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The Ex-Roommates #1

Sweet Like Honey: A Black Sapphic Romance

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When Drew Honey moved into a shared house with 5 other girls, all she wanted was to get through her last semester of college and start living the life she always dreamed of. However, the universe had other plans when a charismatic and kind-hearted woman named Adrian Jackson slid her way into the picture.

From that first day, the two of them were drawn to each other, easily becoming closer as the months passed. Their feelings grew and as graduation approached, they both decided to confess to each other, but of course, the universe once again threw them a curveball. Because of this, they both reluctantly went their separate ways after graduation, clinging to the hope that they’d one day be reunited.

Fast forward 5 years later, Adrian finally relocates back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The city where she spent 4 years of her life. The city where she met the only woman she ever loved. The city where she had to let that woman go.

She never planned to run into her again, but when a random trip to a clothing store brings these two lovers back together, they realize that the universe has given them yet another chance, so they take it.

This story is full of love, but also full of grief. With past traumas and anxieties starting to rear their nasty heads, these two realize that the only thing that can help them heal is each other. Thus a love that is sweet like honey starts to blossom.

Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2024

170 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read

About the author

Aricka Alexander

26 books153 followers
Just a Black sapphic indie author who loves Black sapphic stories. All of my books are set mostly in Southern Louisiana. I also write YA.

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5 stars
166 (38%)
4 stars
119 (27%)
3 stars
91 (21%)
2 stars
32 (7%)
1 star
21 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Shawnaci Schroeder.
519 reviews4,357 followers
September 30, 2025
3/5
- I was so surprised by how much depth was in this story! Love how we were able to see the struggles both characters went through because it made me connect so much more with them.
- This book had a lot of spice! I wish there had been a little less spice and more focus on the plot, but there were some scenes that I was absolutely EATING UP.
- Even though this is the first book I’ve read by this author, it definitely won’t be my last!
Profile Image for Deja Elise.
Author 13 books67 followers
November 15, 2024
This Honey Is Spicyyyyy

4.5! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The title is Sweet Like Honey, but the things these two were doing was anything but sweet! 🥵

In true lesbian fashion, these two moved u-haul fast, but it made sense. They had history and had always been close. Their emotional bond laid the grounds for their eventual hookup years later and they fell right into each others’ grooves. 👀 If they weren’t crying, they were getting it innnn!

Love the plus size rep and the masc rep. Though it had several poignant moments, it wasn’t too heavy. A quick (wish it were longer), fun, light, palate cleanser. 👀

Always a fun and super sweet read. But Ms. Alexander, (clears throat) I need a cold shower after this one!
Profile Image for a 🔮.
474 reviews74 followers
March 13, 2025
There was literally no stakes whatsoever like what was the reason?

We didn’t even get to read the buildup of their angst/will they/won’t they because it all happened like close to 5 years before the start of the book. Naturally because they were roomies/besties and during this time they never were romantically involved, distance and time make the heat grow fonder but there was no get to know you. So while not truly an insta love trope, its doing insta love.

Truly, I think this would have been a better execultion if it was broken up into two parts: starting with their last year in college in the present tense, the 5 year post graduation time jump in the middle, and then the second half how they find their way back to each other.
Profile Image for BrownBookNerd.
238 reviews34 followers
September 22, 2025
This was such an cute story! I can’t wait to read more from the author!
Profile Image for Mattat Salmon.
Author 2 books2 followers
March 21, 2025
This was definitely a book of vibes rather than plot, which I actually love. However, said vibes weren't exactly my thing. Mostly because of the fact Adrian was always on one and doing the absolute most- 😭 (And that's coming from a physical touch girly!)

Otherwise, I found it difficult to really connect with the characters despite them being a funny bunch for the most part.

Also if I were to take a shot everytime someone said "ass" I'd die of poisoning by chapter one 🤣 But with that said, it was really refreshing to read black characters actually talking like black people. Obviously, we're not a monolith, but I never hear character voices like theirs, and it was actually really healing.
Profile Image for Ari.
56 reviews
July 28, 2025
I gave up at 52%. There is no actually story building or plot. It progressed so quickly with practically no context about the characters backstories or everything. This book feels like the authors had the storyline mapped out but forgot to include actual details or depth.
14 reviews
May 8, 2025
2.75 Stars:
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

I'm just gonna start by saying Im all for an instalove/here for the vibes read but this... was not it. As a reader that isn't the most critical I couldn't. I continued to read the book because of how ridiculous the dynamic/plot not plot was. The ending was cute. But the lack of angst and Adrian.... *gags* was so corny. It was just not it. The spice as a lesbian for me was... cringe af. The things they would say and it sucked because most of this book was them hunching and exclaiming their love for each other. The beef with Adrian and that guy was so unrealistic. The story of Drew and her family made sense though. I will say I got a good laugh out of how unrealistic the book was. Which makes me sad because I just knew I was gonna love this. I will say that the way grief was handled for them both was nice. The way that they decided therapy and healing for themselves and as a couple was refreshing. But the way they just fell into place on the first day of seeing each other since the ONE SEMESTER they lived together in college was odd af.
Profile Image for Brisace.
474 reviews
August 26, 2025
This romance was tender, emotional, and everything I love in a second-chance story. From the very beginning, Adrian’s charisma jumped off the page. She was magnetic, kind-hearted, and so protective of Drew. You could feel how deeply she adored her, how obsessed she was with being close to her, always finding comfort in physical touch. That energy made their bond feel both intimate and undeniable.

Their story wasn’t just about love, but also about healing. The way Adrian and Drew came back together years later felt fated, like the universe simply couldn’t let them go. The grief and trauma they carried made their journey heavier at times, but leaning on each other reminded me that the right love will both soften your edges and hold you together when life gets hard.

Sweet Like Honey was exactly that sweet, healing, and a little soul-stirring. Drew and Adrian’s love was magnetic, protective, and deeply felt. This was such a cute read for me, and I’ll be thinking about these two for a long time.
Profile Image for Mel 🐞.
177 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2025
This was so cute.

Usually I don’t like books that follow the all vibes and not a lot of plot dynamics, but this one really worked. I think it did because of the emotional intelligence and communication. This book really proves that talking can solve a lot. Even though there was a lot of spice, it still was very enjoyable. Do read content warnings though. I did appreciate that in the beginning.
Profile Image for Bianca.
107 reviews226 followers
May 5, 2025
Format:
📱 Kindle Unlimited

Ratings:
Overall: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 5/5

Adrian does NOT PLAY about Drew….and I LOVE THAT for Drew!!!
Profile Image for Blessed K.
17 reviews
April 25, 2025
This was such a cute read, definitely a palate cleanser. I could see myself in the main character. They just does explore some dark themes, but the rest of the book is written in such a light tone that it helps with the negative emotions that may occur. The book breaks the fourth wall sometimes which can be funny, but sometimes a tad bit overdone, but doesn’t take away too much from the book. If you’re looking for something light that touches on some dark themes with a cute ass happy ever after definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Eros Rose.
320 reviews8 followers
May 26, 2025
This was my 1st read from the author & I am not disappointed.

There was a lot of spice and it felt authentic which I enjoyed. The storyline was flat but entertaining.
I felt like I was reading a Wattpad story… editing/grammatical errors. But, overall it was a cute read.
I love when dark skinned & plus sized Black women are loved on. The FMCs were lovable. The masc FMC was my favorite… everything about her. 10/10 character.
The story could’ve been flushed out more though. I felt like there were elements missing that really could’ve brought the story together better.

I wouldn’t reread this. But, I’d recommend it and read other works from the author.
Profile Image for Jas.
2 reviews
July 27, 2025
Love a good book with a dark skin black character as a love interest. It’s refreshing. The book is spicy but I didn’t enjoy the lack of build up. I didn’t get to feel
How much the characters actually cared for one of another despite the flashbacks and foreshadowing. The author depicted a nice and healthy lesbian relationship which is so refreshing and their sex scenes were pretty accurate and I felt like I could relate to it I just wish the book was longer to give each character the depth we need to really feel the emotions the author tried to portray. It does give a rushed kind of vibe to it but it was pretty enjoyable overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for April (whataprilreads).
452 reviews57 followers
October 2, 2025
3✨

I went into this knowing that it would be brain candy. I was hoping it would be exceptionally sexy too with plenty of smut and THAT did not disappoint. But this didn't really end up being my favorite. I didn't mind the writing style too much, I kind of liked how it felt like a mix of narration and observation, breaking the fourth wall and being an all present omnipotent POV. But I think that's also while it reads a little juvenile? Someone else mentioned that the vibes are very Wattpad-esque and I would agree, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. But each chapter definitely started and ended with scene cuts in a way that I feel like I only see on fanfics/Wattpad.

I think the other thing that's keeping me from absolutely adoring this is that it's too short. I don't think this kind of romance is being served well as a novella (which now that I say that, I'm not sure this counts as a novella). I just think we needed more of Adrian and Drew's back story, I think we should have gotten more of them in college. I think we should have experienced more of their pain to really appreciate and sit with all the love. Things just really needed some fleshing out, but overall it was cute, sexy as hell, and easy to fly through. I'm not sure I would reread this, but I'll keep it in mind for future recs. And I'd definitely read more by this author, just to see if I jive with anything else.
Profile Image for Taylor Dockery.
17 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2025
Super cute and adorable read with just enough spice. Aricka did an amazing job on touching on some sensitive topics. Drew Honey's closeness to her sibling is touching and definitely made me tear up during her unraveling.

Adrian has always known her true feelings and it's amazing to watch them have the opportunity to find each other again. As a loved one once told me, "If it is meant to be, it will be. You will find your way back to each other."
Profile Image for Kyla ☀️.
7 reviews
May 27, 2025
This book is starting to make me love, LOVE🥰 Adrian & Drew were two of the cutest characters with so much love & kindness towards each other and others. Love how I not only became attached to the MC’s but every side character as well.

They have a love I wish to find, fully in tune with one another. So much so that the love exudes through every interaction.

A tear jerking , heart gushing, coochie throbbing romance novel that I just couldn’t put down.
Profile Image for ㅤmelli ꧔.
950 reviews5 followers
dnf
April 7, 2025
ᨳ᭬ ⭑ || dnf @30% ࿐ྂ

„I wanted to fuck her, yes, but I also wanted her to be my girl. I’ve always wanted that.“

Urgh, i’m so disappointed because the Idea was definitely there, but unfortunately, i didn't like the end result. There was no build-up, no tension, no longing, nothing, absolutely nothing. From one jump to the next.

started : 07.04.25
stopped : 07.04.25
Profile Image for Heather.
732 reviews11 followers
June 26, 2025
Such a sweet sapphic romance!

This book is giving friends to lovers, second chance, found family vibes…Sweet and spicy, Drew and Adrian are a must read for those looking for cozy, low angst, deep topics/hurt-comfort with lots of glorious spice that flowed well with the characters and story. Recommend!
Profile Image for Emily.
483 reviews
Read
October 16, 2024
I think I’ll come back to this book later on. I’m hugely in a fantasy mood, wanted to switch things up with a second chance romance, but there’s no pining, no groveling, it’s a very straightforward “i want to fuck you” “ok me too” type of story.
I do love a sapphic romance, so brb!!
Profile Image for mck.
786 reviews
July 27, 2025
I really feel awful about giving an indie book this low of a rating, but I had to skim like 50% of this…

I don’t like instalove on the best of days, but this was INSTAlove and the writing style was not for me. I also found Adrian to be very corny and I could not deal with everyone around them either being their #1 fan girls or the evilest supervillain. Like where are the normal people? Why are people gasping when this girl pulls out a black Amex card, and why are characters literally squealing when Drew and Adrian make out in front of them. It was just strange and didn’t make it feel like I was reading about real people at all

Drew’s story with her parents and her brother was sad, and I do like the general concept of a simple When You Know You Know relationship, but I just wasn’t feeling it. Maybe if we had more of a buildup or if more moments were shown of them in college together it would make more sense.

Cute cover, cute concept, Drew was a decent character, but everything else was meh at best😣😣

1.5
Profile Image for Hailey (haileyhardcover).
194 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2025
I was really excited to read this after seeing some great reviews… Folks, did we read the same book?? This was so, SO bad!

The writing is just awful. It’s all telling instead of showing and it’s packed with more plot holes and inconsistencies than anything else. Everything is just so completely unrealistic that I have to question if the author has any understanding of… ANYTHING in the real world?

The relationship goes from zero to a million so fast and in such a ridiculous, unrealistic way that it gives you whiplash.

The author tried to give the plot some drama or depth (I guess?) with the family drama/trauma but there was absolutely no point to any of it - it’s just trauma dumping for shits and giggles?

The spice was definitely spicy, but that is the closest thing to a compliment that I can muster for this one. At least it was a quick read, I guess.
Profile Image for hailey ౨ৎ.
222 reviews12 followers
June 16, 2025
I thought this was an okay romance novel. I really read it because I've been wanting to find more Black WLW books. For a beginner getting into romance, I'd say it's not bad, but as a veteran, it's not my favorite romance I've read. I say this only because I didn't quite like how it was written. Things would either be over explained or give a lot of context that wasn't entirely necessary. I'm not sure how to explain it but it was written similarly to fanfiction, like the writing style, things happening suddenly, and the smut being super quick and ending abruptly. The smut was okay but I felt like it didn't have a lot of depth or proper buildup, it just happened and ended. It felt super rushed and repetitive, and some of the smut felt kind of flat despite the romance kind of being there. I also didn't like how rushed their relationship seemed. I mean I get that they'd known each other for a few years before Adrian had left, but I felt like they needed more time together and with their trauma to heal. I also wish we got to get more into the side characters as I didn't quite feel like they had depth or purpose outside of the main characters Adrian and Drew. This wasn't a bad novel, I thought it was okay. I definitely was a bit cheesy and some of the dialogue was a tiny bit corny or cringe, but it is a romance novel so I don't hold it to a high standard. It's a decent Black WLW novel, but I'd like it a bit more if the dialogue was more natural and we got to see more of the side characters outside of Drew and Adrian.
Profile Image for Ciara.
71 reviews
August 27, 2025
(I’m giving this a 2.75) Urghhhh I’m kinda disappointed with this one because it really had so much potential! 😔 The way that it was written didn’t vibe with me however it had a lot of potential. The author did forewarn us that her writing style is ‘slice of life’ basically the writing is done much like life is done (all over the place; not always rosey) however I felt like the writing was just that as there was a problem/issue/conflict that was thrown at you at every page. And then it felt like it was too quick to resolve and go on to the next issue. All while there were spicy scenes thrown in. Yes the spicy scenes were 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ for me, it didn’t negate the rest of the plot. This is a 2nd chance romance and I wish it was done differently and that’s why it fell short for me 😔
Profile Image for Karmen Scott.
Author 11 books10 followers
December 24, 2024
This book was so beautifully written. I felt so connected to the characters in every chapter. Their love developed from the moment they met and grew over the course of the book. Excellent. I also loved how Aricka touched on some deep topics that are often shied away from in the black community. Some of the things Drew experienced with her body were very relatable for me and that made me feel even more connected to that character.
As always, Aricka swoons me with her brilliant writing. I'm so glad to have had the chance to sit down and devour this book. I can't wait to continue my journey through her catalog.
Profile Image for coleythesapphic.
31 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2025
I loved the playfulness and loving, doting relationship that they have. That’s the kind of love that I hope finds me. The writing style (which I know she addresses in the Authors Note in the beginning) takes me out of the story/moment at times. There’s not much at stake as far as a challenging event but I don’t mind that so much. It’s like a bestie is telling me how great their relationship is going. 🥰The writing style wasn’t my favorite and there were several typos. Pretty spicy throughout the book but that part was paced well. It was just okay for me. Like an average, loving relationship and typical life challenges.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Teeyah ✨.
70 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2025
Chillleee the honey is HAWT, do you understand me?
This book is adorable from start to finish. Even though we touch on very deep and emotional topics, it's done with care and love. Adriane and Drew will live rent free in my mind. I loved the way they loved each other and NO 3RD ACT BREAK UP 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Also I LOVED that the epilogue was 3 years later instead of a few months. Aricka did an fantastic job at catching us up with Drew and Adriane after three years of their lives had passed. I truly adore this story and if you love, love you will enjoy this 💗 Aricka told me I would probably cry and I did lmfao

ALSO 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
Profile Image for Niya.
13 reviews
December 13, 2025
Probably should’ve DNF’d but here we are. My two main problems:
1. I did not believe in the two MCs’ love story at all. There was way too much leaning on their past friendship and no relationship-building in the present before they’re suddenly girlfriends. And 4 months into their relationship & Drew is just finding out Adrian’s full name, that she’s from Cali, and what her pronouns are??? Maybe if they weren’t hunching all the time, they’d know these basics
2. Adrian is so unbelievably corny and full of herself
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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