Ofusua thought she had her future planned out as she embarks on her career in publishing and is engaged to marry. When she realizes that her fiancé is not the man she thought he was she finds herself trying to balance her mother’s determined matchmaking attempts while denying her attraction for Cole, the son of her boss, and then there is the complication of working together.

Cole and Ofusua met a few years earlier and left quite an impression on each other but due to the paths there lives where following that was where it ended. He has feelings for her, but their different lifestyles and cultures doesn’t always allow him to truly understand the situations that Ofusua finds herself in, but it isn’t for lack of trying.

This story gives us greater insight into what Ofusua faces regularly and how important love and support is in all aspects of life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Valentine PR for the eARC of this book.

I had never read a book by Nana Malone before but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. The characters banter definitely made me laugh and kept me intrigued. I especially enjoyed Ofosua’s character and she was so sure of herself and intelligent but also struggled with insecurities which was very relatable. I loved how the Ghanaian culture was a main focus of the story, I learned so much about the food, language, customs, dress, etc because it was woven into the story without feeling like an info dump.

I thought Cole was a solid love interest, the dynamic of their two different backgrounds was an interesting conflict and definitely relevant to our society. I loved learning more about the publishing industry and their push for diversity that is not always brought about with good intentions by the heads of the companies. As a reader I felt like I was learning along with Cole about microaggressions and daily struggles faced by people of color.

Something I did not love was how Cole handled the third act conflict. The way that he yelled at Ofos and refused to communicate was a red flag and I was surprised that she took him back so quickly. I was glad that Ofos enforced her boundaries with her mother and made her apologize even though her mom was resistant.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would love if there were more books planned in the future. Maybe Kukua and Cosmos?!?!

Thoughtful, critical, but also fun and full “ha! Take that!” and “hell yeah!” moments, particularly when Ofosua, our gorgeous and brilliant FMC, stands up for herself and tells off people who disrespect her and her wishes. Thank you Valentine PR and Literary Management and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book as an ARC! Ofosua works at a publishing house as an up and coming editor and has a bit of a rivalry with Cole Drake, the novel’s MMC. Ofosua is Ghanaian and at the beginning of the novel she finds her new husband cheating on her during their traditional wedding ceremony. She calls off the rest of the wedding ceremony, and we see her navigate the tenuous line between her own desires and her mother’s expectations. As an editor, she doesn’t quite live up to her mother’s standards of employment, and after the failed wedding, a lot of the novel centers on Ofosua’s mother meddling in her daughter’s life. The dynamic with Ofosua and her mother was one of the things that I enjoyed most about this book, for it was so well done. Don’t get me wrong—her mother is frustrating, but I also understand the love from which Dr. Addo is coming from. She wants what’s best for her daughter, and the intention comes from a place of love, but she has a hard time reconciling that perhaps Ofosua knows best for herself. It’s layered and nuanced, like any mother-daughter relationship, and I think it was masterfully done in this novel. 

Ofosua’s main love interest is Cole Drake, her boss’s nephew and future CEO of the publishing house she is working at. They have a sort of enemies to lovers thing going, but before they fully become a thing, they’re friends. I really liked the build up in their relationship. Cole in particular needs to learn to support Ofosua in meetings, and when he messes up, he tries to fix it—something I really loved about him. There is a third act break up, but his apology is one of my favorite ways I’ve read a couple reconcile. 

I appreciated too the discussions on race and culture. Cole’s growing recognition of the everyday microaggressions that Ofosua deals with and realizing that he has blind spots he needs to work on is another strength of the book. There’s a conversation they have where Ofosua talks about calling out microaggressions and hoping folks will change and amend their behavior—it’s a conversation that has stuck with me. There’s something about how Malone wrote that scene that I just think is so well done. Overall, I enjoyed the banter, the thoughtful and critical discussions on the types of racism Ofosua deals with, and the characters—just a really good read. Strongly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book was truly so well done; the representation in all areas was absolutely incredible. The characters were extremely well done and developed, and really the only "downside" of this one? Is that you'll be incredibly hungry while reading this one! Every single one of the Ghanaian dishes made my stomach grumble and want to rush out and eat some delicious food.

The strong women in this book are beautiful; and the core friendships are truly an inspiration. The women are fierce and the plot is character-driven which is truly a favorite. The romance was filled with hurdles and the fact that the characters truly had to fight with it, while also battling their own struggles.

I loved the passion that was shown for both books and the publishing industry as a whole!

If you are looking for a beautiful romance with characters that you will be inspired by as you fall in love with them; well this book is the book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley, the Publisher and Valentine PR for the complimentary eARC of this book!

This is my first Nana Malone book. I love that she incorporates her culture and heritage into the writing. The storyline is realistic and modern.
This is an interracial and intercultural romance. The main character is Ghanaian American, with strong cultural ties and identity, and a Ghanaian Mom who wants to ensure her daughter gets married!

The FMC, Ofosua , meets the heir to a publishing company, MMC, Cole (or Hot Cole), once, and later they cross paths again.
But by that time, she is supposed to get married, but when the fairy tale wedding collapses, she must recover from heartbreak. She must make her way in the Drake company despite workplace challenges that are even more complicated due to her attraction to the Drake company heir. Plus, she has the added pressure of her Mom, who is hilarious but very overbearing!

The storyline beyond the romance made this book a page-turner! So many modern themes, Black women in the workplace dealing with microaggressions and false stereotypes, family, culture, friendship and the need to set boundaries. I love that the FMC never loses sight of her culture and identity, despite the pressures from the world and family, and stays true to the love she wants in her life. The banter is top-notch notch and the romance has just the right amount of spice.
The author did a great job of immersing the reader into the Ghanaian culture, through the sayings at the beginning of the chapter, descriptions of the places in Ghana, the clothing/fashion, and my favorite the food! I appreciate this look into the Ghahanian culture.

I love the writing! This would make an excellent TV adaptation. There is so much to work with! I would read more from this author.
Themes included:
- second chance romance
- close proximity
- interracial
- intercultural
- interfering family
- spicy level 3/5

Gold Coast Dilemma was an absolute page-turner! I am a fan of Nana Malone's work, and I think this story is her best yet!

This story is an interracial and intercultural romance, where he falls first, but they have many hurdles to overcome to make their relationship work. Along the way, meet the fabulously strong women who are friends and family to the MFC Ofosua. Also, enjoy the glimpses of Ghanaian culture, traditions and food.

Cole's family owns Drake Publishing, an imprint that needs to revamp to compete on the same level as others in the publishing world. Ofosua has enjoyed working at Drake Publishing, but wishes they would take on black stories. When she is given the opportunity to advance in her career, she needs to determine whether the CEO is genuinely interested or merely playing a game.

Cole has had his eye on Ofosua for a while, but he has never had the chance to really talk to her. Now they need to work together; they finally have the opportunity to talk and learn about each other. This leads to amazing chemistry and many obstacles.

Gold Cost Dilemma is a terrific read

I absolutely enjoyed this book so much. Nana Malone took a deep dive into some very important and some may say controversial issues in Gold Coast Dilemma, and she did it so well. I honestly could not put the book down once I started reading it. I absolutely love a book that captures my attention so much that I cannot focus on anything else...and Gold Coast Dilemma did it for me.

Gold Coast Dilemma is a fun, romance set in the literary world of New York. When we meet Ofosua "Ofos", she is an intern at Drake Publishing, a publishing house owned by Cole Drake's family, Unbeknownst to us, readers. we meet Cole Drake, on the balcony of his uncle and aunt's penthouse during a publishing party that they are throwing, The same place Ofos meets him, too, and like us, does not know it is him until their reintroduction at Drake Publishing. Cole's treatment of her during the meeting leads to tensions rising and shall we say the development of deep seated "hatred." These two were sheer perfection together. From the start the chemistry between Cole and Ofos jumps off the page, and once they finally come to terms with the fact that they don't hate each other oh...this book takes off. Loved every minute of their journey to their happily ever after.

Gold Coast Dilemma takes us on a journey of not only Cole and Ofos coming together but a journey of Ghanaian culture, the experiences of black women, and the immigrant experience in America. I loved how each chapter started with a Ghanaian quote as well as a "truthism" from her mother or father. I loved the secondary characters almost as much as I loved the main characters, but I have to admit that I was not and still don't know if I am fond of her mother....she was a lot to deal with for me; and the situation between Ofos and her mother and the way it was "resolved" left me a bit disappointed. There also were times when I felt like Cole was giving and expected to do and give way more than Ofos was doing in dealing with the differences in their familial relationships and experiences. Overall, this book is a solid 4.75 rounded up to a 5! Read the book, people, because it is so good! Bravo, Nana Malone! Bravo!

I am not an OMGer, but... OMG! Nana Malone now lives rent-free in my brain, just like Kennedy Ryan. I laughed, I cried, and even ducked and hid every time Mama Addo popped up. Gold Coast Dilemma was an absolute joy to read—one that I ran to every chance I got, yet didn’t want to finish.

Ofosua Addo is ready to blaze trails in the publishing industry and has the work ethic to back it up. But as much as the industry claims to want equity and progress, we know the powers that be often say one thing and mean another. Ofosua isn’t afraid to take on the challenge—even if it means facing the overly handsome Cole Drake, with whom she once shared the perfect kiss, and who just so happens to be her future boss.

Mix in an ex-fiancé who left her embarrassed, a culturally overbearing mother (Latina moms do this too!), and a childhood racist crossing her path, and you’ve got all the drama the title’s dilemmas promise.

Part romance, part empowerment, Nana Malone masterfully navigates complex themes while showing what love, joy, and self-truth can look like.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC. I can’t wait to get my hands on physical copies for myself and some friends!

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Get ready for a heartfelt journey full of rich culture, sharp banter, and impossible choices. Gold Coast Dilemma will leave you questioning where love ends and duty begins. You'll feel the tension, the passion, and the pull of a love that refuses to be forgotten.

The FMC (Ofosua) is a Ghanaian heiress, raised on tradition and burdened by expectation. Just as her future seems mapped out, her life is upended, personally and professionally.

The MMC (Cole) is a polished heir to a family business, raised to follow a predetermined path. But behind the ease and privilege lies pressure, secrets, and growing unrest.

When these two first meet, sparks fly fast and burn out just as quickly. But fate isn’t finished with them. A second encounter rekindles something deeper, something neither of them saw coming. As their connection grows, they’ll face obstacles that test not just their love, but everything they thought they stood for.

Do I recommend? Yes!!

🐄🐄🐄🐄/5

This book was not what I expected but it was so much better!

I immediately loved the prologue. And the first chapter made me SO CURIOUS! I just could not put this one down.

Also, if you have an overly “invested in your life” mother, this book will make you feel so seen. And while that would drive me crazy if that was my life, it made for some humorous moments.

Ofosua was lovely. She’s a Ghanian/American heiress who desires to chart her own path in life while keeping up with her familial traditions. And I adored her! She desperately wants to make a mark on the world, while also wanting to please those she loves. So this story was the perfect combination of swoony moments and profound ones.

And Cole was so bad for her and I couldn’t get enough! He perfectly let her fight her own battles and supported her the entire way. And their chemistry was WOWZA! I love a good MMC would is so love sick and down bad for their girl. It’ll never get old.

I loved the blend of culture and the different backgrounds in this book. It was so fun to dive into a culture I didn’t know much about and I really felt like I learned a lot while also connecting to Ofosua at the same time. I highly recommend this read!

You’ll enjoy if you like:
💫Workplace romance
💫Family dynamics
💫Multicultural relationships
💫Down Bad MMC
💫Publishing careers
💫Spice
💫Self discovery

Nana Malone does tension and banter so well! The banter and tension in this one is great! It moved a little slow for me but overall I really enjoyed it. I loved the representation of Ghanaian women and the relationship between mother/daughter. The twist at the end I was so shocked! O recommend this one!

I enjoyed reading my ARC copy of this book. As a Ghanaian woman I felt very seen and I appreciated the perspective even as a native that I recieved from it. Afos comes from a wealthy family and also gained wealth bc because both parents are doctors - PhD and MD respectively. So though I do not have that experience as a first gen as I grew up watching my mom and thus most members of my community struggling to make ends meet - it was refreshing to get this pov and see that it exists lol.

I loved also as someone newly getting into romance that it was one i could deeply relate to. I mean her mom? The food? The microaggressions? The complexity of navigating 2 cultures - yea good job Nana. With an enemies to lovers, boss and employee, workplace, different cultures romance it was layered and I loved that every aspect was explored. Racism, microagrressions, misogyny and all.

One thing I wish was less mentioned or I think once drove the point home was - the whole trust fund thing idk was trying a bit too hard to showcase richness when it already was? I also feel that Cole’s pov could have been written better? It didn’t feel that much more different that Afos.

Overall I enjoyed and would recommend as a cute romance and fun read.

Admittedly, I'm late posting this. The last month and a half have been sort of go, go, go for me.

It took me a little while to get through this book, but that is on me. This is my introduction to Nana Malone, and it was a beautiful one. There were relatable characters and an engaging plotline.

There were strong friendships and strong women, and I loved the relationship between Cole and Ofosua. It was complex and dynamic.

The writing was fantastic with well-developed characters. The Ghanaian representation was absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to read more from Nana Malone.

Support your local indie bookstore or request this from your local library!

Ofosua first meets Cole during an opulent publishing party, where they share an amazing kiss after hiding out on a balcony. Ghanaian heiress, Ofosua Addo, started as an intern at Drake Publishing. She met Cole Drake for the first time and never forgot him. Especially after she saw him again, when he did not acknowledge that he knew her. Cole and Ofos were working enemies from that point on. Ofos had a lot to work through in her life. . She gave in and was engaged to an acceptable Ghanaian man. Everything is going to plan until she found out her new husband, in the eyes of her Ghanaian family, was cheating on her. Now, her mother’s priority is to find another husband for Ofos. Ghanaian mother and others aren't so quick to abandon this union, daring to blame it on Ofosua. She ends up in the hospital, and who would be there but Cole Drake, witnessing the worst day of her life. He truly was a character who felt intensely and wanted to effect change. He wanted to be better than his parents, and I loved that about him. I like how Ofosua taught Cole about Ghana culture and food, She can't teach him everything.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers storyline, and Gold Coast Dilemma didn’t disappoint.​ Malone gave us a great story of two different people and cultures colliding. Ofosua, Ghana culture and heritage were taught to Cole, allowing him to see what it’s like to be a minority. Mrs. Addo was a scene stealer. Malone gave us the wit and the tension while celebrating her Ghana culture in this good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed the initial setup of the plot…but about 30% in, I lost interest in the characters and storyline. It wasn’t the writing - the writing was clear and easy-to-follow. I believe it was the character traits. I found the FMC annoying and I didn’t have any interest in the MMC either.

Overall, this was a decent story and it might’ve been a case of right book, wrong time.

Firstly, this books is for anyone who has an african parent - whether you’re african or first gen, this book is for you.

Secondly, Ofosua is that girl.

Ya’ll, I ate this book up. I haven’t liked a workplace romance in months and this one just hit all the spots. I liked how Ofosua and Cole’s met, I liked their tension when they were ignoring how they felt, and I liked how Ofosua told Cole exactly how he was being (no miscommunication here), and he owned up to it and fixed it. I loved Ofosua’s mom, as crazy as she was because she reminded me so much of some of my aunts lol. I feel like non africans will read this and think “that’s crazy, no one would say that” and i’m here to tell you - yes they do, Nana nailed this.

A fun, lighthearted romance about a woman who might very well be on the path to marrying the wrong person. Ofosua keeps a low profile on it, be she is actually a Ghanaian heiress -- a princess, really. She's set to marry someone her parents approve of in a very expensive elaborate wedding. In the lead up to that, she meets Cole Drake, and sparks fly. Readers will relate to Ofosua and cheer her on as she tries to create a life of her own while she still honors her family, their responsibilities and their expectations.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! It's not just a book but a life lived that just so happens to be captured in the book. It's that good. The writing style and interchange between main female and male lead - expertly written.