Bolu Babalola Books in Order

Where to Start with Bolu Babalola

Bolu Babalola—the self-proclaimed “romcomoisseur”—has rapidly become one of the most prominent voices in modern contemporary romance. Her stories are celebrated for their sharp wit, unapologetic celebration of Black joy, focus on female agency, and rich cultural backdrops. Whether you are looking for reimagined folklore or collegiate fake-dating, her books offer a refreshing, feminist spin on romantic tropes.

For readers new to her work, there are two excellent ways to dive in:

• The Novel Route (Recommended): Start with her hit debut novel, Honey & Spice (2022). This allows you to jump straight into her long-form character development, academic setting, and snappy dialogue before moving on to its direct sequel, Sweet Heat (2025).
• The Short Story Route: Start with her debut collection, Love in Colour (2020). If you want to sample her lyrical prose, thematic range, and ability to weave global mythology into modern narratives, this collection serves as a beautiful, low-commitment introduction to her style.

The Blackwell Series Reading Order

Babalola's main contemporary romance novels form a chronological series set around the lives of students at the fictional Blackwell University in the United Kingdom. Because these books follow a continuous timeline and the evolving relationship between the same primary characters, reading them in order is highly recommended.

1. Honey & Spice (2022)

Set at Blackwell University, this novel introduces Kiki Banjo, a sharp-tongued student who hosts the popular campus radio show Brown Sugar. Kiki is known for giving relationship advice and warning the women of the Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS) against players and heartbreakers. When she publicly clashes with Malakai Korede, a charming new creative writing transfer student, she finds her reputation on the line. To save face and protect their respective ambitions, the two enter into a fake-dating arrangement. Packed with banter, academic rivalries, and deep discussions on vulnerability, this book establishes the core cast of characters.

2. Sweet Heat (2025)

The direct sequel to Honey & Spice moves the timeline forward. Now twenty-eight years old, Kiki Banjo is living in London and hosting her professional podcast, The HeartBeat, but her career is hitting roadblocks and her personal life is in transition. Having spent three years apart following the end of their passionate five-year relationship, Kiki and Malakai are forced back into each other's orbits. Their best friends, Aminah and Kofi, are getting married, and Kiki and Malakai must serve as Maid of Honor and Best Man. Set against the backdrop of wedding preparations, this second-chance romance explores their maturity, unresolved feelings, and personal growth.

Standalone Collections & Anthologies

Outside of the Blackwell universe, Babalola has published short fiction and essays that can be read in any order. These works showcase her versatility and her thematic focus on culture, identity, and love.

Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold (2020)

This bestselling debut collection contains several retellings of myths, legends, and folklore from West Africa, Greece, the Middle East, and beyond. Babalola strips away the patriarchal elements of traditional tales to center women of color, emphasizing consent, agency, and mutual respect. The stories range from ancient settings to modern cities, providing a vibrant, globetrotting reading experience. It stands completely separate from her novels and can be read at any point.

Of This Our Country (2021)

Babalola contributed a personal essay titled “Contradictions” to this acclaimed anthology. The book features essays from twenty-four Nigerian writers reflecting on home, identity, culture, and memory. In her contribution, Babalola explores the complexities of her dual identity as a British-Nigerian woman, examining how she navigates conflicting cultural expectations while celebrating her heritage. It is a non-fiction piece that offers readers a deeper look into the personal experiences that shape her fictional narratives.

Bolu Babalola Books in Publication Order

If you prefer to read her works exactly as they were released to the public, follow this publication timeline. Reading in this order allows you to see her evolution from short story retellings to complex, multi-year novel sequences:

1. Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold (Short Story Collection) — 2020
2. “Contradictions” in Of This Our Country (Non-Fiction Essay Anthology) — 2021
3. Honey & Spice (Novel) — 2022
4. Sweet Heat (Novel) — 2025

What to Know Before You Start

Babalola’s writing style is highly distinctive, combining literary sensitivity with a deep love for pop culture, television, and classic romantic comedies. When preparing to read her work, keep these key elements in mind:

• Rich Cultural Representation: Her novels are deeply grounded in British-Nigerian culture, highlighting the music, food, fashion, and social dynamics of the diaspora in the UK. The Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS) at Blackwell University serves as a vital community hub in her debut novel.
• R&B and Pop Culture Influence: Soundtracks and references play a major role in her books. From 90s R&B references to modern social media humor, her characters talk and think like real contemporary creatives.
• Feminist Romance Lens: Babalola actively deconstructs traditional romance tropes that rely on miscommunication or male dominance. Instead, her characters value emotional intelligence, explicit consent, mutual respect, and female autonomy.