Babalola revives the romance of folktales and myths in her lovely debut collection, drafting figures largely drawn from African legends and romance tropes into 13 Black-centered love stories. "Naleli" follows a teenage girl who struggles to love herself because she suffers from a condition that causes skin discoloration, distancing herself from her childhood crush--until a magical night brings them back together. "Nefertiti" reimagines the Egyptian queen as a vigilante protecting women from patriarchal violence and oppression. In "Thisbe," a woman knows too much about the boy next door's sex life because of the crack in the wall separating their apartments. The title character of "Orin" is on the worst date ever when she meets Deji--also suffering through a terrible date--and their easy banter brings them solace on their almost-ruined nights. Though none of these tales is quite a standout, there aren't any duds, either. The result is effortlessly readable, and the chemistry between characters and the focus on Black female empowerment will surely win over many romance fans. (Apr.)

British Nigerian writer Babalola combines wit and wisdom in this collection of reimagined, mythical love stories based on beautiful folktales, many of them from West Africa, as well as from Greece, India, and the Middle East. This wondrous celebration tackles the emotional complexities inherent in passion, adding depth and shadows without resorting to cynicism. The edgy pain of loss, the anxiety of connection, and the challenges of alignment that are integral parts of all true relationships are richly explored and the resulting happy endings feel all the more vital for Babalola's having acknowledged those difficult realities. In these improvisations on the tales of the Yorùbá river goddess Osun, Egyptian queen Nefertiti, and the Indian goddess Siya, among others, Babalola presents fairy tales for our times with women's agency and ambition built into the narrative arc. By situating her magical dramas in contemporary offices, dorms, and clubs, the author builds new contexts for Scheherazade, Psyche, and Thisbe. This is a joyous read for those interested in literary reworkings and for those looking to explore the complications of loving relationships from fresh perspectives.