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.

Fall reading is most definitely a spectrum 🍂✨

What are your fall reading vibes?
✨FREE BOOK DROP ✨ #AppleBooksPartner

Find your favorite cozy corner and grab a copy of our October pick. @applebooks is giving away up to 1,000 copies of Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason. Settle in for your next perfect read and tap our link in bio (or in stories) to claim your free code now! Only in the US and on Apple devices. Terms apply. 

Missed the drop? Follow @reesesbookclub and @applebooks to stay tuned for next month’s giveaway.
The Reese’s Book Club October Pick is officially here! ✨ Introducing Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason. It’s truly THE book for book lovers — a sharp, irresistible story about books, obsession, and falling a little too hard for the literary world. 💕
Book recs from the incomparable Big Little Truths author @LianeMoriarty_Official? Say less. 📚 We’re adding every single one to our TBR! #AppleBooksPartner 

These recommendations come from the Substack Live conversation, presented by Apple Books, between Reese’s Book Club authors @LauraDaveAuthor and @LianeMoriarty_Official.

Ready to add to your list? Discover Liane’s recs, and Big Little Truths, on @applebooks at the link in bio.
Hey NYC! We’re sorry to announce that our September STORYfest event has been postponed due to inclement weather.

Your experience is our top priority and we want to ensure the best event possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 💛

Stay tuned for the new date. We hope to see you there!
Consider this your sign to go on a junk journal date 💛 Send this to your bestie, grab the @Sunnie junk journal, and head out for a scrap and yap session. You deserve it! Available for pre-order at the link in bio.