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.

Book lovers en route… Story Walks are coming to a city near you! #AppleBooksPartner 

We’re teaming up with @AppleBooks to host walking audiobook club events that inspire movement, connection, and community. Ready to press play on a new experience? Let’s stroll with a story and make some new friends, book lovers!

Nashville, TN - May 9, 2026
Chicago, IL - June 13, 2026
San Diego, CA - August 1, 2026

Your next chapter is about to begin! Visit our link in bio to register and learn more.
Happy Earth Day 🌎✨ We’re taking our stories outside today. 

Where’s your favorite outdoor reading spot?
Where stories live — and where we love to read them 💛📚 #ad

We teamed up with @westelm to bring a little extra cozy to the Hello Sunshine office, creating bookish spaces made for flipping pages, marking passages, and getting lost in a good story. ✨

From sunlit corners to comfy couches, every spot is designed to celebrate the joy of reading (and maybe finding your next favorite pick 😉).

Which space would you curl up in first? 👇
It’s ok to not be ok 💙 What book are you still recovering from?
“You can grow as a creative person—and people will let you.” ✨

From Divergent to what’s next, Veronica Roth is still rewriting the rules.

On this week’s Bookmarked (Reese’s Book Club podcast), she gets real about building a world that defined a generation—and what it takes to step beyond it. 

Tap in at the link in bio. New episodes every Tuesday. 🎧
These books 'blue' us away—here’s a roundup inspired by our April pick, Into the Blue 💙 

Which one are you adding to your TBR?