From Friendship to Fireworks-My First Look at Friends With Benefits by Marisa Kanter

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of getting an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of a book you’ve been eagerly anticipating. The fresh, unread pages, the possibility of discovering a new favorite, and—let’s be honest—the satisfaction of getting to read something before the rest of the world. So, when I got my hands on Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter (huge thank you to @CeladonBooks!), I knew it was going straight to the top of my TBR.

This book has everything I love: friends-to-lovers tension, witty banter, and the promise of a story that balances heart and humor. So, let’s dive into my first impressions, what I’m expecting, and why this should be on your radar.

First, What’s Friends with Benefits About?

For those who haven’t heard much about it yet, here’s the gist: Friends with Benefits follows [insert character names if available], two best friends who have always been platonic… until they aren’t. When one of them proposes a no-strings-attached arrangement, things start to shift in ways neither of them expected. What begins as a seemingly casual agreement quickly turns into something much more complicated, as real emotions get involved, boundaries blur, and they have to figure out whether risking their friendship for love is worth it.

If you’re a fan of books that take you on an emotional rollercoaster while also making you laugh, this sounds like it’s going to be the read for you.

Why This Trope Never Gets Old

Let’s talk about the magic of the friends-to-lovers trope. Some say it’s predictable, but that’s exactly why it works. The built-in history, the undeniable chemistry, the oh no, I caught feelings moment—it’s everything. There’s something so fun about watching characters struggle with the realization that their “totally platonic” feelings are anything but.

Unlike instalove stories, friends-to-lovers romances have that slow-burn effect that keeps you hooked. You know they belong together, but you get to enjoy every moment of their denial, their longing, and (hopefully) their eventual happy ending.

If Friends with Benefits delivers on all of this? We might be looking at a new comfort read.

What I’m Hoping For in This Book

Since I haven’t finished it yet, here are a few things I hope this book delivers:

1. Top-Tier Banter – I need witty, fast-paced dialogue that makes me smile. A good friends-to-lovers story has to have some playful teasing and inside jokes.

2. Genuine Emotional Growth – I want to see these characters struggle with their feelings in a way that feels real. No unnecessary miscommunication, just raw, heartfelt moments.

3. A Satisfying Slow Burn – Nothing too rushed! The best part of this trope is the build-up, so I hope this book lets the tension simmer before it finally explodes.

4. Side Characters That Shine – A good romance isn’t just about the main couple. I love when side characters bring extra charm and dimension to the story.

Is This a Must-Read? (My Early Thoughts)

So far, Friends with Benefits is giving me exactly what I wanted—cozy vibes, great chemistry, and a storyline that feels fresh despite its classic premise. Marisa Kanter’s writing is engaging, and I can already tell this is one of those books that will leave me smiling (and possibly yelling at the characters to just admit they love each other already).

If you’re looking for a romance that’s fun, heartfelt, and full of all the best tropes, I’d say keep this one on your radar! I’ll be sharing my full review soon, but for now, let me know—are you excited for Friends with Benefits? Do you love the friends-to-lovers trope as much as I do?

And if you’ve read anything by Marisa Kanter before, tell me what I should pick up next!