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The Holiday Pact #1
Friendsgiving with Benefits
Peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, macaroni and cheese. Some things were just better together, like Nixon and me.
We meshed well. It's why our arrangement lasted as long as it did. We were friends, roommates, and sometimes lovers. I mean, who better to help you during a dry spell than your adorkably sexy bff? But what happens when the lines start to blur between best friends with benefits and something more?
Friendsgiving with Benefits is a spicy prequel novella for Poppy and Nixon with a Happy for Now ending. The events in this story take place one year before their appearances in the romance serials Obedience and The Bucket List and can be read as a stand alone.
We meshed well. It's why our arrangement lasted as long as it did. We were friends, roommates, and sometimes lovers. I mean, who better to help you during a dry spell than your adorkably sexy bff? But what happens when the lines start to blur between best friends with benefits and something more?
Friendsgiving with Benefits is a spicy prequel novella for Poppy and Nixon with a Happy for Now ending. The events in this story take place one year before their appearances in the romance serials Obedience and The Bucket List and can be read as a stand alone.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2023
124 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 20, 2024
Steamy best friends with benefits. Lines are blurred when they both want more. having been roommates and FWB for years Nixon and Poppy both want more with each other but doesn't think the The other wants that. They have a pact no new relationship over the hoilday period but this thanksgiving things take a turn. It was hot and spicy and I loved ready about them together they were the perfect couple even if they weren't actually one. They were both open about everything with each other and knew how to work the others body.
Quick read and full of hot steamy scenes 🔥🔥🔥🌶🌶🌶
Quick read and full of hot steamy scenes 🔥🔥🔥🌶🌶🌶
November 26, 2023
It was cute
This definitely wasn't what I was expecting. But I still enjoyed it. It was really cute. I wish there was more though.
This definitely wasn't what I was expecting. But I still enjoyed it. It was really cute. I wish there was more though.
November 27, 2023
This novella provides you with plenty of spicy scenes to enjoy during your Thanksgiving holiday season. Friends to Lovers situation and a pierced MMC, I think you'll enjoy this short read. Only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because the ending didn't fully satisfy me as far as the relationship building goes- that's all.
May 27, 2024
Talk about sexiness, but be prepared for some steamy content that may leave you needing a cold shower!
"So fucking greedy.You'll get what I give you and you'll thank me for it like a good little slut, won't you?"
"So fucking greedy.You'll get what I give you and you'll thank me for it like a good little slut, won't you?"
December 1, 2023
Hot! Hot! Hot! This is better than a second or third helping of pie. All the things I want in a themed novella. Just perfection.
December 4, 2023
Hot hot hot!
If you're looking for a quick, steamy read, this one's for you! I hope we get a follow-up about Nixon and Poppy.
If you're looking for a quick, steamy read, this one's for you! I hope we get a follow-up about Nixon and Poppy.
January 12, 2024
Definitely sexy read
March 19, 2025
I loved this short novella! The difference between the two character’s POVs was so interesting. The smut was refreshing and HOT. I can’t wait to read more from Lizzie B Brown.
May 15, 2024
perfect palate cleanser
I found the author and her books on threads. And I am so glad!
The spice is spicy. The tension can be felt through the pages!
I found the author and her books on threads. And I am so glad!
The spice is spicy. The tension can be felt through the pages!
December 16, 2023
This is a super steamy friends-with-benefits prequel and the introduction to Poppy & Nixon's book.
So these have a really strange relationship, they have obvious affection and love for each other, after knowing each other for many years, but they also have some huge doubts and insecurities. I found these two quite frustrating, they frustrated each other, both as friends and lovers - they had tons of chemistry though, not able to keep their hands off each other.
I can't say I particularly liked or disliked either of them. I'm guessing their actual book might show more of their friendship rather than the benefits as I think that's what I was missing.
For me, I just didn't understand their relationship, it was far, far more than friends with benefits but confused me at the same time.
So these have a really strange relationship, they have obvious affection and love for each other, after knowing each other for many years, but they also have some huge doubts and insecurities. I found these two quite frustrating, they frustrated each other, both as friends and lovers - they had tons of chemistry though, not able to keep their hands off each other.
I can't say I particularly liked or disliked either of them. I'm guessing their actual book might show more of their friendship rather than the benefits as I think that's what I was missing.
For me, I just didn't understand their relationship, it was far, far more than friends with benefits but confused me at the same time.
November 11, 2024
I would give him anything. All he had to do was ask.
DNF @91% - If you want spicy, long term friends with benefits hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, then you will most likely enjoy this read. I struggled with it and found myself rooting against the hero by the end. He was way too needy for me personally. FOR ME PERSONALLY, just to be clear. I think anyone who enjoys reading a hero who is on the extra needy side will enjoy this read. It wasn’t for me, but it doesn’t mean it’s not for you.
DNF @91% - If you want spicy, long term friends with benefits hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, then you will most likely enjoy this read. I struggled with it and found myself rooting against the hero by the end. He was way too needy for me personally. FOR ME PERSONALLY, just to be clear. I think anyone who enjoys reading a hero who is on the extra needy side will enjoy this read. It wasn’t for me, but it doesn’t mean it’s not for you.
September 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)
Sometimes I pick up a holiday-themed romance because I want something spicy, messy, and fun - and this book absolutely delivered on that front. The steam is off the charts, the characters are uninhibited, and the friends-to-lovers tension is constant. But while I enjoyed the wild ride, I knocked my rating down to 3 stars because of how obtuse the characters were about their feelings and the abrupt, non-ending that left me frustrated. Still, I had a good time with it overall, and I’ll admit - I couldn’t look away.
Dear reader, Friendsgiving with Benefits starts off the way any great holiday-themed smut does: with an epic blow job and a backstory as to how this came to fruition. AND the MMC has multiple dick piercings. All in all, an amazing way to kick things off.
Friends with benefits for a decade??!! I don't understand how anyone could think they aren’t actually together or that hooking up for 10 years didn’t mean something deeper. Especially because the MMC keeps going back to the FMC in-between breakups. How could anyone who was in a relationship with Nixon (MMC) actually compete with Poppy (FMC)? He doesn’t say it out loud, but he clearly views her as his soul mate. And he just assumes she feels the same way, but never actually talks to her about it? Come on!! That’s 10 years of miscommunication. Even their friends see it, spell it out for them, and they’re still oblivious and making their own conclusions about the future of their relationship. When their friends talk to them one-on-one, both of their excuse is that the other “doesn’t feel that way.”
It seems as though Poppy isn’t as appreciative of Nixon as he is of her. He requires a lot of validation and reassurance and she doesn’t seem to give it to him as much as he needs. (She seems aware of his needs and even acknowledges them, but mostly comes across as annoyed by it.) Nixon spends an entire chapter recounting everything he does for her—not just physically, but emotionally—and admits he doesn’t feel appreciated. But by not being open and honest about his needs, he kind of screws himself over. She’s the one in denial about her feelings, but he hasn’t confronted her either, so the cycle continues. Their lack of communication doesn’t just hurt them—it drags everyone else into their mess too. And during this Thanksgiving, whatever they are is dramatic. Honestly, they sneak away to hook up so often that I don’t even know when they actually had time to hang with their friends at Friendsgiving.
On the spice level—Nixon and Poppy are freaky little sex fiends, and so are their friends. Nixon’s best friend is into cuckholding (and Nixon has helped him out with that multiple times). The couple explores sadism/masochism, switches roles between dom/sub, dabbles in ass play, and Nixon himself is seemingly bisexual. They’ve had threesomes, shared partners, taken pictures post-blowjob, and basically start boning in front of their friends. They’re all over the map, and the spice is unapologetically kinky.
And then - WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?? The book just ends with no closure whatsoever. No resolution, no emotional payoff. They fool around one more time after Friendsgiving and boom, the story cuts off. There’s a second book in the series, but that wasn’t advertised anywhere in the summary. It felt abrupt and cheapened the story for me.
