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Honey and Spice: A Novel Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 3,551 ratings

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 TimeEsquireVanity Fair • Oprah Daily • CosmopolitanElleHarper's BazaarSouthern 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

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Editorial Reviews

Review

The true stars of Honey and Spice are characterization, banter and sharp social observation, all of which Babalola renders spectacularly. She soars in her rich depictions of intimacy and relationships, in all their grandeur. And Babalola blends the vernacular and rhythms of Black American music with Black British culture, and its fusion of Pan-African influences, making the text even richer. . . . Expectations for her first full-length novel are high. Sexy, messy and wry, Honey and Spice more than delivers. -- New York Times Book Review

[A] smart, sexy summer read, which hits your brain and your romance buttons in one shot. -- Los Angeles Times, 10 books to add to your reading list in July

A deliciously modern love story . . . Honey and Spice begins with a meet-cute in a dorm hallway and doesn't skimp on steamy, swoon-worthy moments. . . . The author's sharp sense of humor, slick pop culture references, and keen sense of the zeitgeist . . . offers a refreshing portrait of what modern love really looks and feels like. -- Time magazine

Vibrant . . . Babalola is incisively funny, capturing the kick and sweetness of her title with her words. -- Entertainment Weekly, Sizzling Summer Reads to Heat Up Your Beach Days

"Clever, confident Kiki is a romantic heroine for the ages, while the witty repartée and pop culture passion between these young lovers make for a vivacious romp." -- Esquire, Best Books of Summer 2022

Looking for some rom-com action? Look no further than Bolu Babalola's Honey and Spice . . . It's messy, it's sexy, and it's a must-read. -- Cosmopolitan, Best Summer Reads of 2022

This buzzy, breezy book has all the makings of the perfect summer read: an enemies-to-lovers story line, a fake relationship plot point, a British university setting, and a clever, captivating heroine who finds herself at the center of it all. Is it messy? Yes. Is it sexy? Bigger yes. -- theSkimm

Filled with the perfect amount of romantic tension and one admirable protagonist. . . . Honey and Spice will make readers smile wide in delight and do as Bolu Babalola always does best--keep the hope for true love alive and enjoyable. -- Shondaland, The Best Books for July 2022

Anyone who's read Bolu Babalola's tweets knows she's got a crackling sense of humor. As a debut novelist, she blends that signature wit with the warmth of romance in Honey & Spice, about an independent young Black woman at the British Whitewell University who discovers that--when it comes to love--"fake relationships" more often than not turn true. -- Elle, Best Books of Summer 2022

Just in time to quench the thirst for a much-needed swoony summer read, Bablola's debut novel Honey & Spice is here. . . . Terrific rom-com. -- Thrillist, 27 Books We Can't Wait to Read This Summer

Kiki has become known at heruniversity for doling out romantic advice to her classmates, helping members of the school's Afro-Caribbean Society avoid heartache. But her judgment is questioned after she kisses a man she called unsuitable; to save face, she and the man manufacture a fake relationship that becomes very real. -- New York Times, Summer Reading Suggestions

"Divine summer reading. Hilarious, hot, and heartfelt." -- Meg Cabot, #1 New York Times bestselling author

A tooth-achingly sweet rom-com set on a college campus. -- Harper's Bazaar, The Best Beach Reads of 2022

Babalola's hilarious romance debut will have you laughing out loud and reconsidering first impressions. -- Buzzfeed, 15 Books You'll Want To Read If You Loved HBO's Insecure

This fun and funny campus novel is set at Whitewell University, where Kiki Banjo, the host of the student radio show Brown Sugar, is determined to help other students find their way through the mess of university dating. Much to her dismay, she soon finds herself in just the kind of romantic situation she opposes. -- Southern Living, Beach Reads Perfect for Summer 2022

If you are in the mood for something a little messy and funny, then you want to get lost in Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola. Meet Kiki Banjo, the story's protagonist. She's a smart, funny, young Black British woman who isn't interested in finding love. As the host of Brown Sugar, the college's student radio show, Kiki warns the women on campus about falling for players. Except, she forgets to take her own advice when gets caught up in a fake relationship which she soon loses control of, forcing her to reexamine her views on love. -- BET.com, Summer Reading List

"A vivacious and romantic debut novel... emotionally intimate and hilarious in turn. Babalola's expert handling of the messy vulnerability and joyful exuberance of young love makes this a winner."
--
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A beautiful and witty novel that's a celebration of love, friendship and Black joy that will wend it's way into readers' hearts. Brimming with Afro-Caribbean culture, British banter, pop culture references, and plenty of steam, this book will appeal to fans of the fake dating trope, novels with a well-developed cast of characters, and feminist romances with strong themes of friendship. -- Library Journal (starred review)

Babalola's debut novel is lyrical and sincere, her prose rhythmic . . . Kiki is the epitome of cool; her dialogue oozes with confidence, and her biting wit rolls off her tongue with ease--leaving readers wishing they could play her clever disses on repeat like their favorite song. Smooth, sophisticated, and sexy. -- Kirkus (starred review)

[Babalola] understands the pure magic of a perfect love story. Her first novel is the wonderfully indulgent long-form romance her readers have been waiting for. . . . Babalola identifies what it truly means to be seen, tapping into the big and small things that can cement or destroy relationships. While many love stories either pit women against one another or ignore women outside the relationship entirely, this story has a strong undercurrent of sisterhood, demonstrating that love comes from all kinds of places, if you're open to it. -- Booklist

Succulent, addictive romance. Simply wonderful. -- Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?

Smart, sexy and energetic. I'm excited for everyone to read this book. -- Emma Gannon, internationally bestselling author of Olive

Honey and Spice is gorgeously written and heart-meltingly romantic. Kiki and Malakai have a rare, extraordinary, sizzling chemistry which has you rooting for their love story from the very first moment they cross paths. A triumph of a novel.
--
Beth O'Leary, internationally bestselling author of The Flatshare

"Honey and Spice is funny, sexy and smart--everything that you'd want from a lover. Bolu Babalola has created a sensuous and joyful world that you just want to dive into. It is a blissful celebration of first loves, second chances and sisterhood, and confirms what we already know, Bolu is an expert at her craft."
--
Jendella Benson, author of Hope and Glory

Perfection . . . I am in love with every single word Bolu Babalola has written. So rarely is love expressed this richly, this vividly, or this artfully. -- Candice Carty-Williams, international bestselling author of Queenie, on Love in Color

Bolu Babalola [is] this really great romance writer. -- Quinta Brunson, Harper's Bazaar

"Bolu Babalola splashes onto the scene with her fantastic debut . . . Magnificent . . . Perfect for the beach." -- Isaac Fitzgerald, Today Show, on Love in Color

A thrillingly gifted Nigerian-British author . . . Babalola dives deep into the notion that "romance sweetens the casual bitterness we can encounter; it heightens the mundane and makes the terrestrial supernatural." -- Oprah Daily on Love in Color

"Inventive, intimate, witty and wise, Babalola's irresistible explorations uplift you from the start . . . Romance will never be dead, as long as she's writing it." -- Jessie Burton, New York Times bestselling author of The Muse, on Love in Color

Bolu Babalola is clever . . . she finds the perfect new twist for every story that you think you know . . . A true delight. -- Dorothy Koomson, international bestselling author, on Love in Color

"Richly imaginative, unashamedly romantic and a total pleasure to read. I didn't want it to end." -- Alexandra Sheppard, author of Oh My Gods, on Love in Color

"Babalola's writing shines whether she's writing parry-riposte banter or fresh, evocative interiority." -- New York Times Book Review on Love in Color

