Review: A Heart Sufficient by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

Synopsis

Tristan Gilbert, the autocratic Duke of Kendall, has a clear plan for his future—destroy his father’s memory, obliterate his enemies, and become Prime Minister. Fortunately, he can accomplish all three goals by convincing Parliament to prosecute the Scottish Earl of Hadley. Once Hadley is vanquished, surely the Queen will recognize Kendall’s readiness for the role of Prime Minister.

But in order to succeed, Kendall must first conquer his own unnerving attraction to Hadley’s hoyden of a daughter—Lady Isolde Langston. No matter his efforts, Lady Isolde lingers in his blood, a sort of love-potion madness Kendall struggles to suppress.

Lady Isolde Langston knows impulsivity will be her downfall. Case in point, her heedless actions triggered the Duke of Kendall’s current vendetta against her father. Isolde needs to right the wrongs she caused and force the duke to surrender before Hadley ends up jailed. To do this, she decides to torment Kendall at every turn—at balls and musicales and even in his own library. The arrogant Sassenach will rue the day he crossed her.

But when an unfortunate accident fractures both their lives, Kendall and Isolde unexpectedly face a future neither of them wished. Adrift, they are forced to call a truce. As their romance deepens, can Kendall change his heart sufficiently and Isolde forgive past hurts in order to form a love all their own?

My Review

Oh my heart! Tristan is quite the villain in the previous book, but through his sister's eyes we see how his past changed him and the boy deep inside. In this book Allie continues her assault to break down his walls, and I love the twin sibling bond that is returning to their relationship. It is his fascination-obsession-weakness for Isolde however that is his ultimate downfall and subsequent redemption. They are both so full of passion, but his is repressed and restrained to guard against her antagonism. They are so good at getting under each other's skin! The author takes the enemies-to-lovers trope to new depths as their first impressions and later interactions rise and dip on a rollercoaster of humor and angst. The captivating experiences they share are transformative, and Tristan's surrender to emotion, repentance, forgiveness, love, acceptance, and reconciliation is powerful and brought tears to my eyes. An absolutely epic conclusion to the series! I would recommend reading the whole series in order for maximum understanding of each character's backstory, and every book earned five-stars from me- don't miss any of them!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series . . .

Review: One Kiss Alone by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Ethan Penn-Leith is the most renowned poet of his day—his likeness so widely recognized, he is regularly accosted by adoring admirers. Everyone wants something from him—his time, words, charm, torn bits of his kilt . . . Everyone, that is, but Lady Allegra Gilbert.

Twin sister to the authoritarian Duke of Kendall, Lady Allegra fights for freedom from her brother’s iron-gripped control. She has a plan for her future, after all, one that does not involve her ducal twin. Ethan Penn-Leith with his knee-melting smiles and boyish charm is merely a pretty distraction along the path to independence.

The problem? Ethan and Lady Allegra once shared a life-altering kiss on a rugged mountain road in Italy when she was disguised as someone else entirely. Ever the poet, Ethan turned their romantic kiss into a scandalous, best-selling poem. Now, all of London is clamoring to know the identity of the poet’s unnamed lady.

If she wishes her freedom, Lady Allegra needs to keep her secrets, well . . . secret. Ethan wants nothing more than to uncover all of Allegra’s truths.

In between outrunning legions of Ethan’s admirers, becoming stranded in a seaside village, and journeying by ducal decree to rural Scotland, Ethan and Allegra struggle to decide what they each truly want. Or perhaps, in the end, Fate will turn on one kiss alone?

My Review

All. The. Feels. There is so much going on in this book! We got to know Ethan a bit superficially in the previous book, from Malcom and Viola's perspective. So it was wonderful to peel back the layers and see what was beneath the charming poet who took a little too much inspiration from his brother. I just loved his optimism and humor! Even when frustrated, in danger, or feeling pinned down by others' expectations, he has a quality about him where he just keeps trying and seeking solutions. His first meeting with Allegra was memorable of course, but the surprise was discovering who she really is. What a life she's led! No wonder she feels trapped by her brother. I think the sense of losing his true self to become like their domineering late father is what she grieves most of all. Ethan and Allie's serendipitous reunion in London leads to deepening their relationship (such amazing chemistry!), but  so many obstacles are before them. The pace of the book is swift as they navigate society and familial pressures amidst danger and suspense, and I couldn't put the book down as I held out hope that they would be able to be fully open with each other and find their way to happiness together. I'm so excited that the next book will feature Allie's brother, the Duke of Kendall.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series . . .

