Why Not Us? - by Naomi Rivers (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Jasmine and T have a lot to learn about love, loss, and the importance of family.

When Jasmine's best friend, Leslie, is diagnosed with cancer, there's no other place to run but straight into the chaos. She doesn't hesitate-fiercely holding Leslie's hand through doctor's appointments, rounds of treatment, and each quiet moment when nothing feels certain. But T, Jasmine's longtime girlfriend, doesn't see the fight in quite the same way. Where Jasmine forges headfirst into the storm, T steps back, unsure of how to stay connected when everything feels like it's falling apart.

The love they've fought for is at risk, caught between the heavy demands of illness and the emotional distance that's beginning to drive a wedge between them. Jasmine must navigate a fragile course to maintain balance at home and deal with a healthcare environment that often feels cold and impersonal. Facing this additional hurdle in Leslie's battle for survival, Jasmine can't help but wonder if supporting Leslie means losing T.

And then there's Portia-Leslie's nine-year-old daughter who's growing up in the shadow of her mother's illness. Jasmine has promised to protect her like her own, but it's harder than she imagined. Along the way, Jasmine and T's couple time gets overshadowed by a whirlwind of medical appointments, after-school activities, and family drama that threatens to engulf their relationship.

The strain of this new dynamic pushes them to confront their own insecurities. They're both trying to hold onto something precious, and it feels like they're each losing their grip. As Jasmine and T face the harsh realities of caregiving and sacrifice, can they keep it together long enough to discover if their relationship can survive the weight of it all?