I have read several books by Lisa Swift, so when asked to take part in this blog tour I jumped at the chance!
Lexi is living in the large house that she and her soon to be ex-husband Daryl bought together. Daryl has jetted off to Japan for two years after being offered a contract there, which in turn should help him better his own career in the culinary business. However, Daryl has not only left Lexi, he has also left his 14 year old son Connor for her to care for. Despite Connor not being Lexi's biological child, she is most certainly his mother, and the bond in which they have is so beautiful and heart warming.

Connor's Godfather, who is also Daryl's ex-best friend, Theo Blake has really stepped up to help Lexi care for Connor, and has filled the male role in which his father has been absent for, sadly for most of his life!. Lexi and Theo quickly become best friends, and after a drunken night together, and them ending up in bed with one another, complicated feelings begin to arise between them.

I loved how this story was told from various perspectives. At times we see this story unfold through Lexi's eyes, and at others it's Theo's. But I have to say, my favourite perspective - and character - in this book is Connor.

His take on life is so refreshing, and as well as us getting an insight into how he feels about his Dad and Lexi's separation, and the growing tensions between Lexi and Theo, we also get to see into his own life stories, and the inner battles he finds himself having. Connor is trying to understand his sexual feelings, after a game which involved Connor and Oliver sharing a kiss, he realises he has romantic feelings for both his girlfriend Sophie, and his best friend Oliver.

Everything about this book was wonderful. I love how each individual character is going through their own battles and trying to work out their own emotions. This story was so refreshing and truly unique. The way in which the author details the family dynamics really adds new depths, and a lot of emotion to this book.

The storyline flowed effortlessly throughout and had so much happening throughout it keeps you invested in the characters and their stories to the very end, and you find yourself hoping they get the happy endings that they so deserve!.

A beautiful, heart warming story that captures your heart. I adored this book!.

oneself. A fun read. I was expecting a lighthearted rom com bit instead was pleasantly surprised at the depth of this novel. Lexi is left by her husband and some interesting unconventional family dynamics ensues. A fun and uplifting read.

Aww man this was so good! I read it in one sitting! I had so many emotions regarding this book. I felt so much with Lexi , Connor and Theo - alright i felt some with Daryl too (i wanted to punch him ALOT) and the accspeting of Connor and his boyfriend was adorable. Plus i loved all the comic references and what they talked about!

Probably the biggest compliment I could give this author is to say she is my comfortable, safe, “go-to” author. When others may leave me frustrated, angry or bored, I can guarantee that Lisa’s books will leave me smiling, having spent the last few hours with a wonderful cast of characters, completely escaping reality.

I have loved getting to know the characters in this book. Lexie is an amazing, selfless woman, who has taken on and is juggling much more than most women would even dream of. Theo makes for a fantastic hero. At times he is a bumbling idiot; at others he is a smooth romantic! It was also really lovely to see the story and the idea of love, romance, and dating, from 14 year old Connor’s perspective, as he really does not hold back when it comes to saying what he thinks and feels!

The dialogue between the characters is touching, full of love and care, but also sometimes funny, or even brutally honest. Some scenes are explosive, and a bit sweary! This is tastefully and carefully done though, in order to get over the passion and anger the characters are feeling.

By the end of the book, I had laughed, I had cried and I had wanted to scream at one particularly annoying and self righteous character! However, in true Lisa Swift style and skill, the author brings everything back to an even keel by the end, to leave you with a heartwarming sense of satisfaction and your faith in humanity is momentarily restored!

An emotional, heart warming, beautifully original read that I would recommend to fans of Milly Johnson, Portia Macintosh and Holly Martin. I also think this would make for a perfect read or gift for a young adult who is looking for their first adult romantic fiction read, as Connor’s perspective and central role in the book puts a unique spin on things!

Lexie is a stepmom to Connor and is kind of dating Theo, her boss at the Blue Parrot cafe and who happened to be Lexie's husband. Daryl's best friend and Connor's godfather. Daryl is meanwhile in Japan with ambitions of opening up a Japanese restaurant in England and is training to be chef in Japan. Connor meanwhile is confused as he has both feelings towards girls and boys--Sophie and Oli. This book talks mainly about friendship, trust and unity among the family members and friends.

I really liked the plot, it was really enjoyable and the characters are all likable particularly, I really like Connor! He is so sweet and caring and I really do like the stepmom relationship between Lexie and Connor. I also like how romance developed between Lexie and Theo, who happens to be Connor's godfather and Daryl, Lexie's estranged husband. The writing was good, the author did a good job drawing the reader into the story and I do enjoyed this book. I do like the ending!

Overall, this was actually a good book! Worth four stars!

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.

So much more than another romance, the depths surprised me. This tale is about family as well. There's a bit of humor, a lot of heart, and amazing characters you will become completely invested in. I will definitely be reading this author again.

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*.

This friends to lovers story surprised me with its depth and its heart; I loved the concept of found family and seeing the relationship between not only Lexie and Theo grow, but also between Theo and Connor. This book is a good example of not judging a book by its cover.

[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]

Not for me. This is not a love story, it's a family and friendship story with a touch of love. I don't mind reading this stories but I think this one is a mix af a lot of things and doesn't go deeper in anything. The final part is a bit of a mess, where some troubles find its solution almost like magic.
I couldn't connect with this story and it's a pity, some characters are great.
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//REVIEW IN SPANISH//
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.

Oh, I loved this book so much. I wanted to crawl in and stay there!

Lexie and her husband Daryl have separated, and he has moved away, leaving Lexie in their house with his son, Connor. Lexie adores looking after her stepson and nothing is more important to her so she does not want to get caught up in relationships whilst she is raising him. But after a few too many drinks one evening the boundaries with her business partner (Connor’s godfather) get blurred beyond recognition and they start a no-strings fling.

Lexie is adamant that her ex cannot find out about this arrangement as it might jeopardise the divorce and her ability to raise her stepson so when Daryl returns, things are set to get rather complicated.

I enjoyed the banter between the characters as it was so authentic and relatable. 5 stars!

Don't let the name fool you - Friends With Benefits is more than just a cute romance novel. It follows 30-year-old Lexie, who lives with her teenage stepson, Connor while her ex is working overseas. She owns a local cafe/restaurant with Theo, Connor's dependable godfather and a serial dater. After too many drinks one night, the best friends end up in bed together and decide to begin a friends with benefits situation, which obviously leads to something more. But then Daryl, Connor's dad unexpectedly returns home and Lexie is faced with an ultimatum - Connor or Theo?

This book is told from Theo, Connor and Lexie's perspectives. I liked these characters, especially Connor and his relationship with both Theo and Lexie as he goes through quite a life-changing moment. But I would have loved a bit more character depth. If you're looking for a women's fiction novel with a side of romance and a strong family aspect, you'll enjoy Friends With Benefits.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Friends With Benefits by Lisa Swift was much more than the title implies! Yes, there was a friends with benefits situation but there was also a broken family working to put themselves back together as a new stronger blended family. Nothing about this story was expected in the best possible way.

Not only was this an uplifting friends to lovers romance novel but it felt like a family drama where we got more than just one happily ever after. Single stepmom, Lexi and playboy godfather Theo find comfort and safety in each other when they need it most.

The other centrally featured story revolved around Lexi's teenage stepson where the author put extra care into the ins and outs of discovering his own sexuality and what that means for him. We see how figuring out who he is can be stigmatized by his friend group and how he works to overcome all of that with his chosen family at his side building him up and helping him navigate those new uncharted waters.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone that wants to feel good at the end of a long day and who loves to see differences embraced and difficult dramas navigated with care. None of these characters were perfect, in fact their flaws made them better.

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.**

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of Friends With Benefits by Lisa Swift. I loved this one and I need to read more from this author. It started off kind of slow but picked up into a beautiful relatable story. Thank you!

This was such a feel good romance novel! I loved the build up of the relationship between Theo and Lexie, as well as the exploration of family and acceptance between all of the characters. Swift added a few surprising elements to the story that elevated it above your run of the mill romance novel; it really was such a touching story!

Lexie has it all. Until husband Daryl leaves to work overseas, changing their entire relationship. In the matter of a year, her marriage is over and she is left picking up the pieces, including her step-son. His godfather, Theo, becomes a sense of support for Lexie and Connor. As he and Lexie grow closer, the inevitable happens.

This was a great read. It had everything needed to make it a must-read. .

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.

Great read! Read it in 1 day! People need an easy read at times like this! It’s an uplifting story of second chances. I think I felt every emotion while reading this!

This is a great rom-com book.
The characters have wonderful chemistry.
The setting is original and fun.
I laughed out loud!
I can’t wait for the next book by Lisa Swift.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.