I didn’t know how I was going to feel about this book, but I really ended up liking it so much! I really felt connected to the characters and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Oh my goodness this book! I could not fut it down from start to finish. It was a seriously adorable #romcom and far too easy to read and enjoy.!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did so I was definately surprised. I was laughing and smiling throughout. I loved the characters, especially Ben! What a cute little bean he was. If you tell me a book is enemies-to-lovers with secrets, fake dating, and an amazing friend circle then I'm absolutely going to read it. That's right up my street! I will say my favorite part of the book was how the author wrote about the sex. It was done in a way that is relatable, with the questions and the discovery of what the FMC likes. She showcased that it's okay to say no, to be open about what you want with your partner, how to be safe and even afttercare.

I think parents would benefit by using this book to help discuss the topic of sex with their teenagers.

Overall, this was a really cute story.

A Fun, Light-Hearted Rom-Com with Heart – 4 Stars

*Frenemies with Benefits* by *Lydia Sharp* is the perfect feel-good rom-com for anyone looking for a quick, fun read with a generous helping of humour and charm. Jess Webster’s awkwardness around boys and her very relatable desire to take charge of her love life make her an instantly likeable protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning.

The plot is simple yet captivating. Jess has had a massive crush on Andrew for years, but she's not quite ready to make her move on him. Instead, she decides to "practice" her skills on Benjamin Oliver – the very annoying, very hot quarterback who's as much of a pain in her life as he is a source of confusing attraction. Their “business-with-pleasure” arrangement is full of snarky banter, awkward moments, and, of course, undeniable chemistry. Jess’s journey from awkwardness to self-confidence was both funny and heartwarming, and I enjoyed watching her figure out what she really wanted in her love life.

Benjamin, as the classic “jock with hidden depths,” is equally as charming. I loved how the author peeled back the layers of his character, revealing that he wasn’t just the annoying guy he initially seemed to be. The dynamic between him and Jess is funny and sweet, with just the right amount of tension and playfulness to keep things interesting. As they navigate their arrangement, both Jess and Benjamin start to question whether what they have is more than just practice or a fleeting summer fling.

The romance is sweet, but what really made this book enjoyable for me was the humour and the way Jess’s character grew. The witty dialogue and the light-hearted, relatable tone of the story made it a fun, breezy read. I appreciated how the author explored the complexity of Jess’s emotions, particularly her awkwardness around guys and her eventual realisation of what she truly wants in a relationship.

If there’s one thing that kept me from giving it a full five stars, it’s that the plot could feel a bit predictable at times. However, the characters were so engaging and the banter so enjoyable that I didn’t mind it too much. Plus, the ending wrapped up beautifully, leaving me with a satisfied smile on my face.

Overall, *Frenemies with Benefits* is a delightful and entertaining read, perfect for anyone looking for a fun, romantic escape with a dose of humour. If you’re in the mood for a charming, laugh-out-loud rom-com with a touch of sweetness, this book is definitely worth picking up.

I really hate this book. I found it to be hilarious and well planned out. Both characters were kind of similar but different in the sense that they had really intense tension between them but they also had similar passions that they didn't want to accept the other one had. I enjoyed the feeling of competition between them throughout the story and found that the way they're friends kind of push them together as a joke to be hilarious.

I loved this book.

Jess is a funny RELATABLE mc who I feel like many teens can relate to. The banter between her and Benjamin is fun and has you rooting for them.

But I mean brother’s best friend? Benjamin has his work cut out for him once they realize it’s no longer fake. Because let’s be real that’s one of favorite tropes 😅

Anyone I really liked this one.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

This book was so fun and super cute!! I loved the dynamic between the two main characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

4.5 ⭐️

Ahhhh, I love Ben and Jess. They're so sweet.

This book is very mature for being about 2 recently graduated high school students. It has a very positive view of sex and I liked that it was realistic in its portrayal of how young people date now. I also like that the author made sure to include consent in their agreement.

Plotwise, it kept me engaged the whole time. From the benefits stage to the fake dating, the characters kept the same flirty banter through it all, and you could feel their connection change. They're very well suited, and I'm glad we got to see a whole summer of development for that relationship.

I did dock .5 ⭐️ because it felt rude to ben that the second she realised Andrew wasn't happening, she started messaging him. But to be fair, it was very clear that she knew she had feelings for Ben before that and was too scared to tell him in case he felt differently.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and will be looking forward to checking out the authors future work.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Lydia Sharp, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

It did take me a while to finally finish this book after previously DNFing it, but when I did finally finish it, I loved it. The plot was great, I don't think this should be in a young adult section of my local public library but that's fine.

This was a really cute YA romance that touched on the subjects of realistic views of romance and relationships.

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