It started with "I don't"

by Amaka Azie

From a young age, Anuli Eneh had her life all mapped out. She’d receive an excellent education, get a good job, date a responsible man, marry and have kids. A plan she’s stuck steadfastly to.

When a shocking revelation at the altar put an end to her dreams of marrying the type of man that she’d hoped she would spend the rest of her life with, she’s devastated.

Left to face the consequences alone, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads to an unexpected relationship and a change of values.

Genres: Romance

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Amaka Azie is an award-winning author of romance fiction set in tropical West Africa.

She explores the beauty and intricacies of the continent in her sweet and sensual love stories.

Born and raised in Nigeria, West Africa, she developed a passion for reading at the age of twelve. Her interest in writing began in secondary school when she joined the press club.

Her books showcase bold and exciting female and male main characters with compelling storylines, and her active imagination has captured the interests of many.

Apart from getting lost in creating fascinating fictional characters, Amaka enjoys reading, painting and travelling with her family. She lives in the United Kingdom with her husband and daughters and where she also practices as a part-time family doctor.

Amaka was named one of the Most Influential Nigerian Authors Under Forty by the Nigerian Writers Awards (NWA) for the years 2017 and 2018.

Reviews

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt different emotions while reading this book by Amaka Azie. It made me laugh, swoon, angry and everything in between. I even shed a few tears. Less than halfway through I got so riled up that I had to shoot Amaka a quick message on Instagram to express my shock.

Oh Anuli, she really went through a lot. Love showed her real shege! 😭 Her journey in this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt like I knew her and was walking beside her through every twist and turn.

Imagine building a two-year relationship with the "perfect man", only to discover on your wedding day - at the alter for that matter, that he's not who he claimed to be, down to his name! Not to mention already married with kids! And his excuse? Polygamy is not a crime in Nigeria, I love you, blablabla. I wanted to scream!
The audacity!😡
To think that his family knew, including his mum, and said nothing to Anuli all along - at least to give her the opportunity to choose, is heartbreaking.

Imagine after that huge embrassement and heartbreak, she finds another seemingly great man, Etim. He appeared to be a beacon of kindness and love unlike any she's known. Yet, fate (or a cruel cosmic joke?) throws another curveball – another hidden marriage, another betrayal. Phew!

At this point I also joined Anuli in wondering if she's cursed. To be involved with two men consecutively who weren't upfront with her about their marital status is devastating. Kai, poor Anuli!

This book offered so much value. It explored family and relationship dynamics, forgiveness, and the complexities. I saw shades of myself in Anuli's reaction to her mother's infidelity, I realized that judging situations in black and white isn't always accurate.

My favourite character in this book is Etim. Despite his initial deception, he won me over. I love that he genuinely loves Anuli. His willingness to own up to his actions and mistakes and be accountable for them is admirable. That snake tattoo, though? Let's just say reptiles and I don't see eye to eye! 😂

Dear Amaka Azie, thank you so much for this gripping tale. The constant twists and unpredictability kept me hooked until the very end.

Guys, you all need to read this book - IT STARTED WITH "I don't" by Amaka Azie. I trust you'll enjoy it as much as I did! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK: I DON'T
AUTHOR: AMAKA AZIE
PUB DATE:
👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽
REVIEW
Thanks to the author for this book. I got this book in a giveaway, and I'm glad I won. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽
No matter the number of Romance books I read, Nigerian Romance Books always hit differently in a good way. I'm familiar with the lingo, the attitudes of the characters, the places. They are things I experience almost daily, so I feel represented
👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽
I was not skeptical when I wanted to read this book, and I was not disappointed. Amaka Azie doesn't disappoint. This book was amazing. It was fast-paced, and I read it in a day. Yeah, it's that good.
👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽
Anuli, a 32 year old woman, found out that her soon to be husband was married on the wedding day. She was devastated, of course. I loved her determination and her personality. She was amazing. Not to be left out, Etim was just as amazing, and I really admired him for the hard decisions he had to make. I liked their relationship, they had amazing chemistry, and both of them were good for each other.
👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽
I also loved the side characters, Anuli's family, her best friend and Etim's family.
👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽
This book was very good and you should read it.

[Lola🇳🇬 · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a young age, Anuli Eneh had her entire life planned out—pursue an excellent education, secure a good job, date a responsible man, get married, and have children. She followed this plan diligently, convinced it was the path to happiness. But when a shocking revelation at the altar shatters her carefully laid-out dreams, she is left to pick up the pieces alone. Determined to rebuild, Anuli embarks on a journey of self-discovery—one that leads to unexpected love and a shift in her values.

This book is truly beautiful. I loved how steadily the story unfolded and how well-developed the characters were.
While I didn’t fully agree with some aspects of the book, I appreciated the perspective it offered.
Anuli and Etim completely stole my heart, they had me blushing!
Anuli, in particular, was so unpredictable and kept me on my toes. I also would have loved to see more of her Dear Kiki tweets, but I’ll take what I got.
I can’t wait to read the sequel!

[SL Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I don’t know where to start with this book. First off, I simply loved it. It wasn’t just a love story between 2 people but also of a woman who learns to love herself completely. Anuli went through so much in this story but found love in Etim and especially herself. She learned that life is not always black/white but shades of gray, something that a lot of us learn as we grow wiser. I loved watching her relationships morph and grow and demonstrating what true love is. Fantastic book with lots of life and love lessons.

[Temitope Adeniran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaka ,this is simply a well descriptive book with each characters owning their world's. I enjoyed the first person POV and I loved that it was written from Anuli's stance.
Jidenna or should I say Ifeanyi needs to be beaten blue-black...
I loved how relatable this read was and how it climaxed at the middle with that much needed twist to the story and spiralling to the end given off a great finish.

Thank you for telling such a beautiful love story♥️👍

[Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a love story that will warm your heart, inspire you, and leave you emotionally invested, Anuli and Etim's story is a must-read. As they let go of their past, overcome obstacles, and deepen their bond, you'll feel like you're part of their world and won't be able to put the book down until you reach the last page.

[Mineszn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt different emotions while reading this book by Amaka Azie. It made me laugh, angry (i was so angry at Jidenna🤣 and Anuli annoyed me sometimes 😭)and everything in between
The book starts with Anuli saying “I don’t “ to a man who she discovered on her wedding day - at the alter for that matter, that he's not who he claimed to be he even lied about his name!) Not to mention already married with kids! And his excuse? Polygamy is not a crime in Nigeria…

To make matters worse, he takes all the money in the joint account they created for the wedding because apparently she isn’t entitled it since she finding day “I do” … To believe Anuli felt he was the man for her because his friends were calling her “our wife”😭..


Anuli was honestly naive, she went through so much in this story but found love in Etim and especially herself. She learned that life is not always black/white but shades of gray. The characters were so lovable, I loved iriah she's the kind of friend everyone would wish to have and I can't wait to read her love story.

Then Etim! Etim my man!! He was too cute please😭😭( “Anuli, I have fallen in love with you”..it’s giving bridgerton love declaration scene) .I love how his past was put in place to give the book a little kick and kept me wondering if Etim and Anuli will remain
Etim is a man on the run whose past is threatening to shatter his future. Unless he can find that past and put it to rest.

I love that the book delves on the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s, and the challenges a devoted partner might have to face. It reminds us to be non judgemental, and most especially to resist the urge to project our experiences from one relationship unto the next. I loved that the book addresses how Nigerians react to depression and mental health

Without giving much away, please do get your copy!

[Bookmaniac_60 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝗦𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲..... 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁. 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗲𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴"
It all started when anuli on her wedding day found out that her husband to be was already married and has been lying to her. This left her emotionally scarred and made her see men in a different way, that is till she met Etim.

This is the second nigeria romance novel have read and it didn't disappoint, I loved every thing in the book. How the story was written beautifully plus the writing style made it easy to follow along,the book was fast paced, funny, a bit of emotional trauma, family drama, friendship, self discovery, love and support.

The characters were so loveable, I loved iriah she's the kind of friend everyone would wish to have and I can't wait to read her love story😁.

Etim was just too good to be true, one can't help but fall for him. I know I did 🤭. I also love how Etim past was put in place to give the book a little kick and kept me wondering if Etim and anuli will remain together.

Amaka Azie really outdid herself and I very much look forward to reading more of her books. If you haven't read any of her books, I recommend starting with this.

[Denise M.]

It's a book I never knew I needed to read!

Life is not all black and white. I need to know myself and while doing so, give myself grace. One's mental health is crucial to life.

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my best book of Amaka Azie and African Romance
The details of each emotion,plot twist, the chemistry between Etim and Anuli
A solid 5⭐️I would always recommend 🥹😘
Read this book last year and I just created a goodread account,I just have to rate it
Thank you so much for this story ❤️

[Virtual Babe Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anuli had her life going for her—good job as a psychologist, a comfortable life, and she was about to marry the love of her life. Everything was in place… until she found out the man she was engaged to, Jidenna, already had a wife and kids. And the worst part? He hid it on purpose because he wanted something from her. Can you imagine?

She cut him off immediately (as she should), but of course, that wasn’t the end of it. Jidenna came with even more drama—clearing out their joint account, giving the most ridiculous excuses, and trying to win her back like he hadn’t just wrecked her world.

This book follows Anuli as she tries to heal from that betrayal. She really grieves the future she thought she was building. Then comes another man, and just when she decides to give love another chance—boom! Turns out he’s married too. Like, how is this her luck?

This story is such a roller coaster. It’s messy, emotional, and real. Every character had depth—no one felt like a side piece. And let’s talk about the spice—Anuli pulling up to a man’s house in the middle of the night? That scene was hot. The chemistry? On point.

But it’s not just romance and drama. There are real, relatable moments in there too—life lessons, societal truths, the kind of stuff that makes you pause and think. It wasn’t just fiction, it felt like life.

I genuinely enjoyed this one, from start to finish.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written book, which masterfully explores themes of love, self-discovery, and mental health. The engaging plot, well-structured pacing, and skillful build-up to the climax all contributed to a captivating narrative. The writing style made it effortless to follow along, culminating in a satisfying and beautifully crafted.
This story did not only talk about love, instead focusing on a woman's journey to self-love, self-discovery, and the realization that life exists in shades of gray, rather than simplistic black and white. I appreciated how Anuli's relationships evolved, illustrating the complexities of true love. This book taught me that genuine love encompasses both the positive and negative aspects, including trials, errors, and the efforts made by both partners to navigate challenges and build a lasting connection.

[Reen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the African romance novels I have read so far,this is the first one that has highlighted themes around mental health,debilitating illness,gang violence and navigated them beautifully well.

Also you can see the growth of Amaka Azie as an author in comparison with her previous works and I have to say,this is my best so far.

Etim is the type of man that not just heals you but puts you together and that's what Anuli needed.

I didn't give this book 5 stars because
Anuli was so judgemental towards her mother and that felt very hypocritical considering she was a psychologist and should have been among the few that would understand her mother's dilemma.

[Sonia's Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW 📚 | It Started With "I Don't" | Amaka Azie.

I've had this book since last year, a gift from the author, but I didn't read it until now, as I've signed up for the ARC of the second book, "It Started With 'I Do.'"

SWIPE FOR THE BOOK BLURB.

Let me start this review by saying, "If a man wants to show you shege, he will!" And when your man's friends call you "Our wife," RUN!!!

I experienced different emotions while reading this book, starting with my resentment toward Jidenna. What a foolish man! This story taught me that some people come into your life to teach you lessons and push you toward connecting with the right people.

There were times Anuli annoyed me, but I was happy she managed to overcome every challenge she faced. She is a strong woman and a skilled psychologist. I love her friendship with Iriah—everyone needs an Iriah in their life. I thought they were going to fall out in Calabar, but they showcased maturity! 👏 I'm proud of Anuli's growth, and I enjoyed "Dear Kiki to Kiki."

Etim!! A new book boyfriend? Hell Yessss!!! I've finally found the replacement for LK in Camaa Pearl's "Goody Bag." I love Etim!! 😍 I was almost ready to hate him until the events unfolded. Thanks to @mz.tomi and @lifeofabibliophile for encouraging me to be patient with him. When he said, "I'm jumping with my two feet in. Are we on the same page?" I was sold!!! 🙂‍↕️ I love me a straightforward man. I don't buy into the idea of "going with the flow." Etim is one of a kind! 🥹🫶

It felt good to read about Alzheimer's disease in this book. In my second year of university, I took a course called "Multilingualism," where we learned that multilingual people exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer's at a later age than monolinguals. From what I gathered in this story, Anuli's father was well-read, which factors into this condition.

Another aspect of the book that intrigued me was Anuli's belief in the existence of true love, influenced by her parents' marriage. There is no such thing as a "perfect relationship." What we see in relationships is often just the beautiful exterior, which people use to illustrate the idea of the "Perfect Relationship." "Oh, these people are so in love!" or "I love how he loves her and how she reciprocates!" Come off it! Are you in the relationship with them? Every relationship has its ups and downs, but nobody openly acknowledges that—except for the few who are dumb. The ability to manage the "ups and downs" of a relationship and tolerate each other is what brings out its perfection. Understand this!

Mama Anuli did not try sha, but who am I to judge? If I were in her situation, I can't say what I would have done. This is why I don't judge others; if you haven't faced a situation, you might think you know best.

I love this book so much! My favourite scene was the "Planned Seduction" scene. "Oh la la." (IYKYK) 😂❤️ Ms. Amaka writes so well and I love her works, and how she often centres her books around realistic themes. She tackled mental health issues and psychology effectively. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. You should read it!

Guest appearance: Rita Obaseki, from "The Senator's Daughter."

Rating: 5⭐

[Feyi Aina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this novel and here are my thots:

The most catastrophic thing that could ever happen to a girl on her wedding day, happened to the main FC, Anuli. Trust shattered, hope broken, a lying two-faced guy exposed for who he was ...😡

Anuli Eneh is a psychologist struggling for the first time with what majority of her clients struggle with - trust issues and self doubt. It’s a new feeling after Jidenna, her fiance, turns out to have a secondary plan in mind.

Etim is a man on the run whose past is threatening to shatter his future. Unless he can find that past and put it to rest.

This begins a fun, rollercoaster story about a girl trying to get her life back together and heal after an absolutely devastating event. To make matters worse she is left owing money for a wedding that didn’t even happen. 😡

Then it seems lightening is preparing to strike once more!😳

Without giving much away, please do get your copy! 🥰

I love that the book delves on the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s, and the challenges a devoted partner might have to face. It reminds us to be non judgemental, and most especially to resist the urge to project our experiences from one relationship unto the next. I’m a physiotherapist and I know first hand what having a partner with Alzheimer’s feels like!!!

I read mine on Bambooks! Well done Amaka.

[Treasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Strangers to lovers and Women fiction
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

General thoughts: Love the cover, it's easy to read. A book with minimal spicy I like it exploring multiple important themes such as dealing with a parent who has Alzheimer's, heartbreak, betrayal, self-discovery, grief and the essence of love.

Book overview :
This story spans over 2 years, Anuli is a successful psychologist. She is excited to say I do to her ideal man when a young woman and two young children show up at the altar announcing that she can't get married and the man she is about to vow to is her husband. During the 2 years of dating this man, he never confirmed to her that he was married and would like for Anuli to join his polygamous household.
This leaves her heartbroken, can she ever trust men?
The journey to settling her heartbreak leads to rediscovery, taking risks and entertaining a relationship which she would never normally accept.

[Ms G Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anuli is in front of the priest about to be married to the man she loves when the proceedings are interrupted by a woman holding a baby in her arms and two children by her side! Anuli then finds out that he had lied to her for the two years they were together. Not only was he married but he believed in polygamy neither of those truths were ever revealed to her. Pain and anger. Her best friend is finally marrying the love of her life after he had been a coward regarding his family and their prejudice. In order to arrange the wedding they meet Etim as he is the best and her friend, being rich only wants the best. Unbeknown to her friend, Etim and Anuli had been very intimate but he had a secret that broke them up. A full thoughtful with many edifying details and some surprising information that makes the story even more compelling.

[Rosemary Okafor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One think I love about this author is her ability to bring medical knowledge into well crafted romance story.

This is a story of disappointment, heartbreak and the aftereffects of heartbreak, and then finding love again. While Anuli goes through her journey of healing, love comes in a most unlikely place.

Etim is the man for me (always will be) I love him so much for even with his own struggle, he was able to prove that he wasn't just another disaster waiting to happen.

Oh, fallen in love has never been sweet, like... I was so looking forward to Anuli and Etim finding each other and being together because they deserve all the best things.

Without giving out so much, I really, really recommend this book to every African romance book lover.

[Oreoluwa Ade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaka Azie, the writer that you are !!
I really loved the book.
I love how the pressure of getting married after the age of 30 was highlighted and thus how it makes people feel desperate and ignore some red flags just to get married on time. Our society needs to do better.
You see Jidenna is the typical Nigerian man
“I am married but not in a relationship with my wife”, Living double lives and deceiving innocent women. How they manage to do that is beyond my comprehension.
The mention of Alzheimer and memory loss hit close to home.
The book was well written and developed, I love the pace of Etim and Anuli’s relationship. Very healthy and cute.
We all need a “sister” like Iriah 🥹, Sisters from another mother.

[dearadanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story carried me through chaos, heartbreak, and healing, while also peeling back the many layers of relationships; betrayal, pain, growth, and the beauty of choosing love for yourself, not out of pressure.

I also loved how mental health was woven into the story. From depression to therapy and even Alzheimer’s, these are conversations we don’t openly have enough here, and it made me pause to research on certain things....... you see why I love reading ?🙃😉

The love story was also so tender, Etim was just all green flags, a big relief from Ifeanyi who wanted to pushed me beyond limit because of his audacity!! The nerve of that man.
Anyway I'm so glad Anuli got her happy ending and the love that she truly deserved
Definitely a good read

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

i laughed and got angry while reading this book, Anuli saw small shege in the search for love,
After dating someone for 2years, it's on your wedding day you're finding out that's he's a married man. It's the audacity for him to say they're in a polygamy is not a crime and yet couldn't be honest. In the midst of her heatbreak and trying to get over the embarrassment, she finds love in Etim but we all know things are hardly straight forward with books, he has a little issue with his past that he needs to sort out.

[Levy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished finished!

When I started this book, I already enjoyed it, but toward the end, I was like, Yeah, I’m definitely enjoying myself. I liked how mental health was portrayed and how the book made it clear that some situations weren’t black or white but existed in a grey zone of emotions. I loved Etim and Anuli so much. I just wish we got more of their relationship, but at the same time, it was perfect for the kind of book it was. I noticed there’s a second book after this, and I’m actually excited to check it out!!

[bookish eni-olak · Rating 5 out of 5]

If they ever make this book into a movie, I will queue at the cinemas everyday just to watch it. What happens when your dream of a perfect wedding day shatters at the altar as you find out your groom isn’t only married, he’s a firm believer of polygamy and was trying to coerce you into it. How do you find out he stole from your joint account and then you proceed to fall in love with the wedding planner 😂😂😂 who as it turns out has an ugly past and is also somewhat married 🥺🥺🥺

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say love can forgive, but how do you let go when deception is stitched in at the seams? 💔
It Started With “I Don’t” by @amaka.azie is a journey through betrayal, heartbreak, and self‑rediscovery. Anuli’s story reminded me that sometimes saying “I don’t” is saving yourself.

📖 Favourite quote: “There’s a hole in my chest from the bullet breaking my heart.”
Have you ever had your plans crumble at the altar?

[T.M. David-West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it an excellent read.

Amaka Azie did such an exceptional job that through Anuli's eyes only I get to know the MMC, Etim Ubong, fall for his gentle, caring and most sincere way of being.

The tender, yet heated love between Anuli and Etim constantly spread goose bumps along my skin. Such sweetness immersed in slow-burning heat.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Amaka Azie put me through all the emotions.laughing, swooning, angry, and even crying. I got so riled up halfway through that I had to Scream . Anuli really went through it,love showed her premium shege! Her journey felt so real, like I was walking beside her every step of the way.
Thank you so much Amaka Azie for this story

[Pauline Benjamin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me storyline would habe been ok without the swearing i thought it was a Christian fiction book wont be reading anymore i only read 5 chapters, thats why i gave a 1 rating

[Chinemerem · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Started with "I Don't" by Amaka Azie

This is a lovely read. I particularly enjoyed the character development throughout the story.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely in love with this book! Such a captivating, swoony, beautiful story.

[nini⭐️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off well and ended with ????

I really didn’t like the Fmc towards the end and that was very disappointing because she had so much potential.