What a fun and cute rom-com! I love the banter and the enemies-to-lovers, fake dating romance. Jess and Ben have great chemistry, and the banter is fantastic.

Tropes: fake dating, enemies to lovers and forced proximity.
🎓
Jess struggles connecting with new people. She’s shy and awkward around those she doesn’t know, but has always felt annoyance and attraction around star quarterback and rich boy, Benjamin Oliver. When Jess’s crush comes to stay with her and her older brother for the summer, she asks for Ben’s help. She needs to learn how to seduce someone and quick. Jess has zero experience in the field of dating and Ben is all too eager to help. As the two spend more and more time together over the summer they start to feel more than friends and definitely more than enemies.
☀️
This was definitely not what I thought it would be when I read it. Goodreads compares it to The Kissing Booth and Tweet Cute, which are both YA romances This is NOT for tweens or teens, in my opinion. I believe this falls firmly in the category of new adult romance as there are many, many steamy scenes. I enjoyed it once I realized it wasn’t going to be a YA title, but still found it a bit too long. I adored the cover and the sex positivity message! Fans of Cameron Lund will love this book.

CW: emotional parental abandonment

4.25⭐️

I really enjoyed this book. Unfortunately I do not think it is something we could keep in the high school library due to all the sexual activities discussed in the book. I liked that we had people coming from different backgrounds and having different futures as high school comes to an end and their futures are in front of them. I liked the teach me trope at the beginning of the book. That was.a cute way to see the relationship develop between the two characters. I had a feeling early on about the kind of twist about the brother's friend, so that was not too surprising, but I was not expecting Benjamin's second favor at the end.

A very cute tale that blends a mixture of tropes to create a new and exciting tale that feels and is original in its delivery. With likeable characters, its hard not to fall for this story!

Cute, fun, with delightful banter! This book is sure to be a hit with readers of the YA contemporary genre. This is a breath of fresh air.

Pick up this YA Romcom if you enjoy:
• Fake dating
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Coming of age

The plot is simple and yet there’s a lot of important messages scattered throughout the story and some of those felt very relatable. The easy writing style also makes me enjoy this one even more that putting it down is the last thing I want to do!

I adore the chemistry between the two main characters – Ben and Jessie. They’re so good together and I enjoy my time following them together – growing, bickering, exploring and opening up to each other.
I thought this one was going to be a really 'spicy' read based on the title but turns out it’s not that detailed/graphic.

The last performance and that long text message near the ending are my two favorite parts of the story. It warms up my heart when I read it.

Overall, this is a simple heart-warming story between two teenagers exploring new things especially regarding the topic of sex. Teenagers might find this book relatable and enjoyable!

This is a really wonderful book and I would definitely keep an eye out for the next book by this author in the future!

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read this great e-arc. i really enjoyed this story. This is my first read from this author but i would love to read more from her in the futures. The characters were written very well and likeable.

The chemistry between the protagonists is off-the-charts hot, sizzling with tension and undeniable attraction. Watching their relationship evolve from rivals to reluctant allies to something more was an absolute joy. Sharp does an excellent job of balancing the steamy romance with genuine emotional depth, creating a dynamic and compelling love story that kept me glued to the page.

Lydia Sharp's "Frenemies with Benefits" is a delightful romp through the ups and downs of friendship, romance, and the blurred lines in between. With witty banter, charming characters, and a healthy dose of humor, this novel is a breath of fresh air in the world of romantic comedies.

The story follows the lovably flawed protagonists, Lily and Alec, whose tumultuous relationship takes center stage as they navigate the complexities of love and friendship. From their hilarious banter to their undeniable chemistry, Lily and Alec leap off the page as they dance around each other in a game of cat and mouse that is as entertaining as it is endearing.

What sets "Frenemies with Benefits" apart is its authentic portrayal of modern relationships. Sharp deftly captures the nuances of friendship dynamics, exploring themes of loyalty, jealousy, and the unspoken rules that govern our interactions with those closest to us. As Lily and Alec grapple with their feelings for each other, readers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will keep them guessing until the very end.

But beyond the romance, "Frenemies with Benefits" is ultimately a story about growth and self-discovery. Sharp's characters are flawed and relatable, each on their own journey of personal development and transformation. As Lily and Alec confront their fears and insecurities, they learn valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.

Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and genuine heart, "Frenemies with Benefits" is a joy to read from start to finish. Sharp's sparkling prose and infectious charm make for an irresistible combination that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.

Whether you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers romances or simply looking for a feel-good read to brighten your day, "Frenemies with Benefits" is sure to hit the spot. Lydia Sharp has crafted a gem of a novel that is as entertaining as it is heartfelt – a perfect pick-me-up for anyone in need of a little romance and laughter. Highly recommended for fans of romantic comedies and stories that celebrate the beauty of friendship and love.

wishing i read this while i was still in my teens. i think i would’ve connected a lot more with the characters. nevertheless this was a good story and i enjoyed reading it

A young adult story of self-discovery and exploration told in a perfect opposites/enemies-to-lovers rom-com.

Jess is a shy, awkward girl whose beauty is overlooked due her frumpy style. She has zero boy experience and a huge crush on her brother’s hot college roommate who will be visiting for a month during Summer after she graduates high school.

Ben is the high school heartthrob and star quarterback who has a reputation with the ladies. Lots of them. He has also been Jess’s biggest nemesis their entire Senior year, prodding her every day at lunch.

Eavesdropping on Jess’s conversation with her best friend, Ben throws out an idea to help Jess land her college crush that couldn’t possibly work, could it? Four weeks of confidence building bedroom activity, with him. No strings. Well, except one.

First impression, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get past my literary pet peeves with this one but I was swept away with the story almost as quickly as the characters were introduced. Then suddenly those same concerns became part of the reason I inhaled this book in one sitting. The immature writing was necessary and appropriate. The young characters had depth and chemistry, the banter was entertaining and believable, the dialogue and spice were realistic and honest, the issues were genuine and relatable. There was a little bit of everything in this story, but without an underlying agenda. Part predictable yet still sweetly surprised in the end.

The cover snagged a hook in me. But the story made me sink. I was grinning whenever my heart strings weren’t being tugged. Try not to fall in love with Benjamin, if you can.

In this engaging enemies-to-lovers romance, Jessica harbors a crush on her older brother's best friend, Andrew. Eager to capture his attention during his summer visit, Jessica enlists the help of her friend/enemy Ben, who proposes a fake dating plan with added physical elements to make her stand out. While the premise is initially centered on questionable motivations, the story evolves as Jessica discovers more about Andrew. The plot unfolds predictably, but the characters, especially the transformation of Ben from a complex start to a sweet and genuine presence, add depth. The inclusion of safe sex discussions and consent reflects a positive aspect of the narrative. Overall, the book offers a lovely, sweet, and romantic tale with supportive friendships, making it an enjoyable read that leaves a smile on the reader's face.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This book was fun read. It was an enemies to lover, best friend dating so they are forced to be around each other. It made it tense and funny all at the same time. I was not sure what I was thinking of getting out of this but I found it and more. It takes place most after they have gotten out of high school. It is kind of the verge between YA and NA. I think it was worth the read. Jess was a fun character and made the book worth the read.

This was a fun YA hate to love romance. Jess turns into a mess when she sees a cute boy and wants to learn how to act so she can get past most of her dating and relationship first. She also wants to be able to talk to Andrew, her crush and her brother's friend. Benjamin is the bane of her existence but also the only person who might be able to help her. When Jess agrees to Benjamin's outrageous request to take lessons from him on dating, she reluctantly agrees. While they spend more time together and fake date, feelings become real but will she give up Benjamin for Andrew.

Jessica Webster wanted to catch the eye of the guy of her dreams, her older brother’s best friend, when they come to spend the summer with her at home. But with her innocence in all things relationships or otherwise, how would she get this college guy to notice her?

Frenemies with Benefits is full of fun and heartfelt moments alike that kept me flipping those pages as fast I could. As a mood reader, this fulfilled so many lighthearted romantic tropes I could ask for. Enemies to lovers! Fake dating! All the angst one could request with the miscommunication. To become a catch, Jess agrees to learn the ropes from her rival, Benjamin Oliver, a known player and all around annoying guy. Little does she know, no strings attached is rarely so simple.

In the vein of Cameron Lund’s The Best Laid Plans, the journey our main character takes from innocent girl to one who knows what she wants was fascinating. Jessie was at times very insecure about her ability to attract a guy emotionally so she put so much into the physical skills to draw Andrew’s eye. I found it was a fine balance to have Jess uncertain about herself and going overboard with her insecurities. But she really came out of her own head when in the presence of Ben. Their banter was absolutely everything. I loved his smirks and her savagery. While Jess said she hated him a lot, I mean, we all knew it wasn’t really right? Although we didn’t get Ben’s POV (would’ve been pretty great, I’m not gonna lie), there was always this sense that he saw her more highly than their apparently horrible first meeting that set them down the path of “enemies”.

The story started out as simply no strings attached kind of a deal, but Lydia kept it steamy without the explicit details. It wasn’t exactly fade to black but the wording was careful to maintain PG-13 so the emotions of such scenes are not taken away in the haze of lust. I appreciated this for the story it was trying to tell, especially surrounding someone’s first time and all the emotions that come with it. The growth Jessie took emotionally, not just sexually, carried the story for me.

As with most no strings attached stories, complicated emotions or unexpected wrenches get thrown into the plan. From here the story gives us some fake dating as well that continues to show the vulnerability of both Ben and Jessie beyond the physical attraction. I felt the pacing and transition was great as nothing dragged on too long before moving with the progression of their relationship. The writing and plot overall is definitely catered to younger readers in the YA genre but I still enjoyed it for what it was. If you’re fans of The Best Laid Plans and Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series, this one’s for you.

Overall Recommendation:
Sometimes you want a book that’s purely fun and full of tropes you enjoy. Frenemies with Benefits gives exactly that, with enemies to lovers and fake dating and plenty of angst stemming from miscommunication. While the premise is pretty full of steamy stuff, the author takes care to write about first times and sexual experiences in a thoughtful manner without the explicit detail to focus on a teen’s thoughts and feelings through her romantic journey. A quick read all around but a fun one I truly needed at this moment in time.

This book had so much potential: the clear boundaries and consent on the page, the sweet evolution of their relationship, the banter and sass, and, of course, the friend group. My only complaint was their ages; this novel made me a little uncomfortable as I have a child the same age on the MMC, and let me be honest, I want to pretend he is not there yet, so if you had made them college-age and contemplating grad school, this would have been a 5star for me.

Okay. I liked the idea of this book. It's perfect for the time in my life. I like that the love wasn't too unrealistic, aside from when she switches suddenly from Andrew to Ben because of [spoilers] but other than that it was fun. Not a huge fan of the cover, though. I think it would have been better in a different style.

This book was so much fun! I enjoyed how sex positive this book was and how much consent was talked about! It is a book I highly recommend and encourage all high schoolers to read. It was informative without being heavy. All around 10/10!!

Cutest YA romcom, but touches the borders of NA! Entangled sure knows to pick the best original stories!

As a huge fan of the Enemies To Lovers trope, I was onboard immediately. Frenemies with Benefits" by Lydia Sharp is a contemporary romantic comedy that explores the dynamics and conplexities of relationships. The story revolves around the theme of "enemies to lovers" and "fake dating," with a focus on sexuality, trust, and communication. The book was a refreshingly healthy portrayal of real relationships, with humor and swoon-worthy moments thrown in. If you are a fan of realistic and modern romance, this is the book for you!