The Boy I Kinda Never Maybe Considered

by Aminat Sanni-Kamal

Nahima is in her late twenties, focused on her career and never really one to take office crushes seriously. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Rakim was the colleague she once thought of as cute in passing, but never truly considered, until friendship blurred, silence grew, and fate brought them back together again. Now, in the messy in‑between of reconnection, the two find themselves in a not‑quite relationship that feels a lot like something more.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2025

About the author

Aminat Sanni-Kamal is a Lagos-based author writing romance and fantasy stories full of heart, humour, and a little bit of chaos.

She has published titles across contemporary romance and fantasy, many of them rooted in Yoruba folklore and everyday African life, writing everything from clean and sweet to properly spicy, depending on the story. Several of her books have landed on Amazon bestseller lists, she has been featured on the Black Romance Podcast, and she has spoken on panels such as AfroRomCon.

When she isn't drafting her next book, Aminat works as an editor for a publishing house, and also runs her own freelance editorial practice, offering book coaching, book editing, manuscript assessments, and ghostwriting for other authors. Whatever time is left goes into reading, bingewatching k-dramas or Nollywood romcoms, and updating her newsletter with playlists, behind-the-scenes updates, and the occasional too-honest thought. Readers can find that world through her Substack and Telegram channel, or follow along on Instagram @byaminatsk.

Reviews

[Lawlah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is short and delicious. Aminat wrote it so beautifully and made it so relatable—I could see myself in the characters, especially Nahima.

I completely understood Nahima’s situationship with Rakim baje baje, I’ve been there before. This quote really stood out to me: “Closure is a myth.”

I love Daniela for being in Nahima’s corner; every girl deserves that kind of sisterhood.

But Aminat, that ending ke? How can you end it there? You’re acting just like Rakim!

This book is a 5-star read—10/10 minus nothing.

Thank you to the author for this amazing book.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was rage-baited, but I pushed through, and now I’ve been rewarded. I CANNOT wait to see what book two is about.

But let’s talk about Nahima real quick. She is such a lover girl (like me), and it sucks that most lover girls have to go through such a tough road before they find someone worthy of all the love they have to give. I hope she’s learned her lesson, though. Even if Tona is the right one for her, she needs to give him a little shege first, just to be sure. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Also, I should’ve known Rakim was not that guy. Especially because the spicy chapters with him weren’t detailed. That’s weird in a book written by an author who writes spice.

[Tobechukwu Nwosu]

There's a reason Aminat is an auto-buy author for me, and this novella has once again proven why.

Her stories are raw, heartfelt, and grounded in experiences that feel so familiar you forget you're reading fiction.

From the dedication alone, you can tell this book came straight from her soul. This novella follows Nahima, a woman in her late 20s working at an agency, who meets Rakim, a team lead and colleague.

What starts as casual friendship slowly blossoms into something deeper, messier, and heartbreakingly honest.

My favourite thing about this book is how it explores breadcrumbing and emotional unavailability with so much nuance. It also touches on heavy topics - mental health, depression, self-hrm, sxxual harassment - but never feels overwhelming. Everything feels true to the Nigerian workplace experience: the drama, the dynamics, the unspoken games everyone plays.

Aminat writes like a friend confiding in you. It's warm and witty, but it's also brutally honest. You'll love Nahima, even when you're frustrated with her. You'll want to hug her, check in on her, and tell her she'll be okay.

If you've ever been in a one-sided situationship or found yourself begging for emotional availability, this book will hit home. It'll definitely make you want to throw hands I swear.

It's funny, fast-paced, tender, and painfully real. A five-star novella for every lover girl and romance reader who craves authenticity in love stories.

Also what was that ending?

A 5-star read. I Highly recommend!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows a 26 year old Nahima Hassan who is trying to navigate through life and a heartbreak ( that she was suppose to spot even before it happened!!)
Whew!! Nahima really stressed me . She really 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 me.. You know the phrase
“𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐠𝐲𝐩𝐭”, yes that one . I’m sure that was what was playing in Nahima’s head when she was taking all those stupid decisions with that werey Rahim but she didn’t want to accept it .
I’m as much as denial was also part of the reason she was annoyingly to the things Rakim was doing to her , I think Nahima that way because of how she grew up (her relationship with her parents especially her dad) and she was scared of being alone even though she made peace with them (her parents) and also had Daniella in her corner.

My favorite things about this book was how it explored mental health, depression, self harm , sexual harassment in the work place and also unrequited love.. It was very relatable and interesting to read .
Another favorite part was Daniella was with her through her highs and lows and she never judged her even when she was being annoying .. Everyone needs a Daniella in their lives.

All in all, I really enjoyed how relatable this book was , the writing , the plot and characters development were really woven well.. And that cliffhanger at the end ? Chefkiss Can’t wait to read the sequel 🥳🥳❤️ I recommend this book

[By Habibat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short & Sweet(I think that's one of Omoni Oboli's titles on YT too?) This book is raw funny and veryyy relatable.

This my first read from the author and honestly, I really enjoyed it. I wish it were longer and that ending???! I'd definitely be reading other books from this author.

This book is another proof that Nigerian parents need to do better; always believing their "best friend's" words over their children's. And was her her father calling her all that necessary? All because she refused to do your bidding which she felt isn't the right decision for her. Nawa ohh!

Anyways, with that ending, I know she'd get what she wants and Rakimmm, typical of most Nigerian men, they will dtain your white like mad. The breadcrumbing, the emotional unavailability, the attitude, the ghosting and all, urghh, I've been there like mad and it makes it resonate on a deeper level, I'm getting 2nd hand embarrassment coz I was like her too, though not the asking out.
It's soooo raw, albeit short, I'd definitely recommend

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

appreciate how mental health was depicted and addressed. need the rest of the story or book 2.

[Nafisat Usman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I'm interested in knowing is: When is the second book releasing?

[Dukss❤️📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an amazing read .

Closure is not real o😂
If the man no want you leave am o!!!
Really feel for my girl Nahima, she’s just a girl🤭

[Sonia's Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've watched "Bottom Line" on Ndani TV (YouTube), you'll enjoy this book; this book has some similarities with the movie—the workplace scenes. While reading this book, I yelled at Nahima and I also wanted to give her a big hug. Her situationship with Rakim had me laughing so hard!! Nahima pissed me off countless times. If you're looking for someone to get angry at, please, read this book. This was a really great story—my first of the author's work and I absolutely enjoyed it! I can't wait for the second book to be out!!