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.

Honoring Native American Heritage Day with a spotlight on three powerful stories by Native authors: To the Moon and Back by Elliana Ramage, Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell, and Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley.

Each of these books offers a vivid, moving look at love, community, identity, and truth — and reminds us how essential Native voices are to the heart of our bookshelves.

We hope you pick up one of these stories today (or add them to your #TBR) and take a moment to celebrate the brilliance and depth of Native storytelling.

What Native-authored books have stayed with you, and which are you adding to your TBR? 💛📚

#ReesesBookClub #NativeAmericanHeritageDay
We’re grateful for YOU 💙 Thanks for reading with us all year long. Tag the book people you’re thankful for! 👇
Did you know that Shearwater Island from Wild Dark Shore is based on a real island? 

Our November author @CharlotteMcConaghy visited the mysterious and beautiful Macquarie Island for research, adding so much color to the world of Wild Dark Shore. 🦭✨
Wild Dark Shore is the kind of story you sink into and forget the world for a minute — atmospheric, gripping, and full of the twists we love talking about together.

If stories about sisterhood, long-held secrets, and coastal suspense are your vibe, this one’s going straight to the top of your TBR. 📚✨

Already started? We want to hear your thoughts — theories, reactions, all of it 👇
Stories that follow you wherever you go? Yes please! ✨ #AppleBooksPartner 

If you’re looking for a reset, don’t worry about carving out the perfect moment or setting, read or listen on @applebooks and let the story take you on an adventure. We’re stepping into the beauty of our November pick, Wild Dark Shore by @CharlotteMcConaghy. Head to our link in bio to read or listen on @applebooks, our official home for audiobooks and eBooks.
To the dreamers, this one's for you! 💚🩷

The incredible @JonMChu joins Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast, this week to chat all things Wicked, storytelling, and growing in ways you never imagined! If you want more Wicked magic, you won’t want to miss this episode. 

Start listening on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen. 🎧
The newest additions to your TBR have arrived with glowing reviews! The November Class of Reese’s Book Club picks is perfect to snuggle up with this season. What’s at the top of your TBR? 👀
Why do YOU read? 📚✨
We're still thinking about how Wild Dark Shore's description of the natural world reflects how we navigate life. What did you take away from this inspiring novel? 💛