Friends Without Benefits: An Unrequited Romance (Knitting in the City, #2)

by Penny Reid

There are three things you need to know about Elizabeth Finney: 1) She suffers from severe sarcastic syndrome, especially when she's unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her like Nico Manganiello, and 3) She knows how to knit.

Elizabeth Finney is almost always right about everything: the musical merits of boy bands are undervalued by society, “benefits” with human Ken dolls are better without friendship, and the sun has set on her once-in-a-lifetime chance for true love. But when Elizabeth’s plans for benefits without friendship are disarmed by the irritatingly charismatic and chauvinistic Nico Manganiello—her former nemesis—she finds herself struggling to maintain the electric fence around her heart while avoiding a Nico charisma-electrocution or, worse, falling in love.

• ISBN10: 0989281027
• ISBN13: 9780989281027
• Publish Date: 1 October 2013
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Cipher-Naught
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 346
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

Wow! Elizabeth really made Nico work for it. They shared an odd past, but some really beautiful moments. It pained me, that Elizabeth thought there was no possibility of finding love again, but I am glad Nico didn't give up on her. I also learned, that you cannot yell FIRE in an occupied space.

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[stacey_is_sassy]

I love coming back to visit with the Knitting ladies...

This series is one of my very favourites and it has almost become a regular in my re-reads. It's like I can't stay away from Penny Reid's words. I'm not particularly fussy but admit to having a wee bit of a soft spot for the Knitting in the City and Winston Brothes series.

No change to my rating as I'm always left completely satisfied with the story and narration. I will be back for more in the near future.

**********

I saw Dan, Dan The Security Man...

I purposely kept this reread/listen of Friends Without Benefits so that it would be close to the release of Marriage of Inconvenience. I LOVE Penny Reid, I LOVE this series and I LOVE the audios too. Getting to see and hang with Dan, The Security Man, is getting me all excited for his story. My countdown has been activated...

I timed listening perfectly as I was able to finish it on a baking day. Listening to a favourite and making cake and cookies is my idea of heaven. It also helped that I had the house to myself which meant fewer interruptions.

Elizabeth and Nico's love story was not easy and at times I hurt for them both. They have known each other for years without really knowing each other. This time is their right time. They will have to lower their walls and share their thoughts and feelings if they want their HEA.

Devra Woodward does an outstanding job and I enjoyed every moment of this audio.

[bumblingbookworm]

This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Bookworm

Actual rating - 4.5 stars

Third book of  this series read for the week, and once again I couldn't put it down.  I loved that we focused on two new characters, both of whom we'd caught a glimpse of in Neanderthal Seeks Human and Neanderthal Marries Human.  I really related to Elizabeth, and her unwillingness to open up lest she get hurt once again.  I also loved Nico and his devotion to Elizabeth, from such a young age.  Their relationship, and the hijinks around it, were compelling reading!

I also loved that the author didn't excuse young Nico's behaviour and perpetuate that it's acceptable for young boys to be mean to young girls because they like them - he was held accountable for this and this was quite refreshing.  The pacing was still off, in instalove territory, but I didn't really care about that because these characters had a history so it didn't seem too weird.  A very enjoyable read and I can't wait to continue the series.
Check out the rest of my review here!