Between Friends & Lovers - by Shirlene Obuobi

About the Book

"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 longtime unrequited crush on her best friend, romcom heartthrob Ezra Adelman. But when Ezra shows up to his thirtieth birthday party with her childhood bully on his arm, Jo realizes enough is enough"--

Book Synopsis

"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?

Review Quotes

"What a beautiful, emotionally generous, goodhearted book! Between Friends & Lovers was an absolute joy to read, with messy, realistic, and deeply lovable characters fumbling their ways through life, making mistakes, and doing the best they can to clean them up. Obuobi's perfect balance of humor and wisdom made this one a true standout."
-- Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"I adored On Rotation, so I had high expectations going into this book, but with Between Friends & Lovers, Shirlene Obuobi gave me a once-in-a-lifetime reading experience. It's sweet and steamy, perfectly written, overflowing with heart, and it became an instant favorite....Basically: I'll recommend this book for eternity!" -- Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author

"This book is spectacular! It is deft and voicy, sexy and emotionally brilliant. I am honestly obsessed with Shirlene Obuobi's Between Friends & Lovers and cannot wait to shout about it to every reader I encounter."
-- Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author

"Meaty, complex, and steamy. Obuobi takes it all on! Add Between Friends & Lovers to your TBR, this is an author to watch."
-- Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author

"Obuobi's emotionally insightful novel explores the tension between friendship and love." -- Washington Post

"Shirlene Obuobi's sophomore novel is a beautifully written depiction of being vulnerable enough to love deeply and be loved that same way in return. Between Friends & Lovers is sexy and heartfelt, and I still think about Mal and Jo all the time."
-- Riss M. Neilson, author of A Love Like the Sun

"If you delight in complex, charming love stories, this one's for you." -- Marie Claire

"Obuobi tackles the reality of being a medical professional, racial microaggressions, and the meaning of family. Between Friends & Lovers is at times heartwrenching, but, in the end, it is absolutely charming." -- Booklist (starred review)

"Obuobi's second novel is a powerful exploration of finding yourself. . . a vulnerable, page-turning tale about trust, mental health, and second chances. Read this book--doctor's orders." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"As a fan of Grey's Anatomy (and Chicago Med!), I couldn't put down On Rotation, and you won't be able to, either. Shirlene Obuobi makes you feel as if you're actually right there with the lovable Angie, and I personally couldn't get enough." -- Meg Cabot