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.

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?
Sometimes the line inspires the character. Discover the line that @lauradaveauthor used to start Owen's story in The First Time I Saw Him. ⛵️✨

Start reading — and annotating your favorite lines — from our January pick, The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave. 🖊️💭 Now available at the link in our bio!
GIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 5 SIGNED copies of Gone Before Goodbye, the gripping thriller from @ReeseWitherspoon and @HarlanCoben. Don’t miss your chance to win! ✨

To ENTER:
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Giveaway ends 2/6/26 at 11:59 PT. (5) winners will be notified by DM from @reesesbookclub. No purchase necessary. U.S. only. See official rules in our link in bio.
We gave @LauraDaveAuthor 30 seconds... and she needed 40. 💛 When your taste is that good, you get a pass.

Start reading her new novel The First Time I Saw Him — link in bio.
Castmates Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, director Brett Haley, and our very own Reese's Book Club author alum Emily Henry talk about their favorite scenes from People We Meet on Vacation. As the latest book-to-screen adaption, we are all excited to see this book come to life on the big screen (as well as see some bonus scenes that are true to the characters, but not found in the book)! 📖 🎥

Which moment from People We Meet on Vacation was your favorite to watch? Let us know down in the comments below! 👇🥳

Start listening to this episode of Bookmarked at our link in bio!
#ad ✨GIVEAWAY✨ We’ve teamed up with @yankeecandle to help you spark the inspiration to achieve your reading goals this year with a must-have home fragrance. A fresh chapter begins now! Comment your reading goals below to enter for a chance to win a copy of our January pick, The First Time I Saw Him, and A Fresh Chapter candle. Page after page, scent after scent — this book joy & perfect candle pairing is going to continue all year long!

TO ENTER:
1. Like this post 💙
2. Follow @reesesbookclub and @yankeecandle
3. Tag a friend and comment your reading goals!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. U.S. only. 18+. Giveaway ends 1/22/25 at 11:59 PT. 1 entry per person. 1 winner will be notified by DM from @reesesbookclub. See official rules @ https://hello-sunshine.com/giveaway-rules/
Join us in congratulating @LauraDaveAuthor on her @nytimes best selling sequel The First Time I Saw Him! 💛 It's officially on the list!
New year, new reading goals! What’s your first read of the year? Tag a friend to *hint hint nudge nudge* and buddy read it together. 

🎥: @thebooksiveloved