Officer Savion Evans is known for his playboy ways, quick wit, and status as the son of West Grove’s Chief of Police. He’s been avoiding Dr. Kendra Solomon, the one woman capable of unraveling his controlled lifestyle of working hard and playing harder. Once Kendra is forced into his life, Savion experiences a connection he never believed he was capable of.
Dr. Kendra Solomon, a dedicated trauma surgeon, sacrificed her ambitions to follow a man to West Grove in the name of love. She’s determined to reclaim her independence and escape to the job she’s always wanted. Now she must choose between chasing her dream and a love that has made her feel more like herself than ever before.
Kafi Wise is a contemporary romance author who writes female characters with soft lives who face hard decisions. These ladies will get their happily ever after and she loves writing their journey to it. She has a BA in English Literature and Journalism and her focus is blending engaging storytelling with themes of love.
I loved this book and could not put it down. Kendra and Savions chemistry was so heavy and charged from day 1. I ate up every page of banter and tension. The story was intertwined with family dynamics that aren't typically talked about but realistic. I enjoyed the complex relationships and seeing how it made the MCs who they are.
Thank you to the author for this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Savion and Kendra met previously in Love, Messiah and that meeting wasn't the best for them to say the least. They continued to have a little bit of bad blood when they crossed paths at the beginning of this book; however, things changed once she became his neighbor. After talking to each other and Savion actually apologizing for how he spoke to her, they were able to turn over a new leaf. They became friendly and as they continued talking feelings started to get involved.
It was nice seeing Savion in a different light because he was more known as a ladies man so to see him being in tune with his feelings, talking about them, and wanting to pursue a relationship with Kendra was different for him. Kendra on the other hand was fresh out of a relationship and not looking for anything serious so she was expecting to get the Savion that all the ladies were talking about and his action in the bedroom. Due to this, there was a lot of push and pull with the two of them and you never really knew if the budding romance that was brewing between them was going to turn into a relationship or not. That said, I liked seeing the two of them together and how they were each other's peace when they needed it.
Outside of the romance aspect, there was also family drama that was brought into the story on Savion's side and Kendra trying to see where she wanted to go with her career and stand out on her own without the assistance of her ex or her parents who were also in the medical field. It was interesting watching these storylines play out in the book as well and how it effected what Kendra and Savion were building. Overall, I liked how the book came together in the end and it was nice catching up with Messiah and Summer in this one too. Thank you Kafi Wise for the ARC.
3.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️ I have to say this one didn’t hit like I’d hope it would.Savion and his playboy ways were the talk of the town. I didn’t really like or connect with the MFC, Kendra. I really felt like she was using Savion even after she knew how he really felt about her. I didn’t like how she stayed making decisions without a discussion. The added family drama was crazy and I felt like everyone had more than enough right to be pissed off at the father. Overall, this book is a maybe for me. I definitely enjoyed the first book better than the second one. The MFC in this book kind of killed it for me.
✨I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.✨
(4.5⭐️) This book was so flirty and full of palpable chemistry and tension. I loved Kendra & Savion’s banter. You could tell they were a couple who genuinely liked one another as friends and not just as lovers. I also appreciated the way the author gave us a front-row seat to watching them build intimacy in all those small ways.
I do think they both lived in their heads for way too long about whether they wanted to explore a relationship, but it made sense. Sav was a playboy who was new to navigating emotions and relationships, while Kendra had her eyes set on proving herself in her career and just having a “good time” with Sav. Falling in love wasn’t in the plan for either of them, but it felt inevitable, especially with that kind of chemistry.
Watching their push-and-pull was frustrating at times (namely Kendra, if I can be honest). But what they experienced felt realistic when you think you’ve found the right person at the wrong time and allow fear to drive some of your decision-making. My biggest frustration was how long Kendra continued to have one foot out the door. I understood her hesitation, but there were definitely moments when I wanted her to either trust what they were building or be honest about what she wasn’t willing to sacrifice for it.
I don’t know if this series is finished, but I wouldn’t be mad at a book about Angel. He definitely had me side-eyeing him throughout this book, but I’m curious enough about his character to want to see whether there’s a redemption story waiting for him.
Overall, this was an engaging read that kept me locked in. I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” until I eventually inhaled the whole book in nearly one sitting.
Savion is a bachelor. He knows his appeal. He isn’t interested in investing the time and effort required to sustain a romantic relationship. That is until he meets Kendra. It’s easier to ignore the plausibility of something great than to actually put effort into it.
Kendra has worked hard her entire life. Despite the obstacles in her life, she hasn’t permitted anything to hinder her professionally. Her attachment to a peer, has caused her question her romantic interests. In pursuit of forever she was willing to submit to the will of someone else. It’s a disservice to her own desires.
Savion and Kendra both think they can out run fate. It’s futile. It’s definitely something in the water in West Grove. The love bug ain’t taking no prisoners.
Aside from the focal point of Savion and Kendra’s love story, there are other aspects that deserve candor. Wise has planted seeds of vital information cross the series. In this novel, the foundation is shaken. It explores the impact of recklessness that youth and immaturity brings.
Thank you @kafiwise for the advanced copy of Always, Savion!
After reading Love, Messiah, I was so excited to finally get Kendra and Savion’s love story, and once again, I fell in love with Kafi Wise’s writing!
One of my favorite things about Kafi’s books is the way she writes healthy Black love while still showing the realities of relationships. Savion and Kendra both had personal struggles they were working through, and I appreciated how the story showed them navigating real-life situations both individually and together. Their relationship felt genuine, relatable, and mature without pretending that healthy love means everything is always perfect.
And that secret that rocked the Evans family?! 😳 I definitely did not see that coming!
Now I need to know…are we getting a third book?! 👀 Because I’m not ready to say goodbye to West Grove! I would love to revisit these couples and see how their relationships continue to grow and evolve and meet some new characters.
Thank you to the author, Kafi Wise, for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Always, Savion, book two of the West Grove series is a contemporary romance that delivers a blend of storytelling and romance. This was my very first read by this author, and it absolutely did not disappoint! I loved following the story of Savion and Kendra. From the beginning, their witty banter kept me hooked, with the vulnerability in both characters beautiful to witness. It was clear to see the love for their professions, which added a depth to their individual characters before they even came together. On top of the incredible chemistry, the family backgrounds and the realistic, messy dynamics that family can bring added flavor and truth to the plot. If you haven't read anything by this author, give it a try, I enjoyed this.
I’m so happy I received an ARC from Kafi Wise! I loved Love, Messiah, and quickly became intrigued by Kendra & Savion. Their energy was so strong off bat, I almost thought this was going to be second chance, but I’m very satisfied with how their journey went.
We follow Dr. Kendra Solomon, a trauma surgeon, and Savion Evans, a patrol officer. Envounters in the ER put them on each other’s radar in a good & bad way as Sav & his mouth offend Kendra in Love, Messiah. New beginnings land them as neighbors who live above & below each other. Their truce starts when Kendra needs a favor from Savion, and from then on starts their budding relationship.
I think I love these two more than Summer & Messiah! The song heaven baby by ayra Starr reminds me of them. They have hard careers and poured into each other constantly. I loved the twist because I realized it right before it was revealed & was glad we didn’t have to wait. I’m hoping there may be a third book with some rookies on the force 👀👀. Sav’s rookie Noelle was a ki!
Kendra’s elitist family had me side eyeing till the end, even big sis like…yall got plenty skeletons!
Chief Dad??? Still on my shit list idk he gotta do better still lol.
This was 5 stars for me! I truly enjoyed this journey of Kendra and Savion. Shoutout to black women in STEM!
I really enjoyed this follow up to Love Messiah. Summer and Messiah are still my favorite though. But I do enjoy Savion's personality more. He is very loyal to his queen mother, and holds everybody accountable. His daddy is a hot mess, and I'm going to need a follow up to that.
Savion and kendra!! What can I say.... these two were meant to be! Savion did not due relationships once you read it you will know why! I can understand his point that daddy was something else! Kendra on the other hand gave to much to the wrong guy! When savion came along she didnt know what to do!! Im glade they found their way. Im so happy Kendra followed her heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.