Friends With Benefits

by Lisa Swift

Could Mr Right-Now actually be Mr Right?

Lexie Whittle thought she had life all sewn up, with a gorgeous husband, a beautiful home and a delightful teenage stepson. Until husband Daryl left to work overseas…and everything changed.

A year later, Daryl and Lexie’s marriage is over. Lexie is fighting to stay on top of the bills, juggling her job at the Blue Parrot 1940s cafe in Leyholme with being mum and dad to stepson Connor in Daryl’s absence.

The only thing keeping her from meltdown is the support she gets from Connor’s godfather: Theo Blake, Daryl’s former business partner. Theo might be a jack-the-lad, drifting from one woman to another, but Lexie knows she and Connor can depend on him.

After one too many glasses of wine leads to them falling into bed together, Lexie and Theo begin a friends-with-benefits relationship. What starts as just sex soon becomes something deeper.

But when Daryl returns, Lexie is faced with an impossible decision. Will she be forced to choose between her feelings for Theo and the boy she loves as a son?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Contemporary

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2021

About the author

Lisa Swift grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

Lisa also writes romantic comedy novels under the pen name Mary Jayne Baker.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm... This was a little surprising and different! I was expecting to read a romantic, sexy comedy but this book’s genre is women’s fiction: stepmother who catches second chance at love with new blooming friendship turns into a sexy, intense relationship and her teenage son who discovers his sexuality, suffering from growing pains,losing his mother and dealing with lack of interest of his own father

This was quite different emotional dysfunctional family story meets friends to lovers romance with steamy love making scenes.

We’re introduced so many amazing characters. Lexie is an adorable, tough, smart heroine whose dreamy life completely changed after her husband left to work overseas and their perfect marriage gets over. Now she stays with her teenage son Connor. They already formed an intimate bond. Lexie sees him as her own son and Connor is true sweet pie! You want to hug him tight, soothing him down.

Daryl’s absence ( the bastard husband who left our gorgeous, sweetheart heroine) is vacated by Theo Blake who is former colleague of Daryl ( even his name is irritating) and The Godfather of Connor. He and Lexie starts getting closer, starting a friends with sexy benefits relationship.

But the bastard decides to return back for good which brings out more angst, tears and heartbreaks into the equation. Poor Lexie has to make Sophie’s choice: she should choose between Theo who is not only her boy toy but love of her life and Connor who is like her own son.

It was different, sexy, emotional, riveting women’s fiction reading. I loved both POVs and conclusion of the story. Normally I was expecting an entertaining romcom which made me a little disappointed but I still enjoyed this reading with the connectable, well crafted characters so I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 motherhood, steamy, high chemistry, poignant, intense stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! The blurb for this book does not do it justice! I was anticipating a fun feel good lighthearted romcom and what I got was so much more! The story had everything I love about a romcom delightful characters, laugh out loud moments, witty banter, and sweet romance. BUT there was another deeper more emotional level to this story. Lexie is struggling to keep her business going, food on the table, and her head above water all while parenting her teenage stepson Connor. Lexie’s marriage to Connor‘s father Darrell is over, especially now that he has taken a job on the other side of the world. Theo was once upon a time Daryl‘s best friend until the friendship went South. Now he is Lexie‘s business partner, Connor‘s father figure and a great support for them both. After a night of drinking Lexie and Theo take their friendship to the next level. Not wanting to ruin the friendship they decide to enter into a friends with benefits relationship, and I’m sure you know where that’s going. Sounds fairly predictable, right? It is SO NOT! This book will take you on a heartwarming journey filled with the warm fuzzies and oodles of love. Absolutely loved both Lexie and Theo, but Connor stole my heart. His secondary storyline was so wonderful for so many reasons. A fun, feel good, laugh out loud romcom with a HUGE heart.

This book in emojis 👩‍👦 🦸🏻‍♂️ 🍻 🍿 🐉 🛸 🏳️‍🌈

*** Big thank you to Hera for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start with this book..

... I mean we have one of the best teenage boy characters I've read in a long time, who is mature beyond his years in some ways, but equally rather young in other ways.

... There is a friends with benefits agreement between two best friends - which just happens to be the step mum and god father of Connor (his father is in Japan, the separation is working towards divorce and Lexie is in sole charge of Connor at the moment).

