Very fun book. I love seeing love stories with great representation. I appreciated the way the characters were written.

Frenemies with Benefits is the latest book in the Peachtree Cove series, set in a small town in Georgia. Tracey is the owner of the local B&B who is in the process of divorcing her high-school sweetheart husband after he cheated on her with her former employee and fathered a baby. Business is going well (minus her new front desk help Jessica) though Tracey has been a bit absent minded giving all she has going on - luckily for her, Brian, the nursery owner, is happy to accommodate when she forgets to put in a necessary order. Brian has held a bit of a torch for Tracey since high school but she has always assumed he was judging her a bit. Per any good romance novel, sparks happen.

I think that the term "frenemies" here in the title is a bit of a misnomer, since it's mainly just Tracey making an assumption about Brian having any judgement about her. Overall, the book was alright but wasn't really my cup of tea. I wasn't super invested in the characters - they fell a bit flat to me. I was happy about the resolution with Tracey and Brian's former flames at least. I usually read a whole series in order but after receiving this book as an ARC, I read the first book which had been on my TBR and realized that it just may not be my thing so I skipped over the second book. I feel like there was probably a bit of detail I missed (like the affair) but since I didn't really resonate with the first book I didn't want to end up not getting through the second one anyway.

I don't have a firm way to express what didn't do it for me here, so I don't want to yuck on someone's yum; I just personally wouldn't recommend. Either way, I'd like to thank Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced reader's copy of this!

This was a 3.5 star for me.

I was drawn to this book by the title and the description; however, this book was more than just a frenemy with benefits situation. Bernard cheating on Tracey and getting her business partner pregnant was just the fuel she needed to throw on the first that had already been growing for her to finally leave the toxic marriage she was in. Once the divorce was finalized she was able to become the "new Tracey" and do things she would never have done in her marriage to satisfy Bernard. While she viewed Brian as a frenemy and someone who was always there to witness her downfalls and embarrassing moments, he viewed her as someone who was strong and didn't put up with anyone's mess.

The title of the book was a little deceiving as the "frenemies with benefits" aspect of the book did not seem to carry through as when the arrangement finally did occur in the book it wasn't really mentioned all the often. The focus seemed to be more on Tracey and her trying to expand her business and build her self-esteem. While I appreciated the way Tracey came out her shell and started living for herself including expanding her business, the constant mention of her self-doubt and insecurities because of Bernard and her past became repetitive and a little annoying.

I enjoyed Brian and Tracey's relationship with each other and how he showed her the right way to be treated in a relationship that neither of them thought they wanted, but I felt the reminders of their exes or the outside people trying to get them back together with them wasn't necessary. Also her parents' situation in the book was talked about too much for me and it took a little away from her and Brian's storyline. I did appreciate how both of them had good friends in their corners though.

Overall, it was a decent read for me but it could have been more enjoyable if it were structured differently like with some more timelines and if it had less repetitiveness. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pub Date 11 Feb 2025
I received a digital ARC of this book from Harlequin Trade Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review..

Frenemies with Benefits is the third book in the Peachtree Cove series yet it is my first read by Synithia Williams.

I enjoyed this small-town romance between this seemingly unlikely pair Tracy Thompson (‘bad girl’ from the wrong side of the tracks) and Brian Nelson (‘Heartthrob’, all-round good guy)..

I enjoyed watching Tracy’s growth as she navigates life after divorce and being the topic of the town’s rumor mill. At times I felt her lack of confidence as it relates to interactions with male relationships was disappointing and a contradiction to the strong, sassy person Brian knew and admired. Despite having marital problems of his own, it was refreshing to see Brian pour into Tracy with unwavering support and friendship.

I recommend this book to those that love a slow burn.

Frenemies with Benefits is a delightful and heartwarming exploration of love, healing, and unexpected connections. The story follows two divorcees who enter into a friends-with-benefits arrangement, only to find themselves grappling with their pasts and the burgeoning emotions they develop for one another. The dynamic between the protagonists is both humorous and touching, as they navigate the complexities of their divorces while attempting to keep things casual. What I loved most about this book was its perfect balance of romance and emotional depth. The characters’ journey towards rediscovering love feels authentic, and the author does a great job of weaving in the struggles and growth that come with moving on from painful relationships. Frenemies with Benefits is a fun, relatable read that left me rooting for the couple by the very end. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys romance with a twist!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an advance copy of this book.

When I saw that this series took place in a Black small town I was so excited, I wish there were more representation in small town romances. There were a lot of cute moments in this story. I appreciated the "friends" aspect to this and the reminder that they are friends first before anything. That made the connection between the two MCs enjoyable. The messiness in the beginning was very entertaining and laugh out loud funny.

I did want a little bit more chemistry between the two main characters. I also felt like the ending had a lot going on and wished it was spread throughout the novel to keep the pacing that I loved in the beginning. Some of the things people were saying to the couple or to them individually seemed juvenile and took me out of the story, especially the conversations with Tracey's parents.

Overall, the story was enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading from this author again.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this one! I am a huge fan of Synithia and the happenings of Peachtree Cove! I could not wait to get my hands on this one and get to know Tracey and Brian.

This was the perfect and most realistic slow burn enemies to lovers I've ever read. I really liked both of the main characters a lot. I also felt like the conflicts in the story made sense and were believable! I feel like the pacing worked well for me and getting to know their backstories helped tremendously - I am one of those nosy readers who want to know *ALL* the lore behind characters. I was not sure how I felt about Brian in the previous books, but babyyyy he definitely redeemed himself for me and was the perfect gentlemen and friend - inside and outside of the bedroom.

Honestly, I think what was the most meaningful take away from this book and story for me, is that it is never too late to start again and reinvent yourself. One thing that Tracey and I have in common is that we both kinda got stuck in one version of ourselves, and then one day, an inflection point changed everything. I also loved how realistic it was about how hard it is to beat old habits, especially habits of being one version of yourself for so long. I loved that Tracey had her friends supporting her along the way too. That was beautiful, we all need people in our lives to remind of us who we really are, not just who we are pretending to be.

My only qualm is that I wish Brian and Tracey got a little more story time to just be blissfully a couple, without all the drama that they were experiencing.

Overall, I would recommend this book to folks looking for small town, Black romance with a strong and vulnerable fmc and a mmc who is able to be firm and strong for her in all the best ways.

I was given the opportunity to read the ARC and I loved this!!! It gives a lesson to..#1 forget what the haters say because they gone talk regardless!! #2 Find your confidence and embrace your beauty! #3 Realize what you deserve and don't put up with anything/anyone less than. I hadn't even read the other books of the series yet and still had a good time!

Set in a small town where the residents have nothing better to do than be nosy this romance follows Bed and Breakfast owner, Tracey as she’s rebuilding her life after divorce following her husband’s infidelity and getting her employee pregnant. Brian the handsome flower shop owner with an ex who can’t understand it’s over between them enters the picture. The chemistry and banter between Tracey and Brian was everything. This is different from your typical friends with benefits romance in my opinion because the “spice” was more sweet and tender. Synthia did a great job capturing the complex feelings one faces going through a divorce. I loved the self-discovery journey they both go on realizing that love shouldn’t hurt or be toxic

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book.

Rating: 3.5⭐️

This is the third installment in the Peachtree Cove series but this is my first book in the series. I enjoyed the friendship between Brian and Tracey. Brian was what Tracey needed to let her hair down and live. I enjoyed the story but I do feel that an epilogue would have been better The ending was a little lackluster for me but the overall story was pretty good. The writing was done well and I would read another story from this author.

This was such a cute and fun read. I couldn't wait for Tracey's story.

This is a cute small town romance with realistic characters and realistic storytelling. The story follows Bed & Breakfast owner Tracey as she navigates a divorce and getting her groove back, after her husband cheated and had a baby with her employee. Talk about messy!! Brian is a fellow business owner who owns a Flower shop that Tracey sometimes uses with when she has weddings at her venue. He also has an ex who can't seem to get the hint that it's over.

Synithia Williams does a great job of describing those conflicting feelings of going through a divorce while also trying to move on. The small town aspect made the story very funny because of all the nosy and messy secondary characters. There was alot of laugh out loud moments for me. The banter between Stacey and Brian was really cute and I was very anxious for them to finally get together! This is a sloow romance but the reward is well worth it especially after seeing how happy Brian makes Tracey, especially all that she's been through with that trifling ex-husband of hers. I feel Tracey's character development was also an important part of the story, I love to see how she evolved as a person. Brian is also just the cutest MMC. He developed so much throughout the story as well. I love how both Tracey and Brian were able to see their value and to see that they were not the problem in their previosu relationshops. Traceys ex husband was a jerk with audacity and Brian's ex took advantage of his feelings for her. I love a story where the man falls first, it makes for some compelling payoffs once he gets the woman. I love how realistic this story is!

I gave this book 4 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Frenemies with Benefits by Synithia Williams is a captivating and steamy romance that masterfully blends humor, tension, and sizzling chemistry. The story follows two characters who start off as rivals, engaging in a passionate and complicated relationship that evolves into something deeper than either of them expected. Williams’ writing is engaging and full of wit, creating characters who are both flawed and endearing. The book explores themes of trust, vulnerability, and the fine line between love and hate, making it a fun, intense, and emotional read. With its mix of romance, humor, and character development, Frenemies with Benefits is an entertaining and memorable story for fans of contemporary romance with plenty of sparks.

This is the story I’ve been waiting for!!

I enjoyed the other two books in the Peachtree Cove series but I just knew Tracey and Brian were going to be my favorites. Whenever they would show up in the other books, I would think “Yeah yall want each other” 😂

Tracey deserved everything she received in this book. After dealing with her dysfunctional parents and Bernard’s raggedy self, she needed what Brian was offering. Comfort. Stability. Reassurance.

I loved how he built her up and was patient. He showed up for her every time and it had me kicking my feet. I’m so glad the best book was saved for last.

This was just the adorable small town romance I didn’t know I needed.
This book was really cute.
I really liked Tracey. She was a touching and strong fmc. Getting out of a marriage that made you lost sight of who you are is hard. I loved seeing her learn to love herself again and let go of her insecurities. The impact her parents’ relationship had on her was so relatable. I liked that she was learning how to live for her.
Brian was a sweet man. The way he was always in Tracey’s corner was adorable. He loved on her, showed up for her and took care of her the way a man hadn’t done it before. He was patient and so caring. These two were a breath of fresh air.
The story was good. The drama had me hooked and I was ready to handle Renee and Bernard myself lol. Even though I enjoyed the writing, I just wish the book had dual pov. I can’t wait to read more by this author. This book made me feel good.

Back to Peachtree Coveeeeeee! Let’s goooooo 😍😍😍 absolutely love this series! Tracey and Brian’s story was so real and perfectly executed. The way they wade through the trauma and find their way back to each other was heartwarming. Bravo!

I love a good small town scandelous book! ANd Synithia Williams always delivers. I enjoyed this book (it was kinda long but....) It was pretty faced paced for the most part.

this is the best one in the series to me. well it is definitely better than the second book.
I like Tracey and can relate to her insecurities. I love the way her friends have shown up for her throughout the book
loved how she stood up for herself as the book went on and Brian is great!

Is the old adage, “The quickest way to get over a man is to get under a new one?” really true? That’s what the “new” Tracey is ready to find out after finally closing the door on her failed marriage. Surprisingly, she just might discover the truth in this saying from an unexpected source!

When Brian returns to Peachtree Cove post-divorce, he's determined to avoid anything resembling monogamy or commitment. But everything changes after a conversation with Tracey sparks a bold plan.

Get ready for the rollercoaster of emotions in **Frenemies with Benefits**, the third installment of the Peachtree Cove series! Synithia Williams did her big one with this. Don’t miss out—add it to your TBR right now!

*Frenemies with Benefits* by Synthia Williams is a charming romantic comedy that explores the complexities of friendship and love. The story centers on two characters, Mia and Aaron, who start off as rivals but eventually develop a friends-with-benefits arrangement. What begins as a practical solution to their personal needs soon complicates their emotions and forces them to confront their deeper feelings for one another. Williams does a great job of blending humor, tension, and heart, making the characters' journey both relatable and entertaining. The chemistry between Mia and Aaron drives the story, making it an enjoyable read for fans of lighthearted romance with some emotional depth. 10/10 novel!!

Thank you!!

Tracey is a business owner whose husband has left her for her former employee. She knows Brian through his nursery business, and while they've never considered each other before, they decide that a "friends with benefits" arrangement couldn't hurt.

Firstly, Peachtree Cove is messy! I didn't realize it was #3 in the series, but I don't think you have to read the others to understand everything that's going on in the town. I enjoyed the setting and pace of this book. Our main characters felt real and relatable, but some of the side characters felt slightly extreme, almost like caricatures. Tracey's dad was so outrageous that it was a bit too much to believe.

I enjoyed the romance between Tracey and Brian, but I wanted to see more fun and light moments between them. They both had a lot going on though, so this is understandable.

Overall this is a fun and chaotic romance!