She’s All That meets Pretty Woman… but make it emotional, healing, and way more redeeming for our broody MMC, Damian 😍.

Lexie is neurodivergent, sharp as a tack, and has a heart so pure it’ll melt yours 🧠✨💛. Their enemies-to-lovers journey hits all the beats—banter, tension, emotional depth—and throws in grief, family, and some seriously beautiful growth arcs.

It’s equal parts heartache and hilarity, and I devoured every second.

SPICE: 3🌶 | RATING: 4.25⭐️

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

✨️ARC Review✨️

Hay Dios Mio!!!

This book.

THIS BOOK!!!!

It was so worth the wait to read The Girlfriend Agreement. Rowan, you are an absolute goddess because this book is a MASTERPIECE 😍😍😍 I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book for all of eternity. To the moon and back. No amount of stars in the universe, no amount of galaxies can express how much I adored and loved reading this book. I literally had to take my time reading becasue I didn't want it to end, and now that I've finished it I feel an emptiness 🥺. I've never felt such emptiness since I finished reading all the Harry Potter books or a Harry Potter fanfic on ao3 called Crimson Rivers.

The Girlfriend Agreement has left such a huge message to me and such an impact that I will always remember. I will definitely be rereading this book in the future (in a couple of days 🙃)

Damian's redemption arc was so beautifully satisfying. He deserves that and more. Losing a loved one is always the hardest thing in the whole world. Feeling that ache in your heart, hoping it'll go away, but all it does is just linger forever. But good does come. It's not always bad. And that's what Damian's story shows.

And Lexi. You fiery woman. I got to show my appreciation for us STEM girlie, even though Im not a math genius like her, I appreciate her so much. And that feeling of not being enough installed on you by past relationships, I know how that feels today. But you pulled through, and now you found someone who challenges your mind and you, and stayed. I love that for you and I hope to find that myself.

UGH😭😭😭😭 MY STANDARDS ARE SO HIGH BECAUSE OF THESE FICTIONAL MEN but its good because we all deserve better... and more. I'll love this book until the end of time.

Thank you Rowan and NetGalley for this wonderful eARC 🫶🏼🥹.

The Girlfriend Agreement comes out July 29, 2025 🥰🥰

3 ⭐️
ARC // Releases July 29, 2025

Thank you to Shire Hill Publications and NetGalley for an advance copy.

———- All thoughts are my own.

This was an entertaining read, and I wished I enjoyed it more. Damian and Lexi have run into each other before and it ended badly, but now Damian needs to clean up his image for his parents and for the company he is set to inherit. Lexi’s mom is sick and the insurance is cutting funding for her life saving medication. One Craigslist ad later and these two come to an agreement.

The fake dating was fun, and I loved how it progressed to something real. You’ll love Damian’s relationship with his grandma. If you can get past Damian’s personality in the first 30% of the book, you’ll enjoy the growth he shows by the end. There’s a real powerful message regarding grief and how it can present itself and the need for someone to just acknowledge that it happened. The math was interesting and I think I learned something and I kind of loved that. 😆

The writing style wasn’t for me, unfortunately. For example, the FMC or MMC would ask a question, and it would take several inner monologues before the answer was revealed, that I had to go back to see what the question even was. Maybe that is/will be a personal experience, but it happened enough that it was noticeable. Now that I think about it some more, maybe it’s intentional because of how Lexi views the world and how her genius mind works and maybe had we known that prior to it being explained by Ronnie 50% in and then Lexi 80% in, my brain could have rectified this is how it needed to be written. 🤷🏽‍♀️

These two were so fun to read. I really enjoy the hate between these two in the beginning. I really loved the way the two grew throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of The Girlfriend Agreement!

This book has all the makings of a new adult rom-com binge: fake dating, enemies-to-lovers energy, academic rivals, and a cocky playboy who absolutely does not expect to fall for the girl who can’t stand him. Rowan Croft brings the heat, the banter, and the chaos in a way that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and emotionally satisfying.

Lexi is brilliant, sarcastic, and refreshingly grounded, while Damian is the charming wildcard whose confident façade starts to crumble the closer they get. Their chemistry sizzles from page one, and the slow-burn tension makes every stolen glance and unexpected moment hit that much harder. Bonus points for a college setting that actually feels authentic and a “he falls first, hard, and completely” MMC.

If you're a fan of The Love Hypothesis or The Deal, this book will scratch that same itch—with extra spice, sharp dialogue, and a hero who is determined to prove he's more than just a reputation. A strong start to the Conwick U series—I’ll definitely be back for book two!

The Girlfriend Agreement aka the typical college romance, with a little bit of a heartbreakingly real family background. I almost feel like I read this exact book before…?

The first chapter starts off quite literally… in the middle of something. I found it exceedingly descriptive where Lexi, our fmc, gives us a whole lot of her thoughts and the scene progresses VERY little all throughout the first 20 pages of the book.

She also gives us random thoughts about how she has too much going on with her mom, when just a few paragraphs before (and after) she’s telling us how she’s about to get “dicked down”. But then she tells us again how she’s SO BUSY and doesn’t have TIME for anything. Uhm…. okay? This all makes sense later on as you read more but it just didn’t feel like it belonged where it was first introduced.

I’m not sure how to feel? When reading romances, I would usually expect or look forward to a fair amount of background information and background character introductions in the first few chapters but this all just seemed out of place.

Moving on…

Damian…. Like with Lexi, the character introduction was a bit stereotypical. She came through as “oh I usually don’t wear make up but I did this time, and I’m so smart I have an IQ of XXX” he comes in with “I’m such a casanova that I don’t do repeat sex because I can’t do commitment”.

Lexi herself actually isn’t unbearable as an FMC, given her age. But Damien? Jesus… He is supposed to be towards the end of his uni degrees so I assume over 20, and this is his behaviour? I can’t remember what I was like when I was 20-ish but I hope it wasn’t like this lol

HOWEVER!! The rest of the book picked up NICELY. I will say - if this wasn’t an ARC, I would have fully DNF-ed from the first 2 chapters and because of Damien’s overall character and some overall ways the book is written, however I wanted to give an honest review so I went on and read the rest.

I was expecting a little more from this book, but I guess I enjoyed it enough to give it 3 stars because OVERALL it wasn’t horrible. It might be the case that I’m not in the age range to read college romances but I think younger Alice would’ve eaten this up!!

Thank you to the author (Rowan Croft), NetGalley, and ShireHill Publications for the opportunity to read this ARC. I’ve done my best to provide an honest and unbiased review and hope it helps!

While I did like the premise of this book and what it stood for, it fell a little short for me. I think the writing style may have been a bit too conversational for my tastes, and I had a hard time relating with the characters. I think they felt really young to me, which is surprising given the hard life issues they had to deal with.

The main thing I could relate to was losing a family member to cancer - I lost my dad almost 4 years ago right before I turned 23. I really didn’t get into Damian that much. It felt a little impersonal that he mostly only referred to Lexi as Blondie. I get it initially, but even after getting to know her, that’s all you got? And I also struggled with him seemingly feeling no remorse for labeling someone as “Poor Girl.” It just gave me the ick. Lexi was fine, but I just didn’t have much pull to her.

Overall, I do appreciate the message that Rowan Croft was trying to send, and I think if I was a bit younger, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A fun, feel-good fake dating romance with heart and humor

The Girlfriend Agreement was such a fun surprise! I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope, and this one hit a lot of the right notes. It’s got that classic romcom setup—opposites forced into a deal, awkward but hilarious situations, and a slow-burn connection that grows into something real.

The banter between the main characters was one of my favorite parts. Damien definitely starts off as a bit of a cocky, classic “fuckboy,” but as the story goes on, we start to see what’s underneath. I wouldn’t say his transformation was super smooth (some of it felt a little sudden), but I still found myself rooting for him by the end. His relationship with his grandma especially was a standout—it added warmth and gave him more depth.

The Twilight references and college setting gave the whole thing a nostalgic, lighthearted vibe. I do think the book ran a little long in parts, and there were a few moments where the writing got a bit dense, but overall it was a sweet, engaging read.

If you’re into fake dating, slow burn, second chances, and a romcom with some emotional depth beneath the surface, this one’s definitely worth a shot. Just maybe prepare for a bit of a rocky start before it finds its stride.

unfortunately, i have to give this book two stars. I read quite a bit but ultimately had to dnf. I think that the book is way too long, and that the MMC is genuinely just a fuck biy and the reason why is not sufficient for me to be fine with it. I always hated the pet name blondie. I also found the writing dense at times and unfortunately could not get into it. The mmc also refers to his father as hitler and “mein Führer” , which both just feel like unnecessary additions-to drive home the point of his dad wanting to control his image a-lot.

Very sweet read! Well-written and laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed reading this slow burn, second chance, fake dating romance. The characters had great depth and the character development was really good. I don’t usually read college-age romances, but I found myself not able to put this one down!

This was such a fun romcom! I love a good fake dating trope, and this book played it perfectly. The characters personalities shone through, and I loved them both, plus the fun best friends! The situations they went through were perfect for the story, and I straight out giggled at all the Twilight references. That really just added to the fun feel of this book! This has been one of my fav romcoms read this year!

The Girlfriend Agreement is an absolute feel-good read that had me hooked from the very first page. The story blends humor, heart, and slow-burn romance in the most addictive way.

I loved the dynamic between the characters—the fake dating trope is executed perfectly, with just the right mix of tension, charm, and emotional depth. Watching their connection grow felt natural and kept me completely invested.

Rowan Croft’s writing is witty, heartfelt, and effortlessly engaging. This book made me laugh, swoon, and smile like an idiot more than once.

A total comfort read that I’ll be thinking about for a long time. One of those stories you wish you could experience again for the first time.

I dont have much to say but I love how this book offer some sensitivity on the characters growth. Both characters have their own personalities. I personally thing the first few chapters of the book kinda dragging but its personally from me, I truly enjoy after 60% into the book.
A bit of romcom, lighthearted and personality growth process.
Thankyou netgalley.

This book broke my heart, in so many ways. But it also rebuilt a little bit of hope I have for humanity.

Who said faking it was easy?
Lexi Dornan is a genius—except when Damian Navarro is around. Agreeing to be the campus playboy’s fake girlfriend was a miscalculation of epic proportions, but she needs the money, and he needs to prove he’s capable of commitment. It’s just pretend…until it starts to feel real. In this fun, flirty fake-dating romance, the right person and the wrong reasons might just add up to love.

I started off wanting to aggressively shake some sense into Damian. And I mean very aggressively. But Rowan gave this man the BEST redemption arc possible, she gave him a heart. Damian has so much growth that it warms me completely that he was able to get that development even if it took a couple of unsavoury kicks (you’ll know when you read).

Lexi is a peculiar woman. She is so strong and determined, everything I love in a FMC but she also has her struggles which truely made her a relatable character. In all her nerdy-ness, she is just a misunderstood scared person that needs someone to love her for her. Also I think it’s so darn cool that she is particularly a human calculator (would fight anyone who says otherwise)!

I loved this book! The plot really progressed and I don’t want to spoil a thing so you’re going to have to read it to find out! I love the cultural aspects of this story too - I’ll be honest the most of Mexican culture I know is from Coco so I am no expert but I think it was beautifully done. And I would lay down my life for Lucia!

Thank you to Rowan Croft for giving me this amazing opportunity 🫶🏼

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This. Book. Holyfuck.

The way I CACKLED throughout this book is insane.
It’s also insane how much I cried while reading it.

I loved this.

If I’m being completely honest, I was hesitant at the beginning, because I couldn’t, for the life of me, see how I could come to like Damian as a MMC.
Seriously, I wanted to go into the book and sucker-punch the dude.

But this is why I now have to stand up and throw Rowan her well deserved flowers.

Because his character arc? It was so subtle, so real and raw, you just had no choice but to fall for him as Lexi did.

And Lexi. Oh my shayla. She’s so precious, so outspoken, but at the same time shy. I love that woman.

I loved this book, and i WILL be reading anything this woman writes from now on.

Thanks to Netgalley and Shire-Hill Publications for the e-ARC. The review is my own.

3.5 stars

Tropes: enemies-to-lover, multicultural, genius-lead, misunderstood hero


OK. I love stories where the lead come from 2 different perspectives, hate each other, then understand each other, and then fall in love. And this book introduces a new way to write about 'fuckboy' Damien.

The issue is that the transition between fuckboy Damian and hurt Damian is realllly abrupt. Almost to the point where it gave me a whiplash. The fact that he is so nonchalant about treating women like a commodity ( has a very, 'oh, well...' attitude about it) to being contrite doesn't feel organic.

Also...craigslist ad to advertise for a fake girlfriend? Who even goes on craigslist these days with the advent of facebook marketplace or nextdoor or whatever.

The FMC also fell victim to stereotypes: Kind, poor, genius, with a good head on her shoulders ecept when it comes to the MMC.

I wish the author had started the story from the middle half so we weren't superbly/intimately familiar with the MMC's attitude in the first half. In the 2nd half, he's perfectly fine. Pretty cool, in fact. There's a reason he's as antipathetic as he his, but I wish it had been hinted at earlier when he meets his folks for the first time ( in the book). I loved his relationship with his granma. The sense of community that he feels for his heritage.

Overall a good read.

Fake dating? In this economy? Sign me up.
Rowan Croft knows how to bottle the butterflies, and The Girlfriend Agreement is proof. Sharp dialogue, authentic queer rep, and chemistry that sizzles like bacon on a cast iron skillet. The fake-it-’til-you-feel-it trope gets a Gen Z facelift here—soft but spiky, awkward but earnest.

Would die for the banter. Would kill for the slow-burn. Would absolutely fake-date a disaster woman for perks.

I read The Girlfriend Agreement in maybe 24 hours! Devoured!! It completely swept me away with the FMC, Lexi's sharp tongue, and the chemistry between the two main characters.

Lexi and Damian are drawn together from the start, and while the book progresses, they get connected on a deeper level. They both had very guarded hearts, but that progression from guardedness to openness was really
amazing to watch.

I loved Lexi as the FMC! Her neurodivergence is written with sensitivity and nuance, and her experiences navigating her mother’s chronic illness add a raw, powerful layer to her growth. Damian surprised me in the best way. In the beginning, he had a very carefree exterior, so I honestly didn't think he was going to have as big of a character growth as he did, but it really surprised me in a good way! Their relationship was messy, heartfelt, and incredibly authentic. I didn't love their communication style, but it did get better throughout the book.

I do have to say that this book is being marketed as a romcom, which I did not find to be the case. Most of the book was very lightharted and had whitty banter between the characters, but I didn't find it to be funny. From about 60% was more on the emotional side, where we got to learn more about Damien and his family and get into his character development. However, I think it did an amazing job at hitting all the emotional notes and made me love the characters that much more.

Thank you, NetGalley and Rowan Croft, for the opportunity to read an ARC for an honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 STEAMY COLLEGE FAKE- DATING ROMANCE

Thank you to NetGalley, Shire-Hill Publishing, and Rowan Croft for providing me with an ARC of this heartfelt and captivating read!

The Girlfriend Agreement completely pulled me in with its snappy, witty banter and perfectly paced college romance. Lexi and Damian are a couple you can’t help but root for—reluctant at first, full of spark, and gradually unraveling each other’s layers in the most tender way. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional depth that really sold this story for me.

Lexi is such a refreshing and authentic character. Her neurodivergence is portrayed with care, and her struggle with the weight of her mother’s chronic illness adds such rawness to her journey. Damian, who could’ve easily been a one-note party boy, turns out to be so much more—watching him fall for Lexi, slowly and fully, was a joy to witness.

Their relationship felt real, messy, and ultimately healing. They’re an unlikely match who trauma bond in a way that feels honest rather than tropey, and the emotional punch at the end? It left me misty-eyed and full of love for these two.

Overall, this is a standout romance that blends humor, heartbreak, and hope beautifully. Rowan Croft is definitely an author to watch!

The Girlfriend Agreement

First off, I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for this advanced copy.

The good: I did overall enjoy the FMC. It took a little too much time in my opinion to get to her backstory fully but I enjoyed her perspective and how she views the world. In addition, I'm obsessed with Ronnie. She's such a fun best friend while also being super protective of Lexi and reassuring her that she is loved deeply. The basic story and calling out of how insurance works in the US was really good and I appreciated the underlying message given as it applies to so many people with cancer and other health concerns that insurance likes to refuse coverage of.

The not so good: Overall I think this has the makings of a good read but there were a few issues I saw that made it a little tough to finish. To start with, while I love Damian's overall arc and the end of his story, I feel as if the rich boy stereotype was a bit overplayed. It felt like it was overemphasized at various points and some of his behavior just rubbed me the wrong way over time because while the character did learn his lessons by the end of the book it took a very long time for it to happen. In addition, s0me of the classism happening at Conwick felt overdone as well. From the description it read as 99% of the students being millionaires and took a little suspended belief. Lastly, the main premise of the story took quite a bit of time to get into.

I am looking forward to Ronnie's story in the future and want to once again emphasize my appreciation of being able to read this early!