What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ashbrooks
The Honorable Choice
A marriage they didn’t choose. A child conceived in a lie. Can they overcome their broken dreams and find happiness in a life forced upon them?
At her age, Ruby Jeffries knows better than to dream of love, but then, Lucas Ashbrook sweeps into her life with whispered declarations of love and fervent kisses. He’s everything she’s hoped for, and Ruby would risk far more than the scandal of an elopement to be with him. But when she discovers Lucas faked the wedding to win a bet, Ruby is left with more than a broken heart.
Conrad Ashbrook spends his life mending that which his elder brother breaks, and when Lucas abandons the young lady bearing his child, Conrad has no choice but to shoulder that responsibility as well. Marrying a lady he doesn’t love and raising his brother’s child wasn’t what Conrad wanted for his future.
Can a marriage starting with such pain ever bring them happiness?
At her age, Ruby Jeffries knows better than to dream of love, but then, Lucas Ashbrook sweeps into her life with whispered declarations of love and fervent kisses. He’s everything she’s hoped for, and Ruby would risk far more than the scandal of an elopement to be with him. But when she discovers Lucas faked the wedding to win a bet, Ruby is left with more than a broken heart.
Conrad Ashbrook spends his life mending that which his elder brother breaks, and when Lucas abandons the young lady bearing his child, Conrad has no choice but to shoulder that responsibility as well. Marrying a lady he doesn’t love and raising his brother’s child wasn’t what Conrad wanted for his future.
Can a marriage starting with such pain ever bring them happiness?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
About the author
M.A. Nichols
41 books505 followersBorn and raised in Anchorage, M.A. Nichols is a lifelong Alaskan, though she briefly ventured south to get a fancy bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University—neither of which had anything to do with why she became an author, but they kept her alive while launching her publishing career.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
November 24, 2021
Just in time for Thanksgiving. MA Nichols writes the worst evil characters and they are usually the ones that you might find around your kitchen table. Not stock evil characters like the mustache twirlers (usually of Mediterranean descent) in HP-Land, but true to life, psychologically damaging characters that exist today: judgmental and manipulative mothers, uncaring fathers, young men in search of notches on their bed, and general callousness and entitlement. The dominating evil character here is the seducer of the heroine, brother to the H. Secondary, but still damaging characters are the well meaning but over-indulgent parents of the H and the EVIL OM.
As the plot develops, the 30 year old heroine succumbs to the evil but charming cad in what she thinks is a marriage. Poor little idiot. Three months later as she waits for him to make good, she’s pregnant. A family confrontation with his family reveals he made a “gentleman’s bet” to seduce her and could care less that she’s pregnant. His parents care as does his brother and we have a MOC between the good son as the OM disappears to the Americas.
In terms of romance it’s barely two stars. S-l-O-W romance as in almost nonexistent, but it was still compelling for me as I had a feeling that bad seed would come back as insolent and unrepentant as ever. The H and h slowly come together as they get to know each other and his family supports them. It comes to an ugly climax when the evil OM comes back. As always, he’s repentant and full of crocodile tears.
The interest for me was in the characters themselves. The heroine is completely abandoned by her own family because basically she was too dumb, gullible, slutty, whatever (their words not mine) to fall for the the fake Vicar and the seduction, but she warms up in the H’s household and around his parents. The parents were the couple in The Shameless Flirt which had its own bad mother.
Call me gobsmacked when the evil one comes back and is welcomed back by his gullible parents. The H and h aren’t on board with this program especially since the H has been doing all the work at their mill. There’s a confrontation where the H lays it out to his parents what they are doing, and I cussed at my computer a lot.
I really, really wanted the heroine to pick up a horse crop or a fire iron and lay into the creep, but Nichols keeps it more or less historically accurate, darn it, and the heroine takes the high road. I hate that. The high road only works when the evil-doer is repentant, and this jackass is horrible to the bitter end.
As the plot develops, the 30 year old heroine succumbs to the evil but charming cad in what she thinks is a marriage. Poor little idiot. Three months later as she waits for him to make good, she’s pregnant. A family confrontation with his family reveals he made a “gentleman’s bet” to seduce her and could care less that she’s pregnant. His parents care as does his brother and we have a MOC between the good son as the OM disappears to the Americas.
In terms of romance it’s barely two stars. S-l-O-W romance as in almost nonexistent, but it was still compelling for me as I had a feeling that bad seed would come back as insolent and unrepentant as ever. The H and h slowly come together as they get to know each other and his family supports them. It comes to an ugly climax when the evil OM comes back. As always, he’s repentant and full of crocodile tears.
The interest for me was in the characters themselves. The heroine is completely abandoned by her own family because basically she was too dumb, gullible, slutty, whatever (their words not mine) to fall for the the fake Vicar and the seduction, but she warms up in the H’s household and around his parents. The parents were the couple in The Shameless Flirt which had its own bad mother.
Call me gobsmacked when the evil one comes back and is welcomed back by his gullible parents. The H and h aren’t on board with this program especially since the H has been doing all the work at their mill. There’s a confrontation where the H lays it out to his parents what they are doing, and I cussed at my computer a lot.
I really, really wanted the heroine to pick up a horse crop or a fire iron and lay into the creep, but Nichols keeps it more or less historically accurate, darn it, and the heroine takes the high road. I hate that. The high road only works when the evil-doer is repentant, and this jackass is horrible to the bitter end.
October 23, 2021
What a terrible villain
Lucas, the rake, used a fake marriage to lure Ruby into his clutches and then took off with promises of returning. He never did but when her VILE parents found out they went to his parents home to have him accept responsibility for his wife. But then they found out it was fake. And they treat their daughter abysmally and Lucas says he will marry her. But on the wedding date he does not show! I'm hindsight that is great because his brother Conrad marries her instead. He is a much better man and he falls for his wife. Of course the evil Lucas shows back up but with some hard truths they sent him away. But he still never accepted responsibility for his actions. He was truly a unscrupulous individual. I finished the book but it was hard. I just thought it dragged. It was hard to complete.
Lucas, the rake, used a fake marriage to lure Ruby into his clutches and then took off with promises of returning. He never did but when her VILE parents found out they went to his parents home to have him accept responsibility for his wife. But then they found out it was fake. And they treat their daughter abysmally and Lucas says he will marry her. But on the wedding date he does not show! I'm hindsight that is great because his brother Conrad marries her instead. He is a much better man and he falls for his wife. Of course the evil Lucas shows back up but with some hard truths they sent him away. But he still never accepted responsibility for his actions. He was truly a unscrupulous individual. I finished the book but it was hard. I just thought it dragged. It was hard to complete.
June 19, 2021
I hadn't intended to write this story, but the idea came to me while I was writing "A Stolen Kiss," and I couldn't let it go. So, I dropped the book I'd intended to write (sorry, "Hearts Entwined") and jumped on this one.
It all started with Ruby's story. What would happen to a young lady if the man she thought she'd married had faked the wedding? How heartbreaking would that be? How would you overcome such a betrayal? From there it expanded into a whole book that was far more complicated than I originally thought it would be, with mill politics and family drama thrown in for good measure.
I love this story so much and really enjoyed writing it.
It all started with Ruby's story. What would happen to a young lady if the man she thought she'd married had faked the wedding? How heartbreaking would that be? How would you overcome such a betrayal? From there it expanded into a whole book that was far more complicated than I originally thought it would be, with mill politics and family drama thrown in for good measure.
I love this story so much and really enjoyed writing it.
October 1, 2020
I did not like this book as much as the others I have read from this author. I liked the writing style very much. I liked the hero and secondary characters. I could understand why the heroine behaved the way she did ( because of her upbringing...) but I just found her very annoying at times and Hero’s love for the heroine felt very sudden for me. I just did not care much about them and their love. However I will definitely read another book from this author.
October 30, 2020
I always enjoy M.A. Nichols' works. (An added bonus is that for some reason, when she rates a book that she has read, I often find I end up enjoying them. That rarely happens with authors' whose works I enjoy for some reason).
There were many things to enjoy about this book. I loved the way the family dynamics played out. It's easy to get frustrated with Conrad's parents and their seemingly blind love for their eldest son Lucas but I had to remind myself: what would I do if this were my child? How would I feel? And the truth of the matter is that I would forgive my child anything if they came to me filled with (seeming) remorse for any mistakes or wrongs they committed. It's a sad but true fact I think for most parents. How many times do we hear (and also catch ourselves saying), "BUT they're really a good kid/person inside." The truth of the matter is that you can be a good person and a good parent and do everything right and still have a child that does everything wrong.
Another thing that I loved was the passage of time. It wasn't 2 people who are suddenly thrust together and within a couple of weeks find things about each other to be attracted to. These 2 characters were not attracted to each other. I understood Conrad's anger and resentment which he tried (unsuccessfully) to hide. I understood Ruby and how she felt betrayed and sullied. It's so easy to feel a victim when you shouldn't. But it took months of hard work on both sides to find their love. That's right. Work. A willingness to bend a little or a lot depending and try to find the good in the other person. I also thought the age gap was important to the story as well. Ruby is 30 and Conrad is 25. And yet, Conrad stepped up and did what was right as his own personal sacrifice. 25 is young to suddenly be tied to someone you neither know nor love.
Overall, it was a nice addition to the series...
There were many things to enjoy about this book. I loved the way the family dynamics played out. It's easy to get frustrated with Conrad's parents and their seemingly blind love for their eldest son Lucas but I had to remind myself: what would I do if this were my child? How would I feel? And the truth of the matter is that I would forgive my child anything if they came to me filled with (seeming) remorse for any mistakes or wrongs they committed. It's a sad but true fact I think for most parents. How many times do we hear (and also catch ourselves saying), "BUT they're really a good kid/person inside." The truth of the matter is that you can be a good person and a good parent and do everything right and still have a child that does everything wrong.
Another thing that I loved was the passage of time. It wasn't 2 people who are suddenly thrust together and within a couple of weeks find things about each other to be attracted to. These 2 characters were not attracted to each other. I understood Conrad's anger and resentment which he tried (unsuccessfully) to hide. I understood Ruby and how she felt betrayed and sullied. It's so easy to feel a victim when you shouldn't. But it took months of hard work on both sides to find their love. That's right. Work. A willingness to bend a little or a lot depending and try to find the good in the other person. I also thought the age gap was important to the story as well. Ruby is 30 and Conrad is 25. And yet, Conrad stepped up and did what was right as his own personal sacrifice. 25 is young to suddenly be tied to someone you neither know nor love.
Overall, it was a nice addition to the series...
February 2, 2021
I cried a lot reading this book but that’s not to say I enjoyed it. In fact, I hated it. For starters, this book is the opposite of romantic. The circumstances leading up to Conrad and Ruby’s marriage were less than desirable but if it was executed well, I could buy their relationship development.
But no. They have the chemistry of a cardboard box.
Also, I’m not sure if I should be surprised that Mary and Ambrose from the last book I read became such shitty parents. None of their parenting decisions made any sense whatsoever. I hated what they put Conrad and Ruby through. I hated them so much that if Conrad and Ruby left the family and deprived them of seeing their grandchildren, I would have supported them 100%.
I hate them so much that I might revise my review of their book. lol.
But no. They have the chemistry of a cardboard box.
Also, I’m not sure if I should be surprised that Mary and Ambrose from the last book I read became such shitty parents. None of their parenting decisions made any sense whatsoever. I hated what they put Conrad and Ruby through. I hated them so much that if Conrad and Ruby left the family and deprived them of seeing their grandchildren, I would have supported them 100%.
I hate them so much that I might revise my review of their book. lol.
November 14, 2025
4.75 stars! Loved it! Loved Ruby and Conrad. They have a bit of rough start. The opening is with Lucas trying to seduce Ruby but she only will give in once they are married. However, we find out later it was a fake marriage and she is with child. Lucas won’t take responsibility and his brother Conrad marries her instead. There are wonderful moments between the couple but it’s a tough situation. I definitely teared up towards the end. Lucas was just despicable, horrible man! I am glad Ruby and Conrad had a happy ending. A little too much for me with some of the content listed below but overall, a great story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Content: kissing/“wandering hands” mentioned in the opening, kisses, “wonton and whore” used in name calling, mention of “bedding”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Content: kissing/“wandering hands” mentioned in the opening, kisses, “wonton and whore” used in name calling, mention of “bedding”
September 7, 2020
This one was so heartfelt and oh my heart strings.. I really like the writing style, it pulls me in and really lets me know the characters and their struggles and joys and thoughts and growth. I love how there is conflict and struggles but the characters think through them and figure them out and it isn’t a whole book about one misunderstanding. This series and the one before it are books about life and choices and consequences and changing - yes it gets resolved and they end with a happy resolution but it’s not contrived- it’s through lots of growth and thought and change on the part of the characters. I loved Ruby and Conrad.
December 20, 2020
This is the second book I have read from Nichols. She is a very dramatic writer. Both of her books had a lot of sadness, characters who really get drug threw the wringer. It makes for a good story but I wish their are more light moments. This poor girl really has it rough and the author did a good job of showing how this poor girl was so easily lead into a fake love. I really liked the family dynamic in this one. This is more then a romance about a girl and a boy. This is a proper romance that is kept very clean but still has some nice romantic tension.
March 14, 2021
This was really sweet, with so much sadness as to how Ruby was treated, her heartbreak just poured off the pages. Poor girl's name did not match her personality, with resting-bitch-face and being shy and introverted, she came across to everyone as sour and dour. But she was a sweetheart, who was horribly and awfully taken advantage of, and her parents were brutal. Conrad was great, and with the help of his mother, starts to get her out of her shell, just as the villain makes his reappearance. No comeuppance could have been brutal enough for him, but at least he gets one. I think this is considered a "clean" romance, so I guess the author can't go all dismembery and pitchforky, unfortunately.
Read
January 11, 2025So good!
I enjoy all of this author’s books, but this one really resonated with me, particularly the relationship between the wayward brother and his too-trusting parents. Ms. Nichols presents such raw, realistic situations and manages to address them frankly and compassionately, every single time.
I enjoy all of this author’s books, but this one really resonated with me, particularly the relationship between the wayward brother and his too-trusting parents. Ms. Nichols presents such raw, realistic situations and manages to address them frankly and compassionately, every single time.
January 26, 2021
This was so good. Watching Conrad and Ruby fall in love was so satisfying and sweet, and they fell in love in such a believable way unlike some romances I read. The way that they learned to grow together and work to love each other despite the fact that the marriage was something that neither of originally wanted was really wonderful. One thing I liked about this book was it brought back the main characters from my favorite out of all of M.A. Nichols' books, "The Shameless Flirt" I have missed them a lot so it was nice to have them be main characters. Not only that, but they played an active role in the book and even had their own plot lines and character arcs. This book had so much drama going on throughout it and I absolutely loved it. It just swept me up, leaving my emotions quite frayed by the end book. I am not ashamed to say that I shed quite a few tears throughout the book, some happy and some sad. I could hardly put this book down the entire time I was reading it, and when I wasn't it was all I could think about. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good believable love story.
November 13, 2020
Heartbreakingly Honest
There are a number of home truths expressed in this tale. A not too uncommon story of a fake marriage perpetrated by a fraudster, leaving a trail of heart and sadness in his wake. In addition to those who remain staunch supporters of his manipulation despite all evidence to the contrary. Yes. This story wouldn't be so sad if weren't a case of fact is stranger than fiction. Unfortunately, only in this fictional world of HEA does love conquer all. But isn't that why we read these novels anyway... to escape from reality? This was a very well written tale. The reasoning skills evidenced the complexity of human nature. We see what we wish to see and are blind to what we ought to see. That was true of the protagonists, antagonists, and ancillary characters. It gave the story depth and verisimilitude. Good read for someone who is interested in a well developed plot and multi dimensional characters.
There are a number of home truths expressed in this tale. A not too uncommon story of a fake marriage perpetrated by a fraudster, leaving a trail of heart and sadness in his wake. In addition to those who remain staunch supporters of his manipulation despite all evidence to the contrary. Yes. This story wouldn't be so sad if weren't a case of fact is stranger than fiction. Unfortunately, only in this fictional world of HEA does love conquer all. But isn't that why we read these novels anyway... to escape from reality? This was a very well written tale. The reasoning skills evidenced the complexity of human nature. We see what we wish to see and are blind to what we ought to see. That was true of the protagonists, antagonists, and ancillary characters. It gave the story depth and verisimilitude. Good read for someone who is interested in a well developed plot and multi dimensional characters.
October 28, 2020
Real characters tug at your heart
This author has a knack for writing characters that are very real, with weaknesses and faults and real problems and that look like normal every day people. It was a beautiful novel that was well written. I highly recommend her novels, the plots are always interesting and the people are real.
This author has a knack for writing characters that are very real, with weaknesses and faults and real problems and that look like normal every day people. It was a beautiful novel that was well written. I highly recommend her novels, the plots are always interesting and the people are real.
October 29, 2020
As always, M.A. Nichols weaves a story of great depth through your heart until you feel one with the story. Her gift of character development makes her stories come alive with challenges and love. When the story ends, you once again are convinced that love conquers all. Well done, Ms. Nichols!
November 7, 2020
Very touching as a perfect portrayal that love grows with conscious effort out of any circumstance.
October 30, 2020
A story of life struggles and search for love. Great read.
October 31, 2020
It took me a bit to open this book after the last one in the series because I thought there'd be some hard times in the story. I'm so glad I finally did. This was a deeply moving story. I felt strongly the range of emotions of the h & her journey. I was able to emphatize with her. I thought the path the romance took was a good one. I loved the H. He was a wonderful advocate for her. The story the journey took was fantastically done. The brother was an excellent villian. He was loathsome. I wonder if M.A. Nichols will give him his own redemption story. I'm on the fence if I'd like to see one. It'd be nice to read about him hitting rock bottom, ha! Great dialogue, descriptive scenes. I enjoyed every bit about this book.
September 19, 2023
This is the most accurate depiction I've ever read of a family system where one child winds up a narcissist. If you want to understand how a narcissist operates, this is it. If this villain seems like a caricature, thank your lucky stars that you have never met a narcissist.
August 26, 2020
This book is achingly beautiful. Deftly woven trauma & heartache with hope & renewal. The story hurts and heals all together. It’s lovely and clean.
Read
October 11, 2020This is one of the best books I've read in a while. This tore at my heart strings and brought me to tears for Ruby and for Mary. I felt for Conrad too because he sacrificed himself and his future to "fix" what his brother damaged. What an honorable man. The story was so realistic and though Ruby had her heart crushed there was still a happily ever after. I felt like I was there going through everything Ruby went through. I had a hard time putting this book down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2020
Monotonous Middle of the First Half
I love a good historical romance, and this book had some good elements, but other ones drove me completely crazy. For instance, I didn't really feel like a lot happened in the first half after the initial problem until close to the midway point of the book. The setup was dramatic, and anyone who reads much Regency or Victorian romance could see the way things might go from the prologue and first chapters. The author chose a unique route, however, from many historical romances, focusing on how the couple’s childhoods impacted their personalities and marriage. But such a large section of the first half of the book was just the heroine giving the hero the silent treatment or them speaking a little but just having constant misunderstandings on one or both sides. These episodes were so similar. I didn't feel like there was a growth arc for the characters or romance in this part of the book with this repetition. There should have been a progression of some sort within the first half. Instead, it felt like the same issues were harped on or misunderstood over and over. It got interesting in the middle when the couple interacted more and grew to appreciate each other—growth arcs... finally!—and we learned more about the hero's mother and saw her develop a relationship with the heroine. I did like the hero eventually, though I didn't like the way he treated the heroine at the beginning of their marriage. Some of those thoughts and actions were disturbing and inappropriate for a romantic hero. But by the end of the book, he became a worthwhile hero. All in all, though, I find myself disappointed in this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I love a good historical romance, and this book had some good elements, but other ones drove me completely crazy. For instance, I didn't really feel like a lot happened in the first half after the initial problem until close to the midway point of the book. The setup was dramatic, and anyone who reads much Regency or Victorian romance could see the way things might go from the prologue and first chapters. The author chose a unique route, however, from many historical romances, focusing on how the couple’s childhoods impacted their personalities and marriage. But such a large section of the first half of the book was just the heroine giving the hero the silent treatment or them speaking a little but just having constant misunderstandings on one or both sides. These episodes were so similar. I didn't feel like there was a growth arc for the characters or romance in this part of the book with this repetition. There should have been a progression of some sort within the first half. Instead, it felt like the same issues were harped on or misunderstood over and over. It got interesting in the middle when the couple interacted more and grew to appreciate each other—growth arcs... finally!—and we learned more about the hero's mother and saw her develop a relationship with the heroine. I did like the hero eventually, though I didn't like the way he treated the heroine at the beginning of their marriage. Some of those thoughts and actions were disturbing and inappropriate for a romantic hero. But by the end of the book, he became a worthwhile hero. All in all, though, I find myself disappointed in this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
September 27, 2020
I've read thousands of romance novels, and this one is truly unique. The bad guy is the son of the hero and heroine from "The Shameless Flirt," a book I loved, and he really is awful. It's common for authors to write about the children of favorite characters, but they're always paragons - the whole family is super happy and everything is lovely and perfect. But here the author very realistically shows that despite the parents' best efforts, their son is a terrible, manipulative person. The author does a great job of keeping Mary and Ambrose (the parents) sympathetic - you get why they keep giving their son a chance - but she also shows very clearly how much their forgiveness is coming at the expense of others, including the hero and heroine of this story: their son Conrad and Ruby, a woman Lucas has deeply injured. I really enjoyed this story and this unique take, and I found myself appreciating the way Conrad and Ruby's story developed.
October 10, 2020
A Bet
This was a very good book written by M. A. Nichols and I really enjoyed reading this book. A spinster who fell in love, A man secretly courting, the next step, very proper, marriage proposal, a secret elopement, marriage, at home waiting, confronting the man, denial of marriage, a bet to win, a pregnancy, a wedding demanded, running, a younger brother volunteered to wed her, a wedding, called bad names by her parent, left, talking, shy, proper, head down, shoulders in, owners of a weaving factory, getting her to talk, secrets, getting along with family. What will happen to this couple? Will her parent write? What will bring them closer? What happens to the baby? What happens when the brother returns? Will there be a happy ever after for this couple who found love together? I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to know what will happen. Buy this book and enjoy reading it.
This was a very good book written by M. A. Nichols and I really enjoyed reading this book. A spinster who fell in love, A man secretly courting, the next step, very proper, marriage proposal, a secret elopement, marriage, at home waiting, confronting the man, denial of marriage, a bet to win, a pregnancy, a wedding demanded, running, a younger brother volunteered to wed her, a wedding, called bad names by her parent, left, talking, shy, proper, head down, shoulders in, owners of a weaving factory, getting her to talk, secrets, getting along with family. What will happen to this couple? Will her parent write? What will bring them closer? What happens to the baby? What happens when the brother returns? Will there be a happy ever after for this couple who found love together? I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to know what will happen. Buy this book and enjoy reading it.
September 7, 2020
DNF. I should have checked the plot line. This isn’t a plot for me.
September 18, 2025
Trigger Warnings: Grooming, child death, family abuse (reflecting historically accurate patriarchal dynamics)
This book has stirred in me discomfort in the best way, pushing me to reflect on family dynamics, betrayal, and the weight of personal choices. I found the villain, Lucas, chillingly real—not a caricature but a manipulative figure whose actions devastate those around him. Nichols’ strength lies in crafting flawed, human characters, but the story’s heavy Christian undertones and uneven romance left me with mixed feelings.
The villain’s identity as the son of Mary and Ambrose, beloved characters from The Shameless Flirt, hit hard. As someone who hopes fictional families break cycles of trauma, I was unsettled by these well-meaning parents raising such a callous son. Their refusal to see Lucas’s true nature—clinging to the idea that they raised other “four perfect kids” and thus bear no fault—felt painfully authentic yet frustrating. I wished Mary and Ambrose had acknowledged their over-indulgence as a factor in Lucas’s behavior, though Nichols’ portrayal of parental blind spots is raw and honest.
As someone who prefers closed-door romances, I was drawn to Nichols for her focus on reason over passion. I believe love doesn’t require losing all sense to “do stuff,” and her chaste storytelling usually aligns with that. However, the romance between Ruby and Conrad felt lackluster, earning a 1-star rating from me. Partly, this is my bias against stories where one partner has a prior entanglement with the other’s relative—it’s just not my thing. More broadly, their love felt like a dutiful consequence of believing in the institution of marriage rather than a heartfelt connection, which didn’t spark for me.
Where the book shines is its 5-star plot and character growth. Ruby’s journey from heartbreak to resilience is compelling, and Conrad’s quiet honor grows endearing. The addition of Mary’s point of view deepens the narrative. However, the story’s strong Christian values—likely influenced by Nichols’ Mormon background—felt heavy-handed at times. Growing up in a Catholic family in South Italy, attending church weekly and praying daily at a nun-run school, I’m familiar with Christian principles like free will and the sanctity of marriage. These are evident in Ruby’s choice to yield to Lucas only after a (fake) marriage, the emphasis on marriage as an institution, and Mary and Ambrose’s discussions about raising their children, but any fault is to search in their free will and not in the raising method. While these values resonate with my own lingering Christian beliefs, their prominence made the narrative feel stiff and overly moralistic at times.
I’ll confess, in Chapter 3, when Lucas justifies his despicable behavior, I've taken the name of the Lord in vain a few times—very bad of me... I suppose this was the opposit of what a Murmon writer may want to achieve in their readers! Despite my quibbles, The Honorable Choice is a memorable, character-driven story that tackles tough themes with compassion. If you enjoy historical romances that challenge you to think as much as feel, it’s worth a read.
