A review by jaylajohnson
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi

5.0

Is this the start of me becoming a romance girlie?? LOVED this from the very first page. The Chicago setting made it fun with being able to recognize all the spots the author mentioned. I enjoyed reading about a black woman where her character wasn't just focused on her confidence and "strength" but all her nuanced vaults and vulnerability were highlighted too. Mal was the most refreshing fictional black man ever to grace my pages (thoughtful, intentional, has healthy views on relationships, goes to therapy, is a runner, like ??? need I say more?!). My new bookshelf tag "marry me pls" was created because of him. Some deeper themes too on depression and social anxiety and burnout were entwined really well into Jo and Mal, and made them relatable. What ultimately sold me on this story was that the author didn't rely on any of the typical romance tropes. There wasn't any instant love, no brooding sulking "bad boys" trying to win over Jo, no miscommunication causing drama. Instead, the focus was on being intentional with your actions when dating and being honest and upfront from the jump, which I think really made this unique. So this is a 2024 favorite!! Highly recommend for contemporary fic and romance fans.