Author Unoma Nwankwor is taking on the sports world with an African twist. I recently spoke with her about Game of Two Halves.
Tell me about your latest book.
Game of Two Halves is a sports romance. It’s the first book and my contribution in a collaboration between myself and Kiru Taye, another African romance author. The sport being explored in this new series is football—or soccer as it is called in America. We decided to come together and write about a sport you don’t see featured as often but has billions of fans. Yep, billions of fans across the world.
Game of Two Halves kicks off our exploration into the Viva City Panthers and features Nonso Chijuka and Yinka Martins, children of Nigerian immigrants. Nonso, the MMC is a disgraced star footballer who has found himself in a bit of a pickle with his club in Atlanta and leads to his ban from the sport. The book starts off with him getting a second chance with an EFL Championship club in Viva City, North London. There he meets the “ever so put together” Yinka Martins, our FMC. Pursued by demons of the past, Yinka moved from America to Viva City where she’s been living for a few years.
Yinka and Nonso are like two magnets, drawn together at the worst possible moment. Their connection is undeniable, but as their relationship deepens, Nonso struggles to balance starting anew with his past, while Yinka debates between staying in her comfort zone or taking a leap of faith. When they realize that life, like a game of football, has two distinct halves—one representing their old lives and the other symbolizing their new beginning—will they blend their worlds and build a future together, or will their differences tear them apart?
How long did it take you to write it?
Started in late January, so roughly eight weeks. Between life, work, mommying, wiving and health, that was pretty good, and I’m so thankful I was able to get it done. I wanted to have ample time with it before release.
Which character could you relate to the most and why?
Oh Yinka, definitely. She’s in her early thirties, so I know she might change later like I did, but there was no “spur of the momenting” over here when I was younger. Everything was planned out. With maturity and a new awareness of the construct of time, especially when you’ve experienced unexpected grief like I have, you become more flexible.
How are you celebrating the book’s release?
As of now, not sure exactly. However, for every release, I take in the moment and the accomplishment, while giving thanks. I am also nervous. But I mostly chill with the family and pray the book does whatever it’s supposed to do for whoever picks it up to read.
Who is your author best friend (either in your head or in real life)?
The late May Ezekiel Ellen. She was a Nigerian magazine owner turned author that had a major impact on me in my teens.
What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Be flexible when creating. The words can be good, great words even… you might have constructed the most fire sentence or passage imaginable…but don’t be afraid to cut them as they might not belong in that book.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Haven’t done much of that lately. Hoping to get back to it soon.
What books are you excited to read?
I’m excited about a lot of summer releases. My TBR is also long, and since I’m a mood reader, it depends on what I feel like at the moment. Bitter & Sweet by Rhonda McKnight releases soon and also I wanna read Sisters with a Side of Greens by Michelle Stimpson.
What’s next for you?
The final book in the DuBois Arazi Family Novels, Legacy Fulfilled, featuring the final sibling is next up. It is already up for preorder and by God’s grace will be out in August 2024.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Yes. This is for the reader who hasn’t read an U. N. book before. I know as an avid reader myself, we all have our faves, and if I’m not one of your faves, I’d like to humbly ask you to pick up one or two or all of my book babies. I write about African families (in Africa or the Diaspora) who in all their dysfunction love each other and are down to ride while finding their way back to a once familiar God, who has been altered in their mind by events in their past. Think Hallmark movies with a cast of all Black characters meet Marvel’s Black Panther vibes featuring flights, immersive culture and swoony feelings.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Game of Two Halves.
To learn more about Unoma Nwankwor, author; COO, KevStel Productions and Publications; founder, Expectant Living, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
website: www.unomanwankwor.com
social media: On FB/IG/Threads/X/TikTok: @unwankwor