Terms and Conditions Book Review: A Captivating Office Romance

Terms and Conditions is a 2022 new adult contemporary romance novel written by Lauren Asher. It is the second installment in the bestselling series Dreamland Billionaires and a Nominee for Best Romance 2022 in the Goodreads Choice Awards.

The story starts in a situation where Declan, who is set to inherit his family's media empire, needs to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish of getting married and having an heir. Declan's assistant, Iris, volunteers to be his fake wife, and they enter into a contractual marriage. However, as they continue to act in love with the public, their fake relationship starts to feel more real, causing uncertainty and conflicting emotions for both of them. Declan finds himself caring about Iris despite it not being part of their agreement, and Iris is torn between sticking to the rules and her growing feelings for Declan. They both face the dilemma of whether falling in love is an option or not.

Author

Lauren Asher is a WSJ and Sunday Times bestselling author who wrote Terms and Conditions and the rest of the books in the Dreamland Billionaires Series, namely, The Fine Print and Final Offer. She is a talented writer who finds comfort in the world of books and her imaginative writing.

With a fervent desire to explore the very places she conjures in her writing, Lauren dreams of embarking on thrilling journeys across different landscapes. Her writing style captures the essence of flawed yet relatable characters, endearing them to readers with their genuine humanity. She also takes pleasure in crafting fast-paced narratives infused with both intensity and heartfelt emotions.

You can join her community through her exclusive Facebook group, Lauren's Bandini Babes, and check out her latest books and updates on her Instagram account, @laurenasherauthor.

Theme

This novel delves into the themes of the transformative power of love, healing from past traumas, and embracing vulnerability. Through the evolving relationship between Declan and Iris, the narrative offers a message of hope, illustrating that love can mend wounds, break down emotional barriers, and bring about personal growth.

The transformative power of love is depicted in Declan's gradual transformation, as it challenges his pessimistic outlook and opens up the possibility of a genuine, loving relationship. The theme suggests that love has the potential to break down emotional barriers and heal wounds.

Both Declan and Iris have experienced their share of pain and have been affected by their past relationships, creating a sense of understanding and empathy between them. Through their connection, they begin to confront their pasts and support each other's healing. It emphasizes the idea that love and companionship can help individuals overcome their painful histories and find solace in each other's presence.

Furthermore, the theme explores the importance of breaking free from self-imposed limitations and embracing vulnerability. Their journey highlights the transformative nature of vulnerability and the potential for personal growth when individuals allow themselves to be open to love and emotional connection.

Characters

Declan Kane

Declan is the hero of this novel and the eldest of the Kane brothers featured in the Dreamland Billionaires Series. He is a complex character whose traumatic experiences, specifically his father's abuse, have profoundly influenced his present demeanor and beliefs, making him defensive and hesitant to believe in love.

However, beneath Declan's callous exterior, he also has endearing qualities that make him an engaging and relatable character. His quirkiness, particularly his fascination with collecting unknown words, adds a unique charm to his personality. These instances not only showcase his intellectual depth but also provide glimpses of vulnerability and hidden sensitivity.

Iris Landry

Iris is the novel's heroine and Declan's dedicated assistant for three years. She is intimately familiar with his professional aspirations and personal struggles. She acts decisively and seizes the moment when circumstances demand it. When Declan's almost-fiancé bails on him, Iris steps in, taking on the role of his future bride.

Iris's enduring commitment to Declan's success is evident through her unwavering dedication. Despite his callous and cold demeanor, she is one of the few individuals who can tolerate his personality, going above and beyond to ensure his needs are met and everything is perfect for him. She has also developed a profound connection with Declan, recognizing those fleeting moments when he reveals his vulnerability and emotions.

Throughout the novel, Iris's struggles and experiences further enrich her character. Her dyslexia and the lasting effects of past relationships, coupled with her difficult upbringing in the presence of an abusive father, contribute to her hesitancy in pursuing anything beyond the fake marriage with Declan.

Plot

Declan is the eldest of the Kane brothers and is on track to become the CEO of Dreamland, a position that was meant to be secured through marriage and having a child. However, Declan is callous and has grown up with a troubled past, leading him to be skeptical about love. Iris, Declan's assistant, steps in as his future bride when his almost-fiancée bails on him, driven by her loyalty and admiration for Declan's hard work.

Iris has been working with Declan for three years and is one of the few people who can tolerate his cold demeanor. She goes above and beyond to ensure his success and witnesses rare moments where Declan shows a glimpse of emotion. Despite knowing that their marriage is merely a convenience and devoid of emotional attachment, Iris willingly takes on the role, feeling safe in the knowledge that Declan avoids relationships.

As their fake marriage progresses, lines begin to blur, and both Iris and Declan find themselves falling for each other. However, Declan's troubled past and avoidance of relationships, stemming from his father's abuse, make him hesitant to commit. Similarly, Iris, with her dyslexia and scars from past relationships, is wary of anything beyond their fake marriage. Yet, Declan's ability to understand and appreciate her in ways others do hasn't made it increasingly difficult for Iris to resist him, despite the warning signs.

Iris's vibrant personality and love for plants bring color and joy into Declan's life, gradually breaking down his emotional barriers. He realizes that he can't imagine his life without Iris and is willing to turn their fake relationship into something real. However, years of pessimism and a dreary outlook on life make Declan question his ability to love someone so full of life. Meanwhile, Iris battles with her own demons, including her dyslexia and the lingering effects of past abusive relationships. These factors make her hesitant to embrace a genuine relationship with Declan, despite their growing connection.

Writing Style

The writing style of the novel is contemporary and conversational. The language used is informal and includes casual dialogue between the characters, which is told from the first-person point of view, focusing on the two main characters, Declan and Iris. The narration gives the readers direct access to the protagonists' thoughts, feelings, and observations, allowing them to experience the story from a closer perspective.

Final Thoughts

Terms and Conditions is yet another billionaire romance novel that captures the hearts of many new adult readers, especially women! With Declan and Iris at the center of a spellbinding romance filled with undeniable chemistry, this novel is destined to become a timeless favorite that you'll want to revisit time and time again.

Get ready for a thrilling and addictive journey that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Lauren Asher skillfully weaves together famous, generic tropes in a way that feels fresh and exciting, keeping you hooked and yearning for more with every turn of the page of the novel Terms and Conditions.

FAQs

Q: What is the Terms and Conditions novel all about?

A: Terms and Conditions tells the story of Declan Kane when his secretary, Iris, volunteers to be in a contractual marriage with him to help him secure the CEO position of Dreamland.

Q: Who among the Kane brothers is featured in the Terms and Conditions novel?

A: Terms and Conditions features the story of the eldest Declan Kane.

Q: Who wrote the Terms and Conditions novel?

A: Lauren Asher is the bestselling author who wrote the novel Terms and Conditions.