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.

Gold Coast Dilemma is a layered, character-driven romance that balances tradition, ambition, and love with grace and heart. Nana Malone delivers a thoughtful story centered on Ofosua Addo, a Ghanaian American heiress caught between honoring her heritage and following her heart.

From the very first meeting between Ofosua and Cole Drake, their chemistry is undeniable. Their flirtatious spark quickly leaves a lasting impression, but it’s Ofosua’s journey—not just the romance—that anchors this book. Her struggle to reconcile the expectations of her Ghanaian family with her own professional goals and personal happiness felt authentic and timely. I especially appreciated how the story highlighted her passion for publishing and her resilience in the face of workplace microaggressions and cultural pressures.

The romance itself leans more toward a slow burn, taking a backseat for much of the novel to allow Ofosua’s personal growth to shine. While I did wish for a little more development between Ofosua and Cole as a couple, I appreciated the emotional payoff when things did finally come together. Cole had moments where his well-meaning actions crossed boundaries, but I respected that the story gave him room to grow and self-reflect.

This book also shines in its portrayal of strong female friendships and the celebration of Ghanaian culture—from the food to the familial dynamics. I found myself immersed in Ofosua’s world and rooting for her at every step.

Thank you to Gallery Books, Nana Malone, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Crazy rich Ghanaian...

Ofosua meets Cole when she is an intern albeit, a heiress. Two years later, she's about to get married to a practical man of her mother's choosing. That does not go well. Enter Cole again. He's hot and wealthy and her particular brand of catnip. But that's the problem. Her mother wants her to have a practical, sensible marriage. Ofos needs to grow up and choose and be her own person. With plenty of steam with Cole.
Recommend.

I am obsessed with Ofosua, Hot Cole, and all the characters in this second-chance romance.

It's been a while since I resonated with a story this much. Gold Coast Dilemma was a mix of workplace drama, societal issues, and a love story brewing in the background.

Some of the highlights for me:
I loved that Ofosua could see through the manipulation and still came out shining because she cared so deeply about sharing stories like this one through the new imprint.

The book did nuance so well, which was most evident when the book spoke about microaggressions. Clearly showing that having a gentle hand might work, there was still an emphasis on education being for other people to seek and apply. Cole realized where he went wrong, made the time to learn, and then stepped in with this new knowledge, showing how much this matters to him because it was going to be an ongoing battle.

Closing out the arc on Yofi! While I'm glad Ofosua was over this man, it highlighted how cultural pressures affected them in similar ways.

A villain getting what they deserve made my heart so happy.

Ofosua meets Cole at her first publishing party and they share a kiss that she can never forget.
Two years later, she is engaged to someone her mother approves and Cole does not seem to remember their first meeting.
After her engagement turns into a dumpster fire, she is now single and experiencing a healing journey. Her position at work is changed, putting her working in close quarters with Cole. Cole isn’t someone her mother would approve of and Ofosua is not sure how to handle her feelings. Their journey is beautiful. Self discovery on many levels.

I would not put the book down. I loved watching Ofosua shine. Her character development is strong but she is strong from the jump! Her relationship with her mother is strained but they do love each other fiercely. Cole also has a beautiful development even though his is much slower paced. I loved the way he loved her and I love the way she loved herself.
The way he made her laugh when she was caught up in a whirlwind of panic was comforting.

The way the book ended was perfect.

I cannot believe I have never read anything by Nana Malone. I will be remedying this ASAP! I very much enjoyed the writing style and pace of the story.

Thank you Valentine PR. Netgalley, and Nana Malone for the ARC. ALL Opinions are my own!

A great story with a strong leading lady! I really liked Ofosua. I appreciated her brains and competence. Cole was a surprisingly good pairing for Ofosua. I loved the bonds Ofosua has with her friends. I enjoyed learning more about the culture of Ghana. The book was generally just a lot of fun. I didn't want to put it down once I started. I hope we may get a chance to revisit the characters in this book in the future. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Tears of joy reading this book!!! This is the romantic comedy I needed. 💛 Gold Coast Dilemma will go down as one of my favorite Nana Malone books. Ofosua and Cole's chemistry was impeccable, Ofosua's mother was a much needed puzzle piece of motherly value. Readers will laugh until they cry reading this .... Family bonds, workplace interactions, witty banter, intense chemistry between the main characters.....

5 million ⭐️

This was like Crazy Rich Asians meets big fat Greek wedding but with a Ghanaian heiress and her quest between love and following tradition. We get a little glimpse into the publishing world and I learned a lot about Ghana and their culture and had fun living in the shoes of a very rich main character and her love interests being very rich also 😂 a little suspension of belief is necessary but I feel like that is what makes it a captivating romance. I didn’t need the MMC POV as I was more interested in Ofosua’s character.

This was such a fun read! A enemies, to friends, to lovers workplace romance. The two MC’s not only struggled navigating their feelings for each other but also navigating their cultural differences. Ofosua is 1st generation Ghanaian American and comes from a very affluent family. Cole is a white American and also comes from an affluent family. I think Nana Malone did a great job highlighting how the struggles of interracial dating can affect the relationship. There’s so many outside factors, opinions and judgements. It’s not always an easy road but it was a realistic portrayal. In the end, Ofosua and Hot Cole persevered and did get their HEA and we love to see it. 😍 The sexual tension was off the charts and when they finally kissed, Cole was so down bad for his girl. When Ofosua finally admitted it to herself, she too was equally obsessed with Cole. I also really loved how immersive the story was into the Ghanaian culture and food. I’ve never had Ghanaian food but it sounded amazing and now it makes me want to go out and try some! Thank you VPR and NetGalley for the ARC! I had a great time reading Gold Coast Dilemma!

This book was very entertaining! Ofosua is a Ghanaian heiress who is working in book publishing. She is ready to marry a man who has earned the approval of her overbearing mother, but Ofosua’s Ghanaian wedding crashes and burns, leaving her to figure out what she really wants. Cole Drake, of the Drake family who owns the publishing company Ofosua works for, re-enters her life and gives her a lot to think about.

While this is definitely a romance book, it is a slow burn, and I loved how much of Ofosua’s story is told. She has worked hard to climb the ranks of publishing even though she doesn’t really need the money. She has to manage micro-aggressions and stereotypes at work, and her success speaks for itself. Her mother is such a frustrating character, but I enjoyed watching Ofosua gain the confidence and clarity to stand up to her. I learned so much about Ghanaian culture, especially surrounding weddings and food. The cultural differences between Ofosua and Cole led to a complex exploration of their relationship, and I loved it. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a book that is a bit of a mix of romance and women’s fiction.

Thank you to Nana Malone, Gallery Books, NetGalley, and Valentine PR for this e-ARC; opinions are my own.

Read if you like:
💕 Workplace romance
💕 Enemies-to-lovers
💕 Books about the publishing world
💕 Anxiety rep
💕 Dual POV

Nana put Ofosua through it! Not only is she ghosted after a wonderful night with a stranger, cajoled by her mother into marrying a man she's lukewarm warm about, but then he cheats on her at their reception!!!!

This was a hard apace to start, but a beautiful place to build from. Ofosua is a great person to be in the head of. While she's going through rough times, she's smart, she's funny, she's got a good head on her shoulders. She's taking the mountain of lemons, and making lemon meringue pie.

Cole earned his place in this story. I had little hope for him as a worthy MMC after the story of how they met. (No one who doesn't remember a woman like Ofosua deserves her!) We watch his pining for Ofosua at the beginning. He likes her. He wants her. But he doesn't know her. Once they are forced to work together on the new imprint, his admiration builds as they connect. His eyes. open to what life is like for her. His righteous indignation is valid, but it's when he steps back and asks her how she actually needs him to support her that he won my heart too.

Nana Malone shared the Ghanaian culture in a story that shows its beautiful side, and the places where it can hold one back. Ofosua is struggling to find her place between the world her mother wants her to be a part of, and what it means to her. The expectations that have been put on her come into conflict with what she wants for herself. She doesn't know how to clearly express her wants and needs.

Ofosua's anxiety is a powerful part of this story. There's a prejudice against having anxiety. That it's an indulgent feeling. Or that you can just stop. Watching Ofosua reckon with her anxiety over the course of the story, shows others who are living with it that they are not alone. It helps remove the stigma against it.

This was a blast to read! If you're looking for a contemporary rom-com this one checked so many of my boxes!

Have you seen this gorgeous cover? I think it's so beautiful, and it's what drew me to this book.

Gold Coast Dilemma addresses the big and small everyday problems, taunts, and microaggressions that people of color face on a daily basis. It portrays, at least in part, the life of the Ghanaian community abroad. At its core is the dilemma of having to choose between one's own culture and a romantic relationship, or rather, finding a way to reconcile the two. Because one thing must be clear: racism doesn't stop at one's own family—and it goes both ways.

Although the novel didn't particularly captivate me at first, it got better and better toward the end. The characters' personal development and maturation process were portrayed very well.

While Cole's parents are, in my opinion, thoroughly despicable, I have to say that I didn't warm to Ofosua's mother until the very end. Despite her incredibly annoying nature and her tendency to want to control her daughter's life, she is portrayed as a positive character because she "knows what's best for Ofosua." If I were Ofosua, I would have cut off contact with her long ago, or at least kept it to a minimum—tradition or not.

Based on the title, I assumed the story would take place, at least in part, on Ghana's Gold Coast. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Except for one chapter, the setting is in New York.

All in all, it was a solid book that provides interesting insights into a culture that was largely unknown to me.