Review: Adjacent But Only Just by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Viola Brodure, gentlewoman and celebrated authoress, faces a personal dilemma suited for a novel—everyone wishes for her to make a love match with Ethan Penn-Leith, the famous Highland Poet. And by everyone, she means everyone—her father, her adoring readers, the gossip columnists, and her patron, the overbearing Duke of Kendall. Why, even Queen Victoria herself has given a nod of approval to the match. After all, the popular novelist and the famous poet are the perfect heroine and hero for their own love story. A literary dynasty waiting to be born.

The problem, of course, is that Viola has never met Ethan, not in the flesh, at least. She has read about him and devoured his poetic writings, but does the man himself live up to his dashing reputation?

Malcolm Penn-Leith exists in twilight. He manages his farm, Thistle Muir, in the shadow of the Scottish Highlands. As the older brother of the renowned Ethan Penn-Leith, Malcolm tends to his prized cows while Ethan basks in the limelight. Harder still, Malcolm lives under a cloud of grief after the death of his wife five years ago.

But then Miss Viola Brodure arrives in Malcolm’s wee village, intent on meeting Ethan and beginning a courtship. Viola—petite, blond, shy, and English—is nothing like Malcolm’s late wife. And yet, Viola awakens a piece of his heart that he thought lost in the abyss of his grief.

For her part, Viola is surprised to find herself more attracted to the stoic Malcolm than the charming Ethan. So now what? She isn’t meant to fall in love with the man adjacent to Ethan Penn-Leith. That’s not the plot she had outlined. After all, Malcolm and Viola are not the match made in heaven that everyone wishes to see. As social pressures mount, can Malcolm and Viola overcome the weight of his past and the expectations of her future to forge a new path together?

Please note that the basic elements of this story first appeared in a novella entitled A Ring of Gold. This current novel is a greatly-expanded adaptation of that novella.

My Review

Oh my heart! I loved this story when I read it as a novella, and the author has enriched it so much in this full length novel. I'm so happy that she has expanded it to an entire series to include the stories of all the Penn-Leith siblings. In the first book of the series we see Malcolm's personality before it is altered by his intense grief. I loved that glimpse into his past, and in this book he is emerging from the darkness, changed, yet with the same foundation. It's no wonder Viola is drawn to his thoughtful and gentle maturity that contrasts with his brother Ethan's flighty gregariousness. She and Malcolm have a sweetly intense chemistry and I loved their special moments together as they acknowledge the bond and connection they feel. Viola faces pressure to conform to the expectations and standards of others, but the landscape of the highlands and Malcolm's quiet encouragement gives her the courage to grasp the freedom that she so desperately desires. I love the poetry woven into the story and the influence it has on the characters. I'm earnestly awaiting the next book in this enthralling series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the first book in the Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series . . .

Review: Love Practically by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As a young woman, Leah Penn-Leith fell hopelessly in love with Captain Fox Carnegie—the only irrational mark on her decidedly sensible life. Fox, unfortunately, did not return her regard.

Their story should have ended there. After all, Fox left for India. And Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.

But twenty years later, Fox appears on Leah’s doorstep—older, scarred, and world-weary—proposing a marriage of convenience between them. He needs a mother for his young ward, and Leah, with her capable good sense, comes highly recommended. What woman could say No to such a proposal? Not Leah. Fox has always wreaked havoc on her ability to think rationally.

But after their marriage, Leah confronts the chaotic reality of Fox’s life. His castle, ten miles up a rugged Highland glen, is shambolic. His ward, Madeline, is a precocious handful. Fox’s time in India is shrouded in rumor and mystery. Worst of all, Fox himself is distant and broken, his personality as altered as his scarred body.

Throughout it all, Leah is left with two questions: What happens to a woman after her most-cherished fantasy comes true? And can a marriage, begun in practicality, transform into something deeper? Something like . . . love.

My Review

I am thrilled for a new series from this author, and was immediately swept away with the setting and characters in Love Practically. Leah and her brothers are close, and I loved how protective they are of her when she decides to take the opportunity to marry Fox, even though it's a marriage of convenience on his part. I was feeling all the feels as Leah serves and sacrifices in her new roles as wife, mother, and homemaker. Each character came to life with mannerisms and personalities that were vibrant and unique- even the cat! Such a heartrending story of love that grows through hardship and healing. I especially enjoyed the poetry that inspired the title of the book and the way it shifted as Leah's brothers saw her change from a woman who loves to a woman who is loved. This is a story I plan to read again, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series by Nichole Van #CleanRomanceforXmas21 #Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series

By Nichole Van

Historical Romance

Paperback, E-book, & Audiobook

Apr 26, 2019 - Sept 8, 2021 by ‎ Fiorenza Publishing

 

From book 1, Suffering the Scot:

 

Lady Jane Everard cannot abide the new Earl of Hadley. The unmannered Scot is a menace to genteel ladies everywhere, what with his booming laugh and swishing kilt and endless supply of ‘ochs’ and ‘ayes.’ Jane wishes Lord Hadley would behave as an earl should and adhere to English rules of polite conduct. 

 

Andrew Langston, the new Earl of Hadley, knows that the English aristocracy think poorly of his lowly Scottish upbringing. This is hardly new. History is littered with the English assuming the worst about Scotland. By living up to their lowest expectations, he is simply fulfilling his civic duty as a Scotsman. 

 

Jane sees Andrew as an unmannered eejit. Andrew considers Jane to be a haughty English lady. But, as the saying goes, . . . opposites attract. 

 

And what if beneath his boisterous behavior and her chilly reserve, Andrew and Jane are not nearly as different as they suppose? Can Scotland and England reach a harmonious union at last?

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Book One is FREE and the other books are only 99 cents each!

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Excerpt

From Suffering the Scot, Brotherhood of the Black Tartan, book 1

Andrew spread his hands wide. “It’s a problem for all us Scottish men, tae be honest. Our cross tae bear.”

Lady Jane opened her mouth. Shut it. And then shook her head. “I am sure you are both quite delusional.”

“Nae, the lasses cannae help themselves,” Andrew said.

“Aye. A man strolls by in a kilt, and the lasses go all shoogly in the legs.” Kieran sagged in his chair, mimicking the motion of a lady swooning.

“That is simply ridiculous.” Lady Jane shook her head.

“’Tis the Lord’s own truth, Lady Jane.” Andrew pressed a hand over his heart.

“Aye,” Kieran chimed in. “They dinnae call a kilt the passion pleats for nothing.”

“Passion pleats?!” Peter hooted, slapping his knee.

“Dinnae mock a fine kilt, Peter. The kilt swish is no’ tae be underestimated.”

“The kilt swish?” Lady Jane’s tone dripped with scorn.

“It’s a well-known fact that the lasses appreciate watching a man’s passion pleats swish as he walks.”

“Particularly from the backside,” Kieran helpfully clarified.

“Aye, allow me to show ye.” Andrew stepped away from the table, walked to the door with extra swagger in his step, turned, and strode back to the table. His kilt swinging like a bell back and forth with every step.

He spread his hands wide. See what I mean.

She shook her head. I’m not convinced.

Andrew motioned to Kieran. He stood with a grin.

“Watch carefully,” Andrew said.

Side-by-side, he and Kieran walked to the door, shoulders back, head high. Andrew’s kilt bumped his knees as it swung. He could practically feel the intensity of Lady Jane’s eyes drilling him between the shoulder blades.

Turning around, Andrew held Lady Jane’s gaze as he walked back. She tried to maintain a demur posture, but Andrew knew she had been looking.

Rare was the woman who could resist a braw Scot in a kilt.

Lady Jane pressed her lips together, clearly not wishing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Andrew was having none of it.

He wanted Fiery Jane.

Folding his arms across his chest, he angled forward. “Now, I dinnae want to argue with ye, Lady Jane, but I have noticed ye eyeing the kilt swish a time or two. Not just tonight.”

“I have done no such thing, Lord Hadley.” Lady Jane’s brows drew down, while a hot flush crept up her neck, challenging her denial. “Precisely how much whisky have you imbibed this evening?”

“I willnae allow you tae change the subject, Lady Jane.”

“I am hardly changing the subject.” Lady Jane surged to her feet. “I am merely pointing out that you are wrong, my lord—”

“I’m no’ wrong.”

“—and furthermore, calling a kilt the passion pleats is the most absurd phrase—”

“Accurate. Ye mean the most accurate phrase.”

“I most certainly do not!” Lady Jane hurled the words at him.

As they spoke, Andrew found himself leaning toward her, fists pressed against the tabletop, his entire body angled. For her part, Lady Jane motioned widely, all pretense of decorum forgotten—gray eyes flashing, chest heaving, auburn curls framing her fine-boned face.

Fiery Jane, at last! Utterly freed and snapping with life.

She was magnificent.

It had taken nearly ten days of constant harassment, but Andrew had finally broken through her reserve.

He felt like crowing from the rooftops.

Right after he throttled her.

Excerpted from Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van, Copyright © 2021 by Nichole Van. Published by Fiorenza Publishing.

A Scot Reads an excerpt from Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van




A Scot Reads an Excerpt from Romancing the Rake by Nichole Van

 

About the Author

 

Nichole Van is a writer, photographer, designer and generally disorganized crazy person. Though originally from Utah, she currently lives on the coast of Scotland with three similarly crazy children and one sane, very patient husband who puts up with all of them. In her free time, she enjoys long walks along the Scottish lochs and braes. She does not, however, enjoy haggis.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub | Pinterest

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

December 7th: Launch

December 8th: Nancy Campbell Allen - The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart

December 9th: Rachael Anderson - Five Kisses

December 10th: Sarah M. Eden - The Merchant and the Rogue

December 11th: Arlem Hawks - Georgana's Secret

December 12th: Jess Heileman - The Nabob's Daughter 

December 13th: Krista Jensen - Miracle Creek Christmas

December 14th: Jen Geigle Johnson - A Christmas Kiss

December 15th: Josi S. Kilpack - Love and Lavender

December 16th: Carla Laureano - Discovered by Love series

December 17th: Sarah L. McConkie - Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough

December 18th: Carol Ross - His Hometown Yuletide Vow

December 19th: Nichole Van - Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series

December 20th: Anneka R. Walker - Brides and Brothers

December 21st: Camron Wright - Christmas by Accident

December 22nd: Julie Wright - A Captain for Caroline Gray

December 23rd: Grand Finale

 

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $75 (USD) Amazon E-Gift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 29, 2021

ENTER HERE

Review: Remembering Jamie by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

Synopsis

Miss Eilidh Fyffe always assumed her life would follow a predictable pattern—meet a charming man, fall in love, marry, and live happily ever after. But when an accident damages her memory, she is left with only questions. Has she already fallen in love and married? If only she could remember...

Master Kieran MacTavish has spent six years searching for his lost wife. But, turns out, finding Eilidh alive is only the beginning of the battle. She has no memory of him—no recollection of their courtship, love, or handfasting. Refusing to be discouraged, Kieran relishes the chance to make Eilidh fall for him all over again. Surely he can rekindle the flame of their love.

But the intervening years have changed them both. Eilidh is crippled by grief—the deaths of her father, her younger brother, Jamie, and others overwhelm her. And the more Kieran comes to know this new Eilidh, the more he is haunted by the woman she once was.

Throughout it all, one question looms large—
Is your love still your love if the person they once were no longer exists?

My Review

So emotional and heartbreaking! But after all that Kieran has been through, it's such a relief for him to have Jamie with him again, even under the circumstances. She seems to be in an impossible situation- married to someone she barely remembers from her youth, about to be engaged to a good but boring man, and haunted by a conniving captain out for revenge. It was interesting how her personality reverted back to how she was before the voyage, where her memory loss last allowed her to remember. The traumatic events she endured pushed her mental state into a post traumatic stress state, associating fear and danger with her memories, and her coping mechanism was to retreat to the safety of not feeling. Kieran is desperate for her to remember, not only for his sake, but for her own safety. They get to know each other all over again with how much has changed over the years. I loved the insights Kieran has into the differences and similarities between both sides of the same woman- Jamie and Eilidh. She feels like two different people, and it was fascinating to see how they merged to create a whole new personality as she stands up for herself, is introspective as to what she wants for her future, and resurfacing memories begin to influence her. Her fight against the powerful chemistry between her and Kieran really gave him a run for his money, and I loved how determined he was to rewin her heart. The subplot of the vengeful captain and the threat from the hearing adds tension and suspense, and finally brings closure to the overarching backstory that continued through each book in the series. I loved this journey with each member of the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series . . .

Review: Making the Marquess by Nichole Van

Book four in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lady Charlotte Whitaker is devoted to her family, particularly her sister’s son, Freddie. Her late father, the Marquess of Lockhead, died without a male heir. But on his deathbed, her father requested that Freddie inherit the title. Consequently, Lottie’s family has petitioned the Crown to recreate the title with Freddie as the new heir. Lottie wants nothing more than to honor her late father’s wishes. But she unwittingly reveals a wrinkle to this plan.

Dr. Alexander Whitaker is dedicated to his work as a physician in Edinburgh, Scotland. He dislikes surprises—disruptions to his daily schedule, interferences with his ability to care for his patients, and events that might alter his future. He particularly abhors things that threaten to do all three. So when a solicitor calls with news that Alex might be heir to an English marquisate, Alex wants nothing to do with the claim. But the law is the law, and a man cannot revoke his lineage, can he?

Alex does not want to be the new marquess.

Lottie is determined to honor her late father’s wishes.

Their goals should be simple enough to accomplish, right?

But when two kindred souls crash into one another, the resulting conflagration may have consequences neither can anticipate. And Lottie and Alex soon face a difficult truth—sometimes, life makes us choose between two loves, and in order to have one, we must forsake the other.

My Review

I loved the genuine friendship between Lottie and Alex! She is truly conflicted between loyalty to her immediate family and her integrity. She sees how thoughtful, considerate, and hard working Alex is, and knows he would act in the best interest of the estate and tenants, while her brother-in-law is disturbingly showing evidence of suspicious motivations. Alex has many things weighing on him, but his forced respite at the estate provides him with much needed rest and a new perspective that he struggles to accept. I really felt for both of them as they grow closer together while their circumstances seem determined to drive them apart. A wonderful addition to the series that reveals more secrets about the overarching mystery of the disappearance of Jamie and made me so excited for the next book! Read this 5 star series in order for maximum enjoyment!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Loving a Lady by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Ewan Campbell fought to free himself from his past. Quite literally. A former prizefighter, he now earns his living as an artist. But Ewan still fights more figurative opponents—dark memories that threaten to overwhelm him. Worse, when he is hired to assist a famous painter, Ewan finds himself falling for the man’s highborn niece, Lady Kildrum. Such feelings are pointless. Countesses do not fall in love with impoverished Highlanders, no matter what fairy tales say.

Violet Kerr, Lady Kildrum, struggles to make decisions. She is a countess in her own right, for heaven’s sake. Decision-making skills should flow through her blood. After all, her life’s path is clear—marry a nobleman, provide for her sisters, and see to the welfare of her tenants.

Though Violet has made one decision—

She must curb her attraction to Ewan Campbell, her uncle’s new art assistant. The lowly Highlander, no matter how alluring, is not a proper suitor for a countess. She definitely should not fantasize about the man.

Or, if she does, she should not allow such fantasies to lead to very real kissing. Because kissing could bring on the most difficult decision of all—

What happens if Violet chooses to fall in love with the one man she can never have?

My Review

I love how this series has a continuity plot that connects the books beyond the relationship of the group of men. It creates a mystery and sense of suspense while the main characters are also dealing with their immediate circumstances and obstacles. Ewan is full of contrasts which intrigue Violet, and I loved his depth of character that emerges through his art. Violet is in a unique position of power, however unprepared she feels for it. The way they develop a friendship and support each other through their personal struggles is lovely. Their attraction and chemistry is palpable, and brings a powerful tension to the story. This is a great addition to the series and I just can't wait for the next one!!!

 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the previous books in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series . . .