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Can a practical joke lead to true love?

For years, Joanna Crosby has longed to catch Dr. Edward Vaughn’s attention, but like every other man, he hardly knows she exists—until a very public prank binds the two of them together and leaves them with one ruination or matrimony.

Who could’ve done such a thing?

Eddie doesn’t know, but with Joanna’s reputation in tatters and society accusing her of masterminding the situation to trap him, his honor won’t allow him to abandon her. Even if that means pretending to be a doting husband.

But when Joanna mistakes his actions as genuine love, she offers her heart to a man who’s only doing his duty…Will she ever capture his heart? Or will he crush hers?

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

232 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Nichols

40 books487 followers
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.

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5 stars
130 (52%)
4 stars
77 (31%)
3 stars
30 (12%)
2 stars
8 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
860 reviews383 followers
February 13, 2025
Oh my goodness! I loved this story so much! Edward and Joanna are such great characters! The couple marries to save Joanna’s reputation after a practical joke. Only Joanna thinks it’s a love match as well. Edward cares for her but doesn’t love her. They are the most realistic couple and I loved when they had an argument it was an actual full blown argument and their communication was so clear. I hurt when they hurt and smiled when they smiled. And I loved watching their relationship grow. The author’s writing is so vivid and beautiful. Overall just fantastic love story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: kisses, cuddles in bed, mentions the couple share a bed (intimately)but no details/descriptions given
Profile Image for Gelsomina G.
42 reviews
September 23, 2025
M.A. Nichols has done it again with Marry in Haste, a delightful addition to her Generations of Love series that had me hooked from start to finish. This book hits all my favorite tropes: a spinster heroine, a ruined reputation, a marriage of necessity, and the classic “she fell first, he fell harder” dynamic. Nichols weaves these elements together beautifully, creating a romance that feels both heartfelt and satisfying.

I loved how the “ruination” unfolded—it was clever, and set the stage perfectly for the evolving relationship between the leads. The growth of their feelings was paced wonderfully, with just the right amount of tension and tenderness. The societal dynamics, especially the interactions with other women in the story, added depth and charm. I’m particularly excited to read Sadi’s story next—she’s already a standout!

If I had one small critique, it’s that the post-wedding scenes felt a tad slow at times. I found myself craving a bit more action to propel the story forward after the marriage. That said, the pacing of the emotional tribulations and shifting feelings was spot-on, keeping me invested throughout.

One fun suggestion: since the book ends with a newspaper announcement, it would’ve been hilarious to open with "the announcement", then flash back to unravel how it came to be. It could’ve added a playful framing device to the story! Still, this minor note doesn’t detract from my love for this book. Marry in Haste is a 5-star triumph!

P.s. the audiobook was posted on Nichols' YT page just yesterday. I devoured it!
5 reviews
November 12, 2025
It was very difficult to keep listening to this story. The Joanna character is such an annoying, simpering female with no self esteem whatsoever. Love the author but this is first of her stories that really didn’t catch my interest.
68 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2025
OOooooh my - this was a good one. I couldn't put it down (I like angsty romance)- and I totally got that heart-wrenching feeling for Joanna. Excellent. So you know where I'm coming from: I loved Flame&Ember, Honor&Redemption, Accidental Courtship. I don't love every MA Nichols, but I do love their style. And Marry in Haste goes right up there - like RIGHT UP there for heart-churning heroines. I love it when a heroine figures things out for herself and becomes stronger. You've read the blurb - they marry due to a prank gone wrong. But that prank is just a side bit because the real part is I was very pleased with this read (I bought it after reading it on KindleUnltd, knowing I'd want to reread it again - that says a lot) and looking forward to more from this author. MA Nichols has a unique voice.
Profile Image for Lida Marie.
172 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2025
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: Marry in Haste
Series: The Vaughns, Book 2
Author: M.A. Nichols
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

📝 My Thoughts:
Joanna Crosby isn’t the belle of the ball. She’s not a beauty, she babbles when she’s nervous, and she wears her heart on her sleeve, especially when it comes to Dr. Edward Vaughn. Everyone sees her “running” after him. He sees it too, and while he’s always kind, her very visible affection makes him uncomfortable.

Edward is a good man but emotionally cautious. He treats Joanna with surface-level warmth, but it’s clear her feelings aren’t returned. That is, until a prank in the society pages falsely announces their wedding. What starts as a social disaster spirals into a marriage of necessity, and everything changes.

Joanna, wounded and weary, slowly shifts. She stops trying so hard. Stops chasing. Starts prioritizing herself. And that is when Edward truly sees her, not as the awkward girl pining for him, but as a woman of remarkable loyalty, strength, and quiet courage.

This story is a slow waltz, not a whirlwind. The pacing can feel languid, but the emotional payoff is genuine. Watching Edward fall for a woman he once overlooked and Joanna grow into someone who no longer needs his affection to validate her makes for a touching and rewarding romance.

🔖 Favorite Quote:

“But more than that, I love your heart, which loves so purely that it gives and gives, even if it never receives anything in return.” — Edward

📌 Final Verdict:
Marry in Haste is not a story of instant attraction, but of gradual revelation. It’s for readers who love their romance soft, their heroines overlooked but strong, and their happily-ever-afters deeply earned. A quiet triumph for fans of self-respect and slow-burn redemption.

#BookReview #HistoricalRomance #SlowBurn #WallflowerToWife #MarryInHaste #JoannaAndEdward #EmotionalRomance #SelfWorth #CharacterDriven #MAMichols 💕📖🍂
Profile Image for Theresa.
1,591 reviews46 followers
October 7, 2025
I always love M.A. Nichols books so much more when there aren't horrible parents darkening every page.

Joanna had been in love with Edward for as long as she could remember. She had hoped she was subtle, but she was not.

Edward's " friends" decide to play a prank and put it in the paper that Edward and Joanna had been married. When he confronts them, they say it was only supposed to be an engagement announcement as if that would have been so much better. They figured nothing could possibly harm her because no one would want her, and they figured Edward would be embarrassed, and that would be that.

That indeed was not that. Edward, who felt like he could do nothing right in his parents' eyes, was not about to let her be ruined. So they marry for real.

The big problem is that Edward lies and says that he is in love with her. Of course, he thinks the truth will never come out, but it does. Joanna is so hurt and wants new rules so that he heart can't be hurt more.

Edward had gotten so used to their everyday bits of affection and was so lost without it. Also, like many an unloved girl, she becomes obstinate in her way of protecting herself. She doesn't lay anymore adoration at his feet, but she does lay honesty.

She tells him how amazing he is and not in an amorous way, but in a factual way. She takes on trying to save his sister Sadie from the same kinds of false friends she once endured. She basically takes on the Vaughn household and fixes all of the relationships

Also, during all of this, she is pregnant. Joanna and Edward might have their problems, but the book tells us many times that they get along very well behind the closed bedroom door. Absolutely no spice in any M A. Nicols books, but somehow, it almost seemed more so by just alluding to it.

I love how everything works out. I hope Joanna gets to be in Sadie's book. That is a friendship that needs more pages.
Profile Image for Tayo.
608 reviews24 followers
April 29, 2025
My reviews for Nichols are getting repetitive since I tend to rave about the same things such as the expert writing and characterisations which is all true here. So I'll skip all that and just talk about my favourite bits from this read.

- Joanna was immediately endearing. Despite her neurotic over-thinking behaviour, she never frustrated me as the reader, even as I saw how she caused legitimate frustrations to the people around her.
This direct quote is case in point of how Joanna comes across.
Something in her expression reminded him of a kicked puppy, eager to greet his master again yet hesitant that it might receive another punishment.

Joanna was just really easy to root for, as someone who wanted desperately to feel secure in someone's affections for the first time in her life.

- I found Edward to also be a really fascinating read. From the outset you see that he holds no romantic notions towards Joanna, and is acutely aware of how she feels about him. He's simultaneously flattered by the attention she awe she shows him, while also being put off by her overt interest.

As much as her hero worship unnerved hum in so many ways, there was incredible power in knowing he could make her so content with something so little.


It was really fascinating read Edward's introspections on why Joanna's need for him satisfied some deep need in himself and if that was from a place of good or not.

It was especially interesting in the context of their developing relationship. I could easily see the same introspections from someone who was actively falling in love instead of in Edward's case of like grudging acceptance when a prank forces the two to get married. I don't know how else to describe it except really interesting (and also very enjoyable).

- As is the case with my favourites from Nichols, this book was in no way predictable in execution. It was so enjoyable watching Edward and Joanna form a more genuine friendship, seeing Joanna come into herself more, have Edward open up about his own insecurities, and even Joanna set boundaries to protect her heart from further hurt.

One of my favourites for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bookwurm637.
598 reviews8 followers
October 31, 2025
I've been suffering from a terrible case of reader's Blah. You know the one, you start a book so excited and half way in you just run out of enthusiasm. Well I've done that with about 4 books so far.

I found the best cure for the BLAHS is the go back and read a tried and true author. and M.A. Nicole never fails .
This one features Johanna who suffers from social anxiety. She's truly a sweet person, but when she's feels under pressure she just rambles. She has a long time crush on Eddie/Edward who's a young doctor. Eddie likes her okay, but her obvious adoration and awkard behavior is off-putting. But he's kind enough to put up with her.

By some weird prank that's blown out of proportion, Eddie and Johanna are put in the situation to get married. Johanna is faced with the trap of having her dreams come true. But deep down she knows Edd doesn't love her. They leave her home to travel a distance to his family.

This is pretty much it. This is a quiet story, nothing dramatic happens. Johanna and Eddie have to grow into marriage and slowly fall in love. Johanna learns to stand on her own two feet. and trust herself that she's good enough. With the help of Sadie, Eddie's sister who also deals with adult bullies and needs a real friend. and the support of Eddie's family, Johanna finds true love.

The only drawback to the story is the relationship between Johanna and her father. They never made the connection that I'd hoped they would.
4,017 reviews21 followers
February 17, 2025

Joanna Crosby has been reared without affection. Thus, she tries to garner it from friends. However, she is so needy that people use her and make fun of her behind her back. Joanna veers between talking too much and talking normally. However, she must feel comfortable in a person's company to speak normally. Thus, she has a difficult time on social occasions.

Joanna has been in love with Dr. Edward Vaughn for a long time. He is always kind to her and asks her to dance whenever they meet. However, he's not interested in marriage. He wants to return to Thornsby and participate in his father's practice.

When some of Edward's friends pull a prank, the results are awful. Edward and Joanna are faced with social ruin or marriage. They choose marriage. Unfortunately, no one tells Joanna that the marriage is the result of a prank, and she thinks she is entering a love match marriage.

Ms. Nichols has the skill to resolve this complex conundrum. The story is beautifully told. Both characters grow through their marriage. Overall score = E.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,882 reviews40 followers
February 17, 2025
Sweet, period romance

Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read
Joanna and Edward married as the result of a joke by Edward’s foolish friends. Joanna had admired and yearned for his affections from afar, as he often graced her with a dance in society.
As Joanna navigates her new life, famiky and home with Edward, so many things happen causing her to doubt her marriage, even as she becomes more sure of herself in society with the company of good friends.
Lovely fall for Edward as he realizes Joanna’s goodness, kindness, caring, and her confidence in him as a physician and husband. Lovely story, strong supporting characters, and perfect portrayal of a newlywed couple who are figuring out their marriage, and how perfect it really is for each other.
Profile Image for Ridzi.
16 reviews
March 19, 2026

Yay:
- Have to admit, this is such a fresh take on forced marriage/marriage of convenience
- Loved the real moment of a wife observing her husband appreciate someone else, heartbreaking but also real
- FMC is practical and doesn't live behind rose tinted glasses, she's strong and makes the best of what she is given
- I loved how it took her time to believe she was loved, it's such great character work by the author to recognise this and put it in a story versus the typical confess > kiss > HEA trope

Nay
- To be honest very little, this is a pretty good read

Verdict
A well rounded character driven book that holds space in a crowded space and yet stands out. Make time for it if you're tired of typical forced marriage/marriage of convenience tropes
22 reviews
June 3, 2025
I found it really annoying that the story went from driving off from their wedding to 2 months later. It was like the story just stopped and started in a very disjointed way. He wasn't in love with his wife but they apparently had no problems in the very closed door bedroom, well the reader assumes because they don't even allude to any intimate relationship until much further in the book you find out that they've been having a great old time. As I was distracted trying to figure out if they were drawing closer physically, the emotional story picked up and it was good and ended well. just somewhat disconnected.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,552 reviews14 followers
Read
March 13, 2025
Contains: kisses and veiled mentions of intimacy

This book follows Eddie Vaughn who is the son of the MCs of the previous book. It can be stand alone. I found the MC’s reason to marry quickly quite interesting. Both MCs had struggles with self worth it was nice to see them work through those struggles and help each other through them as well. I wanted a reconciliation with Joanna’s dad but I guess not everything needs to be tied up nicely all the time.
Profile Image for Birty.
689 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2025
Sweet romance

Edward marries Joanna not out of love but obligation. Though Edward holds her heart. Joanna realizes that he does not love her. So how can she make the marriage work? Slowly, Joanna learns to love herself and build her confidence. And slowly, Edward falls in love with her. Wish there was more.
11 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2025
predictable but still very satisfying

Although the story is one that the reader knows will be a happily ever after kind of tale , moving back and forth between two characters who are both unsure and self critical is a good way to portray them and help make it possible for honesty to bring everything to a good ending
Profile Image for RD.
853 reviews18 followers
March 8, 2025
Such a tender romance! This story beautifully illustrates the universal need to feel loved. Though Edward’s and Joanna’s marriage is one of necessity, watching as they learn to open their wounded hearts is a powerful experience for the reader. M.A. Nichols has a talent for making her stories relatable, relevant, and full of emotion.
Profile Image for Mlsco41 Robison .
95 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2025
Heart wrenching and totally sweet

As always, I loved this book. Not many authors make me cry, I cried an ugly cry. Joanna was awkward and a joke to most who knew her. She loved the kind Edward, but he just felt pity for her. Then his friends decided to play a funny joke on him, but it wasn't funny to him. A lovely story about 2 insecure people. Loved it!
Profile Image for Ghada.
270 reviews20 followers
March 2, 2025
So disappointed!! It was good great but I noticed some errors on the story flow as if there some paragraphs missing and unconnected dialogues and reactions that made it difficult to enjoy the rest of the story =/
602 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2025
They didn’t see it coming…

It’s great to be back with the Vaughn family. Lovely story about personal growth for a young couple in an awkward marriage, as well as for other family members. Romantic and sweet. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Hannah Foster.
Author 10 books148 followers
November 7, 2025
Listened to the audio. Enjoyed this one. Though Joanna got a little on my nerves with her petty distrust after a while, but it was a sweet happily ever after by the end, so overall, a delightful story.
Profile Image for Janine Blackburn.
11 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2025
Lovely romance

Another good read from M. A . Nichols. It's a touching romance from a poor start and is the story of two people lacking confidence, finding their way together.
Profile Image for Kristi.
642 reviews12 followers
April 22, 2025
What happens when you HAVE to get married?
Another great book by Nichols
Profile Image for Sybil Mcguire.
680 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2025
3.5 - gave the last one this one's review (#3 is far better) h is a really damaged insecure partner
Profile Image for Jane Clarkson.
79 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2025
A REAL story of Love

I couldn't get enough of this book!
I cried, I laughed along with the characters in this tale of love. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Meg Sykes.
42 reviews
December 27, 2025
This was very well written, although the first 70% of the story was almost stressful to read because of the tension, and I didn't actually start enjoying it until the end of the book. In the end everything works out, but it's hard to see the in between at times.

I do like the two main characters; you see their difficult sides but you also see their goodness, what makes them unique as a person and how they relate to others. For that reason I think the characters were well done. My only mentionable complaint is I really did not prefer the term "leering" being used. It's a very derogatory term, and I think in this story it was frustrating to see this used with the MMC.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews