Friends Without Benefits

Not gonna lie here, after I read the first two books I didn't especially like Elizabeth. She was too caustic for me. I also didn't like the idea of Nico, a crude comedian who wrestles women in bikinis in jello. So, I picked up this book with dread, wondering if it was going to measure up to the first two books in the series.
Elizabeth is actually a big nougaty mess under her shell, and Nico is just adorable though I'm still not sure about the jello wrestling. The two have known each other since the cradle; Nico teased and bullied Elizabeth all through grade school in the fashion of little boys who don't know how else to attract the girl they like. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was oblivious, dating Nico's best friend and trying to ignore him. Ten show more years later, there's a lot of misunderstandings as well as crazy stalkers, a big Italian family, and the knitting group to help bring everything together for a HEA (if you read the 1.5 book in the series, you already know this, but this book tells you how they get there).
By the end of the book, I adored both Elizabeth and Nico. There are some poignant moments as well as laugh-out-loud situations (which I badly need right now). It's lovely writing. I can't believe I haven't read Ms. Reid before, but definitely continuing with the series. show less

Normally, I wouldn't review two books at a time, but not only did I buy both of these at once after reading and loving Neanderthal Seeks Human, but I also read them both in a day and a half, and when you have two children and a full time job, that's saying a lot. I've stated before that I am not normally a romance reader as a genre in itself but these books are the exception. The Knitting in the City series by Penny Reid has changed my mind. The snarky humor has me consistently laughing out loud or at the very least, leaves me with a wide grin on my face as each relationship goes through all of its ups and downs and constant emotional craziness. The strong bond between the women in the knitting group reminds us of the importance of show more friendship and of having someone to share your thoughts with and of course, knit a few sweaters while you're at it. The stories of each member of the group remind us of the intensity and passion and chaos of new love and taking that huge step onto the next path in life. The characters are real, each having their own story, and each quirky and endearing in unique ways, which is why I cannot wait to read about the next knitting club member's path to true love. Check out all of Penny Reid's books and more on her blog at reidromance.blogspot.com. show less

Love Penny Reid to pieces! Elizabeth, our tomboy doctor from book one in the series, is featured here, paired up with a childhood not-quite-crush whom she had a hate-hate thing going on with when she was younger. As in, she was in love with their mutual friend, and when something tragic happened, as they comforted one another, one thing led to another. But the torch Nico has always carried for her is red hot, and that passion really carried off the page. There’s also an insidious stalker storyline going on, and also always, the warm comfort of female friendships with the knitting group. Loved this one!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

There are three things you should know about Penny Reid: her wit is razor sharp, her characters are odd and charming, and at last, her romances are tender and sincere to the point of leaving you teary-eyed.

I admit Neanderthal Seeks Human is still my favorite, but Friends Without Benefits packs a hell of an emotional punch, and I found it absolutely adorable.

Nico is Elizabeth's childhood love. Years later she is convinced she won't fall in love again and jumps from one meaningless fling to another while Nico stars in a very successful comedy show.

Then his niece becomes very ill and her only chance for recovery is some sort of a revolutionary treatment in the hospital Elizabeth works. They see each other again, and Nico insists on Doctor show more Finney treating his niece and no one else.

She is scared out of her wits, totally out of her comfort zone, and he is very insistent and determined to win her. Add to the mix a disastrous school reunion, a dangerous celebrity stalker, and a mind blowingly romantic ending, and I swear your heart will be melting.

Any time you need to cheer yourself up, pick up Penny's books. Her writing is absolutely wonderful, and I for one know I'll be reading whatever else she publishes in the future. show less

Friends Without Benefits
2 Stars

Dr. Elizabeth Finney is convinced that her only chance at true love is long since gone. As such, all that interests her is the "benefits" without the irritation of friendship or relationships. But all of Elizabeth's plans are obliterated when her childhood nemesis, Nico Manganiello, reappears in her life.

Unfortunately, this is an exceedingly disappointing sequel to Neanderthal Meets Human. Elizabeth is one of the most unlikeable heroines I have ever encountered. She is shallow, selfish, and self-absorbed. There is one moment around the halfway mark that is completely inexcusable. It is clear at this point that she and Nico are entering into a romantic relationship yet she still agrees to no strings sex show more with a colleague. While she doesn't actually cheat, her intent to do so is there..

Nico on the other hand is sexy, charming, and intriguing. His backstory with Elizabeth has such tremendous potential, but her awfulness ruins any possibility of an entertaining second chances romance, and his attraction to and affection for her is completely incomprehensible.

The minor suspense plot involving a stalker adds some tension and suspense, but that cannot compensate for the lackluster romance.

A final note on Devra Woodward's narration of the audiobook, which is very good in terms of tone and intonation. Nevertheless, her choice of accent for Nico is unclear. He is a US-born Italian-American raised in Iowa, so why has Woodward used an Italian accent for him? Does she think it will make him sexier? Newsflash - it doesn't!

In sum, not a good sequel. That said, the other members of the knitting circle are endearing and Reid's writing is well-paced and entertaining. As such, I will continue with the series. show less

I liked this quite as much as I liked the first book in the series, [b:Neanderthal Seeks Human|17673307|Neanderthal Seeks Human A Smart Romance (Knitting in the City, #1)|Penny Reid|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1364347894s/17673307.jpg|24673151], but I'm rounding down a bit because the story dragged on for way too long. I liked both leads, Elizabeth and Nico, but I was so frustrated with them by the end. Even if only a couple of chapters had been chopped, it would have benefited the story greatly. As it was, it just kept going on and on and on. And again, the mystery/suspense element was really not necessary.

I will say I quite liked how funny/nerdy Elizabeth was. I really enjoyed that she was trying to be honest about show more her feelings for Nico to Nico, especially when she knew it wasn't what he wanted to hear. I liked reading about the friendships she had with the other ladies in her knitting group, even if they basically only ever talked about boys. I'll keep checking in with the series, although I feel a little trepidation for Fiona's book, since she is already married and has a couple of kids. I really hope her hubby doesn't end up in a "tragic accident" just for the sake of the series.

Technically, the writing needs a little help. There were a number of typos, incorrectly used words, and an absolute dearth of hyphens, but the grammar carnage was not so offensively bad that I was angry. It certainly helps that I got this book while it was free. show less

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a fun read, it was romantic, and it made me laugh – I love that combination.

The story is about Elizabeth and Nico who grew up together. Nico has loved Elizabeth his whole life, but she had no idea how he felt about her, even after the one night she spent with him after sneaking into his bedroom (as teenagers). She left the next day and cut all ties with him and that was the last time they saw or heard from each other until years later when a chance meeting brought them back together again. By this time she was a doctor and he was the very famous and charismatic star of his own TV show. Sparks flew.

Elizabeth is a complex character – but she had so much noise going on inside her head she was show more incapable of listening, or making rational decisions where Nico was concerned. Nico on the other hand knew what he wanted and went for it – no questions and no hesitation.

There were times when I wanted to tell Elizabeth to sit down, sit still and focus, and.. just.. listen, not to what was going on in her own head, but to listen to what Nico was actually trying to say. She always acted first without thinking, and seemed incapable of rational thought when in the same room as Nico. She is a great character and made me laugh out loud a number of times.

I found the "closed door" and "open door" versions of the love scene a welcome addition as the reader can choose which version they are most comfortable with. Made a refreshing change.

For some reason I bought this book without reading Neanderthal Seeks Human – the first book in the 'Knitting in the City' series. I have since rectified that and look forward to reading it, and many more books by Penny Reid as I enjoy her relaxed writing style and humour.

Friends Without Benefits is a great read. show less