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Calculated Risk
Former Federal Inmate Desmond Taylor is too busy keeping Atlanta’s at-risk teens off the streets to entertain distractions. When Financial Analyst Imani Thatcher steps into his youth center, she brings a temptation he can’t ignore.
Imani’s high-powered financial career used to be her anchor. Now, after betrayal shatters the life she worked so hard for, she’s restless, reckless, and more than a little intrigued by the man with a dark past.
Soon, Desmond and Imani are caught in a pull neither expected. Desire this dangerous could bring consequences… love is always a calculated risk.
Imani’s high-powered financial career used to be her anchor. Now, after betrayal shatters the life she worked so hard for, she’s restless, reckless, and more than a little intrigued by the man with a dark past.
Soon, Desmond and Imani are caught in a pull neither expected. Desire this dangerous could bring consequences… love is always a calculated risk.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
22 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
D.L. White
23 books398 followersDL White writes romance novels that celebrate Black love across multiple series, including the Ruby's Novels, Black Diamond Bay collection, and Potter Lake Small Town Romance. Her fifteen-plus titles offer rich, nuanced relationships that center Black characters. Through The Books by DL White Bookcast, she shares her current reads and writing updates. An Atlanta-based author and Executive Administrative Assistant, White finds inspiration from lakeshores to white sand beaches. When she's not writing, you'll find her chasing the perfect Sunday brunch or enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 27, 2025
Well, this was a good story. I felt the real rawness of each main character's life situation circumstance. Imani with a dishonest boyfriend, who omitted that he happened to be married. And Desmond who did a prison stint after his brother framed him. Both needed to heal!
They both were vulnerable and had to learn to open up and trust again. I liked the realness of their blossoming relationship.
Imani and Desmond ended up being what each needed, to be loved, seen, and supported. The kids at the community center loved Desmond and came to love Imani. I loved how the two worked together to write grants and seek donations to keep the community center opened so that kids would have a safe place after school and during the summer.
The two were just right for each other.
They both were vulnerable and had to learn to open up and trust again. I liked the realness of their blossoming relationship.
Imani and Desmond ended up being what each needed, to be loved, seen, and supported. The kids at the community center loved Desmond and came to love Imani. I loved how the two worked together to write grants and seek donations to keep the community center opened so that kids would have a safe place after school and during the summer.
The two were just right for each other.
January 10, 2026
4.5 Stars
Yessss
This was my kind of love story. The couple had instant and intense chemistry. They were both smart and witty. I liked that Imani didn’t immediately write off Desmond because of his past. She took a chance to find out what really happened. My favorite thing was their courtship was easy and flowed naturally. No unnecessary angst and break ups. They had such a good vibe. This was a feel good story.
Yessss
This was my kind of love story. The couple had instant and intense chemistry. They were both smart and witty. I liked that Imani didn’t immediately write off Desmond because of his past. She took a chance to find out what really happened. My favorite thing was their courtship was easy and flowed naturally. No unnecessary angst and break ups. They had such a good vibe. This was a feel good story.
April 2, 2025
DL is a fave so I knew I would love this story and I DID. The love story alongside the redemption journey was perfection. Loved watching Imani and Desmond fall in love and make a difference. Of course I wanted more (like always LOL) but we were given a satisfying end — for everyone — and I loved that most of all.
August 19, 2025
This was such a cute and refreshing read. Two people who have had bad experiences find each other in the effort to help kids learn about life and find each other. If you're looking for a cute, fast steamy read, this is the book for you
October 22, 2025
I loved this second chance at life and love romance. Characters were well thought out. Just enough sexy scenes. Setting was great and really enjoyed the youth ‘s role in the story. I highly recommend this one
January 18, 2026
Very much enjoyed
I was engrossed in this pretty much from start to finish. I loved Desmond, I enjoyed how Imani wasn't afraid to shoot her shot with him, I loved how they worked together at the center and their rapport with the kids there. I dug it a lot.
I was engrossed in this pretty much from start to finish. I loved Desmond, I enjoyed how Imani wasn't afraid to shoot her shot with him, I loved how they worked together at the center and their rapport with the kids there. I dug it a lot.
April 8, 2025
Desmond and Imani
December 26, 2025
a good ending
So glad that Desmond and Imani got together, that had to be God that put them together. Loved it author
So glad that Desmond and Imani got together, that had to be God that put them together. Loved it author
January 22, 2026
Loved the Story, but the The Ending….
I feel like I missed the ending. It didn’t seem finished. I will definitely still try another book by the author.
I feel like I missed the ending. It didn’t seem finished. I will definitely still try another book by the author.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews