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Under the Rain: A Novel
UNDER THE RAIN is a romantic suspense novel that explores enduring love, difficult choices, and the cost of second chances.
From the moment young Bolaji meets Shola, he is captivated by her. Their friendship deepens through their teenage years as they help each other weather the storms of family, illness, and growing up. In university, their bond blossoms into romance, but their dreams of a future together are shattered when they discover they are both sickle cell trait carriers.
Bolaji is willing to forgo children for love, but Shola isn’t. She ends the relationship, moves to the U.S., and eventually marries a Nigerian-American. Bolaji pours himself into his medical career, starts a family, and opens his own practice.
Years later, he returns to live in his childhood home, only to learn that Shola’s family house is up for sale. A chance encounter rekindles old feelings, and as they confront the choices that once tore them apart, Bolaji must can love conquer all, even after so much time and heartache?
From the moment young Bolaji meets Shola, he is captivated by her. Their friendship deepens through their teenage years as they help each other weather the storms of family, illness, and growing up. In university, their bond blossoms into romance, but their dreams of a future together are shattered when they discover they are both sickle cell trait carriers.
Bolaji is willing to forgo children for love, but Shola isn’t. She ends the relationship, moves to the U.S., and eventually marries a Nigerian-American. Bolaji pours himself into his medical career, starts a family, and opens his own practice.
Years later, he returns to live in his childhood home, only to learn that Shola’s family house is up for sale. A chance encounter rekindles old feelings, and as they confront the choices that once tore them apart, Bolaji must can love conquer all, even after so much time and heartache?
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 14, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
Ayo Deforge’s writing is simple yet evocative. She manages to evoke nostalgia and bring back memories with her detailed descriptions of past events and concepts, and I absolutely adore that. Under the Rain took me back to my childhood and reminded me of a song from an old favourite movie.
Part 2 of the book is my favourite portion of the book. I loved the innocence of the young children who just wanted to be friends, and the lovesick puppy love Bolaji had for Shola. It was so cute. And Udoh, the female anatomy expert, cracked me up.
Bamidele’s death hurt a bit, but I loved the portrayal of grief and survivor’s guilt that stemmed from it and how it deepened Bolaji and Shola’s friendship.
I also love the social commentary in this book. It’s heavy on issues like family planning, sickle cell anaemia awareness, ectopic pregnancy awareness, sexual harassment between lecturers and university students, female genital mutilation, and domestic abuse of children by their parents. Each of these issues was well-portrayed, and I have to laud that. The description of the medical procedures was also well-detailed.
Lastly, the ending had to be my second favourite part😂😂😂. Alexa, please, play Shey Your Body Don See Wetin You Dey Find Since.
Read my full review on my blog: www.iyanuoluwaolorode.com.ng
Ayo Deforge’s writing is simple yet evocative. She manages to evoke nostalgia and bring back memories with her detailed descriptions of past events and concepts, and I absolutely adore that. Under the Rain took me back to my childhood and reminded me of a song from an old favourite movie.
Part 2 of the book is my favourite portion of the book. I loved the innocence of the young children who just wanted to be friends, and the lovesick puppy love Bolaji had for Shola. It was so cute. And Udoh, the female anatomy expert, cracked me up.
Bamidele’s death hurt a bit, but I loved the portrayal of grief and survivor’s guilt that stemmed from it and how it deepened Bolaji and Shola’s friendship.
I also love the social commentary in this book. It’s heavy on issues like family planning, sickle cell anaemia awareness, ectopic pregnancy awareness, sexual harassment between lecturers and university students, female genital mutilation, and domestic abuse of children by their parents. Each of these issues was well-portrayed, and I have to laud that. The description of the medical procedures was also well-detailed.
Lastly, the ending had to be my second favourite part😂😂😂. Alexa, please, play Shey Your Body Don See Wetin You Dey Find Since.
Read my full review on my blog: www.iyanuoluwaolorode.com.ng
December 2, 2025
Wow!
This is my first reaction at the end of this book. Like wow!!!
How does one man allow himself to be manipulated for the most part of a friendship? How is it that he is so willing to trade a part of himself so quickly? I guess we can say it shows how quickly human beings adapt but come on...
So Bolaji and Shola were childhood friends who were going strong, entered school and did the ‘cousin’ line. Eventually they dated and Shola broke it off (supposedly to protect him cos we never heard her own side of the story) and then she returns years later with the whole I love you and I wanna be with you and when push comes to shove, what does she do?
First, lemme purge my emotions. I am angry and miffed. If Bolaji were my brother or friend, I would give him a sounding knock to wake him up. Like bro, what level of selfish love is this?
This book gave me joy in the writing style; I loved the transition between present and past times and the connection between the characters can be seen and felt via the pages. The family dynamics are amazing and the difference very Nigerian also. Mr. Durojaiye’s extreme protection was explained but not good enough. Reminds me of Nigerian fathers who will say, ‘I brought you into this world and if I take you out, no one will question me’.
The language was great and very descriptive though; I can imagine so many words being used to describe rainfall and the flooding that occurs when it rains. I feel some aspects were over described (if this is a word) but the goal was achieved, it was pictorial and I have an idea of how the characters look. The transition between past and present very seamless and then the dialogue between the characters drew us in. I love how the book started, very unassuming.
The point of view from Shola would have made her character more relatable but mhen, she was annoying through out and while it is almost understandable (she was shielded as a child), there is a point in life where you just must take responsibility for your own actions and not blame anyone else.
The ending of this book hit me but what was I expecting? I feel B was slow, as smart as he was, he gave allowances for himself to be misled and seemed unable to hold on to his convictions.
Under the Rain truly as the name implies has us under the rain of our emotions. We move from so much love to pain, to love again, sadness, pity, righteous anger, irritation, annoyance, rolling of eyes, anger again, exasperation and just outright anger.
I loved how much we were able to relate with all the versions of the characters and their different paths in life. Bamidele broke my heart, the innocence of his childhood was beautiful to follow.
However, I feel that the characters had a lot to offer and that opportunity was taken from them. We only sae Shola through the lens of B and she was perfect. Their parents were enough because to be fair, a lot of us know little or nothing about our parents in the older generation.
Furthermore, they seemed to have little or no friends, like barely any interaction outside of their work and each other. I feel this emotional chasm gave room to a lot of other things which can be translated to the popular saying, ‘no man is an island’. I loved Alhaja, she was warm and I am sure she gave very good hugs.
In conclusion, this book explores themes like family, love, loyalty, friendship and life decisions. It allows us the space to understand that life goes on while you are busy smelling the roses. Throws light on a lot of societal issues like sex education and the girl child, sexuality, pregnancy and sex.
I wish a whole lot was added but then again, the end leaves a lot to be desired, and we are given the opportunity to make of the final decisions and steps that led to it what we want.
This is my first reaction at the end of this book. Like wow!!!
How does one man allow himself to be manipulated for the most part of a friendship? How is it that he is so willing to trade a part of himself so quickly? I guess we can say it shows how quickly human beings adapt but come on...
So Bolaji and Shola were childhood friends who were going strong, entered school and did the ‘cousin’ line. Eventually they dated and Shola broke it off (supposedly to protect him cos we never heard her own side of the story) and then she returns years later with the whole I love you and I wanna be with you and when push comes to shove, what does she do?
First, lemme purge my emotions. I am angry and miffed. If Bolaji were my brother or friend, I would give him a sounding knock to wake him up. Like bro, what level of selfish love is this?
This book gave me joy in the writing style; I loved the transition between present and past times and the connection between the characters can be seen and felt via the pages. The family dynamics are amazing and the difference very Nigerian also. Mr. Durojaiye’s extreme protection was explained but not good enough. Reminds me of Nigerian fathers who will say, ‘I brought you into this world and if I take you out, no one will question me’.
The language was great and very descriptive though; I can imagine so many words being used to describe rainfall and the flooding that occurs when it rains. I feel some aspects were over described (if this is a word) but the goal was achieved, it was pictorial and I have an idea of how the characters look. The transition between past and present very seamless and then the dialogue between the characters drew us in. I love how the book started, very unassuming.
The point of view from Shola would have made her character more relatable but mhen, she was annoying through out and while it is almost understandable (she was shielded as a child), there is a point in life where you just must take responsibility for your own actions and not blame anyone else.
The ending of this book hit me but what was I expecting? I feel B was slow, as smart as he was, he gave allowances for himself to be misled and seemed unable to hold on to his convictions.
Under the Rain truly as the name implies has us under the rain of our emotions. We move from so much love to pain, to love again, sadness, pity, righteous anger, irritation, annoyance, rolling of eyes, anger again, exasperation and just outright anger.
I loved how much we were able to relate with all the versions of the characters and their different paths in life. Bamidele broke my heart, the innocence of his childhood was beautiful to follow.
However, I feel that the characters had a lot to offer and that opportunity was taken from them. We only sae Shola through the lens of B and she was perfect. Their parents were enough because to be fair, a lot of us know little or nothing about our parents in the older generation.
Furthermore, they seemed to have little or no friends, like barely any interaction outside of their work and each other. I feel this emotional chasm gave room to a lot of other things which can be translated to the popular saying, ‘no man is an island’. I loved Alhaja, she was warm and I am sure she gave very good hugs.
In conclusion, this book explores themes like family, love, loyalty, friendship and life decisions. It allows us the space to understand that life goes on while you are busy smelling the roses. Throws light on a lot of societal issues like sex education and the girl child, sexuality, pregnancy and sex.
I wish a whole lot was added but then again, the end leaves a lot to be desired, and we are given the opportunity to make of the final decisions and steps that led to it what we want.
April 3, 2026
This book stirred my emotions in more ways than I expected. I genuinely loved it, but I also found myself sitting with a lingering sadness for most of the journey.
The writing is beautifully crafted—fluid, immersive, and deeply relatable. One of the standout strengths of this novel is how authentically it captures the nuances of the Nigerian family dynamic. The dialogue feels natural and precise, grounding the story in a reality that is both familiar and emotionally resonant.
Under The Rain follows the lives of Bolaji and Shola, tracing their story from childhood through family ties, chance meetings, personal struggles, and ultimately, their profound and complicated love. I particularly appreciated the structure of the book—divided into parts that move between past and present. This gradual unfolding keeps you engaged, slowly revealing the “why” behind present circumstances in a very compelling way.
The novel doesn’t shy away from heavy, real-life issues. It thoughtfully explores:
• The complexities of sickle cell anemia—its pain, emotional toll, and impact on families—through Bamidele (Bolaji’s brother)
• Reproductive health challenges and societal stigma, including ectopic pregnancy, infertility, abortion, and maternal mortality, particularly through Shola’s experiences and those of other women
• Subtle but important conversations around often unspoken sexual and societal issues
At its core, the book is a deep exploration of love and grief in their rawest forms. The portrayal of sickle cell, in particular, was incredibly moving—I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, and it gave me a deeper appreciation of what affected families endure. It’s a powerful reminder that such realities are far from easy.
The theme of marital incompatibility is also handled with nuance—especially the quiet tension that arises when the heart longs for something deeper, constantly drifting toward “what ifs” and alternate possibilities.
Overall, the writing is superb, weaving together multiple layers of human experience in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The ending, for me, was quite sad and somewhat inconclusive—but perhaps that was intentional. Not every story is meant to be neatly resolved, and this one lingers in your thoughts long after the final page.
This is not a superficial read—it runs deep, prompting reflection and introspection about life, love, and loss.
Rating: 4.25/5
The writing is beautifully crafted—fluid, immersive, and deeply relatable. One of the standout strengths of this novel is how authentically it captures the nuances of the Nigerian family dynamic. The dialogue feels natural and precise, grounding the story in a reality that is both familiar and emotionally resonant.
Under The Rain follows the lives of Bolaji and Shola, tracing their story from childhood through family ties, chance meetings, personal struggles, and ultimately, their profound and complicated love. I particularly appreciated the structure of the book—divided into parts that move between past and present. This gradual unfolding keeps you engaged, slowly revealing the “why” behind present circumstances in a very compelling way.
The novel doesn’t shy away from heavy, real-life issues. It thoughtfully explores:
• The complexities of sickle cell anemia—its pain, emotional toll, and impact on families—through Bamidele (Bolaji’s brother)
• Reproductive health challenges and societal stigma, including ectopic pregnancy, infertility, abortion, and maternal mortality, particularly through Shola’s experiences and those of other women
• Subtle but important conversations around often unspoken sexual and societal issues
At its core, the book is a deep exploration of love and grief in their rawest forms. The portrayal of sickle cell, in particular, was incredibly moving—I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, and it gave me a deeper appreciation of what affected families endure. It’s a powerful reminder that such realities are far from easy.
The theme of marital incompatibility is also handled with nuance—especially the quiet tension that arises when the heart longs for something deeper, constantly drifting toward “what ifs” and alternate possibilities.
Overall, the writing is superb, weaving together multiple layers of human experience in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The ending, for me, was quite sad and somewhat inconclusive—but perhaps that was intentional. Not every story is meant to be neatly resolved, and this one lingers in your thoughts long after the final page.
