Love In Colour

'Love in Colour' is a gorgeous collection of retellings of mythical love stories from around the world, written by Bolu Babalola. The book features a mix of original characters and reimagined figures from folklore, each with their own vibrant personality. Some standout protagonists include the fierce and independent Naleli, inspired by a Basotho tale, and the charming but complicated Tiwa, whose story draws from Yoruba mythology. Babalola’s modern twists breathe new life into these timeless narratives, making them feel fresh and relatable.

What I adore about this book is how diverse the love stories are—some are sweet and tender, others fiery and passionate. There’s also a contemporary retelling of 'Osun,' the Yoruba goddess of love, which absolutely captivated me with its lush prose and emotional depth. Each character feels fully realized, whether they’re navigating modern dating or ancient curses. If you’re into mythology with a romantic twist, this collection is a must-read.

The first time I stumbled upon 'Loving in the Rainbow,' I was immediately struck by its vibrant title. It felt like an invitation to explore love beyond the ordinary, and boy, did it deliver. The story weaves together relationships that defy traditional boundaries, celebrating love in all its forms—queer, platonic, familial. The rainbow isn’t just a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride here; it’s a metaphor for the spectrum of human connection. The protagonist’s journey through different relationships—each colorfully distinct—shows how love isn’t monolithic. It’s messy, unpredictable, and beautiful. What stuck with me was how the narrative refuses to sanitize emotions. There’s jealousy, heartbreak, and joy, all painted in bold strokes. The title’s brilliance lies in its simplicity: love isn’t black and white. It’s a riot of colors, and that’s what makes it worth embracing.

I’ve recommended this to friends who crave stories that feel alive, and every time, they come back raving about how it mirrors their own experiences. The author’s knack for dialogue makes even the most chaotic relationships feel relatable. If you’ve ever felt like your love story didn’t fit a mold, this one’s for you. It’s like a warm hug from someone who gets it.

I adore 'Love in Colour' for its fresh take on mythology and romance, blending ancient tales with modern vibes. If you loved it, you might enjoy 'The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea' by Axie Oh—it’s got that same lyrical, mythic romance feel but with a Korean folklore twist. The way Oh weaves destiny and love together is just magical. Another gem is 'A Thousand Ships' by Natalie Haynes, which retells Greek myths from the women’s perspectives. It’s less romance-focused but equally rich in emotion and storytelling. For something more contemporary yet myth-infused, 'Circe' by Madeline Miller is a must-read. It’s slower-paced but deeply immersive, with a protagonist who grows from vulnerability to strength.

If you’re into the anthology format of 'Love in Colour', try 'Freshwater' by Akwaeke Emezi. It’s not a romance, but its exploration of identity through Igbo spirituality is breathtaking. For pure romance with cultural depth, 'The Henna Artist' by Alka Joshi offers a lush, vibrant setting and a love story that feels organic. These books all share that blend of tradition and modernity, heart and heritage, that made 'Love in Colour' so special to me.

Just finished binge-reading 'Loving in the Rainbow,' and wow, it’s like someone plucked all my messy, beautiful queer feelings and spun them into a story. The reviews I’ve seen mostly gush about how tenderly it handles identity—like that scene where the protagonist comes out to their grandma over burnt cookies? Tears. Some critics call it 'predictable,' but honestly, who cares when the dialogue crackles with this much authenticity? The book’s strength is how it balances heavy themes with little moments of joy—like rainbow stickers on a laptop or stolen glances in a school hallway. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, just polish it until it shines. My only gripe? The side characters could’ve used more depth, but the main couple’s chemistry carries everything.

What stuck with me was how unapologetically soft the love story feels. No tragic endings, no tokenizing—just kids figuring themselves out. I’ve seen readers compare it to 'Heartstopper,' but with grittier family dynamics. The reviews on indie book blogs especially highlight how rare it is to see working-class queer teens centered like this. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s the kind of book I wish I’d had at 16.

I stumbled upon 'Color Me With Desire' during a late-night manga binge, and it immediately struck me as more than just a steasy romance. The title itself feels like a metaphor—desire isn't just about physical attraction here; it's about how passion literally 'colors' the characters' worldviews. The protagonist, an artist, sees emotions as hues, and her love interest becomes this vibrant splash in her otherwise muted palette. The story digs into how desire can reshape perception, making even mundane moments feel electric.

What really stuck with me was how the manga juxtaposes artistic expression with emotional vulnerability. When the leads argue, the panels lose saturation, like their connection is draining away. It’s visual storytelling at its finest. The title isn’t just catchy—it’s a promise of how deeply the narrative explores longing and creativity. Makes me wish more romances played with symbolism this beautifully.

I've always been fascinated by how 'Colours of Romance' came to be, and from what I gathered, the author was deeply influenced by their own experiences with love and relationships. The book reflects a journey through different emotional hues, much like how life paints love in unexpected shades. The author mentioned in interviews that observing people around them—friends, family, and even strangers—inspired the diverse characters and their intertwined stories. The idea was to capture love not as a monochrome fantasy but as a vivid tapestry of joy, pain, and everything in between. Personal heartbreaks and triumphs also played a role, making the narrative feel raw and authentic. It’s this blend of reality and imagination that gives the book its unique charm.

I picked up 'Love in Colour' on a whim, drawn by its gorgeous cover and the promise of reimagined myths. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Bolu Babalola's writing is lush and vibrant, weaving ancient tales into modern settings with such finesse. The stories are a mix of romantic, whimsical, and deeply emotional—each one feels like a love letter to culture and connection. My personal favorite was 'Tiara,' a retelling of a Nigerian folktale that had me grinning like a fool by the end.

What really stands out is how Babalola centers Black love without making it monolithic. The characters feel real, their relationships nuanced, and the cultural details are woven in so naturally. It’s not just about romance; it’s about agency, joy, and the little moments that make love spark. If you enjoy fresh takes on mythology or just crave stories that feel like warm hugs, this collection is a must-read. I’ve already lent my copy to three friends!

I absolutely adored 'Love in Colour' by Bolu Babalola—it’s this vibrant collection of reimagined love stories rooted in mythology and folklore, but with a fresh, modern twist. The ending isn’t a single narrative closure since it’s an anthology, but the final story, 'Alagomeji,' wraps things up on this beautifully hopeful note. It follows two childhood friends reconnecting in Lagos, and their chemistry is just electric. Babalola leaves their future open-ended, but you’re left feeling like love—real, messy, joyful love—is possible. The whole book celebrates love in all its forms, and that last story lingers like a warm hug.

What really stuck with me was how Babalola balances cultural specificity with universal emotions. Whether it’s the Yoruba influences in 'Alagomeji' or the Greek myth retellings earlier, the endings all feel satisfying because they honor the characters’ agency. No forced happily-ever-afters, just people choosing each other despite flaws. It’s rare to find romance that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary, but this collection nails it. After finishing, I immediately wanted to reread my favorites, like 'Osun' and 'Yaa,' just to soak in their endings again.

The choice to center 'Love in Colour' around retellings feels like such a brilliant move. By reimagining myths and folktales from African, Middle Eastern, and other global traditions, Bolu Babalola isn’t just retelling stories—she’s reclaiming and refreshing them. There’s something powerful about seeing familiar narratives, often dominated by Eurocentric perspectives, rewritten with Black love and joy at the forefront. It’s not just about diversity for the sake of it; it’s about expanding the very idea of what romance can look like, grounding it in cultures that have been sidelined in mainstream literature.

What really gets me is how these retellings don’t just feel like a nod to the past—they’re alive, vibrant, and utterly modern. Take the way she reworks the Yoruba myth of Osun into a contemporary love story. It’s not just a lesson in mythology; it’s a full emotional experience, with all the humor, tension, and swoon-worthy moments you’d expect from a great romance. The book makes these tales feel urgent, like they’ve been waiting for this moment to shine. And honestly? They deserve it.

Ever stumbled upon a manga that just gets you? 'Color Me with Desire' is one of those rare gems that blends romance and emotional depth in a way that feels raw and real. The story follows a reserved artist who finds herself drawn to a free-spirited model—someone who challenges her black-and-white worldview. It’s not just about love; it’s about how passion can ignite creativity, and vice versa. The art style shifts subtly to reflect the protagonist’s emotional journey, which I thought was a brilliant touch.

What really hooked me, though, were the side characters. They aren’t just props; each has their own arc that intersects meaningfully with the main pair. The pacing’s deliberate, letting quiet moments breathe—like when the two leads share a cigarette on a rooftop, talking about everything and nothing. It’s the kind of story that lingers, making you reread panels just to soak in the details.