In the Late of Night

by Ntombi Nkabinde

Four thirty-something girlfriends navigate the complexities of love and life in upmarket Johannesburg. Nomzamo yearns to have her own child, but her husband keeps postponing. Is he truly too busy or is something else going on? Kioni is in seventh heaven when Michael finally wants to commit. But does he really? Or is he just trying to get back into her bed? Single mom Jazmine has sworn off love – until a charming new doctor arrives at her hospital, testing her resolve. And Asanda, fiercely independent and at the top of her game, is determined to find the perfect man to match her perfect life. As their lives twist and tangle in unexpected ways, these four women will discover that love is never simple – but always worth it.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Pebi_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good debut and this author did good!

[readingwithloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

an absolute phenomenon book from a talented local author .
I'm so impressed with this story and it being her very first novel 👏🏻

[Mapitsi Makola · Rating 3 out of 5]

In these pages, we step into the lives of four women navigating the complexities of their 30s in harmony. As we delve deeper, the dynamics of their sisterhood unfold, revealing the cracks in their individual worlds and the quiet battles they wage 'In The Late of Night’.

Nomzamo:
A devoted wife, yearning to start a family, but her husband's constant delays leave her questioning their future together.

Kioni:
After years of waiting, the love of her life finally promises commitment. But can words alone soothe her doubts and fears?

Jazmine:
A busy mother of two, Jazmine has sworn off love. However, when a charming new doctor shows interest, she must decide: is he worth risking her heart for?

Asanda:
A successful accountant with a seemingly perfect life, Asanda searches for her ideal partner. But as she navigates the dating world, she begins to wonder: what does "perfect" really mean?

This was a quick, effortless read that can be devoured in one sitting😊.

Thank you @penguinbookssouthafrica for this review copy💕

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Clipboard made an appearance this afternoon at the launch of IN THE LATE OF NIGHT with Ntombifuthi Nkabinde Bookcirclecapital

Get your copy today because Zamo, Kioni, Asanda and Jazz are exposed and vulnerable, in the late of night.

A story you'd want to curl up in bed for then have a #TellSomeOne moment because IN THE LATE OF NIGHT is about the unmasking of emotional darkness when the world is quite, the kids are asleep, and the To Do list is not screaming for attention.

IN THE LATE OF NIGHT is a fantastic group discussion read because it is infuriating, it is arresting, it is an intimate reckoning.

Available widely.

Thank you Penguin Random House SA for this review copy.