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Mason Family #3
An Ounce of Decorum
They have to make this deal happen.
Noura's been nasty to Khalil since she laid eyes on him.
Khalil is bout tired of her sh*t.
Can the two hold onto just an ounce of decorum to close the deal, while trying to keep their hands off of each other?
Contains mature themes.
Noura's been nasty to Khalil since she laid eyes on him.
Khalil is bout tired of her sh*t.
Can the two hold onto just an ounce of decorum to close the deal, while trying to keep their hands off of each other?
Contains mature themes.
Audio CD
Published December 27, 2022
374 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
AshleyNicole
64 books797 followersI'm just a girl in love with literature. My love affair with romance novels started with I was 13 and has flourished into an obsession. I've always been a writer. Even when I was a little girl, I always had a pen and a notebook poised to let something out. You Make Me Better is my first project that will be published and I am STOKED. My goal is to write stories surrounding positive black love, with a little humor tossed in.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
October 26, 2023
Whew Noura and Khalil were ENEMIES!!!! I mean the gloves came off and it was blow after blow between these two! The entire time I read, I kept asking how is AshleyNicole going to turn this one around! I mean fk low, these two went to he!! with the jabs they took with each other!
Noura met Khalil at a time in her life where she took another loss emotionally. Noura was checking all the boxes in the trash department. I mean trash @ss family ✔️ trash @ss man ✔️ trash @ss friend ✔️. I hope she’s not a gambling woman because the odds were not in her favor! With none of those folks around to take her anger and frustrations out on, Noura turned Khalil into her own personal punching bag. But sis didn’t know she was dealing with the KING of petty and matching of energy!
I loved these two so much and when they finally let their guard down, the spice was spicing!!! The more I read, the harder it becomes to choose my favorite Mason! Just line em up at this point 🚂🚂🚂😈
Noura met Khalil at a time in her life where she took another loss emotionally. Noura was checking all the boxes in the trash department. I mean trash @ss family ✔️ trash @ss man ✔️ trash @ss friend ✔️. I hope she’s not a gambling woman because the odds were not in her favor! With none of those folks around to take her anger and frustrations out on, Noura turned Khalil into her own personal punching bag. But sis didn’t know she was dealing with the KING of petty and matching of energy!
I loved these two so much and when they finally let their guard down, the spice was spicing!!! The more I read, the harder it becomes to choose my favorite Mason! Just line em up at this point 🚂🚂🚂😈
February 5, 2023
Whew ya'll! AshleyNicole never ever ever misses for me! I almost forgot how much joy her books bring me whenever I read them. I've been meaning to continue on with the Mason family series for a while and I found out that one of my audiobook apps had this one so I decided to dive right in. If you're looking for an enemies to lovers and forced proximity type of situation, then I wouldn't dare miss out on this one.
An Ounce of Decorum is the 3rd book in the Mason Family series and follows Noura and Khalil who cannot STAND each other. Unfortunately, the two are forced to work together when they are attempting to close a real estate deal. When a storm forces them to share the same quarters, the two open up to each other in unexpected ways and find that there may be something between them.
What I Liked: So much. It is always rare for me to read a AshleyNicole book that I don't completely enjoy. The character development in this one was key because there wasn't necessarily a lot of plot. Noura is a trip and her mouth is a problem from the get go, but it's her vulnerability later in the story that will make readers empathize with her and grow to really admire and like her. And Khalil is honestly her perfect match. He put her in check from the get go and was really supportive of her feelings and experience when she expressed everything that she had been through. The forced proximity situation really gave both characters the opportunity to not only learn more about each other, but also realize the journey that was required of them to truly understand each other and develop romantic feelings. AshleyNicole always lightens the text by adding humorous aspects to the story which make me laugh out loud.
Overall, this was a fun and exciting addition to the Mason family series and I'm definitely excited to continue on! I highly recommend checking these books out.
An Ounce of Decorum is the 3rd book in the Mason Family series and follows Noura and Khalil who cannot STAND each other. Unfortunately, the two are forced to work together when they are attempting to close a real estate deal. When a storm forces them to share the same quarters, the two open up to each other in unexpected ways and find that there may be something between them.
What I Liked: So much. It is always rare for me to read a AshleyNicole book that I don't completely enjoy. The character development in this one was key because there wasn't necessarily a lot of plot. Noura is a trip and her mouth is a problem from the get go, but it's her vulnerability later in the story that will make readers empathize with her and grow to really admire and like her. And Khalil is honestly her perfect match. He put her in check from the get go and was really supportive of her feelings and experience when she expressed everything that she had been through. The forced proximity situation really gave both characters the opportunity to not only learn more about each other, but also realize the journey that was required of them to truly understand each other and develop romantic feelings. AshleyNicole always lightens the text by adding humorous aspects to the story which make me laugh out loud.
Overall, this was a fun and exciting addition to the Mason family series and I'm definitely excited to continue on! I highly recommend checking these books out.
January 30, 2021
This series just gets better and better with each book. I have to stop picking a favorite couple because, every time I finish a book, that couple becomes my fave. So, y'all already know who my new favorite couple is. I loved me some Lee and Noura. An Ounce of Decorum was the perfect enemies to lovers book. Poor Lee. Noura was beefin' with him and he didn't even know why. Her attitude was so bad, you really wanted to dislike Noura but, when you get to the root of her issues, you understand why she was so bitter and mean. Between her cheatin' azz ex, her backstabbin' BFF, and her moochin' azz family, I'd walk around in a constant state of pissed off too. Once she let her guard down and allowed herself to be vulnerable, Noura realized Lee was her person. I loved how their relationship evolved naturally from enemies to lovers. I was happy Noura was able to resolve her issues with her family. Well, at least with her daddy. That ungrateful azz mama of hers had the audacity to still be upset. The nerve! I really enjoyed An Ounce of Decorum. I can't wait to see what's in store for Mirror.
October 28, 2023
I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this was it. If “who hurt you “ was a person, it was definitely Noura. I don’t know what it is about trash a$$ parents but these authors love to show us just how creative they can be when writing about them. Her ex was an honorable mention that really didn’t deserve a mention. And with a BFF like hers, Noura definitely didn’t need an enemy.
Khalil’s been trying to figure out Noura since day one. Why she’s treating him like chewing gum on the bottom of her shoe and who put a stick up her a$$? Well when a unfortunate incident leads Noura to Khalil’s cabin one night, Khalil bullies that 🐱 and knocks that attitude right on out of her. “She’s a runner, she’s a track star.” Khalil had little Ms. Noura scooching on up to the headboard. How do you have all that mouth and attitude and can’t take the 🍆? Noura got on my nerves but mellowed right on out after that initial tuneup Khalil gave her. So Lee and Noura are my second favorite in this series. Rod and Jerzi remain in that number one spot.
Khalil’s been trying to figure out Noura since day one. Why she’s treating him like chewing gum on the bottom of her shoe and who put a stick up her a$$? Well when a unfortunate incident leads Noura to Khalil’s cabin one night, Khalil bullies that 🐱 and knocks that attitude right on out of her. “She’s a runner, she’s a track star.” Khalil had little Ms. Noura scooching on up to the headboard. How do you have all that mouth and attitude and can’t take the 🍆? Noura got on my nerves but mellowed right on out after that initial tuneup Khalil gave her. So Lee and Noura are my second favorite in this series. Rod and Jerzi remain in that number one spot.
October 28, 2023
Lee and Noura make a deal
Lee and Noura are still banging about this property and the Mason brothers are ready to get this deal wrapped up. This leads to a little trip to the property for them both. Noura was being her usual self ...a witch with the letter B while Lee didn't understand what her problem was. I love that we finally got a clear description of the FMC..Noura was serving modern beauty with her mahogany skin, athletic long legs, and bomb tapered cut. It was baffling to Lee because as fine as she was she had an ugly attitude. Luckily Lee had the cure...and that was some good strong vitamin D 😏
Loved the story. It was nice to see Noura finally feeling safe enough to just be herself. The progression she made with her family (albeit her parents were trifling AF) was nice too.
I look forward to reading more about them and the Mason clan.
Lee and Noura are still banging about this property and the Mason brothers are ready to get this deal wrapped up. This leads to a little trip to the property for them both. Noura was being her usual self ...a witch with the letter B while Lee didn't understand what her problem was. I love that we finally got a clear description of the FMC..Noura was serving modern beauty with her mahogany skin, athletic long legs, and bomb tapered cut. It was baffling to Lee because as fine as she was she had an ugly attitude. Luckily Lee had the cure...and that was some good strong vitamin D 😏
Loved the story. It was nice to see Noura finally feeling safe enough to just be herself. The progression she made with her family (albeit her parents were trifling AF) was nice too.
I look forward to reading more about them and the Mason clan.
March 10, 2024
❤️
I enjoyed this one so much. Forced proximity, one bed, and a dose of comedic relief done correctly. Really, all Noura needed was to be loved and properly feasted on and Khalil did just that. Read with the ebook + audiobook.
I enjoyed this one so much. Forced proximity, one bed, and a dose of comedic relief done correctly. Really, all Noura needed was to be loved and properly feasted on and Khalil did just that. Read with the ebook + audiobook.
March 12, 2023
Triplet Time, specifically the youngest, Khalil. Working on a business deal across the table from Noura brings out the petty in both of them. When they travel to do a site visit, the hostility between them crests!! What happens next is AshleyNicole writing a hell of a scene in the woods.
September 20, 2022
Noura x Khalil
I didn't expect to enjoy this so much. But I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers. So even though this was short, I ate it up. Noura's mouth was slick and it landed her in trouble. Lucky for her, it was good trouble.
Nice one AshleyNicole
I didn't expect to enjoy this so much. But I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers. So even though this was short, I ate it up. Noura's mouth was slick and it landed her in trouble. Lucky for her, it was good trouble.
Nice one AshleyNicole
May 25, 2021
I’m going to admit that I’m totally obsessed with all things Mason. I love this family. Lee came in and added more fuel the fire of my love. I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story, even though the hate was one sided until Lee eradicated the BS . The way he put Noura in her place. Whew! Noura was deceived by her boyfriend and placed her hatred and bitterness on Lee. She’s been riding him hard since that day and Lee has no idea what her issue is. I really didn’t care for Noura. I thought her attitude was horrible and unprofessional. It wasn’t until she revealed her childhood that I started to ease up on her a little. Still thought her attitude was unbecoming, but I understood it more. As soon as they came to sort of an understanding, things changed between them. I didn’t particularly care for the way their relationship switched. Noura was holding a grudge while masking her attraction, so it’s obvious when the grudge is lifted the attraction would surface. I get that. I just expected a different scenario. I’m glad that Noura was able to get some closure from her parents. Even though her momma still has some work to do. Because whew, can we say ungrateful? Once again Ashley Nicole reeled me in with the banter. Like why is she so good at this? *chefs Kiss* I really enjoyed this addition to the Mason Saga and I can’t wait to read more
April 5, 2025
Another short and sweet novella. Noura and Khalil's story.
February 19, 2023
This was a good story. I just wish we got a little more at the end.
January 2, 2023
Enemies to Lovers and a touch close proximity will always do it for me! Noura has been on one since book 1 and I was excited to see why she had it out so bad for Khalil. And boy was her reasoning wild af and you can’t direct your anger at people who did nothing to you girl! It took one time for Khalil to check Noura and I also was ready to surrender to him! A man! These two were a journey but once Noura opened up and let that anger go everything came together as it should. I enjoyed Noura getting her family back and show stopping in front of her past with Khalil by her side! I’m excited for the next book in this Mason series!
June 16, 2024
So this was an enemies to lover short read. Noura was giving Khalil the blues for months but we he finally figures out why it’s up from there. I love the character development for Noura’s family. I expected them to all stay shady so that was great. I wonder if Noura will end up moving to Connecticut after Khalil leaves cuz I don’t he’ll stay in Nevada alone. Nice read tho
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
Cute story
Such a cute story. Definitely gave hallmark vibes but it’s needed. Can’t wait to see updates on these 2. They have really good chemistry
Such a cute story. Definitely gave hallmark vibes but it’s needed. Can’t wait to see updates on these 2. They have really good chemistry
December 19, 2024
Noura and Lee together had me cackling. This was such a cute funny story. I loved the part where he turned Noura every which way but loose because of all that mouth she gives him😂
October 31, 2021
Great Series
A great series of books that are lighthearted, full of laughs, and happiness. Each story bring smiles, laughs and an excitement for the next book.
A great series of books that are lighthearted, full of laughs, and happiness. Each story bring smiles, laughs and an excitement for the next book.
September 26, 2022
this one is my favorite
April 3, 2024
I Want That One
This is a reread for me, but I didn’t write a review the first time. I can never get enough of the Mason Family. Every single one of them oozes BDE. Khalil was no different. He was so witty and sexy. I loved how he clapped back and de-escalated Noura. She needed that reality check for the sake of her career. Noura’s attitude was so unattractive and seemingly unwarranted. After she revealed her unresolved trauma, I could understand her sour disposition. I really enjoyed them coming to an understanding. A very spicy understanding. I’m not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, but this couple put a fun spin on it.
This is a reread for me, but I didn’t write a review the first time. I can never get enough of the Mason Family. Every single one of them oozes BDE. Khalil was no different. He was so witty and sexy. I loved how he clapped back and de-escalated Noura. She needed that reality check for the sake of her career. Noura’s attitude was so unattractive and seemingly unwarranted. After she revealed her unresolved trauma, I could understand her sour disposition. I really enjoyed them coming to an understanding. A very spicy understanding. I’m not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, but this couple put a fun spin on it.
October 11, 2019
Can’t get enough of those Masons!!
What was there not to love about Khalil “Lee” Mason and Ms. Noura Locke?!! Nothing that’s what!
All Noura needed was a boss! And Lee was that. Their connection and chemistry was magnetic. The banter, as always, was on point.
Cute, quick and to the point! Keep ‘em coming! Which Mason is up next?? Can’t wait!
What was there not to love about Khalil “Lee” Mason and Ms. Noura Locke?!! Nothing that’s what!
All Noura needed was a boss! And Lee was that. Their connection and chemistry was magnetic. The banter, as always, was on point.
Cute, quick and to the point! Keep ‘em coming! Which Mason is up next?? Can’t wait!
July 30, 2022
Oh, Lee!
Who knew Lee had all that personality and swag inside of him? I think I like him better than One. Mirror is still Mirror. Ashley, where did these class A douche bags Daron and Petra come from? I wanted to jump through the book on them. This was a great story. I wanted more but I sure I’ll get updates when one of the fifty-leven cousins start speaking to you.
Who knew Lee had all that personality and swag inside of him? I think I like him better than One. Mirror is still Mirror. Ashley, where did these class A douche bags Daron and Petra come from? I wanted to jump through the book on them. This was a great story. I wanted more but I sure I’ll get updates when one of the fifty-leven cousins start speaking to you.
September 30, 2019
I hope the next one is just a little bit longer. I love this family.
February 13, 2024
Sorry 😭
I wanted to love this book so much, but the beginning and her attitude it just turned me off the whole book. Even though she changed it, I just couldn’t get over it.
I wanted to love this book so much, but the beginning and her attitude it just turned me off the whole book. Even though she changed it, I just couldn’t get over it.
May 19, 2021
Letting it go
All these Big, Giant Sexy men are going to be the death of me. I love how silly they all are. I figured Khalil aka Lee would be in some type of Love or Like quarrel with Ms. Noura Locke, due to the horrible time they'd been having with each other over the process of closing on a business deal.
I was certain something deep was going on with Noura from the previous books, yet was kind of shocked once all her past came out. Her parents were disgusting. I'm glad she was the bigger person and at least her dad gave her some kind of an apology.
Khalil was done with Nouras attitude and he had every right to put her in her place. He didn't deserve her anger. He got her back, in a way that was satisfying for both of them though 😏.
Again, these Mason men and overall family members are so easy to get smitten with. I'm absolutely Loving this series.
All these Big, Giant Sexy men are going to be the death of me. I love how silly they all are. I figured Khalil aka Lee would be in some type of Love or Like quarrel with Ms. Noura Locke, due to the horrible time they'd been having with each other over the process of closing on a business deal.
I was certain something deep was going on with Noura from the previous books, yet was kind of shocked once all her past came out. Her parents were disgusting. I'm glad she was the bigger person and at least her dad gave her some kind of an apology.
Khalil was done with Nouras attitude and he had every right to put her in her place. He didn't deserve her anger. He got her back, in a way that was satisfying for both of them though 😏.
Again, these Mason men and overall family members are so easy to get smitten with. I'm absolutely Loving this series.
March 30, 2022
Sip Approved
Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick:
An Ounce of Decorum: A Mason Family Novella by Ashley Nicole
Drink: Suffering Bastard
Music: Hate That I Love You by Rihanna ft Ne-Yo
Noura Locke: If, “I know better, but I can’t stop,” was a person it would be Noura. She was on a destructive path and just couldn’t find her way to get her head above water again.
Khalil “Lee” Mason: If, “I’ve been nice,” was a person it would be Lee. He was a true gentleman, but even the kindest people have their limit.
Book three of the Mason Family Saga was funny and unexpected. These enemies to lovers were super cute with some unexpected surprises. This novella was a great addition to the series and a very entertaining read.
Recipe can be found on Pinterest by Angel’s Envy
Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick:
An Ounce of Decorum: A Mason Family Novella by Ashley Nicole
Drink: Suffering Bastard
Music: Hate That I Love You by Rihanna ft Ne-Yo
Noura Locke: If, “I know better, but I can’t stop,” was a person it would be Noura. She was on a destructive path and just couldn’t find her way to get her head above water again.
Khalil “Lee” Mason: If, “I’ve been nice,” was a person it would be Lee. He was a true gentleman, but even the kindest people have their limit.
Book three of the Mason Family Saga was funny and unexpected. These enemies to lovers were super cute with some unexpected surprises. This novella was a great addition to the series and a very entertaining read.
Recipe can be found on Pinterest by Angel’s Envy
Read
October 2, 2021I jumped into this book without reading the other two and I don’t know how much of a difference that really makes on my opinion, but I thought that I should state that.
An Ounce of Decorum really hangs on to the enemies to lovers trope, a trope that I really love. In the nature of a novella, there wasn’t a lot of time for me to really get why they hated one another. Yes, it was talked about, but I’m just someone who needs a little more.
Really though, this wasn’t awful. It was a quick read. I was entertained enough to be a little curious about where things were going.
Khalili and Noura had very different backgrounds, but it was interesting to see those and how they collided with one another and really showcased what made them the way they are.
An Ounce of Decorum really hangs on to the enemies to lovers trope, a trope that I really love. In the nature of a novella, there wasn’t a lot of time for me to really get why they hated one another. Yes, it was talked about, but I’m just someone who needs a little more.
Really though, this wasn’t awful. It was a quick read. I was entertained enough to be a little curious about where things were going.
Khalili and Noura had very different backgrounds, but it was interesting to see those and how they collided with one another and really showcased what made them the way they are.
February 4, 2022
Sheesh!
I usually don’t hate the female protagonists of the story but GOTD@MN I had issues with Ms. Noura! Lee was gentleman enough to not go there with the B-word…so I did it for him for about 75% of the story 🙄🙄😂😂.
However, as a good and objective storyteller will do, as the story goes on Noura’s layers get peeled away and by the end, at least, I liked her and truly enjoyed them as a couple.
But don’t get it twisted, if you’ve been reading the series in order, you know what Lee was putting up with. So, just know, this Mason gave as good as he got, once he took those kid gloves off. And it was HILARIOUS!
Ms. Nicole has definitely created a wonderful family for us to love as much as they love each other. BRAVA! 👏🏾👏🏾 Excellent job 🖤❤️🖤❤️
I usually don’t hate the female protagonists of the story but GOTD@MN I had issues with Ms. Noura! Lee was gentleman enough to not go there with the B-word…so I did it for him for about 75% of the story 🙄🙄😂😂.
However, as a good and objective storyteller will do, as the story goes on Noura’s layers get peeled away and by the end, at least, I liked her and truly enjoyed them as a couple.
But don’t get it twisted, if you’ve been reading the series in order, you know what Lee was putting up with. So, just know, this Mason gave as good as he got, once he took those kid gloves off. And it was HILARIOUS!
Ms. Nicole has definitely created a wonderful family for us to love as much as they love each other. BRAVA! 👏🏾👏🏾 Excellent job 🖤❤️🖤❤️
September 21, 2024
The Mason Family😍
Remember what the Cosby family did for Black family representation in the 80s and 90s? I fully believe that the Mason family is doing the same thing in the 21st century. These novels are not simply a story about romantic Black love, but serve as a representation of familial Black love as well.
Fiction allows us to try on different versions of who we desire to be. This series has me thinking about how I move in my own family and the things that I want for my own children long after I am no longer here. Well done Ashley Nicole- not simply for a beautiful story, but allowing the community to see that it is possible, to see that Black love is not just romantic-but familial as well.
Treya
Remember what the Cosby family did for Black family representation in the 80s and 90s? I fully believe that the Mason family is doing the same thing in the 21st century. These novels are not simply a story about romantic Black love, but serve as a representation of familial Black love as well.
Fiction allows us to try on different versions of who we desire to be. This series has me thinking about how I move in my own family and the things that I want for my own children long after I am no longer here. Well done Ashley Nicole- not simply for a beautiful story, but allowing the community to see that it is possible, to see that Black love is not just romantic-but familial as well.
Treya
May 14, 2025
5 stars
The novella was well written and immediately drew me in. I grew up in a large family that operated in a way that mirrored traits from both Noura’s dysfunctional family and Lee’s healthy one, so I was eager to see how the story would unfold.
On another note, Noura annoyed me for the first half of the book. I was too triggered! 🤣 I work in an industry where I am a minority via age, gender, and race and have never worked with someone who looks like me 😮💨 It is automatically assumed by colleagues upon meeting me that I’ll behave like Noura did in a professional setting, so her bad attitude blew me. She definitely had to grow on me.
I can’t wait to read more from this author’s catalog.
The novella was well written and immediately drew me in. I grew up in a large family that operated in a way that mirrored traits from both Noura’s dysfunctional family and Lee’s healthy one, so I was eager to see how the story would unfold.
On another note, Noura annoyed me for the first half of the book. I was too triggered! 🤣 I work in an industry where I am a minority via age, gender, and race and have never worked with someone who looks like me 😮💨 It is automatically assumed by colleagues upon meeting me that I’ll behave like Noura did in a professional setting, so her bad attitude blew me. She definitely had to grow on me.
I can’t wait to read more from this author’s catalog.
February 12, 2024
Khalil-Lee Mason (The Triplets)
Khalil - Lee - has been trying to close a deal for months, but when I tell you Noura is giving him hell and not letting up...whew chile! Well Khalil has had it. He tells her plain simple, put your big girl drawers on and lets get this done. Not so simple for Noura. When they are forced into a situation where there's basically a monsoon and one bed, truths come out and a blissful night of intimacy leads them to clear the air and see if "just one night" is enough.
The only thing I didn't care for with this story was Noura's animosity had nothing to do with Khalil, he just happened to be an easy target for her misplaced anger.
Khalil - Lee - has been trying to close a deal for months, but when I tell you Noura is giving him hell and not letting up...whew chile! Well Khalil has had it. He tells her plain simple, put your big girl drawers on and lets get this done. Not so simple for Noura. When they are forced into a situation where there's basically a monsoon and one bed, truths come out and a blissful night of intimacy leads them to clear the air and see if "just one night" is enough.
The only thing I didn't care for with this story was Noura's animosity had nothing to do with Khalil, he just happened to be an easy target for her misplaced anger.
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