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The Boyfriend Clause
Sabrina’s new Melbourne cafe, her lifelong dream, is struggling—despite her exceptional baked goods and fabulous coffee.
Her love life isn’t faring much better—she just keeps dating the wrong kind of guy. But the boyfriend clause in her loan agreement requires her to be in a committed relationship or pay back the loan in its entirety.
That would mean losing the cafe.
What could be worse? Making up a fake boyfriend, and accidentally giving him the name of the rude and brooding famous writer in her apartment block, the one she wildly insulted when he moved in—that’s what!
And when that leads to the rude and brooding writer joining her rambunctious family on a trip to England and a charade of perfect romance, Sabrina finds herself navigating a whirlwind of contradictory emotions. Including an unignorable awareness of just how infuriatingly hot the insufferable writer is.
But as the boundaries blur, one question looms what, or who, is he writing about?
The Boyfriend Clause is everything you could ask for in a contemporary a totally relatable heroine, a steamy love interest, an offbeat family holiday, delicious pastries and just enough spice to set your heart on fire.
Bridie Blake is a Melbourne writer. The Boyfriend Clause is her first novel.
Her love life isn’t faring much better—she just keeps dating the wrong kind of guy. But the boyfriend clause in her loan agreement requires her to be in a committed relationship or pay back the loan in its entirety.
That would mean losing the cafe.
What could be worse? Making up a fake boyfriend, and accidentally giving him the name of the rude and brooding famous writer in her apartment block, the one she wildly insulted when he moved in—that’s what!
And when that leads to the rude and brooding writer joining her rambunctious family on a trip to England and a charade of perfect romance, Sabrina finds herself navigating a whirlwind of contradictory emotions. Including an unignorable awareness of just how infuriatingly hot the insufferable writer is.
But as the boundaries blur, one question looms what, or who, is he writing about?
The Boyfriend Clause is everything you could ask for in a contemporary a totally relatable heroine, a steamy love interest, an offbeat family holiday, delicious pastries and just enough spice to set your heart on fire.
Bridie Blake is a Melbourne writer. The Boyfriend Clause is her first novel.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
19 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Bridie Blake
4 books97 followersBridie Blake lives and writes in Melbourne, Australia. She is a self-confessed daydreamer and consumer of reality TV, who can sniff out chocolate like a bloodhound and will never turn down a coffee or the opportunity to listen to Taylor Swift.
Her novel, The Boyfriend Clause, will be released in Australia and New Zealand in 2026 via Text Publishing.
Her novel, The Boyfriend Clause, will be released in Australia and New Zealand in 2026 via Text Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 27, 2026
“Maybe love isn’t about getting it right the first time. Maybe it’s about choosing each other again and again.”
This book is like a warm hug wrapped in pastries, banter, and just the right amount of emotional depth.
From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into the story, it has that easy, addictive writing style where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s midnight and you’re emotionally invested in fictional people again (no regrets).
The romance? Adorable! But what I really loved is that it’s not just about the relationship, it’s about family, expectations, and figuring out what you actually want versus what you think you should want. There’s a lot of heart in this one, and it sneaks up on you in the best way.
The characters felt real and messy and lovable. I adored the chemistry, the tension, the little moments, all of it just worked. And the setting? A dreamy little café situation with baked goods constantly being described… I was starving the entire time!
If you love a romantic story that’s fun but still has something to say, this is absolutely one to pick up. A big hearted, swoony, feel good read that I didn’t want to end.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Text Publishing for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
This book is like a warm hug wrapped in pastries, banter, and just the right amount of emotional depth.
From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into the story, it has that easy, addictive writing style where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s midnight and you’re emotionally invested in fictional people again (no regrets).
The romance? Adorable! But what I really loved is that it’s not just about the relationship, it’s about family, expectations, and figuring out what you actually want versus what you think you should want. There’s a lot of heart in this one, and it sneaks up on you in the best way.
The characters felt real and messy and lovable. I adored the chemistry, the tension, the little moments, all of it just worked. And the setting? A dreamy little café situation with baked goods constantly being described… I was starving the entire time!
If you love a romantic story that’s fun but still has something to say, this is absolutely one to pick up. A big hearted, swoony, feel good read that I didn’t want to end.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Text Publishing for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
April 9, 2026
Absolutely loved this beautiful debut! If you’re looking for a sweet rom com with a fake dating twist, a big hearted and hilarious family cast, and the most delicious forced proximity ever- you need to get your hands on this book! Highly recommended!
March 15, 2026
The Boyfriend Clause was so cute! I've been left with a big grin on my face and happiness in my heart. Bravo, Bridie Blake. BRAVO!
In this debut (yes, DEBUT), we meet Sabrina Fogerty, a thirty something single who's had a really awful track record when it comes to dating. To make matters worse, Sabrina often feels like she's the black sheep of her family. The one who doesn't take things seriously. The one who isn't successful. The one who threw a career away to follow a bloke to Melbourne and open a cafe.
A Cup of Joy is Sabrina's dream, even though it's early days. Her parents have been generous enough to loan her the funds to get started. But there's a clincher. Sabrina must be in a relationship, or she'll have to repay the debt.
Time is running out. Fast. There's only one solution. Make up a boyfriend.
Too bad her fake boyfriend is her infurating neighbour, Adam Whittaker. But Fake Adam is everything Sabrina wants in a man. She only has to stop her interfering family from meeting him.
But things get complicated when broody, baked goods hater, no fun Adam joins a family holiday to England....
I'm not squealing. YOU ARE. Tropey romcoms are my jam. The tropier the better. I was treated to enemies to lovers. Fake dating. Forced proxmity. Idiots in love.
Getting to know Sabrina and Adam was a joy. Sabrina doesn't know it yet, but Adam is her biggest fan. She really comes into her own during the story and Adam is encouraging her all the way.
The Fogerty's are quite a lot at first, all in their complicated and loud glory. Despite their quite frank behaviour towards Sabrina, you can tell it's done with love. It really is Dianne Fogerty's world and we're just living in it.
I can't wait to see what Bridie has next in store for us!
5 🌟
In this debut (yes, DEBUT), we meet Sabrina Fogerty, a thirty something single who's had a really awful track record when it comes to dating. To make matters worse, Sabrina often feels like she's the black sheep of her family. The one who doesn't take things seriously. The one who isn't successful. The one who threw a career away to follow a bloke to Melbourne and open a cafe.
A Cup of Joy is Sabrina's dream, even though it's early days. Her parents have been generous enough to loan her the funds to get started. But there's a clincher. Sabrina must be in a relationship, or she'll have to repay the debt.
Time is running out. Fast. There's only one solution. Make up a boyfriend.
Too bad her fake boyfriend is her infurating neighbour, Adam Whittaker. But Fake Adam is everything Sabrina wants in a man. She only has to stop her interfering family from meeting him.
But things get complicated when broody, baked goods hater, no fun Adam joins a family holiday to England....
I'm not squealing. YOU ARE. Tropey romcoms are my jam. The tropier the better. I was treated to enemies to lovers. Fake dating. Forced proxmity. Idiots in love.
Getting to know Sabrina and Adam was a joy. Sabrina doesn't know it yet, but Adam is her biggest fan. She really comes into her own during the story and Adam is encouraging her all the way.
The Fogerty's are quite a lot at first, all in their complicated and loud glory. Despite their quite frank behaviour towards Sabrina, you can tell it's done with love. It really is Dianne Fogerty's world and we're just living in it.
I can't wait to see what Bridie has next in store for us!
5 🌟
March 2, 2026
Oh my this is such a delicious romance! Fake dating, enemies to lovers with an English family holiday twist!
Sabrina feels like the black sheep of her family, her brother and sister are far more successful and while her little cafe ‘ A Little Cup of Joe’ is doing well, it isn’t providing the income to repay her parents the money they loaned her
Not to mention the boyfriend clause in the loan agreement, if she isn’t in a happy relationship she must repay the money to her parents
Enter Adam, her new quiet neighbour who she had one hell of a introduction too (IYKYK)
When Sabrina lies to her family and uses Adam’s name as her fake boyfriend and they hound her to meet him, she negotiates him to come to dinner with her family (to keep them off her back)
What she doesn’t count on, is days later Adam turning up on her family holiday to England (thanks to her fabulous mother Dianne , who might I say steals the show!)
Now forced to fully enact the fake relationship, could there actually be something between Sabrina and Adam?
Oh the pure joy of this fantastic debut! I couldn’t put it down, Sabrina is such a gorgeous FMC and really holds her own. Her family are next level but you really feel the heart and love between them all.
Adam is brooding, smart, caring and all you need in a wonderful book boyfriend
Romance readers, add this to your list! Highly recommend
Thank you so much Text Publishing for my gifted review copy 🫶
Sabrina feels like the black sheep of her family, her brother and sister are far more successful and while her little cafe ‘ A Little Cup of Joe’ is doing well, it isn’t providing the income to repay her parents the money they loaned her
Not to mention the boyfriend clause in the loan agreement, if she isn’t in a happy relationship she must repay the money to her parents
Enter Adam, her new quiet neighbour who she had one hell of a introduction too (IYKYK)
When Sabrina lies to her family and uses Adam’s name as her fake boyfriend and they hound her to meet him, she negotiates him to come to dinner with her family (to keep them off her back)
What she doesn’t count on, is days later Adam turning up on her family holiday to England (thanks to her fabulous mother Dianne , who might I say steals the show!)
Now forced to fully enact the fake relationship, could there actually be something between Sabrina and Adam?
Oh the pure joy of this fantastic debut! I couldn’t put it down, Sabrina is such a gorgeous FMC and really holds her own. Her family are next level but you really feel the heart and love between them all.
Adam is brooding, smart, caring and all you need in a wonderful book boyfriend
Romance readers, add this to your list! Highly recommend
Thank you so much Text Publishing for my gifted review copy 🫶
March 21, 2026
This debut by Aussie author Bridie Blake, was a super cute Rom Com. This book delivers sugar and laughs from the first page.
Our FMC Sabrina owns a Cafe in Melbourne with her bestie. To open it she needed to borrow money from the bank of mum and dad…… but there’s a clause- the boyfriend clause.
Sabrina is a people pleaser, especially when it comes to her family. So she makes up a boyfriend to satisfy her mother, but this plan goes a bit astray and ends up bigger than she imagined.
Adam is super serious and a man of few words. I desperately wanted chapters from Adam’s POV, I wanted to know what he was thinking.
When I say the first chapter with their meet cute had me actually laughing out loud, I mean it. I knew I would love this book from the first chapter.
I loved the development of the family and our main characters throughout the book and found the epilogue to perfectly end this novel.
A great piece of sugar, many funny moments and palpable tension between the 2 leading characters.
Highly recommend! Well done Bridie!
Our FMC Sabrina owns a Cafe in Melbourne with her bestie. To open it she needed to borrow money from the bank of mum and dad…… but there’s a clause- the boyfriend clause.
Sabrina is a people pleaser, especially when it comes to her family. So she makes up a boyfriend to satisfy her mother, but this plan goes a bit astray and ends up bigger than she imagined.
Adam is super serious and a man of few words. I desperately wanted chapters from Adam’s POV, I wanted to know what he was thinking.
When I say the first chapter with their meet cute had me actually laughing out loud, I mean it. I knew I would love this book from the first chapter.
I loved the development of the family and our main characters throughout the book and found the epilogue to perfectly end this novel.
A great piece of sugar, many funny moments and palpable tension between the 2 leading characters.
Highly recommend! Well done Bridie!
April 25, 2026
This romcom is a cracker!
The grumpy sunshine trope plays out perfectly between sombre author Adam and his bubbly neighbour Sabrina.
As for Sabrina's family... the secondary characters in this delightful romance steal the show.
I devoured this book, couldn't put it down.
It's guaranteed to leave you smiling and impatient for this debut author's next book!
The grumpy sunshine trope plays out perfectly between sombre author Adam and his bubbly neighbour Sabrina.
As for Sabrina's family... the secondary characters in this delightful romance steal the show.
I devoured this book, couldn't put it down.
It's guaranteed to leave you smiling and impatient for this debut author's next book!
May 5, 2026
I'm going to preface this with: 1. I don't read a lot of rom-coms, and 2. First person/present tense is nearly always a DNF from me because unless a writer is really, really skilled, it can be awful. That said... I loved this book!
Bridie Blake's debut rom-com, The Boyfriend Clause absolutely sucked me in, made me laugh, forget I was reading 1st person/present, and fall in love with Sabrina, her whole crazy family and Adam, her brooding, hot neighbour. This is a sweet and spicy story about a couple you'll be cheering on, full of humour and beautifully paced. Blake has created a charming cast of characters and placed them in a situation that may be a trope but never feels forced or unbelievable. Although you know a HEA is coming, she has deftly crafted that "will they/won't they" tension. I am definitely looking forward to Blake's next book!
Bridie Blake's debut rom-com, The Boyfriend Clause absolutely sucked me in, made me laugh, forget I was reading 1st person/present, and fall in love with Sabrina, her whole crazy family and Adam, her brooding, hot neighbour. This is a sweet and spicy story about a couple you'll be cheering on, full of humour and beautifully paced. Blake has created a charming cast of characters and placed them in a situation that may be a trope but never feels forced or unbelievable. Although you know a HEA is coming, she has deftly crafted that "will they/won't they" tension. I am definitely looking forward to Blake's next book!
May 4, 2026
Wow. This is one of those books that was teetering to a DNF for me but hang in there as the entire storyline and characters mature completely.
The wonderful narration by Jane Mahady was both fantastic AND a curse as I wanted to speed read past some sections but I can't do that at the speed of speed reading text with a narration without destroying the enunciation.
Recommended.
Spoiler below:
If, like me you were convinced there was no redeeming quality of the MMC or the FMC family that took 1/3 of the book, the thaw and turn occurs shortly after and I'll encourage you to keep at it.
It's worth it.
Every character played their part in the book fully.
Kudos.
The wonderful narration by Jane Mahady was both fantastic AND a curse as I wanted to speed read past some sections but I can't do that at the speed of speed reading text with a narration without destroying the enunciation.
Recommended.
Spoiler below:
If, like me you were convinced there was no redeeming quality of the MMC or the FMC family that took 1/3 of the book, the thaw and turn occurs shortly after and I'll encourage you to keep at it.
It's worth it.
Every character played their part in the book fully.
Kudos.
March 8, 2026
This was cute. Maybe a tad too far into the cutesy rom com plot for me, but I very much enjoy reading Aussie rom coms and supporting local talent. Will read this author again.
March 13, 2026
3.75 🌟 i always love a good aussie book
April 5, 2026
This was fine :)
April 7, 2026
Charming, hilarious and full of heart.
May 1, 2026
A sweet romance of forced proximity and fake dating, with a fun grumpy-sunshine dynamic. I enjoyed the family shenanigans and manipulations, and although the ending was a shade weak, it was well done overall.
March 24, 2026
The Boyfriend Clause has everything a rom-com reader could want and is a hilariously delicious debut. The Fogerty family (who will make you snort with laughter), a "not-so-meet-cute," and a grumpy-sunshine, fake-dating setup with ONLY ONE BED that will drive you wild.
We start in Melbourne at Sabrina Fogerty’s struggling café, decked out with delicious coffee, mouth-watering cakes, and her broody neighbour turned temporary fake boyfriend who sits in the corner ignoring her. We’re quickly whisked away to England to explore the filming locations of the TV show Clovedale with the entire Fogerty family, including my personal favourite, Sabrina's mum Dianne. Unfortunately for Sabrina, Adam, the broody author turned fake boyfriend, ends up being dragged along (because no one says "No" to Dianne Fogerty). What could go wrong?
This book made me laugh out loud from the very first line. I swooned, cried and grinned throughout. I can’t wait to see what Bridie Blake writes next!
We start in Melbourne at Sabrina Fogerty’s struggling café, decked out with delicious coffee, mouth-watering cakes, and her broody neighbour turned temporary fake boyfriend who sits in the corner ignoring her. We’re quickly whisked away to England to explore the filming locations of the TV show Clovedale with the entire Fogerty family, including my personal favourite, Sabrina's mum Dianne. Unfortunately for Sabrina, Adam, the broody author turned fake boyfriend, ends up being dragged along (because no one says "No" to Dianne Fogerty). What could go wrong?
This book made me laugh out loud from the very first line. I swooned, cried and grinned throughout. I can’t wait to see what Bridie Blake writes next!
March 27, 2026
If you’re after a fun, feel-good rom-com, The Boyfriend Clause delivers. So many moments had me wondering if Bridie had somehow been taking notes and writing about my family. The book is funny, familiar, and genuinely endearing—one of those, can’t-put-it-down reads that just feels like home.
March 4, 2026
soo cutee but i hatedd the mom
May 7, 2026
This book was provided courtesy of Text Publishing, with an accompanying interview with Bridie Blake featured on the literary podcast Date With A Debut in April 2026. All views and opinions are of my own, the reviewer.
Mild spoilers below.
What starts out as a rom-com trope-heavy enemies-to-lovers story rapidly turns into something much more in Bridie Blake’s wonderful debut, The Boyfriend Clause.
Following Sabrina, the owner of a struggling cafe in Melbourne, A Cup of Joy, she has managed to pursue the dream of her own business thanks to a loan from her family - her loan agreement requires her to be in a committed relationship or pay back the loan in its entirety: the eponymous clause.
When a famous, moody author, Adam Whittaker, struggling with writers block moves across the hall, Sabrina tries to get overcome this clause by making up a fake boyfriend… and Adam, despite not being a huge fan of his new neighbour, is suddenly forced into a family trip with the Fogerty family.
This book does what it says on the tin: it’s an easy, whimsical, rosy read, and if you love that, you’re in for a treat. Blake knows her way around a romantic novel, which is exciting considering it is her debut.
But what sells this story from sliding into generic territory are these two brilliant characters: Sabrina has a heart of gold, you absolutely root for her, and Adam, despite early impressions of him being a bit of a bastard, grows on you quickly when you see why he is the way he is.
Their first meeting in the opening chapter is, hands down, one of the best openings to a book I’ve ever read.
This novel also has great themes of finding your own voice and family dynamics, which is really sold by her mother, Dianne and her sister, Gabby, who express their power over the family in cutting ways, pushing on those underneath.
Yes, it’s a romance; you know they’ll end up together, but the journey to that is where this book shines; it comes with twists, turns, surprises and more. Bridie Blake signals her arrival as a name to watch in Australian romance with this brilliant debut.
4/5
Booktopia: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYKVaz
Date With A Debut Podcast episode: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ep/series-...
Mild spoilers below.
What starts out as a rom-com trope-heavy enemies-to-lovers story rapidly turns into something much more in Bridie Blake’s wonderful debut, The Boyfriend Clause.
Following Sabrina, the owner of a struggling cafe in Melbourne, A Cup of Joy, she has managed to pursue the dream of her own business thanks to a loan from her family - her loan agreement requires her to be in a committed relationship or pay back the loan in its entirety: the eponymous clause.
When a famous, moody author, Adam Whittaker, struggling with writers block moves across the hall, Sabrina tries to get overcome this clause by making up a fake boyfriend… and Adam, despite not being a huge fan of his new neighbour, is suddenly forced into a family trip with the Fogerty family.
This book does what it says on the tin: it’s an easy, whimsical, rosy read, and if you love that, you’re in for a treat. Blake knows her way around a romantic novel, which is exciting considering it is her debut.
But what sells this story from sliding into generic territory are these two brilliant characters: Sabrina has a heart of gold, you absolutely root for her, and Adam, despite early impressions of him being a bit of a bastard, grows on you quickly when you see why he is the way he is.
Their first meeting in the opening chapter is, hands down, one of the best openings to a book I’ve ever read.
This novel also has great themes of finding your own voice and family dynamics, which is really sold by her mother, Dianne and her sister, Gabby, who express their power over the family in cutting ways, pushing on those underneath.
Yes, it’s a romance; you know they’ll end up together, but the journey to that is where this book shines; it comes with twists, turns, surprises and more. Bridie Blake signals her arrival as a name to watch in Australian romance with this brilliant debut.
4/5
Booktopia: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYKVaz
Date With A Debut Podcast episode: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ep/series-...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was one of the cutest romcom, meet cute, fake dating book I’ve read! I was hooked with the first page, that elevator scene was so damn funny, I was laughing out loud. And so relatable too! When I came across this book online, I just knew this was going to be a favourite read of mine. And then on top of it, Aussie author and set in Australia? Double triple sold! Her writing is phenomenal and so easy to read that I finished the book in one setting. I am in love with Sabrina, she’s such a cool and relatable character who’s doing everything I think a lot of us dreamt of! And then Adam is just pure drool worthy.
Adam, a typical grumpy man, moves into the apartment next to Sabrina. But their first meet was not something Sabrina wants to be reminded of. She’s tried to apologise but he seems super … broody! And to make it worse, he keeps visiting her cafe and just orders coffee. You know one of those customers. But when her mum forces her to go on another disastrous dates she lies to say Adam is her bf. And somehow her parents end up visiting her to meet this new bf of hers. Now she’s in trouble. She manages to convince the grumpy Adam to help him, but she didn’t realise the manipulation power of a mother. Who convinces him to go on a two week planned family vacay with her. And then all the trouble begins! Will she lose her heart to him in the process?
There were so many LOL moments and so many tearful moments. Her family is a crazy one like I guess most of us are! Especially her mother, she is a hell of a person I’m still unsure if I like her or not haha. This was such a fun read, highly recommend.
Thank you so much Text Publishing for this beautiful ARC!!!!
Adam, a typical grumpy man, moves into the apartment next to Sabrina. But their first meet was not something Sabrina wants to be reminded of. She’s tried to apologise but he seems super … broody! And to make it worse, he keeps visiting her cafe and just orders coffee. You know one of those customers. But when her mum forces her to go on another disastrous dates she lies to say Adam is her bf. And somehow her parents end up visiting her to meet this new bf of hers. Now she’s in trouble. She manages to convince the grumpy Adam to help him, but she didn’t realise the manipulation power of a mother. Who convinces him to go on a two week planned family vacay with her. And then all the trouble begins! Will she lose her heart to him in the process?
There were so many LOL moments and so many tearful moments. Her family is a crazy one like I guess most of us are! Especially her mother, she is a hell of a person I’m still unsure if I like her or not haha. This was such a fun read, highly recommend.
Thank you so much Text Publishing for this beautiful ARC!!!!
March 24, 2026
This was a fun read. And golly, if you have family obsessed with soap operas – this one is a hoot.
Poor Sabrina. Her first business and brand new cafe is teetering on the edge of success or failure… And the loan that enabled her start up, money lent to her by her parents, has a catch and her mom is calling in the clause… the boyfriend clause. Sabrina needs to have a “serious” boyfriend by a certain date or the loan must be paid back. In full. What’s a girl to do?
Make up a boyfriend, that’s what. And Sabrina’s nemesis… the new guy that moved into her apartment block… he’ll do. Except then Sabrina’s family want to meet him. And then it gets worse. Her mom plans a holiday and they ALL have to go. Thus the full comedy of errors kicks off in this giggle fest of a story. If you like your romance with genuine laughs then this one is for you. The plot moves along well with believable twists pushing the romance forward, and the wider cast of characters are well grounded in their individual idiosyncrasies, annoyances and family drama – the ones that generally exist in every family. Its got it all; one bed, mistaken identity, fake dating, enemies to lovers, family secrets, and the boyfriend has secrets too and then there is the meet cute that is not so much on the cute but the eewww.
Bridie Blake has written a terrific rom com to escape the modern world for a while. And the soap opera stuff is hilarious. I know many who would attend such a tour – and the arguments would be the same!
Poor Sabrina. Her first business and brand new cafe is teetering on the edge of success or failure… And the loan that enabled her start up, money lent to her by her parents, has a catch and her mom is calling in the clause… the boyfriend clause. Sabrina needs to have a “serious” boyfriend by a certain date or the loan must be paid back. In full. What’s a girl to do?
Make up a boyfriend, that’s what. And Sabrina’s nemesis… the new guy that moved into her apartment block… he’ll do. Except then Sabrina’s family want to meet him. And then it gets worse. Her mom plans a holiday and they ALL have to go. Thus the full comedy of errors kicks off in this giggle fest of a story. If you like your romance with genuine laughs then this one is for you. The plot moves along well with believable twists pushing the romance forward, and the wider cast of characters are well grounded in their individual idiosyncrasies, annoyances and family drama – the ones that generally exist in every family. Its got it all; one bed, mistaken identity, fake dating, enemies to lovers, family secrets, and the boyfriend has secrets too and then there is the meet cute that is not so much on the cute but the eewww.
Bridie Blake has written a terrific rom com to escape the modern world for a while. And the soap opera stuff is hilarious. I know many who would attend such a tour – and the arguments would be the same!
May 5, 2026
I was really excited to read this. There seems to be a huge gap in the market for Aussie romcoms and this one was getting good ratings. But...
The book features the fake relationship trope but I didn't really buy the chemistry of the leads. As they both stated on several occasions, they had nothing in common and I just didn't get why they would have fallen for each other.
There was a bit of a While You Were Sleeping vibe with the MFC's entire family featured, pushing the pair together, but again, it didn't work quite as well as it could have. Yes, there were some funny moments but nothing that would make me describe the book as hilarious.
The setting was Melbourne and then England. I thought the English setting was completely wasted. Instead of being transported, it was a pretty generic holiday location, with a fictional tour of a fictional tv show.
I also felt that the MFC's reaction to the conflict was a little forced. We had no background as to why she was so upset, other than a couple of 'this has happened to me before' statements. If I was going to believe that she'd be so agitated over something so minor, I at least want a sad backstory to explain how she got to this point.
As I said, there were still some funny moments, and there was nothing overly offensive. I would probably give the author another read if she brings out another book in the future.
Okay read, 3 out of 5
The book features the fake relationship trope but I didn't really buy the chemistry of the leads. As they both stated on several occasions, they had nothing in common and I just didn't get why they would have fallen for each other.
There was a bit of a While You Were Sleeping vibe with the MFC's entire family featured, pushing the pair together, but again, it didn't work quite as well as it could have. Yes, there were some funny moments but nothing that would make me describe the book as hilarious.
The setting was Melbourne and then England. I thought the English setting was completely wasted. Instead of being transported, it was a pretty generic holiday location, with a fictional tour of a fictional tv show.
I also felt that the MFC's reaction to the conflict was a little forced. We had no background as to why she was so upset, other than a couple of 'this has happened to me before' statements. If I was going to believe that she'd be so agitated over something so minor, I at least want a sad backstory to explain how she got to this point.
As I said, there were still some funny moments, and there was nothing overly offensive. I would probably give the author another read if she brings out another book in the future.
Okay read, 3 out of 5
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big thanks to Text Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
The high quality 2026 Debut Crew reign continues with the release of The Boyfriend Clause by Bridie Blake.
This book has the most hilarious opening chapter I’ve read in ages from this genre and if the author wanted to get your attention, I think this has been well and truly captured.
Even the very first line made me giggle.
A welcoming, heartfelt and swoon worthy read.
Sabrina’s love life is non existent but she bakes the most scrumptious goodies.
So her dream of owning a cafe comes true but with conditions.
The loan from her parents has a boyfriend clause.
Her mother wants to see Sabrina in a committed relationship or she needs to payback the loan in full.
Enter Adam, her newly irritating neighbour and now her fake boyfriend.
As her family is passing through town, a quick visit with the new man and they’ll be off her back.
But it doesn’t go according to plan.
And Adam has ideas of his own and when Sabrina’s mother invites him on a trip to the UK, the chaos, mishaps and secret whispers begin…..
This has all the ingredients for a successful romcom.
If you like your romance reads with a bit of pizazz and laugh out loud banter then this one is for you.
I like a romantic tale with humour scattered throughout and it has it in spades.
Get ready to be page kissed and to be giddy over.
The high quality 2026 Debut Crew reign continues with the release of The Boyfriend Clause by Bridie Blake.
This book has the most hilarious opening chapter I’ve read in ages from this genre and if the author wanted to get your attention, I think this has been well and truly captured.
Even the very first line made me giggle.
A welcoming, heartfelt and swoon worthy read.
Sabrina’s love life is non existent but she bakes the most scrumptious goodies.
So her dream of owning a cafe comes true but with conditions.
The loan from her parents has a boyfriend clause.
Her mother wants to see Sabrina in a committed relationship or she needs to payback the loan in full.
Enter Adam, her newly irritating neighbour and now her fake boyfriend.
As her family is passing through town, a quick visit with the new man and they’ll be off her back.
But it doesn’t go according to plan.
And Adam has ideas of his own and when Sabrina’s mother invites him on a trip to the UK, the chaos, mishaps and secret whispers begin…..
This has all the ingredients for a successful romcom.
If you like your romance reads with a bit of pizazz and laugh out loud banter then this one is for you.
I like a romantic tale with humour scattered throughout and it has it in spades.
Get ready to be page kissed and to be giddy over.
March 13, 2026
This was the perfect mix of chaos with a chaotic family, but cozy with a Melbourne Cafe and UK holiday destination. I devoured this book!
The Boyfriend Clause is author Bridie Blake’s debut novel. It follows Sabrina, co-owner of a cafe in Melbourne with her best friend, and Adam, best selling author who’s just moved into Sabrina’s apartment building. With a chaotic first encounter that had me crying from laughter and wanting to read more, and Sabrina insulting Adam’s life work without knowing who he is, things start off rocky. But when Sabrina’s loan has a ‘Boyfriend Clause’ she creates a fake boyfriend who happens to have the same name as the broody author next door.
With a family holiday to the UK where they’re forced to share one bed, and pretend to be in love, Sabrina and Adam’s story had me falling in love with not only their characters, but the whole Fogerty family. Their family dynamic left me laughing, crying and relating way too much to Sabrina, who took a while to discover what she truly wanted to do. I found myself constantly wanting to pick this story up to continue reading, while also never wanting it to end.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a cosy love story with forced proximity, fake dating, enemies to lovers and he falls first tropes!
The Boyfriend Clause is author Bridie Blake’s debut novel. It follows Sabrina, co-owner of a cafe in Melbourne with her best friend, and Adam, best selling author who’s just moved into Sabrina’s apartment building. With a chaotic first encounter that had me crying from laughter and wanting to read more, and Sabrina insulting Adam’s life work without knowing who he is, things start off rocky. But when Sabrina’s loan has a ‘Boyfriend Clause’ she creates a fake boyfriend who happens to have the same name as the broody author next door.
With a family holiday to the UK where they’re forced to share one bed, and pretend to be in love, Sabrina and Adam’s story had me falling in love with not only their characters, but the whole Fogerty family. Their family dynamic left me laughing, crying and relating way too much to Sabrina, who took a while to discover what she truly wanted to do. I found myself constantly wanting to pick this story up to continue reading, while also never wanting it to end.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a cosy love story with forced proximity, fake dating, enemies to lovers and he falls first tropes!
March 30, 2026
Bookgram brought this book to my attention and I'm so glad it did.
Sabrina needs to find a permanent man in her life but who has the time when you are trying to make your cafe, 'Cup of Joy' a success. There are so many baked goods to create and coffees to serve. Her parents were kind enough to lend her the money to bring her dream cafe to life but there is a caveat - she needs to find a boyfriend and as soon as possible before this clause causes her grief and she has to pay back the loan in full. Needing to stop her mother organising any more disastrous blind dates, the last one ended in food poisoning, she creates a fictious partner, Adam, based on her very grouchy neighbour - the real Adam. Little does she know that they will soon be very much involved in each other's lives.
This book was an absolutely cracker from the very first pages - I laughed out loud and hoped like hell all would turn out just right. Sabrina's family were equal parts adorable and frustrating - I absolutely wanted to yell at them, 'Give her a break'. There was so much to enjoy about this debut rom-com from Bridie Blake. She just nailed this genre so well and created a cast of memorable characters. Absolutely put this on your radar if you want a feel good romance with some real emotions. Loved it.
Sabrina needs to find a permanent man in her life but who has the time when you are trying to make your cafe, 'Cup of Joy' a success. There are so many baked goods to create and coffees to serve. Her parents were kind enough to lend her the money to bring her dream cafe to life but there is a caveat - she needs to find a boyfriend and as soon as possible before this clause causes her grief and she has to pay back the loan in full. Needing to stop her mother organising any more disastrous blind dates, the last one ended in food poisoning, she creates a fictious partner, Adam, based on her very grouchy neighbour - the real Adam. Little does she know that they will soon be very much involved in each other's lives.
This book was an absolutely cracker from the very first pages - I laughed out loud and hoped like hell all would turn out just right. Sabrina's family were equal parts adorable and frustrating - I absolutely wanted to yell at them, 'Give her a break'. There was so much to enjoy about this debut rom-com from Bridie Blake. She just nailed this genre so well and created a cast of memorable characters. Absolutely put this on your radar if you want a feel good romance with some real emotions. Loved it.
March 8, 2026
The Boyfriend Clause has everything you want in a rom-com!
It starts with one of the best opening lines I've read in a long time, along with an unforgettable meet-cute...ok, the cute part is debatable, but so hilarious.
It has several of my favourite tropes:
- Grumpy/Sunshine, tick
- Forced proximity, tick
- Enemies to lovers, tick
- Slow burn, tick
- THERE'S ONLY ONE BED IN THE COTTAGE, squeal, tick
The humour is on point. It flows naturally and never feels forced. The tension and chemistry between Sabrina and Adam is palpable, and the challenge they have to overcome towards the end is realistic and relatable. Sabrina really takes her time to think things through and sit with her feelings. It's not just about what happened now, it's about all the feelings from the past it brings up, and how Sabrina deals with them.
In addition to the wonderful main characters, there are a slew of delightful side characters, who are all well thought out. Sabrina's quirky family often steal the show, and are all equal parts interesting and frustrating in their own right.
I don't give 5 stars lightly, I'm incredibly stingy, but this was definitely worth it!
It starts with one of the best opening lines I've read in a long time, along with an unforgettable meet-cute...ok, the cute part is debatable, but so hilarious.
It has several of my favourite tropes:
- Grumpy/Sunshine, tick
- Forced proximity, tick
- Enemies to lovers, tick
- Slow burn, tick
- THERE'S ONLY ONE BED IN THE COTTAGE, squeal, tick
The humour is on point. It flows naturally and never feels forced. The tension and chemistry between Sabrina and Adam is palpable, and the challenge they have to overcome towards the end is realistic and relatable. Sabrina really takes her time to think things through and sit with her feelings. It's not just about what happened now, it's about all the feelings from the past it brings up, and how Sabrina deals with them.
In addition to the wonderful main characters, there are a slew of delightful side characters, who are all well thought out. Sabrina's quirky family often steal the show, and are all equal parts interesting and frustrating in their own right.
I don't give 5 stars lightly, I'm incredibly stingy, but this was definitely worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Boyfriend Clause is a charming contemporary romantic comedy debut from Melbourne author Bridie Blake.
“Sabrina will complete a business course and be in a committed relationship with, or in a relationship headed toward commitment, two years from the signing of this contract”.
Time is running out for Sabrina Fogerty. The loan she accepted from her parents to open her cafe ‘A Cup of Joy’ is almost due and it has some unusual terms, thanks to her mother’s obsession with seeing her children settled. Sabrina’s almost finished the boring business course at least but, despite her mother’s best matchmaking efforts, the ‘boyfriend clause’ is still unfulfilled. Desperate to keep her the cafe in business, and her mother at bay, Sabrina claims she’s met someone, and casts her new next door neighbour, Adam, in the role of her boyfriend. When her parents make a surprise visit, Sabrina has no choice but to beg (and bribe) Adam to be her fake date.
Blake had me laughing out loud with her opening chapter, the first meeting between Sabrina and Adam is definitely not cute, but it is hilarious. Their second interaction isn’t much better when during the course of their conversation Sabrina pans a popular book series, unaware that Adam is the author.
The fake dating trope is fun, but the romantic tension really mounts when Adam agrees to accompany the Fogerty’s on a family holiday to England. Blake deftly develops the relationship as the pair are forced into close proximity, and their irritation with one another turns to interest. Their banter is entertaining and I liked how Sabrina encouraged Adam to be less brooding, while Adam offered support to Sabrina in the face of her family’s habit of dismissing her achievements.
Sweet and funny with just a sprinkle of spice, The Boyfriend Clause is a real treat for romance readers.
“Sabrina will complete a business course and be in a committed relationship with, or in a relationship headed toward commitment, two years from the signing of this contract”.
Time is running out for Sabrina Fogerty. The loan she accepted from her parents to open her cafe ‘A Cup of Joy’ is almost due and it has some unusual terms, thanks to her mother’s obsession with seeing her children settled. Sabrina’s almost finished the boring business course at least but, despite her mother’s best matchmaking efforts, the ‘boyfriend clause’ is still unfulfilled. Desperate to keep her the cafe in business, and her mother at bay, Sabrina claims she’s met someone, and casts her new next door neighbour, Adam, in the role of her boyfriend. When her parents make a surprise visit, Sabrina has no choice but to beg (and bribe) Adam to be her fake date.
Blake had me laughing out loud with her opening chapter, the first meeting between Sabrina and Adam is definitely not cute, but it is hilarious. Their second interaction isn’t much better when during the course of their conversation Sabrina pans a popular book series, unaware that Adam is the author.
The fake dating trope is fun, but the romantic tension really mounts when Adam agrees to accompany the Fogerty’s on a family holiday to England. Blake deftly develops the relationship as the pair are forced into close proximity, and their irritation with one another turns to interest. Their banter is entertaining and I liked how Sabrina encouraged Adam to be less brooding, while Adam offered support to Sabrina in the face of her family’s habit of dismissing her achievements.
Sweet and funny with just a sprinkle of spice, The Boyfriend Clause is a real treat for romance readers.
April 14, 2026
✨️The Boyfriend Clause by Bridie Blake✨️
What a fantastic debut by @bridieblake.
This was my 9th read for the ANZ April Readathon (@aussie_indie_hub) Challenge and also ticks off book bingo prompt (debut author).
I had so much fun with this one! Fake dating + grumpy neighbour + chaotic family dynamics = absolute rom-com gold!
Sabrina’s situation was equal parts stressful and hilarious, and I loved watching her rope her broody, reluctant neighbour into the mess. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was chef’s kiss, and I loved how the relationship slowly softened to something genuinely sweet.
The family trip added that extra layer of chaos and featured one of my favorite tropes...ONE BED!
✨ If you love:
– Fake dating
– Grumpy x sunshine
– Slow burn romance
– Big, meddling families
– Forced proximity chaos
…this one is definitely for you.
Such a strong debut from Bridie Blake. I’m already excited to see what she writes next!
🏷 Bookstagram • The Boyfriend Clause • Bridie Blake • Aussie Author • Debut Novel • ANZ April Readathon Challenge
What a fantastic debut by @bridieblake.
This was my 9th read for the ANZ April Readathon (@aussie_indie_hub) Challenge and also ticks off book bingo prompt (debut author).
I had so much fun with this one! Fake dating + grumpy neighbour + chaotic family dynamics = absolute rom-com gold!
Sabrina’s situation was equal parts stressful and hilarious, and I loved watching her rope her broody, reluctant neighbour into the mess. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was chef’s kiss, and I loved how the relationship slowly softened to something genuinely sweet.
The family trip added that extra layer of chaos and featured one of my favorite tropes...ONE BED!
✨ If you love:
– Fake dating
– Grumpy x sunshine
– Slow burn romance
– Big, meddling families
– Forced proximity chaos
…this one is definitely for you.
Such a strong debut from Bridie Blake. I’m already excited to see what she writes next!
🏷 Bookstagram • The Boyfriend Clause • Bridie Blake • Aussie Author • Debut Novel • ANZ April Readathon Challenge
February 16, 2026
“The Boyfriend Clause” by Bridie Blake 🍰✍️
Thank you to Text Publishing for the early copy! 🤩
Releasing March 3rd, The Boyfriend Clause is a swoony, angst-filled slow burn that absolutely delivers on tension. Sabrina’s struggling Melbourne café and the ridiculous “boyfriend clause” in her loan agreement set up the perfect fake dating chaos — especially when the fake boyfriend turns out to be her rude, brooding (and infuriatingly hot) famous writer neighbour.
The slow burn and angst? Perfection. The emotional push and pull had me hooked. The spice is definitely there and good but after that delicious build-up I wanted just a little more detail and intensity.
If you love:
Fake dating 💘
Grumpy x sunshine ☀️
Slow burn 🔥
Forced proximity 🥰
Chaotic family trips 🗺️
This one’s for you. Romantic, tense, and full of heart.
Thank you to Text Publishing for the early copy! 🤩
Releasing March 3rd, The Boyfriend Clause is a swoony, angst-filled slow burn that absolutely delivers on tension. Sabrina’s struggling Melbourne café and the ridiculous “boyfriend clause” in her loan agreement set up the perfect fake dating chaos — especially when the fake boyfriend turns out to be her rude, brooding (and infuriatingly hot) famous writer neighbour.
The slow burn and angst? Perfection. The emotional push and pull had me hooked. The spice is definitely there and good but after that delicious build-up I wanted just a little more detail and intensity.
If you love:
Fake dating 💘
Grumpy x sunshine ☀️
Slow burn 🔥
Forced proximity 🥰
Chaotic family trips 🗺️
This one’s for you. Romantic, tense, and full of heart.
April 9, 2026
I was so lucky to receive an arc of this beauty, because I’ve been dying to read this one! The Boyfriend Clause by Bridie Blake has it all — fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, a grumpy writer and chaotic family dynamics that left me laughing out loud and relating a little TOO much! 😂
When a boyfriend clause in her loan agreement with her parents forces Sabrina to convince the grumpy writer next door to pretend to be her boyfriend so she can keep her beloved cafe, the line between what’s a charade and what’s real quickly begins to blur.
I was hooked from the very first page and the hilarious meet-cute, before inhaling the rest of this gorgeous story. The Boyfriend Clause cements Bridie’s arrival as a sparkling new voice in Australian rom-coms, and I’m excited to see what she writes next!
When a boyfriend clause in her loan agreement with her parents forces Sabrina to convince the grumpy writer next door to pretend to be her boyfriend so she can keep her beloved cafe, the line between what’s a charade and what’s real quickly begins to blur.
I was hooked from the very first page and the hilarious meet-cute, before inhaling the rest of this gorgeous story. The Boyfriend Clause cements Bridie’s arrival as a sparkling new voice in Australian rom-coms, and I’m excited to see what she writes next!
April 8, 2026
🩷🍰 The Boyfriend Clause ☕️🩵
I can usually tell if I’m going to enjoy a book from the first few pages and this one had me right from the start! That elevator scene 😭😅
I enjoyed this so much and especially because I’ve been in a slump I thought I would barely be able to read but it was the opposite! I felt like I flew through it, it was so easy to read!
It made me laugh so many times and I really liked the family dynamics and how even though this book is light hearted it also addressed some family issues. Also its got fake dating which is my favourite romance trope!!
Overall, I had a really good time reading this book! It made me laugh, I wasn’t bored despite being in a slump, it was super easy to read, it was fun and honestly it gave me a little bit of Emily Henry vibes! I am so looking forward to reading more from this author!!
So if you’re looking for a romcom with a Melbourne cafe owner, grumpy neighbour and best selling author, family trip to England, fake dating and family chaos then add this one to your carts!!
The Boyfriend Clause is out now! ✨
I can usually tell if I’m going to enjoy a book from the first few pages and this one had me right from the start! That elevator scene 😭😅
I enjoyed this so much and especially because I’ve been in a slump I thought I would barely be able to read but it was the opposite! I felt like I flew through it, it was so easy to read!
It made me laugh so many times and I really liked the family dynamics and how even though this book is light hearted it also addressed some family issues. Also its got fake dating which is my favourite romance trope!!
Overall, I had a really good time reading this book! It made me laugh, I wasn’t bored despite being in a slump, it was super easy to read, it was fun and honestly it gave me a little bit of Emily Henry vibes! I am so looking forward to reading more from this author!!
So if you’re looking for a romcom with a Melbourne cafe owner, grumpy neighbour and best selling author, family trip to England, fake dating and family chaos then add this one to your carts!!
The Boyfriend Clause is out now! ✨
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