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Mr. Play for Keeps: Baes of Juneteenth
As the director of a youth leadership development program and the Washington, D.C. Mr. Black Organization representative, I'm known for getting things done and making the impossible happen; like planning a four-day city-wide Juneteenth celebration. Losing a vendor is the last thing I need. Thankfully, my on-again, off-again, definitely on-again lover, Stephanie Arrington, is there to help. Now, if only I can convince her to see me as more than an occasional fling. I have my work cut out for me, but soon she'll learn that in life and love, I play for keeps.
Being the owner of a holistic skincare company keeps me booked and busy. Until a devastating blow turns my world upside down. Uncertain about my future and in need of a distraction, I accept an invitation to participate in Juneteenth festivities in D.C. But not everything is as it seems. While I am working to rebuild my life, my one-night-stand turned FWB and knight in an expensive business suit, Nathaniel Reed, is working to turn our no-strings-attached arrangement into something permanent. In life, some things aren't meant to be kept, like me.
In the Baes of Juneteenth series, we invite you to journey to different cities to celebrate Juneteenth with the men of Mr. Black, an organization honoring Black culture, Black love, and Black history.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2023
63 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 16, 2023
The romance, the chemistry, the sex….. oh my! Stephanie and Nathaniel were the perfect FWB to lovers. What started out as a few sexual trysts between friends quickly turned into a love connection neither of them was looking for. Nathaniel was ready to stand ten toes down and make their arrangement permanent and he went above and beyond to let Stephanie know she was, without a doubt, his one. It was the Netflix and chill over the phone for me. It was them falling asleep on the phone with each other for me. It was him having breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivered to her office to make sure she and her staff ate for me. It was him hopping on a plane without question or hesitation when she needed him for me. Nathaniel proved time and time again he was a man of action and he would do whatever it takes to let Stephanie know together is where they needed to be. Mr. Play for Keeps was a sexy and steamy Juneteenth read. It was good and filthy from page to page but, I expect nothing less from Kimmie Ferrell. If for no other reason, read this book for the opening scene. I promise you won’t be disappointed. 😏
June 13, 2023
4.5 ✨Steph & Nathaniel came out the gates swinging in that bathroom- I was not prepared! I just knew the two would be sneaking and freaking like crazy but Steph had other plans by running off. 😬Nathaniel was more than patient with her; he knew what he wanted but he did what was necessary to protect his peace. Unfortunately but also fortunately for Steph in her time of need, Nathaniel came running when she needed him. They were so cute and it was clear that they were destined for more than friendship. Whether it was checking to make sure each other ate, falling asleep on FaceTime, the Netflix and Chill dates, it was all sweet. I liked the spicy scenes, the chemistry between the characters, the climax and ah-ha moment for Steph. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in no time!
Kimmie continues to impress me with her storytelling abilities.
Kimmie continues to impress me with her storytelling abilities.
June 14, 2023
oh wee! if kimmie ferrell don’t do nothing she gon pen a filthy love story! i’m talking from page one. literally didn’t waste any time and i loved it.
not only was it filthy but it was funny! every other page i was calling stephanie unserious because my girl didn’t take anything serious even when her life was on the line.
and nathaniel. chileeee. that’s a real man. he was so patient with stephanie and her shenanigans it just made me love him more.
this was such a fun book. i can’t wait for whatever kimmie has up next.
not only was it filthy but it was funny! every other page i was calling stephanie unserious because my girl didn’t take anything serious even when her life was on the line.
and nathaniel. chileeee. that’s a real man. he was so patient with stephanie and her shenanigans it just made me love him more.
this was such a fun book. i can’t wait for whatever kimmie has up next.
July 1, 2023
Short, sweet, and straight to the point! Heavy on straight to the point (see the opening scene for reference 😂). I loved everything about this one from start to finish. Primarily set in D.C., this story is centered around Nathaniel and Stephanie who became friends while playing third and fourth wheel to their best friends. A little bit more than friends and a little bit less than lovers, we get to bare witness as they work through their feelings for one another.
This story confirmed that I really love when the male character effectively communicates where they stand. Nathaniel was not playing when it came to Stephanie and that was on full display. We love a man that shows up in every way! He loved on her properly even during their period of uncertainty and I loved every minute of it. Although I was screaming to just let go and let love, I did understand some of Stephanie’s apprehensions of the possible outcomes of them pursuing more with each other. When you blur the lines of lust and love, things can easily go left or right. However, I was fully in support of them taking that chance because ain’t nothing to a try but a miss.
This story confirmed that I really love when the male character effectively communicates where they stand. Nathaniel was not playing when it came to Stephanie and that was on full display. We love a man that shows up in every way! He loved on her properly even during their period of uncertainty and I loved every minute of it. Although I was screaming to just let go and let love, I did understand some of Stephanie’s apprehensions of the possible outcomes of them pursuing more with each other. When you blur the lines of lust and love, things can easily go left or right. However, I was fully in support of them taking that chance because ain’t nothing to a try but a miss.
June 23, 2025
He’s polished, powerful, and playing for keeps and she swears she’s not the settling down type.
But babyyy… the chemistry says otherwise.
Kimmie Ferrell gave us FWB tension, emotional wounds, and a man who’s ready to apply pressure not just in the bedroom, but in real life too. It’s messy, grown, and full of “we’re not done here” vibes.
If you love a man who knows what he wants and a woman still figuring out if she’s ready to be caught, this is the one.
But babyyy… the chemistry says otherwise.
Kimmie Ferrell gave us FWB tension, emotional wounds, and a man who’s ready to apply pressure not just in the bedroom, but in real life too. It’s messy, grown, and full of “we’re not done here” vibes.
If you love a man who knows what he wants and a woman still figuring out if she’s ready to be caught, this is the one.
June 16, 2023
I've already read 7 of the 11 books in this series and this one is by far my favorite. This was a hot and spicy FWB love story. I loved how patient Nathaniel was with trying to get Stephanie to see how great they would be together if they transitioned from FWB to an actual relationship. I'm going to need a continuation of their story.
June 13, 2023
Extra extra steamy
I think this might be the steamiest story in the collaboration. There were many pages with the couple having the time of their lives. The Juneteenth reference was slight, but it was mentioned a time or two. If you want Heat, this is your story.
I think this might be the steamiest story in the collaboration. There were many pages with the couple having the time of their lives. The Juneteenth reference was slight, but it was mentioned a time or two. If you want Heat, this is your story.
June 28, 2024
Stephanie is so caught up on her business, Mahogany Bliss, that she almost missed out on a good thing with Nathaniel.
This is my first read by @kimmieferrell, but it won't be my last. As soon as I finished this cozy read, I immediately went in search of more.
Go check out the Baes of Juneteenth.
This is my first read by @kimmieferrell, but it won't be my last. As soon as I finished this cozy read, I immediately went in search of more.
Go check out the Baes of Juneteenth.
December 2, 2023
OHHH NATHANIEL 😭😭😭😭😭😍😍😍😍😍🫠🫠🫠🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🥵🥵🥵
September 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
April 10, 2025
Nathanial said, look you want me and I want you so stop playing and give me your heart ❤️
Oh and the DC rep was hard af.. like dat!!! I see you Kimmie!
Oh and the DC rep was hard af.. like dat!!! I see you Kimmie!
August 16, 2023
I like it
I like how he plays for keeps. A man that takes the time to learn a woman without her saying anything to him is a mvp in my book. Loved this story.
I like how he plays for keeps. A man that takes the time to learn a woman without her saying anything to him is a mvp in my book. Loved this story.
