Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mr. On Your Knees: Baes of Juneteenth

Rate this book
Hotelier, Jared Desdune, is focused on planning Miami’s premier Juneteenth event when during vendor interviews, a blast from his past walks into his office. Desirae Kane is the distraction he doesn’t need in his career right now, but exactly what his heart might be craving.

Desi’s event design firm has been steadily growing in the past years but landing a high-profile celebration with a 5-Star hotel chain will open even more doors. If only she can resist the passion that’s still burning dangerously between her and the man who broke her heart.

***Check out all the books in the Baes of Juneteenth series!
Mr. Straight Up No Chaser by Sherelle Green
Mr. Right Now by Sheryl Lister
Mr. Down For Whatever by Elle Wright
Mr. Alpha Undone by Kelsey Green
Mr. Second Best by Angela Seals
Mr. Big Stuff by Aja
Mr. Play for Keeps by Kimmie Ferrell
Mr. Take Me As I Am by Iris Bolling
Mr. One and Only by Sharon C. Cooper
Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable by Tina Martin

Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

A.C. Arthur

189 books936 followers
AC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.

After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.

AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
150 (59%)
4 stars
72 (28%)
3 stars
29 (11%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Frida.
776 reviews36 followers
May 10, 2026
4⭐️

This is one of those second-chance romances where I actually bought the emotional cause and effect.
Because sometimes second-chance books feel like two grown adults refusing to have one simple conversation for 300 pages, and I’m sitting there like, seriously?

Not here. I got it! I understood why Desi left. I understood why Jared panicked. I understood why the hurt lasted. And I understood why, even after three years, one look across a conference table could drag every buried feeling right back to the surface.

Jared and Desi’s falling out is messy in the right way because it isn’t built on some ridiculous misunderstanding. He didn’t know how to handle certain things, made a stupid choice, and she protected herself. Desi’s reaction made complete sense to me, especially because the book ties it to what she watched others accept. She was not going to become the woman swallowing pain in the name of love. But the issue at hand was also not as horrendous as I had expected. YAY to that! And that is what made the second chance work.

The book does a good job showing that they were not just lusting for each other, even though, let’s be honest, they are very much horny for each other.😂 Their chemistry is loud. The title is not playing. But beneath the heat, there is history, professional respect, shared ambition, and a genuine sense that these two once built something real. I liked that Desi’s work mattered. I liked that Jared saw her talent, her vision, her community focus, and trusted her with an event that meant something to him. The Juneteenth art exhibition and masquerade ball gave the story more texture than just “exes forced into proximity and immediately combust.”

My only real gripe is that I could have used a little more depth in the repair stage. This is a shorter book, and sometimes I felt that. I wanted more of them talking through the old hurt. What is there works, but because the emotional setup was so good, I wanted a little more.

Definitely one of my favourites in the Baes of Juneteenth series so far!
Profile Image for Vondetta Carter.
842 reviews8 followers
August 18, 2023
Will love win?

Desi and Jared had tried to make something happen between them over three years ago. Jared got cold feet and messed up royally. Desi was determined to move on a did all she knew to do. However because of the Mr Black event in her city,these two are put together again. Will the heat succeed in keeping them together or will past hurt, seal their fates. GREat read from a great author ..
Profile Image for Brenda  Larnell.
445 reviews26 followers
June 16, 2023
Brilliant storyteller, A.C. Arthur lends her talent to the Baes of Juneteenth series with an entertaining second chance at love story that features Jared Desdune and Desirae “Desi” Kane. Jared is Mr. Black Miami. We learn that the Mr. Black Organization is nationwide, and it’s purpose is “to be a light of hope in Black communities”. As part of his duty as Mr. Black, Jared is in charge of planning the Juneteenth celebration in Miami. He is the presently holding down his dream job as hotel manager of the five-star Carrington Resort.
Desi is an event planner who gets the job to bring Jared’s vision of a celebration that will “symbolize every step of the Black experience in this nation” to fruition. Jared is in his second year as Mr.Black Miami, and he wants this celebration to be bigger and better than his first one.
I love the passion-filled first kiss scene at the art gallery where Jared and Desi take that first step. Each encounter brings them closer together. You’re going to need a cool drink plus a fan when you get to the cigar bar “encounter”. Their love-making teeters on the fringes of a lifestyle that connects to the title of the book. You’ll get that when you read the story.
You are going to enjoy reading MR. ON YOUR KNEES, and I recommend it for your reading pleasure. It’s a great way to celebrate Juneteenth through reading!
Profile Image for lexi.
354 reviews8 followers
Read
April 7, 2026
mr. on your knees — a.c. arthur

rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
jared desdune is locked in on planning miami’s premier juneteenth celebration while balancing his role in the mr. black organization and his career as a hotel manager. everything is going according to plan… until desirae “desi” kane — the woman from his past — walks back into his life during vendor interviews.

desi’s event design firm is on the rise, and landing this opportunity could take her to the next level. the only problem? the same man tied to her biggest opportunity is also the one who broke her heart… and the chemistry between them clearly never left. as much as i love a good second chance romance… this one just didn’t stick with me. like i just finished it and i’m already struggling to hold onto anything beyond the surface.

there were moments that had potential — their reconnection, the tension, even that first kiss at the art gallery — but nothing really lingered. it felt like i was reading it in real time and then immediately letting it go. not a bad read at all, just not a memorable one for me. i did appreciate the intention behind the story, especially with the juneteenth celebration and what it represented, but it didn’t fully land the way i wanted it to.
Profile Image for Ruby.
703 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2023
Jared and Desi!!!

I love a good second chance at love book and Mrs. Arthur certainly delivered a great one with Jared and Desi. Jared and Desi were together for several months before Desi decided she could not handle the lack of commitment from Jared. They both had unresolved emotions left over from their histories with their parents which had a negative effect on their relationship. Once Desi showed up to interview for the event planning job for the Juneteenth celebration, Jared was determined to rekindle his relationship with her. Jared knew that he had to make changes within himself before he could commit freely and totally to Desi. Desi also knew that she could not let her past intrude on her present with Jared. The scenes between them while planning the Juneteenth celebration were so sexy and the cigar bar scene was especially 🔥🔥🔥. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Felice Foster.
897 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
I need a better word than hot. Searing, blistering, fiery? All those words describe this novella.

Honestly, I think my kindle's battery ran out faster because of the heat that was emanating from the pages.

These characters are sexy and flawed and honest. I think that's what I liked most about the story. These are grown people who have learned from their mistakes and are now honest with their interactions and feelings. They leave nothing unsaid.

This was a great, quick read and for those that read AC Arthur, she even gives a little peek into some of her former character's lives that she's created in her fictional world. A nice treat for long time readers!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Matysha.
391 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2023
must read sexy second chance at love.

I totally loved this sexy second chance at love tale. This story help my attention and wouldn’t let up lose a few winks of sleep too. Just like with the other Bae stories I’ve thus far I learned one more NEW Juneteenth thing. I like how the holiday didn’t overshadow Jared & Desi’s journey to each other but it still played the part it needed to play. Only thing I wanted to see but didn’t was those two go to the “sex club” that tore them apart because I know they would’ve had a great time lol. Job well done to the author her pen never misses.
Profile Image for Geri Evans.
685 reviews
July 5, 2023
Grabbing That Second Chance At Love…Jared and Desi!! 🔥🔥🔥

Whew! What a story this was! I’m a sucker for second chance romances, and this one was for the books!!

In preparation for Mr. Black Miami, Jared’s Juneteenth premier, he needs an event planning firm, and in walks Desirae Kane, his Desi!! Things get a little wild and interesting from here!

You need to be sure and grab your copy and start reading! I loved how everything came together for the event, as well as for Jared and Desi! You’ll enjoy the journey and the ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it! Kudos, A.C.! 💜
805 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2023
Glad they cleared that up!

Desirae aka Desi and Jared were lovers for a number of months however due to issues each had with a respective parent led to them breaking apart when it appeared that at some point Jared may cheat like her dad and her ex! Choosing to be proactive, Desi left leaving both of them heartbroken for over two years. Choosing her event planning business to participate in the Miami Juneteenth celebration brought the two back in contact with each other thus leaving an opening for them to not only put on a successful celebration it helped them repair their relationship as well. I love all of these Baes of Juneteenth anthologies very much.
140 reviews
August 18, 2023
Oh My!!

Wow! I loved Jared and Desi’s second chance story! These two realized their mistakes after three years apart. They were both broken because of their parents. I’m just glad they finally realized that they weren’t their parents. These two were perfect together. I also loved that Desi was a plus sized woman! I can identify with that, being a plus sized woman myself. We need more characters like this!! I’m glad that the Juneteenth celebration Jared held, was a success. I absolutely loved that Jared’s cousin Sam was mentioned in the book!! Thank you AC from r this amazing read!! ❤️🔥
1,166 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2023
Mr. On Your Knees

I have been enjoying this series so much and this book had me intrigued just from the title alone and I couldn’t wait to read it. Jared and Desi were able to get a second chance at love and were able to communicate better so they could heal from their past. It took them a while to get it right but they did and I enjoyed their journey throughout. I loved how they both submitted to the other and how they seemed to feed off each other with their ideas. This was a really cute story and I’m excited to see what comes next from this author.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,195 reviews131 followers
June 17, 2023
Mr was the Man

A second chance romance always makes me happy. Add in the Juneteenth story and this was a double delight. Jared was bae materials and Desi was just what he needed to survive the headache from a poor decision in their past. This one had sensual moments along with some trust issues that nearly stalled the couples reconciliation efforts. In the end, I received my happy ending.
325 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2023
a Second Chance At Love

Desi andJared chemistry off the chain. They had to work together on the Juneteenth project, which made them have to communicate, acknowledge their mistakes, trust one another and forgive themselves and others for things that happened in the past. Realizing how much they missed and loved each other brought them back together. Judo’s to A.C. Arthur on another great story of love.
133 reviews
June 16, 2023
Jared and Desi

Jared and Desi had a past with a not so good ending. They are back in each other's presence. Will they be able to put aside the past to work on this special Juneteenth presentation? I loved the chemistry between these two and loved how hard they worked to accomplish their goals. Loved this story.
93 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2023
Mr. On Your Knees

I love this story, Jared and Desi set this story on fire. I loved how they realized the issues that broke them up weren't their issues but things from their up bringing and their resolve to change their way of thinking. I recommend this book for all the fans of A C Arthur and to everybody who has never read her books because you'll be hooked.
Profile Image for Shone.
1,373 reviews28 followers
June 24, 2023
Fear of the Past

Desi didn't want to be like her mother.
Jared, didn't want to feel the pain he had when his mother left.
Can Mr. Black of Miami, and the best event planner get past the pain of their parents?
Working together to put on the Juneteenth celebration, can they find happiness?
Profile Image for Linda Epps - Dillon.
301 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2023
I enjoyed this second chance at love story. Jared Desdune, Mr. Black Miami, and Desi Kane were a sizzling hot couple. I loved their chemistry and was happy that they finally had their HEA. I was glad they realized that they were letting the poor decisions made by their parents mess up their relationship.
1,287 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2023
Excellent read

Excellent read, I loved the characters and storyline. Jared and Desi are a great match. They reconnected after being apart for years. Jared and Desi’s attraction and love was still strong. This is their journey to a second chance at love. Also, it was wonderful to see the Desdune name and the connection to characters from past books.
223 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2023
Jared and Desi

This book was a good story. I enjoyed learning and reading about characters with childhood baggage and how it can shape their present relationships. I glad Jared and Desi was able to talk through the past and hurt with their relationship. They still a work in progress as couple and I glad nobody is walking away this time.
218 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2023
Mr. On Your Knees

This was a love story about Desirae Kane and Jared Desdune. They reunited when she applied for the job of event planner for the Nineteenth celebration. It had been three years since they had been in the same room. He was instantly regretful the way they parted ways. The attraction wad instant which led to their happily ever after.
770 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2024
TO LOVE AGAIN

Desi and Jared were truly meant to be together as they never could find the love they both needed without each other. Once you realize that you made a mistake walking away and then seeing that there was an opportunity to get that love back; why not try. As I said before I am loving this series and I hope to continue to learn more.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,743 reviews55 followers
October 14, 2024
Spicy! Sassy! Suspenseful!


When Desi walks into Jared's conference room, he finally realizes just what he lost, when she walked out, on him, three years ago. I liked that Desi was a strong, successful business woman who wasn't about to let Jared stomp all over her heart a second time.
Profile Image for Brisace.
593 reviews
June 24, 2025
Jared had the nerve to be fine, successful and still have Desi out here fighting for her life against old feelings 😭.

This wasn’t just a second chance romance it was grown, sexy, and full of tension you could taste. Desi came in on business, but baby that chemistry said, “Business WHERE?!”

Juneteenth never looked this good, and Jared? Yeah… he can get on his knees any day of the week.


Profile Image for Ava Smith-forrest.
906 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2023
Mr. On Your Knees

Jared Desdune and Desi Kane were emotionally messed up because of their parents and didn't know how to communicate as a couple which caused to loose six years of togetherness.
Profile Image for Ebony Kelly.
3 reviews
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed this short story. It was hot and erotic and moved smoothly. Enjoyed reading about the couples journey back to each other after a break up. Also, I enjoyed reading about characters from other books I loved from Mrs. Arthur.
230 reviews
September 10, 2023
Forgiveness

Nothing like having to admit you messed up and get back the one thing you makes you complete. Jared and Desi were so focused on their parents issues. Forgot they weren't them. Glad they got it together. Great story. Relationship goals.
1,036 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
Afraid to love

Misconceptions on both parts kept Jared and Desi apart but opportunity and live beought them back together. Good read, really enjoyed it
147 reviews
June 18, 2023
Bravo

Enjoyed Desi and Jared’s story. So much hope! I couldn’t wait to see how it turned out. Hope to see a follow up story.
1,002 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2023
Beautiful ❤

Loving this series 😍🙌🏽👏🏾❤👌🏽💕book bae sexy romantic beautiful chemistry between characters loved it from beginning to end ❤ amazing ❤
Profile Image for Starnekia.
149 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2023
Liked

I would recommend if you are looking for a good short love story to read. I enjoyed the love the couple had for each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews