The Deal

Neighbor from Hell #14

by R.L. Mathewson

Some people marry for love. Some marry for money.

Quinn and Dylan married for revenge.

From New York Times Bestseller author R.L. Mathewson comes a new twist in the Neighbor from Hell series, where ultimatums, fake marriages, and revenge turn into something they never saw coming.

Quinn Bradford needed to make a choice:

Get married or lose everything.

The last thing that Quinn wanted to do was get married, but thanks to the ultimatum his parents and their business partners set down, he doesn’t have a choice. He would do anything to make sure that B&T Construction didn’t end up in the hands of a spoiled brat, even marry her little sister.

She knew better than to trust her sister.

It was a mistake, one that Dylan would never make again, and the one thing that cost her everything. If Brooke had kept her promise, Dylan would have happily ignored the ultimatum, but now…

Now, she wanted revenge.

She was going to do whatever it took to make sure Brooke didn’t get her hands on B&T Construction, even if that meant marrying the man who’d been glaring at her since the unfortunate incident involving a tube of super glue and a bottle of glitter when they were little.

So, she would agree to this deal.

She would agree to his rules.

And she would do whatever it took to make sure that she didn’t fall in love with her husband.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Humor, Marriage Of Convenience

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2025

About the author

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

In 2019/2020, R.L. Mathewson will be publishing Devastated, the first Anger Management novel, Tall, Dark & Furious, the 6th installment to the Pyte/Sentinel series, Irresistible, the long anticipated novel for the Neighbor from Hell Series as well as many more books throughout the year, paranormals, contemporaries, and YAs.

Reviews

[Anne in VA · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok read. Light and fluffy. It's been ages since I've read anything by RL Mathewson, and I was surprised she's still running with the bad neighbors series. I think I stopped reading this series because after the novelty of the kookiness wears off, there's not much there, unfortunately. There's a lot of telling instead of showing here, so scenes will end abruptly, and then you'll be told a brief cliffs notes version of everything that was happening off the page. That happened a lot. Maybe it's to keep it novella short? 🤷‍♀️ The ending was very far-fetched and sorta ruined it for me. Seemed like lazy writing to me.

[Nomims · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

SIGH oooomggg TOO MANY sighs. This author is easy to read but she's so so so repetitive with the sighs and absently doing things. Some parts were confusing as fuck. But overall it's easy quick and i guess a good distraction.
It's my extreme misplaced fidelity that keep me reading these books honestly because the stories are pratically the same and the repetition is intentional i guess

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quickish Review

Did I want to love this? Yes. I’d read the earlier Bradford books a long time ago and want to check in on this series. Now I remembered why I stopped.

If I’d never read this series, I might find it funny and cute. But all the characters are the same, I can’t keep them straight and that similarity just led to boredom for me. And if I took a drink every time they sighed, I’d be in a coma. So is this for me? Sadly, no. It’s just ok.

[*CJ* · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Deal” is the story of Dylan and Quinn.

This is one of my all time favorite series and this is a wonderful addition to it.

Nemesis neighbors, where the heroine is a trouble magnet and hero her savior - grow up to be two dysfunctional adults. Their parents own a company together- run by the hero and the heroine’s sister, and soon they get an ultimatum- get married and produce an heir, and the company will be yours. Circumstances and lies lead to a marriage of convenience between the hero and heroine, and what follows is lots of humor and love.

This is the first time in this series the heroine is a food addict, and it was fun to read. She is a manic pixie dream girl with lots of talent and determination, he is a hardworking but smitten man. Their interactions are hilarious, the sex is sweet and fun, and after a small moment of angst, all ends in a HEA.

Unsafe
4.25/5

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan had a secret, one her sister figured out and made her a deal she could not refuse. Dylan has wanted Blackwood Manor since she saw it, she has scrapped, saved and done everything thinkable to salvage the historic ruin even make a deal with the devil. When she finds out it was all a ploy she makes a deal with Quinn the other devil in her life. Pretend marriage that will salvage his dreams as well as keep her house.

Always brings me a smile to read a book from this author. Dylan was adorable and Quinn is slow to realize Dylan is his end game. Cracked me up.

[Shannon The Romance Addict! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited forever for this book . I enjoyed it but I did notice the word sigh keep coming up so I searched the word and it was used 161 times. That's a lot, 😆 lol

[Migajas Literarias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los Bradford's sin duda son mi familia literaria favorita y este libro no es la excepción 📚 Quinn es increíble y amo como trata por todos los medios de escapar de la maldición familiar.

lectura con risas garantizadas y perfecto para disfrutarlo un fin de semana de relajación

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn and Dylan married for revenge, and to stop her sister from taking control of the family business.

[Raili · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the author and the series. But this book maybe tried a bit too hard to be funny? Which made it less funny? In my opinion.

[Sarah Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book in 2 hours 🥹🥰 will never give anything but 5 stars for the neighbors from hell series ❤️❤️

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Every book has the same character with the same personality she just changes the story a lil bit. U read one book u e read them all sadly

[Shyann Emory brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILERS

Not my favorite, specifically because of the whole thing with Jenn. He legit was in love with and dated her beleiving he would spend the rest of his life with her, while our mfc was right there, and apparently in love with him, wtf. I hate when they do crap like this. I don't mind when they just aren't dating but know eachother, dont love it, but whatever. I just really disliked that he had decided that it would be her, she sucks by the way, and he is an idiot who just followed along until it had to hit him over the head like a brick that she sucked, no. He also blamed the curse... Lets be honest, blessing, for his idiocy. HE made the decision to ignore every single sign and get with bend me over barbie, not the curse, not her, and apparently many other people in town who spread the word that she was who she was, him. Then theres the whole bs where she was blamed for his sh*tty taste, then later in the book, while shes pregnant btw, he believes her evil sisters bs and is going to leave her. He likely believed it because he's an idiot who let himself be burned by the town bicycle. To make matters worse she immediately forgives him. I love R.L. Matthewson books, and have Loved a great majority of the Neighbor from hell series, but this one's beginning just took me out of the whole story. I would have liked it better if Jenns story line never happened, and it grossed me out that they began the deal while living in the house he sacrificed and spent years building for satans mistress. It was giving Noah building her dream house vibes, but it wasn't for our main girl, later he works on her house, but that just felt like idk like When they take you out on dates that they planned for and went on with someone else before you. I love Mathewsons hilarious chaos, but I couldn't enjoy it, because of Jenn.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 10 plus plus! When just starting this story I totally started chuckling and it has never stopped! Quinn Bradford and Dylan Thomas. These two have known each other since they were children. Quinn always glares at Dylan because she always gets in trouble and it seems that it is up to him to watch out for her. Can you beat that? They both work for B&T Construction which is owned by both their fathers. Dylan has always loved Blackwood Manor. It needs a lot of work but she is not afraid of hard work. But now her sister Brooke lied to her about their agreement and also to screw Quinn out of a job. According to Dylan her sister Brooke is pure evil. Now something else is even worse. B&T Construction will be changing owners and the only ones eligible are the ones who get married and have a child. Yep, that’s right! This includes Brooke, Quinn and Dylan. Looks like a challenge to me. The only way Dylan can get her revenge on Brooke is if Dylan and Quinn get married and have a child. Easy peasy , right? Oh boy this could be close to a War Zone. Would this even work knowing how these two aggravate each other so much? Well this could get interesting. Enjoy!

[Maddie Hoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like that I like this.

I like the premise - childhood connection, horrible sister getting her just deserts - yet really struggle with how the FMC and MMC in every book refer to each other as "large bastard", "little brat" and nearly throw up a little in my mouth with every time something one of them does is referred to as "adorable" or "pain in my ass". I'm beginning to wonder if the author and editor have a running bet to see how many times they can be used before even they deem it ridiculous. Happy that the food theme isn't as OTT in this one.

There's obviously something in the writer's style that keeps me coming back for more, as some of the books in this series were truly dreadful character wise, and I'm not the most forgiving reader and will DNF a book very quickly if the author doesn't hook me within the first couple of chapters. I'm in my mid 60s and just don't have the patience anymore.

So, enough here to be interesting for me to overlook my continued annoyance with the repetitiveness of the adjectives, and invested in Dylan and Quinn's journey to their HAE. Sticking it to the horrible sister is a nice bonus.

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn and Dylan needed to get married to make their dreams come true. He wants to keep the construction company founded by their fathers running and she wants her dream home to become a reality. They decide to work together and team up against Brooke to keep her from getting the company. They strike a deal and slowly realize that they aren't going to be able to keep to the terms of the deal. Quinn has sworn off marriage and really thinks he will have no issues keeping his feelings from getting involved. Dylan also seems pretty confident she can keep her feelings in check too. As it is with all Bradford's things don't always go as planned. They start to really get to know each other and some past truths come to light. Dylan loved getting under Quinn's skin and made no bones about doing it often. He, for his part, was more clueless about his true feelings which was fun to see play out. The book was entertaining and I finished it in an afternoon. Looking forward to the next one.

[Riel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this book ❤️


Another Novella from the Bradford's was entertaining has hell. Life was boring but reading this novella has been my favorite. The story was short but it still has the entertaining but some drama that NFH has.

Quinn and Dylan needed to get married in order to keep the company out of reach for Dylan's sister. Dylan decided that enough is enough after being betrayed and threatened by Brooke, so she came up with a plan to marry Quinn who keeps on glaring at her every time. Quinn didn't expect to hear the plan that Dylan came up with. Dylan loves the Blackwood Manor and she will do anything to renovate it even though she will go poor after trying to renovate it. After being married to each other, all their feelings that keeping it to themselves was nothing. One kiss turns to other and after that they can't seem to stop touching each other.

I just literally finish this book in one sitting and I just can't get enough of it. I seriously love this series and this family. I cannot wait for the next book

[Book Binge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great installment of the series! Not quite five stars mostly just because of things that are my own personal preferences. For example, my main beef with a lot of these books is the characters have known each other for a while and aren't faithful after meeting which is just a personal preference for me in most romance novels. I also agree that some of the word choices can get a little repetitive, but I do think it was improved in this book so we're moving in the right direction. The plot was unique, there wasn't too much angst, I was just left wondering how yet another Bradford could fall for such a completely wrong-for-him woman at first after having such a great example of real love in his parents. I know some people have been surprised that the series is still going on but I do think the plots have generally remained different enough to keep things interesting. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn Bradford and Dylan Thomas have known each other for years. Their fathers are neighbors and best friends and have a construction business together B & T Construction. The dads are retiring and Quinn, Dylan, and her sister Brooke are to take over. But there’s a clause…they first to get married and have a baby gets the company. They have to stay married for five years. Dylan doesn’t really want it but she knows her sister will run it into the ground. So Dylan comes up with a plan. She convinces Quinn that they should get married and keep the company out of her sister’s hands. They sneak and get married but don’t tell anyone yet. The only catch is to not fall in love with each other.

I read this in a couple of hours. I cracked up. Humorous. Steamy. An evil sister. A guy who is always getting the girl out of messes.

[Essence Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad.

I was really excited that another installment of this series was coming out, but I ended up being a little disappointed. First off, the book was really short. Everything felt rushed. Secondly, it is missing something that the other books have. These Bradfords just don't give the same energy as the others. Third, I am struggling to figure out how they are related to the others. There was no mention of this. Unless I missed something along the way. Lastly, where were Jason and Trevor? They have made an appearance in every book except this one, and I felt that. Overall, it wasn't a bad book, and I had some laughs along the way, but I hope the next one brings back the good Bradford energy. Maybe with some of the characters we know that has not been written about yet.

[Carole Copeland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed

Same complaint as the last book. I really liked the series to begin with but now with the constant abbreviated sentences, constant over the top oh no moments, like, he's going to bury her body, and it's like she really means it. Come on. And they can't ever have a normal dialogue. Some of the stuff would be cute but not ALL the time. Have normal dialogue between them to further the story, not this stop and go, stop and go. You just want to yell SPIT it OUT. Very annoying. This book took me DAYS to get through because I just got bored. I feel like this author could do sooo much better. More depth. Actual talking between characters. Kinda bummed but at least since it takes a year for this author to crank out another book. Maybe by then I'll be ready to read another book from this author. I really like the early books but now ..not so much.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

No cliffhanger
Standalone though part of a larger series
Told from both POVs
Enemies to lovers romance

I have loved every book in this series and even 15 books in I still find myself devouring every book as soon as it comes out. This one was no different.

If you like laugh out loud romantic comedies with an enemies to lovers twist to it, this entire series is amazing.

While some might find some of the storylines a bit repetitive I find the author always does an amazing job of making you fall in love with the latest characters and even gives you a glimpse into new one to come in future books.

As my title said, I didn’t want to put this down. I found myself staying up late and getting up early to finish this book.

[Grace Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.L. Mathewson’s The Deal is everything you could want in a Neighbors from Hell romance — funny, heartfelt, and full of characters you can’t help but root for. What stood out most to me was the character development; the leads feel authentic and dynamic, growing in ways that make their relationship feel natural and deeply satisfying.

The humor is another highlight — witty banter, laugh-out-loud situations, and the kind of comedic timing that keeps the story light even when emotions run deep. It’s the perfect blend of romance and fun, striking a balance that makes it hard to put down.

I highly recommend The Deal to anyone who loves romance with a side of humor. If you’re looking for a book that delivers both swoon-worthy moments and plenty of laughs, this one belongs on your shelf.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 3 out of 5]

If only…,


.. the author would dip her toe out of her comfort zone using repetitive phrases ( see entire series) this read could’ve been a contender. The plot summary after all has a marriage of convenience between two long standing neighbors/ closely aligned families. But no; instead , the author has the never ending sighs and pouts by our characters.

It’s a darn shame as the first ( and best) in the series brought something different to the genre. The first few books were excellent. So that prods this thus far loyal reader to ask “after this read do u keep her upcoming book ( albeit a different series) set to be released in April 2026 on your TBR?!”

Maybe.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a light and easy read, but it didn’t make me want to reread it. The chemistry between Quinn & Dylan had some sweet moments, though at times it felt a little forced. The humor was hit-or-miss, with a few genuinely funny scenes but many others that fell flat. It fell flat of the normal Bradford relationships I have loved. Compared to the Bradford relationships I’ve enjoyed before and reread The 3rd act breakup was ridiculous and she instantly forgave him for not trusting her which frustrated me. every year, this one didn’t capture me in the same way. Overall, it was good, but not as great as her other couples.

[Sharon Brimhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

hot, clever, quirky romance, giggle-fest

R.L. Mathewson is at the top of my reading list, always. This book in particular is a shining example of all that Mathewson does masterfully. Quirky characters, so well developed, you swear you know someone exactly like them. The sarcasm, wit and subtlety of dark humor wielded with precision. The romantic thread is layered so masterfully, that while the heat is delivered in spades it’s not even the best part of the scene! How do you accomplish this? I also very much enjoyed the unusual syntax used, adding just that bit more of quirky humor in reading. Hot story with a giggle all the way throughout.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not been impressed with her last few releases. The story line seems to stay the same with little unique qualities between her lastest books. Which has been disappointing since I absolutely fell in love with this series years ago. I think each book has so much potential for great stories and depth but lately she barely scratch the surface of the characters. Maybe my taste in books has been developed and I'm growing out of her writing style. I just crave more background and emotional depth from characters.

I'll probably continue to come back and read her lastest installment because I do love catching up with the Neighbor From Hell series.

[Edele Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think you've read everything about the Bradford family, Mathewson throws you another rope to drag you along!. I'd say its the perfect Bradford balance but let's be straight there's no balance when it comes to those men! Only wicked torment, food and alot of Steam!. So if your up for getting thrown into another Bradford drama, full of pranks, food and a girl that may be able to keep up with a Bradford, grab The Deal, your favourite drink and Snacks, pick a comfy spot because once you pick it up you will not want to put it down!

[Laura Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition

Great story. Dylan was definitely born to be a Bradford, even if it was by marrying Quinn. Quinn took a while to be his old Bradford self after Jenn ruined his view on marriage and kids. Brooke and Jenn are probably the worst mean girls written which is due to R. L.’s amazing writing.
This book was chock full of humour, sexy times, love and family.
Great addition to the family. Although it’s book 15, it didn’t need to rely on cameos from past series, it held its own and opened up the Bradford family even more.

[Sinphony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but filled with the familiar romcom we crave in this series. I’m all for the arrange marriage trope and The Deal worked though I did miss the kidnapping infront of a scared minister here.

The characters are likable especially the h. Heck, I even liked their dads! The plot point is straight forward which makes this a safe read.

Only gripe I have is I wish there are more spicy scenes. The tension build up was so good that the spice lacked for me compared to the other books this author writes. This leans more on borderline YA territory. Not enough to be YA per se but too tame to be more.

[Autumn Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it

My biggest gripe is that it was not long enough. The story could have been fleshed out. The sistervand Jen could have been a bit more evil, and their plot and roll in the book could have been bigger. We could have had more details about when the MMC broke the MFC heart and how that changed her. The spicy could have been a bit better; the first two scenes were too similar.

However, it was a cute story. I loved the characters, and I would read it again.