Reviews

Honey & Spice, by Bolu Babalola

shauna_n's review against another edition

funny 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

4.75

louise2000's review against another edition

emotional funny 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

hillmollym17's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring 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

4.0

bklynbookbelle's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

paulineerika's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

First thing I have to say is that this book may have gotten downgraded a touch because Babalola referenced a whole Afrofuturism romance series that apparently DOES NOT EXIST IN REAL LIFE. I got all excited to read it, only to find out it wasn't real. How dare you. What a disappointment.

In all seriousness, though, this was a fun, sexy book about two people with major relationship issues who--surprise, surprise--fall in love while pretending to date. I loved the characters. Kiki is a strong, flawed main character who has all the answers, except when it comes to her own shit. Malakai--how can you not fall in love with him? My God. And it was so obvious how into Kiki he was. The supporting characters were all delightful and perfectly written for the plot. 

If I had to quibble about one thing, it's that

Spoiler

it felt a little like Zack's character and especially his leaking of nude photos may have been a little unnecessary

, but at the same time, it did serve the larger theme of women getting their power back. His character did make me pretty uncomfortable, though.

All in all, a really enjoyable read. (And now I want to try plantain waffles and fried chicken.)

mayah's review against another edition

funny hopeful 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

4.5

kbasile's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective 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? No

4.25

dquinones's review against another edition

emotional hopeful relaxing medium-paced

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

4.75

ayamtshali_97's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

5.0

elleayegee's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.5

I loved the characters and the romance was top tier 🥰