On Her Terms by Amy Spalding is a fresh and heartwarming contemporary romance that explores the complexities of self-discovery, desire, and the joy of embracing who you are. Clementine, fresh off a breakup and determined to chart her course away from the conventional life she once thought she wanted, is ready to experience something new—especially in her love life. At thirty-six, she is eager to explore uncharted territory, and though the idea of a fake relationship to appease her family seems like a disaster waiting to happen, she finds herself saying yes to Chloe Lee, a smart and spirited dog groomer.

Chloe is well beyond the “baby gay” stage, but even before the two women dive into the fake relationship for Clem’s parents' anniversary party and Chloe’s friend’s wedding, they begin spending more and more time together. What starts as a pretend romance soon grows into something far more real for Clem. But Chloe, who is convinced that Clem is merely seeking a temporary companion, isn’t so sure that she’s ready for anything more. As Clem grows closer to Chloe, she starts to realise that her life doesn’t need a partner to be fulfilled—except that being without Chloe? That’s a whole different matter entirely.

Spalding’s writing is both witty and wise, capturing the intricacies of navigating life transitions, self-confidence, and the nuances of queer identity. The chemistry between Clem and Chloe is undeniably sweet, but what makes On Her Terms truly shine is the thoughtful exploration of chosen family, the pressure of societal expectations, and the journey towards self-acceptance. Clem’s realisation that being "alone" doesn’t have to mean loneliness is a powerful and empowering message, and the relationship between her and Chloe is grounded in mutual respect, authenticity, and gradual growth.

This is an uplifting love story that is full of heart, laughter, and sincerity. The perfect read for anyone seeking a feel-good romance that is both deeply relatable and full of hope, On Her Terms offers an ending worth every page turned.

3.5/5.

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I have thoroughly enjoyed Amy Spalding's LA books! Clem and Chloe are a great addition to the crew! Clem is so relatable as a queer woman in her 30s. The tropes are on point. The story is on point and I continue to look forward to more of Spalding's books - a definite auto-buy author for me now! :)

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and read it in one day! I enjoyed the storyline and the characters! I would definitely recommend this book.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Amy Spalding for providing me with an ARC of On Her Terms in exchange for my honest review.

As a queer person, I was immediately drawn to this book. The premise of exploring coming out later in life, combined with the fake relationship and found family tropes, seemed like the perfect blend of heartfelt and fun. Amy Spalding has a knack for crafting engaging dialogue, and the witty banter throughout the novel was definitely a highlight for me.

That said, while I appreciated the representation and the themes the book tackled, the overall execution didn’t fully resonate with me. The story felt a little flat at times, and I struggled to connect with the characters. I was hoping for more depth of character, especially given the rich potential of the themes at play. While the humor and lighthearted moments were enjoyable, they sometimes overshadowed the depth I was craving.

Despite my mixed feelings, I can see On Her Terms being a great read for those who enjoy charming, witty stories with a focus on self-discovery and later-in-life queer experiences. While it may not have fully resonated for me, I appreciate its contributions to LGBTQ+ literature and would still recommend it to readers who love heartfelt contemporary fiction.

I love love love this series. The setting and the characters are so good. I really enjoyed this part, as well. Specifically what spoke to me is the baby gay, straight passing, fat, bisexual vibe in here. This book was so much more than a romance (might have even been more of a side plot), and it really touches upon topics like insecurities. Super relatable (thats bad isnt it). Honestly, what a good read.

Its getting close to release day, so to anyone reading this, i absolutely recommend reading this (read the other 2 first though)

Personal request from amy spalding: can i pleaaaaaaasee get a phoebe and bianca book? I need to know about how they met and got to be where they are.

Did i get approved for the netgalley read for this? Yes (i love it). Did i also get in my afterlight special edition? Absolutely (in my defense, i didnt know which would be faster). Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review.

'Fake dating' is probably my least favourite trope romantic fiction, but I also adore Amy Spalding and figured if any author could make me enjoy this trope, it would be her. And I did love a lot about On Her Terms. In common with all of Spalding's fiction, it was great to have a plus size heroine whose size is basically irrelevant to the plot and instead just one fact about her among many. I also enjoyed the humour provided by Clementine's cartoonishly awful brother, Greg (although I did wish she'd called him out on his bulls**t much earlier in the book: when it eventually happened it seemed ill-timed given what else was happening at that moment). And the chemistry between Chloe and Clem is convincingly written. I do wish, however, that we readers had had more chance to get to know Chloe's friends; a group of LA power lesbians who welcome Clem with such open arms. They were both integral to the plot and somehow not fully realised at the same time? Nevertheless, a fun romantic comedy which will appeal to fans of Emily Henry.

A story about Clementine and her break up with her long-term boyfriend, Will.
While I hoped to love reading On Her Terms, I had a hard time getting into the story.
There was fake dating and found family…..this is a troupe that usually draws me in. On reflecting a bit….it felt like the chemistry between the characters was just not there.
Overall, On Her Terms was a ok read.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

when clementine ended her relationship with her boyfriend of 20 years ... could she really go down the path she was considering.... she knew she was bi... but did anyone else think that.... she was a bundle of nerves... which didnt help when she was about to walk into her first ever gay bar... but it was the heckling from a group of men that nearly put paid to that .... but it was chloe that rescued her and took her into the bar....

it turned out that chloe had recognised clementine but it took clementine a while before she recognised chloe

as both chloe and clementine each had a problem that the other could solve and when they hatched the plan to be fake girlfriends to help them in their situations never realising the trouble it would cause them..... fun times ahead...

this book is written in one pov..... so we never really get to know many of the characters... which was a shame... but apart from that it didnt distract to much from the action of being fake girlfriends....

It took me a little while to get into this book (partially because some of the interpersonal dynamics hit a little close to home--they just felt so real) but once I did, I loved it! The central relationship was great, but so were the friendships. I really liked On Her Terms!

On Her Terms by Amy Spalding was an enjoyable sapphic rom-com!
I thought this story was so charming, featuring a wonderfully relatable main character.
The characters are heartfelt and genuine and Spalding creates a dynamic you truly want to root for.

Amy Spalding’s On Her Terms is a witty, heartfelt rom-com that delivers both humour and genuine emotional depth.

With a refreshing take on relationships and a strong, authentic protagonist, the novel explores love, identity, and the idea that not all relationships need to follow a traditional path to be meaningful.

The story follows Clementine, a bisexual woman who has only ever been in one relationship with a man which was very much long-term.

She is confident in knowing what she doesn’t want - marriage, kids, or a conventional relationship - so when her boyfriend starts hinting at a future that doesn’t align with her own, she ends things to seek a life that truly fits her.

Enter Chloe, who shares Clementine’s disinterest in convention but also believes she isn’t relationship material at all.

However, tired of being the only single person in her friend group, Chloe decides she needs a fake date for an upcoming celebrity wedding.

A chance encounter outside a gay-friendly bar leads to her rescuing Clementine from an uncomfortable situation, and the two strike up an unexpected connection.

Soon, Clementine and Chloe find themselves in a mutually beneficial arrangement - pretending to be in a relationship to navigate social events.

What starts as a simple plan to get through a wedding and an anniversary party soon evolves into something neither of them anticipated.

As they navigate their fake relationship, personal growth and undeniable chemistry push them to confront their fears and reconsider what love can look like on their own terms.

One of the novel’s standout qualities is its non-traditional ending, which feels completely fitting for two protagonists who never wanted a conventional romance to begin with.

Spalding masterfully subverts expectations, offering an ending that is satisfying, true to the characters, and refreshingly different from the standard rom-com formula.

With its sharp humour, lovable protagonists, and a romance that feels both unique and authentic, On Her Terms is a joy to read.

Spalding delivers a story that is both lighthearted and deeply thoughtful, making it a perfect pick for readers who enjoy rom-coms that challenge traditional tropes while still delivering all the charm and heart of the genre.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rounded down from 4.25 stars

Newly single Clementine is ready to explore dating women after her long-term relationship with a man ends. Chloe is the only single one in a group of engaged and married queers and feels like they look at her as less than because of it. Which gives them the perfect opportunity - Clementine will act as Chloe's new girlfriend and Chloe will give Clementine the baby bi experience she wants before dating women "for real. But as they spend more and more time together, how fake is their relationship, really?

I absolutely loved the way that Amy Spalding depicted the ways that we prioritize the different relationships in our lives - romantic, platonic, familial, old friends, new friends, and more. She showed that while you might not NEED a romantic partner to have a full and happy life, wanting a partner and having a partner does not make you more or less than anyone else. That even if you and your friends seem to be on different paths or timelines, you can still prioritize and maintain that relationship. That it's never too late to come out and find a community where you feel loved and accepted for exactly who you are.

Thank you Amy Spalding for Clementine, Chloe, and their incredible communities, and thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for an eARC of this book!

What a cute and delightful read! I did not read the synopsis ahead of time and I was pleasantly surprised going in blind. I didn't like Chloe at first but she grew on me and Clementine is just wonderful all around and easy to connect to.

Amy Spalding once again delivers a compelling and delightful romance with On Her Terms, a novel that is sure to resonate with many readers. This installment stands out for its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of bisexuality—an aspect of identity that is still underrepresented in mainstream romantic fiction. Spalding approaches the subject with a blend of playfulness and sincerity, making Clementine’s journey both engaging and deeply relatable.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its vibrant and supportive friend group, which provides Clementine with exactly the kind of grounding and encouragement she needs. Their dynamic is not only heartwarming but also reflective of the kind of chosen family so many people seek.

Beyond its emotional depth, On Her Terms is packed with humor and spice, striking a balance between laugh-out-loud moments and swoon-worthy romance. Fans of Bi and Lesbian rom-coms will undoubtedly appreciate both the romantic tension and the intimate scenes.

Overall, this is a perfectly executed romantic comedy that aligns beautifully with the other books in the series while further showcasing Spalding’s exceptional storytelling skills. On Her Terms is a must-read for fans of witty, heartfelt, and inclusive romance.

I absolutely adored this book. On Her Terms absolutely crushed the fake-dating trope (which I love) and I was obsessed with Chloe and Clementine from the very beginning. Not only was their banter incredibly funny, I also loved watching Clementine come into her own and becoming comfortable with her bisexuality and owning it.

This book had me cracking up laughing and kicking my feet screaming all at once. The found family aspect of this book warmed my heart so much. I loved seeing Clementine realize what she deserved from her friends and loved ones and stand up for it! I especially enjoyed the brunch scenes & seeing a real friend group interact.

It would be hard not to root for these characters and their happy ending. They made my heart happy. The love and acceptance that Clementine finds in her friendships and her dynamic with Chloe is beautiful. This is a love story I want everyone to read & to feel the warmth from it.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and OneChapter for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sadly this book was not for me. My first & probably my last book that I will read by Amy Spalding. I just couldn’t connect with the characters.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Clementine is fresh off a breakup with her long-term boyfriend - her first and only relationship, despite the fact that she's in her mid-thirties - when she walks into a gay bar and meets Chloe. She's immediately smitten, and Chloe - who adamantly does not want a relationship - needs a date to an upcoming wedding. Plus, both of them hope a new girlfriend will show their friends they've got their lives in order. They agree to a fake-dating scheme and, inevitably, not-so-fake feelings emerge.

The friendships were the best part of this story. I loved how both Chloe and Clementine had friends who were truly important to them but didn't fully understand their choices. The treatment of the friend relationships is really nuanced and truly the focus of the novel. Plus, the friends themselves were great! Chloe's glamorous found-family group gets most of the story's real estate, but Clementine's longstanding trio resonated more with me. Her disconnection from them, her doubts about whether their bond might not survive the changes in their lives, and her eventual deeper understanding - all so well done.

The romance between Chloe and Clementine was, unfortunately, this "romance" novel's weakness. Chloe was certainly crush-worthy, but she was also frustratingly opaque, both to Clementine and the reader. The relationship never deepened or evolved in the way I'd hope for in a romance, or even in the way Clementine's relationships with Chloe's friends did. Although the ending was sweet, I was left with the feeling that Clementine was mostly with Chloe for her awesome gang.

3.5 ⭐️

i mostly enjoyed this book, i loved the premise of this story. clementine coming out of a very long term relationship with a man but wanting to explore her bisexuality and not knowing where to start, i love that it highlights the struggle that bisexuals have when having only dated one gender of their preference and trying to navigate and explore their other options.

i loved the friendship group of chloe’s and how welcoming and open and fierce they are with each other, having a healthy friendship group is always needed and i’m glad this story had that!

the fake dating trope is also one i enjoy and love when they develop feelings along the way

what did fall short for me was the chemistry between clem and chloe, that’s the only negative about this book for me, it didn’t feel like they were falling in love, i needed more chemistry between them

I love Amy Spalding's books so I was very excited for this one and it was just as good as I expected. It was such a cute and easy read overall.

"I know this is going to sound a little like a threat, but I'm going to fall in love with you, Chloe Lee."

This was SO cute! Fake dating is usually my least favorite trope because there isn't really a ~good~ reason for fake dating, but this one slightly made sense for me, since they are in their mid to late 30s and trying to navigate a world where all of their friends are partnered. (side bar though: you never have to worry about this if you have friends who are aro. Just saying). The slower burn unfolded perfectly, and once it started burning it burned HOT. The queer journey of someone a bit later in life was such a joy.

I don't know, I know a lot of people reviewing this found Chloe to be super condescending, but I really liked her. I think she made sense as a person who is kind of emotionally stunted, terrified of falling in love. It makes you do bad things. And for everyone who was like "Greg should have been told off sooner," that's Clementine's brother?? (Side bar: what parents name one kid Clementine and one kid Greg. Yikes). She seems like someone who fears confrontation, and her constant mentioning of her ex is because they were together for TWENTY YEARS. Anyway, I will defend this book wholeheartedly because I liked it. Sue me!

This is an interconnected standalone, and I've never read the first two books. You can easily understand this story without knowing the others, though I am sure fans of For Her Consideration will appreciate how the two main characters of that story have their wedding in this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. If I had more money, I would definitely go see Amy Spalding at the Novel Neighbor :)