I absolutely loved this book! I loved getting to know the characters and their struggles felt so real, as did their triumphs.
I would 100% read more from this author!!

This was such a cute story! I would 10/10 recommended this read if you love a good friendzone to lovers story. The story was written in such a realistic way that it made it hard to not like. And of course there is the Happily Ever After that we all love in romances. Go read this now! Synithia Williams is an auto buy author for me and this audiobook will not disappoint.

Audiobook Review: Frenemies with Benefits by Synithia Williams
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

This was a cute, lighthearted read—perfect as a fun palette cleanser. I was a little hesitant since it’s the third book in a series, but I had no problem following along. The story stands well on its own, and the small-town drama kept things interesting.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the audiobook narrator. She absolutely nailed the vibe of the female lead, bringing the story to life in a way that made it even more enjoyable. I’ve listened to her narrate other books before, so I knew she’d deliver, and she didn’t disappoint.

That said, the story itself fell a little flat. It was entertaining, but it lacked the extra spark that would’ve made it a five-star read. The title also didn’t quite match the storyline—while the main characters had a “friends with benefits” situation, I didn’t really see the “frenemies” aspect come into play. If anything, the tension felt pretty one-sided.

Overall, this is a solid, medium-paced read that’s easy to follow and enjoyable enough for a quick escape. I’d recommend it as a good beach read or something light to break up heavier books. And while this one didn’t fully wow me, I’d still pick up another book from Synithia Williams in the future.

Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars
3.5 steamy kisses

I loved this story. I was totally rooting for the main characters from start to beginning. These frenemies definitely had a story that started a lot earlier but it wasnt until certain recent events where they both admitted to begin a relationship where they both reaped from the benefits because these two for sure had chemistry just sizzling and popping until they gave in. I loved their banter, character development, steamy moments, and some of the side characters definitely played their roles too. The author was new to me but I was impressed with her storytelling talent and cant wait to keep reading/listening to her future and past stories.

I recommend to readers who like

Small town romance
(Gossip mill included)
Love triangle (each main character has their cheating exes to deal with throughout the book)
Angst
Steamy moments
Both main characters are the boss of their businesses
Mutual pining
Reformed playboy
Both characters have commitment issues
HEA

🎧

This was sooooo sweet. Tracy and Brian’s journey was everything after both coming out of previous bad marriages. I would say “friends” to lovers.

Tracey’s parents were soooo funny. The Audio for this was really good.


Thank you to netgalley & Harlequin Audio for this.

this was my first time reading a book by this author. I really did enjoy the story. I think it showed a lot of character growth and a great plot. I wish I would’ve known that. There was two more books before it before reading the third. I’m gonna go back and read/listen to the first two.

This was such a cute small town romance novel! I was expecting more tension based on the title but from the very start it was very clear that there were no enemies to be found. But this novel was packed with "scandal" and drama which was highly entertaining! I love a HEA!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the post-published ALC of Frenemies With Benefits.

I have not read the prior books in the Peachtree Cove series, but was able to jump in to Tracey and Brian’s story just fine. I liked that both MCs I. This book had issues and goals outside of their relationship with each other, but I wish there was a bit less ex-drama. The title is a bit of a misnomer, since these two were never really frenemies. They grew up knowing each other, and became work acquaintances before deciding to start their friends with benefits arrangement. The love story was a bit too slow burn for me.

I really enjoyed the narrator for everything but the dialogue. The southern accent work, especially for the men just didn’t hit for me.

I really really enjoyed this story and found myself laughing constantly. This could easily be dubbed a rom com because every character has sass and personality for miles. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of the town and people. All of the side characters felt rounded. All of the main characters experienced growth. This was a beautiful romance. My only complaint is that the narrator just did not hit right with me. The exaggerated southern accents sounded so fake to me.

This book was soooo good!!!! I didn’t know what to expect!!! I had never read a book by this author but it was surprisingly good… the setting was in a small town… with a B&B owner.. and a small town nursery owner. To me this was a love story that was destine!! It started in High School!!

There is some family drama, talk of divorce, a tad bit of spice and a cute love story!!! Go read it…

I really think that it’s a series and I jumped in, in the middle of it, but I will most definitely will be going back and reading from the beginning.

This was cute and I loved the drama. But, the story fell a little flat for me, mostly due to the pacing of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the narrator.

Thank you so much to NetGalley/Publisher for the audio ARC

As I got further into this book I realized this was more of a friends with benefits instead of frenemies with benefits. Brian and Tracey's relationship was not as believable as I would have liked. The love connection just wasn't there for me. But I did like them as friends with benefits. There was quite a bit of repetitiveness with letting us know about Tracey's insecurities. A bit more editing could help with that, Overall this was an entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This missed the mark for me. Based on the title I was expecting a frenemy dynamic but it never felt like that to me, so I kept feeling like I was missing something that should be obvious.

The story was a pretty slow burn overall and left a bit to be desired with the chemistry between the two main characters, but I did appreciate that we got some character backstory and additional characters, to give them more depth individually.

The voice of the narrator threw me off a bit. I understand a southern accent was needed, but the voice sounded too mature for the characters on the cover. Additionally I think a separate male voice would've been helpful.

(ALC provided by NetGalley) Love a book about a FMC who finds herself and her strength and doesn’t let men dictate her life. Solid mix of drama and sweet moments. The writing was choppy at times but overall the story flowed and moved at a good pace. A few more cliche lines than I’d prefer but I guess that just comes with the territory of the friends to lovers trope😂 I would definitely read another romance by this author. This was the first time I’ve listened to a book by this narrator and she was great, I would listen to anything she narrates!

This is the third book in this series. While I haven’t read the previous books, I didn’t feel lost in this third installment. The author did a good job allowing this to be read as a standalone. I loved the small town this story is set in. It gave off all the cozy, Hallmark movie type vibes.

This was a slow burn romance story where acquaintances became lovers. The pacing of the story was good as we got to learn more about these friends who become lovers. Tracey is recently divorced and Brian has had a crush on her. Is he the perfect man to help Tracey on her healing journey? I really enjoyed this audiobook, and found myself smiling at various parts. The narrator did a great job bringing Tracey to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

As a fan of this author, I went into this book excited & optimistic. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a let down. Obviously, from the title, the premise was a given. But it was just SO slow! I’m all about a slow burn, but this was snail pace. The book did not pick up until his ex came back into the picture. Even then it was only a minor uptick. My hopes were much higher than what I received.

I’ve really enjoyed the Peachtree Cove series, and this book was no exception. It’s definitely a slow burn, but one that’s well worth the wait. I’ve liked Tracey since her introduction in book one, and it was great to see her story unfold. The dynamic between Brian and Tracey was engaging, and I loved watching their relationship evolve. Despite the challenges of family expectations and small-town gossip, they ultimately chose each other, which made for a satisfying conclusion. Overall, a great read with well-developed characters and a heartfelt romance!

***Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this ARC***

Frenemies with benefits was a cozy read. I wish that I had read the other books in the series just to familiarize myself with the characters a bit more but Synithia did a great job with the story in a way that made me fully focused on Brian and Tracey. The narrator was fantastic and I loved how easy it was for me to discern who was speaking depending on the tone she used. Listening to this story felt like watching a lifetime or hallmark movie in the BEST way. I could visualize that little town and all the people who live there as if they were all real. Perfect cozy read with themes strong enough to raise the stakes and really make us love...or hate...the characters. Well done!

Rating: 3.75
Tracy was way in over her head to think that she could just sleep with Bryan. Their first attempt was hilarious, but it also hit home because I often would get in my head, thinking about everything but the man in front of me. Definitely an over-thinker. It honestly seemed like they’d never accomplish their plan. It was literally one thing after another.

Bryan’s jealousy over Craig was cute. His jealousy period was cute, so it wasn’t a shocker that their first rule was to only sleep with each other. He was also sooooo understanding.

Both of their exes were trash. Tracy’s ex, Bernard, had a lot of audacity and nerve, and Bryan’s ex was just a typical gold digger who slept around. I felt bad for them both. Renee had a lot of nerve trying to get with Bryan when she had a WHOLE HUSBAND! Like girl!!!!!! And then their exes just pop up out the blue, at the same time??!? Messy!!!!! And don’t get me started into Tracy’s parents. I’m not sure which was worse, her mother or her father.

Living in a small town honestly had to sick when everyone knows your business. I mean, the way word spread about Tracy and Bryan sleeping together, before Tracy even agreed, was diabolical.

I love that Synithia didn’t do the whole miscommunication trope. I am thankful that Tracy stayed and heard Bryan out. I was about to be upset! And I understood why Tracy bowed out of the benefits. The mess with his ex was just…ugh…

I absolutely loved the narrator. Her range was dynamic. She is extremely talented to voice so many different characters and their personalities, especially the men.

Qualms: For the title to be Frenemies with Benefits, the “benefits” part was short stopped. I was expecting a little more spice, but it was like being about to reach orgasmic bliss, and then having cold water dumped on you.

This narrative effectively portrays a woman who is successfully reconstructing her life and asserting her independence. It demonstrates her ability to manage various aspects of her business, personal, and professional lives, showcasing her competence to those around her. I appreciated the complexity of the protagonist. Ultimately, the key takeaway from the story is the importance of communication.