think the author incorporated such important representations in the most respectful and mindful way. Lena's battle with sickle cell, felt real, raw, and believable. Her pov chapters highlighted the good and the bad days, and I admire how the author created intense scenes to demonstrate the day to day feelings and battle Lena endured as a dancer. I think the author did a wonderful job with creating a safe space in this story of a trans woman being loved on out loud and proud. The way Lena and Caleb were always solid and never hesitant with their love and adoration for Zaria was powerful, and I loved reading about it. Zaria's hesitancy to their love was understanding, and I like that Lena and Caleb allowed Zaria's hesitancy to be just that, and having their actions speak louder than their words to her. The connection's between Zaria and Caleb and Lena flowed so effortlessly and I liked how they all fit together perfectly. The storytelling was phenomenal and I was truly immersed with the descriptive emotional writing . The author was able to write such eloquent similes and metaphors to describe the impact of Lena, Caleb, Zaria's love for one another. The softness and sense of love was described so softly and lovely, I absolutely enjoyed that the most from the story. I can't say much else because it will get into spoilers, but this was definitely a great read, definitely grab the tissues!
"Just let me in baby, I won't let you fall. I'll catch you."
"The gravity of them grounding me in happiness."
Big thanks to the author for an e arc of this! Wow, I truly will miss this series and I am so sad it is coming to an end! This story is definitely different compared to the others (compliment.) This story will give you all of the feelings of happiness, sadness, rage, contentment, and most of all gratitude and a new way of understanding love, and what happens when you find that safe space. I think the author incorporated such important representations in the most respectful and mindful way. Lena's battle with sickle cell, felt real, raw, and believable. Her pov chapters highlighted the good and the bad days, and I admire how the author created intense scenes to demonstrate the day to day feelings and battle Lena endured as a dancer. I think the author did a wonderful job with creating a safe space in this story of a trans woman being loved on out loud and proud. The way Lena and Caleb were always solid and never hesitant with their love and adoration for Zaria was powerful, and I loved reading about it. Zaria's hesitancy to their love was understanding, and I like that Lena and Caleb allowed Zaria's hesitancy to be just that, and having their actions speak louder than their words to her. The connection's between Zaria and Caleb and Lena flowed so effortlessly and I liked how they all fit together perfectly. The storytelling was phenomenal and I was truly immersed with the descriptive emotional writing . The author was able to write such eloquent similes and metaphors to describe the impact of Lena, Caleb, Zaria's love for one another. The softness and sense of love was described so softly and lovely, I absolutely enjoyed that the most from the story. I can't say much else because it will get into spoilers, but this was definitely a great read, definitely grab the tissues!
Review of advance copy
A Masterclass in Radical, Unapologetic Love
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a profound difference between being loved for your "best parts" and being loved whole. This book captures the latter with such breathtaking sincerity that it feels less like a story and more like a blueprint for emotional healing.
The Heart of the Triad
At the center of this narrative is the transformative power of Lena. She wasn't just a third addition; she was a catalyst. Lena was placed in this journey to mirror back to Calil and Zaria the truth they had long forgotten: that they are worthy of the love they receive. Watching her help them navigate the shift from self-doubt to self-acceptance was deeply moving.
A Support System That Soars
What truly sets this story apart is the lack of "manufactured drama" from the outside world. Instead, we are given:
Lena’s Parents: Their love is the kind every "lost soul" craves. Their immediate embrace and unwavering support of the triad were some of the most beautiful scenes I’ve read in years.
The Community: Seeing a community lean into acceptance rather than judgment was "awesome" in the truest sense of the word.
Emotional Maturity: I was so impressed by the characters' commitment to growth. When help was needed, it wasn’t just discussed—it was sought and implemented.
Loving Out Loud
There is a courage in this book that puts most traditional romances to shame. The triad’s ability to love out loud, even when faced with fear, is a level of vulnerability that many monogamous couples never quite reach. It’s a testament to the strength found in honesty and the beauty of unconventional "forever" homes.
Final Thought: This wasn't just a romance; it was a soul-soothing experience. I’m already buzzing for Double Booked—if it’s half as filled with heart as this one, we’re in for another masterpiece.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a profound difference between being loved for your "best parts" and being loved whole. This book captures the latter with such breathtaking sincerity that it feels less like a story and more like a blueprint for emotional healing.
The Heart of the Triad
At the center of this narrative is the transformative power of Lena. She wasn't just a third addition; she was a catalyst. Lena was placed in this journey to mirror back to Calil and Zaria the truth they had long forgotten: that they are worthy of the love they receive. Watching her help them navigate the shift from self-doubt to self-acceptance was deeply moving.
A Support System That Soars
What truly sets this story apart is the lack of "manufactured drama" from the outside world. Instead, we are given:
Lena’s Parents: Their love is the kind every "lost soul" craves. Their immediate embrace and unwavering support of the triad were some of the most beautiful scenes I’ve read in years.
The Community: Seeing a community lean into acceptance rather than judgment was "awesome" in the truest sense of the word.
Emotional Maturity: I was so impressed by the characters' commitment to growth. When help was needed, it wasn’t just discussed—it was sought and implemented.
Loving Out Loud
There is a courage in this book that puts most traditional romances to shame. The triad’s ability to love out loud, even when faced with fear, is a level of vulnerability that many monogamous couples never quite reach. It’s a testament to the strength found in honesty and the beauty of unconventional "forever" homes.
Final Thought: This wasn't just a romance; it was a soul-soothing experience. I’m already buzzing for Double Booked—if it’s half as filled with heart as this one, we’re in for another masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2026
Reverence proves once again that C.M. Barnes is not afraid to challenge everything we think we know about love and monogamy. This was a bittersweet, emotionally heavy read that lingers long after the last page.
We follow Lena, Zaria, and Calil—three people whose connection forms in an unexpected, complicated way and grows into something deeper than any of them anticipated. What starts as tension turns into a story about embracing desire, truth, and the freedom to love fully.
Zaria, a transgender woman, finally experiences a love that is open, affirming, and unapologetic. Her journey highlights both the beauty of being fully seen and the harsh realities of navigating disrespect and oppression, even within family.
Lena, a sickle cell warrior, brings powerful chronic illness representation. She had big dreams and aspirations but her body had other plans. She’s fighting her body daily while still choosing to live boldly and pursue her passion as a midnight ballerina and dance instructor. Her strength, vulnerability, and resilience add so much depth to the story.
Together, they face societal judgment and personal struggles, choosing each other through it all. This story also dives into partner loss, grief, and what it means to love again after loss. The remaining partners are left to navigate their love for each other while carrying Lena with them.. learning how to hold space for both grief and healing at the same time.
This was a phenomenal conclusion to the Winston Hill series. C. M. Barnes has once again crafted characters that are deeply layered, and you can’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence for them.
We follow Lena, Zaria, and Calil—three people whose connection forms in an unexpected, complicated way and grows into something deeper than any of them anticipated. What starts as tension turns into a story about embracing desire, truth, and the freedom to love fully.
Zaria, a transgender woman, finally experiences a love that is open, affirming, and unapologetic. Her journey highlights both the beauty of being fully seen and the harsh realities of navigating disrespect and oppression, even within family.
Lena, a sickle cell warrior, brings powerful chronic illness representation. She had big dreams and aspirations but her body had other plans. She’s fighting her body daily while still choosing to live boldly and pursue her passion as a midnight ballerina and dance instructor. Her strength, vulnerability, and resilience add so much depth to the story.
Together, they face societal judgment and personal struggles, choosing each other through it all. This story also dives into partner loss, grief, and what it means to love again after loss. The remaining partners are left to navigate their love for each other while carrying Lena with them.. learning how to hold space for both grief and healing at the same time.
