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Through the Fire
Busy plastic surgeon Oke Amayo lives life on her own terms. No husband, no children, no commitments. She prefers toy boys and freedom. Then, a breast cancer diagnosis changes her mind, but only about children. Oke wants a baby, and only one man will fit the bill as her baby daddy. Can she convince her friend Arinze to sign on to her co-parenting plan without the bogus happily-ever-after that everyone knows doesn’t exist?
Widower Arinze Ibeh still grieves the loss of his beloved wife to cancer. When he discovers his friend now has the disease, he immediately offers his help. But Oke wants a little something extra from him. A baby?! Arinze has dreamt of having children, but certainly not according to the unconventional terms of Oke’s proposal. Will she consider his counteroffer?
Widower Arinze Ibeh still grieves the loss of his beloved wife to cancer. When he discovers his friend now has the disease, he immediately offers his help. But Oke wants a little something extra from him. A baby?! Arinze has dreamt of having children, but certainly not according to the unconventional terms of Oke’s proposal. Will she consider his counteroffer?
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About the author
Amaka Azie
28 books232 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 13, 2024
Raise your hand if you've ever finished a book feeling like you just went through several rounds of emotional boxing match! 🙋🏽♀️ That was me after devouring "Through The Fire" by Amaka Azie.
Let's talk about Arinze, my favourite character. This fictional guy just became my first ever Book Boyfriend. He's got the whole package – loyal, supportive, successful, intelligent, respectful, handsome, confident, kind, loving and yes, skilled in the sack!😜
But Arize's story isn't all sunshine and rainbows. His love for his late wife Mary is beautifully portrayed. His grief after her death was devastating, and his struggles with depression and even suicide attempts had me tearing up like a baby.
Amaka Azie didn't shy away from the messy parts of love and loss. It felt so real, and that raw honesty, in my opinion, is what made this book so powerful.
Then, Arinze and Oke went from casual friends to passionate lovers. Those two together was pure magic. It was fun reading how Oke - who swore never to have a committed relationship with any man fall hopelessly for Arinze. They were the perfect balm for each other's wounds. But their love story ended suddenly, and the heartbreak that followed was quite brutal.
I love Arinze's commitment to self-improvement. He didn't wallow in his sadness after the breakup, instead he went and got the therapy he needed. This focus on mental health is something I rarely see in romance novels, and it makes his character even more admirable.
I'm not going to spill more tea abeg, you have to go and read this book for yourself.
Thank you Amaka Azie for this beautiful story. I enjoyed reading it! 🥰
Let's talk about Arinze, my favourite character. This fictional guy just became my first ever Book Boyfriend. He's got the whole package – loyal, supportive, successful, intelligent, respectful, handsome, confident, kind, loving and yes, skilled in the sack!😜
But Arize's story isn't all sunshine and rainbows. His love for his late wife Mary is beautifully portrayed. His grief after her death was devastating, and his struggles with depression and even suicide attempts had me tearing up like a baby.
Amaka Azie didn't shy away from the messy parts of love and loss. It felt so real, and that raw honesty, in my opinion, is what made this book so powerful.
Then, Arinze and Oke went from casual friends to passionate lovers. Those two together was pure magic. It was fun reading how Oke - who swore never to have a committed relationship with any man fall hopelessly for Arinze. They were the perfect balm for each other's wounds. But their love story ended suddenly, and the heartbreak that followed was quite brutal.
I love Arinze's commitment to self-improvement. He didn't wallow in his sadness after the breakup, instead he went and got the therapy he needed. This focus on mental health is something I rarely see in romance novels, and it makes his character even more admirable.
I'm not going to spill more tea abeg, you have to go and read this book for yourself.
Thank you Amaka Azie for this beautiful story. I enjoyed reading it! 🥰
May 15, 2025
3.85 ⭐️s
I did enjoy this book a lot and love the growth between both characters so much. However I felt it was so dragged and started annoying me with the back and forth. It’s very educative and reading it makes you informed about it. I did enjoy it.
I did enjoy this book a lot and love the growth between both characters so much. However I felt it was so dragged and started annoying me with the back and forth. It’s very educative and reading it makes you informed about it. I did enjoy it.
December 22, 2022
loved the start…
I found this to be a book of 3 parts- I loved the first third with the premise of Arinze, a grieving business mogul widower, hooking up with his platonic friend, Oke, a commitment-phobic successful plastic surgeon dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis. I thought the themes of depression, grief, loss, childhood trauma, and family were dealt with really well and in a compelling non-gratuitous way. Personally, I was ready to give this 5 stars at that point.
However, I struggled a bit with the middle bit of this book where I think things got a bit muddy. Oke’s transition from commitment-phobe to aspiring mother and partner was a little abrupt and I wish it had more of a linkage with her initial character and that she interrogated that transition a bit more deeply. I also found Arinze’s transition from suicidal grieving widower to being sexed out of grief through one hot night, a bit abrupt. I’m the middle section, he seemed to undergo quite a few ain’t-ish personality transplants that didn’t seem in line with his character as initially presented as a strong, firm, decisive person with a good sense of what he wants. And I think there could have been more interaction with his grief and depression as he grew his relationship with Oke. I did like that the author flirted with really relevant themes in the Nigerian context like ethnic and religious discrimination which many people have to negotiate even within supportive family structures.
She also very lightly touched on homophobia and the lengths to which one might go to stay closeted. I think these themes were done really well and were really interesting, but again especially with the latter, I wished more had been made of it.
The final third picked up again and I think wrapped the book up well. I started of the book being passionate about Arinze and respecting but ultimately being ambivalent about Oke. In the middle part this was reversed. In this final part my liking and respect for Oke grew. She knew her own worth and I’m glad because of that, Arinze had to come to get his act together. I feel like the resolution was healthy for both of them I’m a sucker for a good epilogue and this has a really nice one that kind of bumps my overall rating for this to 4 stars on the balance. I love this author’s work and I really enjoyed the themes and the story. I had a few issues with some of the linkages and characterisation, but to me overall, it was emotionally complex and really well-balanced. I liked it a lot and recommend it, if it’s not harmful to your mental health.
I found this to be a book of 3 parts- I loved the first third with the premise of Arinze, a grieving business mogul widower, hooking up with his platonic friend, Oke, a commitment-phobic successful plastic surgeon dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis. I thought the themes of depression, grief, loss, childhood trauma, and family were dealt with really well and in a compelling non-gratuitous way. Personally, I was ready to give this 5 stars at that point.
However, I struggled a bit with the middle bit of this book where I think things got a bit muddy. Oke’s transition from commitment-phobe to aspiring mother and partner was a little abrupt and I wish it had more of a linkage with her initial character and that she interrogated that transition a bit more deeply. I also found Arinze’s transition from suicidal grieving widower to being sexed out of grief through one hot night, a bit abrupt. I’m the middle section, he seemed to undergo quite a few ain’t-ish personality transplants that didn’t seem in line with his character as initially presented as a strong, firm, decisive person with a good sense of what he wants. And I think there could have been more interaction with his grief and depression as he grew his relationship with Oke. I did like that the author flirted with really relevant themes in the Nigerian context like ethnic and religious discrimination which many people have to negotiate even within supportive family structures.
She also very lightly touched on homophobia and the lengths to which one might go to stay closeted. I think these themes were done really well and were really interesting, but again especially with the latter, I wished more had been made of it.
The final third picked up again and I think wrapped the book up well. I started of the book being passionate about Arinze and respecting but ultimately being ambivalent about Oke. In the middle part this was reversed. In this final part my liking and respect for Oke grew. She knew her own worth and I’m glad because of that, Arinze had to come to get his act together. I feel like the resolution was healthy for both of them I’m a sucker for a good epilogue and this has a really nice one that kind of bumps my overall rating for this to 4 stars on the balance. I love this author’s work and I really enjoyed the themes and the story. I had a few issues with some of the linkages and characterisation, but to me overall, it was emotionally complex and really well-balanced. I liked it a lot and recommend it, if it’s not harmful to your mental health.
May 16, 2023
Another fantastic read from the world of Amaka Azie. We get to feel all the emotions every character goes through. We're with them through the funnies, tears and joy. Life changing issues are brought to the fore in totally relatable ways that makes the make the book resonate. This gave me a lot of joy.
October 15, 2022
great book
This is my first time reading this author and I loved this book. We meet Oke who is a plastic surgeon and doesn’t do relationships. Arinze is a friend who is a widower and is having a hard time navigating life without his wife. After Oke receives a life threatening diagnosis, the relationship begins to change between Arinze and Oke. And the path to love is of course without bumps and mountains along the way. But the author navigates this perfectly. Can’t wait to read more by this author!
This is my first time reading this author and I loved this book. We meet Oke who is a plastic surgeon and doesn’t do relationships. Arinze is a friend who is a widower and is having a hard time navigating life without his wife. After Oke receives a life threatening diagnosis, the relationship begins to change between Arinze and Oke. And the path to love is of course without bumps and mountains along the way. But the author navigates this perfectly. Can’t wait to read more by this author!
November 3, 2022
As one of my favourite African romance authors, Amaka doesn't disappoint.
I loved the characters - Arinze and Oke. The fact that they were both open, willing to take a chance and accepting of their faults made me smile.
The author manages to delve below the surface on cancer, illness and also grief. I realize a lot of times when we lose loved ones, we never understand the amount of grief and guilt we carry around.
Thank you for making it okay to be alive after losing someone and also the strength and poeer in forgiveness, especially self forgiveness...
I loved the characters - Arinze and Oke. The fact that they were both open, willing to take a chance and accepting of their faults made me smile.
The author manages to delve below the surface on cancer, illness and also grief. I realize a lot of times when we lose loved ones, we never understand the amount of grief and guilt we carry around.
Thank you for making it okay to be alive after losing someone and also the strength and poeer in forgiveness, especially self forgiveness...
October 15, 2022
This book introduces us to the world of Oke, a plastic surgeon and Arinze, her close friend and a widower. An unfortunate situation brings them closer and changes the course of their friendship.
I loved how the author discussed the need of taking off the pain from the past in order to forge ahead. They both had to properly heal to enjoy their new found love. It was an enjoyable friends to lovers romance.😍
I loved how the author discussed the need of taking off the pain from the past in order to forge ahead. They both had to properly heal to enjoy their new found love. It was an enjoyable friends to lovers romance.😍
October 8, 2022
What a lovely story! I appreciate how the author includes topics such as loss/ grief, trauma, counseling, importance of frienships etc. in this exquisite piece. Ozi and Arinze will make you emotional. Ozi jouney is one of courage and the ability fo accept the situation and seek help. I hope many women read it and gain more awareness on breast cancer. Well done @amakaazie
October 10, 2022
Awesome read
This is such a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and learning how our child hood trauma may affect our ability to love and receive love. Also I love the fact that the author also delves into life after a cancer diagnosis.
This is such a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and learning how our child hood trauma may affect our ability to love and receive love. Also I love the fact that the author also delves into life after a cancer diagnosis.
September 15, 2025
This book...amazing! I love Oke's character arc and how she and Arinze navigated through the different stages of their relationship. An awesome friends to lovers story. I also love how Amaka handled such sensitive topics as cancer and childhood trauma. Really lovely story!
July 16, 2025
This is the second book in the Lagos Plastic Surgeon series, and honestly, I still feel the same way I did about the first — the heavier themes weren’t explored with as much depth as I would’ve liked.
The book touches on really important issues like grief, suicide, abandonment, and later on, even tribalism. But for a large part of the story, these themes felt either glossed over or overshadowed by the romance plot. Then, when the book does circle back to these issues, they’re addressed in a way that felt a bit rushed or surface-level.
I think there was room for more layered conversations between the characters, especially given the gravity of what they were dealing with. I wanted more insight into the why, more emotional complexity, especially once tribalism became a plot point.
That said, the romance wasn’t bad at all, it didn’t feel cringey or forced. And I have to give Amaka her flowers: she knows how to write an engaging story. Her writing draws you in and keeps you hooked. I didn’t want to put the book down, which says a lot.
Overall, I appreciate that she’s taking on these meaningful topics, I just wish they were explored with more depth. That’s really my only critique.
The book touches on really important issues like grief, suicide, abandonment, and later on, even tribalism. But for a large part of the story, these themes felt either glossed over or overshadowed by the romance plot. Then, when the book does circle back to these issues, they’re addressed in a way that felt a bit rushed or surface-level.
I think there was room for more layered conversations between the characters, especially given the gravity of what they were dealing with. I wanted more insight into the why, more emotional complexity, especially once tribalism became a plot point.
That said, the romance wasn’t bad at all, it didn’t feel cringey or forced. And I have to give Amaka her flowers: she knows how to write an engaging story. Her writing draws you in and keeps you hooked. I didn’t want to put the book down, which says a lot.
Overall, I appreciate that she’s taking on these meaningful topics, I just wish they were explored with more depth. That’s really my only critique.
October 14, 2025
Arinze quickly became the heart of this story for me. He's compassionate and loyal, yet deeply scarred by the loss of his wife, Mary. His struggles with grief and depression were portrayed with raw honesty, and I especially admired how he chose to seek therapy a refreshing and powerful detail in a romance novel.
What stood out most was how the book tackled important themes like mental health, loss, and healing while still delivering a compelling love story. These layers added richness and made the novel both emotional and thought provoking.
What stood out most was how the book tackled important themes like mental health, loss, and healing while still delivering a compelling love story. These layers added richness and made the novel both emotional and thought provoking.
December 11, 2025
My second book my amaka azie and it was another good book..loved the characters and the breast cancer rep in the book and also how mature the book felt..this book deals with two people dealing with trauma brought together my love..I love the fcm oke's style and how she was described as a strong independent woman different from the usual fmc descriptions we normally get. The character development was also really good overall this book is a reminder that no matter how strong we maybe everyone needs a shoulder to lean on when life gets overwhelming ❤️
July 10, 2025
I liked Arinze's character, he kind and loyal, even though he wad deeply grieving his late wife, Mary. His struggles with depression and choosing to get therapy were powerful and refreshing to see in a romance.
I enjoyed watching his friendship with Oke slowly turn into love, even though the sudden heartbreak that followed was painful. The story also touched on important topics like mental health, grief, and healing, which added depth.
May 8, 2025
This book is everything!
Oke and Arinze were a joy to read about. I love when women find that one person they can be vulnerable with without fear or shame and Oke found that in Arinze. I enjoyed reading about them.
Amaka Azie also used this beautiful book to educate readers about cancer and trauma. This book remains my favourite of the series.
Oke and Arinze were a joy to read about. I love when women find that one person they can be vulnerable with without fear or shame and Oke found that in Arinze. I enjoyed reading about them.
Amaka Azie also used this beautiful book to educate readers about cancer and trauma. This book remains my favourite of the series.
November 6, 2025
I loved it! Rated it 4.5 stars
January 15, 2026
God of Arinze, find meee☺☺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
In the book Oke and Arinze both had to deal with life changing issues. This book was very realistic when dealing with those issues. I was annoyed that everybody wanted a new woman for Arinze and wanted her to be like his first wife. I'm enjoying reading the series.
December 23, 2022
what a wonderful ride
This story takes us through a roller coaster ride.
Oke has breast cancer and her attitude to life changes. She suddenly want all the things she thought she didn’t. In comes Arinze. Her friend. Completely opposite from her, yet their friendship builds up in such a sweet and natural way into a beautiful love story. I loved everything about the story. And the epilogue… one of the best I’ve ever read! 5 fantastic stars!
This story takes us through a roller coaster ride.
Oke has breast cancer and her attitude to life changes. She suddenly want all the things she thought she didn’t. In comes Arinze. Her friend. Completely opposite from her, yet their friendship builds up in such a sweet and natural way into a beautiful love story. I loved everything about the story. And the epilogue… one of the best I’ve ever read! 5 fantastic stars!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews