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The Love Contract
Can she (pretend to) love her neighbour?
An award-winning modern rom-com for all fans of fake dating, enemies-to-lovers stories.
I didn't know the guy next door. And given he was now my daughter's manny, the person apart from me she'd be spending most of her waking hours with, and my fake boyfriend, I needed to find out.
Zoe had a plan - love, marriage and a baby carriage. But when she's ghosted by her boyfriend of seven years (note to don't think about Adam), she decides to have a baby sans partner. There's just one sticky Zoe has to return to work and there's a childcare drought.
Enter Will, Zoe's nemesis and frustratingly handsome neighbour. When Will isn't shutting down thirtieth birthday parties or overseeing the world's longest renovation, he's a corporate lawyer angling to make partner.
After Will's boss mistakenly assumes Will is the father of Zoe's baby and insists he take parental leave (to make the firm look progressive), it seems like a simple white lie could help both Zoe and Will to get ahead.
But life with an adorable toddler - and a growing attraction between Will and Zoe - is never as tidy as their agreement's bullet points and dry clauses suggest. As they get deeper into the lie, the lines between truth and fiction blur.
But Zoe's hiding a secret and when it comes out, the consequences for all of them could be devastating.
An award-winning modern rom-com for all fans of fake dating, enemies-to-lovers stories.
I didn't know the guy next door. And given he was now my daughter's manny, the person apart from me she'd be spending most of her waking hours with, and my fake boyfriend, I needed to find out.
Zoe had a plan - love, marriage and a baby carriage. But when she's ghosted by her boyfriend of seven years (note to don't think about Adam), she decides to have a baby sans partner. There's just one sticky Zoe has to return to work and there's a childcare drought.
Enter Will, Zoe's nemesis and frustratingly handsome neighbour. When Will isn't shutting down thirtieth birthday parties or overseeing the world's longest renovation, he's a corporate lawyer angling to make partner.
After Will's boss mistakenly assumes Will is the father of Zoe's baby and insists he take parental leave (to make the firm look progressive), it seems like a simple white lie could help both Zoe and Will to get ahead.
But life with an adorable toddler - and a growing attraction between Will and Zoe - is never as tidy as their agreement's bullet points and dry clauses suggest. As they get deeper into the lie, the lines between truth and fiction blur.
But Zoe's hiding a secret and when it comes out, the consequences for all of them could be devastating.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
October 6, 2023
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The Love Contract by Steph Vizard. (2023).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 30 August 2023**
Single mum Zoe had the parenting thing all figured out with baby Hazel until a childcare drought derailed everything. Enter Will, her nemesis and hot neighbour. When Will's boss mistakenly thinks Will is Hazel's father and insists he take parental leave, it seems a simple white lie could help both of them. But life with an adorable toddler and a growing attraction is never as tidy as their agreement's bullet points and clauses suggest. The lines between truth and fiction blur. But Zoe is hiding a secret and when it comes out, the consequences could be devastating for everyone.
This was a great engaging read that really hit the spot for me in between some heavier books. This debut romantic comedy won the 2022 HarperCollins Banjo Prize and I think anyone that enjoys that genre will find this a real treat. Zoe and Will have an entertaining frenemy like banter to begin with that turns into a flirty will-they/won't they when through a random serious of events Will ends up caring for baby Hazel while Zoe works. I liked the exploration of looking at parents returning to work after having kids - the childcare issues, the unrealistic expectations of some bosses, the juggle of parenthood and work, the short amounts of leave, etc. With plenty of humorous moments, this is a very enjoyable story.
Overall: happily recommend for any fans of contemporary romance who are looking for a light, fun and easy read.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Love Contract by Steph Vizard. (2023).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 30 August 2023**
Single mum Zoe had the parenting thing all figured out with baby Hazel until a childcare drought derailed everything. Enter Will, her nemesis and hot neighbour. When Will's boss mistakenly thinks Will is Hazel's father and insists he take parental leave, it seems a simple white lie could help both of them. But life with an adorable toddler and a growing attraction is never as tidy as their agreement's bullet points and clauses suggest. The lines between truth and fiction blur. But Zoe is hiding a secret and when it comes out, the consequences could be devastating for everyone.
