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M.A. Nichols
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Flame and Ember (The Kingsleys Book 1) Kindle Edition

by M.A. Nichols (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,395 ratings
A heartbroken man, a frustrated spinster, and a marriage of convenience that proves quite inconvenient.

Simon Kingsley is in desperate need of a wife. After years of searching, he finally found love. Unfortunately, she wed another, and now, it’s time to settle for someone with whom he can share his life. Love is no longer an option for a man whose heart is irrevocably broken.

Mina Ashbrook longs to marry for love but knows she’s too old, too plump, and too plain to catch a gentleman’s eye. And a marriage of convenience is better than being a spinster sister living off her brother’s charity. Simon may not love her now, but Mina knows there’s hope—if she can convince him that love comes in many forms.

Will Mina find a way to heal Simon’s heart? Or will the shadows of the past keep them from finding happiness together?
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Kingsleys
  2. Print length
    266 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 27, 2018
  6. File size
    2.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “Not all love starts off as a roaring flame. Many are more like embers, which take time to build but end up being all the warmer for it.”
    Highlighted by 156 Kindle readers
  2. A gentleman may face rejection when he approached a lady but only when she made it expressly known. That lady faced rejection from every gentleman who did not approach.
    Highlighted by 118 Kindle readers
  3. Simon thinks it is friendship or admiration, but he does not realize that those form the base of the deepest love there is.
    Highlighted by 110 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Family tree

All of M.A. Nichols’ romances take place within the Generations of Love universe; each book is a standalone story and can be read in any order, with the titles grouped into family sagas.

Timeline

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...It captivated me to the point I stayed up all night long just to hear the ending."
Audible Review
​
"It has been some time for this tremendously avid reader to have stumbled upon such a wonderful story! Wow! This story held such depth and breadth of understanding the frail human nature! I was extremely impressed with how this story unfolded..."
Goodreads Review
​
"Didn't want to put it down."
Amazon.uk Review

From the Back Cover

A sweet Regency romance perfect for fans of Sally Britton, Kasey Stockton, and Rebecca Connolly.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07B44W64T
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nichols Publishing, LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 27, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 266 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Kingsleys
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,395 ratings

About the author

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M.A. Nichols

M.A. Nichols

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Born 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.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,395 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a remarkable love story with deep emotional connections between characters, and one review describes it as a historical romance with a fairytale ending. The writing is well thought out and engaging, with customers noting it's a refreshing read that pulls them into the story. They appreciate the characters' development, particularly the amazing female main character, and the book's clean, regency-style narrative that evokes strong emotions. Customers praise the relationship build, with one review highlighting touching conversations between gentlemen friends, and they value the characters' selflessness and forgiveness throughout the story.

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163 customers mention "Storyline"154 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this romance book, describing it as a remarkable love story that pulls readers in, with one customer noting it's not a predictable boy-meets-girl narrative.

"I enjoyed the story and wanted to keep reading . I finished it in one day. I like the characters - good and bad." Read more

"This well written novel will hold your interest from the very first. A tale of love hard fought, and won - when they are meant for each other." Read more

"...It is, of course, a clean romance, and I don’t expect or want anything graphic...." Read more

"This book was a wonderful exposition about Love...." Read more

120 customers mention "Readability"120 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining.

"I enjoyed the story and wanted to keep reading . I finished it in one day. I like the characters - good and bad." Read more

"Well-written and held my interest. Mina spent most of the book trying to win our sad excuse of a husband's love...." Read more

"This well written novel will hold your interest from the very first. A tale of love hard fought, and won - when they are meant for each other." Read more

"...Freddie and Thea are lovely side additions. Still a great book overall, but the angst level and happy ending payoff are sort of out of balance." Read more

69 customers mention "Character development"61 positive8 negative

Customers praise the well-developed characters in the book, particularly appreciating the amazing female protagonist and the deep emotional connection readers feel with them.

"...I finished it in one day. I like the characters - good and bad." Read more

"...On the surface, the heroine is ordinary - pretty, but not beautiful, not from the nobility and a bit more than plump...." Read more

"...well thought out with a lot of heart and the imperfections in the characters made them more endearing...." Read more

"I do not leave hardly any reviews but this deserved it. The characters were well written and the connections were very believable...." Read more

63 customers mention "Writing quality"48 positive15 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well thought out and clean, with one customer highlighting its excellent attention to detail.

"Well-written and held my interest. Mina spent most of the book trying to win our sad excuse of a husband's love...." Read more

"Seldom have I experienced a romance novel so supremely written...." Read more

"...She is not a conventional Regency heroine, but she is strong and smart and devoted and wonderful...." Read more

"I enjoyed this story. It is well written, and I felt it is a realistic representation of what might happen in a marriage of convenience...." Read more

23 customers mention "Emotion"18 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one customer noting they alternated between tears and smiles, while another mentions understanding Mina's pain throughout the story.

"The best thing about this book is the genuine emotion that goes into Mina’s story...." Read more

"...Emotions were a strong part of the story. It was hard to put down." Read more

"The buildup, angst, emotions were amazing throughout the whole book! He groveled for two flipping pages and all is forgiven then “the end”..." Read more

"It was heartbreaking. I loved every minute of it. I do wish that we had gotten to see more of them after they made up, like just a chapter...." Read more

11 customers mention "Devotedness"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the characters' devoted nature, describing them as kindhearted and forgiving, with one customer noting their selflessness and another highlighting their patience and love.

"...not a conventional Regency heroine, but she is strong and smart and devoted and wonderful...." Read more

"...the prettiest but you she's easy to talk to, Good reputation,Does charitable mean,Will be able to provide an take care of the household...." Read more

"...Flawed human beings.... with so much potential. Mina is a kindhearted, loving, forgiving, beautiful soul - NOT a doormat...." Read more

"...It’s not only the story of love and forgiveness and selflessness but the ease of style, portrayal of feelings, little details that give you a..." Read more

9 customers mention "Cleanliness"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's cleanliness, describing it as refreshing and true to the Regency genre, with one customer noting how it retains the true beauty of heart.

"...This book was a true clean regency. I would have loved a little more as an epilogue or something, but still it ended fine...." Read more

"Clean wonderful book. He thinks he is in love with another woman, who is now married to another man...." Read more

"...that the lead was older, heavy and overlooked but had retained true beauty of heart...." Read more

"It was pure and clean. Good story line and great character development. I loved the every minute of it but it ended almost exactly how I wanted." Read more

9 customers mention "Relationship build"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the relationship development in the book, with one customer noting how it goes through many changes, while another appreciates the touching conversations between gentlemen friends.

"...Mina's not the prettiest but you she's easy to talk to, Good reputation,Does charitable mean,Will be able to provide an take care of the household...." Read more

"...The development of their relationship was well thought out. Emotions were a strong part of the story. It was hard to put down." Read more

"...What a refreshing read!!! Growing your relationship and dealing with each others faults through the hard times ( along with respect) is key and this..." Read more

"...Ms Nichols brings her characters to forlorn, hopeful, conniving, vindictive and joyful life in which her readers have the pleasure of getting lost." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Regis C Stirling
    5.0 out of 5 stars I read it straight thru!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the story and wanted to keep reading . I finished it in one day. I like the characters - good and bad.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Tears and Blushes
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Well-written and held my interest. Mina spent most of the book trying to win our sad excuse of a husband's love. I wanted to shake him and felt she deserved better. My heart broke every time he or others made her feel so unloved and worthless. She was a lovely person though I did tire of all the crying and blushing. He didn't deserve her. Her friends the Voss' were a welcome addition and her brother and sister-in-law did care about her.
    One person found this helpful
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  • TmP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Simply an Amazing Love Story!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Seldom have I experienced a romance novel so supremely written. I cried because I was so immersed in the storyline, feeling the pain that Mina must have felt, when she was ridiculed, insulted, but able to maintain her beautiful spirit.
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  • Penny B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Good Story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This well written novel will hold your interest from the very first. A tale of love hard fought, and won - when they are meant for each other.
    Helpful
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  • Ms. Blake
    3.0 out of 5 stars Well written and very sweet but
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I wish it had some "spice". Even one scene, at the end, would have been most welcomed by this reader.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Melodixin
    4.0 out of 5 stars A strong book that needs a happier ending
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The best thing about this book is the genuine emotion that goes into Mina’s story. She is not a conventional Regency heroine, but she is strong and smart and devoted and wonderful. It’s almost as if you are falling in love with her gradually throughout the story the way the hero is. I went through maybe 60% of the book with genuine tears in my eyes for the heroine’s sake.

    My biggest complaint about the book is that, while it does a great job portraying Simon’s general male denseness and idiocy, it doesn’t really make him work hard to earn Mina back. He says sorry, and then it’s all over. We don’t even get a proper make up wedding night scene! It is, of course, a clean romance, and I don’t expect or want anything graphic. But when a novel includes a full play-by-play of another woman seducing the hero, it better give us a glimpse of how he finally unites with his wife.

    Freddie and Thea are lovely side additions. Still a great book overall, but the angst level and happy ending payoff are sort of out of balance.
    18 people found this helpful
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  • Larry S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful exposition about Love
    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a wonderful exposition about Love. Two people married for convenience, then one began to love the other before the other knew what Love was. The process of discovery included painful realizations & trials. Do they end up finding love for one another? Or do they part having missed the love of their lives and a loving marriage and potential family? Read this to find out!
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mina & Simon
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What a sad beginning to such a kind wonderful Lady. Mina the mistress of her family Estate until Nicholas' wife became the mistress of the household. Now Mina is the spinster of her siblings. She had to help raise them since her mother died. Her father taught her how to deal with finances & staff.
    Simon Lost the love of his life when she refused his proposal because Suzanne excepted a marriage for title and status. Simon doesn't know is that she is just lust and a manipulation like his mother was.Not a true Woman to be In love with.Now Several years later he knows it's time to find a wife but nobody seems to fit his bill. Until he meets Mina by accident. Mina's not the prettiest but you she's easy to talk to, Good reputation,Does charitable mean,Will be able to provide an take care of the household. While he can focus on his work. Play the side they will get married.Simon fully miss though he is not marrying out of love, but out of convenience. Can Mina change her marriage of Convenience to a possible love match? Just when there is a spark of a change in a relationship will the manipulating parlor of his path and he thinks he wants love ruin their chances?
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Shiona Jarchow
    2.0 out of 5 stars Good storyline
    Reviewed in India on December 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Good storyline but it just seemed to drag on towards the end. Too much into the characters mind. Less dialogue. Characters were believable.
    Report
  • Toots Sullivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars marvellous, I wanted more
    Reviewed in Australia on April 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A very good telling of a plot well used, but never before written this well!
    It was like watching a movie unfold to a happy ending, that I did want more of to round the story out, but I am contented with what I read.
    Report
  • Brigitta, Wien
    3.0 out of 5 stars Schön erzählt
    Reviewed in Germany on June 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Das ist eigentlich nicht was ich mir in einem Regancy-Roman erwarte. Kein Held, nicht mal ein Frauenheld, keine wiederstrebende Schöne. Sondern 80 % des Buches ein dämlicher Mann, der ständig einer vermeintlichen Liebe hinterherjammert und eine durchsetzungsschwache Frau, ganz zum Schluss, endlich, ich hab schon nicht mehr daran geglaubt, haut sie einfach ab und er erkennt auf den letzten Seiten was er an Ihr hat.
    Mir hat der Schreibstil sehr gefallen, sonst hätte ich nicht bis zum Schluss durchgehalten, und ich hoffe dass ich von dieser Autorin noch etwas spannenderes als diesen Roman lesen kann.
    Report
  • Dougal from Ireland
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, poignant and so romantic.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this story. There are humour, drama and so many romantic moments. I was thinking about the characters even when I wasn't reading it. Although it's a regency romance, the themes and conflicts are just as relevant today.

    Mina is a plus-sized heroine who is bullied by 'prettier' girls. She's resourceful, witty and makes the best of everything.

    Simon believes that he's in love with another -and marries Mina on the rebound. She knows he doesn't love her but hopes he might in time.

    It's a lovely tale of looking beyond what is superficial to see the greatness inside. So relevant in our appearance-obsessed world.

    This is one that I'll read more than once.
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  • Brenda De Pinedo
    5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect, grounded romance
    Reviewed in Canada on December 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I don't often read books with much substance to them, preferring quick, mindless novellas. But something drew me to immerse myself in this book, and immersed I was, obsessed with turning the pages. The author manages to keep you enthralled in the relationship between the characters, growth shown in both sides of the story and an adult, grounded, realistic romance is unveiled with each passing page. Do not expect spice, there's none, the closest parallel I can think of is Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte.
    Report

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