Marisa Kanter’s romance debut for adults masterfully transforms the tired “marriage of convenience” trope into something painfully relevant for millennials struggling in today’s economy. Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter isn’t just another rom-com about best friends who suddenly discover they’re meant to be—it’s a sharp commentary on America’s broken healthcare system wrapped in a genuinely touching love story.
Plot Overview: More Than Just a Convenient Marriage
The premise hooks you immediately: Evelyn “Evie” Bloom, a Foley artist (yes, that’s the person who creates all those specific sound effects in movies), lands her dream fellowship. The catch? No health insurance. For someone managing Crohn’s disease, this isn’t just inconvenient—it’s impossible. Enter Theo Cohen, her best friend since childhood, a teacher facing eviction because his roommates are moving out of their rent-controlled apartment.
Their solution? Get married.
Kanter doesn’t shy away from addressing the absurdity of a system where marriage becomes a loophole for basic necessities like housing and healthcare. What could have been a shallow setup becomes the foundation for exploring deeper questions about love, commitment, and the difference between choosing someone and choosing them again every day.
Characters: Flawed and Beautifully Human
Evelyn Bloom: The Reluctant Bride
Evie is refreshingly complex—a woman who’s spent her life pushing people away, terrified of being abandoned like her mother abandoned her. Her chronic illness adds layers of vulnerability she struggles to show, even to Theo. Kanter writes her with such authenticity that you feel every moment of her physical pain and emotional walls.
Theo Cohen: The Lovesick Teacher
Theo represents every person who’s loved their best friend from afar, quietly hoping they’ll notice. His characterization as an elementary school teacher obsessed with Survivor makes him immediately lovable, but it’s his emotional intelligence and patience that truly shine. The way he notices Evie’s health needs before she does? Chef’s kiss.
Writing Style: Dual POV Done Right
Kanter alternates between Evie and Theo’s perspectives, allowing readers to experience both the push and pull of their relationship. Each voice is distinct—Evie’s narrative peppered with sound-related observations (a Foley artist through and through), while Theo’s chapters often reference his students’ latest antics or Survivor strategies.
The author’s background in YA fiction serves her well here, bringing a fresh energy to adult romance without sacrificing emotional depth. Her dialogue feels natural and lived-in, particularly the banter between Evie and Theo that’s been refined over twenty years of friendship.
Themes That Resonate Beyond Romance
Healthcare as a Plot Device (That Actually Works)
In lesser hands, Evie’s Crohn’s disease could feel like a convenient plot device. Instead, Kanter weaves it seamlessly into the story, showing how chronic illness affects every aspect of life—from career choices to relationship dynamics. It’s representation that matters, handled with care and accuracy.
The Economics of Love
The financial realities driving their marriage feel painfully current. Rent control, employer-based healthcare, the gig economy’s lack of benefits—these aren’t just background details but active forces shaping the characters’ choices. Young readers will find themselves nodding along, likely facing similar struggles.
Family Dynamics and Trauma
Both protagonists carry family baggage that influences how they view love and commitment. Evie’s abandonment issues from her mother and Theo’s complicated relationship with his father after losing his mom to cancer create believable obstacles to their happily ever after.
The Romance: Slow Burn at Its Finest
This isn’t insta-love disguised as convenience. Kanter takes her time building tension through:
- Casual intimacy: Those moments when they almost cross the line
- Daily domesticity: Sharing an apartment, cooking together, arguing over whose turn it is to feed their dog
- Health scares: Theo supporting Evie through medical appointments and flare-ups
- Family integration: Sunday breakfasts with Theo’s dad, who clearly adores Evie
The physical chemistry builds gradually, making their eventual relationship feel earned rather than obligatory.
Cultural References and Pop Culture
Kanter’s use of Survivor as a recurring element adds charm and authenticity. The show becomes a bonding ritual, a language between them, and a metaphor for the alliances we form to survive—whether on a reality show or in real life. The Foley work details are fascinating, giving readers insight into a profession most never think about.
Areas Where the Story Stumbles Slightly
While generally strong, Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter isn’t without minor flaws:
- Pacing: The middle section occasionally drags when focusing too heavily on their daily routines
- Secondary characters: Some supporting players feel underdeveloped, particularly Evie’s sister Imogen
- Resolution timing: The climax feels slightly rushed after such careful buildup
- New York transition: The move to NYC happens quickly, though it serves the plot well
Emotional Impact: Tissues Recommended
Kanter excels at emotional authenticity. The scene where Evie finally admits her Crohn’s symptoms to Theo, his immediate research and accommodation shopping? Devastating. The quiet moments where they support each other through family drama? Perfect. The realization that their “fake” marriage has become the realest thing in their lives? Chef’s kiss.
How It Compares to the Author’s Previous Work
This marks Kanter’s debut in adult romance, following her successful YA novels What I Like About You and Finally Fitz. The transition is seamless—she maintains her knack for witty dialogue and authentic emotions while exploring more mature themes around healthcare, career pressure, and adult relationships.
Similar Reads to Consider
If you enjoyed Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter, try:
- “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang: Another romance featuring a chronically ill protagonist
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry: For similar depth in contemporary romance
- “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary: For roommates-to-lovers with emotional complexity
- “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert: For disability representation in romance
Final Verdict: A Romance for Our Times
Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter succeeds because it grounds its romance in real-world problems without becoming preachy. Kanter creates a love story that acknowledges how economics and health access affect our most intimate relationships, while still delivering the emotional satisfaction romance readers crave.
Tthis isn’t a groundbreaking romance, but it’s a solid, heartwarming entry that tackles important themes with sensitivity and humor. It’s the kind of book that makes you believe in the power of choosing your person despite all the practical reasons not to.
Whether you’re here for the friends-to-lovers trope, the marriage of convenience, or the thoughtful handling of chronic illness in romance, Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter delivers. Kanter has crafted a contemporary romance that feels both timely and timeless, proving that sometimes the most beautiful love stories come from the most practical beginnings.
Perfect for readers who enjoyed the emotional depth of Emily Henry or the authentic character development of Casey McQuiston, with a unique focus on accessibility and economic realities that sets it apart in the romance genre.