Sex After Harmattan

by Cynthia Osajibenedict

Enter a world where the sometimes shocking and often hilarious mating and dating habits of the privileged are exposed by a true insider. In this shocking story drawn from her witty and sometimes brutally candid circle in Lagos, Cynthia ‘Tasha’ Osajibenedict introduces us to the young and beautiful who travel in packs from offices to bars to beds.

In this book, you would meet Adaugo, the quintessential young entertainment and lifestyle writer looking for love in all the wrong places... Mr. Emeka, the business tycoon who drifts from one country and woman to another... Mmakamba Ekong, the fortyish, successful, "testosterone woman" who uses sex like a man or so they say... Not to mention ‘Psycho Lekki Moms’, ‘Mummy’s Boys’, ‘Yahoo boys and their magas’, the Leftovers of Lagos and the rest of the Lagosians who have inspired one of the most interesting books you’ve read in ages.

230 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2022

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am trying to be as kind as possible 😌 with this review, but honestly, this book got me thoroughly confused. The plot was a bit haphazard for me, I struggled to understand who the narrator was and the utter chaos within her friend group. The book title has no correlation whatsoever with the story therein. The last two chapters were so rushed and most confusing. Y did the narrator lady keep calling the man she was sleeping with Mr Emeka? Sounded somehow to me.

[Miss T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting and compelling story tells of the dating woes between four women while showcasing the relationship of the main character and the man she has grown to love. Adaugo Chide is an entertainment writer for an entertainment company and runs a lifestyle blog. Her blog entries are based on true events that she and her three best girlfriends encounter while trying to date in the great big city of Lagos. The women pride themselves on their success yet all of them have a difficult time finding the right man.
I truly enjoyed this book, one of the best young adult books I've read in a very long while. Its very spicy so be careful.

Beneath the veneer of Manolo Blahnik shoes and the eternal round of parties and the late nights at trendy bars, Lagos is a very cruel place for smart, older women. Whatever lip service their male peers pay to equality, what men want is perpetual youth.
Often funny and occasionally bleak, this is a captivating look at the "Age of Un-Innocence,'' in a city in which the glittering diversions don't quite make up for the fact that "Cupid has flown the coop.''

#youngadult #romancce

[Temitope Adeniran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sex After Harmattan is a concise yet elaborate description of the dating pool in a bustling city called Lagos. I liked how the narrator, Ada captured the lives of the various players and actors in these scenarios, and this gives a vivid and exciting picture of how hilarious and at the same time exhilarating, dating, in a city such as Lagos can be. This book reminded me of the title of another book I read, "Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad", I would almost think so.
I enjoyed each chapter that depicts the various scenarios that can play out. Some of the stories left me dumbstruck, others utterly in shock while others left me thinking almost nothing is impossible on these streets.😁😁😁. Three words that I could use to summarise Sex After Harmattan would be Captivating, mind- boggling and interesting. I rate it a 4.3⭐.

[Rhoda O. Kadri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sex After Harmattan offers an interesting exploration of modern dating, sexual identity, and the realities many women face while navigating independence and relationships, especially in a city like Lagos.

One thing I appreciated was how the book highlights the complexity and chaos of dating, as well as the often unspoken pressures placed on successful women—from societal expectations to personal desires. These themes felt relevant and timely, and they stayed with me even after I put the book down.

While the narrative style may resonate differently with different readers, I admire the author’s boldness in telling a story that sparks conversations around love, identity, and choice.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful read that will appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary stories centered on relationships and self-discovery.

[Tanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m gonna need someone to explain the plot twist in the “I don’ts before I do” chapter of Sex After Harmattan… where the hell did Mr. Red come from? And why does he have to be an Oyibo?!
This book drove me crazy, I couldn’t stop reading. I loved how easy it was, it was like gossiping with your best friend and getting to read all they've been up to.

[Cynthia ‘Tasha’ Osajibenedict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a book you should read

[readwiththatsoft_girlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5⭐️
Sex after harmattan is a detailed story about the dating pool in Lagos. The narrator Adaugo takes us on how living and dating looks like with the dating pool, a ritual of humiliation and a disaster waiting to happen and how she navigates her career, dating life and friendship with her bestfriends.
Like the narrator said at the beginning, this is not a cute, cheesy story. It’s raw, unfiltered, thrilling, messy and full of chaos. We get to read about the madness in the city that people are either not bold to speak about it or are pretending like it’s not happening. A city where people judge an act on the outside but indulge on the inside, where a man taking you to see his mom is as good as another instagram post, a city where ghosting and orgies are the order of the day. People don’t fall in love anymore, they fall into arrangements and run at the slightest hint of something serious or meaningful🤦🏻‍♀️
I lost count of the number of times that song 🎶love is wicked…wicked…wicked🎶 kept playing in my head😩Honestly I’m convinced that finding love in Lagos is you setting yourself up for heartbreak, e just be like you see fire still carry your leg enter😂
I genuinely appreciate this book especially the author shining light on the issue of consent before sex. Most men don’t know when to stop or read the room. They mistake discomfort for shyness or playing coy. Half the time they know but for their own selfish gain, they keep pushing. Sad reality. Aside from the fact that I could relate to one or two characters, the author did not lie when she said you won’t be the same person after reading this book😍
I may have struggled with following up at one point but overall, it was an eye opener, informative, interesting to read and it will leave you wanting to know more☺️I believe the city of Lagos was beautifully captured in this book and apart from the chaos and downsides, there’s still a subtle reminder of the beauty and opportunities the city has to offer💕
By the way, that introduction to Makamba and Saleem characters? Chef kiss😘👌🏼I can’t wait to meet them😁
I highly recommend this book!

