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Jane Desmond #2
Terms and Conditions
An ambitious single woman. A lifelong goal within reach. Will Manhattan’s unexpected challenges turn her fantasy into a disaster? After ten lackluster years in a dead-end job, Jane Desmond can’t wait to pursue her enduring ambition of a career in the glittering NYC literary scene. But the city starts throwing her curveballs the moment she arrives and what’s worse, her nervous mother, petrified for Jane’s safety, won’t stop texting her. Determined to reclaim her sanity, Jane posts a selfie challenge to prove to her mom she’s living the dream. As she struggles to find an apartment and blows critical interviews, her online pics tell a very different tale. Caught up in a web of social lies, Jane digs herself deeper with every update. Worried that she doesn’t have what it takes to make it in the city and on the verge of calling it quits, she races the clock to get her life together before her parents and friends learn the sad truth. Can Jane get comfortable in her own skin before the deception comes crashing down around her? Witty and endearing, Terms and Conditions follows Jane as she discovers the thrill, the challenge, and ultimately the joy of living truly for herself.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2019
26 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 2, 2020
I find negative reviews very difficult to write. I hate to be critical towards a book, but unfortunately this one wasn't for me.
I didn't enjoy the storyline, I found it to be far too repetitive - describing apartment after apartment and job after job. Also, there was only a small story arc, exploring Jane's relationships with her parents and friends and also delving into the effects of social media on mental health. However, I quite liked Darling's writing style - it was very descriptive over what would be small day-to-day tasks yet I enjoyed this element of it as it helps the reader to engage with the character more and discover more about them.
'Terms and Conditions' is the sequel to Jane's 'I'll Know Me When I Find Me' and although the two books focus on the same character of Jane Desmond, I understood the second book without reading the first so it's not necessary to read them in order. Unfortunately though , I didn't connect with the main character - Jane. I found her to be relatively boring (sorry!) and I just didn't feel to engage with her or her situation.
Sorry, I really hate to be negative about a book. Quick! To counteract it, I DID like the social media side of the story, I think there was a wonderful message within there! It's very true how social media can be harmful to mental health and this book especially shows how easy it is to pretend that your life is perfect, while everything is falling apart.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but unfortunately this wasn't it. I therefore give this book a rating of two out of five stars... but who knows, you might enjoy it!
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, you can find them here: Love and Literature
I didn't enjoy the storyline, I found it to be far too repetitive - describing apartment after apartment and job after job. Also, there was only a small story arc, exploring Jane's relationships with her parents and friends and also delving into the effects of social media on mental health. However, I quite liked Darling's writing style - it was very descriptive over what would be small day-to-day tasks yet I enjoyed this element of it as it helps the reader to engage with the character more and discover more about them.
'Terms and Conditions' is the sequel to Jane's 'I'll Know Me When I Find Me' and although the two books focus on the same character of Jane Desmond, I understood the second book without reading the first so it's not necessary to read them in order. Unfortunately though , I didn't connect with the main character - Jane. I found her to be relatively boring (sorry!) and I just didn't feel to engage with her or her situation.
Sorry, I really hate to be negative about a book. Quick! To counteract it, I DID like the social media side of the story, I think there was a wonderful message within there! It's very true how social media can be harmful to mental health and this book especially shows how easy it is to pretend that your life is perfect, while everything is falling apart.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but unfortunately this wasn't it. I therefore give this book a rating of two out of five stars... but who knows, you might enjoy it!
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, you can find them here: Love and Literature
June 7, 2020
Thank you to Hidden Gems for an ARC in exchange for my HONEST review.
To read my full review please visit www.SincerelyFeliciaNicole.com
Terms and Conditions is the sequel to I'll Know Me When I Find Me. In this book, we follow Jane Desmond as she upends her successful life and career in DC to move to New York on a whim. Jane arrives in New York with no job, no friends, and no permanent residence. She figures it will be easy to find a job and an apartment while she lives in a vacation rental for a month. She quickly learns this is not the case. After picking up two jobs at a sandwich shop and selling cell phones, having her own phone tossed off a bridge, and digging herself into a hole of credit card debt, things finally start looking up for Jane. She finds a new rental and becomes friends with Tessa, the tattoo artist renting to Jane, and lands a job in a bookstore. The only problem is the facade that Jane has to keep up on social media. When her life was in shambles she didn't want any of her friends or family back home thinking she made a mistake so she began posting on social media- complete with bragging about a job she never got and claiming the beautiful, fancy apartment that she was scammed out of. Now, Jane is happy in her simple life but doesn't know how to stop posting to please others. Eventually, after a blow-up argument with her mom Jane finally realizes that she has to stop living her life for other people and just do what makes her happy, even if it wasn't in her plans. Jane finds an apartment she loves, turns down an assistant editing job, and deletes her social media accounts all to embrace the new life she built for herself.
Characters
Jane: I genuinely really liked Jane as a protagonist. She was funny, smart, and extremely relatable. I think Jane's character embodies 90% of millennials. Her struggle to find an apartment and a job, her desire to escape a boring life, creating a social media persona, happiness to be alone with Netflix and lasagna (lol!) was all super relatable for myself and I'm sure plenty of other people in there 20s & 30s.
Jane's Mom: O M G.... I wanted to like her mom, I really did. I wanted to feel bad that she just wanted the best for her child and missed seeing her... but... I just don't believe that was the case. Her mom was super controlling and super judgemental, to the point of being down-right mean. She did nothing but nag Jane about her move and career change and constantly compare her to other people.
Plot
When I read the summary for this book, I was so intrigued. I loved that the whole story revolved around moving to New York on a whim and finding a publishing career. This is something I think about doing often so it definitely got my attention. I loved following along with Jane on her adventures of getting settled in a new place. However, I feel like the story became very repetitive. Jane went on so many apartment tours-- and readers were brought along to every one of them-- and multiple job interviews, that readers were also shown. It just seemed to be a little too much, was drug out more than necessary, and felt very uneventful most of the time.
Something else that I felt was a downfall, was that for the first half of the book, we don't see Jane with anyone else other than the people interviewing her for jobs. Otherwise, there is very little dialogue and Jane seems to be alone all of the time. Later on it is mentioned in "montage style" all of the good stuff that had been going on in the few months since she'd moved to New York. For example, author readings at the bookstore and Friday nights with her friends. It would have been nice to be let in on these moments and have more than constantly negative job interviews and apartment tours.
Something that was really interesting to me was the lack of a love-interest and no relationship plot at all. This wasn't a negative thing, I actually enjoyed it because the story made sense without it, a relationship didn't fit into Jane's lifestyle and having one would have felt forced. It was just interesting because I rarely find a book without any love interest.
Overall, I really did enjoy this story. Like I mentioned, a lot of parts were repetitive and the plot was a little slow but I loved the relatability and Jane's character. I am looking forward to seeing if Darling continues Jane's story with a third book!
Notes
-Like I mentioned, this book is a sequel. However, I didn't realize that until I was already a good portion into the book (oops!). Because of this, I really don't think you need to read them in order as I didn't feel to missing any information.
-This is considered "adult fiction" but it definitely felt a lot like YA. There is no explicit content so I figured this is worth mentioning for the younger audience that may be interested in the story.
-There is great commentary on social media...how important it is to our generation and how detrimental it can be to our mental health. I loved this.
To read my full review please visit www.SincerelyFeliciaNicole.com
Terms and Conditions is the sequel to I'll Know Me When I Find Me. In this book, we follow Jane Desmond as she upends her successful life and career in DC to move to New York on a whim. Jane arrives in New York with no job, no friends, and no permanent residence. She figures it will be easy to find a job and an apartment while she lives in a vacation rental for a month. She quickly learns this is not the case. After picking up two jobs at a sandwich shop and selling cell phones, having her own phone tossed off a bridge, and digging herself into a hole of credit card debt, things finally start looking up for Jane. She finds a new rental and becomes friends with Tessa, the tattoo artist renting to Jane, and lands a job in a bookstore. The only problem is the facade that Jane has to keep up on social media. When her life was in shambles she didn't want any of her friends or family back home thinking she made a mistake so she began posting on social media- complete with bragging about a job she never got and claiming the beautiful, fancy apartment that she was scammed out of. Now, Jane is happy in her simple life but doesn't know how to stop posting to please others. Eventually, after a blow-up argument with her mom Jane finally realizes that she has to stop living her life for other people and just do what makes her happy, even if it wasn't in her plans. Jane finds an apartment she loves, turns down an assistant editing job, and deletes her social media accounts all to embrace the new life she built for herself.
Characters
Jane: I genuinely really liked Jane as a protagonist. She was funny, smart, and extremely relatable. I think Jane's character embodies 90% of millennials. Her struggle to find an apartment and a job, her desire to escape a boring life, creating a social media persona, happiness to be alone with Netflix and lasagna (lol!) was all super relatable for myself and I'm sure plenty of other people in there 20s & 30s.
Jane's Mom: O M G.... I wanted to like her mom, I really did. I wanted to feel bad that she just wanted the best for her child and missed seeing her... but... I just don't believe that was the case. Her mom was super controlling and super judgemental, to the point of being down-right mean. She did nothing but nag Jane about her move and career change and constantly compare her to other people.
Plot
When I read the summary for this book, I was so intrigued. I loved that the whole story revolved around moving to New York on a whim and finding a publishing career. This is something I think about doing often so it definitely got my attention. I loved following along with Jane on her adventures of getting settled in a new place. However, I feel like the story became very repetitive. Jane went on so many apartment tours-- and readers were brought along to every one of them-- and multiple job interviews, that readers were also shown. It just seemed to be a little too much, was drug out more than necessary, and felt very uneventful most of the time.
Something else that I felt was a downfall, was that for the first half of the book, we don't see Jane with anyone else other than the people interviewing her for jobs. Otherwise, there is very little dialogue and Jane seems to be alone all of the time. Later on it is mentioned in "montage style" all of the good stuff that had been going on in the few months since she'd moved to New York. For example, author readings at the bookstore and Friday nights with her friends. It would have been nice to be let in on these moments and have more than constantly negative job interviews and apartment tours.
Something that was really interesting to me was the lack of a love-interest and no relationship plot at all. This wasn't a negative thing, I actually enjoyed it because the story made sense without it, a relationship didn't fit into Jane's lifestyle and having one would have felt forced. It was just interesting because I rarely find a book without any love interest.
Overall, I really did enjoy this story. Like I mentioned, a lot of parts were repetitive and the plot was a little slow but I loved the relatability and Jane's character. I am looking forward to seeing if Darling continues Jane's story with a third book!
Notes
-Like I mentioned, this book is a sequel. However, I didn't realize that until I was already a good portion into the book (oops!). Because of this, I really don't think you need to read them in order as I didn't feel to missing any information.
-This is considered "adult fiction" but it definitely felt a lot like YA. There is no explicit content so I figured this is worth mentioning for the younger audience that may be interested in the story.
-There is great commentary on social media...how important it is to our generation and how detrimental it can be to our mental health. I loved this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2020
Perhaps Too Evocative of NYC
Even though I was not wild about this author's first book about this story’s main character, I had already chosen both books at one of my favorite book review sites, and I don't like to cancel my promise to review if I can help it. I found the main character less annoying and unlikeable in this book than in the first one. In the story, the heroine leaves her dead-end, unsatisfying job and heads to New York with big dreams of working for a larger publication or publishing house. Things are not as simple as she’d hoped they would be. This is a slice-of-life book where we follow her ups and downs as she tries to make it in the big city. In general, I'm not a huge fan of slice-of-life books because they tend to not have enough action, and I felt like this was the case here. The author made a valiant effort with the subplot of the heroine’s social media lies, but that really wasn't true story action. I also thought the author was perhaps a little too detailed in her description of everything that is New York. While some might see this as painting a good verbal picture of the city, especially for those of us who haven't been there, I almost felt mired down by these descriptions, as if they didn't give the rest of the text enough room to breathe. All in all, I wasn't wild about this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Even though I was not wild about this author's first book about this story’s main character, I had already chosen both books at one of my favorite book review sites, and I don't like to cancel my promise to review if I can help it. I found the main character less annoying and unlikeable in this book than in the first one. In the story, the heroine leaves her dead-end, unsatisfying job and heads to New York with big dreams of working for a larger publication or publishing house. Things are not as simple as she’d hoped they would be. This is a slice-of-life book where we follow her ups and downs as she tries to make it in the big city. In general, I'm not a huge fan of slice-of-life books because they tend to not have enough action, and I felt like this was the case here. The author made a valiant effort with the subplot of the heroine’s social media lies, but that really wasn't true story action. I also thought the author was perhaps a little too detailed in her description of everything that is New York. While some might see this as painting a good verbal picture of the city, especially for those of us who haven't been there, I almost felt mired down by these descriptions, as if they didn't give the rest of the text enough room to breathe. All in all, I wasn't wild about this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
September 27, 2020
Heading to New York
I read the first book in this series, I’LL KNOW ME WHEN I FIND ME, and although I liked that book, I LOVED this one.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS was written so much better and no grammar or editing issues to take your mind off reading
concentration. I actually looked at the acknowledgments in the first book to see if it was edited by someone else and it was.
The author takes the time to describe Jane’s adventures with such clarity that I feel like I’d recognize the places she’s written about even though I have never been to NYC.
It’s a believable story and her poor stressed out mom reminds me of me if my daughter ever wanted to venture out like Jane. I actually learned a few things not to do.
The author wraps everything up in the end so you’re not guessing what happened with this person or that situation, etc.
You don’t have to read book one to follow book two but I’m glad I did because you know a little more of the backstory that way. Book two doesn’t go into pages upon pages rehashing stuff you already know.
The only thing that I had issue with in both books is that Jane is in her mid thirties and if I didn’t know that I would peg her for being in her mid twenties. Maybe a tad immature.
That’s just my humble opinion.
Highly recommend.
I read the first book in this series, I’LL KNOW ME WHEN I FIND ME, and although I liked that book, I LOVED this one.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS was written so much better and no grammar or editing issues to take your mind off reading
concentration. I actually looked at the acknowledgments in the first book to see if it was edited by someone else and it was.
The author takes the time to describe Jane’s adventures with such clarity that I feel like I’d recognize the places she’s written about even though I have never been to NYC.
It’s a believable story and her poor stressed out mom reminds me of me if my daughter ever wanted to venture out like Jane. I actually learned a few things not to do.
The author wraps everything up in the end so you’re not guessing what happened with this person or that situation, etc.
You don’t have to read book one to follow book two but I’m glad I did because you know a little more of the backstory that way. Book two doesn’t go into pages upon pages rehashing stuff you already know.
The only thing that I had issue with in both books is that Jane is in her mid thirties and if I didn’t know that I would peg her for being in her mid twenties. Maybe a tad immature.
That’s just my humble opinion.
Highly recommend.
January 24, 2020
Darling has created a fun, delightful, and easy to like character in Jane Desmond. While I'll Know Me When I Find Me introduced us to Jane at a time of self-discovery, Terms and Conditions transforms her into a well-developed character that the reader can definitely relate to. I enjoyed getting to know New York City and at times, due to the attention paid to detail, felt as if I was right there with Jane starting over. I liked the way the story unraveled and would describe it as a real page turner that kept me both guessing and shouting with joy to the end. Terms and Conditions caught my attention right away because I've often thought of moving to NYC and starting over. I also liked how the author had Jane face a variety of new city/new life situations. It was a bonus that the solutions to the various situations were resourceful as well as savvy.
This is a well-written book that tells an interesting, albeit at times complicated story of moving to a new place and starting over. The pace of the book was perfect and the subject matter well-researched without being too technical. Though it's not necessary to read Darling's debut novel before reading Terms and Conditions, readers will find themselves wanting to read both.
This is a well-written book that tells an interesting, albeit at times complicated story of moving to a new place and starting over. The pace of the book was perfect and the subject matter well-researched without being too technical. Though it's not necessary to read Darling's debut novel before reading Terms and Conditions, readers will find themselves wanting to read both.
December 20, 2025
Terms and Conditions by Helen J. Darling is a witty, engaging, and relatable story about starting over in a new city. Jane Desmond’s move to New York City is full of humor, unexpected challenges, and personal growth, making her journey both entertaining and inspiring.
Helen J. Darling does an excellent job of bringing Jane to life her personality, resourcefulness, and endearing quirks make her a character readers can root for. The depiction of NYC is vivid and immersive, allowing readers to feel as though they are navigating the city alongside Jane. The pacing is perfect, keeping the story lively while allowing for moments of reflection and humor.
This novel is both a page-turner and a heartwarming tale about self discovery, perseverance, and the excitement and trials of embracing change. Highly recommended for anyone who loves contemporary fiction with charm, wit, and relatable life experiences.
Helen J. Darling does an excellent job of bringing Jane to life her personality, resourcefulness, and endearing quirks make her a character readers can root for. The depiction of NYC is vivid and immersive, allowing readers to feel as though they are navigating the city alongside Jane. The pacing is perfect, keeping the story lively while allowing for moments of reflection and humor.
This novel is both a page-turner and a heartwarming tale about self discovery, perseverance, and the excitement and trials of embracing change. Highly recommended for anyone who loves contemporary fiction with charm, wit, and relatable life experiences.
June 1, 2020
This was a good read and difficult to put down, but something about it bothered me nearly the whole time I read it, and I’m not exactly sure what.
It wasn’t the writing; that was smooth and kept me engaged.
It wasn’t the lack of shared experience; I couldn’t really relate to Jane in the first book either, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story.
Maybe it was the endless stream of bad luck? Instead of one choice snowballing into a bigger and bigger problem, the hits kept coming from every direction. Maybe it was the unresolved fallout with her mom in the end (though that was totally believable; I’m actually *glad* that didn’t get tidied up for the ending).
I also felt like Jane was different in this book. Sometimes she was downright mean both in her thoughts and in her interactions with others. I didn’t get that sense of her in the first book; did I miss that somehow?
It wasn’t the writing; that was smooth and kept me engaged.
It wasn’t the lack of shared experience; I couldn’t really relate to Jane in the first book either, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story.
Maybe it was the endless stream of bad luck? Instead of one choice snowballing into a bigger and bigger problem, the hits kept coming from every direction. Maybe it was the unresolved fallout with her mom in the end (though that was totally believable; I’m actually *glad* that didn’t get tidied up for the ending).
I also felt like Jane was different in this book. Sometimes she was downright mean both in her thoughts and in her interactions with others. I didn’t get that sense of her in the first book; did I miss that somehow?
June 6, 2020
Jane upends her life in DC to move to New York. She doesn't have a job, doesn't have a place to live, and doesn't know anyone. She has the idea finding an apartment and a job in publishing will be easy. This book follows her from her move to the city, her job and search, and finding her place in the city.
Meanwhile, she posts on social media as if her life is easy and perfect. She stages selfies to best showcase herself and popular New York location. She let's her followers believe her life is easier and better than it really is.
As one who has always dreamed of visiting New York, I rather enjoyed reading about the city and about all of Jane's adventures trying to get settled as a New Yorker. I thought this was a fun read.
*disclaimer* I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy of this book
Meanwhile, she posts on social media as if her life is easy and perfect. She stages selfies to best showcase herself and popular New York location. She let's her followers believe her life is easier and better than it really is.
As one who has always dreamed of visiting New York, I rather enjoyed reading about the city and about all of Jane's adventures trying to get settled as a New Yorker. I thought this was a fun read.
*disclaimer* I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy of this book
June 25, 2020
Finding Oneself at 35
In this second book of the series, our heroine sets out to create her new life in New York City. I found this book to be so much better than the first book, but the reader needs to read the first book as it lays out the story. As our heroine begins to stretch her wings without friends and family to support her, she can finally fly. I received this book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
In this second book of the series, our heroine sets out to create her new life in New York City. I found this book to be so much better than the first book, but the reader needs to read the first book as it lays out the story. As our heroine begins to stretch her wings without friends and family to support her, she can finally fly. I received this book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
January 2, 2020
Thank you, Helen Darling, for a delightful start to 2020. To quote Jane, “Who doesn’t love the clean slate of January?” This was a perfect first read of the new decade.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews