Introduction

A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK

"Sexy, messy and wry, Honey and Spice more than delivers." — New York Times Book Review

"The ultimate summer romance . . . It’s got all the juiciest, most satisfying romance tropes, but in Babalola’s capable hands, the story feels fresh and unique." — The Cut, New York magazine

Recommended by New York Times • Entertainment Weekly • Time • Los Angeles Times • Elle • Esquire • Harper's Bazaar • Southern Living • The Cut • theSkimm • Buzzfeed • Shondaland • Goodreads • Bustle • and many more!

Introducing internationally bestselling author Bolu Babalola’s dazzling debut novel, full of passion, humor, and heart, that centers on a young Black British woman who has no interest in love and unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a fake relationship with the man she warned her girls about

Sweet like plantain, hot like pepper. They taste the best when together...

Sharp-tongued (and secretly soft-hearted) Kiki Banjo has just made a huge mistake. As an expert in relationship-evasion and the host of the popular student radio show Brown Sugar, she’s made it her mission to make sure the women of the African-Caribbean Society at Whitewell University do not fall into the mess of “situationships”, players, and heartbreak. But when the Queen of the Unbothered kisses Malakai Korede, the guy she just publicly denounced as “The Wastemen of Whitewell,” in front of every Blackwellian on campus, she finds her show on the brink.

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?

A gloriously funny and sparkling debut novel, Honey and Spice is full of delicious tension and romantic intrigue that will make you weak at the knees.

"A smart, sexy summer read, which hits your brain and your romance buttons in one shot." — Los Angeles Times

"A vibrant debut novel . . . Babalola is incisively funny, capturing the kick and sweetness of her title with her words." — Entertainment Weekly

“Divine summer reading. Hilarious, hot, and heartfelt. ” — Meg Cabot, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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Discussion Questions

Warning: These questions contain spoilers for the book!

1. In what ways does Brown Sugar impact the Blackwell community? Why do you think so many students follow Kiki’s guidance? Would you tune in every week?

2. Did any of Kiki’s advice on relationships and friendships stand out to you? If you could submit a question to Kiki, what would it be?

3. Why is Kiki seeing Zack in the beginning of the novel if she doesn’t like him? How have her past romantic encounters shaped her approach to relationships?

4. Dr. Miller says media is about “interacting with the people you’re communicating with.” Is Kiki’s radio show a way for her to engage with her listeners, or a shield against opening herself up to their responses?

5. How do Kiki and Malakai use their respective forms of art to connect with each other?

6. Kiki declares that romance in today’s world is about “a thirst to claim --- a triumph of acquisition, rather than a triumph of winning affection.” How has modern dating affected the way we get to know one another, and what we think we owe our partners?

7. Think about the social media platforms at Whitewell University. How have chatrooms and apps changed the way we communicate and treat each other?

8. What draws Kiki and Malakai to each other? How do they challenge each other and help each other grow?

9. What do you think the turning point is for Kiki that she is able to open herself up to more female friendships? How does building a community of trusted girlfriends affect other aspects of her life?

10. What moment between Malakai and Kiki do you think changed the course of their fake relationship to something more?

11. What do you think is next for Malakai and Kiki?

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