Breakaway Books

Authored by Shirlene Obuobi; Published July 2024; Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🏖️🏖️🏖️

I think that I am getting old. I know it’s a problem when I read not one but two romances focused on social media influencers romances in the span of a month. Still, if you have to read one, pick Between Friends and Lovers.

The novel not is framed around or even based on social media. But the heroine, Jo, has chosen to leave practicing medicine and has reluctantly entered the world of social media to educate the public on important health issues (and make a living). Jo is fierce and complicated, and her complex relationship with her mother is a highlight of this story. Without giving anything away, its evolution over the course of the story was touching.

However, unquestionably, my favorite element of this one is the hero, Malcolm. He is sensitive and passionate, while also managing to be loyal and fierce. He pursues his own dreams and supports Jo in hers. I challenge any reader not to fall in love with him. Yet, the crux of the novel is Jo, having to choose between him and her long-time friend who finally is willing to give a relationship with her a shot, returning a long unrequited love.

To me, Jo’s choice between Malcolm and her decade-long crush is a no-brainer. But that’s not how emotions work nor how friends work. The novel doesn’t shy away from how messy it can be to navigate the steps between friendship and romance, while managing some fun, glitzier moments with a surprise elevation to celebrity status for Jo.

All is not rainbows and butterflies for Jo though, and this novel addressed the toll of depression on men and women head on. I am a sucker for stories that deal realistically with mental health, and in this story, as in life, recovery takes time. I appreciate that that perspective came through clearly.

I raced through Between Friends and Lovers—and I’m confident that you will too.