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Shades of Okoye
I sit, clutching last night's letter from the parole board with unsteady hands. The words melt together as tears form. "Early release," "Harlan McCandles," "impending freedom date." Each phrase strikes malevolent thoughts into the depths of me.
He found a way, like he said he would.
"Wouldn't it be nice... to no longer be everyone's cautionary tale by default?"
Married couple Patience and Obinna Okoye had faith in the justice system once. But Ex-convict Harlan McCandles has just been released from prison and they're expecting him to be unshackled. Ravenous. Seeking for his muse of muses. Yet, Patience is ready with a plan... one that may push her marriage to the brink. A desperate strategy born not just from fear but from something far more personal. Especially when it comes to family. The closer she gets, the more the lines begin to blur between the hunter and the hunted. Will Obinna finally fight for the woman who's known to 'want too much?' Loyalties will be tested, secrets unearthed, and survival is not guaranteed in this chilling psychological reckoning. Discover the long-awaited conclusion to For His Muse Only.
He found a way, like he said he would.
"Wouldn't it be nice... to no longer be everyone's cautionary tale by default?"
Married couple Patience and Obinna Okoye had faith in the justice system once. But Ex-convict Harlan McCandles has just been released from prison and they're expecting him to be unshackled. Ravenous. Seeking for his muse of muses. Yet, Patience is ready with a plan... one that may push her marriage to the brink. A desperate strategy born not just from fear but from something far more personal. Especially when it comes to family. The closer she gets, the more the lines begin to blur between the hunter and the hunted. Will Obinna finally fight for the woman who's known to 'want too much?' Loyalties will be tested, secrets unearthed, and survival is not guaranteed in this chilling psychological reckoning. Discover the long-awaited conclusion to For His Muse Only.
444 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2025
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Ada Afam
4 books38 followersAda Afam is a Nigerian-American author based in Denton, TX, where she lives with her husband and two spirited dogs. Known for her gripping narratives, Ada delves deeply into the complexities of thrillers and dramatic works of fiction. Her work intricately weaves haunting backstories with explorations of identity, resilience, and the shadowed nuances of human desire.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 25, 2025
Once again Patience has plucked my nerves. Throughout the book I felt that I knew exactly what was happening but the twist it took, fooled me. It had me feeling things for people that I never thought I would. The shades of Okoye are deeper than I would have ever imaged. The lengths all characters take to get what they think is their goal not thinking on what this will cost others and themselves in the end. I am glad that we got to continue this journey to see what the next stages in life held for Patience, Obinna and Harlan and it was more than I ever expected.
DIVE IN FOR ALL THE SHADES!
DIVE IN FOR ALL THE SHADES!
December 31, 2025
This book was also an excellent read. The ending of the first book made me want to get right into it because I had a bunch of questions with a number of theories circulating. Most of them came to fruition, but this book was also heavy and dark because just when you believe there could be no more twists and turnss you were greeted by more things that put Patience in the hot seat and Harlan McCandles in her sight.
I can understand her hatred for this man who ruined her life and left her with mental and physical scars to remind her of what he was capable of, and more keep her on her toes, especially when he is released from prison. She has every right to defend her family, but I can see her need at every whim to take control, and her relationship with Obinna is on the mend, as it seems. She's prepared in whatever way possible to keep the former art professor from getting near her children and protecting the family; however, Obinna wants to take the reins after all he has encountered with Patience and Harlan's wrath.
She seems to put herself on the verge of getting caught and in trouble by finding out where Harlan is after his release, and she started things when they accidently meet up at a grocery store. It is clear she is finding her voice to speak her mind when they see each other after several years, and he makes it plain he wants nothing to do with her. Just to live his life and do everything he is asked as a condition of his patrol.
Patience is determined to continue her plans to do away with Harlan when she is not working in a different job as her own boss, caring for the girls, and finding ways to open more doors for her and Obinna to address their marital issues but the more she dig,s the bigger her obsession to put her plans into place grow and the gnarling need of revenge. To her, his rehabilitation as a human should be summoned to the ground in death. No amount of medications, programs, or adjustments to his own life will satisfy her. His former connections don't hesitate to come out of the shadows on their own, adding to the likelihood of landing him back in prison, but the grave is a better stake.
When Grace develops health problems, Harlan has to enter the equation to save her life as the only donor to give a kidney she needs, but Patience's thoughts go to keeping her daughter alive and the cost of it. She fails to listen to people like his step sister, Marsha. Lawyer and supervised visitations for Grace and Harlan to see each other, throttle Patience, but for now, she agrees.
On the home front, Patience and Obinna go from working on their relationship while raising the two girls to Obinna drinking. Before too long, Patience loses her therpist having to go alone with the things in her life that are tearing her down again. After Harlan saves her from the lake incident is clear that she believes he is setting her up, and because of giving Grace a kidney, there might be a chance for him and Patience again. She'll always think what a piece of garbage he is, trying to get people to see an improving Harlan McCandles, and the twists and turns of Patience's investigation lead to the death of his uncle and more secrets about his life and how he became who he is.
Maybe it was never going to be enough to come into an inheritance for Harlan and amend for those he harmed, including Patience Okoye, but when Obinna gets wind of these latest developments, it leads to a high charge turn of events that leave one man dead. It should've been enough, but when Obinna goes into the hospital, things around Patience and Obinna's continue to decline, putting Patience as a subject of not one but two investigations. Harlan was not going to see the light of day, but the crumbling of her life, marriage, and the death of her mother teach her a valuable lesson
It was always about survival, but at what cost and whose life did it take for her to realize the stakes of her snooping to see what her choices years ago and now have down to open her eyes to more than meets the eye, but choosing her battles and forgiving. Maybe Patience figured in her own mind there was no other way, but again, what would she have to lose to see how blood thirsty she was to go after Harlan so he'd not hurt anyone else?
I can understand her hatred for this man who ruined her life and left her with mental and physical scars to remind her of what he was capable of, and more keep her on her toes, especially when he is released from prison. She has every right to defend her family, but I can see her need at every whim to take control, and her relationship with Obinna is on the mend, as it seems. She's prepared in whatever way possible to keep the former art professor from getting near her children and protecting the family; however, Obinna wants to take the reins after all he has encountered with Patience and Harlan's wrath.
She seems to put herself on the verge of getting caught and in trouble by finding out where Harlan is after his release, and she started things when they accidently meet up at a grocery store. It is clear she is finding her voice to speak her mind when they see each other after several years, and he makes it plain he wants nothing to do with her. Just to live his life and do everything he is asked as a condition of his patrol.
Patience is determined to continue her plans to do away with Harlan when she is not working in a different job as her own boss, caring for the girls, and finding ways to open more doors for her and Obinna to address their marital issues but the more she dig,s the bigger her obsession to put her plans into place grow and the gnarling need of revenge. To her, his rehabilitation as a human should be summoned to the ground in death. No amount of medications, programs, or adjustments to his own life will satisfy her. His former connections don't hesitate to come out of the shadows on their own, adding to the likelihood of landing him back in prison, but the grave is a better stake.
When Grace develops health problems, Harlan has to enter the equation to save her life as the only donor to give a kidney she needs, but Patience's thoughts go to keeping her daughter alive and the cost of it. She fails to listen to people like his step sister, Marsha. Lawyer and supervised visitations for Grace and Harlan to see each other, throttle Patience, but for now, she agrees.
On the home front, Patience and Obinna go from working on their relationship while raising the two girls to Obinna drinking. Before too long, Patience loses her therpist having to go alone with the things in her life that are tearing her down again. After Harlan saves her from the lake incident is clear that she believes he is setting her up, and because of giving Grace a kidney, there might be a chance for him and Patience again. She'll always think what a piece of garbage he is, trying to get people to see an improving Harlan McCandles, and the twists and turns of Patience's investigation lead to the death of his uncle and more secrets about his life and how he became who he is.
Maybe it was never going to be enough to come into an inheritance for Harlan and amend for those he harmed, including Patience Okoye, but when Obinna gets wind of these latest developments, it leads to a high charge turn of events that leave one man dead. It should've been enough, but when Obinna goes into the hospital, things around Patience and Obinna's continue to decline, putting Patience as a subject of not one but two investigations. Harlan was not going to see the light of day, but the crumbling of her life, marriage, and the death of her mother teach her a valuable lesson
It was always about survival, but at what cost and whose life did it take for her to realize the stakes of her snooping to see what her choices years ago and now have down to open her eyes to more than meets the eye, but choosing her battles and forgiving. Maybe Patience figured in her own mind there was no other way, but again, what would she have to lose to see how blood thirsty she was to go after Harlan so he'd not hurt anyone else?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
Harlan is a cancer, a virus that sank in deep to not only Patience but her network of people.
First hats off to the author for taking feedback and adding chapter number to this second book. I also appreciate how she addressed the length of the chapter with scene breaks. It help me with the flow of the book and was one of my critique from the first book. Now on to the story:
Patience was my girl from book one. And I know that's a controversial opinion but as someone who has been there, in a marriage feeling more like roommates than lovers I felt for her. Throughout the beginning of the book I was a little worried about some of the choices she was making but I feel like Harlan did a number on her. She does the best with what she can and where she is at and as a mom I totally get that. Her and Obi started wearing on my patience midway through with their lack of communication and I was worried for them. Communication is key to a healthy relationship and Obi disconnecting the way he did was rage inducing.
I have a new favorite character, sorry Patience! But Nei is the real MVP of this series by showing up time and time again for her friend. Patience may have felt lonely but she was never truly alone because the people that needed to come through for her did in the end. My heart was broken a few times in this book and it made me reflect on my own life and mistakes. I love when literature hits like that and put up a mirror for self-reflection. Mental health is a disability but it does not have to be disabling.
And finally without any spoilers I am so proud of amazing grace ♥
First hats off to the author for taking feedback and adding chapter number to this second book. I also appreciate how she addressed the length of the chapter with scene breaks. It help me with the flow of the book and was one of my critique from the first book. Now on to the story:
Patience was my girl from book one. And I know that's a controversial opinion but as someone who has been there, in a marriage feeling more like roommates than lovers I felt for her. Throughout the beginning of the book I was a little worried about some of the choices she was making but I feel like Harlan did a number on her. She does the best with what she can and where she is at and as a mom I totally get that. Her and Obi started wearing on my patience midway through with their lack of communication and I was worried for them. Communication is key to a healthy relationship and Obi disconnecting the way he did was rage inducing.
I have a new favorite character, sorry Patience! But Nei is the real MVP of this series by showing up time and time again for her friend. Patience may have felt lonely but she was never truly alone because the people that needed to come through for her did in the end. My heart was broken a few times in this book and it made me reflect on my own life and mistakes. I love when literature hits like that and put up a mirror for self-reflection. Mental health is a disability but it does not have to be disabling.
And finally without any spoilers I am so proud of amazing grace ♥
January 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**Shades of Okoye** by Ada Afam is a stunning, emotionally rich story that pulls you in and refuses to let go. Afam’s writing is vivid and intentional, bringing the characters to life with depth, vulnerability, and strength. The narrative explores identity, love, power, and resilience in a way that feels both intimate and expansive, making every chapter resonate long after you’ve finished reading.
What truly shines is the emotional complexity no one is simple, no choice is easy, and every moment carries weight. The relationships are layered, the tension is beautifully sustained, and the storytelling feels bold and unapologetic. *Shades of Okoye* is a five-star read that leaves you thoughtful, emotionally full, and deeply impressed by Ada Afam’s voice and vision.
**Shades of Okoye** by Ada Afam is a stunning, emotionally rich story that pulls you in and refuses to let go. Afam’s writing is vivid and intentional, bringing the characters to life with depth, vulnerability, and strength. The narrative explores identity, love, power, and resilience in a way that feels both intimate and expansive, making every chapter resonate long after you’ve finished reading.
What truly shines is the emotional complexity no one is simple, no choice is easy, and every moment carries weight. The relationships are layered, the tension is beautifully sustained, and the storytelling feels bold and unapologetic. *Shades of Okoye* is a five-star read that leaves you thoughtful, emotionally full, and deeply impressed by Ada Afam’s voice and vision.
October 1, 2025
Such a great conclusion to this story. I love when a book is unpredictable and the ending leaves you with your mouth open. The twist at the end made this even better although it was already pretty great. I love that this isn’t a fairy tale because the real world is harsh sometimes and marriage is not easy. It takes hard work and you need love to make a marriage work but we are all human and we make mistakes. Mrs. Okoye unfortunately has to pay a pretty hefty price for that mistake. But if there’s love you can survive anything.
July 24, 2025
Amazingly captivating!!
This sequel by Ada Afam to “For His Muse Only” didn’t disappoint I literally couldn’t put the book down and read from beginning to end in a day and a half. This sequel did a further deep dive into the personalities and struggles of the Okoye and Mcandles families. Thoroughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what Ada writes next!!!
This sequel by Ada Afam to “For His Muse Only” didn’t disappoint I literally couldn’t put the book down and read from beginning to end in a day and a half. This sequel did a further deep dive into the personalities and struggles of the Okoye and Mcandles families. Thoroughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what Ada writes next!!!
August 10, 2025
Book Two Patience > Book One Patience. A thousand percent.
I'm here for a plotting queen!
Love how the sequel is still emotionally gripping.
And how she slowly makes Harlan her bitch.
Obinna both infuriates me and pulls at my heartstrings all at once. He's a logical man... except when it comes to her.
Didn't not expect to shed tears. I cried a river, Ada!
This was my top indie fav!
Exceptionally well written.
I'm here for a plotting queen!
Love how the sequel is still emotionally gripping.
And how she slowly makes Harlan her bitch.
Obinna both infuriates me and pulls at my heartstrings all at once. He's a logical man... except when it comes to her.
Didn't not expect to shed tears. I cried a river, Ada!
This was my top indie fav!
Exceptionally well written.
August 2, 2025
Darker than the first book, that's for sure. Love how it has much more traditional thriller elements!
November 15, 2025
Another great read! What can I say...Just Amazing. You have to get this book. I can honestly say, that this book can become a lifetime movie.
December 5, 2025
This book shines light on love, mental health, and survival. There is so many twist and turns that you think one thing but then the other thing happens. This book keeps you on your toes.
December 5, 2025
a amazing book
November 30, 2025
what a way to end the patience and Harlan storyline. I know people might hate Obinna in this book but if you analyze all that he and patience went through in the last four years that wasn't really handled then yeah it's a lot and someone was bound to break.
November 28, 2025
This book was written so beautifully and I love every second of it Harlan cycle spider man finally got what he deserves. The author did so well about writing patience, Okoye and how Harlan get out of prison affected her mental health and her husband mental health. This is a an amazing story and I would read this every single year.
January 26, 2026
Honestly, five stars because it's too enjoyable to hate this motherf****r Harlan with every fiber of my being.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews