A husband comes up with the bright idea to take one day off a year to open his marriage. His wife is greatly hesitant but agrees. Things will not turn out as expected.

Dominic and Daphne married young and are happy, but there is a problem with their sex life. They take a chance on a bold move. Over time, Daphne changes, and Dominic’s true self comes to the surface. We follow along as their marriage takes hits, and their forgiveness capacity is tested. In some ways though, things are improving.

Daphne finds herself and grows stronger, and this impacts Dominic, inspiring him to make some not-so-wise decisions. Daphne’s feminism comes to the surface, and readers can ponder the truth in her words. Surprising things happen when she makes choices based on her new self, and this is fun to watch (read about). Dominic’s reactions are revealing of his true nature.

It is clever how Daphne comforts herself. She relates her feelings to food and creates recipes to complement her experiences. Readers are treated to yummy-sounding dishes—for Daphne writes out the ingredients and cooking instructions for each dish. The food is so closely connected to what she is going through that the taste of these meals is easy to imagine.

Relationships of various types are explored here and help readers to understand the main characters on a deeper level. The secondary characters are good foils for the protagonists. Some characters leave, and others arrive unexpected, changing the direction of the plot. When certain characters cringe, it is easy to feel it along with them. When others celebrate, we know why.

Throughout the novel, one is under suspense. What will become of Daphne and Dominic? Could they possibly come out ahead after five years of this odd experiment? What good could come of it?

The pacing is quick overall, with the ability to hold one’s interest. This is a book about personal growth, done in a creative and engaging way.

TW: graphic sex, infidelity, drugs

The Freedom Clause is about a young couple who after just three short years of marriage decide for one night a year they are allowed to open up their marriage. Dominic initiates this idea as he thinks they are in a sexual rut and it might help. Daphne however has major reservations but comes around to the idea. They create a rule guide to follow, a few of the rules being it can't be the same person each year (to avoid an affair), can't be someone the other knows, no questions asked about the night, and they can't discuss it with their mutual friends. Your initial thought might be similar to mine of "let's get some popcorn for the sh*t show that is about to commence." I mean what could go wrong with this plan, haha oh boy. BUT in all seriousness, I ended up really enjoying this story! It goes beyond just the sex to show how a little confidence can completely change your life as it did for both characters. I loved the growth Daphne had and was rooting for her all the way while her life evolved many times for different reasons. Dominic ended up being such a dud but that dude gave me red flags within a few pages so not surprised by that! Thank you to The Dial Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Pub Day is August 1st!

I enjoyed most how we get to see Daphne gain confidence and grow not only into her sexuality but into herself. There was a line in there about how everyone has a fitness routine that stuck out to me, and seeing her begin to love her body and herself was so heartening.

This was a fascinating exploration of trust and betrayal, honesty and communication, and how people grow. I quite enjoyed!

This book was decidedly heartbreaking and painfully realistic — but oh so funny and charming along the way. Going in, I found myself worried this would be just a British take on on <i>After I Do</i> by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but while they did share similar premises, I was pleased to find this was very different. I really enjoyed this, especially following Daphne's journey of self-discovery and taking ownership of her own sexuality, helped along by the titular Freedom Clause. By the end, I detested Dominic, but I really appreciated the realistic portrayal of how his internalized toxic masculinity and subsequent insecurities played out. Definitely recommend this — and absolutely making Daphne's salad recipe for dinner this week.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5/5
This book explores the ways we lose ourselves in a relationship and how we settle for less or become comfortable with putting our partners needs ahead of our own. This couple chooses to allow the other to have one night of sexual freedom a year in order to keep things alive.
I think this book is important because many women unfortunately wind up making themselves small in order to make more room for men in their lives, but at what cost?

I would highly recommend this book to others.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity read and review this ARC.

This turned out to be such a fun read and I really enjoyed the fresh take on this concept of opening up a marriage.

The beginning felt a tiiiny bit rushed to me and I would have liked to see a little more of Daphne and Dominic before they agree on The Freedom Clause, but once I got to about 30% I didn't want to put it down.

The book was structured a lot different than I am used too but honestly found it very refreshing. I thought the recipes mixed with personal experience pieces were brilliant and would purchase Daphne's cookbook in a heartbeat. I will never forget the <i>i-can't-believe-he-came-in-my-hair-salad</i> and will be adding it to my recipe stash asap.

Many thank yous to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Dial Press Trade Paperback for sharing this digital review copy with me.

Oh boy. Where to start. Dominic is absolutely insufferable. From the very first pages, I was certain I wouldn't like him, and that feeling stayed consistent (with cause!) throughout the entirety of the book. He's just terrible, and makes bad choice after bad choice. Daphne, on the other hand, felt very real – a lot of what she was feeling was very relatable, like her relationship with her body and forming new relationships as an adult. I also thought that over the course of the years we spend with these characters, her transformation was the best part of the story. Dominic, however, sucks. [Spoilers removed.]

Overall, I did end up enjoying this books, but it was physically painful at times to get through Dominic's sections. Solid 3.5!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Freedom Clause.

You just know with a premise like this, one night a year where you can sleep with anyone you choose, is not going to end well for the couple in question.

Daphne and Dominic met in college. Got married. And now their marriage is in a rut.

When Dominic suggests the freedom clause, with stipulations from Daphne, the couple embarks on a whirlwind journey to discovering themselves, but more so Daphne.

This is really Daphne's story; a quiet introvert, the freedom clause empowers her, helps her discover and explore her sexuality and teaches her now to be afraid to seek pleasure for herself and to change her life.

Dominic is a dud. Simple as that.

I like the premise, but I had a lot of issues with it, namely that the narrative read as if sex was causing the marriage to feel stale.

A marriage is based between two people; if something is wrong, it's not sex, it's you and your partner.

Lack of intimacy is a symptom something is fundamentally wrong with your marriage.

Daphne and Dominic are not likable characters. They both possess little confidence and self esteem, stemming from troubled (and traumatic childhoods.

Dominic is the saddest sack of them all. His views on marriage and love and being loved are pathetic, yet honest because I know a couple of people (who shall remain nameless) who view marriage in this way; marriage means you're loved.

Wrong! People get married for a lot of reasons, and, if you're lucky, it's for love.

Dominic's idea of the freedom clause didn't ring true.

The author describes a man who adores and worships Daphne, thinks the sun and the moon of her but is quick to suggest one day out of the year in which anything sex-wise goes?

Not buying it.

I understand why Dominic and Daphne got together; they're both lonely and have similar childhood backgrounds, but I didn't feel any chemistry between them. Their relationship was almost perfunctory.

I didn't like Dominic or Daphne, even after Daphne was empowered, became a literary sensation and got the job she wanted.

I thought they were doormats, spineless, and weak in character and personality.

Dominic, no surprise, is described as a weak and pathetic man who breaks most of the rules of the clause.

I wonder if the author is trying to say something about men in general. The only decent man is Daphne's biological dad, and he only shows up at the end of the novel.

I knew Daphne and Dominic wouldn't remain together by the end of the story, and I liked the open ended ending, but I had hoped the main male character wasn't such a sleazebag.

The premise and exploration of sexuality and relationships was completely compelling and compulsive.

Daphne is the kind of heroine that is so east to see yourself in, this idea of finding move early but not having the sexual experiences before walking down the aisle. I loved how much she pushed her comfort zones to find an awakening within her self, this is a really strong theme and I think a sure fire win with young women coming into their own.

Dominic was a bit flat for me and I wasn’t nearly as invested in him as Daphne’s but I did appreciate his candid moments.

Sometimes the story lacked a sense of intellect and the writing was choppy, however if you can let that go there is a fascinating examination of a young love and sexual reawakenings.

Thank you NetGalley, Dial Press and Random House for the ARC all opinions are my own.

The Freedom Clause
By Hannah Sloane
Pub Date: 01 Aug 2023
Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback

After meeting and graduating from college, Dominic and Daphne marry. She is a talented chef and Dominic aspires to publish a book. Dominic proposes a Freedom Clause that allows each of them to have a safe sexual relationship outside of the marriage once a year without being questioned. It is a free pass to cheat...or is it?

Insecurities, family history, and infidelity play a large role in The Freedom Clause. As I read this book, I was captivated by its attention-grabbing nature! It moves along nicely and is a pleasant read. Recipes were also incorporated into the plot, which I enjoyed.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback for the opportunity to review this book. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an original and engaging read. I'm sure I'll make the Chocolate Lava Cake soon!

The story became about the freedom of individuality than an open marriage, which was pitched as the draw to read the book. I would have rather read a book of recipes that tied to freedom and expression. I also don't know how these two people would be married to each other. How they met and fell in love was not thoroughly developed. The ending was also lackluster.

This book felt incredibly rushed at the beginning without a lot of character development, however it eventually seemed to hit its stride several chapters in. That being said, the story and the characters never really resonated with me.

I enjoyed reading this novel. I thought the concept of an open marriage was spicy and was sideeyeing Dominic the entire time and was woefully right as he made many mistakes. I felt like the plot overall became about Daphne and her journey. It could be framed as women's fiction since there wasn't too much detail into Dominic's sexual pursuits. The plot wavered a little until the end, but the ending left me wanting to know more about Daphne's next journey.

This is a novel unlike anything I've read before but it was so entertaining! Dominic and Daphne get married right out of college and seem happy enough. She's a great cook and he's (sometimes) working on a novel that never goes anywhere. But to spice up their marriage, he offers up the idea of a Freedom Clause where once a year they can each engage in a sexual relationship with someone else. No questions asked or answered. Sounds like a good idea...until it isn't. There are many unique features of this book as we delve into both of their characters, their insecurities, their family upbringing, and their basic ideas about fidelity. It was surprisingly fascinating!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Despite being slightly turned off from the premise once I got into the book, I somehow was captivate by the plot and characters. I love the ending and how the toxic relationship finally ends.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started the Freedom Clause. The premise really intrigued me- 1 night off a year from your marriage, what can go wrong? What I found was a coming of age of sorts where Daphne finds her groove. Highly entertaining. Would recommend. And I want to read that Substsack!

I was expecting something completely different than what I got, and I was so pleasantly surprised by what this book turned out to be! I read it in just a few days and told my coworkers and friends about it because I was enjoying it so thoroughly. I found Daphne and Dominic to be complex and intriguing characters--I definitely don't share a lot of their worldviews, but that's part of what makes them so intriguing, and I think the book does an okay job of making it clear which of their worldviews are, for lack of better words, good or bad.

I found the plot to move at an excellent pace, and I think the structure of putting five years into one book helped a lot with keeping plot points going. Lots of events or details were referred to after they occurred and it never felt like anything too big was glossed over too much. I gasped out loud at the final twist at the end of year 5. I loved the frequent switching between following Daphne or Dominic--particularly reading Dominic's perspective while having the dramatic irony around Chuck was extremely well executed and made me not want to put down the book until everyone knew the truth.

I would have liked a bit more acknowledgement that polyamory/ethical non-monogamy is a fairly common thing, as this book does stigmatize ENM in some ways and make it seem like a shameful thing that must be kept secret from others. I suppose Daphne's big career move towards the end does a bit of that work in pulling back the curtain and letting the protagonists not live in such secrecy anymore.

Overall, loved it, already recommended it to others!

This book gave me way more than I expected it to!

We start this book learning about Dominique and Daphne! College sweetheart and seemingly happy, until the day they discuss their non-existent sex life honestly. Dominque then makes a suggestion that will forever change them both.

I love that this is a coming of age for Daphne who seems to suffer the same woes most women do. Constant comments about her looks growing up, constantly made to feel like she has nothing to offer because she is not a model as her mom was and shamed by her dad when she wouldn't aim to please. We end up with a female lead that is uncomfortable in her body, uncomfortable with her sexuality and a people pleaser even if it costs her her happiness. Throughout this experiment, we see her regain her confidence and her power, take control of her pleasure and be more assertive, but most importantly prioritize her happiness.

Dominique's story was a bit more sad as I am sure he will have lots of regrets! We read about a man with very little self awareness, with a deep fear of being alone and no consideration for her partner who seems to be carrying a lot of the load in the relationship. Having had a difficult childhood, he seems to crave any attention that would make him feel wanted and desired, which, I believe, is ultimately what leads him to his proposal. I do believe he expected to have way more success than her partner and did not expect her to go through with it at all. As his partner blossoms and takes control of her life, we witness him growing more and more insecure until he destroys it all.

I love that this was such a fast paced book. The plot kept moving and slowly unveiled the characters' earlier years and many of the reasons for their behaviours. I had man moments with my jaw on the floor, asking myself what I just read. In all this tale however, I never felt any judgement from the narrator. Hannah did a great job at remaining neutral and letting each person decide how they felt about what they were reading. I believe this book will be a success upon its release and I will be trying the recipes!

This book is definitely different than anything I’ve ever read. I’m struggling to review it because I neither liked it nor disliked it. It felt a bit voyeuristic and I struggled to care about any of the characters, though the protagonist could be funny at times.

Dominic and Daphne met when they were in college, got married young and had a ho hum sex life. On a whim, they decided to just barely open up their marriage so far as allowing each other one night per year to sleep with another person. One night only. And never the same person. They called it The Freedom Clause. Not surprisingly, it puts a rift in their relationship when Dominic takes it too far.

It’s a fun, funny and unique story, I just found it a bit predictable. I give it 3.5 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced copy. This is due to be published on August 1, 2023.

I love stories that explore different types of relationships. The idea that you can love your partner with all your heart but still feel that something is missing, still feel that you’ve lost that spark. That’s what’s happened to Dominic and Daphne’s marriage, so they decide that one day a year for the next five years they each can sleep with someone else. They call it THE FREEDOM CLAUSE.

It’s an exciting premise to be sure, but what makes this book so good is the whip smart, incisive writing from Sloane. Writing from both points of view, we are drawn into Daphne and Dominic’s lives as they navigate their potentially dangerous decision to open up their marriage. She takes us deep into the heart of the characters, makes us question their intentions, cheer at their successes and groan at their mistakes.

The author pulls no punches and weaves a raw and emotional tale of self-discovery and self-love that goes beyond the juicy premise. THE FREEDOM CLAUSE is a character study of relationships and society and I could not put it down.

Thank you to Random House/Dial Press for my advance reading copy.