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The Girlfriend Clause
She didn't mean to insult her new boss. Or sleep with him. It's been a difficult week.
"Andrea and Liam's story is a captivating mix of emotion, humour, and heat"
—Marion Archer, Editor to Meghan Quinn, Christina Lauren, and Colleen Hoover
Andrea Jones does not have her life on lock. Her sister treats her flat like a serviced apartment, her cat has gum disease, and now, courtesy of an Uber Eats stakeout, she knows her boyfriend is cheating.
So. That’s fun.
The last thing she needs is to get stuck in a lift with a stranger who’s far too easy to talk to. Especially one with arms like that.
Not that she noticed.
But by the time she realizes who she’s been talking to, they’ve already crossed a line they can’t uncross. And she’s said far too much to a man who never bothered to tell her who he was.
Oops doesn’t cut it. Not when he’s just bought the company she works for. Not when he’s ruthless enough to cut roles without blinking. And definitely not when he’s the kind of man who looks at her like he’s still thinking about what they did in her flat.
One gate-crashed society event later and they’re trapped in a lie neither of them can afford to expose. But the longer they pretend, the harder it is to remember why they’re supposed to hate each other.
Because Liam Roth is many things—powerful, completely off-limits—but also unexpectedly kind, inconveniently protective, and far too good at getting under her skin.
The contract was supposed to make everything simple. It’s doing the opposite.
A fake relationship, a wedding in France, and a man she absolutely should not want?
Just. F***ing. Perfect.
A high-heat, enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating romantic comedy—and a billionaire who falls first.
If you like your romcoms feel-good, sharp, and a little bit dangerous—think Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, with a bite of its own—you're in the right place. Set across London's high-stakes corporate world, Oxford's dreaming spires, and a wedding at a French château, The Girlfriend Clause is glamorous, funny, and painfully romantic, with a billionaire who's an actual human being, and banter that leaves a mark.
A standalone with a guaranteed happily-ever-after, and more to come in the series.
"Andrea and Liam's story is a captivating mix of emotion, humour, and heat"
—Marion Archer, Editor to Meghan Quinn, Christina Lauren, and Colleen Hoover
Andrea Jones does not have her life on lock. Her sister treats her flat like a serviced apartment, her cat has gum disease, and now, courtesy of an Uber Eats stakeout, she knows her boyfriend is cheating.
So. That’s fun.
The last thing she needs is to get stuck in a lift with a stranger who’s far too easy to talk to. Especially one with arms like that.
Not that she noticed.
But by the time she realizes who she’s been talking to, they’ve already crossed a line they can’t uncross. And she’s said far too much to a man who never bothered to tell her who he was.
Oops doesn’t cut it. Not when he’s just bought the company she works for. Not when he’s ruthless enough to cut roles without blinking. And definitely not when he’s the kind of man who looks at her like he’s still thinking about what they did in her flat.
One gate-crashed society event later and they’re trapped in a lie neither of them can afford to expose. But the longer they pretend, the harder it is to remember why they’re supposed to hate each other.
Because Liam Roth is many things—powerful, completely off-limits—but also unexpectedly kind, inconveniently protective, and far too good at getting under her skin.
The contract was supposed to make everything simple. It’s doing the opposite.
A fake relationship, a wedding in France, and a man she absolutely should not want?
Just. F***ing. Perfect.
A high-heat, enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating romantic comedy—and a billionaire who falls first.
If you like your romcoms feel-good, sharp, and a little bit dangerous—think Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, with a bite of its own—you're in the right place. Set across London's high-stakes corporate world, Oxford's dreaming spires, and a wedding at a French château, The Girlfriend Clause is glamorous, funny, and painfully romantic, with a billionaire who's an actual human being, and banter that leaves a mark.
A standalone with a guaranteed happily-ever-after, and more to come in the series.
568 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2026
About the author
Emma J. Browne
1 book44 followersEmma J. Browne studied English at Oxford and writes high-heat romantic comedies about sharp women, complicated men, and the spectacular mess in between.
She lives at the beach in New Zealand with her son and a faint-hearted cat, drinks far too much tea, and can't pass an op shop without going in. Loves a long walk, good chocolate, great books, and the worst kind of TV.
She lives at the beach in New Zealand with her son and a faint-hearted cat, drinks far too much tea, and can't pass an op shop without going in. Loves a long walk, good chocolate, great books, and the worst kind of TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
July 25, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
Talk about a wild meet cute 😂
Andrea and Liam first meet when they survive an elevator malfunction that leaves them both rattled. Afterwards, they spend the night out having drinks, they go back to her apartment, and one thing leads to another. Liam abruptly leaves when Andrea starts bad mouthing the new billionaire tycoon taking over the company she works for because, little does she know, it’s him.
When he’s introduced at the company, Andrea realizes things are much more complicated than she thought.
I honestly understood both sides of the story. Liam wasn’t 100% transparent with her when they met because he wanted to be liked for who he was. He just wanted to feel normal for once. Andrea felt like he had played her, and from her perspective, I completely understood why she felt that way.
The story progresses when Andrea needs Liam’s help after she sneaks into a fine art gallery opening. At the time, Liam is talking with important people with his work when he sees Andrea needs help. He claims she’s with him, and next thing you know, they begin fake dating to keep up appearances.
I loved the fake dating aspect. I thought Liam was very respectful, even with the one bed dilemma! He communicated well with Andrea while juggling his job stresses and his feelings for her.
From the fourth quarter of the book on, I felt the conflict was avoidable. Overall, I really enjoyed the book! It had plenty of funny moments, and the slow burn was absolutely perfect.
Talk about a wild meet cute 😂
Andrea and Liam first meet when they survive an elevator malfunction that leaves them both rattled. Afterwards, they spend the night out having drinks, they go back to her apartment, and one thing leads to another. Liam abruptly leaves when Andrea starts bad mouthing the new billionaire tycoon taking over the company she works for because, little does she know, it’s him.
When he’s introduced at the company, Andrea realizes things are much more complicated than she thought.
I honestly understood both sides of the story. Liam wasn’t 100% transparent with her when they met because he wanted to be liked for who he was. He just wanted to feel normal for once. Andrea felt like he had played her, and from her perspective, I completely understood why she felt that way.
The story progresses when Andrea needs Liam’s help after she sneaks into a fine art gallery opening. At the time, Liam is talking with important people with his work when he sees Andrea needs help. He claims she’s with him, and next thing you know, they begin fake dating to keep up appearances.
I loved the fake dating aspect. I thought Liam was very respectful, even with the one bed dilemma! He communicated well with Andrea while juggling his job stresses and his feelings for her.
From the fourth quarter of the book on, I felt the conflict was avoidable. Overall, I really enjoyed the book! It had plenty of funny moments, and the slow burn was absolutely perfect.
July 25, 2026
4.25🌟, 3🌶️
This was such a charming surprise.
Andrea and Liam had effortless chemistry, the banter was genuinely funny, and the fake dating workplace romance was such a fun combination. Liam completely stole my heart, while Andrea’s journey of learning to let others help added an emotional depth that really resonated with me.
I loved the office chaos, the supporting cast, and the France wedding, all of which added so much charm to the story. The slow burn felt natural, there were plenty of laugh out loud moments, and I found myself genuinely rooting for Andrea and Liam every step of the way.
While I would have loved a little more emotional payoff towards the end, I still closed this book with a smile. If you’re looking for a grumpy billionaire, workplace romance, fake dating, witty banter, and a romance that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt, this is such an enjoyable read.
This left me feeling happy, satisfied, and excited for the next book from the author!
~~~~
Huge thank you to the lovely author Emma J. Browne and her Team for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This was such a charming surprise.
Andrea and Liam had effortless chemistry, the banter was genuinely funny, and the fake dating workplace romance was such a fun combination. Liam completely stole my heart, while Andrea’s journey of learning to let others help added an emotional depth that really resonated with me.
I loved the office chaos, the supporting cast, and the France wedding, all of which added so much charm to the story. The slow burn felt natural, there were plenty of laugh out loud moments, and I found myself genuinely rooting for Andrea and Liam every step of the way.
While I would have loved a little more emotional payoff towards the end, I still closed this book with a smile. If you’re looking for a grumpy billionaire, workplace romance, fake dating, witty banter, and a romance that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt, this is such an enjoyable read.
This left me feeling happy, satisfied, and excited for the next book from the author!
~~~~
Huge thank you to the lovely author Emma J. Browne and her Team for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
July 29, 2026
4 stars for me.
Fake dating never was so complicated,but Andy and Liam can do it,it's only for a while and the sex they had before they really knew each other was only a one off,right?
