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Secrets #1

The Oath: A WhyChoose Novel

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Does a second chance at happiness include your husband’s three best friends?



Miles, Deacon, and Cassidy are Franklin’s best friends, brothers in every sense of the word. When Franklin asks his brothers to do something unorthodox as his dying wish, the trio has some reservations. When they tell his widow about the oath that they were bound in brotherhood to uphold, will she run or embrace a new phase of her life that includes the three of them?



Tatum thought she’d found forever until tragedy struck. When her husband of twenty-two years dies, Tatum feels her world has ended. Little does she know that Franklin’s last request opens a Pandora’s Box to something even greater and fulfilling than she ever imagined.





Will dating three men open up her world and give her heart a second chance at happiness?

300 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2024

639 people are currently reading
2138 people want to read

About the author

T.M. Richardson

4 books208 followers
Unconventional Stories for Unconventional Readers.

Former sex blogger turned novelist, T.M Richardson writes indie erotic, high-heat romance featuring Black, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ representation.

T.M. is a Southern girl who is Belle in the streets and Blanche in the sheets.

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5 stars
1,521 (48%)
4 stars
992 (31%)
3 stars
473 (15%)
2 stars
114 (3%)
1 star
29 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
3,252 reviews6,429 followers
May 31, 2024
Whew chileeeeeee! This book is NASTY and so romantic. It will definitely go down as one of my favorite romances of 2024. CW: death of a loved one. 4.5 Stars

The Oath is a book that I've seen floating around on social media. I've recently been in the mood for Black romance so I thought I would finally give it a try and HONEY it definitely did not disappoint. The story centers Tatum who gets a second chance at romance in the form of her husband's three best friends. Although it's awkward and unexpected at first, Tatum eventually learns a new meaning of love in regard to herself and these three amazing men.

What Worked: T.M. Richardson can write her ass off. I was completely enthralled with the storyline and the character development. While this isn't my first time reading a ploy romance, I think that Richardson did something a little different than the ones that I've read in the past. Because this is a MMFM romance, readers are encountering a wealth of characters that could easily blend together. Richardson created such distinct personalities that it was easy to tell the characters apart regardless of whether it was a casual date or an intense sex scene. That takes skill that every author doesn't have. And while the sex scenes were intense and extremely hot, they were romantic. All three men deeply care for Tatum, love her, and want the best for her.

What Didn't Work: I think the one thing that needed a little work was the conflict between Tatum and her son. There was a lot of tension and an explosion that needed a little more development in the falling action.

Overall, this was such a strong book and I'm anxiously awaiting book 2 in the series.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,137 followers
October 5, 2024
They say two is company and three is a crowd. So what is four?! A mf good time that what four is!! These why choose tropes have been a mighty fun time to read when done right and “The Oath” definitely understood the assignment!!!! 😮‍💨🫦💦

Tatum and Franklin have been homies, lovers, friends and soulmates for the past 20+ years and the vows of “til death do us part” are finally upon them as Frankie is losing his battle with cancer.

Frankie made the ultimate sacrifice when it came to the complete well being of his wife after his passing. Most spouses ensure you’re taken care of financially, emotionally etc but Frankie made sure his love was taken care of sexually as well. And who better for the job than his business partners and long time friends.

Cassidy the tattooed, bearded grill wearing NASA astrophysicist, Dk em down Decan the forensic auditor and money man Miles have all taken the oath to ensure that Tatum would feel the absence of her love a little less with their presence. And she felt it in every way 🤭

This mature why choose romance hit the spot for me and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the connection, chemistry and everything in between. This was my first reading experience by this author and I look forward to reading the second book in the series!
Profile Image for Quaterria Brown.
305 reviews18 followers
February 5, 2024
IF THIS ISN’T THE SMUTTIEST BOOK I’VE EVER READ!!!!!!!!!!!! Chapter 19 took me out. READ THIS!
Profile Image for FlysLibrary.
49 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2024
Baby this book is for the GROWN FOLKS ONLY ‼️

The further I got into the story the lower my mouth got to the floor. The different scenes were written with so much detail, without it feeling repetitious or cringy. Even the scenes I was unfamiliar with, I didn’t feel like I had to shy away from what was happening. Instead I felt intrigued.. dare I say I was almost curious‼️

Even when things hit the fan, the way the main character carried herself and worked through the problem was so respectful and confident.

Read this book with an open mind and EXPECT A WILD RIDE 😍 You will NOT be disappointed ‼️
Profile Image for KarynReads.
627 reviews20 followers
August 18, 2024
Whewww 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️If you not grown you better not open this one up!!!!!!! Babyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!! My LORD!!!!!!!! What damn vitamins was Tatum on to handle three boyfriends!?!?! Cuz baby.. No! Issa No for me! 😩🤣🤣🤣 Sis did her big one ya hear me! If you doing audio put your ear buds in! If you listening in the car pull over! Idk what else to say in the review on this Sunday! 🥴😩😩
Profile Image for Katie ratherbereadinggg.
1,431 reviews44 followers
March 23, 2024
4 stars This was sweet and sexy. With four characters involved and relationships between everyone, I just wanted a bit more depth and development. Looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Lisette.
612 reviews44 followers
February 6, 2024
Whoa

I don't even know where to begin.
I'm not a prude, by any means, but this right here had me clutching my pearls.
It was decadent, delicious, borderline devious.
And I loved every minute of it.
Leave your inhibitions at the door if you're thinking of talking this for a ride. And buckle up.
Trips straps recommended.
Profile Image for tane'a.
672 reviews170 followers
February 7, 2024
4.5⭐️ you guys, i had a time and a half reading this book! i would go from crying, to giggling, to full on cackling💀we got such a great balance between sweet x caring and hot x steamy! it was truly just so fun and honestly a breath of fresh air😭i have nothing more to say except for READ THIS BOOK!!!
210 reviews
March 26, 2024
It made me so uncomfortable

I get it it's a why chose. It's erotica I get it, but...
. **Spoilers*
But the fact that at her husband's funeral, they pulled out the whole, your husband said he wanted us to take care of you specifically bang you...and that is the whole purpose of all their encounters like there is no care for her emotional well being only physical needs and do.they.push. The fact that the conversation happened at the funeral and the only interaction is linked to or for the purpose of sex... It just feels wrong. Like I made him a promise...ok wash the damn dishes then, schedule a massage...do something for her. Not just to fk her.
Also, at first, Nadine is mad because there've been only three months, but then she is all pushing her into it? Literally a week later?
And the way she treats Alisa... like the whole point of Alisa's character is to show how classy and sophisticated Tate is...especially at the club... she takes her to a club and doesn't explain the rules and then acts a certain way when Alisa acts out of line... when she doesn't know the line.
I get this is a short read, and I get a big picture, and the smutt is ok....but the timeline of it. Even in short novels, there's a build-up ... something. Or had the husband been a distant, not even abusive jerk, just not meeting her all her needs the fast moving would have been better. But we get almost no mention of grief or mourning from either of them. Glimpses... but... that was your husband of 20 plus years in a healthy, loving relationship...the math wasn't mathin.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,415 reviews155 followers
May 8, 2025
Cater to you

This started off a little slow for me, but when the action hit it HIT. 

Franklin, was the most selfless husband ever. After over 20 years of marriage he wanted to ensure Tatum, his wife, was taken care of in every way possible and he did just that by leaving her in the hands of his three best friends. Whew chillle and boy were their hands capable 😝🤭

This why choose trope was interesting because Tatum was not seeking this arrangement at all and had not in any way thought of her husband's friends in a sexual way. However, they all seemed to be enamored with her but were very respectful of Franklin's marriage. I was hella suspect about them because it seemed as if they may have unintentionally paused their lives due to their feelings for Tatum.

Each man offered her something different. Cassidy was a motorcycle riding, grill wearing astrophysicist and he gave sexy mysterious vibes. I loved the dominant vibes he gave when they were alone 😏 Miles was a hard working law firm partner of Franklin's that was a giver...in and out of the bedroom. Deacon was a Forensic Auditor at Franklin's law firm, but was a photographer/creative at heart. He was a real sweetheart and I loved how tried to ease her burdens and didn't hesitate to cook for her or book her a trip to the spa. Together all three of them made the perfect boyfriend. 

Everything was about her and I would have loved some reciprocation from her. A thoughtful gift, a home cooked dinner, something from her side other than sex. Overall, this was well written and I enjoyed the characters and the story.

SN: That photography scene 💦💦 and Secrets scene 💦💦 off the chain
Profile Image for Elonda.
172 reviews
August 28, 2024
Meh…unpopular opinion here! Far too much erotica, very little plot development. Boring, it barely held my attention.
Profile Image for Lee Renee.
160 reviews24 followers
May 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this quadruple 🥰 and I know what you’re thinking.. her husband’s best friends?? But I promise you. Just see it through

The spice is delicious and the romance makes your heart flutter
Profile Image for Ebony Essence.
540 reviews24 followers
September 1, 2024
Highlights/quotes:
-“suck the f*** outta this d***, Tate. Gag on that s***, mama.”
-“coming inside of you is heaven.”
-“next time, I’ll have to show you the stars at night. But they won’t compare to you.”
-“in twenty years, I’ve committed your scent to memory, Tatum. You can’t change it. I won’t let you.”

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Before i get into what I’m about to write just know this IF YOU DON’T LIKE FREAKY/NASTY ISH PLEASE DON’T READ!! Thank you management.

T. M. ma’am you better write your book!!! The spice was through the roof and boy was I smiling like that purple emoji. Heck i was even smiling with hearts in my eyes. While the book was freaky there was a lot of love in this book. Love for family, friends, their careers and each other. I enjoyed every character even that weird a** student. The guys were truly amazing. Overall my favorite was Cassidy. I loved his job and dates he planned the most. Any of them can have me though lol.

Lastly, thank you for the lgbtq rep. That was a nice touch. I appreciate you showing Morgan’s reaction and how Tatum handled that. I would give this book all the stars if i could.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,167 reviews71 followers
January 24, 2024
Frankie is the real MVP!

Babes! Boos! Why choose girlies! Grown folks!! This one right here is for us!!! Now I’m gonna need Mrs. Richardson to be a little more vigilant the next time in the group activities cause she engaged in some no nos. Also the pace had a few jump skips. Like changes in scenes or something that just weren’t necessary. But I’ll take a few minor writing glitches for this kind of grown and sexy time! Major love to Franklin it takes a big man to be such a major on page presence with almost no on page time. But I love a read that makes me question my stances on things and this definitely will make you go hmmm. I enjoyed this for the pure smuttiness of it and because I’m always here for mature women with real bodies getting loved on! So three cheers for that. This was a fun and thought provoking concept, paired with great smex, that makes for an entertaining one handed read!
Profile Image for Nee.
308 reviews67 followers
March 14, 2024
🤭🤭🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This book was just soooo good!!! Like the nasty-good!!! Spicy good!! 😩🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵 chileeee what did I just read?! This book put me in a different zone, had me tuneeee all the way in okay! My girl Tatum had all three Cass, Miles, & Deacon! They loved them some Tatum ya hear me! It’s nothing they would do for her absolutely nothing🙅🏽‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️! They were so attentive, sweet, thoughtful, and just knew how to please Tatum! Yall this book is so fireee 😩🔥🥵❤️ I’m like will it be a part 2?! When?! Cuz I need to read it neowww!!! T. M. Richardson you literally snapped writing this hotttt ass book!! I’m fanning myself as I type up this review! Jeezzz!! 😩❤️🥵🌶️🔥🤭 yall stop playing & go grab this book a read it now like right now!!Don’t think about it just do it!!! And for the other ppl in the backkkk step out your comfort zone and read this book stop overthinking it okay?! Thanks T. M. Richardson 🫶🏽🫶🏽this book def made it to my top reads! 😍😍📚📚
Profile Image for JazzyJayy.
84 reviews
February 28, 2025
All I gotta say is I had a Time with this book!!! Baby 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for thebookcritic_.
865 reviews28 followers
January 3, 2024
black contemporary reverse harem for the win

I really enjoyed this book from the start. I don’t recall reading a black contemporary romance with a reverse harem. How refreshing! Franklin was an enjoyable character to read about in the beginning. I love that Tatum was a bit mature and the author was very open and honest about the toll age and children can take on your body. The author included small details like reader glasses, changing up the hairstyles and a c section scar. I appreciated the honesty of being attracted to your friends significant other. I also liked the one on one time with each guy. I didn’t particularly like Cass saying, “Your mom is a beautiful woman and…” it wasn’t appropriate for the conversation. That wouldn’t make Morgan feel any better or comforted about the situation. Shoutout to the author for name dropping all amazing sci-fi authors. I also liked that character development between two of the male MCs. Again, we don’t see too many same sex couples in black fiction.

There were a few small errors but not too many that I picked up on. Also, looking at the cover gave me a point of reference for what the characters looked like. But their descriptions and the visuals didn’t match. Overall, a good solid story.
Profile Image for Vonetta Evans.
345 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2024
This was a book I heard about through social media and decided to see what the hype was about.
It was my first time reading a romance based on a polyamorous relationship and the way in which they got there was wild but once you get past that I enjoyed it. I will say there were some scenes that had me saying what and caught me off guard and even though it was a polyamorous relationship, I did kind of want her to choose one of the guys at the end but since that's not what the story was about and it was her happiness I left my wants out of it...lol.
Profile Image for Coniqueluv2read.
401 reviews7 followers
January 2, 2024
READ IT!!

Read the MF book!!!! This is spice out of this world. Mrs Richardson YOU DID YO DARN THING with this story. I plan to reread this often... I need a physical copy. Thank goodness for blackbooktok. If you are a close minded a$$ this is NOT for you. So don't be leaving bad reviews when u need to be reading Christian romance anyway. OMG!!! I LOVED IT
Profile Image for Arii Brown.
64 reviews19 followers
May 19, 2025
me personally im not explaining my sex life to my child😭😭😭😂
overall good book & ok myles i see you🙈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for kiriahsbookshelf.
290 reviews25 followers
May 21, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book was nothing what I expected!!! Now I saw people talk about how wild it was but nothing could’ve prepared me for the WILDNESS that was in this book!!

Baby!

Imagine your husband dying, and he tells his 3 best friends to take care of you, and by take care of you he means TAKE CARE OF YOU, in every aspect. IYKYK. What would you do?

This book had me gasping! Clutching my invisible pearls and all! PHEW!
Profile Image for sweetconnectionswithtoni.
449 reviews7 followers
September 6, 2024
Oooweee, this book is N•A•S•T•Y this is for grown folk for real. Tatum, is Hot as a 🧨

Miles, Deacon, and Cassidy are friends with Tatum Husband Franklin. The husband get sick and passes away but before he dies he ask his brothers (friends) to step in and take care of his wife Tatum!

Morgan, Tatum’s son is in shock after finding out about this love triangle his mom is involved in!
Profile Image for Sarah.
713 reviews13 followers
November 1, 2024
I think this is a great pallet cleanser book! It is straight up spicy with a side of plot haha
Profile Image for Kierra Green.
78 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2024
This book was so good in the beginning.. then it just got nasty and disgusting.. not for me 🤢
Profile Image for Amiee.
1,155 reviews43 followers
July 26, 2024
This book was mentioned during a bookclub discussion so out of curiosity I decided to check it out and Hoopla had it available.

First the "bad"...I found it SO ODD that she got involved with the friends so soon after her husbands death and how much they mentioned how they wanted her during her marriage. Just odd to me.

But otherwise, I enjoyed this one! A wild spicy ride. This may be my first "why choose" for me...I liked that they were older people and how they adored her.
Profile Image for Ashley G..
726 reviews69 followers
May 29, 2024
I wish there had been a time jump from when the husband passes til when the men "step up to the plate" so to speak. I know grieving is different for anyone, but things just felt a little rushed. 6 months? 6 weeks? I dont know. And the part where some of them were saying they had feelings for her while she was married to their friend threw me off.
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Profile Image for Thebookhoochie burden.
27 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2025
if i could trade places 😂

I never wanted to be somebody else until now lol Tatum is living the dream . This book was amazing i can’t wait to dive i to the rest of the series. You will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Rochelle.
525 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2024
Smuttiest book I’ve ever read. I’m no prude but I was definitely clutching my pearls. Scotch Bonnet pepper level of spice. XXX if it was a movie.
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