Neighbors With Benefits by Isabel Jordan

Romantic Comedy/Contemporary Romance
Publication date: ​04/29/2022
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

I expected laughs, sexy times, and characters I'd adore when I picked this one up. I was not let down... 

Plot overview: Ridley and her new neighbor Finn don't get along until they realize they have a common enemy: the new President of the HOA, who is out to get Ridley in a BIG way. Ridley and Finn go from enemies to friends to lovers, all while playing pranks on the HOA. *chef's kiss*

Trope bingo: enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, opposites attract

I've been a bit of a bummer reading streak for a while. I've DNF'd A LOT of books lately. So, when I picked this one up, I had high expectations. I needed this book to rescue me from the depths of my reading despair and it DID. Thank God. I was starting to think I'd have to start watching TV or something, and that never goes well for me. But I digress...

There was so much to love about this book. First of all, it's classified as a romantic comedy and it's actually funny! That's harder to find lately than you'd think. I've seen way too many books labeled as rom coms under cutesy illustrated covers that deal with fairly dark themes and don't offer up anything in the way of hijinks and hilarity. (And in rom com, I NEED hijinks and hilarity or else what's the damn point?) This one delivers on the hijinks and hilarity in a huge way. Seriously. Snort-laughs are a danger.

Finn is a sexy, alpha cinnamon roll hero, meaning he's a tough guy on his own, then he's nothing but a big ole' softy when it comes to Ridley, and that's my catnip when it comes to romance heroes. A+ for Finn. 

Ridley is a quirky, hot mess heroine which can go horribly wrong with some characters, but in this case, I thought Ridley was adorable. She had emotional baggage, yes...but hey, who among us doesn't? She was hilarious, smart, and flawed in a relatable way. 

Secondary characters were interesting and hilarious without being intrusive, obvious "sequel bait." (although, I will say that when Grey, the hot, grumpy bartender showed up, I did sit up a litter straighter and think to myself, "Well, hello there, sexy book 2 hero." I'll happily read Grey's story when it's ready.)

Sexy times are spicy enough to make the pearl-clutchers blush,  but not spicy enough to be considered romantic erotica. That's about the right level of spice for me personally. (No judgement for those who love more spice. I'm only talking about my personal preferences. You do you. I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum.)

Now, I will say that if you're looking for an incredibly deep plot that makes you reevaluate your life, or emotional moments so epic you'll be left in tears...well, look elsewhere. This one is a light, low-angst, character-driven romance with heartwarming moments, spicy moments, and flat-out hilarity. But it's not what you'd call "deep." (And that is a compliment, honestly. I don't WANT to have to think too hard when I'm reading. Sometimes a little brain candy is exactly what I need--and this book is candy-coated sunshine.)

That said, if you need a laugh or two (or forty) and a break from the real world, do yourself a favor and check this one out. You can thank me later. 

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
No rehab needed. This one is clean and sober.