I didnt really enjoy the story or the characters it just wasnt for me jake was so unlikable that it just pained me to read the rest which i did thanks netgalley for letting me read this i hope to try and read another book by this author so its not a 1 and done

I really did not like Jake, the MMC. The way he viewed women in general was really gross, especially during the first couple of chapters. I kind of understand why the author wrote him like that, for character growth, but it pissed me off so badly, it kind of ruined the rest of the story for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an earc in exchange for my honest review!

This book wasn't for me. I didn't like the characters and I didn't feel invested in the storyline. I am sure others will enjoy it however it just wasn't for me.

Unfortunately really struggled to take a liking to Jake and just the overall circumstances with him and emily annoyed me therefore just couldn’t root for him as a love interest. Jess deserved better

I had not heard of this author before, but decided to take a chance. It did not pan out. I could not get into this book; it was an actual struggle to keep reading.

The MMC is just horrid! Every time he mentions a woman in any way, there is at least one demeaning comment made. He does not respect the boundaries of the FMC at all, and does what he wants instead.

I might have been able to get past that, except that there are so many flashbacks in this book, that everything merges into one and you don’t know where the flashbacks end and the present starts.

80% is MMC POV and 20% is MFC POV.

A miss for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

I liked it. I didn’t LOVE it, and I did consider DNFing it not because it was bad, but because it didn’t have anything special that was grabbing me. I carried on because the characters did have me at least rooting for them, and I wanted to see the payoff. There was also something about the writing style I didn’t love - there were a few paragraphs made entirely of short sentences and they just didn’t feel like it flowed all that well.
Still, I liked it. Not exceptional, not bad, but an easy read.

Unfortunately this was not the book for me.

I liked the friends to lovers trope and I found the FMC and MMC were both likeable. It's also very clear to me that Laura Carter knows how to create enjoyable romantic tension in a book.

That being said, what held me back from giving a higher rating is the predictability of the whole plot. I felt like it lacked depth and the story followed the expected trajectory of the genre. I also felt that the secondary characters were underdeveloped and they existed only to move the plot forward.

That said, Laura Carter's writing style is engaging, did create chemistry between her characters. It is not a groundbreaking romance novel, but it certainly serves its purpose as an enjoyable escape into the world of romantic fiction.

This is my favourite book I've read by Laura Carter do far . I loved the touch about the past relationship and how Jess was with her mother
I enjoyed how we have been introduced slowly to each couples story and how they end up intervening into each others lived. I love the connection between Drew and Jake.


Rachelsrandomresources Tour

Jake Harrington is a New York investor living in London. where he flat shares with his friend, Jess. They are both good friends but do have major issues between them - the big one being that they are in a sex-only relationship where they sleep together with no-ties, but only usually when they are drunk! I have to admit I began the book really not liking Jake's character at all. He obviously thought he was God's gift and very attractive to women, which gave him the right to treat them how he wanted. Jess on the other hand was definitely more likeable, but of course you just knew the issue of "friends with benefits" just wasn't going to work and I eagerly waiting for the turn in the story where it became apparent to them!

Jake and Jess's storylines were interesting and the author added lots of humour into the book which made sure my interest was held throughout. The development of the characters and storylines were well written and Jake's character did grow on me as the story moved on! I not only loved how he found himself facing his past issues when he returns to New York, but I also loved the kind of guy he was turning into!. The backdrop of London and New York throughout the book was delightful and I loved the images that these places created.

This was an enjoyable read, lighthearted and fun but with some more serious issues to run alongside each other.

I received an arc via Netgalley, and am leaving an honest review about the book. I’m thankful to the publisher and the author for giving me this wonderful opportunity!

Not sure how to feel about it, to be honest. I thought the MMC was charismatic, but he was kind of… I’m not even sure. There were moments that made me go, “What the fuck?” Like the time he called a woman in a bar “exotic.” That really took me out of the game. If someone at the bar called me that, I’d no longer be interested. Period. It also gave me Wattpad vibes, especially when he used the word “member” to describe his, you know, dick. Or “his piece.” The book had zero spice whatsoever, which was pretty sad. There were also a lot of flashbacks, but there were no markings to show when we’d hit it, so often times I’d be halfway in one and be so confused until I’d realize it was a flashback.

Another thing that’s bothersome to me about it is how the women are treated. Every time the FMC and another woman are brought up, there is at least ONE demeaning comment that’s supposed to be “complimentary” but is just plain weird.

But other than that, I thought he was sweet. He took really good care of Jess, helping her out (secretly) when she needed him, and protecting her whenever it was necessary.

"Friends With Benefits" by Laura Carter delves into the complicated dynamics between Jake Harrington and Jess Walters, scarred by past betrayals, navigating a 'friends with benefits' scenario. . Despite occasional slow dialogue and initial character detachment, heightened passion amplifies the impact, making this a recommended read for contemporary romance enthusiasts.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

The characters were very lovable and would recommend this book, but I do tired of book where he falls first the woman has a crisis and runs abandoning the guy to wonder what he did wrong, other than theatre the book was cute and easily a day read. They both help each other recover from past love/ traumas and slowly fall for each other, and it takes his brother house warming party to get everyone to knock sense into both Jess and Jake

This one fell flat for me. I thought the writing was good, but it was lacking some depth in my opinion. Although I wasn't a fan of this one, I can see some of my patrons enjoying this.

unfortunately not my cup of tea :(
i usually love this trope but it read too much of a "not like other girls" and also the type of man that secretly hates women unless he's attracted to them </3

A high-flying investor

New Yorker Jake Harrington loves a lot of things about living in London: his lucrative hedge fund job, the way British women melt at the sound of an American accent, being thousands of miles away from the girl who betrayed him. And, oh yes, his just-sex arrangement with his gorgeous roommate, Jess.

His sexy British flatmate

Jess's deal with Jake suits her fine. No commitments, no risk of being hurt again, just fun and friendship. And friends do each other favors, like agreeing to go on a trip to New York where Jake will have to face his past.

And a vacation that will change everything...

What friends shouldn't do? Suddenly find themselves feeling something much more complicated than simple lust. When "no strings" is no longer enough, will Jake be willing to take the ultimate gamble?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC!

I had to DNF this one. It sucks because the premise is completely up my alley, but the writing made me feel a bit icky. The way that Jake describes women made me immediately dislike him, and I didn't find Jess to be amazing enough to offset that. I hope others like it, but this was a miss for me.

Great read! Kept me interested and was super cute! Worth the read!

This book was gifted to me by the publishers through NetGallery.

Will a past love interfere with Jake's future happiness? Will they work things out? Will his best friend stick around to help make sure he makes the best decisions? Friends With Benefits, by Laura Carter, has well-developed characters, and the storyline, though mostly predictable, kept me engaged until the end. The familiarness of best friends and family made for some great banter and laughable situations in this one. Apparently, this novel is the third in a series, but I haven't read the others. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Boldwood books for providing me with an arc review of this book.
A high-flying investor New Yorker Jake Harrington loves a lot of things about living in his lucrative hedge fund job, the way British women melt at the sound of an American accent, being thousands of miles away from the girl who betrayed him. And, oh yes, his just-sex arrangement with his gorgeous roommate, Jess.
This book starts out with me thinking that Jake is a bit up his own arse, however, it soon changes when you read more of the story and realise that in fact he has very strong feelings for Jess. So if you pick this book up and feel Jake isn't likeable please continue to read because you won't be let down. He has been hurt by his bf Emily whom he wanted to let know he was in love with, only to find her in bed with his male best friend....
I've never read a Laura Carter book before and haven't read nr 1 or 2 in the series which means you can read this as a standalone. It's witty, charming and Jake and Jess are two very likeable characters. Once you get over Jake bein an ass at the beginning.
It's truly cosy and romantic and the whole small town and family vibe go a long way in my book which Carter delivers, when Jake returns to the bosom of his family for a vacation.
It really brought me in and left me feeling utterly content and I'm definitely going to read books 1 and 2 plus keep an eye out for the rest in the series.
Kerry Kennedy Author

It was finally Jake’s turn! I loved this story and it might be my favorite so far. Jess is such a real character and I do appreciate there wasn’t some big falling out or misunderstanding … they just had to work things out. Emily and Brandon , although could have been villains, I actually liked their story. Marty always has me laughing (I don’t think he gets a story though lol). I’m excited for Sarah’s story next!