This was a phenomenal conclusion to the Winston Hill series. C. M. Barnes has once again crafted characters that are deeply layered, and you can’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
Rating 4.5 ⭐️ This wasn’t just a romance. This felt like a conversation society refuses to have out loud. C.M. Barnes has a way of taking everything people swear is normal and gently asking according to WHO? Who decided love only gets to exist in one acceptable shape? One man. One woman. Kids. Dog. White picket fence. What happens to the people whose hearts naturally beat outside those lines?
What made this story beautiful was how human everyone felt. Lena searching for freedom inside a body constantly betraying her. Zaria wanting to be loved openly instead of in secret corners and whispered desires. Calil trying to unlearn generations of control, shame and rigid masculinity disguised as tradition.
🥰 together it's tender, intimate, complicated and sacred.
Knowing Lena’s ending ahead of time did NOT soften the impact. It actually made every vulnerable moment feel heavier. Every touch, every confession, every ounce of joy carried grief underneath it like a quiet current waiting to pull you under.
This book challenges you emotionally without ever feeling preachy. It asks you to sit with discomfort, question the boxes society builds around love, identity, gender, intimacy and worthiness and then dares you to imagine what freedom could actually look like.
Reverence was the perfect title because that’s exactly what this story inspires. Deep respect. Deep feeling. Deep remembrance. Some books entertain you. Some books stay lodged in your spirit long after the final page. This one absolutely lingers.
What made this story beautiful was how human everyone felt. Lena searching for freedom inside a body constantly betraying her. Zaria wanting to be loved openly instead of in secret corners and whispered desires. Calil trying to unlearn generations of control, shame and rigid masculinity disguised as tradition.
🥰 together it's tender, intimate, complicated and sacred.
Knowing Lena’s ending ahead of time did NOT soften the impact. It actually made every vulnerable moment feel heavier. Every touch, every confession, every ounce of joy carried grief underneath it like a quiet current waiting to pull you under.
This book challenges you emotionally without ever feeling preachy. It asks you to sit with discomfort, question the boxes society builds around love, identity, gender, intimacy and worthiness and then dares you to imagine what freedom could actually look like.
Reverence was the perfect title because that’s exactly what this story inspires. Deep respect. Deep feeling. Deep remembrance. Some books entertain you. Some books stay lodged in your spirit long after the final page. This one absolutely lingers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
When the end doesn’t feel like one
I’ve been a fan of Ms. Barnes from the very beginning, but I have to say this is hands down my favorite book of hers so far. This story took me on a full emotional journey. I laughed, I got angry, I cried… and by the end, I was left with the biggest smile. That’s how you know a book did what it needed to do.
This wasn’t just a love story it was a story about truth. About standing firmly in who you are, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it hurts. It’s about loving out loud in a world that often tries to silence you. And that message? It hit deep.
Lena, brought two people who were longing to be truly seen, understood, and cherished finally found exactly that in each other. Their journey was raw, emotional, and beautifully real. She didn’t just bring them together she allowed them to experience a kind of love that was pure, unconditional, and transformative. The kind of love that heals, challenges, and elevates you all at once.
C.M. Barnes continues to prove that she is a master storyteller. The way she weaves together sexuality, real-life struggles, and deep, undeniable love is unmatched. She has a gift for pulling readers into her world so effortlessly that you don’t just read her stories you feel them, you live them.
This book wasn’t just read… it was experienced. And trust me, it’s one you don’t want to miss. 💫📚
I’ve been a fan of Ms. Barnes from the very beginning, but I have to say this is hands down my favorite book of hers so far. This story took me on a full emotional journey. I laughed, I got angry, I cried… and by the end, I was left with the biggest smile. That’s how you know a book did what it needed to do.
This wasn’t just a love story it was a story about truth. About standing firmly in who you are, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it hurts. It’s about loving out loud in a world that often tries to silence you. And that message? It hit deep.
Lena, brought two people who were longing to be truly seen, understood, and cherished finally found exactly that in each other. Their journey was raw, emotional, and beautifully real. She didn’t just bring them together she allowed them to experience a kind of love that was pure, unconditional, and transformative. The kind of love that heals, challenges, and elevates you all at once.
C.M. Barnes continues to prove that she is a master storyteller. The way she weaves together sexuality, real-life struggles, and deep, undeniable love is unmatched. She has a gift for pulling readers into her world so effortlessly that you don’t just read her stories you feel them, you live them.
This book wasn’t just read… it was experienced. And trust me, it’s one you don’t want to miss. 💫📚
April 24, 2026
Reverence was an interesting & okay read for me. It was my first experience of having a trans main character. While the book had a solid focus on the love story of Calil & Zaria (the trans main character), I felt like I needed some more back story of the other key person of their relationship, which was Lena. She was introduced in a prior book, so I definitely wanted to understand more of the relationship between her & Calil, which then fueled the relationship between Calil & Zaria. There were SOME snippets of it, but I definitely felt like how their relationship & bond formed was missing. However, the ending between Calil & Zaria was nice to see. They managed to overcome a loss together, and still find a space for love. Therapy is a BIG point for C.M. Barnes, so of course it's present in this story as well which gives highlight to working through things instead of avoiding them. If you're definitely curious about what happens from the Epilogue of ASCENSION, make sure you check out REVERENCE,
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🩷🩵💜
IYKYK!!! This was such an enjoyable read! 🥹This story had me completely invested from beginning to end. It delivered moments that made me laugh, moments that pulled at my emotions, and plenty that left me smiling. Also, the song selections help set the mood throughout the story.
C.M. Barnes did an excellent job creating characters that feel real and LAYERED! Watching their growth and the connections between them unfold throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. The chemistry between the characters is 🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ & the emotional depth gives the story its heart.
Overall, Reverence was engaging, heartfelt, and memorable! Fans of the Winston Hills series will definitely enjoy this installment & hate to see it end…🫣🤫
🩷🩵💜
IYKYK!!! This was such an enjoyable read! 🥹This story had me completely invested from beginning to end. It delivered moments that made me laugh, moments that pulled at my emotions, and plenty that left me smiling. Also, the song selections help set the mood throughout the story.
C.M. Barnes did an excellent job creating characters that feel real and LAYERED! Watching their growth and the connections between them unfold throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. The chemistry between the characters is 🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ & the emotional depth gives the story its heart.
Overall, Reverence was engaging, heartfelt, and memorable! Fans of the Winston Hills series will definitely enjoy this installment & hate to see it end…🫣🤫
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you the author for the ARC review. This story stretched my imagination as it dived into new tropes for me. Why choose and an FMC who's a trans woman. This story was so layered as each character had flaws that would bury the average person. Lena was the common lover in this throuple bringing two lovers together who find love when they least expected it. Lena is also battling sickle while Zaria is searching for a lover to love her in the light after being loved in the dark for so long. Calil wants to shed those family expectations and experiencing a lover his family may not approve of. The writing was so layered and showed great care to the sensitivity of each characters life. Did I cry yes! Did I have sit with a for a few days, yes!
April 6, 2026
I WASNT READYYYYY😩😩😩😭🥺
Listen!! I went into this like i went into the rest of Winston Hills and baby when i tell you my heart was ripped outta my chest a little after halfway through this…baby, ain’t nobody told me NOTHING!! 🤣🤣🤣 But per usual, the advocacy for therapy is a catalyst for making everything okay in the end. So much love, so much understanding, acceptance, acknowledgment, communication…everything!! Safe to say the last half of this book was blurry because i cried the whole time. Happy tears, sad tears, hurt tears, swoon tears!! Alluh dat! This was so good but this can’t be the end now because Double Booked!?!!! That’s gonna be another book right? A lil novella at least!?? I know we JUST got Reverence but i just need to know that we gettin a little more!!!
Listen!! I went into this like i went into the rest of Winston Hills and baby when i tell you my heart was ripped outta my chest a little after halfway through this…baby, ain’t nobody told me NOTHING!! 🤣🤣🤣 But per usual, the advocacy for therapy is a catalyst for making everything okay in the end. So much love, so much understanding, acceptance, acknowledgment, communication…everything!! Safe to say the last half of this book was blurry because i cried the whole time. Happy tears, sad tears, hurt tears, swoon tears!! Alluh dat! This was so good but this can’t be the end now because Double Booked!?!!! That’s gonna be another book right? A lil novella at least!?? I know we JUST got Reverence but i just need to know that we gettin a little more!!!
April 7, 2026
Arc Reader Review
Whew! I wasn’t expecting to cry while reading this. C.M. Barnes has gift with words. The way she’s able to take us on a journey of life, love and death. I feel like she opened a new door for me with each Winston Hills novel. Nothing more difficult than losing a loved one, especially someone who you have not just romantic relationship with but a soul tie. It’s very much: “I’ve experienced epic love and that was it for me”. Nope not in Winston Hills, epic love is just the beginning. I get excited when I read another Winston Hills novel because I know I’m about to cry but I’m also going to feel the love radiate off the pages. Zaria, Lena and Calil have a mature and beautiful relationship. I couldn’t have asked for more. The ending destroyed me, I still have not recovered!
Whew! I wasn’t expecting to cry while reading this. C.M. Barnes has gift with words. The way she’s able to take us on a journey of life, love and death. I feel like she opened a new door for me with each Winston Hills novel. Nothing more difficult than losing a loved one, especially someone who you have not just romantic relationship with but a soul tie. It’s very much: “I’ve experienced epic love and that was it for me”. Nope not in Winston Hills, epic love is just the beginning. I get excited when I read another Winston Hills novel because I know I’m about to cry but I’m also going to feel the love radiate off the pages. Zaria, Lena and Calil have a mature and beautiful relationship. I couldn’t have asked for more. The ending destroyed me, I still have not recovered!
April 7, 2026
Review of advance copy from author
Reverence is a powerful and emotional finale to the Winston Hills Series. This story follows Calil, Lena, and Zaria as they navigate love, identity, and healing in deeply personal ways.
Each character brings something real and heartfelt to the story especially Lena’s strength through her battle with sickle cell and Zaria’s journey toward being loved authentically.
What stood out most was the way love and support showed up throughout the book consistent, intentional, and beautiful and most of all protected!!! Every woman deserves to be loved out loud
Overall, this was a touching, unforgettable read and the perfect ending to the series. Definitely keep tissues nearby & your favorite 😏😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reverence is a powerful and emotional finale to the Winston Hills Series. This story follows Calil, Lena, and Zaria as they navigate love, identity, and healing in deeply personal ways.
Each character brings something real and heartfelt to the story especially Lena’s strength through her battle with sickle cell and Zaria’s journey toward being loved authentically.
What stood out most was the way love and support showed up throughout the book consistent, intentional, and beautiful and most of all protected!!! Every woman deserves to be loved out loud
Overall, this was a touching, unforgettable read and the perfect ending to the series. Definitely keep tissues nearby & your favorite 😏😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this book not knowing what to expect and got a love story that shook me up in a way I wasn't prepared for.
Love. Intimacy. Pain. Grief. Growth. Healing - you get all of that in this story and it's done in a way that puts you back together after C.M. Barnes gets you ALL up in your feelings.
When it comes to Lena, Zaria, and Calil - I laughed, fell in love with these characters together and with their individual stories, yelled, cried a few times, cussed a little, but overall I truly enjoyed it.
So if you're looking for your next read, your next cry, your next book boo to add to the roster, get into Reverence by C.M. Barnes.
Love. Intimacy. Pain. Grief. Growth. Healing - you get all of that in this story and it's done in a way that puts you back together after C.M. Barnes gets you ALL up in your feelings.
When it comes to Lena, Zaria, and Calil - I laughed, fell in love with these characters together and with their individual stories, yelled, cried a few times, cussed a little, but overall I truly enjoyed it.
So if you're looking for your next read, your next cry, your next book boo to add to the roster, get into Reverence by C.M. Barnes.
