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Brotherhood of the Black Tartan #4
Making the Marquess
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.
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.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2021
175 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
March 25, 2024
5 Cousin Loving Stars!
Ok, they were distant cousins. Though that was still a bit gross 🤮 the story was so good. He fell first, he fell hard (even though he fell for his relative) and he was another constant, emotionally available hero. Ugh the villains were villaining, there was family drama, great buddy moments with the Brotherhood. But why did they have to be cousins? Couldn’t she have been a step-cousin? Ugh.
But if you pretend that his mother had a secret affair with a footman, this book is amazing.
Ok, they were distant cousins. Though that was still a bit gross 🤮 the story was so good. He fell first, he fell hard (even though he fell for his relative) and he was another constant, emotionally available hero. Ugh the villains were villaining, there was family drama, great buddy moments with the Brotherhood. But why did they have to be cousins? Couldn’t she have been a step-cousin? Ugh.
But if you pretend that his mother had a secret affair with a footman, this book is amazing.
March 6, 2024
It’s a great book but it also gave me the worst ick, so docking two stars for the incest. Did they really have to be cousins, Nichole?? 😩😩😩
December 30, 2023
Welcome to my TED talk “When the Characterization and Trope Stars Align”.
But first, this is the fourth book and not the time to let your bookish rebellious streak/chaos reader come out: start from book 1.
As avid happily-ever-after hoarders, trope chasing is often the name of the game. Unabashedly zeroing in on a story scenario or dynamic you enjoy and seeing authors bring it to life over and over in different ways is, not only a no-fail dopamine hit, but a profound way of finding tiny hopeful “As it should be”s in a often non-HEA world. I.E. if you love the caretaking forced proximity trope tearing down Regency societal strictures, here it is squeezed out for every romance reading enjoyment drop and elevated to the ultimate opening for a meeting of the minds/souls.
But, taking it even further on the giddyness scale is to see a hero with such complete, integral depiction placed in trope situations that his characterization just begs for.
And, as usual, Ms. Van knows well the unwritten rules: The tighter they’re wound, the more glorious the unravelling. I mean, you know a hero that points out alliteration and tells you to get on with the point in the same breath has it coming in the best way. He’s measured and no-nonsense, must be shown flustered and feelings-annoyed, having magnificient grump meltdowns (which unavoidably bring on your favorite and mine: grovel). He is always restlessly in motion, must be forced to stop and wrestle with the impotence/gain empathy. He is self-discipline personified and must be forced to bend and give in for the right reasons. He is cerebral and competent, must be knocked upside the head by a met-his-match heroine that surprises him at every turn, besides being so lovely it’s upsetting.
A bluestocking in disguise as a golden angel, I usually can’t overly commiserate with the plight of the too beautiful. But Lady Lotte does not woe-is-me mope about the poor souls that can’t see beyond her golden tresses or natural mouche, she has too many medical pamphlets to read and Wollstonecraft theses to discuss. She is a worthy foe for Dr. Dragon and his icy stare-downs, if only they weren’t so fundamentally compatible while so inextricably at odds. He’s the unexpected heir seemingly come to take away her beloved nephew’s birthright, but he also brings the heady effect of making one truly seen and heard. The variation on themes of loyalty, the struggle between duty and heart, honoring legacies, breaking generational cycles, and how achieving one’s most intrinsic goals can mean different roads was almost as good as the blazing tension/depths of understanding between these two brilliant INFPs.
Besides the heavenly alignment of tropes and characters you come to know down to their bones, and not to mention one of the most charmingly absurd meet cutes in recent memory, once again we have the Van specialty of progression to the tangliest web to ever third act drama. Is it not the epitome of Regency romance to have your heartstrings both tugged and thumping over ballroom cut directs? Peerage succession laws are just the icing on the geeking-out cake. I adored this from start to finish.
Coming up, she’s going to make me read a conflicting trope, my friends. The level of investment in this series would have me reading no matter what it was, just willing and defiant at the forthcoming angst-devastation.
Content notes: Kissing Only. Some biblical swearing. Brief mention of secondary infertility. Mention of unexpected family deaths. Mention of addiction. Mention of suicide and grief.
But first, this is the fourth book and not the time to let your bookish rebellious streak/chaos reader come out: start from book 1.
As avid happily-ever-after hoarders, trope chasing is often the name of the game. Unabashedly zeroing in on a story scenario or dynamic you enjoy and seeing authors bring it to life over and over in different ways is, not only a no-fail dopamine hit, but a profound way of finding tiny hopeful “As it should be”s in a often non-HEA world. I.E. if you love the caretaking forced proximity trope tearing down Regency societal strictures, here it is squeezed out for every romance reading enjoyment drop and elevated to the ultimate opening for a meeting of the minds/souls.
But, taking it even further on the giddyness scale is to see a hero with such complete, integral depiction placed in trope situations that his characterization just begs for.
And, as usual, Ms. Van knows well the unwritten rules: The tighter they’re wound, the more glorious the unravelling. I mean, you know a hero that points out alliteration and tells you to get on with the point in the same breath has it coming in the best way. He’s measured and no-nonsense, must be shown flustered and feelings-annoyed, having magnificient grump meltdowns (which unavoidably bring on your favorite and mine: grovel). He is always restlessly in motion, must be forced to stop and wrestle with the impotence/gain empathy. He is self-discipline personified and must be forced to bend and give in for the right reasons. He is cerebral and competent, must be knocked upside the head by a met-his-match heroine that surprises him at every turn, besides being so lovely it’s upsetting.
A bluestocking in disguise as a golden angel, I usually can’t overly commiserate with the plight of the too beautiful. But Lady Lotte does not woe-is-me mope about the poor souls that can’t see beyond her golden tresses or natural mouche, she has too many medical pamphlets to read and Wollstonecraft theses to discuss. She is a worthy foe for Dr. Dragon and his icy stare-downs, if only they weren’t so fundamentally compatible while so inextricably at odds. He’s the unexpected heir seemingly come to take away her beloved nephew’s birthright, but he also brings the heady effect of making one truly seen and heard. The variation on themes of loyalty, the struggle between duty and heart, honoring legacies, breaking generational cycles, and how achieving one’s most intrinsic goals can mean different roads was almost as good as the blazing tension/depths of understanding between these two brilliant INFPs.
Besides the heavenly alignment of tropes and characters you come to know down to their bones, and not to mention one of the most charmingly absurd meet cutes in recent memory, once again we have the Van specialty of progression to the tangliest web to ever third act drama. Is it not the epitome of Regency romance to have your heartstrings both tugged and thumping over ballroom cut directs? Peerage succession laws are just the icing on the geeking-out cake. I adored this from start to finish.
Coming up, she’s going to make me read a conflicting trope, my friends. The level of investment in this series would have me reading no matter what it was, just willing and defiant at the forthcoming angst-devastation.
Content notes: Kissing Only. Some biblical swearing. Brief mention of secondary infertility. Mention of unexpected family deaths. Mention of addiction. Mention of suicide and grief.
February 5, 2024
This is a delight. Had some of my favorite tropes and Alex and Lottie are my favorite pair. Intense AND extremely romantic, which is my jam. Dare I say love at first sight but NOT instalove??? many Emotions for this book and if I didn't have the next one queued up after that epilogue I would be in shambles
February 18, 2021
This might be my favorite so far:} Of course the set up you get for Kieren's story, that is next, might make that one my favorite but for now let's stick to all that I loved about this one! If you are just looking at this to read go back and start at the beginning. Each story is of a different man in this brotherhood and each story offers up puzzle pieces to the mystery of what happened to them all on a adventure they all went on that went all kinds of wrong.
This is the story of Alex:} Oh hard working, emotionally stuck Alex. I love how he is forced to rest and gain perspective. Lottie gets to help Alex and sparks fly! I loved their easy way with each other and I loved watching Lottie come out of her shell. I love when Characters grow and learn and these two got lots of it! The love story was wonderful:}
Yay! Van's books are just the best!!
This is the story of Alex:} Oh hard working, emotionally stuck Alex. I love how he is forced to rest and gain perspective. Lottie gets to help Alex and sparks fly! I loved their easy way with each other and I loved watching Lottie come out of her shell. I love when Characters grow and learn and these two got lots of it! The love story was wonderful:}
Yay! Van's books are just the best!!
May 9, 2025
I adore this series.
March 20, 2021
Frustrating!! Ugh!
I absolutely love NV’s books. And i have loved this series. There is literally not one book she has written that I have not enjoyed immensely(and she has fantastic covers!) But this book was maddening. And when you feel continually frustrated as you read, it’s hard to enjoy it or get lost in the story.
There are 2 major problems as I see it.
Lottie’s (and Grandmere’s) “bluestocking”/feminist nature is wonderful and refreshing. It is nice to see in a novel this quality in a 19th c. woman especially because she did not hate men or eschew marriage in general (as authors are tempted to do when they have strong female leads). Her and the grandmother’s fire and verve was wonderful.
BUT, IMO The author betrayed this nature time and time again by how Lottie behaved regarding her sister and Bro-in-law. She was a door mat, never stood up for herself or saw the contradictions of her beliefs, how she let others treat her and not making decisions of what was best for HER! I mean isn’t that what Wollstonecraft advocated for—women to be free to make their own choices and not be used by others for their own selfish gain!!. I just could not stand watching this play out over and over. I kept waiting for the this backbone that she exhibited in many other scenes, for Lottie to finally “get it” and put these horrid people in their place but...it never happened.
Second, a reader, at least THIS reader wants to feel that the “bad guys” get what’s coming to them. That there’s some level of justice dished out. I’m all for mercy as well, but I don’t like seeing the antagonists get away “Scot-free” (pun intended). So after all the stuff that that comes out, let’s just say that I was sooo disappointed and frustrated by how that was (not) resolved. Ugh!!
Also, it got reaaally old hearing how the H & h couldn’t be together cause of some unfathomable reason. It felt very manufactured and not legitimate. On the contrary, to me it made a TON of sense that they should be together.
And finally, please for the love of... get some new adjectives. I don’t want to to keep reading how so and so’s eyes were “snapping”!
I absolutely love NV’s books. And i have loved this series. There is literally not one book she has written that I have not enjoyed immensely(and she has fantastic covers!) But this book was maddening. And when you feel continually frustrated as you read, it’s hard to enjoy it or get lost in the story.
There are 2 major problems as I see it.
Lottie’s (and Grandmere’s) “bluestocking”/feminist nature is wonderful and refreshing. It is nice to see in a novel this quality in a 19th c. woman especially because she did not hate men or eschew marriage in general (as authors are tempted to do when they have strong female leads). Her and the grandmother’s fire and verve was wonderful.
BUT, IMO The author betrayed this nature time and time again by how Lottie behaved regarding her sister and Bro-in-law. She was a door mat, never stood up for herself or saw the contradictions of her beliefs, how she let others treat her and not making decisions of what was best for HER! I mean isn’t that what Wollstonecraft advocated for—women to be free to make their own choices and not be used by others for their own selfish gain!!. I just could not stand watching this play out over and over. I kept waiting for the this backbone that she exhibited in many other scenes, for Lottie to finally “get it” and put these horrid people in their place but...it never happened.
Second, a reader, at least THIS reader wants to feel that the “bad guys” get what’s coming to them. That there’s some level of justice dished out. I’m all for mercy as well, but I don’t like seeing the antagonists get away “Scot-free” (pun intended). So after all the stuff that that comes out, let’s just say that I was sooo disappointed and frustrated by how that was (not) resolved. Ugh!!
Also, it got reaaally old hearing how the H & h couldn’t be together cause of some unfathomable reason. It felt very manufactured and not legitimate. On the contrary, to me it made a TON of sense that they should be together.
And finally, please for the love of... get some new adjectives. I don’t want to to keep reading how so and so’s eyes were “snapping”!
February 26, 2021
Forbidden Love
I love the Brotherhood of the Tartan and I love the mystery that ties these men together. In this installment, the reader is treated to Alex's story. He is a Scottish doctor who finds himself inheriting a title and all that goes with it in England, which forces him to make some difficult decisions--to accept it or not.
The story starts out with an absolutely hilarious scene. I wasn't quite sure how to take it at first, but then it was revealed and actually I laughed out loud. From there, the plot progresses in a manner that represents Alex very well--meticulous and cautious--yet it kept me turning the pages to discover the secrets held within.
I loved to love some of the characters and loved to hate others. Charlotte was delightful and I was so mad at her sister for her antics in regards to Charlotte's future. Alex is a serious gentleman in every way and the way his life tangled and clashed with Charlotte's after an accident had me bracing for the impact of their attraction, especially since it was forbidden.
