Married Without Benefits

by I.I.E.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Marriage

457 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

Reviews

[Hooria · Rating 4 out of 5]

literally pulled me from a deep romance slump. Absolutely devoured it. Lily is the anxious avoidant muslim girl representation i deserve!!!!!!!!!!

[Nourmiyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ikram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't come here and start lying that the writing isn't beautiful and really great, but I can still acknowledge that the MCs inner monologues were way too freaking long... they just kept coming and never stopped. Sometimes I had to imagine the other characters just looking at her while she zoned out to think about them essays... like damn...

I love how he loved her, I love how her relationship with her mother got resolved.
Did I stay sceptical about her "best friend" being actually a best friend? Yeah, I sure did, but to each their own I guess.


Some of the plot felt like it came out of nowhere... I can't even really judge if it was necessary, but also ok, lol

It was good, but truly too long... would've been way better if it was shorter, but that's also just my opinion🤷‍♀️


Edit: I just remembered a plot point that was EXTREMELY unnecessary. I'm 100% sure it was used just to cause a third act "break-up" -in this case separation- for absolutely no reason, especially after they were happy tgthr. Pissed me off!

[itsyourfriendlyneighbourhoodreadergianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 stars

—- Possible spoilers —-

The book started off so well… I was planning to rate it a 4.5 stars

Then… the 70% mark hit with the absolutely horrible and unnecessary plot twist… I cannot believe how the author messed up a book I was going to rate so high… I wish she had just ended the book before that…

My Lillian did not deserve that and that wasn’t in line with Khalifa’s character… it kept getting progressively worse from that point… I’m devastated

[luluwa ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I binged this book over a day and a half and REALLY liked it. The only issue I had with it is the fact that it did have spice (going into it I didn’t expect a muslim romance book to contain this content and was disappointed with that).

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

a breath of fucking fresh air!!!!!!! es visu laiku esmu uzskatījusi, ka grāmatas pārsfara reprezente to "happy ever after" stāstu. to, kas beidzas ar kāzām.

šis bija tik skaisti, tik svaigi, tik īsti. es ļoti priecājos, ka noticēju anotācijai ar 50+ atsauksmem. šī ir pirmā grāmata, kas man parādīja īstās dzīves problēmas, mazos sīkumus, lielos strīdus, brīžus, kas kliedz "es netiksu šim pari".

no smutt, no bs.

i loved this book.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I was lowkey invested in these peeps and their relationship.

Intrigued to see how this author further develops their craft.

[g.♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alexine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ghalz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🤍

[janaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book. The perfect representation of an Islamic arranged marriage and a Muslim couple 🥹🥹 my babies.

Lillian and Khalifa, I love you.

[Zylith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ya Allah give me a man like khallifaa !!!

AMEEEEEENN

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm it was yummy idk what happened

[minnah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️

it was so cute and a muslim romance. i genuinly really really REALLY liked it at first. it touched on social issues, had so many cute moments. but honestly this book should’ve ended like 10 chapters ago..
it just dragged on too much towards the end, with pointless plot twists

[jou ‎ꫂ᭪݁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[ronniesus · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn’t appreciate that the second villain in this book is named after me..
guy is lebanese yet not one mention of phoenicia


“All that stuff you told me about your mom not wanting you?” His eyebrows lifted, mock sympathy curling at the edges of his mouth. “Be honest, Lillian. Who would want you?” that came out of NOWHERE

[aminahthebooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.”

[prisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Inaaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this book was sooo gooddd! as a muslim teenager myself who’s never experienced love, ive always wondered what it would be like to be loved wholeheartedly whilst also keeping it halal and i think this book embodies it so beautifully. the way khalifa cares so deeply about lillian and accepts her for who she is and not what her mum and society wants her to be is so special. he stands up for her countless times, he comforts her, he makes all of her meals with cute little notes, he reminds her of how beautiful she is despite being constantly told she’s not the standard. and lillian is genuinely such a sweetheart, always making khalifa feel comfortable to be able to talk about his feelings even though he never felt like he could. this was my first muslim romance book that i’ve ever read and i loved how the author intertwined aspects of islam but didn’t overdo it. i love how it was closed door because it leaves it to our imagination of how special their relationship is. this book was so deep and truly relatable to many muslim women especially when she talks about the struggles of being a hijabi and the expectations that our parents may have of us.

i totally recommend this book if you want a cute romcom. i genuinely think this is one of the best grumpy x sunshine and arranged marriage books that ive read!!!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Lillian Tariq is the epitome of a strong, independent, awe-inspiring feministic woman. With the unapologetic personality of a hellcat.

“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.”

[tewksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely loved this book so much. This was such an enjoyable read from beginning to end, and honestly? I loved almost everything about it.

Khalifa…THE MAN YOU ARE 😭 He is absolutely my type of male lead—calm, patient, understanding, and emotionally mature. I loved the way he handled Lilian, especially during her more annoying or chaotic moments. Instead of reacting badly, he stayed composed, and somehow that made me love him even more.

Green flag?
No.

GREENEST flag.

And Lilian and Khalifa together were just so fun to read. Their dynamic felt natural, entertaining, and full of chemistry. Everything about this book flowed so well for me… until THAT plot twist. My jaw literally dropped. I was genuinely shocked and sitting there like “wait—WHAT???” But thankfully, I ended up loving the ending. It wrapped everything up in a satisfying way and left me feeling really happy after finishing the book.

Funny, comforting, emotional, and surprisingly shocking at times—this book had everything I wanted. Definitely one of my favorite reads. And Khalifa? Yeah… I’m attached now.

[hwwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Mac Mckay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Infuriating MFC and I found her internal dialogue annoying to read (it just felt like she was going in circles until the end with only some resolve due to an epiphany that came way too late and felt rushed). Enjoyed the MMC though (even though he frustrated me too, in contrast to his love interest way more digestible). What I did love was engaging with the characters on a cultural level - from their Lebanese and Muslim perspectives and experiences. Overall it was a good read, even though frustrating most of the time due to each MC’s inability to communicate effectively and do some introspection about how their actions affect their counterpart.

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[iwaasaam · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Bandile · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Roosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 freaking stars
This is my first 5 star read of 2026, and damn, was it unexpected.
Genuinely, one of the most heartachingly beautiful stories I have ever read. I resonate with Lillian so much, and Khalifa is just....
I have no words for how much I ADORE that man.
This was my first Muslim Romance book, and my God, am I hooked. I loved this with my whole entire heart and I will be thinking about this for the rest of the year, if not my whole entire life.
I'm aching at how this book made me feel, it was so beautiful and I loved every single word of it.

[Nicis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Nini · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt like watching a 90s romcom movie at first, then I felt a tad bit bored. I think it's probably a bit too slice-of-life, which is not wrong, but it's just not my cup of tea. It's a nice read though, I definitely gasped and laughed our loud a few times.

I felt so bad and so so sorry for both main characters, especially Lilly. No child deserves to hear horrible things from their own mother.