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Heart Analytics

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When data-obsessed Renike Bello agrees to a harmless tutoring arrangement with Rotimi "RJ" Jacobs, the annoyingly attractive baseball player, campus heartthrob, and her biggest rival for the top spot in class, she expects nothing more than a boost in her Analytics course. She doesn't expect stolen glances, soft confessions, or a connection that rewrites every rule she's built her life around.

But love is the one variable Renike can't control. And when a cruel misunderstanding shatters their fragile new bond, she's forced to confront the truth she's spent years burying: that sometimes the most terrifying risks are the ones that change you.

Now RJ is spiralling, Renike is panicking, and the exam of their lives is the least complicated thing between them. As family expectations, old wounds, and fear of failure collide, she must decide: does she want a tidy life with predictable outcomes, or the messy, breathtaking chaos that only love with RJ can bring?

410 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2026

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45 people want to read

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Kulthum Asha

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5 stars
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10 (43%)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Lola.
337 reviews15 followers
March 24, 2026
I just know this review will be long, so I’m so sorry in advance.

First of all, I want to say that when I started this book, I cringed. Oh God, I felt like my eyeballs were going to the back of my head because of how much I was rolling them. Everything at the beginning was cringey. I didn’t know if the characters were in high school or university. I did a loud “Ah” when I found out that Renike is in grad school! Wdym you’re a master’s student?? How are you conversing like a seventeen-year-old??? Rotimi also felt like a morally grey character that is not morally grey.

But, a huge BUT… something shifted…. like exactly at the 32% mark, everything just changed. I’m not even joking, it was like a switch flipped. Suddenly I couldn’t put it down anymore. It became so interesting, so engaging, and it felt like the author finally locked in at that exact moment. I appreciated that so much. This book getting four stars is because of that shift alone.

Now let’s get into the story, characters, and all.
Please, why didn’t I see Dotun again? I was really hoping to see him at the end when they went to celebrate at Suya Express! I like that man, okay? And he’s not even part of the main or supporting cast. I need a book about him immediately.

I liked our main characters, by the way. Renike kind of annoyed me at a point, but she’s just a girl, so I get it. I love how smart she is, very into her academics! That’s so beautiful ! I love educationally cultured women sm.
I liked Teni too. I love how different she is from Renike. It’s beautiful how their sisterhood stayed strong till the end. I still haven’t forgiven their mother. I don’t know why older people can’t actually be the older ones. Why are you letting your children think BETTER than you? Can’t you see that you’re controlling??? And they always get away with it by just apologizing, so annoying.

Anyways, Rotimi. Yeah, that boy was really sweet. He is so sweet to Renike. I liked how humble he was too. Wdym his father is that rich and he chose to go to an underground school while wearing the school’s merch all the time? Everyone thinks he doesn’t have enough clothes LMAOO. He was well written, and I appreciated that.

I also want to mention how the Nigerian heritage was properly explored in this book. I mean, of course the author is Nigerian, but this is finally one of those romance books written by authors in the diaspora (I apologize if I’m wrong) that actually feels right! The characters wanted to learn more about their heritage, and it was beautiful to see.

I can’t say I love the author’s writing. It’s not bad, but it’s not exceptionally outstanding either. It wasn’t a problem for me throughout the book though. I think the author is a Wizkid fan, by the way. I’m not really a fan, so I was annoyed when his music kept coming up LOL. I appreciated the Asa, Asake, and Ayra Starr mentions though.

All in all, this book might make you cringe at first, but push through. You’ll be just fine and probably end up loving it very much. Thanks to Masobe for the app, I was finally able to read one of my most anticipated books of 2026!
Profile Image for Jomilojuluvstoreadbooks.
238 reviews
March 27, 2026
First of all… that cover??? It’s GIVING 😭

I loved the nerdy vibes so much, especially Renike and all her analytics/theory talk. Their banter felt so real and fun, and the chemistry between her and RJ?? Insane. I was literally giggling and even covering my eyes at some parts like I was in the moment with them.

This book really did what it was supposed to do and then some. It honestly gave me Nigerian Ali Hazelwood vibes, and I ate that up.

Renike and RJ completely got me with all the talk about grades, ambition, and love. And I’m sorry but women speaking in full academia mode?? So attractive 😭 My girl was so ambitious, so focused mehn.

My only complaint is I REALLY wish we got RJ’s POV because I needed to be inside his head so bad. Like soooo much.

But overall? I loved this so much. It was such a perfect read for me.
181 reviews12 followers
March 18, 2026
A beautiful and well written story. I love a well written YA romance and this was so good.
I rate it a 4.5🌟
Profile Image for bibliophilic_sandra.
38 reviews
April 1, 2026
Book📚: Heart Analytics❤️
Author ✍🏽: @ashakulthum
Genre: Romance
Rating : 4.5/5⭐️

Heart Analytics is a novel centered around two college students…Renike Bello, a graduate student and Rotimi(aka Rj), an undergraduate student who happens to be in a joint class on Analytics with Renike. By twist of fate or coincidence…he ends up tutoring her, while she does the same for him.

When I first saw this book, the cover caught my eye and really…this cover is so beautiful. Then I started seeing reviews; I was super anxious to read this book because I somehow had high hopes for it and I really didn’t want to be disappointed.

The author did a great work with the writing skills, there were depths to the story that I liked. I read some few cliché lines but surprisingly the author didn’t make it a whole personality in the book, it felt more like little ingredients that made the whole storyline come together.

Now for the characters in this book…let’s start with Renike, I love her…full stop. She’s smart, career driven and also I love the fact that she’s obsessed with Pride and Prejudice(makes me want to rewatch it honestly). The little thoughts that rushes out her mouth whenever she’s nervous or excited. Her sister Teni…seriously speaking, I love that she’s that person that keeps Renike grounded, especially with the pressure from their mother, I don’t think I can handle that woman for a single day, now imagine their whole lives. Kwasi is a block head really! I think they need their own book. Now to my newest book boyfriend…..Rotimi!!!!! This boy is the greenest of green flags! He makes me want to try out things…(like making out in a party filled with sweaty people😅). Maybe I should try dating a younger guy🤔😂 anyways! Rotimi is just so cool, imagine being rich rich and casually dropping the “I bought this shop for Aunty” like it’s one random gossip. He’s just so effortlessly sweet, his interactions with Renike are always so blush worthy. He doesn’t just listen, he shows that the girl he’s attracted to is worth doing so much for. I can’t count how many times I kicked my feet. Something was missing in this book and that was his Pov, I desperately needed his pov. I needed to know what was on his mind on so many levels. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Lee.
64 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2026
Heart Analytics is one of those quiet, introspective romances that doesn’t try too hard to be loud, but still leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.

At the center of the story is Renike, a character who feels incredibly real in today’s world: structured, analytical, and deeply committed to maintaining control over every aspect of her life. She believes in logic, in planning, in outcomes that can be predicted.

Love, however, doesn’t quite follow her rules and that’s where RJ comes in. He is her contrast in almost every way. Where Renike calculates, he feels. Where she holds back, he leans in. Their dynamic creates a tension that is both emotional and intellectual, and it’s this push-and-pull that carries the story forward.

What stood out to me the most is how the book explores the idea that not everything meaningful can be measured or managed. Renike’s journey isn’t just about falling in love, it’s about confronting her fears of vulnerability, failure, and losing control. In that sense, the romance feels like a catalyst for something deeper: growth.

Another subtle but important layer is the age dynamic between the characters. The fact that Renike is older than RJ isn’t heavily dramatized, but it quietly challenges societal expectations, especially in cultures where that kind of relationship is often questioned or kept under wraps. I appreciated that this element wasn’t turned into a spectacle, but rather treated as just one part of a complex, evolving connection.

That said, the story leans heavily on emotional tension and miscommunication at certain points, which may feel a bit familiar if you read a lot of romance. Still, the emotional payoff and character development make it worth the ride.

Overall, Heart Analytics is a thoughtful romance about the limits of logic, the discomfort of growth, and the unpredictability of love. It’s not just about whether two people end up together but about who they become in the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ethel.
24 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2026
To describe this book in words other than amazing and swoon-worthy is simply beyond my vocabulary. It was utterly beautiful and captivating.

I’ll be honest, I found it a little cringe at the start. Some of their early interactions felt very Disney, but in the best way possible. Renike and Rotimi are literally goals.

Renike is the definition of a woman who wants nothing more than to build her life on her own terms. She will do anything to get what she wants, and I loved that about her.

Her character was logical and approached love from the mind rather than the heart. I didn’t expect to love or relate to her as much as I did, but she’s one of the few female leads I’ve genuinely enjoyed reading about.

And then there’s Rotimi. The man of the hour. The greenest flag in the entire forest. He was a go-getter who knew what he wanted from day one and went for it. He is officially my new book boyfriend and is sitting very close to Ryan Shay on my scale, which is saying a lot.

What I loved most was that even though he loved Renike, his whole life didn’t revolve around her. He was grounded in his feelings for her, yes, but also in everything else. He had baggage, and that’s exactly what made him interesting.

Also, this line: “You have two degrees, baby. Use your words.” — is currently my best line of April 2026, and I will not be moving on anytime soon.

Lastly, this was such a fun read. I never truly understood why people used the phrase swoon-worthy until this book. Now I get it completely.

Profile Image for Eniola Praise  Oladejo .
18 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2026
Heart Analytics follows two college students RJ (Rotimi Jacobs) and Renike Bello whose lives collide in the most unexpected way.

They’re academic rivals, both carrying different pressures from home, trying to stay on top while navigating school, expectations, and their own emotions.

Renike, an overachiever who analyzes everything, was such an interesting character. She doesn’t just feel she thinks, calculates, and questions every emotion, which made her growth even more satisfying to watch.

And then there’s RJ… calm, grounded, and somehow able to meet her where she is. Their dynamic? Tension, banter, and that slow realization that maybe love doesn’t always follow logic.

What I loved most is how the story blends academics with romance undergrad vs master’s student, rivalry turning into something softer, deeper, and unexpected.

It’s a story about pressure, ambition, and discovering that love can come when you least plan for it even when you try to analyze your way out of it.
Do you think overthinking and overanalyzing can ruin love… or protect it?

April 13, 2026
Big ups to the designer for such a beautiful cover.

The book has a slow and cringe style at the start but around the 30% mark it picked up and what a ride it was.

The characters growth especially Morenike was beautiful to see, and the chemistry between her and Rj was off the charts.

It is a feel good cutesy romance novel.
1 review
March 25, 2026
I loooooved this book!!!

The chemistry, the banter. Renike and RJ made me feel all the feels. I loved their dynamic so much. I’m so happy we have more Nigerian writers writing feel good YA romances.
Profile Image for Baseerah .
12 reviews
March 26, 2026
A beautiful love story that left me yearning for more academic rivals to lovers! If you loved tension in The Love Hypothesis mixed with the sharp, relatable Nigerian setting of Honey and Spice, this is going to be right up your alley.
1 review
March 25, 2026
This is one of the best pieces of art I’ve read in a while. It’s deeply moving, gives you chills, and really tugs at your heartstrings—definitely check this outtt!!!
Profile Image for Kulthum Asha.
Author 1 book5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 7, 2026
Hi, Author here 🩷

If you enjoy:

💌 Adult Romcoms
💌 Academic Rivals to lovers
💌 Reverse Grumpy X Sunshine
💌 Black women in STEM
💌 Two incredibly witty Nigerian leads
💌 Intellectual intimacy
💌 All the tension and swoon worthy momentsss

Then my book is for you! Share all the feels and I hope you enjoy 🫶🏾🩷
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews