I really wanted to love this one more 😭 genuinely sad I didn’t.

💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Slow burn
💜 Marriage of convenience
💜 Chronic illness rep
💜 Mental health rep

Thinks I liked: chronic illness rep, which I feel we don’t see enough. As someone with an autoimmune disorder, I greatly appreciated the inclusion. On that note, I also appreciated the commentary on the absolutely broken healthcare system of our country. I also loved Jacob and his character development (albeit as a side character), Pep and Mo!, and the (eventual and long time coming) HEA.

Things I didn’t love: the toxic behaviors exhibited throughout, Evie’s immaturity, all the miscommunication and/or general lack of adult communication, a bunch of superfluous side plots, and the slow pacing and repetitive nature of the story.

⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you Celadon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Evie is selected for a fellowship opportunity, she’s quick to spot the catch: there are no health benefits, and for someone with a chronic illness it a no. Theo is an elementary school teacher who can't afford to live on his own. But there is one loophole in his lease: each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless the tenants are married. So Evie & Theo enter a marriage of convenience situation.

Friends to lovers isn't my usual cup of tea, but I genuinely loved this one.

Friends since childhood, Evie & Theo have held a touch for each other but nothing ever came close to taking it further, except maybe their 2nd kiss that happened years ago which they still don't talk about.

I loved how both friends to lovers & marriage of convenience tropes came into play here. It fitted well with the theme and the angst was next level. I think both of them knew what the other had to give up in case they gave this relationship a chance in the past, that's why they didn't act upon it. I appreciated the backstory & how their romance blossomed.

<i>Thank you publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.<i>

I have such mixed feelings about this book. I loved parts of it and other parts made so mad. Evie and Theo are perfect for each other, and I hated hearing about past lovers and relationships. That’s a personal pet peeve but I felt like Evie especially spent too much time for me just talking about wanting other people instead.

The supporting characters were interesting and diverse. I looooved Theo’s students. I thought the third act break up was too extreme - they both say some truly terrible stuff, and I don’t think the conversation about it was really enough for me to get over it as a reader

I was excited and had hopes but it just wasn’t for me. I liked the MMC but FMC was frustrating - they both were at times. YA book with a touch of politics. Not a terrible read, just wasn’t for me!

🎶 Life long friends, Evie and Theo, agree to marry so that Evie, who suffers from a chronic illness, can take advantage of Theo’s affordable health insurance when she takes a low paying benefit-less fellowship in her career field. Playing at marriage turns into something more when the two friends admit that their feelings for each other are more than platonic.

I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to throw this book across the room. I adored Theo and Evie‘s dynamic but their stubbornness and avoidance were beyond frustrating. However, the authentic navigation of chronic illness, grief, and forgiveness, and the honest vulnerability of the characters kept me coming back for more. This is a hard-hitting romance with depth that had me believing in soul mates.

Check this one out if you like an angsty romance with chronic illness representation. Pairs well with non-dairy ice cream, a box of tissues, and an episode of Survivor.

Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I didn't connect to the characters, and I had a hard time following some of the time jumps. It also felt a little too political (healthcare, the education system) for a RomCom. I did enjoy learning about Foley, and there was a lot of great representation: Jewish, LGBT, and chronic illness
2.5 ⭐️.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

3.75/ 5 Stars (rounded to 4)

It’s a cute, friends-to-lovers story with banter and emotional moments. Evie and Theo have chemistry, and their friendship felt super genuine. Their situation with marriage of convenience to help Jasmine (who has Crohn's disease) be covered with health insurance seemed believable (I know people who have done it) since insurance America does suck (be prepared for the a political opinion on it). I felt there were moments that were a bit more on the younger YA side, especially in the dialogue that could've been flushed out more. I also would’ve loved to see more from the side characters as they seemed like interesting but they just felt underdeveloped. But the Jewish representation and pop culture references were a nice touch. This is not a light hearted read, but if you love friends-to-lovers romance then you should give this one a try.

I really enjoyed the story and the extremes they were willing to to secure an apartment! I believe highlighting their childhood trauma and how they were working through things in therapy was an excellent addition. Also highlighting chronic illnesses, how often women are overlooked on health concerns and the loss of a parent early were all additions that added depth to the story.

Of course the miscommunication and refusal to share feelings drove me crazy. The characters were likeable, but you definitely wanted to yell at them sometimes. Mo & Pep were top tier.

This was definitely an enjoyable story that took you on a ride of emotions. I will be recommending it, for sure!

Overall 3.5 stars for me. A classic best friends to lovers story that really finds you rooting for them every page you turn! Thank you to Netgalley, Marisa and Celadon Books for the eARC!!

What to Expect:
⭐ Friends to lovers Trope
⭐ Close proximity
⭐ Unplanned marriage of convenience
⭐ Drastic changes to future plans
⭐ Life events that impact friendship, love and family relationships.
⭐ Figuring out who you are, healing from past traumas and finding love in friendship.

