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 Hendrix 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 multimillion-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 only expects a steady check and quiet routine, but instead, she experiences undeniable soul-stirring chemistry.

Their early exchanges are strictly professional. But how he watches, listens, and shows up without expectation catches her off guard. Just as their connection begins to deepen, the sudden appearance of her ex-boyfriend 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.

Genres: Romance

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published 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

[Wind · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a slow burn but not Nhuri and Shyriq making things official at the 95% mark!
From the title A Love Worth Forever I expected more because why didn’t we get to see Nhuri and Shyriq as a couple and see them navigate the struggles and how Shyriq handled being in a relationship differently from his marriage.
This story was mainly about Nhuri, being a support care giver to her sister who has lupus and her niece and her career. Although I enjoyed the story, it could have been flushed out a little better. I wanted to feel the underlying love and chemistry between the two and I didn’t get that. We got the cute flirty banter but it didn’t give a love worth forever.
Overall it was an ok read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for the advanced copy.

[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.

[DeannaReadsandSleeps]

there were cute moments, but slow burn works best for me when the buildup actually puts logs on the fire. it took too long for things to happen. some scenes/conversations just kept going and going and going, and i got bored.

also, we waited too long for them to finally start having motion just shyriq to act a damn fool 90% into the book. let me bonk you on the head one time, sir!

[Darriona]

Bored.

[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

[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. 💕

[Melise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cus BriAnn is gonna write a MAAAAN like no doubt about it a FREAKING MAN. She’s also gonna deliver love in all its forms to include the love between black women & their homegirls and the love of siblings. Now this really 4.75 and the .25 off is really only because I felt like the lil issue/hiccup wasn’t placed well enough for me. We have two people and while they slightly hesitant they both act maturely and really don’t seem to have communication issues. While I’m sure it’s the insecurity/ fear or lack of trust that contributed it just seemed out of character for both of them to react so harshly. I think we needed to see more of the hesitation or at least have one more communication issue before the big fight, cus for me it just felt crazy like IKYFL both of yall. I didn’t really understand Nhuri sitting down with her ex at all like even the fact that he wasn’t blocked was also irritating to my spirit. Overall though this was a SUPERB story and I hope maybe we see more of them in the future. Very cute and Shy def had me blushing

[Keesha]

I originally dnf'd this book at 68%. I decided to go back after seeing so many positive reviews and thought maybe it was just a situation of me being a mood reader. I went back to 50% and finished the book and still didn't enjoy it unfortunately. This was beyond a slow burn and I just never felt the connection between the FMC & MMC.

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good slow burn romance story.

[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

[Natarsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very slow burn. I get that Shyriq was in the process of filling and finalizing his divorce, but the progress of them dating and going to the next steps did kind of drag the story. Nhuri was very cautious of how she wanted to handle Shyriq which was understandable due to his marital status, however it seemed like she let her sister’s feelings about his marital status over ride the feelings she had towards him. Shyriq’s temper tantrum made me roll my eyes so hard.
Overall, this was a good read, if you are looking for a slow burn with light spice, this is for you.
Thank you Black Odyssey for the ARC!

[Renada Boddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying this was definitely a slow burn. I’m the first to always say I don’t like slow burns, but this one was done right. Watching the relationship grow between Shyriq and Nhuri was everything I didn’t know I needed. There was no miscommunication, just two adults that knew what they wanted and made sure to let the other know exactly how they felt. Their relationship evolved so naturally, unintentionally, and beautifully. Overall, a solid read, and I enjoyed every moment.

** Thanks NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC **

[Sertan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was slow burn and fast paced at the same time. The relationship of our couple just started and the book ended. I wanted to see more of them. Good and interesting characters, but needed a little more depth to them. The book was too short. Overall I hat a good time listening! Would love to see more of the characters if this becomes a series.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC of the book in exchange of my honest opinion!

[Bookish Beanss · Rating 3 out of 5]

thankyou net gallery for the advance audiobook arc.


A book filled with workplace romance, drama, i'd say this was fun. got me kicking my feet in the air.
the only thing that ticked me off was the way he behaved after knowing about her ex, that a BIG no no and a red flag. other than that it was a good story.

[Shica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Love Worth Forever is a quiet, emotional slow-burn romance meant to be experienced slowly, not rushed.

I appreciated how the story allows Nhuri the space to grieve a failed relationship without rushing her healing. Shyriq was a refreshing, emotionally mature hero—patient, observant, and present without trying to fix her. Their connection felt intentional, safe, and earned.

This story beautifully reframes love as choosing presence over grand gestures. If you enjoy romances with emotional depth and thoughtful character development, this one belongs on your TBR.

[Halley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading A Love Worth Forever with extremely high expectations fully expecting it to be a 4–5 star read for me. People talked about how character driven it is, that it’s a slow burn, and how respectful the MMC is. By all objective measures, this book should have been perfect for me. I was disappointed that it never really resonated.

I ultimately stopped around the halfway mark (about 55%), not because the book was bad, but because it wasn’t quite capturing my attention the way I had hoped. This is a well-written story—it just wasn’t the right fit for my personal tastes.

Our FMC, Nhuri, has recently left everything behind to escape an abusive relationship and start over. She has a lot going on—juggling multiple difficult jobs, caring for her sister who has lupus, and trying to rebuild a life with the support of a small but meaningful social circle. The MMC, Shyriq, is a wealthy owner of a distillery. As they get to know each other, casual flirting gradually turns into a job opportunity and the possibility of a relationship.

There were many things this book did well. Most notably, Shyriq is written as a genuinely kind and respectful character, particularly in how he navigates the potentially tricky power dynamic created by both his wealth and the fact that he wants to both employ and date Nhuri. I found Shyriq, Nhuri, and Nhuri’s sister to be interesting and compelling characters.

There were a few reasons the story didn’t fully land for me. First, BriAnn Danae does an excellent job narrating the audiobook in a voice and dialect that feels authentic to the characters and their community. It adds a strong sense of place and identity to the story. Personally, I sometimes struggle to fully settle into narrative voices that are culturally very different from my own, which made it harder for me to stay immersed in the audiobook. This is very much a personal reading experience issue rather than a flaw in the book, and I suspect many listeners will find the dialect a major strength.

Second, Nhuri’s character felt somewhat emotionally flat to me. In theory she has just left a long-term abusive relationship, but she often seemed surprisingly composed and emotionally regulated given that context. While she states that she is romantically interested in Shyriq, that interest didn’t always feel fully reflected in her thoughts and behavior. Although the romance is clearly intended to be a slow burn, it sometimes read more like a relationship developing without much spark.

Finally, while I think Lacy Laurel’s narration fit the tone of the book extremely well and was well performed, the measured pacing combined with the NetGalley audiobook player’s limited playback speed options made the listening experience feel slower for me personally. The available 1.25x and 1.5x playback speeds didn’t quite land in the right place for this performance. This isn’t a fault with the narration, just a limitation of the NetGalley audiobook app.

While this book wasn’t quite for me, it is well crafted and I can easily see it being a favorite for many other readers, particularly those who enjoy character-driven romance with thoughtful, respectful relationships rooted in dialectical terroir and a strong sense of community.

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

I was excited to read this book because I have read other books by Briann Danae which I enjoyed and the premise sounded good but it wasn't quite what I expected especially based on the title.

When Shyriq first met Nhuri he found her attractive and he couldn't get her out his head although he did not make any moves during their first encounter.. He saw her a few times after that and that is when he decided he wanted to get to know her better but it seemed to be on a more professional level at first than personal which was okay for Nhuri because she was in need of a job at that time. They did spend time together on a personal level too but that seemed to occur much later in the book.

His character seemed very sweet on their first date and supportive when she had some family situations occur but then he switched up real quick when another situation occurred instead of just talking to her like a man and like he was advised to do. Also, there was drama that was thrown into the mix that seemed unnecessary for how the story was going. There was some spice in the book and while I enjoyed it, it felt out of place considering where they were in their "relationship" at that point in time. The ending of the book was nice but it appeared to be more focused on where she was in her career than where they were in their relationship.

I don't mind a slow burn; however, this one seemed really slow and I didn't really get the love connection between the two of them. Overall to me the book appeared to focus more on Shariq's issues with his ex and Nhuri's job, career and family life than it did on the establishment of their relationship with each other. Their first date was nice to see and there was mention of another date occurring and them spending time together after that but it was mainly off page. I would have liked to read about that to feel more of the romantic connection between the characters,

Thank you to Black Odyssey Media and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review
📚 Book Title: A Love Worth Forever
✍🏽Author: BriAnn Danae
🎙️Narrator:
📕 Format: 🎧
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨: 3.75
🌶 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

🕑Quick Take:
Nhuri Coleman is in transition in multiple areas of her life: relationships, her recent move to Kansas City, MO, and a professional shift. She also wants to be a steady presence and support for her sister Natalia and niece Raniya.

Shyriq Hendrix is in the middle of a contentious divorce that seems never-ending. He is also running a family-owned business, Great Hendrix Co., headquartered in Missouri. GHC is the first Black family in Missouri to own a whiskey distillery. Shyriq Hendrix has achieved significant success!

Nhuri and Shyriq have multiple chance encounters, and Shyriq is not shy about expressing his interest or intentions. Nhuri is hesitant because, while she is seeking a fresh start, she is not prioritizing a relationship. How will their connection mature and grow?

✨ Tropes:
- Chance Encounters
- Deliberate & Gentle Love
- Love After Pain & Grief
- Provider & Multi-Millionaire MMC

🎭 Narration:
Lauren Lacy really impressed me with her narration of this novel! I really enjoy a good solo third-person narration. Lacy does a wonderful job of giving each character their own distinct voice, perfectly capturing their personality. Sassy delivery for Nhuri. Steady, low-key, confident tone for Shyriq. The general narration captured reflections of the characters' internal dialogues and emotional depths. She gave an excellent performance in this audiobook.

💭Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed this audiobook version. It was a slow burn with low spice. It also captures the space individuals are in during transition, grief, and healing while making room for love. I appreciated BriAnn Danae shining a light on lupus. Nhuri was guarded and principled for good reasons. I enjoyed Shyriq's directness and that he never wavered in his interest and intentions. Although he was a little broody. Overall, A Love Worth Forever felt soft and gentle, like a courtship romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC!

[Dafort · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Love Worth Forever is a well crafted grounded romance from BriAnn Danae, and I truly enjoyed following Nhuri and Shyriq’s journey. Nhuri Coleman returns home to care for her ailing sister, hoping for a quiet reset, only to cross paths with Shyriq Hendrix while bartending at his friend’s engagement party. Their chemistry is immediate, but both assume it’s a fleeting moment, until life brings them back together in an unexpected way.

I loved how Danae develops their connection with intention. Shyriq, disciplined and successful yet quietly longing for something deeper, sees Nhuri’s worth even before she’s ready to claim it herself. And Nhuri, still grieving and rebuilding, must learn to trust someone who shows up for her without expectation. Their attempts to keep things professional only highlight how natural their bond is, and watching them navigate communication, trust, and vulnerability made the story feel authentic and heartfelt.

This is a tender, romantic read with characters who feel real and layered. I appreciated the emotional maturity, the slow building of trust, and the reminder that love sometimes requires staying steady when someone is used to standing alone. A lovely story.

Note: I received an advance copy from NetGalley

I received an advanced audio copy from NetGalley, and Lacey Laurel did a great job bringing this story to life. Her narration kept the storyline flowing smoothly, and she gave Nhuri and Shyriq distinct voices that made their emotional journeys easy to follow. I especially enjoyed how she handled the lighter moments—Nhuri’s conversations with her girlfriends and Shyriq’s banter with his brother Rush were genuinely funny and felt even more vibrant in audio. Laurel’s performance added warmth, personality, and depth to the story, making the audiobook a strong complement to the ebook.

Note: I received an advanced audio copy from NetGalley

[Ann-Marie Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story worth reading

Reading this second chance @ love romance was such a good way to start my week. Our main characters are at an engagement party where our MMC is to support his best friend, and our FMC is a bartender. Little does she know, he’s the owner of the whiskey brand that she is suggesting to him when she’s making his drink. For the most part, I loved how there wasn’t so much necessary drama, but I do love how it explores complex relationship dynamics, especially when you have family who may be sick and the pressure that comes with wanting to be there for them. Our FMC chose to put her family over her work, and it cost her, which I really think is unfair, but our MMC is there too, not only to let her know that he’s attracted to her but also to offer her a job. Now, in real life, this is definitely something no one would ever recommend, especially when they had already had established an interest in each other. Also, I  was expecting more drama with his ex-wife. What she brought added more layers to the story I wish was explored.

This is a workplace romance, and I kind of wish that she became his assistant first and then they caught feelings for each other because he definitely hired her because he was attracted to her, but also she’s high skilled and really over qualified for the job but needs work and wanted her close. So that’s an interesting take for sure. The author does a great job of making you fall in love with the characters and honestly wanting to know more about them, and there was an opportunity where she could’ve delved deeper with the characters and their background. Like a lot of stuff just with the surface level. Still, I really enjoyed this book, and I am going to go back and look at the other works by the author. Thank you to NetGalley as well as  Black Odyssey Media for this arc.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 ALC Review
📚 A Love Worth Forever — BriAnn Danae
🎙️ Narrated by Lacy Laurel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
Thank you to BriAnn Danae, NetGalley, and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the ALC.
Listen… this book said slow burn and it absolutely meant it. This romance is cooking on crock-pot low for 10–12 business days. But honestly? The ride was still a good time.
Nhuri is trying to rebuild her life, juggle family responsibilities, and keep her peace. Then Shyriq shows up—rich, confident, a little broody, and very much giving “I’m going to respectfully pursue you until you admit you like me” energy. The man does not hide his intentions and I respect the commitment.
What I liked most is that this story leans into grown-up romance. No ridiculous miscommunication, no toxic nonsense—just two adults circling each other, flirting, testing boundaries, and figuring out if they’re ready for something real.
Now would I have liked a little more payoff after that marathon slow burn? Absolutely. After waiting that long I wanted to see them actually be a couple for longer than five minutes. But the journey getting there was sweet, warm, and full of some genuinely funny moments.
And the audiobook narration by Lacy Laurel really elevated the story. She nailed Nhuri’s sass, Shyriq’s calm confidence, and the banter between friends and family. The dialogue especially felt lively and natural in audio, which made it easy to stay pulled into the story.
Overall this one felt soft, soulful, a little funny, and very intentional. If you like romances where the MMC is patient, respectful, and obsessed in a quiet “I’ll wait” kind of way… this one will probably work for you.
Just be prepared: this slow burn is slow-slow SLOW. 😅📚

[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.

[Neek Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story felt intentional from beginning to end.

What stood out most to me was the emotional depth. Nhuri isn’t just navigating attraction, she’s navigating exhaustion. Exhaustion from always being strong. From carrying everyone else. From feeling like her worth is tied to how much she can endure. Watching her slowly allow herself to be supported instead of constantly proving herself was powerful.

Shyriq’s character worked for me because he wasn’t loud about what he wanted. He was observant. Consistent. Clear. He didn’t try to “fix” Nhuri or overpower her independence. He showed up. And when tension arose, especially with the reappearance of her past, he stood firm without dismissing her autonomy. That balance mattered.

The chemistry between them builds naturally, shifting from professional restraint to undeniable connection. When the relationship turns physical, it feels earned. The intimacy carries emotional weight instead of existing just for shock value.

I also appreciated the strong sister dynamic and the representation of chronic illness. Those elements grounded the romance and added layers to the story’s themes of resilience and self-worth.

Overall, this is a romance about being seen, about choosing partnership over survival mode, and about love that is steady rather than chaotic. Readers who enjoy intentional Black romance with emotional depth and meaningful character growth will likely connect with this story.

[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.

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALC Review
Narrated by Lacy Laurel
3.5⭐️

Tropes:
Slow burn
Workplace romance
Protector-provider MMC
Strong, competent FMC
Second chance
Grief and healing

This story follows Nhuri Coleman as she relocates to Kansas City seeking a reset while carrying grief, family obligations, and career uncertainty. When she crosses paths with Shyriq Hendrix—heir to a legacy distillery—what starts as a professional opportunity slowly evolves into a deeply layered connection.

Nhuri is balancing graduate studies, supporting a sister navigating lupus flares, caring for her beloved niece, and recovering from career setbacks after choosing family first. She’s competent, loyal, and grounded. Shyriq is reserved, disciplined, and observant—the type who expresses interest through consistent action rather than grand gestures.

If you enjoy low-drama, high-yearning romance with steady emotional tension, this will likely resonate. The romance builds gradually and focuses on emotional safety and trust. For me, the pacing felt extremely slow at times, with the major romantic momentum arriving closer to the end. Still, the maturity and emotional steadiness stood out.

The narration by Lacy Laurel was well done and complemented the tone of the story. Huge thanks to NetGalley and the author for this ALC

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this ALC the second I saw it because BriAnn Danae was already on my March Black‑author watchlist — and listen… this book did not disappoint.

