This was my first book by this author (though I have quite a few on my tbr) and I enjoyed it a lot! The romance was a bit slow and kind of took a backseat (imo) to Ofosua's work storyline, but I didn't totally mind that. I loved Ofosua as a character, and we got a look into the realistic struggles a Black Woman would experience in a predominantly white company (and industry). The romance itself also left me wanting a little more, but that could be because I was not completely sold on Cole as a MMC. That could just be personal preference. I just found Ofosua to be so vibrant that she really stole the show (and OMG - I hope we get a book for her cousin because she's one of my favorite side characters ever)

What I think I love most, though, was the way we get to experience Ofosua's Ghanian culture. It was so interesting to me, and I loved how much of that culture was brought into the story. This may be a romance book, but I think it really showed how you can still learn a lot while being immersed in a fictional book.

Thank you ValentinePR and NetGalley for the ARC of Gold Coast Dilemma. This is a slow burn romance that delivers a passionate kiss, workplace rivalry, and a clash of cultures! Ghanaian heiress and powerhouse editor Ofosua Addo is fierce, focused, and not here for distractions, especially not the infuriatingly charming Cole Drake, whom she shared that passionate kiss with. After a failed marriage and the weight of family expectations, Ofosua has sworn off love, dodging pressure from her overbearing mother and navigating microaggressions. When she’s forced to team up with Cole on a major project she’s leading, her defenses start to crack. What unfolds is more than just a second chance, it’s a layered story of identity, culture, and love against all odds. Some chapters felt a bit long and I wish there had been more development between Ofosua and Cole. I enjoyed reading this book, especially the chapter opening quotes, they gave a nice snippet of what was coming. Nana Malone does a beautiful job weaving in Ghanaian traditions and the complexity of familial and societal expectations.

Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone was as amazing as I expected it to be. Nana has a way of drawing me in and having me emotionally invested in the story from the start. This was no exception. I was drawn to the characters and felt like I related well to each in their own way. Ofosua Addo is stronger than she thinks, but struggling to deal with every single pressure you could ever imagine. Cole Drake is dreamy, but needs to learn how to truly be a man…and boy, does he. One scene near the end, when he stands up finally and takes the reins, had me clapping along. I am used to Nana Malone ripping my heart out in her books; this one felt like a fight from the beginning, and then finally exploded in fireworks and gave me an ending I was exceptionally satisfied with. She even has a way of redeeming characters she herself made you hate, like come on, girl! I wholeheartedly recommend this and any of her books!

The story explores the complexities faced by Ofosua, a Ghanaian heiress, as she navigates her heritage and personal desires. The initial encounter between Ofosua and Cole is electric, leaving a lasting impression. The clash between tradition and modern life, especially the challenges of balancing family expectations with her own heart, is both relatable and compelling. The unexpected turn of events at her wedding propels her into a powerful journey, and Cole's reappearance adds another layer of intrigue. It's a story that resonates, particularly with its portrayal of immigrant culture and the delicate balance between heritage and personal identity.

I enjoyed this book. I loved the way the Ghanaian culture was weaved into the story. Two cultures colliding and choosing love despite the differences.

This story hit my harder than expected. I thought I was in for a just a fun fluffy romance and received of a heartfelt message. The way the author weaved in how black women can be received in the workplace was done really well. I found myself so invested in that particular part of the story and also being soo mad because I understood her experience. I do adore the mmc; I found him to be sweet even though seeing him check his privilege came off a bit to try hard at times. I also found it beautiful how much of Ofosua’s culture was presented and a main part of the story.

This intercultural romance is such a refreshing read. It has beautiful insight into Ghanaian culture. Ofosua Addo (pretty name), a headstrong woman just making her mark in the publishing industry, is jilted by her fiance at their wedding, which triggers her mother to find her the perfect Ghanaian husband. But the only man who sets her on fire is the infuriating Cole Drake, nephew to the man she works for.

Ofo's overbearing mother puts my brown mom to shame. 😂 I loved how Ofosua finds her ground to stand up for herself and explore her desires on her own terms. I love how Cole stood by her even when they thought they were enemies. We all love a man who makes an effort to learn the culture she comes from and Cole Drake definitely raises the bar so high that he wins over Mrs. Addo eventually.

It's full of humour, slow burn spice and lots of drama. This is a must read book if you want to drive into novels with multicultural representation.

Gold Coast Dilemma delivers a slow-burn office romance with plenty of sass, simmering tension, and a sharp dose of “will-they-won’t-they.” When Ofosua Addo crosses paths—again—with the man who once kissed and ghosted her, she’s shocked to find out he’s not just a blast from the past but her boss’s nephew. Cole Drake, all ambition and self-control, is determined to stay focused. Too bad his obsession with Ofosua never really faded. What follows is a flirtation fueled by banter, near-misses, and a lot of denial. The emotional stakes stay light, but the final twist adds a jolt of drama that lands just right. This one’s more slow simmer than scorched earth—but it’s a fun ride full of laughs, tension, and charm. Perfect for readers who enjoy angst with a wink and workplace romance with a twist of steam.

I like that this author's work is usually a smooth, easy read that keeps me fully engaged—a one-sitting, start-to-finish read. This particular book had my emotions all over the place.

I enjoyed the view into the publishing world. It was more in-depth than the same theme I have encountered in other books. I liked the banter between Ofosua and Cole. I thought their back-and-forth emails were witty and humorous. I liked the relationship Ofosua had with her cousin Kukua. I enjoyed all of the information about the Ghanaian culture. I respected that there seemed to be some similarities between the Ghanaian culture and Black American culture, which can often feel rootless.

On the other hand, although I appreciated the acknowledgment of the microaggressions Ofosua endured, reading about them gave me no joy as they are something I live with daily. Ofosua's overbearing mother was too much. I have seen it. Her attitude and treatment of people took some of the pleasure away from reading, even while understanding the need for her to be an important part of the story. Overbearing, controlling characters don't work for me in any book unless they and their behavior are firmly shut down at some point in the book. Cole's uncle was another unbearable yet familiar character.

The prologue had me fully engaged. Then, Chapter 1 had me feeling off-kilter. Did I miss something? I went back to re-read, feeling like I overlooked chapters or that they were missing from the book. I felt the flow of the book dragged at many points. I thought this was supposed to be a romance, but felt that the romance between Ofosua and Cole was not allowed to flow. Maybe there was just too much going on in this book.

Despite having mixed feelings, the book had its moments. While it proved to be a challenge for me to complete, I believe it was definitely worth the read. I would recommend it to read and the reader form a personal opinion. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

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.