Honey and Spice
By Bolu Babalola
- Release Date: 2022-07-05
- Genre: Fiction & Literature
Description
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK • A TIKTOK BOOK CLUB PICK
"Sexy, messy and wry, Honey and Spice more than delivers." — New York Times Book Review
"A vibrant debut novel . . . Babalola is incisively funny, capturing the kick and sweetness of her title with her words." — Entertainment Weekly
Named a Best Book of the Year by Time • Esquire • Vanity Fair • Oprah Daily • Cosmopolitan • Elle • Harper's Bazaar • Southern Living • Buzzfeed • Women's Health Magazine • AudioFile • Popsugar • and more!
Introducing internationally bestselling author Bolu Babalola’s dazzling debut novel, full of passion, humor, and heart, that centers on a young Black British woman who has no interest in love and unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a fake relationship with the man she warned her girls about
Sweet like plantain, hot like pepper. They taste the best when together...
Sharp-tongued (and secretly soft-hearted) Kiki Banjo has just made a huge mistake. As an expert in relationship-evasion and the host of the popular student radio show Brown Sugar, she’s made it her mission to make sure the women of the African-Caribbean Society at Whitewell University do not fall into the mess of “situationships”, players, and heartbreak. But when the Queen of the Unbothered kisses Malakai Korede, the guy she just publicly denounced as “The Wastemen of Whitewell,” in front of every Blackwellian on campus, she finds her show on the brink.
They’re soon embroiled in a fake relationship to try and salvage their reputations and save their futures. Kiki has never surrendered her heart before, and a player like Malakai won’t be the one to change that, no matter how charming he is or how electric their connection feels. But surprisingly entertaining study sessions and intimate, late-night talks at old-fashioned diners force Kiki to look beyond her own presumptions. Is she ready to open herself up to something deeper?
A gloriously funny and sparkling debut novel, Honey and Spice is full of delicious tension and romantic intrigue that will make you weak at the knees.
"A smart, sexy summer read, which hits your brain and your romance buttons in one shot." — Los Angeles Times
"The ultimate summer romance . . . It’s got all the juiciest, most satisfying romance tropes, but in Babalola’s capable hands, the story feels fresh and unique." — The Cut, New York magazine
“Divine summer reading. Hilarious, hot, and heartfelt. ” — Meg Cabot, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Reviews
BEAUTIFUL
5By BriLovesBooksThis book has such a beautiful way of telling the story of two people that are afraid of love and end up falling in love and taking risks. It’s funny, laugh out loud, spicy and has so much flavor. I felt like I was living in every moment with them. 10/10Must read
5By Kilo incI usually do not write a review but I’m only half way through the book and can’t stop reading the audiobook is even better I love all the characters and how well written the intensity of the emotions are.Hope Wrapped in Honey & Spice
5By niamarie.hI am so not a reader. I despise it actually. But this book had me hooked from the first 7 pages I skimmed in a random book store in New York. I was staked out in the kid lounge section -obsessed. Bought it on here because I couldn't afford the hard copy and I'm so glad I did. As a severely single 22 year old, who just graduated from an all white university. This gave me a glimpse of hope. That even when you feel like love just isn't for you - It will be one day! Somebody WILL one day match your spice and intelligence! I need Ms. Bola to write more romance novels ASAP im obsessed.Top 5 & not 5!
5By DatGyul_This is honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read! I couldn’t put it down! Bolu Babalola has gained a new fan!EXCEPTIONAL!!
5By Raydiant RayeThis may be my favorite read of this year and it’s only May. This book was so well written and one of my favorite romance reads of all time! I could read an entire series about Kikiola. The romance was electrifying and literally gave me goosebumps. I laughed a lot and shed a few tears. Bolu is simply incredible with words!Loved every single thing about it
5By reviewqueen0107There’s something really special about Bolu’s storytelling. The narratives and dialogue just flow. The characters are multidimensional, they’re relatable, lovable people dealing with realistic challenges. This was a great read.Oh EM Gee
5By xoxoSincerelyt💕This novel kicked off my friends and I first ever book club. It took me back to being an undergrad and I loved every moment from beginning to end. When it ended I wanted more but was definitely worth every moment. I felt like I was on campus with Kiki experiencing her moments.My new favorite book!!
5By InioluwaaBolu did her thing writing this book, I love how she incorporated the Yoruba language and aave. She really allows us to picture the plot and what’s going on, being Yoruba myself allowed me to enjoy the book even more. Love Kikiola and Malakai. She also taught me something new at the end of the book in the acknowledgments when she talks about twins and how the second one is actually the oldest for sending the youngest out first to see if the world is a place they want to be in. Honestly. 10 out of 10. There’s nothing more I can say or that she could write that could make me love this book even more!Is Everything
5By River McGheeThis story is Everything! Glitzy, Deep to Ancient! It upholds the power and beauty of each person and sets a highest bar for authenticity in friendship, love and community. This story brings the lessons of community forward, and inspires us to continue with hope and power. All respect!