[doyin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading Sex After Harmattan , and the book explores relationships, sex, expectations, and dating within the Lagos dating pool. It is narrated by Ada, and through her voice, we hear about the experiences of her friends, Mmakamba, Laide, and Dinma, as well as stories from other people outside their circle. The book looks at various relationship dynamics, sex lives, personal expectations, and encounters with Lagos men. Rather than following a single, linear storyline, it presents a range of stories that come together to paint a broader picture of modern dating and relationships in Lagos.

What kept me reading were the many stories and experiences shared throughout. The book constantly moves from one account to another, which made it engaging. Some stories were surprising, some were amusing. There were moments that made me pause or laugh, and that steady flow of different experiences helped sustain my interest as I read on.

What I struggled with while reading was the transitions. The movement between Ada’s experiences, her friends’ stories, and those of other people wasn’t always clear. At certain points, it was difficult to immediately grasp when the narrative had shifted or how one story connected to the next, which made parts of the reading experience confusing.

Overall, it’s a decent and engaging read that offers honest conversations about sex, relationships, and modern dating in Lagos. I’m rating it 3.5 stars.

[Blessing Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn’t meet my expectations at all. I went in with high hopes but I don’t know🤷‍♀️

This wasn’t really a bad read, it was just so confusing honestly. The plot of this book was very difficult to grasp. I loved how the author tried showing us the chaos, dramas and harsh realities of living in Lagos and also being in the dating pool in Lagos.

This book started off really good but it gradually lost the plot. Everything was just moving too fast, the POV switch was so confusing, the storyline was very hard to comprehend.

But still, it was engaging at some point and also funny. I loved how the author didn’t shy away from heavy topics in Lagos scene. This was a good read. Other reader might find it engaging though.

A 3⭐️ read for me.
Thanks Cynthia for the ARC copy.

[Bisi Miyebi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sex and the Harmattan is an interesting, laugh-out-loud, and undeniably steamy exploration of the Lagos dating scene, told through a series of intimate sexual experiences and relatable encounters. I really enjoyed reading the different perspectives shared in the book. The poetic flow of the writing initially felt a bit disjointed, but as I settled into the rhythm, it became clear that this was a deliberate stylistic choice—and it eventually worked.

I also found myself learning new things along the way, which speaks to the amount of digging, soul-searching, and research that must have gone into this book. The writing is clear, well-structured, and grammatically sound, making it an engaging and enjoyable read. Overall, I loved it 😍. Kudos to the author.

[Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently devoured 'Sex After Harmattan', and it completely sucked me in with its unflinching honesty about dating in Lagos. The book's unique blend of interconnected short stories seamlessly weaves a narrative that's both raw and captivating. What struck me most was the nuanced portrayal of women - they're multidimensional, flawed, and resilient, making it a truly female-centered masterpiece. The writing dives deep into the complexities of femininity, vulnerability, and modern relationships, leaving you feeling seen and understood. If you're in the mood for a story that'll linger long after the last page, look no further.

[Tinashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Edition of Sex after Harmattan had me gasping and clocking teas! It was really sensational and so accurate about the struggles of dating in Lagos where literally anything is possible. I really enjoyed how if felt like a short stories collection, but it really is one story with so many other stories driving the plot.

I enjoyed how it was female centered, and these women were able to hold their own. Definitely recommend for anyone willing to read about Vulnerability, femininity, and the complexities of dating.

[Berbyoma_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this book captured the Lagos dating scene the excitement, the tricks, the desire, and the quiet heartaches hidden behind all the sparkle. For an unedited manuscript/Arc read, the author did her big one. This is a must read because the characters’ experiences will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I can’t wait for the edited version to be published.

[Bookish Igbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Started and finished Cynthia Osajibenedict’s ’s Sex After Harmattan in one day.
This book was a read I thoroughly enjoyed, not just because I laughed so much.
.
I love(d) every single tale- the laughs, uncomfortable recognitions, theatrics, madness & strength. 👏🏾 it’s beautiful.

[Rayo Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Cynthia Tahsa OsajiBenedict for the e‑ARC.
One constant question that floated through my mind as I was reading was, “Am I reading a blog post?”

The timelines felt so jumbled, and I could never tell who the narrator was at any given moment. The fact that I don’t know how the title ties in with the story still bothers me. It felt rushed, as if you had so many things to say but very little time to do it.

Aside from me being confused by the sudden shifts between characters, I appreciated the chaotic dating scene in Lagos that this book painted; it was funny and made you think about what goes on behind closed doors and the shocking audacity of men.
Thank you once again for the e‑ARC.