After The Dance

by Lori Johnson

It's Her Game . . . Here's my deal--I'm not knocking myself out to find Mr. Right anymore. As far as this thirty-something sistah is concerned, it's now about reciprocity, not romance. A brother doesn't have to whisper promises he won't keep or make me any kind of commitment. All he needs to do is respect my boundaries, rock my world--then step the hell on before anyone gets too attached. That's why the last man I need to be trying to hook-up with is my next door neighbor, Carl. But He's Breaking All The Rules . . . Who does Faye think she's fooling? She and I both know all that talk she does about game-playing is little more than a big front. Besides, playing by the rules won't necessarily keep us from falling in love. And if what's been going on between us lately is any indication, I'm thinking at least one of us is already halfway there. . .. "After the Dance is a fast-paced delight with a plotline so intriguing and dialogue and characters so real, I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. It is an easy read with NO dull moments. I was hooked from the first page to the last. This is a five star new story from a five star new author!" --Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author"Unique, interesting characters and sharp, crackling wit laced with occasional pathos make this first novel a genuine winner." --Gwynne Forster, author of Getting Some of Her Own "With its Southern charm, impossible-to-resist characters and hilarious take on relationships, this book is a must-read!" --Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker, Essence bestselling author of The Ex Factor

Genres: Fiction

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Lori’s Latest Publications & Literary Honors

The Forge Literary Magazine featured my essay "Hair Care Chronicles" for the week of April 7, 2025.

MPL UNBOUND (a publication of the Memphis Public Library) reprinted two of my essays--"MaDear's Scrapbook" and "Tracing My Black Roots In Old Whitehaven" in their Fall 2024 issue.

The first chapter of my novel-in-progress BLOOD KIN received an honorable mention in the 2024 Chapter One Prize of the Gutsy Great Novelist Contest.

My essay “Mama Say She Had A Dream” appears in issue #7 of NELLE Literary Journal.

“Mama Say She Had A Dream” won NELLE’s Three Sisters Award for creative nonfiction.

My essay “Hattie Mae’s Harvest” appeared in the September 2022 online issue of Midnight & Indigo.

“Hattie Mae Mae’s Harvest” was a nonfiction finalist in Charlotte Lit’s 2022 Lit/South Awards.


See the following for info about my two novels.

My second novel, A Natural Woman, which contains a hint of mystery and a touch of the paranormal, was published by Kensington/Dafina in November 2009.

My debut novel, After The Dance, was published by Kensington/Dafina in April (2008). After The Dance is a romantic comedy about a couple of neighbors who stop their bickering long enough to fall in love.

Reviews

[Deloris · Rating 5 out of 5]

APB Perspective Review:

When I started this book I was wrong ,I thought this would be a typical love story about I couple who meet and start a relationship after party or a night in the club. If that is what you are thinking stop right now and clear your mind . This is a book about Faye and Carl two everyday people who fall in love . I hear it said all of the time "millionaire and Billionaire love stories, I would like to read a book about people like me falling in love," well this is the book . Carl works for Fedex and Faye is a pharmacist, they are regular people but they have a wonderful story for you get involved in and take my word for it you will be engaged. I really enjoyed getting to know Faye because she does not open herself up right away, at times I thought she was just mean but that's not true ,Faye has a story to tell and when you read it you will root for her just like I did. Carl was the open and silly and sexy you will fall in love and root for him too. At some point in our lives we decide to be a grown man or woman learn from our mistakes and enjoy the rest of our lives, that's where Carl is in life .This book is about him trying to show Faye that he's for real. This was one of the best books I have read I will never forget this book , it made me laugh , I wanted to cry and it made me see myself in this couple.
Read this book I promise you will enjoy it!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good funny read!

[Vacirca Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Read it months ago, but just read it again. I liked it even more the 2nd time.

Faye, our heroine, is down-to-earth, witty, no-nonsense, and has a plan: to get what she needs from a man and keep it movin'. That is until she meets the hapless, next-door neighbor Carl. He's a cool brother, a not-too-smooth brother, a hardworking father of three, who doesn't have time for the games. Faye tries to keep him at arms's length, giving poor Carl a hard time, at first. But Carl's sincerity, passion, and efforts begin to win Faye over.

But of course, Faye isn't comfortable unless it's complicated. That is why she allows her ex-man Scoobie, to reenter her life. Scoobie, once the womanizing, greedy, selfish little boy that broke Faye's heart has evolved into the respected Chef Payne. Of course he wants Faye to evolve too...into something she's not. Suddenly Carl isn't looking so bad.

I won't say more because whoever comes across these comments should pick this novel up. I will say I loved it, as I loved Ms. Johnson's A Natural Woman. I loved the "Him" and "Her" alternating chapters in this novel. By now, having seen it done wonderfully with one of my favorite novels, Disappearing Acts, and not-so-wonderfully in so many others, I loved that format in this work. Ms. Johnson gives both the male and female characters such rich, distinct voices. The characters in this work are all hilarious. The dialogue keeps the story moving at a wonderful pace.

Normally I would say that the plot was a bit cliched--you know, Faye being the embittered, broken-hearted woman with the 'tude playin' hard to get; Carl being the man with the plan, trying to get what he can, etc. But I enjoyed how Ms. Johnson played this story out. Rather than a "cliche," one gets the sense of the familiar. Come on ladies, many of you have been through what Faye has been through, and if you haven't, it's because you ain't done going through it. Many of us sabotage our chances for love because of that one past love that ruined the possibility for us. Of course, when that horrendous past love we've been trying to overcome shows back up--as it always does when we're juuuust about to move on finally--we run back to it. I've been there...pushing away the blessings for what has become familiar. Faye's character took me on that journey with her...and helped me remember the ones I went on willingly. Her story also helped me to remember to thank God for helping me escape each time. I, along with many women I am sure, can identify with Faye, but also with Carl--the person who is trying their best to win over someone who is wounded and closed up. That can happen to both genders as I have been on both sides of the equations. I appreciated the lessons in this story and how they were presented in this enjoyable novel.

[Bari E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This is my first time reading this author, but won't be the last. I really enjoy a love story that has you feeling all of the emotions. Wow, sometimes it was laugh out loud funny (MY Hubby asked several times what was so funny), Great love story.

[Kimberly Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a funny story. Carl was so amusing and infuriating, he was determined to pursue Faye. Faye was determined to do things her way or he could keep stepping. Fate had a more taxing plan for them.

[Gypsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I feel like reading a good romance novel. However, I often find the storyline to be very formulaic…girl meets boy, boy likes girl, their love faces a challenge, but in the end the challenge is overcome and they live happily ever after. After the Dance broke the usual formula.

The story centers on Faye and her neighbor Carl. After being neighbors for months their paths finally cross and the two become friends. Eventually, Faye presents Carl with the opportunity of three no strings attached, no looking back, hit it and quit it rendezvous. Figuring he would be a fool to pass that up, Carl accepts. This is where the story gets interesting. As their feelings grow, Faye is hesitant to admit that Carl just might be the guy for her. When a blast from the past enters the picture and brings along ancient drama, Faye is forced to make a choice. She does not choose Carl.

As the story progresses, the reader learns more about the history of both Carl and Faye. Several circumstances have led up the choices being made and to the emotions involved. After the Dance, does not end with, “Happily Ever After” but on a high note full of possibilities.

Now let’s talk about the writing itself. This book is very well written and unlike some romance novels, it is believable. While the main characters are thoroughly developed, the secondary characters understandably lack depth. It would have been nice to learn more about Nora, Squirrel and even Betty, but there is plenty of time for that in Johnson’s next book.

Johnson allowed both main characters to tell their story in first person. It is interesting to see how differently each one perceives certain events. The conversational tone lets the reader feel as if Carl and Faye are sharing their deepest thoughts and concerns. This allows the reader to become invested in the story.

After the Dance is not your run of the mill romance novel. There is enough juice for those interested in that type of thing, but also enough meat for those of us that require a little more sustenance. Lori Johnson does a good job of allowing the reader to become concerned with the characters and their well-being. After reading After the Dance, I look forward to hearing more from Lori Johnson.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, for those that know me, you are probably laughing like crazy that I would even read this. I seriously just picked this book up because of the cover and title. I had no idea what this was. It is actually, kind of a sweet story, if you can skip the innuendos and detailed intimate scenes, which I did. If not, don't read it! It's about a lady who has given up on romance and emotional relationships. She's okay to just have sex with men with no strings attached. She has an encounter with her neighbor who isn't interested in her at first, but as they start to interact, neither one of them can deny that they have chemistry. They strike up a deal to just be "casual", if you know what I mean, but in this book, it's the man who can't handle just being casual. He falls head over heels for her. But her past pain has hurt her deeply. The guy who hurt her comes back begging for another chance, and it's complicated. Now she doesn't know what to do because despite being sure she just wanted things to be casual with no strings attached, she finds herself having feelings for her neighbor.

I would have LOVED to give this more stars, but there's just too much naughty to do that. I actually enjoyed the dialogue and "voice" of this book. It is written by an African American author. I loved the banter of the characters. Some of the supporting characters were hilarious to read. I liked the themes of accountability, redemption, and change in the book. I didn't love the way adoption was handled, not really. But that will always be a sore point with me. I didn't like how they focused on Faye's weight. That bothered me throughout the book.

Anyway, I can't say it was a great book, or even one I recommend. I wish a lot of things could be different so I could. The main story is a good one. The characters are fantastic! The writing is hilarious and fun. I just wish the sex wasn't so descriptive... maybe that's what I'm getting at.

[James Fant · Rating 5 out of 5]

AFTER THE DANCE by Lori Johnson is a flat-out awesome book. Lori wows you first with her style of first person—the hero and heroine tell the story and the chapters are either HIM or HER, depending on who’s talking. And then she hits you upside the head with a storyline that just vacuums into Memphis, Tennessee, where two lovers share what turns out to be much more than a dance.

Carl is a working stiff, trying to maintain with three children (one out of wedlock and adultery), an ex-wife, and child support payments. He’ll be the first to tell you that he’s made a lot of mistakes and you can see this when he opens up to Faye about all of his misgivings. Faye, now she was an onion for all of her layers. She’s hard on the outside, but surprisingly soft on the inside. She has her reasons. The relationship, or rollercoaster ride, takes off when Carl steals her steamy romance and Faye steals his soft porn video. From there, Lori takes the reader on an enjoyable stroll of what ifs and regrets. And at some points, you wonder whether or not Carl and Faye will make it.

I really wish I could give this story more than five stars. I couldn’t put the book down and tweeted about it all the way through the story. Some lines made me shake my head and say, “Wow! Ms. Johnson really gets it when it comes to relationships.” The writing is phenomenal; the story is powerful. And now, I am a huge fan of Lori Johnson forever. I can’t wait to read more of her work.

[MidnightAce · Rating 4 out of 5]

APB PERSPECTIVE REVIEW

After the Dance is a sweet romance with characters you see everyday, Carl and Faye. Faye is witty, hard on the outside, jelly in the middle, down to earth, pharmacist, "Dr. Abrahams". She hasn't been able to forgive herself for a decision and secret she made and kept from her family years ago. She is convinced that the only way to protect her heart and not have to actually engage in a relationship with the member of the opposite sex, is to construct a 3 strike rule.

Carl, works for FedEx and does side jobs with his uncle to make extra cash. He is a divorcee, funny and attractive guy with a southern gentleman sex appeal. Now while I did adore Carl's character, I must say he was not perfect by no means, he does open up and tells and take ownership of his faults.

Their relationship was no walk in the park, but I did enjoy the ride. When Faye gave Carl the stipulations in which they could be together he was willing to sign on the dotted line with an agenda of his own. If you have ever been in a relationship before you know that things don't always work out as plan or in the time frame you predict. We saw this throughout this story. Carl pulled out all stops to show Faye he was the real deal and Faye did everything not to have that, hard shell she hides behind, broken. Loved the support of the meddling best friend Nora, Squirrel, Uncle Westbrook, Betty and the Twins.

Now Scoobie, SMH, I am still curious of what his end game was.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know if I can describe how wonderful this book was. Loved Carl immensely. Faye was cool too. All the characters in the story made a great contribution. This story really seemed like something someone would experience in real life. Everything was nicely developed. You'll definite find yourself laughing a lot. As well as hoping all works out between Carl and Faye. I'd definitely recommend reading this book.

[La · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that the story was told from both characters side and I disagree that it was lengthy. I think it was more real. We get in our way when we date we do dumb things, we look stupid, wish we could take it back and fumble into that real thing. I would read this author again and wouldn't mind knowing more about these two. I enjoyed it.

[Zarinah]

I did not finish this book. I listened to the audio version of this book. The book was a little slow and kept losing my attention. I think this book may be great for others but just not that interesting to me. The great thing js the book had comedy but after 5 chapters the plot was going no where.

[Chantay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorable. That's the word I would use to describe this book. I loved everything about it, and it's not even the type of book that needs a movie. The details are so adequate and you can feel their chemistry. There's nothing more special than coming across a person of the opposite sex, who accepts you for exactly who you are. Definitely an enjoyable read.

[Rosemary M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should have been great

I'm too upset. I did not want the ending. This book should not have been predictable. I'm sure someone told you. Next time listen to your good friend. There should have been a twist

[Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was intriguing and the characters were vastly described. In my opinion, it was a lengthy read.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the alternating perspectives, but the story was tired. Man loves woman, woman throws roadblocks in his way. Blah.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is good. I recommend the audio edition. Ezra Knight's narration was another awesome performance.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Love Marvin Gaye's music; his biogrsphy..
not so much...DNF

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

These two certainly had their issues and baggage but made it through

[Carolyn]

read this on my NOOK