Better Off Friends

Countless movies and stories have explored the issue of whether men and women can be friends without attraction getting in the way, but there's certainly room for this witty, well-crafted take. Eulberg is well known for her sweet, "clean" high-school romances (Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality, The Lonely Hearts Club), and this is her best so far. Inspired by Nora Ephron's When Harry Met Sally screenplay, Eulberg crafts a tale of bantering best pals, who, like Billy Crystal's Harry and Meg Ryan's Sally, prefer each other's company to any one else's -- including people they're supposed to be dating.

Because the point of view changes between the two main characters, it's easy to get caught up in Macallan and Levi's comedy of errors, miscommunication, and missed opportunities. It's obvious to readers, their parents, and even their dates, that they should be together, but taking that step when you have such intertwined lives is understandably frightening and risky. As each year progresses and their unresolved romantic tension continues, Macallan and Levi start acting skittish and uncomfortable around each other -- especially when it comes to their significant others (whom, no surprise, they're never that into). Eulberg does a good job of weaving their shared love of a fictional British comedy duo into the story line without making it obnoxious. Like the odd couple on the show they love, these two may not be much alike, but they share a remarkable, undeniable chemistry that will bring a smile to readers' faces.