The Friendship Study

"Barrett writes with tremendous care for anyone who has ever felt lonely." —Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate

Jesse Logan doesn’t want a fresh start. He wants his old life back—before an injury made his career as a firefighter impossible, before his grandfather’s Alzheimer’s got so bad he doesn’t recognize Jesse anymore. When a friend tells him about a paid psychological study, Jesse sees it as a chance to get back to the man he was while making a little extra cash.

All Lulu Banks is asking for is a fresh start. Back home after a devastating breakup, she’s struggling to find her place. She’s always been a lot—too loud, too eager, too obvious about her feelings. The friendship study seems like a great idea…until she’s paired with Jesse Logan, who recently ghosted her after a blind date that led to a steamy make-out session.

Now that old familiar tension is back. Despite the program’s strict “no romance” rule, Jesse and Lulu are quick to find a work-around that allows them to explore their tenuous connection. And soon they’re on their way to total self-improvement…

As long as they don’t get caught.

Ruby writes steamy romances about big feelings. Mutual pleasure, pining, and healing are common themes in her books. She loves to read romance, lift weights, drink tea, and cackle with her friends. Ruby is a bi woman with ADHD living in Ottawa, Canada with her daughter, and her husband.You can find her at www.RubyBarrett.com.