Van writes in a way that smacks me right upside the heart and compels me to give her stories my full love and attention. I loved the twist this book took and can't wait for yet another addition to this series.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild-moderate language (nothing intense, just more than a few); very mild violence (accident, talk of a shipwreck)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I love the Brotherhood of the Tartan and I love the mystery that ties these men together. In this installment, the reader is treated to Alex's story. He is a Scottish doctor who finds himself inheriting a title and all that goes with it in England, which forces him to make some difficult decisions--to accept it or not.
The story starts out with an absolutely hilarious scene. I wasn't quite sure how to take it at first, but then it was revealed and actually I laughed out loud. From there, the plot progresses in a manner that represents Alex very well--meticulous and cautious--yet it kept me turning the pages to discover the secrets held within.
I loved to love some of the characters and loved to hate others. Charlotte was delightful and I was so mad at her sister for her antics in regards to Charlotte's future. Alex is a serious gentleman in every way and the way his life tangled and clashed with Charlotte's after an accident had me bracing for the impact of their attraction, especially since it was forbidden.
Van writes in a way that smacks me right upside the heart and compels me to give her stories my full love and attention. I loved the twist this book took and can't wait for yet another addition to this series.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild-moderate language (nothing intense, just more than a few); very mild violence (accident, talk of a shipwreck)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
February 20, 2021
Review to come.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: Mild-moderate
Violence: None (Alex is in a riding accident)
Brotherhood of the Black Tartan Series
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: Mild-moderate
Violence: None (Alex is in a riding accident)
Brotherhood of the Black Tartan Series
June 18, 2021
Another lovely read by Van. It slowed down a bit in the middle, but the characters were fabulous and romance was sweet.
October 16, 2021
This might be my favorite of the series so far. The prologue has a hilarious scene of a lady giving birth far from home and to top it off they're on the side of the road!! This is how we're introduced to Dr. Alexander Whitaker. All Alex wants is to be a doctor in Scotland; his life is regulated by his schedule. Both of those things get upended when he receives news that he's the next Marquess of Lockhead. He doesn't want a title or the responsiblilty of running an estate, but once he's on the estate he questions if he can afford to turn it down.
I really loved Alex--he's got such a good heart. He cares about people which makes him a wonderful doctor and it would also make him a wonderful marquess. He would truly care about his tenants. This is one reason the decision to accept the marquisate is so difficult for him. I liked Lady Charlotte, but got frustrated with her when she kept putting her own happiness behind that of her sister's. Especially when her sister showed her selfish tendencies. She loved her family and didn't want to hurt them but at some point she needed to think about her own happiness.
I love that we're finding out more about Jaime's disappearance and the mysterious letters to the paper. So many surprises there! I can't wait to get Kieran's story next. I own this book but listened to the audiobook using Hoopla. I love the narrator, she's great with the accents.
I really loved Alex--he's got such a good heart. He cares about people which makes him a wonderful doctor and it would also make him a wonderful marquess. He would truly care about his tenants. This is one reason the decision to accept the marquisate is so difficult for him. I liked Lady Charlotte, but got frustrated with her when she kept putting her own happiness behind that of her sister's. Especially when her sister showed her selfish tendencies. She loved her family and didn't want to hurt them but at some point she needed to think about her own happiness.
I love that we're finding out more about Jaime's disappearance and the mysterious letters to the paper. So many surprises there! I can't wait to get Kieran's story next. I own this book but listened to the audiobook using Hoopla. I love the narrator, she's great with the accents.
May 16, 2021
Historical sweet romance at its finest!
Romance, sweet, period; series, but stand alone read
Gorgeous period romance that continues the Brotherhood of the black Tartan. Alex and Lottie's story was so sweetly drawn, and achingly lovely. While the secondary characters weren't as string for me as a reader, I loved Alex and Lottie's portrayal so much. More of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up. A perfect addition to this series, and loved the glimpse and hints at Listen and Jamie's story coming in the next novel. Can't wait to read.
Romance, sweet, period; series, but stand alone read
Gorgeous period romance that continues the Brotherhood of the black Tartan. Alex and Lottie's story was so sweetly drawn, and achingly lovely. While the secondary characters weren't as string for me as a reader, I loved Alex and Lottie's portrayal so much. More of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up. A perfect addition to this series, and loved the glimpse and hints at Listen and Jamie's story coming in the next novel. Can't wait to read.
January 9, 2022
This is my least favorite of the series. So many parts dragged for no reason that I found it to be rather boring. This was quite a shock because I usually love this author’s books.
The plot was a little similar to the first in the series (Suffering The Scott). Alex was the odd one out among the English gentry, trying hard to maintain his sanity despite their poorly hidden insults. While Lady Charlotte fought to be indifferent toward Alex to remain loyal to her family.
Both Alex and Charlotte were initially very pleasant toward each other which made it easier for them to slip into a close friendship. They were both logical thinkers and intellectuals. Lottie was bold and honest even when she didn’t want to be and this allowed for her to communicate well with Alex. I must admit, they had some really cute moments and I understood what motivated their actions.
What was really annoying though was that Charlotte was a strong female lead, who was basically a feminist and so intelligent, yet she couldn’t stand up to her family who treated her like a doormat and whose loyalty only lay in their own interests. Alex was willing to make so many sacrifices for Charlotte but she couldn’t stop blindly following her family even after seeing proof that they were selfish and using her.
Overall I enjoyed the plot and seeing the characters from previous books happily married and as charming as ever.
Content: Clean/Chaste, Kissing Only, Mild Language
The plot was a little similar to the first in the series (Suffering The Scott). Alex was the odd one out among the English gentry, trying hard to maintain his sanity despite their poorly hidden insults. While Lady Charlotte fought to be indifferent toward Alex to remain loyal to her family.
Both Alex and Charlotte were initially very pleasant toward each other which made it easier for them to slip into a close friendship. They were both logical thinkers and intellectuals. Lottie was bold and honest even when she didn’t want to be and this allowed for her to communicate well with Alex. I must admit, they had some really cute moments and I understood what motivated their actions.
What was really annoying though was that Charlotte was a strong female lead, who was basically a feminist and so intelligent, yet she couldn’t stand up to her family who treated her like a doormat and whose loyalty only lay in their own interests. Alex was willing to make so many sacrifices for Charlotte but she couldn’t stop blindly following her family even after seeing proof that they were selfish and using her.
Overall I enjoyed the plot and seeing the characters from previous books happily married and as charming as ever.
Content: Clean/Chaste, Kissing Only, Mild Language
March 5, 2021
I love this series and each book keeps getting better than the last!
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
May 20, 2022
Oh I loved this one! I can’t decide a favorite in this series, but this book is part of the contenders ;) I love the strong female leads that Nichole writes. I want my daughter to read about smart women, ones that search out more information instead of being content and I think Nichole does a great job writing these role models.
And let’s just say that chemistry is on point. Gosh I love her romance threads that are woven in. This book didn’t disappoint one bit, I loved the whole thing. Alex and Lottie are so sweet and I think everyone who reads their story will love them.
And let’s just say that chemistry is on point. Gosh I love her romance threads that are woven in. This book didn’t disappoint one bit, I loved the whole thing. Alex and Lottie are so sweet and I think everyone who reads their story will love them.
January 8, 2025
Cousin love?! Icky! Look, I can get on board with the historically accurate fact that cousins used to marry in frequent measure… but for them to blatantly call each other “Cousin Alex” and “Cousin Lottie…” Stop it right now. THEN Cousin Lottie had the nerve to compare Cousin Alex to her baby nephew, saying they were “cut of the same cloth” because they’re related!! Stop reminding me! “Lottie had not meant to kiss Cousin Alex.” Kiss. Ruined.
December 30, 2024
Once again, great narration of this audiobook, this time with English, Scottish, and French accents throughout. This story was one of learning to face your traumas, find healing, and accept that the future you may have planned for yourself—no matter how noble—may not be the best future for you and those around you. Beautiful story, once again!
August 21, 2021
Och! I dinnae think I can say more than this was a verra fun read! And no explicit sex scenes that make me say "och no!"
August 26, 2021
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Lady Charlotte Whitaker is devoted to her family, particularly her sister’s son, Freddie. Dr. Alexander Whitaker is dedicated to his work as a physician in Edinburgh, Scotland. When a solicitor calls with news that Alex might be heir to an English marquisate, Alex wants nothing to do with the claim.
Since Alex does not want to be the new marquess, and Lottie is determined to honor her late father’s wishes for Freddie to inherit, it seems Alex and Charlotte share a common goal. But he does his due diligence into the estate management with Lottie by his side, and the two fall in love. When Alex begins to see irregularities in how Freddie's father has been handling the estate as the interim caretaker. And people are suffering because of it, something Alex cannot sit back and let happen.
But 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 TAKE
Another delightful romance with all the feels! One of my favorite parts of a romance is when the couple is falling in love. Van does a delightful job of throwing these two together. Lottie already had a good (if hilarious) impression of Alex because he'd been the doctor called to help with Freddie's emergency delivery.
There were a few times I laughed out loud.
But the only way the two can be together is if they each give us something they love dearly, something they've both already refused to surrender in the past. The resolution is both heartbreaking and touching. I knew Lottie's grandmother would play a role in it somehow!
The mystery of what happened to Jamie moves along with part of the epilogue leading in to the next book. That one's totally going to rip my heart to shreds. I can already tell.
I listened to the audiobook again, and the narrator is growing on me.
Lady Charlotte Whitaker is devoted to her family, particularly her sister’s son, Freddie. Dr. Alexander Whitaker is dedicated to his work as a physician in Edinburgh, Scotland. When a solicitor calls with news that Alex might be heir to an English marquisate, Alex wants nothing to do with the claim.
Since Alex does not want to be the new marquess, and Lottie is determined to honor her late father’s wishes for Freddie to inherit, it seems Alex and Charlotte share a common goal. But he does his due diligence into the estate management with Lottie by his side, and the two fall in love. When Alex begins to see irregularities in how Freddie's father has been handling the estate as the interim caretaker. And people are suffering because of it, something Alex cannot sit back and let happen.
But 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 TAKE
Another delightful romance with all the feels! One of my favorite parts of a romance is when the couple is falling in love. Van does a delightful job of throwing these two together. Lottie already had a good (if hilarious) impression of Alex because he'd been the doctor called to help with Freddie's emergency delivery.
There were a few times I laughed out loud.
But the only way the two can be together is if they each give us something they love dearly, something they've both already refused to surrender in the past. The resolution is both heartbreaking and touching. I knew Lottie's grandmother would play a role in it somehow!
The mystery of what happened to Jamie moves along with part of the epilogue leading in to the next book. That one's totally going to rip my heart to shreds. I can already tell.
I listened to the audiobook again, and the narrator is growing on me.
September 4, 2022
MY HEART.
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I am utterly addicted to this series. I will finish reading all five books within a month and I can’t tell you the last time I did that. I CAN’T STOP. The writing is incredible and continually draws me in. I don’t even notice that the pages are moving by or that anything is around me. I am too involved in these characters lives and will mourn the loss at the final book.
Alex and Lottie were such a sight. I love snarky banter and this book had it in spades. But what built from that was genuine friendship that turned into a soul binding love. I will say, I struggled with the cousins aspect. I KNOW I KNOW, they’re super distant and all of that, but every time they used the moniker I cringed just a tiny bit. When I put that aside, this romance was utterly sweet.
Alex gave Lottie the chance to grow because she was stuck in one mindset about her life and her family. Thank heavens also for Grandmere who truly saved the day. I LOVED her perfectly placed moments that weren’t overbearing, but eye-opening. There’s a lot of deep conversations and meaning throughout about what it means to be loyal to your family, and also choosing someone to be your family. Made my heart flutter countless times. The endings always get me and the swoony kisses got me good.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Overall audience notes: childbirth, severe leg injury, mention (with method) of suicide (a loved one in the past), mentions of substance abuse
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I am utterly addicted to this series. I will finish reading all five books within a month and I can’t tell you the last time I did that. I CAN’T STOP. The writing is incredible and continually draws me in. I don’t even notice that the pages are moving by or that anything is around me. I am too involved in these characters lives and will mourn the loss at the final book.
Alex and Lottie were such a sight. I love snarky banter and this book had it in spades. But what built from that was genuine friendship that turned into a soul binding love. I will say, I struggled with the cousins aspect. I KNOW I KNOW, they’re super distant and all of that, but every time they used the moniker I cringed just a tiny bit. When I put that aside, this romance was utterly sweet.
Alex gave Lottie the chance to grow because she was stuck in one mindset about her life and her family. Thank heavens also for Grandmere who truly saved the day. I LOVED her perfectly placed moments that weren’t overbearing, but eye-opening. There’s a lot of deep conversations and meaning throughout about what it means to be loyal to your family, and also choosing someone to be your family. Made my heart flutter countless times. The endings always get me and the swoony kisses got me good.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Overall audience notes: childbirth, severe leg injury, mention (with method) of suicide (a loved one in the past), mentions of substance abuse
March 26, 2021
This story features Lady Charlotte and Dr. Alex Whitaker in a forbidden romance that will have your heart aching for them to be together. Alex learns that he is next in line for the marquess-ship of Charlotte’s father who has died. But her sister’s husband, a second son of a duke, has received management of the estate until the title can be sorted out. He wants it for his son, which would mean he keeps managing it as his son is only three years old. It’s a messy situation. The house of lords demands that Alex—who doesn’t want anything to do with the title—come look at his holdings before he makes a final decision. He wants nothing more than to wash his hands of the whole ugly business for the three days he must be there and then get back to Scotland and his medical practice. But…(there’s always a BUT in these kind of books—ha ha)…he is injured while out riding and laid up for a couple months at Fromme Abby where Charlotte lives. And the suspense and heart-tugging begins with a vengeance. I really loved this story. This author always grabs my heart tight in her books and doesn’t let go. It’s a roller coaster ride, but such a fulfilling one as the characters grow and learn to listen to their hearts. I highly recommend this if you want a great Regency read, with some Scottish charm weaved into it.
May 14, 2021
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.
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.
March 20, 2021
Dr. Alex Whitaker is content and busy with his thriving medical practice in Edinburgh, when he discovers that he is the only living male heir to inherit the title of the Marquess of Lockhead - something he wouldn't even dream of, let alone give up his life as a doctor for. But because of technicalities, he must jump through the hoops that the committee on privilege has for him, or he may actually end up a Marquess.
Lady Charlotte Whitaker is completely devoted to her family, and although she likes her distant cousin Alex, her wish is for the title to go to her young nephew. But as Alex and Lottie are thrown together, things may not be as simple as either of them suppose, and then when a growing attraction adds complications to their situation, it makes an impossible situation even more insurmountable.
Another fabulous addition to the Brotherhood of the Back Tartan series, and I loved Alex and Lottie's story. I loved their friendship, respect, and the way their relationship developed. Can't wait for the final book in the series!
Lady Charlotte Whitaker is completely devoted to her family, and although she likes her distant cousin Alex, her wish is for the title to go to her young nephew. But as Alex and Lottie are thrown together, things may not be as simple as either of them suppose, and then when a growing attraction adds complications to their situation, it makes an impossible situation even more insurmountable.
Another fabulous addition to the Brotherhood of the Back Tartan series, and I loved Alex and Lottie's story. I loved their friendship, respect, and the way their relationship developed. Can't wait for the final book in the series!
November 16, 2023
This is one of the best series of books that I have read in a long time. This is book 4 of 5 in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan. Each book's romance story is a standalone book, but there is a deeper thread that runs through the series involving the Brotherhood that makes it best to read them in order.
We have Dr. Alex's turn at romance now. Up until this point, we haven't seen a whole lot of the the good doctor. I'm so glad to have learned about him and seen him and Lottie work through the issues that confronted them.
The first 2 books had more humor and banter than the next two, but this one had a scene that may have been the funniest one I've ever read in a book. I laughed out loud and kept laughing. It was great!
Once again I am blown away by how talented the audiobook narrator is. This one had French accents along with the English and Scottish ones. She nailed them. And did even more characters! She is wonderful!
We have Dr. Alex's turn at romance now. Up until this point, we haven't seen a whole lot of the the good doctor. I'm so glad to have learned about him and seen him and Lottie work through the issues that confronted them.
The first 2 books had more humor and banter than the next two, but this one had a scene that may have been the funniest one I've ever read in a book. I laughed out loud and kept laughing. It was great!
Once again I am blown away by how talented the audiobook narrator is. This one had French accents along with the English and Scottish ones. She nailed them. And did even more characters! She is wonderful!
March 22, 2021
I'm always on the edge of my seat waiting for a new Nichole Van novel and this one did not disappoint! I loved how Lottie and Alex's story was one of friends to lovers. Their relationship just starting as a friendship in and of itself was so sweet. And both of them had their own weaknesses and strengths that balanced each other out. They saw each other truly for who the other person was and ended up falling in love with that person. Of course there was definitely a bit of drama, and that was also a great addition to the story! Overall, I wouldn't change a thing about this book, I just loved it!
January 6, 2024
This book was not my favorite of the series. I generally don't like the double POV of the main characters. This book reminded me of that. I was dreading Lottie's, she wasn't my favorite to end up with any of the brotherhood.
Also, can all emotions stop tasting acidic?? Panic & despair are opposites to me, one up & one down. Why would they be described and "tasting" the same? Find another descriptor.
I enjoyed the brotherhood coming together for small glimpses, and sneaking a peek at the growth of those relationships & families. Of course I am eager to read the last book and find out what is going to happen to Kieran.
Also, can all emotions stop tasting acidic?? Panic & despair are opposites to me, one up & one down. Why would they be described and "tasting" the same? Find another descriptor.
I enjoyed the brotherhood coming together for small glimpses, and sneaking a peek at the growth of those relationships & families. Of course I am eager to read the last book and find out what is going to happen to Kieran.
July 2, 2022
Oh, my heart! This has a fantastic romance that tentatively begins with friendship and absolutely BLOSSOMS. And, because of family + rules of inheritance, etc, it's a bit of an impossible situation (not quite forbidden), so that makes it poignant in the best way.
I love how Alex sees Lottie as his equal and falls for her intelligence most of all. And, in return, how Lottie balances and slows his constant energy (that's really a wall he hides behind!).
The ongoing "Brotherhood" story takes some interesting turns and sets us all up for the finale in the last novel. And, I ADORE the brief glimpses of Lord Hadley as a dad.
I love how Alex sees Lottie as his equal and falls for her intelligence most of all. And, in return, how Lottie balances and slows his constant energy (that's really a wall he hides behind!).
The ongoing "Brotherhood" story takes some interesting turns and sets us all up for the finale in the last novel. And, I ADORE the brief glimpses of Lord Hadley as a dad.
January 11, 2026
Another loved book from Nicole Van! Her Scottish Historical Romances can’t be beat.
Despite the couple in this book being distant cousins, I did enjoy this story so much! I found myself incredibly frustrated with the one sided loyalty from Lottie’s family and was pleasantly satisfied with how things concluded for Lottie and Alex in the end.
There has been so much build up to the final book and I do hope I love it as much as I’ve loved the others.
My favorite quote from this book:
“Happiness will only come from within.” -Lottie
Despite the couple in this book being distant cousins, I did enjoy this story so much! I found myself incredibly frustrated with the one sided loyalty from Lottie’s family and was pleasantly satisfied with how things concluded for Lottie and Alex in the end.
There has been so much build up to the final book and I do hope I love it as much as I’ve loved the others.
My favorite quote from this book:
“Happiness will only come from within.” -Lottie
March 9, 2021
Alex, the driven physician who has absolutely no interest in becoming a Peer, and Lady Charlotte, who must not fall in love with the man who could usurp her beloved nephew's inheritance. They both have a good deal to learn about themselves, about love, and loyalty, and family... oh, their story was wonderful!
(And the epilogue... that's sure to light a fire under Kieran! I'm very much looking forward to the next book.)
(And the epilogue... that's sure to light a fire under Kieran! I'm very much looking forward to the next book.)
March 6, 2024
Margaret wins the “Worst Sister of the Year” award. The only thing that made me cringe more than Margaret was the constant use of “Cousin Alex/Lottie” I know they’re distantly related but still… Ew.
That aside I really did love Alex and Lottie’s banter and how they both sacrificed things they loved to be able to love and be with one another. I love Lottie’s loyal heart and how she learned that loyalty and trust goes both ways, it’s not just one sided. I think that is something we can all learn in life and grow from.
That aside I really did love Alex and Lottie’s banter and how they both sacrificed things they loved to be able to love and be with one another. I love Lottie’s loyal heart and how she learned that loyalty and trust goes both ways, it’s not just one sided. I think that is something we can all learn in life and grow from.
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