Between Friends & Lovers

A Novel

By: Shirlene Obuobi

Narrated by: JD Jackson, Mela Lee

""Between Friends & Lovers was an absolute joy to read, with messy, realistic, and deeply lovable characters... Obuobi’s perfect balance of humor and wisdom made this one a true standout.” — Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author

An influencer, an actor, and a writer navigate the messy ins and outs of friendship and romance in a world where social media demands perfection—or at least the appearance of it—in this swoon-worthy love story for readers of Kennedy Ryan and Carley Fortune.

To her thousands of Instagram followers, Josephine Boateng is the brilliant, dazzling self-love expert, Dr. Jojo. But off-camera, Jo’s grappling with the intense pressures of her career and her love life is nonexistent thanks to an unrequited crush on her best friend, rom-com heartthrob Ezra Adelman.

Then Ezra shows up to his thirtieth birthday party with her childhood bully on his arm—and Jo realizes it’s finally time to take her own advice. Enter Malcom Waters, the world’s newest literary darling. An introvert by nature, he would rather be home than trying to impress execs and celebs at a swanky Hollywood party. Until he bumps into Jo, and the two of them quickly realize their chemistry is too good to ignore.

But for all three, the line between private and public is as blurred as the one between friendship and love—especially when Ezra decides he might want something more with Jo. The question is, can any of them risk defining those lines to create something real?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I couldn’t put this one down. The journey was beautifully written and I found myself throughout the book which only pushed it up another star for me. You really are worthy of love.

Bad male reader

Mal’s “voice” was terrible. It didn’t fit him at all. It was draggy and singsongy. It almost ruined a great story.

10/10 Recommend

I loved this book so much! I literally couldn’t put it down! JoJo & Mal have my heart forever!

Romances Aren’t My Usual Thing, But This Was A Good Intro

I haven’t read many romance novels but I loved Dr. Obuobi’s first novel, On Rotation, so I knew I had to check this one out. I was drawn in almost immediately to Jo and Mal, and I found myself rooting for them immediately. As the love triangle took shape, though, the growth of each character created such depth.

Her character development extends to side characters, too. Everyone felt real and full. Obuobi, like one of my other favorite fiction authors who is also a physician, Abraham Varghese, knows how to use medicine to move the story forward while remaining accessible to any reader.

The audiobook was so compelling. I HAD to keep listening! Mela Lee embodies Jo perfectly, and JD Jackson illustrates Mal’s perspective and you feel like you can see the action.

If you’re looking for a great read or if you’re someone like me looking to get into their first romance novel, look no further. Between Friends & Lovers is highly recommended!

A quality read is what I most enjoyed!

The book was very well written!!! The writing talent equivalent of the two seasoned authors referenced in this book, Dickey and Butler. I swooned over the detailed descriptions of the characters especially Malcolm, I’m a fan!!! Ms Obuabi, please keep writing and sharing your gift with the rest of us!!!