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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Friends to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience, Found Family—these are some of my favorite tropes, and Marisa Kanter's Friends with Benefits weaves them beautifully into the story of Evie and Theo. While it took me a little time to fully immerse myself in the book, once I did, I couldn’t put it down.
What I appreciated most was how the characters' hesitation wasn't driven by typical miscommunication but rather by a thoughtful weighing of the pros and cons of taking their relationship to the next level. This added a layer of depth to their connection that felt genuine and refreshing.
If Friends with Benefits were a movie, it would definitely be my go-to comfort rom-com. It's the perfect blend of heart, humor, and the sweet tension of friends navigating the possibility of something more.
Thank you to Marisa Kanter, Celadon Books, and NetGalley for providing access to this Advance Reader Copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Mental illness, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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:
Yes
This was a fluffy rom-com style book. The emotions were well written—- guilt, grief, love, sadness, and longing— truly great. Another great part of the writing was the author’s ability to normalize chronic illness in a more realistic tone. And who doesn’t love a cutesy friends to lovers trope?
Thank you NetGalley for early access to this book! This book hooked me cause it mentioned that fans of Emily Henry would love it. I am, if not one of the biggest Emily Henry fans out there. And I’m happy to report, this book did not disappoint. It was sweet and tender and pulled on your heartstrings, while still supplying the comfortable, found family aspect that I love so much. The POV wasn’t my favorite, but the storyline and the characters made up for it. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting something that has the weight of a romcom but needing something a little deeper to get them in their feels!
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The idea of this book was dope honestly and I wanted to read it! This was a surprise that showed up in my mail and I wanted to read it asap! The whole movie thing was so messed up and then everything going on at the same time to end up with him asking her to marry him. They moved in and got married but we are learning that they had crushes on each other. We love a bi queen! I love them together I hope they get together! I don't get any physical arcs so this was my first, I love the cover and how it holds in my hands! The 'fake' movies are funny like live action Chicken little and the dr strange and Pooh musical! Hahah! Them! Everything falling into place. I really love the fact that they go back in time to explain situations and the fact that we also get both sides of most things is very interesting and I love it!! They are giving slow burn for sure with a side of miscommunication! Ugh Naomi! The spicy scene! Omg!!!! The progression of their relationship and the terrifyingness that is there deep for the both of them. They are too scared to try. The New York job and the petition for divorce! They kind of remind me of me and my husband especially with the medical stuff. Damn okay. The dad arguing with him was so needed. These damn characters are so stubborn and hard headed!! Just get together. The breakdown with pep. Her talking to her coworkers and then deciding to leave? The romantic plane moment and the ending? I'm so glad they got together, freaking slow burn!
Quote: "'Evelyn. Can you please stop acting like you know what I need? I'm telling you what I need. You. Any way I can have you. Every way I can have you. And that terrifies me! It always has, but I don't want to waste any more time pretending that I just love you, that I'm not also hopelessly in love with you. I want to be with you. Whatever that means. However you want me.'"
Rated it four out of five stars!
Quote: "'Evelyn. Can you please stop acting like you know what I need? I'm telling you what I need. You. Any way I can have you. Every way I can have you. And that terrifies me! It always has, but I don't want to waste any more time pretending that I just love you, that I'm not also hopelessly in love with you. I want to be with you. Whatever that means. However you want me.'"
Rated it four out of five stars!
emotional
sad
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This might be the most realistic fiction ever, with the characters getting married to be able to afford rent and get health insurance. It is a super sweet romance with two best friends, each thinking the other isn't in love with them. It also includes some fun description of Foley work in Hollywood. I would have read it in one sitting if I didn't have other responsibilities. Sigh.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Abandonment