Odidere: Realms Apart... Hearts Entwined

by Tobi Loba

Sent on a divine mission to heal a grieving widower—nothing more. Disguised as a maid, Odidere must ease his pain without disrupting his destiny. But when duty turns into love, she risks everything, defying celestial warnings to follow her heart.

92 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2025

About the author

Tobiloba Afolayan is a dynamic storyteller with a passion for weaving tales that explore love in all its shades—from slow burns and sizzling passion to soul-deep connections shaped by destiny and the divine. Her stories often blend romance with elements of mythology, spirituality, and the unseen forces that guide our lives, creating unforgettable emotional journeys for her readers.

She holds a degree in English and Literature from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a Master’s in Digital Campaign and Content Creation from Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, UK.

When she’s not dreaming up her next love story, Tobiloba finds joy in composing gospel songs, watching films, or enjoying time with her family. She is the author of several beloved titles, including Odidere, When a Woman Wants, Broken-Broken, and Ichabod—each one reflecting her signature blend of heat, heart, and purpose.

An experienced ghostwriter as well, Tobiloba has worked with clients across the globe, delivering compelling content across genres and niches.

Stay connected with her on Upwork and all major social media platforms for updates on her current project and behind-the-scenes peeks.

Reviews

[Sonia's Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mini rant: The way I shouted when I finished reading this book ehn, because WHATTTTT??!!! What do you mean just like that film has ended?!! Omo, this story was too good for a novella, fr. I needed moreee!!

The story follows Odíderé, a spiritual being, sent on a divine mission, disguised as a nanny, to comfort and heal a widower, Ethan, and to also restore his broken relationship with his daughter, Ana. Odíderé succeeded with this mission, but one night of forbidden passion destroys her efforts and she's made to suffer the consequences of her action.

This is a really beautiful story and I honestly didn't like the way it ended! 😭 The storyline flowed smoothly and I love how there were no back and forth. I loved how both characters were able to express the feelings they experienced without resistance, despite Ethan's suspicions.

The scene where Odíderé's punishment was being read out, the appearance of other spiritual beings, and Orunmade, Odíderé's mother, felt like I was watching a Yoruba movie, and honestly, it's a been long time since I watched one.

Themes like spirituality, sacrifice, love, loss, grief, destiny, and the effect of lack of parental care were explored in this book. The author's writing style is simple and beautiful. I honestly can't wait for the book 2, because the suspense is suffocating!! 😭😂

I recommend this story to lovers of short stories. This is the book you pick up when you want to take a break from reading big books.

[doyin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Odidere by Tobi Loba, and whew! this book is one of those ones where you keep flipping pages, then suddenly you're at the last chapter like, "Wait, that's it??"😭 I really enjoyed reading this. It's such a smooth and beautiful story.

So the book follows Odidere, who's sent on a mission to comfort a grieving widow, Ethan. She arrives as a nanny, but along the way, she starts to catch feelings for him which, by the way, is totally not allowed between her kind and humans. That twist? Yeah, things get complicated.

What I loved most was the writing, so clear, easy to follow, and just really well done. My only complaint? It ended too soon! I wanted more tension between Dere and Ethan, more story, more everything. But maybe the author has something else planned, which I think she does🥰

If you're looking for a quick read that'll pull you in fast, this one's for you. Trust me, you'll keep reading until you reach the end... and then wish there was more🤭

[Praise Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ I won't lie, this novella, Odidere 1 (Realms Apart, Hearts Entwined) by Tobiloba Afolayan, did a number on me. This story was a fresh bundle of angelic-like mission, sizzling tension, Yoruba mythology, forbidden romance, and one particular scene that made me clutch my imaginary pearls...

Well, guess one thing I learned thanks to this book? That the meaning of Odidérẹ́ in English is Parrot, which explains the motif in the stunning cover design and the concept of the FMC being a divine messenger.

Odidere, our FMC, is a literal celestial being sent to heal a grieving widower’s heart. Ethan is the grief-stricken and closed-off man with a concerned mother and a neglected cute little daughter that needs tending to.

This story hooked me from the first page with its imaginative blend of celestial lore, Yoruba-inspired elements, and tender romance. Tobiloba Afolayan crafted characters that felt rich and fully alive, despite the novella-length format.

I loved how the characters’ emotional depth was beautifully handled. The widower’s grief, Odidere’s growing conflict, the spiritual tension, the consequences of forbidden desire… it all felt vivid and intentional.

And let’s talk about the unique concept behind the story.
Angelic duty colliding with human longing? Destiny vs desire?? Cultural mythology meeting spiritual themes???
Yessss. Inject it directly into my bloodstream. This is why African fantasy just appeals so much to me. I was hooked from start to finish and read this book in one sitting. ✨

My only tiny wish was for more—more pages, more room to explore the worldbuilding and the high-stakes consequences (thankfully, there's now book 2!) But even within the short length, the author delivered a story that felt layered, emotional, and memorable.

Trigger warning: this book is definitely for an 18+ audience as it has one spicy scene inside, which in my defence I didn't expect to happen. I mean both the MMC and FMC could have done better and avoided themselves a truckload of consequential pain. 😩 But I guess this was pivotal to the story and its sequel.

Now excuse me while I go prepare my heart for Book 2 because… that ending? Let's just say the cliff is hanging. 😭✨

[Aadoraah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odidere is more than a love story it’s a meditation on loss, renewal, and the sacredness of human connection. It invites readers to see love as both a divine force and a choice.

For fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, or The House of Secrets, this book will wrap you in its magic and leave you craving the next installment.

Tobi Loba has created something special a soulful fantasy rooted in Yoruba heritage and human truth.

[Damola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice read. I enjoyed it. Follows Odidere a kind of supernatural character who has been assigned to help a grieving family, she is supposed to go in and out but things start to get interesting. The author writes so smooth and the book is easy to read. Can’t wait for the sequel. I recommend.

[Sapphire! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[dearadanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book and I have just one question to ask. what was that ending??!! 😭😍