Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Rom Com

Buy The Book: Amazon

Honey And Spice swept me off my feet in a whirlwind of emotive storytelling and brilliantly crafted characters. It’s easily the best romance novel I’ve indulged in for quite some time, and I cannot recommend it enough! Beyond the swoon-worthy romance between Kiki and Malakai, what truly resonated with me was the profound exploration of friendships. The narrative delves deep into the nuances of forming new bonds, mending old ones, and the often-overlooked pain of platonic breakups, which can be just as heart-wrenching as romantic ones.

The dynamic between Kiki and her friend Penny, alongside the Spotify playlist curated by Evie that perfectly complements the book’s themes, adds layers of immersion that make the reading experience uniquely interactive and personal. The story doesn’t shy away from tough topics either; it addresses serious issues like racism, harassment, and trauma with sensitivity and depth, enhancing the realism and relatability of the characters’ journeys.

Bolu Babalola does a spectacular job of balancing humour and gravity, weaving a narrative that’s not only entertaining but also impactful. The way she portrays the complexity of young adult life, with its heady mix of knowledge and naivety, captures the essence of being in your early twenties. HoneyAnd Spice is a wonderful romance to immerse yourself in, but it’s also a heartfelt tale of growth, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love and friendship.

I’m a huge fan of strong friendships in novels, I admit, largely because I lack close in-person friendships in real life (my best friends are virtual or in other countries!). If you’ve read Eve Was Framed, my own novella (which, by the way, is free!), you’ll know the friendship between the FMC and her bestie is more important than the romantic aspects. I’m not sure I’d go as far as to say the friendship in Honey And Spice is more than the romance, but it’s certainly given equal weight, and I really appreciate that. 

It was one of the biggest Bookstagram novels of 2023 but I will confess I only just got around to reading Honey And Spice, and I’m so glad I finally did. To be honest I think I was put off by the level of hype surrounding it and the fear that it wouldn’t actually be funny.

A lot of the time Rom Com humour really misses the mark with me, and I end up not only finding the story unfunny, but also unromantic as a result. Such was not the case with this one. I’ve a feeling the notes of this will linger for a while, as it’s a story that reminds us of the beauty and pain of human connections and the strength it takes to heal and open up again. 

If you’re in the mood for a romance that offers both sweetness and depth, with some genuine LOLs then this book is a must-read.

Honey And Spice Summary

Honey And Spice by Bolu Babalola is a compelling contemporary romance set in a British university, where Kiki Banjo, a sharp and savvy student, hosts a popular radio show called Brown Sugar. Kiki is known for her no-nonsense relationship advice, which she dispenses to her fellow students, guiding them through the complexities of modern love with a firm but fair hand.

The plot thickens when Malakai Korede, a new transfer student, arrives on campus. Kiki quickly labels Malakai a ‘Wasteman’—a charming but unreliable man—on her radio show after observing his interactions with other female students. Despite her reservations, Kiki and Malakai are thrown together when they are encouraged to collaborate for academic reasons. This leads to them starting a fake relationship to boost the popularity of Kiki’s show and help Malakai with his film project.

As they navigate this faux romance, real feelings begin to develop between them, challenging Kiki’s guarded nature and Malakai’s scepticism about sincere relationships. The narrative is rich with themes of identity, self-discovery, and the impact of societal expectations. It also delves into deeper issues such as racism and harassment, adding layers of depth to the characters’ experiences at the predominantly white institution.

Throughout the story, Kiki and Malakai’s relationship evolves amid various trials, including personal betrayals and the broader politics of their university life. Their journey from scepticism to trust and genuine affection is painted with humour, emotional honesty, and a keen understanding of young adult relationships. The novel balances the sweetness of new love with the spice of real-world challenges, delivering a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

How Spicy Is Honey And Spice?

Despite the title, Honey and Spice features moderately spicy content as the relationship between Kiki and Malakai develops. While the book includes intimate moments and explores their chemistry, it focuses more on emotional depth and the evolution of their relationship rather than explicit details. The novel balances the romance and intimate scenes with its narrative on personal growth and the complexities of young adult life, making it steamy but not overly graphic.

What Genre Is The Novel?

Honey and Spice is primarily a contemporary romance novel, but also incorporates elements of a romantic comedy, exploring themes of love, personal growth, and social dynamics within a university setting. The novel touches on deeper social issues as well, which adds layers to its romantic and comedic elements, making it a rich, multifaceted read.

What Romance Tropes Are In Honey And Spice?

Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola features several popular romance tropes that enrich the storyline and add depth to the characters’ interactions. Here are some of the key tropes present in the novel:

Enemies to Lovers

This trope is evident in Kiki’s initial distrust and dislike of Malakai, whom she labels as a “Wasteman” early in the story. Their relationship starts with conflict and misunderstanding, making their eventual romantic connection more satisfying.

Fake Dating

Kiki and Malakai engage in a fake relationship to benefit both of their social standings and professional projects. This arrangement forces them to spend time together, leading to genuine feelings.

Grumpy x Sunshine

While not as pronounced, there’s an element of this trope with Kiki’s more cynical and guarded demeanour contrasting with Malakai’s more open and personable attitude, particularly as seen through Kiki’s perspective.

Redemption and Growth

Both main characters go through significant personal growth and redemption arcs, learning to overcome past hurts and embrace vulnerability.

While not a trope, the novel also navigates through the exploration of race and identity, which adds a rich layer to the romance, giving the characters more depth and the story more gravity.

These tropes are woven into a contemporary setting, making the romance feel fresh and relevant while also tackling serious themes like race and identity, which adds a unique twist to the classic romance narrative.