What do you think?
Rate this book
The Risk of Loving You: When Danger Meets Desire
Sixty-year-old Frederick “Rick” Thompson has spent a lifetime drifting from one situationship to another, always with younger women, while building the nation’s premier—and only—Black-owned motorcycle customization company alongside his brother. But everything changes when a chance weekend trip introduces him to a captivating woman who makes him question everything he thought he wanted. Just as he’s ready to trade his player ways for a future filled with love, a betrayal close to home threatens the legacy he and his brother built. Can Rick save the business he’s devoted his life to, or will he lose it all just as he’s found the one he wants to share it with?
Dr. Karen Ali, a retired school superintendent, had what many would call a picture-perfect 35 years of marriage, two thriving children, and a respected place in the community. But after her husband’s sudden death, she’s spent the last few years learning how to live—and love this new version of herself. But during a weekend girls’ trip, one unexpected encounter with a handsome stranger awakens something she thought was gone forever. But with new passion comes danger. Could the universe truly grant two soulmates in one lifetime? Is she willing to risk her hard-earned peace for a second chance at soul-stirring love?
A sizzling, mature romance about second chances, soul connections, and the courage to love again—no matter the cost.
Dr. Karen Ali, a retired school superintendent, had what many would call a picture-perfect 35 years of marriage, two thriving children, and a respected place in the community. But after her husband’s sudden death, she’s spent the last few years learning how to live—and love this new version of herself. But during a weekend girls’ trip, one unexpected encounter with a handsome stranger awakens something she thought was gone forever. But with new passion comes danger. Could the universe truly grant two soulmates in one lifetime? Is she willing to risk her hard-earned peace for a second chance at soul-stirring love?
A sizzling, mature romance about second chances, soul connections, and the courage to love again—no matter the cost.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
31 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 20, 2025
🥰
Love a grown and beautiful story! Both characters were mature, communicated well, and understood that love had no timeline. Karen was a widow, living her best life when Rick swept into her world. I liked Rick a lot; he was such a good man, who was content with casually dating and flings. Karen put that grown woman ish on him; who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks! 😏
Love a grown and beautiful story! Both characters were mature, communicated well, and understood that love had no timeline. Karen was a widow, living her best life when Rick swept into her world. I liked Rick a lot; he was such a good man, who was content with casually dating and flings. Karen put that grown woman ish on him; who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks! 😏
October 1, 2025
First read by this author, and I really loved it. Mature, grown, and sexy adults finding love is where it's at!! ❤️
Rick thought he was living his best life dating younger women, with no strings attached. That women his own age were bitter, and set in their ways, turned him off. But when he laid eyes on Karen all bets were off.
Karen, who is slowly coming into her own after dealing with a crushing blow, is finally ready to live again. When she sees Rick, feelings begin to stir up that she hasn’t felt in years, and she becomes hopeful.
These two were locked in from that first night. They were both financially stable, career driven, with grown children, just wanting to enjoy this second chapter of their lives.
Then here comes the ish! But Karen in holding her man down, intervened with big guns to assist. Thank God for that too, cause it was right on time. Rick did not play about Doc and was ready to burn Birmingham to the ground! 🤯🤬 Great read! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Rick thought he was living his best life dating younger women, with no strings attached. That women his own age were bitter, and set in their ways, turned him off. But when he laid eyes on Karen all bets were off.
Karen, who is slowly coming into her own after dealing with a crushing blow, is finally ready to live again. When she sees Rick, feelings begin to stir up that she hasn’t felt in years, and she becomes hopeful.
These two were locked in from that first night. They were both financially stable, career driven, with grown children, just wanting to enjoy this second chapter of their lives.
Then here comes the ish! But Karen in holding her man down, intervened with big guns to assist. Thank God for that too, cause it was right on time. Rick did not play about Doc and was ready to burn Birmingham to the ground! 🤯🤬 Great read! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
September 29, 2025
The Risk of Loving You: When Danger Meets Desire
I so enjoyed this book. Especially since it was about grown and sexy folks in my age group. Yes Hunni, we still know how to love and be loved.
60 didn't owe Rick nothing. The man is smart, fine, sexy, and successful. When he saw Karen sitting in the restaurant looking like the Goddess she is, he knew she was his one. And the way she handled Yasmin, baby you better take notes young sisters. Karen was grace and fire. She "Lil girl" her like nobody's business.
And to think Rick and Mike gave Bam a chance, but he sold them out like it was nothing. You can't help everyone.
Anyway, this book was very good. It's my first time reading this author and she did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more books by her.
I so enjoyed this book. Especially since it was about grown and sexy folks in my age group. Yes Hunni, we still know how to love and be loved.
60 didn't owe Rick nothing. The man is smart, fine, sexy, and successful. When he saw Karen sitting in the restaurant looking like the Goddess she is, he knew she was his one. And the way she handled Yasmin, baby you better take notes young sisters. Karen was grace and fire. She "Lil girl" her like nobody's business.
And to think Rick and Mike gave Bam a chance, but he sold them out like it was nothing. You can't help everyone.
Anyway, this book was very good. It's my first time reading this author and she did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more books by her.
September 27, 2025
I enjoyed this mature couples love story and the mystery was good too.
September 24, 2025
Great read! Love the development of the character and the second chance love story. Karen was true to get grief and her mental health. Great job!
January 15, 2026
Where do I start with this review🥰! First of all, this is one of the sexiest book covers I’ve ever seen.
I love a mature second chance romance. I borrowed this book from Kindle unlimited and about 3 chapters in, I bought because I knew I would want to reread again & again and chile I have.
Dr. Karen Ali aka Doc is grown ass woman at 57, she’s stated that from the get go. She lost her husband, partner, father of her children, and love of her life after 37 years together. He was a judge and she’s now a college professor in addition to being a successful author. Mr. Frederick Thompson the third aka Rick is a successful, educated business owner at 60 who likes to date younger women. When you meet him his latest companion is 38. On a trip to Atlanta those 2 souls collide and it’s undeniable chemistry from time the first time they lay eyes on each other across a hotel lobby.
My favorite parts:
1. Their first meeting and kiss
2. Rick calling his brother about Doc maybe bring the ONE
3. Rickey meeting Doc
4. The families meeting each other
5. TOP Fav-Doc gathering Yasmin immature behind while buying her lunch.
This is just a wonderful romance with a mystery thrown in. What Bam was doing with these honest business owners legacy they are building for their heirs was inexcusable and such a betrayal after they gave him a chance to do honest work. Bam owed at debt and then got greedy. But Bam and Lo didn’t realize Doc has connections to one of the biggest underground sort of king pins. I love when Rick was like you know Big G personally wow. It shows that you can still be friends with someone even if you decide to have different paths. Big G is her husband‘s childhood friend.
You also get a second romance brewing with Rick’s son, Rickey and Karen’s daughter Aaliyah. When they meet at the family dinner, the chemistry between those two is also instant and undeniable.
Start your 2026 reading journey off right with this book.
I love a mature second chance romance. I borrowed this book from Kindle unlimited and about 3 chapters in, I bought because I knew I would want to reread again & again and chile I have.
Dr. Karen Ali aka Doc is grown ass woman at 57, she’s stated that from the get go. She lost her husband, partner, father of her children, and love of her life after 37 years together. He was a judge and she’s now a college professor in addition to being a successful author. Mr. Frederick Thompson the third aka Rick is a successful, educated business owner at 60 who likes to date younger women. When you meet him his latest companion is 38. On a trip to Atlanta those 2 souls collide and it’s undeniable chemistry from time the first time they lay eyes on each other across a hotel lobby.
My favorite parts:
1. Their first meeting and kiss
2. Rick calling his brother about Doc maybe bring the ONE
3. Rickey meeting Doc
4. The families meeting each other
5. TOP Fav-Doc gathering Yasmin immature behind while buying her lunch.
This is just a wonderful romance with a mystery thrown in. What Bam was doing with these honest business owners legacy they are building for their heirs was inexcusable and such a betrayal after they gave him a chance to do honest work. Bam owed at debt and then got greedy. But Bam and Lo didn’t realize Doc has connections to one of the biggest underground sort of king pins. I love when Rick was like you know Big G personally wow. It shows that you can still be friends with someone even if you decide to have different paths. Big G is her husband‘s childhood friend.
You also get a second romance brewing with Rick’s son, Rickey and Karen’s daughter Aaliyah. When they meet at the family dinner, the chemistry between those two is also instant and undeniable.
Start your 2026 reading journey off right with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
Not sure if this author has other books but she’s a new to me author & I really enjoyed it. A mature read of a couple over 50 that fall for each other & try to navigate being in each others world. I loved how Rick was very intentional from the first day he laid eyes on Karen & came correct. And I absolutely loved Karen down. She was assertive but still soft when she needed to be, direct, & took care of herself but didn’t close herself off from good things happening to her even after grief. I loved the scene when she talked to Yasmine & how she handled that entire situation. Also there is an event at the end of the book (I don’t want to spoil it) that was written so beautifully I read it twice lol. I hope others read this book it was very good and I can’t wait to see more of that what this author has up her sleeve.
January 9, 2026
Loved it
I was admittedly a little wary when I decided to read this, simply because of the 'danger' part and I thought I wanted something a little more breezy. I'm glad I went on and read it because I loved it, pretty much from start to finish. Even with the heavy parts, I was so sucked in that I finished this in less than a day. Was foolishly trying to read as I drove. I loved Karen's strength and especially how she handled Yasmine, I loved Rick and how intentional he was, Mike was hilarious, was thankful for Gee, I even enjoyed the unexpected POVs. Well-written and not bogged down with unnecessary fluff, which was awesome.
This was my first read from this author and she definitely has a new fan in me.
I was admittedly a little wary when I decided to read this, simply because of the 'danger' part and I thought I wanted something a little more breezy. I'm glad I went on and read it because I loved it, pretty much from start to finish. Even with the heavy parts, I was so sucked in that I finished this in less than a day. Was foolishly trying to read as I drove. I loved Karen's strength and especially how she handled Yasmine, I loved Rick and how intentional he was, Mike was hilarious, was thankful for Gee, I even enjoyed the unexpected POVs. Well-written and not bogged down with unnecessary fluff, which was awesome.
This was my first read from this author and she definitely has a new fan in me.
January 18, 2026
Bravo Boomer Bravo‼️
Bravo, Ms. Bari bravo 👏🏽 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽 💐‼️Finally, (my literary dreams manifested😊)… an Author, book, storyline & characters from my generation of AA urban middle class professional hustlers Both Karen & Rick (& friends) were realistic reflections of an average Baby Boomer’s life: academics, family, careers, hobbies & or robust lifestyle achievements etc. 🤩🤭‼️ “The Risk of Loving You: When Danger Meet Desire” was an excellent all encompassing read 🥰‼️
Bravo, Ms. Bari bravo 👏🏽 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽 💐‼️Finally, (my literary dreams manifested😊)… an Author, book, storyline & characters from my generation of AA urban middle class professional hustlers Both Karen & Rick (& friends) were realistic reflections of an average Baby Boomer’s life: academics, family, careers, hobbies & or robust lifestyle achievements etc. 🤩🤭‼️ “The Risk of Loving You: When Danger Meet Desire” was an excellent all encompassing read 🥰‼️
September 16, 2025
This book was very captivating. The author was very descriptive when speaking through the characters that made me see and feel as if I was there. The story of love that develops between the two main characters offers hope that love can still be found later in life as they are in their 50s & 60s. Brilliant writing. Bravo. Easy read, I couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend!
November 20, 2025
Second Bloom: Find Love after 55
Rick and Karen was such a beautiful read. I aim to be as graceful as Karen was in my 50s. They way their kids loved on them, but had their own lives. Once you reach a certain age the communication, thoughtfulness, and experience with love seems different. Got this book during BRAE and so glad I did.
Rick and Karen was such a beautiful read. I aim to be as graceful as Karen was in my 50s. They way their kids loved on them, but had their own lives. Once you reach a certain age the communication, thoughtfulness, and experience with love seems different. Got this book during BRAE and so glad I did.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this story of love lost and a second chance to find it again with someone new . I love how Karen conducted herself as a grown women with the confidence and pride to not settle for just any man but the right one . I love how Rick was not playing about his pursuit of this lady . all in God's perfect timing . a lil danger ain't hurt nobody right ... ? 💯 love this book
January 14, 2026
Grown. Sexy. Mature.
This is that grown & sexy love. Rick & Karen was so good for one another. A woman finding true love after grief & a man finding love with a woman his age. Their families blended so well together.
A little chaos but nothing Gee couldn’t help the brothers out with. I can’t prove it but I just know Gee is fine 😮💨
This is that grown & sexy love. Rick & Karen was so good for one another. A woman finding true love after grief & a man finding love with a woman his age. Their families blended so well together.
A little chaos but nothing Gee couldn’t help the brothers out with. I can’t prove it but I just know Gee is fine 😮💨
November 8, 2025
For Everything There Is A Season
What a superb tale of mature love! Karen and Rick’s journey to second love was heartwarming and authentic. Loved the nod to spirituality. Here’s hoping to read more from this author.
What a superb tale of mature love! Karen and Rick’s journey to second love was heartwarming and authentic. Loved the nod to spirituality. Here’s hoping to read more from this author.
January 4, 2026
Beautifully written!
Wow!
I truly enjoyed this book. So many things included that drew me in.
Love after 50, is a serious topic and Author Dana Bari crafted this story beautifully! 💖
Wow!
I truly enjoyed this book. So many things included that drew me in.
Love after 50, is a serious topic and Author Dana Bari crafted this story beautifully! 💖
January 24, 2026
A must read
This Book was So Grown and Sexy... I enjoyed the mature relationship and Karen she is the women we should all strive to be... Rick was a real one, I love Love this book...have to purchase a physical copy... 🙌🏾 Yes You did that.
This Book was So Grown and Sexy... I enjoyed the mature relationship and Karen she is the women we should all strive to be... Rick was a real one, I love Love this book...have to purchase a physical copy... 🙌🏾 Yes You did that.
September 23, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. The storyline pulled me in right away and kept me turning pages! It's a romance novel & thriller all in one. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Dana Bari.
November 11, 2025
Grown folks!
He's 60, she's 57! And the author didn't write them like 20 year olds. Loved their mature conversations and how little they beat around the bush, getting straight to the point about most things. Nice music references throughout.
New to me author, thanks to BRAE
He's 60, she's 57! And the author didn't write them like 20 year olds. Loved their mature conversations and how little they beat around the bush, getting straight to the point about most things. Nice music references throughout.
New to me author, thanks to BRAE
December 2, 2025
mature love!!
This was such a great read. This story was about love, loss, grief, and loving again! We need more books that explore mature love such as this one!
This was such a great read. This story was about love, loss, grief, and loving again! We need more books that explore mature love such as this one!
December 7, 2025
Beautiful Second Chance
The title says it all. Beautiful mature Black Love. Great story kept me interested. Very relatable characters. Ready for her next book.
The title says it all. Beautiful mature Black Love. Great story kept me interested. Very relatable characters. Ready for her next book.
December 31, 2025
Nice to see a story based around 2 seasoned adults. This story was engaging with a little tense moment thrown in.
January 9, 2026
grown
This show that there is life after situation. Love how mental health was taken seriously. Can wait to read more from you.need the playlist at the beginning.
This show that there is life after situation. Love how mental health was taken seriously. Can wait to read more from you.need the playlist at the beginning.
October 29, 2025
This book is for grown folks only! Dani has written an amazing, exciting book of family values, self care and love after 50. Dani, I am waiting for book two!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews