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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
this book was a WILD ride let me tell you. I have so many mixed feelings
(content warning: surprise pregnancy; car crash, death, loss of child (before the book begins); pregnancy complications; grief
(content warning: surprise pregnancy; car crash, death, loss of child (before the book begins); pregnancy complications; grief
So cute! I love an office romance and I love a non-enemies-to-lovers romance every once in a while. (Another book that is both of those is [b:The Boyfriend Project|52211784|The Boyfriend Project (The Boyfriend Project, #1)|Farrah Rochon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570712674l/52211784._SY75_.jpg|73615834]). It's nice to see two romance leads who are obviously interested in each other from the start. I thought Azere and Rafael's bond was lovely. They're both so sweet to each other. Their cultures are obviously very important to both of them - that's kind of the central tenet of the book - and as the reader it was interesting to read Azere's thoughts as she battled what she should do and what she wants to do. I also didn't have a problem with Rafael's big secret. They're made for each other.
Overall, I could not think of anything I disliked about this book. Unfortunately, that wasn't a good enough reason for me to give it five stars. That sounds so stupid, I know, and maybe I'm making a mistake by giving it four. It's just, despite not having any discernible flaw, when I think about other romances I've rated five stars this book just doesn't quite make the mark.
Overall, I could not think of anything I disliked about this book. Unfortunately, that wasn't a good enough reason for me to give it five stars. That sounds so stupid, I know, and maybe I'm making a mistake by giving it four. It's just, despite not having any discernible flaw, when I think about other romances I've rated five stars this book just doesn't quite make the mark.
I loved this book. It had fun, easy prose, and told the story of a thrilling romance, cultural identity, loss, and family dynamics. I’d classify it as a romcom worthy of a book club discussion.
3.5-4 Stars
this started a little stilted for me, but i quickly became invested in the characters. this story was filled with plenty of heart-warming, funny, sweet, and frustrating moments. it was definitely a quick read as i got to know Azere and Rafael and watch them fall in love and deal with their issues. this is told through dual perspectives, with Azere’s POV more heavily represented, and i would’ve liked more scenes from Rafael’s perspective since i think it would’ve added more depth. either way, i liked this story and i’ll read more from Jane Igharo.
this started a little stilted for me, but i quickly became invested in the characters. this story was filled with plenty of heart-warming, funny, sweet, and frustrating moments. it was definitely a quick read as i got to know Azere and Rafael and watch them fall in love and deal with their issues. this is told through dual perspectives, with Azere’s POV more heavily represented, and i would’ve liked more scenes from Rafael’s perspective since i think it would’ve added more depth. either way, i liked this story and i’ll read more from Jane Igharo.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book explores love, identity, and cultural expectations through Azere, a Nigerian woman torn between family tradition and her unexpected romance with Rafael, a coworker she first meets through a one-night stand. The novel authentically portrays Nigerian culture, particularly the pressure on women to marry within their heritage. Azere’s internal struggle is compelling, though the romance feels rushed, and some characters, like her mother, seem more like obstacles than nuanced individuals. While the story effectively examines cultural identity, it lacks a fully satisfying resolution. A solid read for those interested in love and tradition, but it falls short of emotional depth.
I loved this book so much and completely identify with Azere & Rafael’s relationship and the challenges they faced.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Was this the greatest rom-com book. No. Was it still entertaining, easy to read, and kept me engaged. Yes. There were a lot of great moments, highlights for me were the innter thoughts, motivations, and cultures of the characters; though a bit more of editing on these could have helped kept them concise and moving the storyline along since the reader doesn't need to know everything. There was a bit more struggle connecting to Rafael's character, then Azere's, as sometimes writing a male's point of view may have been the issue here. I did enjoy the pregnancy first timeline, since this does happen, when couples are together first before truly committing and would have liked more interactions between them to have been written rather than the inner thoughts type of writing. An easy mood re-read if I did own the book.
I liked this book for the perspective that you get from the main character’s struggle with wanting to uphold her Nigerian heritage and the very real consequences she’d face for going against the path she always thought she would follow. While it’s a romance and you can probably guess how it all ends, it didn’t feel too predictable or flat. I was rooting for her all along the way.
While the gorgeous cover art is what initially drew me in, the story kept me turning pages! Azere, a Nigerian-Canadian, made a promise to her dying father that she would marry a Nigerian man. Set-up after set-up goes wrong, though, and when she takes refuge after a bad date with Rafael, she finds herself questioning her cultural identity and what she owes her family. I loved this multicultural romance and the complex relationship between mother and daughter. – Michelle V.