Overall, Friendsgiving with Benefits is filthy, fun, and chaotic in all the best (and sometimes worst) ways. If you’re here purely for the spice, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re hoping for emotional depth or a satisfying ending, you’ll probably feel let down. Fortunately, the next installment in the series, "Coming for Christmas" is already out and you can download it right away.
Sometimes I pick up a holiday-themed romance because I want something spicy, messy, and fun - and this book absolutely delivered on that front. The steam is off the charts, the characters are uninhibited, and the friends-to-lovers tension is constant. But while I enjoyed the wild ride, I knocked my rating down to 3 stars because of how obtuse the characters were about their feelings and the abrupt, non-ending that left me frustrated. Still, I had a good time with it overall, and I’ll admit - I couldn’t look away.
Dear reader, Friendsgiving with Benefits starts off the way any great holiday-themed smut does: with an epic blow job and a backstory as to how this came to fruition. AND the MMC has multiple dick piercings. All in all, an amazing way to kick things off.
Friends with benefits for a decade??!! I don't understand how anyone could think they aren’t actually together or that hooking up for 10 years didn’t mean something deeper. Especially because the MMC keeps going back to the FMC in-between breakups. How could anyone who was in a relationship with Nixon (MMC) actually compete with Poppy (FMC)? He doesn’t say it out loud, but he clearly views her as his soul mate. And he just assumes she feels the same way, but never actually talks to her about it? Come on!! That’s 10 years of miscommunication. Even their friends see it, spell it out for them, and they’re still oblivious and making their own conclusions about the future of their relationship. When their friends talk to them one-on-one, both of their excuse is that the other “doesn’t feel that way.”
It seems as though Poppy isn’t as appreciative of Nixon as he is of her. He requires a lot of validation and reassurance and she doesn’t seem to give it to him as much as he needs. (She seems aware of his needs and even acknowledges them, but mostly comes across as annoyed by it.) Nixon spends an entire chapter recounting everything he does for her—not just physically, but emotionally—and admits he doesn’t feel appreciated. But by not being open and honest about his needs, he kind of screws himself over. She’s the one in denial about her feelings, but he hasn’t confronted her either, so the cycle continues. Their lack of communication doesn’t just hurt them—it drags everyone else into their mess too. And during this Thanksgiving, whatever they are is dramatic. Honestly, they sneak away to hook up so often that I don’t even know when they actually had time to hang with their friends at Friendsgiving.
On the spice level—Nixon and Poppy are freaky little sex fiends, and so are their friends. Nixon’s best friend is into cuckholding (and Nixon has helped him out with that multiple times). The couple explores sadism/masochism, switches roles between dom/sub, dabbles in ass play, and Nixon himself is seemingly bisexual. They’ve had threesomes, shared partners, taken pictures post-blowjob, and basically start boning in front of their friends. They’re all over the map, and the spice is unapologetically kinky.
And then - WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?? The book just ends with no closure whatsoever. No resolution, no emotional payoff. They fool around one more time after Friendsgiving and boom, the story cuts off. There’s a second book in the series, but that wasn’t advertised anywhere in the summary. It felt abrupt and cheapened the story for me.
Overall, Friendsgiving with Benefits is filthy, fun, and chaotic in all the best (and sometimes worst) ways. If you’re here purely for the spice, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re hoping for emotional depth or a satisfying ending, you’ll probably feel let down. Fortunately, the next installment in the series, "Coming for Christmas" is already out and you can download it right away.
February 25, 2025
Nixon is an entire vibe
Truly such a quick spicy fun filled amazing read! To me it was all vibes - from start to finish. 3.5 stars just hit the tingly senses I needed it to!
Truly such a quick spicy fun filled amazing read! To me it was all vibes - from start to finish. 3.5 stars just hit the tingly senses I needed it to!
May 31, 2025
Short and fun
Not quite sure that the relationship between the mains is very healthy. But it's a quick fun read nonetheless. Highly recommend
Not quite sure that the relationship between the mains is very healthy. But it's a quick fun read nonetheless. Highly recommend
January 9, 2024
A steamy Thanksgiving novella. They have been friends forever and friends with benefits when in need.
May 13, 2024
Super short, sweet, friends with benefits story. All smut, little plot, just how I like it. Perfect for a quick palate cleanser, or if you're just needing something quick and easy to read.
July 17, 2024
Short, fun, spicy friends with benefits story 🥵
August 8, 2024
I loved this spicy little novella! I'm used to books with spice but this particular setup was new to me and I definitely hope to see more of Nixon & Poppy in Lizzie's other books
July 15, 2024
"Friendsgiving with Benefits" by Lizzie B. Brown is a delightful and spicy novella that perfectly captures the nuances of a friends-with-benefits relationship on the verge of becoming something more. This prequel to the romance serials "Obedience" and "The Bucket List" provides a tantalizing glimpse into the dynamic between Poppy and Nixon, making it an engaging read for both new and returning fans.
Brown's portrayal of Poppy and Nixon's relationship is both heartwarming and realistic. Their chemistry is palpable from the very beginning, drawing readers into their world of friendship, shared living spaces, and intimate moments. The ease with which they interact, the comfort in their camaraderie, and the underlying tension of their physical connection make their relationship feel authentic and relatable.
The novella shines in its exploration of the blurred lines between friendship and romance. Poppy and Nixon are like peanut butter and jelly, perfectly complementing each other in their quirks and personalities. Brown skillfully navigates their evolving feelings, capturing the confusion, excitement, and apprehension that come with realizing that a best friend might just be the love of your life.
One of the strengths of "Friendsgiving with Benefits" is its balance of humor and heat. The witty banter between Poppy and Nixon adds a light-hearted touch to the story, while their intimate moments are both steamy and tender. Brown excels at writing scenes that sizzle without losing the emotional depth that makes the characters' connection so compelling.
The novella's setting during Friendsgiving adds an extra layer of warmth and charm to the story. The festive backdrop serves as a perfect metaphor for the gathering of emotions and the potential for new beginnings. It also provides an opportunity for the characters to reflect on what they truly mean to each other, making the holiday an integral part of their journey.
Although "Friendsgiving with Benefits" is a prequel with a "Happy for Now" ending, it leaves readers eager to see more of Poppy and Nixon's story. Brown's writing is engaging and fluid, making it easy to get lost in the world she creates. The novella stands on its own but also enriches the overall narrative of the characters' appearances in "Obedience" and "The Bucket List."
In conclusion, "Friendsgiving with Benefits" by Lizzie B. Brown is a captivating and spicy novella that beautifully explores the complexities of a friends-with-benefits relationship. With its charming characters, witty dialogue, and steamy romance, it is a perfect read for those who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of heat. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new reader, this novella will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
Brown's portrayal of Poppy and Nixon's relationship is both heartwarming and realistic. Their chemistry is palpable from the very beginning, drawing readers into their world of friendship, shared living spaces, and intimate moments. The ease with which they interact, the comfort in their camaraderie, and the underlying tension of their physical connection make their relationship feel authentic and relatable.
The novella shines in its exploration of the blurred lines between friendship and romance. Poppy and Nixon are like peanut butter and jelly, perfectly complementing each other in their quirks and personalities. Brown skillfully navigates their evolving feelings, capturing the confusion, excitement, and apprehension that come with realizing that a best friend might just be the love of your life.
One of the strengths of "Friendsgiving with Benefits" is its balance of humor and heat. The witty banter between Poppy and Nixon adds a light-hearted touch to the story, while their intimate moments are both steamy and tender. Brown excels at writing scenes that sizzle without losing the emotional depth that makes the characters' connection so compelling.
The novella's setting during Friendsgiving adds an extra layer of warmth and charm to the story. The festive backdrop serves as a perfect metaphor for the gathering of emotions and the potential for new beginnings. It also provides an opportunity for the characters to reflect on what they truly mean to each other, making the holiday an integral part of their journey.
Although "Friendsgiving with Benefits" is a prequel with a "Happy for Now" ending, it leaves readers eager to see more of Poppy and Nixon's story. Brown's writing is engaging and fluid, making it easy to get lost in the world she creates. The novella stands on its own but also enriches the overall narrative of the characters' appearances in "Obedience" and "The Bucket List."
In conclusion, "Friendsgiving with Benefits" by Lizzie B. Brown is a captivating and spicy novella that beautifully explores the complexities of a friends-with-benefits relationship. With its charming characters, witty dialogue, and steamy romance, it is a perfect read for those who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of heat. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new reader, this novella will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
November 18, 2025
The story's concept was decent for a friends with benefits to the lovers' plotline. However, with it being a shorter story, there were still plenty of rough edges to smooth out.
I don't feel like I really know enough about the main characters beyond the surface level things we see from their dynamics and personalities. There are mentions of seemingly important points such as Nixon's relationship with his family, Poppy's parents loving Nixon, Poppy and Nixon's other relationships that they've had and planned to have while still sleeping together, etc. But the books' main plot weakness is that it tells rather than shows, which can prevent the readers from actually connecting with the characters on a deeper level.
Additionally, the fast pace does more harm than good, as practically every other chapter, Poppy and Nixon are looking for excuses to have sex when they should be hosting the Thanksgiving dinner party that was apparently so urgent to Poppy before she seemed to abandon it all together in favor of hooking up with Nixon.
Focusing on the characters, Nixon is annoyingly clingy, and Poppy has a bad habit of making excuses for him. While Poppy is frustrating in some aspects of being indecisive and wishy-washy about her real feelings in the relationship, Nixon annoyed me the most. He's a grown man acting like a moody teenager whenever he doesn't get attention from Poppy for more than 5 minutes. Usually, some playful clinging from a partner is cute under the right circumstances. But Nixon takes it to an annoying degree to where nearly every word that came out of his mouth had my eyes rolling.
If you're into short erotica with the trope of co-dependent friends to benefits, I'd recommend it. It's a quick read and I was able to finish it in a few days. Otherwise, it's a no-go for me personally because of these things.
I don't feel like I really know enough about the main characters beyond the surface level things we see from their dynamics and personalities. There are mentions of seemingly important points such as Nixon's relationship with his family, Poppy's parents loving Nixon, Poppy and Nixon's other relationships that they've had and planned to have while still sleeping together, etc. But the books' main plot weakness is that it tells rather than shows, which can prevent the readers from actually connecting with the characters on a deeper level.
Additionally, the fast pace does more harm than good, as practically every other chapter, Poppy and Nixon are looking for excuses to have sex when they should be hosting the Thanksgiving dinner party that was apparently so urgent to Poppy before she seemed to abandon it all together in favor of hooking up with Nixon.
Focusing on the characters, Nixon is annoyingly clingy, and Poppy has a bad habit of making excuses for him. While Poppy is frustrating in some aspects of being indecisive and wishy-washy about her real feelings in the relationship, Nixon annoyed me the most. He's a grown man acting like a moody teenager whenever he doesn't get attention from Poppy for more than 5 minutes. Usually, some playful clinging from a partner is cute under the right circumstances. But Nixon takes it to an annoying degree to where nearly every word that came out of his mouth had my eyes rolling.
If you're into short erotica with the trope of co-dependent friends to benefits, I'd recommend it. It's a quick read and I was able to finish it in a few days. Otherwise, it's a no-go for me personally because of these things.
March 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
"Such a little liar. Look how wet you are, and grinding against my hand like a little bitch in heat," he taunted me."
OMG the heat in this book?!? *fanning myself* It was really really good! The dirty talk was 🥵🥵🥵 and who doesn't love a pierced MMC?? I think Poppy and Nixon had great chemistry together, but their friendship was a little weird for me. The ending was a bit abrupt as well until I learned that there is another novella coming. I will definitely be checking out some of Lizzie Brown's other books!
"Such a little liar. Look how wet you are, and grinding against my hand like a little bitch in heat," he taunted me."
OMG the heat in this book?!? *fanning myself* It was really really good! The dirty talk was 🥵🥵🥵 and who doesn't love a pierced MMC?? I think Poppy and Nixon had great chemistry together, but their friendship was a little weird for me. The ending was a bit abrupt as well until I learned that there is another novella coming. I will definitely be checking out some of Lizzie Brown's other books!
November 12, 2025
This is nothing like I was expecting. Based on the title and cover, I was expecting a slow burn romance or romcom. This was spicy from the beginning and stayed spicy throughout - which I think saved this book! I did like the storyline but ended up not liking Nixon and was rooting for Harrison even though he had a very short cameo towards the end. As much as I love a clinger, Nixon was over the top jealous and insecure. The ending was just that... it ended so abruptly and left you with too many questions and frustrated!!
December 26, 2025
Nixon and Poppy have been friends for years, and he is secretly in love with her. They are both single for the holidays for the first time in awhile so he involves their holiday pact until the new year. Only this time he wants the whole package. No flirting with others no nothing with anyone but each other. He is determined to make her see they would be good together. She just doesn't feel like he would be happy with her in the long run. Lots of sexy times! Short, fun, thanksgiving time read.
November 23, 2025
What just happened
I wanted to know really like this one but what did I just read… The main male character was over clingy and while I get it’s more a novella and we don’t get much back story, it just felt so shallow. I get to the last page, flipped the page and I instantly said “what the heck”. How does it just end like that!! I need closure and I need to know if Poppy gets out of her own way!!!
It was a quick read to check off a Thanksgiving read but not much story line.
I wanted to know really like this one but what did I just read… The main male character was over clingy and while I get it’s more a novella and we don’t get much back story, it just felt so shallow. I get to the last page, flipped the page and I instantly said “what the heck”. How does it just end like that!! I need closure and I need to know if Poppy gets out of her own way!!!
It was a quick read to check off a Thanksgiving read but not much story line.
November 27, 2025
I liked this one but I wasn't exactly planning on reading the second one, since I have a bunch of Christmas books that I don't know if I'll even get to. This is quite literally just half of the story with no resolve in the actual main conflict so ehh. I'm a sucker for toxic codependency though so this was right up my alley. I saw this on tik tok and figured why not.
November 23, 2023
Friendsgiving with Benefits is a novella length holiday-based romance. It has a lot of spice and a surprising amount of character development. Two long term roommates are trying to define the future of their relationship. This is a prequel, and they are going to appear in future stories.
August 19, 2024
I don’t know what I just read
I’m not lying when I say I got an ick 75%-ish into the story. And then it didn’t have an ending. I feel like there’s still a good 25% of this story missing. The review page popped up and it surprised me.
I’m not lying when I say I got an ick 75%-ish into the story. And then it didn’t have an ending. I feel like there’s still a good 25% of this story missing. The review page popped up and it surprised me.
January 2, 2025
WOW.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this! Nix and Poppy have such amazing chemistry and I loved all of their interactions. The female dominance was so HOT 🥵
I can't wait to find out if Nixon and Poppy end up together for real because they fit so well together😍🥺
I absolutely enjoyed reading this! Nix and Poppy have such amazing chemistry and I loved all of their interactions. The female dominance was so HOT 🥵
I can't wait to find out if Nixon and Poppy end up together for real because they fit so well together😍🥺
September 6, 2025
Simultaneously hot af and adorable. Poppy and Nixon are fun characters, best friends and Bi+ switches who make a pact to not start romantic relationships during the holidays. It's only natural that they turn to each other for physical relief. What could possibly go wrong? 😂
December 22, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
It’s almost the end of the year and I’m 4 books from reaching my reading goal so I thought this quick, steamy holiday novella would be a good way to meet my goal. While it was steamy there was definitely a lack of emotion and character development.
It’s almost the end of the year and I’m 4 books from reaching my reading goal so I thought this quick, steamy holiday novella would be a good way to meet my goal. While it was steamy there was definitely a lack of emotion and character development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews