Five Rules, One Temptation

Hannah Jane Hayes, a meticulous wedding planner, lives by five unbreakable rules to keep her professional and personal life in order. But at her best friend Maddie's wedding, she's forced to wrangle Isaac Lawson, the infuriatingly charming best man and notorious playboy. Their banter is electric, and Isaac's relentless teasing chips away at Hannah's resolve. Despite her rules—especially the one about not hooking up with the wedding party—she finds herself drawn to Isaac's confidence and wit, even as he pushes every one of her buttons. The night is a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and longing, setting the stage for a collision between Hannah's need for control and Isaac's love of risk.

The Best Man's Challenge

Isaac, a billionaire real estate mogul, thrives on negotiation and seduction. He's used to getting what he wants, and tonight, he wants Hannah. Their forced dance after catching the garter and bouquet is a battle of wills—her resistance only fuels his desire. Isaac's reputation as a heartbreaker precedes him, but he's intrigued by Hannah's strength and vulnerability. As the wedding winds down, he orchestrates a private encounter, determined to break through her defenses. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and both sense that one night together could change everything, even if neither is ready to admit it.

Champagne and Confessions

After the wedding, Hannah retreats to her office, exhausted and craving solitude. Instead, she finds Isaac waiting, having charmed his way past every barrier. What begins as a battle of words over stolen champagne turns into a raw, honest conversation about sex, vulnerability, and the risks of falling for the wrong person. Isaac challenges Hannah's beliefs about casual relationships, while she exposes his own emotional armor. The tension between them is electric, and as the night deepens, so does their mutual understanding. With the rules forgotten, they surrender to desire, setting aside their fears for one unforgettable night.

One Night, No Strings

In Isaac's hotel suite, passion overtakes restraint. Their night together is intense, playful, and transformative—each pushing the other to new heights of pleasure and vulnerability. For Hannah, it's a revelation: she can let go, enjoy the moment, and not be defined by her longing for commitment. For Isaac, it's a rare connection that lingers long after the sun rises. But when morning comes, reality intrudes. Isaac is gone, leaving only a cheeky note and breakfast. Hannah is left to wonder if she's just another notch in his bedpost, or if something deeper has begun.

Morning After, Missing Man

Hannah wakes in Isaac's empty suite, savoring the afterglow and the ache of their night together. She's proud of herself for breaking her own rules and not getting attached. Yet, as she navigates the aftermath—dodging housekeeping, fielding calls from friends, and running errands—she can't shake the feeling that Isaac's absence means more than she wants to admit. When she finds him unexpectedly at Maddie's house, stranded by a hurricane, she's forced to confront the possibility that their story isn't over. The storm outside mirrors the turmoil within, as both struggle with what comes next.

Hurricane Houseguest

With the hurricane raging, Hannah reluctantly offers Isaac her guest room. Their uneasy truce is tested by close quarters, mutual snooping, and the undeniable pull between them. Isaac is fascinated by Hannah's carefully curated life, while she's both annoyed and aroused by his boundary-pushing presence. As they share popcorn, TV marathons, and late-night confessions, the lines between enemies and lovers blur. The storm outside becomes a metaphor for the emotional chaos brewing inside, and both begin to question what they really want from each other.

Truce and Tension

The hurricane truce brings moments of unexpected intimacy. Hannah and Isaac share stories, challenge each other's worldviews, and find comfort in simple pleasures. Yet, beneath the banter, deeper feelings stir. Isaac's presence disrupts Hannah's carefully ordered world, while her vulnerability awakens something protective in him. As the storm passes, so does their pretense of indifference. The tension between them is no longer just sexual—it's emotional, and neither is sure how to handle it. When the power returns, so do old habits, but the connection they've forged is impossible to ignore.

Lines Crossed, Boundaries Blurred

Unable to resist, Hannah and Isaac strike a "square deal": a no-strings, exclusive sexual arrangement with strict rules—no feelings, no public displays, no future. But as they test the limits of their agreement, passion and affection become entangled. Their secret liaisons are thrilling, but the emotional stakes rise with every encounter. Both are haunted by past hurts and the fear of repeating old mistakes. The more they try to keep things casual, the more they crave each other's presence, risking the very boundaries they set to protect themselves.

Square Deal Proposal

Isaac, ever the negotiator, proposes a formal arrangement: six weeks of exclusive, secret sex, with an expiration date before Christmas. Hannah, desperate to prove she can handle casual, agrees—on her terms. The deal is a game, but the stakes are real. As they navigate their clandestine affair, they discover new facets of themselves and each other. The rules become both a safety net and a prison, as desire deepens into something neither can name. The countdown to the end of their deal looms, forcing them to confront what they truly want.

Coffee Shop Kismet

Hannah's fantasy of a coffee shop meet-cute is sabotaged by Isaac's over-the-top gesture—putting his credit card on file to buy her drinks. The incident is both infuriating and endearing, highlighting the ways he invades her life even from afar. As friends and family begin to notice her distraction, Hannah struggles to keep her secret. Meanwhile, Isaac's grand gestures and playful interference reveal a vulnerability he rarely shows. Their relationship is a dance of push and pull, with both afraid to admit how much they care.

Girls' Night, Poker Club

The poker club—Hannah's chosen family—becomes a backdrop for her evolving relationship with Isaac. Girls' nights, bar antics, and group texts provide comic relief and emotional support. As friends navigate their own dramas, Hannah is forced to confront her feelings for Isaac and the risk of letting her secret out. The group's acceptance and teasing highlight the importance of community, even as Hannah fears judgment. The tension between public and private selves grows, setting the stage for a reckoning.

Enemies with Benefits

The "enemies with benefits" arrangement intensifies, with Hannah and Isaac pushing each other's limits in and out of the bedroom. Their sexual chemistry is explosive, but the emotional fallout is harder to manage. Jealousy, insecurity, and the fear of attachment threaten to unravel their deal. Both are forced to confront the ways they use sex to avoid vulnerability, and the cost of keeping their hearts locked away. As the expiration date approaches, the question becomes: can they walk away unscathed?

Secrets, Shoes, and Champagne

Isaac's lavish gifts—designer shoes, champagne, and more—become tokens of affection and points of contention. Hannah resists being "bought," but can't deny the thrill of being cherished. Their relationship is a series of grand gestures and small kindnesses, each chipping away at their defenses. As they navigate holidays, family gatherings, and the expectations of others, the line between convenience and commitment blurs. The risk of heartbreak grows, but so does the hope for something real.

Thanksgiving Games

Thanksgiving brings both togetherness and temptation. Surrounded by friends and family, Hannah and Isaac struggle to keep their relationship secret. Their covert touches and stolen moments are both exhilarating and dangerous. The poker club's protective instincts and playful meddling add to the chaos. When their secret is finally exposed, the group's acceptance is both a relief and a challenge. The holiday becomes a turning point, forcing Hannah and Isaac to decide what they're willing to risk for each other.

New York, New Rules

A trip to New York offers a glimpse into Isaac's world of luxury and power. Hannah is both dazzled and intimidated, but Isaac's efforts to make her feel at home reveal his growing commitment. They navigate the challenges of public life, family expectations, and the pressure to define their relationship. The city becomes a backdrop for self-discovery, as both confront their fears and desires. The rules of their deal are rewritten, and the possibility of a future together begins to take shape.

Family, Friends, and Fears

Meeting each other's families brings old insecurities to the surface. Hannah's strained relationship with her mother and Isaac's fear of repeating his parents' mistakes threaten to derail their progress. The poker club rallies around them, offering support and tough love. As they face external pressures and internal doubts, Hannah and Isaac must decide whether to cling to the safety of the past or risk everything for a new kind of happiness.

The Cost of Control

Hannah's need for control and Isaac's fear of vulnerability collide. Both are forced to confront the ways they self-sabotage and the cost of playing it safe. Through arguments, reconciliations, and moments of raw honesty, they learn that love requires risk, compromise, and trust. The journey is messy, but the rewards are worth it. As they let go of old patterns, they discover the freedom to be themselves—together.

Breaking the Pattern

The expiration of their deal brings heartbreak and reflection. Both try to move on, but the absence of each other is a constant ache. Friends intervene, offering perspective and encouragement. Hannah goes on a "perfect" date with someone safe, only to realize that safety isn't enough. Isaac, lost in old habits, finds no satisfaction in his former life. The realization that love is worth the risk propels them toward a second chance.

The Hardest Goodbye

A confrontation with Hannah's family forces Isaac to admit his fears about marriage and commitment. Hannah, devastated by his refusal to promise a future, ends things for good. Both are left to grapple with the pain of loving someone who can't give them what they need. The breakup is brutal, but necessary. It becomes a catalyst for growth, as both learn to value themselves and what they truly want.

Healing, Heartbreak, and Hope

In the aftermath, Hannah's friends stage an intervention, helping her reclaim her sense of self. She confronts her patterns of people-pleasing and learns to set boundaries. Isaac, meanwhile, spirals into old habits before being rescued by his own friends. Both are forced to reckon with their choices and the possibility of forgiveness. The path to healing is slow, but hope lingers.

Second Chances, New Deals

Isaac returns, determined to win Hannah back. Their reunion is messy, passionate, and honest. Both lay their cards on the table, admitting their fears and desires. Isaac proposes a new deal: a partnership built on trust, compromise, and shared dreams. Hannah, finally ready to risk her heart, says yes. Together, they redefine what it means to be "as is"—imperfect, but perfect for each other.

The Grand Gesture

Isaac orchestrates a grand, romantic proposal, complete with swans and chaos. The moment is imperfect, but real—just like their love. Hannah says yes, embracing the uncertainty and excitement of a life with Isaac. Their friends and family celebrate, and the poker club toasts to new beginnings. The story ends not with a fairy tale, but with a promise: to love each other, as is, every day.

Happily Ever After, As Is

One year later, Hannah and Isaac have built a life that blends their worlds—her small-town roots and his global ambitions. They split time between Beaufort and New York, balancing work, family, and adventure. Their love is messy, passionate, and ever-evolving. Surrounded by friends, laughter, and the occasional poker game, they prove that happily ever after isn't about perfection—it's about choosing each other, every day, as is.

Characters

Hannah Jane Hayes

Hannah is a fiercely organized, rule-bound wedding planner who believes in love but fears heartbreak. Her need for control masks deep insecurities rooted in a critical upbringing and a history of being "too much" for others. She's loyal, compassionate, and driven, but struggles to let go and trust. Her journey is one of self-acceptance—learning to embrace her desires, set boundaries, and risk vulnerability. Her relationship with Isaac challenges her to balance independence with intimacy, and to demand the love she deserves.

Isaac Lawson

Isaac is a charming, confident real estate mogul who uses sex and bravado to shield himself from emotional pain. Scarred by a childhood of neglect and transactional relationships, he avoids commitment and vulnerability at all costs. His attraction to Hannah is both physical and psychological—she's the first woman to challenge him, see through his defenses, and make him want more. Over the course of the story, Isaac confronts his fears, learns to communicate, and discovers that true strength lies in loving and being loved, as is.

Maddie DeRossi

Maddie is Hannah's ride-or-die, a chef with a big heart and a penchant for meddling. She's the glue of the poker club and the architect of many of the story's pivotal moments. Maddie's own journey from cynicism to love with Luca inspires Hannah, and her unwavering support helps Hannah find the courage to pursue happiness on her own terms.

Luca DeRossi

Luca is Isaac's best friend and Maddie's husband, a successful restaurateur with a strong moral compass. He's wary of Isaac's intentions with Hannah but ultimately wants the best for both. Luca's own experience with love and loss gives him insight into the risks and rewards of vulnerability. He serves as a sounding board and occasional enforcer, reminding Isaac of what's truly important.

Chase Brannan

Chase is Hannah's neighbor and a member of the poker club, known for his loyalty, humor, and protective instincts. He's the big brother Hannah never had, always ready with a joke or a shoulder to cry on. Chase's own romantic struggles mirror Hannah's, and his advice—sometimes wise, sometimes ridiculous—helps her navigate the ups and downs of love.

Steve Pelham

Steve is a cop, poker club member, and new father, whose gruff exterior hides a tender heart. He's fiercely loyal to his friends and quick to defend those he loves. Steve's journey through grief and new beginnings offers a counterpoint to Hannah and Isaac's story, reminding them that happiness is possible after heartbreak.

Bridget McGrath

Bridget is the poker club's resident bartender and Hannah's confidante. She's blunt, funny, and unafraid to call out bullshit. Bridget's own complicated love life provides both comic relief and emotional depth, as she navigates the challenges of friendship, jealousy, and self-worth.

Kristin Boyd

Kristin is a young woman raising her siblings after her parents' downfall, working at the inn and juggling immense responsibility. Her resilience and vulnerability inspire Hannah, and her struggles with self-care and asking for help mirror Hannah's own journey toward balance.

Melissa "Mel" Carter

Mel is a nurse and poker club member, known for her no-nonsense attitude and deep empathy. She's the first to offer tough love or a helping hand, and her own experiences with unrequited love and heartbreak add layers to the group's dynamic.

Erica

Erica, Steve's partner, brings warmth and optimism to the group. Her journey through motherhood, loss, and new beginnings offers a hopeful counterpoint to the story's darker moments, reminding everyone that love can be rebuilt, even after devastation.

Plot Devices

Alternating Perspectives

The story alternates between Hannah and Isaac's points of view, allowing readers to experience both the external events and the internal struggles that drive their actions. This structure deepens empathy, highlights misunderstandings, and builds tension as each character's fears and desires are laid bare.

The "Square Deal" Contract

The central plot device is the "square deal"—a formal, time-limited, no-strings sexual contract. This device externalizes the characters' fears of vulnerability and commitment, providing both a safety net and a ticking clock. As the deal's expiration approaches, the artificial boundaries force both to confront what they truly want.

Symbolic Objects

Isaac's gifts (designer shoes, champagne) and the recurring motif of poker (bets, deals, all-in moments) symbolize risk, value, and the stakes of love. These objects serve as both tokens of affection and reminders of the characters' emotional gambles.

The Poker Club

The poker club is both a literal group and a metaphor for chosen family, support, and the unpredictability of life. Their interventions, group texts, and rituals provide comic relief, wisdom, and a sense of belonging that both Hannah and Isaac crave.

Foreshadowing and Callbacks

The story is rich with foreshadowing—Hannah's five rules, Isaac's aversion to commitment, the recurring references to romantic comedies. These elements are revisited and subverted as the characters grow, creating a satisfying sense of payoff and transformation.

Grand Gestures and Public Declarations

The narrative builds toward increasingly bold gestures—public confessions, dramatic proposals, and acts of vulnerability. These moments test the characters' willingness to risk rejection and embrace imperfection, culminating in a proposal that is both chaotic and deeply personal.

Analysis

Square Deal is a contemporary romance that subverts the "enemies with benefits" trope by exploring the tension between control and surrender, safety and risk, independence and intimacy. At its core, the novel is about two people who are experts at protecting themselves—Hannah through rules and perfectionism, Isaac through bravado and detachment—learning to dismantle their defenses in pursuit of something real. The "square deal" contract is both a shield and a crucible, forcing them to confront the limits of transactional love and the necessity of vulnerability. The story's humor, steamy encounters, and ensemble cast provide levity and warmth, but the emotional arc is grounded in the messy, nonlinear process of healing and growth. The novel's message is clear: love is not about finding someone who fits your checklist, but about choosing, every day, to show up as you are—and to accept your partner, as is. The journey from enemies to lovers, from rules to risk, is both a celebration of self-acceptance and a call to own your desires, demand your worth, and never settle for less than you deserve.

Last updated: January 16, 2026