Book Review of Best Man With Benefits by Samanthe Beck

How far can one favor go…

Logan McCade arrives at his best friend’s wedding overworked and in desperate need of a vacation, only to discover his best man duties have been…expanded. He must coax Colton’s sister out of her shell, or risk her hiding in her room all week. Logan figures he can handle one introverted bridesmaid, but he’s not expecting how much he enjoys “handling” Sophie…or how much she enjoys being handled. 

Socializing has never been web designer Sophie Brooks’s strong suit, but she’s determined to shed her wallflower image and embrace the “New Sophie”—a feat made easier with the supremely sexy Logan McCade tempting her to explore all her forbidden fantasies. If she’s not careful, she just might fall for the best man.
Sophie’s sweet, sexy, and delectably awkward demeanor brings much-needed calm to Logan’s hectic life. With the nuptials only days away, Logan is forced to face the possibility that his favor to a friend might have become something else entirely…and that he’s not willing to let Sophie go. Ever.

********************

One of my favorite romantic tropes is that of the best friend finding love with their friend's sibling.  Ms. Beck's take on this ends up being sweet yet super steamy with a delightful mix of erotic scenes and subtle humor that often left me with a smile on my face.  From start to finish the likable main couple kept me enthralled with their burgeoning relationship and the evolution of the heroine's self-esteem from doubt to confident and assertive.

Sophie grew up an ugly duckling with weight issues, acne, and a maturing chest that all led to her being the butt of jokes.  This led to her desire to be invisible hiding behind baggy clothes and a good book.  The emotional scars of her youth still linger today as she is full of doubt, has issues related to her body, and a desire to stay on the fringe of life to keep from being hurt.  Her big brother's wedding brings out a new Sophie though, one who's lost some weight and who desires more out of life.  Her teenage crush, and her brother's best friend Logan, gives her the opportunity of a lifetime which unleashes a sensual side that has them meeting behind closed doors scorching up the sheets.  Sophie's self-esteem is very low and considering her past it's understandable.  I was left frustrated though by how long it took her to believe Logan's words as he was nothing but honest when pointing out all of her good qualities.  She jumped to conclusions at the first sign of trouble despite the heartfelt words Logan constantly said to her.  Sophie was a loyal friend though, supportive in times of need, which had me rooting for her and ultimately being won over by her.  She was self-deprecating which left me with a smile on my face and finding her even more endearing.  I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell as Logan knew just what buttons to push to get her to embrace her adventurous side in numerous HOT encounters.

Logan has let his work overtake his life and has nothing but loneliness to come home to.  He's indulged in one superficial relationship after another, but the moment he sees Sophie he sees the possibility for so much more.  At first it's duty to his friend that has him spending time with her but it soon becomes all about pleasure.  Both in and out of the bedroom they find adventure, and for him a glimpse of happiness and hope for his future.  She brings laughter and wildness to his life as he shows her how wonderful she truly is.  Theirs is a relationship of two apparent opposites becoming a perfect match.  Logan is the quintessential hero, going out of his way to make Sophie comfortable and reassured.  He's super sexy with a playful nature and their scenes together are delightful on every level.  Logan was the first to stake his claim on her in a grand gesture that left me misty-eyed and naming him my new book boyfriend.

The relationship between these two progressed at a delightful and believable pace.  Logan's charm won me over immediately and Sophie's quest to embrace her inner vixen was immensely entertaining.  Their sexual interludes were erotic with surprising flashes of playfulness too.  The secondary characters were also enticing with glimpses of their own slowly building romances leaving me wanting to find out more about them and their journeys to HEA.  Ms. Beck's addition to the Wedding Dare series is an enjoyable and fast-paced story that has me compelled to read the other books in the series and those wanting a steamy story with likable characters will want to read this, and more, too!

My rating for this is a B+

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.