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.

What’s your all-time favorite Reese’s Book Club pick? 💛

We asked our friend at @thebooksiveloved to share hers, and she described it perfectly: reading it felt like being in the room with the characters. ✨

Stories that feel real are hard to forget. Which book pick holds a special place for you?
Did you hear the news? 👀 Season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me drops February 20, 2026. Grab your books and popcorn, it’s time for a reread and rewatch! What’s your favorite book-to-screen adaptation? 👇
Trust us, this episode of Bookmarked will keep you on the edge of your seats. ✨

Tune in to the Reese's Book Club Podcast, Bookmarked, this week for a special rerun featuring acclaimed mystery author @RuthWareWriter. 

Listen now on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen. 🎧
What an amazing year it’s been! We’re giving away every single pick from 2025. Yep — you read that right. All of them.

To ENTER:
1. Like this post 💙
2. Follow @reesesbookclub 
3. Tag a friend!

Giveaway ends 1/6/26 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.
No plans today. Just emotionally preparing for the sequel and Season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me! 😍
In this episode of Bookmarked, Ruth Ware talks about what it would take to commit the perfect crime (at least on the page). Listen to the full episode, out now wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧✨
Nothing like cozying up with a thriller during the holidays! ☕

Start reading Gone Before Goodbye at our link in bio.
In this episode of Bookmarked, Ruth Ware talks about the power of female friendships and why she never wants that idea to get twisted. While many of her thrillers explore “girls’ weekends gone wrong,” she shares how her own friendships are essential to her life and writing, a theme reflected in The Lying Game, a Reese’s Book Club 💛 pick. It’s a great reminder that even the darkest stories are often rooted in deep connection. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧✨