Marisa Kanter’s “Friends with Benefits” tackles one of the most pressing issues facing Millennials today: the crushing weight of the American healthcare system and housing crisis. Through the charming lens of a marriage-of-convenience romance, Kanter weaves together very real concerns about chronic illness, housing affordability, and career dreams deferred with the timeless appeal of best-friends-to-lovers trope.
Evie Bloom, an aspiring Foley artist with Crohn’s disease, and Theo Cohen, an elementary school teacher facing eviction, decide to legally marry to solve both their problems—he keeps his rent-controlled apartment, and she gains access to his health insurance. What follows is a tender, often hilarious exploration of two people who have been dancing around their feelings for nearly two decades.
Character Chemistry: A Slow Burn That Sizzles
The beating heart of this novel lies in Evie and Theo’s relationship. Kanter expertly captures the comfortable intimacy of lifelong friends while building romantic tension that feels organic rather than forced. Evie’s fierce independence and fear of vulnerability creates a compelling counterbalance to Theo’s steady, nurturing presence.
What Works:
- Evie’s journey from commitment-phobic to cautiously optimistic about marriage feels authentic
- Theo’s patience and understanding without becoming a doormat creates a healthy dynamic
- Supporting characters like Imogen (Evie’s sister) and Jacob (Theo’s father) add depth without overshadowing the main couple
- The gradual shift from “casual” to real feelings is beautifully executed
Character Flaws That Feel Real:
- Evie’s tendency to push people away when she’s scared
- Theo’s occasional passivity and people-pleasing nature
- Both characters’ communication issues that drive the conflict
Contemporary Issues Wrapped in Romance
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how seamlessly Kanter incorporates serious social commentary into a light romance. The healthcare crisis, particularly for those with chronic illnesses, is presented without being preachy. Evie’s struggles with Crohn’s disease and the astronomical costs of managing her condition in America feel painfully real.
The housing crisis subplot—where Theo needs combined income to keep his apartment—highlights another generational challenge. These plot devices never feel like afterthoughts; they’re integral to understanding why these characters make the choices they do.
Setting and Atmosphere: Los Angeles Meets New York
Kanter beautifully captures the distinct vibes of both Los Angeles and New York City. From the Pasadena bungalow to the cramped Brooklyn apartment, settings feel lived-in and authentic. The contrast between coasts serves as a metaphor for Evie and Theo’s internal journeys—LA representing comfort and familiarity, New York symbolizing growth and change.
The author’s attention to sensory details, particularly around Evie’s work as a Foley artist, creates an immersive experience. Readers can almost hear the carefully crafted sound effects and feel the rhythm of the dance sequences.
Technical Craft: A Balanced Narrative Structure
Writing Style Strengths:
- Alternating perspectives between Evie and Theo provide insight into both characters’ internal monologues
- Flashback chapters (“Stella Hoffman’s Dance Academy,” “The Shiva,” etc.) effectively build backstory without disrupting present-day narrative flow
- Dialogue feels natural and age-appropriate
- Pacing moves along briskly without sacrificing character development
Areas for Improvement:
- Some secondary plotlines (like the pickleball tournament) feel slightly forced
- Certain emotional revelations happen a bit too conveniently
- The resolution comes slightly quick after prolonged will-they-won’t-they tension
Themes and Emotional Depth
Beyond the romantic elements, Kanter explores several profound themes:
- Trust and Vulnerability: Both characters must learn to trust again after experiencing abandonment
- Chronic Illness Representation: Evie’s Crohn’s disease is portrayed with sensitivity and accuracy
- Grief and Family: Theo’s relationship with his father and mother’s death adds emotional weight
- Career Dreams vs. Reality: The struggle to pursue passion in an unforgiving economy
Romance Tropes Done Right
Tropes that Shine:
- Best friends to lovers
- Marriage of convenience
- Living together
- Slow burn
- Found family
Kanter avoids the common pitfall of making these tropes feel forced. The marriage of convenience genuinely solves practical problems while creating new emotional ones. The slow burn feels justified by their long history and individual emotional baggage.
Diversity and Representation
The novel includes:
- Chronic illness representation (Evie’s Crohn’s disease)
- Jewish characters and culture
- LGBTQ+ supporting characters
- Realistic portrayal of therapy and mental health
These elements feel organic to the story rather than tokenistic, adding richness to the world Kanter creates.
Humor and Heart: The Perfect Balance
Kanter’s writing balances heavier themes with genuine humor. From Theo’s use of “1985” by Bowling for Soup to control his elementary students to Evie’s grandmother’s surprise sex toy gift, the comedy feels earned and character-driven.
The emotional moments hit hard because they’re grounded in real feelings and situations. The scene where Evie confronts her mother at the bat mitzvah is particularly well-written, capturing complex family dynamics with nuance.
Comparisons and Context
“Friends with Benefits” by Marisa Kanter sits nicely alongside contemporary romances like:
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry (for contemporary issues in romance)
- “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert (for chronic illness representation)
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne (for workplace dynamics and banter)
As Kanter’s adult debut (after writing YA novels like “What I Like About You” and “As If I Ever Stop Thinking About You”), this represents a successful transition to the adult romance market.
Minor Criticisms
While the novel succeeds on many levels, a few elements could be stronger:
- The New York job opportunity for Theo feels slightly convenient as a plot device
- Some of Evie’s internal monologue becomes repetitive regarding her commitment issues
- The ending, while satisfying, wraps up perhaps too neatly
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Contemporary Romance Shelf
“Friends with Benefits” by Marisa Kanter delivers exactly what romance readers want: compelling characters, emotional depth, steamy chemistry, and a satisfying happily ever after. Kanter elevates the familiar marriage-of-convenience trope by grounding it in real-world economic pressures, creating a story that feels both escapist and relevant.
The novel succeeds because it understands that the best romances aren’t just about two people falling in love—they’re about two people becoming better versions of themselves through that love. Evie learns to trust again, and Theo learns to advocate for his own desires rather than constantly putting others first.
Perfect for Readers Who Enjoy:
- Slow-burn best friends to lovers
- Contemporary issues in romance
- Dual POV narratives
- Chronic illness representation
- Found family dynamics
“Friends with Benefits” by Marisa Kanter proves that contemporary romance can tackle serious issues while still delivering the escapism readers crave. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and ultimately hopeful exploration of what it means to be vulnerable enough to let someone in—health insurance benefits and all.
Recommendation
This book is a good read for its engaging characters, relevant themes, and satisfying romance. While not perfect, it’s a compelling read that will resonate with anyone who’s ever wondered how to balance dreams with practical necessities, or questioned whether taking a leap of faith with your best friend might be the smartest decision you’ll ever make.
