A review by purplepenning
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Not gonna lie — it took several chapters and an embarrassing number of Google searches for this white, small-town, Gen X American to get the vibe of this one, but it was ultimately worth the effort. If I weren't so old and out of touch, I'm sure I would've enjoyed it even more. As-is, here's what I loved:
  • a strong, complex, nuanced main character
  • one of the best book boyfriends I've ever read in recent memory
  • sizzling banter and gorgeous prose
  • so much sister solidarity and friend support
  • Afro-Caribbean, specifically Nigerian Londoner, voices centered and supported with beautifully cast context
  • a couple of squee-worthy, next-level, book-nerd gestures that were absolute perfection
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