It was funny and tension filled fake dating romance.Liam was just great,his POV was in moments so sweet yet hot,he really was tying not to get Andrea uncomfortable.Andrea was more complex for me,at times I got her,but at times I wanted to shout-IT'S REALLY BAD IDEA!!!WAKE UP!(I'm referring here to the letter she composed with her friends),I knew it will bite her in the bum.Like most romance,this relationship was lacking honest communication,and I get it,both characters don't want to get hurt,but they danced round what they really wante and tension between them was explosive.For me it was great fake dating with some funny moments romance.My first book by this author and hope to read more.
If you like strangers to lovers to someting like enemies who faking dating I would recommend this one.
Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Fake dating never was so complicated,but Andy and Liam can do it,it's only for a while and the sex they had before they really knew each other was only a one off,right?
It was funny and tension filled fake dating romance.Liam was just great,his POV was in moments so sweet yet hot,he really was tying not to get Andrea uncomfortable.Andrea was more complex for me,at times I got her,but at times I wanted to shout-IT'S REALLY BAD IDEA!!!WAKE UP!(I'm referring here to the letter she composed with her friends),I knew it will bite her in the bum.Like most romance,this relationship was lacking honest communication,and I get it,both characters don't want to get hurt,but they danced round what they really wante and tension between them was explosive.For me it was great fake dating with some funny moments romance.My first book by this author and hope to read more.
If you like strangers to lovers to someting like enemies who faking dating I would recommend this one.
Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
July 21, 2026
This one took me a little while to get into. At first, the humor felt like it was trying a bit too hard, but once it found its rhythm, I was hooked.
Liam was easily my favorite part. I loved peeling back the layers of his character. But it was Andy that I ended up relating to the most. Her tendency to carry everything herself just to keep life from falling apart really hit home. Sometimes you have to let other people help, even if they might drop the ball. That message gave this romcom a little more depth than I was expecting.
If you’re looking for a grumpy billionaire, workplace romance, relationship arrangement romcom, this is such a fun pick. I also think this would be absolutely delightful on audio because the accents would make the banter even better.
Liam was easily my favorite part. I loved peeling back the layers of his character. But it was Andy that I ended up relating to the most. Her tendency to carry everything herself just to keep life from falling apart really hit home. Sometimes you have to let other people help, even if they might drop the ball. That message gave this romcom a little more depth than I was expecting.
If you’re looking for a grumpy billionaire, workplace romance, relationship arrangement romcom, this is such a fun pick. I also think this would be absolutely delightful on audio because the accents would make the banter even better.
August 1, 2026
I received and advanced copy of The Girlfriend Clause and absolutely freaking LOVED it! The banter between the two MC’s was TOP TIER! Truly some of my favorite banter I have ever read. Andrea and Liam owned the pages from start to finish. I loved their chemistry. Eliza was also such a delight! And we can’t forget Mr. Darcy! All around one of my favorite books of the year! I hope to read more from Emma ASAP!!!
June 23, 2026
I gave this five stars without hesitation.
It took me three days to finish this book, not because it was slow, but because I didn’t want it to end. Every time I got close to finishing, I found myself slowing down, just wanting to stay in the story a little longer. That’s how good it is. 😂
This book is beautifully written and so relatable. I was laughing, giggling, and smiling almost the entire time. The chemistry is insane.. the banter is sharp, natural, and genuinely fun to read. It never felt forced.
And Liam? Yeah… new book boyfriend unlocked. Enough said.
What I loved most is how this book made me feel. It’s a true feel-good romance, the kind that leaves you warm and happy instead of emotionally wrecked. When I finished, I just sat there smiling, fully satisfied, already wishing I could read it again for the first time.
And now I’m officially impatient because I cannot wait for the next book, Eliza’s story. I already know I’m going to love it.
If you love strong chemistry, great banter, and a romance that just works, The Girlfriend Clause is absolutely worth it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
It took me three days to finish this book, not because it was slow, but because I didn’t want it to end. Every time I got close to finishing, I found myself slowing down, just wanting to stay in the story a little longer. That’s how good it is. 😂
This book is beautifully written and so relatable. I was laughing, giggling, and smiling almost the entire time. The chemistry is insane.. the banter is sharp, natural, and genuinely fun to read. It never felt forced.
And Liam? Yeah… new book boyfriend unlocked. Enough said.
What I loved most is how this book made me feel. It’s a true feel-good romance, the kind that leaves you warm and happy instead of emotionally wrecked. When I finished, I just sat there smiling, fully satisfied, already wishing I could read it again for the first time.
And now I’m officially impatient because I cannot wait for the next book, Eliza’s story. I already know I’m going to love it.
If you love strong chemistry, great banter, and a romance that just works, The Girlfriend Clause is absolutely worth it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
July 8, 2026
Wow! I really wasn't expecting the huge surprise I got when I started reading this book! It's wonderful!
The story is perfect, the character development is charming, and Emma really draws you into the story. It's very well written, and the romantic development between Andrea and Liam is fantastic—they're such charming characters. I can't wait for the next book!
The story is perfect, the character development is charming, and Emma really draws you into the story. It's very well written, and the romantic development between Andrea and Liam is fantastic—they're such charming characters. I can't wait for the next book!
July 11, 2026
⭐️ ARC REVIEW ⭐️
Andrea jones’s life is a mess.
Her boyfriend is cheating on her, she has to take care of her student sister, her mother is some late teen one and the pharmaceutical industry place she works at has just been sold. To none other than Wilhelm von Roth, a German businessman who could give Dickens' Scrooge a run for his money.
On top of that her cat has gum disease and ruin her dress on the day she should met her new boss.
Definitely a bad day so it’s no suprise it gets worse when Andrea is stuck in a broken elevator with an unknown man.
A very handsome man.
After he protects her during the elevator's sudden fall and takes her out to dinner, Andrea decides to take a chance and they end up having a very spicy night, with instant connection.
Only for him to disappear the next morning the moment she mentions where she works.
Because Liam Roth stand for Wilhem Von Roth (second of the name !)
I had a great time with this book!
The characters all felt layered and believable, each with their own flaws, motivations, and personal growth.
The fake relationship trope had genuine motivations on both sides rather than feeling forced. Their relationship isn't linear, and that made the slow burn all the more enjoyable.
The story also balances heartfelt moments with plenty of humor—I genuinely laughed out loud.
The supporting cast was another highlight. They felt like real people instead of simple background characters, and I'm happy this won't be the last book featuring them.
À really good first book !
It was hard to make a review without spoils because there is so many parts I would like to talk about 😅
✨ Workplace romance
💼 Billionaire boss
💍 Fake relationship
❤️ Slow burn
😂 Humorous moments
🌶️ spice
⭐️ 4.5/5
⭐️ CHRONIQUE ARC ⭐️
La vie d'Andrea Jones est un véritable désastre. Elle vient de découvrir que son petit ami la trompe, elle s'occupe presque seule de sa petite sœur étudiante, sa mère est plus adolescente qu'adulte, et l'entreprise pharmaceutique où elle travaille vient d'être rachetée… par nul autre que Wilhelm von Roth, un homme d'affaires allemand digne du Scrooge de Dickens.
Comme si cela ne suffisait pas, son chat souffre d'une maladie des gencives et ruine sa robe le jour même où elle doit rencontrer son nouveau patron.
La journée continue en beauté lorsqu'elle se retrouve coincée dans un ascenseur en panne avec un parfait inconnu.
Un inconnu très séduisant.
Après l'avoir protégée lors de la chute de l'ascenseur puis invitée à dîner, Andrea décide de profiter de cette rencontre inattendue. Ils passent une nuit particulièrement mémorable ensemble.
Jusqu’au moment où il s’enfuit précipitamment dès qu'elle lui parle de son travail.
Parce que Liam Roth n'est autre que… Wilhelm von Roth II.
J'ai vraiment adoré cette lecture ! Les personnages sont riches et crédibles, chacun avec ses failles, ses motivations et une véritable évolution. Voir Andrea et Liam construire leur relation pas à pas était particulièrement satisfaisant.
J'ai également beaucoup apprécié que la relation contractuelle repose sur de vraies motivations des deux côtés, ce qui la rend très naturelle. Leur relation n'est pas linéaire, le slow burn fonctionne parfaitement, et le roman alterne avec justesse émotion et humour. J'ai vraiment ri à plusieurs reprises.
Les personnages secondaires sont eux aussi très réussis. Ils ne sont jamais là uniquement pour faire avancer l'intrigue, et je suis ravie de savoir qu'on les retrouvera dans les prochains tomes.
Un excellent premier tome ! Il a été difficile d'écrire cette chronique sans spoiler tant il y a de scènes dont j'aurais aimé parler. 😅
✨ Romance au travail
💼 Patron milliardaire
💍 Fake relationship
❤️ Slow burn
😂 Beaucoup d'humour
🌶️ spice
⭐️ 4,5/
Andrea jones’s life is a mess.
Her boyfriend is cheating on her, she has to take care of her student sister, her mother is some late teen one and the pharmaceutical industry place she works at has just been sold. To none other than Wilhelm von Roth, a German businessman who could give Dickens' Scrooge a run for his money.
On top of that her cat has gum disease and ruin her dress on the day she should met her new boss.
Definitely a bad day so it’s no suprise it gets worse when Andrea is stuck in a broken elevator with an unknown man.
A very handsome man.
After he protects her during the elevator's sudden fall and takes her out to dinner, Andrea decides to take a chance and they end up having a very spicy night, with instant connection.
Only for him to disappear the next morning the moment she mentions where she works.
Because Liam Roth stand for Wilhem Von Roth (second of the name !)
I had a great time with this book!
The characters all felt layered and believable, each with their own flaws, motivations, and personal growth.
The fake relationship trope had genuine motivations on both sides rather than feeling forced. Their relationship isn't linear, and that made the slow burn all the more enjoyable.
The story also balances heartfelt moments with plenty of humor—I genuinely laughed out loud.
The supporting cast was another highlight. They felt like real people instead of simple background characters, and I'm happy this won't be the last book featuring them.
À really good first book !
It was hard to make a review without spoils because there is so many parts I would like to talk about 😅
✨ Workplace romance
💼 Billionaire boss
💍 Fake relationship
❤️ Slow burn
😂 Humorous moments
🌶️ spice
⭐️ 4.5/5
⭐️ CHRONIQUE ARC ⭐️
La vie d'Andrea Jones est un véritable désastre. Elle vient de découvrir que son petit ami la trompe, elle s'occupe presque seule de sa petite sœur étudiante, sa mère est plus adolescente qu'adulte, et l'entreprise pharmaceutique où elle travaille vient d'être rachetée… par nul autre que Wilhelm von Roth, un homme d'affaires allemand digne du Scrooge de Dickens.
Comme si cela ne suffisait pas, son chat souffre d'une maladie des gencives et ruine sa robe le jour même où elle doit rencontrer son nouveau patron.
La journée continue en beauté lorsqu'elle se retrouve coincée dans un ascenseur en panne avec un parfait inconnu.
Un inconnu très séduisant.
Après l'avoir protégée lors de la chute de l'ascenseur puis invitée à dîner, Andrea décide de profiter de cette rencontre inattendue. Ils passent une nuit particulièrement mémorable ensemble.
Jusqu’au moment où il s’enfuit précipitamment dès qu'elle lui parle de son travail.
Parce que Liam Roth n'est autre que… Wilhelm von Roth II.
J'ai vraiment adoré cette lecture ! Les personnages sont riches et crédibles, chacun avec ses failles, ses motivations et une véritable évolution. Voir Andrea et Liam construire leur relation pas à pas était particulièrement satisfaisant.
J'ai également beaucoup apprécié que la relation contractuelle repose sur de vraies motivations des deux côtés, ce qui la rend très naturelle. Leur relation n'est pas linéaire, le slow burn fonctionne parfaitement, et le roman alterne avec justesse émotion et humour. J'ai vraiment ri à plusieurs reprises.
Les personnages secondaires sont eux aussi très réussis. Ils ne sont jamais là uniquement pour faire avancer l'intrigue, et je suis ravie de savoir qu'on les retrouvera dans les prochains tomes.
Un excellent premier tome ! Il a été difficile d'écrire cette chronique sans spoiler tant il y a de scènes dont j'aurais aimé parler. 😅
✨ Romance au travail
💼 Patron milliardaire
💍 Fake relationship
❤️ Slow burn
😂 Beaucoup d'humour
🌶️ spice
⭐️ 4,5/
Read
June 20, 2026I’m not a blogger or a serious book reviewer. I’m just a girl who loves to read and boy I was happy to be chosen to read The Girlfriend Clause. I needed a feel good, hilarious book that had me enthralled in the characters. Liam and Andrea meet in the most unusual way. They have instant chemistry that leads to a series of misfortune events but it all works out in the end. I took an instant liking to James and Eliza’s supporting character roles. I wasn’t too keen on Bonnie until the last chapter of the book. Each person added to the story in a way that kept you reading along. I literally could not put it down. It was heartwarming and I followed along hoping for the happily ever after. I was not disappointed and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story had me laughing from the start. The FMC is smart,funny, and dynamic. She has her own trauma and securities to work through, but no one's perfect. The MC is just as dynamic and plays well off FMC's whit and sarcasm. While this story plays at being a rom-com, the characters do have depth and experience emotional growth. Overall, this was a fun and emotional read. I highly recommend.
June 22, 2026
What an absolutely delightful read! I really enjoyed this rom-com. For Aussie readers it gave me Nina from “Off Spring” vibes! I adored all of the characters and hope more get their own stories! I laughed out loud many times - highly recommend! It’s a well written, light hearted romance escape!
August 2, 2026
I was hooked right from the start and didn’t want to put it down. Don’t start it if you have other obligations because you will want to stay curled up in a cozy spot to devour this book. It was so good I had to go back and double check that she isn’t a well published author, I thought no way she doesn’t have other books and where can I find them?
I enjoyed the premise and tempo, it slowed a fraction in some places but what I appreciated was when I thought it was getting predictable I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. It was just the right amount of spicy, funny and down to earth. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
I enjoyed the premise and tempo, it slowed a fraction in some places but what I appreciated was when I thought it was getting predictable I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. It was just the right amount of spicy, funny and down to earth. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
## Goodreads ARC Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25/5)
**Thank you to the author and ARC team for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**
*The Girlfriend Clause* delivers exactly what fans of fake dating romances hope for: witty banter, undeniable chemistry, emotional growth, and plenty of moments that will leave you smiling.
The premise immediately drew me in. A relationship built on a mutually beneficial agreement is hardly groundbreaking in romance, but Emma J. Browne manages to make it feel fresh by giving both main characters believable motivations and allowing their connection to develop naturally rather than relying solely on physical attraction.
One of the book's biggest strengths is the dialogue. The conversations flow effortlessly, and the playful teasing between the protagonists never feels forced. Their chemistry is obvious from the beginning, but the emotional intimacy builds gradually, making the romance satisfying to watch unfold.
I also appreciated that neither character was perfect. They both carried emotional baggage and made frustrating decisions at times, which made them feel more authentic. Their personal growth throughout the novel was one of my favourite aspects.
That said, the pacing wasn't entirely consistent. The first half moved at an enjoyable, steady pace, but parts of the middle felt repetitive as the characters continued dancing around feelings that readers could already see developing. I also found myself wanting a little more emotional depth during some of the major turning points. Certain conflicts resolved quicker than expected, making the ending feel slightly rushed compared to the slower build-up.
A minor spoiler: once the lines between the fake relationship and genuine feelings begin to blur, the story truly shines. Watching both characters struggle to admit what had become obvious to everyone around them was equal parts entertaining and frustrating—in the best way.
The supporting cast added warmth and humour, although I would have loved to spend more time with a few of them as they occasionally felt underutilized.
Overall, *The Girlfriend Clause* is a charming slow-burn romance filled with heart, humour, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. While I wished for slightly stronger emotional payoff and tighter pacing in the latter half, the engaging characters and believable romance easily carried the story.
**Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25/5)**
**Thank you to the author and ARC team for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**
*The Girlfriend Clause* delivers exactly what fans of fake dating romances hope for: witty banter, undeniable chemistry, emotional growth, and plenty of moments that will leave you smiling.
The premise immediately drew me in. A relationship built on a mutually beneficial agreement is hardly groundbreaking in romance, but Emma J. Browne manages to make it feel fresh by giving both main characters believable motivations and allowing their connection to develop naturally rather than relying solely on physical attraction.
One of the book's biggest strengths is the dialogue. The conversations flow effortlessly, and the playful teasing between the protagonists never feels forced. Their chemistry is obvious from the beginning, but the emotional intimacy builds gradually, making the romance satisfying to watch unfold.
I also appreciated that neither character was perfect. They both carried emotional baggage and made frustrating decisions at times, which made them feel more authentic. Their personal growth throughout the novel was one of my favourite aspects.
That said, the pacing wasn't entirely consistent. The first half moved at an enjoyable, steady pace, but parts of the middle felt repetitive as the characters continued dancing around feelings that readers could already see developing. I also found myself wanting a little more emotional depth during some of the major turning points. Certain conflicts resolved quicker than expected, making the ending feel slightly rushed compared to the slower build-up.
A minor spoiler: once the lines between the fake relationship and genuine feelings begin to blur, the story truly shines. Watching both characters struggle to admit what had become obvious to everyone around them was equal parts entertaining and frustrating—in the best way.
The supporting cast added warmth and humour, although I would have loved to spend more time with a few of them as they occasionally felt underutilized.
Overall, *The Girlfriend Clause* is a charming slow-burn romance filled with heart, humour, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. While I wished for slightly stronger emotional payoff and tighter pacing in the latter half, the engaging characters and believable romance easily carried the story.
**Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25/5)**
July 4, 2026
The Girlfriend Clause was a fun, entertaining contemporary romance that delivered exactly what I was looking for in many ways: likable characters, great chemistry, and a relationship I genuinely wanted to root for. While it wasn't a perfect read, I still finished the book satisfied and would definitely recommend it to other romance readers.
The story follows Andrea, who meets Liam in a broken elevator on her way to work. What begins as a memorable—and genuinely hilarious—meet-cute leads to a night together fueled by shared vulnerability and unexpected connection. The next day, Andrea discovers Liam is actually her new boss after purchasing the company where she works. From there, the two must navigate workplace complications, a fake-dating arrangement that benefits them both, and the growing feelings neither of them expected. As expected in the genre, there is a third-act breakup before the couple ultimately earns their happily ever after.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the beginning. The elevator scene had me laughing out loud and immediately hooked me into the story. It set the tone perfectly and established both Andrea and Liam as engaging, relatable characters. Their banter felt natural, and I found them easy to like both individually and as a couple. The slow-burn development of their relationship worked well, and I enjoyed watching their connection deepen over time.
That said, pacing was my biggest issue with the novel. Some sections felt rushed, while other parts dragged on longer than I felt was necessary. There were moments where I wanted more time spent developing key emotional beats and other scenes that could have been trimmed without affecting the story. Also, at over 500 pages, it felt significantly longer than most contemporary romances I enjoy. Personally, I prefer romance novels in the 300–400-page range.
Despite those critiques, I still thoroughly enjoyed the overall storyline. The combination of workplace romance, fake dating, and a slow-burn love story created an engaging read, and I remained invested in Andrea and Liam's journey from beginning to end. Their relationship felt believable, and the emotional payoff was worth the investment.
The story follows Andrea, who meets Liam in a broken elevator on her way to work. What begins as a memorable—and genuinely hilarious—meet-cute leads to a night together fueled by shared vulnerability and unexpected connection. The next day, Andrea discovers Liam is actually her new boss after purchasing the company where she works. From there, the two must navigate workplace complications, a fake-dating arrangement that benefits them both, and the growing feelings neither of them expected. As expected in the genre, there is a third-act breakup before the couple ultimately earns their happily ever after.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the beginning. The elevator scene had me laughing out loud and immediately hooked me into the story. It set the tone perfectly and established both Andrea and Liam as engaging, relatable characters. Their banter felt natural, and I found them easy to like both individually and as a couple. The slow-burn development of their relationship worked well, and I enjoyed watching their connection deepen over time.
That said, pacing was my biggest issue with the novel. Some sections felt rushed, while other parts dragged on longer than I felt was necessary. There were moments where I wanted more time spent developing key emotional beats and other scenes that could have been trimmed without affecting the story. Also, at over 500 pages, it felt significantly longer than most contemporary romances I enjoy. Personally, I prefer romance novels in the 300–400-page range.
Despite those critiques, I still thoroughly enjoyed the overall storyline. The combination of workplace romance, fake dating, and a slow-burn love story created an engaging read, and I remained invested in Andrea and Liam's journey from beginning to end. Their relationship felt believable, and the emotional payoff was worth the investment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Star Review | The Girlfriend Clause by Emma J. Browne
I love discovering a new romance author, and Emma J. Browne's debut did not disappoint! I was so excited to receive an ARC to review, and now I'm even happier to recommend it to readers who love workplace romances with plenty of witty banter, fake dating, and laugh out loud moments.
Andrea is shocked when Liam, the man she recently had an unforgettable encounter with, becomes the new owner of the pharmaceutical company where she works. When Andrea crashes an art opening, she accidentally ends up fake dating her new boss. Between navigating office politics, keeping up appearances at work, and attending a wedding together in France, their fake relationship quickly becomes much more complicated than either of them expected.
What really made this story stand out to me was its deeper message. At its heart, The Girlfriend Clause is about the masks we wear to meet other people's expectations and how easy it is to let others believe we're doing just fine. Both Andrea and Liam have carefully crafted the versions of themselves they show the world, but as they begin letting each other see what's underneath, they discover the freedom and vulnerability that come with being truly known. That emotional thread gave this romance so much depth.
I loved the chemistry between Andrea and Liam, the workplace drama, the close proximity, and the sharp banter that kept me smiling throughout the story. The settings in London and France added so much charm, making this a perfect escape for romance readers.
💜 Workplace romance
💜 Fake dating
💜 Close proximity
💜 He falls first vibes
💜 Witty banter
💜 Office drama
💜 London setting
💜 France wedding
💜 Emotional vulnerability
💜 Learning to let others in
💜 Debut author
💜 4/5 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars from me!
If you're looking for a romantic comedy filled with laugh out loud moments, sizzling chemistry, and a meaningful message about showing your authentic self, add The Girlfriend Clause to your TBR!
#BookReview #Bookstagram #BookTok #TheGirlfriendClause #EmmaJBrowne #FakeDating #WorkplaceRomance #CloseProximity #LondonBooks #FranceSetting #DebutAuthor #SummerReading #RealtorReads #SoldByJori
I love discovering a new romance author, and Emma J. Browne's debut did not disappoint! I was so excited to receive an ARC to review, and now I'm even happier to recommend it to readers who love workplace romances with plenty of witty banter, fake dating, and laugh out loud moments.
Andrea is shocked when Liam, the man she recently had an unforgettable encounter with, becomes the new owner of the pharmaceutical company where she works. When Andrea crashes an art opening, she accidentally ends up fake dating her new boss. Between navigating office politics, keeping up appearances at work, and attending a wedding together in France, their fake relationship quickly becomes much more complicated than either of them expected.
What really made this story stand out to me was its deeper message. At its heart, The Girlfriend Clause is about the masks we wear to meet other people's expectations and how easy it is to let others believe we're doing just fine. Both Andrea and Liam have carefully crafted the versions of themselves they show the world, but as they begin letting each other see what's underneath, they discover the freedom and vulnerability that come with being truly known. That emotional thread gave this romance so much depth.
I loved the chemistry between Andrea and Liam, the workplace drama, the close proximity, and the sharp banter that kept me smiling throughout the story. The settings in London and France added so much charm, making this a perfect escape for romance readers.
💜 Workplace romance
💜 Fake dating
💜 Close proximity
💜 He falls first vibes
💜 Witty banter
💜 Office drama
💜 London setting
💜 France wedding
💜 Emotional vulnerability
💜 Learning to let others in
💜 Debut author
💜 4/5 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars from me!
If you're looking for a romantic comedy filled with laugh out loud moments, sizzling chemistry, and a meaningful message about showing your authentic self, add The Girlfriend Clause to your TBR!
#BookReview #Bookstagram #BookTok #TheGirlfriendClause #EmmaJBrowne #FakeDating #WorkplaceRomance #CloseProximity #LondonBooks #FranceSetting #DebutAuthor #SummerReading #RealtorReads #SoldByJori
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
Thank you to author Emma J. Browne for the ARC of her DEBUT NOVEL, The Girlfriend Clause, in exchange for an honest review. Release Date-July 31st, 2026
What can I say about The Girlfriend Clause?
Can I say that it got me out of a recent romance reading slump?
YES!
Can I say that the dual POV let me enjoy ALL of Liam and Andrea’s thoughts during their interactions–especially the opening chapters?
YES!
Can I say that the character of James made me smile in almost every scene he was in?
YES!
Can I say that the pacing of the story made it feel like a 300-page novel instead of the 568 pages that it actually is?
YES!
Can I say that I will DEFINITELY be on the lookout for Eliza’s story?
YES!
Seriously, if you are a romance reader, and especially if you enjoy Billionaire fake-dating stories, please give Emma J. Browne’s novel a try. I know for some readers, the length may be a deterrent, but trust me when I say, you will be wishing for 100 more pages by the end.
Liam is the billionaire who has purchased the pharmaceutical company where Andrea, a sales rep, works. Due to a lack of information regarding identity–and a broken–down lift– Liam’s presence at the company becomes complicated…..
While you may read that and think—”Yeah, I’ve read tons like this one.” I’m telling you to still give this a try. If you have that many already, you will love this one. Plus, Browne has added an important motivation for why Liam is purchasing the company, which will have you reflecting on something kind of unexpected. Never underestimate what a romance novel can get you to reflect upon. Yes, there are spicy scenes, but they in no way detract from the story Browne is telling.
Plus, if you don’t read it, you’ll never see how our clever Andrea–and friends–catch her cheating boyfriend.
And, you’ll never meet James!
And, you’ll never get to enjoy the phrase “Chesty McSweatpants!” :)
Once again, thank you Emma J. Browne for the ARC!! An amazing read.
Thank you to author Emma J. Browne for the ARC of her DEBUT NOVEL, The Girlfriend Clause, in exchange for an honest review. Release Date-July 31st, 2026
What can I say about The Girlfriend Clause?
Can I say that it got me out of a recent romance reading slump?
