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Christmas at the Villa
All Nneka Osakwe wants for Christmas? To not be flying to her hometown where overzealous relatives hound her relentlessly for still being single and parade one unsuitable suitor after another as a potential husband. Could a chance encounter with a handsome stranger at the airport be the crafty fix for her predicament?
A shocking offer from a woman he's only just met is the perfect solution to Chike Igbokwe's biggest problem—evading marriage minded single ladies at his sister’s wedding. A few days of playing pretend with a gorgeous woman couldn't have a downside, could it?
It's a simple, mutually beneficial arrangement. Foolproof …
Unless the lines between reality and make-believe get blurred.
A shocking offer from a woman he's only just met is the perfect solution to Chike Igbokwe's biggest problem—evading marriage minded single ladies at his sister’s wedding. A few days of playing pretend with a gorgeous woman couldn't have a downside, could it?
It's a simple, mutually beneficial arrangement. Foolproof …
Unless the lines between reality and make-believe get blurred.
- GenresHoliday
Unknown Binding
8 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Amaka Azie
28 books236 followersAmaka 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 24, 2021
Actual rating : 3.5
Got to love a Fake Dating Romance set in Africa around Christmas time
Got to love a Fake Dating Romance set in Africa around Christmas time
December 24, 2021
3.5-3.75 Stars.
I really liked this cute Christmas novella from one of my favourite Nigerian romance writers. The premise is that Nneka meets Chike at the airport, finds out that they’re flying to the same destination and they make a pact to be each other’s fake partner the lessen the matchmaking pressure from their respective families. What follows is a fun, surprisingly emotional Christmas romp about family expectations, achievement and acceptance.
This was as well-written as you would expect from this author. There were to me minor things around place, time and “realistic-ness” that pulled me out of the story occasionally. It is a shorter novella and so there were crumbs I was interested in that weren’t really followed as this was coming to a speedy resolution. This doesn’t mean that the novel felt rushed or incomplete, I may be being Oliver Twisty, and wanting more threads to be teased out in what is supposed to be a light Christmas novella. The fact is that overall, I enjoyed this a lot and thought this was a fabulous Christmas short and highly recommend.
I really liked this cute Christmas novella from one of my favourite Nigerian romance writers. The premise is that Nneka meets Chike at the airport, finds out that they’re flying to the same destination and they make a pact to be each other’s fake partner the lessen the matchmaking pressure from their respective families. What follows is a fun, surprisingly emotional Christmas romp about family expectations, achievement and acceptance.
This was as well-written as you would expect from this author. There were to me minor things around place, time and “realistic-ness” that pulled me out of the story occasionally. It is a shorter novella and so there were crumbs I was interested in that weren’t really followed as this was coming to a speedy resolution. This doesn’t mean that the novel felt rushed or incomplete, I may be being Oliver Twisty, and wanting more threads to be teased out in what is supposed to be a light Christmas novella. The fact is that overall, I enjoyed this a lot and thought this was a fabulous Christmas short and highly recommend.
December 21, 2021
This was really sweet and short. I had my heart in my mouth for the angst (I'm too soft or maybe it's just hormones but authors, please treat me like an old woman) I liked how Amaka dealt with important issues in the society as she always does and this was well done (considering that this is a novella). It was so exciting to see love between an "older" couple (with both of them succeeding in the lives). Amaka writes heroines I adore... look at Nneka, a senior lecturer with her PhD at hand and an ardent reader, smashing many of her goals despite outright and passive aggressions from the society. This is very impressive and I could almost see my future self in her, academically (+ she reminded me of my lecturer).
The romance was everything I wanted with both characters going for what they wanted from the beginning without wasting time, especially Chike. The part where Chike shot his shot smoothly had me singing a song from the Nigerian artist, Chike and calling him a smooth man🤣
This is a short Christmas romance with Nigerian characters and it is meant to be enjoyed without inhibitions.
While this might be cliché in some ways, it was perfect for me at this time and I will always respect Amaka Azie's original writing. 👍🏽
The romance was everything I wanted with both characters going for what they wanted from the beginning without wasting time, especially Chike. The part where Chike shot his shot smoothly had me singing a song from the Nigerian artist, Chike and calling him a smooth man🤣
This is a short Christmas romance with Nigerian characters and it is meant to be enjoyed without inhibitions.
While this might be cliché in some ways, it was perfect for me at this time and I will always respect Amaka Azie's original writing. 👍🏽
May 14, 2022
This was definitely an amazing Christmas gift. I so love the strangers at airport trope and tossing in fake dating blew my mind. I loved the story but I felt it would have been better a novel. (I'm biased towards novels😁😁)
In all, I loved every page. Thank you 😊
In all, I loved every page. Thank you 😊
December 26, 2021
I loved this short and sweet Christmas story. I loved that you explored a part of being a single woman and successful as a perceived impediment in getting married which is prevalent in Nigerian setting. Thank you for bringing out that there is more to a woman than getting married and having kids. I loved Nneka's character so well, that in as much she was still able to carry her head above.
I also loved the realness of the rest of the characters. It's a sweet Nigerian novella. A big thumbs up to you.
I also loved the realness of the rest of the characters. It's a sweet Nigerian novella. A big thumbs up to you.
December 28, 2022
Black romance has come to stay. This is a quick and sweet holiday read perfectly describing the holidays in typical Nigerian homes.
Fall in love with Christmas in Nigeria with this book.
Fall in love with Christmas in Nigeria with this book.
November 29, 2024
A delightful holiday read!
I love Christmas-themed books, so it’s no surprise I enjoyed this one.
The festive vibes were perfect, though the story felt rushed, and I’m not a fan of the third-act breakup trope.
Adaku’s apology didn’t feel enough for the embarrassment Nneka endured.
Still, Nneka and Chike’s chemistry made this a charming and enjoyable read and shout out to Obinna, i love perfect older brothers.
I love Christmas-themed books, so it’s no surprise I enjoyed this one.
The festive vibes were perfect, though the story felt rushed, and I’m not a fan of the third-act breakup trope.
Adaku’s apology didn’t feel enough for the embarrassment Nneka endured.
Still, Nneka and Chike’s chemistry made this a charming and enjoyable read and shout out to Obinna, i love perfect older brothers.
November 18, 2023
A wonderfully sweet Christmas romance. I enjoyed every page.
August 10, 2025
The fake dating trope>>>
Being pressured by one's family can make one do anything, so I understand perfectly.
It was such a sweet short read
Being pressured by one's family can make one do anything, so I understand perfectly.
It was such a sweet short read
January 1, 2025
I gave up my next read for one of Ms. Amaka Azie's romance stories. I've been hearing about her excellent works in romance and, this read was worth it. A beautifully crafted love story that left me grinning like a mumu. 😂Love is a beautiful thing. 🥹
This is a romance story about Nneka Osakwe, a single lady and a young lecturer at Springfield University, Abuja, and Chike Igboka (The Woman Magnet); he runs his family business of finance and accounting. It was love at first sight for them, even though she tried to play hard to get. It happened at the airport, on their way to the village for the Christmas holiday. Plot twist, she asked him to pretend to be her boyfriend because of the pressures of her family on her to get married. Did it go well? Read this novella to find out. 🌚
Hmmmm... I love this story and I don't regret reading it. It felt like I was seeing a Nollywood movie and I'm a die-hard lover of Nollywood movies. 😌😂 I love Nneka and Chike and I rooted hard for their love to blossom, if not for anything, but for Adaku to rest and stop stressing my girl. I love the way they connected easily. Nneka is a lover girl🤭, and Chike is that guy. A good actor😂 and a sweet man. 😌 It's the way he pays attention to details and notices little things for me; Act of kindness! 🥹
Adaku, Nneka's elder sister - the one WHO THINKS she has a perfect life because she's married - is my least favourite person in this book. At some point, I wanted to dissolve into the book and spank her. Like, why so nosy? I wanted to laugh at her misfortune, but I was not one to do such, and I pitied her because she was living in denial.
One thing I confirmed from this book is that the airport is one of the places to find love (my single ladies, this is your sign to normalize going to the airport😂). This is an interesting love story, and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading more works of the author. 💯
This is a romance story about Nneka Osakwe, a single lady and a young lecturer at Springfield University, Abuja, and Chike Igboka (The Woman Magnet); he runs his family business of finance and accounting. It was love at first sight for them, even though she tried to play hard to get. It happened at the airport, on their way to the village for the Christmas holiday. Plot twist, she asked him to pretend to be her boyfriend because of the pressures of her family on her to get married. Did it go well? Read this novella to find out. 🌚
Hmmmm... I love this story and I don't regret reading it. It felt like I was seeing a Nollywood movie and I'm a die-hard lover of Nollywood movies. 😌😂 I love Nneka and Chike and I rooted hard for their love to blossom, if not for anything, but for Adaku to rest and stop stressing my girl. I love the way they connected easily. Nneka is a lover girl🤭, and Chike is that guy. A good actor😂 and a sweet man. 😌 It's the way he pays attention to details and notices little things for me; Act of kindness! 🥹
Adaku, Nneka's elder sister - the one WHO THINKS she has a perfect life because she's married - is my least favourite person in this book. At some point, I wanted to dissolve into the book and spank her. Like, why so nosy? I wanted to laugh at her misfortune, but I was not one to do such, and I pitied her because she was living in denial.
One thing I confirmed from this book is that the airport is one of the places to find love (my single ladies, this is your sign to normalize going to the airport😂). This is an interesting love story, and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading more works of the author. 💯
December 16, 2023
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
Oh, the happiness this novella brought me! I loved the bookish, academic, strong and professionally successful Nneka, and Chike is quite possibly the perfect man. *swoon*
They have an adorable meet cute in an airport and agree to a fake dating scheme over Christmas holidays, which includes a traditional Nigerian wedding and family Christmas Eve dinner.
The plot moved quickly and included believable primary and secondary conflict - so much drama, and I’m here for it! The resolution of these conflicts is heartwarming and swoony (we do get that HEA).
What I enjoyed most, though, was experiencing Nigerian culture while reading this story. The author does a great job of making traditional and modern Nigeria jump off the page, and I can’t wait to read more from her!
CW: colorism; pressure about traditional gender roles; infidelity; homophobia; moderate sexual content
Oh, the happiness this novella brought me! I loved the bookish, academic, strong and professionally successful Nneka, and Chike is quite possibly the perfect man. *swoon*
They have an adorable meet cute in an airport and agree to a fake dating scheme over Christmas holidays, which includes a traditional Nigerian wedding and family Christmas Eve dinner.
The plot moved quickly and included believable primary and secondary conflict - so much drama, and I’m here for it! The resolution of these conflicts is heartwarming and swoony (we do get that HEA).
What I enjoyed most, though, was experiencing Nigerian culture while reading this story. The author does a great job of making traditional and modern Nigeria jump off the page, and I can’t wait to read more from her!
CW: colorism; pressure about traditional gender roles; infidelity; homophobia; moderate sexual content
December 13, 2023
loved it
We follow nneka and Chike love story , after meeting at an airport and getting to know eachother during a flight delay, they made an faking dating arrangement which was only suppose to last for the Christmas break whilst they were home in their families neighbouring village. but real love brews between them ,the more they spend time together.
The plot twists in this story was
everything. I loved how entertaining this read was.
Lesson learned from this story is to prioritise your happiness above all else!
Highly recommend this short Christmas read
We follow nneka and Chike love story , after meeting at an airport and getting to know eachother during a flight delay, they made an faking dating arrangement which was only suppose to last for the Christmas break whilst they were home in their families neighbouring village. but real love brews between them ,the more they spend time together.
The plot twists in this story was
everything. I loved how entertaining this read was.
Lesson learned from this story is to prioritise your happiness above all else!
Highly recommend this short Christmas read
February 17, 2022
This is the fairytale that fairytales are made up of...
I loved the energy of this book but again, I just love the author so...
Great, relaxing read and then the village vibes made it more believable
I loved the energy of this book but again, I just love the author so...
Great, relaxing read and then the village vibes made it more believable
December 2, 2022
Chike and Nneka
Christmas at the Villa was a quick and sweet read. I enjoyed reading Chike and Nneka story. I loved that the fake dating turned into a real relationship for them and that the story was realistic.
Christmas at the Villa was a quick and sweet read. I enjoyed reading Chike and Nneka story. I loved that the fake dating turned into a real relationship for them and that the story was realistic.
December 15, 2024
Fricking lovedd thisss....the romance was so cute and i loved how so much was said in such few pages ...The author kinda drew our attention to tribalism in africa and how women are not really seen for their achievements !
March 11, 2024
I smiled all through this book, it was so enjoyable and a very quick read.
October 6, 2024
Adaku didn’t take enough responsibility for her wicked actions and Nneka let it go too easily.
December 23, 2024
This was a cute fake dating holiday novella. I really enjoyed Nneka & Chike.
December 26, 2024
A good soft romance book🤍.
April 29, 2025
i loved it!!
May 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️s
I really loved that it had so much plot at the end. A very quick and nice read and it has the fake relationship trope so why would you not pick up this book? I enjoyed it a lot.
I really loved that it had so much plot at the end. A very quick and nice read and it has the fake relationship trope so why would you not pick up this book? I enjoyed it a lot.
July 24, 2025
Unusual love stories
Short , easy and engaging read
You can always find love , don’t stop hoping
Short , easy and engaging read
You can always find love , don’t stop hoping
November 7, 2025
No unnecessary trauma just a pure love story.
December 22, 2025
My first time reading Amaka Azie and I was surprisingly satisfied. This novella tackled a lot of deep themes surrounding women and expectations while being severely sweet. No notes!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews