Carried to the Altar

by Shani Denise

She is supposed to choose the safe choice.
The good man.
The one who showed up, stayed consistent, and promised a future that made sense. But is it ever that simple? The past, she never truly let go of comes crashing back into her life and forces her to confront a truth she’s been running from since childhood. Torn between loyalty and longing, comfort and connection, she must decide whether love is something you build carefully… or something that has always owned your soul. As secrets unravel and emotions collide, one run-in changes everything she thought she knew about love, timing, and destiny.

Carried to the Altar is a powerful, emotional romance about the soul ties that refuse to break and whether to choose safety over truth, and ultimately having the courage to follow your heart.

Sometimes love waits.
Sometimes love fights.

And sometimes love carries you exactly where you were always meant to be.

Who will carry her to the altar?

92 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2026

About the author

Shani Denise writes soulful, spicy urban romances that celebrate Black love in all its beauty, power, and magic. A proud Detroit native, she infuses every story with the city’s signature blend of grit and warmth. Penned the poetic lover girl, Shani brings a lyrical boldness to her storytelling—her voice raw, heartfelt, and unapologetically real. Through richly drawn characters and emotional, heat-filled narratives, she delivers love, healing, and intensity on every page, crafting unforgettable stories that linger long after the last chapter.

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

You said this read wouldn’t be clean and pretty—and you weren’t kidding! Tricey left the love of her life behind when she went to college, as their paths diverged. Yet the bond they had shared since they were five never truly faded. Even though Tricey has moved on and is preparing to marry Derek, seeing Tavi again after all these years stirs something deep within her. Why, though? He’s my past, right? Derek is my future. Shouldn’t I follow the safe, dependable path? But sometimes, the connection with a first love is impossible to sever.

And that twist at the end!! 🤯 Okay, Derek, I did not see that coming at all! The ending leaves so much room for what’s next, and I really hope we get it—what will Tricey do? 👍🏿👍🏿

[India Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story packed a punch! New Love, betrayal, old love && friendship! So glad I met Shani today & can’t wait to get into more of her writing! *Bonus is the playlist curated for the story!

[Symone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ *ARC REVIEW* This is a beautiful short story about a deep love rooted in the past, a soulful connection that refuses to be replaced. Sometimes, no matter how much or how far you run, the truth buried within will always remain.

The words were written with such heartfelt emotion, and the anticipation of how everything would unfold had me hooked.

[C Wynter · Rating 5 out of 5]

love isn’t always clean

Beautiful story about safety and the heart. I love how much thought was put into figuring out what’s safe but what’s needed. Definitely didn’t see that twist at the end!

[Kalin V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carried to the Alter

I enjoyed the story line, it was difficult for me to read it though. The author went back and forth between first and third person throughout the book. I don’t mind either but not both in the same book. I would still give this author another try.

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story was good.

I’m so happy Tavi & Tricey got their happy ending. I almost felt bad for Derek but he can choke.

Babyyyyyy Shanae did what was needed. She beat Derek & his lover for playing in her bestie face 😂

[Tarsha G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding on to forever with the belief of letting go makes the heart grow fonder or loving someone enough to believe letting go will help them grow to return. Shani describes soul ties through the view of betrayal, loyalty and forever.

[Ava Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

This was a lovely story full of warmth and indecision. I love the characters and love how Tavi was chill and controlled.

[NubianJoí · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Serenade

Ooh 👀🤯🫣‼️Lean into the layers of Trice & Tavi, not every love jones is a straight line. Nevertheless, “Carried to the Altar” delivers secrets, serenade & sacrifice. Some romance story’s choose you this one claims you.