Faking With Benefits, by Lily Gold
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4/5
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶 🌶 🌶 | 4/5
Subgenre & Type: Romantic Comedy | MFMM
Tropes & Microtropes: Fake Dating, Reverse Harem, Friends to Lovers
Series Details: Standalone
Format Details: Kindle Unlimited | Physical Print | Audible | Published by Wild Jasmine Books | 562 Pages
Layla's meticulously planned life is approaching her thirties, but her perfect partner is still nowhere to be found. Fortunately, she has her three best friends living across the hall, each offering their unique perspectives on dating. There's rugged ex-rugby player Zack, sweet boy-next-door Josh, and brooding divorcee Luke, who also happens to be her former professor. After the last straw in a string of bad dates leaves Layla disheartened, her friends step in with an unconventional solution. They agree to be her practice boyfriends, devising a lesson plan filled with fake dates, make-out sessions, and lessons on flirty texting — all captured on their popular podcast. As their friendship evolves into something deeper, Layla realizes that she wants more than just their lessons. However, navigating the complexities of their unconventional arrangement proves challenging, and each man must confront his feelings and insecurities to win Layla's heart. This light and fluffy romance is an EXCELLENT intro into the reverse harem trope, handling taboo elements with grace.