This is not a superficial read—it runs deep, prompting reflection and introspection about life, love, and loss.
Rating: 4.25/5
December 10, 2025
Under the Rain took me on a full emotional ride. There are many things I loved about this story, but what stood out the most was how it opened my eyes to the reality of ectopic pregnancy, it was unexpectedly enlightening. However, I didn’t quite connect with the way abortion was discussed, probably because I’m strongly pro-life.
Shola stirred up a lot of mixed emotions in me. At some points, she really annoyed me, yet at other moments, I genuinely felt sorry for her, especially knowing that many of her struggles came from past choices she made when she simply didn’t know better. Bolaji, on the other hand, made me feel even more sympathetic. He wasn’t just a lover; he was a true friend. His love for Shola was beautiful to read. I’ll admit there were times when their reconnections and stolen moments frustrated me, maybe because I just wanted them to do the right thing. 🤷😁
Overall, this is a thought-provoking story about tough choices, unwavering love, second chances, and the consequences that follow. I’m beginning to realise that Ayo Deforge writes stories that deeply resonate with real-life struggles, and I love that about her writing. In this book, she touches on issues like sickle cell, abortion, strict African parenting, and religious differences in relationships. Her storytelling tugs at my emotions in the best ways. She makes you feel so many things at once, and I genuinely enjoyed the internal banter I had while reading this book 😁.
If you’re looking for a gripping love story, you’ll definitely enjoy following Bolaji and Shola’s journey. I highly recommend it.
Shola stirred up a lot of mixed emotions in me. At some points, she really annoyed me, yet at other moments, I genuinely felt sorry for her, especially knowing that many of her struggles came from past choices she made when she simply didn’t know better. Bolaji, on the other hand, made me feel even more sympathetic. He wasn’t just a lover; he was a true friend. His love for Shola was beautiful to read. I’ll admit there were times when their reconnections and stolen moments frustrated me, maybe because I just wanted them to do the right thing. 🤷😁
Overall, this is a thought-provoking story about tough choices, unwavering love, second chances, and the consequences that follow. I’m beginning to realise that Ayo Deforge writes stories that deeply resonate with real-life struggles, and I love that about her writing. In this book, she touches on issues like sickle cell, abortion, strict African parenting, and religious differences in relationships. Her storytelling tugs at my emotions in the best ways. She makes you feel so many things at once, and I genuinely enjoyed the internal banter I had while reading this book 😁.
If you’re looking for a gripping love story, you’ll definitely enjoy following Bolaji and Shola’s journey. I highly recommend it.
December 21, 2025
Under The Rain is one book whose characters will be in the recesses of my memory for a long time to come.
Ayo does a good job of taking us through the nitty gritty of their different loves, what informed various decisions and how in turn has affected how their lives panned out.
The book takes us through grief and how Bolaji was able to navigate that period of his life and how it truly led to his profound love for Shola before all came crashing down, and then there was a comeback we wouldn't see coming where old emotions bubble to the surface. How will they navigate all of this is left to be experienced.
This book also discusses societal issues such as women reproductive health, family planning, IVF, sickle cell and the likes, I like that these topics were extensively researched and written that leave readers more informed.
The major things that stood out for me are;
• Second chances are not meant for closed matters. There is no reason why closed doors should be opened again.
• There is no moral reason one should explore a relationship with exes., it often ends in heartache
• Communication is vital in marriage. Bolaji could have easily communicated his needs/wants rather than seeking it outside.
In all, this was an enjoyable read and I couldn't help but rant at Bolaji and Shola's characters and doings.
Ayo does a good job of taking us through the nitty gritty of their different loves, what informed various decisions and how in turn has affected how their lives panned out.
The book takes us through grief and how Bolaji was able to navigate that period of his life and how it truly led to his profound love for Shola before all came crashing down, and then there was a comeback we wouldn't see coming where old emotions bubble to the surface. How will they navigate all of this is left to be experienced.
This book also discusses societal issues such as women reproductive health, family planning, IVF, sickle cell and the likes, I like that these topics were extensively researched and written that leave readers more informed.
The major things that stood out for me are;
• Second chances are not meant for closed matters. There is no reason why closed doors should be opened again.
• There is no moral reason one should explore a relationship with exes., it often ends in heartache
• Communication is vital in marriage. Bolaji could have easily communicated his needs/wants rather than seeking it outside.
In all, this was an enjoyable read and I couldn't help but rant at Bolaji and Shola's characters and doings.
March 16, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Under the Rain. It was a soft, easygoing read that pulled me in without feeling heavy. One thing I appreciated was how the author moved between the past and the present, letting us see how Shola and Bolaji’s friendship began in childhood. Bolaji fell for her almost instantly, while Shola’s feelings seemed to grow more slowly over time.
One of the moments that stayed with me the most was when Shola stood by Bolaji after he lost his brother. Even when he shut her out and ghosted her, she kept reaching out and trying to be there for him. That part nearly brought tears to my eyes.
That said, I personally found Shola to be manipulative. I felt more anger than sympathy toward her at times. It often seemed like she knew Bolaji loved her and kept him close as a “maybe,” while still insisting they were just friends. To me, it felt like she was leading him on.
Still, the story tackles some very serious and important topics, including sickle cell anemia, women’s reproductive rights, and the importance of sex education for young girls. Those conversations added depth to the story and made it more than just a romance.
Overall, this was a beautiful and thoughtful read. I would give it 4.5 stars, but since only whole stars are allowed, I’m rounding up.
One of the moments that stayed with me the most was when Shola stood by Bolaji after he lost his brother. Even when he shut her out and ghosted her, she kept reaching out and trying to be there for him. That part nearly brought tears to my eyes.
That said, I personally found Shola to be manipulative. I felt more anger than sympathy toward her at times. It often seemed like she knew Bolaji loved her and kept him close as a “maybe,” while still insisting they were just friends. To me, it felt like she was leading him on.
Still, the story tackles some very serious and important topics, including sickle cell anemia, women’s reproductive rights, and the importance of sex education for young girls. Those conversations added depth to the story and made it more than just a romance.
Overall, this was a beautiful and thoughtful read. I would give it 4.5 stars, but since only whole stars are allowed, I’m rounding up.
January 21, 2026
Ayo Deforge captures grief so vividly that it felt unsettlingly real. This wasn’t a book I could casually put down. It stirred frustration, reflection, and emotional tension in equal measure.
The characters are deeply flawed, complex, and human. They made choices that had me questioning their brain cells, choices that had me sitting with my own reactions even after I closed the book.
More than anything, this story mirrors how trauma and past experiences can influence present decisions in ways we don’t always recognise until it’s too late.
Under the Rain was not a comfortable read for me, but it is an honest one.
The characters are deeply flawed, complex, and human. They made choices that had me questioning their brain cells, choices that had me sitting with my own reactions even after I closed the book.
More than anything, this story mirrors how trauma and past experiences can influence present decisions in ways we don’t always recognise until it’s too late.
Under the Rain was not a comfortable read for me, but it is an honest one.
December 11, 2025
'Under The Rain' envelops you in a warm blanket and then plunges you into the deep end.
Shola and Bolaji's relationship suggests that rekindling an old flame could have consequences.
I especially appreciate how the characters in this book refuse to fit into a box. The author beautifully portrays human nature — love, pain, grief, growing up — in all its imperfect beauty.
If you enjoy gripping stories about the passion of having an affair, pain, and growth, this book is for you.
Shola and Bolaji's relationship suggests that rekindling an old flame could have consequences.
I especially appreciate how the characters in this book refuse to fit into a box. The author beautifully portrays human nature — love, pain, grief, growing up — in all its imperfect beauty.
If you enjoy gripping stories about the passion of having an affair, pain, and growth, this book is for you.
January 6, 2026
I love that Ayo delved into societal issues that are hard to miss in today's world. Issues such as religious differences in love, sickle cell, parenting and its eventual effect, abortion etc are major themes of Under the Rain.
Bolaji and Shola's potpourri of love made me realize that first love never dies. Plus our typical Nigerian parents just had to show up in all of their glory here. When you read the book, you will understand why I said so. 😂😂😂
Bolaji and Shola's potpourri of love made me realize that first love never dies. Plus our typical Nigerian parents just had to show up in all of their glory here. When you read the book, you will understand why I said so. 😂😂😂
December 2, 2025
This is a wonderful book that combines love and grief, you should read it and get ready for the shocker(s).
February 2, 2026
A nice story. Easy to read and captivating. Follows two long term friends who tries to re-ignite old love.
March 28, 2026
3.5
Gosh the manipulation was so loud!
Gosh the manipulation was so loud!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews