Worth The Risk

by S.M. Love

She swore she was done with love. Then he walked into her life and made her question everything.

Denise Blake has everything—a thriving career as a criminal attorney, a strong circle of friends, and a plan to keep her heart safe. After a divorce and too many disappointing dates, love is the last thing on her list. Until Jalen Carter walks in.

He’s younger, confident, and exactly the kind of risk she promised herself she’d never take again.

What starts as undeniable chemistry turns into something deeper—but opening her heart means facing old fears, family expectations, and the terrifying truth about what she really wants.

Set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., Worth the Risk is a sexy, emotionally rich Black romance about rediscovering hope, trusting love again, and learning that sometimes the riskiest choices lead to the sweetest rewards.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

Reviews

[Shunita O · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Some love stories don’t start with hope — they start with exhaustion.
Worth the Risk speaks directly to the woman who has ever survived a broken engagement, stacked heartbreaks, and too many moments where love felt like a losing battle she kept fighting alone.

Denise is tired in a way only disappointment can make you tired. She’s not bitter — just worn down. Her heart has bruises she never fully acknowledged, walls she built for survival, not drama. Love, to her, feels like a promise that’s failed too many times to believe in again.

Then he shows up. Jalen Carter

Younger. Divorced. A devoted father to his daughter. Not perfect. Not flashy. But steady. Intentional. Present in ways she’s never experienced before. He doesn’t chase — he chooses. Over and over again. And that’s what makes him dangerous but not in a bad way to her carefully guarded heart.

Their chemistry is undeniable — the kind that hums quietly beneath every interaction, making denial pointless. But attraction is the easy part. Trust is where the real conflict lives. Letting him in means reopening wounds she never healed, confronting fears she buried, and risking the kind of pain she swore she’d never feel again.

What makes Worth the Risk so powerful is its emotional honesty. This isn’t a story about instant healing or love magically fixing everything. It’s about showing up — through insecurity, age gaps, heartbreaks and the terrifying act of believing someone could actually be different.

Worth the Risk reminds us that sometimes the scariest love is the one that feels safe — because safety means vulnerability, and vulnerability means everything is on the line.

And sometimes… love really is worth the risk. 💔❤️‍🔥✨

[Le’Tia Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I loved this book and it was a good one to read. I loved Denise and Jalen . It was toxic at time but great. The towards the ending had me crying and shit but I’m excited to read the next book in this series !

Recommend.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I’m actually speechless right now. It’s currently 6 in the morning, I’ve just finished reading and I want more.

Since the first 10 chapters I’ve been hooked. Screw the men that hurt my girl Denise, she’s a badass lawyer. I love the friend group she has, the sisterhood, it’s like so refreshing especially with nobody being fake and always keeping it 100% real while still supporting her.

I knew I was gonna like Jalen from the beginning especially with him being an instructor, he can instruct me anytime😌. When him and Denise first got together I was like this could be very good for them or it could be very bad, and I was right on both counts. Heartbreak isn’t easy, especially when you planned a life out with someone and it all just ends. I could understand why Denise was hesitant especially with Jalen being divorced and having a child just like her ex. It’s easy for everyone to say that “he’s not your ex” and I admit I did say that a couple of times but as I read more it took me a moment to realize, he might’ve not went back to his ex but he still left her, i completely understand how he felt but at the same time he knew what she did for a living and knew the seriousness of the case she was working.

A white cop killed, two months away from his retirement, a decorated officer, later turned out to be corrupt. An innocent black boy arrested for killing him.

It felt like Jalen was looking for a reason to break things off even though he said he loved her, and I realized that was true when he admitted that he has a habit of running when things get tough. I could understand the hurt he felt when Denise said she’d show up and she didn’t or she’d arrive late but even when they weren’t together she made the effort to show up, even if she claimed she didn’t know he’d be there when he got that plaque. (Like she couldn’t look up all the people that were being honored, she ain’t slick🤨)

Towards the ending is what really made me cry. Getting a call from her mother that her dad is in the hospital, nurses and doctors not giving any updates for hours. Reading that her dad had a heart attack really got me, my father has heart issues and I can’t imagine getting that call. I loved that Jalen dropped everything and went to the hospital to be there for Denise, not caring if she didn’t want him there. I loved seeing the support that she had especially with her girlfriends, them huddling around her in the bathroom letting her cry. Especially her trying to hold it together when she’s around her mom.

There was a lot of character growth with both Jalen and Denise. They definitely could’ve handled things way better especially with Jalen ghosting Denise but I’m extremely happy that they were able to find their way back to each other especially during a time of grief and unexpected changes.

[Edwina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Risk by S.M. Love pulled me in from the very first chapter. While Denise and Jalen’s chemistry is electric, it’s the emotional depth that really stayed with me. One moment I was laughing at their banter, and the next I was wiping away tears as they navigated professional pressures, grief, and the sheer courage it takes to choose love again.

Denise is a grounded and believable FMC. As a successful lawyer, she is confident and capable, yet her caution feels earned. Her guarded approach to dating doesn’t feel exaggerated; it reflects the reality of someone who has been burned and is determined not to lose herself again. This makes her emotional journey incredibly easy to connect with.

Jalen is a perfect example of the younger-man trope handled with care. His confidence never feels forced or immature; instead, it’s paired with patience and intention. He pursues Denise with respect, giving her space when she needs it while still encouraging her to question the limits she’s placed on her own happiness. That balance makes their connection feel genuine and earned rather than rushed.

This book is a beautiful celebration of Black love, grown-woman desire, and the bravery required to open your heart. Worth the Risk is exactly that; worth every page, every emotion, and every swoon.

Thanks SM Love for the ARC.

[GetLitWithRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Risk was an emotional, satisfying read.

I knew I was going to love Denise the moment she was introduced in Unwrapped & Undone, so I was beyond excited to finally get her story. This ARC also happened to be my first physical ARC, which made the experience even more special.

Reading Worth the Risk felt like going on a full emotional journey. We walk with Denise through the aftermath of her broken engagement, her guarded heart, and her decision to open herself up to something new and unexpected. Jalen is younger, divorced, and not what she originally envisioned, but their connection slowly proves to be worth the leap.

Denise and Jalen’s chemistry is undeniable, and I enjoyed watching them navigate the ups and downs of breaking down walls, building trust, and learning how to love while still healing. Their relationship felt real, layered, and emotionally grounded.

While Denise was wrong in some moments, I did wish Jalen had a bit more understanding of her demanding career. Still, those imperfections added to the realism of their journey.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was tender, emotional, and rewarding, the kind of romance that reminds you healing doesn’t mean starting over perfectly, just honestly.

Thank you to SM Love for the ARC! This is my honest review.

[Mirra Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Risk by S.M. Love captivated me from the start. Denise and Jalen’s chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional depth that lingered. I laughed at their banter and then cried as they faced pressures, grief, and the courage to love again. This book is so realistic about the pressure of wanting love but being too scared to go out and find it, but when you do, it's hard to accept it because of the pain you experienced. I truly love this book. Denise is a realistic FMC. As a successful, confident lawyer, her caution feels genuine, shaped by past harm. Her guarded approach helps readers relate. Jalen exemplifies the younger-man trope with care. His confidence is balanced with patience and respect, fostering a genuine, unrushed connection. This book celebrates Black love, mature desire, and emotional bravery. Worth the Risk is a heartfelt, swoon-worthy read.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a huge fave for me. I fell in love with Denise and Jalen. She’s a strong woman who doesn’t want to deal with relationships at the moment. Jalen is a hot younger guy that’s attracted to her. But omgosh he approached her with such respect to what she wanted. He didn’t push. He was patient. He was caring. I loved this about him. This is what some women need in their life. And Denise noticed.
I loved her friends too lol. A girl needs her girls. I loved their banter. I laughed right sing with them. But this book gets you all up in your emotions too. This book has depth. I loved that it wasn’t surface level writing. This was deep, and I felt it. Thank you so much Love for allowing me to ARC read for you. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read from you so far. It’s been an absolute joy❤️

[Rochelle Bryant Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW***
Book: 🤎Worth The Risk🤎
Author: sm

Meet Jalen , business owner and Denise, bad ass attorney on the rise. These two meet when Denise visits Jalen’s gun range. He sees something he wants and he goes for it. Denise is hesitant because of the age gap ( she’s older) but goes with it anyway!

Oh Jalen!! He worked my nerve. But he eventually gets it right.

This is what love looks like when you show up for it. When you’re intentional. And when you’re willing to take the risk.

I really enjoyed this story. It’s a slight change of pace from the unhinged MMCs. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s beautiful.

Thank you SM Love for the ARC and letting me crash in your dms. 😂

[Stinaaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew ! This book gave me all the feels good and bad, ups and downs. From start to finish, I was hooked. Like many of us women, we have a clock that's steady counting down and even ask ourselves when will it be my turn. This was the case for Denise. Jalen came in shaking things up in a good way and staking his claim. For both characters, after some time, I enjoyed how they were able to become emotionally in tune and admit their wrongdoings. I found myself yelling about the pages like Jalen speak up or Denise take accountability. Overall, I was pleased to read about their story. Grab a few tissues and be prepared to feel everything.

[Brittany Bolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a few chapters to really get into, BUT I am so glad I stuck it out. Denise and Jalen had chemistry from the start, but both had things to work on. I loved the ups and downs of this book, it had me laughing and crying and relating a little too much in some situations. I really enjoyed how it all came together in the end and am looking forward to book two!

[Terika Parris · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reviewer-Physical book

This book made me feel ALL the feels. I don’t want to give anything away, but Worth the Risk is worth the read!!!
This “learning to love again” story will tenderize the hardest of hearts. Denise’s willingness to take a chance, her journey to self-discovery, and redefining the meaning of true love will have you deeply invested. Here’s to love, cheers to Black love!!!

[kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to Acr read this and i really enjoyed it without give to much alway i grew to like Jalen and seeing the characters development throughout the story, and I’m looking forward to getting into more work from these author

[Anjosia · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC READESR: When Support Shows the Way to the Heart

Worth the Risk tells a grounded, emotionally driven story about two people who want connection but struggle with how to give it as much as they receive. Denise is a driven criminal attorney who has built her life on independence and control, while Jalen is a confident entrepreneur, gun range owner, and devoted single father who knows who he is and what he wants. From the start, their connection is marked by tension, hesitation, and an ongoing push-and-pull that reflects their unresolved wounds.
Much of the story centers on emotional timing. Jalen shows up consistently—steady, patient, and firm in his care—while Denise keeps parts of herself guarded. It isn’t until she experiences deep personal loss that she finally begins to truly see him and recognize the depth of his presence in her life. That moment becomes a turning point, forcing Denise to confront the imbalance in how she gives versus how she accepts love.
The strongest aspect of the book is Jalen’s characterization. He is unwavering without being controlling, supportive without losing himself, and clear about his expectations. Denise’s growth is slower and at times frustrating, but it reflects a realistic emotional journey—learning that partnership requires reciprocity, vulnerability, and intentional effort, especially when things aren’t easy.
While the romance has heartfelt moments and meaningful themes around emotional accountability and resilience, the pacing and repeated emotional back-and-forth keep the story solid rather than standout. Still, Worth the Risk offers a thoughtful look at what it means to choose love actively—especially when showing up is harder than walking away.

[Kevin Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book the emotions It took me through was a roller-coaster!! I like how the age gap was portrayed. Also how they were able to over come all that they experienced. Together and separately, they grew within themselves and in their relationship

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good story and just goes to show that when you find your person live is worth the risk. Even better when both parties involved feel the same way about each other

[Brandy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed with an ARC read of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I absolutely loved this book. Two people who craves love but does not know how to fight for it. both parties scared to be vulnerable because they are scared of rejection. Loved the friendships and support that Denise and Jalen had. The buildup of what was and what could have been was portrayed nicely. In the end love definitely conquered and I had the biggest smile on my face. Can’t wait for book two.

[Sakoya Spruill · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
OMG!!! ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ FROM START TO FINISH!!! I love how each chapter is t long but it keeps my attention. I love all of Denise's outfits and her friends are so loyal,honest, and funny. Definitely a great read.