After The Dance

by Lori Johnson

Book Overview

Faye Abrahams is a thirty-something woman who's after reciprocity, not romance. She's not after Mr Right - she just wants a man who'll respect her boundaries, satisfy her needs and take a hike if either of them start getting too attached. But her next door neighbour Carl's got other ideas - and so does her old childhood sweetheart, Vernard.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758222378
• ISBN13: 9780758222374
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 332 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Looking For Love?

This was one of the best fictional novels that I have read in a long while. Rather than provide a synopsis of the book, I will just suffice to say that you will fall in love with the principle characters as they find love that they were not looking for. The characters are well-defined and developed, the storyline is unpredictable, and there is a bit of a surprise ending. Though this is the author's first book, it is evident that she is insightful and no stranger to storytelling. Terry McMillan, watch out!

Great Book!!!

I loved this book. The characters were very realistic and I could not get enough. This will definately be a book I will read again.

Both view points on unexpected relationships...

This is a very good book! Giving both sides of a "relationship" or non-relationship. I found it very realistic and not too sappy/sweet like many other love stories. I even found myself rooting for different people throughout the book at different times. I don't want to give away the book, but it kept me reading. The style of writing was excellent. I can't wait for Ms. Johnson's next go-round.

Let's Get It On . . .

Good book with a different take on relationships as you get both his/her perspectives to consider. Really liked Carl and felt that Faye was a little too hard on him, until I learned about Faye's past, then I understood her "functional" approach towards men and relationships. I liked the way the relationship grew out of friendship into lovers. Didn't like the ex-boyfriend from the door, but sometimes you have to go thru the process of trying and failing, before you're free. Faye had to learn that. Carl's honesty was refreshing bcz he admitted and owned up to his mistakes/shortcomings but kept trying to become a better man. He took care of his kids and played a role in their lives. Real father, real man. Appreciate that. While there weren't a lot of hot love scenes, the sincerity and honesty of the characters was fulfilling on a different level. Check it out . . .

(4.5 stars) Love Changes

Dr. Faye Abrahams is a no nonsense woman who's tolerance level for men is simple: 3 strikes and you're out. No questions asked...none answered, nothing left to talk about. After the third time, the thrill is gone. So why put us both through anything more? This is her rule for any and every man, thanks to her first love Scoobie. Carl is the 40-something divorcee with a set of twin girls by his wife and a 2-year-old son by a one night stand. Carl and Faye live so close to one another that they can hear what is going on in each others yards just by standing in their windows. Chef Vernard "Scoobie" Payne, is the one and only man Faye has ever loved and hated so much it drove her nuts. After years of doing women wrong, Scoobie gets himself together, goes to culinary arts school, and becomes a famous Chef and author of his own recipe cookbook. With the help of Faye's best friend and roommate Nora, Carl decides that he is going to invite Faye over just to watch a few movies one Friday night. Declining his invitation more times then she can count, Faye takes Carl up on his offer considering the fact that Nora is driving her crazy with the same Phyllis Hyman song being played over and over again. Not giving Carl a second glance for the last 6 months, Faye finds herself interested in Carl in more ways than one. Faye runs into Scoobie after 12 years and it brings back all kinds of thoughts and feelings in her that she thought she had long put to rest. Now she is involved with Carl and willing to break her '3 strikes and you're out' rule and see what becomes of them. Scoobie professes his undying love for her. She leaves Carl for Scoobie to see if maybe they can try again, but it leaves Faye feeling worse then when she started. Now Carl is all messed up in the head. He knows he's made mistakes with his wife, but he's just really a one woman man now and would love nothing more than to prove that to Faye...if only she would let him. I can honestly say I fully enjoyed After the Dance by Lori Johnson. Carl's awkward honesty and love of all things African-American was kind of refreshing. Going back in time with him reminiscing about times my parents had parties and we was up all night dancing to Al Green or Marvin Gaye or watching old school movies over and over as if I've never seen them before was also refreshing. The fact that Faye was a no-nonsense woman and stood her ground with Scoobie and any other man that came her way was cute. The way the story was told, it made you feel as if you knew all these people personally. Great job Ms. Johnson. Reviewed by Angie for Urban Reviews