Review: Rent A Bae
RENT A BAE - Unoma Nwankwor
Away To African (Book #1)
KevStel Publications
BUY
Brenda Larnell (A)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
REVIEW: Pack your bags and travel to Nigeria with the hero, Arinze Kalu, and the heroine, Jasmine “Jas” Bowman for an entertaining take on the fake relationship trope, African style. Arinze or Nze, as he is also called, is a Nigerian American, actor, former Airman, Christian, and member of the Kalu family who is on his grandmother’s “it’s time you married” radar. Of course, he’s not having it, and before he has to travel to Nigeria for his sister’s wedding, Nze must come up with a plan to thwart his grandmother’s vow to find him a wife.

One of Nze’s male cousins comes up with an idea that will solve his problem; Rent A Bae, a reputable match-making service. On the other hand, Jasmine is facing her own life crisis. Her job as an assistant lead floral designer is at a stand-still. She realizes a move up in the company is not in her future, so she needs to make plans to move out, and start her own business. Financing that venture is problematic, until she hears about Rent A Bae from her best friend. It could provide the financing she needs to open her floral business. Without spilling too much tea, I will say that Nze and Jas have a history, and they are also a match for Rent A Bae. You’ll discover how their initial meeting happened, and what happens when they meet again when you read the story. No spoilers here.

For me, the highlight of the book is when our couple travels to Nigeria and we become submerged in  the African culture of Nigeria and Lagos. Author
Unoma Nwankwor brilliantly serves her readers up a taste of Africa through her vivid descriptions of the sights, cuisine, and people of the Motherland. One of the most poignant and eloquent scenes occurs when Nze and Jas visit Goree Island in Dakar, Senegal. It will give you chills.

The minor characters, like Arinze’s male cousins, and Jasmine’s bestie, contribute to the intrigue of the story and the development of the main characters. All the elements of great story telling are present in
RENT A BAE. From sterling characterization to well-developed internal and external conflicts; all help to make this a significant story. To my surprise, the story ends in Kentucky at the Kentucky Derby. You’ll get that when you read the story because it really is the perfect setting for a sweet HFN.

I so enjoyed this story. Kudos to the talented Griot, Unoma Nwankwor, for once again sharing her African roots with her readers. Her stories are educational, inspirational, and entertaining. Don’t take my word for it. Grab a copy of
RENT A BAE and find out for yourself. I recommend it!

23rd June 2022 | romcol@caribsurf.com
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