Sunday 16 June 2013

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.




14 comments:

  1. Not really my genre, but I also love it when characters turn out more complex, flexible or just able to transform in books. Nice review. Writer’s Mark

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    1. Thanks Nancy. Romance isn't for everyone,but change seems to be.

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  2. Aw! Being asked for a break via text message is a blow! Makes me want to read the book just based on that! lol. Glad to hear you loved it (another reason to read it)

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    1. I don't know which one is worse, via text or via e-mail (I've had the e-mail done to me)

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  3. I really enjoy the fact that a lot of African writers are channeling their talent into writing romance... interesting indeed.

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    1. It is a great genre, and there are so many stories to be told from the African perspective.

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  4. Nana, this is a great review. Right up my alley my dear

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    1. Thanks Celestine. I love reading your reviews so it means a lot to me.

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  5. Good Review, Nana. And it sounds like Kiru Taye has a knack for writing great steamy romance novels.

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    1. Thanks Cathy. I'm learning not to be surprised with her heat level.

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  6. I read this book and enjoyed it. See my review here.

    http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/258003020

    One thing you didn't mention in your review is that Michael couldn't seduce her as a rich man, but ordinary chauffeur who gets to drive her around. And that he had a previous, bad experience with her.

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    1. Thanks for mentioning that Zrinka. I'm headed over to see your review.

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  7. Hi, Nana,

    I read this one and enjoyed it too. In general, I enjoy Kiru's writing.

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I love reading your comments.