Engaged, Apparently

by Amy Andrews

A sassy fake-dating-with-a-twist, friends-to-lovers, laugh-out-loud romance for readers of Rachael Johns, Beth O'Leary and Marian Keyes.


When Finn and Sweeney return to their hometown to surprise their mothers at Ronnie and Connie's joint sixtieth birthday party, they expect to be the biggest bombshell of the evening. And they are-just not in the way they'd assumed. Because they're ... engaged?

Apparently?

Sick of hearing everyone else's exciting news of weddings and grandbabies, Ronnie and Connie spontaneously fabricated their own fairytale. Their absent children are engaged ... to each other.

Finn and Sweeney will absolutely not pretend to be engaged. Just coming home is giving them both plenty of emotional baggage to unpack. But they have vastly underestimated their mothers and soon find themselves reluctantly agreeing to the fake engagement so their pillars-of-the-community mums aren't exposed as big fat lying liars.

However, when their new relationship goes viral-not just in their small town of busybodies, but internationally-Finn and Sweeney realise that the lie is completely out of control. Will they ever be able to untangle themselves from its clutches?

And what if the biggest lie they've been telling is to themselves?

PRAISE FOR ENGAGED, APPARENTLY

'A cheeky, fun and deeply Australian rom-com about childhood friends, small towns, big dreams and meddling mums. Amy Andrews writes loveable characters with heart and humour.' Clare Fletcher, author of Five Bush Weddings

'Heartwarming and charming. Reading this small town romance feels like a warm hug - filled with hilarious characters, fizzing chemistry and a community, team and couple to cheer on!' Steph Vizard, author of A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances

'Cheeky, saucy, and an absolute romp - Engaged, Apparently is rom-com perfection. With toe-curling tension, flirty banter, and a fake engagement that spirals into something deliciously real, Amy Andrews delivers scorching chemistry and a quirky, lovable cast.' Holly Brunnbauer, author of What Did I Miss?

'Bubbly and endlessly romantic, Engaged, Apparently is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. With banter that pops and sizzles and a delicious slow burn, the messiness of falling in love with your best friend has never been so delightfully sexy.' Amy Hutton, author of Ghosted

'Amy Andrews delivers a delicious slow burn fake engagement romance that will have you cheering, cackling and kicking your feet. Engaged, Apparently hit me in all my feels and stole my heart.' Emma Mugglestone, author of In the Long Run

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary Romance

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2026

About the author

Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.

Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.

She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!

She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.

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Reviews

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A delightful, romantic, joyous, witty, sassy and humorous contemporary fiction with moments of flirtation and bursts of steamy.
Amy Andrews has many books up her sleeve and this is my first.
Fin and Sweeney have been friends forever.
Their mothers are also great and longtime friends.
Ronnie and Connie have been forced to make an announcement.
When both adult kids arrive back home in Ballyshannon to surprise their mums at the joint sixtieth birthday party, they soon get wrapped up in the nights shocker.
Sick of the towns gossip mill about engagements, weddings and grandbabies they fabricate that their children are engaged.
While they are back, Fin and Sweeney have past emotions to deal with but they reluctantly agree to the lie.
But soon things get out of control and may be there’s more to this lie than they both realise….
There’s so much to enjoy in this refreshing read.
The plot is charming, the cast is captivating, the setting is community minded and the book as a whole is a great reading experience.
A fake dating and friends to lovers trope shines in this novel and fans of the unique romance tale will be entertained.
So swoon, adore and chuckle with this timeless love story.

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A really lovely read! Despite knowing how the storyline would unfold, I was captivated by the characters. The hidden depth was also a lovely little bonus. It was a little long but lovers of the genre may disagree.

Definitely worth resting.

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Aussie set romance with two scheming bestie mums telling their group of friends that their children are dating each other. When Finn and Sweeney return home to surprise their mums for their birthday, they don't know what they're walking into and for the sake of their mothers, they decide to keep the ruse going. We all know where fake dating leads! This book was so fun. I loved the small town with all their unique characters. Our two mains had great chemistry and since they grew up together, a lot of the "getting to know you" phase was bypassed. The ending was super sweet and left me with a big smile on my face. Definitely recommend this one to fellow romcom fans.

[what.karli.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.75/5

𝙰 𝚏𝚊𝚔𝚎-𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛!

𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚖-𝚌𝚘𝚖; 𝚜𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚜𝚘 𝙸 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝟸𝟻𝟶 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚐𝚘.

𝙰 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚒𝚝, 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚛𝚊𝚠 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝.

𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝙸𝚃!

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

Amy Andrews is a new to me author, but now I have broken that seal, I will be reading more.

I love nothing but a friends to lovers story, throw in some meddling mothers, small towns and you have a lot of fun.

Did I know how Fin and Sweeney's story was going to end - of course I did. However I couldn't help but enjoy every turn of the page.

Having moved to a small town some time ago, I completely go the gossip mill, how there are always eyes on you, and I could understand Fin and Sweeney's frustration that they couldn't just come home.

But I also got how that small towns will embrace you when you need it.

I now want to go and read more works by this author.

[Evie Pavone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟

a nice read of general fiction and a little romance

I liked the sign language aspects of the book it was lovely to include those parts of the story

just felt a heads up on the trigger grief would have been nice as it was heavy into that topic

apart from that a nice read by an aussie author

[Sam Still Reading]

DNF. I felt really disconnected from the characters and the story like I was in the back row of the theatre. Great premise, I just wanted to get into the characters' heads more.

Thanks to Harlequin for the ARC.

[Amy Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

.....📚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 📚.....

Engaged, Apparently by Amy Andrews is a contemporary romance that blends small‑town charm, freinds to lovers with a classic fake‑engagement setup. If that didn’t win you over, did I mention this is set in Australia! Put 28th Jan in your calendar and this book in your shopping cart!

When childhood best friends Finn and Sweeney head home to surprise their mums at a joint sixtieth birthday party, the last thing they expect is to walk into a celebration of their engagement. An engagement they definitely did not agree to.
Turns out their mums, Ronnie and Connie, tired of everyone else’s wedding bells and baby news, decided to create some excitement of their own by announcing that their long‑absent, jet-setting children are engaged… to each other.
What starts as a wild misunderstanding quickly spirals into a full‑blown fake‑engagement pact, all to protect their mums from being exposed as the town’s newest rumour‑spreaders. But when the story goes viral far beyond their small‑town borders, Finn and Sweeney realise the lie has taken on a life of its own.
As they navigate nosy neighbours, unexpected attention, and the emotional weight of coming home, the biggest question becomes: can they untangle themselves from the chaos? And do they even want to?

Amy Andrews delivers a story that feels light on its feet while still offering emotional depth, character growth, inclusivity, and a strong sense of place. It’s the kind of romance that invites you in with familiarity but keeps you invested through thoughtful character work and well‑paced tension. The emotional beats land well, and the chemistry is written with a subtlety that makes their progression satisfying. Readers who enjoy fake‑dating stories that balance humour, heart, and authenticity will find a lot to appreciate here. Those (like me) that adore friends to lovers won't be able to put it down.

A heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly tender story about family expectations, second chances, and the truths we hide from others, and ourselves.
.
.
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Thank you to @harlequinaus and @amyandrewsbooks for this copy in exchange for my honest review

[Nikki Sims-Chilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaged, Apparently by Amy Andrews is a delightful rom-com that ticks all the boxes for fans of the genre. While the storyline follows a familiar and somewhat predictable formula, it’s exactly the kind of feel-good read that rom-com lovers will enjoy.
The story follows childhood friends Sweeny and Fin, who return to their hometown to surprise their mothers on their 60th birthdays. However, the tables turn when they discover that their mothers have already surprised the entire town by announcing that Sweeny and Fin are engaged! A sudden natural disaster forces the pair to stay in town longer than planned, and as they continue their charade of being a couple, they begin to question whether their feelings might be more than just an act.
One of the standout elements of the book is the inclusion of Auslan, with a non-verbal girl on the Gaelic football team adding a heartwarming layer of representation and depth to the story. The characters are well-developed and endearing, making it easy to root for them as they navigate their complicated emotions and quirky small-town dynamics.
With its charming Irish flavour, lovable characters, and a light-hearted plot, Engaged, Apparently is an easy and enjoyable read. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, entertaining escape into the world of love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finally am free. I’m sad because the premise and the plot points for this is are fun and at times I enjoyed myself despite the frustrating writing. The audiobook reader also wasn’t doing it any favours - read it almost like a librarian would read a children’s book - and whoever edited it left in a mistake or flub every chapter or two. That being said, I hope someone picks this up and adapts it. It would be quite charming on the small screen.

