I loved this book, I loved the themes surrounding family, marriage, age etc. As a Nigerian who s entrenched in our culture this hit hard. I found myself really feeling for the fmc because i know that an unmarried 50 year old will face a lot because of the culture. Seeing the fmc be 50 and want to be a mother and a wife despite fibroids and people talking was emotional. This book also had fun moments especially with the aunties and the fmcs mom. It was portrayed very realistic and I just got it. The romance was cute and a slow burn and I like that the fmc didn’t force herself on the mmc even when people say that she’s too old to be picky. Overall this is a good read and I appreciated the older fmc and watching her navigate middle life. Thanks to the publisher for this arc.

I picked up The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association on a whim and found myself completely charmed by Sade Sodipo—a confident, funny, fully fleshed-out 50-year-old Nigerian woman who’s got a solid career, a beautiful home, supportive friends, and a very vocal circle of aunties who believe her only missing piece is a husband. And they’re not subtle about it.

Sade isn’t waiting around pining, though. She’s living, she’s thriving, and she’s just open enough to love—without letting the pressure from family, friends, or society completely derail her sense of self. And that’s what I appreciated most about this story: it’s romantic, yes, but it’s also deeply grounded in self-respect, boundaries, and community.

Ola Awonubi’s writing is warm and witty, full of cultural nods and moments that had me laughing out loud, especially at the aunties and their relentless matchmaking missions. I saw so many familiar dynamics here—the kind of family banter and emotional blackmail that’s both hilarious and a little too real. But beyond that, the book gives us something we don’t see often enough: a Black, 50-year-old woman front and center in her own love story. And not one that’s treated as a second-best “late-in-life” afterthought, either. Sade’s journey is sexy, spiritual, vulnerable, and empowering.

This book reminded me that love doesn’t have a deadline and that sometimes your people can be annoyingly right, even when you want to scream into a pillow. If you love stories that center older women, second chances, and vibrant cultural backdrops, this one is a must-read. It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and delightfully Nigerian in all the best ways.

So funny and flirty!! I need to get myself some aunties like this. No day would even be peaceful or quiet again but I cant imagine not loving it

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. This story was sooooo well written and Sade was definitely a character that was fully fleshed out. The writing of Sade's inner battle between maintaining her faith and values versus what she wanted and needed from a partner was a written with such nuance and care. There aren't a ton of black, female, 50 year old romance leads being written so reading about her issues with fibroids, fertility, and menopause shed light on a few things. Sade and the other characters felt truly authentic and I think that's truly where the story really shines by having these honest conversations around dating, the church, the way women are labeled if they aren't mothers or wives. I could go on and on but this was most certainly a five star read.

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book.

This was a nice change of pace for me when it comes to reading. I enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know more about Nigerian culture, I loved the main character. I'm just off on the book. I've read a lot of books that are first person narrative, but for some reason this book just seemed like it was written as a journal if I'm being honest. It's not, its completely not, but that's the impression I got. It's not bad, honestly it might have flowed a little better if it has been written that way. Most moments just feel like they're being recanted in the past tense. Nothing wrong with that all, it's just how it felt.

I had fun with this story, but everyone is so abrasive except for Remi, and honestly Jimi. Every conversation that is held is always referencing Sade's lack of relationship status even with her friends. I get the point of the book, but the only true fun without relationship talk was with Jimi, and if I'm being honest the most real talks were held with her work colleague, not her friends or family (except Remi). In regards to Jimi, it bothered me that he was the one to put in all of effort, to see Sade, and spend time with her, despite the fact that planning literally is her job and all she talks about is wanting to spend time with him. She brushes him off for long periods of time, well he tries and tries to spend time with her, where he's honestly kind and courteous and completely open with her about his life. Until she finally tells him that despite all the wonderful things he's done she can't compromise on her morals and faith. Which is awesome I love that she doesn't! But he gives a lot and parts of the story I just wish she wouldn't have reacted the way she did. I did love the ending however, that made up a little bit.

I know this sounds like a bad review, I know that completely. But it's just truthful, however despite all that I said this book sucks you right in. And you can't put it down. I don't know how to explain it but it does, and I really enjoyed getting to read it despite all that I've said. I would have still picked it and read it even if I didn't have the privilege of being able to read an e-arc version of it. There's just something about the desire to have your dreams come true no matter your age that feels wonderful and right coming from this book.


Thank you so very much again for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book!

Sade Sodipo is 50, fabulous, and so ready to find “the one”—not just for herself, but to satisfy the ever-watchful eyes of the Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association.

In The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association, Ola Awonubi delivers a witty, heartfelt, and refreshingly mature take on the search for love, faith, and fulfillment within the complexities of Nigerian culture and expectations.

With rich, nuanced characters and a protagonist you’ll want to root for, this novel shines a light on stories not often seen at the forefront of romance fiction. It’s both charming and thought-provoking—a celebration of second chances, self-worth, and the divine timing of life.

A must-read for anyone who believes love doesn’t have an expiration date.

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association" is my first read by Ola Awonubi, and it offers a glimpse into different cultures. The story follows Sade Sodipo, who is eager to find 'the one' and achieve the Nigerian Dream. Despite her fulfilling job, supportive friends, and a lovely home, Sade is still single at 50, which her family and friends attribute to various reasons.

Faced with societal expectations about marriage, Sade is determined to find love, but her options seem limited with no prospects in her social circles. The book humorously captures the pressure she faces while highlighting themes of self-love and acceptance as Sade navigates her journey towards happiness in her own way. I really loved this book! I can't wait to explore more works by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ola Awonubi, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Sade, at 50, has a lot going right for her, but she is still lacking in the significant other factor. She has her community gathered around her, however, to help her in that department. They are a part of the unofficial Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association - her mother, two best friends, and sister.

This was a really enjoyable read, mostly because the main character, Sade, is such a departure from typical characters in contemporary books - she is a very successful Black woman who is 50. That alone was a good pull to read this book, and I was very appreciative of the author for delivering a more realistic character. I also enjoyed learning a bit about Nigerian culture, as well as the variety of women in this book which made the storyline more layered and rich. Sade also was very layered, and based on her independence, strength, and past experiences, she was written as very relatable. I also must include a comment about the cover - I really liked it, I thought the women depicted on it were beautiful, and the artistry drew me in.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK/One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Ola Awonubi’s The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association is a refreshing and much needed addition to contemporary romance, with rich cultural depth and an FMC we don’t often get to see: a 50 year old Nigerian woman navigating love, faith, family, and identity on her own terms.

What I loved most about this book was the representation. From the vibrant portrayals of Nigerian culture to the hilarious (and often overbearing) aunties who form the unofficial “marriage monitoring” committee, the story brings a colorful and authentic perspective that feels both familiar and eye opening. While the aunties can be abrasive, they’re rooted in cultural expectations, and their meddling felt lovingly realistic, even when it crossed into uncomfortable territory.

Sade is a standout main character. She’s strong in her convictions, deeply faithful, and beautifully human in her vulnerability. Her struggles with infertility, the aftermath of a myomectomy, and the emotional weight of menopause are handled with grace and honesty, topics that are so rarely addressed in fiction, especially in romantic contexts. I deeply appreciated the open and respectful way these challenges were represented.

Faith plays a central role in Sade’s life, and it’s another area where this book shines. Her commitment to waiting until marriage, her daily prayer life, and her unshakeable values add depth to her character and underscore the importance of spiritual compatibility in relationships. Watching her navigate her feelings for Jimi—who doesn't initially share her level of devotion—added complexity to the romance.

That said, the romance was where I felt a bit let down. While Jimi had potential, the chemistry between him and Sade didn’t fully leap off the page for me. There’s one pivotal conversation about faith where Jimi’s reaction felt dismissive, and I honestly thought Sade might be better off without him. While he does redeem himself later in the story, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that their connection lacked the emotional spark I was hoping for.

Still, if you are looking for a heartfelt, culturally rich, and faith driven story about love later in life, with a closed door approach to romance, this book will resonate with you. It’s both entertaining and deeply meaningful, offering representation we need more of in this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ola Awonubi, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.