Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 24/02/2023
Published by: Review
ISBN: B09DZ3Q5SD
Cover:
I love the warm, vibrant colour scheme, as it not only complements the beautiful illustration of Kiki but also makes the design eye-catching.
Writing:
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.
The game will always be the game, but make sure you’re at least an equal player.
Storyline:
Despite the slow start, I was soon invested in the delightful romance and college drama that emerged. Also, the radio show was a fun and clever element that reminded me of the show Dear White People. While I was irritated by the unnecessary romantic drama towards the end, this allowed for a satisfying ending with heart-warming confessions, so I found myself loving the story and characters more.
Main character:
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.
Your power is in your truth
Secondary characters:
Malakai is a sweet lead who effortlessly matches Kiki’s energy and is given some depth through his experiences and family issues. Besides Malakai, Kiki’s best friend Amina is the only other character who stands out due to her substantial role. Although the remaining characters have little depth, they are given defined roles that help bring the story together.
Romance:
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.
Narration & Audio:
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.
At the end of the day, I really enjoyed ‘Honey & Spice‘ despite the shaky start. The storyline and characters proved to be much more complex and fun than I initially believed, making this one of my favourite contemporary romances. For another funny romance novel with the fake-dating trope, I would recommend The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren.
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