Lovers And Friends

by Olivia Linden, Mel McKnight

“Get ready to be swept away by a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and sacrifice. Joey and Shane have been best friends since their college days, but they made a pact to remain “just friends” while they both pursued their goals. Little did they know that their bond would only grow stronger as they navigate through their careers and personal lives. But when their hearts start to lead them towards a romantic relationship, they must also confront external obstacles that threaten to tear them apart.

Amidst the glamour and chaos of the entertainment industry and the high stakes of professional sports, Joey and Shane must make a choice that could change their lives forever. As their emotions run high and their passions flare, the two must also face their fears of losing their precious friendship. Will they take the risk and pursue a romantic relationship, or will they play it safe and stay in the friend zone?

If you loved the passionate and heartfelt stories of "Brown Sugar" and "The Best Man", then this book is a must-read for you. Filled with steamy moments and emotional twists, this charming tale of love and friendship will leave you wanting more and rooting for Joey and Shane's happily ever after.”

Genres: Romance

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

About the author

Olivia Linden, a native New Yorker, was raised between Queens and San Antonio, TX. Her creative itch began when her elementary school principal posted one of her stories in the halls of her school. She was only eight at the time, but old enough to understand how integral writing would be to her future. From that moment on, reading and writing became her two greatest passions.

Olivia hasn’t stopped writing since she found her literary voice all those years ago. Jaded Hearts, her first published novel, mixes her big personality, with a sexy yet humorous tone. It is her philosophy that laughter is essential to making it through even the toughest situations.

Find your passion with Olivia Linden stories.


Website: queenofvibez.com
IG : @Vialinden
Twitter: @olivialinden2u
TikTok: @olivialindenauthor

Reviews

[Robyn Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall: 3.5
Spice: 3

This series was chaotic switching from past to present so if you aren't paying attention to you'll get confused on where you are at in the story. It's about a group of friends how they go from college to becoming successful adults. Each book in the story does happen during the same time but you'll discover a different version aspect of an event.

[vanicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovers and friends!
What a great book! I have loved this whole series! This one with Joey and Shane was absolutely beautiful! I loved the angst, banter, and slow growing romance!! These characters will always have you laughing and the spice was definitely spicy but oh so good!! I felt like this story line was so beautiful, I love when a man will take care of his woman emotionally and physically and everything in between! Friends then lovers and always and forever are my jam in a romance book! Great job to the author and I cannot wait for the next one!

[derrellee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the third book in the R&B series and my favorite so far. Olivia never misses and she is stellar in writing MMC's you can fall for . This installment follows our couple Joey and Shane who are friends to lovers . With flashbacks and a fire playlist to show you why they NEED to be together. Please check Olivia and other books in this series you won't be disappointed.

[Ajae Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

obsessed with this series

I'm obsessed with this series. I'm a sucker for friends group navigating life and love. Seeing Joey and Shane go thorough the motion of becoming friends and transforming into lovers. Was so great to read. Love it

[Amanda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane and Joey 😏🩷

[Leah the Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

if anyone is meant to be together, it’s Joey and Shane.

I used to say that I hated back and forth timelines but after finishing the third book in this series I realized that I just needed to see it done well. Reading Joey and Shane’s love story felt like I was taking the journey with them. The playlist, the chemistry. Chefs kiss. I can’t wait to read more stories by this author.

[Ayla Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes paths towards romance can be unconventional. And sometimes love can be the thing you know you feel but that you also run away from because it's scares the shit fuck out of you.

Joey and Shane have known each other a long time. They've been a steadying and encouraging force for one another with one goal in mind: help the other achieve greatness.

But when they achieve that goal and find themselves, what’s next for their friendship and connection?

A quick recap: Remy is for those hardcore lovergirls that dream of do overs, Jay is for the girlies that believe in the power of healing and a man that supports you through it, so where does Shane fall?

Shane is for the girlies who are looking for that body and soul love, the love that sucks you in pulls you into a whole universe where only the two of you exist. One where he realizes all that he needs is in front of him and no matter how big his career gets, it doesn't mean anything without her by his side.

It also doesn't help that Shane is a ravenous sex demon and Joey has a TIME every single time. 👀

Look, it's clear that I love me some Olivia and I love the men of the R&B series. As Jay's number one girl, I was not expecting to fall for Shane as hard as I did.

Lovers and Friends is about being someone's person. Supporting them and living with them in all the moments that life can throw at us. It's also about knowing when to stand aside and watch people grow into who they need to be. It's sweet and romantic, but also poignant, tackling some of life's bittersweet moments.

If you're looking for a romance that will make you feel all the feels, this is it! And don't be one of those weirdos who reads the books out of order, you definitely don't want to miss all the web weaving Olivia does into the other 2 novels.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

I started reading this during downtime at work and finished it later the same night. I got really into the depth of the feelings Joey and Shane had for each other. For the most part, I loved how Shane was about Joey (though I didn't like how he disrespected Dante, and how Joey didn't do much about it). Honestly, I felt for Dante in that situation. Thankfully though, I still ultimately rooted for Joey and Shane. Not only did I enjoy their relationship but those among the friend group as a whole. I liked how Joeys friends kept it real with her after the Dante situation while simultaneously coddling and giving support. I respected that.

As I tend to do (not purposely) I've started this series out of order, so I wasn't familiar with a lot of things that clearly took place in the previous two books. But I still dug it.

[J.R. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Nicole and Jay from book 2 might be my favorite couple, but I don't know now. In real life, I'm not about the messiness, but to read it, I was totally here for it! The spice was spicin' & the sex was sexin' as the book seamlessly flowed back and forth between past and present so the reader could get the full story of their sordid but destined relationship. In both previous books, you saw hints of the crazy that was about to ensue between these two, but you have no idea!
The whole R&B series will ignite that overwhelming desire for the '90s love that we all desire but can't seem to find anymore. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will leave the biggest smile on your face. The chemistry between the two main characters is what good relationships are built on. This follows Joey and Shane two professionals who met in college and have stayed very good friends, they have this friends and then some type of relationship 🤪. Even though they are madly attracted to each other they always just wanted to remain friends only so they won’t ruin their friendship. This book will have you giddy, shocked and sad at times. She did it again. The third book in the R&B series is fire 🔥

[_dulcekk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, the time has come

This was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the friendship prior to the relationship. Joey and Shane were solid friends prior to crossing the line to friends with benefits. Although Joey was adamant about Shane getting his house in order, she failed to acknowledge that she needed to do the same and that her faulty thinking also needed to be addressed. Joey was open with Shane but also guarded, which stemmed from her past familial issues and the need to have things happen a certain way. Happy they both got on the same page and were able to get their HEA.

[Crystal Luckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined to be together...

I was waiting for their story and it didn’t disappoint. Shane and Joey friendship was solid, and nothing could break it in the other books, but in their book, we got more and realized they had a lot more going on with them. I loved seeing them alone together and how much they really loved each other and took pride in sharing their moments only with each other. It was hard to watch at times because Joey did have a boyfriend, but her heart was always with Shane. I love this friend group and couldn't get enough of them!!!

[RandiLovesReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Shane loves Joey feels like a 90’s R&B song! He doesn’t hesitate to make sure she is taken care of in whatever way she needs. I could feel the tension between the two of them in the previous books of the series so to finally see their dynamic in this book was everything! I loved the way they loved each other and allowed one another to grow before they finally decided to be together. This story just gives all the bubbly warm feelings. ❤️

[Treasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

If like me , you have read the two previous books, then this book would’ve been the most anticipated story of trilogy. We met Shaun and Joey in the other books and their relationship was jarring, I just needed to know why they were behaving so suspiciously and awkward around each other. This story right here gives you all the details and more and I can reassure you that it is a beautiful writing journey .
I highly recommend you reading this book!!!

[Tiffany Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute messy read

I enjoyed this book. Joey and Shane were all over the place sneaking around with one another but it technically wasn’t cheating due to both of their relationship terms. I can understand why they were the way they were due to reading about their background. I love how they always showed up for each other. The ending was really cute. Glad they finally stopped playing games and did what they really wanted to do. I’ll be reading the next book.

[Ondria Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

glorius

I am in awe at the relationship of these 2. They did all they could to hide it. Great story. Loved the entire book. They were friends then best friends. An enjoyable little drama book worth reading every word.

Happy Reading‼️

[Strawberry Skies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane and Joey are a cute couple but they play too much! Stressed me out a few times, but it’s like you’re in the friend group too just waiting for them to finally click together and be HONEST about it. I wish that I could have read more!

[Books & Locs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I just love Shane & Joey together! Such a beautiful story ! Olivia did an amazing job taking us on the love journey! SN: Shane belongs to me 😬

[Sheereen Chittick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

The gave me butterflies, I really enjoyed reading about their love. Their story was so sweet. I can't wait to see what else olivia has store for us mext!

[Amy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected, Olivia never disappoints! I can always count on her for a 5 star read. She pick a better title for this book. I loved reading Joey and Shane’s backstory and seeing their story unfold!

[Nicole Delts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

The best one by far in my opinion. It showed the reality and depth of this friendship. My fave couple of the group.

[Onehellofalady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just as happy as the friend group because Shane and Joey should have beeeeeen together just like Nicole and jay but I loved their story and ending. Friendships build great relationships

[Maia68 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

This series gave us all the ups and downs in a healthy loving friendship, a growing friendship and long lasting love.

[Carey Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long As I Live!

This was a nice part of the series. I can not wait to read what happens next I the series.

[K. Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Baes Alert

Joey and Shane are defintely my book baes for sure. I felt this story deep and enjoyed reading every page.

[She Reads What She Wants · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure if there are enough words to describe how I felt reading this book!

To be real, I was stuck since Forever My Lady, and Lovers & Friends did not disappoint. You kept getting little glimpses into the relationship of these characters over the course of the series, but to get to their book and have everything broken down, my eyes were open!

It really gave me that sense of black love, and realness and understanding that this is just how things go sometimes! And as much as you try to go a different path, what is meant for you will always find its way to you. I know that this book made everyone put their binoculars on to go find themselves a Shane because he was the ultimate "i am not gonna play about you" type of man/

Do yourself a favor and read the entire series and fall in love with these characters because the books were well written, nostalgic, funny, sexy, and very good.

[Veroi83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Spoiler Alert!**

As soon as I finished *Given a Chance*, I was itching to dive into Shane and Joey’s story. They always had this air of mystery in the previous books, and I knew their journey would be epic—and it absolutely did not disappoint!

I loved how the story picks up right where we left off with Nicole and Jay. It was messy, messy, messy, and I was here for all the drama. Their relationship is such a wild ride, and it made the reading experience all the more exciting. Now I’m left wondering if we’ll be getting Kiko and Dom’s story next—I’m definitely ready for that!

Overall, I loved this installment just as much as the others. The only thing I missed was the playlist that usually accompanies the books. Despite that, it’s a fantastic addition that kept me engaged from start to finish! *Given a Chance* is still my favorite of the series.