Romance novels often feature a protagonist or love interest who, due to painful life experiences, puts emotional walls up against the love and vulnerability that one must risk in any deep relationship. In Terms and Conditions, both of the lead characters suffer from such fear and distance themselves from emotional intimacy with others. Since the chapters alternate between the perspectives of Iris and Declan, their struggles with vulnerability and trust have equally important roles in the narrative. Theirs is a story of two hurt, wary people learning to trust together, rather than a story of one character convincing another to risk trusting them.

When the story opens, Declan is the more overtly distanced character; he never smiles in front of others and is perceived as cold. He does not engage in romantic relationships, and he even insists that he neither wants nor needs friends. Iris presents as more friendly and upbeat, but she is just as averse to the risks of vulnerability as Declan, breaking up with boyfriends as soon as the relationships become remotely serious.

Both characters’ emotional distance stems from childhood trauma. Declan’s aversion to relationships developed through his attempts to protect his brothers and himself from Seth’s abuse.