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.

I had the honor of listening to the audiobook edition of Frenemies with Benefits, and it was an absolute delight! The story follows Tracy and Brian, two individuals navigating the aftermath of their failed marriages—Tracy to Barnard and Brian to Renee. As we learn, monogamy was never a strong suit for Barnard or Renee, leaving Tracy and Brian to find solace in their friendship. Though they initially resist the undeniable pull between them, a series of events steers them toward the love they were meant to find.

Adenrele Ojo’s narration was nothing short of phenomenal. She brought each character to life with poise, passion, and distinct vocal nuances that made it easy to follow the story and connect with the emotions of each scene. Her delivery elevated an already engaging romance, making the listening experience all the more enjoyable.

I truly loved this audiobook and appreciate NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an ALC for review. I can’t wait to dive into more books by Synithia Williams!

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of Frenemies with Benefits. DNF at 60% A romance that focuses too much on the negative past relationships/divorces with past partners- depressing. I’m not a fan of either MC and their relationship didn’t have enough chemistry to keep me interested. This one is not for me.

This was a sweet small town romance with friends to lovers. The MMC and FMC had known each other since school years and slowly developed a friendship over the years. After both MCs went through marriages that rocked their trust in relationships they decided to start something between the two of them. The way the MMC stood up for the FMC against everyone was the best. I listened to the book and the narrator did a fabulous job.

When I first started this audiobook, it didn't really grab my attention, so I ended up pausing it for a while. But, when I decided to give it another shot, I found myself getting a bit more engaged. As I got closer to the last 20% of the book, things really picked up for me, and I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I expected.

One thing I did enjoy from the start was the accents the audiobook narrator Adenrele Ojo used. She’s always been a great narrator. She really placed me in the southern area of Georgia and added an extra layer of authenticity to the story. It felt like I was right there with the characters in GA.

I loved Book 2 of the series, and while I haven't read Book 1 yet, I'm looking forward to diving into it soon. Overall, 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑡𝑠 turned out to be a pretty good read, especially towards the end. Definitely worth giving it a try if you're into romance with a bit of drama and fun! I would say that you may want to read the physical or e-book unless you want to immerse yourself and get that southern feel through the accent the narrator gives.

This book was captivating and fun. Tracey runs a bed and breakfast in a small town which has recent received the designation for Best Small Town. After her divorce is finalized, Tracey just wants to get out there and get to know herself for once. In the process, she ends up in a friends with benefits situation with a guy she’s known her whole life.

Frienemies with Benefits is the perfect mix of drama, great friendships, and self discovery. I loved every minute. My only drawback was the narrator for the audio. Also once again I read a book that was apparently part of a series 😅

📚 5/5
🌶️ 1.5/5