In my past, I encountered many snakes—people who slithered into my life during my most vulnerable moments, striking with ruthless precision.
But I have emerged stronger.
I believe in the moon, in my dreamcatcher, and in the concept of karma.
How could I not? I am Fawn Butcher. Once an orphan, I am now the wife of the Don of the Cosa Nostra, the young mother to his children, and the air he breathes.
So when my snakes reappear, I turn my gaze to the moon and trust in karma.
Yet, my husband isn't a spiritual man.
As his lips brush my ear and his dark, unwavering words resonate within me, I am reminded that while he may not be the villain of my story, he is certainly a villain. "Even karma needs a little push, sweet girl."
Author This continues Fawn and Clay's epic love story, and needs to be read after His Pretty Little Burden and His Pretty Little Queen.* * Reading For Clay and Fawn 1: His Pretty Little Burden 2: His Pretty Little Queen 3: His Perfect Little Heirs 4: Her Pretty Little Revenge
"She (Nicci) shines in crafting novels that toe the line between dark and dangerous, and sweet and sexy, which culminates into a deliciously sinful story of passion, truth, and acceptance." - Jessica @jessicareadsit
Alright, this was fantastic! This is a MUST Read for all fans of Clay & Fawn, and the Butcher Brothers as a whole, but especially those two. It includes His Pretty Little Heirs at the front, so if you haven't read that yet, you can just jump right into this and read that first.
Then this continues on through the engagement and up to the marriage of Sir to his little Deer. <3 It was everything... I loved every second.
There was still some troubles from the past trying to bark at Fawn's heels and that is what Clay is going to crush beneath his fancy shoes in this one. But mostly it was about seeing them together in their life. I loved it all.
I have no notes, other than, I want 20 more. I'd keep reading forever!
I know Fawn is not for everyone. She is very child-like, and that can make some people feel squirmy. But I also feel like she is so safe with Clay. It surprises me so much because I remember when I first started this series. His Pretty Little Burden was actually my first book from Nicci Harris... I never expected I'd find this couple to feel so.. settled. Haha!
I just loved them together. They are my favorite couple in the series and I'm so happy Nicci gave us this story for them.
5 Stars 4 on the spice scale
CW: Children in danger, PTSD, murder, violence, reference to childhood abuse, See more on authors website.
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
havent even read this BUT I KNOW ITS ALREADY 5 STARS BC ITS MY CHILDREN FAWN AND CLAY ALDKSKDKSAKKDSKSKWKRKSKSKAK THANK U QUEEN NICCI IM READY TO CRY AND SOB MY HEART AGAIN
The final book of Clay & Fawn... I knew I was going to cry reading this book and I balled, Clay and Fawn's story gripped me from his pretty little burden and it's kept me gripped ever since. Their love for each other just continues to grow with each and every chapter and I'm beyond lucky I got to arc read their ending.
I will never regret falling for the butcher boys! But Clay will always & forever be my favourite, this man loves with his whole being, his every action, thought, word proves his love and devotion to his little deer and his children. He might be the Don to everyone else but when he's alone with his family he lets him guard down and you get to see the man behind the title. The man that would burn cities and the world to the ground just to keep him family safe and happy.
Even though this book is for Clay & Fawn I loved seeing the rest of the butcher clan, each one of them oozes love and devotion for their loved one and family, and in true Nicci fashion it wouldn't be a butcher story without a little chaos 🥹 Nicci has created a whole world for you to fall in love with and I truly have!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Because it’s Sir & Little Deer…duh)
In my reading world, Nicci Harris can virtually do no wrong. And while I was heartsick when I finished her “last” book in The Kids of the District reads many moons ago…I just patiently, kindly joined in with the literal masses in asking for more… I mean WHY DID Fawn Need Credit?! (That answer & more are found in here!) More Butcher Boys — More of their fierce, soft women - MORE of Clay & Fawn.
Clay (I can’t call him “Sir” - that only feels right for Fawn) & Fawn have such an intricate dynamic that they deserved more. And I’m WILDLY thankful to Nicci for allowing their story to round out. The depth of Clay’s obsession - the absolute power in Fawn’s delicate nature - the balance of those two pieces melding together in an unexpectedly powerful way.
This finale brought so may ties together. We get to see Fawn find her own footing in Clay’s world & family, not cosplaying some role she thinks is appropriate or right - trusting in Clay’s view of & love for. We see the absolute depths & lengths that Clay will crawl to & tear through to care for & cherish Fawn. And I will say seeing his tender, loving father, calm “at home” side just about did me in EVERY TIME! He’s not just the cold mafia Don any longer (he’s certainly still that…just ask Eleanor…IYKYK). She’s not just the wide eyed moon obsessed orphan (….just ask Eleanor… and literally everyone around her!). They’re the ultimate powerhouse & their love is unbreakable, wholly consuming, and I simply loved & love them.
Along with their perfection - Nicci graced us with bits of every Butcher Boy, of Luca, of Aurora, and so much more. The District is still dark & obviously still run by those Butchers. But they each are just that much more tender in their obsessions (I.e. their women & children).
This was a perfect read for me — adding it to my list of absolute comfort reads 🥰
“As she draws closer, her glossy eyes become visible, meeting mine—innocence meeting evil. A flood of emotion punches me in the chest. I lift my hand to cover my heart, almost to soothe the way it responds to her. Her eyes drop to watch my foolish action.” (What does one even DO with a swooning, tender Clay Butcher?!?)
“For the first time—perhaps ever—I feel worthy of the title Mother, prepared for the last name Butcher.” (Our sweet Fawn has found her footing! 🫶🏻)
This epic epilogue is a beautiful farewell to the iconic couple Nicci Harris created so masterfully. Our Sir—Clay Butcher. The man. The legend. The Don. And his little deer, Fawn Butcher.
I feel bittersweet knowing their journey ends here. Sad to say goodbye, but incredibly grateful to have known them through these pages.
We’ve always known Clay as the ruthless Don—calm, calculated, lethal. But here, we also get to see him as a devoted husband and a proud father. Soft only for her and for the perfect heirs she made for him. His constant need to please Fawn, to give her the world, to empower her while still guiding her—above all, to love her—was everything.
And Fawn… watching her grow from a tortured orphaned girl into a strong woman, wife, and mother was deeply moving. Never in his shadow, always at his side. Their connection is flawless, instinctive, and powerful. Perfectly in tune with one another. And yes—their spicy moments were steamy.
The cameos from the entire Butcher clan filled me with nostalgia. The banter was hilarious and warm—it truly felt like coming home.
This book is a celebration of Kids of the District and the perfect ending for this incredible family. Fawn’s closing lines in the epilogue? I had to wipe away tears.
Though this book is a standalone, it needs to be read after His Pretty Little Burden and His Pretty Little Queen.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to be back in The District with the Butchers!
Clay and Fawn's story has always been the epic love story and now we get to see what happened following the events of His Pretty Little Heirs, see how these two are dealing with parenthood, how wedding planning is going, what our mafia Don has been up to and how "domesticated" he has become.
As always Nicci has written a beautiful story, full of so much depth and so much emotion. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and couldn't put this down. Nicci writes in such an incredible way that it feels like we’re a part of this world. It feels like we've never been away from these characters, they feel like real people and we feel their emotions in our very soul.
We get a whole new level and look into the Don who runs this city and family and just exactly how far he would go for his Little Deer.
Fawny.. oh Fawny.. she is learning her place and we get to experience it with her firsthand. You feel her worries, see her find hidden strengths and we get to see her plan her wedding to Sir.
Bronson is absolutely hilarious in this book! He had some of my favourite moments. Followed closely by Henchman Jeeves! We got to see my Menace again too which made my Max loving heart happy. This book is just utter perfection.
I always hope this is never the end for these characters and we get to see them in the future.
Will forever be a Butcher Girl who adores these books.
The End. I am crying! This book is everything and more. I was so excited to be getting more of Clay and Fawn and I was not disappointed in the slightest.
Fawn evolves so much in this book and it was so wondrous to experience. She is such a beautifully written character. She is strong and powerful and finds so much joy in life even when she has had so much trauma. She deserves the world and I am so happy Clay is there to give it to her.
I loved that we get to see so many sides to Clay in this. I felt like I got to know and understand him even more. I love his obsession and devotion for Fawn. It makes my heart burst with all that love that he shows. Seeing him as a dad is everything!
The wedding was so beautiful and I just loved seeing all the Butchers together in one place. All of their love stories are ones for the ages and seeing them again gives me so much joy.
If I could only ever read one book series for the rest of my life it would be this one! Nicci Harris writes to my heart and fills me with hope and love and acceptance. Thank you Nicci for these books, the characters and stories inside. They bring me more joy than I can even express!
Thank you to Nicci Harris and her team for the eARC!
I don’t know if I can accurately describe the array of emotions that I just experienced. I started reading this yesterday…and now it is 12:18 in the morning.
I’ve loved Clay and Fawn since the beginning, and this extra piece of their story was an incredible gift. I dove into this and didn’t want to leave, except for a brief moment where I thought my heart was going to explode, but then all was well and I could go back to enjoying the ride!
It’s bittersweet to see an end to the fictional couple I’ve come to adore, but their happily ever after will sit well with me, and I will return to the District often in my mind; reading again of the tales of the Butchers and the women who changed them. I applaud Nicci Harris and her hard work and dedication to make these characters come to life; I have been forever changed. Her books have been some of the best I have read in my 32 years on this earth.
Please at least read the Orphan and the Mafia Don Duet (His Pretty Little Burden and His Pretty Little Queen) before this book, but I highly recommend the entire series! They’re all wonderful!
✨ARC REVIEW✨ I first want to say thank you to Nicci Harris for giving me the chance to read this beautiful ARC i had a hard year and anytime I felt to my lowest I went to my safe space witch is the kids of the district series so reading this book and getting to go back into the district is one of the most amazing feelings ever
Remembering the fawn that walked into the butcher home for the first time and the one that I read in her pretty little revenge is such a big difference our women fawn has gone through so much in life and her becoming a mother and her going through motherhood is so beautiful and seeing her grow is an even better thing I got to read
As for clay i loved clay butcher before fawn came in the picture but when she entered his life I loved him even more when I got to see his soft side getting to read about him becoming a father and a wonderful husband was honestly a warm thing to read
Their bond together is such a beautiful thing (I have a favorite quote but idk if I can share it) seeing them grow not only as individuals but as a couple was and is a privilege and their wedding was BEAUTIFULLLLL
This book is DEFINITELYYY a must read and again as always thank you to Nicci Harris for creating greatness 🫶✨
It’s four months until Fawn and Clay’s wedding when things start happening. First, Fawn’s evil foster mother shows up and acts as if she wants to make amends with Fawn who is looking for someone to be part of her family. Eleanor, however, hasn’t changed and has set her sights on Fawn and Clay’s twin sons. Second, Clay’s journalist ex is being ruled by jealousy and is investigating Fawn. Clay will stop at nothing to protect his family, but will he be able to save them this time?
This book is a banger - so good. I love Fawn’s desire to have her own life apart from Clay - her own independence and her own family. She’s a mother now and is growing up herself, and it’s good to see. Clay is still the Don and the most powerful man in the Family and in the District, but his heart lies with Fawn. He loves her and knows she’s the one who tethers him to his family and life. They make a great couple.
You can read Her Pretty Little Revenge as a standalone, but you’ll love it even more if you read the amazing Kids of the District series. It’s amazing! Read this and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
Butcher brothers brilliance. While primarily centred on Fawn and Clay, this book delivers a little of all our favourite Butchers. We get to see them both as family/domestic men as well as the fierce protectors and mafia men we know them to be. This book does not shy away from the violent realities of their lives.
Her Pretty Little Revenge is a continuation of Fawn's arc. She is now a Mum to twins and still working through the trauma of her past. We get so much insight in to her thoughts, insecurities and doubts. Her need for family, security and to prove herself. She loves wholly and without prejudice. That is until her family is threatened. We get to see a new side of Fawn. A side fuelled by a mothers rage. With Clay behind her, Fawn is able to start to believe in her place in the family and her value to the Butchers.
There are so many details within this book that make it an emotional rollercoaster. It was a true beauty to read and to feel along with these characters. Fawn and Clay are just something special together and I hope this isnt the last we see of them and the wider Butcher family.
💕Thank you so much Nicci Harris for the ARC💕 Pretty spoiler free :) . 🤍Goshhhh, where do I even start?? This book was so beyond amazing and...sweet. Never thought I would be saying that about a Butcher book featuring Clay, but here I am. I really want to commend Harris for doing something I rarely see represented in books today, and that is showing strength and purpose through motherhood. Fawn's desire to create safety in her home and for her children was beautiful to read about, and Clay's support was unwavering towards her. I loved watching Fawn begin to grow into her place in this world and watching her understand that she does have so many strengths and so much purpose. I was also not the biggest fan of Clay, but this book really changed that. I really think I needed to see a softer side of him, and that's exactly what we see in this installation.🤍 . 🖤I selfishly hope this is not the last we will see of Fawn, Clay, and the rest of the Butcher crew, but if it is, what a wonderful way to end Fawn and Clay's story. I would have loved to see some more mundane moments with them as a family, but I am ultimately satisfied as a reader with how their story wrapped up by the end...I will always hunger for more though!🖤
Once again, Nicci did not disappoint with this lovely continuation to Clay and Fawn’s story. Filled with the same possessiveness and awe as the previous, we now indulge with the life of the two as parents and wedding planning. My favourite part of the book was definitely watching the family interact with the twins, there was just something so enjoyable at seeing this new side to many of the characters and the further development of Fawn and Clay. I devoured this book when I could, reading half of it in a single day. I also loved Bronson in this book, he carried the humour when it came to wedding planning. Despite the many warming moments, I also loved the continuation of the danger of their relationship and its nature. Continuing on and tying the story together really made this a satisfying book to read, it definitely felt as the climatic moment of Fawn’s story where she’s learning her lessons and accepting that this is her new life, but she doesn’t have to be the copy of every other don’s wife. So all in all, I very much enjoyed the book!
Nicci Harris has written some of my all time favorite Mafia books and Clay and Fawn are two of my favorite characters to this day. Can a person be full of happiness and sad about a book at the same time. That is me. I was so excited to get more of these two but was so sad when it was over. Clay is that all time broody, dominating alpha that we all want in our lives and Fawn is his light and solace that calms his darkness. Getting to finally see them get their HEA was exhilarating, but also seeing how he will destroy anything that comes to hurt and damage her happiness was heat melting. This story was hot hot hot and seeing the way they complete each other was breathtaking. The love he has for her is shown in everything he does and how he takes care of her and their sons. Fawn has truly come into her own as the Don's wife and a mother who will do anything to protect her children she is stronger than she ever thought she could be. The ending was perfect and gave us everything we wanted for these two. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
I was riding such a high while reading this and being back with these characters that I automatically gave it 5 stars. But after sitting with it for a couple of days, I wanted to come back and write a more thoughtful review.
This book was still excellent and full of moments that genuinely made me tear up. It was so nice getting more of the Butcher family, and I did not realize how much I missed Xander until he showed up and I immediately started crying 😭🤦🏽♀️
That said, it felt like a step backward in Fawn’s character development. She had made so much progress in His Pretty Little Queen, so seeing her insecurities resurface this strongly felt more like a regression than growth, and I didn’t love that.
The wedding scenes were easily my favorite part. And even though I love these characters so much, I do hope this is the end of their story. It started to feel a little dragged out when we had already reached their HEA.
Now… a second-generation series? I would absolutely eat that up.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been waiting FOREVER for the conclusion of Fawn and Clay Butcher’s story, and now that I finally read it… I am emotionally wrecked. 😭💥 Being back with the Butcher siblings and the District world felt like coming home—but also like stepping onto a rollercoaster I never wanted to get off. Watching Clay slowly soften for Fawn and their babies broke me in the BEST way. 🖤 And Fawn? Girl came so far! Little by little she steps out of her shell, learning just how strong she is and how truly she belongs with Clay and her children. Her growth, her strength, her heart… everything about her journey hit me hard. The chaos, the love, the tension—it’s all there in spades. Nicci Harris knows how to make a story hit you right in the chest, and this finale did NOT disappoint. I laughed, I cried, and I fangirled at every turn. If you’ve been following Fawn and Clay, do yourself a favor: read this NOW. You will feel everything.
We finally get the wedding between Clay and Fawn we have been waiting for! When Nicci announced she was writing a third book about this couple, I was so happy. This is hands down one of my favorite series. I would love to to be a part of the Butcher Universe!
The dynamic between Clay and Fawn hasn't changed. He still wants to protect his Little Deer and she wants to make Sir happy. The spice is top notch and it is not lacking.
Fawn has so much growth. She has been questioning her place beside Sir and by the end of the book, she is just as strong as he is.
Sir is his dominate, territorial self. I love reading his POV and seeing how his brain works. He is the most ruthless man in the district, but he is emotional and caring to Fawn and his sons.
A part of me would like to see Nicci write a second gen series, but that's just me being selfish and never wanting to leave this world.
This was perfection. Nicci knows how to give us our HEA without losing the reality of situations.
Fawn is so young but she is growing. She’s a new mom and about to be Sir’s wife. She doubts herself. She yearns for guidance. She’s strong but sweet. She’s smart but needs confidence.
Clay is the Don so he lives in the underbelly of the District. His world with always be filled with violence. He loves how Fawn’s innocence surrounds him. He sees her so perfectly. He loves his family and he will shoulder their burdens without resentment because he wants them to be free of them.
Clay does such a great job of reading Fawn and giving her what she needs. He’s firm when he needs to be and always makes sure that Fawn knows that she’s a priority. I love them.
There are scenes with all our Butchers. I love how they all have a place in Fawn’s life. Their personalities are all front and center. It was lovely seeing them all interact.
Her Pretty Little Revenge; His Pretty Little Collection Book 3 ) oh man , no words can even start to describe how freaking excited I was to find out we were getting more of Fawn and Clay . His Pretty Little Revenge was perfection just absolute perfection. Getting to see how much Fawn has changed and matured from when we first met her . How strong and confident she’s become . I also loved how independent she is . Her desire to have a life and a group of friends outside of her love for Clay . And Clay - oh how I love this man . The way that he would do anything absolutely anything for Fawn . All the dark and steamy and twisty moments, the drama ,the obstacles, the love , the passion, the pain , the moments that will wreck you in all the best ways , the family and friendships. Her Pretty Little Revenge was and is one of the best books and a must read for absolutely everyone a few seconds ago
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I missed them so much! I missed this world so much! I love these Butcher boys and their ladies. But Daddy Clay… golly hot damn! He is so… so … so perfect! The boss, domineering, controlling, territorial, and so in love with his pretty little deer that he will burn down the world to make her feel seen and who doesn’t want that? Their relationship should feel icky but it doesn’t. It is so perfect - he gives her what she needs and she gives him a safe place to call home. This book not only gives us more of their relationship which is spIcyyy, but we get to see them each evolve into who they are on their own and what they become for and with each other. I can’t say enough how perfect they are. And the wedding … I could picture every single detail! So beautiful and so well written. And of course all scenes with Xander made me swoon, Bronson made me laugh, and Max oh Max …just holy man hawtness! I want more of all of them!
I don’t know what it is about this couple that will always stay with me. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge age gap romance girl. I usually find it a little cringy and it gives me a little ick. This love story, every one of their books, and their love is one of my all time favorites. This author writes amazing chemistry. The spice in her books is top tier and I never find myself bored with it or skimming the pages because it becomes redundant. The story line hooks you in and holds your attention. It’s everything you want in a series. Clay and Fawn are a phenomenal couple that you would never expect to work but they are perfect for each other. All the surrounding characters are so great that you have to know more about them. I can’t imagine this being the end to this world. I need more! I’m praying we get the next gen and we never lose insight into this couple and their family. This was a great ending to an amazing series.
I didn't realise how much I had missed Sir and his little deer until I read her pretty little revenge. This book was everything I needed from Clay and Fawns story. We are reminded of how the mafia don is only soft for her. we are reminded how now matter how submissive Fawn is for her sir she ia strong and capable when she needs to be. I love that Clay gives Fawn a safe space where she can release all her emotions. I love that Fawn is Clays home after a day surrounded by evil.
finally seeing the two get the happiness they deserved feeled me with joy. seeing Fawn experience motherhood and get the wedding she deserves. Aurora walking Fawn down the isle it was all perfection.
and let's not forget getting a glimpse at how all the other Butcher brothers and their partners are doing. truly a beautiful story leaving me both content and needing more from the Butcher boys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A thousand times yes! I loved going back into Clay & Fawns story, it never disappoints being back in the District. Clay is still the powerful Don, but always comes home to his sweet girl because she is physically his home, she gave him two handsome sons along with being what he needs. We all know the man knows no boundaries when it comes to the bedroom, but he does worship his sweet girl & makes sure she fully satisfied every time. I loved watching Fawn grow in her character more with taking on the role of being Mrs. Clay Butcher, she was nervous but her sir was always there. Nobody messes with Fawn & gets away with it that is for sure, Clay will have it handle in a matter of minutes. The wedding was perfect, all the Butcher men together was just what I needed. I love this author & especially the entire series surrounding the Butcher men & the District!
If I didn’t already love Clay and Fawn, this book would have cemented it!!
In His Pretty Little duet, we saw Fawn starting to find herself and how she fit into the Butcher world. In Her Pretty Little Revenge, we see her find her confidence and come to terms with her past. “My north and south, east and west, stained with trauma. Now, safety is my only true north, and he provides it—no matter the cost to others.”
And Clay. Omg. Clay is everything. I loved how much he loved Fawn in the original duet, but seeing him as a father and how devoted he is to her, just makes me melt even more. He is absolutely smitten with her and not afraid to show how much she means to him.
“T’amu, little deer.”
You definitely have to read His Pretty Little duet first to understand the full scope of the story, but you’ll never be the same after you do!
OMG! This story was so freaking good. Not only did I laugh at Bronson and his theatrics but I was bawling my eyes out too. I couldn’t help it.
I mean I’m not surprised that karma finally got Lorna in the end but man that scene with Fawn, HJ and the babies… And the evil foster mom… 😭😭😭😭
Absolutely gutted… and at first I didn’t think anything super bad would happen to them but BAM… the moment I read that scene I cried. I’m just super happy to know that everyone was safe in the end and while I know this is supposed to be the end of Clay and Fawn story I kinda wish for more 🥺 to see how many more kids they end up having.. and to know if Fawn ever gets her little girl.
Yet, regardless of want this book was magnificent and well worth the wait. 10/10. Highly recommend.
I’m honestly really disappointed with this one, and I didn’t expect to feel that way at all. I’ve read Nicci Harris’ books before and I always love them, especially Clay and Fawns books, which are genuinely perfect to me. I re-read that series every six months because it’s become such a comfort read.
That’s why this book was such a letdown. It just didn’t have the same quality, depth, or pull that I normally get from her writing. The pacing felt off, the story didn’t keep me hooked, and overall it lacked the magic that I usually associate with her work.
I hate leaving a review like this because I know how good Nicci Harris can be, but this one really missed the mark for me. I’m still a fan and I’ll absolutely continue reading her books. I just wish this one had lived up to the standard I’m used to from her.
I'm so eternally grateful that I grabbed the Our Thing eBook duet which was my introduction to your world. I was hooked from there on.
What can I say about this book and this trilogy overall...
The love between Fawn and her Sir is visceral. It jumps off the page when you're reading it. These are not books, they are an immersive experience. Clay is Fawn's whole world but she is also his. And you utterly feel that.
Some of my favorite moments: Fawn finding her strength and really coming into her own, that big brother moment between Fawn and big gruff and grupmy Max (so special) and Clay's single solitary tear when he saw his bride coming down the aisle.
This book was absolute perfection. If I could I would give this book infinite stars!
Thank you for sharing your words with us Nicci, we are so lucky!
From the very first word this novella had me hooked - which I knew it would. Clay and fawn hold a deep place in my heart.
Nicci Harris has always delivered incredible books and this one was no different. A dark-emotional charged story full of romantic, emotional and moral tension.
A sweet, soft heroine A obsessed possessive hero.
Clay is ruthless when it comes to his family especially his children and his little deer, his wife.
Sweet innocent fawn softens him. Creates a home for him to come back too.
His pretty little revenge is not for readers looking for soft edges or easy resolutions. It’s for those who enjoy morally gray characters, twisted dynamics, and stories that aren’t afraid to get uncomfortable. Nicci Harris proves she can craft a dark romance that is as addictive as it is unsettling—and once you start, walking away is not an option