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Spice: A Novel (Fate)

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The book unfolds with the ease of a Netflix algorithm-generated miniseries. The usual romcom impediments arrive in the form of gossip, scheming, deception, bad timing and misunderstandings. But Bolu Babalola also teases out the traces of vulnerability and wariness beneath Kiki’s bravado, the mistrust and fear that underscore the female characters’ interactions with the young men in their lives. As Kiki confesses to Malakai: “You’re the only guy who’s ever held my hand without the intention of getting something from me. You just hold my hand to hold it. To hold me. Like you like doing it or something.” Anyway, while I am not trying to set myself up as the Romcom Adjudicator (by the power vested in me by me), for my money, Honey & Spice is a romcom in the sense of romcom, not in the sense of a CSBWSREAIC. Its story is inextricable from its themes—which are serious ones of race, identity, friendship, love, self-agency, and personal growth—but it’s also just joyous to read and funny as hell. Between the bants, which is sparkly, and the narrator’s swaggeringly cynical voice, I did indeed lol.

Kiki and Malakai, though, steal the show. Malakai is a wonderful hero: sexy, funny, a touch arrogant, not perfect yet willing to answer for his mistakes, but also deeply and nerdishly earnest in a lot of ways, which provides such a welcome contrast to Kiki’s brittle cynicism. Kiki herself is my favourite kind of romance heroine: damaged, flawed, strong, complicated. She’s also kind of a slowburn heroine because we meet her sleeping with a man she doesn’t like precisely because she doesn’t like him and it takes about half the book to really know who she is and understand the forces and experiences that have shaped her. It is, however, an incredibly satisfying journey, especially because it parallels Kiki’s own journey not just to a romantic relationship with Malakai but to a better relationship with herself and the world in general. Now there have been rumblings of another book in this world, mayhaps even a sequel. I haven't tried to substantiate any of that for myself, but I know that I would love to see more of these characters and to get a glimpse at what they'd be up to next. The hero is purely delightful in every way, considerate, caring, listening, emotionally intelligent, but still not implausibly perfect. (The fact that this list of characteristics is close to implausible suggests how incredibly low we set the bar for men, and if you nodded at that you need to buy this book immediately.) The heroine is hurt and contradictory sometimes, but shaping herself to be a spectacular person. The relationship itself is very slow burn with delightful UST, but in parallel we see the heroine starting to make female friendships and the importance of that is absolutely equal to the relationship. What really sold this book for me was the caliber of the writing. Ngl you could probably get me to read Babalola's grocery list and I'd have a good time. I initially struggled with the narration as Weruche Opia's voice seemed too mature for the narrative. However, as I settled into the story, this became less of an issue since Weruche does a great job conveying the emotions and personalities of the characters.Kiki's instant attraction to the mysterious and attractive Malakai develops into something substantial as they get to know and support each other. It soon became hard not to root for them, especially as their actions clearly showed their feelings for each other. On top of this, their natural, playful banter constantly made me laugh and made their connection adorable. The lush writing style flows beautifully with rich analogies and witty humour. I especially loved the Afro-Caribbean and pop culture references, which made the narrative engaging and fun. Besides this, natural, well-written dialogues help propel the storyline forward and define the characters. I love the warm, vibrant colour scheme, as it not only complements the beautiful illustration of Kiki but also makes the design eye-catching. The plot centers around Troy Brennan, a feared and downright cruel guy in Boston with a seriously dark past, and Sparrow Raynes, a woman who’s essentially forced into marrying him. At first glance, Sparrow seems like your average woman, but as the story unfolds, you get to see this whole other side to her—tough and super smart.

This is an actual excerpt from the book. We are reminded everytime that Kiki and her friend are Nigerians in the abroad. It took me a lot longer to listen to this than I thought, and that's not necessarily because I wasn't enjoying it. I definitely was... which is why I'm okay over looking some issues I had here. Also every single character was phenomenally written and the connection of sisterhood and overall friendship was such a key point and an amazing part of the story. This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read…and I’m not being dramatic!! lol I will be thinking about this book for a long time!Initially I could not get into this story, I would put it in the YA category and contemporary romance. There are predictable parts it but lots of funny parts. I enjoyed Bolu Babalola’s writing think this is a wonderful debut novel Romance was a waste of time, a form of manipulation utilised by boys who didn't wash their bed sheets regularly. It existed sure, but I wasn't surrounded by anyone I believed engaged in it properly, with respect for the object of their affection, rather than a thirst to claim; a triumph of acquisition, rather than a triumph of winning affection.” This was such a fun read!!!! I love Kiki so much!! Yes, she is annoying sometimes but honestly, she is still someone I would want to hang out with. She has a grim perspective of men and the dating world in general, and she makes many good points. After a while though, you do notice that she has taken a lot of these facts to an extreme and as we understand her more, we understand what the initiations of this are. I loved being on the journey with her as she grew and found a healthy balance between her values and opening up more. I also really liked her friends.

It’s my fault. When I borrowed the audiobook of Honey & Spice from my library, I didn’t notice that the protagonist is a college student. So yes, of course I highly recommend reading this book it was spectacularly written and gave me every ounce of serotonin that I needed, truly! I love this book!

Level 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I initially struggled to connect with Kiki's character as she is haughty, effortlessly cool and obliviously beautiful. However, as she gradually opens up and faces her past, a delightfully witty and nerdy personality is revealed. This character development adds depth and complexity to Kiki's character as well as relatability.

Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author. Sparrow is a fantastic blend of steam, action, and suspense sprinkled with just the right touch of drama 😌 Looking for more bookish content to devour? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re trying to get out of a reading slump or looking to up your reading game, don’t forget about Bloo, your own personal reading assistant, who will help you out. So, keep exploring, and happy reading! Having had her heart broken which resulted in the loss of a friendship that hurt the most, Kiki decides that relationship are not for her and she will put her head down In College and keep herself to herself. She runs a radio show called ‘Brown Sugar’ and decides to use it to warn her listeners and protect them from the guys she calls ‘Wasteman’ the ones who have all the lines but are players in disguise. It's university-set so I suppose it could be YA/NA but it doesn't at all read that way. These feel like characters who ar young adults rather than YA characters, if that makes sense: the issues of trust and cliques and politics and bad men could all be played out by people in an office thirty years on. Which isn't to say these aren't convincing students: they really are, in their drama and earnestness. They're *people*.

That’s a wrap! 🔥

They're soon embroiled in a fake relationship to try and salvage their reputations and save their futures. Kiki has never surrendered her heart before, and a player like Malakai won't be the one to change that, no matter how charming he is or how electric their connection feels. But surprisingly entertaining study sessions and intimate, late-night talks at old-fashioned diners force Kiki to look beyond her own presumptions. Is she ready to open herself up to something deeper? Well, there you have it! Five spicy books that will add some serious heat to your book collection. These reads are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and your heart racing. Go ahead and treat yourself to a little indulgence— you deserve it! Don’t forget to let us know which spicy book was your favorite in the comments 💭

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