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The Judge's Secret
A Dutiful Daughter
Justice IyomaHaruna has always done her father’s bidding, an arranged marriage included. Though cries of nepotism now surround her judgeship, she’s vowed to prove herself worthy. Then, the one man who made her forget duty walks into her courtroom. The only man who knows her secret. Will one night of forbidden passion blow her life to bits?
A Dragon-slaying Barrister
Bespectacled Femi Williams appears mild-mannered, but he takes on the rich and powerful in defence of the weak. And he wins. Not in his personal life, though, so Femi’s sworn off romance. Appearing before Justice Iyoma Haruna, he knows they’ve met. But where and when eludes him. When he realises just who she is and what she did, will he expose her as a liar and fraud?
Or will he make her his?
Justice IyomaHaruna has always done her father’s bidding, an arranged marriage included. Though cries of nepotism now surround her judgeship, she’s vowed to prove herself worthy. Then, the one man who made her forget duty walks into her courtroom. The only man who knows her secret. Will one night of forbidden passion blow her life to bits?
A Dragon-slaying Barrister
Bespectacled Femi Williams appears mild-mannered, but he takes on the rich and powerful in defence of the weak. And he wins. Not in his personal life, though, so Femi’s sworn off romance. Appearing before Justice Iyoma Haruna, he knows they’ve met. But where and when eludes him. When he realises just who she is and what she did, will he expose her as a liar and fraud?
Or will he make her his?
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About the author
Amaka Azie
27 books228 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 26, 2020
Great read
You are a brilliant writer and i love your stories.this book is all about second chances and forgiveness. I highly recommend
You are a brilliant writer and i love your stories.this book is all about second chances and forgiveness. I highly recommend
February 25, 2020
A book filled with drama, romance, and passion. Just like the first time they’d met, the attraction between Iyoma and Femi ignited. Iyoma has a huge secret to keep from Femi, but Femi is wiser than she gives him credit for and he’s angry when he discovers the deviousness of her actions. The story is not just the ups and downs of their romance, but of their careers and how they affect people’s lives.
A wonderful story that will have you rushing to the end of the book to see how or if things get resolved.
A wonderful story that will have you rushing to the end of the book to see how or if things get resolved.
November 13, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. It was straight to the point, very much enjoyable, appropriate amount of romance, no unnecessary drama and it had lots of lessons. I love the fact that we were given an epilogue.
I felt robbed of some details though, for instance, I'd love to know the contents of the press release by the Harunas.
I felt robbed of some details though, for instance, I'd love to know the contents of the press release by the Harunas.
February 8, 2020
Beautiful
I was so glad when I searched for one of my favourite writers and saw that she had released a new book. Love lobe this story of second chance at love. God is faithful
I was so glad when I searched for one of my favourite writers and saw that she had released a new book. Love lobe this story of second chance at love. God is faithful
February 28, 2020
Perfect ending to this series. Beautiful book and faultlessly executed. Beautiful love story interwoven with serous societal issues. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
February 20, 2020
Renewed Interests
The way and reasons that Femi and Iyoma first came together was just crazy because of Ahmed's request to his wife. I'm glad that even with their personal life being splashed in the papers that everything worked out for Femi, Iyoma, and Junior. It's sad that children are being abused in the manner that Jacinta was but at least they have people advocating for them and helping to get justice for the abuse against them. This was a good book to bring out child labor awareness.
The way and reasons that Femi and Iyoma first came together was just crazy because of Ahmed's request to his wife. I'm glad that even with their personal life being splashed in the papers that everything worked out for Femi, Iyoma, and Junior. It's sad that children are being abused in the manner that Jacinta was but at least they have people advocating for them and helping to get justice for the abuse against them. This was a good book to bring out child labor awareness.
December 17, 2024
I couldn’t put it down till I finished it. I literally stayed up late to finish it.
March 25, 2020
I really enjoyed the end to this trilogy of standalone books featuring 3 best friends. The books are indeed standalone but I have been waiting for what feels like AGES for Femi’s book because he’s been my favourite from Book 1. All the books in the trilogy are great but I will admit that this one might be my favourite and it’s not because it has my favourite trope secret baby in it. (The other prominent trope in this is blackmail, which isn’t typically my favourite, so there).
The premise is that thanks to her father pulling some strings (in addition to a stellar career), Iyoma has been appointed as a judge in the Abuba circuit and feels the need to prove herself. When she runs into Femi, a blast from her past, she is fearful that he might discover the secret of how they know each other. When Femi finds out her secret, he is determined to make her pay whatever the cost. But there’s a thin line between love and hate and they’re both basically decent people but can love thrive when there’s no trust.
This was a great West African romance. I loved that the author like in her previous books, this book has a deeper contextual theme, in this case child trafficking which is addressed within the legal system here. It is something I’m somewhat familiar with and with the agency mentioned and so it was really interesting to have that bit of reality intertwined with an otherwise super spicy, very dramatic romance novel. I really enjoyed reading this and even though I got it the second it came out about a month or two ago and I’ve been saving it for a special occasion, building up in my head how excellent my Femi’s book was going to be, I wasn’t at all disappointed at all. Love this author and her writing!
The premise is that thanks to her father pulling some strings (in addition to a stellar career), Iyoma has been appointed as a judge in the Abuba circuit and feels the need to prove herself. When she runs into Femi, a blast from her past, she is fearful that he might discover the secret of how they know each other. When Femi finds out her secret, he is determined to make her pay whatever the cost. But there’s a thin line between love and hate and they’re both basically decent people but can love thrive when there’s no trust.
This was a great West African romance. I loved that the author like in her previous books, this book has a deeper contextual theme, in this case child trafficking which is addressed within the legal system here. It is something I’m somewhat familiar with and with the agency mentioned and so it was really interesting to have that bit of reality intertwined with an otherwise super spicy, very dramatic romance novel. I really enjoyed reading this and even though I got it the second it came out about a month or two ago and I’ve been saving it for a special occasion, building up in my head how excellent my Femi’s book was going to be, I wasn’t at all disappointed at all. Love this author and her writing!
May 5, 2025
I’m not sure why it took me over a month to finish this book — life, school, and everything in between definitely played a part — but I’m glad I stuck with it because it was truly a good read!
What stood out most was how the author didn’t just stop at the romance (which, by the way, was already swoon-worthy and full of chemistry!). After the love story bloomed, there was still more to dive into — twists, secrets, and drama. The leaking of the tapes, the real truth behind Junior… it was the kind of layered storytelling that keeps you turning pages.
Although I don’t have as much to say about this book as I usually would (blame my busy schedule), it still deserves its flowers. Amaka Azie delivered romance with depth and just the right amount of drama — exactly how we like it!
What stood out most was how the author didn’t just stop at the romance (which, by the way, was already swoon-worthy and full of chemistry!). After the love story bloomed, there was still more to dive into — twists, secrets, and drama. The leaking of the tapes, the real truth behind Junior… it was the kind of layered storytelling that keeps you turning pages.
Although I don’t have as much to say about this book as I usually would (blame my busy schedule), it still deserves its flowers. Amaka Azie delivered romance with depth and just the right amount of drama — exactly how we like it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
Rating 3.5 ⭐
Favourite Quote:
"Some secrets are meant to be buried, but others... they’re the key to freedom."
I’ve loved every book in The Abuja friends series, but The Judge's Secret wasn’t my favorite. The writing style remains fantastic, and it’s a quick, easy read. However, the story felt rushed, especially the historical elements, and I didn’t feel the chemistry between Iyoma and Femi like in previous books. It’s still a good read, but it didn’t have the same spark as the earlier installments.
Favourite Quote:
"Some secrets are meant to be buried, but others... they’re the key to freedom."
I’ve loved every book in The Abuja friends series, but The Judge's Secret wasn’t my favorite. The writing style remains fantastic, and it’s a quick, easy read. However, the story felt rushed, especially the historical elements, and I didn’t feel the chemistry between Iyoma and Femi like in previous books. It’s still a good read, but it didn’t have the same spark as the earlier installments.
January 7, 2021
Awesome story line. The twists and turns, were unexpected. I kept thinking about this book and looking forward to the next page until I finished it. Determined to read Amaka's other books.
November 14, 2024
I love fake dating and marriage. I love the second chance love. It was beautiful
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
Everything about this book made sense. It's a book that draws you in, Each chapter has a way of letting you deeper into the world of Femi and iyoma. A 10/10.
April 28, 2025
I loved loved loved the Abuja Friends Trilogy ❤️❤️❤️!!! These books are the best Amaka Azie Books I’ve read so far..
May 29, 2025
Loved how every book in this series tackles one societal challenge or another. A lovely read it was
October 8, 2025
Everything about this book was fantastic! FEMI!!!😍😍
November 18, 2025
The narrating of a story, I just can’t. It makes me feel like that is why the author will repetitively repeat the characters feelings and it just leaves me feeling like we covered this part in the past chapter can we move on already.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews