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Awakening
Kemuel Azar and Queenie Montgomery have had a strong bond since they first formed a friendship in high school. Working together on a class project, they grew closer, finding common ground in their mutual appreciation of construction and interior design.
With their bond cemented, they graduate college and work in their respective fields for King Construction, Kemuel's family business. As they anticipate the change in ownership from Kemuel's grandfather to Kemuel, a sense of excitement fills the air, but it is tempered by the condition attached. For Kemuel to become the owner of the company, it is a requirement that he marry Queenie. Faced with the prospect of losing the family business, Kemuel and Queenie agree to the arrangement. Will the marriage arrangement strengthen their bond or destroy it?
With their bond cemented, they graduate college and work in their respective fields for King Construction, Kemuel's family business. As they anticipate the change in ownership from Kemuel's grandfather to Kemuel, a sense of excitement fills the air, but it is tempered by the condition attached. For Kemuel to become the owner of the company, it is a requirement that he marry Queenie. Faced with the prospect of losing the family business, Kemuel and Queenie agree to the arrangement. Will the marriage arrangement strengthen their bond or destroy it?
- GenresAfrican American Romance
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
70 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 15, 2023
Queenie x Kemuel
This book was a hard one for me. The story started at the very beginning of how Queenie and Kamuel became friends in junior high. It was well developed, and I was hooked. Fast-forward into their adulthood, I got to see how they turned out and what they did with their lives. Then they were forced into a marriage in order to inherit a construction company that's been in Kemuel's family.. As they dealt with this little marriage of convenience, that's when it started to kinda lose me. It could not keep my attention for some reason. Which was disappointing cause usually, Bailey West is a hit for me. I love all other previous work. I feel like I didn't get enough of the couple. Maybe that's why 🤷🏾♀️
Kemuel and Queenie were the best of friends. After finding out and talking about the marriage, their transition from friends to lovers was done sooo smooth, IMO, you could almost miss it. That's how close they were. Even when their "I love you's" transitioned from BFFs to husband and wife, they didn't even realize it. The little plot twist towards the end definitely took me by surprise cause I did NOT see that coming. It wouldn't be a BW novel if we didn't get a little religious inspiration, which always makes the stories a little extra special for me. Overall, this was just ok for me, but BW is still pretty high on my list.
3.6⭐️
This book was a hard one for me. The story started at the very beginning of how Queenie and Kamuel became friends in junior high. It was well developed, and I was hooked. Fast-forward into their adulthood, I got to see how they turned out and what they did with their lives. Then they were forced into a marriage in order to inherit a construction company that's been in Kemuel's family.. As they dealt with this little marriage of convenience, that's when it started to kinda lose me. It could not keep my attention for some reason. Which was disappointing cause usually, Bailey West is a hit for me. I love all other previous work. I feel like I didn't get enough of the couple. Maybe that's why 🤷🏾♀️
Kemuel and Queenie were the best of friends. After finding out and talking about the marriage, their transition from friends to lovers was done sooo smooth, IMO, you could almost miss it. That's how close they were. Even when their "I love you's" transitioned from BFFs to husband and wife, they didn't even realize it. The little plot twist towards the end definitely took me by surprise cause I did NOT see that coming. It wouldn't be a BW novel if we didn't get a little religious inspiration, which always makes the stories a little extra special for me. Overall, this was just ok for me, but BW is still pretty high on my list.
3.6⭐️
August 23, 2023
Love them
Best friend to lovers with marriage of convenience sprinkled on top. They had a journey back to each other but their friendship never wavered. I love seeing the progression/development of their romantic relationship.
Best friend to lovers with marriage of convenience sprinkled on top. They had a journey back to each other but their friendship never wavered. I love seeing the progression/development of their romantic relationship.
May 11, 2023
I love me a good friends to lovers read, and this one was beautiful! Kem and Queenie were rock solid, almost from the beginning of their friendship. However, when Kem stepped up big time to help Queenie deal with a life altering decision, I knew they were cemented for life. Kem had always loved Queenie, but since she friend zoned him, he accepted her anyway she allowed. I believe that Queenie cared for Kem just as much but was afraid to address her feelings. Bubba wanted to shake things up a bit. He knew what needed to happen and acted on it. Although upset Kem and Queenie handled the situation like they did everything else in their lives, together. It was adorable to see them slow down and fall in love, rather than just love each other as friends. Now, that revelation about Jay did throw me, cause what??🤯 Then the way it all when down, could have been disastrous; but Kem cleaned it up perfectly. I knew that Queenie was always looking over her shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop, but Kem was in it for the long haul. Their story was adorable, and the ending even better! Loved catching up with Pastor Iz and Leona and would love to see Vaya and Calix get together. Great read! 👍👍👍
May 16, 2023
Awakening for sure
I love it when an author knows all the elements to tell a profoundly compassionate story. The story had two themes, an arranged marriage, and a friends to lovers side. The arranged marriage part followed the path as others with one exception, readers were pulled into the deep end of a love story without a single warning. Kemuel and Queenie were business partners as well as dear friends, so when they were forced to marry for a cause, I knew the road would be treacherous if they weren't careful. I suggest, the parts surrounding Jay's birth had a mysterious element you might miss. The fact that the friendship survived for many years ,wasn't by happenstance. The family and friends added to the delivery in this edition. The story left us so many points to ponder and snippets of what might be next in this series.
I love it when an author knows all the elements to tell a profoundly compassionate story. The story had two themes, an arranged marriage, and a friends to lovers side. The arranged marriage part followed the path as others with one exception, readers were pulled into the deep end of a love story without a single warning. Kemuel and Queenie were business partners as well as dear friends, so when they were forced to marry for a cause, I knew the road would be treacherous if they weren't careful. I suggest, the parts surrounding Jay's birth had a mysterious element you might miss. The fact that the friendship survived for many years ,wasn't by happenstance. The family and friends added to the delivery in this edition. The story left us so many points to ponder and snippets of what might be next in this series.
May 3, 2023
That ending tho !!!!!
It stresses me when character details in a series don’t match from book to book, like a character being divorced in one book, when she never married her fiancé in the previous book. Or when a character has one middle name at the beginning of the book, but it’s different by the end. Not a judgement/criticism or shade either, just saying …
The plot twist with Jay & the ending more than made up for it. Well done !!!
It stresses me when character details in a series don’t match from book to book, like a character being divorced in one book, when she never married her fiancé in the previous book. Or when a character has one middle name at the beginning of the book, but it’s different by the end. Not a judgement/criticism or shade either, just saying …
The plot twist with Jay & the ending more than made up for it. Well done !!!
June 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book but it could’ve been a novella.
March 5, 2025
🥺
This was a beautiful display of soul mates + the “it takes a village” phrase. Grandpop knew Kem and Queenie were meant to be.. his proposal helped push them to what was already destined. I loved this twist on the friends to lovers + arranged marriage trope. 💕
This was a beautiful display of soul mates + the “it takes a village” phrase. Grandpop knew Kem and Queenie were meant to be.. his proposal helped push them to what was already destined. I loved this twist on the friends to lovers + arranged marriage trope. 💕
June 5, 2023
oh my Gawd
One of the best arranged marriages i have ever read.. most of the book i sat with my lip poked out cause it was just so dang sweet and good. I will definitely recommend this as many times as i can !
One of the best arranged marriages i have ever read.. most of the book i sat with my lip poked out cause it was just so dang sweet and good. I will definitely recommend this as many times as i can !
March 29, 2024
The last quarter of this book *gagged* me! 🫨
I did not expect some of the twists and turns in Kem and Queens story. I loved reading about their friendship and how it continued on in older age.
The chapters were super long though? With the alternating perspectives it probably could have been separated some. There are 9 chapters but this is over 350 pages. Odd choice
I did not expect some of the twists and turns in Kem and Queens story. I loved reading about their friendship and how it continued on in older age.
The chapters were super long though? With the alternating perspectives it probably could have been separated some. There are 9 chapters but this is over 350 pages. Odd choice
May 5, 2023
When I saw Bailey post about this book for the first time I was so excited!! I've enjoyed everything I've read from her so I had HIGH expectations for this one. She did not disappoint with this mash-up of friends-to-lovers and arranged marriage.
I loved how we met Kemuel and Queenie at the beginning of their friendship and then we were able to see that friendship evolve. I love these two as individuals. Getting a chance to experience them as high schoolers and then meeting them again as adults and business owners was great! I also appreciated how they had a SOLID village around them. Everyone was there to support Queenie and Jay and nobody more than Kem. Talk about a book bae, I'm respectfully letting ya'll know that he belongs to me. We go together....REAL BAD.
S/O to Bubba because lets be honest these two were playing. Like how can I see that they're perfect for each other and they don't. They definitely needed an Awakening. One of my favorite things about friend-to-lovers is being able to watch the evolution and Bailey captured that perfectly.
Queenie was so oblivious, like literally throughout the whole book. I just wanted to shake her because she was playing in my face. I LOVED their relationship and the family unit they formed with Jay. I'm not trying to give anything away but ya'll know I believe in finding a step daddy better than the real daddy. Kem has to be one of the best father figures I've read in a while. Jay was not playing about his mom, Pop or not, Kem had no choice but to come correct.
I found myself laughing way more than expected and it was nice catching up with old friends. That plot twist was so perfect because it came out of nowhere but it made PERFECT sense. Vaya and her situation definitely pulled at my heart strings, so I'm hoping we get to see what/if anything happens with her and Calix. I have my fingers crossed for them to be the next couple.
Overall I absolutely enjoyed this read. We don't get tons of releases from Bailey West but when she drops a book it ALWAYS hits. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, arranged marriage and meddling grandparents in books definitely check this one out!
CW: discussions of domestic abuse
I loved how we met Kemuel and Queenie at the beginning of their friendship and then we were able to see that friendship evolve. I love these two as individuals. Getting a chance to experience them as high schoolers and then meeting them again as adults and business owners was great! I also appreciated how they had a SOLID village around them. Everyone was there to support Queenie and Jay and nobody more than Kem. Talk about a book bae, I'm respectfully letting ya'll know that he belongs to me. We go together....REAL BAD.
S/O to Bubba because lets be honest these two were playing. Like how can I see that they're perfect for each other and they don't. They definitely needed an Awakening. One of my favorite things about friend-to-lovers is being able to watch the evolution and Bailey captured that perfectly.
Queenie was so oblivious, like literally throughout the whole book. I just wanted to shake her because she was playing in my face. I LOVED their relationship and the family unit they formed with Jay. I'm not trying to give anything away but ya'll know I believe in finding a step daddy better than the real daddy. Kem has to be one of the best father figures I've read in a while. Jay was not playing about his mom, Pop or not, Kem had no choice but to come correct.
I found myself laughing way more than expected and it was nice catching up with old friends. That plot twist was so perfect because it came out of nowhere but it made PERFECT sense. Vaya and her situation definitely pulled at my heart strings, so I'm hoping we get to see what/if anything happens with her and Calix. I have my fingers crossed for them to be the next couple.
Overall I absolutely enjoyed this read. We don't get tons of releases from Bailey West but when she drops a book it ALWAYS hits. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, arranged marriage and meddling grandparents in books definitely check this one out!
CW: discussions of domestic abuse
May 4, 2023
The Awakening
I loved this book from beginning to end. This was a beautiful best friends to lovers story. Kem was all about his Queen and his Queen was all about her Kem. Their friendship, partnership and marriage was something I think we would all love to experience. There was a surprise in the book that I had a feeling would come and I’m pleased to know my thoughts were correct. There is so much more I want to say about this book but I don’t want to provide any spoilers, but I will say I loved how the family and friends of Kem and Queen embraced their relationship and their dynamic with open arms. It was very admirable. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this series and this author. 10/10 highly recommend!
I loved this book from beginning to end. This was a beautiful best friends to lovers story. Kem was all about his Queen and his Queen was all about her Kem. Their friendship, partnership and marriage was something I think we would all love to experience. There was a surprise in the book that I had a feeling would come and I’m pleased to know my thoughts were correct. There is so much more I want to say about this book but I don’t want to provide any spoilers, but I will say I loved how the family and friends of Kem and Queen embraced their relationship and their dynamic with open arms. It was very admirable. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this series and this author. 10/10 highly recommend!
May 29, 2023
Let me start by saying I love Bailey West and everything she writes. This one moved slower than normal, which I didn’t like. However, the storyline and ending were unique as Ms. West’s stories always do! Queen and Kemuel meet as the family moves to a new city. Kem wants to return home but soon finds comfort in his new bestfriend Queen. As the two grow together, they learn the importance of commitment, friendship, love, trust, communication and ultimately sacrifice.
Through a unique agreement, the two are forced to explore new options and to also heal old wounds. Each character, family and friends, exude love and true friendship. While this book moved slower and I would’ve given this a 3.7 if I could, the surprise ending made up for the plot’s speed. You’ll enjoy it as I did.
Through a unique agreement, the two are forced to explore new options and to also heal old wounds. Each character, family and friends, exude love and true friendship. While this book moved slower and I would’ve given this a 3.7 if I could, the surprise ending made up for the plot’s speed. You’ll enjoy it as I did.
May 3, 2023
So, I really enjoyed this story. Kem and Queenie were perfect for each other even if Queenie needed a little coaxing behind the scenes. There were a couple of plot twists towards the end, especially at very, very end between Kem and Bubba. I would love to see what happens if Queenie ever learns the real truth. Somehow, Kem manages to not come off toxic even with that little bit of manipulation.
I love how BW added enough minor plots that could turn into their own stories. I hope we get a story for: Vaya and Calix; Lowe and someone; Billye and Zechariah. There are a few other potential storylines that could be pulled out too.
I love how BW added enough minor plots that could turn into their own stories. I hope we get a story for: Vaya and Calix; Lowe and someone; Billye and Zechariah. There are a few other potential storylines that could be pulled out too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Glacier love
Two best friends who’ve been each other’s rock all their lives embark on a journey together that forces them to explore and acknowledge feelings for each other that they never allowed. They find their love surpasses anything they could ever imagine and they achieve glacier status - “…consistent, non-wavering, supportive, and loving.”
Well written, I loved their friendship, the families and friends were awesome, and they were meant to be. They finally saw what everyone else saw.
Great read!
Two best friends who’ve been each other’s rock all their lives embark on a journey together that forces them to explore and acknowledge feelings for each other that they never allowed. They find their love surpasses anything they could ever imagine and they achieve glacier status - “…consistent, non-wavering, supportive, and loving.”
Well written, I loved their friendship, the families and friends were awesome, and they were meant to be. They finally saw what everyone else saw.
Great read!
November 21, 2023
A few reaches but good overall
I really enjoyed the story of Kemuel and Queenie and their journey to forever. I also relished the inter family dynamics and the support from both of their families.
I did struggle with some of the more unrealistic parts of the storyline, e.g. Kem’s family fully backing his decision to parent Jay as his own without anyone, no one at all dissenting, also Bubba’s ultimatum, and Jay’s paternity. One or two reaches here and there but not with so many big themes, good and great dynamics don’t have to be perfect.
Overall, I enjoyed this book!!
I really enjoyed the story of Kemuel and Queenie and their journey to forever. I also relished the inter family dynamics and the support from both of their families.
I did struggle with some of the more unrealistic parts of the storyline, e.g. Kem’s family fully backing his decision to parent Jay as his own without anyone, no one at all dissenting, also Bubba’s ultimatum, and Jay’s paternity. One or two reaches here and there but not with so many big themes, good and great dynamics don’t have to be perfect.
Overall, I enjoyed this book!!
July 30, 2024
I liked the way Kem stepped up in Jay’s life for Queenie as her best friend. I was almost disappointed for that plot twist, but it still didn’t change who Kem’s character was before he found out the truth. I thought I was going to be bored with another marriage of circumstance plot, because it really is getting old, but this couple is very different on so many levels. The conversation Jay had with Kem before his date with Queenie and Queenie and Kems back and forth digs about their past relationships had me laughing out loud.
May 6, 2023
Forever Steady Love
When you love a person the way Kem and Queenie love each other, it is something beautiful. Their friendship is what sold me. I could see him fuming at her guy choices. Unconditionally being there for her. He was her calm and she was his muse.
I do not know who is next in this series. I know it will be very interesting. There are a lot of characters who were aching to forward.
When you love a person the way Kem and Queenie love each other, it is something beautiful. Their friendship is what sold me. I could see him fuming at her guy choices. Unconditionally being there for her. He was her calm and she was his muse.
I do not know who is next in this series. I know it will be very interesting. There are a lot of characters who were aching to forward.
May 20, 2023
I liked it
I enjoyed the story and how their relationship grew. I hope Vaya's story is next. As always, I enjoy the Easter eggs from other character's books.
My suggestions are to use less formal language. The characters always say things like "we are" in stead of "we're" or "yes" instead of "yeah". I was also was over them calling each other husband and wife. The book also needs more editing in general. At one point an entire passage was repeated.
Would recommend.
I enjoyed the story and how their relationship grew. I hope Vaya's story is next. As always, I enjoy the Easter eggs from other character's books.
My suggestions are to use less formal language. The characters always say things like "we are" in stead of "we're" or "yes" instead of "yeah". I was also was over them calling each other husband and wife. The book also needs more editing in general. At one point an entire passage was repeated.
Would recommend.
February 2, 2024
Oh, Ms. West!🤎
There will be no spoiler alerts. The only bummer is that I read out of order, so I know what the ending is for the Bluette Brothers.🤎 Miss West is one of my favorite new authors. I love her style, grace and passion with a pen. Queen & Kem was the perfect love story. I love the way she molded all of the characters in the book. It is my hope that this series goes on and on and on! 🤎
There will be no spoiler alerts. The only bummer is that I read out of order, so I know what the ending is for the Bluette Brothers.🤎 Miss West is one of my favorite new authors. I love her style, grace and passion with a pen. Queen & Kem was the perfect love story. I love the way she molded all of the characters in the book. It is my hope that this series goes on and on and on! 🤎
July 3, 2024
IF you are looking for renewed love and hope! This is it!
OMGGGG HOW I LOVED QUEENIE AND KEM. I love the flow of the friends to lovers story. KEM and QUEENIE had actually always been together since they were kids. But because of missed communication, anger,frustration or whatever rthey had going on it took a while for them to connect. Once they did.,, it was on fire.Loved it. Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
OMGGGG HOW I LOVED QUEENIE AND KEM. I love the flow of the friends to lovers story. KEM and QUEENIE had actually always been together since they were kids. But because of missed communication, anger,frustration or whatever rthey had going on it took a while for them to connect. Once they did.,, it was on fire.Loved it. Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
May 2, 2023
Amazing
Man oh man… Ms. Bailey never disappoints. To see Queen and Kemuel relationship blossom over the course of them book was so amazing. I love that she allows for her character to expects their flaws but be the best version of themselves. I love that we got to see Iz and Leona. Overall ten stars!!
Man oh man… Ms. Bailey never disappoints. To see Queen and Kemuel relationship blossom over the course of them book was so amazing. I love that she allows for her character to expects their flaws but be the best version of themselves. I love that we got to see Iz and Leona. Overall ten stars!!
May 6, 2023
Sometimes we need a push in the right direction
Whew...Kem was everything and more. The way he loved on Queenie was beautiful and the whole time Queenie viewed Kem as her best friend. A push came to reveal what was always there, a genuine and unfailing love. I am looking forward to what this author has in store for us next and I am hoping it will be soon, very soon.
Whew...Kem was everything and more. The way he loved on Queenie was beautiful and the whole time Queenie viewed Kem as her best friend. A push came to reveal what was always there, a genuine and unfailing love. I am looking forward to what this author has in store for us next and I am hoping it will be soon, very soon.
May 19, 2023
This was more than reading, it was an experience in a wonderful life. From start to finish!
I loved the information and inspiration. The content of the warmth of friendship where the open honesty and communication was so real. The physical love made me blush and the spiritual love made me cry, wishing I had been able to have an experience of receiving that kind of love!
I loved the information and inspiration. The content of the warmth of friendship where the open honesty and communication was so real. The physical love made me blush and the spiritual love made me cry, wishing I had been able to have an experience of receiving that kind of love!
June 22, 2023
loved it
Can I say I was so wrapped up in this book that I truly hated it when it was over. This is a really good read I loved the story line. I especially loved getting to know and love a new family that’s connected to so many others we have read about. Can’t wait for what’s to come.
Can I say I was so wrapped up in this book that I truly hated it when it was over. This is a really good read I loved the story line. I especially loved getting to know and love a new family that’s connected to so many others we have read about. Can’t wait for what’s to come.
October 19, 2023
Ok I am in love with Kenmuel!!! I really loved this book and the development of the story and again Kenmuel.....we need more men like that...swoon worthy male lead.
Ok for the book I must admit that the confusion of being a teen and sex and then facing consequences is a challenge but Queenie took her lumps like a boss and had great support systems.
Ok for the book I must admit that the confusion of being a teen and sex and then facing consequences is a challenge but Queenie took her lumps like a boss and had great support systems.
February 2, 2024
5 stars for Queenie and Kem!
Beautifully written friends to lovers story wrapped up in a marriage of convenience, that’s not really a marriage of convenience. I loved how they had each others back from beginning to end, but especially how Kem stepped up for Queenie. That plot twist had my mouth hanging open, but added a bit of dramatic flare to the already great story!
I just loved it!
Beautifully written friends to lovers story wrapped up in a marriage of convenience, that’s not really a marriage of convenience. I loved how they had each others back from beginning to end, but especially how Kem stepped up for Queenie. That plot twist had my mouth hanging open, but added a bit of dramatic flare to the already great story!
I just loved it!
May 16, 2024
Ahh mazing
I was all in with this. I had no idea what I would be getting into but this was awesome. Kem and Queenie made a great couple. Bubba was the right one to do what he did. I enjoyed the entire book. Jay was the super kid. He is the one every parent wants. Read this with an open mind as anything can happen. Loved this..
Happy Reading‼️
I was all in with this. I had no idea what I would be getting into but this was awesome. Kem and Queenie made a great couple. Bubba was the right one to do what he did. I enjoyed the entire book. Jay was the super kid. He is the one every parent wants. Read this with an open mind as anything can happen. Loved this..
Happy Reading‼️
May 18, 2024
Vickie J
Never thought that Jay belonged to Kem I thought it was the player, Queenie thought the same thing. I loved how Kem was by Queenie's side the whole time that's true love and Jay knew when he saw the pictures of Kem as a teenager and thought it was him, that's what you call true love
Never thought that Jay belonged to Kem I thought it was the player, Queenie thought the same thing. I loved how Kem was by Queenie's side the whole time that's true love and Jay knew when he saw the pictures of Kem as a teenager and thought it was him, that's what you call true love
April 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the story of Queenie & Kemuel. I loved the Friends to Lovers as well as the fact that Kemuel was that MAN for Queenie & their son. I also loved how the characters from the previous book were flowing within the storyline. Narrators were great and now on to the next book. Will highly recommend the series.
November 6, 2025
I enjoyed Kemuel Azar and Queenie Montgomery story! This is a friends to lovers trope that was done correctly, and that I didn't see coming! I love how we got the back story of their friendship and how they were so close. I also loved the twist and turns that this book has all the way to the end of the book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews