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.

Big Little Truths has all your favorite elements that made Big Little Lies so special... and more! Start reading at our link in bio.
Summer may be ending, but STORYfest isn’t over just yet! ☀️📚

You’re invited to the final STORYfest event this summer at @hudsonyards on September 26th. Join us for an afternoon of connection and community kicking off at 2PM with a special conversation with Reese's Book Club alum Alice Hoffman, the author of Practical Magic, followed by book signings, giveaways, and surprises! 

Stay tuned for more author announcements, coming soon! Join the Guest List at the link in bio — we can’t wait to see you there 💛
We heard you were looking for book recs 👀 From Little Fires Everywhere to Big Little Truths, the September Class of Reese’s Book Club picks is stacked with page-turners! Which book are you adding to your TBR? 📚
What if Madeline from Big Little Lies had stayed a brunette? 👀

Reese Witherspoon’s iconic character was originally brunette in the book—but when the story made its way to the screen, her look changed. When writing the sequel, author Liane Moriarty kept those adaptation details in mind to make sure readers wouldn’t miss a beat.

Missed this fascinating book-to-screen conversation between Reese’s Book Club authors @LauraDaveAuthor and @LianeMoriarty_Official? 📚

Watch the full conversation now—link in bio.
Throw on your cardigans! @LianeMoriarty_official is diving back into the world of Big Little Lies 👀 

Ten years later, Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie return to face new challenges, mysteries, and drama in Big Little Truths, the sequel to Big Little Lies. Discover what they’re up to now at the link in bio.