Back in the country after years away, Bioye is excited to reunite with her high school love, Toju. As their love blooms and blossoms again, she gets increasingly uncomfortable with the very complicated relationship he has with the mother of his two children, Stella. It is a crazy dynamic that not only threatens to unravel their restored love…but also reveal things neither of them is ready to face. As she struggles with her insecurities and doubts about the relationship, she finds solace in the most unexpected of places...and with the most unexpected of people.
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.
Ha!, Adesuwa, please take all my love, you are just so gifted in crafting these stories.....I just had to to digress first to give kudos to the author of A Complicated Kind of Love. ... A Complicated Kind of Love gave off its title so well. It was truly complicated. I loved the main characters, Kudos to Bioye and Abolore, you gave us the required vibes. Bioye,I had no words for you at some point cos some of those decisions you made sha..... I don't know where it stemmed from, I just kept thinking why? While reading the book....🤷🤷🤦🤦 Abolore, my guy.....who would have thought....you won my heart sha irrespective....😍😍😍 Toju.....hmmmm😠😠...
Though, it had so many chapters, it didn't feel boring one bit, I kept going back to pick it up to read. it is such an exciting read.👍👍
A real complicated kinda love. Loved the reunion vibes and interconnected characters. Loved the character arc for both MMC and FMC. Didn't like the lengthiness, so -0.1 stars. Looking forward to reading other books in the series, especially Nonso's.
This book took me down memory lane. The things that happened when we were all young and our reactions and changes that occur after 20 years during a class reunion. Some people do not change while others do! This beautifully crafted story describes the benevolent Bioye, greedy Toju, rich Nonso, loyal Ogonna, fierce Stella, and of course the dapper+intelligent+composed Abolore ( He is my star) It was a great opportunity to have an ARC. My recommendation: read this book in the wee hours of the night so you can focus and go through the emotional journey with the various characters!
The novel starts with a high school reunion and the antecedant interests in who is who and where, twenty years after graduation. Next it follows a complex, whirlwind romance and a breakup that leaves you more angry with the protagonist than sympathetic. As usual, I was almost taking Bioye and shaking her so she could wake up to the truth, at the same time realizing that we need to do more as authors to point people to the real truths about what to look out for in a life partner. As well as what to watch out for when potential suitors line up to sweep them off their feet.
Enter Abolore (I love his name) our princely knight who despite the few dents in his shinning armour, picks Bioye up and puts her back together.
I love that Bioye stuck to what she knew her strengths and interests lay in, and that she didn't give in to the lure of a high pay at a bank. I love that Abolore didn't hold onto his hurt and stepped in to save the day when the situation demanded it of him. I didn't like that two people who loved each other so much hurled so much angry, caustic words at each other, it broke them apart. But then you need to read it to understand!!! I loved the music, the vivid hall descriptions and that I could picture the characters in my head at all times down to their dressing. I also loved the cover. I'm a sucker for awesome covers.
Adesuwa knows how to evoke those emotions and create those kind of flawed characters and spicy situations that are replicas of what we find in real life. A complicated kind of Love filled me with craving for a high school reunion and I found myself looking back at my secondary school days with nostalgia and trying to find parallels of my old school mates in the characters within the book. If you're a sucker for music from the 90s, this book will take you there.
I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars 🤩🤩🤩. I got an ARC copy and can't wait to read everyone else's stories in the sequels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Adesuwa always takes you on a special journey with her books and ‘A Complicated Kind of Love’ is no exception 😍 When I got to the end, I wanted to start all over again…I enjoyed Bioye and Abolore’s love story that much (side eye 😒 to the ‘principalities’ who tried to frustrate their love). This book reinforced the importance of friendship in every romantic relationship. When you truly love someone, you see them ~ you recognise their needs and interests, you acknowledge what makes them tick. I also enjoyed the flashbacks from ‘An Unlikely Kind of Love’ and it made me want to re-read Tomi and Ikenna’s story 🥰
There is a lot to our Queen Adesuwa and I saw some of her multifaceted sides in ‘A Complicated Kind of Love’ ~ the scholar (‘effiko’)/the teacher (Ah Ah, I even learnt new words like decelerate and convivial 🙌🏽), the guide/helper (awww at that important piece of advice about the option of publishing books online 🥰), the philanthropist, the interior decorator, the stylist, etc. I also love how she touched on different sectors of the economy. For me, it reinforced the importance of ‘knowing your onions’ in whatever field you find yourself in (Even if you stumbled into it, there is no excuse for not filling any inadequacy gaps…)
MAKE SURE YOU ‘GRAB’ THIS BOOK once it’s out on 23RD SEPTEMBER. Most grateful Beloved 🙏🏽❤️
There is just no end to Adesuwa blowing my mind and I earnestly look forward to reading the remaining stories from the “Malomo High School Reunion Series”.
When Adesuwa O'man Nwokedi got in touch about an Advance Reader's Copy of A Complicated Kind of Love, I was ecstatic, psyched actually. I was saving it for my post law school reading treat.
However, some stuff happened and I couldn't get to reading the book till now.
And ..... Drum rolls in anticipation please.
It was something.
Adesuwa O'man Nwokedi should be crowned the queen of Nigerian romance novels because..... She tells the most unique love stories.
I'll be frank and say I didn't want to like the book after the first few chapters. It was following what seemed to be a trend of gullible girlfriends, lousy, despicable boyfriends and love triangles.
But then she turned it around in a way I didn't expect. The curve balls and plot twist were unpredictable. I didn't see Emem coming. Not at all. And Fadeke's repentance? Nope. Never crossed my mind.
The romance was solid (the mathematics camp was the stuff my teenage dreams were made off) and the characters were memorable. Though I wish she would have given us a bit more in terms of characterization. I loved how all the loose ends got tied up, and the ending scene has to be my second favourite. My favourite was the police station scene 😂😂😂.
I also loved how Bioye and Ogonna.... Let me not give spoilers.🤫🤫🤫
If there's one thing I took away from this book, it's that hurt people hurt people. Insecurity and words spoken in anger ruin good relationships.
Let me just say Adesuwa has a way of making each of her stories unique.
Apart from plot and storylines, she finds a way to deal with contemporary issues and themes (baby mama drama and cyber bullying got featured in this book), making her stories not too far fetched and quite relatable.
The Malomo High School Reunion Series is shaping up to be really interesting and I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series.
I couldn't relate to the music though. Gen Z here✌🏾✌🏾.
Just when I thought I had seen it all... Someone, please set up a ring for Bioye and I to throw blows. I'm beginning to think the FMCs in this series would give me stress.
First off, SO to Ms. Adesuwa for the accuracy of this book and its title. 👏
From the book one, I already had an idea of the kind of woman Bioye is. I held her in high regard because, she seemed like an organised and confident woman; but you really can't know a person completely by the exterior, can you? Bioye fall my hand sha!! *Pour me water guyyy!* In one of my many rants, I said I didn't think Bioye would tolerate disrespect from any man, but na she tolerate pass. How can you be so gullible in your mid-thirties?? I'm not judging, but come on now?? Man matter na sense, and with her level of exposure, I expected more.
I said Ikenna can never be a book boyfriend, right? I raise you Toju: a walking red flag, a manipulative and breadcrumbing nitwit. I was pissed, fr!
Then Abolore, good man! Initially, I was surprised as to why I was reading his POV, until I learned that he was the love interest. I found it weird because, he was their teacher, back in school, but I can't judge; na where love carry Bioye go. Although, I didn't connect very well with Abolore, I still thank God that he was a good man to Bioye, and I thank God Emem's misbehaviour did not completely ruin their relationship. Another reason to put a stop to this bestie nonsense.
This was a good read with enough gbas gbos and "babies" mama drama. My highlight from this book was Bioye's growth; I thank God she came back to her senses. I recommend this story, but be prepared to yell at some characters.
Bioye was a real Mumu sha! I wanted to slap her hard many times. How can a person be so naïve in her mid thirties? Na wa o. Even a blind bat would know that Toju is a player. This romance is a slow burn with all the feels. You’ll be annoyed, irritated, feel mushy and emotional throughout the read. In true Adesuwa style, you actually go for an emotional rollercoaster ride with this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really loved how the story played out, the love story was more complicated and in depth than the first book in the series. It made it easier to relate to and believe. A really great read🤍
Just finished A Complicated Love (Book 2) by Adesuwa O’Man Nwokedi and whew… this book took me through every emotion. Frustration, sadness, anger, love and all in one.
Adesuwa has a way of hooking you from the first chapter. Toju is a complete nuisance, Bioye kept letting him manipulate her, and Stella… girl please stand up, she has this stupid mentality of a man can love you and still cheat and will always come back to you, like how?? He’s coming back cause you’re accepting his thrash. Emem and that “homeboy/homegirl” nonsense sef, a proof that opposite genders don’t maintain platonic friendships like before, it’s either the girl is secretly in love with the homeboy or the homeboy is lusting after the girl, smh. Nobody should homegirl my babe o.
Abolere is still my fave though but I felt he messed up with what he said in Ibadan that it was all closure they needed, I would have been turned off with that and never accept him again but he still remains my fav character.
Honestly loved this book so much, I doubt the next one in the series will top how this one made me feel. 📚✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely loved reading this book! From the very first page, I was completely drawn in. Witnessing Bioye discover herself was beautiful. She started off lost, but as the story progressed, she grew more confident in her abilities and found her voice.
While past traumas influenced their dynamic, I was glad to see them work through their issues and have a second chance to make things right. That said, I do wish more romance books focused love stories that don't rely on second chances or heavy trauma—it would be refreshing.
Still, this book is a gem. Their story, love, and relationship evolved beautifully. Watching Abolore thrive warmed my heart, and seeing Bioye step into her power was incredibly satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it any day. It’s a heartfelt and beautifully written story that stays with you long after you finish it.
I never saw the plot twist coming at all. So i intentionally didn’t read the book blurb because i wanted to be completely surprised. And surprised I was! I started a Complicated Kind of Love a bit irritated by the Toju character and the hatred with Ogonna, and I was blown away when I saw the book direction with Abolore the Teacher and Bioye. This book is an example of never judging a book by its cover. It was when I dug in and was towards the middle, that I started appreciating the book more.
I loved the chemistry between Bioye and Abolore. I like the Teacher-student romance play out. 🙈I liked the characters, storyline and plot twist. There were some typos here and there, but in all, Adesuwa does it again by penning down a really awesome story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I went into A Complicated Kind of Love and my anger issues were already activating because what was that??
The things she was enduring with Toju had me stressed. Like actually stressed. The whole time I just had that song playing in my head, “you go suffer, you go cryyyyy,” because how are you okay with a man that has three babies with his baby mama and she is still pregnant?? Be serious.
What annoyed me the most is how easy it was for him to manipulate her. So easy. But when it was time for her to “manipulate” herself into choosing real happiness, she started growing pride. I can’t lie though, it was still an interesting read. Messy, frustrating, but it kept me there.
3.5⭐️ not my favorite so far, but interesting nonetheless.
A complicated kind of love, but is it? As much as I love drama, the drama in this book was even too much for me. 😩😂
I felt like there was a lot going on with Bioye, Toju, Stella (the baby mama), and Emem that it left little to no room for the romance I so desperately wanted to see between Bioye and Abolore.
The miscommunication trope was used a lot, and I really didn't like it at all because these were things that they could have just talked over.
Half of the book was focused on Toju and his baby mama, and who the heck calls someone special to them 'love bug'? I didn't like that the focus was not on the major love interest.
Aside from the drama between Toju and Bioye, this one felt a bit of a drag for me.
I have noticed a pattern in almost all the books I've read which are a handful .
The two main characters, who are in love always get into a fight. One comes back to plead and the other refuses. Then the roles reverse" the person who refused the first time comes back to plead and then the other refuses " and then the third time they both make up .
It’s the same sequence in Love in Convenience, Whatever It Takes, No Perfect Love, Golibe, Legachi and the rest I've read … I hate that I can just predict how it will end.
Truly, I could beat Bioye... just take a wooden spoon and keep hitting her till she receives sense but truth be told, a lot of us have been there... We all or most of us have that soft spot for one person (male or female, platonic or romantic) who takes us for a jolly ride but we let our feelings lead the way.
I loved the emotional growth of all the characters... a place of acceptance, forgiveness and love... the emotional journey of this book though...
I am definitely looking for more books from this author...
The reunion saga continues in book 2. The connection between unexpected people was heartwarming. Their story is beautiful and it's great that Bioye finally learnt to love herself and not settle for less or allow anyone treat her like trash. From second guessing herself to having a true gentleman, supporting and inspiring her and others to be better version of themselves, the story just keeps getting better. I look forward to reading more about other characters as they discover themselves.
I liked this, their love story was really good and I liked following it and watching them fall in love. The Emmen part was a bit much for me, her suddenly declaring her love after messing him up with the girl and her insulting him and saying everything is her effort. I liked how difficult coming back together was, it wasn't just one conversation, the fear of trying again and everything.
It was a good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A reunion story i didn't know i needed. Bioye is your classic girl with a past. I mean girl got some serious emotional baggage checked in first class. she's got feelings for days and a whole soap opera going on inside her head. Always like a puddle when she comes in contact with Abolore. Real, messy & chaos queen energy. I love her.... An interesting read
I didn’t buy the chemistry, felt a bit forced for me. The fact that he was her former teacher, who albeit young, may have had a crush on her as a teen, was a bit weird for me. The Toju drama was really good, my favorite parts of the book.
4 stars! Thoroughly enjoyed the build up of their story! I wish the space in between 6 months wasn’t there. But if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be. And as for Toju there is a special place in hell for him.
Book 2 had me feeling all the giddy excitement that comes with reading Adesuwa Nwokedi’s stories! I actually enjoyed this one more than book one, even though the FMC tested my patience a few times She definitely deserved multiple knocks 😅. On to the next!
3.5 ⭐️s There was literally no romance in this book till the ending. Honestly the drama from Bioye and her foolishness kept this book afloat for me. It was nice to read really
This book stressed me🤣🤣🤣but i still love itttt. There are several times, I wish I could talk some sense into Bioye and her man. Chai! And men like Toju???? They are parasite😩
A Complicated Kind of Love by Adesuwa O'man Nwokedi is a captivating romance novel that explores love's complexities, personal growth, and life's unexpected challenges. Bioye returns to her homeland, eager to rekindle her high school romance with Toju. However, their reunion is complicated by Toju's relationship with Stella, the mother of his children.
As Bioye navigates insecurities and doubts, she finds solace in unexpected places, leading her to confront past traumas and discover love where she least expects it. The novel masterfully explores healing, resilience, and love's transformative power.
With vivid descriptions, relatable characters, and authentic dialogue, Adesuwa crafts a poignant narrative that resonates with readers. The story is set in Bioye's home country, with significant events occurring at the Malomo High summer camp, which serves as a retreat for introspection, healing, and new relationships.
Through richly developed characters, This book explores themes of past relationships,second chances impact on present choices, and self-empowerment. A Complicated Kind of Love is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of humans.