A Love Worth Forever

by BriAnn Danae

Grieving and starting over, a marketing research manager finds herself drawn to the one man she shouldn’t want in this soul-stirring, unconventional romance by BriAnn Danae.

Shyriq Hendricks is no stranger to success. As the heir to a legacy distillery and a man with wealth, status, and discipline, he’s built a life most would envy. But in the quiet moments when he’s not managing his multi-million-dollar empire, he’s aware that something is missing.

Then Nhuri Coleman steps into his life . . .

Nhuri has her reasons for keeping a low profile after relocating to Kansas City for a reset. After a chance encounter with Shyriq—the reserved but undeniably attractive owner of Great Hendrix Distillery—she accepts a job she hadn’t been pursuing, offered by a man who sees her worth before she’s ready to believe in it herself. She expects a steady check and a quiet routine, but what she experiences is undeniable soul-stirring chemistry.

Their early exchanges are strictly professional. But the way he watches, listens, and shows up without expectation catches her off guard. Just as their connection begins to deepen, the sudden death of her father pulls Nhuri back into the past. Shyriq, not one to chase, finds himself wanting more than just her time—he wants her trust. And he learns quickly that loving someone who’s learned to survive alone isn’t about fixing them. It’s about staying when everything else says leave.

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 24, 2026

About the author

BriAnn Danae is an urban romance author and native of Kansas City, Missouri. In October 2015, she penned her first novel and since has enhanced her catalog claiming seventy titles to date. She whimsically writes Black love stories with purpose and passion, making you want to go beyond the book and look into her mind as a writer.

As the two-time 2021 Black Girls Who Write award winner for Best Black Book Series and Best Black Urban Romance and KCPCA 2023 Best Author of Kansas City, BriAnn has masterfully crafted her pen. With the talent to navigate between genres, she’s captured the hearts of her readers, making them fall hard in love with her characters. Her writing can be classified as soul-snatching, heart-yearning, chest throbbing, and downright some of the most exhilarating literature one could grace their eyes upon.

There’s a message BriAnn strives to leave with her readers. “I don’t just write to tell a story. I write to paint a picture and give a testimony.”

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying this book in the beginning but what honestly turned me off was the indigenous racial slur in chapter 7. After that I wanted to DNF. I’m surprised a BIPOC author would choose to use such an antiquated and offensive term so freely. I pushed through.

The story was solid although a slow burn. I felt like there could have been more backstory to some of the characters and wonder if this will be part of a series. Overall I enjoyed it but the colonizer terminology was definitely a no from me.


Thank you Netgalley and Black Odyssey Media for the advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[JustB · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH THIS ONE??? Yeah… I loved this book DOWN. 😮‍🔥📖
Immediate shelf trophy status.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)

A Love Worth Forever by BriAnn Danae is a soul-deep, grown, emotionally rich romance that grabbed me from page one and never let go. The grief, the healing, the restraint, the longing—every emotion felt intentional and real. Nhuri’s journey of starting over while carrying unspoken pain was written with so much care, and Shyriq Hendrix? Whew. Quietly powerful, patient, emotionally mature, and deeply intentional. The way he saw Nhuri before she fully saw herself had me swooning in silence.

I loved how this story didn’t rush intimacy. The slow burn, the professional tension, the subtle moments of showing up without trying to “fix” someone that’s where this book shines. It beautifully explores what it means to love someone who’s learned to survive on their own, and how trust is built through consistency, not pressure. The chemistry was undeniable, but the emotional connection was what truly made this story unforgettable.

This is the kind of romance that lingers after the last page. Tender, unconventional, and deeply satisfying. I read this via NetGalley, but trust me I need this on my physical shelf ASAP. BriAnn Danae did that. 💕

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sighs I wanted to love it because I adore this author, but I was honestly a tad bored. This was beyond a slow burn😫. Shyriq was very clear about what he wanted, circumstances aside, and that was Nhuri. And I always appreciate a MMC that isn’t playing games. He did piss me off real bad towards the end though with his man tantrum🙄. Nhuri was smart & nurturing toward her family but was super guarded because of her past. There was a lot of back and forth and flirty banter between them that was fun to witness. This is a well written and generally low angst story about not being afraid to start over after heartbreak. I could tell that Shyriq was a loverboy and i loved the tender moments we got to see with him and Nhuri. And I just REALLY wish we got to see more of them as a couple.

Also I’m used to books written in 3rd person POV but it’s usually still clearly one person’s perspective per chapter. This felt like it was written a bit differently so it took a while for me to latch on to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed Shyriq. He’s intelligent, successful, and likable. I’m definitely adding him to my list of book boyfriends. Nhuri, on the other hand, is guarded because of her past and is reserved about dating, especially since Shyriq was going through a divorce. I appreciate an FMC who doesn’t tolerate nonsense, and she certainly didn’t.

The only downside is that I found the book a bit boring. If you prefer a low-stress read, this is the book for you. I would have liked to see more of them as an actual couple in the story, or perhaps there will be more to come—I’m not sure. It’s worth reading, but be prepared for a slow burn.

Arc courtesy of NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book because I enjoy BriAnn Danae’s writing, and while I appreciated the journey overall, this one didn’t fully hit for me. It leaned more toward a very slow burn, and at times I found myself wishing for a little more momentum.

That said, I did genuinely like both main characters. Shyriq was very clear about what he wanted, and I appreciated how serious and intentional he was about pursuing Nhuri. Even when he had his little tantrum toward the end (which definitely annoyed me), it didn’t take away from the fact that he was committed to her and willing to put in the work.

Nhuri was probably my favorite part of the story. I loved how intelligent, nurturing, and dedicated she was to her family. I also respected that she didn’t immediately give in to Shyriq, even though the interest was clearly there. She allowed him to prove himself and made sure he was worthy of her time and heart, which I really appreciated.

There wasn’t a ton of spice, but the moments we did get felt meaningful and helped strengthen the emotional connection between Nhuri and Shyriq. I also liked that both characters came into the relationship after experiencing heartbreak and chose not to let that stop them from opening themselves up to love again.

Overall, this was a well-written, low-angst romance that focused more on emotional growth and healing than big dramatic moments. I just wish we’d gotten a bit more of the couple together once everything finally came together.

A solid read — just not quite a standout for me.

[Edwina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nhuri is a strong but guarded FMC. Watching her find her footing in Kansas City while juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat felt incredibly authentic. Her hesitation to jump into something new, especially with her past and her ex (Dru) looming over her makes her journey feel well earned. I loved that she didn’t rush into a new relationship. Nhuri is no-nonsense; she stands up for herself and ensures no one disrespects her. I also appreciated her transition into the marketing side of Hendrix Distillery, as it felt true to her professional background. Shyriq Hendrix is a breath of fresh air. It’s easy to portray a millionaire as arrogant, but Shyriq’s discipline and restraint make him stand out. He doesn't try to save Nhuri; he simply creates space for her and believes in her potential. His ability to see Nhuri’s worth before she fully recognizes it herself adds wonderful depth to their relationship.

The chemistry between them is a solid 10/10. Shyriq made his intentions clear when he said, “I want you”, but on her timing. While their connection is compelling, I did wish for a bit more depth in their romantic journey as a couple. Overall, the story beautifully explores love, healing, and the challenges of trusting someone new. If you enjoy a slow burn with minimal spice and low drama, this is definitely worth reading.

Thank you, NetGalley and Black Odyssey for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Pia Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
I mean its a Briann Danae Release! I thoroughly enjoyed this slow burn, close proximity, romance. Shyriq and Nhuri fresh out of relationships (Divorce and horrible ex for one and just down right horrible ex for the other) find friendship and solace in each other, although it became a forbidden romance for a short period it did not stop Shyriq from pursuing her. I mean he is the boss/ CEO of the company. I love the relationship Nhuri has with sister (Nat and her niece). I just hate as women we take on EVERYONES trauma, situations and responsibilities because we love them. This was Nhuri being there with her sister with Lupus and her niece. I loved that Nat stepped up and told her that she did not need saving and that as long as she can do, allow her to do so. With close friends with Lupus and other autoimmune disorders I get both Nhuri and Nat's point of view.

Shyriq and Nhuri deserved each other. A true match.

[BookedoutLoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was beautifully written. It was a slow burn, but I personally felt the pacing was just right. It tells the story of two people finding love again after failed relationships, and it unfolds in such a tender, realistic way.
I loved how the FMC was strong, career-driven, and unafraid to stand her ground. She showed so much strength despite everything happening in her personal life. Shyriq pursued her with intention and patience, and I absolutely loved that. Nhuri was guarded, but Shyriq made his intentions clear, and from there… it was up.
I also appreciated that this story didn’t rely on unnecessary drama and instead shed light on living with a chronic illness. The close family relationships on both sides added so much depth and warmth to the story.
Black romance at its finest. 🤎✨

[Tams Reading Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This story is a true slow burn that explores love after heartbreak. Shyriq and Nhuri are two people navigating the aftermath of past relationship pain. Nhuri is understandably guarded, while Shyriq is patient, intentional, and very much a lover and someone who shows up in ways that feel safe. Their journey highlights the importance of trust, emotional safety, and allowing love to grow at its own pace.

If you appreciate slow burns and stories centered on healing and intentional love, this one is definitely worth the read. While I did wish for a bit more depth into their evolving relationship, I still genuinely enjoyed this heartfelt and tender story.

[Kyeatta H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was soft love and that’s what I loved. It was definitely a slow burn but there were moments where the story would pick up and die back down a little. It touched on so many different aspects of life. Battles with Lupus, picking your life and starting over. The male ego can be a fragile thing and that showed for a with Shariq but he bounced back. BriAnn will always write a fire book.

[Crayreadz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow burn. While I enjoyed the MMC & FMC development & personality I feel like the story dragged some in the middle. I expected them to have more time together as a couple. The ending was cute & I like the way it all came together. There was little to no spice almost 80% or so into the book. So if you’re wanting spice this is not the book for you. Thanks to NetGalley & Black Odyssey for this Arc.

[BookinWith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a true slow burn and I enjoyed the book. It was a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. I admired how close Nhuri was to her sister and how she stood by her sister’s side as she battled a chronical illness on top of being a mother. I’ll always adore stories showing siblings unconditionally loving each other and being supportive. Shyriq had me reeled in from the beginning because I could tell he was a good man who unfortunately loved and married the wrong woman. It was a joy watching these two slowly reopen their hearts to love after both recently walking away from failed relationships. They didn’t let the past interfere with the present nor future, and that was beautiful.

It was too short of a read. Shyriq and Nhuri’s individual stories should’ve been more included in the story because it would’ve shown their growth after their failed relationships before meeting each other. It would’ve been nice learning more about Shyriq outside of his failed marriage and his success, and to know more about Nhuri outside her basically dedicating all her energy taking care of her sister and niece. Without that, it was somewhat hard to be more personable with the characters while reading because we didn’t get much of them as individuals.

Overall I enjoyed the story!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Nhuri and Shyriq’s story. From the beginning of the story with the proposal, the detailing of the scene to the song choice from the old school R&B song, omg. It took me back and I felt like I was there. This slow burn into their tumultuous relationship that lead them back to each other, this read was chef’s kiss. I love a love story that is rough, tough, and beautiful.