RAW Rating: (5 out of 5)
Don’t Be Influenced
Jason Richards is a good, nice guy. Fresh out of law school, he enjoys talking to his neighbor, Mrs. Petroff, who believes that if he eats her beef stroganoff every Friday night, he’ll find someone to have a meaningful relationship with. That is, until he pairs up with Steven Cox, an arrogant, no-good lawyer with a penchant for showing off. After 2 years, the case that Jason’s been working on hits pay-dirt. Problem is, he’s looking for love the wrong way and gets influenced by Steven, who’s not only jealous, but intends to help him spend the four-million dollar bonus he received from winning his case.
Carole Brantford works at a non-profit agency. Her sole intent is to help others, but she just can’t seem to help herself. In and out of relationships, she feels like she’ll never find “the one.” Finally, with advice from her good friend Marcia and the help of a magazine, she begins to realize that in love, there are no set “rules” and you have to play your cards to win, but with the right person.
These two never anticipated running into each other again; there are still scars from their college days. Carole hasn't gotten over what happened in their relationship and still holds a bitter grudge against Jason. Although they have a close, mutual friend in common, he just wants to stay out of her way. Will they ever put aside their difference to really come to know and understand what’s important in life?
FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS was an easy, light-hearted read. From beginning to end, I found myself laughing and thinking about situations where I could recall reading a magazine and trying to follow the advice, realizing that it was very misguided. Lawrence Ross does an excellent job of showing how you can be easily influenced when you want to fit in, and the beauty of being exactly who you are. The book also highlights the dangers of putting your trust in people you don’t know too fast and too soon. Definitely an eye-opener, the title of this book holds meaning to so much more.
Reviewed by Belinda of The RAWSISTAZ ™ Reviewers
Author's Blog: www.inglewoodrudeboy.blogspot.com
