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.

GIVEAWAY! ✨ Get ready to have your hands full. The ultimate bookish fall girl grip has arrived, featuring our October pick and exclusive Scripted Spruce Candle with @YankeeCandle. #ad

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Book club is BACK ✨

Join us on Thursday, October 22 for an exclusive Reese’s Book Club Substack Live, diving into our October pick: Sophie, Standing There with author Meg Mason and moderator Jojo Moyes, author of The Giver of Stars. We’re thrilled to chat about this tender and charming novel with our community. 💛 Join the conversation!

🗓️ Date: Thursday, October 22
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Sophie's starter pack looks very similar to our own. If this looks like you, start reading Sophie, Standing There at our link in bio. 🩵
A similar vibe for every season 👀📚 What books would you recommend to fans of Sophie, Standing There?