Thank you Gallery Books for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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3.5 stars

Gold Coast Dilemma is a good read for those who enjoy a confident female male character, stories of a first-generation American, and workplace romances. As a Black woman, stories like these that display overt microaggressions or have scenes with the complex family dynamics known to a lot of children of African or Caribbean parents, can be tough to get through but I understand it’s important representation because like it or not, these are true experiences faced by many.

This was a very plot heavy book but I appreciate all of the various subplots explored and how they all managed to be tied up in the end, particularly Ofosua’s imprint at Drake Publishing. As for the romance, I’m not 1000% sold on Cole and Ofosua’s relationship since this was a slower burn with a lot of conflict to get through but I liked the actions he took near the end of the book to prove he can show up and support her without having to be told what to do.

I love a plot heavy read so I’m definitely looking forward to Nana Malone’s next book!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. 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 and 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 was still under her parents’ or more specifically her mother’s thumb. 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.

Ofos is a little off. Her mom is blindsiding her with dates that she finds acceptable. Cole is being nice and now, they have to work together. A new imprint was thrust into Ofos’ hands for minority writers. Ofos knew something was up with the assignment, but vowed to make the best of the situation. She could not seem to get away from Cole. Cole did not seem so bad after spending real time with Ofos. Ofos knows that her mother would never accept a white man as her partner, but the attraction that was there during their first meeting never went away. Ofos and Cole try to make a go of it, but work gets in the way. Can Cole support Ofos the way she needs? Cole will eventually run Drake Publishing. Will they ever be able to be together with so much working against them? This steamy couple has a lot going on inside and outside the relationship. This enemies to lovers book is exactly what readers need. Well done, Ms. Malone, well done.

Gold Coast Dilemma is a Powerful, Heart touching and Page turning read. Nana Malone writing touches my heart like crazy. It always leaves a smile on my face and satisfaction on my heart.

Cannot Recommend this book to all readers.

Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone
Length: 384 pages
Narrator: Ellis Evans
Release Date: April 29, 2025 (out now!)

@valentine_pr_ thank you for the advanced e-arc.

During an opulent publishing party, Ofosua Addo crosses paths with Cole Drake for the first time. Their flirtatiously witty exchange culminates in a kiss that etches a permanent mark on both their hearts.

But Ofosua’s identity as a Ghanaian heiress comes before Cole. She loves the vibrant traditions of Ghana’s Gold Coast, and her hand is already promised to a man that even her overbearing mother loves. Yet, when her big Ghanaian wedding transforms from a fairy tale into a spectacle, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of heartbreak and self-discovery.

In the midst of it all, Cole enters her life once again, under circumstances far different from their magical first encounter. Can Ofosua and Cole’s rediscovered spark overcome the weight of tradition?

Thoughts:
I found myself in Ofusa, a bit insecure at times but still such a hard worker. I love nothing more than an author that infuses the love for reading that so many of us have into a main character. This novel had the perfect balance of making me laugh out loud and other tender moments that made me feel for Ofosua as she made some difficult decisions that went against tradition. The Ghanian dishes mentioned made me want to try this cuisine. The more books I read across the diaspora, the more I realize I have missed out on so many different cultural dishes. The core of this story is several strong female friendships and a love story with some set backs and how to navigate those. This novel just released yesterday, if it sounds like something you'd enjoy, I highly reccomend picking it up.

Gold Coast Dilemma is a workplace romance which takes place in the publishing world with a touch of enemies to lovers and I loved everything about Ofosua and Cole’s romance. When these two are forced to work together when she is chosen to lead the new imprint in the company their animosity towards each other fades with the more time they spend together. Their romance was a slow burn and I loved seeing the friendship develop between them. I liked the way Cole was supportive and willing to learn from her throughout the story. This story was entertaining, funny and heartwarming and I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to Nana, NetGalley & Valentine PR for an advanced read.

Hold up!! I loved this book so much!

Enemies to lovers and groveling are two things that are A match made in heaven for me!!!!
I know Nana has some other books I’m interested in and I can’t wait to check them out!

What to expect:
* He falls first
* Billionaire
* Boy obsessed
* Second Chance
* Workplace romance
* Groveling
* Enemies to lovers
* Slow burn
* Interracial couple

Ofosua is a Ghanaian heiress who is on track to have a picture perfect life, until she isn’t. When the pieces start to fall, Ofosua has to fight to not only find the pieces of herself she’s lost along the way, but also to fight for a life she didn’t know she wanted. Ofosua and Cole have a slow burn romance that navigates through mental health struggles, micro aggressions, and family expectations.

