A review by jonasreads
Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5 stars.

Some of my favorite things in this story!

*Childhood Friends to Lovers & Spicy 

*Disability & Queer Representation 

*Forced Proximity & Marriage of Convenience 

Our two main characters have been friends since childhood and now they are at a major crossroad in their life. A series of unfortunate events leads to them agreeing to a  Marriage of Convenience for health benefits and financial security— Honestly, so relatable in today’s world. However, now that they are around each other much more some feelings they may have both surpassed begin to bubble to the surface. 

While I am not typically a fan of the miscommunication trope, I feel like it was well done in this story. We get to experience the story from dual POVs as well as see snippets of their lives and some of the trauma that helps explain some of the flaws leading to their poor decision making. We even get to experience several events from both character perspective. It was not enjoyable witnessing them both continue to miss the plot with each other and excuse it all away, but it was understandable when you think about all of their collective experiences that lead to them being where they are. 

So, if you enjoy witnessing character make mistakes, learn, grow, and try again… This is a romance for you. 

This was a solid listen that was very well produced and excellently cast.