Before the Storm

by Amaka Azie

Just back from a delightful date, Nkem Edun gets a phone call. Her ex-husband is in hospital in critical condition. After four years apart, why hasn’t he changed his next of kin? Regardless, Nkem rushes to his bedside. After all, he is the father of her son. But is that the only reason? As memories of their life together come flooding back, so do Nkem’s doubts. Would forgiving him be so terrible? And more importantly, could she ever trust him again?

Shots. After waking up in hospital, Tunde has plenty of time to ponder the word. Like the shot fired at him point blank, lodging a bullet in his chest that almost killed him. A bullet that also makes him think. Then, there’s Nkem. The first person he sees when he regains consciousness. Another shot. This one in the foot and self-inflicted. How on earth he was ever stupid enough to betray his beautiful Nkem and lose his family, he still doesn’t know. But one thing Tunde does know— he wants his family back. Will Nkem give him another shot?

306 pages, ebook

First published October 6, 2022

About the author

Amaka 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.

Reviews

[Jite · Rating 4 out of 5]

if the healing in Lemonade was set in Nigeria…

This won’t be for everyone. Romance is a genre I come to for its optimism, not to have reinforced that human beings are super fallible and end up in 💩-y, toxic relationships that they really shouldn’t be in. I think the me of even 5 years ago won’t have had the patience for the central theme of infidelity in this book. But over the past couple of years, I’ve kind of become a sucker for a well-written second chance romance even when infidelity is involved. The thing is though, it has to be done very well, and any brave romance author taking on the task to do this theme, in my opinion, has to basically write their socks off to convince the average romance fan to be excited about a likeable character ending up with a (reformed) love rat who has betrayed them before. I’ve seen this executed poorly and very well. Fortunately for me, this fell into the well-done category.

The premise is that four years ago, Tunde cheated on his (allegedly) beloved wife, Nkem, for no good reason (not that there’s ever a good reason, but he particularly had no excuse), imploding what had been a seemingly perfect relationship and destroying his family. Now, as Nkem is on the cusp of moving on with a new man that seems perfect for her, Tunde is shot and she finds out she’s his next of kin, pulling her back into her unresolved feelings for him. But even though the old chemistry is still there, the damage done by Tunde’s betrayal may be insurmountable.

I thought this was really good and really well-contextualised for a Nigerian setting. Did I roll my eyes and shake my fist at Tunde? Yes, but only because his internal monologue of knowing what a fool he was didn’t always match his actions, and because even though he was repentant and understood the magnitude of his betrayal and the fact that he deserved the outcome, he sometimes still tried to call the shots in a way that toed the line to but wasn’t quite gaslight-y. And yet, the author created characters you still wanted together and who you wanted to heal despite the Tunde-inflicted brokenness between them. Nkem’s emotional dilemma felt patently real because the stakes were so high- I can see some people being out of patience with her because there was a lot of faffing and dancing around the same old ground, but it made sense and was realistic and I liked her more for having qualms and also for being afraid of actually confronting the past full on.

The author does a great job in the author’s note at the beginning pointing out how this book could be potentially triggering for those who have dealt with infidelity and I would emphasize this especially for those who’ve dealt with it in an African setting. Because in reflecting our African cultural realities, there is representation of the sexist and misogynistic narratives about women who leave after betrayal or women who cheat and the shaming that occurs that could be especially triggering. This is in line with this author’s style of telling unapologetically African love stories that are reflective of our current cultural contexts rather than an idealized version.

Other than these slight niggles, I absolutely adored loved this. I’m a sucker for second-chance romance and this was sensitively-executed with a lot of heart and compassion for both sides without abdicating the need for responsibility to be taken for the infidelity. I feel like the author gave both characters a lot of room for acknowledging and addressing what happened and healing rather than brushing things aside unhealthily because of attraction or sex, even though there was a good amount of that as well 🥵💦🌶. If there was a romance novel version of Beyoncé’s Lemonade album that was set in Nigeria, it would be this book. Highly recommend!

Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy.

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who sees betrayal as unforgivable, I shared Nkem's struggle to forgive and trust Tunde in this book.

However, I respect the fact that Tunde didn't wait to be caught before confessing his one-time infidelity to his wife, Nkem. He defied the stereotype of infidelity being a man's right and showed true remorse. Even during their divorce, his humility and regret for how he hurt his wife shone through. He prioritized Nkem and their son's well-being, ensuring they have a good roof over their heads. It was heartwarming to see that he understood Nkem's need for healing through therapy and his consistent efforts to rebuild trust.

