Sweet Heat
by Bolu Babalola
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BOLU BABALOLA IS... "A queen of romantic comedy." - Oprah Daily - "Incisively funny." - Entertainment Weekly - "A really great romance writer." - Quinta Brunson, Harper's Bazaar - "Keeping the hope for true love alive and enjoyable." -Shondaland - "A rom-com expert." - New York Times
Two exes. One summer wedding. Zero chance of escaping the heat.
Prepare to laugh, swoon, and fall head over heels with this irresistible standalone romance from Bolu Babalola, the bestselling author of Honey and Spice, a Reese's Book Club pick.
Twenty-eight-year-old Kiki Banjo hosts the popular podcast The HeartBeat, solving romantic conundrums and dishing out life advice. But behind the mic, career setbacks and a devastating breakup have left her hanging on by a thread. As she's preparing to be the Maid of Honor in her best friend's wedding, everything starts to unravel, and Kiki is left wondering if she ever had the answers.
Then Kiki finds herself face-to-face with the Best Man, her ex-boyfriend, Malakai--the smooth-talking, absurdly handsome, annoyingly perceptive man who stole her heart and then shattered it. While Kiki's approaching rock bottom, Malakai's been on the rise as a filmmaker, and now they have no choice but to play nice until the wedding is over. Both are hell-bent on ignoring the smoldering chemistry between them, but as they navigate the chaos of wedding plans, career ambitions, and Kiki's growing fears about the future, they can't ignore the spark that's only getting hotter.
They just have to get through the summer. So why does it feel like playing with fire?
"Babalola's sharp sense of humor, slick pop culture references, and keen sense of the zeitgeist . . . offer a refreshing portrait of what modern love really looks and feels like." -- Time
"Babalola expertly blends sex with societal discourse in ways that echo Jane Austen and Nora Ephron." -- Vanity Fair
"Babalola soars in her rich depictions of intimacy and relationships, in all their grandeur." -- The New York Times Book Review
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9780063306981
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Authors
- Bolu Babalola
- Publisher
- William Morrow & Company
- Published Date
- September 2, 2025
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 496
- Physical Info
- 1.39 in H x 9.28 in L x 6.35 in W (1.31 lb)
Loved Honey & Spice so I knew the sequel would be good. What I didn't know was how good this would be. I can easily say this is in my top 2 books this year and contending to be my favorite romance novel. Bolu is incredible with words. This book contains the most beautiful prose I have ever read. It's just a beautiful story. Easily a 5 star read.
“Loving you was like muscle memory from a time before I even knew I existed.”Sweet Heat gave me everything from emotional intimacy, slow-burn tension, and writing that made me pause just to feel it.Malakai’s return set everything on fire. Kiki & Kai’s relationship from the beginning made me melt. Seeing that uni was just not the right time, yet getting the chance to watch their love truly evolve was everything.I loved seeing how Kiki’s bond with Aminah stayed solid at the heart of the story, and had already loved their friendship from Honey & Spice.It’s not just about rekindled love, it’s about growth, friendship, and the beauty of second chances.If you adored Honey & Spice, this one doesn’t just deliver, it deepens. I loved the audio as well!Thank you to Bolu Babalola, William Morrow Books, and Net Galley for the opportunity in receiving this as an ARC!
As an avid reader of Honey & Spice, I eagerly anticipated this continuation of their captivating narrative, delving into the lives of the characters I had come to cherish. Bolu Babalola’s writing style is a harmonious symphony that resonates deeply with me. She transcends mere storytelling, weaving a tapestry of words that are both poetic and enchanting, yet grounded in realism and relatability. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking an immersive and emotionally resonant literary experience.
Went into this story blind, didn’t realize it was the sequel until the MFC name kept on being mentioned, and I was like, can’t this author think of any other names for her characters, lol. I was disappointed with Kiki and Malachi no longer being in a relationship. However, it was exactly what they needed at the time. The author beautifully takes us on the journey of reconnection, self exploration and self-reflection through the up and down relationship with friends, family and current/former lovers. This book is one for the keeps. Loved every single moment.
Sometimes it just works. It’s so nice to read something about two people who feel like they’ve grown apart but have really just evolved. Communicating through changes and still yearning for each other in spite of all the challenges. This was solid. Full of raw emotion and sassy energy. Empowering and secure and like watching a show it mentions in the first chapter…I can see the inspiration from Insecure. 5 stars