April 17, 2026
Now THIS is how you do emotionally intense with real connection and solid spice. Reverence had me locked in because the chemistry actually felt earned. The tension, the push and pull, the emotional layers it wasn’t just physical, it meant something. And that’s my thing… if you’re going to give me spice, I need connection behind it. Not just bodies moving. These two? I felt them.
There was vulnerability, there was depth, and when they came together it made sense. Nothing felt forced or surface level. Now was it perfect? No. There were a couple moments I wanted just a little more but overall, it delivered where it mattered. And most importantly… it kept me engaged the entire time. Emotion, chemistry, and spice that actually had purpose. We love to see it.
There was vulnerability, there was depth, and when they came together it made sense. Nothing felt forced or surface level. Now was it perfect? No. There were a couple moments I wanted just a little more but overall, it delivered where it mattered. And most importantly… it kept me engaged the entire time. Emotion, chemistry, and spice that actually had purpose. We love to see it.
April 19, 2026
REVERENCE was a good read! I enjoy the way the characters loved each other without limits even though Zaria test my patience at times. I understood that she was guarding her heart but damn girl this man is trying to love you out loud and outside. Lena was such a sweetheart and a fighter. She loved Calil and Zaria with her whole heart and let them know it was okay for them to love each other the same way. I know this was supposed to be the last book but the way it ended maybe we will get another one or a new beginning at Wiston Hills.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader
The final book in the Winston Hills series and it’s the most emotional ride ever! Trans representation, sickle cell FMC warrior, this book was so beautifully written. Calil is big dawg and I wasn’t expecting that whatsoever. C.M. Barnes has a forever fan in me with her books. Please read this, you won’t be disappointed!
The final book in the Winston Hills series and it’s the most emotional ride ever! Trans representation, sickle cell FMC warrior, this book was so beautifully written. Calil is big dawg and I wasn’t expecting that whatsoever. C.M. Barnes has a forever fan in me with her books. Please read this, you won’t be disappointed!
April 6, 2026
Amazingly written
OMG!! The journey was written beautifully. Grab a tissue because the emotions were definitely felt. I swear my heart stopped a second while reading this. The spice was definitely spicy but more than that was the journey of love, acceptance, and finally peace. That epilogue…..hoping it’s a prequel to insight of something hinted 😉
OMG!! The journey was written beautifully. Grab a tissue because the emotions were definitely felt. I swear my heart stopped a second while reading this. The spice was definitely spicy but more than that was the journey of love, acceptance, and finally peace. That epilogue…..hoping it’s a prequel to insight of something hinted 😉
April 8, 2026
Reverence personified!
I cried like a baby! All the feels and worth every single tear. This was well written and I couldn't put it down. Calil was such an amazing lover, Lena was an Angel & Zaria, while guarded was unapologetically her. I am sad the series is ending but the future looks bright!
I cried like a baby! All the feels and worth every single tear. This was well written and I couldn't put it down. Calil was such an amazing lover, Lena was an Angel & Zaria, while guarded was unapologetically her. I am sad the series is ending but the future looks bright!
April 14, 2026
EMOTIONAL
As an OG that does not shed tears, this book had me all in my feelings. The gamete of emotions that ran through me had me questioning my inner thug. This is a must read. Oh and the spice level was on point.
As an OG that does not shed tears, this book had me all in my feelings. The gamete of emotions that ran through me had me questioning my inner thug. This is a must read. Oh and the spice level was on point.
April 27, 2026
Smiling through my tears
I love Lena, Zaria and Calil so much. What I thought this was gonna be, wasn't. It was so much more. I cried. I laughed. I learned. I'm left on edge wondering what comes next.
I love Lena, Zaria and Calil so much. What I thought this was gonna be, wasn't. It was so much more. I cried. I laughed. I learned. I'm left on edge wondering what comes next.
April 6, 2026
So good!!
I really enjoyed this book..it made me cry and it is so relatable. I love how love is shown unapologetically.
I really enjoyed this book..it made me cry and it is so relatable. I love how love is shown unapologetically.
April 10, 2026
A nice closeout to the Winston Hills series.
April 13, 2026
Ma’am!
I just cried so hard! I feel like we should be rewarded with a novella. You never disappoint! More PLEASE!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I just cried so hard! I feel like we should be rewarded with a novella. You never disappoint! More PLEASE!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 14, 2026
Beautifully Written
This is a book that was really good. It ran you through the emotions of happiness, grief, hopeful for the future etc.
This is a book that was really good. It ran you through the emotions of happiness, grief, hopeful for the future etc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I experienced a full spectrum of emotions while reading this book: grief, anger, sadness, joy…. The author was intentional in her inclusion of representation, as I hadn’t read anything like this book before. This is a book about freedom, resilience, hope, and loving through and after hardships.
Zaria is a transfemme woman who was written with the care and dignity she deserves, which is extremely rare representation in Black romance. Her story isn’t merely one of trauma and struggle but she is afforded much needed softness, boundaries, safety, and love.
Lena’s storyline is a special one to me as a person navigating life with chronic illness/pain myself as well as sickle cell being a disease that has impacted and taken the lives of family members and friends. I love that Lena reclaims autonomy of her own body and is a ‘midnight ballerina,’ also the impeccable duality between being a queer ‘midnight ballerina’ and a pastor’s daughter beautifully highlights liberation and freedom from societal expectations.
Calil’s character is also so important in unlearning rigid beliefs and societal expectations of masculinity and appropriate emotional expression for men.
I love love loved the portrayal of therapy, because it’s not a quickly easy fix but an ongoing journey to healing. More of our stories need this in depth portrayal of mental health being normalized and discussed with such care. Chosen family is a beautiful part of this story because while there are difficult depictions of familial relationships in this book, chosen family shows up and shows out in this book.
Zaria is a transfemme woman who was written with the care and dignity she deserves, which is extremely rare representation in Black romance. Her story isn’t merely one of trauma and struggle but she is afforded much needed softness, boundaries, safety, and love.
Lena’s storyline is a special one to me as a person navigating life with chronic illness/pain myself as well as sickle cell being a disease that has impacted and taken the lives of family members and friends. I love that Lena reclaims autonomy of her own body and is a ‘midnight ballerina,’ also the impeccable duality between being a queer ‘midnight ballerina’ and a pastor’s daughter beautifully highlights liberation and freedom from societal expectations.
Calil’s character is also so important in unlearning rigid beliefs and societal expectations of masculinity and appropriate emotional expression for men.
I love love loved the portrayal of therapy, because it’s not a quickly easy fix but an ongoing journey to healing. More of our stories need this in depth portrayal of mental health being normalized and discussed with such care. Chosen family is a beautiful part of this story because while there are difficult depictions of familial relationships in this book, chosen family shows up and shows out in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
*Please check the trigger warnings before reading!!!!
SPOILER: it does include death due to sickle cell
Y’all! I was not ready for this book. I just knew it was gonna be a spicy romance book, but C.M. Barnes fooled me. It is still spicy, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to cry. Like why Lena?! I understand she was sick, but she was supposed to stay and fight. Their relationship was just getting started. Even though I cried, this may be my favorite book of the series. I love how it ended with Calil and Zaria still being together despite the olds against them. I love how Calil loved her out loud and unapologetic.
Now C.M. Barnes, I need to know how the double booking thing ended cause what?! I need more!!!
SPOILER: it does include death due to sickle cell
Y’all! I was not ready for this book. I just knew it was gonna be a spicy romance book, but C.M. Barnes fooled me. It is still spicy, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to cry. Like why Lena?! I understand she was sick, but she was supposed to stay and fight. Their relationship was just getting started. Even though I cried, this may be my favorite book of the series. I love how it ended with Calil and Zaria still being together despite the olds against them. I love how Calil loved her out loud and unapologetic.
Now C.M. Barnes, I need to know how the double booking thing ended cause what?! I need more!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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