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Valentine's Kiss
What happens when two souls are tied to one another, fused by their friendship and destined for a love that neither are ready to explore?
Two best friends will be forced to make tough choices as they navigate their way from the ignorant bliss of youth, into the harsh realities of adulthood that rips them apart.
Things crumble when feelings change, and promises are broken as life pulls them further and further apart. Will Valentine Day and Jalen Kiss survive the combustion of the Valentine Kiss?
Two best friends will be forced to make tough choices as they navigate their way from the ignorant bliss of youth, into the harsh realities of adulthood that rips them apart.
Things crumble when feelings change, and promises are broken as life pulls them further and further apart. Will Valentine Day and Jalen Kiss survive the combustion of the Valentine Kiss?
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2020
145 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Kema B.
10 books227 followersKema B. is an eighties baby, wife, and mother to the most special boy in the whole world. She is a lover of music and an avid reader of many genres from fantasy to urban fiction and of course romance. A hopeless romantic at heart, she began writing her own love stories as a young girl and continued through adulthood. Creating black love that checks every box, she makes it her mission as an indie author to give her readers spicy contemporary romance with a pinch of reality, a dash of sass and an ounce of filth with every book. A forever Brooklynite, she currently resides in South Florida where her personal motto is: Read. Write. Live. Repeat!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 5, 2023
I had to return to the first book in this series as I unknowingly jumped in halfway through. Yeah yeah stand-alone or not, I need to start where the author began. I want to understand the nuances, the cameos, the build up. Valentine’s Kiss - the title is a play on the main characters names. Jalen and Valley are best friends, the ying to the others yang. The end of high school and growing into young adulthood changes their relationship and Kema B. takes us on a journey. Jumping back and forth in time, their story spans years of mistakes, hurt, and lost chances. I truly love the writing as it makes you feel, with a touch of comedy. Looking forward to enjoying more of the catalog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2021
First off, I loved Jalen! The childhood best friends to lovers storyline is heaven on earth for me. Their bond was everything and the way Author Kema penned their ups and downs but also their love and bond is phenomenal. The character development was awesome. She takes you from their past to their present and I loved every second of it! They found their way back to one another and I was rooting for them every step of the way. First read by this author but definitely won’t be my last.💕💕💞
February 11, 2021
Super sweet best friend to lovers 💜
I loveeee Jalen. Valley eh. But she grew so I'll give sis that. I really enjoyed this read and loved the back and forth between past and present! Looking forward to continuing to make my way through Kema's catalog!
I loveeee Jalen. Valley eh. But she grew so I'll give sis that. I really enjoyed this read and loved the back and forth between past and present! Looking forward to continuing to make my way through Kema's catalog!
April 17, 2021
Worth the wait
I’m going to regret staying up to finish this, but for now I’m on a high from this sweet friends to lovers story. I literally can’t think of one thing I would change and that’s so rare for me. I lived for the flashbacks and the character development in the present. I’m a sucker for the song references and I even stan the damn formatting in my kindle. A+++.
I’m going to regret staying up to finish this, but for now I’m on a high from this sweet friends to lovers story. I literally can’t think of one thing I would change and that’s so rare for me. I lived for the flashbacks and the character development in the present. I’m a sucker for the song references and I even stan the damn formatting in my kindle. A+++.
September 15, 2022
VeeDay gets her Kiss
I'm not sure why I read Kema's books out of order😑 This Is Kema's first book and I'd recommend starting with this one.
Valentine and Jalen Kiss have been the best of friends since the sixth grade. As they got older Jalen realized he was deeply in love with her. Valley later realized the same, but she was in no way ready for that type of shift in their relationship. Jalen decided he would give her space to grow going against their plans and moving away for college. It was sort of a selfless act, but in truth he had some growing to do. The time they spent apart surprised me, because how are you that deeply in love AND that petty. I honestly expected that out of Valley, but it seemed to contradict who Jalen was.
The story bounced between the past and present and while I didn't mind that, it dragged on for me. I would've much rather spent the time experiencing their present rather than having it summarized at the end.
Overall it was a sweet friends to lovers story.
I'm not sure why I read Kema's books out of order😑 This Is Kema's first book and I'd recommend starting with this one.
Valentine and Jalen Kiss have been the best of friends since the sixth grade. As they got older Jalen realized he was deeply in love with her. Valley later realized the same, but she was in no way ready for that type of shift in their relationship. Jalen decided he would give her space to grow going against their plans and moving away for college. It was sort of a selfless act, but in truth he had some growing to do. The time they spent apart surprised me, because how are you that deeply in love AND that petty. I honestly expected that out of Valley, but it seemed to contradict who Jalen was.
The story bounced between the past and present and while I didn't mind that, it dragged on for me. I would've much rather spent the time experiencing their present rather than having it summarized at the end.
Overall it was a sweet friends to lovers story.
November 5, 2021
Waiting
While I liked getting the full back story of Valentine 'Valley' Day and Jalen Kiss, it kind of dragged. I didn't love the way the story went back and forth from present to past and back, yet I am a sucker for Friends to Lovers stories, so I was intrigued nonetheless.
I didn't quite like Valentine. Her selfish ways, young or not, was very unbecoming.
I loved Jalen Kiss. His character was easy to fall in love with. Valentine didn't deserve him. I was kind of hoping he moved on, yet she had his heart, so I figured that no matter how hurt or mad he got at her antics, that he couldn't truly love anyone else the way he deeply did his Vee-Day; his baby girl.
Despite how long it took for them to both get themselves together, I'm so glad they did.
I loved both of their moms. And Granny Lisette had me HOLLERING! We all need one like her😏.
Overall, I enjoy Kema B. writings and can get beyond lost in her stories. Good read.
While I liked getting the full back story of Valentine 'Valley' Day and Jalen Kiss, it kind of dragged. I didn't love the way the story went back and forth from present to past and back, yet I am a sucker for Friends to Lovers stories, so I was intrigued nonetheless.
I didn't quite like Valentine. Her selfish ways, young or not, was very unbecoming.
I loved Jalen Kiss. His character was easy to fall in love with. Valentine didn't deserve him. I was kind of hoping he moved on, yet she had his heart, so I figured that no matter how hurt or mad he got at her antics, that he couldn't truly love anyone else the way he deeply did his Vee-Day; his baby girl.
Despite how long it took for them to both get themselves together, I'm so glad they did.
I loved both of their moms. And Granny Lisette had me HOLLERING! We all need one like her😏.
Overall, I enjoy Kema B. writings and can get beyond lost in her stories. Good read.
March 6, 2021
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite themes to read about. Kema did a great job toggling from past to present, telling Vee and Jay’s story that gives it all without being stuck in one point in time too long. I love how the two of them were mature enough to realize their wrongs which was needed for them to move on. Can’t wait to read about Venus next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2021
Friends to Lovers at it's finest
This was my first read by Kema but it will not be my last. Jalen and Valentine wow these two such an awesome story. Jay and Vee Day's journey was filled with so much friendship, pain and growth, thst eventually got them to that everlasting love that their familes and Jalen wanted for them all along.
This was my first read by Kema but it will not be my last. Jalen and Valentine wow these two such an awesome story. Jay and Vee Day's journey was filled with so much friendship, pain and growth, thst eventually got them to that everlasting love that their familes and Jalen wanted for them all along.
December 22, 2020
EXCELLENT
This was a great read by this New To Me Author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very well written, great character development and storyline. I loved Jalen and Valentine's story. Childhood best friends with an undeniable bond that grew into strong feelings and love for each other. When you have a friendship so strong you do whatever it takes to not ruin that bond and that's the dilemma these two were faced with when they realized there was more going on besides friendship. Although their time apart was met with the ups and downs of life and relationships one thing was certain, their love for each other never died. I loved Granny because she was a no nonsense, in your face, tell it like it is no matter how bad your feelings were hurt person and that's the push Valentine needed to get her man back. And it also helped that their families were rooting for these two. Beautiful story of finding your way back to that one true love that you don't want to risk getting away the second time around. Looking forward to reading more from this author especially Venus and Nas story.
This was a great read by this New To Me Author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very well written, great character development and storyline. I loved Jalen and Valentine's story. Childhood best friends with an undeniable bond that grew into strong feelings and love for each other. When you have a friendship so strong you do whatever it takes to not ruin that bond and that's the dilemma these two were faced with when they realized there was more going on besides friendship. Although their time apart was met with the ups and downs of life and relationships one thing was certain, their love for each other never died. I loved Granny because she was a no nonsense, in your face, tell it like it is no matter how bad your feelings were hurt person and that's the push Valentine needed to get her man back. And it also helped that their families were rooting for these two. Beautiful story of finding your way back to that one true love that you don't want to risk getting away the second time around. Looking forward to reading more from this author especially Venus and Nas story.
June 28, 2021
Nice Book. Great Story Of Soulmates/ Highschool Sweethearts. I Like The Dynamic Of Valley And Jay They Were So Cute And So Were There Families. Jalen Knew What He Wanted From The Beginning And Was Willing To Wait For Her. Valley Felt All The Feelings And Signs But She Was Too Scared To Admit It. Too Scared To Fail So She Didn’t Even Try. But In The End They Got It Together. What I Didn’t Like Was That All The Blame Of Separation And Disconnect Was Placed On Valentine. She Was Called Selfish And Other Things For All The Things Jay Did. He Decided To Hold Back His Plans From Her And When She Found Out She Was Upset. Then It Was Up To Her To Apologize To Get The Friendship Back On Track. How Is That Even Fair? Then They Lost Contact And That Too Was Blamed On Her. I Don’t Think Either One Of Them Did Something So Bad For Their Friendship To Change But Jaylen Didn’t Carry Any Of The Blame When Most Of This Was His Fault. He Was Trying To Be His Best Self And Had To Choose Him Which Is Selfish But Not In A Bad Way. He Had An Idea Of What His Choices Would Do To Her But That Wasn’t Important In The Moment To Him. He Just Expected Her To Be His Ride Or Die Like Always And Thats Unfair. Overall Nice Friends To Lovers Romance.
May 11, 2020
Great story
Valentine Day and her best friend Jalen had a falling out after years of friendship. They each had romantic love for the other but they did not want to jeopardize their long-term friendship. Once they went away to college thousands of miles apart things went from bad to worse. It would take a miracle to repair the damage. The author did a great job telling their story.
Let's look at the Pros and Cons. The Cons- Some of the facts were repetitive, the authors voice took a minute to adjust , and the minor issue with the couple's chemistry. The Pros- The storyline was well thought out, the writing was nice, and flow and pace in the story kept me engaged most of the time. Overall, the story was a good read.
Valentine Day and her best friend Jalen had a falling out after years of friendship. They each had romantic love for the other but they did not want to jeopardize their long-term friendship. Once they went away to college thousands of miles apart things went from bad to worse. It would take a miracle to repair the damage. The author did a great job telling their story.
Let's look at the Pros and Cons. The Cons- Some of the facts were repetitive, the authors voice took a minute to adjust , and the minor issue with the couple's chemistry. The Pros- The storyline was well thought out, the writing was nice, and flow and pace in the story kept me engaged most of the time. Overall, the story was a good read.
October 23, 2020
Absolutely EVERYTHING
I don’t want to give any spoilers because I could literally talk about this book forever!! The coming of age love story is probably my favorite. This one is up there with some heavy hitter favorites. I want so much more from this book because I need the updates. All the side characters I need a whole book on them as well. Everything about this book was great. The character development from every supporting character. The back and forth I usually don’t like but the way KB did it was masterful. I was in my feels the entire book. I laughed, cried, and was sad but happy. This was my third KB and hands down my favorite. I can’t wait to see why she comes up with next!!!
I don’t want to give any spoilers because I could literally talk about this book forever!! The coming of age love story is probably my favorite. This one is up there with some heavy hitter favorites. I want so much more from this book because I need the updates. All the side characters I need a whole book on them as well. Everything about this book was great. The character development from every supporting character. The back and forth I usually don’t like but the way KB did it was masterful. I was in my feels the entire book. I laughed, cried, and was sad but happy. This was my third KB and hands down my favorite. I can’t wait to see why she comes up with next!!!
January 30, 2021
Soulmates, soul ties, friends to lovers, and one of the main characters is a Scorpio. What’s not to like?!
I thought this story was so cute. Best friends, Valentine and Jalen, were everything to each other, but once they graduated from high school, life happened. What I liked most about this story was the realness of it. Many times in romance novels, the story is fairytale like, veering far from reality. But this story highlighted the fact that life is unpredictable, people separate, sometimes ego gets in the way, and there’s a possibility that although two people love each other, they may not end up together.
The characters in the story were well developed, the author’s voice was witty, and I enjoyed the writing style. Cute V-Day read💜
I thought this story was so cute. Best friends, Valentine and Jalen, were everything to each other, but once they graduated from high school, life happened. What I liked most about this story was the realness of it. Many times in romance novels, the story is fairytale like, veering far from reality. But this story highlighted the fact that life is unpredictable, people separate, sometimes ego gets in the way, and there’s a possibility that although two people love each other, they may not end up together.
The characters in the story were well developed, the author’s voice was witty, and I enjoyed the writing style. Cute V-Day read💜
February 16, 2023
2 stars. This book was so frustrating for me. We had flashbacks up until almost 90%, so I found the short amount of time that they were together with the conflict resolved to be really unsatisfying. I also felt that the emotional maturity expressed in the high school flashbacks was pretty unrealistic. A bigger problem for me, though, was that while both Jalen and Valentine made choices/mistakes that contributed to their extended separation, everyone acted like she was the one that really needed to grovel while he was practically off the hook. (Part of this was that she was shamed for being with other men during the years apart while it was totally fine that he was with other women. Like???)
While this book did not work for me, I really liked the other book I’ve read from Kema B. and definitely plan to read more from her.
While this book did not work for me, I really liked the other book I’ve read from Kema B. and definitely plan to read more from her.
October 19, 2020
Good read
A good friends to lovers book will always be my fave.. Jalen and Valentine were friends who fell in love long ago but try the hardest to overlook it, So what happens when years go by after things got messy, promises made were broken and the feelings were hurt?? They decided to lay it all on the table and come clean being that they were both miserable living apart..
I loved how the plot flowed though I felt there were a few sections that were repetitive. Overall the book was a good read.
A good friends to lovers book will always be my fave.. Jalen and Valentine were friends who fell in love long ago but try the hardest to overlook it, So what happens when years go by after things got messy, promises made were broken and the feelings were hurt?? They decided to lay it all on the table and come clean being that they were both miserable living apart..
I loved how the plot flowed though I felt there were a few sections that were repetitive. Overall the book was a good read.
January 10, 2021
Cute friends to lovers story
I liked this story and thought Jalen’s maturity in thought — but maybe not so much in execution — was laid out clearly. In light of his reasoning as to Valley for going away to school, the rationale for the eight year silence seemed weak and almost at odds with who we were told Jalen was and how he viewed his relationship with Valley (whereas I thought her not reaching out was more consistent with who we were told she was so I got it but Jalen’s silence left me scratching my head). All in all a good story and loved the set-up for Sir and Peach.
I liked this story and thought Jalen’s maturity in thought — but maybe not so much in execution — was laid out clearly. In light of his reasoning as to Valley for going away to school, the rationale for the eight year silence seemed weak and almost at odds with who we were told Jalen was and how he viewed his relationship with Valley (whereas I thought her not reaching out was more consistent with who we were told she was so I got it but Jalen’s silence left me scratching my head). All in all a good story and loved the set-up for Sir and Peach.
April 23, 2020
Loved it
I loved Valentine and Jalen together, I just hate that they waited so long to tell each other how they felt but it was necessary. Jalen knew Valentine wasn’t ready for what he had to give so he was willing to wait for her. Their love for each other was genuine and authentic and that’s what mattered. I would like to read more about them in the future. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I loved Valentine and Jalen together, I just hate that they waited so long to tell each other how they felt but it was necessary. Jalen knew Valentine wasn’t ready for what he had to give so he was willing to wait for her. Their love for each other was genuine and authentic and that’s what mattered. I would like to read more about them in the future. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
August 3, 2020
Jalen ... the definition of a patient man!
Mannnn... listen!! The way Jalen loved Valley was on some next level ish bc Valley was a straight headache! Lol. Every time I wanted to go through the book and smack Valley, Jalen would swoop in and save me from wanting to wring her fictitious neck 😂😂😂.
I don’t normally like past/present back and forth, but their love was so sweet that it didn’t bother me. It was always very well written!
Mannnn... listen!! The way Jalen loved Valley was on some next level ish bc Valley was a straight headache! Lol. Every time I wanted to go through the book and smack Valley, Jalen would swoop in and save me from wanting to wring her fictitious neck 😂😂😂.
I don’t normally like past/present back and forth, but their love was so sweet that it didn’t bother me. It was always very well written!
October 3, 2020
Good Book
Why Jalen and Valentine waited so long to be together. I know they both had some growing to do. Even though it took them eight years I am glad they are finally together. Need to find out what happened to Nene and Nasir hopefully you write a book about them and Jalen brothers and Valentine other brother and sister. Very good book.
