July 5, 2022

The Complexities of Romance

Bolu Babalola on celebrating love that centers on women

The Complexities of Romance

Bolu Babalola on celebrating love that centers on women

As a writer, I’m all about celebrating love that centers on women: our desires, and being desired, and being empowered by love… and Honey & Spice, my debut novel, is no different in that respect!

Honey and Spice is a campus rom com set in England that centers on Kiki Banjo, a girl with a sharp tongue and a soft heart (even though she tries to hide it). On her radio show, she gives relationship advice to the women of Whitewell University. There is one particular guy she has warned her girls about: Malakai Korede. And of course—because this is a rom com—through a series of events, she ends up in a fake relationship with him to salvage her reputation with her listeners, the demographic she loves and treasures so much. Malakai’s also hoping to save his reputation through the arrangement. But obviously things aren’t as simple as they seem…

My book explores the complexities of romance—how appearances can be deceiving, learning to let people in, learning to trust someone, and building a community (not just for the main couple, but for the whole girl gang at Whitewell). It’s a sexy romance that also celebrates the importance of friendship.

I really loved getting to know Kiki and Malakai and their whole crew, and I learned so much from them—I didn’t want to leave! Kiki and Malakai were a delight to create. It was like I was just a vessel for them as I wrote.

I can’t wait for you to meet the gang at Whitewell University! I can’t wait for you to get to know Kiki! I can’t wait for you to have a crush on Malakai! I really hope you love Honey and Spice.

Reading before watching or watching before reading? 🤔

With all the book to screen adaptations coming out this year, you’ll find us racing to finish each book before they release! What are you most excited to see adapted for screen?
#ad Cozy reads deserve comfy threads ✨ We’ve teamed up with @discovercotton to help you upgrade your reading vibes with the fabric that makes every story feel better: cotton. Whether you’re reading on-the-go, or lost in a cozy read on the couch, cotton complements every reading vibe. Tell us, what’s your favorite way to read? 👇
Before The Last Thing He Told Me S2 drops, we’re reading the sequel, The First Time I Saw Him. 📖 Who’s joining us before the new season returns Feb 20?
Hi Book Lovers, are you ready for this plot twist? 👀

Reese’s Book Club stickers are officially available on WhatsApp! 

React to our monthly book pick, express your inner reader, and level up your book club conversations with our brand-new Book Lover sticker pack. Now available across @whatsapp 📲💚
Stop everything. Paul Mescal, Chloé Zhao, and Reese’s Book Club author Maggie O’Farrell sit down to talk Hamnet—from page to screen. Honest, intimate, and packed with moments you’ll be thinking about long after you hit play. 💛

Start listening tomorrow on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen! 🎧
We're tearing up hearing about @LauraDaveAuthor's dream book club! 🥹

Tell us, who would you invite to your dream book club?
A little Bookshelf Confession 📚

@daniellerobay sharing the lines that live rent-free in her head — this time from The Nightingale by @kristinhannahauthor ✨

💬 What book quote changed you?
Your TBR isn’t ready 👀 The January Class of Reese’s Book Club picks is stacked with page-turners! Which book are you excited to dive into? 👇
Calling all certified breakfast skippers! @theroomiesdigest is inspiring us to do a morning reset so we can slow down, read, and get ready for the day ahead. Tell us, do you have any morning rituals?