A review by tdotrenae
Frenemies with Benefits by Synithia Williams

challenging inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this one! I am a huge fan of Synithia and the happenings of Peachtree Cove! I could not wait to get my hands on this one and get to know Tracey and Brian. 

This was the perfect and most realistic slow burn enemies to lovers I've ever read. I really liked both of the main characters a lot. I also felt like the conflicts in the story made sense and were believable! I feel like the pacing worked well for me and getting to know their backstories helped tremendously - I am one of those nosy readers who want to know *ALL* the lore behind characters. I was not sure how I felt about Brian in the previous books, but babyyyy he definitely redeemed himself for me and was the perfect gentlemen and friend - inside and outside of the bedroom. 

Honestly, I think what was the most meaningful take away from this book and story for me, is that it is never too late to start again and reinvent yourself. One thing that Tracey and I have in common is that we both kinda got stuck in one version of ourselves, and then one day, an inflection point changed everything. I also loved how realistic it was about how hard it is to beat old habits, especially habits of being one version of yourself for so long. I loved that Tracey had her friends supporting her along the way too. That was beautiful, we all need people in our lives to remind of us who we really are, not just who we are pretending to be. 

My only qualm is that I wish Brian and Tracey got a little more story time to just be blissfully a couple, without all the drama that they were experiencing. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to folks looking for small town, Black romance with a strong and vulnerable fmc and a mmc who is able to be firm and strong for her in all the best ways.