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Terms & Benefits: A Second Chance x Marriage of Convenience Romance
She's trying to forget their past. He's trying to rebuild their forever.
Elina Singh has worked too hard to let anyone—or anything—see her fall apart. Seven years ago, life taught her that to build something lasting, she would need to keep her heart out of it. Now an accomplished architect and interior designer, she has spent years designing a life on her own terms. But when she learns about her business partner's betrayal, she's faced with the one thing she's never been good at: asking for help.
Daniel Wrexleigh has spent years cleaning up the mess his family calls legacy. Now a businessman, he's successful, polished and exactly the kind of son he thought they would approve of. But he's still their greatest disappointment for walking away from the rules that already took too much. So, when fate hands him a chance to get his parents off his back and help the woman he once walked away from, he sees a way to fix their problems at once... and maybe a chance to fix the one mistake he never stopped regretting.
Their deal was supposed to be a transactional one. Simple. Convenient.
But nothing about Daniel and Elina's story has ever been uncomplicated. As old emotions resurface and new sparks ignite, they'll have to decide whether, this time, the foundation they're building is strong enough to last.
Elina Singh has worked too hard to let anyone—or anything—see her fall apart. Seven years ago, life taught her that to build something lasting, she would need to keep her heart out of it. Now an accomplished architect and interior designer, she has spent years designing a life on her own terms. But when she learns about her business partner's betrayal, she's faced with the one thing she's never been good at: asking for help.
Daniel Wrexleigh has spent years cleaning up the mess his family calls legacy. Now a businessman, he's successful, polished and exactly the kind of son he thought they would approve of. But he's still their greatest disappointment for walking away from the rules that already took too much. So, when fate hands him a chance to get his parents off his back and help the woman he once walked away from, he sees a way to fix their problems at once... and maybe a chance to fix the one mistake he never stopped regretting.
Their deal was supposed to be a transactional one. Simple. Convenient.
But nothing about Daniel and Elina's story has ever been uncomplicated. As old emotions resurface and new sparks ignite, they'll have to decide whether, this time, the foundation they're building is strong enough to last.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
12 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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February 13, 2026RTC! SO GOOD!!!!! live laugh love second chance
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
this book comes out on valentine's day and seeing the desi fmc & south asian author i had to read it!!! a few chapters in + the playlist is amazing and i cannot wait for the yearning.
✧˖°🪷 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
⤷ second chance
⤷ marriage of convenience
⤷ anxiety rep
⤷ he's a billionaire
⤷ dual timeline
⤷ caretaking
⤷ chronic insomnia rep
⤷ banter & drama
↪ started feb 12
↪ finished feb 12
thank u so much to chahak for sending me an early copy!!! endlessly grateful
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
this book comes out on valentine's day and seeing the desi fmc & south asian author i had to read it!!! a few chapters in + the playlist is amazing and i cannot wait for the yearning.
✧˖°🪷 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
⤷ second chance
⤷ marriage of convenience
⤷ anxiety rep
⤷ he's a billionaire
⤷ dual timeline
⤷ caretaking
⤷ chronic insomnia rep
⤷ banter & drama
↪ started feb 12
↪ finished feb 12
thank u so much to chahak for sending me an early copy!!! endlessly grateful
March 29, 2026
Let me start with the playlist in the book; it was a slaylist. Loved every song in there, and it was so much fun to vibe with while reading the book. Girls!!!! Daniel is the man for you. He is the one for sure. That man is the definition of efforts and swoon-worthy gestures.
This was such a cute, soft, kick-your-feet-in-air, wholesome romance book. The chemistry between Elina and Daniel was screaming at the top. Their eye contact, intimate moments, the sweet unspoken looks towards each other, the yearning for each other—it was all amazing.
The writing was beautiful and easy to flow through. I dived into the book with the expectation of a marriage of convenience, but that was not the main focus, and that happened after 80% of the story.
Overall, I liked the book and the chemistry between the characters.
This was such a cute, soft, kick-your-feet-in-air, wholesome romance book. The chemistry between Elina and Daniel was screaming at the top. Their eye contact, intimate moments, the sweet unspoken looks towards each other, the yearning for each other—it was all amazing.
The writing was beautiful and easy to flow through. I dived into the book with the expectation of a marriage of convenience, but that was not the main focus, and that happened after 80% of the story.
Overall, I liked the book and the chemistry between the characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The moment I saw the playlist I knew I was in for a ride . Firstly, the playlist was DOPE, and secondly… the book was AMAZING. Second chance romances are either a total hit or a very dull miss for me, and this one absolutely HIT.
All their interactions felt so layered because of that unresolved past between them. You could feel the history in every conversation. I also really enjoyed the dual timeline it made their journey and emotions hit even harder.
And the moments?? Stop 😭 The event scene where Daniel finds Elina ,I NEED that adapted immediately. They were so obviously in love but too scared to say it out loud (adorable honestly). And Daniel… a man who notices, listens, and remembers the little things?? KEEPER energy. The photo booth scene has my whole heart 🎀
The grand gestures too , the roses, the entire proposal, even buying that newspaper… sir?? A MAN, a MAN.
And Elina was such a feisty, sassy FMC ,strong but still so real. I loved how they helped heal parts of each other that weren’t even their fault, dealing with family issues, toxicity, and still finding their way back to one another.
Overall, a solid swoony read 💓
P.S. The sketchbook and the house… Daniel 😭😭😭
All their interactions felt so layered because of that unresolved past between them. You could feel the history in every conversation. I also really enjoyed the dual timeline it made their journey and emotions hit even harder.
And the moments?? Stop 😭 The event scene where Daniel finds Elina ,I NEED that adapted immediately. They were so obviously in love but too scared to say it out loud (adorable honestly). And Daniel… a man who notices, listens, and remembers the little things?? KEEPER energy. The photo booth scene has my whole heart 🎀
The grand gestures too , the roses, the entire proposal, even buying that newspaper… sir?? A MAN, a MAN.
And Elina was such a feisty, sassy FMC ,strong but still so real. I loved how they helped heal parts of each other that weren’t even their fault, dealing with family issues, toxicity, and still finding their way back to one another.
Overall, a solid swoony read 💓
P.S. The sketchbook and the house… Daniel 😭😭😭
February 20, 2026
Arc reviews
Thank you the author for the opportunity to discover such a cute and wonderful love story.
Elina and Daniel’s love story was a great and wonderful journey , discovering a new favourite author.
First of all the entire book was so good that I haven’t the power to stay away from my kindle .
Such a good story , full of banters, great characters and a wonderful development .
I have to admit , this book is so good that in one day I was like halfway through the book!
You have to read it, guys.
Thank you the author for the opportunity to discover such a cute and wonderful love story.
Elina and Daniel’s love story was a great and wonderful journey , discovering a new favourite author.
First of all the entire book was so good that I haven’t the power to stay away from my kindle .
Such a good story , full of banters, great characters and a wonderful development .
I have to admit , this book is so good that in one day I was like halfway through the book!
You have to read it, guys.
March 2, 2026
✎ᝰ.ᝰ.ᐟ| ARC book review
𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙨 & 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙠 𝙆𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙖
5 / ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This book is the kind that make you grip your pillow, kick your feet in the air, scream into the void, and whisper to yourself at 2 AM, “I love love.” Because that was me. The entire time. From the very beginning, this story was SUPER amazing. Like as in omg, the kilig? The secret moments? The quiet glances? The tension? JUSKO. I genuinely had to pause multiple times because my heart could not handle it. Every stolen interaction between Elina and Daniel felt so intimate, so charged, so beautifully written that I found myself wishing — no, yearning — to experience something like that in real life. The way they had these little secret moments that felt like the world disappeared around them? That kind of love is rare. That kind of love is the kind you pray for. I kept saying “I love love” while reading this, and I’m not even exaggerating. I was screaming. I was blushing. I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. There’s just something about watching two people gravitate toward each other in ways they can’t even fully control. It wasn’t just romance. It was connection. It was longing. It was destiny. And speaking of relatability... Oh my gosh, Elina. I saw myself in her more than I expected. The way she curls up in bed and cries because the world feels cruel and overwhelming? Same. I, too, would spiral and cry over the weight of everything evil and unfair. Her emotional depth made her feel so real. She wasn’t just a romantic heroine. She was soft. She was fragile. She felt things so intensely. And that made every happy moment hit harder, because you knew how deeply she could hurt. Now let’s talk about Beau. I HATE BEAU. I wanted to crush his head in my hands. I’m not even kidding. Every time he appeared, my jaw tightened. The frustration? IMMACULATE. The way he added tension and chaos to the story made everything feel heavier and more complicated. He was the kind of character that makes you want to scream at the pages. And honestly? That’s good writing. Because if a character can make me that emotionally invested, then the author did their job. Daniel. Oh Daniel. First of all, I relate to him in the most random way possible — his favorite place being the gym. Same. I get it. The gym is therapy. But here’s the difference: Daniel has an eight pack and still chooses not to eat sweets. Me? I work out so I can eat whatever I want. I cannot live without sweets. That’s where I relate more to Elina. Balance is key. Let me have my dessert in peace. But let’s address the SEVEN YEARS. I was so pissed at Daniel during that period. Like bro??? Communication exists for a reason. And when we finally reached the chapter about his dad, I just sat there like… THIS is why you need to talk to your partner. THIS is why assumptions will destroy you. The way misunderstandings and unspoken fears can spiral into years of distance is actually terrifying. The “what ifs” in your brain will spiral to the max if you don’t clarify things. That entire arc felt so painfully real. It showed how pride, fear, and silence can cost you the love of your life. But here’s where Daniel absolutely REDEEMED himself. He is a YEARNER. And not just a casual “oh I miss her” kind of yearner. No. This man GROVELED. The yearning and groveling was out of this world. I have seen fictional men whipped before. I have seen apologies. I have seen regret arcs. But Daniel? He was on another level. The way he fought for Elina. The way he made it clear that she was the one. The way he refused to let go. Chef’s kiss. Absolute cinema. It takes a strong man to admit he messed up, and it takes an even stronger man to humble himself for the woman he loves. He didn’t just say sorry. He showed it. He proved it. Over and over. And the weight of his longing? Bro. The feeling of having everything except the girl you wanted — the woman you love — is such a heavy, suffocating concept. You can have success, stability, strength… but if your heart is empty, what does it even matter? That emotional depth made his character arc so powerful. The whole time I was reading, I kept whispering, “Don’t hurt me. Please don’t hurt my feelings.” Because every chapter felt like an emotional gamble. I cried. I laughed. I smiled. I cheered. I wanted to throw the book across the room. I wanted to hug it. It was a rollercoaster, but in the best way possible. The kind of rollercoaster where even the pain feels meaningful. And can we talk about how this story is giving red string theory energy? The idea that no matter how far apart you are, no matter how many misunderstandings or years pass, the right person will always find their way back to you. That if the love is real, it doesn’t disappear — it waits. It grows. It strengthens. Their love felt inevitable. Like the universe itself was whispering, “These two belong together.” Daniel is literally the man who can’t be moved. His loyalty. His stubbornness when it came to loving Elina. The way he anchored himself to her even when everything was falling apart. That kind of devotion is rare. AND WHEN VEDANT WAS MENTIONED??? I SCREAMED. My boy. I missed him so much. That cameo felt like a hug from an old friend. If you know, you know. The comfort scenes between Daniel and Elina were just… ANG KILIG. The way he would hold her, reassure her, ground her. And the way she would melt into him? So soft. So tender. Those moments weren’t loud or dramatic. They were intimate. Safe. It felt like home. And that’s the most romantic thing of all, feeling safe in someone’s arms. Elina’s mom sensing that Daniel was the one? Absolutely heartwarming. Mother knows best talaga. There’s something so special about parental intuition in romance stories. It adds this layer of validation, like the universe — and your family — are both rooting for you. Overall, I absolutely love this book. Like as in SO MUCH. Yes, it put me through emotional chaos. Yes, it made me question my sanity. Yes, I was exhausted from feeling everything so intensely. But everything felt right. Every heartbreak had purpose. Every misunderstanding had weight. Every reconciliation felt earned. And every kiss, every touch, every whispered confession felt like it carried the gravity of all those lost years. This book reminded me why I read romance in the first place. For the yearning. For the groveling. For the softness. For the hope that love — real, enduring, stubborn love — exists.
I love love. And this story made me believe in it all over again.
𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙨 & 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙠 𝙆𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙖
5 / ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This book is the kind that make you grip your pillow, kick your feet in the air, scream into the void, and whisper to yourself at 2 AM, “I love love.” Because that was me. The entire time. From the very beginning, this story was SUPER amazing. Like as in omg, the kilig? The secret moments? The quiet glances? The tension? JUSKO. I genuinely had to pause multiple times because my heart could not handle it. Every stolen interaction between Elina and Daniel felt so intimate, so charged, so beautifully written that I found myself wishing — no, yearning — to experience something like that in real life. The way they had these little secret moments that felt like the world disappeared around them? That kind of love is rare. That kind of love is the kind you pray for. I kept saying “I love love” while reading this, and I’m not even exaggerating. I was screaming. I was blushing. I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. There’s just something about watching two people gravitate toward each other in ways they can’t even fully control. It wasn’t just romance. It was connection. It was longing. It was destiny. And speaking of relatability... Oh my gosh, Elina. I saw myself in her more than I expected. The way she curls up in bed and cries because the world feels cruel and overwhelming? Same. I, too, would spiral and cry over the weight of everything evil and unfair. Her emotional depth made her feel so real. She wasn’t just a romantic heroine. She was soft. She was fragile. She felt things so intensely. And that made every happy moment hit harder, because you knew how deeply she could hurt. Now let’s talk about Beau. I HATE BEAU. I wanted to crush his head in my hands. I’m not even kidding. Every time he appeared, my jaw tightened. The frustration? IMMACULATE. The way he added tension and chaos to the story made everything feel heavier and more complicated. He was the kind of character that makes you want to scream at the pages. And honestly? That’s good writing. Because if a character can make me that emotionally invested, then the author did their job. Daniel. Oh Daniel. First of all, I relate to him in the most random way possible — his favorite place being the gym. Same. I get it. The gym is therapy. But here’s the difference: Daniel has an eight pack and still chooses not to eat sweets. Me? I work out so I can eat whatever I want. I cannot live without sweets. That’s where I relate more to Elina. Balance is key. Let me have my dessert in peace. But let’s address the SEVEN YEARS. I was so pissed at Daniel during that period. Like bro??? Communication exists for a reason. And when we finally reached the chapter about his dad, I just sat there like… THIS is why you need to talk to your partner. THIS is why assumptions will destroy you. The way misunderstandings and unspoken fears can spiral into years of distance is actually terrifying. The “what ifs” in your brain will spiral to the max if you don’t clarify things. That entire arc felt so painfully real. It showed how pride, fear, and silence can cost you the love of your life. But here’s where Daniel absolutely REDEEMED himself. He is a YEARNER. And not just a casual “oh I miss her” kind of yearner. No. This man GROVELED. The yearning and groveling was out of this world. I have seen fictional men whipped before. I have seen apologies. I have seen regret arcs. But Daniel? He was on another level. The way he fought for Elina. The way he made it clear that she was the one. The way he refused to let go. Chef’s kiss. Absolute cinema. It takes a strong man to admit he messed up, and it takes an even stronger man to humble himself for the woman he loves. He didn’t just say sorry. He showed it. He proved it. Over and over. And the weight of his longing? Bro. The feeling of having everything except the girl you wanted — the woman you love — is such a heavy, suffocating concept. You can have success, stability, strength… but if your heart is empty, what does it even matter? That emotional depth made his character arc so powerful. The whole time I was reading, I kept whispering, “Don’t hurt me. Please don’t hurt my feelings.” Because every chapter felt like an emotional gamble. I cried. I laughed. I smiled. I cheered. I wanted to throw the book across the room. I wanted to hug it. It was a rollercoaster, but in the best way possible. The kind of rollercoaster where even the pain feels meaningful. And can we talk about how this story is giving red string theory energy? The idea that no matter how far apart you are, no matter how many misunderstandings or years pass, the right person will always find their way back to you. That if the love is real, it doesn’t disappear — it waits. It grows. It strengthens. Their love felt inevitable. Like the universe itself was whispering, “These two belong together.” Daniel is literally the man who can’t be moved. His loyalty. His stubbornness when it came to loving Elina. The way he anchored himself to her even when everything was falling apart. That kind of devotion is rare. AND WHEN VEDANT WAS MENTIONED??? I SCREAMED. My boy. I missed him so much. That cameo felt like a hug from an old friend. If you know, you know. The comfort scenes between Daniel and Elina were just… ANG KILIG. The way he would hold her, reassure her, ground her. And the way she would melt into him? So soft. So tender. Those moments weren’t loud or dramatic. They were intimate. Safe. It felt like home. And that’s the most romantic thing of all, feeling safe in someone’s arms. Elina’s mom sensing that Daniel was the one? Absolutely heartwarming. Mother knows best talaga. There’s something so special about parental intuition in romance stories. It adds this layer of validation, like the universe — and your family — are both rooting for you. Overall, I absolutely love this book. Like as in SO MUCH. Yes, it put me through emotional chaos. Yes, it made me question my sanity. Yes, I was exhausted from feeling everything so intensely. But everything felt right. Every heartbreak had purpose. Every misunderstanding had weight. Every reconciliation felt earned. And every kiss, every touch, every whispered confession felt like it carried the gravity of all those lost years. This book reminded me why I read romance in the first place. For the yearning. For the groveling. For the softness. For the hope that love — real, enduring, stubborn love — exists.
I love love. And this story made me believe in it all over again.
April 1, 2026
I must say this, reading this book was like a emotional whirlpool for me. At some places i felt maybe this is not my kind of read, at few places i felt i like this, at few places i felt there is no much concept but at the same time I even fell in love with the concept. I kept pushing away the book, but at the same time even pulled it back and continued to read. Don't know but, this book has put me under its spell.
Romance Rating : out of 5 🩷
Emotional Depth : 🩷🩷🩷🩷the character development and the emotional Depth is so matured and nice. You may feel that its something else, but when everything falls into place in the last, you will enjoy it.
Relationship Growth : 🩷🩷🩷🩷the growth between the characters is so well depicted.
Centrality :🩷🩷🩷🩷 the romance is the central theme. Additionally with few other Themes running the backstory.
Chemistry :🩷🩷🩷🩷 the Chemistry between the characters is great. The way they hate, but love to the depth is so nice.
Themes :🩷🩷🩷🩷 there are a lot of themes explored, like marriage of convenience, a second chance in life, with banter and drama
Overall : 🩷🩷🩷🩷overall I did love the romance in the book
Spicy meter : out of 5🌶
Build-up of tension : 🌶🌶🌶🌶the tension is very much evident in the words the author choosed
Connectivity : 🌶🌶🌶🌶the scenes are connected to the plot, like even these scenes had some story to add to the main story
Graphic content and imagery :🌶🌶🌶🌶 the content is very well described and must say, very evidently imaginable.
Taboo elements and Kinks: 🌶🌶Not much of taboo elements and Kinks are explored, but that doesn't mean its a plain vanilla read.
Consent and boundaries : 🌶🌶🌶🌶the consents and boundaries are so clearly set, im just impressed by the way the MC cares for the consent.
Consistency and Frequency : 🌶🌶🌶the content is present where all it was necessary and connected to the story, its not like the author Has just thrown the content to fill the pages.
Overall : 🌶🌶🌶I must say I did love the spice here.
Coming to my rating : out of 5 ⭐️
Title : ⭐️⭐️⭐️the title is a bit different and also catchy
Cover : ⭐️⭐️⭐️beautiful cover and the art too
Character development : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️the characters developed so well, as the story progresses you will just fall in love with the characters, and do connect to them. Each dialogue and conversation that happened in the last few chapters between the mains are just etched into my very being, there is so much Depth that its the main reason for my rating...... The last few chapters.
Writing style : ⭐️⭐️⭐️a good Writing style and choice of words.
Originality and Plot :⭐️⭐️⭐️ the plot is not a very original one, we have read so many books with second chance and marriage of convenience, but the way the author has put the content is what makes it different from others.
Emotional Impact : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️emotionally.... I did say in the start of my review, im wrecked.
Overall : 3.5stars so rounding off to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4. I did love the read, and also share a love-hate relationship with it.
Romance Rating : out of 5 🩷
Emotional Depth : 🩷🩷🩷🩷the character development and the emotional Depth is so matured and nice. You may feel that its something else, but when everything falls into place in the last, you will enjoy it.
Relationship Growth : 🩷🩷🩷🩷the growth between the characters is so well depicted.
Centrality :🩷🩷🩷🩷 the romance is the central theme. Additionally with few other Themes running the backstory.
Chemistry :🩷🩷🩷🩷 the Chemistry between the characters is great. The way they hate, but love to the depth is so nice.
Themes :🩷🩷🩷🩷 there are a lot of themes explored, like marriage of convenience, a second chance in life, with banter and drama
Overall : 🩷🩷🩷🩷overall I did love the romance in the book
Spicy meter : out of 5🌶
Build-up of tension : 🌶🌶🌶🌶the tension is very much evident in the words the author choosed
Connectivity : 🌶🌶🌶🌶the scenes are connected to the plot, like even these scenes had some story to add to the main story
Graphic content and imagery :🌶🌶🌶🌶 the content is very well described and must say, very evidently imaginable.
Taboo elements and Kinks: 🌶🌶Not much of taboo elements and Kinks are explored, but that doesn't mean its a plain vanilla read.
Consent and boundaries : 🌶🌶🌶🌶the consents and boundaries are so clearly set, im just impressed by the way the MC cares for the consent.
Consistency and Frequency : 🌶🌶🌶the content is present where all it was necessary and connected to the story, its not like the author Has just thrown the content to fill the pages.
Overall : 🌶🌶🌶I must say I did love the spice here.
Coming to my rating : out of 5 ⭐️
Title : ⭐️⭐️⭐️the title is a bit different and also catchy
Cover : ⭐️⭐️⭐️beautiful cover and the art too
Character development : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️the characters developed so well, as the story progresses you will just fall in love with the characters, and do connect to them. Each dialogue and conversation that happened in the last few chapters between the mains are just etched into my very being, there is so much Depth that its the main reason for my rating...... The last few chapters.
Writing style : ⭐️⭐️⭐️a good Writing style and choice of words.
Originality and Plot :⭐️⭐️⭐️ the plot is not a very original one, we have read so many books with second chance and marriage of convenience, but the way the author has put the content is what makes it different from others.
Emotional Impact : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️emotionally.... I did say in the start of my review, im wrecked.
Overall : 3.5stars so rounding off to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4. I did love the read, and also share a love-hate relationship with it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Terms & Benefit had a genuinely strong premise — broken business partners, buried college feelings, and a supposed marriage-of-convenience between two people who never really stopped loving each other. On paper? This should’ve been my catnip.
In reality… it just didn’t work for me.
We follow Elina and Daniel — ex friends-with-benefits who quietly fell in love and then stayed apart for seven years because of one unresolved lie. When the book opens with Elina’s business partner wrecking her company and reputation, I was locked in.
That conflict? Easily the most interesting part for me. Except… the book barely focuses on it.
Instead, we spend most of the story in their past. And that was my biggest issue. Their history takes up way too much space, yet somehow still feels rushed and skimmed. I kept waiting for the present-day plot to finally move.
Because of that, I never fully connected with either of them. Their trauma is mentioned, but it never really lands. I understood what they went through — I just didn’t feel it. And the tropes? Lowkey disappointing.
This is sold as a marriage of convenience, but the actual marriage happens around 84% in. By then, it’s very clearly just a second-chance romance. Daniel is trying to win Elina back from page one, and the “deal” never feels important or necessary.
Even the second-chance arc didn’t hit for me. There’s no real, satisfying grovelling, and the emotional damage between them feels way too big for how quickly everything is smoothed over. Elina agrees far too easily — so the reconciliation ends up feeling unearned.
The only moments I genuinely loved were Daniel’s quiet ones — him remembering small things she once told him, noticing details from their past, and especially secretly building the foundation of a dream house from Elina’s old sketchbook.
Those scenes showed his feelings way better than most of the dialogue did.
Overall, this was an okay read — but I struggled to care about the romance, the characters, or even the central conflict. Apart from a few soft, memorable Daniel moments… yeah. It just wasn’t it for me.
In reality… it just didn’t work for me.
We follow Elina and Daniel — ex friends-with-benefits who quietly fell in love and then stayed apart for seven years because of one unresolved lie. When the book opens with Elina’s business partner wrecking her company and reputation, I was locked in.
That conflict? Easily the most interesting part for me. Except… the book barely focuses on it.
Instead, we spend most of the story in their past. And that was my biggest issue. Their history takes up way too much space, yet somehow still feels rushed and skimmed. I kept waiting for the present-day plot to finally move.
Because of that, I never fully connected with either of them. Their trauma is mentioned, but it never really lands. I understood what they went through — I just didn’t feel it. And the tropes? Lowkey disappointing.
This is sold as a marriage of convenience, but the actual marriage happens around 84% in. By then, it’s very clearly just a second-chance romance. Daniel is trying to win Elina back from page one, and the “deal” never feels important or necessary.
Even the second-chance arc didn’t hit for me. There’s no real, satisfying grovelling, and the emotional damage between them feels way too big for how quickly everything is smoothed over. Elina agrees far too easily — so the reconciliation ends up feeling unearned.
The only moments I genuinely loved were Daniel’s quiet ones — him remembering small things she once told him, noticing details from their past, and especially secretly building the foundation of a dream house from Elina’s old sketchbook.
Those scenes showed his feelings way better than most of the dialogue did.
Overall, this was an okay read — but I struggled to care about the romance, the characters, or even the central conflict. Apart from a few soft, memorable Daniel moments… yeah. It just wasn’t it for me.
February 27, 2026
Terms & Benefits (ARC Review)
💍🤝🏻🇬🇧🏙️
💍 | Terms & Benefits by Chahak Kawatra
❤️🔥 | Contemporary romance
✨ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was perfect 🤩🤩. Elina & Daniel are just so perfect for each other ❤️🔥❤️🔥. Even after everything they went through, they found their way back to each other 😍😍.
Elina Singh, a feisty, strong minded, ambitious, independent, and hard working FMC. Going for exactly what she wants, not letting anyone’s expectations or her family’s toxicity stray her from her path.
Daniel Wrexleigh, the man you are. His thoughtful and loving actions (like this guys remembers every little thing about Elina, how she like her coffee, her fav donuts, and OMG he built her her dream house 🥹🥹). And the proposal was everything, just perfect 🥰🥰.
Those two clearly love each other but they just wouldn’t confess thinking the other doesn’t love them back 😢😢. I really wanted to jump in the book and shake them, like come on just confess already.
I really loved how the girls Cara & Arabella are always there for each other, and supporting one another through everything 💖💖. And luckily for me I also have my own Cara in my life too 😘😘.
If you like marriage of convenience, second chance romance and a man like Daniel Wrexleigh, you’ll love “Terms & Benefits”.
Some of my favorite quotes:
💞 “I hate that you still feel familiar. Hate that you still feel like mine." The words were barely louder than a breath. "But most of all, I hate that I still feel like yours.”
💞 “If there was a simple truth to my existence, it was that loving her was my drug, and I'd rather lose everything than give up my addiction. But never her.”
💞 “There wasn't a single breath I had taken since I met her, or a single nerve in me hadn't lit up at the thought of her. And I was going to make her fall in love with me, again. Even if it took me my whole goddamn life.”
💞 “I don't want perfection," I whispered. "I never did. I just want you."
"You have me, baby," He replied. "You've always had me.”
💞 “You're not just the love of my life," He started, softly tucking my hair behind my ear. His eyes were sparkling with more than just the emotions we'd finally let out. "You're the life that I want.”
💍🤝🏻🇬🇧🏙️
💍 | Terms & Benefits by Chahak Kawatra
❤️🔥 | Contemporary romance
✨ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was perfect 🤩🤩. Elina & Daniel are just so perfect for each other ❤️🔥❤️🔥. Even after everything they went through, they found their way back to each other 😍😍.
Elina Singh, a feisty, strong minded, ambitious, independent, and hard working FMC. Going for exactly what she wants, not letting anyone’s expectations or her family’s toxicity stray her from her path.
Daniel Wrexleigh, the man you are. His thoughtful and loving actions (like this guys remembers every little thing about Elina, how she like her coffee, her fav donuts, and OMG he built her her dream house 🥹🥹). And the proposal was everything, just perfect 🥰🥰.
Those two clearly love each other but they just wouldn’t confess thinking the other doesn’t love them back 😢😢. I really wanted to jump in the book and shake them, like come on just confess already.
I really loved how the girls Cara & Arabella are always there for each other, and supporting one another through everything 💖💖. And luckily for me I also have my own Cara in my life too 😘😘.
If you like marriage of convenience, second chance romance and a man like Daniel Wrexleigh, you’ll love “Terms & Benefits”.
Some of my favorite quotes:
💞 “I hate that you still feel familiar. Hate that you still feel like mine." The words were barely louder than a breath. "But most of all, I hate that I still feel like yours.”
💞 “If there was a simple truth to my existence, it was that loving her was my drug, and I'd rather lose everything than give up my addiction. But never her.”
💞 “There wasn't a single breath I had taken since I met her, or a single nerve in me hadn't lit up at the thought of her. And I was going to make her fall in love with me, again. Even if it took me my whole goddamn life.”
💞 “I don't want perfection," I whispered. "I never did. I just want you."
"You have me, baby," He replied. "You've always had me.”
💞 “You're not just the love of my life," He started, softly tucking my hair behind my ear. His eyes were sparkling with more than just the emotions we'd finally let out. "You're the life that I want.”
February 14, 2026
Okay, let me start by saying that I went into this book expecting a standard marriage-of-convenience story, but it turned out to be so much more than that! If you love a second-chance romance with a good amount of spice, you definitely need to add this to your TBR list.
The story follows Elina and Daniel. Elina is the kind of fierce, independent FMC I absolutely love, she’s totally an I can do it myself kind of girl. And Daniel? Oh my goodness. He is the standard for book boyfriends. The way he loves her is so completely selfless, and the thoughtful, grand gestures he makes had me swooning hard. Seriously, the scene of how he takes care of her when she has a migraine? Top tier!🤌🏼🌷
The author uses a dual timeline to show their past and their present, which really worked for me. It made their current interactions feel incredibly layered because you finally understand all the unresolved history and feelings simmering beneath the surface. They have amazing chemistry, and the transition between their past friendship and their present tension is seamless.
Now, I will say, if you are expecting the marriage of convenience plot to be the main focus from page one, you might be a little surprised. It actually happens quite a bit later in the book. A large part of the story focuses heavily on their past.
Apart from the romance, I really enjoyed the strong female friendships. The bond between Elina and her friends Cara and Arabella was so supportive and heartwarming, offering a nice balance to the heavier romantic drama.
Overall it's a beautiful read and I think you should add this to your TBR!!❤️
The story follows Elina and Daniel. Elina is the kind of fierce, independent FMC I absolutely love, she’s totally an I can do it myself kind of girl. And Daniel? Oh my goodness. He is the standard for book boyfriends. The way he loves her is so completely selfless, and the thoughtful, grand gestures he makes had me swooning hard. Seriously, the scene of how he takes care of her when she has a migraine? Top tier!🤌🏼🌷
The author uses a dual timeline to show their past and their present, which really worked for me. It made their current interactions feel incredibly layered because you finally understand all the unresolved history and feelings simmering beneath the surface. They have amazing chemistry, and the transition between their past friendship and their present tension is seamless.
Now, I will say, if you are expecting the marriage of convenience plot to be the main focus from page one, you might be a little surprised. It actually happens quite a bit later in the book. A large part of the story focuses heavily on their past.
Apart from the romance, I really enjoyed the strong female friendships. The bond between Elina and her friends Cara and Arabella was so supportive and heartwarming, offering a nice balance to the heavier romantic drama.
Overall it's a beautiful read and I think you should add this to your TBR!!❤️
February 14, 2026
This book OMG it was PERFECT.
Elina and Daniel were so, so good that my heart has a special corner reserved just for them.
Their story is literally perfect. When I started reading, I assumed it would be a typical Marriage-of-Convenience with a past kind of story or something predictable.
But to my surprise, the marriage was the last thing to happen, and I literally forgot it was even a Marriage of Convenience book.
Daniel and Elina have shared so much in the past, yet when they meet again, they can’t deny the invisible strings still pulling them toward each other. Elina’s office crisis creates a situation where she has no choice but to ask Daniel for help to save her company. Daniel, who has always loved her, proposes a marriage of convenience that benefits them both.
The story is told in a dual timeline, and it actually helps you understand everything clearly. Most dual-timeline books confuse me, but not this one.
Daniel Wrexleigh the man you are. His grand gestures, his thoughtful and loving actions... they reminded me why men like him only exist in fiction.
And Elina Singh....She’s such an independent girl who needs no man in her life. Their dynamic has that perfect “I can do it myself” and “I know, but let me do it for you” energy.
Cara, Noah, and Arabella add so much depth to the story. I especially loved how the girls are always there for each other, supporting one another through everything.
I hope you can tell from all this rambling just how much I loved this book
Elina and Daniel were so, so good that my heart has a special corner reserved just for them.
Their story is literally perfect. When I started reading, I assumed it would be a typical Marriage-of-Convenience with a past kind of story or something predictable.
But to my surprise, the marriage was the last thing to happen, and I literally forgot it was even a Marriage of Convenience book.
Daniel and Elina have shared so much in the past, yet when they meet again, they can’t deny the invisible strings still pulling them toward each other. Elina’s office crisis creates a situation where she has no choice but to ask Daniel for help to save her company. Daniel, who has always loved her, proposes a marriage of convenience that benefits them both.
The story is told in a dual timeline, and it actually helps you understand everything clearly. Most dual-timeline books confuse me, but not this one.
Daniel Wrexleigh the man you are. His grand gestures, his thoughtful and loving actions... they reminded me why men like him only exist in fiction.
And Elina Singh....She’s such an independent girl who needs no man in her life. Their dynamic has that perfect “I can do it myself” and “I know, but let me do it for you” energy.
Cara, Noah, and Arabella add so much depth to the story. I especially loved how the girls are always there for each other, supporting one another through everything.
I hope you can tell from all this rambling just how much I loved this book
March 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 out of 10
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳
💵 x 💼 Billionaire CEO x Architecture Firm Owner
🔄 Second Chance Romance
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🥀 Yearning
🏠 Family
💬 Witty Banter
❤️🔥 Intense Chemistry
🪷 South Asian Culture
🇬🇧 British Based
⏳ Dual Timeline
This one was okay - didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. It actually took me a while to get into because the setup was a little confusing at first. So much was going on and we were meeting so many characters I was struggling to remember who’s who. Although I do like the dual timelines, I think we spent a little too much time in the past as not much time passes in the present. I was originally sold on this being a marriage of convenience trope but that doesn’t happen until 2/3 (or more) into the book, and we didn’t spend much time in the marriage part of it at all. To end on a higher note, I will say I like the chemistry between the MCs and the spice was h-a-w-t.
"She's trying to forget their past. He's trying to rebuild their forever.
Their deal was supposed to be a transactional one. Simple. Convenient. But nothing about Daniel and Elina's story has ever been uncomplicated. As old emotions resurface and new sparks ignite, they'll have to decide whether, this time, the foundation they're building is strong enough to last.”
“Terms & Benefits” is a standalone contemporary romance book by Chahak Kawatra and is out now! Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated MA for Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️❤️🔥
5 out of 10
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳
💵 x 💼 Billionaire CEO x Architecture Firm Owner
🔄 Second Chance Romance
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🥀 Yearning
🏠 Family
💬 Witty Banter
❤️🔥 Intense Chemistry
🪷 South Asian Culture
🇬🇧 British Based
⏳ Dual Timeline
This one was okay - didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. It actually took me a while to get into because the setup was a little confusing at first. So much was going on and we were meeting so many characters I was struggling to remember who’s who. Although I do like the dual timelines, I think we spent a little too much time in the past as not much time passes in the present. I was originally sold on this being a marriage of convenience trope but that doesn’t happen until 2/3 (or more) into the book, and we didn’t spend much time in the marriage part of it at all. To end on a higher note, I will say I like the chemistry between the MCs and the spice was h-a-w-t.
"She's trying to forget their past. He's trying to rebuild their forever.
Their deal was supposed to be a transactional one. Simple. Convenient. But nothing about Daniel and Elina's story has ever been uncomplicated. As old emotions resurface and new sparks ignite, they'll have to decide whether, this time, the foundation they're building is strong enough to last.”
“Terms & Benefits” is a standalone contemporary romance book by Chahak Kawatra and is out now! Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated MA for Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️❤️🔥
February 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌟
This is such a swoony love story!! There are so many scenes that I could just actually see being played out in my head! The silent disco where they meet…my goodness 🫠🥵
The way he falls hard for her?! The dream house?! The way he knew how to take care of her during a migraine?! There’s just so many things to love about this absolutely swoony second chance contemporary romance. This one is a spicy read…I mean she is spicy! I would rate 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ with multiple descriptive open door spice scenes and dirty talk. But I was invested in these characters by the time the first spicy scene happened and that helps me out a lot with spice! I also enjoyed how the author goes back in time with a dual timeline to really create a well rounded story! Thank you to the author for the eARC! This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. I think you will enjoy this book if you love
💕 contemporary romance
💘 second chance romance
💕marriage of convenience
💘he takes care of her
💕open door spice
💘dual timeline
💕dual pov
💘billionaire romance
“But the sound of my heart breaking had been louder than everything.”
“Seven years, and my body still recognised him like he was still mine.”
“Hey,” I said quietly. “I’ve got you.”
“But wanting and choosing aren’t the same thing,”
“It will matter in every single way that it should. I can wait for the rest of my life for you to be ready, but I’m not going to give up on you.”
“I remember everything.”
5/5🌟
This is such a swoony love story!! There are so many scenes that I could just actually see being played out in my head! The silent disco where they meet…my goodness 🫠🥵
The way he falls hard for her?! The dream house?! The way he knew how to take care of her during a migraine?! There’s just so many things to love about this absolutely swoony second chance contemporary romance. This one is a spicy read…I mean she is spicy! I would rate 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ with multiple descriptive open door spice scenes and dirty talk. But I was invested in these characters by the time the first spicy scene happened and that helps me out a lot with spice! I also enjoyed how the author goes back in time with a dual timeline to really create a well rounded story! Thank you to the author for the eARC! This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. I think you will enjoy this book if you love
💕 contemporary romance
💘 second chance romance
💕marriage of convenience
💘he takes care of her
💕open door spice
💘dual timeline
💕dual pov
💘billionaire romance
“But the sound of my heart breaking had been louder than everything.”
“Seven years, and my body still recognised him like he was still mine.”
“Hey,” I said quietly. “I’ve got you.”
“But wanting and choosing aren’t the same thing,”
“It will matter in every single way that it should. I can wait for the rest of my life for you to be ready, but I’m not going to give up on you.”
“I remember everything.”
February 24, 2026
Chahak Kawatra has managed to knock the ball right out of the park AGAIN. Anything she writes, I will read.
From the very first page the cover, dedication, and the playlist had me hooked. The characters in this book felt real and raw, they issues and emotions they have are written so perfectly that I can feel them happening in myself as I read.
Elina is such a headstrong and independent girl and after all that she’s been through, I can’t fault her for that in the slightest. She stuck to her guns and accepted nothing less than what she knew she deserved.
Daniel knowing that the way things ended was wrong and taking accountability for that all whilst trying to win Elina back was so beautiful. Him remembering all the small details was so perfect and so so special to me.
The complex relationships with both of the main characters family’s really showed in the way they dealt with certain situations and interacted with other characters.
Together Elina and Daniel were complicated, jumbled and downright sexy. I adored them together and I think I can offically say that they are one of my favourite book couples
The book is listed as a marriage of convenience but that doesn’t happen until are the 75% mark, if you’re a fan of second chance though then this book is perfect for you.
This book is for the people that love
💍Second Chance Romance
🩵Chronic Insomnia + Metal Health Rep
💍High Lust, Slow Burn
🩵Duel Timeline + Dual POV
From the very first page the cover, dedication, and the playlist had me hooked. The characters in this book felt real and raw, they issues and emotions they have are written so perfectly that I can feel them happening in myself as I read.
Elina is such a headstrong and independent girl and after all that she’s been through, I can’t fault her for that in the slightest. She stuck to her guns and accepted nothing less than what she knew she deserved.
Daniel knowing that the way things ended was wrong and taking accountability for that all whilst trying to win Elina back was so beautiful. Him remembering all the small details was so perfect and so so special to me.
The complex relationships with both of the main characters family’s really showed in the way they dealt with certain situations and interacted with other characters.
Together Elina and Daniel were complicated, jumbled and downright sexy. I adored them together and I think I can offically say that they are one of my favourite book couples
The book is listed as a marriage of convenience but that doesn’t happen until are the 75% mark, if you’re a fan of second chance though then this book is perfect for you.
This book is for the people that love
💍Second Chance Romance
🩵Chronic Insomnia + Metal Health Rep
💍High Lust, Slow Burn
🩵Duel Timeline + Dual POV
Review of advance copy received from Author
Terms and Benefits by Chahak Kawatra is a beautiful contemporary romance novel. It mainly revolves around the characters 'Elina Singh ' and 'Daniel Wrexleigh'. The centre theme of this story is dual timeline and it shows the relationship dynamics between these two characters at two different time periods.
The character of 'Elina Singh' is brave , fierce and independent and she wants to live life on her own terms and conditions. Her character development and the representation of anxiety and insomnia through her was portrayed realistically.
'Daniel Wrexleigh' was just an amazing Male lead. His love for Elina was Selfless. His care, protectiveness and possessiveness towards her was balanced and at times he can melt your heart by showing unconditional affection towards his love interest (Obviously Elina 😉).
Their chemistry was just terrific and one can't get enough of their scenes. The transition between timelines was smooth and the suspense will take you to the end. The Family dynamics of both the main leads and their relationship with their parents is shown which was emotional throughout the story.
The one thing I did like the most apart from the central plot was the Friendship between Cara, Arabella and Elina. Their bond was just amazing and really strong and I did like all of their parts in the story. Overall I did enjoy this story and it was heartwarming ❤️
The character of 'Elina Singh' is brave , fierce and independent and she wants to live life on her own terms and conditions. Her character development and the representation of anxiety and insomnia through her was portrayed realistically.
'Daniel Wrexleigh' was just an amazing Male lead. His love for Elina was Selfless. His care, protectiveness and possessiveness towards her was balanced and at times he can melt your heart by showing unconditional affection towards his love interest (Obviously Elina 😉).
Their chemistry was just terrific and one can't get enough of their scenes. The transition between timelines was smooth and the suspense will take you to the end. The Family dynamics of both the main leads and their relationship with their parents is shown which was emotional throughout the story.
The one thing I did like the most apart from the central plot was the Friendship between Cara, Arabella and Elina. Their bond was just amazing and really strong and I did like all of their parts in the story. Overall I did enjoy this story and it was heartwarming ❤️
March 4, 2026
📝 Review:
✨ Seven years. One lie. A love that never really faded. What begins with broken business ties and unresolved college feelings grows into a second-chance romance full of longing, quiet devotion, and a man who never stopped holding on. 💍🤍
✨ What I loved:
• The yearning. Daniel carrying that torch for seven years? Top-tier romance energy.
• The secret looks, the stolen moments, that invisible pull between them — pure magic.
• Daniel remembering every little thing about Elina — her coffee order, her favorites, her dreams… even laying the foundation for her dream house. Sir, please.
• The female friendships. Cara and Arabella were grounding, supportive, and added so much warmth.
💭 What I wished for:
• The marriage-of-convenience angle could’ve been stronger earlier on — it leaned more second-chance than MOC.
📚 If you’re craving:
• 💔 second-chance romance
• 💍 marriage of convenience (later in the story)
• 🔥 “he falls harder” energy
• 🏡 grand romantic gestures
• 💬 dual timeline with unresolved tension
…then this belongs on your TBR.
Ratings:
• Plot – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Characters – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Setting – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cover Design – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Writing – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Enjoyment – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Final thoughts:
This one is for the hopeless romantics — the believers that love can survive pride, distance, and silence. It’s emotional, swoony, sometimes frustrating, but at its heart it’s about enduring love and the choice to find each other again. And honestly? I’m a sucker for love stories like this.
✨ Seven years. One lie. A love that never really faded. What begins with broken business ties and unresolved college feelings grows into a second-chance romance full of longing, quiet devotion, and a man who never stopped holding on. 💍🤍
✨ What I loved:
• The yearning. Daniel carrying that torch for seven years? Top-tier romance energy.
• The secret looks, the stolen moments, that invisible pull between them — pure magic.
• Daniel remembering every little thing about Elina — her coffee order, her favorites, her dreams… even laying the foundation for her dream house. Sir, please.
• The female friendships. Cara and Arabella were grounding, supportive, and added so much warmth.
💭 What I wished for:
• The marriage-of-convenience angle could’ve been stronger earlier on — it leaned more second-chance than MOC.
📚 If you’re craving:
• 💔 second-chance romance
• 💍 marriage of convenience (later in the story)
• 🔥 “he falls harder” energy
• 🏡 grand romantic gestures
• 💬 dual timeline with unresolved tension
…then this belongs on your TBR.
Ratings:
• Plot – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Characters – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Setting – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cover Design – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Writing – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Enjoyment – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Final thoughts:
This one is for the hopeless romantics — the believers that love can survive pride, distance, and silence. It’s emotional, swoony, sometimes frustrating, but at its heart it’s about enduring love and the choice to find each other again. And honestly? I’m a sucker for love stories like this.
March 7, 2026
I’m officially forcing everyone to read this book. No excuses.
I cried. I laughed. I screamed. At some point I was convinced I was going to die of frustration. I wanted to shake the protagonists. Maybe even fight them a little.
But God… Elina and Daniel are perfect.
I loved every single moment from their past and every scene from the present. Their fears drove me absolutely insane, but at the same time I understood the trauma behind them, and that made everything hurt even more.
I devoured this book in ONE DAY. One day, people.I read it like a good girl… as Daniel would say. 😏
The story is so captivating and easy to read, and every page kept me on edge. I was obsessed with the flashback chapters. I was literally kicking my feet and screaming like a teenager in love… until the moment those same chapters made me cry.
Thank God for a second chance, because Daniel deserved it. Even with all his little flaws.
Also, I desperately need a Daniel in my life.The things that man says??? I fell in love instantly.
So yes. You absolutely NEED to read this story.I’m serious. I do not accept excuses.
I cried. I laughed. I screamed. At some point I was convinced I was going to die of frustration. I wanted to shake the protagonists. Maybe even fight them a little.
But God… Elina and Daniel are perfect.
I loved every single moment from their past and every scene from the present. Their fears drove me absolutely insane, but at the same time I understood the trauma behind them, and that made everything hurt even more.
I devoured this book in ONE DAY. One day, people.I read it like a good girl… as Daniel would say. 😏
The story is so captivating and easy to read, and every page kept me on edge. I was obsessed with the flashback chapters. I was literally kicking my feet and screaming like a teenager in love… until the moment those same chapters made me cry.
Thank God for a second chance, because Daniel deserved it. Even with all his little flaws.
Also, I desperately need a Daniel in my life.The things that man says??? I fell in love instantly.
So yes. You absolutely NEED to read this story.I’m serious. I do not accept excuses.
February 15, 2026
This book was such a heartfelt and swoony second-chance romance, and I loved every bit of it. Elina and Daniel’s story had so much strength because of their shared past, and the dual timeline made their emotions hit. I could feel the history between them in every interaction, which made their reunion all the more powerful.
Elina was a fantastic heroine, strong, independent, and determined to live life on her own terms. I admired how real she felt, especially with the way her struggles with anxiety and sleepless nights were portrayed. Daniel's love for Elina was steady, selfless, and full of thoughtful gestures that showed how deeply he cared. The way he noticed the little things and always found ways to support her made him unforgettable.
Whether it was playful banter, emotional confrontations, or tender moments, I was completely invested in their relationship.
I also really enjoyed the friendships woven into the book. It showed the importance of having people who stand by you no matter what.
Elina was a fantastic heroine, strong, independent, and determined to live life on her own terms. I admired how real she felt, especially with the way her struggles with anxiety and sleepless nights were portrayed. Daniel's love for Elina was steady, selfless, and full of thoughtful gestures that showed how deeply he cared. The way he noticed the little things and always found ways to support her made him unforgettable.
Whether it was playful banter, emotional confrontations, or tender moments, I was completely invested in their relationship.
I also really enjoyed the friendships woven into the book. It showed the importance of having people who stand by you no matter what.
February 24, 2026
• second chance romance
• marriage of convenience (at nearly the end of book)
3/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️ open door romance/spicy scenes (rating reflects how much spice there is compared to plot not quality of spicy scenes)
I’m a fan of second chance romances and marriage of convenience and characters growing from their family traumas. That’s my jam.
****If you want a quick read and you just want to devour some romance THEN THIS IS FOR YOU.****
I read ALOT so for me this premise held great promise but under delivered on depth of storytelling and growth.
I understand what the author was going for, but it was something you read not felt in execution. I took issue with the repetitive nature of some of the content and what seemed (to me) like quite a minuscule “misunderstanding” if you can call it that.
WHAT I DID ENJOY was how locked in Daniel was and his over the top gestures of love. I usually love my FMCs but I was not feeling her (if she was written with bit more depth perhaps it would have been different).
• marriage of convenience (at nearly the end of book)
3/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️ open door romance/spicy scenes (rating reflects how much spice there is compared to plot not quality of spicy scenes)
I’m a fan of second chance romances and marriage of convenience and characters growing from their family traumas. That’s my jam.
****If you want a quick read and you just want to devour some romance THEN THIS IS FOR YOU.****
I read ALOT so for me this premise held great promise but under delivered on depth of storytelling and growth.
I understand what the author was going for, but it was something you read not felt in execution. I took issue with the repetitive nature of some of the content and what seemed (to me) like quite a minuscule “misunderstanding” if you can call it that.
WHAT I DID ENJOY was how locked in Daniel was and his over the top gestures of love. I usually love my FMCs but I was not feeling her (if she was written with bit more depth perhaps it would have been different).
March 3, 2026
"What if I make a business deal with you?"
"What kind of a business deal?"
"Marry me. Marry me, Elina"
The real marriage of convenience, the best second chance and the best relationship between the characters.
Elina and Daniel want or found a love, be love an love a lot, and be happy, and have a support to the person who love. And they found it.
Their fathers make me angry (maybe i understand them), I want to read their redemption or they changed their mind.
The friendship is everything, although they have a life with their jobs, they found a time to pass the time together.
I didn't see the trama, and I unsuspected and surprised me. I hope this man finds his love.
The medical theme, was hard but necessary to she is safe and well.
OMG, the yearning! was everything! Both have yearned for the other. And the apologies and insisted and see what happens with the forgiveness, make me laugh, screaming, crying, fall in love.
It is the first time i read the author and I wanna read it in the future. I enjoyed it. I like so much the playlist.
I need Elina to design my dream house.
"What kind of a business deal?"
"Marry me. Marry me, Elina"
The real marriage of convenience, the best second chance and the best relationship between the characters.
Elina and Daniel want or found a love, be love an love a lot, and be happy, and have a support to the person who love. And they found it.
Their fathers make me angry (maybe i understand them), I want to read their redemption or they changed their mind.
The friendship is everything, although they have a life with their jobs, they found a time to pass the time together.
I didn't see the trama, and I unsuspected and surprised me. I hope this man finds his love.
The medical theme, was hard but necessary to she is safe and well.
OMG, the yearning! was everything! Both have yearned for the other. And the apologies and insisted and see what happens with the forgiveness, make me laugh, screaming, crying, fall in love.
It is the first time i read the author and I wanna read it in the future. I enjoyed it. I like so much the playlist.
I need Elina to design my dream house.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2026
The playlist and dedication had my whole heart before the story even began. 💌
The premise instantly pulled me in-marriage of convenience, second chance, messy history. I was ready to love it. And I did enjoyed Elina’s guarded strength and independence felt real, and Daniel’s regret and family pressure added depth. You can truly feel the history between them.
But here’s where it didn’t fully work for me...
It’s marketed as a marriage of convenience, yet the marriage happens very late. For most of the book, it reads more like a straight second-chance romance. I kept waiting for that forced proximity tension and emotional push-pull that usually comes with this trope, but by the time it arrived, the story was almost over.
I also wished we had more in the present timeline. I love dual timelines, and this story needed the past to explain their complexity.
It had all the right ingredients. It just didn’t fully deliver the intensity I was hoping for.
Thanks @authorchahak @swipethebook.pr
The premise instantly pulled me in-marriage of convenience, second chance, messy history. I was ready to love it. And I did enjoyed Elina’s guarded strength and independence felt real, and Daniel’s regret and family pressure added depth. You can truly feel the history between them.
But here’s where it didn’t fully work for me...
It’s marketed as a marriage of convenience, yet the marriage happens very late. For most of the book, it reads more like a straight second-chance romance. I kept waiting for that forced proximity tension and emotional push-pull that usually comes with this trope, but by the time it arrived, the story was almost over.
I also wished we had more in the present timeline. I love dual timelines, and this story needed the past to explain their complexity.
It had all the right ingredients. It just didn’t fully deliver the intensity I was hoping for.
Thanks @authorchahak @swipethebook.pr
February 20, 2026
Thank you BookFunnel for an ARC copy!!
overall i really liked this book. i would've loved it if it weren't for a few things. but let's talk about what I LOVED.
Daniel; the way he remembers all these little things🥹 it's like muscle memory for him. the TENSION Elina and Daniel have omg HOT🤭 Elina; ik the feeling of having expectations of your parents. and her struggled with sleeping🥲 she had so many walls that it was nice to see Daniel slowly bring it down.
we don't get the marriage in convenience until like 85% into the book. i would've loved to see the early stages more of the marriage.
we spend a lot of time in the past getting to know them( don't get me wrong i loved it🤭) but i feel like we did t focus too much on the present.
we didn't see much of the conflict with Elina and her company it was just brushed off. it would've been interesting if we saw Daniel help and get involved to help her.
overall i really liked this book. i would've loved it if it weren't for a few things. but let's talk about what I LOVED.
Daniel; the way he remembers all these little things🥹 it's like muscle memory for him. the TENSION Elina and Daniel have omg HOT🤭 Elina; ik the feeling of having expectations of your parents. and her struggled with sleeping🥲 she had so many walls that it was nice to see Daniel slowly bring it down.
we don't get the marriage in convenience until like 85% into the book. i would've loved to see the early stages more of the marriage.
we spend a lot of time in the past getting to know them( don't get me wrong i loved it🤭) but i feel like we did t focus too much on the present.
we didn't see much of the conflict with Elina and her company it was just brushed off. it would've been interesting if we saw Daniel help and get involved to help her.
February 28, 2026
love it!!
Terms & Benefits by Chahak Kawatra is honestly such a soft ache of a second-chance romance. We follow Elina Singh, an independent architect who’s built her life brick by brick, and Daniel Wrexleigh, the billionaire who, let’s be real, never truly moved on. The marriage-of-convenience setup pulls them back into each other’s orbit, but the real magic is in the dual timelines. Bit by bit, we see what tore them apart seven years ago—and it becomes painfully clear that the love never actually disappeared.
The characters are what make this story hit. Elina feels real—strong and stubborn on the outside, but quietly battling anxiety and complicated family dynamics underneath. And Daniel? He’s that “man who remembers” in the most heart-melting way. The small things matter to him. He knows her migraines. He knows her dreams. That reveal about the house inspired by her old sketches? WOW!!
Terms & Benefits by Chahak Kawatra is honestly such a soft ache of a second-chance romance. We follow Elina Singh, an independent architect who’s built her life brick by brick, and Daniel Wrexleigh, the billionaire who, let’s be real, never truly moved on. The marriage-of-convenience setup pulls them back into each other’s orbit, but the real magic is in the dual timelines. Bit by bit, we see what tore them apart seven years ago—and it becomes painfully clear that the love never actually disappeared.
The characters are what make this story hit. Elina feels real—strong and stubborn on the outside, but quietly battling anxiety and complicated family dynamics underneath. And Daniel? He’s that “man who remembers” in the most heart-melting way. The small things matter to him. He knows her migraines. He knows her dreams. That reveal about the house inspired by her old sketches? WOW!!
March 1, 2026
⭐️ARC Review⭐️
This was a cute, long-lost-lovers type of story that moves between the past and present of the FMC and MMC. The flashbacks helped piece together their history and made us understand why they were in their current situation.
I liked Daniel as the MMC, but I do wish his character had been developed a bit more. When they were younger, he felt softer and more open, and then suddenly as an adult he had that intense, touch-her-and-die energy without as much buildup. I wanted more of that emotional transition.
Elina was definitely a strong FMC. I loved that she chose herself and her own path instead of following the expectations her family had for her. She also stood firm in her feelings toward Daniel and didn’t forgive or fall back into things too easily.
The overall plot was good and heavily rooted in family dynamics, which added depth to the story. It’s not a super long read and is perfect if you’re in the mood for something softer and a little lovey-dovey.
This was a cute, long-lost-lovers type of story that moves between the past and present of the FMC and MMC. The flashbacks helped piece together their history and made us understand why they were in their current situation.
I liked Daniel as the MMC, but I do wish his character had been developed a bit more. When they were younger, he felt softer and more open, and then suddenly as an adult he had that intense, touch-her-and-die energy without as much buildup. I wanted more of that emotional transition.
Elina was definitely a strong FMC. I loved that she chose herself and her own path instead of following the expectations her family had for her. She also stood firm in her feelings toward Daniel and didn’t forgive or fall back into things too easily.
The overall plot was good and heavily rooted in family dynamics, which added depth to the story. It’s not a super long read and is perfect if you’re in the mood for something softer and a little lovey-dovey.
March 9, 2026
I loved the setting of this book, the two timelines made it even better. The characters were so well-developed that they felt real. I didn’t just read about them ,I felt everything with them. The chemistry between the main leads was incredible. The tension? Perfectly built. The banter? Sharp, witty, and addictive. There were so many moments where I told myself, “Okay, just one more chapter,” and suddenly I was 100 pages ahead. 🤌🏻
I am obsessed with Daniel because he was obsessed with Elina and he proved it. Also he’s a Billionaire with a B👀
I loved the chemistry between the main characters, it was so fun to read their banter, especially when the timeline was from the past.🎀
He did so many things for Elina, not because he loved her, but because he wanted to see her happy and follow her dreams.😭💗
The emotional depth in this story really surprised me. It wasn’t just romance; it was growth, ambition, sacrifice, and choosing someone even when it’s complicated.🌻
I am obsessed with Daniel because he was obsessed with Elina and he proved it. Also he’s a Billionaire with a B👀
I loved the chemistry between the main characters, it was so fun to read their banter, especially when the timeline was from the past.🎀
He did so many things for Elina, not because he loved her, but because he wanted to see her happy and follow her dreams.😭💗
The emotional depth in this story really surprised me. It wasn’t just romance; it was growth, ambition, sacrifice, and choosing someone even when it’s complicated.🌻
February 17, 2026
Okay but why did this book make me feel things I wasn’t prepared for??
I went in expecting a simple marriage-of-convenience trope… and stayed for the second-chance angst. Elina and Daniel have history history... the kind that sits in every conversation and makes everything heavier.
Elina is that “I don’t need anyone” girl who actually just doesn’t want to get hurt again. And Daniel? Sir. A man who remembers the little things, builds dream houses from old sketchbooks, and waits seven years?? Unreal. Fictional men stay winning.
The dual timeline really worked for me because you actually see why they broke and why they still care. And when they reconnect, it’s messy, soft, frustrating, and very swoony.
If you like:
✨ second chances
✨ quiet but intense love
✨ “I remember everything” energy
✨ he-takes-care-of-her moments
You’ll eat this up.
I went in expecting a simple marriage-of-convenience trope… and stayed for the second-chance angst. Elina and Daniel have history history... the kind that sits in every conversation and makes everything heavier.
Elina is that “I don’t need anyone” girl who actually just doesn’t want to get hurt again. And Daniel? Sir. A man who remembers the little things, builds dream houses from old sketchbooks, and waits seven years?? Unreal. Fictional men stay winning.
The dual timeline really worked for me because you actually see why they broke and why they still care. And when they reconnect, it’s messy, soft, frustrating, and very swoony.
If you like:
✨ second chances
✨ quiet but intense love
✨ “I remember everything” energy
✨ he-takes-care-of-her moments
You’ll eat this up.
March 1, 2026
2.75⭐️
I was genuinely very excited about this book when I first discovered it and very happy about getting the ARC but the book was very disappointing to me. I felt like there very some major plot holes that needed to still be flushed out and things would randomly happen or just pop up and I was like wait who is this or when were we told about this. Also this book was advertised as a marriage of convenience but the focus of the book was barely on that part of the story and it only occurred towards the end. The author also spent more time explaining what how they originally meet and got together and exactly what happened seven years ago than actually developing their relationship again in the present day. While I believe it is important to know what happened in the past the focus should been more on their love story that was occurring then and how they had their second chance.
I was genuinely very excited about this book when I first discovered it and very happy about getting the ARC but the book was very disappointing to me. I felt like there very some major plot holes that needed to still be flushed out and things would randomly happen or just pop up and I was like wait who is this or when were we told about this. Also this book was advertised as a marriage of convenience but the focus of the book was barely on that part of the story and it only occurred towards the end. The author also spent more time explaining what how they originally meet and got together and exactly what happened seven years ago than actually developing their relationship again in the present day. While I believe it is important to know what happened in the past the focus should been more on their love story that was occurring then and how they had their second chance.
March 2, 2026
Terms and benefits is an open door swoony second chance love story. The story is aesthetically written to transition from past to present and vice versa in a smooth manner keeping the reader hooked on the story without getting lost in the pages.
The author has brought to life strong characters with it's always been you, love that makes you want to curl your toes while reading. Elina and Daniel both have strong personalities that makes the tension in the story worth reading.
The book starts with slow paced but gradually transitions into fast paced story. I like the backdrop of the plot and the connections between the cousins/siblings even if there was some family baggage.
This being a second chance romance, I would have loved to see some more grovelling, more of their present and future events than being mostly in the past.
Overall, this is a good read.
The author has brought to life strong characters with it's always been you, love that makes you want to curl your toes while reading. Elina and Daniel both have strong personalities that makes the tension in the story worth reading.
The book starts with slow paced but gradually transitions into fast paced story. I like the backdrop of the plot and the connections between the cousins/siblings even if there was some family baggage.
This being a second chance romance, I would have loved to see some more grovelling, more of their present and future events than being mostly in the past.
Overall, this is a good read.
March 7, 2026
I finished this book in record time, and it turned out to be such a fun read. It’s the kind of book you pick up when you’re craving a light, feel-good romance that you can easily binge over a weekend.
This is definitely a swoon-worthy romance filled with cheesy lines, soft moments, and big gestures of love that make you smile while reading. The MMC is an absolute sweetheart who clearly falls first and falls harder.
The FMC, on the other hand, is hardworking, smart, and a little grumpy, which creates a nice contrast between the two of them. Their personalities balance each other well, and their chemistry keeps the story engaging and enjoyable throughout.
Overall, it’s a cute, entertaining romance that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something sweet, comforting, and a little cheesy in the best way.
This is definitely a swoon-worthy romance filled with cheesy lines, soft moments, and big gestures of love that make you smile while reading. The MMC is an absolute sweetheart who clearly falls first and falls harder.
The FMC, on the other hand, is hardworking, smart, and a little grumpy, which creates a nice contrast between the two of them. Their personalities balance each other well, and their chemistry keeps the story engaging and enjoyable throughout.
Overall, it’s a cute, entertaining romance that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something sweet, comforting, and a little cheesy in the best way.
February 18, 2026
There wasn’t a single breath I had taken since I met her, or a single nerve in me hadn’t lit up at the thought of her."
ARC Review:
What a cutesyyyy bookkk! I'm not over them yet.⭐😭
Elina wasn't the " perfectly put-together" FMC who life is all sorted out. She's guarded and has built walls so high that even she doesn't know how to tear them down anymore.
And then there's the MMC, Daniel. This man stood by her through thick and thin, waited for her patiently, and groveled until she was ready to trust himwhiel fighting his own past and family. HE WAS SWOON-WORTHY.🛐
The chemistry was just too perfect. Every stolen glance, every moment of vulnerability, every time they opened up to each other about their struggles, it was all so genuine and raw.🤌🏻
ARC Review:
What a cutesyyyy bookkk! I'm not over them yet.⭐😭
Elina wasn't the " perfectly put-together" FMC who life is all sorted out. She's guarded and has built walls so high that even she doesn't know how to tear them down anymore.
And then there's the MMC, Daniel. This man stood by her through thick and thin, waited for her patiently, and groveled until she was ready to trust himwhiel fighting his own past and family. HE WAS SWOON-WORTHY.🛐
The chemistry was just too perfect. Every stolen glance, every moment of vulnerability, every time they opened up to each other about their struggles, it was all so genuine and raw.🤌🏻
March 5, 2026
First of all can we talk about the playlist ?!!! it was so amazing . The moment I saw the playlist I knew I am going to love the book.
As I have said hundred times that I live love laugh Second chance romance and this one didn't let me wrong.
Daniele , a man who listens , notices each little detail, puts on efforts.. he shouts that Husband energy. Also I loved the desi representation that the author added I loved Elina , she was so easy to connect and felt so real. I loved how she didn't give in easily and made him work.
Although if you're reading this for marriage of convenience trope only then I feel you will be little bit disappointed bcz they had like around 60 pages of marriage of convenience.
But overall I loved it.
As I have said hundred times that I live love laugh Second chance romance and this one didn't let me wrong.
Daniele , a man who listens , notices each little detail, puts on efforts.. he shouts that Husband energy. Also I loved the desi representation that the author added I loved Elina , she was so easy to connect and felt so real. I loved how she didn't give in easily and made him work.
Although if you're reading this for marriage of convenience trope only then I feel you will be little bit disappointed bcz they had like around 60 pages of marriage of convenience.
But overall I loved it.
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