Maxine Laurel

Okay, confession time: I did not plan to write a book that opens with a drunk, heartbroken man and a quietly in-love nurse in a tangled emotional mess. But somehow, The Love Deal happened—and honestly? I regret nothing.

This is my second book, following Lira, and it’s a bit different. Less vampires, more feelings. Still dramatic, though. Always dramatic.

So what’s it about?

Abigail has always been the quiet, reliable type. After being orphaned, she tries making ends meet by working as a private nurse for … who just so happens to be the grandmother of Lawrence, the brooding, unreachable heir she may or may not have secretly admired since forever.

One emotional breakup, one bottle of alcohol, and one night of bad decisions later—boom. Drama. Gossip. And then: a forced marriage.

Yup. Classic.

Lawrence’s conservative family isn’t exactly thrilled about the scandal. Their solution? Marriage.
Lawrence’s solution? A deal.

Three months.

If Abigail can make him fall in love, they stay together.

If not? They walk away like none of it ever happened. (Except, you know… feelings exist. And they’re very inconvenient.)

The Love Deal is messy, intense, vulnerable, and lowkey a slow burn disguised as a fake marriage story. It’s about two people trying to pretend they’re fine while obviously not being fine. It’s about soft love and hard decisions. And it’s about Abigail, who just wants to be loved back the way she gives it—fully, fiercely, and without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Lawrence? Let’s just say he’s trying not to catch feelings, and doing a very bad job of it.

This book came out under Pop Fiction in January 2024, and it falls under the New Adult category, which means the feelings are deeper, the stakes are higher, and yes, the kisses last longer. (You’re welcome.)

If you love:

• Tropes like forced marriage, one bed, and mutual pining
• Quiet girls with backbone and guys who eventually beg
• Lots of internal monologues and emotional damage (with healing, of course)

Then The Love Deal is calling your name.

💖 Now available in bookstores nationwide.
💔 Comes with angst, kilig, and one very swoon-worthy slow-burn.