One of my favourite part of this book is when Arinze arrived at Nkem's house to pick her for their date. The jealousy that consumed Tunde while watching Nkem leave with the handsome and successful Arinze gave me great satisfaction! The uncertainty about intimacy between them after the date was a delicious torture for Tunde and I loved it!🤣

I previously held the belief that 'once a cheat, always a cheat,' but Amaka Azie challenged that perspective in this book. I learned that people like Tunde deserve forgiveness, and and probably a second chance. This book also taught me that infidelity can be a devastating blow to a partner's confidence and self-esteem. Reading how Nkem tried to undergo body enhancement surgery after she learned about Tunde's infidelity broke my heart.

Thank you, Amaka Azie for the profound lessons in this beautiful story. This book is definitely a must read. I recommend!

[Temitope Adeniran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaka Azie's books are always a hit for me.
I loved Nkem and Tunde's story and the fact that there can be second chances, even as it may be, she (the author) acknowledged the place of counselling to foster the healing process and restore back trust into their relationship.

I also loved that Arinze didn't force a relationship with Nkem that would eventually lead no where , as he still had personal issues to deal with himself, he was able to cut off amicably without causing her more pain and leading her on.

I didn't like that Tunde wasn't made to suffer small, lol 😁, he had the reconciliation process a bit easy for him, I wish he had to grovel some more , alas love had its way😍😋.
BTW, I didn't want the book to end so quickly, I wanted more out of the story that I had withdrawal symptoms 🤤🤤. Kudos Dr. Amaka ( and thank you for giving us a sneak peek into Tunde's profession, I liked it👍). I'll rate it a 5 over 5.👏

[Book Review by Modus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmm reading Before the Storm by @amaka.azie
Made me reevaluate marriage after cheating. The only person that can fix a marriage are the people inside that marriage and it's the 2 of them that should be willing to do what it takes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, enjoyed the rapport between Nkem and Tunde. She also touches on the wife and MIL relationship. Which forces us to rexamine the relationships we have with our in-laws. I'm currently entering the second reading 😁.
I got my copy from @okadabooks
_________________________

[Rahila Iyaji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaka keeps outdoing herself with each new story she writes.
Before the storm takes you on a rollercoaster of raw emotions that feel so real, while contending with many issues that are totally relatable especially in Africa. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tunde and Nkem's story and even with a guarantee of HEA, I was really looking forward to what was coming as I flipped each page.
I am so glad this is the first instalment in the series and can't wait for the others. Kudos!

[SL Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

This is the 2nd book by this author and I loved it like the first. Not many authors can write a romance from cheating but Ms. Azie did it and very well. We meet Tunde who after an incident realizes he wants his wife back. But after the cheating, Nkem is unsure if she can trust him. This book was uplifting, real and very sexy. A potent combination! Truly enjoyed it!

[Omolara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaka is a fantastic writer! I was still rooting for Arinze sha knowing the story is about Nkem and Tunde. Tunde sha still had it too easy. But I appreciate the need for counseling to heal. Good read.

[Nana Prah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful second chance romance. I resisted reading this story because of the infidelity, despite it being written by one of my favorite authors. I'm glad I took the risk. Because it was very much worth it. Nothing is ever truly as black and white as it seems. Nkem and Tunde were a brilliant, chemistry filled couple who went through trials, tribulation and forgiveness to eventually heal their relationship.

[Olubunmi Akinadewo · Rating 5 out of 5]

so beautiful

I was really looking forward to this story and it was everything I wanted for news and more. Love is so beautiful and it is everything..

[Helen Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

May Baba God judge that man 😤
‎Because tell me why your reason for cheating is to explore?? As how nah?? I swear, new hypothesis: never trust a bald man.
‎From the very first chapter, I knew Amaka was about to stress me emotionally. Nkem was finally finding peace after that messy divorce, only for her ex-husband Tunde... the same man that cheated on her,to land in the hospital, and she’s his next of kin. Like, of course she had to show up. And from there, everything started spiraling again.
‎Honestly, I was side-eyeing through most of it. Why didn’t they start therapy earlier? How did we move from ex-husband to familiar strangers with benefits in one breath? Tsk tsk. Once trust is broken, it’s hard to rebuild and Amaka didn’t even try to sugarcoat that.
‎That’s one thing I love about her writing. She doesn’t do “easy love.” She gives us the mess, the awkward therapy sessions, the emotional whiplash, the pain of still loving someone who hurt you deeply. Her stories feel like therapy disguised as romance, and this one hit all the raw spots.
‎But let’s talk about Tunde. Because I don’t care what anyone says, that man’s redemption came too cheap. You don’t “explore” your way out of marriage and come back expecting peace offerings. The audacity.
‎Now, Nkem? I love that woman. She’s guarded, but she’s real. You feel her frustration, her hesitation, her soft spots she tries to hide. And Amaka captured that Nigerian reality so well the gossip, the pressure, the silent expectation that the woman should always fix things. It hit deep.
‎At the end of the day, Before the Storm gave me everything - the pain, the growth, the “maybe love can survive this” moment. I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because it’s emotional damage and healing all wrapped up in one story.
‎And honestly,the author deserves an award for how she writes relationships. Nobody does “couples therapy in fiction” like her.

[Blessing John · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5✨

In Before The Storm, Nkem and Tunde have to work their way back into each other’s lives, a few years after their bitter divorce, caused by Tunde’s infidelity.

Second chance love is one of my favorite tropes in romance novels, especially when both couples are obviously enamored with each other but had to go their separate ways, preferably for reasons beyond their control. So, with this one I was particularly interested to see how the couple would succeed in repairing their relationship since the subject of broken trust stemming from infidelity in a monogamous marriage is no joke.

Now, there’s no denying that the path to love can sometimes be messy, exacting and unpredictable. It is equally important to note that I think the author did her best to handle the themes with care. However, I found that the way the plot unfolded mimics the reality of many women in Nigerian marriages so much that I ended up feeling triggered and aggravated by Tunde’s jealousy and his mother. I couldn’t understand what gave him the audacity to make any demands of Nkem. I also thought that some of the resolutions were a bit too convenient to be compelling.

That said, there were a lot of glimmers in the novel. Like the fact the beauty of the friendship between Nkem and her friend, the bond between the surgeons, the chemistry between Nkem and Tunde and the fact that Nkem found happiness in the end.

[By Habibat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9🌟
It's a really beautiful story that I enjoyed, even the infidelity part triggered me a lot, I once soft DNF'd during my first read in April. But I'm glad I picked it back up.
Tunde's excuse for it is very filmsy but what can I say, Men will stain your black, even.
The intricacies of their love and the emotional aspect was fully explored, IMO. Although, the characters themselves admitted that they jumped right into sex without addressing the main elephant in the room but the emotional aspect was not visible to us readers. They went for counselling,yeah and Nkem had deep thinking about it, with the conversation with Oke, and the one with her father but Tunde on the other hand didn't have much depth. We read that he's remorseful and willing to change but why do it in the first place especially when his father was like that too. He should have tried to prevent himself from it at all cost. His POV are all about going to his family and Nkem ass in his face. No real emotional depth.
But I can say that the author has evolved over the years coz I read the Self-discovery series and After The Rain and I absolutely enjoyed them.
This isn't her best work. But I enjoy it regardless.
I know for sure now to stare clear of 2nd chance romance trope with infidelity.

[Haddy • haddyreadshere · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I get the plot, and to be fair, it’s a strong one. The author tackled a very relevant and important issue: rebuilding after infidelity and broken trust. I see what she was trying to do, highlight second chances and how relationships can be restored, and tbh, I appreciate the perspective.

But I feel like the book lacked depth in terms of the quality of conversations that should have happened. A lot of things were left unsaid, or simply referenced in passing. As a reader, I didn’t get to experience the hard conversations, they were mentioned, but not shown. And that’s such a crucial part of storytelling, especially with such a sensitive theme. I wanted to see the characters work through their pain, hear their thoughts, and engage with their emotional journey. But I was deprived of that.

Instead, there was a heavy focus on sexual intimacy, and for me, that overshadowed the emotional conversations that should have been front and center. When the meaningful conversations finally happened, it felt too late, and even then, there weren’t enough of them.

So while I think the plot was solid and the message was important, I just wanted more. More vulnerability. More emotional depth. More dialogue that showed the real work of healing.

All that said, I still think the author did a good job presenting a thought-provoking topic. I just wish the execution was deeper.

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaka Azie is no doubt the Queen of Second Chance Romance!!!

“Before the Storm” talks about the intricacies of love, betrayal, trust, friendship and family. The story follows Nkem Edun who is required to give a second chance to a cheating partner.

This book depicts the effects of infidelity on Nkem Edun, and also the struggles that comes with forgiving the one man that shattered her heart. The story further shows how forgiveness might somewhat seem easy to do, but reading about the story of Nkem, forgiveness can be hard and it sometimes comes with hesitation.

This is indeed a second chance romance that talks about the difficulties attached to rebuilding trust and getting to journey through the path of bonding once again.

It’s indeed worth reading and if you’re a lover of second chance romance, this is your best bet!

And thank you to Amaka Azie for the privilege of getting a copy of this beautiful story!❤️📚

[Hope Etuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust Amaka Azie to get me sat for a conversation I pay no attention because I consider cheating unforgivable. The damage feels irreparable to me, so once it's raised I drop my two cents and keep shut.


With this book Amaka shows that second chance is doable if both parties are willing. Nkem's struggle with dealing with the hurt from the past was felt and I love that about the book. Seeing and feeling characters doubts and fears.

Of course Tunde had to put in the work because he caused the pain, I love that he didn't push Nkem to do what she didn't want to and I love their journey back to reconciliation.

I recommend this book of you enjoy second chance romance with interesting character and conversations.

[Adesuwa Nwokedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaka is definitely one of my faves and I'd been eagerly awaiting this book from the moment she dropped the teaser. I LOVE romances about married couples, and this one with its infidelity trope was extremely intriguing! It was a story about a broken couple that had to find their way back to each other...emotionally. Beautiful story. Although I wanted their journey to be longer and for more demons to have been addressed, it was a lovely read still.

Can you tell I'm eagerly awaiting Book 2 in the series? I am!!!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I have a problem with the characters. I hate that men are usually given multiple chances when some women are finished off immediately they do a slip up.
Nkem deserved better than Tunde but then, soulmates are forever and it’s harder for married couples to move on
I loved Nkem anyways, carried herself with grace and knew her worth
Amaka Azie with the cheesy romance as usual, thanks for this amazing series 😍😍

[AJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to give this book a chance so I finished it but I side eyed it till the very end. I just couldn’t get over the cheating thing.

I hated how Nkem was this person that couldn’t get over her husband that cheated on her meanwhile he was keeping up with his regular antics.

I think I’d have enjoyed it better if he’d been trying to win her over since the divorce and not because he had a near death experience.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Before the Storm" by Amaka Azie is a second chance romance in the Lagos Plastic Surgeon series.

Although I'm not a second chance girly especially when cheating is
involved. I love how the author showed Nkem's internal struggle, healing and self-discovery.The scars from Tunde's cheating left her with deep emotional wounds and a fragile sense of self-esteem.

[Sophia Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful, heartwarming and most enjoyable story. Totally five-star worthy.

I fell in love with each character, Nkem, Tunde, Jude, Arinze, Oke, Segun, Daddy Nkem, even Mama Ibadan sef 😅😅 So going to read the remaining books of the trilogy.

Great one, Amaka ❤️

[Mololuwa Mustapha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love romance books that don’t follow the normal outline of hatred to love to fight then love. This was a very different book, one of a cheating husband. For the most part of the book, I liked the author’s choice of words.

[Ice Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️s
This book was short and entertaining and I did really enjoy it a lot however I cannot wrap my head around the fact that it has a cheating trope that’s so obvious. I did enjoy it and the drama but it made me give side eye till the end of the book.

[Oreoluwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars!

Review to come but this was a good read!

[Maryam Adenuga · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautifully written

[Andromeda Uju · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and I loveee😍

[Shawn Pinzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Storm

I loved Nkem and Tyler's story! Yes this story has triggers but to me it was very realistic. I how the couple truly loved each other and wanted to fix their marriage. I looking forward to reading more of the Lagos Plastic Surgeons series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a grovelling hero x1000 story. Loved the hurdles -doubts, fears, realizations- the couple had to face to get back together again. Sex scenes were topnotch. And their son, well-written.

Would highly recommend.

[Anthonia Obiajulum Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally love second-chance romance and reading about couples falling in love again…or in this case fighting for their love.
I loved how Tunde did his best to own his mistake and prove to Nkem he would do better.
Easy 4 stars @amaka.azie take your flowers 🌹 🌹🌹