Friends with Benies

by T.B. Bond

It's all fun and games until someone catches feelings.

Hi, I’m Wednesday Family. I’m a witch, and I'm in love with my best friend—Scratch that. I am addicted to my best friend—a panda shifter. Ryker is the sweetest, most adorkable guy I know. Also, his body is a “weapon of Wednesday” destruction. I made the stupid mistake of enjoying the fringe benefits of our friendship, and he ruined me. No other guy satisfies that itch like Ryker does. I know our it can’t last since he has a mate somewhere, though I wish a house would fall on her and save me the trouble. I need to cut him off. The problem is that I don’t want to stop. Goddess. I’m a horrible friend.

Genres: Friends To Lovers

164 pages, Paperback

Published July 17, 2022

About the author

TB. Bond has been writing, drawing, and web designing for years. When she is not doing one of those things, she’s reading and watching anime. Nerdtastic to the core she’s a Whovian, Trekie, Otaku, and probably a whole host of other things.

Described as one of the hardest working people known by her friends, she holds three degrees; one in science, one in art, and one in information technology. Currently her main job is in a learning technology department where she uses elements all of three fields.

Currently she lives with her husband, a fellow nerd, in Virginia.

Reviews

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryker and Wen are hilariously cute

Best friends Ryker and Wednesday love each other but have if stuck in their heads (mostly Wen) that they can’t be together because Ryker is a shifter panda who has a mate out there somewhere that isn’t mage Wednesday.

This was cute. I liked both MCs, they were very lovable. Although I wanted Wednesday to pick up in things quicker, especially once we find out the the truth, it was still entertaining. I wanted an epilogue to see them a little farther along now that they’re mated and engaged. But I did love the little bonus chapter, it was absolutely adorable and made me love their relationship more.

3.5 stars.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this paranormal friends with benefits story. The characters were really well written and the passion and connection between them is electric. You can feel the connection right from the first page it's just frustrating that they don't see that.
Well I say they don't. Both of them feel the attraction and connection however they don't want to voice that because of the differences. Ryker is a panda shifter and Wednesday is a mage.
In Ryker's mind she is his fated mate even though they are different he knows that Wednesday is the woman for him and his Panda agrees.
Wednesday however finds it hard to believe. As much as she loves him and wants to be with him she believes they can't be fated mates because she isn't a shifter like him.
However something are meant to be no matter how much we fight or try to deny it. When Ryker and Wedneaday are sent on a cruise for singles this is the chance Ryker wanted to prove his love is real and that they are supposed to be together and no matter what Wedneaday believes there is only 1 woman for him and that's his best friend.

I really loved this story. The feelings were so strong throughout the book. The attraction jumped off the page and you could feel the love between then. You could also feel Wednesday's uncertainty about things and how hard Ryker fights to prove to her that its real and that they will work. Its a beautiful story

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Friends With Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance is the seventh book in the Paris in Springtime series by T.B. Bond. I didn’t realise when I one-clicked myself a copy, that it was the seventh book in the series…. but thankfully it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing anything by not having read the previous six books. But it has made me curious about what has happened in the first six books, and wanting to ‘meet’ those characters- so I will probably go on a bit of a book binge soon to see what they contain.
This is my first ever AMBW witch and her panda shifter best friend story- so I was really curious to see where the story would lead. It turned out to be a sweet and romantic story where two best friends-with-benefits finally take a chance on forever love- after some help from their meddling relatives and a romantic singles cruise in Paris.
There is plenty of humour, fun, and antics along the way- as well as some adventure, angst, and drama to balance things out. All while their chemistry steamed up the pages along the way.
Looking forward to exploring the rest of the series.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, T.B. Bond!

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very much enjoyable from the start to the finish! I love shape shifter reads, but this one really had a sweet essence to it, as well as characters you were rooting for! A very enjoyable read!

I found Wednesday and Ryker the most sweet and cutest thing since cheesecake! I loved how they were best friends, and how he was a panda shifter. Wednesday reminded me of myself, always trying to figure everything out and analyze things, but sometimes when it comes to the heart, the mind cannot analyze what could potentially be true love. I really had a great time with this story, I loved the characters and loved the author's writing and how they created the story. I will be for sure be reading more by this gifted author, as this book certainly has gotten be hooked! It was impossible not to love this book!

Remarkable reading and an intriguing as well as, sweet story line all the way through! This is in my books as a must read without a doubt, and not one to be passed up for any reasons whatsoever! Highly recommend!

[Amy Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I cannot get enough of Wednesday's name. First of all. Secondly, who could resist the cutest little love story with paranormal/supernatural aspects, best friend and soul mate vibes galore. Right away, you get the impression that this is going to have a happy ending, despite some of the main character's best efforts to ensure that they break it off. I also didn't realize it was not the first installment in this series, and will be sure to go back and read more of this authors work.

I'm always looking for something with a touch of something different, and this author definitely added some spice and suspense into the mix. I did feel as though there was a lot of reiteration of the characters feelings, though I'm sure it was just to hit the point home, it just seemed like it dragged out the story line a little. This, however, is what my love dreams are made of, and eventually will find the best friend in life that just wants me to have it all, and just be me. Overall, a great little read, brought forward this reader's giggles, gasps, and goosebumps.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wednesday Family is a witch, she is sassy, stubborn and best friends with a panda shifter called Ryker, they have been inseparable since the day they first met and spend pretty much the entirety of their time together.

Unfortunately for Wednesday, they also have some benefits attached to their friendship and this is where the main problem lies, Wednesday is addicted to those certain benefits.

She finds him adorkable, sweet and caring, but the thing she is most addicted to is his body and what he can do with it and now he has ruined her because nobody else compares and believe me, she has tried.

The only problem is that he has a mate out there somewhere just waiting for him to find her so they can make cute panda babies and she can be the awesome auntie, so she has to quit Ryker cold turkey so that he can find her, but can she do it and be the best friend without the benies? This is a cute, but spicy paranormal romance which will keep you hooked on the antics, both inside the bedroom and out of it as you speed through because you cannot wait to see how it ends.

[Mandy Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance (Paris in Springtime #7) by T.B. Bond

This is the first book I've read by the author. Friends with Benies is an amazing book. It was a short, but sweet story. I'll definitely be looking for more by the author.

Wednesday is a techno-mage and loves working with her magic. She and her best friend start up a company and haven't really been apart since. She is in love with her bestie, but doesn't think it's possible. The quote I chose for Wednesday is: “Way to look, observe, and gather evidence. You, boar, are buying me a new door. Now eat. You know how you get when you panic shift. You can take in my safe scent and calm yourself down.”

Ryker doesn't think going on this cruise is going to work out very well. He then runs into someone and finds that his mate has been under his nose the entire time. Now all he has to do is convince her of it. The quote I chose for Ryker is: “That’s fine. I need the protein and electrolytes to etch tonight into memory.”

Highly recommended for Paranormal Romance lovers.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love shifter books and this is my first AMBW story that include panda shifter and a mage. The chemistry between Ryker and Wednesday is out of this world.

What happens when best friends love each other since forever? This is Wen and Ryker.... best friends whom love each other to the core. When feelings come more to the surface and outright open it can cause heartache and caution. Wen loves Ryker but does not have the heart to tell him...as she feels like she is not truly Ryker's "mate". When Ryker's feeling come out into the open how much he truly loves Wen......at first Wen is hesitant believing since she is not a shifter they are not meant to be.... When both sets of parents embark on setting them both up on a "Paris in Springtime" Cruise for singles....this sets the tone of the love between Ryker and Wen.

This story was so much fun to read....and the spice level is totally "WOW" and some funny moments. Fantastic Book!! Very highly recommended!

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wednesday and Ryker have been best friends since they were 6 years old. At 18 years of age, they decided to take each other’s V card before they went off to college and they have been secretly in love with each other ever since. Ryker is a panda shifter while Wednesday is a mage so they know they cannot be together. They come from different worlds. The couple decide to be friends with benefits until one of them meet their intended mate.

The chemistry between them is intense. No one can compare to the other’s best friend. Ryker knows that Wednesday is the one for him but she thinks he has a mate somewhere out in the world so she is refusing to give into her feelings.

The book was steamy from start to finish. I loved both characters separately and together. They evened each other out nicely. I was cheering for them from the very beginning.

This book is book 7 in the ‘Paris in Springtime’ series but can be read as a stand alone.

[Savanah Schwarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute story. Typical friends-to-lovers storyline. The two main characters, one a shifter and the other a Mage are best friends, and they secretly love each other. The problem is not only are they from different worlds, but their love is forbidden because Wednesday is a Mage, and Ryker is a Panda Shifter. They are both looking for their soulmates or mates. Neither one wants to be with anyone but the other. You can feel the chemistry within their relationship, and the tension it causes when they cannot be together. However as the story progresses, you are rooting the whole time for them to be together and it seems impossible that they won't. This is 7th in a series. There are moments when it references or gives a glimpse of other couples and Characters, but nothing that would deviate or distract from this story. I would read other books by this author as I felt interested and intrigued and it moved pretty quickly at times. Will definitely try to read more of this series.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute fun story. Wednesday is in love with her best friend but that’s one secret she can’t share, with anyone. Ryker is in love with his best friend but that’s one secret he can’t share, with anyone. Funny story, these two are each other’s best friend. They both need to find their mates sadly it isn’t each other...or is it? Wednesday is a free-spirited mage while Ryker is a panda shifter. Surely, they can’t be mates. Best friends yes, friends with benies, well of course but only until they find their true mates.

This is my first book by this author what a great discovery! This story is the 7th in the Paris in Springtime Series however there was no reference to any other story that may have been missed. Since this story was so fun to read, I am looking forward to reading the other stories.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Friends with Benies (Paris in Springtime Book 7) by T.B. Bond

Friends with Benies is the seventh book in the Paris in Springtime series and is a Paranormal Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. I wasn’t real sure what to expect going in since this is my first AMBW read but 8 definitely wasn’t disappointed. This is a super fun read and is a standalone so if you’re like me and didn’t realize it before starting. I’m definitely adding the others to my list to read. This is a cute story about Wednesday and Ryker these two have been best friends forever and she wants him for herself but knows they can’t be together because of him having a mate out there somewhere . But what if she is his mate? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better than a Paranormal Romance mixed with benies. This is Wednesday Friday and Rykers story. They are 2 different shifters enjoying their friendships and the benies that go with that. But their love for each other has to stay hidden and Ryker has a soulmate out there waiting for him. Hey the Benies for now are great for Wen and Ryker. What follows next is what you will have to find out for yourself by reading this story.This author mixes laughter and paranormal romance with tears in this story. I enjoyed reading Wen and Rykers story. It was fast paced and a quick read for me. Kept me entertained and now I must go and read this series from the beginning. This was a new author for me, as I like to try a new one often. This author is on my list of must reads. Will she be on your list as well? You won't be disappointed.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the humor and chemistry throughout this book! I did not realize it was the 7th in the series, but I wasn’t lost at all reading it with no background. I am definitely picking up the rest though because there is just too much to love!

Wednesday and Ryker are best friends, and you can feel that permeated through the entire book. They have both seemingly friend-zoned each other, but after a one-time escapade into the ‘benefits’ of being besties Wednesday may want more. They both think the other deserves more and takes a bit of intervention to help them see the truth.

I love the paranormal side of Friends with Benies as much as the romance! Like I said, I didn’t feel lost reading this as a standalone, but I recommend picking up the rest of the series because you will want more of T.B. Bond’s writing!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is a new author to me. Because Wen and Ryker have been BFF’s forever, their chemistry is off the charts. I can get with why Wen doesn’t want to mate with him but I’m glad that was basically ignored. Ryker has wanted her for so long. She has had it for him. This was written in the charts. Just because he’s a shifter doesn’t mean it can’t happen. They are adorable, as are their parents. I found the story to be fun and quite entertaining. The boat trip was a hoot. The romance and the adventures just all pulled everything together. The writing was fresh and contemporary. It was also nice to read a new story with an AMBW flair. Shifter tales add so much to the story. Overall, a fun and romantic story (with some steam), that’s quite enjoyable and a great read.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and enjoyable read this turned out to be. I was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t connect with the story when I realised it was the 7th book in the series but it wasn’t something I needed to worry about. It can easily be read as a standalone and was a great and entertaining story to read. I thought the characters were likeable from the start. They had such a sweet connection that you couldn’t help but want them to make things work.
The story was quite a quick and easy read. I engaged with it no problem and was carried along by what was happening. It was great to see the relationship develop as the book went on. This was a great book and I will be checking out more of the series.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends with Benies (Paris in Springtime Book 7) by T.B. Bond. This was such a fun book. Its a shape shifter, paranormal romance. Its about Wednesday and Ryker who have been best friends forever. The only problem is Wednesday has feelings for Ryker that's more than friendly. The only problem is Wednesday thinks someone else is Ryker's soul mate so she is afraid to say anything to him because she sure doesn't want to lose him as a friend. Ryker is in love with Wednesday too but is afraid to tell her so when they decide to take their relationship to the next level with no strings things get super complicated. Read this friends to lovers, paranormal romance to find out if they are truly made for one another.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far one of the greatest books I have read this year. The characters were very well developed, the connection between them is out of this world, and the plot just tied everything together perfectly. When I first found this book I had no idea that it was part of a series. But thankfully it can be read as a stand-alone without losing parts Of the story. However this story was so great that I am curious about what other great characters and storylines are in the previous six books, so I will be going back and reading those also. The cover of Thai book was absolutely adorable and I knew when I read the synopsis that I had to read it. So if you haven’t already picked up this book make sure you pick it up today.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends with Benies is highly entertaining and a quick read. It is an AMBW Paranormal Romance tale that is funny and sexy. I found myself laughing throughout this adventure. This is my first time reading anything by T.B and I really enjoyed it and her writing style. Included is a bonus chapter that makes you smile.

This is Ryder and Wednesday's story. They are BFF’s wanting so much more but getting out of their own way at times would be a good thing if they could see what is right in front of them.

I didn’t realise this is the seventh book and as such I have not read the other books in the Paris in Springtime series but I will be going back to them if they are as good as this one.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends Wednesday and Ryker are paranormals who have the unfortunate - or perhaps extremely fortunate - situation of not only being physically attracted to each other but harboring secret romantic feelings for one another. To make the matter even more complicated, they have a more intimate relationship along the lines of 'no strings'. I loved this concept from the beginning and was blown away by the easy dialogue and quick yet steady pace of the story. This was a super cute romance and the first book of the series I've read. Thankfully, this standalone doesn't seem to connect to others in the series. Now that I've read this one, however, I'm dying to read the others!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance read. The story was engaging from the very beginning and I really liked the characters. I felt like they had a great connection which carried through the story. I’m still relatively new to paranormal stories especially shifter ones so I found that part really interesting to read about. The setting for the story was pretty unique too which added something a little extra to this book. I liked Ryker and Wednesday both were really unique characters to read about. There was a definite attraction between them even if they tried to ignore it!
Overall a wonderful story that was beautifully written!

[Heather Knalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker and Wednesday have been friends forever. Ryker is a shifter who has fallen for Wednesday who is not a shifter. He will put live her if they were to mate. Their parents have set them up to go on a cruise to find a mate, but Gomez, Wednesday’s brother feels it’s all a setup for them both to finally tell each other how they feel. They both love each other more than just friends, but Wednesday feels it is best to break it off right before the cruise to give Ryker a chance at a mate that will be able to live his full life with him. Will they finally admit that it’s each other they want or will they let it slip away?

[Vee.Garnettverizon.Net · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!

This has been in my TBR pile for a while. I knew I’d enjoy it. Ms Bond’s work has been entertaining and the concept of Paris in Springtime is fun.

This couple has been friends since elementary school. Once they decided to become friends with benefits life became complicated. She thinks he must mate with one his own kind and as a mage she won’t do. After all that time you would think she would figure out she was his mate. I enjoyed when he figured out the parents were plotting all along to keep them together.

It was fun to have Taylor, my favorite of the sisters as part of their story.

[Ashley Sugar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooh I loved this book from the very first page! Ryker and Wednesday loooove each other but she keeps doubting it. She doesn’t think they should be together because they’re not the same. She’s a mage and he’s a panda shifter. They’re also best friends. This book was great and I enjoyed it!! GREAT characters and I loooove the story. She’s doubtful and he just wants to prove to her that he wants no one BUT her. Super super cute read. The passion the main characters have is phenomenal and I love the writing in this book too. I’ll be checking out more of this authors books!

[Naomi Valkyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is the seventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I’m going to be honest, I nearly passed up this book because of the word Benies in the title. For some reason that word just grates on me. But, then I read the description of the book and decided to give it a chance. I quickly learned that I am not the ideal reader for this story.
That being said, if you are a fan of rom com hijinks, this might be a good read to pick up. It’s got sweet moments, steamy moments, and a lot of pining with a satisfying HEA.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends with Benies is an enjoyable, sweet, short read. Wednesday is a feisty techno witch, who happens to be named after the Adams Family due to her parent's sense of humor. She has been best friends with Ryker since they were young and decides that she wants additional benefits from her friend. They can't be together due to the complications of Ryker being a Panda shifter and having a mate that will be with him for life. The world-building didn't really seem to be there but this is the seventh book in the series. It's still a fun, sexy, short read.

[Emily Buehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy paranormal romance between a shifter and a techno mage. I loved how unique the magic was (set in the real world, but with various types of magic that I've not seen before). But the focus of the story is really on the romance between best friends who think they need to move on from their "friends with benies" status but really need to admit they are in love. The love scenes (many of them!) are steamy and the author's voice shines through, keeping the text and dialogue snappy as the plot unfolds.

[Kelli Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends since they were 6 years old, Wednesday and Ryker have grown up together and they love each other as friends. But could there be more than that between them? Heading off on a singles cruise to find Rykers Mate, Wednesday is aware that she could be losing the best sex of her life. There are a few twists and turns to this story but it is a really quick read and really funny at times.

This is the first read of this kind for me. I really enjoyed the characters and the pace.

[Kayla Octaviano · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, from beginning to end! Wednesday is a mage tech wiz while Ryker is a panda shifter. They’ve been best friends forever, but know they can’t be more. But where there is magic, there’s a way! Read this book! It’s funny, witty, nerdy, adorable, hot, and very entertaining. This book has many layers to it so pay attention, everything is important! I love Ryker and Wednesday! Would love to read more about them!

[Aranza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends with Benies by TB Bond

4 stars

Absolutely loved this book. If you like cute and funny romance this is definitely it. A feel good book that will keep you engaged and exited during the whole experience. This book is absolutely one of those that I will be reading again and again. Think of No strings Attached meets magic and you will get the idea. Definitely loved the name for the main character "Wednesday Adams Family". please do yourself a favor and get this book.