The events at the end of Serving Time have thrust all the characters into chaos. Everyone will have decisions to make and paths to choose. Follow along as each decision leads to another in the conclusion to Serving Time…Free Indeed.
3.5 = This is the follow up to Serving Time (which in my opinion was great). This kind of fell off for me. It was still a good read, but not as good as the 1st book. I loved all of the characters and feel they were very well written. The ending was a bit anticlimactic in my opinion.
I enjoyed the first book and I love this author but this book was poorly done.
I’m shocked by how bad the editing was in this book. Let’s start with the character of Ray’s wife’s name changing...weird. How do you change a characters whole name. The editing was so poor words were misused or misspelled.
Honestly it felt like the author would start then restart the book because there was sections of repetition that didn’t make sense.
Character contradictions with Averie, one blatant example was the children question. In one chapter they decide they want multiple children then the next chapter a whole dramatic unnecessary scene takes place that should have taken place in the previous chapter.
This book was all over the place, even when you discover the antagonist motivations, you just want to roll your eyes. They are beyond silly and don’t make sense.
This author is one of my go to authors for a good read but this book should have never been released with such poor editing.
I will say that I still loved Samuel and it was great to see him get his HEA. Unfortunately this second book was only a three star read for me.
***May Contain Spoilers (3.5) Though this book wasn't bad, it was also...not very captivating. Book one ended in a cliffhanger and book 2 picked right where one left off. The beginning was pretty good cause we're trying find out what happened and why. It flowed nicely. But slowly, as the story progresses it seem like it wasn't a priority anymore. Instead we were given overly detailed stories of other characters and other story lines that weren't really interesting and honestly not very relevant. Only made the story longer. Though, we did get the plot of the 3rd story. Parts I liked: The love between Averie and Samuel. It was amazing. I loved how Samuel was never treated her like she was some fragile woman. He never hesitated to put her in her place (respectfully) and reminding her that he was the man in the relationship. Averie had a lot of stubbornness tendencies. She was so independent and on her grown woman sh** that she sometimes failed to allow Samuel to be a man and love her the way she deserved. But I'll give her "A" for her effort. As mentioned in the previous review, I love how the author incorporated God in the story. It's quite refreshing. In the end, we find out everything that happened was because of years old held grudges. The ending was a bit bleh to me. Overall, I felt like this story wasn't necessary. It couldv'e all been wrapped up in book one. But, definitely read this book cause all the loose ends from book 1 were tied up in this book and the H&h got their HEA.
I liked this book better than the first one because there was more action, entertainment, but it made too much of an apology for self-imposed segregation with the idea of progress.
I am a big advocate for gender equality as well as between the races, but I have always disliked that many black people do not apply what they demand. They have always criticized the world for being set apart, but they themselves exclude themselves and close themselves in circles where no one can enter unless your skin is dark.
As an aside I really enjoyed seeing how El and Vee got to fulfill their dreams with that little King by their side.
Both Averie and Samuel are well respected attorneys. In the first book, Samuel partnered with Averie (because they needed a female on the team) and had her sit first chair on a case involving his brother and sister-in-law. They became a team to be reckoned with, thus winning the case. They then became lovers. This book picks up after Samuel is shot.
I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Samuel and Averie and their families. This was a good conclusion. All answers were questions. However, the answers to who shot Samuel, and the reason behind Averie's attack did feel a little contrived and unrealistic. It was all a little bit too far-fetched. At one point during the big reveal, Averie said, 'how Days of Our Lives.' My sentiments exactly. The first book started 'Law and Order,' this book concluded 'Soap.' Not that there was anything wrong with Soap or any other soap opera-ish show/movie/book. I just had my hopes built up for more.
A few stand outs; JD was an excellent male character. He was the voice of reason that I think every man, young or old, needs in their life. He cut through the bull and got to the heart. Also, the Black Male Group/Consortium that Samuel was creating to own the Major League Baseball Team was wonderful. I wish it wasn't just fiction. And, though I enjoyed mostly all of the male characters, I must say that Countee and Roc were my favorites. Both, though a little too testosterone driven, were the right amount of take no prisoners men that are sexy af.
This book is a must if you read book 1, 'Serving Time.' We get more information on the characters and a more fleshed out story.
This book rocked all my emotions.it was so good . I am so glad I was able to move from book one to book two. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen . there were so many unexpected events that seemed to be signaling total disaster for Samuel and Averie. On a lighter side I have to say I laughed until I cried when Averie and her two sisters had a girls night and decided they were going give Kiev’s husband a beat down for being unfaithful ( That’s what to much Tequila will do 😂😂) However Bailey West knocked it right out of the Ball Park. ☺️❤️
To top it off I got answers to what was going on with some of my favorite characters that I met in the “Bluette Brothers series” I was wondering if two friends of Paxton Bluette, Contee and Lialia would have their own stories. It was a very pleasant surprise When the both showed up it this book.Thank you again Ms. West for another well written book. I’m about to get myself a glass of wine and start on Book 3 ❤️
I thoroughly enjoyed this two book series. I tried to narrow the field on what I enjoyed most but that was impossible to do. I was however able to pinpoint the theme that most resonated with me and for me, that was ‘completion’. El and Vee had gone through a myriad of challenges and obstacles in their personal and professional lives but they also were accomplished and experienced restoration bit there was still something missing and that was each other!
I loved that they both had a certainty that they were it for each other and that all they had to do was endure, push through, and fight for their family and love. The supporting characters were an added bonus. From family members, friends, work family, professional enemies—there was so much to sink your teeth into while enjoying the dynamics as each family and friendship circle blended. There is so much more that I could say but I would rather you read the book for yourself, you will not be disappointed.
I was anticipating this release because book 1 ended on a cliffhanger that literally gave me a panic attack. I was not disappointed!
Mrs. West wrapped Samuel and Averie’s story up well. Because of her thorough job of concluding their story, I had to rate this 5 ⭐️! The supporting characters added to the story and I can tell that 2 other people will likely get a story as well...my fingers are crossed 🤞.
I highly recommend this series...please read it!!! Samuel is the perfect Alpha male and Averie is a total bad a$$, and together they are magic.
Disclaimer-I did notice a few typos or editing issues, but they did not take away from the story IMO. I would hope that she’ll correct those in the future because some readers are picky about those things.
Great ending to this two part series! Averie & Samuel were THE power couple and they both were surrounded with an abundance of love and support from their families. I loved that the tone of this book was positive black love.... generational love. Sisterly love. Brotherly love. Parental love. Friends becoming family love. Free Indeed had it all.
There were some editing issues in the book, but if those problems were fixed, it would be a 5-star book easy!!! I loved that this book featured adult, professional, progressive black people! I felt like Issa Rae reading this... “I’m rooting for everybody black!” because they all deserved to win! I can wait to hear more from some of the secondary characters.
Part 2 picked right up where part1 left off .This was a ride that I didn’t see coming but I’m glad they found out what was going on before it was to late. Yes Caroline got what was coming to her . She is a snake that needed to be killed but they chose to put her in a cage .When you try to bring someone down make sure you don’t leave a paper tail . Poor thing . Yes I’m enjoying this series it is not stop you won’t want to put it down till you finish . Now on to book 3 . Bailey West you brought my reading game back in full play with this series . Thank you .ok everyone get this series and get ready for the ride that don’t slow down .
I found the early release on Amazon by accident this morning, once I started reading it I could not stop. I totally hope that there are more stories for the Valentine's, Patterson's and friends, there are too many characterst needing stories. Samuel and Averie were still a strong amazing couple loved reading about their happily ever after. Great job on this story Bailey it was totally worth the wait, again hope to read more stories about other characters, Xavier, Morris, Countee, Laila, Keeva and Kerem.
OMG. This book was so good. I was all in my feelings. You showed us what black love between a man and a woman really is. Samuel and Averie are both strong willed people. I love how they both loved each other. This book touched on so many different subjects like infidelity,erectile dysfunction and therapy African American don't like to talk about. Thank you Bailey West for writing a very good book. Can't wait for your next book. I am hoping we get books on Countee, Laila, Torrey and the doctor Mcyntre.
Wooh..can I say I enjoyed every bit of this journey with Samuel and Averie! Goodness was this a rollercoaster ride! I loved the lessons learned and the delivery of learning from the lessons, the guidance, the leadership. This book made me want to develop my girls in the way of Averie and the strong women around her. What I do want to see is a book for Vivian and Reggie to see a love lost revived and Torrey and August to watch Torrey allow love, marriage and children to change her perception of love and happiness.
I love this book . I was so refreshing. I love how Samuel beat the corrupt justice system. I want to be Averie. She is so intellegnt . I have the same fears as Averie when it comes to my son being raised i this country. I want to have friends like Contee and Laila. I want a mentor like JD. This book made me want to educate myself on so many things. Learning about generational wealth. I need a accountant. I'm ready for the next book. Officially one of my top authors now.
Free Indeed Time by Bailey West is about litigators Samuel Valentine and Averie Patterson. This story picks up right where we left off in Serving Time. It’s a very enjoyable read! I love that it wrapped up all the loose ends and came to a great conclusion! Samuel and Averie were great main characters, their openness and the way they overcame every obstacle is definitely a highlight! Great example of Black love, family, legacy and success. I’m excited to read about Averie’s big sister Keeva.
WOW 😮.... Bailey you did that! Averie and Samuel journey was definitely a roller coaster! They landed on top! I can definitely appreciate the Gems 💎 you dropped about Faith! Faith is a substance of things hope for and evidence of things not seen! What a great way to end a series!
P.S. I would love to read about Coutee and Laila! And update on Daisy and Xavier; and Morris! Thank you for being a dope author!
Part 2 of this series picked up right where Part 1 left off for Averie and Samuel (EL). I loved the love story between these two and how much they supported each other no matter what. I also enjoyed the real life lessons the author offered us as readers. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy novels with relatable characters, romance, family and of course intimacy between a strong man and his woman.
Man oh man! Part two was a resounding success. The author snatches all our emotions and lays us bare. I cannot begin to express the magnitude of the storyline. Samuel was my hero. His chosen lady was Indeed his queen. The two together... Wow, they were a formidable opponent. I hated to see the end, I wanted to savor the moment for a little while longer.5+ stars!
I was hoping the end of book one was NOT the end for these two. I truly enjoyed reading their story. It was a long battle for the both of them but so worth it. Was totally surprised at WHO Caroline really was. Although it still doesn't give her a pass for doing what she did to Averie and her firm. Liking this series this far. Looking forward to the reading the others in the series.
I enjoyed the first book with El and Vee but I loved the second book! It was such a beautiful love story of strength, faith and courage. I felt GOD’s presents throughout this book and I heard his message to Me! Ms. West is now one of my favorite authors. I will continue to read her body of work. She is truly blessed and talented. I wish her congratulations on her blessed journey of life!
This book gave me all the feels started out. From the first few pages, I was crying. I don’t cry reading books. While the book moved a little slower than Bailey normally moves her story lines, I still wasn’t disappointed. I appreciated seeing some of her characters appear from the Bluette Men series. It helped me remember more about everyone. The ending could’ve been done a little better but I’m not a write, I’m just the reader.
I love Bailey! This book was everything. The characters, the situations, etc. Everything connected and flowed... even the bad stuff. My favorite parts though were when the sisters got drunk and planned a coup for Kerem. I was cackling out loud and hard. My next favorite moment was when "The Dream Team" rolled up on Caroline and Bell! I knew Caroline was foul, ugh, but I didn't know the why. I actually stood up and clapped. This book brought the heat with Paxton. I just loved it.
I love the, "who done it" , suspense piece of this series. I love this couple! They ride for, and in support of one another. The supporting cast were great, and it was wonderful to catch up with the Bluettes! Bailey's characters always leave a lasting impression, and I always want more!!!!
This is a good finale for this series. Samuel and Averie overcome a lot, but their unwavering support, commitment, loyalty, and love for each other is admirable. They deserves all of the forever they can withstand. This series has a great group of characters wrapped in a good premise and crazy twists. I will happily recommend this series.
Sam was the man even in his darkest time of not being what she needed when he was hurting. Vee surprised me with the baby situation I thought she was on the shot the whole time. I was glad to see her sister and keem working out their problems with jd. I loved this story and the pain they went thru to get to their happy ending.
I enjoyed this book. It was the perfect romance novel with some added drama. Enjoyed the small amount of suspense. I would have liked to know how Samuel parents acted when they saw each other again. I would also like to know more about Countee. Other than the few errors it was a pretty good book.
Excellent read, I loved the storyline and characters. Samuel and Averie continue their journey of love, intrigue and. mystery. I recommend this book and look forward to the next. Also, There are a few characters from this book I’d like to read about . eg: Torrey, the McIntyre triplets, Reggie and Vivian
I love Bailey West books!!! It feels like I waited FOREVER for this book,but it was worth it!!! Samuel and Her were so good together. I loved that while a power couple, they still called each other out on their crap!! Can't wait for Samuel's sister and August to work their magic!! Keep writing Bailey!!!