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Married Without Benefits
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 6, 2026
literally pulled me from a deep romance slump. Absolutely devoured it. Lily is the anxious avoidant muslim girl representation i deserve!!!!!!!!!!
May 1, 2026
this book was devastatingly good, the build up, the banter, the beautiful slow act of falling in love was so well thought out and delivered that I will probably be thinking about this for a very long time.
I will admit that I was slightly concerned about how the author would weave the religious aspects in throughout the book because it is something that often makes me cringe in books because authors tend to go overboard until it's just not enjoyable anymore BUT this one was done perfectly it was just the right amount and at no point in time did it feel like a bump in the story it flowed so seamlessly and added depth and meaning/relatableness to the story, depth that I didn't think I'd appreciate as much as I did.
STUNNING READ
I will admit that I was slightly concerned about how the author would weave the religious aspects in throughout the book because it is something that often makes me cringe in books because authors tend to go overboard until it's just not enjoyable anymore BUT this one was done perfectly it was just the right amount and at no point in time did it feel like a bump in the story it flowed so seamlessly and added depth and meaning/relatableness to the story, depth that I didn't think I'd appreciate as much as I did.
STUNNING READ
April 23, 2026
If I could give this book 6 stars? I'd give it 10/5. SUCH a good book.
It played with my feelings in the best possible way 😭 One minute I'm crying, the next I'm giggling through my tears. Emotional whiplash in the best sense.
I loved how I.I.E handled the mother-daughter relationship—something we all see but barely anyone actually talks about. It felt real. It hurt. It healed.
And the best part? I never felt like I was reading this book. I understood the characters like I already knew them. Like they were my friends, my family, me.
Just read it. You'll thank me.
It played with my feelings in the best possible way 😭 One minute I'm crying, the next I'm giggling through my tears. Emotional whiplash in the best sense.
I loved how I.I.E handled the mother-daughter relationship—something we all see but barely anyone actually talks about. It felt real. It hurt. It healed.
And the best part? I never felt like I was reading this book. I understood the characters like I already knew them. Like they were my friends, my family, me.
Just read it. You'll thank me.
April 7, 2026
3.5
I was lowkey invested in these peeps and their relationship.
Intrigued to see how this author further develops their craft.
I was lowkey invested in these peeps and their relationship.
Intrigued to see how this author further develops their craft.
April 18, 2026
6/5 starssss!!!!!!
I dont really write reviews but this book really deserved one i dont even know where to start because this book did not have a single thing i hated or despised my first 5 stars of the year a book that will never leave my mind and always have me aching for this kind of romance the pure,thoughtful,little perfect acts that just made love so beautiful i was holding my heart the whole time scared that anything is gonna happen to the main characters (read her first 2 books to understand) i was so glad they got their beautiful perfect ending they both deserved the writing style is just beautiful whenever i read a line i wanted to highlight it immediately but if i did i will end up highlighting the whole book thats the thing about the author of this book she writes romance books so beautifully and gracefully but could also write topics about grief,sadness,loneliness so vastly and infinite i read her first book dear ana 2 years ago and it never left my mind i kept reading the highlight notes re-reading the book more than once this while the other one was utterly heavy this was as light as a feather romantic and so alluring you just kept going without realizing so for anyone reading this review read this book because the author deserves a raise deserves to be a bestselling author and share her words to everyone who loves to read i think this review is more for the author than the book but i think she deserves it.
I would read anything she writes because im so deeply attached to her writing style.
I dont really write reviews but this book really deserved one i dont even know where to start because this book did not have a single thing i hated or despised my first 5 stars of the year a book that will never leave my mind and always have me aching for this kind of romance the pure,thoughtful,little perfect acts that just made love so beautiful i was holding my heart the whole time scared that anything is gonna happen to the main characters (read her first 2 books to understand) i was so glad they got their beautiful perfect ending they both deserved the writing style is just beautiful whenever i read a line i wanted to highlight it immediately but if i did i will end up highlighting the whole book thats the thing about the author of this book she writes romance books so beautifully and gracefully but could also write topics about grief,sadness,loneliness so vastly and infinite i read her first book dear ana 2 years ago and it never left my mind i kept reading the highlight notes re-reading the book more than once this while the other one was utterly heavy this was as light as a feather romantic and so alluring you just kept going without realizing so for anyone reading this review read this book because the author deserves a raise deserves to be a bestselling author and share her words to everyone who loves to read i think this review is more for the author than the book but i think she deserves it.
I would read anything she writes because im so deeply attached to her writing style.
April 21, 2026
I really wanted to give this five stars, but ughh, Khalifa, you are an insufferably messy asshole!
Plucked this out without reading the synopsis. Just really wanted something easy to read after a horrible book slump, and yup, here we are, learning cultures and religions that (at least for me) are hard to decipher. What I liked about this book is the MUSLIM FMC representation- well, both of them are Muslims, the FMC and MMC-but it was so refreshing to see the perspective of Muslim women.
Yeah, me learning how they struggled hard in the workforce without being discriminated against because of their appearance. Or how disgustingly educated they are—the more men from Muslim society are threatened—wow, just wow. And I love our FMC. She is so unapologetic, raw, very real, honest, and knows her value so well that she doesn't waver. And THANK GOD she broke the generational curse towards the end because, yeah, her daughter doesn't deserve how her mother treated her.
And Khalifa, YOU OWE HER BIG TIME. I AM NOT LETTING THIS SLIDE.
Plucked this out without reading the synopsis. Just really wanted something easy to read after a horrible book slump, and yup, here we are, learning cultures and religions that (at least for me) are hard to decipher. What I liked about this book is the MUSLIM FMC representation- well, both of them are Muslims, the FMC and MMC-but it was so refreshing to see the perspective of Muslim women.
Yeah, me learning how they struggled hard in the workforce without being discriminated against because of their appearance. Or how disgustingly educated they are—the more men from Muslim society are threatened—wow, just wow. And I love our FMC. She is so unapologetic, raw, very real, honest, and knows her value so well that she doesn't waver. And THANK GOD she broke the generational curse towards the end because, yeah, her daughter doesn't deserve how her mother treated her.
And Khalifa, YOU OWE HER BIG TIME. I AM NOT LETTING THIS SLIDE.
April 11, 2026
Would definitely give this a 6 stars if I could. Wow, I absolutely loved this book and I so do not regret reading it. This is the 2nd book I read by this author and it was as good as Dear Ana. Genuinely nothing bad to say 🤍
April 15, 2026
Ya Allah give me a man like khallifaa !!!
AMEEEEEENN
AMEEEEEENN
April 5, 2026
this was beautiful. definitely filled with angst.
“I tried to imagine what it must be like to live this way as an innocent civilian in Lebanon, in Palestine, in so many places across the Middle East, to raise children amid uncertainty, to fall in love under the constant threat of loss, to keep going while the rest of the world watched in distant silence.”
free palestine 🇵🇸❤️
“You’re a helper. You’re the light people see when they’re surrounded by darkness, when they think it’s all over. And I know that because...you’re my light, Lillian.”
they were cute, the banter was so funny. there was so many sad moments but also so many funny ones. the angst was painful and real. i loved it so much.
and there was a happy ending, which i deserved after dear ana devastated me and wrecked my soul thank you very much.
“I tried to imagine what it must be like to live this way as an innocent civilian in Lebanon, in Palestine, in so many places across the Middle East, to raise children amid uncertainty, to fall in love under the constant threat of loss, to keep going while the rest of the world watched in distant silence.”
free palestine 🇵🇸❤️
“You’re a helper. You’re the light people see when they’re surrounded by darkness, when they think it’s all over. And I know that because...you’re my light, Lillian.”
they were cute, the banter was so funny. there was so many sad moments but also so many funny ones. the angst was painful and real. i loved it so much.
and there was a happy ending, which i deserved after dear ana devastated me and wrecked my soul thank you very much.
May 6, 2026
An arranged marriage between a history professor and a gynaecologist. One is broody and quiet, while the other is extroverted and loud. The premise of their marriage is built upon that need to live their own life and not be constantly coddled by their parents. They’re both in their 30’s, past the age of ‘average’ marriage candidates.
The male lead is a Lebanese history professor who is meticulous in everything he does. His apartment is clean, dark, and brooding, just like him. When Lillian, the female lead enters her new home with her husband she buys a paint in the colour of burgundy and paints her entire room. Her mom never let her paint her room, constantly made every choice for her in life. Despite the constant disengagement her family had in her life, she sought out medical school and become a gynaecologist. Giving birth to babies day in and day out. Going to the hospital’s nursery and looking at all the babies and wondering what each of their futures would be.
As the youngest child, Lillian didn’t get that attention that was normally expected for the last child. Instead she got silence, and often comments about her appearance, her work, ‘when is she getting married? Or when is she leaving this house already?’. It forced her to be confident the hard way, gain all the opportunities she could on her own.
When they fall in love with each other, it’s comfortable and reassuring. Almost like a warm blanket tucking you in at night.
One of my favourite quotes:
"I'm sorry that I come across as emotionally unavailable," he continued, voice hoarse.
"The emotion is there, it consumes every part of me, it's just clogged. I don't know how to let it out without drowning in it. I'm sorry I can't be more, can't give you more, but if I were capable of being that for anyone..."
He paused, eyes flicking down to my lips, then back to my eyes.
"I think I would choose that person to be you. I'd want it to be you, Lillian.”
The male lead is a Lebanese history professor who is meticulous in everything he does. His apartment is clean, dark, and brooding, just like him. When Lillian, the female lead enters her new home with her husband she buys a paint in the colour of burgundy and paints her entire room. Her mom never let her paint her room, constantly made every choice for her in life. Despite the constant disengagement her family had in her life, she sought out medical school and become a gynaecologist. Giving birth to babies day in and day out. Going to the hospital’s nursery and looking at all the babies and wondering what each of their futures would be.
As the youngest child, Lillian didn’t get that attention that was normally expected for the last child. Instead she got silence, and often comments about her appearance, her work, ‘when is she getting married? Or when is she leaving this house already?’. It forced her to be confident the hard way, gain all the opportunities she could on her own.
When they fall in love with each other, it’s comfortable and reassuring. Almost like a warm blanket tucking you in at night.
One of my favourite quotes:
"I'm sorry that I come across as emotionally unavailable," he continued, voice hoarse.
"The emotion is there, it consumes every part of me, it's just clogged. I don't know how to let it out without drowning in it. I'm sorry I can't be more, can't give you more, but if I were capable of being that for anyone..."
He paused, eyes flicking down to my lips, then back to my eyes.
"I think I would choose that person to be you. I'd want it to be you, Lillian.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2026
3.5/10
I was so, so, so excited to read this book, like it's been on my TBR for so long. To me, personally, there were so many ups and downs in the plot of this book, which is not my thing. It felt like every single time something was going right for the main characters, something else came in and just absolutely blew the place up. I mean, the plot twists were so diabolical, so messy, which is not a bad thing, just not for me. I think the trauma these characters have experienced throughout their lives manifested in ways that were not always healthy, and sometimes a little toxic, but I also know it's because they're a result of their families and I think that was explored really well, especially how they grew from that. At one point, the writing in this book just didn't hit the spot for me, and the story felt a little lacklustre, but then the plot just worked out so well, and then it just made me mad (iykyk). For me personally, I don't love a book with such inconsistency. The entire last part of the book didn't sit right with me, I think the third-act breakup was needed but I don't think everything was resolved well. There are certain moments that make me question the character a little too much, and I really don't love having to question the FMC. This book was good, but it just did not meet my expectations, and while the plot was well developed, I was unable to form a clear opinion on the main characters because of how the book just felt like a mediocre roller coaster with some exceptional drops.
I was so, so, so excited to read this book, like it's been on my TBR for so long. To me, personally, there were so many ups and downs in the plot of this book, which is not my thing. It felt like every single time something was going right for the main characters, something else came in and just absolutely blew the place up. I mean, the plot twists were so diabolical, so messy, which is not a bad thing, just not for me. I think the trauma these characters have experienced throughout their lives manifested in ways that were not always healthy, and sometimes a little toxic, but I also know it's because they're a result of their families and I think that was explored really well, especially how they grew from that. At one point, the writing in this book just didn't hit the spot for me, and the story felt a little lacklustre, but then the plot just worked out so well, and then it just made me mad (iykyk). For me personally, I don't love a book with such inconsistency. The entire last part of the book didn't sit right with me, I think the third-act breakup was needed but I don't think everything was resolved well. There are certain moments that make me question the character a little too much, and I really don't love having to question the FMC. This book was good, but it just did not meet my expectations, and while the plot was well developed, I was unable to form a clear opinion on the main characters because of how the book just felt like a mediocre roller coaster with some exceptional drops.
May 5, 2026
Dr. Lillian Tariq is the epitome of a strong, independent, awe-inspiring feministic woman. With the unapologetic personality of a hellcat.
Khalifa Nasser is a PATHETIC, ACTS OF SERVICE, LOVER husband. He doesn’t know how to express himself verbally so he SHOWS her how much he care. How you might ask?
1. Changes to clock from 10:22 pm to 12 am because she mentioned once that she likes pancakes at midnight.
2. Has takes pictures of sunsets EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. since they got married because she’s obsessed with them.
3. Takes off her shoes when she's too tired and makes breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND coffee EVERY. WAKING. DAY.
4. Has sleepovers with her. Literally just talking-can’t-sleep sleepovers.
“I wasn’t interested. Not in trading my hard-won independence for the quiet erasure of becoming someone’s wife. I’d rather be alone than invisible.”
Khalifa Nasser is a PATHETIC, ACTS OF SERVICE, LOVER husband. He doesn’t know how to express himself verbally so he SHOWS her how much he care. How you might ask?
1. Changes to clock from 10:22 pm to 12 am because she mentioned once that she likes pancakes at midnight.
2. Has takes pictures of sunsets EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. since they got married because she’s obsessed with them.
3. Takes off her shoes when she's too tired and makes breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND coffee EVERY. WAKING. DAY.
4. Has sleepovers with her. Literally just talking-can’t-sleep sleepovers.
“You are my light. The sun can only rise and set in my world if you’re still in it. You asked me what my biggest fear is. It’s this. Losing you. Don’t give up on me. I’ll never give up on you.”
May 1, 2026
omg!!! this was the first ever muslim couple book i read tht i actualy ended up finidhing, before i went into i, i didnt even know they were muslim but i could tell from the writing in the beginning that it reminded me alot of how muslim books are written which is probably one of the only 2 things i didnt like about this book. the other thing being how quickly we got into everythign like wam bam and boom. but its ok all is forgiven bcs everything got better and i read this DURING CAIES and it made me so happy readding this, maybe we could get a chapter from khalifa's perspective of whne he first met her or when he fell inlove wiht her?? (PLEASEEE) but other than that i really liked it!!
April 3, 2026
If you are looking for smut, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a sweet, slow burn romance you just might love this.
I absolutely LOVED the opening blind date scene!!!
I nearly DNFd a third of the way through, because the story was just too slow for me at that point, but it soon picked up and enjoyed the plot twist that came later.
And as a last comment, I will add that this is the first book I've read where the MCs are Muslim. While I found that interesting I don't feel like that fact either added nor detracted from the story.
I absolutely LOVED the opening blind date scene!!!
I nearly DNFd a third of the way through, because the story was just too slow for me at that point, but it soon picked up and enjoyed the plot twist that came later.
And as a last comment, I will add that this is the first book I've read where the MCs are Muslim. While I found that interesting I don't feel like that fact either added nor detracted from the story.
April 22, 2026
This is my first 5 star book of 2026, i loved everything the book portrayed from the struggles Muslim women face in work places to exploring unlearning toxic family dynamics, the romance Uhhhh top tier, everytime he called her “my wife“ I loved ittttt.
It was an amazing book with good plot, I usually hate third act break up but the author made it make sense in this book, I absolutely loved it.
If you love, enemies to lovers, she falls first but he falls harder this should be your vibe.
With love
Iwa
It was an amazing book with good plot, I usually hate third act break up but the author made it make sense in this book, I absolutely loved it.
If you love, enemies to lovers, she falls first but he falls harder this should be your vibe.
With love
Iwa
May 6, 2026
This was such a beautifully written book. Lillian was such a raw and in many parts, a reflective character. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. The expressiveness and character growth, that both main characters went through was truly inspiring.
The book had so many quotables but reading this: "Meeting you felt like God poured sunshine into a person and called it you. I lived my entire life thinking the world was gray, and then you showed up—like you were created just for me, like color was never meant to exist without you.”.. left me in awe. Highly recommend.
The book had so many quotables but reading this: "Meeting you felt like God poured sunshine into a person and called it you. I lived my entire life thinking the world was gray, and then you showed up—like you were created just for me, like color was never meant to exist without you.”.. left me in awe. Highly recommend.
April 28, 2026
I know barely anything about Islam so I can’t say much about that part of the book, but the romance was top notch (maybe a bit over dramatic but I grew up with telenovelas so i enjoyed it).
The mother-daughter’s relationship hit me deep and I cried much more than I expected based on the summary.
Anyway, complicated family dynamics and the opposites-attract relationship of our main couple made a perfect mix of trauma, pain, drama and swooning. At the end we all just want to be loved.
The mother-daughter’s relationship hit me deep and I cried much more than I expected based on the summary.
Anyway, complicated family dynamics and the opposites-attract relationship of our main couple made a perfect mix of trauma, pain, drama and swooning. At the end we all just want to be loved.
April 7, 2026
Amazing
I can't describe how much I've enjoyed this book it is so funny and witty the way I I E writes it is like you can see the characters or hear them laugh. I couldn't put this book down ... I can't wait for the writer's next book .
I can't describe how much I've enjoyed this book it is so funny and witty the way I I E writes it is like you can see the characters or hear them laugh. I couldn't put this book down ... I can't wait for the writer's next book .
May 4, 2026
This book was amazing!!!. It was my first book from this author and it was perfect in all the possible ways. I loved Lillian from the first 3 pages. Khalifa was PERFECT🥹🥹. The entire book I just love it so much!!!
April 6, 2026
I had such high hopes! 😓
April 14, 2026
Loved it! I thought I would struggle to relate to the FMC, as her religion plays a big role in her life. But she was so well written and explored, I genuinely felt her pain through the pages.
April 15, 2026
First 5 star 🌟 of the year!!!
April 16, 2026
its 1:27am rn. lemme gather my thoughts first and then write a review
April 20, 2026
LOVED the boookkk!!!!!!!!!!!
April 20, 2026
Loved.
April 20, 2026
muito bom.
April 22, 2026
iie never fails to write.
April 24, 2026
I LOVED this. It was so good. It was moving too. I think it might be my new favorite.
April 26, 2026
dnf @ 81%
I really tried to like this book, was about to give up on it multiple times, but decided to keep going. However, this book is most definitely not for me.
I really tried to like this book, was about to give up on it multiple times, but decided to keep going. However, this book is most definitely not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews