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Kilted Hearts #2

Grump in a Kilt

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A grump who lost his family...

After a devastating loss, Malcolm Niall has spent the past twenty years hiding from the world. As manager of a Highland estate, he's built a life of purpose, caring for the land and animals. And for the past six months, his peace has been utterly destroyed by a sexy Southern whirlwind who's never met a stranger. Worse, they have to work together daily.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2023

131 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Kait Nolan

147 books1,368 followers
Kait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food. When she's not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,086 reviews209 followers
March 7, 2023
A seasoned romance set in beautiful Scotland, plus a kilt-wearing hero? Sign me up!

Malcom Niall is the estate manager of Lochmara, and there have been a few changes since the new owner took residence. The biggest change is the owner's second mom, Charlotte Vazquez, a Texas transplant.

Charlotte has lots of ideas to improve the estate and it's driving Malcom a bit batty. The fact that she's social are he's . . . not doesn’t help, and to add insult to injury, they're next-door neighbors. But when they make a surprising discovery, they're forced to work together to protect someone at risk.

I adore a grumpy hero, and Malcom has enough heartache and demons to warrant a mega dose of grumpiness. Underneath all those thunder clouds is a dinged and dented heart that still holds compassion and a desire to protect those he cares about. Charlotte is the sunny yang to his stormy yin, and they’re absolutely perfect together.

Sweet, humorous, and full of heart, this one took me on a delicious, delightful emotional ride. Get your sexy Scot on and start reading this phenomenal, evocative, heartfelt romance today!
Profile Image for Alyson Buxey.
615 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2023
an excellent grumpy sunshine

Malcolm and Charlotte are a delight and bring all the feels. It was lovely to revisit characters from earlier in the series and imagining Gavin with the lambs filled my heart with joy.
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
1,476 reviews37 followers
April 3, 2025
As much as I enjoyed this, I can only give it 3 stars. The story itself was quite lovely. I particularly enjoyed the introduction of Gavin. That said, this was supposed to be Charlotte and Malcolm’s story and it didn’t center around them at all. It was all about Gavin. Which I liked! But I felt like it was false advertising.

Another thing that bothered me, and part of this is my own fault, was how short this was. I should have checked the length before purchasing. But I loved Cowboy in a Kilt so much that I let my guard down. It was more of a novella at full novel price. And again, it’s not really about Charlotte and Malcolm. Gavin’s story eclipses theirs. There wasn’t any time for relationship development between the two supposed MCs.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,492 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2023
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Booksprout for giving my two cents. We met grumpy property manager Malcolm in the previous book and Charlotte...Raleigh's pseudo-mom since thr death of his mother. She's in Scotland to help Raleigh out bc he's family. Tasked with renovating the cottages on the estate, Charlotte and Malcolm need to work together even with his grumpiness. There is smtg soft underneath that rugged exterior that Charlotte sees. On Raleighs bday celebration, she noticed Malcolm sneak off with a forlorn look about him and goes to investigate. It's been 20 yrs since Malcolm lost his child and the only one who knows his sorrow is Afton and she's off finding herself. What he didn't expect is the Latina next door coming over with tequila to share in sorrows. But when waking up next to each other he snaps at her and it's back to Mr grump. Feeling guilty he buys Charlotte 3 little lambs. Then when renovations commence on the next cottage..they notice there is a squatter so they decide to set up cameras to catch the guy. While watching neither Charlotte or Malcolm expected a kiss to happen between them and catching the squatter...a young boy. Things are more complicated now and both agree to help the young lad. Will Malcolm be able to get out of his own head and will Charlotte be able to help the young lad from going back to an unstable environment? Good read!
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,525 reviews132 followers
March 10, 2023
I love reading books where the main characters are not in their mid to late 20s and have lived life and know what's out there. Malcolm and Charlotte both have a past that has shaped them. However, they have channeled that differently - Malcolm is a grump while Charlotte is sunshine and rainbows. Naturally they bump heads but watching them realize they have more in common than they thought and fall in love was wonderful!
643 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2023
What an enchanting story of broken souls creating the perfect family! As unconventional as it seems, Malcolm and Charlotte fight their way into each other’s lives and in doing so, give new life to a lost and abused young boy. You’ll enjoy the colorful language of the equally colorful characters. Great new Kait Nolan series. Can’t wait for more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mermer.
182 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2023
Oh my! I liked the first one but I loved this! 😭😭😭 crying right now omg it’s so good! 👏🏼5/5🌟 I ate this up! 💜
It was a grumpy sunshine just done so right! With found family and ugh! All the sweet and Scottish u can ever want! 😩😭👏🏼 I can’t tell ya enough so good!
Profile Image for Leslie.
271 reviews
March 31, 2025
MC’s are Malcolm & Charlotte. I absolutely love the dynamics of these two characters. Although there’s some ups and downs it is very worth reading. You can make a family whether you are related by blood or not. It’s the best thing to open your heart and minds and be free to feel whatever you feel. Whether through tragedy or trauma or other circumstances. I also love the renovation of the land throughout. Seeing bits and pieces of all the characters thus far. Great buddy read again. 💜💜💜
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,697 reviews
March 9, 2023
Grump in a Kilt by Kait Nolan, book two in her Kilted Hearts series, is a wonderful, heartwarming story with brogues, kilts and mended hearts; featuring an older couple, who find purpose and renewal in their lives. Charlotte Vazquez has been Raleigh’s second mom, traveling to Scotland to help him after he became the Baron of Lochmara. She is enjoying living her life in Scotland, except for dealing with grumpy estate manager, Malcolm Niall. After a devastating loss, Malcolm has spent the past twenty years hiding from the world. As manager of a Highland estate, he's built a life of purpose, caring for the land and animals. And for the past six months, his peace has been utterly destroyed by a sexy Southern whirlwind who's never met a stranger. Worse, they have to work together daily.

Charlotte and Malcolm are complete opposites; she’s sunshine: happy and a people pleaser while he’s all grump, preferring to be by himself. But looks are deceiving. Underneath her happiness she has pain and sadness, something Malcolm can relate to. While she drinks to remember, he drinks to forget his loss. Malcolm actually quite sweet and thoughtful under his layer of grumpiness; his apology gift to Charlotte is proof of that. Charlotte was exactly what he needed; she brought life back to him and him back to life. As different as these two were, they connected through their past grief, as well as while helping and protecting a teenage boy they found hiding on the estate. Gavin had been living under horrible conditions with an abusive father and finally ran away. When Gavin’s safety is threatened, almost sending Malcolm spiraling into his past demons, it was Charlotte who reminded him of not only his promise to Gavin, but of the man she sees. When it comes to helping Gavin, they become a seamless team; dropping the walls around their hearts, helping them move ahead in their relationship.

Ms. Nolan wrote a wonderful, intriguing, and heartwarming story that should not be missed. She provided a tale showcasing her characters as the wonderful people they were. Filled with magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and secondary characters deserving of their own story; the grumpy/ sunshine silver fox team of Malcolm and Charlotte were dynamic. They both understood from past experiences how important it is to help others. I highly recommend Cowboy in a Kilt to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,991 reviews27 followers
March 23, 2023
Full of passion, sweetness, healing and love

I loved Malcolm and Charlotte’s grump-sunshine, coworkers, enemies to lovers, middle aged romance. This story will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. Malcolm has worked an estate property in Scotland for decades but things are changing now that it’s owned by Raleigh, a cowboy from Texas. Raleigh came with Charlotte, who stepped in for his mother when she died. Charlotte is all sunshine, light and high energy which is the opposite of Malcolm who is surely, gruff and doesn’t talk much. When a drunken night brings unexpected closeness and an unexpected squatter gives them a common goal, their relationship blossoms to more. Experiencing Malcolm and Charlotte’s HEA journey included sweet moments, steamy scenes, chuckles, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, real life issues, big feels, and heart squeezing love. I especially enjoyed that Gavin was an integral part of the storyline rather than a flimsy prop. Plus there are cute sheep. I cannot wait to read more stories in this series.
Profile Image for E-Reader Addict.
1,331 reviews46 followers
April 15, 2023
Cute story but I felt like this one needed a bit more depth. Still, there’s nothing like a Kait Nolan story that gives you sweet, small-town vibes with a spoonful of spicy heat!
Profile Image for KatyaRath .
372 reviews24 followers
March 29, 2023
His loss has defined his life…
Malcolm Niall has spent decades reeling from a devastating loss, content in his isolation and his perpetual grumpiness keeping everyone at bay. Everyone but his new boss’s second Mother, a irrepressibly sunshine-y woman who likes to mother and care for everyone in her circle. And, since she and her son have moved to Scotland, to the estate Malcolm has run for years, that seems to include him.
Her loss gave her a new life…
Charlotte lost her best friend far too soon, but gained a son when she did. Her life has been about Raleigh ever since. And now that her boy has a home and has found love, she’s searching for a new purpose. Renovating Lochmara, Raleigh’s new estate, is her new project, and Malcolm doesn’t appreciate her hands-on efforts, which requires them to work together.
But when the pair finds teenage Gavin squatting, they immediately begin to work together to protect him. Because under all his hurt and grump, Malcolm is every bit as much a carer as Charlotte, though more of a protector than a nurturer.
My first read from Kait Nolan, Grump in a Kilt has me eager for more, not only from the Kilted Heart series, but from the rest of her backlist! Grump in a Kilt is a heartfelt, modern highland romance where the grumpy-sunshine exemplifies how differently loss can affect and define people, and how a shared purpose can bring even near enemies irrevocably together. Very much about found family, and starting again, this is a an absorbing read with high tension both from the powerful chemistry between Malcolm and Charlotte, as well as having to carefully navigate the difficult and possibly dangerous situation of protecting Gavin. Looking forward to going back for Raleigh and Kyla’s story in Cowboy in a Kilt, as well as the next in the series: Playboy in a Kilt coming this summer!
Profile Image for Lcr.
906 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2023
Grumpy in a Kilt is the fabulous second book in Kait Nolan's wonderful Kilted Hearts series. The books are connected and follow on from each other but each book is an individual story.

Malcolm Niall is a taciturn Estate Manager in the Sottish Highlands. Charlotte is bubbley, feisty and efficient. Their paths cross when Charlotte decided to stay at the estate to help renovate some disused crofts that had fallen into disrepair. Malcolm is convinced she is there to make his life miserable.

An unexpected situation brings them.closer as they have to work together instead of butting heads.

This is a delightful book with wonderful characters and it is packed full of unexpected moments. Malcom's apology gift is just one of them. This is a a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written book with heart.
Profile Image for Nathalie Lauwen.
23 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2023
This may be Kait’s best book. I’ll basically buy anything she publishes, but this absolutely blew me away. Heartwarming, I laughed and cried. And it had me looking up absolutely adorable pictures and videos of a certain kind of sheep. Can’t wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Marika.
4,862 reviews101 followers
March 20, 2023
I never had any interests in kilts, but let me tell you...boy, this book certainly paints a vivid image 😀
I really enjoyed this story. The way Malcolm and Charlotte put their differences aside for a very important reason, and the way they are with each other...
Charlotte, I def want to be her when I grow up..she is such a force!
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,189 reviews77 followers
March 7, 2023
Grump In A Kilt definitely describes Malcom! Him & Charlotte are complete opposites, he’s grumpy & prefers to be by himself, while Charlotte is happy & likes to please everyone. But looks are deceiving. Underneath her happiness she has pain & sadness, something Malcom can relate to. But while she drinks to remember, he drinks to forget his loss.
Charlotte is the woman who raised Raleigh after his mom dies when he was a child. So when he moved to Scotland (book 1), she followed.
I loved Charlotte, she was a sweet Texas woman, but had a true sassy Latina temper! And I loved when Malcolm was an a** to her she didn’t give him any satisfaction, she wasn’t afraid to tell him to man up.
Malcolm, while a grump, has reason & my heart really hurt for it. I couldn’t imagine his pain. Charlotte was exactly what he needed, she brought life back to him. Who doesn’t love a grumpy hero turned softy! As different as these 2 were, they were able to connect through their past grief, & while helping & protecting a young boy. And when someone threatens his safely, almost sending Malcolm spiraling into his past demons, it was Charlotte who reminded him of not only his promise, but she reminded him of the man she sees. I loved seeing how Charlotte & Gavin brought happiness to him, he so deserved it.
As much as I liked book 1, I really enjoyed this one more! This was a really great book, & I can’t wait for Connor and Sophie’s story. And I’m really really looking forward to Hamish! WTF?? That ending!!
921 reviews31 followers
March 9, 2023
Ms. Nolan’s books always draw you in like a warm, welcoming hug. Grump in a Kilt is no different. I was drawn in from the very beginning. The writing is top notch, and the characters are delightful. If you enjoy surprises, there’s one around every corner. I love how well the Scottish and Southern characters work so well together.

Two emotionally wounded people, Charlotte and Malcolm, slowly begin to like each other and wonder if there’s more to look forward to. When they find a mystery squatter in one of the estate’s crofter’s cottages, they’re drawn even closer. Then, things take a bad turn. Will they be able to overcome it and join together, or will it push them apart?

This is book two in the Kilted Hearts series. While reading the first book in the series would be helpful, this book works well as a standalone. If you want to read a book that will leave you feel good, with a smile on your face, this is the book for you.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,217 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2023
I am loving these Scotland books that Ms. Nolan has been writing. Malcolm was always grumpy in the last book, and I was excited to see this book was about him. You have to love Charlotte who raised Raleigh after her best friend and his mother died. She was in Scotland living on the property Raleigh owned. She may be small but she is a spitfire, but as loving as can be. The Charlotte and Malcom lived next door to each other on the property and could those two tell each other off. I loved that when they found Gavin who was a thirteen year old boy living in one of the abandoned homes on the property, they took him in. I think that was the best thing to ever happen to Malcolm. Between Gavin and Charlotte he started to be less grouchy where you could see a loving side once in awhile. Gavin was a sweetheart and Charlotte and Malcolm along with Charlotte's family were trying to find away that Gavin never had to go back to his abusive father. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily store a review.
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,200 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2023
Loved it!

What a wonderful story about second chances & the thing that make people change for the better. This book has a HEA!
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,267 reviews53 followers
March 11, 2023
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the series. I'm here for this grumpy/sunshine opposites attract romance. Charlotte and Malcom butt heads at every turn, but one young boy is going to unite this unlikely pair. We learn there is so much more to Malcom then the grumpy standoffish persona. There is a lot of depth and feelings hidden under the gruff exterior. This book made me so happy for Charlotte. Family means everything to her example of her stepping up for Raleigh. I just gobbled up this book. It was hard to put down. I'm so loving my visit in Scotland with this brood. The characters have a way of pulling me in. Gavin stole my heart and he is quite the little matchmaker. This book pulled the emotions out of me. The epilogue was so perfect for this couple, but also has me eagerly awaiting the next book. I love the little teases we got for what is to come
Profile Image for N.D. Jackson.
Author 18 books256 followers
March 11, 2023
Malcolm and Charlotte were as fun as I anticipated and way hotter! He suffered a devastating loss and (thinks) he has nothing more to give anyway, least of all someone as nurturing and lively as Charlotte Vasquez. She gave up a lot to raise her best friend’s son and doesn’t regret it for a second.
These two couldn’t be more different, at least on the surface. Malcolm is big and gruff and surly, the exact opposite of Charlotte who takes care of everyone, is full of sunshine and has a ready smile for everyone. Even him.
When they finally come together, it’s so much fun. So adorable to watch these two re-enter the land of the dating. When they unite for a good cause, we get to see more than the capable mothering woman and the grumpy estate manager. We see their layers and it just made me love this story even more.
500 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2023
Grump vs. Sunshine

Malcomb is the staid, aloof and anti-social property manager of a Scottish estate recently inherited by the next generation. However, that next generation includes a Texas rancher and his Texas Hispanic second Mom. Charlotte is optimistic, talented and cheerful. They seem to be opposites. But when it comes to family, loyalty and determination, they are well matched. This story presents a beautiful journey of two people finding each other and creating a new family of the heart.
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,647 reviews31 followers
March 5, 2023
Book two in this series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. Readers should know that the characters in the series overlap into the other books of the series. It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.
Malcolm and Charlotte are both mature characters, which I love. He is a hot and grumpy silver fox Scot and she is a lovely Latina Texan woman who doesn’t put up with Malcolm’s grump. They find they have some commonalities and begin to form a friendship. Events of the story bring them even closer together until love is the only option. That is not to say it is without difficulty. They have challenges to overcome along the way.
There is some heat and some shared emotions between them that I really loved. Charlotte is a wonderful character. I loved her determination and her acceptance of circumstances while still persevering toward the goal. I adored her massive ability to offer unconditional love to those around her. Malcolm learns to appreciate those things about Charlotte too. Malcolm has reasons why is is as grumpy as he is. I felt empathy for what he has endured and appreciate him for the man he has become.
This was a wonderful low angst read with a side of heat. Who doesn’t love a big and burly silver fox Scot? I definitely do.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,264 reviews46 followers
March 11, 2023
I really loved Malcolm and Charlotte's story. I hate to call them enemies but they just didn't get along, more in the line of he's a grump, and she isn't. I've been curious about them both so getting to dig in to what makes them tick was just what I needed! We know how great she is (if you've read the previous book in this series) and the heart that she has. It gets even larger as this story unfolds. Malcolm is a loner, standoffish and just overall doesn't get close to anyone. They have sparks for sure! There's some very touching moments, watching them grow together, and share their heart with an unexpected teen. I was pulled into their story, enjoying every moment. I'm loving this series and ready for more!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,563 reviews29 followers
March 10, 2023
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation Received from BookSprout 4.5 stars

Grump in a Kilt is book 2 in the Kilted Heart series by Kait Nolan and up next is the estate manager, Malcolm Niall and Charlotte Vasquez, pseudo mother to Raleigh Beaumont from book 1.

Malcolm and Charlotte are constantly clashing about everything with the renovation project even with the sparks flying between them. When they discover a runaway hiding in one of their renovation cabins they join forces to protect him.

What happens next is a story of loss, letting go of the past, emotional, some laughter, tears, protecting those who can’t protect themselves and more. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
45 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2023
I am really enjoying this new series set in Scotland. I read this in a day. I like that it was a “midlife” couple. Kait always throws one or two into here series. Malcolm has a lot of baggage and Charlotte has a huge heart and looking for her next chapter. Throughout cowboy in a kilt these two were always sparring over things. Everyone including themselves thought that they disliked each other. Forced to work together on the rehab cottages plus the runaway situation they come to a new perspective of each other. Love blooms and self doubt threatens their happy ever after. You don’t want to miss this turbulent love story. Can’t wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,600 reviews78 followers
March 11, 2023
4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has secrets, and heartbreak.

The below listed book(s) are also in this series:
Cowboy in a Kilt (Kilted Hearts #1)

This is Charlotte and Malcolm's story. These two are complete opposites. She is very social, and he is a complete grump. They are drawn to each other but determined to fight it. After all he has dealt with enough loss in his life he does not need to start feeling again. Can they work together, or will they push each other until they can’t push any further. Will they have a future, or will he fight it with everything he has?


I recommend this book.
3,078 reviews18 followers
March 7, 2023
Loving this Scottish Romance Series!!

I cannot recommend enough book #1 in this series as it truly sets the stage. This story focuses on the estate manager Malcolm, who keeps to himself while doing an excellent job.

Raleigh won the estate (the other person purposefully lost - see book #1) and married the neighbor to save both their estates. Fortunately it became a love match. Raleigh’s “second mom” is now living in Scotland with them - in a cottage on the grounds. She and Malcolm spar & argue in the renovation of the other cottages, until they find a common purpose; caring for the 13-year old Gavin they discovered, who has run away from an abusive home.

More “chosen family” goodness, the challenges presented, and fighting for what is right. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews

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