This was a quick read that balanced humor and heaviness well.

Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley, Gallery Books, and the author for this gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was immediately intrigued when I saw this recommended by my favorite, Kennedy Ryan.

This heartfelt hilarious story/rom-com made me laugh without caring if I looked crazy laughing by myself. I loved the witty banter, and the slow burn between Ofosua Addo and Cole Drake was worth the chemistry it brought when things fell into place.

I loved the family dynamics, especially Ofosua’s cousin, Kukua. Her carefree, free spirit was refreshing! I loved hearing Ofosua’s mother (Helen) sayings at the beginning of each chapter too!

The narrators for the audio did a fantastic job!

Thank you Nana Malone, Gallery Books, and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

I was thrilled to get an advanced copy of this book from Nana. It’s different than the many books of hers that I have read but no less exciting. Having lived in another African country, many of the customs and cultural practices were familiar to me. The strength of Ofosua is the best part of this story. She can be herself and even challenges her family when it means that they might reject her. In this day of bias and injustice, this story just made me feel like there is hope for women in the world.

I have ready many stories by Nana Malone and enjoyed every one. This is different from what I’m used to but I adored it and the characters. Getting a glimpse into Ofosua’s life, heritage, traditions, the daily struggles was enlightening. Her mother - just wow- but all driven by love and culture. Cole was endearing and just what Ofos needed to find her way and truly be happy. Even enjoyed the twist at the end with Yofi. While I love all of Ms. Malone's stories, I hope she brings us more like this gem.

What happens when you have a typical Ghanian Mother and your huge traditional wedding turns into a nightmare. You spend the next 8 months divorcing and healing while also trying to avoid your hot boss who you shared a passionate kiss with and he doesn’t even remember you. Well that’s the beginning of one of the best books I have read this year.

Gold Coast Dilemma has so many great moments. This book checks a lot of boxes. You are pulled in right away and you immediately relate to Ofosua. This book will make you laugh, break your heart, and make you want to scream “do better”. It beautifully and hilariously illustrates the power of a loving but meddling mother. It brings to life the very real struggles of being a black woman in the corporate world and how those struggles don’t disappear just because you are wealthy. It honestly portrays the real issues with between a couple who are from two similar class backgrounds but also very different cultural backgrounds and it illustrates micro-aggressions in a relatable way that anyone can understand. I loved everything about this book. I can’t recommend it enough.

Romcom
Billionaire romance
Woman’s fiction


Ofosua and Cole are the romantic interests. They were met at the wrong time but had a deep connection. Years later they reconnect.

A shift in my normal romance choices.
This story is big on the character, Ofosua. She is a Ghanaian heiress. Proud and determined. A great story with character growth and interesting glimpses of culture and experiences.
Good banter, the side characters added to the third without taking over the story. Fun story with depth.

I DNFed after 20% in.

I do not think that the description fully matches the first portion of the book.
I also did not like either of the main characters in the book or their actions.

I think this book may be for other people, just not me.

Also Cole (not the MMC) is the worst. I hated him and wanted him off the page.

(4.25/5 stars)

Gold Coast Dilemma is a slow-burn contemporary romance by Nana Malone featuring a Ghanaian American heiress who must choose between culture and a love connection.

Ofosua first crosses paths with Cole during an opulent publishing party, where they both share an amazing kiss after hiding out on a balcony. Shortly after, she finds out he's one of the big wigs at her new job, and he doesn't seem to remember her at all. A few years later, Ofosua is engaged to a man her overbearing mother loves. However, after her Ghanaian wedding ends abruptly in a spectacle, she knows she has to sort out what she really wants out of life.

I inhaled this book in one day! I ended up doing an immersive read, listening to the audiobook while following along in the physical book from time to time.

The book is dual POV and I love it when the audiobook has two narrators! Both of them did a great job, but I think Soneela Nankani knocked all of the accents out of the park. While Tim Paige didn't have to dip too much into accents, I appreciated how much emotion and inflection he put into the narration.

If you like books that talk about the publishing industry you should absolutely pick this one up! Ofosua starts out as an Assistant Editor, but has some promotions during the initial time skip, and then is assigned a cool project when we get into the meat of the book. I love getting little glimpses into the process of how books happen, and our main character definitely works hard to make her dreams come true.

I loved rooting for her. The book also did a great job talking about racial stereotypes and how to fight back against microaggressions. It also talked a little bit about neurodivergence, as Ofosua deals with anxiety that can sometimes lead to panic attacks.

Ofosua's character development was pretty well done, but though Cole had some too I wish we could have dug into his stuff a bit more. His issues felt a little more tied up in a bow, especially with something that happens towards the end of the book. I appreciated that he tried to educate himself on how to be an ally for Ofosua, but there were times where he'd cross a boundary or didn't realize his own privilege that were a little disappointing (but very true to life).

This book is pretty funny, especially when Ofosua and her mother are in the same room. I laughed out loud more times than I could count! Also, the descriptions of all of the food were impeccable. I kind of wished there were some recipes in the back of the book! I'll definitely be going out for some good food sometime soon; there's a place with amazing fufu and plantains that I need to revisit.

And head's up, though this book is titled Gold Coast Dilemma, it is set primarily in the US.

Loved the story and love connection in this book. Amazing and refreshing on the cultural size.

A must to read by Nana Malone! She doesn't disappointed.

I have read several Nana Malone books and they have all been so good so I was very excited to get my hands on this beautiful book. The cover is what drew me in. It was soooooo pretty, yet there was some mystery there and I honestly did not know what to expect before reading the synopsis of the book.

Gold Coast Dilemma was a good book. The thing I loved the most about this book is that I felt seen. As someone who is first generation to really live in the United States, with parents from the Caribbean, it is a very overwhelming life. From childhood, the pressure for perfection and the expectations put on you are immense. And this does not end once you turn 18. Even as an adult, who is married, rearing my own children, and living in my own home, my relationship with my parents can be fraught at times due to their expectations and the insertion of their opinions in every aspect of my life. I thought this was just something that I went through but to see the FMC, Ofosua, going through exactly what I went through, man, it felt refreshing. It was so good to know I was not alone and to know that its ok to stand up for yourself and sometimes, even remove yourself from those types of situations.

I also really enjoyed the representation of the Ghanaian culture in this book through discussions of the family structure, friendships, food, and fashion. This is a slow burn but it is very well done because the author takes time to really build the world that the characters are a part of. This was so well done that I felt like I was watching a movie. I was able to recreate the colors in my mind. I could smell the food described, and it had me salivating because I could taste them! I really loved that aspect in the book.

As far as the romance aspect of the story, this was an enemies-to-lovers story. Ofosua Addo and Cole Drake shared a kiss and then Cole disappears. Years later she is working for his uncle's publishing company, and Cole acts like the kiss never happened. Was she that unforgettable? So here, he becomes her archenemies. But that does not take away from her attraction to him. So throughout the book, we see how these enemies become lovers. I liked that the author took time to build up to the lovers part but sometimes, I felt like the romance took a back seat to all of the other things that were happening in the story, like Ofosua's imprint drama, her insane relationship with her mom, and everything else that she was dealing with. I wish there was a little bit more romance and angst and stuff in the beginning parts of the story. We do get that later on (more than half way in) and then it just felt a little rushed and like an afterthought.

Overall though, I did like Ofosua and Cole. I liked that Ofosua was a strong, powerful woman that did not let her parents constant nagging for her to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer to get in the way of her desire to work in the publishing world. I did however, did not like how much self-doubt she had as it relates to Cole and whether he would ever like her or should like someone like her. I wanted to shake her and tell her "Girl, you're the catch!" As far as Cole, I really really liked him. The explanation as to why he did not remember Ofosua was a little bit of a cop-out for her but overall, he was a great guy that stood up for what is right and made sure that Ofosua was happy.

Sidenote: I loved the addition of that twist at the end, I think it was in the epilogue. I did not see that coming but it made so much sense and was a great addition to the story!

Overall, this was a good read. I felt like I was transported to another world and really enjoyed Gold Coast Dilemma! It was a solid read that I think many would enjoy so I would recommend it.

GOLD COAST DILEMMA is a brilliantly funny new release by Nana Malone. The story began when Ghanaian heiress Ofusoa Addo met Cole Drake for the first time at an opulent publishing party. They shared a magical night and an even more magical kiss that marked each of them irrevocably. When her big Ghanaian Wedding went from fairy tale to nightmare, Ofusoa is thrown headfirst into a period of heartbreak and introspection. When she and Cole next connected, Cole didn’t remember Ofusoa. That indignity sparked an adversarial relationship that continued until they had to find a way to work together. Torn between the love of her culture and the desires of her heart, Ofusoa must decide whether love or tradition will come first in her world. I absolutely devoured this book! The audiobook was funny and engaging, and the narrators took this excellent story to new heights with their masterful storytelling. The dynamics between characters and the contrast between Ofusoa’s Ghanaian community and her work in publishing was fascinating. The author described a vibrant community and educated her readers while educating Cole about their food, culture, and the constant micro aggressions that a Ghanaian American woman must face in her day to day experience outside of her tight knit community. She also touched on the myriad of societal and parental expectations that existed within that community. I recommend this romantic comedy for readers who enjoy laughing through a richly crafted story filled with plenty of spice, spark, and genuine emotional depth.