This was a great engaging read that really hit the spot for me in between some heavier books. This debut romantic comedy won the 2022 HarperCollins Banjo Prize and I think anyone that enjoys that genre will find this a real treat. Zoe and Will have an entertaining frenemy like banter to begin with that turns into a flirty will-they/won't they when through a random serious of events Will ends up caring for baby Hazel while Zoe works. I liked the exploration of looking at parents returning to work after having kids - the childcare issues, the unrealistic expectations of some bosses, the juggle of parenthood and work, the short amounts of leave, etc. With plenty of humorous moments, this is a very enjoyable story.
Overall: happily recommend for any fans of contemporary romance who are looking for a light, fun and easy read.
July 14, 2025
Zoe is single mum to baby Hazel. She gets no help from her mother who remains distant and always busy. With maternity just about up, Zoe needs to return to work for Monica, who is less than understanding, expecting total commitment to the job. But despite her best efforts Zoe cannot locate a childcare centre with a vacancy. Only years of waiting lists.
When Will’s boss sees Will and Zoe and Hazel together, he assumes that Hazel is Will’s daughter and insists he take parental leave. He dangles the carrot of partnership in front of Will. Zoe has has a fraught relationship with next door neighbour Will, always finding fault with her. But she is desperate. And so they devise a plan. When Zoe is working, supposedly part time, Will becomes Hazel’s carer or her manny for those days each week. They draw up a contract to this effect. But the longer the fake relationship goes on the more complicated things become. Zoe sees a different, softer side to Will. Over time Zoe’s attitude and feelings towards Will change. But how does he feel?
This is a cute read. Though it is obvious from the outset where it is going, the journey is still enjoyable getting there. I wanted a light read although this one does turn emotional as it goes on and secrets are exposed, especially the one Zoe has been keeping about Hazel’s possible father which could threaten a lot of plans.
Zoe is easy to like and so is Will. Hazel is a cutie and I enjoyed the Aussie setting of Melbourne suburbs. It also deals with family and sibling issues as well as friendship.
It clearly deals with the plight of the working mother and expectations of employers in ways I feel many women will relate to. Yet it manages to be a fun read at the same time.
I think a lot of people will enjoy it and recommend this easy to read modern romance.
When Will’s boss sees Will and Zoe and Hazel together, he assumes that Hazel is Will’s daughter and insists he take parental leave. He dangles the carrot of partnership in front of Will. Zoe has has a fraught relationship with next door neighbour Will, always finding fault with her. But she is desperate. And so they devise a plan. When Zoe is working, supposedly part time, Will becomes Hazel’s carer or her manny for those days each week. They draw up a contract to this effect. But the longer the fake relationship goes on the more complicated things become. Zoe sees a different, softer side to Will. Over time Zoe’s attitude and feelings towards Will change. But how does he feel?
This is a cute read. Though it is obvious from the outset where it is going, the journey is still enjoyable getting there. I wanted a light read although this one does turn emotional as it goes on and secrets are exposed, especially the one Zoe has been keeping about Hazel’s possible father which could threaten a lot of plans.
Zoe is easy to like and so is Will. Hazel is a cutie and I enjoyed the Aussie setting of Melbourne suburbs. It also deals with family and sibling issues as well as friendship.
It clearly deals with the plight of the working mother and expectations of employers in ways I feel many women will relate to. Yet it manages to be a fun read at the same time.
I think a lot of people will enjoy it and recommend this easy to read modern romance.
August 11, 2023
No wonder this won the banjo!!!!!! It’s a fun rom com absolutely, love an enemies to lovers..I loved Zoe and her friends, loved being in Melbourne suburbia, but it’s also gave me the opportunity to think about the fundamental inequalities, single parenthood, inter generational wealth,,and really how loud can a party be before police are called? This is a novel that completely read itself, loved it
September 4, 2023
This was fun. Loveable. Romantic. And chaotic.
It has to be chaotic if it entails a single mother and that’s just the reality of things. Will was the amazing typical ideal guy you would absolutely love! Hazel I would love to meet and squish her chubby legs! Zoe the ambitious woman knowing what she wants and brave enough to go for it.
