A review by tristatereader
The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

HAPPY RELEASE DAY to Ruby Barrett and this gem of a book, The Friendship Study! 

Lulu and Jesse are a couple of millennials just trying to hold it all together after life-altering events. Lulu’s being betrayal by an ex-partner and ex-bestie, which resulted in her leaving her life in the UK and returning to the US to live with her parents. And Jesse’s being the loss of his firefighting career after a car accident left him with a physical disability. The two are capital L Lonely and having a hard time adjusting to their new lives. 

Enter their mutual friend (and Jesse’s ex!) George, who is a PhD student at the University in which Lulu is a professor. He sets Lulu and Jesse up on a less than stellar blind date that ends as awkwardly as it began. Although the date was a bust, Lulu and Jesse end up agreeing to be part of George’s academic study about millennial friendships. The two already know that their physical chemistry is off the charts. But as they open up to one another and the friendship grows, the emotional connection is undeniable. 

I enjoyed this book so much and my little millennial heart was bursting with relatability. Some of the many topics in this book that were executed flawlessly were feelings of loneliness, bisexuality rep, neurodivergence, and chronic pain. I also loved how accurately Alzheimer’s disease was portrayed in this book. And in case you needed even more reason to pick this one up, there’s a rescue cat named Betty. You’re welcome. Equal parts funny, emotional, and spicy, this is one you don’t want to miss.

The Friendship Study is out TODAY!!! 🥳

Thank so you much to Harlequin Publicity Team and Harlequin Books for a gifted copy of this book