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.

We always fall for colorful libraries and stories that transport us to a European vacation. Tell us, do you color coordinate your shelves?

📷: @life__with__books
Some books just hit you in ALL the feels 💙

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@ReeseWitherspoon and @HarlanCoben are the dream thriller duo we never knew we needed. But how did these two powerhouses join forces in the first place? This is the story behind #GoneBeforeGoodbye — and there's so much more to come 👀📖🖋️

Pre-order the book and get your tickets for Reese and Harlan's book tour at the link in our bio 🔗 If you're counting down the days until #GoneBeforeGoodbye, leave a 💙 in the comments below!
A dreamy afternoon filled with sunshine, sisterhood, and a story that scores. What book is empowering you today?

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There is so much power in believing the best is still ahead! 

In this week's episode of Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast, @DanielleRobay and @KatieSturino chat the midwestern accent, shifting mindsets around beauty, and erasing shame through her new book Sunny Side Up.

Listen now on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!
Broken Country by the incredible @clarelesliehall has officially been on The New York Times bestseller list for 16 weeks! 💙🎉 Readers are loving this story of motherhood and longing for what could have been. Have you read Broken Country yet?

📷: @_snarkysharky
When we imagine the perfect reading retreat, this is what we mean!

Reese's Book Club and World of @hyatt have teamed up all summer long to bring you a reader's paradise at @undercanvasofficial. From gorgeous locations, to curated experiences, and the chance to truly disconnect, Camp Unwritten was made just for you. There are still spots available for our August trip to Moab. 

Can't make it this summer? No worries, you can book your Under Canvas escape through Hyatt! Check our link in bio for details.
"Just finished a thriller that has landed itself of my list of my TOP thrillers of ALL TIME!"

What's on your list of top thrillers?

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