YES!
Can I say that the dual POV let me enjoy ALL of Liam and Andrea’s thoughts during their interactions–especially the opening chapters?
YES!
Can I say that the character of James made me smile in almost every scene he was in?
YES!
Can I say that the pacing of the story made it feel like a 300-page novel instead of the 568 pages that it actually is?
YES!
Can I say that I will DEFINITELY be on the lookout for Eliza’s story?
YES!
Seriously, if you are a romance reader, and especially if you enjoy Billionaire fake-dating stories, please give Emma J. Browne’s novel a try. I know for some readers, the length may be a deterrent, but trust me when I say, you will be wishing for 100 more pages by the end.
Liam is the billionaire who has purchased the pharmaceutical company where Andrea, a sales rep, works. Due to a lack of information regarding identity–and a broken–down lift– Liam’s presence at the company becomes complicated…..
While you may read that and think—”Yeah, I’ve read tons like this one.” I’m telling you to still give this a try. If you have that many already, you will love this one. Plus, Browne has added an important motivation for why Liam is purchasing the company, which will have you reflecting on something kind of unexpected. Never underestimate what a romance novel can get you to reflect upon. Yes, there are spicy scenes, but they in no way detract from the story Browne is telling.
Plus, if you don’t read it, you’ll never see how our clever Andrea–and friends–catch her cheating boyfriend.
And, you’ll never meet James!
And, you’ll never get to enjoy the phrase “Chesty McSweatpants!” :)
Once again, thank you Emma J. Browne for the ARC!! An amazing read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advance Reader Copy — I received this advance copy through Arc for an honest review. Emma J. Browne’s debut The Girlfriend Clause is a deliciously entertaining contemporary romance that serves up the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat. This is exactly the kind of feel-good story I didn’t know I needed.
The premise is irresistible: Andrea, a pharmaceutical sales representative with a sharp wit and sharper tongue, finds herself trapped in an increasingly elaborate fake-dating scheme with Liam, a billionaire CEO who’s definitely not the villain she initially assumes he is. What starts as a desperate arrangement spirals into something far more complicated—and far more compelling.
The dual POV narrative gives us equal insight into both characters’ vulnerability and humor. Andrea is hilarious and relatable—her internal monologue alone is worth the price of admission—while Liam’s gradual unmasking from cold corporate titan to genuinely decent human is handled with real nuance. The banter between them crackles, and the chemistry builds authentically rather than explosively.
Browne excels at balancing comedy with genuine emotional weight. Beneath the romantic comedy shell lies meaningful character work, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and what it means to build trust with someone who comes from an entirely different world. The supporting cast is equally charming—Andrea’s friends James and Eliza are scene-stealers, and Liam’s friends feel real and lived-in.
Fair warning: this is a high-heat romance with explicit content and strong language throughout, so it’s definitely intended for adult readers. But it never feels gratuitous—the intimate scenes carry emotional significance rather than serving as mere interludes.
My only minor quibble is that some plot threads felt slightly rushed toward the end, but it didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment of this charming, witty, and genuinely swoon-worthy debut.
Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance with humor, banter, and real stakes. I’ll be eagerly anticipating Emma J. Browne’s next book.
The premise is irresistible: Andrea, a pharmaceutical sales representative with a sharp wit and sharper tongue, finds herself trapped in an increasingly elaborate fake-dating scheme with Liam, a billionaire CEO who’s definitely not the villain she initially assumes he is. What starts as a desperate arrangement spirals into something far more complicated—and far more compelling.
The dual POV narrative gives us equal insight into both characters’ vulnerability and humor. Andrea is hilarious and relatable—her internal monologue alone is worth the price of admission—while Liam’s gradual unmasking from cold corporate titan to genuinely decent human is handled with real nuance. The banter between them crackles, and the chemistry builds authentically rather than explosively.
Browne excels at balancing comedy with genuine emotional weight. Beneath the romantic comedy shell lies meaningful character work, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and what it means to build trust with someone who comes from an entirely different world. The supporting cast is equally charming—Andrea’s friends James and Eliza are scene-stealers, and Liam’s friends feel real and lived-in.
Fair warning: this is a high-heat romance with explicit content and strong language throughout, so it’s definitely intended for adult readers. But it never feels gratuitous—the intimate scenes carry emotional significance rather than serving as mere interludes.
My only minor quibble is that some plot threads felt slightly rushed toward the end, but it didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment of this charming, witty, and genuinely swoon-worthy debut.
Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance with humor, banter, and real stakes. I’ll be eagerly anticipating Emma J. Browne’s next book.
Review of advance copy
Great romance novel, a lot of humor and witty banter, supercool ideas. I especially loved the office-bingo, which I couldn’t stop laughing about out loud! But the first scene of the novel already showed a big portion of humor and I found this very special idea to get proof of something rather hilarious.
The style of writing in total is also great, but for my personal taste some of the more chaotic scenes are a tiny bit over the top. To walk out of the house after a lot of mishaps, maybe that could be a string of bad luck, but there were really a lot of those (like in a slapstick comedy) and this then right away followed by the magnificent elevator incident seems to be a bit too much.
But the elevator scene itself is the cherry on top of the cake, eh sorry - of all things that happened before and indeed it is beautifully written, dramatic but funny and yes, there is the first spark of mutual attraction.
The story is rather realistic, even if some events however are too much, for example storming twice into big (charity) events without being extracted by security is not so believable and in other situations some side characters act a bit clichéd.
Other events also appear not really realistic, especially how the structure of the pharmaceutic company can be changed so fast and then nearly immediately turned back into the former plus a new structure. That would cause so much financial and organisational havoc in real life, that it wouldn’t be possible to do.
I received a free ARC of this novel and I am leaving my review voluntarily here. All in all „The Girlfriend Clause“ is a very entertaining romance novel with some some trauma from their past each of the main characters have to face. The novel also contains some nice spice. Andrea and Liam are believable in their individual shortcomings and the obstacles they have to overcome. Some of the side characters remain a bit pale, but the main story has enough drama and events to carry easily through the plot until the end. I am looking forward to find and read more novels written by Emma J. Browne.
The style of writing in total is also great, but for my personal taste some of the more chaotic scenes are a tiny bit over the top. To walk out of the house after a lot of mishaps, maybe that could be a string of bad luck, but there were really a lot of those (like in a slapstick comedy) and this then right away followed by the magnificent elevator incident seems to be a bit too much.
But the elevator scene itself is the cherry on top of the cake, eh sorry - of all things that happened before and indeed it is beautifully written, dramatic but funny and yes, there is the first spark of mutual attraction.
The story is rather realistic, even if some events however are too much, for example storming twice into big (charity) events without being extracted by security is not so believable and in other situations some side characters act a bit clichéd.
Other events also appear not really realistic, especially how the structure of the pharmaceutic company can be changed so fast and then nearly immediately turned back into the former plus a new structure. That would cause so much financial and organisational havoc in real life, that it wouldn’t be possible to do.
I received a free ARC of this novel and I am leaving my review voluntarily here. All in all „The Girlfriend Clause“ is a very entertaining romance novel with some some trauma from their past each of the main characters have to face. The novel also contains some nice spice. Andrea and Liam are believable in their individual shortcomings and the obstacles they have to overcome. Some of the side characters remain a bit pale, but the main story has enough drama and events to carry easily through the plot until the end. I am looking forward to find and read more novels written by Emma J. Browne.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Emma J. Browne for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into The Girlfriend Clause expecting a fun rom-com, and it absolutely delivered—but also gave me way more heart than I was expecting.
Liam and Andrea’s banter is hands-down the highlight of this book. It’s witty, sharp, and genuinely funny, but it can also hit you right in the feels when you least expect it. There were a few lines that honestly just cut you at the knees in the best way. Their chemistry is so good—the chemistry between them crackles on the page, making every interaction feel meaningful—and I loved how their relationship developed over the course of the story.
One thing I really appreciated is how they always show up for each other—even when they’re annoyed, frustrated, or not exactly on good terms. That dynamic added a lot of depth and made their connection feel real.
This book definitely has those classic rom-com moments where you’re like “oh my god, just TALK to each other already,” but it never felt overdone. Instead, it just added to the charm. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with the more heartfelt ones, which made it such an enjoyable read.
The only minor issue for me was some pacing toward the end—the final chapter felt a bit rushed, and the timeline was occasionally unclear, especially with how quickly certain character arcs wrapped up. Even with that, it didn’t take away from how much I genuinely enjoyed the book.
Yes, it leans into familiar tropes, but the writing, pacing, and character work make it stand out. It hooked me from the first chapter and kept me invested the whole time.
Overall, The Girlfriend Clause is a fun, heartfelt read with memorable characters and standout dialogue. If you love romance with bite, humor, and a bit of emotional punch, this one is well worth picking up.