I received a free ALC via Simon & Schuster Audio and free ARC via Netgalley, Valentine PR, and Gallery Books. I am voluntarily writing this honest review.

Gold Coast Dilemma initially drew me in with its vibrant cover. And then it was all about that first scene for me. An instant connection at a party with a stranger and a kiss to knock them off their feet, but then there is no Cinderella glass slipper afterward. We fast forward to Ofosua getting married to someone completely different. What happened to the connection to the stranger? It all comes down to Ofos and her family, but most especially her mother. Get married. Be successful. Fall in line. It's the Ghana way. But, when Ofosua catches her dear husband in the closet with someone else on their wedding day, that is the end of her mother's dreams and Ofosua's marriage. But don't worry. Because Miss Helen Addo will keep infiltrating into Ofosua's life making for one difficult relationship between mother and daughter.

I had to wonder what happened to that spark Ofos had with that stranger years prior, but I didn't have to wait long. Because we find out it happens to be someone she works with. Not just someone, but the future owner of Drake Publishing, Cole Drake. He's not only heir to the company, but he is a white man and these two are basically enemies. The fun part? They both have an attraction to each other and never act on it. And they fight even showing their emotions so know finds out. So, you gotta love the hate vibes and the banter that comes with it. Especially when Ofosua puts Cole into his place time and time again. But then when their work situation has them working side by side, sparks fly and Cole is going to push all of Ofosua's buttons until she gives him the littlest of wiggle room and then he can begin to prove himself.

While this was a cute story between two culturally different characters, they both are "trust fund" babies. They both knew money, but because of the color of Ofosua's skin and she's a woman, she continuously has to fight the system and work that much harder. We hear about this day in and day out, but Nana Malone showed it once again in the characters day to day lives as well as in the workplace and between their families. I did like that Ofosua taught Cole about Ghana culture and food, but I also wanted him to figure it out on his own. She can't teach him everything.

With all that said, this is a slow burn workplace romance that focuses a lot on cultural differences and family dynamics within those cultures. It's not always pretty, but I like how Malone combined that with the romance and how she was going to make an interracial relationship work when the families were always tearing everything down. I think she did a good job of giving us interesting characters and even throwing in mental health into the mix. The ending felt a little rushed and the twist we got from the past seemed too easy, but I liked that it worked out. I do hope we get her cousin's story because she is a hoot. Those two together were fighting against their culture and showed some major strength and perseverance. Loved that for them. 3.75 stars

This is the story of Ofosua and Cole. This is a romance novel but it is a little light on the romance side. The main focus is about Ofoaua and how she lives her life and her job. She is a Ghanaiiian heiress. At a publishing party, she meets Cole and there was a connection there. However, those sparks never got to explore sparks though before he was gone. Now she is a dealing with the aftermath of a horrible wedding that never should have been planned in the first place. Add to it her being a minority in the place she works, and having to fight off the suitors her mom is constantly sending her way and you have a woman dealing with a whole heck of a lot. Oh and did I mention that Cole is her boss's nephew. I love how this story broke down stereotypes, the pressure that parents put on their children and of course the little matter of her feelings for Cole. I really wish that we had seen more of Cole in her life. While I say that it didn't make this a bad book. Just a little different from what we are used to getting.

Nana Malone is one of my favorite authors. I love her romantic suspense and royal romances. This one has a completely different vibe — closer to African women’s fiction. I loved the opening quotes and the vivid glimpse into the Ghana's culture. Ofosua and Cole’s story complex and compelling, and I appreciated that it was told from both perspectives. Ofosua is strong and determined, while Cole is charming and supportive. After a heartfelt and unforgettable first meeting, their paths cross again years later. It’s a beautiful tale of self-discovery and growth, filled with tension, banter, and heart. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast — family, friends and colleagues with vivid, unique personalities that added depth to the story. The book explores deeper themes like racism, microaggressions, traditional values, and cultural identity with care and impact. A slow-burn romance that truly left a lasting impression.