coffee addict books: Review: Friends Without Benefits (Knitting in the City #2) by Penny Reid

Title: Friends Without Benefits
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #2
Genre: new adult, contemporary romance, chick-flick

Friends Without Benefits can be read as a standalone, is a full length 120k word novel, and is book#2 in the Knitting in the City Series.

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 electrocution or, worse, falling in love.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

FLO'S REVIEW

Friends Without Benefits by Penny Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 **eye twinkling** STARS

“Italians who speak Italian should be illegal, or at least come with warning labels - may make your panties explode.”

Well, that was a delicious combo between second chance romance, friends to enemies to friends - again to lovers story. It’s all very complicated and tragic but also a whole lot of hilarious - Penny Reid style.

Let's talk story...

“You have to know that I’m in love with you, you have to know that I’ve loved you since we were kids, since before I can remember.”

Book two in the Knitting in the City series tells Elizabeth and Nico's story. They were friend growing up, until they grew apart and he became more nemesis than friend. A tragic loss brought them closer together later on and then there was this one time when foe and friend blurred totally out of control.

Today, Elizabeth Finney is a doctor and part of the crazy girl knitting group that makes up this lovable series. She is Janie's (heroine of Neanderthal Seeks Human) best friend and former room mate. Elizabeth leads a very work and knitting oriented life, until one day her new patient's uncle turns out to be none other than Nico Manganiello.

Nico Manganiello. *sigh* 'The Face' is an italian stud, famous comedian, tv personality and he is about to rock an old friend/enemies’ world.

“I don’t want to be fair! I’m not interested in being nice! You’re right. I’m playing games with you and I’m playing dirty because I want you, I need you, to be with you, to hear your voice, your laugh, to hold you, to touch you...”

I really enjoyed this story. Well written, chick-lit goodness, with maybe a little less humour and more drama than the first instalment in the series. On top of that the usual scientific accuracy that comes with a Penny Reid book.

I guess my favourite part would be Nico and his unwavering love and determination. Not to mention those twinkling eyes of his. I did a joined ebook/audiobook 'read' and I have to say the narrator managed to give him one of the most swoon worthy voices. Honestly if you get a chance listen to the book. Nico's voice alone made my 'read/listen'.

Unfortunately for me, Elizabeth wasn't as lovable as dear quirky and random fact loving Janie. Maybe it's because she is more aware of her surroundings, and it makes Elizabeth's awkwardness less cute and more annoying in the long run. She was a tough character, very much influenced by her past and I had a hard time warming up to her, and she is also the reason for my rating.

But that shouldn't keep you from picking this one up. She eventually comes to her senses and the side characters alone make this book a well rounded experience. Just one more thing...you should definitely read the 'open door' love scene. *duh* Hands down and clothes off my favourite scene in the whole book.

Can't wait to read the next instalment in the series. I hear it keeps getting better. ;D