"Full of life and character, it's such a pleasure to take this ride . . . in the company of a writer as witty and intelligent as Bolu. Her romantic sensibility is second to none." -- Bethany Rutter, author of No Big Deal, on Love in Color

Folklore enthusiasts and romcom fans alike will fall hard for Love in Color . . . Beautifully realized by Babalola, each retelling breathes contemporary imagination into cherished stories, making for luscious tales of loneliness, longing, and love. -- Esquire on Love in Color

"Luscious . . . Come for the beautiful and achingly relevant narratives centered around dynamic women . . . stay for the reminder that the happiest ever after is falling in love with yourself." -- Essence on Love in Color

These vibrant stories navigate the most complex human emotion and try to understand why it holds us hostage, while decolonizing tropes by forming new stories that already exist in so many cultures and communities around the world. -- Refinery 29 on Love in Color

About the Author

Bolu Babalola is a British-Nigerian journalist, writer, and lover of love. In 2016, she was shortlisted in 4th Estate's B4ME competition for her short story "Netflix & Chill," a hilarious tale of teen romance. While writing scripts for TV and film, she also works as a content creator, where she calls herself a "romcomoisseur.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09GRVLP34
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow (July 5, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 5, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 364 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 3,551 ratings

About the author

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Bolu Babalola
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Bolu Babalola is a British-Nigerian woman with a misleading bachelor's degree in law and a masters degree in American Politics & History from UCL. She feels it is important to state that her thesis was on Beyoncé's "Lemonade" and she was awarded a distinction for it. So essentially she has a masters degree in Beyoncé. A writer of books, scripts and retorts, a lover of love and self-coined "romcomoisseur", Bolu Babalola writes stories of dynamic women with distinct voices who love and are loved audaciously. She is a big believer in women being both "Beauty and the beast". She is not a fan of writing her own bios. She can be found tweeting far too much @BeeBabs.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
3,551 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the engaging story with relatable characters and lyrical writing. They found the banter between the protagonists amusing and the Nigerian-British culture well-presented. The book's humor was described as funny and fun, with plenty of laughs and tears. Readers appreciated the refreshing and exciting pacing. Overall, they felt the book had a sweet and spicy flavor.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

45 customers mention "Story quality"45 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the story. They found it engaging with good characters and relatable emotions. The narrative arc was compelling, and the love story was well-told. The dialogue was hilarious, and the premise of college life was great.

"Great book! I loved the characters, the way the story flows...." Read more

"...and rivalry of life at universities, and the idealistic thoughtful hip hop sensibilities of Brown Sugar…all while dishing on how to own your truth,..." Read more

"Adorable coming of age love story...." Read more

"...both Kiki and the author have a steal tongue, sharp and grazing and inspiring...." Read more

28 customers mention "Character development"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's characters and dialogue. They appreciated the strong female characters and how they helped each other. The banter between the protagonists was also well-received, with a relatable Afrofeminist lead voice.

"I liveeeeeeeeeeee for this story. It was realistic and raw emotion from men and women. Bolu embodied emotion in ALL characters." Read more

"Great book! I loved the characters, the way the story flows...." Read more

"...Kiki is that chick and you will feel and cheer her superpower!..." Read more

"Plenty of laughs, plenty of tears (both happy and sad) and plenty of feel good vibes...." Read more

26 customers mention "Writing quality"20 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find the characters well-developed and the author's skill in describing Nigerian-British culture. The writing is described as lyrical, dreamy, and intellectual.

"...Add multi layered love story while providing hilariously smart, sharp, sometimes deliciously shady, political commentary on coming of age, family..." Read more

"It took me a while to really get into this one. While well-written, at times I found it to be a little wordy and veering into trying-too-hard-ville...." Read more

"...I appreciated the writing format, and I’m interested to see how it differs from the physical version...." Read more

"...Fast paced , with jargon I had to Google to understand. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I loved it!" Read more

17 customers mention "Humor"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the banter funny, the story engaging, and the premise interesting. The characters are diverse and the dialogue is amusing. The book is described as fun and interesting, with an interesting premise and slang that readers appreciate.

"Laughed, cried, loved it all. This needs to be a series. I would so binge it all, e jor 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾..." Read more

"Plenty of laughs, plenty of tears (both happy and sad) and plenty of feel good vibes...." Read more

"This book was beautiful and full of the best banter I have read in a while...." Read more

"...I could not get enough . It was exciting and fun. I loved the banter . I loved the friendship and I loved the love...." Read more

16 customers mention "Beauty"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing style. They find the details poetic and the imagery vivid. The story offers a rich view of love, friendships, and life experiences for readers of all ages.

"...Such an amazingly cute and light, feel good read." Read more

"...Could not put it down very well written. Each detail very poetically posed." Read more

"...me, some of it being a tad cheesy and some of it being really sweet and cute...." Read more

"...And, it isn't too chaste and hip for us Aunties to enjoy as well." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's pacing refreshing, exciting, and fun. They describe it as captivating, special, and nostalgic.

"I loved this from beginning to end. I could not get enough . It was exciting and fun. I loved the banter ...." Read more

"...This is a romance novel that also puts sorority, female baddassness (¿?)..." Read more

"...why I’m giving it 4.5 instead of 5 stars is because it kinda sped up at the end and I wish it was more 4.5⭐️ 1.0🌶️..." Read more

"This was so nostalgic...." Read more

11 customers mention "Sweetness"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's sweetness. They say it has enough sugar to delight the senses and is a romantic comedy classic.

"...Beautifully intellectual, simply sweet and savory story specifically from the female lens. Did I mention smart? Smartalicky?..." Read more

"Just enough sugar to delight the senses. I loved the build of this love story; very relatable characters with real life drama...." Read more

"...way: their cultural food, their myths/folklore, and for the sweetness and spiciness that was the two main characters...." Read more

"...movie to me, some of it being a tad cheesy and some of it being really sweet and cute...." Read more

8 customers mention "Realistic"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable with realistic and raw emotions. They describe the characters as engaging, convincing, and honest. The love story is described as fun, funny, and a quick read about true black love.

"I liveeeeeeeeeeee for this story. It was realistic and raw emotion from men and women. Bolu embodied emotion in ALL characters." Read more

"...and would recommend this to anyone looking food a quick good read and true black love 😍😍😍 The only reason why I’m giving it 4.5 instead of 5 stars..." Read more

"...I couldn't stop laughing because that was Soooo perfectly described. And blending together by the end felt like the beautiful, natural conclusion...." Read more

"...Honey & Spice drew me in quickly and unfolded in realistic and relatable ways that make it my crush at first sight, guarded hearts favorite of all..." Read more

stratches on the cover
4 out of 5 stars
stratches on the cover
Came bent idk if it was because it was in my mailbox or what but😕
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025
    I liveeeeeeeeeeee for this story. It was realistic and raw emotion from men and women. Bolu embodied emotion in ALL characters.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
    Great book! I loved the characters, the way the story flows. The only thing that I slightly cringed at was some of the cheesiness but that’s a me thing😩. The author has said Part 2 is coming soon, so I’m excited to purchase.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2024
    This is a NTMA so despite the high # of reviews, I did not expect such a ridiculously stupendous excellent read! Kiki is that chick and you will feel and cheer her superpower! This book encapsulates the intelligence and romance of Love Jones, the trials of sisterhood from Waiting to Exhale, the School Daze identification and rivalry of life at universities, and the idealistic thoughtful hip hop sensibilities of Brown Sugar…all while dishing on how to own your truth, walking through fear, and be your sister’s (and communities) keeper. Add multi layered love story while providing hilariously smart, sharp, sometimes deliciously shady, political commentary on coming of age, family dynamics and all the ‘ism’s …feminism, racism, elitism, sexism, and so much more. Beautifully intellectual, simply sweet and savory story specifically from the female lens. Did I mention smart? Smartalicky? I have added Wastemen to my lexicon, for sure. 🤗 Enjoy!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    It took me a while to really get into this one. While well-written, at times I found it to be a little wordy and veering into trying-too-hard-ville. Kiki was rather insufferable and I had to remind myself that these characters are over twenty years younger than me. Ultimately, I got to where I was so invested that I wanted to see how things turned out.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2025
    Laughed, cried, loved it all. This needs to be a series. I would so binge it all, e jor 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
    Plenty of laughs, plenty of tears (both happy and sad) and plenty of feel good vibes.
    I wish there's more to read of Kiki and Kai story cause I'm just obsessed!
    Overall, it is a feel good book while also touching on the black experience. Happy that this book capped off my black history month.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
    Adorable coming of age love story. Although some of the maturity shown by the main characters at 18-20 is beyond my comprehension having recalled myself at that age (LOL!) but I was here for it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
    This book is exceptionally, both Kiki and the author have a steal tongue, sharp and grazing and inspiring.
    I am truly grateful to have read this book because not often do I read fictional books that challenge my knowledge of language and words. I am a film major with a minor in English. I am an African American young woman soon to be graduating college. I also really enjoy reading books, and this book was superb (I hate using that word). I aspire to be able to sit down and create different various fictional works and from now on this is a book that I will greatly fall back on. I will hopefully one day purchase the physical copy. I appreciated the writing format, and I’m interested to see how it differs from the physical version.

    Also, now I feel compelled to share this book with my Naija college cohorts.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Sophia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fav book of all time
    Reviewed in Canada on August 13, 2024
    No one can make me hate Bolu. I love her writing so much. Kiki and Malachi will forever be the best couple I have read this year. I have read this book on my kindle but I wanted to buy the book for my library.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The black love <3
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 9, 2024
    I really loved this book. It's now in my list of books that I will be rereading.
  • tee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2025
    Arrived quickly my friend loved her gift
  • Booksaholicandco
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kiki my girl
    Reviewed in France on December 24, 2024
    Bolu Babalola’s Honey & Spice is a masterclass in modern romance, effortlessly blending humor, heart, and cultural authenticity into a story that had me hooked from the first chapter.

    Kiki Banjo is the kind of heroine I’ve been waiting for confident, sharp-tongued, and unapologetically herself. As the queen of Brown Sugar, her college radio show, Kiki is all about teaching her listeners to dodge heartbreak and maintain their independence. But when she crosses paths with Malakai Korede, a charming new arrival with a reputation that could ruin her credibility, sparks fly in ways neither of them expects. Enter the fake-dating trope, executed to perfection!

    What sets Honey & Spice apart is its depth. Yes, it’s a romantic comedy, but it’s also a powerful exploration of sisterhood, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Kiki’s friendships feel real and raw, and the way Babalola weaves cultural commentary into the narrative is seamless and refreshing.

    Malakai is a dreamy yet layered love interest, and the chemistry between him and Kiki is electric. Their banter had me laughing out loud, and their tender moments left me clutching my heart. Bolu Babalola doesn’t just write romance—she writes connection.

    The prose is lush and poetic, filled with vivid imagery that brings Kiki’s world to life. Whether it’s the warmth of a friendship circle, the sting of betrayal, or the sweetness of new love, every moment feels authentic and impactful.

    If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with bold heroines, swoon-worthy love interests, and a celebration of culture and identity, Honey & Spice is for you. Bolu Babalola has solidified herself as one of my favorite authors, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

    ✨ Favorite Quote:
    "Love is not something that drains you. It fills you, and it frees you."
  • Fiona
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great holiday read
    Reviewed in Australia on October 1, 2022
    I really enjoyed this book. A bit of a fun holiday read while chilling on the beach or by the pool.

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