Review: A Valentine Challenge by Kiru Taye

Book 1 of the contemporary romance Challenge series, set in Nigeria. Three friends. Three challenges. Are they willing to risk everything for love?

Ex-soldier Michael Ede’s spent his time building his life exactly the way he wants it. Life is good. Or so he thinks. So when his friends set him a challenge to exorcise the memory of a woman from his past, he expects it to be a walk in the park.

Socialite Kasie Bosa is spitting fire at men. Her long-term boyfriend has asked for a break via text message of all things. How dare he? She’s told him to go take a dive into the River Niger. And not so politely too. So the next man who dares to cross her path is at risk of getting shredded with her spa manicured nails. 

Bad news for Michael who has chosen her as the object of his challenge. But neither of them can deny the sizzling chemistry between them nor control their responses, it seems. It’s the season of love. Can either of them escape unscathed?

My Review

I read Kiru Taye’s A Valentine Challenge before I started writing reviews and got stable with my blogging. I have since read two of her books since then, one of them being An Engagement Challenge, which l loved (see the review here).

I love when a person turns out to be more than who you thought they were. Michael ended up being more than Kasie had expected. Of course subterfuge and the challenge Michael had undertaken was annoying to me initially because, well, it was wrong. But as I got to know Michael, his background, and  his caring nature, I was able to forgive him.

Of course I must mention that Kasie’s initial snotty attitude towards Michael did not  endear her to me, but once again she grew on me.  Michael was able to handle her with his alpha male attitude, he was nobody’s stepping stone.  Kasie was spunky and smart.  I always enjoy this in a female heroine.

The book was hotter than I thought it would be. I didn’t know Ms. Taye's work then, so I didn’t expect it. I don’t think sweet is in her vocabulary. Spicy is her way and it works because she excels at writing those sensual scenes.

I give A Valentine Challenge four out of five chocolate bars. It was a wonderful novel and I highly recommend it. It will start your addiction to Kiru Taye’s books.

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.