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cady_sass's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
3.75
Took quite a while to get going but once the story finds its groove you can’t put it down! For the first time in my life I think I’ll say that the audiobook is the way to read this- I probably would’ve DNFed this because I was having a hard time reading it and engaging with the characters and lexicon (British/Nigerian) but the narrator does a FANTASTIC job.
My only critique of this is that I think it should’ve been YA, which is a weird thing to say but hear me out: there are only two spicy scenes, one is literally the first paragraph of the first chapter and the other places a heavy focus around “being ready” for it. I think tone it down like 2 notches and you could expand your audience! The characters are so young and dealing with complex trauma from their adolescence, while trying to navigate love and the college experience. Smart, well-crafted, and the perfect blend of sweet and spicy (hey, like the title!). I definitely recommend, I think if you’re in your late teens-early twenties this could be a 5 star read for you.
My only critique of this is that I think it should’ve been YA, which is a weird thing to say but hear me out: there are only two spicy scenes, one is literally the first paragraph of the first chapter and the other places a heavy focus around “being ready” for it. I think tone it down like 2 notches and you could expand your audience! The characters are so young and dealing with complex trauma from their adolescence, while trying to navigate love and the college experience. Smart, well-crafted, and the perfect blend of sweet and spicy (hey, like the title!). I definitely recommend, I think if you’re in your late teens-early twenties this could be a 5 star read for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Bullying, Cursing, Sexism, Misogyny, and Racism
samone2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship
kayladaila's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Grief
Minor: Abandonment, Infidelity, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Bullying, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
shannahtan's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I really loved this book. The Yoruba Nigerian food, clothing, and language were beautifully weaved into the storyline. I normally am not drawn to college students as main characters, but the characters weren’t annoying in this book. Yes, they had their fatal flaws and made mistakes, but they also recognized their mistakes and kind knew they were being self-destructive. There was witty banter, and I love the thread of women banding together and having each other’s backs pretty much through the whole book. Also, the friendship! Calling each other out on their bullshit but also loving and supporting. The Afro Winter Ball outfit descriptions were *chef’s kiss*. There were definitely cheesy lines, but in general, I feel like the ups and downs of dating, friendship, pettiness, etc as a teenager and in your early 20s felt so real.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, Racism, and Police brutality
tlaynejones's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Gaslighting
Minor: Mental illness
aparizo704's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
There is a part of me that wishes I read a book like this in my college years. The growing pains of life and overall character development of Babalola’s power couple, Scotch and Kai, is inspiringly reflective and honest about the hard truths and persistent effort it takes to become a better person each day. Honey and Spice breezily immerses the reader into an emotional vulnerability boot camp and “How To” guide on holding yourself - and others - accountable to show up as the best version of yourselves.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Alcohol, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Toxic friendship
solacelight's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Had to bump it down a star because I hate when perfectly great romance novels get unnecessary second chance sequels! It feels exploitive of the genre. Also could have used some more editing. Constantly calling Aminah her best friend got annoying quick, and a lot of the side characters felt like caricatures at times. OTHERWISE, super cute, felt very natural, and I love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity and Cancer
naturally's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the best romance i've read this year - no competition!!!
bolu babalola writes about love in a way that makes my mouth curl into a smile AND my eyes well with tears. her words are so luscious and poetic. her characters are a laugh-out-loud kind of funny, even the villians bc they are drawn from recognisable characteristics/references in black british culture. honey and spice is a book that is for us & by us <3
kiki and malakai are rom-com excellence in all and every sense of the words. i'm so serious when i that i am willing to be kiki's sister wife...kai is 100% a book boyfriend. i don't think i've ever felt this way about a male love interest in a book lmao. and i adore how kiki is bold and beautiful and outspoken and messy. she is a woman of so many multitudes, and i can't wait to see how she evolves and grows in the sequel, sun under skin.
bolu babalola writes about love in a way that makes my mouth curl into a smile AND my eyes well with tears. her words are so luscious and poetic. her characters are a laugh-out-loud kind of funny, even the villians bc they are drawn from recognisable characteristics/references in black british culture. honey and spice is a book that is for us & by us <3
kiki and malakai are rom-com excellence in all and every sense of the words. i'm so serious when i that i am willing to be kiki's sister wife...kai is 100% a book boyfriend. i don't think i've ever felt this way about a male love interest in a book lmao. and i adore how kiki is bold and beautiful and outspoken and messy. she is a woman of so many multitudes, and i can't wait to see how she evolves and grows in the sequel, sun under skin.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Police brutality, Toxic relationship, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Mental illness
bookwormbullet's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism, Infidelity, Sexism, and Misogyny
sunlit_music's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book is such an underrated gem! Please check this book out if you love reading about books on romance, relationships, and fake dating. This book has so much depth and nuance!! It focuses on Black joy - Black people finding and keeping happiness, making close friendships, and achieving their goals and dreams in life.
Kiki is a marvellous protagonist - funny, smart, compassionate, cocky, tough and no nonsense. I always found her characterisation believable and interesting. She loves her family and friends, and goes the extra mile to defend them and help them out. She has a FANTASTIC character arc, learning to trust people again, make more friends and learns she really is an important part of her university community, standing up for other students, and helping with relationship advice on her radio show Brown Sugar.
Malakai is an awesome love interest! He's actually funny and nice, and not as bad as I initially thought he was. I love that Kiki and Malakai learn that they've been prejudiced and unfair about each other.
Kiki's best friend Aminah is also flat out witty and hilarious!! I love her so much. She is The Best, an absolute joy to read.
Honey and Spice covers heavy topics like grief, Kiki's mother surviving cancer, Kiki healing from a toxic relationship and friend break up, sexual harassment and blackmail, racism and sexism in academia with empathy and tact. Bolu Babalola does these topics justice, and discusses them with wisdom and grace.
This book is extra special to me because it shows that people can redeem themselves, and work hard to be better. My favourite moments are when Simi is revealed to be on Kiki's side and helps expose Zack's sexually harassing, abusive behaviour. I love how people from different cliques who start off hating each other, but eventually become friends. Especially Chioma (Chi-Chi) and Shanti! They're so cute as friends!!
Check this book out if you can, I highly recommend it!
Kiki is a marvellous protagonist - funny, smart, compassionate, cocky, tough and no nonsense. I always found her characterisation believable and interesting. She loves her family and friends, and goes the extra mile to defend them and help them out. She has a FANTASTIC character arc, learning to trust people again, make more friends and learns she really is an important part of her university community, standing up for other students, and helping with relationship advice on her radio show Brown Sugar.
Malakai is an awesome love interest! He's actually funny and nice, and not as bad as I initially thought he was. I love that Kiki and Malakai learn that they've been prejudiced and unfair about each other.
Kiki's best friend Aminah is also flat out witty and hilarious!! I love her so much. She is The Best, an absolute joy to read.
Honey and Spice covers heavy topics like grief, Kiki's mother surviving cancer, Kiki healing from a toxic relationship and friend break up, sexual harassment and blackmail, racism and sexism in academia with empathy and tact. Bolu Babalola does these topics justice, and discusses them with wisdom and grace.
This book is extra special to me because it shows that people can redeem themselves, and work hard to be better. My favourite moments are
Check this book out if you can, I highly recommend it!
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Grief, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Cursing, Cancer, Sexism, and Sexual content