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A Different Kind of Love #4

Friends with Benefits

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When I wake up in my brother's best friend's bed the morning after he rescues me from the worst blind date I've ever had, two things are suddenly so No way am I ever letting my BFF set me up with anyone ever again and 2) my brother's best friend is the hottest thing on two legs I've ever seen...Oh, and why don't I want to be "just friends" anymore?Wait, that makes three things.But is a fling worth sacrificing a lifetime of trust between our families? Or is it worth a shot at something that had always been there all along?Each book in A Different Kind of Love series can be read on its own with NO cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA. Some are angsty and emotional while some are fun, lighthearted, and set during the holiday season… like this one!

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2018

168 people are currently reading
463 people want to read

About the author

Liz Durano

63 books408 followers
Liz writes emotional angsty romance and women's fiction. When she's not writing, she's usually stepping all over her son's Legos.

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5 stars
114 (26%)
4 stars
117 (27%)
3 stars
135 (31%)
2 stars
45 (10%)
1 star
13 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,040 reviews317 followers
May 2, 2020
A beautifully gentle yet emotion filled friends-to-lovers romance

Friends With Benefits is a captivating, stand alone contemporary romance, with two characters we first met in Falling for Jordan . This is more novella length, though it's still a very full and well rounded story, with two very likeable and believable main characters.

Cait and Cam have known each other for years. Not only is Cam her brother's best friend but he's also considered to be part of the family. So when a drunken night leads to something very not platonic, life suddenly gets a lot more complicated. One of them is prepared to go all in, the other thinks they should leave it as a one time deal. Will they be able to bridge the divide? Is it worth the risk?

Cait isn't looking for anything serious. After all she still has a long and busy semester left before she graduates with her Masters degree. Cam is far to busy working long hours to be on of the the best and most successful financial analysts. He also worries he'll turn out like his Dad and not love his wife and child enough to stay around for them.

This story drew me in straight away and just had that 'very easy to read' feel that kept me hooked throughout. The characters have depth and you find yourself genuinely caring about them. I really enjoyed this story with its romantic, sexy, emotional and well paced plot. You will find yourself rooting for this couple, loving their interactions and wanting to be part of their wonderful wider family.

I highly recommend Friends With Benefits , it's a classy Hallmark movie in book form and the perfect way to get you in the holiday mood.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,894 reviews213 followers
November 23, 2018


Caitlin and Campbell have been friends nearly their whole lives. He's her brother's best friend, and like family to her. There's never been anything more between them until the holidays when attraction flares up and they decide one time won't hurt. But when they can't seem to keep it to one night, things just might get too complicated. Jordan (from Falling for Jordan) would definitely not approve of his best friend and his little sister being together and Caitlin is going back to the west coast to finish up her Master's, so they can't really start anything, anyway. Or say Caitlin thinks. Will she break poor Campbell's heart when he wants more, and she can't allow herself to go there? Or will she take a leap of faith and allow herself to be with the man she's fallen for?

If you like friends to lovers or brother's best friend romances, Friends With Benefits should be on your TBR list. It's sweet and a little sexy, and Campbell is probably the sweetest bbf I've read in awhile.

ARC via author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Hazel.
721 reviews58 followers
April 26, 2022
A friends to lovers/Brothers best friend story. I love these types of books and this one was no different. Campbell and Caitlin know each other very well as Campbell is best friends with Caitlin’s brother. He’s even spent time living in their house. Caitlin ends up sleeping with Campbell after a party and the story follows from there. They try and navigate where they stand without impacting on the relationship between Caitlin and her brother and Campbell and his best friend. Caitlin is resistant to getting involved but eventually love wins out. I hadn’t realised until I started reading that it is a Christmas story 😂
Profile Image for Alejandra Guerrero.
1,722 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2025
I didn't like Cait. She was immature and selfish. Campbell was meh. Not much personality to speak of. And they both acted like teenagers with their first crush. Why do these “brother’s best friend” romances have the same horribly possessive brother who is so adamant that MCs don't get together and gets violently angry if they do? Only to have his SO (Cait’s SIL) “calm him down” and then he’s Okay with it. It made zero sense that Jordan would be mad at Cam for dating his sister, he liked the guy enough to convince his parents to let him live with them for two years so Cam could finish highschool, for crying out loud! And of course the parents have shipped Cam and Cait for years. The only one angry at this is the brother, for all of five minutes, and only to create unnecessary drama.

They were also oh, so sure that everything would be ruined if they got together, because they were friends, but how? Why? Can't friends ever develop mutual romantic feelings for each other just because they're friends? Why would them breaking up (because they assume they will) affect their relationship with the brother/best friend, or with her family? And this was mostly Cait. Cam wanted to give it a chance, to tell everybody, but she acted as if he was a dirty secret that would destroy everyone’s lives if it got out. Not only was she assuming a breakup, she assumed it would be a bad one. From her, I'd believe it, she was that immature. From him, not so much. And of course, just before the end, she realizes she’s an idiot, and decides to give Cam a chance. If I were him I’d run as far away from her as I could. This woman is toxic.

There was so much repetition, too. Cam’s sad past is brought up at least five times, three of which happen within the first 43 pages. The same with Cait’s studying. And the last two chapters were essentially a recap of the book. I wish I'd known that, it would have saved me some time, and it'll probably be a better experience. Subject-verb agreement was missing a lot. No editing happened, developmental or otherwise. And this book needed a lot of editing of all kinds.
Profile Image for revieweswithracqs.
1,737 reviews9 followers
August 9, 2021
Just fantastic

This book was so good I couldn't put it down. It was filled with clean and dirty banter that had me laughing like a lunatic. The characters are full of life and the plot made me sad at times,but it was interesting.
It was an easy 5 stars from me.
3,754 reviews44 followers
November 24, 2018
Is it the spirit of the🎁 holidays that opens their eyes to💕 romance in their own backyard?!
November 21, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4 and a bit 🌟stars
An enjoyable, sweet AND steamy story of childhood neighbors and friends who grow up and see each other with new eyes. Caitlin and Campbell spend the 🎄holidays working through the dilemma of how to handle their attraction without damaging Campbell's relationship with his best friend Jordan, who is also Caitlin's older brother. They have great chemistry and Caitlin inspires Campbell to spend less time working and more on leisure, including getting into the holiday spirit. And, despite the steam they generate, Caitlin does not lose sight of her academic and career goals. But, I must admit, Campbell, not Caitlin, was my favorite character, largely thanks to his protective and responsible behavior and the challenges he had faced and overcome.

The story is told in alternating points of view from Campbell's and Caitlin's perspective. I like the use of this technique so we get the thoughts and feelings of both characters. It did seem to result in some unneeded repetition, but the story still flowed well and had some humorous moments too, largely involving Caitlin's tiny niece Piper.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
362 reviews
November 20, 2018
I fell in love with Liz's materpieces on Wattpad. My new favourite is Jordan's story. When I found out that Liz was writing an off-shoot for Falling for Jordan, I jumped onto the ARC bandwagon.

Campbell is Jordan's best friend and the boy next door while Caitlin's his baby sister. All three have been best of friends but it seemed to be more for Campbell. The story that follows is Caitlin's realisation that there was something else beneath the surface. I guess the heart knows when it is the best time to express itself. We see her wants and denials, and finally acceptance. A lot of spice and drama along the way which you'll just have to read it for yourself. I won't spoil it for you.

There are many childhood friends turned lovers stories but Friends with Benefits is a perfectly wrapped up tale for Campbell and Caitlin. I believe FWB is Liz's best masterpiece yet, with a great ending tying up everything for both characters as well as some bits on Jordan's dilemma with his best friend falling in love with his kid sister. In the end, family always matters. And Campbell is indeed part of the family.

This book can be read as stand alone or after reading Falling for Jordan as are linked to each other.

Finally, stealing a line from book itself, “I’ll always want more.”
Profile Image for Lovelymisanthrope.
882 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2023
I got this book during the Stuff Your Kindle event.
"Friends with Benefits" follows Caitlin, a twenty-something woman who is just trying to get through her last semester of her master's program, and Campbell, a young man driven to work harder than anyone else. Campbell is Caitlin's older brother's, Jordan, best friend. Campbell also moved in with them when they were in high school after a very traumatic situation between his mother and father. Caitlin and Campbell have been close, and they have always had a small crush on one another, but they never wanted to jeopardize their friendship, until now.
This book was fine. I have certainly read far worse romance books, but I have also read better. One of my biggest critiques is that I was continually reminded that Campbell is close to Caitlin's family, so they cannot pursue a relationship and jeopardize that. It felt like every other page it was brought up, and it really just annoyed me and was making me feel indifferent to their story.
For the most part, I did enjoy Caitlin and Campbell as characters, and I wanted to root for them. I do think they compliment one another, and they really balance out their extreme personalities.
This was a cute, quick story, and I am definitely curious to read the rest in this series.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,187 reviews27 followers
November 18, 2018
Campbell and Caitlin have been friends for years. Campbell is best friends with her brother, Jordan. He even lived with her family for a few years before college. That's how close they all are. Too bad Caitlin has been away at college getting her Master's Degree and hasn't seen Campbell in awhile.
Without tuning anything, you need to know that Caitlin is home for Christmas. Campbell is treated like a member of the family so he always spends Christmas at Caitlin's parent's home.
And these 2 have already had sex!
Yep.
That's a recipe for a good story, don't you think?

This is book 4 in this series but can be read on its own. If you want to meet Caitlin's brother before you read this book - check out Falling For Jordan. While I do suggest reading it first, you don't have to read it first. I just think you would get more from this book if you do.

I highly recommend this book and this series.
You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,566 reviews88 followers
November 20, 2018
What is one to do when the attraction meter goes off the scale? Campbell knows that his loyalty to his best friend Jordan and the O'Halloran family prevent him from making any moves on Caitlin, but when she flies into his arms at a party in her excitement at seeing him, he knows he is a lost cause. Friends with Benefits is a well-written romance with the angst that comes from two people who know each other really well, changing lanes in their relationship. Unsure of themselves and the future, as well the reaction of Caitlin's family, they tread carefully, hoping to avoid the dreaded questions that are sure to come should the truth come out. I loved the main characters as well as the O'Halloran family, making me wish that I had some of their love and closeness. I received a copy of this delightful Christmas novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for ChristiLovesBooks_smut.
1,815 reviews44 followers
June 8, 2023
Cute story!

Friends with Benefits by Liz Durtano & @lizdurtano is a new to me author from my TBR. This is a quick read at (who knows!Amazon says 208, the book says 198 & #storygraph says 163! 😂😂😂) anyway a quick read. Caitlyn is finishing up her masters degree in CA. She’s home for Christmas & goes on a blind date that Campbell rescues her from. They go out on a non-date date, all evening the sexual tension builds, & they go back to his place & have sex through the night. They both end up at her brothers for dinner the next evening & again go back to his place & have sex all night. Campbell wants to tell everyone the next day & Caitlyn doesn’t since she is afraid of causing damage to everyone’s friendships. She ends up telling her family what happened. They decide to date & fall in love. This was a cute book.
935 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2018
Campbell has been best friends with Jordan since their youth, having lived with their family for two years in his late teens and then continuing to spend every holiday including christmas with his adoptive family. What he did not count on this holiday season was how he would feel bumping into Jordan's younger sister Caitlyn. All grown up, with porcelain features and fiery red hair, she is everything he knew he should not want.

However the heart wants what the heart wants. When their chemistry is too strong deny they must now decide if a christmas fling will be all that they ever have or if they can be anything more. I loved this friends to lovers romance and was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
December 2, 2018
Things may start out innocently enough in Liz Durano’s Friends with Benefits: A Friends to Lovers Holiday Romance (A Different Kind of Love Book 4), but when Caitlin and Campbell (he being her brother’s best friend) wake up in bed together the fact that he only stick around the party they at to protect her isn’t quite enough. The fact that there’s a lot of chemistry between them? Oh yes indeed is that a complication. A totally fun one for we readers who get a truly wonderful story out of it. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,128 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2018
Campbell Murphy is a successful man, having overcome all the adversities that life has given him.
When he meets Caitlin, his best friend's sister and one of his best friends as well, he didn't expect the attraction he feels for her.
When Caitlin woke up in Campbell's bed after his company party, she also didn't expect the attraction she felt for him.
The two are not quite sure what to do with this attraction, and when they decide to give it a go, the feelings are explosive. But Caitlin doesn't want to risk Campbell's friendship with her brother and her family.
Will they give in to the feelings that grow, or will the friendship speak louder and they will follow separate paths?
I loved the story and the characters and I highly recommend the reading.
Profile Image for Fiona L.
247 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2018
I loved this! Campbell and Caitlin have known each other since they were young and have never regarded each other as anything else except "best friend's sister" / "brother's best friend". But they are all grown up now and suddenly they see each other in a different light.

They went out on a "non-date" but one thing led to another and by the end of the night their attraction was too much and the inevitable happened. I absolutely loved reading how it happened and was always looking forward to more, because they are so compatible and couldn't get enough of each other.

When I finished this book, I just had to go back and read Jordan and Addison's story, and everything makes more sense suddenly :)

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
2,021 reviews15 followers
November 20, 2018
This is a quick read, but that may just be because I couldn't put it down. Caitlin and Campbell are great together. They have known each other for most of their lives, but they didn't really see each other as anything else other than an unrelated sibling. Then everything changes, with Caitlin fighting against their relationship dynamic changing too much.
I liked how these two were obviously meant to be together. And how everyone else could see Campbell's feelings except Caitlin herself.
This is a wonderfully written book that I know I will reread again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
Profile Image for Amy.
1,174 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2018
I really enjoyed "Friends with Benefits" by Liz Durano. I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is another great addition to my Liz Durano book collection. Her books are so well written and the characters really suck you in and are very engaging. These books all can be read as a stand alone - but they are even better when you read them in order since the characters do interweave their way into other books. Great for any fan of modern contemporary romance.
This book and author are a great addition to any book lover's collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
Profile Image for Ree.
2,519 reviews53 followers
November 25, 2018
Despite its novella-ish length, Friends with Benefits is a full story with a pretty reasonable and believable plot. The main characters are fairly well-developed, and I was able to connect in different ways to them both: I shared Cam's frustration when Cait was reluctant to give their new relationship a try, while I completely understood why Cait wanted to preserve their previous relationship.

I loved this friends-to-lovers romance with a bit of Christmas cheer thrown in. I look forward to more of Liz Durano's stories and will definitely be checking out the rest of this series.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Hill.
530 reviews13 followers
December 1, 2018
A really well written, friends-to-lovers story. The characters are a spin-off from Waiting For Jordan, and it fits in nicely with the rest of the series.

I really enjoy Liz’s writing; the pace of the book, the well-rounded characters, the storyline all go to make up a great read. I loved Caitlin and Campbell as a couple; I was really rooting for them.

This is one of those books that I could read again and again. A really comfortable book to slip into any time you want to feel good about life and love.
Profile Image for Theresa Lambe.
Author 42 books129 followers
July 1, 2023
Take the chance!

I always enjoy reading brothers/sisters best friend stories because reading sibling reactions are great. And this one had just the bit I was looking for.

And their love blooming was even more wonderful! A feeling that had always been but never explored until the right setting. That usually makes it the best times, in fact.

It was short, and sweet, yet lettting you capture all the feels needed, especially with wanting to smack one or two people, hehe. For sure give it a chance.
Profile Image for Delacey.
1,195 reviews8 followers
November 22, 2018
3.5 stars. Well another book that wasn't easy for me to review. This quick story was nice and sweet, yet I had trouble staying interested during parts of the book. It just didn't have anything that wowed me or set it apart from other books in this trope. Now this could just be me and my mood, but I wanted to know the characters better, esp the h. Overall, a decent friends to lover/brothers best friend romance. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,307 reviews46 followers
November 24, 2018
This is the fourth book in the A Different Kind of Love Series but can be read as a standalone. They broke the unwritten rule, don't mess around with your best friends little sister. What happens when passion and chemistry take over? A holiday party, too much to drink and a night to remember. Well written with complex characters and an entertaining story. A cute friends to lovers romance that was fun to read as an arc and I voluntarily chose to review.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews23 followers
November 26, 2018
What a fun book.

Although I received an advanced book, I also picked up a copy from Amazon. I sent a email to the author about a few 'things' and when I reread it, looks like a lot was fixed. I did enjoy the premise and the characters were believable- so many times it is so way out there I want to pull my hair or bang my head against the wall.

Enjoy the read. It was a fun book.
Profile Image for Dramirez1987.
151 reviews
January 21, 2019
Fav of the Series

This one was my favorite of the series, I’d been routing for them since the second book.

I love how caring Campbell is and how doesn’t want to make her sacrifice things that are important to her he just figures out ways to make it work.

Chapter 14 and 15 were probably my favorite chapters of the whole book, I just really felt they finally acknowledged all their feelings over the years and gave into them. ❤️
Profile Image for Izzybear.
755 reviews
November 21, 2018
I’ve been waiting for Caitlin and Campbell’s story since Falling for Jordan. They are such a cute couple with great chemistry. I loved the fun and flirty way they have with each other.
This was a great friends to lovers romance. It warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.
I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Reading_Junkie28.
1,292 reviews24 followers
December 2, 2018
Loved!

Loved Cait and Cam’s story. They are just perfect for each other. Growing up together they shared an bond that no one could break. Even though Cam is her brothers best friend he has always been an important part of her life. Cait has always loved Cam but she just didn’t realize that it was more than friends.
Profile Image for Kirsty McCracken.
1,719 reviews18 followers
May 16, 2019
Another 2.75* romance read for me. Nothing terrible about it - except for the cliched brother freaking out upon discovery thing, but I forgive that - but nothing amazing either. I didn't see the full title when I opened it today, so maybe I would have enjoyed ti more had I read it in December and not in May but hey ho. Who doesn't love a little dose of Christmas every now and again?
Profile Image for Vivien Parry.
1,059 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2019
Leads to so much more!

Caitlin and Campbell have been friends since childhood. After a disastrous date, Caitlin ends up going home with Campbell and starts to see him in a whole new light! Together they are amazing and bring their friendship to a whole new level. Liz created characters that are fun and have you rooting for their HEA. Better than the five stars I can give
2,428 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2018
I absolutely love this book! I have read a lot of books by this author and really enjoyed all of them but I think this is my favorite. Campbell and Caitlin are just great characters. The flow and energy they have keeps you hooked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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