Friends Without Benefits

Stonehill #2

by Marci Bolden

Dianna Friedman never expected her husband to leave her. After over twenty years of marriage, she’s making the most of what she has left–a sarcastic near-grown son and a mountain of bills that just keeps growing. She’s in over her head, but determined to survive. Until a man knocks at her door with a proposal to bring their spouses to justice. Everyone else may have seen it coming, but Paul O’Connell was blindsided by his wife’s betrayal. Determined to prevent her from bleeding him dry in their divorce, he turns to the only person he thinks can help the wife of the other man. Dianna and Paul start as unexpected allies, but become fast friends…and maybe more—although neither of them can admit their growing dependence on the other. When Dianna’s life takes an unexpected twist, she and Paul must reevaluate everything…including what they really mean to each other.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

356 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2015

About the author

As a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.

Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of willpower, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”

Marci also writes as Marci Wilson.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dianna Friedman never expected that after twenty-two years of marriage and two children that her husband, Mitch, would leave her. But, he did just that. Overwhelmed with everything on her plate, she is oddly comforted by Paul O'Connell, the husband of Mitch's mistress. With times of confusion and life's unexpected twists and turns, Dianna needs to figure out what she wants in life, leaving her with the hardest decision she can make - can she accept someone else's love or will the love that she still holds for Mitch prevent her from starting over?

Such a well-written and heartwarming story. Boudreaux has created a realistic story with well-liked characters who's feelings and thoughts are mature and sensible. Living through Dianna's struggles had me feel for her, which only speaks volumes of what this talented author can do.

Right from page one, I was captured and really had a hard time putting this book down! I simply cannot wait to read the third book in this series and see which characters the author will focus on. Highly recommended for those who like realistic and heartwarming romance.

I received a free copy of this book from the JGBS Review Library in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own and no compensation was received.

[Tandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty well written. I think I’d give it 4 stars if there wasn’t so much dang crying. My heart is stone. Rub some dirt on it. With me, you can only get away with breaking down into sobbing tears once. MAYBE twice if there are extenuating circumstances.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dianna and Paul are the wronged spouses who are dealing with the after effects of an adulterous affair. She has been a stay at home mom and housewife for the length of her twenty two year marriage. Left without alimony and only a measly amount of child support, she is now struggling to pay the bills and to put food on the table. When Paul asks her to testify about what she saw when she caught her husband and his wife in a sexual moment, she agrees. After her testimony, they converse and confide in each other about how they are coping after they were both blindsided by the affair and the subsequent divorces. As time goes on, he helps her to find solutions for some of her financial problems, and they are both there to offer support after periodic emotional breakdowns. She also gains more financial stability when she goes to work for Paul’s sister. Gradually Dianna and Paul start to see each other in a different light....a friend and confidant with a chance for something more. Paul realizes his feelings have turned into love before Dianna does. Before he has a chance to tell her how he feels, she reveals that her ex wants another chance. Knowing how devastated she has been since her husband left, he encourages her to give her ex a second chance, and then tells her he thinks it would be best if they didn’t see or contact each other so as not to make things more difficult. Devastated by his abrupt withdrawal, she does give her ex another chance. But she no longer wants to go back to the life she had while married. She longs to be with Paul, to talk to him and get advice, but he has closed that avenue. Paul regrets distancing himself from Dianna almost immediately, but when he goes to see her, she is with her husband. Dianna does try her best to give her ex a second chance, but a humiliating public encounter leaves her emotionally devastated again. It is Paul who comes to her aid again. When she tells him she won’t be getting back together with her ex, he agrees to resume their friendship. Soon it changes into something much more intimate, and both confess their love for each other. A new home, a new future to anticipate.

This book is emotionally fraught, insightfully illustrating the highs and lows during and after the breakup of a relationship. It also highlights the need to let go, to be open to new possibilities instead of wallowing in or reliving the past. Dianna’s determination to be independent, to recreate herself are admirable. Paul’s protective attitude and support in the face of his own pain are also laudable. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends Without Benefits

This was a great story. Dianna was very upset when she arrived at home. She had just been to divorce court. Her husband Mitch and been unfaithful to her with his secretary. She received no alimony, only a very small child support for her teenage son and no support for her son in college. She herd the doorbell ring. Standing at the door was a strange man she did not know. Must read. So interesting.

[Chris Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. I’d definitely give it more than 5 stars if it was possible. The book is about Dianna and Paul. Dianna is going through a divorce from her husband of 22 years. She is struggling emotionally and financially. Mitch, Dianna’s husband had an affair with a younger woman, and has left her to single-handedly support her two, almost adult, sons. Paul is also going through a divorce. His wife, Michelle has left him for a married man, who just happens to be Dianna’s husband. Michelle is telling Paul that the affair wasn’t sexual until they separated. Paul knows that Dianna walked in on her husband and his wife having sex.and asks her to testify at his divorce trial. Diana and Paul form a bond and support each other through their respective divorces. I’ve probably told you too much already, so you don’t get anymore info. Marci Bolden takes the issue of divorce after many years of marriage and works through the distress experienced by those who are left behind. I felt their pain, their anger and frustration as well as a few amusing situations. This is the second book that I’ve read from Bolden and I’ll certainly be on the lookout for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Krstinovski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marci Bolden did it again. Great read always wanting more and cannot wait to dive into the next book in the series. Well done!

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book was amazing!!! I read it in one sitting! Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and their storyline in this book. I am so excited to read the next book in this series.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did it again! I stayed up all night reading. I could not put this book down!!

I have read the first and the third books in this series but was a little hesitant to read this one since I was not sure about the subject matter. Somehow having two individuals, where the husband of one of the individuals and the wife of the other, who have been cheating on their respective spouses with each other for some time before they are discovered, end up falling for each other seemed a little off-putting to me at first. But the whole relationship was handled very tastefully by the author because she had Mitch and Dianna initially becoming allies and then friends before they moved into the relationship stage. I found myself pulling for Mitch and Dianna to find the true happiness with each other that they had both missed out on in their first marriages.

I give this a solid 4 1/2 stars and definitely recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosanna Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a pleasure of reading an early copy of Friends Without Benefits. As always, I was impressed with Ms. Boudreaux's ease in storytelling and her ability to let a romance unfold as it should. This is a beautiful story, featuring mature protagonists dealing with mature issues. I understood Dianna and Paul's struggles because they are conflicts many of us face. This isn't a flighty romance with characters who lose a reader's sympathy. These are people for whom you root and Ms. Boudreaux ensures a satisfying, heartwarming resolution.

[Tmstprc]

Good storytelling about adults that when the dust settles act like adults!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. 4.5 >5.
Can't wait to read the next book about Paul's older sister, Annie. Unfortunate, they don't have a kindle version.
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
Dianna and Paul are the wronged spouses who are dealing with the after effects of an adulterous affair. She has been a stay at home mom and housewife for the length of her twenty two year marriage. Left without alimony and only a measly amount of child support, she is now struggling to pay the bills and to put food on the table.

When Paul asks her to testify about what she saw when she caught her husband and his wife in a sexual moment, she agrees. After her testimony, they converse and confide in each other about how they are coping after they were both blindsided by the affair and the subsequent divorces. As time goes on, he helps her to find solutions for some of her financial problems, and they are both there to offer support after periodic emotional breakdowns. She also gains more financial stability when she goes to work for Paul’s sister. Gradually Dianna and Paul start to see each other in a different light....a friend and confidant with a chance for something more. Paul realizes his feelings have turned into love before Dianna does. Before he has a chance to tell her how he feels, she reveals that her ex wants another chance. Knowing how devastated she has been since her husband left, he encourages her to give her ex a second chance, and then tells her he thinks it would be best if they didn’t see or contact each other so as not to make things more difficult.

Devastated by his abrupt withdrawal, she does give her ex another chance. But she no longer wants to go back to the life she had while married. She longs to be with Paul, to talk to him and get advice, but he has closed that avenue.

Paul regrets distancing himself from Dianna almost immediately, but when he goes to see her, she is with her husband. Dianna does try her best to give her ex a second chance, but a humiliating public encounter leaves her emotionally devastated again.

It is Paul who comes to her aid again. When she tells him she won’t be getting back together with her ex, he agrees to resume their friendship. Soon it changes into something much more intimate, and both confess their love for each other. A new home, a new future to anticipate.

4.5 >5
Loved the book. Can't wait to read the next story about Paul's sister, Annie.
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.

**
This book is emotionally fraught, insightfully illustrating the highs and lows during and after the breakup of a relationship. It also highlights the need to let go, to be open to new possibilities instead of wallowing in or reliving the past. Dianna’s determination to be independent, to recreate herself are admirable. Paul’s protective attitude and support in the face of his own pain are also laudable. I highly recommend this book.
***
This is a terrific book. The book is about Dianna and Paul. Dianna is going through a divorce from her husband of 22 years. She is struggling emotionally and financially. Mitch, Dianna’s husband had an affair with a younger woman, and has left her to single-handedly support her two, almost adult, sons. Paul is also going through a divorce. His wife, Michelle has left him for a married man, who just happens to be Dianna’s husband. Michelle is telling Paul that the affair wasn’t sexual until they separated. Paul knows that Dianna walked in on her husband and his wife having sex.and asks her to testify at his divorce trial. Diana and Paul form a bond and support each other through their respective divorces. I’ve probably told you too much already, so you don’t get anymore info. Marci Bolden takes the issue of divorce after many years of marriage and works through the distress experienced by those who are left behind. I felt their pain, their anger and frustration as well as a few amusing situations.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazingly honest book from one of my new favorite authors, Marci Bolden. In this book, she explores the pain and suffering caused by divorce. Dianna, married for over 20 years, finds her husband in flagrante delicto with a young woman. On the day of her divorce proceedings, Dianna finds a stranger on her doorstep with an interesting proposition. The man is her husband’s mistress’s husband! Paul asks Dianna to testify at his divorce proceedings, as his wife is asking for alimony on the grounds that she never had a physical relationship with Dianna's husband. Though it is difficult for her to relive that moment of seeing her husband’s infidelity, Dianna does this, as she saw it as ironic that she got no alimony after 20 years of raising her family and running their home. She and Paul develop an unusual friendship in which they decide to be supportive of each other as each has great sympathy and empathy for what the other is going through. Although it could be awkward to create circumstances for these two strangers to become involved in each other's lives, the author did a good job a showing an organic grown of their relationship, including awkwardness and apologies, as well as support. Some scenes are emotionally wrenching, like when she decides to be the one to tell Paul of their soon-to-be ex-spouses’ engagement. Their families don't know quite what to make of this relationship, her younger son being angry and his family thinking she is his next relationship.

I've been divorced myself, so the way she depicted the roller coaster of emotions that causes rings true. I wish I had a Paul during the aftermath of mine; support can be hard to come by during that time, as families don't want to see you wallow and friends often don't know what to say. Paul’s and Diana’s story feels realistic in its hesitancy, but it is lovely to see their sincere care for each other. It was another book that I didn't want to put down, as I kept wanting to see what would happen next as they both tried to move forward and create new lives. Beautifully done!

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Maymay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was refreshing to read a realistic romance with older characters, and brave of the author to draw parallels between the cheating husband and how the hero could relate to part of his mindset from the mistakes he made from his first marriage.

I also appreciated the slow progression of their relationship and how it took time for both of them to recover from their broken marriages, and how it isn't easy to stop loving someone and getting over them, even when they hurt you, and you deep down inside know that the relationship past the point of recovery. And, how the author, without victim blaming, showed the main characters come to term with their own short-comings, and growing in the process.

This is close to a 4 star review for me for a romance novel, but, while I understand that people in real life often react like Diana and Paul do, with multiple crying breakdowns (Diana, who for some reason never seem to have to blow her nose dying full out crying fits) or getting totally wasted (Paul), this is still fiction, and it became repetitive in the end. I would've loved, especially for Diana to have seen more of her growth on page. E.g. her getting her first job and first paycheck in 22 years is casually mentioned "offpage", but I'd think that would be a pretty big deal for a someone who'd been a SAHM since she was 19.

[Paula Elsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!

If you are looking for a book with a smothering hero and lots of sex, you have the wrong book. If you are looking for a riveting read with complex characters, then this is the book for you. Dianna walks into her husband’s office to find him having sex with another woman. After twenty something years of marriage she begs him not to leave. He leaves and screws her in the divorce. One day there is a knock on her door. It is Paul, the other woman’s husband. He asks Dianna to testify at his divorce hearing because he doesn’t want to pay alimony to a woman he was married to for less than three years. She agrees and a new friendship is born. They navigate the ups and downs of being divorced.

I loved how their friendship progresses. How Dianna’s sons turn to Paul when they need help. Paul is such a good man. He steps back when the exhusband realizes what he has lost and wants a second chance. There is so much more to this book than I can convey in a review. I will say I have never read this author before but I am going to buy the next book in the series.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This story had me riveted from the beginning. Dianna never realized what Mitch was like until she caught him cheating on her. The other woman was also married and in that, she finds a friendship with her husband, Paul, that she needed at a time where she was lost. The struggles that the characters went through had you at the edge of your seat waiting to see how they were going to get through it. My heart broke for Dianna and Paul and I kept screaming hoping Dianna would realize, not too late, that Paul is what she needed. The growth they went through in order to be together was so real. I cried (a lot), I laughed, and I rooted for them from the beginning. I was also glad to see her friendship with Kara and the other friendships Dianna found along the way. I only wish there was an epilogue but I am sure we get a few glimpses of them in the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shari Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Romance Friends to Lovers Romance
This is book 2 in the "Stonehill" series
Rebound Love or True Love at Last
Can their future after healing from their divorces to others be with each other or is all they feeling for the other just a rebound from what their perspective exes have done to them
Our heroine's husband of 22 years was caught by her having an affair with our hero's wife of three years
They become friends shortly after he came to her requesting if she will be willing to speak at his divorce hearing telling the judge who is presiding the divorce of the scene she witnessed between her husband and his wife
The lives of their exes keep reminding them what their divorces cost them in funds, family, friends etc
As they grow closer together can they find a HEA together
I recommend all the books in the series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A.A.B · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*-ish. Randomly tried a new author and was pleasantly surprised. It's not a masterpiece, but the exploration of post-divorce emotional landscape felt both believable and raw.

I was somewhat disappointed by the romantic development, because the characters felt like they needed solid friendships more, and for longer, before they were ready for another involved romantic entanglement. Especially with each other.

The obligatory descriptive sex scenes were irrelevant and annoying.

The stupid oscillations with the ex husband were annoying too. Especially given that by the time the divorce was finalized the heroine was fully aware of her ex husband's flaws. Given her change of perspective and the depth of her realization of just what kind of man her husband was, there was very clearly nothing to salvage there, even just based on her own thoughts. So her decisions there made no sense whatsoever.

But overall, I liked this book more than I expected to.

[Vivian Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series reflects real adult life

I seriously cannot commend this authors ability enough.
Her books are absorbing from the start. Her perspective of relationships and how they are described are amazing.
What she writes you can hear being spoken. The characters are so well defined that you feel you really know them.

This is a book written by an adult for adults. There is little sex but there doesn’t need to be any. It was refreshing to read a book where the female isn’t being lifted up and putting her legs around his waist, this line is now so boring and cliche and thank goodness there’s none of it in these books.

The narrative really does reflect real life and how people cope in life changing situations, no hearts and flowers just real people.

1 click now you will not be disappointed. Off to buy book 3

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Stonehill Series. Dianna Friedman and Mitch have broken up after twenty years of marriage because he cheated on her with Paul O’Connell's wife. Dianna and Paul get together to make sure they get what they deserve out of their divorces and do not let the ones who broke up their families get everything. Dianna and Paul first become really close friends just as they think they might get together Mitch asks for a second chance. Dianna and Mitch do get together again but not like when they where married but then a humiliating public encounter leaves her devastated again. Paul comes to her aid again and that is when they decide to tell each other how they feel. There is still a lot they will have to overcome. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dianna and Paul met under the most unusual circumstances - their spouse's were having an affair and during their divorce proceedings and the months following it they became friends. Their support for one another grew into much more even though they fought to keep it real. This is a story of two people treating each other as they deserved to be treated by their spouse's, slowly falling in love and learning that they are worth so much more than what they believed before. This is the second book of this author I have read and I love the way the characters come to life and you can identify with them and get to know them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Di leaned a little too much on other people for me to see her as self sufficient at the end but I really liked this story. After reading too many books where the heroine goes back to her unfaithful partner and there is an unrealistic HEA blaming the heroine more often than not for part of the infidelity, this was a really welcome change.

I liked how Mitch had to deal with the fallout. I would have loved to see a scene or two from his perspective with his sons but I know it wasn't his story. However I was thrilled he understood what he walked away from and consequences are real.

I also liked the mature resolution and bitter sweet feelings at the end when they saying good-bye to the house.

Well done.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awful circumstances brought Paul and Dianna together and seeing how they deal with the heartbreak, frustrations and hope has you turning the page. Seeing their friendship bloom and the raw emotions they go through had me wanting to hug them and tell them it would be ok. I loved how Kara and Harry still made an appearance and Paul's family are great I especially loved when Dianna first met them and got grilled by Annie and Donna and Dianna's Sam is a hoot while Jason was the quiet brooding type. I am truly addicted to these books now and can not wait to read the next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic heartbreaking yet heartwarming story about overcoming hurts from two ex spouses and the affairs that ended their marriages. Dianna and Paul are two people who become friends while trying to find who they are and what they want. Friends Without Benefits is filled with emotions, heartache, healing, soul searching, friendship, romance, and love. This is a captivating must read that readers will fall in love with. I absolutely loved this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly heartwarming, sweetly thrilling, emotional and engagingly realistic journey filled with shared misery, heartbreak, joy and exciting passion.... this was a great read from beginning to end. The way Di and Paul end up being there for each other at the lowest points of their divorces is unequally sweet. I could not put this story down once I started reading and falling into his emotional journey.

[Clarie Giselle Speights · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional read

To say that Dianna and Paul were a true love story was under an understatement. They went from two ppl recovering from broken marriages to two friends who took the time to get to know one another before becoming lovers. I love it and wish ppl in real life actually took their time like they did rather than jumping into bed with someone new just because you’re hurting.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. It was so well written, It was clean, had ups and downs. It had friendship first and a HEA. The storyline and the characters were wonderful. I really enjoyed this book. I received it from booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it. I recommend this to all. It is a good series, well worth the time to read.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has been betrayed by her husband who she thought she would be with forever but he had an affair and now she is getting divorced. He is shocked when his wife leaves him but everyone else knew. He goes to the ex wife for help. See just how they will get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good Just right amount hot steamy sexy fun book to read cant wait to see what else from this author great job read all 3 books in couple days

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different romance- a second chance between 2 wronged spouses. The narration was good and the story held my interest as I wanted to see how it all turned out. I would read another one by Marci Bolden.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. You get lost in the pages as Diana has to cope with finding her husband being unfaithful, to through a divorce, to finding her way back into her own with the help of an unsuspected source. You won’t want to put it down.