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Challenge #2
Engaged
When savvy PR consultant Ijay Amadi meets successful Industrialist Paul Arinze, the only things on her mind are to forget the pain of her failed relationship and enjoy the delights his branding touch and soul-searing kiss promise. It’s a one-time only event. Perfect. However, Paul is annoyed to wake up and find her gone the next morning. He isn’t ready to forget the dark-haired beauty or their scorching night together just yet. So he plans to have Ijay right where he wants her—in Abuja, working on his latest business project by day and enjoying the pleasure of his bed by night. Except when Ijay arrives, she’s wearing another man’s engagement ring. With the explosive desire between them threatening their priorities and loyalties, the stakes get higher by the minute. Who’ll be left standing at the altar when Ijay walks down the aisle?
250 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2012
21 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Kiru Taye
63 books340 followersAs a lover of romance novels, Kiru wanted to read stories about Africans falling in love. When she couldn’t find those books, she decided to write the stories she wanted to read.
Kiru writes sensual stories featuring African characters whether on the continent or in the Diaspora. When she's not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her husband and three children.
Kiru is a founding member of Romance Writers of West Africa. In 2011, her debut romance novella, His Treasure, won the Book of the Year at the Love Romances Café Awards. She is the 2015 Romance Writer of the Year at the Nigerian Writers Awards and 2017 Author of the Year at the Ufere Awards.
Kiru writes sensual stories featuring African characters whether on the continent or in the Diaspora. When she's not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her husband and three children.
Kiru is a founding member of Romance Writers of West Africa. In 2011, her debut romance novella, His Treasure, won the Book of the Year at the Love Romances Café Awards. She is the 2015 Romance Writer of the Year at the Nigerian Writers Awards and 2017 Author of the Year at the Ufere Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 8, 2012
This is the third book I've read by Kiru Taye and so I went into it knowing a bit about what to expect. I expected a hard and sexy hero and a feisty heroine. I got what I was expecting, but then I got more! This, to me, is Kiru's best book of the three I've read. The characters were likeable, the story was gripping, and the chemistry....well, let's just say you're going to need to keep an ice cube or a bottle of water nearby while reading this. Yes, it was that hot!
The chemistry between Ijay and Paul was amazing! At first I was worried. Paul and Ijay's first sexual encounter happens pretty early on in the book, and I was left wondering if their would be any sexual tension at all after that. I was not disappointed in the least! With the appearance of another man in Ijay's fiance, Vincent, came the tension I was hoping for and added an element of angst to the book that I loved. I liked even more that Paul and Vincent have a past history, which makes the fact that Ijay is caught between them even more exciting. I don't want to give any of the plot twists away, so I'll just leave it at that.
There is plenty of suspense and plenty of surprise throughout the book to keep the pages turning, although I will say that I would have like to read a little bit less about what the characters were thinking. Sometimes these thought sequences ran a little long and had me chomping at the bit to get to the next scene, but I never lost interest, especially once Paul turned on the seductive charm.
Overall a great read; one that I would re-read in anticipation of the third book. If this book is any indication of what to expect in the future, it stands to reason that Kiru's books will only get better.
May 28, 2012
The tale starts off at a thrilling and SPICY pace...the chemistry between Paul and Ijay is SIZZLING...unfortunately after awhile it slows...and I have to agree with the other reviewer that there's too much REPETITIVE dialogue going on inside the main characters heads (wanted to skip ahead; but pushed through)...however once Ijay and Paul FINALLY admit their feelings the storyline flows...the INTRIGUING mystery surrounding the sabotage of Paul's business keeps me turning the pages...and I love the brotherly bond between Paul, Michael & Peter...I also would have preferred more COLORFUL and descriptive details about the many places they visited in Nigeria...overall it's still another GOOD read from Mrs. Taye...and I will DEFINITELY continue to keep an eye out for this author.
July 23, 2013
An Engagement Challenge is the second of the Challenge Series. It starts with the one night stand between Ijay Amadi and Paul Arinze . It is gripping and a promise of an insight into the lives of Paul (was doesn't even know what LOVE feels like )and Ijay (who is heart broken). The plot gets thicker when Ijay finds out that her fiance is Paul's half brother. My heart actually went out to Paul who had been through a lot. Ijay's love and Paul realising he loves her redeems him. I most give this to Taye she kept me up to the last page. Taye is a writer in her own class. I strongly recommended this book. The tie is so symbolic and I love the way the story ended. Thumbs up! This is her third book that I have read and I so not disappointed.
April 14, 2013
I think I enjoyed this more than the first in the series. Paul was a character who definitely pushed my hot buttons. I was able to sympathize with him and the heroine both. I was happy for the couple when they managed to resolve their differences. This author is on my fave list.
August 21, 2012
A great read for the weekend or at anytime. I enjoyed the chemistry between the hero and heroine and how their goals of having a one night stand and no marriage reletionship come into play.
September 8, 2012
An Engagement Challenge by Kiru Taye
* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Ijay Amadi has just broken up with her long term boyfriend and isn’t looking for another relationship until she meets Paul. He offers her a night with no strings but neither one realized that their hearts would be at stake. As Ijay and Paul work together on a promotional campaign, their desires become harder to deny, even though Ijay is engaged to another.
Paul Arnize has been searching for something all his life; he just doesn’t realize that it’s Ijay. When they meet at an event, he offers her one night because that’s all he can give her. His mistrust of women makes him cautious but he has sworn to never to marry. When he awakes to a note, he sets things in motion to get Ijay to Nigeria so he can continue what they started; he just never expected her to be engaged to someone else.
Paul and Ijay are so good together. Both have been hurt in the past but find comfort in one another. The sexual tension between them is evident from the first time they meet and sets the pages on fire. I love that Paul’s tie plays a role throughout the whole book as a reminder of what they almost through away.
Paul is the quintessential tortured hero. His childhood was far from ideal, filled with heartache and distrust. His past helped shape the man he has become along with a close knit group of friends and family that are his support system. He is a successful businessman that has made his own way in the world. He doesn’t have much faith in women because everyone he has known always seems to have an ulterior motive. He watched his father have affairs and not remain faithful to his wife, vowing to always be a one woman man.
He never realized something was missing in his life until he met Ijay. She was the one woman that quelled that restlessness that he had been feeling as of late. Instantly he felt comfortable with her, like he had known her all his life. When he found out who she was engaged to, it really hit home how much she meant to him.
Ijay has almost as many issues as Paul when it comes to relationships; although she had a good childhood. She was dumped by the guy she had been dating for three years and not feeling very good about herself. Paul was the first man that made her feel loved and cherished, even when he was dominant in the bedroom. She is engaged to another man but she can’t stop thinking about her night with Paul.
Now that she is with Paul again, it’s everything she can do to remain faithful to her finance. Armed with the advice of her mother, she decides that she can’t walk away from Paul without seeing where this could lead them. She already knows that he is kind, caring man that tries to take care of his community and those close to him. She hopes that he cares about her too.
This book drew me in right from the beginning. The story was engaging and it was easy to be vested in the characters. I knew from the beginning that Ijay’s finance was bad news from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how the story would unfold. I was pleasantly surprised by a few things in the story and loved the ending; it was a fabulous end that tied everything together.
I had the pleasure of reviewing a couple of Ms. Taye’s books and when I was offered the opportunity to review this one I gladly accepted. I enjoy her writing style and love being transported to places I have never been. Her characters are engaging because they are interesting and complex.
I think this is my favorite book yet by this author and give An Engagement Challenge 4½ Flaming Hearts.
* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Ijay Amadi has just broken up with her long term boyfriend and isn’t looking for another relationship until she meets Paul. He offers her a night with no strings but neither one realized that their hearts would be at stake. As Ijay and Paul work together on a promotional campaign, their desires become harder to deny, even though Ijay is engaged to another.
Paul Arnize has been searching for something all his life; he just doesn’t realize that it’s Ijay. When they meet at an event, he offers her one night because that’s all he can give her. His mistrust of women makes him cautious but he has sworn to never to marry. When he awakes to a note, he sets things in motion to get Ijay to Nigeria so he can continue what they started; he just never expected her to be engaged to someone else.
Paul and Ijay are so good together. Both have been hurt in the past but find comfort in one another. The sexual tension between them is evident from the first time they meet and sets the pages on fire. I love that Paul’s tie plays a role throughout the whole book as a reminder of what they almost through away.
Paul is the quintessential tortured hero. His childhood was far from ideal, filled with heartache and distrust. His past helped shape the man he has become along with a close knit group of friends and family that are his support system. He is a successful businessman that has made his own way in the world. He doesn’t have much faith in women because everyone he has known always seems to have an ulterior motive. He watched his father have affairs and not remain faithful to his wife, vowing to always be a one woman man.
He never realized something was missing in his life until he met Ijay. She was the one woman that quelled that restlessness that he had been feeling as of late. Instantly he felt comfortable with her, like he had known her all his life. When he found out who she was engaged to, it really hit home how much she meant to him.
Ijay has almost as many issues as Paul when it comes to relationships; although she had a good childhood. She was dumped by the guy she had been dating for three years and not feeling very good about herself. Paul was the first man that made her feel loved and cherished, even when he was dominant in the bedroom. She is engaged to another man but she can’t stop thinking about her night with Paul.
Now that she is with Paul again, it’s everything she can do to remain faithful to her finance. Armed with the advice of her mother, she decides that she can’t walk away from Paul without seeing where this could lead them. She already knows that he is kind, caring man that tries to take care of his community and those close to him. She hopes that he cares about her too.
This book drew me in right from the beginning. The story was engaging and it was easy to be vested in the characters. I knew from the beginning that Ijay’s finance was bad news from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how the story would unfold. I was pleasantly surprised by a few things in the story and loved the ending; it was a fabulous end that tied everything together.
I had the pleasure of reviewing a couple of Ms. Taye’s books and when I was offered the opportunity to review this one I gladly accepted. I enjoy her writing style and love being transported to places I have never been. Her characters are engaging because they are interesting and complex.
I think this is my favorite book yet by this author and give An Engagement Challenge 4½ Flaming Hearts.
May 10, 2012
This was a solid read. Ijay and Paul certainly had a very steamy start, and I was definitely hoping there would be a lot more of those interactions between them. The supporting characters were quite interesting especially Vincent, he really turned out to be the exact opposite of what I expected. It was nice catching up with Michael from the previous book, he was really there for Paul when he needed him.
While the storyline was good, and I enjoyed these characters, they did spend a lot of time in their own heads; thinking about what could have been, what they should have done in this situation, etc. I did find myself skipping a lot of pages because these thinking sequences were quite long, and I didn't feel all the time that they were contributing positively to the storyline. In the next book in this series, I would like to read more about Nigeria. Since this land is foreign to me, it would be nice to read about descriptions of the different cities there, landmarks, and just overall cultural history. It would be great to take a tour through such a beautiful country. We did get a few peaks here and there into Nigerian food, but I certainly want to learn more in the next book in the series. Overall I like this authors writing style, and will continue to support her efforts.
While the storyline was good, and I enjoyed these characters, they did spend a lot of time in their own heads; thinking about what could have been, what they should have done in this situation, etc. I did find myself skipping a lot of pages because these thinking sequences were quite long, and I didn't feel all the time that they were contributing positively to the storyline. In the next book in this series, I would like to read more about Nigeria. Since this land is foreign to me, it would be nice to read about descriptions of the different cities there, landmarks, and just overall cultural history. It would be great to take a tour through such a beautiful country. We did get a few peaks here and there into Nigerian food, but I certainly want to learn more in the next book in the series. Overall I like this authors writing style, and will continue to support her efforts.
March 12, 2016
An Engagement Challenge is my third book by Kiru Taye and I’m sure it won’t be the last, she’s written plenty of them and I’m going to be sure to read them.
An Engagement Challenge is the second book in a three book series. I went in order and read a Valentine’s Challenge first, but it wouldn’t have thrown me off if I had read An Engagement Story first because they are separate and succinct stories with linking characters.
The book was spicy, I mean HOT. But the heat added to the romance of the story. The attraction between Ijay and Paul started strong and ended strong. My stomach was flipping throughout the book and that rarely happens for me with a book with strong sexual elements.
I found the novel to be well written with likeable characters (except for three of them). The book is set in Nigeria and the descriptions of both countries hooked the reader into the environment. The book had passion, intrigue, jealousy, love, and a little bit of physical violence. There was even one point where I was horrified at Ijay’s actions and I slapped my forehead and said, “No, no, no. That’s just dumb, lady.”
Once again Kiru Taye has written an engaging (no pun intended) fast read that snagged my interest from the beginning and kept it there.
An Engagement Challenge is the second book in a three book series. I went in order and read a Valentine’s Challenge first, but it wouldn’t have thrown me off if I had read An Engagement Story first because they are separate and succinct stories with linking characters.
The book was spicy, I mean HOT. But the heat added to the romance of the story. The attraction between Ijay and Paul started strong and ended strong. My stomach was flipping throughout the book and that rarely happens for me with a book with strong sexual elements.
I found the novel to be well written with likeable characters (except for three of them). The book is set in Nigeria and the descriptions of both countries hooked the reader into the environment. The book had passion, intrigue, jealousy, love, and a little bit of physical violence. There was even one point where I was horrified at Ijay’s actions and I slapped my forehead and said, “No, no, no. That’s just dumb, lady.”
Once again Kiru Taye has written an engaging (no pun intended) fast read that snagged my interest from the beginning and kept it there.
April 29, 2012
I had the privilege of helping kiru review this novel and it is to date one of my favorite novels from her collection! Paul is a hard, sensual, take charge kind of guy that takes no prisoners while ijay is a sexy, innocent and determined young lady, caught in the middle of a battle for dominance between Paul and his evil step-brother Vincent. Combining these characters presents a very explosive and steamy ride for ijay and Paul with a mix of intrigue and sabotage from Vincent. The Men of Valor series is a fantastic read and the Challenge series is taking no prisoners as well.
Kiru really did herself proud with this one. She more than made things up for readers like me who were abit disappointed in the shortness of the first book in this series. This is a must read for any true lover of the African romance genre.
Kudos girl.
Kiru really did herself proud with this one. She more than made things up for readers like me who were abit disappointed in the shortness of the first book in this series. This is a must read for any true lover of the African romance genre.
Kudos girl.
May 17, 2012
I went to great lengths to read this story and I don't regret it. Since my computer is dead at the moment I had to camp in the Internet Cafe all day and I hardly noticed that the seat was uncomfortably hard on my...
I love a good mystery. Right now I could use some romance even from out of a book. Sexy heros just make my day. And I'm not one of those women who can't compliment another woman because the heroine was beautiful. This story gave me that.
The interaction was wonderful between the characters, main and supporting. It had a reality sense with sexual chemistry, evil intentions, family ties and deep friendships.
You want a goodread? This is IT.
I love a good mystery. Right now I could use some romance even from out of a book. Sexy heros just make my day. And I'm not one of those women who can't compliment another woman because the heroine was beautiful. This story gave me that.
The interaction was wonderful between the characters, main and supporting. It had a reality sense with sexual chemistry, evil intentions, family ties and deep friendships.
You want a goodread? This is IT.
May 16, 2012
The book was very intense, it was hard to put down once you started reading. I enjoyed reading the story.
March 18, 2024
Good ending
I enjoyed the beginning and the ending; unfortunately the middle was a little less intriguing. Lots of exposition, and the characters seemed wishy-washy throughout, in large part... they make one declaration at one point, then it's out the window shortly after. Ijay came across as very (and frustratingly) naive, though I can say I bought the heat between her and Paul.
I kept reading because I was intrigued to find out how things would turn out, and I'm glad I did. Definitely the best part of the story, in my opinion. I would've liked to have seen Paul confront Simon's mother, though; it was disappointing for that to be kind of glossed over.
Overall, it was cool.
I enjoyed the beginning and the ending; unfortunately the middle was a little less intriguing. Lots of exposition, and the characters seemed wishy-washy throughout, in large part... they make one declaration at one point, then it's out the window shortly after. Ijay came across as very (and frustratingly) naive, though I can say I bought the heat between her and Paul.
I kept reading because I was intrigued to find out how things would turn out, and I'm glad I did. Definitely the best part of the story, in my opinion. I would've liked to have seen Paul confront Simon's mother, though; it was disappointing for that to be kind of glossed over.
Overall, it was cool.
February 15, 2019
Awemazing
This book was great and immediately drew me in from the very first chapter... the chemistry between Ijay and Paul was unmatched and the passion they shared was to die for... a well put together storyline and characters were amazing definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read and can’t wait to finish the series
This book was great and immediately drew me in from the very first chapter... the chemistry between Ijay and Paul was unmatched and the passion they shared was to die for... a well put together storyline and characters were amazing definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read and can’t wait to finish the series
January 16, 2017
A great read
I have read several of her bookes, I really enjoyed them. Can't wait to read more from her. Reading her work transform me to the Nigerian culture.
I have read several of her bookes, I really enjoyed them. Can't wait to read more from her. Reading her work transform me to the Nigerian culture.
March 17, 2017
Another excellent read
I loved the excitement and passion of the characters in this book. The disruption s of the scenery and customs make you want to visit the country to experience them for yourself.
I loved the excitement and passion of the characters in this book. The disruption s of the scenery and customs make you want to visit the country to experience them for yourself.
October 4, 2015
Paul and Ijay
Another great Nigerian adventure! Kiru Taye has enabled me to experience Nigerian tradition, culture, business, and a hot romance! I did get a bit frustrated by the struggle of the couple-to-be, but I get it. I guess I couldn't wait for the two to officially become one. Good read.
Another great Nigerian adventure! Kiru Taye has enabled me to experience Nigerian tradition, culture, business, and a hot romance! I did get a bit frustrated by the struggle of the couple-to-be, but I get it. I guess I couldn't wait for the two to officially become one. Good read.
July 11, 2014
I am enjoying Ms. Taye's books more and more, this is the third one of her's I have read. Love the mystery and wish it was a little longer.
April 14, 2017
I received a free copy from InstaFreebie; this is my honest review.
Great story, great suspense, great characters, great ending.
I cringe when I read something like "But he doesn't love me! He didn't say so!" I think it's sad but authors like to use that line and yes, it's in this book too.
Great story, great suspense, great characters, great ending.
I cringe when I read something like "But he doesn't love me! He didn't say so!" I think it's sad but authors like to use that line and yes, it's in this book too.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews