M.A. Nichols Books in Order

Annie hides her magical power after a disastrous choice unleashes darkness, while fugitive Jake discovers he is linked to an ancient talisman. Their paths converge as enemies hunt the object and a wider war threatens to begin.

Fairy-tale villain consultant Geoffrey P. Ward offers a satirical guide to defeating the advantages enjoyed by heroes. Drawing lessons from familiar stories, his advice reframes wicked schemes as career strategy in a world where destiny favors the other side.

Abandoned to financial hardship by a faithless husband, Tabby becomes nurse and housekeeper to an injured naval captain. Graham longs to return to sea, but his demanding recovery and growing interest in her complicate both their plans.

Irritated by questions about his past, villain consultant Geoffrey recounts the quest that ended his heroic career. Meanwhile, an intrusive princess brings another adventure to his doorstep, threatening the comfortable identity he has built since abandoning heroism.

Undergardener Dove has admired Ella from afar and sees her wish to attend a royal ball as his chance to win her heart. Finding a way to send her there may lead to a different ending than he expects.

With war approaching, the reunited group searches for two talismans that can keep an ancient enemy imprisoned. Emma's blood ties make her central to their hopes, but she must overcome her doubts before the final confrontation arrives.

Haunted by a past choice, Annie seeks redemption as the Dark Knights kill families in their hunt for an ancient prison's secrets. When they target her friend Emma, she risks confronting them alone to prevent further devastation.

After finding an abandoned baby, charming Ambrose travels toward his sister's home and seeks help from fellow passenger Mary. Her distrust of flirts clashes with his manner, while caring for the infant reveals qualities neither expected in the other.

Ruby is left pregnant after discovering that the man she loved staged their wedding to win a bet. His brother Conrad marries her out of duty, leaving two wounded strangers to find meaning in a future neither chose.

Widowed naval officer Silas returns to children who resent him and a household he cannot manage alone. Their guarded governess Judith becomes a potential ally, but affection between them challenges both social divisions and her determination to remain independent.

Cut from her late husband's will, Lydia flees parents determined to force her into another unhappy marriage. Widower Robert prefers his quiet life with his daughter, yet becomes her possible refuge as her family's pressure mounts.

Heiress Felicity retreats to the countryside to escape fortune hunters and conceals her identity from a struggling gentleman. Lewis longs for a future he believes he cannot afford, while her protective deception complicates their growing attachment.

Disgraced former society tyrant Charity struggles to prove she has changed, especially when a teasing naval officer arrives for Christmas. Their antagonism hides mutual curiosity, but his guarded past and approaching departure threaten a connection neither anticipated.

Marian's declaration of love once drove her friend George toward another woman. Now widowed and aware of his mistake, he seeks a second chance before her father's ultimatum forces her into a marriage with someone else.

Evelyn believes love has passed her by until a charming man begins courting her at Christmas. Unknown to her, Gideon agreed to a staged romance, and their growing feelings threaten to make its eventual revelation painful for them both.

Facing industrial unrest and unfamiliar social expectations, self-made Matthew seeks a practical wife to help protect his business. Charlotte accepts his offer despite her shyness, but conflict among workers and employers turns their arrangement into a test of trust.

Dottie loves her family's tutor Phillip, but he fears his limited prospects make him an unsuitable husband. As she tries to overcome his doubts, a stranger reveals a secret about her past that threatens their hoped-for future.

A poorly addressed love letter reaches Prudence instead of her beautiful younger sister. Doctor Parker reluctantly attempts a temporary courtship while trying to undo the mistake, only to discover that the wrong sister may be harder to leave than expected.

Widowed Hamilton reluctantly helps his son's courtship by distracting an attentive chaperone, only to fall for her himself. Their late-life romance faces opposition from his grieving children, who cannot accept their father finding happiness so soon.

David falls for a masked stranger without recognizing his friend Katherine, who has long loved him. As he searches for his mystery woman, she must decide whether revealing herself could win his heart or destroy their friendship.

Weary of fortune hunters, Malcolm allows Rosanna to believe he is a servant and courts her without revealing his wealth. Her parents' demands for a prosperous match complicate the deception, while their feelings make telling the truth increasingly difficult.

Benjamin promises his dying former teacher to protect his daughter Nan, leading them into a marriage of convenience. His parents' hostility and pressure over the family estate threaten the couple's security before they have learned to trust each other.

An inheritance exposes Hazel to damaging gossip, while repentant Lucas returns home seeking forgiveness for old betrayals. Their shared experience of ruined reputations brings understanding, but family obligations and public judgment threaten the new beginning they want.

Visiting his literary idol, Julian mistakes the man's daughter Angelica for a maid and starts their acquaintance badly. His growing admiration faces her distrust of charming, penniless poets, turning a Christmas visit into an uncertain courtship.

Doctor Arthur believes he has found a romantic match in medically gifted Violet. She sees him as a rival threatening her family's practice and income, turning his courtship into a contest between affection and professional survival.

Sadie finds herself between two suitors and two determined mothers. One man has recently been jilted, while the other has long loved her but cannot express it, leaving her to distinguish genuine affection from family manipulation.

After her estranged husband's death, Tessa seeks to reclaim her children from their appointed guardian Gregory. He expects the woman who abandoned them, but her compassion and conflicting accounts of the past force him to reconsider his loyalties.

A public prank compromises Joanna and doctor Edward, forcing them to choose between scandal and marriage. She has long loved him, but his protective sense of duty may not be the affection she believes their sudden union promises.

Thea and Frederick expect a straightforward courtship until his father's death exposes financial ruin and family deception. He tries to release her from a future of poverty, while she struggles to defend a love everyone advises her to abandon.

Facing destitution, outspoken Phoebe accepts a practical marriage to an accommodating clergyman. Samuel expects a quiet arrangement that protects his position, but her refusal to appease powerful people threatens both his carefully managed life and their fragile partnership.

Hannah's new inheritance transforms her family's position and attracts suitors, including trusted friend Jonah. He sees marriage as an escape from poverty, but competition for her affection forces him to confront feelings that do not fit his practical plan.

Drawing on classic novels, modern romantic comedies, and her own writing experience, Nichols explains how to build believable romantic plots. Practical exercises and structural guidance focus on emotional connection, sustaining reader interest, and creating satisfying conclusions.