The King Contract

by Hannah Smith

They agreed to play pretend—falling in love wasn’t part of the deal.

Millie Schofield’s life is in shambles—drowning in debt, grieving her beloved aunt, and barely holding herself together. The last thing she expects is for Noah King, infuriatingly charming bad-boy surfing star, to sweep back into her life with a ludicrous proposition: be his fake girlfriend for the summer and pocket enough cash to turn her life around. Against her better judgement, she says yes. After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Noah King’s spent years riding waves and perfecting his reputation as surfing’s favourite playboy, but after a drunken arrest and too many headlines, his career is on the brink of collapse. Desperate to salvage his image and secure his future, he turns to Millie—the squeaky-clean girl from high school he never imagined needing. Pretending to be her perfect boyfriend seems like the perfect plan.

It’s just business. No strings attached. No feelings allowed.

As stolen glances and unexpected moments draw them closer, their carefully constructed boundaries begin to blur. Can a relationship built on lies survive the truth—or will they both get swept under the tide of their own emotions?
When the waves of life crash hardest, love might be the only thing that keeps you afloat.

Here’s what you can expect from The King Contract:
♥ A signed fake-dating agreement
♥ Slow-burn romantic comedy
♥ Frenemies to friends to lovers
♥ Celebrity/sports romance
♥ Dual POV
♥ Forced proximity (including one bed)

Please note: This book contains profanity and on-page sex scenes, and is intended for audiences 18 years or older. It also contains references to sensitive topics such as death of loved ones (off-page), cancer, drowning, and drug and alcohol use.

368 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

Hannah Smith writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense, with her debut novel Hazy Love, released in March 2022.

Her stories follow strong women on journeys of self-discovery and love, and because she can’t help herself, true crime often gets thrown into the mix.

Hannah lives with her partner and rescue dog on the east coast of Australia. When not writing, you can find Hannah watching true crime documentaries or doing clue words with a cup of tea in hand.

You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok for updates, writing advice, book recommendations, and complete and utter ramblings.

Reviews

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie’s life is in shambles- bills piling up, trying to run a business and grieving her beloved Aunty. The last thing she is expecting is the bad boy of surfing, Noah King, to make her an offer she can’t refuse- be his fake girlfriend to get him back in the publics good graces and in return make enough cash to get out of debt.

I haven’t enjoyed a rom-com this much in a long time! I was hooked on this one from the first chapter! Millie was such a relatable character. I loved Noah right from the start, and the friendships in this were found family goals. I love the way they all embraced Millie 🥹
This book had me feeling all the feels with the perfect mix of heartfelt and emotional moments, and also parts that had me giggling and kicking my feet.

The Aussie setting made this book even more loveable and the surfing aspects had me wanting to rewatch a fave from my childhood, Blue Crush. And the social media comments and texts were also a winner!

I honestly have nothing but praise for the King Contract and will be needing a shelf trophy asap! This has shot straight to the top of my favourite reads for the year, so I highly recommend giving it a read! Thankyou so much @hannahsmithauthor for the arc copy and happy release day!

Read if you like
•slow burn
•fake dating
•frenemies to friends to lovers
•surfing sports romance
•one bed
•dual pov

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! It was such a cute, heartwarming read with just the right amount of spice and sass. The storyline felt fresh and fun and light. Devoured this in 1 day - and was full of heart and chemistry.

One of the standouts for me was also one the side character— Mack. He’s hilarious and such a great best friend character. Every time he popped up, I found myself smiling or laughing out loud. He added so much personality and warmth to the story.

The pacing was perfect—not too slow, not too rushed. It flowed so easily, I barely noticed the time passing. Plus, the banter? On point. And let’s talk about the spicy scenes... there are a few steamy moments, so this one's definitely 18+ as the book mentions, especially with all the fun Aussie profanity (which just made it feel even more authentic and funny).

Hannah Smith has such a natural, witty writing style—it made the whole book feel effortless and full of charm. Her voice is distinct, warm, and genuinely funny. You can really feel the Aussie vibes throughout, and I love how she balanced cheeky humor with real emotional depth.

This kind of book you finish and wish you could jump right back into. A cozy, cheek spicy moments, feel-good romance with lovable characters and a vibe that sticks with you.

[Isabella Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wԋҽɳ ƚԋҽ ɯαʋҽʂ ιϝ ʅιϝҽ ƈɾαʂԋ ԋαɾԃҽʂƚ, ʅσʋҽ ɱιɠԋƚ Ⴆҽ ƚԋҽ σɳʅყ ƚԋιɳɠ ƚԋαƚ ƙҽҽρʂ ყσυ αϝʅσαƚ.”

This is at the top of my list for BEST summer reads of the year! I took a nice cold drink and floated in the pool DEVOURING this book and regret absolutely NOTHING! This was my first time reading Hannah Smith and I can say without a doubt that I will be going back and reading more of her stuff. Her writing is amazing ! This book gave me major Blue Crush vibes in the best way!!

Our sweet and loveable FMC is Millie. She’s grieving the loss of her auntie and trying to figure out how to dig her way out of debt with her coffee shop and the medical bills from her auntys care piling up. Fate intervenes one day on the beach when she’s photographed with an old foe from high school, Noah.

Noah is our hot shot pro suffer MMC. He’s photographed with Millie on the beach by the paparazzi and rumours start to circulate about him having a gf. He realises that this may be the perfect solution to helping improve his public image. He approaches Millie with the idea of fake dating…she’s hesitant at first…but when Noah promises her a pay day of 50K she immediately says yes, seeing her way out of debt.

These two…I’m obsessed. The banter between them was perfection. There wasn’t much drama in the beginning. Just adjusting to all of a sudden being thrown into a couple and the spotlight, which Millie is not used to. One tent and one bed later and these two are crossing the line from fake to very real. Noah falls first and he falls HARD! He never stood a chance when it came to Millie, and I think he always knew , even in high school, that there was something special about Millie.

I loved the way they encouraged each other. Pushed each other to reach their dreams. Millie with her photography and Noah with his surf camp. They built a bond of trust and love which was so important because both of them were so guarded. They had both been burned in the past so they were hesitant to really open up. But when they did it was beautiful.

There is a 3rd act breakup and OW drama. But what I liked was that it was handled maturely and with open and honest communication. And it was honestly just a miscommunication thing that ended up bringing the OW into the friend fold.

Speaking of friends!!! The side characters were everything. Ellis and Mack brought this light and playfulness into the story that had me laughing and giggling. I loved how all of Noah’s friends welcomed Millie with open arms. This book literally brought new meaning to found family. I want to be part of their family 😩😩

If you want a fun summer read with all the romance, laughs and steamy nights…hot surfers and all the Aussie vibes, this book is definitely the one for you! 🩵

Thank you so so much to Hannah Smith for the opportunity to ARC read your beautiful book! 🩵

🏄🏻‍♂️Surfing Romance
🩵Fake Dating
🏄🏻‍♂️Frenemies to Lovers
🩷Slow Burn
🏄🏻‍♂️Sports Romance
🩵Aussie Vibes
🏄🏻‍♂️Playboy MMC
🩷Sunshine FMC
🏄🏻‍♂️Guarded MC’s
🩵One Tent, One Bed
🏄🏻‍♂️RomCom
🩷Forced Proximity
🏄🏻‍♂️Good Girl x Bad Boy
🩵Pro Surfer x Aspiring Photographer
🏄🏻‍♂️Dramatic Meet Cute
🩷Miscommunication
🏄🏻‍♂️3rd Act Breakup
🩵Dual POV
🏄🏻‍♂️Summer Read
🩷HEA

[Imogen Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!! I did not want to put it down!
Noah & Millie’s characters were instantly loveable and cmon, who doesn’t love the fake dating trope (it’s my favourite).
Every single side character brought so much into this story and I really hope each of them get their own books & HEA!!
- Australian Surfing hotties …. HELLO -
I am beyond grateful to have been able to read this ARC. One of my fav reads this year for sure.

[Meg Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book before I had a new baby, I couldn’t wait to get home from hospital to pick it up again! And then I couldn’t put it down! My favourite read in a long time, I fell in love with the FMC and her story.
Watching this space for the next book in the series!!!

[Staceyinkindleland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when Hannah said she was releasing another book. And even more so when I got an early copy to read! Thank you beautiful for sending me this, it’s one of my top romances this year.

This book made me smile, my heart feel full and I was immediately drawn in from the first chapter. It made me feel so happy. Fake dating and full of banter, I didn’t want to put it down!

Perfect if you love
~ surfer romance
~ fake dating
~ slow burn
~ dual POV

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well…what can i say about this wonderful book except that i absolutely LOVED everything about it! The King Contract is basically a fake dating surfing romance and if you are dubious about the surfing theme like I was then do not worry because Hannah writes it all extremely well and you just end up falling in love with the whole thing.

There are quite a few tropes covered in this book, all of which were written really well and i loved them. There was a signed fake dating agreement, a slow burn romantic comedy, frenemies to friends to lovers, celebrity/sports romance, dual POV, forced proximity and only one bed - which i think is my absolute favourite!!

Millie Schofield has a squeaky clean image and comes along to try and save the reputation of surfing's favourite bad boy, Noah King by agreeing to fake date him but things somehow don’t go according to plan…

There was such funny banter between all of the characters and this made for such a feel-good fun read. The more Millie falls for Noah she gains more and more sass and she was amazing! I loved Noah’s friendship circle, Mack in particular was extremely funny and i hope at some point that we get to know them all a little bit better!

Each chapter flowed so easily into the next one and i just couldn’t stop reading and the dual pov was especially good as we got to see both sides of the story.

The King Contract was such a heartwarming story & emotional too, it definitely gave me goosebumps, a lump in my throat and maybe a few tears along the way. It is such a feel-good romance with lots of characters that you will very easily fall in love with. I loved the family element, not just through blood but also with friends… it was the perfect spicy, slow burn romance, the ending was just how I wanted it to be but also left it open for more to come and after i had finished the story my heart was very happy. I will definitely be coming back for more from this series, in fact I absolutely cannot wait!!!

[Booked.withb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King Contract - by Hannah Smith 🏖️📣🔥

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 Stars – Utterly Obsessed!

“They agreed to play pretend—falling in love wasn’t part of the deal…”

Except that’s exactly what I did—with this book. I fell hard.

♥ Fake Dating / Signed Fake-Dating Agreement
♥ Slow-Burn Romantic Comedy
♥ Celebrity/Sports Romance
♥ Frenemies to Friends to Lovers
♥ Forced Proximity (yes, there’s one bed)
♥ Dual POV (both Millie and Noah’s voices—bless)
♥ Angst, flirty banter, emotional depth & so. much. tension.

I am OBSESSED with this book. I devoured The King Contract in 3 days—I literally could not put it down. Hannah, omg… your writing is phenomenal. The way you captured grief, healing and the messy, beautiful process of falling in love—it wrecked me in the best way possible.

Millie and Noah are everything. The character development was stunning—from Millie’s quiet resilience and growth to Noah’s heartbreaking vulnerability hidden behind that cocky surfer smile. Their chemistry? Electric. The tension? Unbearable in the best way. The banter, the stolen glances, the emotional gut-punches—it all felt so real.

I’m an emotional mess right now, literally sobbing because I connected so deeply with these characters. You made me feel everything—the grief, the joy, the frustration, the longing. You nailed the rawness of navigating relationships, especially ones that start off wrapped in lies and slowly unravel into something honest and achingly beautiful.

And those little quotes at the beginning of each chapter? Chef’s kiss. They added such a heartfelt, thoughtful layer to the reading experience. Every one of them hit home.

I feel so grateful to have won your book in the giveaway—thank you for the opportunity to read something so special. I’m ALL IN for the rest of The Wipeout Series. Whatever you write next, I’ll be first in line. 🥹❤️🤩

[Lizzie Hammang · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌊The King Contract by Hannah Smith🌊

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

If you're a sucker for fake dating, forced proximity, and sizzling slow burns, The King Contract will sweep you off your feet like a perfectly timed wave (pun totally intended hehehe) 😝

Millie, a fiercely relatable heroine barely keeping her life together, is offered a lifeline (and a headache) when Noah King, bad-boy surf star and her old high school nemesis, asks her to be his fake girlfriend to save his reputation. Cue: tension, banter, and one very inconvenient bed to share. 😏

A heartfelt, sun-soaked romance perfect for fans of beachy settings and celebrity drama. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself rooting for Noah and Millie long after the final page.

I loved how Hannah balanced themes of grief, healing, and personal growth with all the fun and flirty tension we crave in a romantic comedy.

📖 Tropes you’ll love:
✔️ Fake dating with a contract
✔️ Slow-burn romantic comedy
✔️ Forced proximity

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Elle Kennedy, or anyone who loves their love stories with a side of chaos and charm 🩷

Thank you so much to @hannahsmithauthor for sending me an ebook arc to review - I am beyond grateful! 🙏🏻

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[Hayley 〰 Hayley's Next Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Aussie romance
- pro surfer x wannabe photographer
- fake dating
- reformed playboy
- good girl x "bad boy"
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
- dual POV

POV: You have an awkward reintroduction to the high school jock, only for him to hunt you down and convince you to be his fake girlfriend to help clean up his image. The catch? You get paid a casual $50K for your trouble.

It's so fun reading an Australian romance, especially one set in my own state. Noah is the typical playboy surfer, but Millie isn't easily swayed. She's guarded, with good reason, after losing so many people she's loved.

Still, it's the quiet, genuine moments that shift everything. Millie starts to see the real Noah, and he falls just as hard for her.

What really stands out is how they grow together. Noah takes real steps toward launching his dream surf camp, while he gives Millie the courage to take her photography seriously. They encourage each other in all the right ways.

There is a breakup, driven by miscommunication and some other woman drama, but it's resolved quickly and maturely. I especially loved that the "other woman" actually becomes a friend.

Hannah delivers the spice, including a one-bed-in-one-tent scene for your reading pleasure. The supporting cast adds plenty of fun too, and I'm already looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to Hannah for the early copy!

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie/ Maelstrom: amateur photographer; trying to keep her aunt’s store afloat; fake dating Noah
Noah King: professional surfer; faking dating Millie to fix his image

This was my first surfer book and I loved it! This was such a fun read. The fake dating trope was chef’s kiss for this book.

Millie and Noah are the true definition of opposites attract. They both had preconceived notion about each other but they aren’t that.

Millie at first sight is a saint of a person (which she is) but she is also a fiesty quick-witted woman just trying to figure out her life. Noah appears to be a drunken cocky/ arrogant surfer (which he is/ was) but he is also a good person that got caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle. He changed his ways once he saw how it affected his family and friends. They are both saints in their own way.

The more Millie and Noah spend time together they got the see the real sides of each other. They didn’t have the pressure of trying to impress each other. They were their raw selfs. They fell in love with the real Millie and Noah not the idea of each other.

10/10 would recommend

[Lopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read three of the author's novels now, and I absolutely adore Hannah's writing, specifically the way she takes us straight into the story. It was also extremely unique to me because I have never read a romance in which surfing is the chosen profession. I appreciated how relatable some of the surf situations were because I'm from a small coastal town where surfing is a big hobby for the locals 🏄🏻‍♀️
The writing is also perfectly well balanced regarding the pacing and having to establish a true love connection between the characters all in a span of 3 months.

Our main characters, Millie and Noah, had a natural flow to their relationship that I genuinely appreciated - even if it initially was all for "the charade." I loved their banter and teasing because it showed just how comfortable and easily they fell into that chemistry❤️‍🔥 But I also liked their vulnerable moments that portrayed the sweeter and softer sides to them.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not the biggest fan of playboys because they generally have to work really hard to earn my trust, so initially, I had my doubts about Noah. But he pulled through in the end for Millie. It's hard to fault a man who motivates and supports his girl to go forward and reach for her dreams🥹
I have nothing but pure love and adoration for Millie. She's such a selfless character that has gone through so much, and even if she really needed the money to stay afloat, she remained strong-willed and didn't let Noah's charm overshadow her true self.

The side characters were also amazing additions to the story! The sweetest moments were how the friendships turned into found family and how quickly they accepted Millie into their fold.
I can't wait to see more of them, especially Dan, because we need to fix this loveable little sad boii😭

The King Contract is honestly a beautiful blend of heartfelt emotions, delightful humor, and a cozy Aussie appeal that makes it the ideal read to fully dive into😏

Thank you so much @hannahsmithauthor for the arc!🩵 I'm incredibly excited for what's to come.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your average fake dating romance. For once, it's not hockey. The story centers around a group of surfers and it takes place in Australia.

Noah and Millie went to high school together. An unfortunate incident throws them together on the beach, and because he's a global surfing phenomenon, the media rumor mill ignites. They decide to fake date to help each other - Noah with his bad boy image and Millie with her deceased aunt's debt (medical bills and a coffee shop).

Their romance is a bit of a slow burn and of course, has a few hiccups, but this book is really great. I've never read anything by this author, but her storytelling and character development is fantastic. I love all of the characters in this book!

Can't wait for the rest of the series!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I LOVED this book so much!!! This was my first surfer boy book and I’m obsessed! It was a five star read for me up until about 2/3rds in and it dragged a little and then unfortunately she threw in a “3rd act break up” which did work well it’s just not something I’m a big fan of so it lost half a star for me…

So ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 star read for me and honestly loved it so much, I love the fake dating trope and she even threw the good old one bed trope a couple of times which is another crowd pleaser so that was fun!

I absolutely cannot wait for book two as we already meet the next main characters and I’m in love already!

Thank you Hannah for reaching out to me I hope more people find this amazing book!! 🫶🏼

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a book...once I started reading I was absolutely hooked in!! I fell in love with Millie and Noah straight away...their connection and chemistry...the steamy scenes...I was flushing as I read it and it left me wanting more!!! The other characters in the story were created so well....everyone needs a Ellis and Mack in their lives...I was smiling and laughing as I read their parts everytime!
Hannah is such a talented writer and knows to keep you wanting to read more...I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Wipeout Series!!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

oooooohhhh this was sooooo good!!!
so refreshing to read a romance novel based in my home country (mmhmmm yeah 🙂‍↕️🫡) and have familiarity with phrases and sayings.
fake dating trope will ALWAYS have me hook. line. and SINKER, and this was no different!!!
such well written and developed characters, and you instantly fall in love with the friend group and other important characters.
such a great book (that got me out of a reading slump) and i will definitely be reading more from this author!!!

[Tahlia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh this book was so good until the end, the third act frustrated me so much. The fact he kept the ex girlfriend attending the same event a secret…..shit goes down with the FMC and then they break up… then when he was apologising he said he thought about kissing the ex??
I love the character development but at the 80% mark, you’re telling me the lead man still has thoughts about the ex… calling her gorgeous… ugh I just know that this couple isn’t going to last.

The book up until this point was good… maybe I’m petty but it just ruined it for me.

[Crystal Anne Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one for the mushy romances but I really like this author. I was pleasantly surprised to fall in love with Millie and Noah and the rest of the gang. I did always back Millie because sisters have to stick together! It was nice to be in the Australian world of surfing for awhile. The story is concise, interesting...and well, let's just say, be careful not to get burned on the steamy parts! Hannah did a great job. I can't wait for book 2!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything i expected and more!

Set in the beautiful Australia with surf, sun and spice ;)

I love Noah and Millie so much. Millie is so lovable and Noah....needs the love! I loved the trope of fake dating but also throwing it back to when they first met. Hannah Smith knocked it out of the park AGAIN with this one and I cant wait to add The King Contract to my collection in physical form.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Hazy series from Hannah Smith so was excited to see this new series and book release. The King Contract has instantly became a firm favourite for me, I downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited but loved it so much I went and bought a hard copy for my shelf. The main characters are really likeable and Hannah really nails the witty banter that had me grinning and giggling out loud like an idiot at times. Love Love Love this one and will be itching to read the next in the series.

[Ren Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Smith ate and left no crumbs - the dynamic between our main chars? *Chef’s Kiss* The inevitable angst that they deal with? 10/10 no notes. The character development? 5 out of 5 stars.

We also stan a book that’s got a girls girl and this book gives us more than one!!

Looking forward to reading anything in this series as it comes.

Keep cookin’, Hannah. You got a home run with this one!

[Kristiina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this author on socials via our current mutual hyperfixation on gay hockey romance (looking at you Heated Rivalry).

Read this is one sitting, couldn't put it down! Forced proximity/ fake relationships is a favourite trope. Also love a setting in Australia talking about sports that I have absolutely no knowledge of (cricket) sprinkled with Aussie slang that even my Kobo cannot define

[Sophie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow
The most incredible book!
It made me laugh out loud, cry and gave me goosebumps at so many points!
Fell in love with the characters and cannot wait for number 2!
Nailed it again Hannah 🙌🏻❤️

[Christie Errington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

Hannah’s books are consistently some of my very favourite books and this was no exception.

Noah & Millie were so much. I loved their banter, I loved their sweet moments - I loved everything.

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t resist the fake dating trope, ever. The surfer/Aussie angle was a welcome change and I loved it

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, fake dating and a hot surfer - what more could I want?! Though the use of the word "knobhead" early on had me sold!