Engaged, Apparently: The new must-read fake dating, friends to lovers romantic comedy of summer 2026 from a bestselling Australian author

A sassy fake-dating-with-a-twist, friends-to-lovers, laugh-out-loud romance for readers of Rachael Johns, Beth O'Leary and Marian Keyes.

When Finn and Sweeney return to their hometown to surprise their mothers at Ronnie and Connie's joint sixtieth birthday party, they expect to be the biggest bombshell of the evening. And they are-just not in the way they'd assumed. Because they're ... engaged?

Apparently?

Sick of hearing everyone else's exciting news of weddings and grandbabies, Ronnie and Connie spontaneously fabricated their own fairytale. Their absent children are engaged ... to each other.

Finn and Sweeney will absolutely not pretend to be engaged. Just coming home is giving them both plenty of emotional baggage to unpack. But they have vastly underestimated their mothers and soon find themselves reluctantly agreeing to the fake engagement so their pillars-of-the-community mums aren't exposed as big fat lying liars.

However, when their new relationship goes viral-not just in their small town of busybodies, but internationally-Finn and Sweeney realise that the lie is completely out of control. Will they ever be able to untangle themselves from its clutches?

And what if the biggest lie they've been telling is to themselves?

PRAISE FOR ENGAGED, APPARENTLY

'A cheeky, fun and deeply Australian rom-com about childhood friends, small towns, big dreams and meddling mums. Amy Andrews writes loveable characters with heart and humour.' Clare Fletcher, author of Five Bush Weddings

'Heartwarming and charming. Reading this small town romance feels like a warm hug - filled with hilarious characters, fizzing chemistry and a community, team and couple to cheer on!' Steph Vizard, author of A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances

'Cheeky, saucy, and an absolute romp - Engaged, Apparently is rom-com perfection. With toe-curling tension, flirty banter, and a fake engagement that spirals into something deliciously real, Amy Andrews delivers scorching chemistry and a quirky, lovable cast.' Holly Brunnbauer, author of What Did I Miss?

'Bubbly and endlessly romantic, Engaged, Apparently is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. With banter that pops and sizzles and a delicious slow burn, the messiness of falling in love with your best friend has never been so delightfully sexy.' Amy Hutton, author of Ghosted

'Amy Andrews delivers a delicious slow burn fake engagement romance that will have you cheering, cackling and kicking your feet. Engaged, Apparently hit me in all my feels and stole my heart.' Emma Mugglestone, author of In the Long Run