Queen B’s Decree: The Friendship Study gave me a lot of warm, fuzzy feelings. Even though I did cry at one point.
Lulu and Jesse have an awkward blind date then unexpectedly meet up at a psychological study on the local college campus about the current generation having a hard time making friends. The rules of the study say there cannot be any romantic entanglements between any study participants…so Lulu and Jesse decide to try friendship.
And I loved the way their friendship developed. They both have their own problems; Jesse, dealing with his Grandfather’s Alzheimer’s and feeling adrift after no longer physically able to be a firefighter. And Lulu, imposter syndrome and feeling like she doesn’t fit anywhere. And slowly, they become friends, developing a real emotional connection…while secretly crossing the line with a little bit of “benefits.”
The third act break-up was painful but god, I love a good grovel so that made up for it.
Props to the wonderful bi representation. I’ll happily read more from this author. Thank you to Harlequin Books for the review copy.
Book: The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett
Series: standalone
Genre: Contemporary
Hotness: medium salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: friends-to-lovers