Reviews

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

barktea's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

cate_lebsock's review against another edition

5.0

Yes, yes, and… yes!!! So freaking good!!!!

abarnhart's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

armstrongangela83's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sandonat's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Loved the descriptive writing and witty characters. Kai was a dream and Scotch was a badass and I loved them together. The ending conflict and resolution felt rushed but other than that really liked this book!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual harassment, Chronic illness, Cancer, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship

mal0_leilei's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

emilys_reads_'s review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

I loved this story so much! It felt a bit slow at times but I constantly found myself laughing out loud, gasping, swooning, etc. 

chiantechick's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

_maddsharks_'s review against another edition

3.25

Slow, but cute! I did get a bit confused on the timeline jumping and there was A LOT of slang that I did not understand- but it was a fun and cute coming-of-age romance/friendship story. Very wholesome (mostly).

alexareads27's review against another edition

funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I enjoyed Babalola’s Love in Colour and I immediately purchased this book when it came out in 2022. It took me a long time to pick this up  and now I understand why.

The book is very reminiscent of Dear White People (the radio show, the clearly defined cliques etc…).  All of the pop culture references really pulled me out of the story, I always find they date the writing. I think I’ve aged out of the university romance novel, but people living that experience now might enjoy it. 

All that being said the saving grace is the chemistry between the two main characters. Their banter and character development was really sweet to read.