If you love a low‑drama, high‑yearning romance where the tension simmers but never drags, Nhuri and Shyriq will have you locked in. Nhuri is out here juggling degrees, grief, a lupus‑flare‑stricken sister, a niece she adores, and a job that fires her for choosing family over travel. And she still keeps her head up. I love a competent, loyal FMC.

Then she meets Shyriq — whiskey heir, quiet storm, protector-provider even when he knows he’s not fully free yet. And the way this man shows up? Whew.
- Making sure she eats.
- Making sure she gets to work safely.
- Checking on her sister.
- Showing up for her niece.
- And politely-but-not-really letting other men know: “Don’t touch her.”

All without entitlement. All without crossing her boundaries. Just grown, steady, intentional energy.

The spice is basically a whisper, but the emotional intimacy? Loud. This is a romance that feels safe, soft, and deeply human — the perfect palate cleanser when you want love without chaos.

BriAnn Danae just earned herself a spot on my auto-read list.

[Morgan Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Love Worth Forever was a sweet, low-angst slow burn that worked well as a quick palate cleanser.

Nhuri is trying to rebuild her life after losing her marketing job while also helping care for her sister, who lives with a chronic illness, and supporting her niece. When she begins working as the assistant to Shyriq—the CEO of his family’s distillery, who is navigating a messy divorce—their connection begins to grow.

Shyriq wastes no time making his interest known, which leads to plenty of playful flirting as Nhuri works to maintain her boundaries and professionalism.

Overall, this was a cute and easy read, and I enjoyed Lauren Lacy’s narration. I did wish we got a bit more depth in the relationship development, and the conflict resolution and ending felt somewhat anticlimactic—almost like the beginning of a larger story or series rather than a fully wrapped romance.

While this wasn’t my favorite from BriAnn’s catalog, it was still an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the opportunity to read this ALC in exchange for an honest review 💖.

[Atoshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐ Review – Black Contemporary Romance
This was an okay read for me. The premise had a lot of potential, and I appreciated seeing a Black contemporary romance centered around love, growth, and relationships. The characters had interesting backstories, and there were moments where their chemistry and connection really shined.
However, the story felt a little uneven at times. The pacing moved slowly in some parts and then rushed through others, which made it hard to fully connect with the emotional moments. I also wanted more depth from the main characters especially when it came to their motivations and the development of their relationship.
That said, there were still enjoyable moments throughout the book. The dialogue felt natural, and I liked the glimpses of community, friendship, and family dynamics that were woven into the story.
Overall, this was a decent read that had some strong moments but didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me. If you enjoy Black contemporary romances with a mix of relationship drama and heartfelt moments, this one might still be worth checking out.

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Love Worth Forever by BriAnn Danae was a slow-burn romance that I found both appreciated and necessary.

The pacing is definitely intentional. Given the main characters’ past experiences, the gradual development of their relationship made sense. Their emotional walls, hesitations, and need for healing felt realistic rather than rushed. I appreciated that the author allowed space for trust to build naturally instead of forcing instant chemistry.

That said, the story did move a bit slower than I typically prefer. While I understood why it unfolded the way it did, there were moments where I wanted a little more momentum or deeper emotional intensity.

Overall, it was a solid read with thoughtful character development and a mature approach to love and healing. I would absolutely be interested in a follow-up book to see how the characters are doing and how their relationship continues to evolve.

If you enjoy character-driven, slow-burn romances centered on growth and second chances, this may be worth checking out.

[_dulcekk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows Nhuri and Shyriq as they navigate complicated seasons in their lives. Shyriq is in the middle of a divorce due to infidelity, while Nhuri has returned home to care for her sick sister all while running from something in her past and grappling with unemployment after failing to make a decision that could cost her dearly.
I appreciated that Nhuri stood firm with Shyriq, making it clear that he needed to fully close one chapter before attempting to start another. However, I didn’t feel like their relationship was developed enough. Much of the story centers on her caregiving responsibilities and his divorce, leaving little room to truly build their chemistry. For main characters, they felt somewhat overshadowed by the side characters, who seemed to receive more depth and attention. Overall, I enjoyed Shyriq’s caring nature as a boss and admired Nhuri’s selflessness. Still, I truly wanted more emotional depth and stronger development to fully invest in Nhuri and Shyriq as a couple.