*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I really loved this book and fell in love with the characters. Azere was just so realistic and amazing, I knew from the very first chapter that I would just love her and I was right. While she was such a strong character, she had her insecurities and vulnerabilities. Rafael was great too, and it was nice to read his point of view and meet his family, but I was just more more invested in Azere's chapters.

Igharo has a way of writing so well that you can really feel the emotions and tension leap from the page. My emotions, when reading this, were all over the place but in a good way. I gotta admit that when I was nearing the end, I really didn't want it to be over. I wanted to continue Azere and Rafael's story, but I was really grateful for the epilogue that ended and wrapped up the story beautifully.

I gotta say that being a biracial child, the tension of two different cultures trying to come together was captured so well and you could really feel the way Azere was being torn in two separate directions. This story really had me on the edge of my seat and I could do nothing but continue reading because I had to see how it ends.

Overall, this was such a great book and I wish it didn't have to end. ( )

3.5 stars

The strength in this book lies in its deft balance of detailing an immigrant's assimilation into a different society while trying not to lose their original identity. The book honestly truly shone in those moments. I loved the Nigerian culture bits sprinkled in. It was done in such a way as to not feel pandering or inauthentic.

I enjoyed our main protagonists a lot. The 2 of them had chemistry right from the onset and liked seeing their journey. I also really like Efe! I do not know if I am being too greedy but I would really love to read her book sometime in the future. Her last 1-on-1 conversation with Azere was so good.

I disliked 2 things so much however. There were about 10 references to "taking virginity" and by the 2nd/3rd reference I was done. It just went on and I feel that could have been edited out. I also immensely disliked the Mom. She was terrible. TBH she dragged down my enjoyment of the book up to the 75% mark! The last quarter however was so super strong that I ended up enjoying it.

( )

Anytime a book dives into the struggles of love and family, it's always tugs at my heart strings. Azere has promised to keep her culture alive by marrying someone like herself as her father is dying. However, she no longer lives in her native culture and has fallen for someone outside her culture. Struggling between her promise and what her heart wants, Azere is fighting a losing battle.

Azere's mother is less than understanding and pushes back. In this context, I considered her the villain and she was very good at playing this role. My heart broke for the pressures on Azere, but thankfully she is a strong woman.

I enjoyed reading this, but found it frustrating at times as I wanted Azere to speak her mind. I appreciate Berkley and Netgalley for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I really loved this book and fell in love with the characters. Azere was just so realistic and amazing, I knew from the very first chapter that I would just love her and I was right. While she was such a strong character, she had her insecurities and vulnerabilities. Rafael was great too, and it was nice to read his point of view and meet his family, but I was just more more invested in Azere's chapters.

Igharo has a way of writing so well that you can really feel the emotions and tension leap from the page. My emotions, when reading this, were all over the place but in a good way. I gotta admit that when I was nearing the end, I really didn't want it to be over. I wanted to continue Azere and Rafael's story, but I was really grateful for the epilogue that ended and wrapped up the story beautifully.

I gotta say that being a biracial child, the tension of two different cultures trying to come together was captured so well and you could really feel the way Azere was being torn in two separate directions. This story really had me on the edge of my seat and I could do nothing but continue reading because I had to see how it ends.

Overall, this was such a great book and I wish it didn't have to end. ( )

Ties that Tether by Jane Igharo is a 2020 Berkley publication.

A Pleasant Romantic debut!

Azere promised her father, she would marry a Nigerian man, and continue observing her native culture, even after emigrating to Canada. After her father’s death, Azere stays in line, obeying her overbearing mother and fully intends to keep her promise.
Unfortunately, all the men her mother introduces her to are controlling, misogynist jerks. After yet another failed connection, Azere meets Raphael in a bar. For Azere, their night together was a one and done deal- but fate has other plans…

Raphael and Azere discover they are colleagues and are assigned to work together. Raphael is interested in seeing where the relationship might take them, but he is white, meaning if Azere and Raphael were to make it long term, she would be breaking her the promise she made to her father.

If that weren’t awkward enough, a stunning development further complicates matters, forcing Azere to make one of the toughest decisions of her life. Will she cave to her mother’s wishes or choose true love?

I love multi-cultural romance! This contemporary novel explores the pressures and obligations of family, and how difficult it can be to avoid those demands, even when your true heart isn’t in it. The challenges of blending cultures, the fears of one being swallowed up by the other are very valid and realistic.

The book has a few issues- most of which I think can be attributed to this being a debut. I think once this author gains a bit of confidence, her stories will flow easier, and there will be less inner monologue and more dialogue, allowing the characters to develop more fully.

Despite the obvious nerves, the story is absorbing, and I was invested enough to want to see how things turned out. The angst and occasional overly dramatic passages are balanced with some very tender and emotional moments that warms the heart.

The glimpse into the future is also a nice touch, and although I absolutely loathe trends, I wouldn’t mind seeing more romance novels include a glimpse into the future to prove what HEA means realistically.

Overall, this was an enjoyable romance. I see some promise with this author and look forward to reading her next book. ( )