Reviewed for NetGalley:

This had a strong start, but the “benefits” of the relationship moved faster than I would have liked.

Cute, quick read overall.

Jessica has a huge crush on her brothers friend Andrew, who is coming to stay with them this summer. She however,gets tongue tied around him and feels her lack of experience won't make him notice her.
She makes a deal with Ben, for 4 weeks he is going to teach her and give her the experience she needs. What goes from sneaking behind everyone's back turn into fake dating when she gets caught sneaking by her brother. What can go wrong.

This didn't feel like a ya romance it felt it more on the cusp of new adult but not fully there. The book took sex and made it very postive and made sure everything was done with consent by both parties involved.

This is not clean romance there is a little spice but mostly behind close door. Would recommend for older teens

'Frenemies with Benefits' is a really fast-paced novel by Lydia Sharp. It's definitely not a compulsory read for a Catholic school students but it's a source of knowledge about sex for those teenagers who would actually want to know more but are afraid to ask.
Jessie and her frenemy Ben make a pact - he is going to teach her about sex, no strings attached. But with time a what seemed like a simple and clear deal becomes more and more complicated. Are they still frenemies, friends or maybe lovers?
The book is so swoony that I read it at one go. I loved the fact that both main characters were totally honest with each other when it came to the topic of sexual intercourse. But it was also very real when it comes to the fact that sex can complicate some relationships, because it explores very intimate spheres of our lives.

Four stars for the swoon and humour.
Thank you NetGalley for gifting me the ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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.)

The stars aligned and I was excitedly chosen to read an advanced copy of this beautiful book! Before even reading the synopsis, the cover for this book alone had made my decision an immediate yes. It’s one of the best cute book covers I’ve ever seen! Kudos to the illustrator, right off the bat!
My only sigh this the whole book is I wish there was a little more back and forth at the beginning, to show more of Jessie and Ben’s distaste for one another, or at least to show more of why Jessie swore she hated him (yeah okay)
But now for the best (all of it really) parts! I absolutely adored the scenes when they were alone together (obviously) but I enjoyed it even more when they were poking fun at each other, like in the movie theater. Also anytime he called her witch and she called him scarecrow! I’m such a sucker for that cute shit!
Jessie’s internal monologue had me kicking my feet and giggling.
Most times it felt like I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I wanted to know everything that was going to happen and I didn’t want it to end at the same time.
And just when I thought I had predicted the outcome, it threw me for a loop and I guessed wrong! It was even better than I had hoped for!
Another fantastic book from Entangled, and I can’t wait to devour the next one, and buy the physical copy of this book once it’s out! Already telling all my friends about it!

*3.5/5*

this was very very cute. i truly did enjoy their banter and their whole dynamic. Benjamin is just, ugh, so cute.
now for where it just didn't hit for me, was actually the spice? like don't get me wrong, I love YA books too. but this didn't feel like YA, but it also didn't feel like an adult romance. there were seggs stuff that they talked about a lot, but when it comes to doing it, the scenes every time were just glossed over. there's such little detail that most of the time I was confused if they had done *it* yet.

the plot twist with Andrew was, however, unexpected and amazing lmao.

i also feel maybe we could've seen more of them dating? like actually dating and not the whole "fake" stuff.

that being said, I still really enjoyed this book. it was a cute, fun, quick read.

4.5 stars

This book is basically the best Kasie West with a dash of spice. I love it!
Be prepared, Ben(jamin) will definitely capture your heart too.

Listen...this was such a fun and cute rom-com.
I was smiling and giggling through the whole book.

This is exactly what a good and fun rom-com should be!
I wish we had ya books like this when I was a teen.
My teen self could relate to Jess so much about how she felt the pressure of being the only one without experience in their friend group. But news flash: you're not better or cooler than every living being after you start dating so you shouldn't feel bad or less worthy just because you're taking things slower.

Jess and Benjamin can't stand each other, but their best friends are dating so they're stuck in the same friend group, verbally murdering each other.
When Jess finds out her brother is coming home for the summer and he's bringing his hot friend too, she's desperate to come up with a plan so she can finally seduce the guy of her dreams. What's the problem? Jess has no experience with boys.
An unexpected offer from her womanizer enemy sets everything in motion: find someone to practice on first so when her dream guy gets here she'll know exactly what to do and say.
Their deal is simple and purely business: what could go wrong?

Was this the best literary piece of work I've ever read? No, but keep in mind that it's not the point of a romance novel.
Did I have a good time devouring this book in one sitting? Hell yes!


P.S: I preordered the book as soon as I finished it, so I think it's pretty clear how much I loved this book.
I can't wait to reread it when I get my hands on the physical copy!

I read this book in just a few days (it would've been sooner if it weren't for a thing called work). It was such a interesting take on contemporary YA (or upper since the character is 18 and graduated). I think the author did an amazing job navigating how to have a healthy conversation and autonym. I really enjoyed the banter between Benjamin (I must call him this now) and Jess.

Jess is shy around guys and she wants to finally get over it so she can talk to Andrew, her crush. She wants to practice on Benjamin but she starts to like him too...

Cute story. I like Jess and Benjamin a lot. They are funny together. The book has a lot of hilarious moments. Totally enjoy it.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Love her books-they have a good storyline and keep you entertained all throughout. Love the steamy scenes too! Get your read on!