His Strength (Men of Valor) [Kindle Edition]

His strength tells the story of Ikem and Nneka which is a story of love that occurs despite cultural limitations and circumstances. Ikem walks a grey line in his adopted Igbo society, he is treated as an outcast because he comes from a different village and yet he is respected for his skill in fighting. Because he is treated as an outcast, he grows a shell and becomes notorious for his sexual skill with women. But, he is in love with Nneka who he can't have because she is married. Fortunately, the wind turns and Nneka's husband passes on, he swears that this time he is going to be Nneka's husband and that's where their story really begins.

Nneka is also a complex character. She comes from a home steeped in horror and as such she is treated as an outcast and this influences her choice when it is time to get married. She intentionally chooses a very weak husband to ensure she doesn't repeat her mother's mistake. Though slightly redeemed in society's eyes by her marriage, she goes back to her former placement in society when her husband passes on.

Now, being a widow in Igbo society is a complex role, it comes with a lot more freedom than being married or single but it also comes with a lot of question marks that can be raised if one decides to get married again. But, Nneka is strange in that she looks forward to the freedom that the death of her husband has afforded her. Fortunately, love comes knocking in the form of Ikem who refuses to take no for an answer and has decided that Nneka won't just be his sexual partner but be his wife. You have to read the book to learn more about their relationship and the role that several members of society play in their story.

In that review, I had mentioned that one of the great things I loved about her book was how she took her time to show case Igbo culture and attitudes. In this book, we learn more about outcasts, Igbo family and most importantly the treatment of widows in precolonial Igbo societies. This books gets two thumbs up for its reenactment of Igbo culture. In the previous review, I had raised concerns about the heat level in her sex scenes. She went above and beyond this time. Her sex scenes are out of this world and most importantly extremely believable. I give her two thumbs up on that. The story is well told, the characters are tight and multi dimensional, and she ties up her stories neatly by ensure that there are no loose ends. She also gets two thumbs up for that as well. Her cover is simply SEXY - she gets two thumbs for that.
Most importantly, this is a poignant tale reminding us that love is always out there. We just have to keep our hearts open and believe. It is a reminder that love can happen to anyone and at anytime despite societal placement. It is a reminder that second chances do occur. This is a very beautiful story and a fast read. You can get your copy from amazon and other fine stores. More grease to your elbow Kiru.

Although it's another QUICKIE...I enjoyed the FIERY passion between Ikem and Nneka...their chemistry is totally OFF-THE-CHARTS...and only IGNITED more by their INTENSE and sometimes humorous verbal sparring...I am so LOVING this Men of Valor series...and I can't wait to read the next story...KUDOS, Mrs. Taye!

His Strength (Men of Valor#2) by Kiru Taye
* I received a copy of this book from Breathless Press in exchange for an honest review*

Ikem has wanted to claim Nneka for as long as he could remember. His proposal was rejected because he wasn't "born of the soil" even though he had lived in their village all his life. He was essentially a visitor, and couldn't offer her a future according to their customs. Now she is a widow that has been in morning for a year and he is determined to make her his.

Nneka is a strong woman that desires to be set free from her "duty" to her deceased husband's family once her mourning period is up. She wants to be her own person and not have to depend on a man for anything. She is very uncomfortable with her brother-in-law's advances and continues to bide her time until her father-in-law will release her. She desires Ikem but she is afraid that he will want to control her life; the total opposite of her husband.

Ikem has remained single since his proposal for marriage was rejected by Nneka's family. He hasn't had a problem with the women and he's worked hard to become a member of his village, rather than just a "guest". He has been biding his time until Nneka's morning period is over and he plans to offer another proposal for her hand and this time he isn't willing to take no for an answer.

During her period of mourning Nneka's head had been shaven, she isn't adorned in jewelry or beads and her clothing is drab and shapeless. Through it all Ikem sees the woman inside and she is intrigued by him. She desires him and wants what only he can give her but she is also afraid that he will want to control her.

They are a well matched pair, both are strong individuals but very lonely. Ikem has managed to make a name for himself with the ladies but there is no relationship involved. Nneka's husband was a weak man that was unable to fulfill her passions. In one kiss, Ikem showed her what she had been missing and she was hungry for more.

This story takes place in a village in Southeast Nigeria. We are introduced to several of their customs but I would have liked to learn a little more about them. It is always interesting to learn about new places when I am reading. The characters were appealing and I enjoyed reading their story. I am glad that he didn't give up on them and the brother-in-law got what he deserved.

Overall I enjoyed this His Strength and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts.