Lagos-based publishing house, Witsprouts Books has announced the forthcoming release of Under the Rain, the second novel by Nigerian author, Ayo Deforge.

The romantic suspense novel is slated for publication on December 1, 2025, marking significant addition to Deforge’s growing literary repertoire.

‘Under the Rain’ delves into complexities of enduring love, difficult choices, and the cost of second chances. The narrative follows Bolaji and Shola, childhood friends whose deepening bond is tested by the revelation that both are sickle cell trait carriers.

While Bolaji is willing to forgo having children to be with Shola, she chooses to end the relationship, moving to the United States and marrying a Nigerian-American. Years later, their paths cross again in Nigeria, reigniting old feelings and forcing them to confront the choices that once tore them apart.

Born in Lagos in 1982, Deforge began writing poetry at thirteen as a means to process personal grief. She studied French at Lagos State University and relocated to France in 2012. Her debut novel, Tearless, published on December 1st 2023, was shortlisted for both the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Fiction and the Chinua Achebe Prize for Fiction in 2024.

Deforge’s work often explores themes of grief and the human experience, with her writing appearing in publications such as Litro Magazine, Brittle Paper, and Kalahari Review.

Witsprouts Books, an imprint of the Witsprouts Global Ltd founded by Tope Akintayo to promote African creative expression and appreciation of literature, music, film, and visual arts. The publishing imprint has previously released anthologies such as The Year of Free Birds, and Love Grows Stronger in Death, featuring works by emerging African writers.

With Under the Rain, Deforge continues to explore the intricacies of love and the enduring impact of past choices. The novel is anticipated to resonate with readers who appreciate emotionally charged narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships.

Under the Rain will be available in both print and digital formats through Witsprouts Books and major retailers from December 1, 2025.