... Daryl is a nightmare when he features but even he shows some signs of growth

... There is a 40s themed restaurant, although I'm glad that didn't feature too much

... Connor and his friends are all proud geeks, and I think this may be the first time I've ever seen any mention of MTG in a book, let alone where the characters want to play it. There are comic-cons, cosplay, mentions of D&D, various video games , in addition to classic sci-fi and comedy such as Red Dwarf and Monty Python.

What can I say it really appealed to my inner geek even if I'm not keen on some of the specifics I loved how it was all being portrayed amongst Connor's friends.

There is just so much to love with this story, its fabulous. It goes through various phases or so it feels like, as the characters lives ebb and flow, and as much as I was rooting for Lexie and Theo, it was Connor who captured my imagination.

I don't want to go into just what he is dealing with, but its all dealt with sensitively by the author and I just wanted to reach out and hug him many times.

I just really really loved this book.

Thank you to Hera Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

⁸There was nothing I did not love about this book. Okay Daryl was a pain until near the end to me he redeemed himself. Lexi has been mum to stepson Connor for as long as she can remember. They get on so well it is an unbreakable bond. They would do anything for each other.

Daryl and Lexie are married but the relationship was over a long time ago and he went to work overseas. Daryl was not likeable to me until right at the end when they realised how much Connor meant to all of them.

Theo the womaniser until you realise he has been doing this because of being in love with his best friend. He was Daryls best friend first but Theos bond with Connor drew him closer to Lexi. Lexi and Theo to me are everything a relationship should be it is built on a relationship of trust, love and basically being best friends in the first place. I was rooting for the brilliant couple.

The setting was brilliant in rural Yorkshire and Halifax. A search and rescue taking in Manchester, Leeds and Halifax. I loved the choice of setting.

They are all great characters but Connor steals the show for me, he is so loveable, likeable and an alround lovely person. My heart breaks for him on more than one occasion.

Lisa Swifts best so far this book was much more than I was expecting.

5 stars

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley

Never judge a book by its cover. Or by its title, apparently.

Going in, based on the synopsis and the title, I was expecting a cute, steamy friends-to-lovers and friends with benefits romance. I would be happy to get just that, but this story took me by surprise and what a lovely surprise it was!

'Friends With Benefits' is a heart-warming, heartfelt love story, but it's also a story of a found family. I loved the message of this book and when I set it aside after finishing it, I was left with feelings of contentment, joy and satisfaction.

I won't repeat the premise, as it's recapped very neatly in the summary. But I will recap myself what I enjoyed about this book most:

❤ found family trope - it's one of my favourites and here, the message is that the standard nuclear family is not the only way to be a family and sometimes, people you can depend on without question grew to be your family in ways no genetic code can guarantee

❤ while romance between Lexie and Theo is part of the plot, it's not the main focus of the story (at least not for me) - Theo and Lexie support each other through major events in both of their lives, grow together and basically raise Connor (Lexie's stepson) together - I would actually say that the main focus is the family they create

❤ one of the subplots focuses on Connor and his realization that he's bisexual - and I loved how this story was handled (mostly) because how Lexie and Theo reacted was to me a pretty perfect scenario of how I would wish my own parents to react to my coming out

❤ Theo definitely is on an emotional journey throughout this book and has some growing up to do - what I appreciated here was how Lexie was incredibly supportive while not allowing Theo's insecurities to poison their relationship; in a gist, she called Theo out on his BS when necessary and took care to take care of her own emotional well-being

All in all, I adored this book plenty! It IS an uplifting, feel-good story and I recommend it to everyone who enjoys sweet, romance and family focused stories.

Trigger warnings: biphobia (as in, a family member reacts badly to coming out and there's plenty of hurtful biphobic remarks)

[Camy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ETA: a month later and I still have the deepest book hangover from this. It moved me so very much!

This book is just wonderful and moving.

And it would have been perfect had the author not crammed in this seemingly obligatory 180 change on the villain, which did not at all come across as being credible for that type of character. People really, really need to let go of false notions of forgiveness. It’s not realistic and can be further harmful. And it happened altogether too fast and Disney-like here.

And what a villain Darryl is. Jeez, she nailed it on the head with that one.

All the characters in here are fully realised and the shifting POVs is great for getting to know them and their nuanced stories.

Anyway, apart from the tacked on ending, this was highly engaging. Lovely in so many subtle, rich, and beautiful ways. I could not put my kindle down and happily rode the rollercoaster of emotions this book elicited.

Lastly, I think this is my first book with a really wonderful stepmother. I’d read another like it.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, you!

*nods*

Yes, you!

Stop your scrolling. I want to talk to you. Don’t you roll your eyes at me like that. *smiles sweetly* I just want to tell you all about my latest fantabulous read.

Pfft *crosses arms*, when have I ever steered you wrong? Okay *waves hand*, admittedly there was that one time with a certain friend (who shall remain nameless), but we won’t go into that.

*delete last paragraph from memory bank*

FWB is the latest unputdownable read (one day and, poof, it was done!) from author Lisa Swift. I apologise in advance for this statement as it’s not me as my most eloquent *blushes* but FWB is a romcom with bells on. It’s a tale of friendship, love and what it means to be a family.

Lexie, Theo & Connor didn’t half give my poor heart muscle a pounding. One minute it was full to bursting (take that as you will...), the next it wanted to shatter into a million pieces. And let’s not discuss my tear ducts *shakes head*.

One of things I love about Lisa’s writing (apart from the obvs fab storytelling) is how relatable the characters and issues are in her books. Blended families – Lexie may be Connor’s stepmum but their bond is undeniable. I could wax lyrical about the many others, but my lips are sealed. No spoilers here (I hope!).

Also, isn’t it funny how the commitment phobes always fall the hardest *sighs*.

One of my favourite scenes in the book was with said commitment phobe, Theo, and young Connor which was near the beginning of the book. I was simultaneously snort laughing and cringing on poor Connor’s behalf. Too funny!

Okies, I better let you get back to scrolling.

One final thought though, remember to watch out for whispering balls *taps nose & winks* ... if you know you know *shrugs*.

[Skyesmum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like this author's books very much, and have read them all, and read her alter ego's books too.
This one had a bit more seriousness to it than usual, but still had a few giggles to it and the fab LGBTQ style that Lisa Swift has been noted for.
I really liked the main characters of Lexie, Theo and Connor very much and only wished the best for them all...oh what a rocky road life is.
What a great book.

[victória · Rating 3 out of 5]

Percebi o quão acostumada eu tô a ler livros americanos, porque tive dificuldade em entender algumas partes desse livro. Não conhecia nenhuma das gírias inglesas.

[Lyn♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for a honest review.

I learned something about this book: never judge book by its title.

•• What's this about? ••

Lexie Whittle had a beautiful life with her gorgeous husband, a nice house and her sweet lovely stepson Connor. Until his husband Daryl left to work in Japan.

A year later, Daryl and Lexie's marriage is over.
Now, she is trying to pay the bills, taking care of her stepson and working so hard in the restuarant she has with Daryl's best mate Theo.

Theo, Connor's godfather, has been Lexie's support during the last year. And become in the best friend she ever had.

After one night of too much wine, Theo and Lexie sleep together. After that night, Theo convinces Lexie to have a Friends-with-benefits relationship with no commitment and no feelings.

•• What do I think about it? ••

My first impression was that this was a steamy, romantic story about two friends and their Friends-with-benefits relationship.
BUT IT WAS NOT LIKE THAT.

This is the story of a woman, her best friend and her stepson. And how they learn about each other. It's the journey of a little family and theirs upside downs.

We have three main characters, and I want to talk about each of them:

• First, we have Lexie. She married so young with a man with a child. And she loves that kid with all her heart. She is a strong independent woman. I love her character because it's not the typical divorce woman who just thinks in sex, she cares about other stuffs, specially her son.

• Then we have Theo. Handsome, funny and supportive, he cares about the people he loves (even when he doesn't knows what love is). I really like Theo, he is a really good man specially when he is with Connor. He is not perfect but that makes him perfect.

• The last character is Connor. He is a fourteen year old boy who is the sweetest boy ever. He is very mature by his age. I like the way Connor is. Always trying to be good for Lexie and caring about her. He is dealing with a tough time in his life but he takes it very mature.

I really loved this story, it's not just about Theo and Lexie. It's about family, and the fact that we can choose our family. I loved to dream about the adventures of this three amazing characters.

Oh and by the way, I REALLY HATE DARYL.

I recommend this amazing novel, it's not about a sex between mates. It's about love, family found and the power of a strong woman.

[Brinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect. When I requested it on Netgalley, I had just expected a fluffy romance, but this was so much more than that. To really point out how unprepared for this I was, I thought this was a second chance romance, so I spent quite a bit of the book thinking that Daryl and Lexi would get back together. Thankfully, they didn’t!

In any contemporary, you really need a handful of characters that are loveable. They all have to be memorable, and they all have to have a distinct personality. Lisa Swift did an amazing job of that! I absolutely loved Lexi as a character, and Theo is right up there with her. Telling the story from alternating perspectives was definitely a smart choice, because it really allowed me to connect with every character.

Although I shelved this as a romance, the romance isn’t even the reason I loved this so much. No, it was the relationship between Connor and Lexi. I loved how, even though she wasn’t his mother, they had such a close bond. It was touching, and I’d read another three hundred pages about them alone. Even better was the relationship Connor developed with Theo! I loved watching him develop a family, and how they all dealt with their own unique problems.

I stayed up late reading this, so I apologize if this review isn’t the most coherent. What I’m trying to say, is that I loved this book, and if you like contemporaries, you should read this.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lisa Swift for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

i did not know what to expect when i started this, since i have never read this author's previous work, but, when i tell you i absolutely adored everything about this novel, i am not lying. it was a wonderful surprise; from the characters and their love for one another, and their new beginnings for their relationships had me giddy. easily a 4/5!

*special thanks to netgalley and hera books for the arc!!!*

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review.

Friends With Benefits was a 3 star read it was just ok I didn’t hate it. It’s friend’s to lovers which sometimes I like.

Happy Reading
Lisa

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. I always enjoy her work and this was no exception.
The characters were well written and likeable and the story put a smile on my face

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Lisa’s work for a little while now. I have read each and every book that she has released to date. I read the synopsis for ‘Friends With Benefits’ and it certainly sounded like the light hearted and fun sort of read that I particularly enjoy at the moment. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for what I hoped would be a cracking read. I wasn’t to be disappointed either because I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Friends With Benefits’ but more about that in a bit.
I loved the characters in this book- well all apart from Daryl that is, who I could have quite cheerfully slapped silly for the way he carried on. I especially liked the characters of Lexie and Theo, who are best friends as well as work colleagues. Lexie was married to Daryl, who sounds like an overgrown child and waste of space. Daryl was also best mates with Theo. The marriage broke up, Daryl beggared off and Lexie and Theo were left to pick up the pieces of their home lives and their work lives. Lexie is step mother to Connor, who is Daryl’s son. Lexie couldn’t love Connor more if he was her own biological child. Theo is also Connor’s godfather. I loved the witty banter that the characters engaged in and flew between the characters.
I was drawn into this story from the very beginning. As soon I started to read, I instinctively knew that I was going to thoroughly enjoy reading ‘Friends With Benefits’. In fact this book came along at just the right time for me. I was feeling a little low and in need of a laugh and this book certainly cheered me up. I found myself chuckling away right from the start and I didn’t stop chuckling until well after I had finished reading. I loved the way in which the author tackled some serious subjects but she did it in a funny way. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I worked my way through the story. I just had to know what happened and how it impacted on Lexie and Theo. ‘Friends With Benefits’ was one of those books that you are desperate to finish because you need to know how the story ends but you don’t want to finish because you don’t want to have to bid farewell to the characters who have become like friends. For me, ‘Friends With Benefits’ was a delight to read from start to finish and it kept my attention throughout.
‘Friends With Benefits’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Lisa’s books that I have read to date. She grabs your attention with the synopsis alone and then draws you into the story from the start. I love the way in which the author has perfectly captured the characters that you tend to meet in villages and small towns. I live in a village and I kept comparing the characters in the story to the same sorts of characters that I know from my own experiences. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s all down to Lisa’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Friends With Benefits’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lisa’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Ashley Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, author Lisa Swift, and Hera Books for an E-book Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Can best friends just have fun and keep their hearts?
This book answers that question and more in this amazing rom-com of nontraditional families, relationships, and self discovery. I really appreciated how the author was able to make this book more than just a friends-to-lovers book. She did a wonderful job incorporating heartfelt characters and a very compelling story line. Lexi and Theo were an amazing couple. I loved their friendship. The build up for them to turn into more was very realistic. Connor was a very sweet and complex character. He was the glue to this story. I liked how mature he was about who he was and his thoughts about his own identity. Daryl was my least favorite character. I am not sure what he wanted. Did he want to be a father or liked the idea of being a father? Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to others who have ever wondered about taking that friendship into a romantic relationship.

