Frenemies with Benefits

January 1, 2025

Bed-and-breakfast owner Tracey Thompson feels overwhelmed with the process of putting her personal and professional lives back together after divorcing her husband, who had an affair with and impregnated one of Tracey's integral employees. But with some distance from her marriage, Tracey begins to recognize all the ways she minimized herself in order to be the perfect wife; she decides that now is the time to pursue her dreams. Brian Nelson, a former classmate and new friend who owns a plant nursery, has witnessed many of Tracey's most embarrassing moments. He makes it clear that he's always been attracted to her, even when she thought he disliked her, and that he would like to explore that attraction if it's mutual. Tracey doesn't want a new relationship, but an uncomplicated arrangement with Brian sounds great to her. They both prioritize and value their friendship, but the romantic side of their relationship quickly comes to mean more to them than they anticipated. However, small-town gossip, reappearing exes, and family drama get in the way, making them reevaluate the relationship. VERDICT The sequel to Waiting for Friday Night is highly recommended for all romance collections.--Nicole Williams

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December 9, 2024
Former frenemies agree to a friends-with-benefits arrangement in Williams’s high-drama third Peachtree Cove contemporary (after Waiting for Friday Night). Since Peachtree Cove, Ga., won a best small-town award, business at Tracey Thompson’s bed and breakfast has been booming. Though the hype boosted her bottom line, Tracey prefers to stay under the radar, having grown up as the talk of the town due to her parents’ many scandals. But when her husband cheats with and impregnates Tracey’s assistant, she’s pulled back into the rumor mill. To make matters worse, it’s Brian Nelson, Tracey’s judgmental high school frenemy and current flower supplier, who uncovers the affair and breaks the news. Tracey’s friends encourage her to prioritize herself while waiting for the divorce to be finalized, so she looks for a lover—and she’s shocked when Brian volunteers, hoping to explore his long-held crush. Then Brian’s ex-wife returns, claiming her child is his, and Tracey finds herself facing yet another scandal. Is her budding romance with Brian worth the risk? Williams ramps up the familial drama, adding tension to the heartwarming romance, and Brian’s gentleness postdivorce is especially endearing. Series fans will be pleased. Agent: Tricia Skinner, Foreword Literary.