Reviews

Faking with Benefits by Lily Gold

courtneyyp123's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

julessz's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Føler ikke jeg har noget dårligt at sige om bogen? Den gav mig ALT jeg kunne drømme om fra alle fronter. Virkelig godt skruet sammen 🫶🏼 

caitlin01's review against another edition

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4.0

POLYGAMY IS ILLEGAL AND STILL I CAN'T RUN FROM THE MARRIAGE HEA SEND HELP

whoops so i lied! i said rtc but the review is not to come because i’m in a funk

bolsbooklooks's review against another edition

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funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

gabrielleiscurrentlyreading's review against another edition

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2.0

The beginning was fun and steamy but as the story progressed it just went downhill for me.

nayru_66's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

justkeyreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

bookswithangeli's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 When it comes to RH romance, I've always had my reservations, fearing that the spice might overshadow the depth of the romance. However, Lily Gold pleasantly surprised me by intricately crafting each character with their own struggles, giving every hero a distinct personality.

While I appreciated the unique journey of each hero, I did find a certain lack of chemistry between the heroine and her various love interests. The speed at which the transition happened from 'just good time' to 'head-over-heels' felt a bit rushed. In my opinion, one of the most telling signs of characters falling for each other is their willingness to be vulnerable and peel away their emotional layers. The heroine did show vulnerability, but I felt it wasn't reciprocated equally by the heroes, especially not in her presence. It's hard for me to fully believe in the heroine's deepening connections with the heroes without those heart-to-heart conversations.

Let me break down my thoughts on each character:
Layla- I genuinely admired the heroine. Her backstory and insecurities were consistently portrayed, and it's clear that the author put in the effort to do justice to her character. Still, I hoped for a more mature approach from Layla towards her past bullies. Her bitterness seemed a touch excessive for my liking. Side note, I felt the heroine forgave the heroes too quick.
Josh - Normally, I'm a fan of the quiet and reserved types, but Josh unfortunately faded into the backdrop for me. Despite agreeing with Layla's assessment of him as a coward, his internal struggles did find some justification towards the end. Nonetheless, he could have stepped up more to fight for the woman he loved when she reached out to him.
Zack - I must admit, Zack infuriated me. His actions, in my opinion, were close to unforgivable. That being said, his internal conflicts did carry the most emotional weight among the three heroes. Not a fan of his humor though.
Luke - The dynamic between Luke and Layla puzzled me. He came into the harem later than the two. His brooding nature didn't quite resonate with my tastes. His sudden internal conflict felt somewhat forced, especially given the limited meaningful interactions he had with Layla.

Overall, despite being an RH story, the author managed to infuse romcom feel towards a genre often characterized by its steaminess. My personal preference in romance is to have a solid ground between the MCs before the sex and the love declaration to make sense. This book could serve as a great entry point for those curious about this genre. As for me, I'm inclined to think it might not be the best fit. 

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anotherreadingblonde's review against another edition

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5.0

Lily Gold is what I didn’t know I needed.
But I’m pretty sure I couldn’t life without her books anymore now.

This one was just as amazing as Triple-Duty Bodyguard.

This woman. She’s incredible. Hilarious sweet rom coms but make it ‚why choose when you can have them all‘-style. And I’m all here for it.

And obviously we all come for the spice. And that is top notch. Definitely one of the best spice writers out here I’ve read so far. They are just….unexplainable hot. You just have to experience it.

But whilst you came for the spice….you stay for much much more. It gives you unexpected heartbreak. And emotional moments. And wholesomeness.

Her books are an well rounded experience to just thoroughly enjoy every aspect about. From the first to last page hooked and happy. or crying. Depending on the scene. But no matter what - always in love with the writing. And in a deep debate about whom of the guys is in fact the hottest one.
The good thing: you don’t have to choose - all of them is an option.


But seriously her characters are amazing. Portrayal in perfection. Layla was relatable and sweet and sometimes helpless but alway adorable. And the perfect match for our three chaotic single boys.

And just like in Triple-Duty Boyfriend, Lily Gold easily manages to create different personas for her male love interests, who are all deep and throughly formed as characters. They are always three completely different type of people. But they just fit together in a weird but heartwarming way. And the dynamic between Luke, Zack and Josh was just amazing to read about.


AMAZING BOOK. if you enjoy some four people action. This is your sign. Accept it and read this book or any book by Lily Gold. Those are now mandatory elements for reverse harem stans.

Furthermore they’ve been elected (by the obvious choice for an judge: me) as beginner friendly books. This is now learning material on how to get more than one hole stuffed. Theses books will take your foursome virginity in a friendly and not painful at all way. I promise. You can just relax and let it happen.

So literally ANYONE who just enjoys books with some flawless spice and sweet moments but also fun moments and cry moments and basically all the reasons why you could read: this book. Read it. And read Lily Gold.


5

xredicx's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25