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Married with Benefits
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26"I’ll devour anything Ellie Palmer writes." —Jessica Joyce, USA Today bestselling author of The Ex Vows
A trope-filled delight of a rom com about two strangers who enter into a marriage of convenience that becomes anything but convenient.
For better or worse is just the beginning.
Lainey Davis can't wait for the day she'll be able to escape her tiny Wisconsin town. But she’s not even close to covering her health insurance premiums and pricey migraine medication, let alone saving up enough to start over some place new. That is, until Lainey learns that through the archaic legal doctrine of adverse possession, she’s inadvertently squatted her way into owning a marvel of modern architecture.
But Lainey owns only the house. The surrounding property, a lakeside money pit the previous owner used as a front to deal illegal reptiles, has been willed to Elliot Hodges, a D.C. architect who wants to rent out the place to fellow architecture lovers. Their assets are tied together, but neither can more forward without the other.
Desperate, Elliot proposes an unconventional marry him for health insurance and in exchange, Lainey will allow him to buy her out. Lainey will finally have a way out of town, and he’ll own the house designed by his idol. Married in name only and living together while fixing up the property, Lainey and Elliot find themselves unable to keep their hopes, dreams, or bedsheets from getting entwined. And as their connection grows, Lainey’s no longer sure what’s more leaving Elliot behind or letting him in.
A trope-filled delight of a rom com about two strangers who enter into a marriage of convenience that becomes anything but convenient.
For better or worse is just the beginning.
Lainey Davis can't wait for the day she'll be able to escape her tiny Wisconsin town. But she’s not even close to covering her health insurance premiums and pricey migraine medication, let alone saving up enough to start over some place new. That is, until Lainey learns that through the archaic legal doctrine of adverse possession, she’s inadvertently squatted her way into owning a marvel of modern architecture.
But Lainey owns only the house. The surrounding property, a lakeside money pit the previous owner used as a front to deal illegal reptiles, has been willed to Elliot Hodges, a D.C. architect who wants to rent out the place to fellow architecture lovers. Their assets are tied together, but neither can more forward without the other.
Desperate, Elliot proposes an unconventional marry him for health insurance and in exchange, Lainey will allow him to buy her out. Lainey will finally have a way out of town, and he’ll own the house designed by his idol. Married in name only and living together while fixing up the property, Lainey and Elliot find themselves unable to keep their hopes, dreams, or bedsheets from getting entwined. And as their connection grows, Lainey’s no longer sure what’s more leaving Elliot behind or letting him in.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 21, 2026
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2130 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Palmer
3 books866 followersEllie Palmer is a lifelong lover of love stories, a carrier of the BRCA1 mutation, and a prototypical Midwesterner who routinely apologizes to inanimate objects when she bumps into them. When she’s not writing romantic comedies featuring delightfully messy characters, she’s at home in Minnesota, eating breakfast food, watching too much reality television, and triple texting her husband about their son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
4.75 ★— The hard-to-nail art of a marriage of convenience story is taking the tension born from forced proximity and turning it into banter and chemistry so good you want to shove the leads' heads together and make them kiss like barbie dolls, which this book absolutely delivers on.
Right away, you’re introduced to a heroine who feels like the antithesis of so many contemporary romance leads: Lainey Davis is fully competent, extremely capable, and genuinely good at everything. She’s the slightly unhinged, wildly determined, calculating, ultimate jack of all trades, and watching her bully the prim, proper, sweater-wearing owner of her land, Elliot Hodges, so hard that he ends up marrying her was such a pleasure!
She’s surrounded by a supporting cast that’s just as charming, including a perfectly kooky grandmother and her best friend Bree, who really grew on me as the story went on. The small-town setting worked for me in a way I didn’t expect, and the whole cast contributed to this book’s cozy, slightly offbeat charm.
Elliot Hodges, our MMC and second POV, is the perfect counterbalance to Lainey. Described as looking like Clark Kent in glasses (yes, I am absolutely headcanoning him as David Corenswet!), he’s nerdy, competent, hot, and deeply, deeply unprepared for Lainey’s particular brand of chaos and their dynamic is sizzling!
From their first meeting, she has him completely off-balance, negging him, playing him, challenging him, and that man is so into it even though he very much does not want to be. He falls first. He pines. He is utterly entranced by her, especially by how frighteningly competent she is.
Their buildup and tension were done to perfection, and we get so many scenes of them actually living their “married” life together, getting to see them share a space, learn each other’s rhythms, and quietly build that real intimacy you feel radiate from the pages.
I also found Lainey’s childhood trauma and complicated relationship with her mother well handled. It was present and clearly influential without completely overtaking the story, which I appreciated.
If I had one small gripe, it’s the fade to black sex scene, and even that comes down to personal preference. I’m not normally someone who cares about explicit sex scenes, but after that level of yearning, chemistry, and buildup we get to see between Elliot and Lainey, I did kind of wish we’d gotten a more detailed payoff. (Or maybe I’m just greedy.)
The ending, with it feeling a bit abrupt in how it was executed after a third-act breakup I didn’t love, did slightly bamboozle me at first, but still left me ultimately feeling like everything came together well.
Bottom line: I loved this. I was fully engrossed, and it’s been a long time since a contemporary romance grabbed me like this.
_________________
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC!
Right away, you’re introduced to a heroine who feels like the antithesis of so many contemporary romance leads: Lainey Davis is fully competent, extremely capable, and genuinely good at everything. She’s the slightly unhinged, wildly determined, calculating, ultimate jack of all trades, and watching her bully the prim, proper, sweater-wearing owner of her land, Elliot Hodges, so hard that he ends up marrying her was such a pleasure!
She’s surrounded by a supporting cast that’s just as charming, including a perfectly kooky grandmother and her best friend Bree, who really grew on me as the story went on. The small-town setting worked for me in a way I didn’t expect, and the whole cast contributed to this book’s cozy, slightly offbeat charm.
Elliot Hodges, our MMC and second POV, is the perfect counterbalance to Lainey. Described as looking like Clark Kent in glasses (yes, I am absolutely headcanoning him as David Corenswet!), he’s nerdy, competent, hot, and deeply, deeply unprepared for Lainey’s particular brand of chaos and their dynamic is sizzling!
From their first meeting, she has him completely off-balance, negging him, playing him, challenging him, and that man is so into it even though he very much does not want to be. He falls first. He pines. He is utterly entranced by her, especially by how frighteningly competent she is.
Their buildup and tension were done to perfection, and we get so many scenes of them actually living their “married” life together, getting to see them share a space, learn each other’s rhythms, and quietly build that real intimacy you feel radiate from the pages.
I also found Lainey’s childhood trauma and complicated relationship with her mother well handled. It was present and clearly influential without completely overtaking the story, which I appreciated.
If I had one small gripe, it’s the fade to black sex scene, and even that comes down to personal preference. I’m not normally someone who cares about explicit sex scenes, but after that level of yearning, chemistry, and buildup we get to see between Elliot and Lainey, I did kind of wish we’d gotten a more detailed payoff. (Or maybe I’m just greedy.)
The ending, with it feeling a bit abrupt in how it was executed after a third-act breakup I didn’t love, did slightly bamboozle me at first, but still left me ultimately feeling like everything came together well.
Bottom line: I loved this. I was fully engrossed, and it’s been a long time since a contemporary romance grabbed me like this.
_________________
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been trying to finish this book for at least a month. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad but it's not good either. It's just insignificant. It's a disappointment. I love the marriage of convenience -as one should- but this one did not deliver
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
So thankful for Netgalley and Putnam for this eARC copy🤎💜
P. S I couldn't remember what chapters are 🌶️
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
So thankful for Netgalley and Putnam for this eARC copy🤎💜
P. S I couldn't remember what chapters are 🌶️
March 17, 2026
I went into Married with Benefits expecting a fun, tropey romance—and it absolutely delivered, but with more heart than I anticipated.
The marriage-of-convenience setup is always a favorite of mine, and this one leaned into the tension so well. Watching the relationship shift from something practical and almost transactional into something real (and a little messy) was easily the highlight. There’s this slow unraveling of feelings that felt genuine, even when the characters were clearly in denial about it.
The chemistry? Definitely there. It had that push-pull energy that keeps you turning pages, and the emotional beats landed just enough to balance out the lighter, more playful moments.
That said, it didn’t fully wreck me in the way a five-star romance does. Some parts felt a bit predictable, and I found myself wanting just a little more depth in certain emotional moments to really push it over the edge.
But overall, it was such an enjoyable read—comforting, engaging, and exactly the kind of romance you reach for when you want something swoony with a touch of angst.
If you love:
-marriage of convenience
-forced proximity
-slow-burn feelings
-emotional tension with a lighter tone
…this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to @Putnam Books and @NetGalley for providing this ARC
The marriage-of-convenience setup is always a favorite of mine, and this one leaned into the tension so well. Watching the relationship shift from something practical and almost transactional into something real (and a little messy) was easily the highlight. There’s this slow unraveling of feelings that felt genuine, even when the characters were clearly in denial about it.
The chemistry? Definitely there. It had that push-pull energy that keeps you turning pages, and the emotional beats landed just enough to balance out the lighter, more playful moments.
That said, it didn’t fully wreck me in the way a five-star romance does. Some parts felt a bit predictable, and I found myself wanting just a little more depth in certain emotional moments to really push it over the edge.
But overall, it was such an enjoyable read—comforting, engaging, and exactly the kind of romance you reach for when you want something swoony with a touch of angst.
If you love:
-marriage of convenience
-forced proximity
-slow-burn feelings
-emotional tension with a lighter tone
…this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to @Putnam Books and @NetGalley for providing this ARC
February 17, 2026
TL;DR: A quirky, small-town marriage-of-convenience romance with turtle races, squatters’ rights chaos, slow-burn tension, and surprisingly tender explorations of childhood trauma. Slight mid-book lull, but overall charming, heartfelt, and fun.
Full Review: After meeting a mysterious stranger in the rain, Lainey is shocked when he shows up at her house — even more shocked when she learns he owns the property (including the house she’s living in). Unaware of her grandmother’s scheming and unable to afford losing her home, Lainey finds herself in a bind. Enter Elliot’s surprisingly practical proposal: a marriage of convenience for health insurance, and in exchange, he can rent out her famously quirky house until he can eventually buy her out. What could possibly go wrong?
I’ve been an Ellie Palmer fan since her debut novel — which, sorry, is still my favorite — but this one? So fun. From squatters’ rights drama to turtle racing, this book is packed with offbeat, laugh-out-loud moments. The premise alone hooks you immediately (squatters’ rights? In this economy??), and the quirky small-town chaos delivers.
The middle drags slightly, but the ending picks up with the same weird, charming energy that makes the beginning shine. If this isn’t what the Midwest is actually like, I don’t want to know. Ellie balances the humor with overlapping childhood trauma between Elliot and Lainey in a way that feels genuine and grounded. I especially appreciated how seamlessly she wove those threads into the story, showing how trauma resurfaces in unexpected, often illogical ways — because it rarely makes neat narrative sense in real life.
The romance is sweet and slow-burn in the best way. I was internally screaming “just kiss already!” more than once — but the wait absolutely paid off. There are heartfelt confessions, tender moments, and yes, plenty of forehead kisses. It’s soft, satisfying, and emotionally rewarding.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Full Review: After meeting a mysterious stranger in the rain, Lainey is shocked when he shows up at her house — even more shocked when she learns he owns the property (including the house she’s living in). Unaware of her grandmother’s scheming and unable to afford losing her home, Lainey finds herself in a bind. Enter Elliot’s surprisingly practical proposal: a marriage of convenience for health insurance, and in exchange, he can rent out her famously quirky house until he can eventually buy her out. What could possibly go wrong?
I’ve been an Ellie Palmer fan since her debut novel — which, sorry, is still my favorite — but this one? So fun. From squatters’ rights drama to turtle racing, this book is packed with offbeat, laugh-out-loud moments. The premise alone hooks you immediately (squatters’ rights? In this economy??), and the quirky small-town chaos delivers.
The middle drags slightly, but the ending picks up with the same weird, charming energy that makes the beginning shine. If this isn’t what the Midwest is actually like, I don’t want to know. Ellie balances the humor with overlapping childhood trauma between Elliot and Lainey in a way that feels genuine and grounded. I especially appreciated how seamlessly she wove those threads into the story, showing how trauma resurfaces in unexpected, often illogical ways — because it rarely makes neat narrative sense in real life.
The romance is sweet and slow-burn in the best way. I was internally screaming “just kiss already!” more than once — but the wait absolutely paid off. There are heartfelt confessions, tender moments, and yes, plenty of forehead kisses. It’s soft, satisfying, and emotionally rewarding.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
arc-tbr
February 7, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed my time with this one. It was such a fun, slightly chaotic setup, and honestly? The legal doctrine of adverse possession being the meet-cute catalyst was iconic.
Lainey is stuck in her tiny Wisconsin town, drowning in medical bills and migraine meds, and just trying to survive. When she accidentally ends up owning a stunning modern house (but not the land around it… because of course), things get complicated fast. Enter Elliot: a D.C. architect with big plans, a soft spot for design, and a very practical solution, marriage for health insurance.
Fake marriage + forced proximity + renovation vibes? Say less.
What I especially love about this author is her sarcastic tone. The writing has this dry, slightly chaotic humor that makes even stressful situations feel entertaining. Lainey’s internal monologue had me smiling more than once, and Elliot’s earnest-but-quietly-pining energy balanced her so well.
I also appreciated that beneath the banter and absurdity (illegal reptiles as a subplot? Sure!), there’s something tender about two people who feel stuck in different ways finding hope in each other. The emotional development felt natural, and the shift from “this is purely practical” to “oh no, I have real feelings” was very satisfying.
Overall, I had such a good time with it. Funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of messy.
Thank you NetGalley & Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC!
Lainey is stuck in her tiny Wisconsin town, drowning in medical bills and migraine meds, and just trying to survive. When she accidentally ends up owning a stunning modern house (but not the land around it… because of course), things get complicated fast. Enter Elliot: a D.C. architect with big plans, a soft spot for design, and a very practical solution, marriage for health insurance.
Fake marriage + forced proximity + renovation vibes? Say less.
What I especially love about this author is her sarcastic tone. The writing has this dry, slightly chaotic humor that makes even stressful situations feel entertaining. Lainey’s internal monologue had me smiling more than once, and Elliot’s earnest-but-quietly-pining energy balanced her so well.
I also appreciated that beneath the banter and absurdity (illegal reptiles as a subplot? Sure!), there’s something tender about two people who feel stuck in different ways finding hope in each other. The emotional development felt natural, and the shift from “this is purely practical” to “oh no, I have real feelings” was very satisfying.
Overall, I had such a good time with it. Funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of messy.
Thank you NetGalley & Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF. Reading Married with Benefits is like chewing on stale candy. What does that mean to you, reader? Probably, absolutely nothing. Lainey took after her grandmother with her compulsion for lavish storytelling, which meant they both had a whole lot of nothing to say. I wanted to be engaged, not just entertained. From body-actions to dialogues (inner and direct), the story could have benefited from "plain" language rather than a jargon of quirky one-liners. Not every page needed to have a forced tone of humor just because the genre is rom-com. So, because I couldn’t take any more of this, I read up to Chapter 12 only, then jumped to Chapter 22 to confirm if I had guessed the twist, the conflict that would pull our couple apart. While the journey towards love should matter, I was not invested.
There were some things I could appreciate. Lainey was an interesting FMC. She knew that the world laughed at her, and not with her, so of course, the self-deprecating humor worked for me. And the wedding scene was a unique touch and good for building tension.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were some things I could appreciate. Lainey was an interesting FMC. She knew that the world laughed at her, and not with her, so of course, the self-deprecating humor worked for me. And the wedding scene was a unique touch and good for building tension.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2026
4.5 stars!!! thank you Putnam & Netgalley for the arc, full rtc!!!
February 21, 2026
Lainey is a down on her luck artist who enters into a marriage of convenience with an architect who’s trying to buy the house she’s been legally squatting in! Yes this premise is so bonkers and so is the small town it’s set it and it just really worked for me! She also gets to benefit from his government health insurance which is honestly the most believable part of this entire book.
Initially, Lainey meets Elliot while giving him a ride when he first gets to town. Lainey suffers from debilitating migraines which makes a regular job almost impossible especially with her medication being wildly expensive. They do have a steamy meet cute which fizzles out the next day when she realizes he’s trying to steal her home (that’s actually on land that he owns). Elliot dreams of being an innkeeper and owning a home that his architectural idol built.
I truly enjoyed how Lainey was sort of a rebel with a cause, very eccentric but guarded and for good reason. Elliot just seemed to be completely befuddled and delighted with her! This is a closed door romance but it is steamy and I honestly loved reading about these two odd balls fall in love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
Initially, Lainey meets Elliot while giving him a ride when he first gets to town. Lainey suffers from debilitating migraines which makes a regular job almost impossible especially with her medication being wildly expensive. They do have a steamy meet cute which fizzles out the next day when she realizes he’s trying to steal her home (that’s actually on land that he owns). Elliot dreams of being an innkeeper and owning a home that his architectural idol built.
I truly enjoyed how Lainey was sort of a rebel with a cause, very eccentric but guarded and for good reason. Elliot just seemed to be completely befuddled and delighted with her! This is a closed door romance but it is steamy and I honestly loved reading about these two odd balls fall in love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
February 13, 2026
Consider this my official entry into the Ellie-Palmer-is-an-auto-read-author-for-me club.
This had me completely engrossed with the quick-wit, pacing, and hilarious shenanigans. Lainey is out here hustling in the most unconventional ways, but feeling like she’s “too much”, while Elliot is admiring her determination and grit and looking at her like a real-life heart-eyes emoji. When I tell you I could FEEL the tension of their attraction through my kindle screen, I’m not exaggerating. I read, I smiled, I laughed, and I swooned. These two lovable goofs gave everything we want in a romcom and I only wish it hadn’t been closed door! The setting and the side characters were also fun! I hope this gets adapted into a movie because the banter, humor, and chaos is perfect for an onscreen romcom.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 7/21/26
This had me completely engrossed with the quick-wit, pacing, and hilarious shenanigans. Lainey is out here hustling in the most unconventional ways, but feeling like she’s “too much”, while Elliot is admiring her determination and grit and looking at her like a real-life heart-eyes emoji. When I tell you I could FEEL the tension of their attraction through my kindle screen, I’m not exaggerating. I read, I smiled, I laughed, and I swooned. These two lovable goofs gave everything we want in a romcom and I only wish it hadn’t been closed door! The setting and the side characters were also fun! I hope this gets adapted into a movie because the banter, humor, and chaos is perfect for an onscreen romcom.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 7/21/26
February 25, 2026
This is a closed door romance, but does not skip on the yearning. This book is quirky and hilarious while also bringing me to tears with the real struggles of learning to trust or rely on others. Lainey is stuck in her home town trying to save money to leave, but her crippling migraines, that need expensive medication, prevent that from happening. Elliott inherited his uncle’s “resort” and is trying to fix it up, but Lainey seems to have rights to one of the cabins. They both struggle to trust but also feel like they need the other to ultimately get what they want. There’s a lot of character growth and relationship development in this book, and the side characters are laugh out loud funny. There were some parts that were repetitive, and miscommunication isn’t my favorite trope, but ultimately I really enjoyed this story and thought it was pretty unique.
Thank you #NetGalley and Putnam Books for the advanced copy of the book for an honest review!
Thank you #NetGalley and Putnam Books for the advanced copy of the book for an honest review!
March 25, 2026
This book was hilarious. I want to say the characters were relatable in their messiness, but honestly, it was so perfectly unhinged I cannot. I am in love with them. The turtles. Oh, the turtles. Waffle. This was such a wonderful read. I went into this solely because I'll read anything Ellie writes, she's great, she's funny, she writes great banter. But this is my new favorite by her. The dramatics of these characters, the stability of Elliott. The reality of characters truly struggling and finding ways around it...in some light fraud...because this is the world we live in...was I want to say relatable, but it was really understandable. Insurance, chronic illness, trauma...life is hard...even in a romcom.
I am so glad I got this from Ellie and NetGalley and soooo happy I picked it up and read it when I did, I needed these giggles!
I am so glad I got this from Ellie and NetGalley and soooo happy I picked it up and read it when I did, I needed these giggles!
February 22, 2026
I couldn’t really get into this book. I read the whole thing but I felt like it was all over the place and too dramatic and unreal at times. Grateful to have been able to read for free through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A huge thanks to Ellie Palmer, Putnam, and Netgalley for the ARC of Married with Benefits.
Anywhere With You was my first ever ARC, so I have a soft spot for Ellie Palmer books. Living in Wisconsin, I knew I needed to see her interpretation of small town Wisco living (Ellie was spot on)
What to Expect
✨️ Marriage of convenience
✨️ Small town
✨️ Banter
✨️ Strangers to friends to married to roommates
✨️ Chronic migraine rep
✨️ Turtle betting ring 🐢
Stuck in a small Wisconsin town and drowning in the costs of managing her chronic migraines, Lainey Davis finds an unexpected lifeline when she accidentally gains ownership of an architectural marvel. However, her windfall comes with a catch; she owns the house, but the surrounding land belongs to Elliot Hodges, a D.C. Architect, and man Lainey met by chance in an Uber. To resolve their problems, Elliot proposes a marriage of convenience; offering Lainey the health insurance and financial buyout she desperately needs in exchange for the deed to her house.
As the pair moves in together to renovate the estate, their “transactional” arrangement blurs into a genuine and emotional connection, forcing Lainey to decide if the freedom she always craved is worth more than the man she never expected to love or trust.
Something about how Ellie writes is so refreshing. The humor and references in her writing never cease to hook me. It did take me 3ish chapters to get into the book. It took me a while to read, but once I got into the book I finished it in two sittings.
Together Lainey and Elliot were cute. Both big love skeptics, I enjoyed watching them break down the walls they built. Lainey is the exact opposite of who I am as a person, so at times her actions annoyed me. However, she redeemed herself.
Overall, a great book and so entirely different from Anywhere with You. Still the same dynamic writing, but two entirely new characters to love.
Anywhere With You was my first ever ARC, so I have a soft spot for Ellie Palmer books. Living in Wisconsin, I knew I needed to see her interpretation of small town Wisco living (Ellie was spot on)
What to Expect
✨️ Marriage of convenience
✨️ Small town
✨️ Banter
✨️ Strangers to friends to married to roommates
✨️ Chronic migraine rep
✨️ Turtle betting ring 🐢
Stuck in a small Wisconsin town and drowning in the costs of managing her chronic migraines, Lainey Davis finds an unexpected lifeline when she accidentally gains ownership of an architectural marvel. However, her windfall comes with a catch; she owns the house, but the surrounding land belongs to Elliot Hodges, a D.C. Architect, and man Lainey met by chance in an Uber. To resolve their problems, Elliot proposes a marriage of convenience; offering Lainey the health insurance and financial buyout she desperately needs in exchange for the deed to her house.
As the pair moves in together to renovate the estate, their “transactional” arrangement blurs into a genuine and emotional connection, forcing Lainey to decide if the freedom she always craved is worth more than the man she never expected to love or trust.
Something about how Ellie writes is so refreshing. The humor and references in her writing never cease to hook me. It did take me 3ish chapters to get into the book. It took me a while to read, but once I got into the book I finished it in two sittings.
Together Lainey and Elliot were cute. Both big love skeptics, I enjoyed watching them break down the walls they built. Lainey is the exact opposite of who I am as a person, so at times her actions annoyed me. However, she redeemed herself.
Overall, a great book and so entirely different from Anywhere with You. Still the same dynamic writing, but two entirely new characters to love.
February 14, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded up
If you’re looking for a romance with swoon-worthy banter, Ellie Palmer has got you covered! This story is full of so many classic tropes in the absolute best way. I loved the dynamic between Lainey and Elliot - the tension, the romance, and the deep understanding they gain of one another.
The representation of Lainey’s chronic migraines and struggles with our broken healthcare system is so brilliantly written. Palmer expertly conveys Lainey’s inability to hold onto full-time employment, the insurmountable costs of medicine and care facilities, and the near impossibility of climbing out of the tangled web that is debt. The emotional and physical toll this took on her is where this story shines the most.
While I adored Palmer’s first two novels, there are parts of this story that fell flat for me. I wish Elliot had been fleshed out more in the same vein as Lainey. The lack of his point-of-view and even the lack of presence of his friends on page made him more two-dimensional despite all his romantic banter. I also wish there had been more resolution of Lainey’s abandonment issues in regard to Camille and Tobin. That plot line ultimately seemed unnecessary within the context of the whole story. The side characters and overall setting are so charming, but to me seemed underutilized as Lainey and Elliot spend most of the story contained within the bubble of Forest’s Bridge.
Overall, Married With Benefits is an emotional and romantic story about trust and being comfortable sharing your whole self. I think readers will find it easy to identify with both Lainey and Elliot in a variety of different ways. I just personally resonated more with Four Weekend and a Funeral and Anywhere With You.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a romance with swoon-worthy banter, Ellie Palmer has got you covered! This story is full of so many classic tropes in the absolute best way. I loved the dynamic between Lainey and Elliot - the tension, the romance, and the deep understanding they gain of one another.
The representation of Lainey’s chronic migraines and struggles with our broken healthcare system is so brilliantly written. Palmer expertly conveys Lainey’s inability to hold onto full-time employment, the insurmountable costs of medicine and care facilities, and the near impossibility of climbing out of the tangled web that is debt. The emotional and physical toll this took on her is where this story shines the most.
While I adored Palmer’s first two novels, there are parts of this story that fell flat for me. I wish Elliot had been fleshed out more in the same vein as Lainey. The lack of his point-of-view and even the lack of presence of his friends on page made him more two-dimensional despite all his romantic banter. I also wish there had been more resolution of Lainey’s abandonment issues in regard to Camille and Tobin. That plot line ultimately seemed unnecessary within the context of the whole story. The side characters and overall setting are so charming, but to me seemed underutilized as Lainey and Elliot spend most of the story contained within the bubble of Forest’s Bridge.
Overall, Married With Benefits is an emotional and romantic story about trust and being comfortable sharing your whole self. I think readers will find it easy to identify with both Lainey and Elliot in a variety of different ways. I just personally resonated more with Four Weekend and a Funeral and Anywhere With You.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
I have loved everything Ellie Palmer writes, and this is no exception. I absolutely adored Married With Benefits! Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.
Let’s talk plot. The storyline of this book was incredible. I loved the journey from meet-cute to enemies to marriage of convenience to reluctant friends to lovers! There was such an excellent balance of tension, comedic relief, angst, and love. The side characters were also a hoot. Everything about the plot felt beautifully intentional and it made this a hard book to put down.
The setting of the story was gorgeous and so delightfully detailed. Being from a small town in Wisconsin, the nods to real small-town living were relatable and hilarious. Talking about janky dive bars and “squeaky fresh cheese curds” made me feel so seen.
The growth demonstrated by our FMC and MMC who each had their own brand of trust issues was lovely and written with so much care. I was rooting for both of them so it was exciting to be able to feel like I was sharing in their successes and also wanting to scream in angst alongside them while I was reading.
I also loved the parts of herself the author wove into this story, like how one of the character’s lawyers left the profession to write romance novels and all the talk about Love Island. I was smiling and giggling to myself a lot throughout this book.
The way Ellie Palmer writes is truly exquisite. She crafts her stories with such intention and attention to detail. The word choices she makes when she writes is honestly delightful, helping her draw you in as a reader and feel like the story is giving you a warm hug.
Absolutely a 5⭐️ read. Amazing rom-com with a lot of heart.
Let’s talk plot. The storyline of this book was incredible. I loved the journey from meet-cute to enemies to marriage of convenience to reluctant friends to lovers! There was such an excellent balance of tension, comedic relief, angst, and love. The side characters were also a hoot. Everything about the plot felt beautifully intentional and it made this a hard book to put down.
The setting of the story was gorgeous and so delightfully detailed. Being from a small town in Wisconsin, the nods to real small-town living were relatable and hilarious. Talking about janky dive bars and “squeaky fresh cheese curds” made me feel so seen.
The growth demonstrated by our FMC and MMC who each had their own brand of trust issues was lovely and written with so much care. I was rooting for both of them so it was exciting to be able to feel like I was sharing in their successes and also wanting to scream in angst alongside them while I was reading.
I also loved the parts of herself the author wove into this story, like how one of the character’s lawyers left the profession to write romance novels and all the talk about Love Island. I was smiling and giggling to myself a lot throughout this book.
The way Ellie Palmer writes is truly exquisite. She crafts her stories with such intention and attention to detail. The word choices she makes when she writes is honestly delightful, helping her draw you in as a reader and feel like the story is giving you a warm hug.
Absolutely a 5⭐️ read. Amazing rom-com with a lot of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another thoughtful, funny read from Palmer, blending a swiftly sparking, banter-filled romance with lightly antic humour and deeper themes about trust, hope, and accepting care after a lifetime of defaulting to self-reliance. Elliot and Lainey are deeply drawn to each other at their first meeting, but when they discover he owns the architecturally notable house and property where she lives but her long-term residence there gives her squatter’s rights, the two end up in a battle for the house of their dreams. Then he offers her a marriage of convenience to share his health insurance so she can afford essential medication for a chronic medical condition as long as she’ll eventually sell him the house, and the two quickly learn there’s a lot more to their connection than a house and a marriage certificate. Together, they explore the nature of art, the implicit vulnerability of trust, the impact of childhood loss on adult relationships, and the conflicting impulses between building a home and community and leaving it all behind for new challenges and adventures. Through it all, Palmer imbues the story with bright, sparkling humour, from negotiating a sale of baby turtles with a man wearing little more than a snake to running a rideshare with only one working car door. While joyfully embracing several popular romance tropes, Palmer builds her story with a beautiful sense of setting, a cast of memorable characters, and a delightful blend of humour and heart that give the narrative emotional weight while keeping it entertaining from first page to last. As expected, a total joy to read.
February 22, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Ellie Palmer for giving me access to this arc. Marriage of convenience x forced proximity are some of my favorite tropes so when I saw that this book had them, I was sold. The story follows Lainey and Elliot as the two come together over “shared” property. Elliot is left land by a relative unbeknownst to him, Lainey has been living on this land for years. While arguing over who the property belongs to, they seemingly come to an arrangement that would benefit them both… marriage. That way Lainey gains insurance that covers her medication through their marriage and and Elliot can help renovate the land to turn into a running inn where they’d split commission.
Lainey Davis is resilient, funny, and unhinged in the BEST way possible. She truly cares for the people around her and does her best to support herself. Its so funny seeing her personality compliment Elliot Hodges who is the opposite. He is kind, but very much a rule follower so their combo really made me laugh and smile throughout the book. The tension and love was so present that everyone around them saw it except themselves.
Honestly, I loved the found family concept throughout the book. Gran, Bree, and Isaac were my favorite! My only gripe with the book is that I wish the side plot with Lainey’s parents was better flushed out. I was still left with questions by the end of the book. Overall a cute and fun read for all!
Lainey Davis is resilient, funny, and unhinged in the BEST way possible. She truly cares for the people around her and does her best to support herself. Its so funny seeing her personality compliment Elliot Hodges who is the opposite. He is kind, but very much a rule follower so their combo really made me laugh and smile throughout the book. The tension and love was so present that everyone around them saw it except themselves.
Honestly, I loved the found family concept throughout the book. Gran, Bree, and Isaac were my favorite! My only gripe with the book is that I wish the side plot with Lainey’s parents was better flushed out. I was still left with questions by the end of the book. Overall a cute and fun read for all!
February 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for allowing me to read this ARC.
I was torn between 3.5 and 4 stars. There was just so much information involved in the MC’s relationship. The relationship was well written though. I just felt like this book was longer than it needed to be. I also felt like there were little pockets of information that needed to be expanded. Especially when her Grandma said Camille was coming for Fourth of July but then we skipped over the holiday completely. With that relationship being so estranged I was hoping to see a glimpse of it.
Lainey is an alpha female with extreme trust issues. She can serve banter left and right though. The banter was probably my favorite thing about this book. And how well Elliot loved Lainey despite how hard he had to work to earn her trust.
“Come on. We need liquids.“ His chest was warm against her forehead. “Stop discussing my hydration with the royal we.” “Can’t.” 🥹
Overall I liked this book, just wanted less information fluff and more information drama.
I was torn between 3.5 and 4 stars. There was just so much information involved in the MC’s relationship. The relationship was well written though. I just felt like this book was longer than it needed to be. I also felt like there were little pockets of information that needed to be expanded. Especially when her Grandma said Camille was coming for Fourth of July but then we skipped over the holiday completely. With that relationship being so estranged I was hoping to see a glimpse of it.
Lainey is an alpha female with extreme trust issues. She can serve banter left and right though. The banter was probably my favorite thing about this book. And how well Elliot loved Lainey despite how hard he had to work to earn her trust.
“Come on. We need liquids.“ His chest was warm against her forehead. “Stop discussing my hydration with the royal we.” “Can’t.” 🥹
Overall I liked this book, just wanted less information fluff and more information drama.
March 17, 2026
I was really hopeful I would love this one, especially as a chronic pain/migraine sufferer, I was particularly looking forward to seeing that rep in a romance book. And while I did appreciate the chronic migraine rep, the overall story itself did not work for me sadly.
It wasn't just one thing, but I could not get into the story. It was too insta-lovey for me, and for whatever reason I could not really connect to either character. Which is surprising since the main character Lainey and I both have migraines! Sometimes it's okay not to connect, even if I can't connect to a character I'm still interested in their journey, but that wasn't the case here. I just found myself not invested in the story or characters, and ended up skimming quite a bit which was a real bummer.
It's not a bad book, it just didn't work for me. I did love Palmer's debut, Four Weekends and a Funeral, and will give her next book a shot.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It wasn't just one thing, but I could not get into the story. It was too insta-lovey for me, and for whatever reason I could not really connect to either character. Which is surprising since the main character Lainey and I both have migraines! Sometimes it's okay not to connect, even if I can't connect to a character I'm still interested in their journey, but that wasn't the case here. I just found myself not invested in the story or characters, and ended up skimming quite a bit which was a real bummer.
It's not a bad book, it just didn't work for me. I did love Palmer's debut, Four Weekends and a Funeral, and will give her next book a shot.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If Ellie writes it, I'm reading it. This is my favorite one yet. I loved Lainey and Elliot! Their humor, their baggage, and a fun cast of support characters made a great story. Lainey is my spirit animal. I was rooting for her to find faith in others and ask for help. That can be so hard sometimes. Elliot....swoon. Absolutely nailed the character development. The spice was perfect, "my wife", and throw in a shelter animal and some turtles. Oh, and Bree of course. I pictured her as Justine Lupe's character Morgan in Nobody Wants This. The whole thing book was Perfection! Already eagerly awaiting Ellie's next book, but no pressure of course.
P.S. Thanks for the advance reader copy!
P.S. Thanks for the advance reader copy!
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March 20, 2026Married with Benefits was a charming and slightly kooky rom com with fun tropes. I thought this was Ellie Palmer's strongest work to date. Lainey was a fun character. I loved her humor and personality. I liked that she was a little morally grey and could be crafty when she needed to be. Elliot was a solid MMC and had great chemistry with Lainey. The tension between them was done well. There were a lot of funny moments in this book. I liked the EZ Gas and Bauer feud, and Elliot and Lainey’s first interactions together. It made me laugh when Elliot kept reintroducing himself to Lainey. The banter between them was great. I liked the small-town setting and side characters. Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC.
February 9, 2026
Ellie Palmer’s Married with Benefits delivers with her Midwest wit and banter! I loved the characters and the development of their love story and ARCs - marriage of convenience is not the easiest trope to navigate and land. Ellie continues to be an auto-TBR add for me!
4.5/5
ARC via NetGalley
4.5/5
ARC via NetGalley
February 27, 2026
Everyone who knows me knows fake dating/marriage of convenience is my absolute favorite romance troupe, so I knew I would eat this up. I find that authors tend to struggle to balance fake dating with miscommunication (my least favorite troupe), and I feel like this was balanced very well! I love when romance really makes you believe in the connection and root for the characters, and I really believed in them. After visiting two of Frank Lloyd wright’s famous architectural sights, I also found I surprisingly really enjoyed the architecture aspect of this story as well. Getting married for healthcare is so classic America! Anyone who likes fake dating, this one is for you!
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
Currently reading
March 5, 2026💍Married with Benefits
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
📅 Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
📅 Pub Date: July 21, 2026
March 21, 2026
Thank you Putnam for this ARC!
I loved every second of this book. It was laugh out loud funny and such hilarious and heartwarming take on a marriage of convenience (she literally married him for his health insurance due to chronic migraines). We meet Lainey a girl who has build walls so high she doesn’t let anyone in, she had her fair share of trauma and was scared to let anyone in. Of course the meet cute with Elliott involved him climbing through her broken passenger door window to get a ride to where he needed to go in the small town in Wisconsin. Unfortunately Elliot had more to him than his SLG, he needed her to get off his land and out of her childhood home because of some weird land issue and him wanting to fix up the area to reopen the resort she lived in. Of course this is when everything starts and we see both Elliot and Lainey become more than just the fake husband and wife. It was just so sweet! They really started to open up and care for each other. The YEARNING, the tender moments and love that grew from this hilarious marriage just filled my heart. If you enjoy golden retriever MMC, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and let me take care of you then I highly recommend this one.
I loved every second of this book. It was laugh out loud funny and such hilarious and heartwarming take on a marriage of convenience (she literally married him for his health insurance due to chronic migraines). We meet Lainey a girl who has build walls so high she doesn’t let anyone in, she had her fair share of trauma and was scared to let anyone in. Of course the meet cute with Elliott involved him climbing through her broken passenger door window to get a ride to where he needed to go in the small town in Wisconsin. Unfortunately Elliot had more to him than his SLG, he needed her to get off his land and out of her childhood home because of some weird land issue and him wanting to fix up the area to reopen the resort she lived in. Of course this is when everything starts and we see both Elliot and Lainey become more than just the fake husband and wife. It was just so sweet! They really started to open up and care for each other. The YEARNING, the tender moments and love that grew from this hilarious marriage just filled my heart. If you enjoy golden retriever MMC, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and let me take care of you then I highly recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There are some romances that charm you, some that entertain you, and then there are the rare ones that settle into your chest and quietly rearrange the furniture. Married with Benefits did that for me. This story doesn’t rely on spectacle or melodrama to make its point. Instead, it builds its romance out of personality, proximity, humor, and two people who very clearly want connection but have wrapped themselves in enough self-protection to make that connection complicated. The yearning here isn’t loud or theatrical. It’s inward. It’s in the way both Lainey and Elliot hold parts of themselves back, not because they don’t feel deeply, but because they’ve learned that giving too much away can cost them. The ache in this book isn’t about devastation. It’s about watching two capable adults slowly decide that maybe they don’t have to armor up quite so tightly.
Lainey Davis is the kind of heroine I’ve been craving in contemporary romance. She’s not polished. She’s not effortlessly put-together. In fact, she’s absurd in the best possible way- messy, wild, strategic to her core, constantly calculating her next move like life is a chessboard and she refuses to lose again. What I loved most is that her chaos isn’t random. It’s deliberate. She can do almost anything she sets her mind to, and she knows it. But that competence is also a front. Every joke, every pivot, every wild decision is layered over a very real fear of being left behind. And Palmer does something I’ve been begging for in FMC characterization: she writes a guarded woman who doesn’t come off as mean. Lainey isn’t icy. She isn’t cruel. She’s funny, sharp, hyper-aware, and self-preserving. There’s a difference, and Palmer nails it.
Her chronic migraines are woven into the story in a way that feels honest rather than ornamental. They don’t define her, but they shape her world. The unpredictability, the planning around potential triggers, the exhaustion that lingers even after the worst of it passes is handled with care. Watching a character who is otherwise so in control be brought to her knees by something her body does without permission adds another layer to that protectiveness. It explains so much without ever turning her into a victim. She’s still wildly capable. She just lives with limits.
And then there’s Elliot.
I don’t always fall head-over-heels for male leads in contemporary romance. It takes a lot for me. But Elliot Hodges did it with what feels like ease. He’s funny. Genuinely funny. Their banter is an absolute dream to read because they meet each other line for line. No one is lagging behind. No one is carrying the conversation alone. There’s rhythm there. There’s spark. The instant connection between them doesn’t feel forced, it feels like two brains recognizing each other at the same time. That intellectual and comedic compatibility becomes the backbone of their chemistry.
He also never comes across as condescending or diminished next to Lainey’s larger-than-life energy. He doesn’t shrink nor does he overpower her. He stands steady. He rivals the kind of MMC I usually only fall for once every fifty or so reads- yes, the kind that sits comfortably next to a character like Kai from Caught Up by Liz Tomforde. Elliot is competent without ego, confident without swagger, and deeply considerate without becoming bland. He works not because he’s chasing passion, but because he understands responsibility. That quiet, relentless grind to sustain a life, even when you don’t love every part of how you earn it, hit me somewhere personal. I felt that in my bones.
And I have to confess something slightly unserious but completely true: every time I pictured Elliot, I see Andrew Sky (@andr3wsky on TikTok). The tall, thoughtful, slightly earnest presence. The kind eyes. That low-key, gentle energy that feels grounding without being dull. That’s Elliot to me. Especially during Lainey’s migraine episodes. The way he adjusts the lights without making a production of it. The way he lowers his voice. The way he checks in without hovering. His gentleness in those moments says more about him than any grand gesture ever could. He doesn’t try to fix her. He just makes space for her pain and stays.
What elevates this story beyond “fun trope executed well” is the way it handles intimacy. This is a closed-door romance, and I adored it for that. The physical relationship between Lainey and Elliot isn’t necessarily slow-burn (they’re clearly attracted to each other) but the trust? The trust is a slow-burn masterpiece. It builds in layers. Through shared space. Through quiet mornings. Through migraines. Through jokes that feel like secrets. Through small acts of consideration. By the time the emotional payoff arrives, it doesn’t feel explosive, it feels right. Like a bridge finally meeting in the middle after two separate sides have been inching toward each other the entire time.
Speaking of bridges, I loved the subtle symbolism threaded through the architectural elements of the story- particularly Forest’s Bridge. It never becomes a heavy-handed metaphor and I'm not sure it was ever meant to be, but if you’re paying attention, it’s there. Structure. Balance. Tension. Support. The idea that something beautiful and lasting requires intention and engineering. Forest’s Bridge doesn’t turn into a character, but it becomes part of Lainey and Elliot’s journey. It mirrors what they’re building without ever shouting about it.
And let’s talk about the side chaos, because this book is funny. Truly funny. I will never not think about the back-alley turtle deals gone wrong without smiling. The absurdity layered into the small-town dynamics gives the story levity without undermining its emotional core. It knows when to wink at you.
As for the trope- marriage of convenience? Sure. On paper, we can all raise an eyebrow. But in this economy? I can absolutely see why someone might marry for health insurance and stable housing. Honestly, have you looked at rent lately? “Creative cohabitation strategies” feel less like a trope and more like a survival plan. The book plays with that reality in a way that feels contemporary rather than contrived, and somehow makes the setup feel solid instead of gimmicky.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn’t dramatic declarations or sweeping gestures. It was the image of shared routines. Of intentional partnership. Of Benihana lunches that feel like tradition instead of novelty. It was the sense that love here isn’t about fireworks, it’s about choosing each other in small, steady ways.
This was a five-star read for me. Smart. Funny. Thoughtful. Full of layered characters who don’t need to be broken to be complete.
I received an eARC of Married with Benefits in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
Lainey Davis is the kind of heroine I’ve been craving in contemporary romance. She’s not polished. She’s not effortlessly put-together. In fact, she’s absurd in the best possible way- messy, wild, strategic to her core, constantly calculating her next move like life is a chessboard and she refuses to lose again. What I loved most is that her chaos isn’t random. It’s deliberate. She can do almost anything she sets her mind to, and she knows it. But that competence is also a front. Every joke, every pivot, every wild decision is layered over a very real fear of being left behind. And Palmer does something I’ve been begging for in FMC characterization: she writes a guarded woman who doesn’t come off as mean. Lainey isn’t icy. She isn’t cruel. She’s funny, sharp, hyper-aware, and self-preserving. There’s a difference, and Palmer nails it.
Her chronic migraines are woven into the story in a way that feels honest rather than ornamental. They don’t define her, but they shape her world. The unpredictability, the planning around potential triggers, the exhaustion that lingers even after the worst of it passes is handled with care. Watching a character who is otherwise so in control be brought to her knees by something her body does without permission adds another layer to that protectiveness. It explains so much without ever turning her into a victim. She’s still wildly capable. She just lives with limits.
And then there’s Elliot.
I don’t always fall head-over-heels for male leads in contemporary romance. It takes a lot for me. But Elliot Hodges did it with what feels like ease. He’s funny. Genuinely funny. Their banter is an absolute dream to read because they meet each other line for line. No one is lagging behind. No one is carrying the conversation alone. There’s rhythm there. There’s spark. The instant connection between them doesn’t feel forced, it feels like two brains recognizing each other at the same time. That intellectual and comedic compatibility becomes the backbone of their chemistry.
He also never comes across as condescending or diminished next to Lainey’s larger-than-life energy. He doesn’t shrink nor does he overpower her. He stands steady. He rivals the kind of MMC I usually only fall for once every fifty or so reads- yes, the kind that sits comfortably next to a character like Kai from Caught Up by Liz Tomforde. Elliot is competent without ego, confident without swagger, and deeply considerate without becoming bland. He works not because he’s chasing passion, but because he understands responsibility. That quiet, relentless grind to sustain a life, even when you don’t love every part of how you earn it, hit me somewhere personal. I felt that in my bones.
And I have to confess something slightly unserious but completely true: every time I pictured Elliot, I see Andrew Sky (@andr3wsky on TikTok). The tall, thoughtful, slightly earnest presence. The kind eyes. That low-key, gentle energy that feels grounding without being dull. That’s Elliot to me. Especially during Lainey’s migraine episodes. The way he adjusts the lights without making a production of it. The way he lowers his voice. The way he checks in without hovering. His gentleness in those moments says more about him than any grand gesture ever could. He doesn’t try to fix her. He just makes space for her pain and stays.
What elevates this story beyond “fun trope executed well” is the way it handles intimacy. This is a closed-door romance, and I adored it for that. The physical relationship between Lainey and Elliot isn’t necessarily slow-burn (they’re clearly attracted to each other) but the trust? The trust is a slow-burn masterpiece. It builds in layers. Through shared space. Through quiet mornings. Through migraines. Through jokes that feel like secrets. Through small acts of consideration. By the time the emotional payoff arrives, it doesn’t feel explosive, it feels right. Like a bridge finally meeting in the middle after two separate sides have been inching toward each other the entire time.
Speaking of bridges, I loved the subtle symbolism threaded through the architectural elements of the story- particularly Forest’s Bridge. It never becomes a heavy-handed metaphor and I'm not sure it was ever meant to be, but if you’re paying attention, it’s there. Structure. Balance. Tension. Support. The idea that something beautiful and lasting requires intention and engineering. Forest’s Bridge doesn’t turn into a character, but it becomes part of Lainey and Elliot’s journey. It mirrors what they’re building without ever shouting about it.
And let’s talk about the side chaos, because this book is funny. Truly funny. I will never not think about the back-alley turtle deals gone wrong without smiling. The absurdity layered into the small-town dynamics gives the story levity without undermining its emotional core. It knows when to wink at you.
As for the trope- marriage of convenience? Sure. On paper, we can all raise an eyebrow. But in this economy? I can absolutely see why someone might marry for health insurance and stable housing. Honestly, have you looked at rent lately? “Creative cohabitation strategies” feel less like a trope and more like a survival plan. The book plays with that reality in a way that feels contemporary rather than contrived, and somehow makes the setup feel solid instead of gimmicky.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn’t dramatic declarations or sweeping gestures. It was the image of shared routines. Of intentional partnership. Of Benihana lunches that feel like tradition instead of novelty. It was the sense that love here isn’t about fireworks, it’s about choosing each other in small, steady ways.
This was a five-star read for me. Smart. Funny. Thoughtful. Full of layered characters who don’t need to be broken to be complete.
I received an eARC of Married with Benefits in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Marriage-of-convenience stories are hard to pull off. The tension of forced proximity has to evolve into banter and chemistry that feels organic, not manufactured. This one is good, though I admit I almost abandoned the book at about 20% in because it felt really "bumpy" to me.
Lainey Davis is not your typical contemporary romance heroine. She’s slightly unhinged, wildly determined, calculating in a survivalist sort of way, and the ultimate jack-of-all-trades—because she has to be. She’s also desperately poor, juggling health insurance premiums and expensive migraine medication in a system that isn’t built to protect someone like her. That layer alone gives the story stakes that feel painfully real.
The premise is offbeat: through adverse possession, Lainey ends up owning one of the most notorious houses in modern architectural history—just the house, mind you, not the surrounding property. Enter Elliot Hodges, a D.C. government architect who inherits the land and dreams of turning the site into a niche resort for architecture enthusiasts. They can’t move forward without each other. So they agree to marry—for health insurance and logistics.
Elliot is the perfect counterbalance to Lainey’s chaos. Picture Clark Kent in glasses: nerdy, competent, quietly hot, and wholly unprepared for Lainey’s particular brand of audacity. From their first meeting, she keeps him off-balance—challenging him, outmaneuvering him, pushing him right to the edge of what’s technically legal. And he is so into it, even though he very much does not want to be.
He is utterly entranced by her—especially by her fierce competence and refusal to play small.
Their buildup is handled well. We don’t just get sparks; we get domesticity. We see them actually living their “married” life—sharing space, negotiating routines, learning each other’s rhythms. That quiet intimacy radiates off the page. It’s not just attraction; it’s accumulation. And I deeply appreciated the fade-to-black approach to intimacy—enough to convey closeness without veering into excess.
The supporting cast adds to the novel’s cozy, slightly offbeat charm. Lainey’s grandmother is perfectly kooky, her best friend Bree grows more layered as the story progresses, and the small-town setting works well. It feels lived-in and well worn around the edges rather than caricatured. There is a grittiness to the charm.
I also thought Lainey’s childhood trauma and complicated relationship with her parents were thoughtfully handled. Similarly, her migraines—and the financial reality of treating them—are not just background details but active forces in her decision-making. The descriptions of migraine episodes, in particular, felt authentic.
The ending is where things faltered slightly for me. There’s a third-act breakup that I didn’t entirely love, and the resolution felt a bit abrupt in its execution. After such a carefully built emotional arc, I wanted just a little more time to breathe in the payoff.
Still, this is a marriage-of-convenience story that understands what makes the trope sing: proximity, friction, banter, and especially slow-earned trust. In the end, it's a story of two people building something real in the most unlikely of circumstances.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Putnam, fo which I am grateful. I'm glad to get to know this author.
Lainey Davis is not your typical contemporary romance heroine. She’s slightly unhinged, wildly determined, calculating in a survivalist sort of way, and the ultimate jack-of-all-trades—because she has to be. She’s also desperately poor, juggling health insurance premiums and expensive migraine medication in a system that isn’t built to protect someone like her. That layer alone gives the story stakes that feel painfully real.
The premise is offbeat: through adverse possession, Lainey ends up owning one of the most notorious houses in modern architectural history—just the house, mind you, not the surrounding property. Enter Elliot Hodges, a D.C. government architect who inherits the land and dreams of turning the site into a niche resort for architecture enthusiasts. They can’t move forward without each other. So they agree to marry—for health insurance and logistics.
Elliot is the perfect counterbalance to Lainey’s chaos. Picture Clark Kent in glasses: nerdy, competent, quietly hot, and wholly unprepared for Lainey’s particular brand of audacity. From their first meeting, she keeps him off-balance—challenging him, outmaneuvering him, pushing him right to the edge of what’s technically legal. And he is so into it, even though he very much does not want to be.
He is utterly entranced by her—especially by her fierce competence and refusal to play small.
Their buildup is handled well. We don’t just get sparks; we get domesticity. We see them actually living their “married” life—sharing space, negotiating routines, learning each other’s rhythms. That quiet intimacy radiates off the page. It’s not just attraction; it’s accumulation. And I deeply appreciated the fade-to-black approach to intimacy—enough to convey closeness without veering into excess.
The supporting cast adds to the novel’s cozy, slightly offbeat charm. Lainey’s grandmother is perfectly kooky, her best friend Bree grows more layered as the story progresses, and the small-town setting works well. It feels lived-in and well worn around the edges rather than caricatured. There is a grittiness to the charm.
I also thought Lainey’s childhood trauma and complicated relationship with her parents were thoughtfully handled. Similarly, her migraines—and the financial reality of treating them—are not just background details but active forces in her decision-making. The descriptions of migraine episodes, in particular, felt authentic.
The ending is where things faltered slightly for me. There’s a third-act breakup that I didn’t entirely love, and the resolution felt a bit abrupt in its execution. After such a carefully built emotional arc, I wanted just a little more time to breathe in the payoff.
Still, this is a marriage-of-convenience story that understands what makes the trope sing: proximity, friction, banter, and especially slow-earned trust. In the end, it's a story of two people building something real in the most unlikely of circumstances.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Putnam, fo which I am grateful. I'm glad to get to know this author.
March 11, 2026
Thanks NetGalley & Putman for the eARC of Married with Benefits
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up
This is my 2nd Ellie Palmer book and let me just say, I am a STAN. Her writing is just so enjoyable, her characters are witty, and the dialogue she creates between her characters is honest, hilarious, and real.
Lainey, a chaotic single woman, works several jobs to make ends meet. She's her small town ride share driver, a repair woman when called, and someone people can count on to do the little tasks they don't want to do themselves. She also is an artist, selling custom designs on Etsy while crafting her own unique tree designs in the woods surrounding her house. A chronic migraine condition keeps her from landing a full-time position in a career of her choice, which unfortunately keeps her from obtaining an insurance plan to help cover the high costs of her migraine medication.
Elliot was recently established the heir to his uncle Gil's lake side cabin retreat, known as Shore Thing. This includes 4 cabins (most unusable at this point) and 3 acres of land. When hearing that the acreage is home to the lost/unknown work (Forest Bridge) of his favorite architect, Elliot makes plans to restore Forest Bridge. Until he discovers a quirky red-head has been living in Forest Bridge and has "squatter's rights" to it after being there for 20 years.
The 2 devise a plan to get married- 1 so Lainey can have the much needed health insurance she needs and 2 so they can rent out Forest Bridge to make money so Elliot can make an offer to Lainey by the end of summer to buy the property off her hands. Only, the 2 didn't plan to fall in love in the process. Well, Lainey didn't anyways.
Lainey was a ball of chaos and extremely witty. She made me laugh with her quick thinking and sarcasm. However, did anyone else notice she was somewhat a grifter? Yikes. Regardless, her character was entertaining. Elliot was reserved and afraid of getting his hopes up for things he wants, but was SO good with his words. Elliot, when he expressed himself, was such a romantic and truly open with his feelings, which is refreshing in a male lead. This is a closed door book, but you can feel the yearning and palpable tension between them. The side characters were also a riot. Gran, Bree, and Isaac were entertaining side characters.
My biggest reason for this not being higher ranked was the unresolved issues with Lainey's parents. We keep hearing about her mom and how she's "coming to visit" but there were no interactions between this person who abandoned Lainey and created her inability to trust others and I would have liked to see SOME kind of resolution to their relationship. Also, I want to know if Tobin is her dad. I hated that there was this storyline about him potentially being her dad and how he was involved in her life when she was younger until all of a sudden he wasn't anymore. I need more in to that aspect of Lainey's life.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and made me LOL several times. I will gladly recommend this to my audience.
Pick this one up when it's out on 7/21/26
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up
This is my 2nd Ellie Palmer book and let me just say, I am a STAN. Her writing is just so enjoyable, her characters are witty, and the dialogue she creates between her characters is honest, hilarious, and real.
Lainey, a chaotic single woman, works several jobs to make ends meet. She's her small town ride share driver, a repair woman when called, and someone people can count on to do the little tasks they don't want to do themselves. She also is an artist, selling custom designs on Etsy while crafting her own unique tree designs in the woods surrounding her house. A chronic migraine condition keeps her from landing a full-time position in a career of her choice, which unfortunately keeps her from obtaining an insurance plan to help cover the high costs of her migraine medication.
Elliot was recently established the heir to his uncle Gil's lake side cabin retreat, known as Shore Thing. This includes 4 cabins (most unusable at this point) and 3 acres of land. When hearing that the acreage is home to the lost/unknown work (Forest Bridge) of his favorite architect, Elliot makes plans to restore Forest Bridge. Until he discovers a quirky red-head has been living in Forest Bridge and has "squatter's rights" to it after being there for 20 years.
The 2 devise a plan to get married- 1 so Lainey can have the much needed health insurance she needs and 2 so they can rent out Forest Bridge to make money so Elliot can make an offer to Lainey by the end of summer to buy the property off her hands. Only, the 2 didn't plan to fall in love in the process. Well, Lainey didn't anyways.
Lainey was a ball of chaos and extremely witty. She made me laugh with her quick thinking and sarcasm. However, did anyone else notice she was somewhat a grifter? Yikes. Regardless, her character was entertaining. Elliot was reserved and afraid of getting his hopes up for things he wants, but was SO good with his words. Elliot, when he expressed himself, was such a romantic and truly open with his feelings, which is refreshing in a male lead. This is a closed door book, but you can feel the yearning and palpable tension between them. The side characters were also a riot. Gran, Bree, and Isaac were entertaining side characters.
My biggest reason for this not being higher ranked was the unresolved issues with Lainey's parents. We keep hearing about her mom and how she's "coming to visit" but there were no interactions between this person who abandoned Lainey and created her inability to trust others and I would have liked to see SOME kind of resolution to their relationship. Also, I want to know if Tobin is her dad. I hated that there was this storyline about him potentially being her dad and how he was involved in her life when she was younger until all of a sudden he wasn't anymore. I need more in to that aspect of Lainey's life.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and made me LOL several times. I will gladly recommend this to my audience.
Pick this one up when it's out on 7/21/26
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars.
I have loved all of Ellie Palmer's novels thus far, and "Married with Benefits" is no different. I laughed SO MUCH while reading this wacky small-town romance! The banter between the main characters, Lainey and Elliot, is top-notch. Their relationship is full of biting wit and humorous repartee. I adored them and their marriage of convenience. There is a bit of miscommunication going on here, but it didn't bother me as it has in other books. Lainey meets Elliot when he requests a ride from her rideshare service. It is odd that a tourist is in town in the off-season, but she is instantly attracted to him and vice versa. Lainey is living in a home that, it turns out, her family does not own. As it turns out, Elliot inherited the land where the architecturally intriguing house is, and he wants to fix it up and rent it out during the busy season. Since Lainey and her grandmother have been there for decades, they have squatter's rights and have no intention of leaving. Lainey is an absolute mess of a character, but she is so endearing and zany that, in turn, her mess is, too. She never has enough money to pay all of her bills. She gets debilitating migraines, but cannot afford medication for them. Everyone in town knows her, and she often has arrangements with local businesspeople to borrow things now and pay them back later (on various honor systems). Elliot is a mess, but in a straightlaced way. Lainey is a grifter at heart, always trying to stay one step ahead of the game, but it's Elliot who suggests the biggest grift of them all: he offers to marry her so she can get the medication she needs to get her migraines under control, and he, in turn, can buy her out of the house. Piece of cake, right?! Despite not knowing each other at the beginning of the story, their connection is instantaneous, palpable, and realistic. There was never any doubt in my mind that they cared for one another. Despite how drastic a marriage of convenience might be in this situation, as someone with a chronic illness, knowing how expensive life-saving medicine costs, I don't blame Lainey for saying yes to Elliot's proposition. This book has excellent chronic illness representation as Lainey has regular, debilitating migraines. My best friend has the same thing, and I can attest to this book's accuracy where this subject is concerned. Also, Palmer has quite a lot to say about our broken American healthcare system, how healthcare is often tied to employment in an economy that relies on "gig" jobs, how much life-saving medication costs, just how difficult it is to deal with insurance, and the lengths people will go to get medication they need to survive. I also loved Bree, Lainey's best friend. Their relationship is quite humorous and interesting as well. I finished this book in a single day because I could not put it down. Please give this one a chance!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Palmer, Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I have loved all of Ellie Palmer's novels thus far, and "Married with Benefits" is no different. I laughed SO MUCH while reading this wacky small-town romance! The banter between the main characters, Lainey and Elliot, is top-notch. Their relationship is full of biting wit and humorous repartee. I adored them and their marriage of convenience. There is a bit of miscommunication going on here, but it didn't bother me as it has in other books. Lainey meets Elliot when he requests a ride from her rideshare service. It is odd that a tourist is in town in the off-season, but she is instantly attracted to him and vice versa. Lainey is living in a home that, it turns out, her family does not own. As it turns out, Elliot inherited the land where the architecturally intriguing house is, and he wants to fix it up and rent it out during the busy season. Since Lainey and her grandmother have been there for decades, they have squatter's rights and have no intention of leaving. Lainey is an absolute mess of a character, but she is so endearing and zany that, in turn, her mess is, too. She never has enough money to pay all of her bills. She gets debilitating migraines, but cannot afford medication for them. Everyone in town knows her, and she often has arrangements with local businesspeople to borrow things now and pay them back later (on various honor systems). Elliot is a mess, but in a straightlaced way. Lainey is a grifter at heart, always trying to stay one step ahead of the game, but it's Elliot who suggests the biggest grift of them all: he offers to marry her so she can get the medication she needs to get her migraines under control, and he, in turn, can buy her out of the house. Piece of cake, right?! Despite not knowing each other at the beginning of the story, their connection is instantaneous, palpable, and realistic. There was never any doubt in my mind that they cared for one another. Despite how drastic a marriage of convenience might be in this situation, as someone with a chronic illness, knowing how expensive life-saving medicine costs, I don't blame Lainey for saying yes to Elliot's proposition. This book has excellent chronic illness representation as Lainey has regular, debilitating migraines. My best friend has the same thing, and I can attest to this book's accuracy where this subject is concerned. Also, Palmer has quite a lot to say about our broken American healthcare system, how healthcare is often tied to employment in an economy that relies on "gig" jobs, how much life-saving medication costs, just how difficult it is to deal with insurance, and the lengths people will go to get medication they need to survive. I also loved Bree, Lainey's best friend. Their relationship is quite humorous and interesting as well. I finished this book in a single day because I could not put it down. Please give this one a chance!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Palmer, Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
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