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.

Letting go is empowering ✨ We’re feeling inspired by the conversation on the latest episode of Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast. 

Tune in to hear @daniellerobay chat with the co-authors of @PartyPeople @BrieLarson & @Courtney_McBroom about their brand new cookbook and how writing something of their own takes bravery.

Start listening on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen.
If you had 30 seconds to grab 3 books off our shelves, what would you choose? @BrieLarson & @Courtney_McBroom took the challenge and their picks make the perfect pairing with their new cookbook Party People. 

Psst… they're also guests on this week's episode of Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast. Tune in to hear more about this cookbook, planning the perfect party, and everything in between. 

Start listening at @iHeartPodcast, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen! And don't forget to pick up a copy of Party People at our link in bio.
#WhatsAppPartner Raise your hand if you've ever been personally victimized by a book's ending 🙋 📕

Our Chief Lit Chatter Officer @daniellerobay just turned the last page on our November book pick, so now she's jumping back into our WhatsApp chat. Danielle wants to hear from fellow book lovers like you - What's the better ending: A tragic twist or a happily-ever-after? Click the link in our bio to join the channel and get the last word! 🖊️
Tag your book bestie who gets it 😂
A gentle reminder to make time for you — whether that means making yourself lunch or finally diving into that book you’ve been wanting to read, from the lovely @BrieLarson 💛

On this week's episode of Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast, co-authors of @PartyPeople @BrieLarson & @Courtney_McBroom join host @DanielleRobay to chat about how food can do more than just bring us together. 

Start listening on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen.
Our City Chapter Bookbassadors are celebrating one month on WhatsApp! Say hello to Brielle from the Charleston chapter, Kaylah from the Nashville Chapter, Haley from the St. Louis chapter, Liz from the New York chapter + Samantha from the Los Angeles chapter! 

These women are leading the conversation, sharing book recs, and making bookish friends IRL in our new local WhatsApp groups. Have you joined in your area yet? It’s not just for the city girlies- you can join even if you live in the area! 👀📍
We may party hard, but we'll always read harder!

On this week's episode of Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast, the incredible @BrieLarson & @Courtney_McBroom join host @DanielleRobay to chat all things @PartyPeople. It's not just a cookbook — it's a reason to celebrate every occasion.

Listen now on @iHeartPodcast, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen! And don't forget to pick up a copy of Party People at our link in bio.