Ginika's Bridesmaids: Book Two

Ginika's Bridesmaids #2

by Adesuwa O'man Nwokedi

Isioma is left heartbroken when an encounter with the debonair Karibi Graham-Hart turns out to be a one-night stand. She spends the next couple of years trying to get over him, until life throws them back together again. But as they revive their relationship, it becomes clear that he is unwilling to let go of his past love or even fully commit to her. As she struggles with other major life issues, they both have to decide whether love is truly enough.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Nigeria

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2021

About the author

The Writer, who became an Engineer, who became an Investment Banker, who became a Fertility Spokesperson, who became…a Writer.
That has been the journey of A. T. Nwokedi, aka The Fertile Chick. A self confessed hopeless romantic, when she is not creating new characters, she devotes her time to creating memories with her husband and their three children.

Reviews

[Morayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author is a fave of mine and I’m going through her entire catalog on kindle unlimited.
My issue is with Karibi and Isioma. I unfortunately did not believe in their love.
His lowkey(high key if we are being honest) obsession with Erikan, him being 40 and still emotionally unavailable.
Now Isioma, my sister in Christ STAND UP.
They went from a sexual relationship to I love you and I’m like how did we get here? The romance was a bit lacking for me and my homegirls unfortunately.
I dislike Karibi so much…
I did enjoy that she made him work for it in the end but then again I was not a fan of their little love so there’s that.
Unto Book 3!!

[Ukeme · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was just an underwhelming follow up to the page turner that was Ara. I understand that not all love is easy and it’s only understandable by those who have worn the same shoes or the two people in it. I unfortunately am not one of those people. I kept asking myself why Isioma told herself that this is the hill she must die on because tbh he didn’t give her any die hard reason to continue to be so hopeless for his love. It was insanely delusional and the only reason they worked was because she constantly allowed herself to keep being hurt and to keep giving explanations or excuses for his actions.
As for me, any romance that leaves you playing mind games ALL the time??? Hell no. With the beautiful romance from Ara, I had really expected better. Infact, I stuck around because I thought she’ll get him out of her system and find her own CJ.

[Munis Bukola · Rating 3 out of 5]

My anger issues while reading this book 📈📈
I know she’s a fictional character but for some one that’s described as “so beautiful” boy!! does she test the limits of my patience… getting to the middle of the book i was wondering if she’s naive or just plain stupid .
I kept screaming, Give someone else a damn chance, play hard to get… do something other than simp.
I’m done ranting.
Now to my actual review:-

I find the main character confusing , she acts naive when it comes to the hero but for every other male the writer makes her seem experienced for example the scene with seb at the party she said “Maybe if I was fresh out of my teens, I would have been deceived by all the attention, but at the grand old age of thirty-four, I knew better. It was just a ruse to get into my pants. They were all the same.” This person sound wise, so it’s confusing. Is she naive and immature or is she not…. Another thing she said that confused me “Ever since breaking up with Karibi, I hadn't been in the mood to entertain any advances from other guys, especially not the sly and flirtatious Seb.” Can someone please tell her that before, during and after karibi she wasn’t still interested in any man’s flirtation, she literally got several business cards and contacts at the wedding in London but she trashed it all… phew😪
Towards the end though she grew a backbone and I was relieved..😅

Extracts from the book
-This man of yours will see no need to buy the milk if he already has full access to the cow?

[Sage Abena Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe this series isn't for me. I cried from the sheer stupidity of the characters.
What was amazing was the swift switch in mind when they finally see how nonsensical they are at characters. Then it's infuriating stubbornness till the final pages...

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was not a page turner like book one and did not hold my attention.

[Nkemakonam ENEBELI · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story but I feel the last chapter was rushed

[Oluchi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Isioma was so painfully naive in this, I felt like giving her a hard knock on her coconut head omg

[e d u · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (bc after 80%, everything went downhill)

tbh, when i started reading this, i didn't understand why most ppl i saw reviews from rated it the lowest... until i got to like the 80% mark. & what i hate most was that even till the end, i was angry and never got the satisfaction i needed.
for such a "pushover" character, isioma sure did know how to walk over those who let her do so. just a melodramatic for nothing. yenyenyen up and down. shoutout to karibi o. he's the best of us, bc me, i would've left her since. mtchew. also special shoutout to ifeanyi, for being the only one who outrightly called her out on all her nonsense.

[Dakid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Isioma is terribly annoying.

[Rachael Edewor · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest isioma is really annoying and she initially and to extent towards to chapters they started shagging , she doesn't respect herself....kabiri is also a man who down right selfish...isioma annoyed me alot but that's the really of most girls as I drop this review...karibi needed a woman who is sterne and loving at thesame time ....anyway they deserve each other....this book also captures how family/ home of an individual affects one ....looking at isioma's background the split between her parents affected her knowingly and unknowingly (trauma) and when I say unknowingly , she didn't know she was acting out on it in her daily life . While for knowingly she used it as an excuse for her silly mess up ....anyway they deserve each other , abi she wan leave karibi for ?, abeg carry him 🤣🤣 and her to be honest I think she needs to work on her self as well , see a counsellor too...

This book was just ok .

[Anita Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I called Isioma a fool at lease 20 times in the two days I read this book😂 It took two days because I was so fed up I needed to give it a break and pick it up again the next day.

Unfortunately at the end of the book, I still wasn’t clear on what Kabiri wanted. Will he suddenly want marriage? She’s 34 and actually looking forward to it. It was giving “I can change him.”

Isioma never had it easy. With her parents, with finances, her job and even with her love life. I cried with her several times.

This was still a good read and I’m looking forward to reading the third.

[Dominion Jaja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have appreciated at least a chapter in Karibi's POV. She did so many things wrong I wouldn't have been surprised if they didn't end up together. God bless Sotonye and Isioma's moms for trying to bring them back together

[Doshia Sheyin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't really into Karibi after what he did to Emeka( Erin's husband) but I like how he had to work to show his love and prove himself. But Isioma was most definitely difficult to him , I felt she should have gone softer on him but alas all that ends well, ends well.

[Favour Emmanuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not a page-turner like Book 1.

In fact, I loathed how easily Isioma succumbed to Karibi's 'charms'.

[Martha Ngoma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Isioma 🤧. I didn’t believe their love.

[Eko-Owoicho Genevieve Agada · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fl was on a mission to continuously piss me off. I’ve never wanted a couple to not end up together as I did this two

[Haddy • haddyreadshere · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not even going to lie, I went into this book already disliking the characters.

First off, I still haven’t forgiven Karibi for what he did to Emeka in “The One! (The Prequel)”. So coming into this story, I had my guard up. And then Isioma? Really? You’re going to date your friend’s sister’s ex? I get that Karibi and Erin didn’t have anything super deep or tangible, but still, even though, even though, it just felt off.

Initially, I was frustrated with both of them, but especially with Isioma. Karibi started to make sense to me towards the end. He had fallen in love with the idea of someone, and as he matured and started to see that for what it was, it was clearly hard for him to open up again. That kind of growth made him more relatable. But Isioma? Just one touch from him and she had built a whole life in her head, marriage, kids, white picket fence, the whole nine yards. And this was without the man even saying he loved her! I kept thinking, “Girl, calm down. Please”.

What annoyed me the most about her was how self-absorbed she seemed. She didn’t take time to understand Karibi’s pain or perspective. It was always about her feelings, her hurt, her side. There was no emotional space for what Karibi had been through. And the worst part? Karibi just accepted it all because he felt guilty for hurting her. That felt so unbalanced and unfair.

To be honest, I really didn’t like Isioma’s character. She was brash, impatient, inconsiderate, and deeply insecure. I get that she had unresolved issues with her mom leaving, but it felt like she transferred all that emotional baggage onto Karibi. Her inability to separate her past trauma from her present relationship made things messy, and painful to read at times.

I never thought I’d be rooting for Karibi, especially after what he did to Emeka, but he was so gentle and soft in this book. He showed real growth and patience. Honestly, I think he deserved better. Isioma rubbed me the wrong way from beginning to end. She jumped to conclusions, refused to come down from them, and didn’t give Karibi the space to show her the love he could have given.

It was a good read overall, and I’m glad things worked out for them in the end. But truthfully? This might be my least favorite book in the entire series, because I really couldn’t stand Isioma’s character.

[Biyai Garricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and after reading book 1, I was really excited getting into this book with high expectations.

The story follows Isioma, one of Ginika's bridesmaids and childhood friend. Isioma after leaving a long term relationship with her university beau, she falls in love with the handsome and charismatic Karibi Graham-Hart after a one night stand at an office retreat. Unfortunately, Karibi doesn't seem to feel the same way and she spends the next few years trying to get over her feelings for him. Unfortunately for her, fate throws them at close proximity again and she quickly realizes her feelings for Karibi are still hiding deep inside her heart. A relationship ensues between the two but Isioma soon finds out that Karibi's heart still belongs to another and she is unsure if he will ever be hers as she deeply desires. This is a story about friendship, love, second chances, forgiveness and God's timing.

This was another captivating story which apart from Isioma's entanglement with Karibi also tells us more about her background and how that affected the person she became in adulthood. One of the high points for me was the fact that the story highlighted the emotional and psychological effects abandonment in childhood can have on a person's character and choices. However, I would have preferred for the story to be shorter, the end seemed a bit too rushed for my liking and I had mixed feelings about the way the story ended.

Nevertheless, it was a very entertaining read and I would definitely recommend to everyone. Next is Book 3 (Ife).

[FemisArchive · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm.

Where do I start.

This was a 2 day read for me, could've been done in a sitting but given the fact that I'm currently inbetween procrastinating studying for my Psych exams and actually studying, It extended by that extra day.

Again, anything by Adesuwa O'man Nwokedi is going to be more than readable, she makes the most excrutiating of plots attractive to read, so there wasn't any complaints on the side of readability.

The problems started with our dear Isioma and her insistence on being a die hard simp for a man that literally one night standed her and decided he had feelings for her when it was convinent for him.
& The insufferable Karibi whos ex's portrait hung in his living room boldly while his mistress dilly daddled her life away, infatuated by whatever she was so infatuated at him for.

Though fiction, Isioma needed someone to slap sense and decisiveness into her, and it would've knocked down like 3 unnesecary trips and the pity parties that reigned in the minds of people who harboured her as a friend.

I'm looking forward to the next book of the series, hopefully Ife has a more promising and firm grasp on life, and according to the few reviews I've skimmed, it sounds like it will be so. (After my Psych exams ofc lol)

[Sonia's Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karibi and Isioma, thank you for frustrating me so much! 😒 I wanted them to end their charade ASAP! I wasn't rooting for her and Karibi because I didn't understand what they were doing. I was angry that Isioma was making such mistakes—like, girl, you're smarter than this! Abi is it ovulation? Plus, is it just me, or... Isioma is a "mumu in love," fr! 😂 I mumu oo, but Isioma, OMG! Isioma is my grandma in this game. 😂

But the ending, though - all that serenren... Isioma meant business oo. I found myself wanting to cry and plead with her on Karibi's behalf. One thing I admire about Isioma is her ability to maintain her happiness and composure despite her challenges, especially when she was mistreated at her job. She is indeed a strong woman. ❤️

I really enjoyed this story. I appreciate the growth of both Karibi and Isioma, and I'm legit happy things worked out for them! 😚 Ms. Adesuwa's writing style is fantastic, and though her romance stories may lack enough spice, I’m genuinely enjoying them. I've decided to read all of her books because the lessons in her stories are what truly resonate with me. I highly recommend this story.

[Kerry M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isioma is kind but girl made me so angry!!! Why is she a carpet?? I was ready to throw hands the entire book because nobody is that soft 🤧 She was like a teenage school girl and she just couldn't love herself enough to see when these men were making her a doormat?
As for Karibi if he hadn't acted right he would have caught my hands because he is a grown man acting like a wounded boy. Ha!!! Towards the end of the book I just wanted them to be away from each other but I loved the amends he made in the end.
Kudos to the writer I'm in awe of how you capture your characters. The only reason it got 3 was because I didn't like Karibi that much but I love how he was not perfect.

[Ice Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt like I was watching a Nigerian romance series. I actually enjoyed this book so much even though the both characters annoyed me to bits but the chemistry could not really be denied. I loved when they spent time together so much although I agree they needed time to heal and get things right. The tension and the yearning at the end saved the romance for me because I was so over Mr rich boy at his big age and Isioma and her struggling self esteem. I also loved how the other themes like forgiveness and finding your self at any age and be recognized for your hardwork was also prominent. I did enjoy this one and hope the next brings so much more drama.

[Sasi’s Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the least believable book in the entire series and frankly I found Karibi creepy! His obsession with Erinkan was unhealthy and I’m surprised Isioma stuck around for that nonsense. As usual from the author it was great writing with a well thought out plot and detailed character development. Isioma’s past was intriguing I wish the author would have delved more into what life was like for her biological mom trying to live in pre colonial Nigeria and how she came to the decision of leaving her kids behind.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why was Isioma playing hard to get after already submitting her body to Karibi. It was a bit annoying, like wetin de worry this girl sef? The time she was supposed to kwechiri, she was opening her legs without caution, now she's angry about a simple statement. I honestly wished Karibi had just let her be, making two of them live in sadness 😔. Anyway, I don't have anything against a happy ending. I just feel that her unnecessary stubbornness despite everyone's plea was stew-peed. Anyway sha, we move. Thanks for another awesome read, dear Adesuwa.

[Ifeoluwa Shobande · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know who took the first step forward, but soon the gap between us closed as I melted into his arms, as his lips claimed mine in a kiss that transcended any spoken words, a kiss that encapsulated everything we’d gone through in twelve months, condensing it into a single moment, a reunion that was just as emotional and spiritual as it was physical.

It was a homecoming.


She got her happy ending finally. Sometimes stubbornness does not help at all.

Thank you, Adesuwa O'man Nwokedi, for this stubborn filled story....

[Mololuwa Mustapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would always be a sucker for the rich CEO trope! I really enjoyed reading this book because the plot wasn’t as predictable as I expected it to be. It also made me laugh a lot and I got angry a lot, too. I also really liked the choice of words in the book and how the writer was able to merge two entirely different worlds together. Absolutely loved it!

[Chika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isioma

Isioma’s story started off with a bang. I liked that we got her background early so that we understand her. However, this holding a grudge against Karibi and that low self-esteem she constantly had was annoying! I almost gave up on the story because it seemed like she was set on sabotaging her relationship.

[Sharon Ikenga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Ginika's Bridesmaids: Book Two (Isioma)." Omo Karibi and Isioma's relationship is one for the books. I love her fairytale ending. Isioma is probably one of my favorite characters in the series, apart from Ozioma of course.

[Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isioma's story is quite breathtaking filled with all sorts of emotions that soon finds her falling in love with her boss, Karibi. Love, jealousy, women empowerment are highly brought out in the novel.

[Tolulope Soremekun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came from the high of reading Ara's story, and so the turn Isioma's story took wasn't expected. It was slow paced but still held my attention. I appreciated the gradual end to the story and how it didn't end as a whirlwind romance. I'm still excited about the next book, Ife's story.