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Sexy & Spiteful: the best books to read this summer

Jun 18, 2025
Emily Henry, a celebrated romance author known for her engaging stories, joins the conversation to share her summer book recommendations. She discusses her latest novel, "Great Big Beautiful Life," about competitive journalists, sparking a lively debate on the balance of romance and rivalry in literature. Joined by Bolu Babalola, they explore a range of titles from classic to contemporary, emphasizing the thrill of escapism and the emotional depth found in books like "Casanova LLC" and "The Four Winds." Summer reading has never sounded so enticing!
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ANECDOTE

Writing Second Chance Romance

  • Bolu Babalola shares her experience writing "Sweet Heat," a second-chance romance and sequel to "Honey and Spice."
  • She found writing falling in love again difficult while respecting past breakup reasons.
INSIGHT

Embracing Anger in Summer Reads

  • Emily Henry wants summer books to feel intoxicating and is open to reading about angry characters.
  • She finds escapism in books that show uncomfortable feelings like grief and anger.
ANECDOTE

Book Recommendation: Lush

  • Bolu Babalola recommends "Lush" by Rochelle Dowden-Lorde, a sexy book about sommeliers in the South of France.
  • The story is full of romance, fights, and even a stabbing, capturing a complex view of humanity.
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