[Kimberly Carrington-Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Otra portada colorinchi, otro mñeísmo (bien empiezo el año...).
Esto no es una novela romántica, la verdad, porque lo principal no es la historia de amor (ay, podría haber sido tan bonita...) sino la familia, la amistad, la confianza... Y no es que no quiera leer esa clase de historias, es que esta ni siquiera está bien contada. Se tocan muchas cosas pero de un modo excesivamente superficial, no logras conectar con nadie (con Connor, tal vez) y el tramo final es un despropósito donde las tensiones de la vida adulta se solucionan por arte de magia. No es que le pida yo a la romántica realismo pero algunas cosas parecen de ciencia ficción, vamos.
Otro chasquito.

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a romance that started out as friends with benefits, but I got so much more than that! It’s a touching book about how families are not always made up by biological relatives.
Lexie married Daryl after his first wife was killed. He had a small boy named Connor and Lexie became his mother over time, especially when Daryl left to work overseas and they decided to divorce.
With Daryl gone, Lexie and Connor become close to Theo, Connor’s godfather and Lexie’s work partner at a restaurant they own. When Daryl comes back, all the characters are all forced to examine their feelings and relationships with one another.
I loved the characters and felt like I knew them by the end. I highly recommend this book, 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so not what I was expecting! The cutesy cover makes you think it's going to be your average chicklit novel, but this was contemporary fiction at its finest.

The characters are all so adorable & Connor is the cutest teen ever. Covering a multitude of different emotions & sensitive subjects. It will make you laugh, make you cry & hit you right in the feels.!

Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

[Nite0wl29 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. At first it took me a little while to really immerse myself in this book, but turns out I fairly enjoyed it. It reads pretty quickly and takes you on a rollercoaster of feels. I loved it!

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything about the 1940's so when I read the synopsis about Lexie juggling her job at a 1940s cafe whilst bringing up her step son alone I was intrigued. It was a refreshing change to a romance actually. Boy meets girl, boy leaves and she ends up with more that she bargained for but loves Connor to distraction.

It is the first book I have read by the author but if definitely won't be the last I really enjoyed it, from the cover to the characters who were so easy to get to know and eventually love. It is a book about family dynamics from a different perspective and both Connor and Lexi are fighting their own demons and rejections but doing it together against the odds. A lovely book that left me with a really warm feeling at the end. From the blurb I was expecting the usual cheesy romance but this was something else, and it took me on an emotional roller coaster. so much more than I was expecting.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My rating scale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Absolutely loved it! Gave me a warm fuzzy feeling or made me cry. And took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Really liked it. Will read more by the author and other books in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - It was just okay, didn’t move me, but don’t feel like I wasted me time reading it either.
⭐️⭐️ - Didn’t like this book and probably won’t read other in the series.
⭐️ - I did not care for this book at all and feel like I wasted my time reading it

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

eally enjoyable story. Meandering narrative that goes far beyond what I expected. Great characters and an unexpected depth to the story. Easy to read and easy to enjoy. Great mix of light hearted and serious. Recommended read.

Thank you Netgalley

[Etta (Chonky Books Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) This novel is absolutely nothing how I expected when I read the description. I, of course, expected a romance story with a difficult decision for our main character as she has her ex-husband and her new love interest. This story does deliver for this storyline, but it actually has so much more, and actually, the romance story seemed to take a backseat in favor of an overall story of the family. This novel still falls under the contemporary romance genre, but it skews towards women’s fiction where there are a great theme and heartfelt moments with some slice of life type events.

Alexis (“Lexie”) is living in a large house that she bought with her ex-husband. Daryl, her soon to be ex, as they are separated, but not yet divorced, has temporarily vacated the country to work in Japan for a two-year contract. Daryl has left behind his 14-year old son, Connor, for Lexie to take care of as she bonded with Connor early in their relationship and has been raising him since she entered the picture. Connor’s mom, Elise, passed away leaving Daryl in search of a new mother figure for Connor and a new wife/love interest for himself. He met Lexie one day and the two of them quickly got married, but it was not all paradise and they separated due to Daryl’s absentee father tendencies and Lexie not feeling that Daryl truly cared for her.

Connor’s godfather, and Daryl’s ex-best friend, Theo Blake, remains in the picture to step in as a male role model for Connor and also became Lexie’s best friend. As the synopsis states, the two of them hook up after a drunken night, and complicated feelings ensue as Lexie has to balance keeping Daryl happy in order to maintain her relationship with Connor and pursuing a new relationship with Theo. This is where I thought the story was going to focus as there are pieces that are told from both Lexie and Theo’s points of view. However, the reader gets a huge glimpse into Connor’s life as he not only gets to tell his side of the story with the Daryl, Theo, and Lexie situation, but he is also dealing with his own emotional journey of his own.

Connor’s story starts with him trying to figure out his relationship with his own girlfriend, Sophie. He, Sophie, and their other best friend, Oliver, all are friendship trio where they get together to play Magic: The Gathering and other sci-fi/fantasy discussions. One night while the three of them are playing a game, Oliver and Connor share a kiss. Connor then has his own journey to understand his sexual feelings and find that he is not straight as he initially figured and instead is bisexual. He feels relief as he has discovered this part of himself he never knew was there on a conscious level. Part of the story goes through his journey to find out if he wants to be with Sophie, with Oliver, or with another option as he does not want his friendship group ruined and he also is fearful of coming out as bisexual to his group of friends and to his family. Not only is Connor figuring out his sexual identity, he has the added turmoil of his absentee father, which is all on top of the typical teenage issues. He goes through a huge emotional journey and it was extremely heart-warming to see how everything would turn out for him. Connor was a very well-written character as he was insightful, a voice of maturity and reason, but also kept true to his teenage type emotions that any teenager or adult can relate to!

Overall, every character seemed to go on their own emotional journey as Lexie, Connor, Theo, and even Daryl all are dealing with their own issues and have to try to work them out and also how to make the modern family dynamic work. It is a refreshing concept that I was not expecting for this novel and it was a quick read as I wanted to see where everyone would end up by the end. There are some times where the flow does not quite work with the dialogue between the characters, but overall, the story moved along at a decent pace. It was definitely a surprise, a good one, but a surprise of a novel nonetheless!

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC to read and review. The opinions expressed are completely my own.**

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends With Benefits, An absolutely uplifting, feel-good romcom, Lisa Swift

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction.

Two gripes to get off my chest before I start.
One, the usual. Women's Fiction – just why? Men read romance, men write romance, its 2021 not 1821!
Second thing, I hate when a book tells me how it will make me feel. This isn't as bad as the “ you will find this hilarious/ side splittingly funny” type title additions, but tbh titles should be just that. Nothing more, apart from a series number of trilogy installment so the reader knows more about where the book fits.

So, the book. I've enjoyed several of Lisa's stories, they've not yet been five star reads but a solid four, feeling very real. This book is just like that.
The characters and situations feel real, and the plots are ones I could see playing out in many family lives. I loved Lexie, Theo and Connor. And Tonya, the step mum in law kind of connection – she was wonderful, I want to be her.

As usual the romance takes times to progress, then hits some hiccups, but this book covers more than just the Lexi/Theo romance, and delves into Connor, his life and loves. That part was really well done, he's an incredibly mature young man, and my heart broke for him at times. Its tough being a teen, without having had your mum die when you were a kid, your dad skip off to work abroad, but thankfully Lexie has been “mum” to him for so long that he's happy to rely on her, and he can talk to “uncle” Theo for the male side of things.
He's angry with his dad, and I could understand that. Darryl really was a first class jerk. And then Lisa expands on the past and has me, despite myself , feeling sad for Darryl. I still didn't like him but I did understand him more.
Lexie is devoted to Connor, won't date because she doesn't want to bring strangers into his life. Plus she knows it will make Darryl even more difficult to deal with. I loved her, she treats and sees Connor as her child, and why not? She's been mum to him for a long time. Connor adores her too, though of course it doesn't stop the usual teen issues...
Theo was Darryl's best friend since they were kids, but he really made things difficult for him when he closed down the business they shared without warning, skipped off with the money he had and left Theo in the lurch. He doesn't take that out on Lexie and Connor though, stays their support and in their lives. Even more now he and Lexie share the cafe.

Its a fun read, delving into what makes people the way they are. First off Darryl seemed a jerk, Theo the consummate playboy, love 'em and leave 'em type, but when we learn more about them its easier to understand why they are that way. There's some sizzling sex, lots of humour but married with some darker emotions too. Overall its one I really enjoyed, but I'm not sure I'd reread.

Stars: Four. Fun read, with some real depth to it.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Swift’s fun, hilarious and wonderfully uplifting new novel Friends with Benefits is just the tonic we need at the moment. An immensely engaging and feel-good contemporary romance, put the kettle on, switch that phone off and get ready to fall in love with this brilliant book!

Lexie Whittle has got absolutely no cause to complain. She leads a life that most people would envy with a handsome husband, a home that would not look out of place in a lifestyle magazine and a teenage stepson who isn’t a nightmare. Lexie has got her happy ever after all sewn up until her husband drops a bombshell: he is leaving to work overseas and her perfect life comes crashing down around her ears. As a long-distance relationship proves absolutely impossible to maintain, Lexie’s marriage quickly disintegrates and so does her perfect life. With bills mounting up, Lexie has to juggle the demands of single parenthood with her job working at the Blue Parrot 1940s cafe. Everything seems to be going up in smoke for Lexie, but things are about to get a whole lot more complicated when she her stepson’s godfather Theo Blake begins to spend more and more time with them.

Theo Blake is a handsome, charismatic and drop dead gorgeous man who has danger written all over him. A man who likes to keep his relationships as short and casual as possible, he is hardly marriage material – and even if he were, after the acrimonious end of her last relationship, Lexie is steering well clear of men. But even a cynic like her can see just how kind and caring Theo is. Despite of his reputation as a playboy, Theo is always there for her and her stepson willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. Lexie and Theo soon become firm friends, but their platonic arrangement quickly gives way to something neither one of them expected when they end up tumbling into bed after one glass of wine too many! As staying away from one another quickly proves impossible, Theo and Lexie decide to embark on a casual friends with benefits affair. However, they quickly realise that they want more from their relationship than just meaningless sex.

But just when Lexie and Theo had been about to admit the truth about their feelings for one another, her ex-husband comes back intent on winning her back! What’s Lexie going to do now? Will she go back to her ex for the sake of her stepson and kiss goodbye any hope she might have had of a future with Theo? Or will she find a way to make it all work out?

Lisa Swift is on top form with Friends with Benefits. I love the warmth, humour and charm which she imbues all of her books with and Friends with Benefits is a wonderful gem that kept me reading all through the night. Lexie is a brilliant heroine. She is kind, loyal and so generous, she is the sort of heroine who would make a brilliant friend and Theo is the kind of hero romantic fantastic are made of!

A brilliant romantic comedy that is simply outstanding, Lisa Swift’s Friends with Benefits is a highly enjoyable romp by this talented writer.

[Kim Thibault · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to begin by thanking Hera, Lisa Swift, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read Friends with Benefits before it's publication date. Friends with Benefits was a modern story about blended families. Lexie was young woman when she met Daryl while at a casino as she worked. Daryl's best friend & business partner, Theo, went and tried to flirt with Lexie first, but Lexie fell for Daryl. She didn't realize that when she started dating Daryl, she was also meeting his young son, Connor. Daryl was a newly widowed man who was desperate to fill the void left when his young wife was murdered right in front of him. He was filling the void left in his heart, but also in the heart of Connor. As the years passed by, Lexie and Daryl realized that things were not good between them. Daryl also had some business issues that he did not warn Theo about. Daryl proceeded to take a job in Japan and left everyone else behind. Connor felt a great deal of resentment towards his father, but Lexie and Theo stepped and made sure that he knew he was loved. Lexie and Connor have made themselves a family without Daryl. When Connor begins acting more like the teenager he is now, Lexie turns to Theo to help him. As Theo helps Connor, Lexie and Theo begin to realize that they can help each other and they become "friends with benefits." As it usually goes, can they stay just friends with benefits? Or does it become more? Daryl surprises everyone by coming back into the picture and he does not like all that he sees coming from the home he left. He loses his temper and brings Connor to live with him, now in Manchester, England. Things unravel at a break neck speed and once all is said and done, will the foursome be a foursome? Or will things be too broken to be put back together?

I enjoyed reading this story of a current British blended family. It showed that stepparents aren't always the mean person in the story, sometimes it's our blood that hurts us the most. Ms. Swift had a way of writing that did not allow me to put my reader down. I wanted to know how the story was going to resolve itself. Connor was such a mature young man, who could probably teach a lot of adults about being true to themselves and to their families. Lexie was an amazing stepmother, but more importantly, person who loved Connor like her own child, but never let him forget his mother. Theo was an amazing friend to all, even after Daryl completely screwed him over. Daryl was a great villain in the story. He was manipulative, but also ended up repenting and truly trying to change, The only issue I had, and it was a small inconsequential issue really, was that Theo's age changed a few times in the story. At one point he tells Connor that he's 31, then he says he's 34. Nothing huge, but definitely something that stuck out in my mind. Overall though, I give this story a solid 4 stars. Thank you again to Hera, Lisa Swift, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this before it was published.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! 5 Stars. I will definitely check out the other books that Lisa has written.

Friends With Benefits is about Lexie Whittle who is step-mum to teenager Connor Carson. Connor's dad, Daryl, Lexie's soon to be ex-husband is working overseas in Japan, leaving Lexie with her step-son. Lexie runs a cafe with Daryl's ex-best friend, now her best friend Theo. Theo is Connor's godfather and Daryl's former business partner. One drunken night leads to going to bed together, and a friends with benefits agreement. Feelings get deeper, and put Lexie in a difficult position- will she have to choose between her lover and her son?

I was granted the chance to read this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and opinions.

I really liked this book. It flowed well and was an easy read. The character development was great and kept you wanting to read more. In fact I still want more Lexie, Theo, and Connor. I enjoyed the unconventional family dynamics that prove family isn't just blood, it is also who you choose. Connor and Lexie's relationship as stepmum and stepson was sweet and wholesome. He truly sees her as his "other" mum, goes to her with his problems and listens to her advice. When Connor came to Lexie about discovering his new sexuality, Lexie did not miss a beat. She comforted him, told him it was all okay as long as he was safe. She accepted him as he is with no questions asked. Connor was written as a smart, mature teenager and I really enjoyed that.

Theo and Lexie's relationship was seamless and really fell into place for me. It was not forced and felt right. It was a genuine love story. A love story that did not have internal relationship problems, they joined forces and made their way through the external issues with Connor and Daryl.

Overall, this was a great book and I look forward to reading more stories by Lisa.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 - Friends with Benefits by Lisa Swift has a good set-up. Lexie is step-mum to 14 year old Connor and owns a restaurant with her best friend, Theo. Lexie and Theo decide they are going to have a friends with benefits type of relationship. You know, with this being a romance, that things don't stay that way, and they develop feelings for each other. At first glance, that is what this book is about. Looking at it closer it is about much more. It is about grief, sexual identity, loss, friendship and so much more.

Lexie is quite unsure of her ability to be a good step-mum to Connor, especially with Connors dad disappearing from his role in parenting. I loved how open and accepting she was of Connor and she seemed to have typical worries that any parent would have. Connor is a pretty good kid that is learning to be himself and understand the world he lives in. He cares a great deal about his step-mum, his godfather, Theo and many other people in his life. He seemed to be quite introspective about his life as well.

This book seemed to have two important stories, Lexie's and Connors. I think that separate from each other, each of these stories would have made an interesting novel. Having both of these stories in the novel felt like I wanted a bit more from each story. I really liked both the main points of views in this book.

In the end, I went into this book expecting a romance, but it wasn't that. It was more of a contemporary drama, with some romance thrown in. This book tackles a lot of different issues, and really seems to tackle them head on, but at the heart it is about family and how your definition of family does not need to be defined by blood, but by the people who love and care about you.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher for an open and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are friends for? For Lexie and Theo it is the honesty, the trust, and the sex. After all, with Lexie’s dysfunctional family consisting of an absentee soon-to-be-ex-husband, a teenage stepson, and a quirky ex-mother-in-law once removed, why not be friends with benefits with her sexy hot best friend, business partner, and godfather to her stepson?

There are so many interesting characters in this story. Lexie is a strong and loving stepmom to sweet and geeky Connor who is dealing with his teenage sexuality. Their relationship is solid and close with Lexie raising him pretty much on her own while Connor’s dickhead father, Daryl, decides to move overseas for work. When Lexie and the amazingly gallant, supportive, and reformed playboy, Theo, decide to try a casual sex relationship with no strings, it pretty much is a bust because…duh, they are perfect for each other and the feelings thing is a no-brainer. Until the bastard husband, Daryl, decides to return making Lexie choose between Theo, the man she loves, and Connor, the boy she has raised for eight years.

I was pleasantly surprised with this unusual and unpredictable rom-com that had some serious subject matter going on including teen sexuality, bullying, mental illness, and abandonment. There are both LOL moments and tearful moments in this story which is what makes it so good. Watching best friends who are so comfortable together fall in love is a satisfying and enjoyable experience that always gives this reader the feels.

I can’t recommend this heartwarming book enough for those who adore flawed and genuine characters, including a teenage boy who will steal your heart, and those who enjoy a storyline that will renew their faith in true love.

Thank you to Ms. Swift for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.