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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
This was such a cute little romcom. It’s so obvious what’s going to happen, it the depth she gave each character was so great to read
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advance copy of this book!
In this delightful book, Jess finds herself infatuated with her older brother's friend, Andrew, who will be staying at their house for a month. However, her lack of experience in relationships is her biggest obstacle. Enter Ben, the seemingly perfect guy whom Jess despises but shares a friend group with, making them spend a lot of time together. Surprisingly, Ben offers to teach Jess the nuances of intimacy to catch Andrew's attention, leading to unexpected chemistry between the two.
The book had me hooked from the very beginning. The chemistry between Ben and Jess was a major highlight for me, and Jess's relatable and fun personality made the story enjoyable. The focus on consent throughout the story was commendable, as it's often overlooked or skipped altogether in other books. I also really appreciated the presence of Jess's supportive girl group, adding depth to the story.
While I absolutely loved most of the book, there was a breakup that felt out of place given the emphasis on communication.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to those seeking a fun and quick read. I devoured it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Jess and Ben's unconventional romance.
In this delightful book, Jess finds herself infatuated with her older brother's friend, Andrew, who will be staying at their house for a month. However, her lack of experience in relationships is her biggest obstacle. Enter Ben, the seemingly perfect guy whom Jess despises but shares a friend group with, making them spend a lot of time together. Surprisingly, Ben offers to teach Jess the nuances of intimacy to catch Andrew's attention, leading to unexpected chemistry between the two.
The book had me hooked from the very beginning. The chemistry between Ben and Jess was a major highlight for me, and Jess's relatable and fun personality made the story enjoyable. The focus on consent throughout the story was commendable, as it's often overlooked or skipped altogether in other books. I also really appreciated the presence of Jess's supportive girl group, adding depth to the story.
While I absolutely loved most of the book, there was a breakup that felt out of place given the emphasis on communication.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to those seeking a fun and quick read. I devoured it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Jess and Ben's unconventional romance.
I went into this book not expecting much but I actually really enjoyed it!
Jessica has a huge crush on her oldest brothers friend but she is convinced that there is no way that she could get him to like her being “inexperienced”. So in steps Benjamin, someone she has hated for the past year - but he offers to help her gain some experience & confidence.
Benjamin is also the mayors son, star football player, and all around golden boy.
Cue the friends with benefits that turns into fake dating and then real love
Jessica has a huge crush on her oldest brothers friend but she is convinced that there is no way that she could get him to like her being “inexperienced”. So in steps Benjamin, someone she has hated for the past year - but he offers to help her gain some experience & confidence.
Benjamin is also the mayors son, star football player, and all around golden boy.
Cue the friends with benefits that turns into fake dating and then real love
5.0 stars.
Okay so the trope is so unique (ish)! I love the idea of it.
This book had me giggling so much! I love how the characters were enemies, but doing it. These characters kind of feel like they came out of a rom com.
I also really like the cover. It makes me want to know more. What can I say?! I’m a sucker for cartoon covers.
Okay so the trope is so unique (ish)! I love the idea of it.
This book had me giggling so much! I love how the characters were enemies, but doing it. These characters kind of feel like they came out of a rom com.
I also really like the cover. It makes me want to know more. What can I say?! I’m a sucker for cartoon covers.
Jess Webster is about to graduate high school when she gets THE news: her beloved older brother Chris got a volunteering job in Cambodia and can't make it to graduation, BUT he'll be home in July with his hot friend Andrew in tow. And they're staying in Jess and Chris' parents house for a month and a half. You know, the same house Jess lives in. She's crushed on Andrew for years, and this could finally be her opportunity to make him see her as more than just Chris' dorky little sister. Well, that is if she can stop herself from doing nothing but awkwardly gurgling every time Andrew so much as glances her way. Jess is, tragically (in her opinion) still a virgin, and has no idea how to act around a crush...especially when the boy she has her eye on is older and (she assumes) much more experienced than she is. At lunch on the last day of school, she's venting about her predicament to her bestie, Rayna, when Jess' frenemy, Ben Oliver, overhears everything. He sarcastically (Jess thinks) offers to give her "lessons." He'll teach her, for lack of better words, how to sex, so that she can use her newfound knowledge, and confidence, to seduce Andrew when he gets to town.
Jess is just desperate enough to take Ben up on his offer...mostly because she has eyes and can admit that even though they hate each other, Ben is smoking hot and she could definitely do worse--and she needs the help.
As you can guess, and as with any fake dating story, it gets messy fast. Feelings start getting involved, but are they real, or is it just the sizzling physical spark that is undeniable between Jess and Ben?
I enjoyed this book, but had a few issues with it as well. It was a very cute YA coming of age story, and also one that I feel is very important. Lydia Sharp, at the beginning of the book, leaves a note to her readers that talks about her curiosity, utter lack of knowledge about, and her embarrassment relating to sex when she was a teenager. She, like so many readers, didn't have a maternal figure that was comfortable talking about sex with her, and most of her friends were already having sex. She talks about how her options were clinical definitions of sex you'd find in reference books or on Google, or wildly fantastical romance novels--neither of which paints the most accurate picture of what the experience of sex is like. That was, until she found Forever by Judy Blume. It was a book written from a teenaged perspective, but that gave her clearer, more realistic idea of what she could expect from having sex. Writing this book, for Lydia, was a way to offer teenagers now what she needed then: an age-appropriate tale that shows the importance of both consent and safe sex, that there should be no shame in consensual sex, that it's okay and perfectly right to be in control of your own sex life, and that virginity is nothing to be ashamed of either. In that way, I thought this book was absolutely beautiful--it gives younger readers that feel like that don't have anywhere to turn for knowledge, a place to go. Something to read that gives them an example of how it should always be, even if your life isn't a YA novel.
I also really loved the dynamic between Jess and her mother, as it showcases that mother daughter relationships don't have to be perfect to be perfect.
[Please be aware, the following paragraph will have minor plot spoilers.]
I loved Jess and Ben's relationship, even when they hated each other. I don't like the "he's mean to you because he likes you" idea, because it teaches young people to accept poor behavior...and thankfully, this was NOT the case in Frenemies with Benefits. Jess and Ben, as you learn later in the book, just started off on the wrong foot and mutually disliked each other. And that's okay! Relationships evolve, and I thought that seeing that on the page was lovely. I did not, however, like how fickle Jess could be about things. Ben is the son of the town mayor, and apparently mega rich. At one point, he buys Jess a huge box of nail polish as it's an inside joke between them. Jess loses it, because he spent money on her knowing that her family is what she considers to be poor; she doesn't want to be beholden to Ben, or have people think they're "dating" only because she wants him to spend money on her. Then, within a few chapters, she's letting him take her on a lavish shopping spree for six pairs of designer shoes? It just...didn't make sense to me. On top of that, so many of the characters have more money than sense, and more money than I think would be reasonable. For example, there is a non-school dance formal event that the friend group consisting of eighteen year olds all need to attend, so they go to a luxury bridal shop to look for gowns. Jess, who again, is poor, balks at the price tag, but her best friend, Rayna, doesn't spare the price a second glance and tells Jess to relax, that Ben will pay for it. Y'all, the dress was SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. Even if the family is rich, what family in their right mind is just not going to blink an eye at their teenaged son buying a girl a SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLAR dress she'll wear one time? I'm just saying if I were Ben's parents, I'd be yanking that AmEx back so fast he'd get whiplash. I also could. not. stand. Jess' best friend Rayna. She seemed so out of touch with reality, and while I get she was a teenager, I felt that throughout most of the book she was just a selfish gossip. She did redeem herself a bit towards the end though, but whew was it a bumpy ride!
All in all, I thought this was a very cute, quick read that will make you both nostalgic for those late teen years, but also so so glad you don't have to relive them.
Jess is just desperate enough to take Ben up on his offer...mostly because she has eyes and can admit that even though they hate each other, Ben is smoking hot and she could definitely do worse--and she needs the help.
As you can guess, and as with any fake dating story, it gets messy fast. Feelings start getting involved, but are they real, or is it just the sizzling physical spark that is undeniable between Jess and Ben?
I enjoyed this book, but had a few issues with it as well. It was a very cute YA coming of age story, and also one that I feel is very important. Lydia Sharp, at the beginning of the book, leaves a note to her readers that talks about her curiosity, utter lack of knowledge about, and her embarrassment relating to sex when she was a teenager. She, like so many readers, didn't have a maternal figure that was comfortable talking about sex with her, and most of her friends were already having sex. She talks about how her options were clinical definitions of sex you'd find in reference books or on Google, or wildly fantastical romance novels--neither of which paints the most accurate picture of what the experience of sex is like. That was, until she found Forever by Judy Blume. It was a book written from a teenaged perspective, but that gave her clearer, more realistic idea of what she could expect from having sex. Writing this book, for Lydia, was a way to offer teenagers now what she needed then: an age-appropriate tale that shows the importance of both consent and safe sex, that there should be no shame in consensual sex, that it's okay and perfectly right to be in control of your own sex life, and that virginity is nothing to be ashamed of either. In that way, I thought this book was absolutely beautiful--it gives younger readers that feel like that don't have anywhere to turn for knowledge, a place to go. Something to read that gives them an example of how it should always be, even if your life isn't a YA novel.
I also really loved the dynamic between Jess and her mother, as it showcases that mother daughter relationships don't have to be perfect to be perfect.
[Please be aware, the following paragraph will have minor plot spoilers.]
I loved Jess and Ben's relationship, even when they hated each other. I don't like the "he's mean to you because he likes you" idea, because it teaches young people to accept poor behavior...and thankfully, this was NOT the case in Frenemies with Benefits. Jess and Ben, as you learn later in the book, just started off on the wrong foot and mutually disliked each other. And that's okay! Relationships evolve, and I thought that seeing that on the page was lovely. I did not, however, like how fickle Jess could be about things. Ben is the son of the town mayor, and apparently mega rich. At one point, he buys Jess a huge box of nail polish as it's an inside joke between them. Jess loses it, because he spent money on her knowing that her family is what she considers to be poor; she doesn't want to be beholden to Ben, or have people think they're "dating" only because she wants him to spend money on her. Then, within a few chapters, she's letting him take her on a lavish shopping spree for six pairs of designer shoes? It just...didn't make sense to me. On top of that, so many of the characters have more money than sense, and more money than I think would be reasonable. For example, there is a non-school dance formal event that the friend group consisting of eighteen year olds all need to attend, so they go to a luxury bridal shop to look for gowns. Jess, who again, is poor, balks at the price tag, but her best friend, Rayna, doesn't spare the price a second glance and tells Jess to relax, that Ben will pay for it. Y'all, the dress was SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. Even if the family is rich, what family in their right mind is just not going to blink an eye at their teenaged son buying a girl a SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLAR dress she'll wear one time? I'm just saying if I were Ben's parents, I'd be yanking that AmEx back so fast he'd get whiplash. I also could. not. stand. Jess' best friend Rayna. She seemed so out of touch with reality, and while I get she was a teenager, I felt that throughout most of the book she was just a selfish gossip. She did redeem herself a bit towards the end though, but whew was it a bumpy ride!
All in all, I thought this was a very cute, quick read that will make you both nostalgic for those late teen years, but also so so glad you don't have to relive them.
A young adult story of self-discovery and exploration told in a perfect opposites/enemies-to-lovers rom-com.
Jess is a shy, awkward girl whose beauty is overlooked due her frumpy style. She has zero boy experience and a huge crush on her brother’s hot college roommate who will be visiting for a month during Summer after she graduates high school.
Ben is the high school heartthrob and star quarterback who has a reputation with the ladies. Lots of them. He has also been Jess’s biggest nemesis their entire Senior year, prodding her every day at lunch.
Eavesdropping on Jess’s conversation with her best friend, Ben throws out an idea to help Jess land her college crush that couldn’t possibly work, could it? Four weeks of confidence building bedroom activity, with him. No strings. Well, except one.
First impression, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get past my literary pet peeves with this one but I was swept away with the story almost as quickly as the characters were introduced. Then suddenly those same concerns became part of the reason I inhaled this book in one sitting. The immature writing was necessary and appropriate. The young characters had depth and chemistry, the banter was entertaining and believable, the dialogue and spice were realistic and honest, the issues were genuine and relatable. There was a little bit of everything in this story, but without an underlying agenda. Part predictable yet still sweetly surprised in the end.
The cover snagged a hook in me, but it was the story that made me sink. I was grinning whenever my heart strings weren’t being tugged. Try not to fall in love with Benjamin, if you can.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Jess is a shy, awkward girl whose beauty is overlooked due her frumpy style. She has zero boy experience and a huge crush on her brother’s hot college roommate who will be visiting for a month during Summer after she graduates high school.
Ben is the high school heartthrob and star quarterback who has a reputation with the ladies. Lots of them. He has also been Jess’s biggest nemesis their entire Senior year, prodding her every day at lunch.
Eavesdropping on Jess’s conversation with her best friend, Ben throws out an idea to help Jess land her college crush that couldn’t possibly work, could it? Four weeks of confidence building bedroom activity, with him. No strings. Well, except one.
First impression, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get past my literary pet peeves with this one but I was swept away with the story almost as quickly as the characters were introduced. Then suddenly those same concerns became part of the reason I inhaled this book in one sitting. The immature writing was necessary and appropriate. The young characters had depth and chemistry, the banter was entertaining and believable, the dialogue and spice were realistic and honest, the issues were genuine and relatable. There was a little bit of everything in this story, but without an underlying agenda. Part predictable yet still sweetly surprised in the end.
The cover snagged a hook in me, but it was the story that made me sink. I was grinning whenever my heart strings weren’t being tugged. Try not to fall in love with Benjamin, if you can.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This is a fun YA romcom that doesn’t shy away from sex, unlike many books of the genre. The author’s note mentions “Forever” by Judy Blume, and I could see the influences in the writing and story. The ending of this book isn’t as bittersweet and is a bit unrealistic and convenient, but it does make for a happy-ever-after. Benjamin and Jess are great characters. I thought there could have been more details and character and plot development (like, what does Jess like to do, what’s up with her mom, etc.)
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute, fun read! I definitely think that the topic of consensual and safe sex can belong in YA and should not be glossed over ALL of the time. I would have loved having this book as a late teen, heading into adulthood. Pretending that sex doesn’t exist for teenagers or claiming it’s unrealistic can be super damaging and dangerous, in my opinion! This book provides a great story being informative and relatable, while not being too graphic.
Even if you’re not a teen coming out of high school, I still recommend! The love interest was super sweet, funny, and free from toxicity.
Even if you’re not a teen coming out of high school, I still recommend! The love interest was super sweet, funny, and free from toxicity.