A book you can read in one sitting, Between Friends and Lovers (2024) blends relationship fiction and romance effortlessly. Jo, an MD who provides health education via her social media platforms, has been in love with her best friend (and movie star) Ezra since college. After they have a falling out, Jo meets and connects with awkward writer Malcolm. With threads of connections, author Shirlene Obuobi pens a deep emotional novel set in Chicago.
Exploring the realities of mental health struggles, the powers and dangers of social media, career insecurities, and found family, this moving romantic novel will capture your attention—and you’ll be thinking about Jo and Malcolm after you’ve turned the last page.
Just for fun… the characters mention seeing the magnificent Bisa Butler exhibit at the Art Institute (which I did too!).