Between Friends & Lovers

A Novel

By: Shirlene Obuobi

Narrated by: JD Jackson, Mela Lee

“An absolute joy to read.” –Emily Henry

“Sweet and steamy, perfectly written, overflowing with heart.” —Ali Hazelwood

“This book is spectacular!” —Christina Lauren

Kennedy Ryan meets Carley Fortune in this swoon-worthy story of love and friendship in the age of social media—where what you see might not be all you get.

To thousands of Instagram followers, Josephine Boateng is the dazzling Dr. Jojo, and her opinions on health and self-love matter. Her message: Be smart, be significant, and do not put up with foolish men.

Off-camera, Jo’s story is more complicated. She’s grappling with depression and the pressures of her career, and her love life is nonexistent, thanks to a decade-long unrequited crush on her best friend, rom-com heartthrob Ezra Adelman. But when Ezra shows up to his thirtieth birthday party with her childhood bully on his arm, Jo realizes it’s time to take her own advice.

No one is more shocked than Malcolm Waters when his debut novel transforms him into a literary darling, the type who gets invited to a swanky party to discuss film opportunities. Rubbing elbows with entertainment’s elite could be great for his career—except he’s terrible with people.

Just when Mal is ready to escape, he’s rescued by none other than Dr. Jojo. He’s been following her on social media for years, and she’s even more impressive in real life. And to his bewilderment, the admiration seems mutual.

But Jo, Ezra, and Mal exist in a world where the line between private and public is as blurred as the one between friendship and love. The question is, can any of them risk defining those lines to create something real?

©2024 Shirlene Obuobi (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Heartwarming

I am a sucker for love triangle and I was all getting ready for one though there really hasn’t been one however I did like like the plot until the last 20 minutes - it kinda dragged on. And the narration for mal and Joe were strangely breathy. But I enjoyed the book and romance. I did want a little more spicy stuff

Cute story

I disliked the male narrator. He sounded forced and stilted. Female narrator was good. The backstory of the characters wasn’t too traumatic, as it can be for some stories.

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!

GOOD!

I loved the character growth of each character and topic selection of depression, anxiety and abandonment
Mal was the perfect book boyfriend (10/10)
Not much of love triangle story, I didn’t like the fact she was in love with Ezra and he gave her absolutely nothing during the book.
Like the reconciliation between Jo and her mom.

Job well done, a beautifully written story

BRAVA!

Shirlene Obuobi is an excellent writer, and a phenomenal storyteller! This is the second book if hers that I’ve read, and I like it even more than the first one! Look forward to more in the future!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

10/10 Recommend

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

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK!

ughhh! This was such swoon worthy and wholesome love story. Beautifully written. This author has gained a new fan!

The introduction of this book is the purest description of what it feels like to be a black woman in “Today’s America”…

From the very beginning I really enjoyed this book. It gives a great adaptation of what is a constant in a black woman’s world. What she sees; what other people don’t; how we interpret all of it…expected to be there for everyone else when NObody is ever there for us. It’s exhausting to say the least…but it’s a daily struggle. No matter what the profession; you’re always the strong one; the person trying to prove themselves at home & in other settings (work; public…social media!).

Great read; awesome relatable story!

Amazing!!!

Just one of the best I’ve heard in a long time! Just so well written and well told. So realistic. Bravo!!