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Friends with Benefits

A Novel

by Marisa Kanter

Length 11 hours 3 minutes

Language English

Narrators Gail Shalan & GM Hakim

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Bookseller recommendation

“If you’ve lost your heart, your passion, because of everything that is happening, this sweet little love story might have you dancing (even metaphorically) for a spot of time.”
— V • River Bend Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Cute, fast-paced friends to lovers, fake marriage, teacher x artist, L.A. / N.Y.C. glamour, and fun plot twists <3”
— Mallory • The Bookshelf

Bookseller recommendation

“Great beach read.”
— Melissia • Viewpoint Books

Summary
About the author

Lifelong best friends say 'I do' to a marriage of convenience, trading vows for a financial safety net and benefits. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Katherine Center.

Evie Bloom pays attention to the details. Her very job depends on it—as an aspiring Foley artist, she’s responsible for every crisp footstep, smacking kiss, and distinct sound in film and television. So when she’s selected for a fellowship opportunity that would make all her career dreams come true, she’s quick to spot the catch: there are no health benefits, and for someone with a chronic illness, that’s a non-starter.

Theo Cohen is an elementary school teacher who can't afford to live on his own in LA, and is facing eviction after his roommates couple up and move out of their rent-controlled apartment. But there is one loophole in his lease: each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless the tenants are married.

For Theo, the answer is obvious. Marry Evie, his best friend since forever. It’s not as if they don’t spend all their free time together anyways. Not only will Theo be able to keep his apartment, but Evie can be added to his insurance plan so she can accept her dream fellowship. It’s such a logical, practical solution. Never mind that Evie doesn’t really want to be married—not to Theo, not to anyone—ever. Or the small, complicating fact that Theo has always been a little bit in love with Evie.

But it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Marriage. It will just give them space to breathe, and much-needed relief from the daily financial stress. It won’t change anything.

It’s . . . going to change everything.

A Macmillan Audio production from Celadon Books.

Fiction Romance Humor

Marisa Kanter is the author of modern love stories for both teens and adults. Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, her obsession with books led her to New York City, where she worked in publishing for a number of years. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, where she writes by day and crochets her wardrobe by night. Friends With Benefits is her debut adult novel.

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Audiobook details

Author:
Marisa Kanter

Narrators:
Gail Shalan & GM Hakim

ISBN:
9781250401670

Length:
11 hours 3 minutes

Language:
English

Publisher:
Macmillan Audio

Publication date:
May 6, 2025

Edition:
Unabridged

Libro.fm rank:
#1,363 Overall

Genre rank:
#162 in Humor

Reviews

"There are many fake-dating and marriage-of-convenience romances out there, but Kanter’s stands out... Theo and Evie have sizzling chemistry, and their relationship is a satisfyingly slow burn. A romance that balances fun tropes with the frustrating realities of America’s healthcare system."
—Kirkus

"Marisa Kanter's adult debut delves deep into the complexity of romance and friendship and delivers a tender love story that sparkles on the page. This is the kind of read that's good for both the heart and the soul."
—Kate Spencer, author of In a New York Minute and co-host of the award-winning podcast Forever35

"Full of emotional depth and pitch-perfect chemistry, Friends With Benefits is a heartfelt, once-in-a-lifetime romance that totally delivers."
—Annabel Monaghan, bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer

“Sweeping, romantic, and highly emotional, Friends With Benefits takes an all-too-relevant marriage of convenience and deftly paints a portrait of longing, tenderness, and heat between two friends who are destined for the real thing from page one. Prepare to swoon for Evie and Theo and a love story that lingers long after the last page.”
—Carlyn Greenwald, author of Director’s Cut

"A fresh, cinematic romance seamlessly blended with an exploration of modern adulthood. With Marisa Kanter’s wholly immersive writing, every detail springs to life in vivid color. The kind of book that feels instantly timeless.”
—Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk

"Marisa Kanter’s adult romance debut is lush and vibrant, nestled in an often cruel world made hopeful by Kanter’s fizzy, distinctive voice. I pined and ached my way through Evie and Theo’s journey from best friends to lovers, and loved every minute of it."
—Rachel Runya Katz, author of Thank You for Sharing