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Black Sparkle Romance
Meet Mira Adure: an ambitious, creative twenty-something stuck as PA to the ruthless editor of high fashion magazine Black Sparkle. Her work is tedious, but her love life is even worse – a string of disastrous dates threatens to put Mira off men forever. And then she crashes into the flashy Mercedes of the gorgeous, tiger-eyed Dominic and is left fuming. Mira’s luck changes when she is promoted to assistant editor. But when Dominic turns up at her office a few days later, she is infuriated to discover he’s been hired as the photographer for her first edition in charge of Black Sparkle. As they embark on a photo shoot by the swaying palms of Coconut Beach, Mira and Dominic can’t stop arguing. Will it be too late before Mira realises that beneath the tension is smouldering desire? Sparks fly as the creative energy of two talented individuals fuels a heady mix of fear, passion and desire.
- GenresRomance
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Amara Nicole Okolo
2 books7 followersAmara Nicole Okolo is a young lawyer living in Abuja. She loves cupcakes, green tea and her tabby kitten, Timber. One of her life-long dreams is to bungee-jump from the Victoria Falls, but for now she is settling for hiking up the hill near her house. Black Sparkle Romance is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 13, 2022
It's cute, the twist was Ajoke being the psycho who wanted to burn Mira alive (which was a bit much tbh). 3 stars
November 28, 2018
Black Sparkle Romance has a simple plot which has probably been used a million and one times but if you are a romance lover, you can never get tired. Right? Yes. There’s chemistry between Mira and Dominic. Although Dominic’s character was easier to connect with as he seemed well rounded and felt real, the relationship between Mira and her friends was relatable. Amara brought these characters to life. Read our full review here https://literaryeverything.com/2018/1...
February 4, 2020
This book was so good I read it in a day, no less a MONDAY despite my tight schedule. My last African romance read was in junior high and up until now, it didn't have a challenger but it just got one today. I recommend this book to all romance lovers. A great read.
September 5, 2024
Here's how I would describe this book, first and foremost i would say that the plot line is very very similar to ''The Perfect Find'' by Tia Wiliams (Black Sparkle Romance published before this one but it's the only book that i've read that are alike which is why i'm making the comparaison) but make it a contemporary African romance, minus the age gap trope with the addition of plenty melodramatic infused within. Also, so much unfolded over the course of 114 pages, and i'm still baffled by its twists and turns. My brain can't compute how the author managed to pull it off. It gave off strong insta-love vibes, which I hate, but it was done in a way that didn't irritate me too much. Honestly, I believe the dialogue helped as it was believable to an extent that suited this scenario. However, the FMC was the one who irritated me the most.
Miss Mira Adura is an exasperating, self-victimised, juvenile, sassy person and more. Sigh. The moments that my dislike for her alleviated were her interactions towards her coworkers, friends and sometimes with Dominic, the love interest. They were relatable and made her come across as friendly, i suppose. It's definetely a book that is fast paced and pleasurable but be aware that the dramatization of this book is very contrived and not in the best well executed way, unless that fact doesn't disturb you too much and reminds you of a telenovela mixed with nollywood, pick up this book.
There's a lot that I was not convinced in this book.
One more thing and then i'm done for real. The third act breakup was a joke. Mira’s motivation for sabotaging her romantic relationship wasn’t well thought out and definitely put her in the wrong unnecessarily. The rant is over... for now. Dominic had his faults in his characterization but compare to Mira, he's an angel because he was easier to connect with. It is written in the third person told in the two separate perspectives of the FMC and MMC but mainly Mira. Now, I don't mean to bash this novel in this review but it is not the best writing however it suits the level of quality in this book. (That was harsh but it's the truth.) Moreover, what the heck was that ending?
Wow, you've reached the end of this review and you've read my thoughts. This book had potential, wasted potential. You want a recycled reused romance storyline, the one you can never get tired of and if the cons i've pointed out (if you checked the spoilers not so so spoilers) only just pulls towards your love for trashy books, i recommend you pick up this book. After everything i've said in this review, i won't lie and say that it was not an entertaining book to spend time with because don't side eye me when i say this but this is lowkey my type of book cause I know it'll pull out a rant outta of me. I don't know if you noticed that lol.
Miss Mira Adura is an exasperating, self-victimised, juvenile, sassy person and more. Sigh. The moments that my dislike for her alleviated were her interactions towards her coworkers, friends and sometimes with Dominic, the love interest. They were relatable and made her come across as friendly, i suppose. It's definetely a book that is fast paced and pleasurable but be aware that the dramatization of this book is very contrived and not in the best well executed way, unless that fact doesn't disturb you too much and reminds you of a telenovela mixed with nollywood, pick up this book.
There's a lot that I was not convinced in this book.
One more thing and then i'm done for real. The third act breakup was a joke. Mira’s motivation for sabotaging her romantic relationship wasn’t well thought out and definitely put her in the wrong unnecessarily. The rant is over... for now. Dominic had his faults in his characterization but compare to Mira, he's an angel because he was easier to connect with. It is written in the third person told in the two separate perspectives of the FMC and MMC but mainly Mira. Now, I don't mean to bash this novel in this review but it is not the best writing however it suits the level of quality in this book. (That was harsh but it's the truth.) Moreover, what the heck was that ending?
Wow, you've reached the end of this review and you've read my thoughts. This book had potential, wasted potential. You want a recycled reused romance storyline, the one you can never get tired of and if the cons i've pointed out (if you checked the spoilers not so so spoilers) only just pulls towards your love for trashy books, i recommend you pick up this book. After everything i've said in this review, i won't lie and say that it was not an entertaining book to spend time with because don't side eye me when i say this but this is lowkey my type of book cause I know it'll pull out a rant outta of me. I don't know if you noticed that lol.
September 28, 2024
Passion. Betrayal. Forgiveness.
Black Sparkle Romance was my book published by Ankara Press, and overall, I enjoyed it. However, there are some aspects in the story that I couldn't overlook.
First, Mira, the protagonist, is a character I had mixed feelings about. I liked her independent and feisty spirit, but her stubbornness and anger were over the top. The first scene where she met Dominic would have transpired better if she hadn't overthought the whole thing. The man said it was 'fine' and the next thing, she's throwing words and I'm even glad Dominic didn't listen to her and left.
Now, about her being a strong woman, it fell through when Dominic rejected her advances, which I admit stung, but if she claimed to be a strong woman, she wouldn't have allowed it to affect their work. It was frustrating reading the scene where they had to shoot multiple times because she 'seemingly' didn't like the shots, but it was only because Dominic was the photographer.
Another thing that kept bothering me was the whole 'Rational Mira' bit. I get it—everyone has internal dialogue—but it felt annoying in her case, and funny too, because it seemed to be saying the truth but at the same time, made things worse.
Then, halfway through the book, someone blurts out, "I love you" and I had to pause. It seemed unexpected, especially since nothing significant had happened between Mira and Dominic to justify that. As if there was a moment I missed.
As for Ajoke, I knew something was up between her and Dominic, perhaps a one-sided crush or something. But for her to later assault and even try to burn Mira was unexpected. She was earlier already described as a bit crazy, but it still felt like the situation escalated quickly.
In the end, the story was a mix of highs and lows but was a nice read.
Black Sparkle Romance was my book published by Ankara Press, and overall, I enjoyed it. However, there are some aspects in the story that I couldn't overlook.
First, Mira, the protagonist, is a character I had mixed feelings about. I liked her independent and feisty spirit, but her stubbornness and anger were over the top. The first scene where she met Dominic would have transpired better if she hadn't overthought the whole thing. The man said it was 'fine' and the next thing, she's throwing words and I'm even glad Dominic didn't listen to her and left.
Now, about her being a strong woman, it fell through when Dominic rejected her advances, which I admit stung, but if she claimed to be a strong woman, she wouldn't have allowed it to affect their work. It was frustrating reading the scene where they had to shoot multiple times because she 'seemingly' didn't like the shots, but it was only because Dominic was the photographer.
Another thing that kept bothering me was the whole 'Rational Mira' bit. I get it—everyone has internal dialogue—but it felt annoying in her case, and funny too, because it seemed to be saying the truth but at the same time, made things worse.
Then, halfway through the book, someone blurts out, "I love you" and I had to pause. It seemed unexpected, especially since nothing significant had happened between Mira and Dominic to justify that. As if there was a moment I missed.
As for Ajoke, I knew something was up between her and Dominic, perhaps a one-sided crush or something. But for her to later assault and even try to burn Mira was unexpected. She was earlier already described as a bit crazy, but it still felt like the situation escalated quickly.
In the end, the story was a mix of highs and lows but was a nice read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
Black sparkle Romance by Amara Nicole Okolo
I just started this book and I'm already irritated by the mannerism of the fmc, hopefully, the author does better ..
The more I read, the more I cringe and yes, the FMC is a bold and boisterous woman but this book is making it seem forced like there's someone watching her and therefore she has to perform. It doesn't feel like she's comfortable in her feminism.
Oh and of course they had to make her the woman that acts like a tyrant . I'm probably biased but this book is rubbing me the wrong way unfortunately.
I don't like to dislike a book, I think I'm above that but damn this book is rubbing me off the wrong way
Ok this line got me awwning ......
Ehen, so she has sense like this. I've never felt as happy as this for when the FMC and MMC break up because they definitely deserve this break up.
Is it weird that I don't want them together ...... (:
Ok, I'm done with the book and this is my review, Up until the book ended I went through a lot of emotions and then only at the end did I fee remotely ok with it. Assuming they had just said she was prickly just because she is, I would've been ok. But then they added the feminist bit and that sort of threw me off. Also, I felt they didn't have any real chemistry or maybe it's just me that's not in tune with the book. Although,their smut was ok .
Anyways, the verdict is out and I give it a 5.5/10.
Ciao,
Bookyopath.
I just started this book and I'm already irritated by the mannerism of the fmc, hopefully, the author does better ..
The more I read, the more I cringe and yes, the FMC is a bold and boisterous woman but this book is making it seem forced like there's someone watching her and therefore she has to perform. It doesn't feel like she's comfortable in her feminism.
Oh and of course they had to make her the woman that acts like a tyrant . I'm probably biased but this book is rubbing me the wrong way unfortunately.
I don't like to dislike a book, I think I'm above that but damn this book is rubbing me off the wrong way
Ok this line got me awwning ......
Ehen, so she has sense like this. I've never felt as happy as this for when the FMC and MMC break up because they definitely deserve this break up.
Is it weird that I don't want them together ...... (:
Ok, I'm done with the book and this is my review, Up until the book ended I went through a lot of emotions and then only at the end did I fee remotely ok with it. Assuming they had just said she was prickly just because she is, I would've been ok. But then they added the feminist bit and that sort of threw me off. Also, I felt they didn't have any real chemistry or maybe it's just me that's not in tune with the book. Although,their smut was ok .
Anyways, the verdict is out and I give it a 5.5/10.
Ciao,
Bookyopath.
December 3, 2017
I’ve been reading these Ankara Press romance novels and overall as a romance novel lover, I like them. They’re of the fast fiction Harlequin variety so it’s not like I’m expecting them to be epic literary works. That said, I do want them to be slightly tighter in plot and execution. Black Sparkle Romance, the latest one I’ve read, was going quite well until it got near the end and the author had to rush (?) to create drama and tie up the loose ends. The created drama was contrived and not particularly well executed. Mira’s motivation for sabotaging her romantic relationship wasn’t well thought out and definitely put her in the wrong unnecessarily and as for the resolution, it was a little eyeroll-inducing with Bugattis and such like being thrown into the mix pretty unnecessarily. That said, this isn’t a bad attempt by any means by the author, especially for a first novel. I do think she could have had a little bit more support in making the ending tighter. The story idea was a good one and it was mostly well-executed other than the ending.
October 28, 2024
BOOK: BLACK SPARKLE ROMANCE
AUTHOR: AMARA NICOLE OKOLO
PUB DATE: PUBLISHED
👩🏽❤️💋👨🏽👩🏽❤️💋👨🏽
REVIEW
A short story romance involving Mira, an assistant editor of a magazine and Dominic, a photographer. They met while working together and fell in love. The book was short, fast with minimal drama. I liked the storyline, and characters. Perfect if you want something light.
AUTHOR: AMARA NICOLE OKOLO
PUB DATE: PUBLISHED
👩🏽❤️💋👨🏽👩🏽❤️💋👨🏽
REVIEW
A short story romance involving Mira, an assistant editor of a magazine and Dominic, a photographer. They met while working together and fell in love. The book was short, fast with minimal drama. I liked the storyline, and characters. Perfect if you want something light.
February 18, 2024
Just finished reading this again for the second time and I must say it’s a refreshingly romantic read.
August 12, 2025
Beautifully written. I finally found a book that isn't traumatic. A black woman being loved by a black man, flaws and all.
March 2, 2024
exactly what it looks like: good but not my style
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews