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A review by lbarsk
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
5.0
SEE NOW THIS IS A FUCKING ROMANCE. THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE! If you’re gonna write straight romances, learn from Babalola, who is a MASTER of her craft. GOD! The way Kiki and Malaki’s relationship builds, ebbs, and then comes back stronger; the beautiful friendship between Kiki and Aminah; Kiki’s own growth and self-love journey and the way she ends the book with a whole group of brilliant badass lady friends… it’s all just so so so good. The book speaks to a really specific Black British experience and it was a privilege to read that perspective, written so deftly and carefully (as in filled-with-care) by Babalola.
I know a lot of folks are comparing this book to Dear White People, and I get why (Kiki hosting a radio show where she doles out advice; a narrative illustrating the realities of being Black at a PWI), but honestly I think the book stands on its own merit and flies above such a comparison. The pacing is excellent, all of the characters feel REAL and HUMAN, the romance is HOT HOT HOT, and the messaging within about what it means to value yourself and your voice is clear and powerful. I was totally head-over-heels in love with this book (the way Malakai is for Kikiola!) and can’t wait to read every single other thing Babalola ever writes. Her talent is immense and I think that any romance lover worth their salt will really enjoy this.
I know a lot of folks are comparing this book to Dear White People, and I get why (Kiki hosting a radio show where she doles out advice; a narrative illustrating the realities of being Black at a PWI), but honestly I think the book stands on its own merit and flies above such a comparison. The pacing is excellent, all of the characters feel REAL and HUMAN, the romance is HOT HOT HOT, and the messaging within about what it means to value yourself and your voice is clear and powerful. I was totally head-over-heels in love with this book (the way Malakai is for Kikiola!) and can’t wait to read every single other thing Babalola ever writes. Her talent is immense and I think that any romance lover worth their salt will really enjoy this.