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A review by tastefulcardigan
Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter
funny
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
3.5
Evie Bloom and Theo Cohen have been best friends for most of their lives. When Evie, a Foley artist, is offered a prestigious fellowship that could be a turning point in her career, she’s forced to make a difficult decision. The opportunity comes without health insurance, and living with Crohn’s disease means going without coverage isn’t an option.
Theo, a public school teacher with excellent benefits and rent he can no longer afford, proposes a solution: they get married. It’s a practical arrangement—nothing more. But there’s a complication neither of them wants to admit out loud: they’ve been in love with each other for years.
Now, sharing a home and a legal commitment forces them to confront what they’ve been avoiding.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
What I loved:
Theo was so charming! He was cute, dependable, and the way he kept showing up for Evie was incredibly endearing. Basically, the perfect book boyfriend—total swoon material. Who wouldn't want to marry a former dancer and current elementary school teacher? I also really enjoyed the flashbacks to the early days of their friendship- from both POVs. There were lot's of missed opportunities that felt realistic when they were young. They added a nice emotional layer and made the progression of their relationship feel more grounded. I also appreciate that the author included a realistic representation of chronic illness. The depiction of life with Crohn’s, and the impossible choices people face under the broken U.S. healthcare system, felt honest and important. Not to mention the medical gaslighting that is especially so prevalent for women. So many people can relate—or know someone who can.
What didn’t quite land:
Evie was a bit of a struggle for me, especially in the last third of the book. Her choices during the third-act breakup felt more like forced drama than something rooted in reality. The choices she made didn't seem age appropriate at all. I had a hard time relating to her concerns, and honestly, even the other characters in the book seemed confused by her actions—and I was right there with them. I wanted to shake her by the end! It pulled me out of the story a bit and weakened the emotional impact of the ending.
As far as the voice actors go, I enjoyed the production although sometimes when they tried to do an old person accent or NYC accent it felt a little silly but overall I think they did a great job.
Still, there’s a lot to appreciate here, especially if you enjoy friends-to-lovers, fake marriage tropes, and heartfelt stories with a dose of real-world issues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Theo, a public school teacher with excellent benefits and rent he can no longer afford, proposes a solution: they get married. It’s a practical arrangement—nothing more. But there’s a complication neither of them wants to admit out loud: they’ve been in love with each other for years.
Now, sharing a home and a legal commitment forces them to confront what they’ve been avoiding.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
What I loved:
Theo was so charming! He was cute, dependable, and the way he kept showing up for Evie was incredibly endearing. Basically, the perfect book boyfriend—total swoon material. Who wouldn't want to marry a former dancer and current elementary school teacher? I also really enjoyed the flashbacks to the early days of their friendship- from both POVs. There were lot's of missed opportunities that felt realistic when they were young. They added a nice emotional layer and made the progression of their relationship feel more grounded. I also appreciate that the author included a realistic representation of chronic illness. The depiction of life with Crohn’s, and the impossible choices people face under the broken U.S. healthcare system, felt honest and important. Not to mention the medical gaslighting that is especially so prevalent for women. So many people can relate—or know someone who can.
What didn’t quite land:
Evie was a bit of a struggle for me, especially in the last third of the book. Her choices during the third-act breakup felt more like forced drama than something rooted in reality. The choices she made didn't seem age appropriate at all. I had a hard time relating to her concerns, and honestly, even the other characters in the book seemed confused by her actions—and I was right there with them. I wanted to shake her by the end! It pulled me out of the story a bit and weakened the emotional impact of the ending.
As far as the voice actors go, I enjoyed the production although sometimes when they tried to do an old person accent or NYC accent it felt a little silly but overall I think they did a great job.
Still, there’s a lot to appreciate here, especially if you enjoy friends-to-lovers, fake marriage tropes, and heartfelt stories with a dose of real-world issues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.