Soneka

by Ann Kay

Soneka is done. Done with the lies, the guilt trips, and the quiet suffocation of a relationship she should have ended a long time ago. But her ex, Bonga, refuses to accept it. He thinks she just needs space, that eventually she’ll come back to him.

Ready to move on, Soneka braces herself for the emotional mess that comes with finally cutting ties. What she doesn’t expect is Ng’andu, kind, smart, funny, and surprisingly easy to be around. He’s nothing like Bonga, and being with him feels like a breath of fresh air.

There’s just one problem.
Ng’andu and Bonga are cousins.

442 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2025

About the author

About me? I have always read as a form of escapism that I live inside my imagination more than I do in the present. If I am not reading, my mind is concocting stories that rarely or ever get to see the light of day. I enjoy all forms of art, music, dance, literature, paintings, photography, etc. I enjoy being a consumer of art and I hope to create the form of art that brings joy, laughter and beauty in others lives. I am a feminist, a procrastinator and on somedays a writer.

Reviews

[Chilombu Kabambi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where exactly do I find a Ng’andu in Lusaka ?

I loved this book so much. Soneka was so easy to read , from the first chapter it felt like sitting down with a story you didn’t even realise you needed. Nothing about it felt forced. You actually get to watch them fall in love. It’s not rushed. It’s slow and messy and sweet. You feel the tension building, the hesitation, the tiny moments where you can just tell they are getting attached. It was beautiful to experience.

Soneka as a character? I laughed with her. I got annoyed at her too because sometimes — girl. Please. Speak. 😭 But the way she was written made it make sense. She’s real. She’s trying to protect herself even while she is falling for someone. She’s soft and stubborn at the same time. I loved her even when I wanted to shake her.

And Ng’andu? First of all, Ann Kay, be serious. Where are these Ng’andus in real life? Because the ones in Lusaka!!! I digress. 🤣 He was just a dream. Grown, thoughtful, emotionally present without doing too much. He has flaws but he actually tries. And when he loves, he does it intentionally. Honestly, if you are reading this, Soneka will make you question your entire dating history.

The steamy scenes? Please. Properly done. No cringe. No rush. Just slow-burn intimacy that fits their story perfectly. By the time it happened, I was like yes, finally. You could feel the emotional connection behind every kiss and touch.

Also, the Lusaka setting was everything. From the way people talk, the familiar places, you made Ludaka sound like a place I want to visit even though I live here.

And as your sister? I just want to say I’ve loved all your short novels over the years, but this? This was different. Bigger. Braver. I’m so proud of you for writing Soneka. 🥹

Small complaint though: why did you write me like that? 😂 I am nothing like Chichi. My character is definitely closer to Jean’s. Be serious.

I need my physical copy. I want it on my shelf, underlined, sticky-noted, passed around to people who deserve to read about love like this.

[Rutendo Chichaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soneka is a debut romantic novel by Zambian author Ann Kay. In the love story of Soneka and Ng’andu, we get it ALL: drama, tension and butterflies. I am not much of a romance reader, but you can always count me in when it comes to African writers. Yes, to African romance stories with characters that talk, dress like us and eat food we know! The narrative arc is convincing. While Soneka’s actions can sometimes be frustrating, she’s lovable and had me rooting for her. It was interesting to see the complexities of life and love play out in this relationship between the two protagonists. This was a quick read for me, a testament that it’s a feel-good book of good quality, too. The time development is just right. Would you ever date a relative of an ex? Well, Soneka will help you with that one.

While the narrative has a predictable ending, everything in between makes it worth it. A peep into the Zambian way of life and specific cultural traditions. I love that Soneka is headstrong and principled and sticks to her principles) and is not swept by desire - her stance on grand gestures, cheating as a deal breaker and wanting to be desired - she stood on that till the end. Ng’andu, even with his flaws, is a gracious and intentional lover, and it was good to see that. And of course, the sex is great and yaaas! Yes, and yes to that. Nothing could change his love for Soneka, not her confusion, vacillating decisions, or their dilemma. I love the way everything is rounded up at the end. There are other characters whom I absolutely love, like Kabinda and Katendi. I enjoyed this read.

[Towani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a wonderful time with this story. There’s so much I LOVEDDDD.

Without retelling the story, don’t let your cousin (or your ex) stop you from finding your person!!

I think I’d describe Soneka and Ng’andu as having a bit of a slow burn, but it’s so delicious and gratifying to read as it plays out.

Typically, we’re faced with these female main characters that are sad and weak, and very much the damsel in distress. This is not Soneka. I wanted to shake her sometimes but I was still HOOKED on the story.

For me, it was easy to fall in love with her because Soneka is someone I would absolutely want to be friends with. She’s an intelligent woman whose only “flaw” (I guess) is putting others before herself. She’s human. And very easy to relate to.

Ng’andu has given me some hope that just maybe the loml might be a Zambian man because why the hell not!!? Mind you, I said “some hope” and “maybe”.

When Ann said this was for the African girls who love romance without the trauma, I felt that in every sentence. It’s beautiful to just read a story that you enjoy without thinking of how it ties to ABCD.

It was also amazing to see places in Lusaka presented so casually. It’s easy to create a mental picture of their day-to-day life and I love that. Also makes me wanna go back and try certain spots.

I wanna read more stories like this!!

[Gab___riella · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANN KAY IS A PUBLISHED AUTHOR!!!!!



Soneka is probably the best romance novel I’ve read in a long time or probably ever, I read it in less than 24 hours because of the excitement. Read it everywhere, the loo, in traffic, during meals etc. Suffice to say, at the last page, I had no idea what I was supposed to do with my life.

Soneka is an easy read, with relatable characters except that fool Bonga. The book shows exactly what you’ve been missing in your love life through the beautifully crafted smut, the non-existent trauma as Ng’andu and Soneka explore their passion.

Spoiler alert: you will cry, laugh, gasp, wish you were Soneka, wish you were Ng’andu, wish you could reach out and beat Bonga to an inch of his life… and through all this, there will be a playlist to accompany you as you experience the whirlwind of emotions.

Do yourself a favor, grab a copy and thank me later🩵

[Ms Romy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is 5 ⭐, I really love the story and how their romance was free of toxicity, the pacing of the story wasn't too slow or rushed just perfect. The build up in their romance🔥🔥 ,the sex scene were perfect too you didn't overdo them and the icing on the cake is that could see my self soneka and she didn't have to compromise anything to have the love. When the book is published I hope you will be shipping to Tanzania because i need the paperback, I don't think any romance book I will read this year will top this one

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was one of my favourite reads last year. I loved how multifaceted the protagonist was. What a healthy romantic relationship for African women to see themselves in. I love how descriptive but not entirely wordy. Ann Kay describes Zambia so detailed and fresh I swear I was walking through the streets with the protagonists. Lastly, it's refreshing reading about a safe, emotionally intelligent man in love with a powerful emotionally intelligent woman. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves healthy love, and Africa.

[Mwende Ngao · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a delicious read! I couldn't put it down and read it over 2 days. I didn't want it to end even though I wanted to get to the end. I love a good romance, especially when it's an African one. The writing is light and pulls you in. I have never been to Zambia but now I want to go. I felt like I knew this place and these people. The build-up in the romance, the tenderness, the humanness and the emotional clarity were beautiful. Ann understands how to write an African romance and I need more!

[Tinsae Teferi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Soneka and honestly, the vibes are unmatched. Ann Kay, the way you described everything was so vivid the shades were hilarious and had me laughing out loud.

Reading this felt exactly like a 90s R&B track feels. I loved the music references so much; it really took me on a trip.

Thank you for writing a book for African lover girls who like it a bit spicy. That dedication really had me! We deserve love that we don't have to earn through trauma or suffering.

[Stacey Angella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soneka is such an amazing read. It's immersive in the best ways and is so well written I couldn't help but read it several times. I loved everything about it and keep recommending it to friends coz I need to share the joy this book brought me. Ann Kay found a way to bring to life the modern African woman through Soneka and showed that sometimes all a girl wants it to be loved so consumingly that she drowns in it.

[Titame Mwale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to follow, characters easy to fall in love with. The characters were relatable and it was easy to visualize.
I do wish though that given how much of a romantic we were exposed to when it came to Ng'andu, it would've been nice to swoon over his engagement proposal. Over-all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book

[Lwandile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and couldn’t put it down. I literally only took a break to sleep, woke up and continued. The love story is hot and steamy but it’s also dreamy because who doesn’t want to be pursued that intentionally by a good looking man. I like how he doesn’t give up on her but still very intentional on what he wants with her. An absolute must read.

[Tendai Thokozile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I've been wanting to read . A feel good story with an African woman that doesn't involve trauma. Perfect writing and romance that will have you smiling from ear to ear .You will not want to put it down!!!

[Best Pretty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soneka!!!
It took a while to get into this book but when I did, I totally loved it.
Soneka’s and Nga’andu’s love was so beautiful. Oh Nga’andu!!!how he patiently courted her, no games, how he was so vocal about how much he loved and wanted her.
A beautifully written romance novel🥰🥰

[Tinotenda Mukono · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the book still stayed true to not minimising the impact of the hurt women
go through even when it's all fluffy and makes you feel good😊