Hey there!

Happy Easter! We’re getting closer to the release of my second offering in the Viva City FC series. Beyond the Touchline is book three and today I got a sample for you as I shed more light on Idara Etienam, our FMC.

Idara doesn’t hate attention.
She’s confident, stylish, and sharp.

But the spotlight? The kind that shines too bright and twists everything out of shape? That’s what she’s tired of.

She’s the daughter of a powerful man. A former athlete. A one-time reality TV star. Her entire life has been headlines and hot takes.

So when she finally finds something good, something real, she doesn’t want to share it with the world. She just wants to protect it. Hold it close. Keep it hers.

And when that privacy is violated — by family, by politics, by assumptions — it hurts more than anything else.

Idara’s story is for every woman who’s been seen but not understood. Who’s been admired, but not really known.

It’s for the women who want to be loved without the performance.

“I never want to be a secret. But I also don’t want to be a headline. There’s a difference…”

Here’s a short sample for you to enjoy from Idara’s POV!

Although Ehi had been getting beat up in the press with the rest of the team, his star power was still huge. He was the return hometown hero and everyone loved a good, fuzzy story. There was no way I was telling her that I thought he only offered to help was because he didn’t want anyone else around me. I thought I recognized the same glint of possessiveness in his eyes when Easton defended me the other day. First, Uduak would take it and run with it and secondly, it would give life to something I was trying to ignore.
“If he can really help then…” she shrugged. “How about uncle? Did you finally meet with him?”
The night I got back from dinner with my dad, I called but when I got her voicemail, I remembered she had a set design meeting. We haven’t been able to connect since then.
“Hmm, you know your uncle. Long story short ‘cause the rest is pretty standard Honorable stuff. He wants me to join him on the campaign trail for his Senate run.”

Silence.
Then Uduak burst into laughter. “Wait. Did you say campaign? Like… politics?”
“That’s exactly what I said.”
“Oh, he’s good. He really plans to drag you into a whole PR tour.”
“Yep, the clean cut Etienams… all together is the vibe he’s going for.” I let out a deep breath. “It’s not even about the election. It’s the control.”
My mother, of course, had called the next day to convince me it wouldn’t interfere with my work. My father’s jet will be available to fly me to and from Nigeria when I was needed.
Uduak sobered, nodding slowly. “Sounds like you’re considering it.”
“It’s what he wants.”
“And what do you want?”
I rubbed my temple. “I want Elevate.”
Uduak leaned back, shaking her head. “And for that, you’re actually considering entering his circus?”
I didn’t answer. Because for the first time, I wasn’t sure…

I hope you enjoyed this deeper look into our FMC. She is quiet the character and I love her. Don’t forget to preorder your copy of Beyond the Touchline. Click here

Until next time…

Peace & Blessings

Unoma