January 5, 2024
Cool
I liked the concept of friends with benefits evolving into a real relationship. This, while overall entertaining enough, felt a tad disjointed to me. The flow wasn't there and it affected my experience, but I did enjoy certain parts. How Nathaniel took care of Stephanie after the incident was swoon-worthy, and I liked how that whole experience made her realize what's important and that time isn't to be wasted. I dug that.
I liked the concept of friends with benefits evolving into a real relationship. This, while overall entertaining enough, felt a tad disjointed to me. The flow wasn't there and it affected my experience, but I did enjoy certain parts. How Nathaniel took care of Stephanie after the incident was swoon-worthy, and I liked how that whole experience made her realize what's important and that time isn't to be wasted. I dug that.
June 11, 2023
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
📚: Mr. Play for Keeps - Kimmie Ferrell
Apart of the Baes of Juneteenth Anthology!
4⭐️!
Release Date: 6/13/23
What an opening! Listen Nathaniel had Stephanie wide open to start this book and I loved it! What I didn’t realize was Stephanie was about to drag me and Nathaniel through it with her indecisiveness and running! 😩 Nathaniel is a part of the DC area Mr. Black Organization and is trying to plan the Juneteenth celebration while his mind is focused on the one girl who keeps playing the cat-and-mouse game with him. Stephanie had my boy Nathaniel (Knight) whipped and tbh he knows it and loves it! It takes a tragic act for Stephanie to realize she can’t run forever and that the first person she’s calling in a time of need is Nathaniel, her best friend’s husband’s best friend! Once Stephanie works through her issues we get the HEA we deserve! Nathaniel didn’t give up on Stephanie and let her know she was what he wanted. A man! A man playing for keeps if you will! 😆 And baby I could’ve done a little more time with this couple but understand it’s a novella and an enjoyable read that I recommend in honor of Juneteenth. In this book you’ll get some Juneteenth history but at the front a love story, and some spicy time 😆🔥!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#bookreview #bookstagram #blackbookstagram #arcreview #booksbooksbooks #ireadromance #romancebooks #juneteenth
📚: Mr. Play for Keeps - Kimmie Ferrell
Apart of the Baes of Juneteenth Anthology!
4⭐️!
Release Date: 6/13/23
What an opening! Listen Nathaniel had Stephanie wide open to start this book and I loved it! What I didn’t realize was Stephanie was about to drag me and Nathaniel through it with her indecisiveness and running! 😩 Nathaniel is a part of the DC area Mr. Black Organization and is trying to plan the Juneteenth celebration while his mind is focused on the one girl who keeps playing the cat-and-mouse game with him. Stephanie had my boy Nathaniel (Knight) whipped and tbh he knows it and loves it! It takes a tragic act for Stephanie to realize she can’t run forever and that the first person she’s calling in a time of need is Nathaniel, her best friend’s husband’s best friend! Once Stephanie works through her issues we get the HEA we deserve! Nathaniel didn’t give up on Stephanie and let her know she was what he wanted. A man! A man playing for keeps if you will! 😆 And baby I could’ve done a little more time with this couple but understand it’s a novella and an enjoyable read that I recommend in honor of Juneteenth. In this book you’ll get some Juneteenth history but at the front a love story, and some spicy time 😆🔥!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#bookreview #bookstagram #blackbookstagram #arcreview #booksbooksbooks #ireadromance #romancebooks #juneteenth
June 15, 2023
Friends with benefits to lovers is definitely a thing for me because I thoroughly enjoyed Nathaniel and Stephanie. The opening alone had me like “Oh shit now!!”. Nathaniel wants more from Stephanie, but she continuously puts on her wide receiver shoes and runs from anything serious. Imagine letting a wack ass dude block your blessings like that? Nathanial is that dude! He’s successful, patient, understanding, he delivers dick better than next day delivery AND he is there for you in your time of need. Sis what is the issue? Unfortunately, it took a devastating blow from life for Stephanie to finally understand that Nathanial is ten toes down for her and their partnership. She got on my nerves with her indecisiveness and I didn’t understand it because she’s falling asleep on the phone with this man, they’re Netflix & chilling over the phone and let’s not forget the mutual masturbation? Sis BFFR! I just love it when it’s easy to detect an author’s growth with every book you read. Kimmie just keeps impressing me! The pacing was exceptional and I loved the friendship and dialogue between the couple & the cameos of their friends. Tying in the Juneteenth event for the Mr. Black organization was tastefully done and I vividly saw my DC friends beating their feet with Nathanial. My biggest drawback was the blow for Stephanie. I really was expecting a visit from her ex showing her that Nathaniel was the better choice. Not something so devastating! Nathanial deserved to find out that she cared more for him outside of a situation that possibly made her latch onto him out of desperation or emotion. Also, an extra chapter of them navigating a relationship outside of hiding would’ve done me well. I’m greedy tho. Overall, I recommend this book. I enjoyed the story and the couple.
June 26, 2023
It took them long enough!
Nathaniel and Stephanie found they loved each other while playing the friends with benefits game! Unfortunately a near tragedy is what it took to push these two to realize they love each other!! Each of these Mr. Black organization organizers of the Juneteenth celebration planned activities geared toward uplifting our youth and giving them a much needed opportunity to pursue their highest potential regardless of what their potential turns out to be! I appreciate that each of these anthologies explain a bit more of the true meaning of Juneteenth! Yes, A celebration is definitely in order since that is the first reaction our ancestors were said to have displayed upon learning they were free from the bondage of slavery!!! Another great read in this collection of anthologies entitled Baes of Juneteenth!!! Thank you Kimmie for your contribution to such an important part of our history!!!!!!
Nathaniel and Stephanie found they loved each other while playing the friends with benefits game! Unfortunately a near tragedy is what it took to push these two to realize they love each other!! Each of these Mr. Black organization organizers of the Juneteenth celebration planned activities geared toward uplifting our youth and giving them a much needed opportunity to pursue their highest potential regardless of what their potential turns out to be! I appreciate that each of these anthologies explain a bit more of the true meaning of Juneteenth! Yes, A celebration is definitely in order since that is the first reaction our ancestors were said to have displayed upon learning they were free from the bondage of slavery!!! Another great read in this collection of anthologies entitled Baes of Juneteenth!!! Thank you Kimmie for your contribution to such an important part of our history!!!!!!
June 20, 2023
This is my first book read by Kimmie Ferrell and it certainly will not be my last. Ms. Ferrell certainly brought the heat in her Baes of Juneteenth book. Nathaniel Reed is Mr. Black Washington DC. and is part of the East Coast Division of the organization. Stephanie Arrington is his friends with benefits but he is determined to change things and make he his one and only. Stephanie on the other hand is afraid to make that leap and lose their friendship. This couple sizzled on their way to finding their HEA. Their friends with benefits relationship was a wild ride. I enjoyed their best friends, Daxton and Hayden as well. I will be purchasing the first book they appeared in to see how their relationship started.
September 21, 2023
This was a Good Read 📚 👏🏾❣️
I loved Nathaniel 😍 "Knight." When it came to his woman, he did not play. Literally he was whatever, whenever and wherever she needed him to be with a solution to her situation. He was a true book Bae 😍. Stephanie, "Angel," aggravated my nerves. Her disappearing acts and lies were childish and unnecessary. I believe her heart was good but knowingly hurting people to avoid your own hurt and t h en not respecting their boundaries after your disrespectful behavior was just utterly obtuse. I loved the chemistry between them and Ms. Morgan and Mr. Calvin were gold ✨️💛. Juneteenth was more of a background in this book but still a worthy attempt. Overall, this was a good read 📚 👏🏾❣️
I loved Nathaniel 😍 "Knight." When it came to his woman, he did not play. Literally he was whatever, whenever and wherever she needed him to be with a solution to her situation. He was a true book Bae 😍. Stephanie, "Angel," aggravated my nerves. Her disappearing acts and lies were childish and unnecessary. I believe her heart was good but knowingly hurting people to avoid your own hurt and t h en not respecting their boundaries after your disrespectful behavior was just utterly obtuse. I loved the chemistry between them and Ms. Morgan and Mr. Calvin were gold ✨️💛. Juneteenth was more of a background in this book but still a worthy attempt. Overall, this was a good read 📚 👏🏾❣️
June 13, 2023
Playing for keeps
I loved this story! Nathaniel is definitely book bae material and I loved how he showed Stephanie how much he loved her through his actions and knew her so well. Stephanie got on my nerves a bit but she was so relatable. She was just like any other woman who has been hurt and is hesitant to accept the love of another and only allows the next man to be her FWB, but she came around. I loved the relationship and connection and chemistry between Stephanie and Nathaniel and their intimate scenes left me sweating. I loved that this book focused on black love and I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series.
I loved this story! Nathaniel is definitely book bae material and I loved how he showed Stephanie how much he loved her through his actions and knew her so well. Stephanie got on my nerves a bit but she was so relatable. She was just like any other woman who has been hurt and is hesitant to accept the love of another and only allows the next man to be her FWB, but she came around. I loved the relationship and connection and chemistry between Stephanie and Nathaniel and their intimate scenes left me sweating. I loved that this book focused on black love and I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series.
June 28, 2023
WE FOUND Love
Stephanie and Nathaniel, were both getting over broken relationships. At the beginning they love to get together with each other. She thought that she was not ready for a serious relationship. Stephanie created natural products from recipes that het grandmother left her. The shop caught on fire and the first person she called was Nathaniel. He came told the doctors that he was her husband so that he could stay with her while she was healing from the fire. He eventually took her home with him and eventually they pulled it together and confessed their love for each other.
Stephanie and Nathaniel, were both getting over broken relationships. At the beginning they love to get together with each other. She thought that she was not ready for a serious relationship. Stephanie created natural products from recipes that het grandmother left her. The shop caught on fire and the first person she called was Nathaniel. He came told the doctors that he was her husband so that he could stay with her while she was healing from the fire. He eventually took her home with him and eventually they pulled it together and confessed their love for each other.
July 3, 2023
Nathaniel…Mr. Play for Keeps…For Real…For Real!! 🔥🔥
Nathaniel, Nathaniel!! He was a man on a mission to have a successful Juneteenth celebration for his city, Washington DC, while also getting his lady, Stephanie!! Despite prior relationships for both of them he knew on first sight that Stephanie was it, was his!! Stephanie was much more reserved in pursuing a relationship, but definitely enjoyed the FWB aspect!!
There was plenty of drama, steamy encounters, heartbreak, love and laughter! I enjoyed this story, as well, and definitely recommend it!! Kudos, Kimmie!! 💜
Nathaniel, Nathaniel!! He was a man on a mission to have a successful Juneteenth celebration for his city, Washington DC, while also getting his lady, Stephanie!! Despite prior relationships for both of them he knew on first sight that Stephanie was it, was his!! Stephanie was much more reserved in pursuing a relationship, but definitely enjoyed the FWB aspect!!
There was plenty of drama, steamy encounters, heartbreak, love and laughter! I enjoyed this story, as well, and definitely recommend it!! Kudos, Kimmie!! 💜
June 20, 2024
great short read
I enjoyed this book. Nathaniel certainly didn’t play about Stephanie and once she realized she better get her act together before she lost him she did! I love how the author incorporated DCs culture with the music Backyard Band happens to be my favorite band as well as some of the language we use as well! I connected to the book because of that being a native Washingtonian. I love a strong black mmc and Nathaniel gave just that. Confident, intelligent, knight in a business suit!
I enjoyed this book. Nathaniel certainly didn’t play about Stephanie and once she realized she better get her act together before she lost him she did! I love how the author incorporated DCs culture with the music Backyard Band happens to be my favorite band as well as some of the language we use as well! I connected to the book because of that being a native Washingtonian. I love a strong black mmc and Nathaniel gave just that. Confident, intelligent, knight in a business suit!
August 2, 2023
Mr. Play for Keeps: Bars of Juneteenth
This was a love story about Stephanie Arrington and Nathaniel Reed. They met because they were best friends to their best friends that recently married. They were attracted to each other and since were constantly together fell In love. After a fire destroyed her business and she moved to Nathaniel's home to recover which led to happily ever after.
This was a love story about Stephanie Arrington and Nathaniel Reed. They met because they were best friends to their best friends that recently married. They were attracted to each other and since were constantly together fell In love. After a fire destroyed her business and she moved to Nathaniel's home to recover which led to happily ever after.
August 13, 2023
At Last
Nathaniel and Stephanie are caught in a world wind love. Nathaniel didn't at first want to admit how much he wanted Angel in his life. Stephanie was a runner from love because of a bad situation. A life event forced her to finally understand Nathaniel 's place in her life. They were an insatiable couple for each other. However, Stephanie faced her problem and overcame it in a kitchen in DC..great read love this author
Nathaniel and Stephanie are caught in a world wind love. Nathaniel didn't at first want to admit how much he wanted Angel in his life. Stephanie was a runner from love because of a bad situation. A life event forced her to finally understand Nathaniel 's place in her life. They were an insatiable couple for each other. However, Stephanie faced her problem and overcame it in a kitchen in DC..great read love this author
June 22, 2023
Mr. Play for Keeps
I love Nathaniel. He was a man's man. He knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to show Stephanie that he loved and needed her. Stephanie, on the other hand, had been burned by love and was afraid. But as I have said before, the love of a good man 9r woman will change your heart every time.
I love Nathaniel. He was a man's man. He knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to show Stephanie that he loved and needed her. Stephanie, on the other hand, had been burned by love and was afraid. But as I have said before, the love of a good man 9r woman will change your heart every time.
July 3, 2023
A GOODT story
Kimmie Ferrell did her thing with this one. My attention was snatched at the first SLAP! and there wasn’t anything I could but go along for the ride. And what a ride it was. I liked how this Bae story connected with her previous Bae story. Ferrell can definitely weave a tale. I can’t wait to see what she has coming next.
Kimmie Ferrell did her thing with this one. My attention was snatched at the first SLAP! and there wasn’t anything I could but go along for the ride. And what a ride it was. I liked how this Bae story connected with her previous Bae story. Ferrell can definitely weave a tale. I can’t wait to see what she has coming next.
July 16, 2023
Someone You Can Depend On and Fall in Love With
Nathaniel and Stephanie’s were like best friends with benefits. They communicated well and were together as much as possible since they had a secretive relationship from their family and friends. Everything worked out for them in the end due to their love for each other.
Nathaniel and Stephanie’s were like best friends with benefits. They communicated well and were together as much as possible since they had a secretive relationship from their family and friends. Everything worked out for them in the end due to their love for each other.
January 5, 2024
exciting
I loved this couple…they allowed you to see their strengths and weaknesses. The support they gave each other in all things surrounding their lives, who could ask for a better relationship. I was excited reading this book because we can all wish and pray for a connection like this with the love of your life.
I loved this couple…they allowed you to see their strengths and weaknesses. The support they gave each other in all things surrounding their lives, who could ask for a better relationship. I was excited reading this book because we can all wish and pray for a connection like this with the love of your life.
June 13, 2023
What's done in the dark
Nathaniel and Stephanie tried keeping their relationship secret from everyone. She was afraid of her feelings because of previous losses but what's to be can't be stopped.
Nathaniel and Stephanie tried keeping their relationship secret from everyone. She was afraid of her feelings because of previous losses but what's to be can't be stopped.
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