Why Jalen and Valentine waited so long to be together. I know they both had some growing to do. Even though it took them eight years I am glad they are finally together. Need to find out what happened to Nene and Nasir hopefully you write a book about them and Jalen brothers and Valentine other brother and sister. Very good book.
December 7, 2020
2nd Chance At Love
This was quite the emotional journey for these two. It was apparent that they loved each other, just the timing was not right, and they were not ready to commit with the whole heart. I’m glad they got it together. Hoping we will have the chance to read about some of the other characters mentioned in the storyline.
This was quite the emotional journey for these two. It was apparent that they loved each other, just the timing was not right, and they were not ready to commit with the whole heart. I’m glad they got it together. Hoping we will have the chance to read about some of the other characters mentioned in the storyline.
December 14, 2020
All Cried Out..
Kema Kema.. you out did yourself with one! I was on an emotional roller coaster through this whole book for one by your writing style and secondly how close to home the hit for me. The background story of Valentine and Jalen from start to end will have your emotions raw and you will feel like you were right watching it play out. Great read!
Kema Kema.. you out did yourself with one! I was on an emotional roller coaster through this whole book for one by your writing style and secondly how close to home the hit for me. The background story of Valentine and Jalen from start to end will have your emotions raw and you will feel like you were right watching it play out. Great read!
April 11, 2020
Lovers
My first read by this new author and I can't wait to read what's next. I loved the flash backs and they were done so well! I wonder what's going on with Nas and Nene. Will they get their own book?
My first read by this new author and I can't wait to read what's next. I loved the flash backs and they were done so well! I wonder what's going on with Nas and Nene. Will they get their own book?
April 13, 2020
This is a must read !!
Valentine and Jalen give all the feels. They were both willing to sacrifice for the sake of the others happiness now that's love ! Everybody needs a Granny Lisette who can get them together real quick while leaving them with some gems to live by .. This was a great book I look forward to reading more from this author hopefully in the near future 🤩❣
Valentine and Jalen give all the feels. They were both willing to sacrifice for the sake of the others happiness now that's love ! Everybody needs a Granny Lisette who can get them together real quick while leaving them with some gems to live by .. This was a great book I look forward to reading more from this author hopefully in the near future 🤩❣
July 30, 2020
Best friends to Lovers
They both got on my last nerves. Like really!
I can't wait for Nene and Nas story cause what these kids be missing is just goin with the flow. We humans make Love so hard.
They both got on my last nerves. Like really!
I can't wait for Nene and Nas story cause what these kids be missing is just goin with the flow. We humans make Love so hard.
August 21, 2020
The author’s debut novel was one for the history books she both captured the essence of young love as well as the essence of that love becoming more her characters are dynamic even when you have a problem with one of their actions, Jalen is the epitome of a romantic hero.
September 7, 2020
this is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I just couldn't stop reading! The love story is beautiful and I was so hooked 😍Amazing job! definitely a must
read!
read!
October 1, 2020
Loving Love!!!!
Being bestfriend is the best happily ever after there is. I waited a while to dive into this love pool and I'm happy I waited. Valley and Jay gave each other space and when it counted found one another again. That's all I'm going to say. Read it you'll love it!!
Being bestfriend is the best happily ever after there is. I waited a while to dive into this love pool and I'm happy I waited. Valley and Jay gave each other space and when it counted found one another again. That's all I'm going to say. Read it you'll love it!!
January 20, 2021
Schoolmates
This was a kute love story. It started off with childhood friends that need to go there spreate ways to get the full effects of their love. Even though Vee was blind ass hell she came around. Jalen was a gentleman the whole time and let her find herself. But I guess the say is true. Set it free if it comes back it was meant to be
This was a kute love story. It started off with childhood friends that need to go there spreate ways to get the full effects of their love. Even though Vee was blind ass hell she came around. Jalen was a gentleman the whole time and let her find herself. But I guess the say is true. Set it free if it comes back it was meant to be
September 3, 2020
First time reading one of your books
Well it won't be the last time. I have fallen in love with this story. I love the names, it was perfect.
Well it won't be the last time. I have fallen in love with this story. I love the names, it was perfect.
March 4, 2021
Exactly what I needed
I loved this book. It truly was a great read. I can’t wait to see what happens with a few others in the book.
I loved this book. It truly was a great read. I can’t wait to see what happens with a few others in the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews