Bolu Babalola

Osun (2 stars) - This is legit an AU fanfiction of African deities. At least, it doesn’t take place in a coffee shop, iykyk. I enjoyed the passages about Osun’s connection to water, but I didn’t care for Sango, the playboy. The first 75% of this story sounded like, “my man knows where home is.” I mean whatever you’ve to say to convince yourself.

Osun raised a brow. “So, you sensed your destruction?”

Erinle laughed, eyes glinting. “I sensed my world about to shift.”The writing style is a bit flowery, but there are some seriously snazzy lines. Once a new suitor arrives, the attraction is instantaneous, in a way that doesn’t feel quite earned, but fine. Erinle felt too good to be true. He was laying it on THICK! Like, he was legit saying everything Osun wanted to hear.

Because this is a short story, it’s understandable everything wouldn’t be fully developed, but I think the shift from Sango to Erinle was rocky. With that being said, I adored the final line.

Scheherazade (3 stars) - Sometimes, I did not like the flowery pose and other times I did. I thought the characters’ dynamic was fun. Scheherazade made things harder than what they needed to be, but I loved Shahryar’s directness.; they just work together. The ending jumped the shark the slightest bit. I was like okay. It’s one of those ‘better to have loved than not” type of stories. Tomorrow’s not promised. Love while you can. But nah, Scher had actual political SNIPERS out for her neck.

Nefertiti (3.5 stars) - Loved the underground club/crime ring/haven for abused women. Nefertiti was intriguing. The Batman/Catwoman dynamic is one of my all-time favorites, here we’ve Queen Crime Boss and basically, an undercover cop Mattie. I almost wanted this one to be longer.

Attem (2.5 stars) – Good banter between the couple. Sickly sweet.

Yaa (3.5 or maybe 4 stars) - Really enjoyed ambitious Yaa as a character.

Siya ( 4.5 stars) – Commander and their loyal righthand man/2nd in-command? Another dynamic I love. And when the calm one loses their cool because they’re afraid for the other’s life? *chef’s kiss* also, an un-proposal

Psyche (3 stars) – fun banter. Gave me “The Other Black Girl” vibes but more engaging and with a spunkier character. Also… Come on, sopranos! ♩ MISCOMMUNICATION!!! ♫

Naleli (3 stars) – A super cute highschool love (childhood best friends + popular star athlete and unpopular girl)! I don’t think I’ve ever read a story where the MC has vitiligo.

Zhinu (3.5 stars) – I enjoyed this one; it had some fun lines: “Why did they need to be mortal?” Zhinu was sweet and trying to survive stardom with her tiger mom/helicopter parent. I thought Niulang and Zhinu’s dynamic was sweet as well. Who knew a one-night stand could be adorable?

Thisbe (2 stars) – College love: “The good guy who isn’t actually good” vs “unchecked emotional issues playboy.” Still, not bad. A strong, mostly successful attempt, to add depth to a playboy character.

Tiara (1 star) – Boop!

Orin (1 star) – Date from hell.

Alagomeji (2 stars) - Soulmates. God loves them.

Overall, I enjoyed these. Most weren’t swoon-worthy, but almost all were heartwarming at some point. Giving women agency in these tales was intentional, which was pleasing to read from the author’s note. Just lovely.

3.5^… (altro)