We chat with author Nana Malone about Gold Coast Dilemma, which is a romance about a Ghanaian American heiress faced with the dilemma of choosing between culture and a love connection.
Hi, Nana! Thank you for joining us! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m Nana Malone, (Nana from Ghana) USA Today bestselling author of sexy, feel-good romance, primarily featuring women of color. My books are filled with alpha heroes, sassy heroines, international intrigue, and a whole lot of heat. When I’m not writing, you can find me trying to wrangle my husband and teenage daughter, binging British crime dramas, or looking for my next travel adventure.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always been a book lover. The kind of kid who hauled around two novels everywhere—just in case I finished one before lunch. I was probably the only nine-year-old rocking her own Agatha Christie collection and solving fictional crimes before bedtime. But I didn’t start writing until I read Bridget Jones’s Diary. Something about that quirky, conversational voice and the way the story unfolded through raw, hilarious honesty made me think—wait, maybe I could do this. It didn’t just pull me in—it unlocked something. For the first time, I realized storytelling didn’t have to be formal or perfect. It could be messy, funny, and real. And maybe… I had a voice for that, too.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I was such an early reader. It’s hard to remember the first one—but I was absolutely obsessed with Ramona Quimby. Her messy, emotional, big-hearted adventures? Total comfort read territory.
- The one that made you want to become an author: Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding. That voice—funny, honest, a little chaotic—lit something up in me. For the first time, I felt like maybe I had a voice, too. That storytelling style made writing feel accessible—like I could do it my own way.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. That book gets in your bones. The layers, the voice, the commentary—it’s brilliant and unforgettable.
Your latest novel, Gold Coast Dilemma, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Glamour. Intrigue. Secrets. Heat. Redemption.
What can readers expect?
Crazy Rich Ghanaians meets a little Pride and Prejudice—Family drama served with a side of couture, an enemies-to-lovers romance that sizzles, and a heroine who does not come to play.
Where did the inspiration for Gold Coast Dilemma come from?
I wanted to tell another African story—one that celebrates the richness, elegance, and glamour that already exists in our cultures. Too often, only one narrative gets told—the story of struggle. But growing up Ghanaian, I saw something different: generational wealth, intricate traditions, sharp family dynamics, and a kind of effortless sophistication that deserves its spotlight. A story rooted in legacy, love, and the kind of drama that only comes from knowing exactly who you are—and what’s at stake.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Oh, hands down—Helen, the mother. That woman came in like a Ghanaian storm in designer heels and stole every scene she touched. Writing her was pure joy. She’s glamorous, relentless, and absolutely determined to see her daughter married off—preferably yesterday. Every line out of her mouth was laced with just the right mix of love, manipulation, and flair.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Balancing the emotional depth with the glitzy setting was a dance. I wanted the book to have weight. I didn’t want the opulence to overshadow the heart of the story. The trick? If I stay grounded in their emotional arcs, the story stays real.
What’s next for you?
I’m always writing, and I’m not done with Ghanaian heroine rom coms. I’ve got a few projects in the pipeline.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
Oh, I’ve got a stack. Can’t wait to dive into Kennedy Ryan’s latest, Can’t Get Enough. And Sierra Simone’s Bitter Burn.
