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When sassy heiress, Tari Essien, needs a place to escape the pressures of the hounding press, she turns to Kola Banks, a deeply scarred ex-soldier who's also the Essien chief of security. Kola can't offer Tari anything more than his protection. She's family for goodness sake, even if they share no blood ties.
It’s a weekend of lessons for both of them. Together they can't avoid the explosive heat that sizzles between them, nor help pushing each others' boundaries physically as well as emotionally.
But when the weekend ends and Tari's life is in danger, will Kola put his body as well as his heart in the line of fire to keep her safe?
It’s a weekend of lessons for both of them. Together they can't avoid the explosive heat that sizzles between them, nor help pushing each others' boundaries physically as well as emotionally.
But when the weekend ends and Tari's life is in danger, will Kola put his body as well as his heart in the line of fire to keep her safe?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
15 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Kiru Taye
63 books340 followersAs a lover of romance novels, Kiru wanted to read stories about Africans falling in love. When she couldn’t find those books, she decided to write the stories she wanted to read.
Kiru writes sensual stories featuring African characters whether on the continent or in the Diaspora. When she's not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her husband and three children.
Kiru is a founding member of Romance Writers of West Africa. In 2011, her debut romance novella, His Treasure, won the Book of the Year at the Love Romances Café Awards. She is the 2015 Romance Writer of the Year at the Nigerian Writers Awards and 2017 Author of the Year at the Ufere Awards.
Kiru writes sensual stories featuring African characters whether on the continent or in the Diaspora. When she's not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her husband and three children.
Kiru is a founding member of Romance Writers of West Africa. In 2011, her debut romance novella, His Treasure, won the Book of the Year at the Love Romances Café Awards. She is the 2015 Romance Writer of the Year at the Nigerian Writers Awards and 2017 Author of the Year at the Ufere Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 1, 2017
This was an incredibly hot and interesting read. Hot because Kola is to die for - tortured hero on one hand, and gorgeous, smoldering sex teacher on the other - and culturally interesting because the romance is set in Africa for once. I love the author's writing style, too, and definitely look forward to reading more of this series!!
July 18, 2020
Lola is my favourite Essien-related book so far. If you like romances about the strong silent type, this book is definitely for you. This novel features Kola, the Essien head of security and adopted son who has always felt like an outsider in the family and Tari, the spoiled, somewhat flight Essien niece he’s always had a crush on. When he rescues Tari after she does something rash (as usual), feelings between them grow, but this gives them a common enemy. This is something Kola can’t really afford as he’s also in a secret baby-custody battle in the middle of what he sees as his inappropriate feelings for his benefactor’s flighty niece. I really enjoyed this book. Kola was my favourite Essien character from the first volume so I was excited to read his book and it did NOT disappoint. Incredibly spicy but also deeply emotional, I liked the relationship between him and Tari and how he’s a protector and even though she’s fun and irreverent, she trusts him and is strong for him (emotionally) and protective of him in the way he can’t be for himself.
December 27, 2016
Kola is the second book of Kiru Taye I managed to read and as usually I was like Wow Wow and of course I swept my sleep for 2 days because of the sweetness and the well writing of this chapter .
As Tony, Kola seems to have his dark side because of his past. He didn’t want to engage himself in a relationship like Folasade Adu would say « SOMEBODY ALREADY BROKE HIS HEART » but seeing how Tara managed to turn over his world . I was like Hummm Heart is something that can be rebuilt quick I
His past touches me a lot and I understood why he behave the way he did with his entourage.
And and and and i must say the sex scenes in this chapter is the most well writing of the whole Essien trilogy even though I didn’t read Mark Essien yet. Since Tony, I wish to find back these bonbons by reading Kola and and I found what I was looking for and I get tired. Too much scenes. I took pause to recover from the hotness of its but passing two pages there was an other scene . I had to escape some by coming hours and day after because of fatigue. But that does not mean I didn’t like it. The book was built on the fact that Kola and Tara loved to explore their body soooo gurl you better get used to that mouhaaaaaa
What i didn’t like about this chapter was the high point when Kola had to play his job by bring back Tara from her abducters it was not thrilling as in Tony . But the book is still good and seeing a bahd guy becoming a good guy always overwhelming me ^_^ alalala theses women humm
October 30, 2018
My favorite in this series
I totally enjoyed the whole series of the Essien men who love their family and love their women hard. Kola and Tari’s story is my favorite. Kola is hot hot hot, and loves his adoptive family. He has always loved and protected Tari and once Tari realized that the love she was looking for was right in front of her face she went for it. This story was well written and gave insite into Nigerian life and culture. I loved this story so much I read it twice. Great read.
I totally enjoyed the whole series of the Essien men who love their family and love their women hard. Kola and Tari’s story is my favorite. Kola is hot hot hot, and loves his adoptive family. He has always loved and protected Tari and once Tari realized that the love she was looking for was right in front of her face she went for it. This story was well written and gave insite into Nigerian life and culture. I loved this story so much I read it twice. Great read.
November 30, 2018
Another romantic mystery suspense...Kola and Tari are FIYAH as a couple...their budding romance sizzled throughout the pages. They were good for one another...and I love the way they took care of each other...and the instant bond between Tari and Nike was so sweet...too bad interference from Mumsie (Angela) kept Kola from claiming Tari’s heart a long time ago...but so glad they found each other again and worked it out...AGAIN this story although quite intriguing was filled with lots of editing errors. And yet, still I will move on to the next book...lol 🤷🏽♀️
January 12, 2021
Knowing the Right Security Comes with Benefits
Love Tara and Kola story! Another great story by Kiru Taye on the Essien family. Another hot and steamy book. The childhood love continues as adults and they finally admitted to each other. You find out more about who Mumsie (Angela) is in the story. You also once again understand how close the Essien brothers are and how they view family. Don’t mess with them! Kiru Taye is a great writer and maybe become my favorite fiction author. Can’t wait to read the next book about Freddie’s story.
Love Tara and Kola story! Another great story by Kiru Taye on the Essien family. Another hot and steamy book. The childhood love continues as adults and they finally admitted to each other. You find out more about who Mumsie (Angela) is in the story. You also once again understand how close the Essien brothers are and how they view family. Don’t mess with them! Kiru Taye is a great writer and maybe become my favorite fiction author. Can’t wait to read the next book about Freddie’s story.
January 24, 2022
Love and Security
Each novel written by Kiru Taye captivates and keep me reading with anticipation of what will happen next. There is no better feeling of knowing that the chosen alpha male will protect his family at any cost without hesitation. Love and security is every woman ‘s dream.
Reading these well written novels keep me entertained, enthralled, and excited to go on another adventure of childhood memories, historical enlightenments, unforgettable pains from the past, and enough passion to keep a reader smiling. A grand applause for Kiru Taye!
Each novel written by Kiru Taye captivates and keep me reading with anticipation of what will happen next. There is no better feeling of knowing that the chosen alpha male will protect his family at any cost without hesitation. Love and security is every woman ‘s dream.
Reading these well written novels keep me entertained, enthralled, and excited to go on another adventure of childhood memories, historical enlightenments, unforgettable pains from the past, and enough passion to keep a reader smiling. A grand applause for Kiru Taye!
January 25, 2026
4 stars
Yeah… this series is just top tier.
I loved this book. Loved. I need more spoiled FMCs, immediately please.
The spice??? Spicing like never before, borderline BDSM and I was not mad at it at all 😮💨
The redemption arc for Mrs Essien had me like okayyy growth 😭
I really enjoyed all the sub-tropes too, single father, found family, all of it. The found family especially was so cute and added so much warmth to the story.
At this point, Kiru Taye has officially become one of my favourite authors 😩😌 no debate.
And ofc wouldn’t be her book without some drama in the last 10%😭
Yeah… this series is just top tier.
I loved this book. Loved. I need more spoiled FMCs, immediately please.
The spice??? Spicing like never before, borderline BDSM and I was not mad at it at all 😮💨
The redemption arc for Mrs Essien had me like okayyy growth 😭
I really enjoyed all the sub-tropes too, single father, found family, all of it. The found family especially was so cute and added so much warmth to the story.
At this point, Kiru Taye has officially become one of my favourite authors 😩😌 no debate.
And ofc wouldn’t be her book without some drama in the last 10%😭
February 28, 2021
Welp I read this out order..this is book 4 of the Essien Series I believe so I gotta go back and read book 1! 🙃 I have feeling Kola will be favorite Essien though. I listened to the audio version. The only thing would have made the story near perfect is a Nigerian narrator 👌🏾the accent would have definitely added to the sexy dialogue.
August 30, 2018
Another Excellent Read!
I think this book is my new favorite one in the series! Oh, talk about excitement, passion, jealousy, deceit, and so much more in one book! I know all who reads this book will really enjoy it! I will definitely recommend this book to !
I think this book is my new favorite one in the series! Oh, talk about excitement, passion, jealousy, deceit, and so much more in one book! I know all who reads this book will really enjoy it! I will definitely recommend this book to !
September 19, 2020
Loved this. Great fro. Beginning to end.
February 23, 2025
Go off sis - romance loves tortured, clean, range, billionaire guy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2015
This book was gifted to me in exchange for a review.
Kiru always writes hot romance. Although I haven't read the earlier books in this series, I had no problem picking up this romance and immediately getting taken into the characters and their lives. I loved the start of this book - it had me hooked right in with learning about Kola's childhood. I immediately sympathised with him and was rooting for him. Plus I took a liking to the whole family and their set up. I loved that Kola was attracted to his cousin (although cousin by family, not by blood) and that immediately, their relationship was forbidden. Kola is a great hero, he's kind yet tough towards his enemies, flawed (and I love a flawed hero with scars from the past) and he's great for Tari.
The chemistry between Kola and Tari is potent and they fall straight away into a stormy and deeply erotic relationship. But there are things holding Kola and Tari apart. Firstly, it's Tari's hurt and betrayal from her fiance and her lack of interest in a long-term relationship, then it's people trying to keep them apart. There is plenty of drama in this story. It reminds me of a soap opera, but deeper and more personal than that. You won't be bored reading this story and will be rooting for the couple all the way.
I love Kiru's writing, but I have to admit, I do prefer her more historical romances for some reason. But this contemporary will keep anyone who likes their romances hot, engrossed right to the end.
Kiru always writes hot romance. Although I haven't read the earlier books in this series, I had no problem picking up this romance and immediately getting taken into the characters and their lives. I loved the start of this book - it had me hooked right in with learning about Kola's childhood. I immediately sympathised with him and was rooting for him. Plus I took a liking to the whole family and their set up. I loved that Kola was attracted to his cousin (although cousin by family, not by blood) and that immediately, their relationship was forbidden. Kola is a great hero, he's kind yet tough towards his enemies, flawed (and I love a flawed hero with scars from the past) and he's great for Tari.
The chemistry between Kola and Tari is potent and they fall straight away into a stormy and deeply erotic relationship. But there are things holding Kola and Tari apart. Firstly, it's Tari's hurt and betrayal from her fiance and her lack of interest in a long-term relationship, then it's people trying to keep them apart. There is plenty of drama in this story. It reminds me of a soap opera, but deeper and more personal than that. You won't be bored reading this story and will be rooting for the couple all the way.
I love Kiru's writing, but I have to admit, I do prefer her more historical romances for some reason. But this contemporary will keep anyone who likes their romances hot, engrossed right to the end.
June 17, 2015
GREAT SERIES!
I loved Kola's story. In the previous series, he was always serious and on top of the family's security and well being. We learn more of Kola's background and why he is the way he is.
Kola has a tough childhood. After his mother died, he ends up on the street filthy and hungry. He becomes a part of a group of boys living on the street but surviving. Koala is shot when he's the look when they attempt to burglarized Chief Essien's home. The Chief take and raises Kola with his sons . While a teenager, he falls for Chief Essien's niece. After he was told he wasn't good enough for Tari, he went into the military
Now about Tari. During an award ceremony, she finds her fiance having sex with her best friend. She took pictures and sent them to social media. She's hounded by the media. Looking for a little peace, she calls Kola. He took her to his house. Although Kola tried to fight it, they start a sexual relationship. Wow! He's a hot lover.
There's more to tell but, I'm stopping here. It's a story of love, family and redemption. I can't wait for the next one. I preordered this one and kept counting the days for its release.
I loved Kola's story. In the previous series, he was always serious and on top of the family's security and well being. We learn more of Kola's background and why he is the way he is.
Kola has a tough childhood. After his mother died, he ends up on the street filthy and hungry. He becomes a part of a group of boys living on the street but surviving. Koala is shot when he's the look when they attempt to burglarized Chief Essien's home. The Chief take and raises Kola with his sons . While a teenager, he falls for Chief Essien's niece. After he was told he wasn't good enough for Tari, he went into the military
Now about Tari. During an award ceremony, she finds her fiance having sex with her best friend. She took pictures and sent them to social media. She's hounded by the media. Looking for a little peace, she calls Kola. He took her to his house. Although Kola tried to fight it, they start a sexual relationship. Wow! He's a hot lover.
There's more to tell but, I'm stopping here. It's a story of love, family and redemption. I can't wait for the next one. I preordered this one and kept counting the days for its release.
June 19, 2015
Oh, Kola. *swoons* It seems like forever that I've been waiting for his story, and let me tell you the wait was so worth it. I have a new book boyfriend.
Kiru has created a fantastic hero in Kola, tortured, sexy, honorable, yet with a streak of the bad boy we all love to fall for, and like all great heroes when he falls, he falls hard.
I devoured this story in one sitting, as I simply could not put it down. The sex scenes are sizzling, the romance intense, and the moments of supense made my heart beat faster, and click the pages like a mad woman.
Do yourself a favor and read Kola. You will not be disappointed. In fact, read the whole series, though I will freely admit Kola is my favourite of all the Essiens :-D
I should mention Tari here, too. She is a great heroine, who is not afraid to go after what and who she wants, and that is Kola. She could have easily come off as a spoiled brat, but the author has given her great depth, and you can't help but like her.
Fabulous read!
Kiru has created a fantastic hero in Kola, tortured, sexy, honorable, yet with a streak of the bad boy we all love to fall for, and like all great heroes when he falls, he falls hard.
I devoured this story in one sitting, as I simply could not put it down. The sex scenes are sizzling, the romance intense, and the moments of supense made my heart beat faster, and click the pages like a mad woman.
Do yourself a favor and read Kola. You will not be disappointed. In fact, read the whole series, though I will freely admit Kola is my favourite of all the Essiens :-D
I should mention Tari here, too. She is a great heroine, who is not afraid to go after what and who she wants, and that is Kola. She could have easily come off as a spoiled brat, but the author has given her great depth, and you can't help but like her.
Fabulous read!
July 10, 2015
I'd been waiting for this book! Ever since meeting Kola in Book1 of the Essien Trilogy, I have been on Ms. Taye's back to get Kola's story written. She took her sweet time (nah, not really!) but when she delivered...Wow! Oh my goodness! I could go on and on with such expressions but you get the drift!
In what is probably the sexiest, hottest, and most sinful book of this whole series, Kiru delivers us two people we've been encountering on and on throughout the Essien Trilogy. Having Kola ending up with Tari? Stroke of genius!
The chemistry was absolutely sizzlingly skyrocketing in this story! Believe me, even if you've read all of Kiru Taye's stories before this one, you've never seen her strike chemistry that is simply so perfectly right until you meet Kola and Tari on the page!
Do yourself a favour and get this book! It will be really worth your time!
In what is probably the sexiest, hottest, and most sinful book of this whole series, Kiru delivers us two people we've been encountering on and on throughout the Essien Trilogy. Having Kola ending up with Tari? Stroke of genius!
The chemistry was absolutely sizzlingly skyrocketing in this story! Believe me, even if you've read all of Kiru Taye's stories before this one, you've never seen her strike chemistry that is simply so perfectly right until you meet Kola and Tari on the page!
Do yourself a favour and get this book! It will be really worth your time!
July 19, 2015
Here’s the thing about Kola- yum, yum, and give me some more. I’ve been half in love with Kola since book one of the Essien series. There was something so appealing about him that I wanted to learn more about him.
I didn’t care for Tari at first. I couldn’t understand her behavior. As time went on and I learned more about her motivations, she grew on me. There was one scene in particular where I knew without a doubt she was worthy of my Kola.
The tenderness of the long time crush Kola had on Tari was endearing and the whole story flowed well against this backdrop. A forbidden love that had no way of being resisted. A little bit of intrigue, tenderness, and a lot of heat.
I’m looking forward to taking more trips to Nigeria with this spin off series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t care for Tari at first. I couldn’t understand her behavior. As time went on and I learned more about her motivations, she grew on me. There was one scene in particular where I knew without a doubt she was worthy of my Kola.
The tenderness of the long time crush Kola had on Tari was endearing and the whole story flowed well against this backdrop. A forbidden love that had no way of being resisted. A little bit of intrigue, tenderness, and a lot of heat.
I’m looking forward to taking more trips to Nigeria with this spin off series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2015
The Protector needs love too...
Kola was a fierce protector for those he loved. He also protected his heart with the same ferociousness. Deep down he was a teddy bear who needed the love and tenderness of a woman who truly cared about him and his. Tari needed the love and protection of a real man who truly appreciated and understood her lifestyle. She secretly longed for the taste of something out of the ordinary to banish her heiress boredom. When Tari started etching away at Kola's hard exterior it was explosive! Loved reading a story from a Nigerian perspective. The intense passion and suspense had me squirming in my seat. Great read!
Kola was a fierce protector for those he loved. He also protected his heart with the same ferociousness. Deep down he was a teddy bear who needed the love and tenderness of a woman who truly cared about him and his. Tari needed the love and protection of a real man who truly appreciated and understood her lifestyle. She secretly longed for the taste of something out of the ordinary to banish her heiress boredom. When Tari started etching away at Kola's hard exterior it was explosive! Loved reading a story from a Nigerian perspective. The intense passion and suspense had me squirming in my seat. Great read!
July 30, 2015
I got this book as a gift. I swear I have had a crush on Kola the first time I met him in the first instalment of the Essien trilogy. He was always kinda mysterious.
And with him having his own story, I am in love with him. A lovely and truly sexy story. Tari is a handful but Kola clearly carries the story on his sexy shoulders
He is the real hero. A truly hot and sexy as sin story.
And with him having his own story, I am in love with him. A lovely and truly sexy story. Tari is a handful but Kola clearly carries the story on his sexy shoulders
He is the real hero. A truly hot and sexy as sin story.
September 7, 2015
Just as with the other books in this series, this installment was fantastic. Kola was adopted into the Essien household at the age of eight after a rough start at life. Kira was raised like a princess. To see them mature and get their HEA and how the author wove this story made for an enjoyable read.
July 1, 2015
Great story!
I loved the characterisation, the flow and the theme of the story. There is a great reflection of the modern Africa.
The plot is amazing. I don't regret the time I spent reading such a beautiful read.
I loved the characterisation, the flow and the theme of the story. There is a great reflection of the modern Africa.
The plot is amazing. I don't regret the time I spent reading such a beautiful read.
October 11, 2015
A good read
Please read all the books in this series they are all good read from beginning to the end i enjoy them
Please read all the books in this series they are all good read from beginning to the end i enjoy them
April 3, 2017
Good read.
I truly enjoyed this series and getting to know allof tje Essien family. I look forward to reading about Freddie .
I truly enjoyed this series and getting to know allof tje Essien family. I look forward to reading about Freddie .
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews