Book Review: Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo

Book: 166

Rating: 4/5

Azere made a promise to her dying father that she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture after emigrating to Canada. Her mother has been adamant about making sure Azere keeps her promise sticking within the Nigerian dating pool... including being an active matchmaker for her. When Azere starts to have strong feelings for her one night stand Rafael (a white man), and things get serious quickly, she worries about whether or not her headstrong mother will accept it. She fears the loss of her cultural identity; will she finally stand up for herself and stop being the compliant daughter and fight for her own independence?

I really enjoyed this Canadian based romance. I love reading books that take place in Toronto, and it was cool to learn that the author works in communications in the city. Ties That Tether was a great mix of family drama and passionate romance: Azere and Rafael had such great chemistry and I felt that the conflicts they faced stemmed from actual adult issues, nothing juvenile (which I find can be frustrating in romances when the conflict is some benign miscommunication). But, the thing I loved the most about this book is its focus on Nigerian culture and Azere's immigrant experience. It was an interesting story to tell through a romance novel.

I can't finish this review without mentioning the show stopping cover; it's seriously STUNNING. Pick this one up when you're in the mood for a romance!