A review by earlgaytea711
Mutual Benefits by H.P. Munro

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 I had some reservations going into this one. A “straight” girl pretending to be gay who turns out to be actually gay has a lot of room for error. Thankfully, Munro handled the delicate topic with humor and care. It’s obvious that Munro is a lesbian herself in the way the women are described and their relationships with each other and it was amazing to read an Own Voices queer rom com. 

Ashley and Hannah are such a treat to read. They’re fully developed women with their own wants, needs, backgrounds. This novel was relatively short and Munro managed to pack so much character into each of them. Closing the book felt like ending a friendship. 

I also loved the side characters. While we didn’t get as much from them, what we did see I loved. Phillip, Hannah’s best friend, was so funny and good as being a good friend. He called Hannah out when she needed it and was there for her. It was also super nice to see a male/female friendship that never got weird. There was never even a hint of romantic feelings between them and I really appreciated that since it’s rare to find that. 

Haz and Jude were nice too though I don’t think we got to see as much of them with Ashley as we saw Hannah and Phillip. First and foremost, this felt like Hannah’s story rather than Ashley’s which served the purpose of the story well. Haz and Jude were still great fun though and I loved how much they looked out for Ashley. 

Honestly, I don’t have much bad to say. I do think it got a little slow in some spots which is the only reason this wasn’t a 5 folded pages read for me. I didn’t have that feeling of needing to finish it as soon as possible which is necessary for something to be a 5 for me. 

Helpfully, during the climbing session, Ashley had suggested engaging her core, which Hannah thought slightly forward as she believed that she and her core were only loosely acquainted and last interacted in 2001.

H.P. Munro 

Overall, this was a laugh out loud read for me. See the above quote that I highlighted and noted with “Lmaoooooo mood” on my Kindle. This was thoroughly enjoyable and fun; a good bit of escapism if you need it.