I almost DNF’d this one. The premise of the book was an immediate yes for me; I’ll always be excited for non-monogamous characters/plot lines. However, by the third chapter, I thought to myself, “this isn’t going to work and it’s going to end bad”. I felt like this wasn’t a great representation of non-monogamous relationships, but I also wonder if that was the whole point of the book. I didn’t really care for either of the main characters. However, I did enjoy the character development throughout the book. This one is heavy character-driven and the flaws of the main characters are essentially the entire plot, so if that’s your thing, you might enjoy this! Despite me not loving this one, I’ll always champion books that explore relationships that aren’t traditional (normalize it!) and encourage women empowerment.

I love a good romance, and this one was wonderful! It had witty banter, and lovable characters. I was rooting for them the whole way through!

I expected to hate this after getting through the first chapter or so. But, surprisingly, I couldn't put it down. It is very much a "well what did you expect??" thing throughout, but it was... enjoyable, for lack of a better word.

The Freedom Clause by Hannah Sloane was an interesting novel based on a premise that I had a difficult time with, what if one night a year, a couple had the freedom to be with another person? That is what Dominic and Daphne decided to do within their marriage and so began a great experiment. The question is, would their marriage survive? Definitely a unique perspective on marriage. It's a very good novel and interesting to see what could happen when thoughts vary so far from your own. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The Freedom Clause by Hannah Sloane starts off with married couple Daphne and Dominic, in order to spice up their marital bed, Dominic comes up with a plan. A plan to open their marriage and call it the Freedom Clause. Now this clause is very specific, the can sleep with one other person, for one night a year. This can happen for the next five years, you cannot sleep with the same person more than once, you cannot ask questions to each other about that person, and you absolutely cannot tell your friends and family about it. Daphne agrees, reluctantly, and since she can’t talk about it with anyone, she marries her love of writing and cooking into a new blog where she can remain anonymous and talk through the hard stuff. She never thought she would go viral! As for Dominic, his first encounter goes nothing like he expects, and he then finds himself looking for a new job. As the years go on, we see how this once a year clause changes both Dominic and Daphne, but in very different ways.

Daphne starts off as a meek character, but with her freedom of the clause, she allows herself to demand what she wants, and how she wants it. She blossoms into a confident, self-assured, viral phenom! As for Dominic, his true self seems to evolve as well, and it’s not a very good look. You will find yourself team Daphne all the way, and I believe that is exactly what the author wanted to accomplish. The book is an easy, light read, nothing too deep, it has some good parts, and not so good ones. The added bonus is Daphne’s blog including many recipes that might be interesting to try.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Dial Press Paperback and Hannah Sloane for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

The Freedom Clause was entertaining, fun, and flirty. It was an easy read which is perfect for a relaxing day. Thank you to NetGalley.

I thought The Freedom Clause was a great book. I like that the story is over a span of time and shows us how things unravel the longer the clause goes on. An open marriage, especially one that was coerced might be triggering to some, but I felt like this was a great storyline that didn't glamorize it at all. Overall, I really enjoyed the book.

The Freedom Clause by Hannah Sloane

I know I say this a lot but I loved this book. This presents two very different reactions to a couple opening their marriage. Dominic goes about his life in pretty much the same manner but now he is allowed to flirt, to give in to the temptations that he might encounter. But Daphne does the exact opposite, she puts herself out there into new situations and blossoms as she becomes happier and living a fuller life. I loved that for her. So often the women in her romance novels are portrayed as a mess or incapable of being on their own and Daphne grows into the complete opposite of that. Now she know what she wants…and how she wants it!

Thanks to @netgalley and @thedialpress for this advanced reader!

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This book is a great example in the lesson of "you are not your relationships and you deserve to love yourself as much as you want to be loved."

I so enjoyed this novel and I felt a deep sense of connection with our main character. I was rooting for her to win the entire way through and I felt like I could empathize with both her struggles and her wins.

Goodness I don’t even know what to say about this book! It was not quite what I was expecting but it was so freaking good!! I can not wait to see more people talking about this book.

The premise of this one – a couple agrees that one night each year they can sleep with someone else (with guidelines of course). This does seem to be a subject that is getting more attention, and one that I'm fascinated by. While there were some things that maybe seemed unbelievable, and at times I was frustrated by both people, I did find it interesting and entertaining. It was nice to see a female lead come into her own, both in her own confidence and in terms of her sexuality. There was something about it though bugged me a bit, and I'm still trying to sit with it and figure out what that was.

#FirstLine ~ Dominic isn't expecting to meet the best thing to ever happen to him during his first week of university.

Hannah Sloane's novel, The Freedom Clause, opens with an intriguing promise that it more than fulfills. Set against the backdrop of the idyllic yet mysterious town of Havenbrook, the story weaves a tapestry of hidden truths, complex relationships, and the pursuit of liberation. Sloane's eloquent prose brings the characters to life, their struggles and aspirations resonating with readers on a deeply human level. As the layers of secrecy begin to unravel, the novel's grip on your imagination only tightens. With each chapter, The Freedom Clause draws you further into its world, navigating a delicate balance between heartache and hope. This is a tale that delves into the intricacies of human connections and the power of unveiling the past. A captivating journey that echoes with the quiet strength of its opening line, Sloane's novel is a compelling testament to the resilience of both individuals and communities.

Wow! This is a book that will really make you think about the role of women in marriage and society.

Daphne and Dominic were university sweethearts who are now married. They were each others' firsts. When Dominic suggests that they open up their marriage - with caveats - they call it the Freedom Clause. One night a year, for 5 years, no repeats, no discussion with friends and family. Af first, Daphne is hurt and humiliated.

Daphne, growing up with a former fashion model mother, has self-esteem issues. But, as she leans into the Freedom Clause, she gains confidence. She creates an online journal of her escapades, along with recipes that fit the mood.

Dominic, on the other hand, is struggling. His weaknesses are on display. His dreams are slipping through his fingers.

I am so conflicted about the way it ended, and I guess that's good because it made me think. Does happily ever after have to be the goal? Can you be happy for now? How do we change the perception and role of women in society?

Thank you to Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback and NetGalley for the digital ARC in return for an honest review.

The Freedom Clause is about just what you'd think. Daphne and Dominic are married, and to sort up "rev up" their sex life, Dominic suggests that they both be allowed to have sex with one person a year. This may sound like it would be exciting, but both find otherwise. The book is predictable. And I really found both characters to be annoying, so it was hard to cheer for either one.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Freedom Clause.

The Freedom Clause definitely hooked me from the very beginning! Dominic and Daphne are at a crossroads in their relatively new marriage and in a desperate attempt to liven things up, they agree to an open marriage. The parameters include one night, no questions asked, once a year for five years. I couldn’t imagine how this was going to play out and I was hooked on The Freedom Clause from the beginning. It was interesting to witness how changing the “rules” of marriage can alter how individuals explore their own true passions and pursuits. While I couldn’t help cringing often at the choices Daphne and Dominic make, or their communication styles, The Freedom Clause will definitely be one of this Fall’s most entertaining reads. Part drama, part romance and all parts complicated, this one should not be missed! Without a doubt, this novel is a great choice for book clubs and late night discussions.

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Such an interesting premise and I was more invested in the main character's story than I thought I would be. Great for a debut author, and I think it would make for a very fun book club pick!!

I enjoyed reading this book more than I anticipated. Reading about this couple’s Freedom Clause and the lessons each of them learn over the course of five years gives you interesting insight to the dynamics of not just our main character’s relationship but relationships as a whole. I loved the humor and stories laced through Daphne’s recipes and the personal growth she has in the span of the five years the book covers. Highly recommend.

This has an intriguing premise: What would happen if a married couple gives each other an out one night a year? Daphne and Dominic create the Freedom Clause, which changes their lives in some unexpected ways.

The Freedom Clause is story about a couple trying to save their marriage. Dominic and Daphne had instant chemistry when they met in college and they got married but now their relationship in a rut. They are tying to find ways to spice up their relationship and they decided to try to open their marriage up. I don't mind stories about open marriages but there was something about this story overall that I never really enjoyed. I didn't really like either of the main characters so it was hard for me to get into this story. I did find the writing overall to be great but I just didn't love the story.

A clever plot that can be thought provoking. I enjoyed the recipes!
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.