I went into The Girlfriend Clause expecting a fun rom-com, and it absolutely delivered—but also gave me way more heart than I was expecting.
Liam and Andrea’s banter is hands-down the highlight of this book. It’s witty, sharp, and genuinely funny, but it can also hit you right in the feels when you least expect it. There were a few lines that honestly just cut you at the knees in the best way. Their chemistry is so good—the chemistry between them crackles on the page, making every interaction feel meaningful—and I loved how their relationship developed over the course of the story.
One thing I really appreciated is how they always show up for each other—even when they’re annoyed, frustrated, or not exactly on good terms. That dynamic added a lot of depth and made their connection feel real.
This book definitely has those classic rom-com moments where you’re like “oh my god, just TALK to each other already,” but it never felt overdone. Instead, it just added to the charm. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with the more heartfelt ones, which made it such an enjoyable read.
The only minor issue for me was some pacing toward the end—the final chapter felt a bit rushed, and the timeline was occasionally unclear, especially with how quickly certain character arcs wrapped up. Even with that, it didn’t take away from how much I genuinely enjoyed the book.
Yes, it leans into familiar tropes, but the writing, pacing, and character work make it stand out. It hooked me from the first chapter and kept me invested the whole time.
Overall, The Girlfriend Clause is a fun, heartfelt read with memorable characters and standout dialogue. If you love romance with bite, humor, and a bit of emotional punch, this one is well worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
There are books that make you smile, and then there are books that have you grinning at your Kindle while muttering, "Well... this is going to be trouble." The Girlfriend Clause was absolutely one of those books.
From the first awkward encounter, I was hooked. Andrea is delightfully relatable. Her life is falling apart in spectacular fashion, and instead of wallowing, she throws herself headfirst into situations that somehow keep getting even more complicated. Liam is the perfect counterpart. Successful, guarded and completely off limits... at least in theory.
The chemistry between these two is electric. Their banter is witty, the tension builds beautifully, and every interaction left me wanting "just one more chapter"... which quickly became several more. The fake dating trope is one of my favourites when it's done well, and this absolutely delivers. Watching their carefully constructed arrangement slowly unravel under the weight of very real feelings was incredibly satisfying.
I also loved that beneath the humour and romance, the story explores vulnerability, trust and finding someone who sees you even when your life feels like it's unravelling. The emotional moments felt genuine and balanced perfectly with the laugh out loud dialogue.
If you enjoy enemies to lovers, fake dating, a swoon worthy billionaire hero who falls first, sharp banter, plenty of chemistry and a romance that will have you rooting for the characters from beginning to end, I highly recommend adding The Girlfriend Clause to your TBR.
This was such a fun, addictive read, and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
There are books that make you smile, and then there are books that have you grinning at your Kindle while muttering, "Well... this is going to be trouble." The Girlfriend Clause was absolutely one of those books.
From the first awkward encounter, I was hooked. Andrea is delightfully relatable. Her life is falling apart in spectacular fashion, and instead of wallowing, she throws herself headfirst into situations that somehow keep getting even more complicated. Liam is the perfect counterpart. Successful, guarded and completely off limits... at least in theory.
The chemistry between these two is electric. Their banter is witty, the tension builds beautifully, and every interaction left me wanting "just one more chapter"... which quickly became several more. The fake dating trope is one of my favourites when it's done well, and this absolutely delivers. Watching their carefully constructed arrangement slowly unravel under the weight of very real feelings was incredibly satisfying.
I also loved that beneath the humour and romance, the story explores vulnerability, trust and finding someone who sees you even when your life feels like it's unravelling. The emotional moments felt genuine and balanced perfectly with the laugh out loud dialogue.
If you enjoy enemies to lovers, fake dating, a swoon worthy billionaire hero who falls first, sharp banter, plenty of chemistry and a romance that will have you rooting for the characters from beginning to end, I highly recommend adding The Girlfriend Clause to your TBR.
This was such a fun, addictive read, and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Tropes: Meet-Cute • Fake Dating / Contract Relationship • Instant Connection
The Synopsis & Vibe
If you love a great meet-cute wrapped up in a fake-dating arrangement, The Girlfriend Clause is such an entertaining, engaging read! Emma J. Browne strikes a fantastic balance between laugh-out-loud humour and genuine emotion, which is never easy to pull off.
What Worked
Liam steals the show: Hands down, Liam was the absolute highlight of this story. He had a level of depth and complexity to his character that made him deeply engaging and easy to root for.
Instant Connection & Banter: The chemistry between the leads was electric from day one. I loved how comfortable they were around each other right off the bat, making their initial spark feel so natural.
The Progression: Watching their dynamic shift and evolve from a suprise meeting to strict contract into a real emotional bond was deeply satisfying. Their banter was top-notch throughout!
A Few Bumps in the Road
The Misunderstanding: I struggled a bit with the conflict where Andrea let her friends convince her that Liam wasn't genuine. It felt frustrating to watch her ignore her own first-hand experiences and initial instincts about him, and turning him into a bad guy.
Pacing: The pacing felt slightly uneven at times—certain moments felt a little rushed, while others dragged on a bit longer than necessary. I would have loved for a few key scenes to be expanded to give the emotional development even more room to breathe.
Final Thoughts
Despite a couple of minor pacing bumps, this was a super fun, heart-warming, and enjoyable romance that kept me hooked. I’m definitely holding out hope that we get future stories following Liam's brother and Andrea's sister!
The Synopsis & Vibe
If you love a great meet-cute wrapped up in a fake-dating arrangement, The Girlfriend Clause is such an entertaining, engaging read! Emma J. Browne strikes a fantastic balance between laugh-out-loud humour and genuine emotion, which is never easy to pull off.
What Worked
Liam steals the show: Hands down, Liam was the absolute highlight of this story. He had a level of depth and complexity to his character that made him deeply engaging and easy to root for.
Instant Connection & Banter: The chemistry between the leads was electric from day one. I loved how comfortable they were around each other right off the bat, making their initial spark feel so natural.
The Progression: Watching their dynamic shift and evolve from a suprise meeting to strict contract into a real emotional bond was deeply satisfying. Their banter was top-notch throughout!
A Few Bumps in the Road
The Misunderstanding: I struggled a bit with the conflict where Andrea let her friends convince her that Liam wasn't genuine. It felt frustrating to watch her ignore her own first-hand experiences and initial instincts about him, and turning him into a bad guy.
Pacing: The pacing felt slightly uneven at times—certain moments felt a little rushed, while others dragged on a bit longer than necessary. I would have loved for a few key scenes to be expanded to give the emotional development even more room to breathe.
Final Thoughts
Despite a couple of minor pacing bumps, this was a super fun, heart-warming, and enjoyable romance that kept me hooked. I’m definitely holding out hope that we get future stories following Liam's brother and Andrea's sister!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an ARC in exchange for a review. Thank you Emma!
I loved this. There are a few (key word being few) scenes I felt was a bit off tempo or not progressing quite naturally, but overall I cannot believe this is Emma’s debut because it’s 🤌🏼🤌🏼. This is a feel good romcon done so well. I’ve both snorted out loud, gotten all teary eyed on the tube (THE TUBE, EMMA!) and gotten a bit tingly because 🔥😏. Our FMC is witty, smart, and just so likeable. Our MMC is so much more than the typical playboy billionaire the world thinks he is. The side characters are also interesting and funny. Seriously, I wish I were friends with them.
Also, the writing. Not only was this a really sweet and entertaining book plotwise, but it’s a joy experiencing Emma’s writing. It’s funny and witty while deep and emotional. Amazing. Four very solid stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emma, I will jump at the chance to read whatever you write next! ⭐️♥️🌸
‘Eliza stood and stretched. “Well. If you’re both getting fired tomorrow, you might as well mentally prepare for the chaos by ignoring it entirely and watching Married at First Sight with me.” We all nodded. It was, objectively, the sanest response.’
‘“Love is the choice to share the load. To stop carrying everything alone.” He made it sound easy, like a bag of groceries you could just leave by the door. As if the weight didn’t fuse itself to your spine over time, shaping the way you stood and slept, the way you watched, constantly, for signs of collapse.’
‘I was just ordinary old Andrea Jones. Not rich, not privileged, not connected. The human equivalent of a supermarket own-brand digestive biscuit.’
I loved this. There are a few (key word being few) scenes I felt was a bit off tempo or not progressing quite naturally, but overall I cannot believe this is Emma’s debut because it’s 🤌🏼🤌🏼. This is a feel good romcon done so well. I’ve both snorted out loud, gotten all teary eyed on the tube (THE TUBE, EMMA!) and gotten a bit tingly because 🔥😏. Our FMC is witty, smart, and just so likeable. Our MMC is so much more than the typical playboy billionaire the world thinks he is. The side characters are also interesting and funny. Seriously, I wish I were friends with them.
Also, the writing. Not only was this a really sweet and entertaining book plotwise, but it’s a joy experiencing Emma’s writing. It’s funny and witty while deep and emotional. Amazing. Four very solid stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emma, I will jump at the chance to read whatever you write next! ⭐️♥️🌸
‘Eliza stood and stretched. “Well. If you’re both getting fired tomorrow, you might as well mentally prepare for the chaos by ignoring it entirely and watching Married at First Sight with me.” We all nodded. It was, objectively, the sanest response.’
‘“Love is the choice to share the load. To stop carrying everything alone.” He made it sound easy, like a bag of groceries you could just leave by the door. As if the weight didn’t fuse itself to your spine over time, shaping the way you stood and slept, the way you watched, constantly, for signs of collapse.’
‘I was just ordinary old Andrea Jones. Not rich, not privileged, not connected. The human equivalent of a supermarket own-brand digestive biscuit.’
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️ ARC Review ✨️ - The Girlfriend Clause by Emma J. Browne – ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Liam is a billionaire CEO carrying more baggage than he knows what to do with. He's surviving rather than living until a chance encounter in a stuck elevator throws him together with Andrea, an independent pharmaceutical sales rep with an artistic soul and a strength that comes from years of standing on her own two feet.
What starts with a traumatic shared experience and a one-night mistake quickly spirals into awkward revelations, misunderstandings, and eventually a fake dating arrangement that neither of them is fully prepared for.
I really enjoyed watching Liam's layers slowly peel back throughout the story. Beneath the intimidating billionaire exterior is a man struggling with his past, and seeing Andrea bring out the softer version of him was easily my favourite part of the book. I am always a sucker for a broken hero who learns how to heal and discovers that being vulnerable doesn't make him weak.
The fake dating was done well, and the push-and-pull between them felt believable. Every time I thought I knew where their relationship was heading, something would happen to throw them off course again. The will-they-won't-they (again) tension kept me invested, and I was a huge fan of how everything wrapped up in the end.
Andrea occasionally frustrated me as she seemed to bounce between writing Liam off completely and being unable to resist him, but given the circumstances and the mixed signals he was sending, it wasn't entirely unrealistic either.
Filled with emotional moments, character growth, and a hero worth rooting for, The Girlfriend Clause is a satisfying fake dating romance with plenty of heart.
Liam is a billionaire CEO carrying more baggage than he knows what to do with. He's surviving rather than living until a chance encounter in a stuck elevator throws him together with Andrea, an independent pharmaceutical sales rep with an artistic soul and a strength that comes from years of standing on her own two feet.
What starts with a traumatic shared experience and a one-night mistake quickly spirals into awkward revelations, misunderstandings, and eventually a fake dating arrangement that neither of them is fully prepared for.
I really enjoyed watching Liam's layers slowly peel back throughout the story. Beneath the intimidating billionaire exterior is a man struggling with his past, and seeing Andrea bring out the softer version of him was easily my favourite part of the book. I am always a sucker for a broken hero who learns how to heal and discovers that being vulnerable doesn't make him weak.
The fake dating was done well, and the push-and-pull between them felt believable. Every time I thought I knew where their relationship was heading, something would happen to throw them off course again. The will-they-won't-they (again) tension kept me invested, and I was a huge fan of how everything wrapped up in the end.
Andrea occasionally frustrated me as she seemed to bounce between writing Liam off completely and being unable to resist him, but given the circumstances and the mixed signals he was sending, it wasn't entirely unrealistic either.
Filled with emotional moments, character growth, and a hero worth rooting for, The Girlfriend Clause is a satisfying fake dating romance with plenty of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
- Rom-com
- ONS to “enemies” to lovers
- Fake relationship with contract
- Workplace romance
- Dual POV - 1st person
Andrea Jones, also known as Andy, is living with her little sister Eliza and working for a pharmaceutical company named Novexia that’s just been bought by some ooold stuck-up billionaire. On the way to a staff meeting where they’re supposed to meet the new owner, she gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger. A rather handsome and funny stranger. Things escalate (ha ha) and they end up spending the rest of the day together. In her bed. Where she tells this handsome man what she thinks her new boss is like.
Not knowing that this guy… is actually him… OOPS.
Liam Roth, CEO of Novexia, is a book boyfriend. That’s all I’m going to say.
Wow! I really enjoyed this book! I was hooked right from the beginning and instantly liked the writing. It was top tier. I could NOT tell that this is Emma’s debut novel?! The story felt natural and the characters were relatable. And there were times where I laughed out loud. Love me a well-written rom-com.
But - I had a hard time with the heroine during the 3rd act breakup. It felt unnecessary and could’ve been avoided if she would’ve just TALKED to him. I get that she needed the “wake-up-call” talk from her sister especially, but she really pissed me off in the last part of the book. Also, I had a rough time with Bonnie. What was her game exactly?
Thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader on her debut novel. This is my honest opinion about this book 📖
🌶️🌶️
- Rom-com
- ONS to “enemies” to lovers
- Fake relationship with contract
- Workplace romance
- Dual POV - 1st person
Andrea Jones, also known as Andy, is living with her little sister Eliza and working for a pharmaceutical company named Novexia that’s just been bought by some ooold stuck-up billionaire. On the way to a staff meeting where they’re supposed to meet the new owner, she gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger. A rather handsome and funny stranger. Things escalate (ha ha) and they end up spending the rest of the day together. In her bed. Where she tells this handsome man what she thinks her new boss is like.
Not knowing that this guy… is actually him… OOPS.
Liam Roth, CEO of Novexia, is a book boyfriend. That’s all I’m going to say.
Wow! I really enjoyed this book! I was hooked right from the beginning and instantly liked the writing. It was top tier. I could NOT tell that this is Emma’s debut novel?! The story felt natural and the characters were relatable. And there were times where I laughed out loud. Love me a well-written rom-com.
But - I had a hard time with the heroine during the 3rd act breakup. It felt unnecessary and could’ve been avoided if she would’ve just TALKED to him. I get that she needed the “wake-up-call” talk from her sister especially, but she really pissed me off in the last part of the book. Also, I had a rough time with Bonnie. What was her game exactly?
Thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader on her debut novel. This is my honest opinion about this book 📖
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advance Reader Copy of 'The Girlfriend Clause' in return for an honest review.
I was expecting an enjoyable romp and I was NOT disappointed! The main characters (Andrea and Liam) are entertaining and sympathetic (though I sometimes wanted to bang their heads together!) and the supporting characters - like Eliza, Bonnie and James - are also interesting and rounded out, rather than merely being two-dimensional plot devices. I'd love to see what happens for some of them in future Emma J. Browne novels. (Hint, hint, if you're reading this EJB!)
What I wasn't expecting was to genuinely laugh out loud at some of their antics, or to tear up at several emotional moments. This is romantic comedy of the best kind - the author has a light touch but the language is rich and evocative (and quite sweary at times!), and I really enjoyed her descriptions of the beautiful settings, just as much as the sassy verbal sparring between Andy and Liam. I really enjoyed the dual narrative structure where we hear from both of the main characters and really get to know what they're both thinking and feeling. Like some other reviewers, I didn't want the story to end but my need to know what happened next meant that I practically inhaled this book.
If you're looking for an uplifting, contemporary romance with plenty of twists and turns, and a great cast of flawed but fabulous characters, then 'The Girlfriend Clause' is for you. Can't wait for Emma J. Browne's next novel!
I was expecting an enjoyable romp and I was NOT disappointed! The main characters (Andrea and Liam) are entertaining and sympathetic (though I sometimes wanted to bang their heads together!) and the supporting characters - like Eliza, Bonnie and James - are also interesting and rounded out, rather than merely being two-dimensional plot devices. I'd love to see what happens for some of them in future Emma J. Browne novels. (Hint, hint, if you're reading this EJB!)
What I wasn't expecting was to genuinely laugh out loud at some of their antics, or to tear up at several emotional moments. This is romantic comedy of the best kind - the author has a light touch but the language is rich and evocative (and quite sweary at times!), and I really enjoyed her descriptions of the beautiful settings, just as much as the sassy verbal sparring between Andy and Liam. I really enjoyed the dual narrative structure where we hear from both of the main characters and really get to know what they're both thinking and feeling. Like some other reviewers, I didn't want the story to end but my need to know what happened next meant that I practically inhaled this book.
If you're looking for an uplifting, contemporary romance with plenty of twists and turns, and a great cast of flawed but fabulous characters, then 'The Girlfriend Clause' is for you. Can't wait for Emma J. Browne's next novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some books are just plain fun, and this was one of them.
I devoured The Girlfriend Clause in a few sittings—not because I got bored, but because I wasn’t sure I wanted it to end. Every time I put it down, I kept thinking about Andrea and Liam.
Andrea was such a relatable character. She was trying to keep her life together while everything around her seemed to be falling apart, and honestly… who hasn’t felt like that? I found myself cheering her on from the very beginning.
Liam? Yeah… I totally got the hype. Confident, protective, and underneath all that confidence was someone who genuinely cared. Watching the relationship between him and Andrea grow felt so natural, and their banter had me laughing out loud more than once. There were a few moments where I literally couldn’t hold it together.
I loved that this wasn’t just a cute fake dating romance. It had plenty of funny moments, but it also had heart. The characters felt real, and I actually cared about where their story was going.
If you’re a fan of fake dating, workplace romance, a hero who falls first, great chemistry, and a rom-com that will make you smile, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
The Girlfriend Clause releases July 31, 2026, and I’m already looking forward to seeing everyone else fall in love with Andrea and Liam the way I did.
Thank you so much to Emma J. Browne for the ARC. This was such a fun read, and I’m really glad I got to be part of Andrea and Liam’s journey.
I devoured The Girlfriend Clause in a few sittings—not because I got bored, but because I wasn’t sure I wanted it to end. Every time I put it down, I kept thinking about Andrea and Liam.
Andrea was such a relatable character. She was trying to keep her life together while everything around her seemed to be falling apart, and honestly… who hasn’t felt like that? I found myself cheering her on from the very beginning.
Liam? Yeah… I totally got the hype. Confident, protective, and underneath all that confidence was someone who genuinely cared. Watching the relationship between him and Andrea grow felt so natural, and their banter had me laughing out loud more than once. There were a few moments where I literally couldn’t hold it together.
I loved that this wasn’t just a cute fake dating romance. It had plenty of funny moments, but it also had heart. The characters felt real, and I actually cared about where their story was going.
If you’re a fan of fake dating, workplace romance, a hero who falls first, great chemistry, and a rom-com that will make you smile, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
The Girlfriend Clause releases July 31, 2026, and I’m already looking forward to seeing everyone else fall in love with Andrea and Liam the way I did.
Thank you so much to Emma J. Browne for the ARC. This was such a fun read, and I’m really glad I got to be part of Andrea and Liam’s journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A flirty rom-com with plenty of banter and swoony moments, however I find that the FMC was a bit inconsistent and could have used a bit more character development considering this was a 500+ pages book. She says I am not a gold digger, but then she also says I won’t sign the NDA unless the compensation is good enough and a few other smaller moments (at some point even she’s questioning herself about it). Andrea’s artistic journey could have been given more organic development too, her talent is central to the plot, but the narrative doesn’t linger enough on her creative process or passion. I also didn’t like that towards the end she simply cut him off without looking back, without giving him the chance to understand, check and clarify what was wrong, then she finds out he really was innocent but she doesn’t reach out to him to talk it out, apologize, etc. she simply ignores the whole thing and she was basically ready to lose him. Thank god her younger sister was more mature and pushed her to go talk to him.
On the other hand, I liked the MMC Liam. We could see the growth of his character and natural evolution, healing, and how maturely he approached the issues, learning from and correcting his mistakes wherever possible, especially towards the end. His learning and growth is visible and admirable.
Despite that, I still enjoyed the overall storyline, all the other events were fun and entertaining, especially the elevator scene.
On the other hand, I liked the MMC Liam. We could see the growth of his character and natural evolution, healing, and how maturely he approached the issues, learning from and correcting his mistakes wherever possible, especially towards the end. His learning and growth is visible and admirable.
Despite that, I still enjoyed the overall storyline, all the other events were fun and entertaining, especially the elevator scene.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who wouldn’t want to meet a gorgeous man in an embarrassing situation. Andrea Jones, pharmaceutical sales rep for Novexia, is actually arriving early for an important work meeting. Finally getting into the parking garage elevator after a minor mishap or two, she encounters Liam, a very handsome and physically attractive man. A kinda near death and hilarious encounter in the elevator is the start of a very funny and heartfelt contemporary romcom.
I love the flow of the storyline with its humor, embarrassing situations, dating/fake dating, family and grownup issues. I love Andrea’s character because she is easy to like and she has the funniest lines in the story. At her age, I’m sure we can all empathize with her regarding family, work, ex-boyfriends, and friends. Liam has his own issues dealing with his family, past trauma and new ventures. The chemistry between both characters is cozy, sexy, funny and real. There is also a great assortment of side characters.
Like most romcoms, things are great, problems happen and then misunderstandings can be heartbreaking. To sum up, The Girlfriend Clause is a Hallmark movie on steroids with the humor of Bridesmaids. Even though this is not my normal genre, I was very enticed by the story’s description. I’m so glad I choice to read it and I know you will love it too!
I love the flow of the storyline with its humor, embarrassing situations, dating/fake dating, family and grownup issues. I love Andrea’s character because she is easy to like and she has the funniest lines in the story. At her age, I’m sure we can all empathize with her regarding family, work, ex-boyfriends, and friends. Liam has his own issues dealing with his family, past trauma and new ventures. The chemistry between both characters is cozy, sexy, funny and real. There is also a great assortment of side characters.
Like most romcoms, things are great, problems happen and then misunderstandings can be heartbreaking. To sum up, The Girlfriend Clause is a Hallmark movie on steroids with the humor of Bridesmaids. Even though this is not my normal genre, I was very enticed by the story’s description. I’m so glad I choice to read it and I know you will love it too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this so much - cannot believe this is a debut. The Girlfriend Clause was not what I was expecting, but in a good way. A really funny and addictive romcom with all the things I love about the romance genre (banter, chemistry, spice, and two very likeable main characters) - but on top of that, so much more emotion and heart than I'm used to in a billionaire romance. The characters felt so real (even the billionaire?), and while some of the scenarios were a bit over the top, it felt hilarious rather than unbelievable.
Andrea and Liam’s push-and-pull dynamic had me hooked from the minute they met. I loved comedy of the lift scene (omg), the art gallery disaster, the airing cupboard, and so much more - but underneath all the laughs, Browne didn't shy away from giving these two some real personal growth, which felt believable and a little heart-wrenching. The side characters were all great assets too (especially James, Eliza, and Andy's mum), at times I felt like I was hanging out with a really funny group of friends, I honestly didn't want it to end but at the same time, I couldn't put it down.
Really well-written, but still an easy read. And don't let the length put you off, you'll plow through it in a weekend. Pick this one up, you won't regret it.
I received this book as an early reader copy and this is my honest review.
Andrea and Liam’s push-and-pull dynamic had me hooked from the minute they met. I loved comedy of the lift scene (omg), the art gallery disaster, the airing cupboard, and so much more - but underneath all the laughs, Browne didn't shy away from giving these two some real personal growth, which felt believable and a little heart-wrenching. The side characters were all great assets too (especially James, Eliza, and Andy's mum), at times I felt like I was hanging out with a really funny group of friends, I honestly didn't want it to end but at the same time, I couldn't put it down.
Really well-written, but still an easy read. And don't let the length put you off, you'll plow through it in a weekend. Pick this one up, you won't regret it.
I received this book as an early reader copy and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy of this book.
The girlfriend clause was everything I want in a contemporary romance. It had witty banter, undeniable chemistry, laugh out loud moments, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. I truly didn’t want the book to end!
Emma J Browne has created an addictive enemies to lovers, fake-dating romance with a workplace twist. Andy is smart, funny, and fiercely independent but her personal life is a mess while Liam is the perfect balance of confident, caring, and completely swoon-worthy and resembles the whole package. Their first encounter is before they realise they will be working together but their relationship develops naturally, making every interaction feel authentic and the book impossible to put down.
The pacing is excellent, blending humour, romance, and emotional depth without ever dragging. The supporting characters like her sister and his best friends add warmth and personality, and the dialogue from both sides is sharp and engaging throughout.
If you love fake dating, workplace romance, forced proximity, and a hero who quietly falls first, this book deserves a spot on your reading list. Emma J. Browne has created a romance that's heartfelt, entertaining, and leaves you smiling long after you've turned the final page.
I can't wait to see what she writes next because I know I will love it!
The girlfriend clause was everything I want in a contemporary romance. It had witty banter, undeniable chemistry, laugh out loud moments, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. I truly didn’t want the book to end!
Emma J Browne has created an addictive enemies to lovers, fake-dating romance with a workplace twist. Andy is smart, funny, and fiercely independent but her personal life is a mess while Liam is the perfect balance of confident, caring, and completely swoon-worthy and resembles the whole package. Their first encounter is before they realise they will be working together but their relationship develops naturally, making every interaction feel authentic and the book impossible to put down.
The pacing is excellent, blending humour, romance, and emotional depth without ever dragging. The supporting characters like her sister and his best friends add warmth and personality, and the dialogue from both sides is sharp and engaging throughout.
If you love fake dating, workplace romance, forced proximity, and a hero who quietly falls first, this book deserves a spot on your reading list. Emma J. Browne has created a romance that's heartfelt, entertaining, and leaves you smiling long after you've turned the final page.
I can't wait to see what she writes next because I know I will love it!
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