P.s. I just found out that Lucas has his own book and... I do not know how I feel about it XD but if there is the audiobook be sure I will listen to it at some point...
This book has stirred in me discomfort in the best way, pushing me to reflect on family dynamics, betrayal, and the weight of personal choices. I found the villain, Lucas, chillingly real—not a caricature but a manipulative figure whose actions devastate those around him. Nichols’ strength lies in crafting flawed, human characters, but the story’s heavy Christian undertones and uneven romance left me with mixed feelings.
The villain’s identity as the son of Mary and Ambrose, beloved characters from The Shameless Flirt, hit hard. As someone who hopes fictional families break cycles of trauma, I was unsettled by these well-meaning parents raising such a callous son. Their refusal to see Lucas’s true nature—clinging to the idea that they raised other “four perfect kids” and thus bear no fault—felt painfully authentic yet frustrating. I wished Mary and Ambrose had acknowledged their over-indulgence as a factor in Lucas’s behavior, though Nichols’ portrayal of parental blind spots is raw and honest.
As someone who prefers closed-door romances, I was drawn to Nichols for her focus on reason over passion. I believe love doesn’t require losing all sense to “do stuff,” and her chaste storytelling usually aligns with that. However, the romance between Ruby and Conrad felt lackluster, earning a 1-star rating from me. Partly, this is my bias against stories where one partner has a prior entanglement with the other’s relative—it’s just not my thing. More broadly, their love felt like a dutiful consequence of believing in the institution of marriage rather than a heartfelt connection, which didn’t spark for me.
Where the book shines is its 5-star plot and character growth. Ruby’s journey from heartbreak to resilience is compelling, and Conrad’s quiet honor grows endearing. The addition of Mary’s point of view deepens the narrative. However, the story’s strong Christian values—likely influenced by Nichols’ Mormon background—felt heavy-handed at times. Growing up in a Catholic family in South Italy, attending church weekly and praying daily at a nun-run school, I’m familiar with Christian principles like free will and the sanctity of marriage. These are evident in Ruby’s choice to yield to Lucas only after a (fake) marriage, the emphasis on marriage as an institution, and Mary and Ambrose’s discussions about raising their children, but any fault is to search in their free will and not in the raising method. While these values resonate with my own lingering Christian beliefs, their prominence made the narrative feel stiff and overly moralistic at times.
I’ll confess, in Chapter 3, when Lucas justifies his despicable behavior, I've taken the name of the Lord in vain a few times—very bad of me... I suppose this was the opposit of what a Murmon writer may want to achieve in their readers! Despite my quibbles, The Honorable Choice is a memorable, character-driven story that tackles tough themes with compassion. If you enjoy historical romances that challenge you to think as much as feel, it’s worth a read.
P.s. I just found out that Lucas has his own book and... I do not know how I feel about it XD but if there is the audiobook be sure I will listen to it at some point...
March 15, 2021
I'm so conflicted. I really liked this book. And I hated this book. How can I feel both? But I do. I especially hated the beginning as I read the seduction of Ruby. What a jerk Lucas is. I was getting so mad as I watched her getting sucked in to his ploy. I was shocked by his willingness to marry her but not shocked by how it turned out. Like I said, what a jerk! First class.
While I would say this book is clean, it is based on the premise of naive Ruby being seduced and ending up pregnant. No sex on the page but we do read the seduction before they run off to be married. Poor Ruby thinks she has met and married the love of her life... In truth she has yet to meet him but she will. It will just take a long time for her to figure out that truth.
And again I was angry at her parents for throwing her off when her only real fault was putting her trust in the wrong jerk. They were jerks too.
And then I loved Mary for becoming Ruby's mother figure. She showed much wisdom in helping Ruby and Conrad grow into their relationship. But once again, I got mad at Mary for her inability to see where her wisdom failed miserably. Do you see a pattern? I kept getting mad at people while I was reading. Thus my feelings of hating this book. I did love that Mary and Ambrose were still so much in love from their own book.
Conrad is likable for being willing to stand up where his brother shirked (again) but I didn't like him much at the beginning of their marriage. He didn't do a lot but feel sorry for himself as he noted his great sacrifice. And Ruby comes across as a mute shrew initially. As the reader, we see that it is due to her upbringing with her awful parents but Conrad doesn't know that so we have to suffer with him for a while. Eventually, they both become more likable and decent people. By the end of the book, I loved Conrad. My favorite part of the book was him telling his parents that he would be making changes in life to stand by his wife. His parents were blind until that moment. As a parent, I understand their wanting to help the wayward son but it was so frustrating that they were continually taken in by his conniving. Again, Lucas is a jerk.
I tend to lean toward lighthearted romance and stay away from heavy stuff. I would have liked this better had there been more light moments but that doesn't mean it wasn't good. If you love angst, this will give it to you. The last chapter was sweet and indicated what their happily ever after would look like.
Sex: not on the page
Language: some mild crudity
Violence: only in my mind when I wanted to punch Lucas in the mouth
While I would say this book is clean, it is based on the premise of naive Ruby being seduced and ending up pregnant. No sex on the page but we do read the seduction before they run off to be married. Poor Ruby thinks she has met and married the love of her life... In truth she has yet to meet him but she will. It will just take a long time for her to figure out that truth.
And again I was angry at her parents for throwing her off when her only real fault was putting her trust in the wrong jerk. They were jerks too.
And then I loved Mary for becoming Ruby's mother figure. She showed much wisdom in helping Ruby and Conrad grow into their relationship. But once again, I got mad at Mary for her inability to see where her wisdom failed miserably. Do you see a pattern? I kept getting mad at people while I was reading. Thus my feelings of hating this book. I did love that Mary and Ambrose were still so much in love from their own book.
Conrad is likable for being willing to stand up where his brother shirked (again) but I didn't like him much at the beginning of their marriage. He didn't do a lot but feel sorry for himself as he noted his great sacrifice. And Ruby comes across as a mute shrew initially. As the reader, we see that it is due to her upbringing with her awful parents but Conrad doesn't know that so we have to suffer with him for a while. Eventually, they both become more likable and decent people. By the end of the book, I loved Conrad. My favorite part of the book was him telling his parents that he would be making changes in life to stand by his wife. His parents were blind until that moment. As a parent, I understand their wanting to help the wayward son but it was so frustrating that they were continually taken in by his conniving. Again, Lucas is a jerk.
I tend to lean toward lighthearted romance and stay away from heavy stuff. I would have liked this better had there been more light moments but that doesn't mean it wasn't good. If you love angst, this will give it to you. The last chapter was sweet and indicated what their happily ever after would look like.
Sex: not on the page
Language: some mild crudity
Violence: only in my mind when I wanted to punch Lucas in the mouth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
Another wonderful book by M.A. Nichols!
When I read that this book was going to be about a woman pregnant and abandoned, I was curious how this would play out. M.A. Nichols books are very clean. Well...
So Ruby is tricked with smoke and mirrors ( not really geesh) and ends up pregnant to Lucas Ashbrooke who is putting it gently a cad. Later on in the story Lucas calls Ruby all kinds of names, including the W word. Do words like that upset the people who don't like mention of sex? I don't know, but there is your warning.
A lot happens in very short time. Ruby's horrible parents demand that someone marry Ruby, so Conrad being the third son steps up and marries her.
Yes they have their trials. But seriously how could they not? They never even spoke before they were married, and Ruby had no time to mourn how terrible Lucas treated her. In all honesty, by the time this book ends( before the epilogue), most people would still be getting over the pain. The thought of also falling in love in that time is amazing.
Ruby and Conrad tiptoe around each other because they have no idea what to do. Conrad has no idea how horrible Ruby's upbringing has been, so he thinks her cold and stand offish. Ruby feels horrible for "ruining" Conrad's life, and also STILL GETTING OVER WHAT LUCAS DID. How do I really feel?
Then Mary and Ruby get really close and she brings her Conrad's christening gown and a rattle. She tells Ruby how her own parents cut her off. Then I'm looking at you M.A. Nichols, a tragedy happens.Couldn't the tragedy happen and then that scene? I seriously felt like it was my loss.
Obviously Lucas has to show up again. Even though that wasn't obvious to me. But it needed to happen. Ambrose and Mary had to really see what was going on in their family. It was some ugly truths. I really do want to thank M.A. Nichols for having these two so prominently featured in this story. I loved them so much. It was nice to spend time with them again.
Even though in actual days the story happens very quickly, the story lets it feel like it is a slow build. They each give and take and become close slowly. Is their any chance that they will show back up in future stories?
When I read that this book was going to be about a woman pregnant and abandoned, I was curious how this would play out. M.A. Nichols books are very clean. Well...
So Ruby is tricked with smoke and mirrors ( not really geesh) and ends up pregnant to Lucas Ashbrooke who is putting it gently a cad. Later on in the story Lucas calls Ruby all kinds of names, including the W word. Do words like that upset the people who don't like mention of sex? I don't know, but there is your warning.
A lot happens in very short time. Ruby's horrible parents demand that someone marry Ruby, so Conrad being the third son steps up and marries her.
Yes they have their trials. But seriously how could they not? They never even spoke before they were married, and Ruby had no time to mourn how terrible Lucas treated her. In all honesty, by the time this book ends( before the epilogue), most people would still be getting over the pain. The thought of also falling in love in that time is amazing.
Ruby and Conrad tiptoe around each other because they have no idea what to do. Conrad has no idea how horrible Ruby's upbringing has been, so he thinks her cold and stand offish. Ruby feels horrible for "ruining" Conrad's life, and also STILL GETTING OVER WHAT LUCAS DID. How do I really feel?
Then Mary and Ruby get really close and she brings her Conrad's christening gown and a rattle. She tells Ruby how her own parents cut her off. Then I'm looking at you M.A. Nichols, a tragedy happens.Couldn't the tragedy happen and then that scene? I seriously felt like it was my loss.
Obviously Lucas has to show up again. Even though that wasn't obvious to me. But it needed to happen. Ambrose and Mary had to really see what was going on in their family. It was some ugly truths. I really do want to thank M.A. Nichols for having these two so prominently featured in this story. I loved them so much. It was nice to spend time with them again.
Even though in actual days the story happens very quickly, the story lets it feel like it is a slow build. They each give and take and become close slowly. Is their any chance that they will show back up in future stories?
October 31, 2021
When suave Lucas declares his undying love for spinsterish and straight-laced Ruby she is amazed someone so handsome and charming could fall for her. When she refuses to anticipate their vows Lucas convinces her to secretly elope. They do and she becomes pregnant on their wedding trip.
Unfortunately for Ruby, Lucas is a lying dog and has actually tricked her into a fake wedding for a bet. He leaves her and disappears. When Ruby's family confronts his, Lucas is dragged home from London but he refuses to marry her and disappears again. There is no choice but for one of Lucas' younger brothers to take his place and marry Ruby to protect her and give the unborn child a name.
Conrad is an honourable man whose life is focused on helping manage his father's cotton mill. Until now he hasn't had the time or resources to seriously consider marriage. He sees the loving relationship of his parents and knows that is what he wants one day too.
He understands the selfish character of his eldest brother and chooses to volunteer to marry Ruby to save his next eldest brother from the task, seeing as he is almost engaged to his sweetheart.
Ruby and Conrad's relationship is difficult from the outset with many misunderstandings, mostly due to Ruby's upbringing making her timid and basically a doormouse. Conrad feels like he can't do anything right and Ruby is scared to do anything wrong.
The relationship grows as the two are forced to work on their relationship and eventually they realise they are each other's best advocate and strongest ally.
Unfortunately it takes a long time get to this point and while I understand why the characters acted the way they did, it didn't endear them to me. I didn't feel that there was any real attraction or chemistry between the two and in the end I felt like they were just making the best of things. Choosing to love one another rather than falling deeply in love with each another. Maybe that was intentional, maybe not, but I wanted a bit more emotion from their story.
This is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.
Unfortunately for Ruby, Lucas is a lying dog and has actually tricked her into a fake wedding for a bet. He leaves her and disappears. When Ruby's family confronts his, Lucas is dragged home from London but he refuses to marry her and disappears again. There is no choice but for one of Lucas' younger brothers to take his place and marry Ruby to protect her and give the unborn child a name.
Conrad is an honourable man whose life is focused on helping manage his father's cotton mill. Until now he hasn't had the time or resources to seriously consider marriage. He sees the loving relationship of his parents and knows that is what he wants one day too.
He understands the selfish character of his eldest brother and chooses to volunteer to marry Ruby to save his next eldest brother from the task, seeing as he is almost engaged to his sweetheart.
Ruby and Conrad's relationship is difficult from the outset with many misunderstandings, mostly due to Ruby's upbringing making her timid and basically a doormouse. Conrad feels like he can't do anything right and Ruby is scared to do anything wrong.
The relationship grows as the two are forced to work on their relationship and eventually they realise they are each other's best advocate and strongest ally.
Unfortunately it takes a long time get to this point and while I understand why the characters acted the way they did, it didn't endear them to me. I didn't feel that there was any real attraction or chemistry between the two and in the end I felt like they were just making the best of things. Choosing to love one another rather than falling deeply in love with each another. Maybe that was intentional, maybe not, but I wanted a bit more emotion from their story.
This is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.
November 20, 2023
One of the things I enjoy about M. A Nichol's stories is that she starts with an impossible premise and works her way out of that box. This story is about Ruby Jefferies, a thirty-year-old whom Lucas Ashbrook woos. When she insists on marriage before anything else, Lucas devises a wedding. All of this is to win a bet.
When Ruby finds herself with no groom but a baby, her family takes her to the Ashbrook family's home, looking for justice. When Lucas escapes on a ship to America, Mr. Jefferies demands another son take his place and hold a legitimate wedding. This is a stunning blow to the Ashbrooks (and the reader). Conrad, a younger brother used to cleaning up his older brother's messes, is shocked by the demand. With great trepidation, he agrees to marry Ruby. Conrad is in a financially stable condition, with his own home.
The textile mills are in a difficult situation; having asked the workers to take a pay cut in years past, they now want their wages reinstated. However, the owners must improve the machinery, and there needs to be more extra for a pay raise. Thus, the workers are agitated and talking about a strike. Then, there is a fire, which wreaks havoc in the town. Against this backdrop, Lucas comes back home, begging for forgiveness. Conrad knows Lucas is shedding crocodile tears but feels powerless to intercede.
This is a powerful story that is difficult to set aside. The issues are gut-wrenching, and the story is compelling. This is one of those stories that will stay with the reader for a long time. I'm sorry I can't give this book a ten.
When Ruby finds herself with no groom but a baby, her family takes her to the Ashbrook family's home, looking for justice. When Lucas escapes on a ship to America, Mr. Jefferies demands another son take his place and hold a legitimate wedding. This is a stunning blow to the Ashbrooks (and the reader). Conrad, a younger brother used to cleaning up his older brother's messes, is shocked by the demand. With great trepidation, he agrees to marry Ruby. Conrad is in a financially stable condition, with his own home.
The textile mills are in a difficult situation; having asked the workers to take a pay cut in years past, they now want their wages reinstated. However, the owners must improve the machinery, and there needs to be more extra for a pay raise. Thus, the workers are agitated and talking about a strike. Then, there is a fire, which wreaks havoc in the town. Against this backdrop, Lucas comes back home, begging for forgiveness. Conrad knows Lucas is shedding crocodile tears but feels powerless to intercede.
This is a powerful story that is difficult to set aside. The issues are gut-wrenching, and the story is compelling. This is one of those stories that will stay with the reader for a long time. I'm sorry I can't give this book a ten.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews