Anuri thought she had her life all figured out—until her ten-year relationship ended in heartbreak. As a talented hairstylist in the revitalized Greenwood Municipality of Saint Louis, she's determined to focus on herself and rebuild her life with a fresh perspective. Enter Kalmin, the charming owner of the local coffee shop and Anuri's steadfast friend. He's been by her side through thick and thin, and now that Anuri is single, Kalmin's ready to reveal his true feelings. Their friendship has always been sweet, but Kalmin believes it can be so much more. As Anuri navigates the complexities of healing from her past, Kalmin is there to show her what new love can be—gentle, supportive, and full of promise. Together, they explore the vibrant community of Greenwood, finding redemption in the small moments and discovering that sometimes the best relationships start as friendships. Set against the warm and welcoming backdrop of Greenwood, Anuri is a sweet and romantic story about finding love where you least expect it and the beauty of new beginnings.
“All I want to take from Anuri is the love that she’s willing to give me. In return, I plan on giving her the world.” 🗣️AND DID!!
We were first introduced to Anuri in “Macy” by Marlee Rae. We knew she was with a fk 🥷 and that he was wasting all of her GOOD years on that prime USDA bullsh!t. If Anuri had time, Dennis was for sure going to waste it and we were given breadcrumbs that told us all we need to know about Dennis. Now that we have the FULL story!!! Dennis was just as triflin as we assumed x 1,000!!!! I meannnnnnnnn “and the award for fk 🥷 goes tooooo” 🥇 Dennis!!!
Anuri is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and even though she knew well before things became official that her relationship with Dennis was on a fast track to a dead end, the finality of it and the way things ended doesn’t make the pain nor hurt any better. If it’s one thing an ain’t 💩 🥷 gone do is embarrass and gaslight you to no end.
It was through this ordeal that Anuri learned the value of friendship and family and that taking help from those that love you doesn’t diminish who you are or all that you’ve worked for. Anuri had no idea that her friend Kal would be the one to restore her faith in love and the ability to receive all of the good things Kal had ready to bestow upon her.
☕️ It was the salon talk for me 😆 those women were a mess 😩😩 🤎 It was Kal’s sisters dream for me 🥹🤎 🪮 It was CJ trying to sell the zinc for me 😂🤭 🌹 It was Kal and Ri’s first date for me 🥰🥹 💇🏽♀️ It was Anuri’s determination to immerse herself in Kalmin’s culture 🧴It was knot pressed and every one gassing Anuri for me! I loved that support for her! ☕️ It was the entire scene with Zanetta for me 🔥🔥
This was my first read by Bailey West and wow!! What have I been doing all this time not reading her work!! There were soooo many moments that warmed my soul!!! The way Bailey brought Kalmin and Anuri’s story to life was everything. I was blushing like a schoolgirl every time this man showed his love and infatuation for Anuri! I have zero complaints concerning this read.
If I had to nitpick it would be me wanting to see Kal gift Ri the house he saw their forever in but that would’ve been the icing on an already perfect cake. 4.5💫’s
I don't know what took me so long. I knew this story would be all that and some. But, whew! this story was a love story, a history lesson, a cultural meeting, and friends who love and are supportive of one another.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. I loved how Kalmin and Anuri developed a friendship first and that he gave her a soft place to land after enduring ten years of foolishness with her ex. The relationship Anuri had with her ex was the definition of the phrase “I can do bad all by myself.” Once she dropped her ex, she was able to thrive. I also loved how Kal encouraged Anuri to follow her dreams and offered to help her and hold her hand through it all. Their love and connection was beautiful to witness. This book gave me the feels and also gave me a nice sermon from Evangelist Zanetta Belle-Bluette. One thing I can always count on from this author is a prophetic word with scripture to back it up and the word is always right on time and encouraging.
I would highly recommend this book and I look forward to seeing what will come next from this author and this series.
My heart broke for Anuri, as she dealt with that clown ass Dennis for TEN DAMN YEARS!! 😡 We knew from Macy's book that he has some f**k boy tendencies, but to find out the full scope of his nothingness made me angry!! 🤬 She gave all she could until she FINALLY understood that she could do bad all by herself. Especially with the ish he did to her and supposedly loved her. Ughhh...🤯
Kalmin. Mr. Laid back, and taking care of his businesses, had noticed Anuri some time ago, and was content with being her friend until the time was right. He loved how she took the time to learn his language and enjoyed coffee tastings with him. He was already onboard, just waiting for Anuri to hop on. Their friendship to courtship was beautiful. His patience with her, meeting her where she was, encouraging her to step out of faith, and showering her with his time and gifts. Swooning...🤩
Enjoyed the cameos from previous reads, especially Zanetta. Great read. Hope there is more to this couple in the future.
What an awesome journey Anuri and Kalmin took us on. In addition, the Whip-N- Fade book covers are absolutely gorgeous!
After wasting 10 years with trifling Dennis, Anuri deserved a real man. A man that was not selfish, who was honest and respectful, successful, and knew how to share himself and everything he owns with the woman he loves. You know, the opposite of Dennis.
Miss Bailey laid out the plot, frame by frame, in such an interesting way. I had no choice but to keep turning those pages, and believe me that is a good thing. Well Done!
Anuri had wasted ten years with someone that promised forever.....lies, Kalmin saw this beautiful woman across the street from his coffee shop and knew she was the one. It took Anuri a minute to realize Dennis was not the one but it took a friend's client to say her baby was by her man that was it and Kalmin was just waiting for it all to happened cause he knew one she was free she was to be his, but she wouldn't have guessed that she in love with a prince
Straight fire as always!!! I look forward to the mature love that Bailey's characters bring. I also look forward to the message that all of her books have. The scarcity mindset has no place here!! Thank you, Bailey!!
Anuri is a heartfelt, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance that pulls readers into the world of Anuri, a hairstylist and entrepreneur who’s ready to shed the baggage of her toxic relationship with Dennis and embrace a healthier love with her friend Kalmin, the neighboring coffee shop owner. Dennis is one of those villains you love to hate—Bailey West doesn’t hold back in making readers feel the frustration and betrayal Anuri endures before finally breaking free. Anuri’s journey to self-love, personal growth, and the realization of her worth is as empowering as it is moving.
Kalmin’s friendship and support help her rebuild confidence and envision a love that’s respectful, attentive, and joyful. He’s thoughtful, patient, and dedicated, infusing warmth and positivity into Anuri’s life. Their relationship is grounded in mutual respect and admiration; they each invest time to understand and appreciate each other’s cultures and dreams. From their easy rapport to Kalmin’s wholehearted support for Anuri’s dreams, every element of their love story unfolds naturally, creating a healthy relationship that feels aspirational and fulfilling.
Anuri is an inspiring, emotionally satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance who love genuine character growth, respectful communication, and a love that feels deeply real.
Once again, I must commend Ms. West’s cover art & model selection for this book “Anuri (Whip N’ Fade - Book 2 of 2)” is/was an absolute stunner🤎🤩‼️Thereafter, this read was also my inaugural introduction to Ms. West and her literary catalog, and it certainly won’t be my last. Meanwhile, book 2 of this Whip N’ Fade series reminds me of the movie Coming To America, with more content & complex plot & character development. Nevertheless, I adored Anuri & Kalmin as a couple. Especially once Anuri dropped kick that loser Dennis to the curb🤬🙄‼️He was such a royal pain in the posterior‼️But similar to Macy & Gavin’s relationship, once the former obstruction was removed, Anuri was more receptive to Kalmin. Likewise, he was able to shower Anuri with the attention, devotion, commitment and love she’d been deprived for so many years. Consequently, their friendship began to flourish🥹🥰. ..it was beautiful to witness the journey: both of their hearts desires, goals and dreams manifest in the coastal islands off of the Indian Ocean paradise. …Mr. & Mrs. Ousmane Coming to Mosegi the perfect combination 🥰‼️
The cover caught my eye first off and I was like Bailey west coming with something. Anytime you read a Bailey west book I love how she incorporates god your going to learn something spiritual a time or two for sure and I caught some gems in this one that I had no choice but to save because facts were speaking to my chest loud and clear okay !! Anuri which I love the name by the way and Kalmin were so cute and respectful of each other but made no mistake in making sure both knew how each other felt. The book was giving me all the feels from purity of the motherland of Africa mixed with being black in westernized culture. The book tells how to bounce back once down or having self doubt as well as teaching women not to expect less from their worth. Kalmin came full course for anuri and wanted her with no fear I loved it 🥺. I enjoyed this read very much and would tell anyone to give it a read in my Opinion.
This was a beautiful written story of finding your soul mate and being set free from past hurts Anuri was in a bad relationship and Kalmin wanted her but could not move forward in his pursuit until she was free This story walk you through Anuri finding her freedom and voice. Kalmin was that man that was intentional about her and shows her what true love is There are several supportive characters and people that help Anuri move forward One person of interest is Zanetta Bluette She is a Minister and delivers an amazing inspirational message in the book (chapter 8). Bailey I love the way you write your stories and incorporate the Word to help us along. I hope you continue to allow yourself to be used to inspire us to be better and write encouraging books I have read most of your catalog and will continue to allow myself to be blessed by your gift Thank you
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. Kalmin and Anuri’s story was like a fairytale but definitely would be considered relationship goals. I was so glad Anuri got over her dead beat, stealing and cheating boyfriend of 10 years and opened her heart to Kalmin. Gut a minute I was upset with her because she compared the 2 and doubt her inability to be loved by a good honest man. Kalmin wanted Anuri from the start but played it cool and intentionally fostered a friendship that eventually turned into courting. These were his customs in his country and he definitely did it right. He poured into Anuri and uplifted her. That’s what you should want in a life partner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mrs. West has done it again with this one. 👏🏾 She tells this beautiful story about a woman and a man, whose friendship blossoms into love. Baby, you could have bought me for a penny when old girl stepped in the W-n-F with that nonsense. Ladies beware of fools in sheep's clothing. That sheep almost got sheared. 🤭 Kalmin was a man of intention and genuine love for Anuri. Anuri's support was everything. The Claude moment was enduring and touched my spirit. Know that I was so happy to see some faves from the past. Community at its best!
I have to admit that this story started out slowly but as it progressed, it got so much better. Anuri is a hair stylist who has dead weight in her partner. But she is friends with Kalman who owns a coffee house and nightclub. He helps her after she gets rid of her partner and their friendship turns into something special. He was so good to her and it took her a minute to fully appreciate him and to find confidence in herself. Their story was inspirational and I love how they loved each other. Looking forward to more in this series.
I loved this book and how the author had so many teaching moments! I would hope many young women who are in bad relationships come to know their worth. The author did a great job explaining myths about Africa.
I was really impressed and enjoyed reading how a man should treat a woman.
I was introduced to an author whose books I haven’t read before but will definitely read more titles.
Bailey West has done it again with this awesome story! This was such a great book! I absolutely loved it. I always look forward to reading her books. I love how she places so many elements in her stories: Inspiration, Humor, Great characters, Life lessons, and Triumphs of Love. I’m ALWAYS in anticipation of her next novel!
I saw her name and clicked buy. I have never been disappointed. This one far surpassed my expectations. The characters were relatable, you learned as much as you laughed and there was enough spice to singe your eyebrows. Best of all we got some Jesus. You will be glad you clicked buy too!
Be prepared to blush and grin through the second half of this book. The first half, be prepared to cuss and fuss for a few, until everything falls into place. Well written, beautiful story development and the characters are the ones I love to see, representing the best of Black friendships!!
This story teaches ,it inspires and shows a great deal of Love and patience. This couple was meant to be,they talked listened and complemented one another. The names and scenes in the story were unique and the beginning,middle and end was beautiful. I can’t wait to congratulate the author in person. Thank you Bailey for yet again for another great story.🥰
BW does it again I just love this story, I just adore how she is not even a step from our Heavenly Father and Lord&Saviour Jesus Christ. I have read every book BW have written and really loved each and every one. Keep it up will follow as long as you write and publish. All the Best My the Masters Grace
This book will warn your heart with an excellent plot. It dabs into every aspect of friendships, relationships, and entrepreneurship and saves the best for last ... True Love. It has an exceptional story live that's filled with hurt, excitement, humor . This is great story Don't let the title fool you.
A Bailey West book will always be a favorite of mine. You are guaranteed to get love and God's wisdom. Anuri and Kalmins' story was a friend's to lovers. At one point, I thought she was going to call it quits for a secret. I was on the edge of my seat reading. I can't wait for this series to be expanded.
Bailey West never disappoints. This was such a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I can’t wait to see who’s up next because Whip-N-Fade has a lot of possibilities!
This was refreshing after reading a series of poorly written books. The only thing not made clear was how Dennis got her formula. I hope the series continues with the other characters, preferably with this author writing the books.
I am so sad to end this journey! I loved Anuri and Kalmin’s story. What a beautiful couple!! Thank you once again Ms West for a story well done!! I strongly recommend this to everyone who loves Black love and a great story!
The story was amazing! Kalmin and Anuri were perfect for each other and for me. I wanted more and I am glad this is about to be a series. Beautiful people and great friends and family.
This started out very strong for me. Once Anuri and Kalmin became intimate, it focused too much on that. Zanette turned things around and then I slowly lost interest again.
This was a story that needed to be told. When soul mates meet you cannot stop the sparks. Kasim and Anuri took us on journey of true love. This love story was definitely one of the better ones. Thanks Bailey!
I so enjoyed this novel! Aside from the interesting characters and perfect story line, I loved the discussion of Africa and educating the reader on the real facts about the beauty of the country and it's people. Winedown Reader