Note: The author does discuss their political views in this story. Additionally, there are topics of chronic illness, cancer and discussions of the US healthcare system, as well as

My Thoughts:
With a raving review from Katherine Center I came in with big giant hopes for this one. It was definitely lovely overall just not a top favorite read for me. I loved the story of the friendship of main characters Theo + Evie. That they built such a strong bond through friendship over many years. I loved their journey in to adulthood and finding their ways individually but then also as they come together to support each other. With an unplanned change due to amazing opportunities for both of them, decisions they make will change their friendship forever. I loved the premise and the way the story unfolded, however there were times this was veryyyy slow for me. Periods when I really wanted to DNF, but I am glad I stuck it out to see how it ended!

Synopsis:
Evie Bloom pays attention to the details. Her very job depends on it—as an aspiring Foley artist, she’s responsible for every crisp footstep, smacking kiss, and distinct sound in film and television. So when she’s selected for a fellowship opportunity that would make all her career dreams come true, she’s quick to spot the catch: there are no health benefits, and for someone with a chronic illness, that’s a non-starter.

Theo Cohen is an elementary school teacher who can't afford to live on his own in LA, and is facing eviction after his roommates couple up and move out of their rent-controlled apartment. But there is one loophole in his lease: each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless the tenants are married.

For Theo, the answer is obvious. Marry Evie, his best friend since forever. It’s not as if they don’t spend all their free time together anyways. Not only will Theo be able to keep his apartment, but Evie can be added to his insurance plan so she can accept her dream fellowship. It’s such a logical, practical solution. Never mind that Evie doesn’t really want to be married—not to Theo, not to anyone—ever. Or the small, complicating fact that Theo has always been a little bit in love with Evie.

But it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Marriage. It will just give them space to breathe, and much-needed relief from the daily financial stress. It won’t change anything.

It’s . . . going to change everything.

I enjoyed this book but didn’t love it. I loved Theo and I loved the angst and depth of this book. It tackles tough topics and conversations in a mindful way. The weak link in this book was Evie. She started being so unlikable. The only reason I didn’t completely dislike her and the romance was because of their ages. I would normally say she needed therapy but she was in therapy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Celadon Books & Marisa Kanter for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The fact that this title has NOTHING to do with spice and EVERYTHING to do with what's messed up about American Healthcare really irks me, okay!? With that said- BRILLIANT TITLE.

Evelyn and Theo's long history is told so well in this through dual POV and flashback chapters. My heart was breaking with the miscommunication they struggled through in the flashbacks (as per usual while our MCs are so young!) I loved how intertwined into Theo's family Evelyn was and loved watching them survive though US economy issues as a team. I found Evelyn's career to be so interesting- I love learning about niche jobs in books!

Friends with Benefits had potential, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I really wanted to love this one—especially with the premise promising a nostalgic friends-to-lovers arc—but it took a while for the story to get going. I almost DNFed multiple times before the 30% mark, but it does pick up after that.

The disability rep felt really forced, as if it was included just to check a box rather than being meaningfully woven into the story. Similarly, the numerous LA landmarks and tie-ins, rather than adding atmosphere, often pulled me out of the narrative. It felt like the book was trying to follow an Emily Henry-style formula, but it lacked the emotional spark and depth that makes her stories so compelling.

That said, I loved the flashbacks of the characters as kids and teens. They added genuine warmth and helped build their love story in a believable, heartfelt way. I just wish the ending had been drawn out more—the HEA felt rushed, more like an epilogue than a fully satisfying conclusion.

Overall, a decent read with some sweet moments, but not one that fully delivered on its promise.

I so badly wanted to enjoy this but my anxious little heart couldn’t handle all the angst 🥲

I normally love friends to lovers but these idiots refused to communicate at every opportunity and it was so frustrating to read about their unhappy lives based on their own decisions to fuck up their main source of happiness.

All that said! Clearly this book was well written, enough so to really piss me off lol. So while this one wasn’t for me, if you are into angst I do think you’ll enjoy this one

So much thrown at you without anything really happening. This book’s pacing is way off and it was difficult to get into it because the FMC was so unlikeable and so immature. I wanted to enjoy this but eventually gave up about halfway through when it just failed to hold my interest. This one was not for me.

✨ 5⭐ ARC REVIEW ✨
📚 Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter — out today!

I was so honored to receive an ARC of this beautifully written, emotionally rich friends-to-lovers romance—and I’m still not over it. This book wrecked me in the best way. I’m not someone who typically cries while reading, but this one had me wiping away real tears. 😭

What made this story even more meaningful? The main character is a dancer (just like me 💃), and the love interest is a 4th grade teacher (also me 👩‍🏫). I felt so deeply connected to both of them that I didn’t want to let them go. Their love story felt honest, vulnerable, and unforgettable.

On top of that, the quotes in this book? Absolutely amazing. I couldn’t stop highlighting. Every page felt like it had a line I wanted to save forever. ✨

Friends with Benefits also doesn't shy away from heavier themes—it sensitively explores toxic family dynamics and includes authentic representation of Crohn’s disease. That emotional depth only made me love the characters more.

I truly couldn’t put this one down, and I highly recommend you pick it up too.

"I know it’s invisible, so sometimes it’s easy to forget that I’m sick..."

"Loving Evelyn Bloom has always been as effortless, as necessary, as breathing. But if he loses her...How will Theo breathe?"

“I never said don’t follow your dreams...” “But, Theo...Is she not a part of that dream?”

I was in tears by the 3rd paragraph of the very real, emotional Friends With Benefits, by the thought-provoking and tender hearted writing of debut adult romance author, Marisa Kanter.

If you follow my page you may know I have Crohn's Disease. Opening with Evie, missing part of an important event to rush to the bathroom, had my life passing in front of me.

Fortunately, for Evie, she has had her best friend since childhood, Theo, understanding she often has to cancel when her Crohn's flares up. Theo doesn't mind. He's quietly loved Evie forever.

When he might lose his condo, and she needs health insurance, they get married to help each other. It's just best friends watching Survivor and rooming together...until it's not.

Voice actress Gail Shalan deserves awards.
The breaks in her voice during Evie's pain, physical and emotional, broke me. I was blown away by the voice actor GM Hakim and his ability to convey so much hurt just with the tenderness in his voice.

It's a slow burn friends to lovers romance balancing on the pain of lost dreams and grief. It's a reality check on how the chronically ill can't afford to be sick. It's also a beam of hope in redirecting your path and overcoming your fears. Thank you Marisa for showing that we are not our disease. It's a part of us; but not the most important part, that would be our heart and the benefits of the friends we love.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance that tackles serious themes like chronic illness, grief, and the broken U.S. healthcare system, all while delivering sweet, slow-burn chemistry. Evie and Theo’s long-standing friendship forms the emotional core of the book, and their fake marriage for health insurance and housing feels both timely and poignant. The dual POV and flashbacks enrich the story, but some readers may find the pacing slow and Evie’s character frustrating. Still, Theo’s patience and warmth shine throughout. While imperfect, this story blends humor and heart in a relatable, modern love story

Thank you to Marisa Kanter, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for this Advanced Reading Copy of Friends with Benefits.

There is so much to like about this book. I like that the characters are well developed and that they evolve as the book progresses. At first you think Theo is the more put together of the two, but you see Evie’s strength the more the book progresses. Both characters have dealt with family trauma, and their family trauma affects their marriage in many ways.

Theo and Evie plan a marriage of convenience. He needs a roommate, she needs a place to stay, and she needs benefits. They have been best friends since they were children and met at Ms. Stella’s Dance Studio. They connected, and that connection formed a friendship that lasted through Chrohn’s diagnosis (Evie), mom's cancer battle and eventual death (Theo), and moves and jobs. They think they will still be able to hook up with others and the marriage with be in name only, for convenience. But…..

Friends with Benefits is predictable, but fun. The spice isn't a lot, but enough to give the plot a fun spin. Friends who have loved each other for a LONG time, trying to think that falling in love while married will not happen, but it does. They just have to decide if it’s worth it.

I got an ARC of this book from NetGalley! I enjoyed this a lot. I really like the best friend trope, because it feels like it would be the best case scenario. Theo and Evie’s relationship spans decades and is so beautifully developed. I loved the inclusion of the medical stuff. It was so real and relatable. The family trauma was so deep and beautiful and heartbreaking. The two main characters found each other in the outlet they had away from pain. The loss of that and the way they found other joys was really poignant and lovely. I liked the evolution of their friendship and relationship and that continued through the story. And I also liked the way they were imperfect in a relatable way; when you’re mad and you say or do things you don’t mean to, regrets you hold onto for years, the emotional manipulations you endure for people you love without really realizing it, and the way you can hold onto the “truths” you know, whether they’re still true or not. Overall I very much enjoyed this book and will recommend it widely!

Lifelong friends Evie and Theo need each other ~ he needs to keep his apartment and she needs health insurance. The obvious solution is to get married and I do usually love a marriage of convenience 😊

Evie is a Foley artist, which is a really cool job I hadn’t heard of before this book, with a chronic illness that dictates so much of her life. Evie’s world has a lot going on, with parental abandonment issues, her career, her relationships. Theo is an elementary school teacher with a genuine heart and maturity. He is steady, supportive, constant and always looks out for Evie.

Such a great premise, such a great balance between the two personalities, seems like it should be an easy win…

The dual timelines showing their history was well done and did a really good job of giving insight into how they came into their current dynamic.

I honestly just didn’t like Evie. She came across as self-centered most of the time and continually pushed Theo away. You’re dating someone? I’ll sleep with your roommate. You’ll come with me across the country to a family event for moral support where I may see my mother who abandoned me? I’m going to spend the day with my F*ck Buddy. Theo deserved better.

The story itself was fine and may be a perfect light, quick read for someone who may have a different take on Evie.