By Roxie Noir
Publication Date: 2019
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ ¾
Let’s be real for a second: we’ve all been there. You finish two mediocre books back-to-back, one of which absolutely should have been a DNF (Did Not Finish, for the uninitiated), and your brain is practically begging for mercy. You need a palate cleanser. You need something fun.
Enter: Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir.
I’ll admit, my introduction to Roxie Noir started with a freebie in a box set. I’m pretty sure this book was a freebie too, but let me tell you right now: she has officially earned “Add to Cart” status for life.
The Setup: Proximity + Pettiness
The premise here is beautifully simple. Meet Violet and Eli. They went to school together, survived each other, and now, because the universe loves drama, they work at the same event company. She as an event co-ordinator, him as the new head chef.
Their entire dynamic can be summed up in one word: competition. They always have to beat each other. They didn’t like each other back in the day; they definitely don’t like each other now, and they argue constantly. But because they are both objectively gorgeous, they also can’t stop stealing glances at each other. You know the vibe: “Ugh, I tolerate your existence, but also… hot person.”
The Deal: Standard Rom-Com Rules Apply
After a few accidental (but incredibly hot) kiss encounters, they decide to do what any rational, emotionally mature adults in a romance novel do: enter a deal.
The terms? Friends with sexy benefits. The catch? They clearly like each other way more than they’re willing to admit. Classic.
Why You’ll Devour It
If you love any of the following tropes, just go ahead and click buy:
- Funny, witty banter (the kind that actually makes you chuckle out loud)
- Enemies-to-lovers angst
- Grumpy x Sunshine dynamics
- Chef’s kiss spicy scenes 🌶️
This book was an absolute joy to read, and honestly, that’s exactly what reading should be about. Sometimes you don’t need a heavy, complex high-fantasy political thriller. Sometimes you need a no-nonsense romance to save your sanity. And for me? This was exactly it.