A review by bookobsessedmommy
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi

emotional funny sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I had been kicking this one down the road because the love triangle pitch made me nervous, but I think this was really well done. There are some very predictable misunderstanding holes this could have fallen into, but Jo's relentles honesty wouldn't let it be so. I enjoying watching her and Mal learn and choose to trust each other. All the self-aware jabs at romance tropes were a nice touch, and the representation of high functioning depression felt honest. Mal is peak book boyfriend material, being earnest, kind, funny, a little neurotic, and not bad to look at. I love the portrayal of a young black doctor who is also beautiful, and how she navigates the world at large and ultra-rich white society specifically. That how-to guide for code switching at the opening painted a stark reality of where things were heading. The way virginity is handled is great, as its framed as being a personal choice about trust instead of a morality statement. And I LOVE how Mal is very clear with Jo about her wants and boundaries without infantilizing her. There is a strange bit at the very end

when Jo shows back up and randomly asks to move in with Mal (where the hell did that come from?)

, but I really enjoyed this one! Definitely keeping my out for more from Shirlene Obuobi.