3.5 stars

I liked this one!! I do wish the characters had a bit more development as individuals, as well as within their relationship. But it was altogether a really great read.

Even though this was a romance book, the central focus wasn’t really on the romance. This was a really slow burn, but it did kick up towards the end. And what we got, I enjoyed! There was a spark between Ofosua and Cole from the beginning, so I was happy when it finally blossomed into something more.

While I do wish there was a little more romance added in, I really loved Ofosua’s storyline. The majority of this book focused on how she navigated life and her job. There was a lot of breaking down of stereotypes and fighting against racist office behavior. I loved watching her stand her ground and build up her imprint.

There were some times where Cole frustrated me. He definitely crossed some boundaries at times where he thought he was “helping” or when he was blind to his own privilege. I’m glad he took steps to educate himself on how to actually be an ally in Ofosua’s corner.

Overall, I quite enjoyed this book. I don’t think Nana can write anything that I don’t enjoy. Even though I was hoping for a little more, I still had a good time reading this one.

This book was incredible!

First of all, the premise is completely relatable. Trying to be true to yourself and satisfy your family at the same time isn't always possible and seeing Ofosua go through this difficult balancing act hit me hard. I loved all the cultural representation and how seamlessly it was woven in. I could practically see the colors and taste the food through all the beautiful descriptions.

The beginning with Ofosua and Cole was perfect! I could instantly feel their chemistry and I was wrecked when Ofosua had to go be the good Ghanaian heiress without him. I also enjoyed how their second-chance was unveiled. It felt like a really unique take on the trope. Their rekindled moments and banter was EVERYTHING. I couldn't get enough of their workplace + enemies-to-lovers vibes. It gave me so much life and I hated every time I had to set my book down and leave them.

The friends, family, and community were all written so well. Every aspect of these relationships was interesting and compelling. I was completely hooked. I also liked the commentary on micro-aggressions and learning and doing better.

The spice and tension were both so great and I loved every minute of this book. Nana Malone is a gem and this book was wonderful.

Thank you so much to Gallery, VPR, NetGalley, and of course Nana Malone for the advanced copy!

Massive thanks to Valentine PR and Nana Malone for this ARC.

Gold Coast Dilemma follows the story of Ofosua Addo, a Ghanaian heiress whose life is turned upside down when her dream wedding becomes a nightmare—and Cole Drake, the man she once shared an unforgettable kiss with, suddenly reappears in her life (and workplace, for more complications).

There’s a lot of potential in this story. I appreciated the dual POV, even though it took me a while to connect with the characters (especially Cole). I came to like them both, but I think the relationship suffers from a lack of interaction. The pacing was uneven sometimes. That said, I liked how the book explored complicated family dynamics and, initially, the stance the author took on social issues. After a while though, witnessing constant microaggressions felt a little heavy (which I guess was the point), but it overshadowed the central love story. This books felt more like Women’s fiction than Romance to me.

Even if the story didn’t fully click, I loved how Nana Malone showcased Ghanaian culture—it was clear those parts were written with passion. This book have its moments and I enjoyed reading it, with some tightening and stronger secondary characters, it could be an even more compelling read.

I AM ABOUT 50% THROUGH THIS BOOK AND I WANT TO SAT THAT I AM SO HAPPY I AM READING THIS BOOK.
AS AN AFRICAN MYSELF, I CAN RELATE FULLY TO OFUSUA'S LIFE. THE WAY SHE GOES ABOUT THINGS, THE CHOICES SHE MADE, HER CHALLENGES.
GOLD COAST DILEMMA IS A STORY ABOUT A STRONG WOMEN THAT WENT THROUGH A BOTCHED WEDDING WHO IS ALSO TRYING TO MOVE ON WITH LIFE AND WORK AND TE POTENTIAL OF FINDING LOVE IN THE "WRONG" PLACES
I CANT WAIT TO SEE IF ANY ROMANCE OCCURS BETWEEN OFOSUA AND COLE

This was a really great book. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the gifted ARC copy. I loved Ofosua’s character and how outspoken and charismatic she was. She was great FMC, I loved that she was so determined to reach her goals. Trigger warnings for racism, misogyny, and microaggressions. Cole was a great MMC, I loved how supportive he was towards Ofosua. This book was much more than a romance, it included many important conversations when it comes to racism/microaggressions and sexism. I think there are so many important messages to take away from this book. I also loved the romance, I thought they had great chemistry and I loved the way their relationship grew throughout the book. I would highly recommend reading this book when it comes out, it was a really great read.

Absolutely loved this book! The way the author displayed the Ghanaian culture in the way that you could fully immerse in it was done SO well! The common struggle most African children have with their mothers being overbearing was shown very well throughout this book. The constant struggle of wanting to remain respectful but also acknowledging that you have boundaries as an adult is something I still find myself doing in my early thirties with my African mother so that part of the book really resonated with me! I loved the banter between the FMC and MMC. It was a true slow burn, not everyone’s cup of tea but it was done perfectly. Cole was sweet and truly did see his privilege and was easy to correct and acknowledge things. They showed a good balance of two different cultures merging together, especially in African culture where your partner is constantly being vetted. I loved the ending, I wanted an extended epilogue but loved how everything turned out for them! Throughout all of this, Ofosua remained diligent and such a hard worker, her character development was lovely to see. My first by this author but definitely will not be my last!

Thank you, NetGalley, Nana Malone, for receiving an advanced copy of Gold Coast Dilemma.

The main female character is Ofosua Addo. Ofosua is a hard worker in the publishing industry. Addo loves her job and is excellent at it. Not only does she have a rewarding job, but a thriving relationship.
Currently, she is in a committed relationship. She believes this to be true until an incident at the wedding causes her to break it off. The betrayal has destroyed her. Since the incident, she has been struggling with anxiety.
She is also dealing with her mother. Ms. Addo is trying to find another potential spouse. On top of that, she met a man with whom she has chemistry, but he is of a different race and culture. Ofosua is a Ghanaian, and Cole is not.
Cole met Ofosua at a publishing event and couldn’t keep her off his mind. Ofosua now works with him, which makes the situation even more difficult. Despite the difficulty, both show their love and support for each other.
Cole wants to support Ofosua in her transition to this new position. This position is as easy as it seems. He wants to protect her and motivate her. I loved how Ofosua and Cole learn to embrace their relationship.

The book was enjoyable. I love how it was a slow burn, but Ofosua and Cole have wonderful banter. Their flirting kept me engaged. It was a realistic story of what can happen when people from different cultures fall in love.

Loved the representation of Ghana culture and what it is like for women, The FMC is strong and independent but also shows she is sensitive and vulnerable. Overall decent story just wish there was more positive interactions between the FMC and MMC. Looking forward to the authors future work!

Ofosua works at Drake, a book publishing house trying to break into the world of inclusion. She's given an unexpected promotion to manage an online publication featuring African American women. Ofosua was fulfilling her dream after so much work and a failed love, but her big problem comes when she's put to work with her work enemy, Cole. Cole and Ofosua met two years ago at a book event. They promised to see each other again, although the next time they saw each other, Cole didn't recognize her. They have to work together hand in hand, encountering several obstacles along the way, between love and hate, plus Ofosua's mother trying to find her a husband so she can stay in her family's community. Ofosua and Cole have to choose between love, their dream jobs, or family.

I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and it didn't even take me more than two days to read it. Cole and Ofosua's interactions were truly enemies to lovers. It's a sweet story in which the characters break the normality of their roots. The author takes us on a journey through the publishing world; they have a very human vulnerability that I even felt their pain. It's a bit slow at first, but about halfway through, it picks up speed.

Thanks to Netgalley and VPR for the opportunity to review this incredible book.

I was so excited to get this book when I first saw Author Nana Malone talking about it. I loved the last 3 books I read of hers and knew I wanted to read this one.

This is a romance story that presents struggles between tradition and love. Ofosua Addo, FMC, is a Ghanaian American heiress, although her family is wealthy she chooses to work her way up the ladder as an editorial intern at Drake Publishing . Cole Drake, MMC, is the nephew of the CEO of Drake Publishing. What makes things intricate is that at a publishing party, a year and a half ago, they shared a kiss. So there is definitely some tension here!

I love the strength and work ethic that Ofosua has, I liked her character right away. I enjoyed reading about the Ghanaian culture and the food sounded delicious. My heart did go out to her during the interactions she had with her overbearing mother though. I loved the banter between Ofosua and Cole and understood the reasoning behind the slow burn. And though the interplay of their cultures added a complex dimension to their relationship, I loved that Cole wanted to her as well as her culture and traditions and wanted to be better for her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this love story. Nana Malone’s writing allowed me to visualize this story as if I was watching it unfold. I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the exquisite detail given so readers may have a better understanding of a different culture. I would definitely recommend!

Gold Coast Dilemna by Nana Malone was an overall good read. Ofosua works for an editing company and dreames to be the best. She also wishes her personal life wasn't so chaotic. Dealing with a demanding and overbearing mother and a cheating fiance. She just wants to live her life her way without being criticized.
I really liked how Malone adds the experiences that black woman have to go through in the work force. Having to read through these experiences are so upsetting. There were moments I found myself wondering why certain scenes were written. When I thought about it, some of the dialogue between characters have actually been said before.
Then you have Ofosua's situationship with Cole. They're relationship had a lot of bumps. There was a lot of cultural differences and lack of understanding of one another (more on Cole's end). What I liked the most is their communication and accountability the character's had. 👏🏾 Although Cole was on thin ice for me, he still worked on his shortcomings and made sure he showed Ofosua he was putting forth effort and not just talking.

So I did like this book but it was still off putting. I did however love the explanations of the Ghana culture, from the food to the dances. Malone shows the hardship between racism and being a black women in a predominantly white male field but also loving outside of your race and culture. I have read a couple of books by Nana Malone and she’s a great author. I just couldn’t really connect with this book that well but I did understand what she wanted to bring across her readers.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This was a cute story just not what I was looking for. I appreciated how the author broke stereotypes and highlighted familial issues, particularly the pressure parents put on their children. The way Ofosua navigated the workplace was like looking in the mirror. Very relatable. Also, learning about the book publishing world was definitely interesting

Unfortunately, the lack of romance left me wanting more swoon worthy moments. At times Cole went from being supportive of Ofosua to being passive which made me confused.

While I recognize the authors intention to bring awareness to racism and microaggressions, at times it felt too much like educational text. I do try to avoid these types of books. I live it everyday and don’t have much interest in reading about it.

Also, the twist at the end felt completely unnecessary and was just thrown in there for shock value. Maybe if we had spent more time getting to know the character

If you’re looking for a cute story with a message about social issues this book is for you

I pains me to say that I didn’t like this book at all. I have never not liked a Nana Malone book. I didn’t like any of the characters especially the mfc. In my opinion she allowed her mother to much control over her entire life and never earnestly stood up for herself. She talked a good game but it was mostly hollow and her mother knew it. I’m a black American so I understand respect for your parents but I didn’t understand the lack of respect her mother showed her. Maybe it was a cultural thing I don’t understand. I was not impressed with any of the characters. They were either racist or weak. To each his own so read it for yourself and form your own opinion. Until next time happy reading ya’ll.

This book was very and fun!

The romance was a slow burn which I liked but the characters did spend a lot of time apart… more than they did together.

There were lots of great secondary plot/ story lines but they all did feel a it rushed towards the end.

I almost feel like they should have been more of the focus through out the book and this would have been a better read.

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shout out to Netgalley for the ARC!!

Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone is giving rich girl realness meets cultural crossroads. It follows Ofosua Addo, a fierce Ghanaian American heiress who’s got it all—except clarity when it comes to matters of the heart. One glittering night at a publishing party, she collides with Cole Drake—hello, swoon—and the sparks are instant. But with an arranged marriage looming over her like a cloud of kente and expectations, Ofosua’s got some big decisions to make. Love or legacy? Tradition or her truth?

This book snapped! From laugh-out-loud moments that felt way too real, to scenes that tugged every heartstring I’ve got, Gold Coast Dilemma brings the drama, the culture, and the feels. Ofosua’s journey is all about love, identity, and breaking free in the boldest way.

Best believe I’ll be snatching up a physical copy when it drops in April 2025. This one’s a cultural gem, period.

Ofosua is such a strong character and I love how she stood up for herself and knew her worth. She wanted Cole so badly but she wasn't going to make him earn her, as he should. The thing is that I don't know how much I like him. It felt like she had to do a lot of teaching to him and it didn't seem like he was dropping his friend that was horrible so. But I do still like the two of them together.

I received an arc from valentine pr.

This review contains spoilers.

Liked:
-Ofosua. What an MC. I hoped for her, felt for her, and cheered for her. Full stop.
-The portrayal of Ghanaian culture, both elements specific to wealth and not. It was detailed and immersive and gave such depth to Ofosua’s character. I can’t overstate this enough - this really made this book stand out to me and made me want to keep reading. I really liked how a specific term would be used and then seamlessly it would be explained without feeling forced. It was lovely how Cole enjoyed so much of it, how Ofosua could feel seen in this way.
-The experience, shared through Ofosua, of being Black in America, even protected by wealth. Notable things include being hyperconscious of being seen as Angry, the *constant* microaggressions, and the often misunderstood difference between Black and African-American and African identities.
-The plot around the imprint and the opportunity Ofosua had to make a difference, and how it was so wound up in internal politics of performative vs transformative action - plus hearing about all the different writers made me want to read those books too!
-How awful and overbearing and yet relatable and nuanced her mom was - it really gave a face to the pressure that Ofosua labored under her whole life. I found myself SO stressed every time Ofos tried to speak up for herself and just got absolutely steamrolled. The early scene in the hospital after the wedding oh my GOD. So impactful. I really rooted for Ofosua every time they interacted. Pretty much every scene with Helen was just brilliant.
-Aunt Ruby saving the day and Uncle Steven getting his much-deserved comeuppance!!
-Perfect epilogue is perfect.

Disliked:
-That this book was all over the place pacing wise. Scenes that took way too long, too many short scenes all bundled together that reduced the emotional impact, not enough description at certain moments and too much at others. Another round of edits would take care of this probably.
-Obviously this was an ARC, but there were some basic errors that hopefully will be edited out. Missing words, extra words, repeated phrases, timelines for events that didn’t match up, etc. It’s not egregious but a noticeable enough handful to comment on.
-The descriptions of sexual desire. Oh mylanta I cringed SO HARD. I can’t believe I had to read the word “dickmatized” (dick-hypnotized) with my own two eyes. Also “whiskey-colored eyes” please nooooo. “Cole was carrying around a cannon in his tuxedo trousers.” NOOOOOOO. Refering to his of course massive dick as “he” NOOOOOOOOOOOO. “His familiar voice burning me deep in my womb” I can’t keep saying it ok.
- We got little hints of Cole’s personality - his pride in his sense of fashion, his indignance at the microaggressions he begins to actually see, his desire to make real change - but very little about that wove together into something with emotional impact - especially his backstory fell totally flat for me. We don’t really understand how he’s feeling except total lust and how amazing he thinks Ofos is. The scenes with Ofos’ mother are the closest it got with him for me.

Wanted more:
-I wish that the romance could have been given more room to breathe. Small moments turned tense with potential - important in any romance, but every one in this story felt so forced and hypersexualized (and I like spicy content generally). Like them accidentally falling together and “almost kissing” during the crowded bar happy hour? No no no. So awkward. More moments to savor and squeal over that felt authentic and like it really mattered that these two wanted each other.
-More emotional depth to certain scenes and more humor or lightness in others. Most of it felt sort of same-toned, with a few notable exceptions, which again could be helped with some good editing and more emotive writing.
-More on good mental healthcare and not just having magic dick fix everything lol, I wouldn’t have minded it except Ofosua’s panic attacks were set up so strongly as an important thing early on and then that all sort of petered off into nowhere.

While the romance fell flat for me, and I wanted it to be a better paced and edited story, the other elements of this were very good and I kept being drawn into the plot. I could see myself giving subsequent books by this author a chance at least and I would probably still recommend this one for a fun read.

This book is an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully explores the complexities of love across cultural divides. What stood out most was how well Malone portrayed the cultural differences and family biases that kept Ofosua and Cole’s worlds from effortlessly blending. It’s not just a romance, it's a bold and thoughtful exploration of love’s power to push through the walls built by family expectations, cultural identity, and past wounds. I love how their different backgrounds weren’t glossed over and that you can feel the tension from navigating their two worlds, oozing off the pages. Their journey through their families' judgments and assumptions felt real, messy, and raw. It made their journey to understanding each other that much more meaningful.

What will really win you over is Ofosua’s courage to love. She had every reason to protect herself, especially with someone like Cole, who a relationship with could easily break her. Her decision to open herself up to love again was nothing short of brave. She was vulnerable but not weak. Her strength and willingness to believe in something bigger than her fears are inspiring.

This book has characters that you'll be thinking of well after the final page and will leave you with that warm, tingly feeling!

Overall feelings: One of my first thoughts in the first few pages was "why is this FMC wearing La Perla? She's an intern! Oh wait... I just read the word trust fund. There it is." We've got a rich FMC who is working her way up the ladder? Yes. Please.

I really, really liked this book. It was a "I'm having trouble putting this down so I can do adult responsibilities" book. I adored that not only was this book a fun, yearning-filled romance set in the literary world but it also highlighted and taught about the hardships black women to-this-freakin-day have to deal with on a daily basis at work. I really hope that people read this and be filled with learning not just lust. But I imagine they will do both. I really enjoyed the author's humor, symbolism, and pacing.

I loved the mix of traditional quotes and quotes of the main character's mother and father at the start of each chapter. There were just enough to give a hint about what was going to happen in the chapter without giving away the whole plot. I despise chapter titles that essentially give away everything that's about to happen. I liked the pacing, loved the banter, and how those two combined meant that by the time we got to the spice my kindle note was "Jesus...". The build up to the spice and the spice itself was top shelf. As someone who lives in a neighborhood mentioned in the book I even got a few good NYC chuckles out of the book. The mention of a sad Trader Joe's hummus platter at a work event really hit home.

This was almost a 5 star book for me. I'd say it's a 4.75. The only notes I had were that I kind of wish the final chapter didn't happen. It seemed unnecessary and the pretty big "revelation" in the end didn't add enough to the story for it to be there in my opinion. I think if it had been put in a few chapters before the end and had been given a bit more time and reflection it could have been a good addition. However, as it is instead of leaving the book thinking about the banter and the lessons the book focuses on, I was left thinking about characters that aren't even main characters and wondering why that was necessary. I wanted to be left with how great this book was, not wondering why that last bit was necessary and how it could have been handled differently.

In the end I adored this book and will recommend. Here are some of my favorite non-spoilery quotes to give an idea of why I loved it.

You can do this. Don't be a ballsack.
I'm not hard, Mum. I have self-respect.
"News flash, you more than like me," I said with a wink.
You're seeing things now. Be better. Fix them. Don't wait for me to tell you. Now that you see, do something about it.
Adinkra Saying (Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan) Love does not lose its way home.


What made my weirdo heart happy: Book nerd banter.

Will I read more books by this author?: Yes. Absolutely.

Would I recommend this book to a friend?: Yes!