[Julia S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! Omgoodness Amy Andrews, I need to read the rest of your books!

As soon as I read the synopsis for Engaged, Apparently, it went straight onto my TBR list!

Finn and Sweeney have been best friends their whole lives. When they return home to surprise their mothers, Ronnie and Connie, at their joint 60th birthday, they discover that their mums, are sick of hearing about all their friends Grandchildren and have concocted a story that Finn and Sweeney are engaged!

What follows is fun, a little chaos and a whole lot of amazing characters with so much warmth that will completely win your heart over time and time again.

I adored the friendship between Finn and Sweeney and their developing chemistry. Their loyalty and understanding of each other was so gorgeous.

I also enjoyed the small town vibe and the interesting characters in this town!

The book felt so cosy and I just wanted to spend more time in this welcoming environment - oh and I can't forget to mention Connie and Ronnie again!!!!! These Mum's are a little cheeky and naughty, but oh so loveable and their love for their children is so lovely!

Engaged, Apparently had me feeling all the feels - laughing and giggling one minute, swooning the next, tearing up, crying with happiness and then giggling again! This book truly has so much heart!

I literally could go on and on about much I loved this book, but it's definitely one you need to experience for yourself.

[Kirsty Wenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable rom-com, with a fun twist on the friends to lovers trope and infused with humour, heart, and nice mix of Australian and Irish flavour. Highly recommend this one!

[Erin Molta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read

A slow burn, high romantic tension, best friends to lovers master class of a book. The chemistry sizzled, the friendship was rock solid, the antics were humorous and the emotions were fraught. Mine included. I powered through the pages because I couldn’t not know how these two wholly relatable characters got their HEA.

[avidreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story, indeed. Love the mothers and the community within.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaged, Apparently offers a fresh and entertaining take on the friends-to-lovers trope. Childhood best friends Sweeny and Fin return to Ballyshannon to surprise their mothers for their 60th birthdays, only to discover the entire town believes they are engaged—to each other—thanks to a rumour started by their mums.

While I found the story a little drawn out in places, it’s ultimately a sweet and layered novel. Set in a small country town in Victoria, it captures a strong sense of community, particularly through the town’s passion for children’s Gaelic football and how everyone rallies together. The story also explores deeper themes, including the loss of both Sweeny’s and Fin’s fathers. Although these losses happened at different stages of their lives—Sweeny was just 12, while Fin was an adult—the novel thoughtfully shows how each of them processed grief, guilt, and loss in their own way, and how they come to better understand each other through it.

The inclusion of a young girl who communicates using Auslan adds real depth to the story. I especially liked how the community supports her after the tragedy she’s experienced, which reinforces the novel’s themes of care and connection.

As Sweeny and Fin reassess the paths they thought they wanted, the story becomes one about growth, priorities, and recognising what truly matters. The humour woven through the heavier moments keeps the tone balanced and makes it an engaging, enjoyable read overall.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story from one of my favourite authors, this one is set in a small country town in Victoria and is sure to leave any reader smiling, I laughed, I cried and I loved it.

When Sweeney Bailey and Fin Murphy arrive back in the small town of Ballyshannon as a surprise to celebrate their mother’s sixtieth birthday they did not realise that they would be engaged, their mothers Ronnie and Connie are the best of friends and after hearing about everyone else’s children getting married and giving them grandchildren they apparently broke a secret that their children had become engaged not realising that said children were just about to enter the pub doors to surprise them.

Finn and Sweeney are not happy there is no way they are going to play along with this they have been the best of friends since they were babies and there has never been anything more in their relationship they haven’t even caught up for a few years with Fin living in Dublin since his father’s death and Sweeney traveling the world with her photography and having a home base in New York, but they love their mothers dearly and in the end decide on a fake engagement till they both leave, Sweeney in a week Fin in four weeks.

But their engagement goes viral in the small town and soon Feeny as they are known are the hot topic in town and on the family social media account and soon it is not just the town but worldwide when Fin takes on coaching the young kids in the Gaelic Football team and Sweeney takes on the position of photographer a couple of kisses start both of them thinking, then off to the Gold Coast with the team and things really heat up in a way that shocks them both, do they want to change their best friend feelings and make it more?

This story is absolutely wonderful not only is it an awesome romance it is about grief and life in small towns but takes is Auslan, Australian sign language. This one is filled with fabulous characters I loved Fin and Sweeney so much it is filled with emotions and it is very moving as we see Fin and Sweeney realise where their hearts belong. I highly recommend this one to any lover of a good RomCom it was hard to put down, Thank you Amy Andrews for another awesome story, I loved it.

My thanks to Netgalley and HQ Fiction for my digital copy to read and review

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fin Murphy and Sweeney Bailey return to Ballyshannon to surprise their mothers Rhonda and Constance who are holding a joint sixtieth birthday party and they’re the ones who get a big shock! The best friends are tired of hearing their peers bragging about upcoming weddings and dress fittings, pregnancies and grandchildren and they tell a big fat lie that Fin and Sweeney are engaged and they didn't expect them to walk in the door.

Ronnie and Connie convince them to pretend to be engaged just for a week or so and so they’re not the laughing stock, and who would think two librarians and regular church attendees could be so ruthless and conniving?

Fin and Sweeney grew up together, are best friends and do they want to ruin this by becoming romantically involved and yet the longer their together the harder it is for them to ignore the chemistry and keep their hand off each other. Fin starts coaching the kid’s Gaelic football team, Sweeney a photographer is clicking away and sharing the images with the parent’s permission on Instagram and they become a hit on social media.

I received a copy of Engaged, Apparently by Amy Andrews from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. What an engaging read, the characters are wonderful, and the narrative has both a funny side and a series one.

From fake dating and becoming engaged, the two mother’s conveniently moving in together, making sure their adult children are living the same house and on their own, and have their fingers and toes crossed they will fall madly in love and make cute babies.

The death of a parent or parents and impact this has, how you can’t run away from your problems for ever and have to face them eventually, family and expectations, ties and staying in one place, people who are hearing impaired, and Auslan Australia's form of sign language.

Based around the Irish communities in country Victoria, this book will have you laughing out loud on minute and reaching for the tissues next, perfection between the pages and five stars from me and I highly recommend.

[Narelle Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweeney and Finlay, lifetime friends who have grown-up in Ballyshannon in country Victoria, Australia, but are now citizens of the world living in New York and Dublin respectively, think they are going to surprise their mothers, Ronnie and Connie for their joint sixtieth birthdays. However, the surprise belongs completely to Sweeney and Finlay, for when they arrive in town they discover their mothers have just invented a fake engagement for them - an engagement to each other. Through a large amount of motherly guilt, Sweeney and Fin agree to play along with the lie temporarily. Not only are they now fake engaged but they also find themselves committed to helping with one of the local Gaelic football teams made of five and six year olds - Fin as coach and Sweeney as official photographer. In no time at all they are absorbed in the small town community that they thought they had left behind. Oh, and they are also sharing Fin's family home as Ronnie and Connie decide to leave the lovebirds to spend private time together to help convince the town that that 'Feeney' is a real thing.
This is a laugh out loud book that makes you want to quickly book at trip to Ballyshannon and take up coaching Gaelic football It is so charming - every character is a definite treat to meet. There is absolutely nothing about this book that isn't to like - it is full of heart. The use of Auslan, Australian sign language, within the story developed through a little girl, Winnie, and Fin's family is absolutely something that captures you emotionally - there was a moment towards the end of the book where I had to break out the tissues - it was so lovely..
I really enjoyed this book - it was a one sitting read - the best way to end 2025. Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaged, Apparently is a fun and cheeky rom-com centering around meddling mothers and a fake engagement that will have you in stitches!

☘️At Connie and Ronnie’s 60th birthday celebration they get so sick of hearing everyone’s exciting news about weddings and grandbabies, that they lie about their children’s relationship.

When Finn and Sweeney walk through the door to surprise them at the party, they expect to be the biggest bombshell of the evening. And they are-just not in the way they'd assumed. Because they're...engaged?
Apparently? to each other!

Just being back in the small town of Ballyshannon is giving them both plenty of emotional baggage to unpack. They agree that they will absolutely not pretend to be engaged, but when they mums lay they guilt on thick the find themselves reluctantly agreeing.

However, when their new relationship goes viral on social media-Finn and Sweeney realise that the lie is completely out of control. But it has them both assessing what they thought they wanted and what truly matters and maybe that actually is each other…

✨Engaged, Apparently made me laugh, it made me cry and was the breath of bookish fresh air I didn’t know I needed. There was so much to love about it.

For starters there is the delicious slow-burn between Fin and Sweeney. Then there’s the close-knit community and the colorful characters that reside there, especially Winnie and the depth that her character brings to the story. I also loved the contrast between the light and the heavier topics, it all made for an engaging read!

If you are looking for a fun Aussie read, with emotional depth and a sense of place then I definitely recommend grabbing a copy of Engaged, Apparently!

[Pousali Ghosh (thispandareads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely adorable cute fun and hilarious book! I’ve never read a friend to lovers trope before and I’m going to read so many more of these. Sweeney and Fin not only were very well written, the development of their relationship was totally swoon worthy. And what made it even better, that it’s set in Australia! There’s so much more to the story than just a normal love story as well! There’s overcoming grief, guilt, societal pressures and the obvious but very important urge to not ruin the friendship. All the cute moments had me going awww and that letter scene had me bawling my eyes out!

Sweeney is returning home after a long time for her mums and her mums best friend’s joint sixtieth birthday party. Fin her childhood best friend (also the son of her mums best friend) made all the plans to return home to surprise them together! But when they reached the venue, it was their turn to be surprised. Because apparently their mums just told everyone a little white lie. And these two are now….apparently engaged! Everything is now thrown into turmoil because it’s a small town and everyone knows. They have to keep appearances and keep up the ruse. And it doesn’t help that their moms are guilt tripping them and they are dealing with nostalgic sad memories too. But things start getting heated between them. Will they end up choosing to save the friendship or take the next step?

This book is everything that will remind you why you love a good old romance story. Thank you so much HarleQuin Aus for sending me the ARC of this awesome book!

[Anita D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaged, Apparently by Amy Andrews
⭐️ 4.5 / 5
🌶️ 3 / 5

Amy Andrews doesn't miss!

Sweeney and Fin are back in their hometown for their mums' joint sixtieth birthday party. Only they arrive to find out their mums have just announced to all their mates that Sweeney and Fin are engaged.

Amy's writing is engaging (ha!) and easy to follow. Sweeney, Fin, and their families all felt so full of life. While this book dealt with some heavier topics (hello death of a parent being a major part of three characters' lives), it was lighthearted, hopeful, and funny.

I adored Sweeney and Fin's relationship. Childhood friends who rarely kept in touch felt so realistic to me - even though they hadn't spoken in an age, they fell back into their friendship so easily. The build-up from friends to lovers was frustrating and perfect.

I was kind of devastated that this book came to an end, but I enjoyed how the book opened and ended with a peep into the way that the mums were thinking about their own lives, and Sweeney and Fin. It was a fantastic way to intro and close out the book.

You should read this if you love a rom-com! It's definitely going on my wishlist for my birthday next year.

I received an eARC of Engaged Apparently. I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Amy Andrews, Harper Collins, and NetGalley.

Tropes:

Fake dating / engagement
Only one bed
Childhood friends to lovers
Forced proximity

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒇 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌, 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒇 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆. 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚-𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔.”

I had the BEST time reading this. A book that doesn’t take itself serious and has a fun sense of humour, plus set in Australia is always going to be a winner for me and this was no exception.

Sweeney and Fin have been friends since they were kids thanks to the most wholesome friendship between their mums. After both living abroad, both decide to meet up for the first time in years and surprise their mums in the small hometown. Thanks to a teeny tiny spiralling white lie courtesy of their mother’s - they get wrapped up in their own fake engagement.

This book had ENDLESS amounts of heart, fun, tender moments and chaos. I adored seeing Fin and Sweeney reconnect as adults and embrace the fears and grief they kept locked up. It made me so happy there was give and take in the emotional burden they shared. And don’t even get me started on Winnie who now has the most special place in my heart 🥹

I could literally go on and on about this cutie romance, but I think it’s nice safe to say you can sign me up for any book which starts off with some charming, middle aged besties meddling with the best intent!!!

A huge thank you to Harper Collins / HQ for sending a proof my way in exchange for honest feedback 💓

4.5🌟

[Grace Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙, 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 // 𝘼𝙢𝙮 𝘼𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙨 🩷💍✨

This book had everything I love in a book:
Friends to lovers, especially 👫
High school sweethearts 🥰
Fake engagement > forever love 💝
Irish-ness ☘️🍀🇮🇪
AUSLAN 🤟🏼
ONLY. ONE. BED. 🛏️

Featured; AUSLAN, the Australian Open, librarians, Melbourne, Geelong, Western Australia, Dublin, NICU babies at the Royal Children’s Hospital, airports, pubs, alcohol & parties, fake engagements, weddings and love, pregnancy & birth, Tamagotchi’s and Gameboys, shelves of books about space & science, coffee, two clocks — one with Ballyshannon and one with Dublin, St Patrick’s Day, social media, Teenage Dirtbag, Claddagh rings, sports, music, vacation, education, Golden Gaytime icecream, Ed Sheeran, losing jobs in the outbreak of the big C, inflation, very ‘real life’ coded.

It reminded me of my own relationship:
Irish-English partner 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
I’m Australian 🇦🇺
Newly engaged 💍

This was so much fun and I flew through it! 🤌🏼♾️🩷✨ it read more like a general fiction, like a librarian reading a book at a story time? 🤷‍♀️ with a romance (sub-)plot. I did really enjoy it though. It was quite humorous too, which i enjoyed!
I personally think this would do really good as a movie 🎥🍿

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Perfect book for the month I got engaged and the month of loveeee 🩷🎀🫶🌷). Hope you all had a great February 💋

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Finn and Sweeney head back to their hometown to surprise their mothers at a joint sixtieth birthday party, they expect awkward small-town conversations and perhaps a few raised eyebrows. What they didn’t expect was to find that everyone believes that they are engaged to each other. This is all due to an enthusiastic fib told by their mothers, who are frustrated that all their friends are celebrating weddings and babies. Neither Finn nor Sweeney wants to play along at first, but between emotional baggage and community expectations, they find themselves saying “yes” to the pretend engagement and discovering just how complicated real feelings can become.
What stood out for me most was the authentic chemistry between the main characters and the light-hearted depiction of small-town life. The storyline was made complete with nosey neighbours and meddling mums who think they know what’s best. I found the writing to be witty and warm, with dialogue that had me smiling and moments that felt genuinely tender amid the rom-com chaos. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and the gradual shift from a silly façade to real emotional stakes was handled sweetly.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Siegrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed all the way through this delightful book.

Although Engaged, Apparently is most definitely a rom com (of the friends to lovers persuasion) the hero characters for me were definitely Ronnie and Connie, the mother characters to their clueless-in-love adult children. Most romantic comedies are comedies in that they generate smiles, but this one generates belly laughs. These mostly come from Ronnie and Connie who get the best lines. I won’t quote them here so you can have the joy of discovering them yourself.

I was describing this book to a friend and she thought it would make a great TV show. I definitely agree. It has - for those who remember it - slightly Seachange vibes but with the benefit of more women with agency and a team of cute 5 year old Gaelic footballers.

It’s a witty book with meta moments - ‘what was one more juicy trope’ and also deals with serious issues like grief, career transitions and adult parent child relationships. Often parent characters in rom coms are flat at best or horrendous sexist cliches at their worst but Amy Andrews allows both parents and children to be complex human beings capable of growth.

Thanks so much to Amy Andrews for writing this excellent book, to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the arc copy. I hope you guys are hard at work selling the film and TV rights.

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Amy Andrews but it certainly won't be the last. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for her back catalogue after reading this gem.

I started reading this book yesterday while I was at the hospital having my 3-weekly immunotherapy treatment and had nurses and other patients giving me funny looks because from the get go I was laughing out loud and had a wide grin on my face. There should be a warning to not read this in public places!

Then today's reading, when Fin and Sweeney got into some really deep and meaningful conversations, I was glad that I always keep tissues on my side table as I certainly needed them. At times I had to pause, take off my glasses and wipe my face as I was crying so much.

Amy has created some wonderful main characters in the mothers, Ronnie & Connie, and their offspring, Finn and Sweeney, the newly engaged couple, apparently!
There is also a great supporting cast of relatives, town busy bodies who mean well, and a team of cute kids who play footy.

I absolutely adored this book and can't say thank you enough to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaged, Apparently.
Amy Andrews.

This is a fake dating with a twist, friends to lovers, laugh out loud romance, firmly set in the Australian vernacular.

'You're two small-town kids, best friends since birth, who left town to make it big, and who have suddenly realised they've been in love with each other all along.'

When Finn and Sweeney return to their hometown to surprise their mother’s at their joint 60th Birthday Party, they are thrown in the deep end after their mothers have announced to their friends they are actually engaged. With Ronnie and Connie having spontaneously fabricated their own fairytale, Finn and Sweeney have alot of hiding and lying to do, especially after their new relationship goes viral - not just in their hometown of busybodies, but internationally.

‘But hey, why not? Why not complete the feeling that she and Fin were trapped on the set of a rom-com by throwing in one more juicy trope?’

Finn and Sweeney realise the lie is completely out of control. Will they ever be able to untangle themselves from its clutches? What if the biggest lie they’ve been telling is to themselves?

This was fresh and fun. Plenty of humour injected throughout to add balance and made this such an engaging and enjoyable read. A joyful experience.

“Take it from a guy who knows what side his bread is buttered on. Happy wife, happy life.”

[marlin1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness what an absolute delight to read after a previous heavy book.
Fin and Sweeney have been friends forever, brought up in a small Victorian town, they were born almost around the same time, their mothers are best friends and lived a few houses down from each other. Now nearly 30 years old, life has taken them in different directions but they still kept in contact and Fin has had the brilliant idea to surprise their Mum’s on their joint 60th Birthday party. Unbeknownst to them, their Mum’s sick of the town’s grannie spamming brigrade announce that Fin and Sweeney are engaged….just as they walk into the room. Now it’s up to Fin and Sweeney to keep up the pretense while there for a few weeks.
I absolutely loved this book, best friends to lovers trope in its finest. I had so many laugh out loud moments, especially those adorable kids trying to play Gaelic football. Love the respect that Fin and Sweeney showed each other in all aspects , especially as they try and deal with their changing feelings for each other.
If your looking for a great feel good book give this one a go, it will brighten your mood.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

[Kiki.andhershelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Engaged, Apparently is a small town romcom set in Australia. Going in, I expected the unique Aussie humour and the charm of rural an Australian town. I wasn’t expecting how emotional this book would make me, tears were shed!

This story follows two lifelong besties who haven’t been back to their hometown in years. On their mother’s 60th birthday they decide to surprise them. Unbeknownst to them, their mothers had just announced to the town gossip that Fin and Sweeney had gotten engaged.

Besides all the cute, funny and awkward moments of two friends having to pretend that they are engaged, this book touches on the deeper topics of grief and the loss of a parent. It also featured lots of charming side characters and I loved the AUSLAN rep. The chemistry and banter between the main characters was enjoyable and their romance was really sweet.

If you love a heartwarming romcom that goes a little deeper, slow burn tension, side characters that will make you laugh, small town charm, you will love this!

Tropes:
✨ Friends to lovers
💖 Small town romance
✨ Fake engagement
💖 Forced proximity
✨ Small town gossip
💖 Viral romance/lies get out of control

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Loved this!
Engaged, Apparently was not only hilariously fun in parts but was also emotionally beautiful at other times.
I loved Amy’s story so much and enjoyed the way Fin and Sweeney’s mother’s, after telling the most epic untruth about them, manipulated the two into spending more alone time with each other.
The mum’s Ronnie and Connie were absolute crack ups making this story so much fun to read.
This friends to lovers, fake engagement, slow burn, steamy at times story was set in a little town in Victoria, Australia.
It touched on some emotional moments of their childhood, the couples growing feelings for each other and their electric chemistry.
With plenty of interactions with the townsfolk and a cute group of 5 year olds this was a pleasure to read.
I highly recommend reading this book.
Thank you to Amy Andrews, NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this story.