Don’t get me started on the awesome Melbourne setting! Need more books set in this city!!!
It has to be chaotic if it entails a single mother and that’s just the reality of things. Will was the amazing typical ideal guy you would absolutely love! Hazel I would love to meet and squish her chubby legs! Zoe the ambitious woman knowing what she wants and brave enough to go for it.
Don’t get me started on the awesome Melbourne setting! Need more books set in this city!!!
December 20, 2024
a big hell yeah to cabarita beach’s shout out🤠
December 1, 2023
What a fun book this was to read with relatable and likeable characters. This is a perfect book if you’re looking for a light read especially if you’ve been reading heavier books like crime or thrillers.
With relatable and likeable characters this book was enjoyable and entertaining. I think fans of rom-com or romance will enjoy this one. Recommended.
With relatable and likeable characters this book was enjoyable and entertaining. I think fans of rom-com or romance will enjoy this one. Recommended.
September 6, 2023
Solo parent Zoe thinks she can do it all alone. A childcare shortage proves her wrong and her (gorgeous, my word he’s gorgeous, just gorgeous) neighbour nemesis comes to her rescue. He has his own motives though (did I mention how gorgeous he is) and they raise some interesting questions about parental leave policies. I’m trying to think of a rom-com I have read with a baby forming part of the equation but am drawing a blank. It really works here and Hazel brings a lot of love and laughter to the premise. Vizard’s writing is warm and charming and she navigates some super tricky plot obstacles to give the reader an incredibly satisfying ending. Seeing Australian rom-coms being published on the regular now is so heartening. I missed my tram stop because of this book and it was worth it.
September 21, 2023
What a page-turner! This was the fastest I’ve finished a book in ages, and had me completely hooked instantly. Before this I’d read some quite deep and dark material, so was desperate for something light, funny and entertaining. This book 100% delivered. Steph Vizard’s sense of humour resonated strongly with me, and I gratefully enjoyed the dry, sarcastic, intelligent and self-deprecating character of Zoe. You certainly can tell where this book was headed, but it was exactly what I needed and I would readily come back for Steph’s next project.
September 10, 2023
3.75 stars! pretty short book, kept me entertained the whole time!! it’s a nice palate cleanser if you’ve been reading back to back fantasy (like me) lol
loved the couple and the ending was so sweet 💗
loved the couple and the ending was so sweet 💗
December 21, 2023
fuck third act breakups and fuck the adam plotline (4.5 if we pretend that didn't happen, 3.25 otherwise)
January 9, 2024
Was alright at first but once everything was revealed I was actively rooting against them. The FMC did some unforgivable things imo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
Tropes
- Fake Dating
- Enemies to lovers
- Neighbours
The Love Contract follows Zoe who has decided to have a baby on her own via donor. While struggling to find suitable childcare and return back to work, her unfriendly, grumpy neighbour Will is mistaken for Hazels Dad. Will has worked so hard for the chance to become partner at a law firm and when he is given the opportunity to take male paid parental leave to show the firm he is a family man, he takes it. This is such a hilarious, raw and beautiful read! It highlights what mothers go through for their children, and fathers also. And the pressures women go through and steps they have to take to start a family. I laughed out loud, I cried. And the plot twists in this one is so unpredictable. An absolute standout debut novel from this Aussie author
- Fake Dating
- Enemies to lovers
- Neighbours
The Love Contract follows Zoe who has decided to have a baby on her own via donor. While struggling to find suitable childcare and return back to work, her unfriendly, grumpy neighbour Will is mistaken for Hazels Dad. Will has worked so hard for the chance to become partner at a law firm and when he is given the opportunity to take male paid parental leave to show the firm he is a family man, he takes it. This is such a hilarious, raw and beautiful read! It highlights what mothers go through for their children, and fathers also. And the pressures women go through and steps they have to take to start a family. I laughed out loud, I cried. And the plot twists in this one is so unpredictable. An absolute standout debut novel from this Aussie author
September 8, 2023
Cute and smart! I was the Leo pointing at the tv gif for all the south Melbourne references.
September 27, 2024
The anxiety this book gave me.
June 11, 2024
This was a solid contemporary romance. Zoe is a single mother that is struggling with finding decent child care and returning to a work place that claims to be family friendly as long as you don’t have a family. Her neighbor Will s a work-a-holic that needs to come off as more of a family man to make partner at his law firm. As you would expect, they help each other out and chaos erupts. Feelings get caught, truths come to light and some odd revelations are made.
I liked the buildup of the relationship between Will and Zoe. I would not classify this as a Rom-Com. This was more of a contemporary love story. I think this was a good book for a day of travel or if you are in the mood for a bit of light reading.
I liked the buildup of the relationship between Will and Zoe. I would not classify this as a Rom-Com. This was more of a contemporary love story. I think this was a good book for a day of travel or if you are in the mood for a bit of light reading.
April 27, 2024
Fun cosy weekend read set in Melbourne. Cute rom com about new motherhood, love, relationships and working mums.
E book
6hrs 47mins
E book
6hrs 47mins
August 14, 2023
I’m feeling all the feels right now! This book was so entertaining, fun and delightful! I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t put it down!
I loved the whole fake dating, enemies to lovers story line! It was so much fun! There was a nice balance of romance, humour, real life issues and motherhood.
As much as this was a fun rom com, I loved how it shows what women go through, the difficulties they face with parenting, single parenting, juggling everything else they have to do and trying to stay on top of it all. It was so relatable to me personally (except I never had a hot manny 😂). I adored Will…ahh he was the sweetest!!
If you love a rom com - this book is for you!
If you’re in a reading slump - this book is for you!
If you enjoy books by Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry - this book is for you!
Thank you so much @harpercollinsaustralia for sending me a copy to read and review.
I loved the whole fake dating, enemies to lovers story line! It was so much fun! There was a nice balance of romance, humour, real life issues and motherhood.
As much as this was a fun rom com, I loved how it shows what women go through, the difficulties they face with parenting, single parenting, juggling everything else they have to do and trying to stay on top of it all. It was so relatable to me personally (except I never had a hot manny 😂). I adored Will…ahh he was the sweetest!!
If you love a rom com - this book is for you!
If you’re in a reading slump - this book is for you!
If you enjoy books by Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry - this book is for you!
Thank you so much @harpercollinsaustralia for sending me a copy to read and review.
September 17, 2023
Firstly, thank you Harper Collins Australia for kindly gifting me a review copy of this wonderful read as part of their "First in, Best Read" Campaign.
"The Love Contract" by Steph Vizard is a fresh, fun, beautifully bingeable read, that despite my flaky mood reading - I could not put this book down when I was reading it, admittedly invested in Zoe and Will's escapades, intrigued by the idea of Zoe and Will's mutually beneficial ''love contract", whereby the two play a ruse of a relationship, after Will's boss assumes Will himself is the Father of Zoe's Daughter, Hazel - which leads to an insistence of paternal leave, with the promise of Firm Partnership on the horizon, the agreement is beneficial as it alleviates some of the constant stress Zoe has been under - she's literally putting every fibre of her being into raising Hazel as a sole parent, struggling to find a spot for her in the constant childcare shortage, Zoe, frazzled and feeling like she hardly has room to breathe! Zoe, who always felt in her heart she wanted to be a Mum, knew she wanted a baby and Hazel became her whole world, raising her on her own and doing a beautiful job showering her Daughter with love while she did her best keeping a roof over their heads - truly, Zoe is a character you want to see succeed, she's trying so hard and even though the whole contract idea made me sceptical at times, I really wanted the ruse to work! Now, admittedly I did find this book to be more character central than plot, I was utterly invested as each character (well, mostly), are completely likeable! I not only loved the chemistry and dynamic between Will and Zoe, but I loved the tender yet fun and fraught scenes with Zoe, her Sister and her Mum, Zoe's closest friend and work wife were both fantastic, too! Yet, to me, at the helm of this book was a whole lot of heart, definitely recommend!
"The Love Contract" by Steph Vizard is a fresh, fun, beautifully bingeable read, that despite my flaky mood reading - I could not put this book down when I was reading it, admittedly invested in Zoe and Will's escapades, intrigued by the idea of Zoe and Will's mutually beneficial ''love contract", whereby the two play a ruse of a relationship, after Will's boss assumes Will himself is the Father of Zoe's Daughter, Hazel - which leads to an insistence of paternal leave, with the promise of Firm Partnership on the horizon, the agreement is beneficial as it alleviates some of the constant stress Zoe has been under - she's literally putting every fibre of her being into raising Hazel as a sole parent, struggling to find a spot for her in the constant childcare shortage, Zoe, frazzled and feeling like she hardly has room to breathe! Zoe, who always felt in her heart she wanted to be a Mum, knew she wanted a baby and Hazel became her whole world, raising her on her own and doing a beautiful job showering her Daughter with love while she did her best keeping a roof over their heads - truly, Zoe is a character you want to see succeed, she's trying so hard and even though the whole contract idea made me sceptical at times, I really wanted the ruse to work! Now, admittedly I did find this book to be more character central than plot, I was utterly invested as each character (well, mostly), are completely likeable! I not only loved the chemistry and dynamic between Will and Zoe, but I loved the tender yet fun and fraught scenes with Zoe, her Sister and her Mum, Zoe's closest friend and work wife were both fantastic, too! Yet, to me, at the helm of this book was a whole lot of heart, definitely recommend!
January 18, 2024
I went into this book thinking this would be another one of your typical cheesy romcoms, that followed the guide. And for the most part it was, but slowly the book become less about the romance, and more surrounding Zoe’s sudden life altering revelation, and in the end we’re all perfectly fixed in typical book form.
For the most part I saw potential in this book, and at points the romance hit peaks, but it felt sudden the switch between love and hate, and even more so the lack of progression that I felt between the main characters to a point I questioned whether there was a romance there at all. And if that had been fixed and a love story had bloomed, I reckon I would have enjoyed it further, additionally removing several plot holes that were unnecessary and messy would have further increased my rating of this book!! Discussed down below:
1. the part surrounding Adam was just frustrating and in a way she manipulated him and used him, to gain a child so she could feel a sense of love, that really she needed to find within.
2. Further, the whole contract seemed strange that will would agree to such a proposal when he was seriously someone who was so passionate around his job and knowing of the law would do something very much illegal.
*Anyway, I loved little hazel and the relationship she had with will and Zoe, it was adorable and their little acts of playing ‘family’ were my favourite. I wish we had had more!!!
For the most part I saw potential in this book, and at points the romance hit peaks, but it felt sudden the switch between love and hate, and even more so the lack of progression that I felt between the main characters to a point I questioned whether there was a romance there at all. And if that had been fixed and a love story had bloomed, I reckon I would have enjoyed it further, additionally removing several plot holes that were unnecessary and messy would have further increased my rating of this book!! Discussed down below:
1. the part surrounding Adam was just frustrating and in a way she manipulated him and used him, to gain a child so she could feel a sense of love, that really she needed to find within.
2. Further, the whole contract seemed strange that will would agree to such a proposal when he was seriously someone who was so passionate around his job and knowing of the law would do something very much illegal.
*Anyway, I loved little hazel and the relationship she had with will and Zoe, it was adorable and their little acts of playing ‘family’ were my favourite. I wish we had had more!!!
April 10, 2024
Cutest rom com book, really easy read
February 11, 2024
3.5 stars for this chaotic read! I’m not sure if it was just me but this was a lot, this story was filled with constant drama and some very complicated relationships. Will and Zoe come to an agreement on Will faking to be dating Zoe and co-parenting for her baby Hazel so Will can look good to his boss and take paid parental leave and Zoe has a manny for Hazel as she can’t secure childcare.
This story felt very chaotic at all times, lots of complicated relationships especially Zoe’s relationship with her sister and her mother. I felt that the story more focused on all the chaos instead of Zoe and Will’s relationship which I would have liked to have seen more of. The secret she was hiding as well was not what I expected. Despite the chaos I did like this story, it was interesting seeing the way Zoe navigated her life and I admired her fierce devotion to caring for Hazel. There was certainly lots of character development and twists. The chaos was definitely part of the reason I couldn’t put it down but it did feel a bit never ending and overwhelming at times.
This story felt very chaotic at all times, lots of complicated relationships especially Zoe’s relationship with her sister and her mother. I felt that the story more focused on all the chaos instead of Zoe and Will’s relationship which I would have liked to have seen more of. The secret she was hiding as well was not what I expected. Despite the chaos I did like this story, it was interesting seeing the way Zoe navigated her life and I admired her fierce devotion to caring for Hazel. There was certainly lots of character development and twists. The chaos was definitely part of the reason I couldn’t put it down but it did feel a bit never ending and overwhelming at times.
March 1, 2024
Loved loved loved this book!!! Characters all soo cute, I love will so much and he truly brought the best out of Zoe and omg his relationship with hazel I can’t deal. It was also just so much more than just a cute little romance ahhh they both learnt so much about themselves and learnt to love themselves through each other which I just loved. Love her relationship with Sofia and I think her relationship with Camille was so lovely and just the way the resolved everything with their mum at the end it truly melted my heart. ALSOOOOO, was so shocked when we learnt the truth about hazels dad plot twist I tell ya! Anyways you should all read this books it’s really cute and had me screaming and slamming my book shut at the smallest things! In love and the cutest ending!! OMG THE LAST CONTRACT. IM DYING!!
December 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I devoured THE LOVE CONTRACT by Steph Vizard.
The balance between romance, humour and relatable real-life issues coupled with fake-dating and an enemies-to-lovers(ish) storyline hit the spot for me.
A fantastic #aussieauthor debut to add to your reading lists.
I devoured THE LOVE CONTRACT by Steph Vizard.
The balance between romance, humour and relatable real-life issues coupled with fake-dating and an enemies-to-lovers(ish) storyline hit the spot for me.
A fantastic #aussieauthor debut to add to your reading lists.
September 21, 2023
Incredible debut book 🌟 I absolutely devoured this, reading it in less than a day. I couldn’t help getting caught up in Zoe, Hazelnut & Will’s story 🥹
December 20, 2024
Not quite my cup of tea
July 3, 2024
Went to an author's talk with Steph Vizard at Chelsea Library. Was very interesting hearing how she went about writing the story and then reading that come to life in the book.
It's a very fun and witty book that also touches on some very real struggles that everyone would be able to relate to, an enjoyable read.
It's a very fun and witty book that also touches on some very real struggles that everyone would be able to relate to, an enjoyable read.
October 11, 2024
A cute Australian romance starting with some fake dating and fake parenting!
January 29, 2025
Needed a light read and this book certainly delivered. Ticks all the boxes of a fun little rom com. Would've appreciated a bit more plot development.
July 5, 2025
This was very PG rated cute. Not overly predictable but cozy. I loved that the author is Australian so lots of new phrases and words and I found the dialogue charming.
August 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ This book is firmly filed under ‘Why did I wait so long to read this?’ I should have listened to your recommendations sooner! I enjoyed THE LOVE CONTRACT so much!
There’s an absolute feast of tropes here which will delight romance fans - enemies to lovers/friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine - all the good stuff!
Right from the very first chapter, I was hooked by the sassy banter between the feuding neighbours. The development of their relationship and the character development of both was excellent also.
These two weave a web of very serious lies & I really appreciated that @stephviz didn’t shy away from making some tough calls about the consequences of their actions.
This is an Aussie rom-com must read. THE LOVE CONTRACT is an absolute treat for romance lovers!
There’s an absolute feast of tropes here which will delight romance fans - enemies to lovers/friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine - all the good stuff!
Right from the very first chapter, I was hooked by the sassy banter between the feuding neighbours. The development of their relationship and the character development of both was excellent also.
These two weave a web of very serious lies & I really appreciated that @stephviz didn’t shy away from making some tough calls about the consequences of their actions.
This is an Aussie rom-com must read. THE LOVE CONTRACT is an absolute treat for romance lovers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews