Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo

Book Excerpt:

"

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture, even after immigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping—well forcing—her to stay within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and…white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother. Soon, Azere can't help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter."

Title: Ties That Tether
Author: Jane Igharo
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Ties That Tether" by Jane Igharo

My Speculation:

"Ties That Tether" was quite a unique read of how a 'cultural deep-rooted expectations' can control a person's life choices as it was for Azere. It was enjoyable to see how this author gave the reader the internal and external battles that many interracial couples face in not being able to go against the grain of it all as it was in this story. I did learn a lot from the information about this Nigerian culture. I will say that Azere and her micromanaging mother got on my last nerve, especially with Azere not speaking up for herself. Be ready for a roller coaster of emotions all over the place. I was indeed happy when Azere was finally able to find her voice and go after what she wanted.

So, will Azere be willing to honor the promise she made to her late father to marry a Nigerian man? This is where I say you will have to pick up this read and see how well this author brings it out to the reader. Be ready for an enjoyable multi-cultural romance read that captures 'culture, love, family, promises to a HEA.'

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for providing me with a free advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.