Ties That Tether

By: Jane Igharo

Narrated by: Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Gary Tiedemann

One of Betches' 7 Books by Black Authors You Need to Read This Summer

One of Elite Daily’s Books Featuring Interracial Relationships You Should Read In 2020

One of Marie Claire’s 2020 Books You Should Add to Your Reading List

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture, even after immigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping—well forcing—her to stay within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and…white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother. Soon, Azere can't help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter.

Beautiful multicultural romance

How amazing and insightful was this book! This was a sexy, interracial romance packed with humor. It tells the story of Nigerian born Azere who immigrated to Canada at the age of 12 and her struggles to adapt to a new culture without letting go of her own. As an immigrant, I appreciated this story so much!

Azere has a one night stand with an Italian man, Rafael. This is after another failed date set up by her mother, who is never failing in her persistence for Azere to marry a good Nigerian man. Fast forward a few months and Azere is shocked to see said one night stand is now a fellow co-worker. Their chemistry from their first night picks up right away and turns into so much more. Azere knows her mother would never approve of her being with a white man outside of her culture but she also needs to follow her heart and find her own happiness.

Being proud of where you come and wanting to preserve your cultural identity is every immigrant's struggle. Azere felt forced to limit her dating pool to men of her own culture and falling in love with a man outside of this was not in her plans. I loved the way the author played out this complex love story and I loved learning about the Nigerian culture. At the heart of this there is swoon worthy romance that any romance reader will adore and I highly recommend!

Narrated by Nkeki Obi-Melekwe and Gary Tiedemann who did such an amazing job!

5 Stars
Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual
Heat Level: Moderate
HEA: Yes

Mostly childish but gets good in the end

I love a good love story, worse, I have a thing for interracial couples ✊🏾. It got really good towards the end. But honestly the story was weak for me. The female character was quite childish half the time to the point of annoyance. And before you get your panties tied in a knot, I am African, I can relate to a few of the elements playing out. It was worth the read, but not a high score for me. 3/5

I love this book,I love this book.

This book is thought-provoking. Culture is something I usually think about, but this book had me thinking. When you love someone outside of your culture, do you give up something or gain something. Does the people who you love understand that you’re is seeking someone else.

It also shows me how children dim the light so they can comply with their parents wishes. But LOVE finds away if you are brave enough to listen. Love finds a way. Thank you to Jane Igharo and the narrators that brought this wonderful book to life. I have a new author to enjoy, and I’m looking forward to many of your books. And I’ll also look out for the narrators, I so enjoy their storytelling. Until next time may God be with you’ll.

classic

I love a good love story. This one incorporated an interracial couple who had to think after the fact about how to proceed with their cultural differences. I liked learning insights of Nigerian culture through the writing and the actress who read it as such.

True romance

Beautiful romance across cultures filled with pleasant surprises and moments of suspense. The narration voices keep your attention, good casting.