The third and final book of the Made series Features the love story of Ronan Markov and Mila Mikhailova It is a dark romance that takes place in Moscow. Ronan is Christian’s younger brother and the Mafia leader in Moscow. Ronan is an emotional wreck from his Mother’s drug abuse to his time in prison. He has not had it easy. Much like his brother, Ronan is inclined to the dark.
Mila on the other hand is a totally sunshine. She is vegan, loves animals and cares for random strangers.She has been kept in a cage her whole life.But her curiosities about her mother lands her alone in Moscow where she finds Ronan. He takes her hostage in order to get to her father
Things become complicated when Mila starts to have feels for Ronan but he does not know how feel much less have feelings for someone. However the best part is watching him come to terms with his emotions and feelings for her.
This book explores the enemies to lovers and Grumpy Sunshine trope. Danielle hooks you from the first page and keeps you locked till the last. Mila and Ronan’s incredible banter and chemistry together with the undeniable sexual tension makes this book captivating.I rate it 4/5🌟.
The sweetest oblivion is the first book of the Made Series. It presents the love story of Nicolas and Elena. Nicknamed Sweet abelli, Elena is a mafia princess that lives in a guided cage. She is a romantic known to be very sweet and docile.Meanwhile Nicholas Russo is a Made man , Cheat and mafia Boss who is currently to Elena’s sister. However from their first encounter, Elena knows she should to feel the hots for her future brother in law. But can one control one’s heart.
Who doesn’t enjoy an epic tale of forbidden love better two Mafia families at war. It is also an enemies to lovers trope much like any mafia series you can think of. I mean who wouldn’t want a man to blow up a gas station because the attendant sexually harassed you.
But seriously, the sweetest oblivion is a beautiful book which keeps you on your toes throughout.If you think you of have read it all, try this book. I rate it 4/5🌟
The visit is a short story that explores a dystopian society where women are the heads of the family and take over the roles of a man. A powerful Matriachy shapes the world and various laws are passed to ensure the efficiency of the society.An example is the Male Masturbatory Act which makes masturbation illegal and punishable upon conviction up to 15 years imprisonment. This book shows the state of our world by turning tables and putting it in the shoes of the men.
It examines the reunion of two friends Eze and Obinna who discuss the state of things. Eze who is returning from America wishes to fight against the anti-masturbation laws while Obinna although not happy seems compliant with the situation. It shows a clear divide as their environment promote such behavior. This is because Nigeria does not support people who speak up or revolutionaries.
We see the men are brought up to aspire to marriage. Every action of theirs is scrutinized. They are to take every action considering what a women will think and how it will affect their prospects for marriage. Because God forbid they end up unmarried at the age of 28 which according to Eze’s father “ is like that deflated piece of rubber—useless,”
I do wish the book was longer as there is a lot that can be explored. Especially Obinna’s character which I believe to be complex and has more to offer. I do wish when people read this they will try think about the internalized sexism we have learnt at an early age and how to unlearn them
I believe this book is a call for movement and change . Especially now with all the Sexism, sexualization and regulations on women’s bodies. I did enjoy this story as much I do enjoy anything Chimamanda writes. This is me telling you to read this book and reflect. Thank me when you are done .I rate it a 4/5🌟
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a novel which depicts the story of the fictional Old Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo, who at the age of 79 decides to tell her life story in an interview to an unknown mazagine journalist, Monique Grant.
The interview takes place at Evelyn’s home where she begins her story. It centers on the struggle to enter Hollywood and make a name for herselfamd of course the seven husbands along the way. Evelyn spills it all. From her not great first husband, Ernie Diaz to her abusive second husband, Don Addlar to the gullible third husband, Mich Riva down to the Seventh and final husband , she reveals enormous secrets, ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship and a great forbidden love. Monique starts to feel connected to Evelyn but as she draws to the end of her story. It becomes clear that choosing Monique was no coincidence but their lives are more intersected in tragic ways.
This is an incredible novel that explore price of fame including the struggle, sacrifices and deceits required to make it to the top. It talks about race , misogyny, sexuality and having to conform to societal norms. The best moral this book impacts is that life is so short and we should spend it with the people we truly love doing what we love and live life to the fullest.
“I didn’t need boys in order to feel good. And that realization gave me great power.” Contrary to the title, Evelyn is just a woman, a human who wants to be seen . It is a tragic story of a woman who has outlived all the people she loved, gone through so much pain and suffering and wants to tell her story in hopes that other people won’t make the same choice she did.
If there is any takeaway from this book, it is to put yourself first because you don’t want to be 79 and regretful. Do what you want and makes you happy.
I enjoyed this book and I was not ready for the plot twist at the end. It is very entertaining and once you pick it up you can’t put it down. I very much enjoyed the writing pace. It was not too fast or too slow but it gradually draws you in. It’s a type of book that makes you wish they were in the real world. My favorite husband was is the sweet kindhearted Harry Cameron. If you have read the book please tell me your favorite husband in the comments. This was one of my top reads and it matched my anticipation. I rate it a 5/5🌟
Set in Greece in the age of Heroes , A Song of Achilles follows the story of Patroclus and Achilles from childhood to Adulthood. Based on Greek Methodology and centers in the period of the Trojan War. We are opened to the world of Patroclus,a young prince who was sent on exile by his father to Achilles homeland, Phthia.
There he meets Achilles, a young prince and a child of a goddess, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. He is “the best of all Greeks”. He takes Patroclus under his wings as a companion where they grow and learn skills in the arts of medicine and war. From strangers to friends then lovers.
This book is heartbreaking, heart wrenching and simply beautiful. Having spent 10 years writing the song of Achilles, Madeline presents an amazing take into the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus
A Song of Achilles is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart.
I read this book knowing it would break my heart and despite how heartbroken i was. I don’t regret reading it. I cried and cried while reading this book . So if you enjoy books that make you bawl your eyes out, this is a great choice.
Everything about this book is amazing. The writing, characters, plot and ending of this book is simply incredible. As one of Booktok’s and Bookstagram’s highly recommended book. The song of Achilles is nothing like you or have experienced before. I rate it a solid 5/5🌟
The Kiss Quotient follows the life of the female protagonist, Stella Lane an Autistic 30 something year old woman.After a number of unsuccessful attempts at intimacy, Stella decides to seek the help of a professional male escort, Micheal to explore intimacy with others.
A sizzling love story between an econometrician and a sexy biracial male escort hired to teach her everything about modern dating and sex. Together they overcome the insecurities, social anxiety, and the abandonment issues that have shaped them and bring out the best in each other.
Stella and Micheal progress from the bedroom and start a real relationship which convinces Stella that love is the best logic.
It was fun reading this book. It highlights the dating struggles of an introvert and an autistic person. I enjoyed the writing, characters and overall plot. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. This book can take you out of a reading slump. I rate it 5/5.
“Nearly all the men in Lagos are mad” is a collection of twelve short stories. The short stories provides encounters with men in Lagos in the dating scene and married life. We are introduced to this book with the first story “Cuck up” where a married woman threatens to cut her husband’s penis off. A family meeting is called and everyone becomes mute once the reason comes to light. But this is only the beginning of what Damilare has to offer.
The second story ‘The Gigolo from Isale-Eko’ is narrated by a friend about the life of a Sucessful Gogolo and womanizer, Ignatius who has changed his name and religion, and will go to any extent to get what he wants. In “The Anointed Wife”, when a pastor is accused of Adultery, his wife goes out of her way to fix her husband’s scandal. She releases various statements , agrees to an interview while trying to run away from the truth in front of her.
Another story ‘International Relations’ depicts a young woman frustration with failed relationships with Nigerians . In search of a solution, she decides to date only white men and not Nigerians. Here she realizes that Race does not matter and men are the same regardless. In “Ode-pus Complex”, Damilare presents a questionable pair, An Igbo Mama’s boy and a Yoruba girl. The clash of tribalism and different perspectives place a hurdle in their relationship.
‘A Lover’s Vendetta’ features the sorrowful tale of a woman whose ex-husband’s lies and deceit almost ruined her life. It is more alarming because it happens frequently in reality. One of my favorites “First Times” showcases the life of a serial cheater and his wife with the mentality that she has changed him . In ‘Catfish’ a young musical artist and his Instagram baddie clash when they meet face to face and are met with disappointments.
Odili’s world comes crashing down when she realizes she has been played by a Lagos married man for three years in ‘Side-lined’. The secret lives of wives living with closeted gay husbands is explored in “Beard Gang”.This spikes my interest as the LGBTQ topics are usually avoided but should be talked about more.
“I knew you” shows the regrets of a man suffering from heartbreak because of his fear of commitment.And the last story, “Independence Day” showcases a woman’s courage to call out her rapist years later when they meet again in their children school.
This book was a fun read. It was witty, filled with humor and words of wisdom. As a tribute to women who have been seriously dealt with by mad men of Lagos. This book tackles problems faced in the dating scene and offers words of advice for those who will listen.
From Ikorodu to Victoria Island to Ilepeju to Yaba to Ikeja. the stories are filled with various accounts of experiences of Nigerian women dating in Lagos. It presents an list of what to expect from mummy boys to serial cheaters, liars, deceits to married men and non-commiters.
As a long anticipated read and debut work this book surpassed my expectations. I saw great reviews before reading this and now I can confidently say the book deserves it. I enjoyed it so much and rate it 5/5🌟
“Ugly love becomes you. Consumes you. Makes you hate it all. Makes you realize that all the beautiful parts aren’t even worth it. Without the beautiful, you’ll never risk feeling the ugly. So you give it all up. You give it all up. You never want love again, no matter what kind it is, because no type of love will ever be worth living through the ugly love again.”
Ugly love depicts the love story of Miles and Tate. After the fist unusual meeting in front of Tate’s brother ‘Corbin’ Apartment, it’s safe to say it’s not love at first sight. Mike’s Archer is passed out drunk in front of Corbin’s apartment. Despite this , Tate comes to learn a whole new side of miles which is filled with mystery and pain
Despite Not ready for a relationship , sparks fly between miles and Tate and they eventually fall into a friends with benefits relationship although it’s bound not to end well. However as time flies, the relationship becomes more complicated and the lines slowly start to blur. As Tate draws closer, miles pushes away. We see POV’s from both miles and Tate in both the present day and flashbacks getting to feel their thoughts and emotions throughout the journey.
Much like many Colleen Hoover books, Ugly live is no exception to the pain she causes her readers. The pain of the past held my Miles continues to torment him and his relationship with Tate. The flashbacks from six years ago from Miles POV give a clue as to the cause of such pain he holds. However this is only the beginning.
Ugly love is beautiful, sexy, incredible and heartbreaking. Just like the name suggests it is unpleasant and repulsive but at the same time so attractive and pleasant. The use of Oxymoron for the title by Colleen describes the plot of the book.
I felt a lot of emotions while reading this book. From butterflies in my stomach to mystery and fear. This book captivated me so much in many ways and I couldn’t stop thinking about it even days after I had finished it. It took me less than 24 hours to read this book and I have reread it twice now.
Ugly love is a novel that makes you reflect on your life choices, presents the fear of the unknown to your doorstep and still gives you courage to step out to a new world. Colleen writing is powerful and incredible. The plot is amazing and the way the characters are written and portrayed feels unreal.
I loved so much about this book. The writing style , the plot, the themes captured in the book, the conversation and everything else. This was the second book I read of Colleen’s after I had read “It ends with us”. So far I have read 6 books by her and they are so good. This book is truly amazing and I rate it 5/5⭐️. I also can’t wait for the movie.
It happened one summer is a romance novel which features Piper Bellinger, a 28 year old typical spoilt rich girl who lives her life lavishly going to parties shopping without worries. She loves the camera and attention and has built a life around it as an influencer. After a failed rooftop pool party escapade meant to divert the Public’s attention from her heartbreak goes wrong, her stepfather sends her to her biological father’s home land: Westport
Piper and her sister, Hannah arrive at Westport and she meets the intriguing Brendan Taggart, a widower and Captain of a fishing boat. He takes one look at Piper and concludes that she does not belong here. They immediately dislike each other not minding an undeniable attraction between them. They fall in love and enter into a relationship quickly while Brendan wonders if he will ever be good enough for her and Piper struggles with the new life she has in Westport with its people and considers letting go of her past life in LA.
This story presents an intense soul searching journey for Piper and Brendan as their love opens them to their true self but the crisis of whether they can be truly together despite their opposite personalities and the longing for their past live poses a barrier to their live. Whether they can overcome their difficulties and accept their new reality while placing the focus on one another will determine their future
I really love the enemy to lover trope together with the plot, excellent banter, diction and chemistry delivered by Tessa Bailey. As one of Booktok’s current sensation on TikTok “It Happened One Summer” did not disappoint. It is a solid 8/10
Archer’s voice tells the story of two people who try to escape their past and their love becomes the key to their freedom and happiness. A tale of sweet good old love. How one act of kindness to a random stranger turned into a great love story
Archer is a young boy who lives in the town of Pelion with his mother and father till his accident at the age of seven. That accident changes Archer’s life by making him an orphan, taking away his voice and subjecting archer to a life of Solitude and loneliness. That is before the arrival of Bree.
Bree moves into the town of Pelion as an escape from her loss of her dad and trauma she has . She struggles to overcome the past when she meets Archer in a grocery store. A meeting planned by fate I would say as that encounter marks the beginning of the true love.
Bree is intrigued by Archer and asks around about him. She makes her move by gathering up courage to talk to him. They immediately go from strangers to friends to lovers.
This story depicts the true state of people who have lost a vital part of themselves and believe that have lost it all. Archer’s life is full of low self esteem, pain and sadness. It changes when someone tries to know him. Their encounter leads to their healing.
This book engages the audience in the reality of our society and how people shun those challenged with disabilities . A perfect example is when Bree realizes that Archer learnt sign language by himself but had no one to talk to until she came
It is a story of hope, healing and restoration. The main characters of the book are struggling emotionally and through their live, they heal each other and find hope that they will be alright. The book is told from the perspective of both characters and the reader gets to live the experiences of their lives through their words thoughts and actions.
It is an emotional rollercoaster as the author brings out the ups and downs of loving someone through the epic love of Archer and Bree. As archer says “Love is a concept” .
This book will bring out the emotions and put you in the shoes of the characters. It is a must read for romance lovers. I rate it 5/5.
P.S: I’m so excited to read the follow up for this book which is Travis .
Reviews by Peace 