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Brotherhood of the Black Tartan #1
Suffering the Scot
***WHITNEY AWARD FINALIST 2019 FOR BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE*** 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?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2019
879 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
January 4, 2024
I listened to the first 25% on hoopla audio and enjoyed the female reader (yes, I think the male characters would have been better with a man's voice, but I still enjoyed her) 4*. I switched to reading KU the next 25% and found the repeated and I mean nails cutting into the heroine's palms to be repetitive. I got the point; Jane is holding herself in check to always be a lady 2*. The last half was a delight. Mystery, twists and character turns that I didn't see coming. Loved it 5*. Yes I am rating different parts of my enjoyment of the book.
March 18, 2024
Make him kind and constant but brawny and Scottish, with a kilt that swishes like no other
4.5 stars
This was a slow starter for me, it spent a lot of time setting the scene and building the characters and pushed against my preferences a bit because I don’t love when dialogue is written phonetically for characters with dialects. But because the Scottish part of this was very heavy and important for Andrew’s character, I went with it. I’ve been going with things a lot lately and it’s helping me enjoy books more 😂.
Lots of Scottish history and customs are covered in this and I have to admit, I skipped over a lot of that, it included full poems by Robert Burnes, so for me it got to be excessive. But most of this happened in the beginning before the story really got started. Some of it could definitely have been removed for brevity but some of it was interesting and needed for the hero’s prank.
This was a very slow burn and we really got to see these two go from adversaries, to friends to falling in love. It was clean with only kissing, but the chemistry and heat were there and it was extremely romantic. The hero was so great in this, so kind and strong and supportive. This is my favourite kind of hero right now; the man who doesn’t need the woman to do all the emotional labour for him. The constant one who falls first and declares himself first.
So if you go into this one be patient with the beginning, it’s working towards something really good.
4.5 stars
This was a slow starter for me, it spent a lot of time setting the scene and building the characters and pushed against my preferences a bit because I don’t love when dialogue is written phonetically for characters with dialects. But because the Scottish part of this was very heavy and important for Andrew’s character, I went with it. I’ve been going with things a lot lately and it’s helping me enjoy books more 😂.
Lots of Scottish history and customs are covered in this and I have to admit, I skipped over a lot of that, it included full poems by Robert Burnes, so for me it got to be excessive. But most of this happened in the beginning before the story really got started. Some of it could definitely have been removed for brevity but some of it was interesting and needed for the hero’s prank.
This was a very slow burn and we really got to see these two go from adversaries, to friends to falling in love. It was clean with only kissing, but the chemistry and heat were there and it was extremely romantic. The hero was so great in this, so kind and strong and supportive. This is my favourite kind of hero right now; the man who doesn’t need the woman to do all the emotional labour for him. The constant one who falls first and declares himself first.
So if you go into this one be patient with the beginning, it’s working towards something really good.
March 18, 2024
There was a lot to love in this book, @Mikaela thank you so much for recommending it! ❤️❤️❤️
If you like smart, big, handsome Scots with sense of humor, Andrew, the new Earl of Hadley is your man. Actually he’s my man so forget what I just said.
Andrew was a perfect cinnamon roll and Jane was sort-of-grumpy-but-not-really and they worked together amazingly well. Their relationship was based on a union of minds and common interests, which was refreshing and exactly what I needed. There was attraction, chemistry and kisses, but that’s all. Granny’s stamp of approval 👵
Another thing worth mentioning, there is a mystery and a very angsty third-act conflict that I actually enjoyed. It was a huge issue that I thought impossible to solve and yet, love conquers all! So my message to all authors, who annoyed me with stupid third-act breakups in the past; please read this book, if you want to write third-act conflicts, this is how it’s done!
All this goodness topped up with a cast of lovable supporting characters and villains who actually get their comeuppance in the end, ha! 😈
But let’s be honest, it’s the kilt swish that did it for me.
If you like smart, big, handsome Scots with sense of humor, Andrew, the new Earl of Hadley is your man. Actually he’s my man so forget what I just said.
Andrew was a perfect cinnamon roll and Jane was sort-of-grumpy-but-not-really and they worked together amazingly well. Their relationship was based on a union of minds and common interests, which was refreshing and exactly what I needed. There was attraction, chemistry and kisses, but that’s all. Granny’s stamp of approval 👵
Another thing worth mentioning, there is a mystery and a very angsty third-act conflict that I actually enjoyed. It was a huge issue that I thought impossible to solve and yet, love conquers all! So my message to all authors, who annoyed me with stupid third-act breakups in the past; please read this book, if you want to write third-act conflicts, this is how it’s done!
All this goodness topped up with a cast of lovable supporting characters and villains who actually get their comeuppance in the end, ha! 😈
But let’s be honest, it’s the kilt swish that did it for me.
November 3, 2023
Death by kilt swish.
This one had been topping that special TBR category of Books-I-Know-I’ll-Love-If-I-Would-Stop-the-Self-Sabotaging-Idiocy-and-Finally-Read-Them. Turns out it was bang on categorized, and I’m overjoyed to now transfer it to my Read-Loved-Obsessed-Will-I-Ever-Learn list, as I dance my happy little “Read an Actual Enemies to Lovers” inner-jig.
My fourth book so far by this author, and, among an overwhelming array of hyperbolically positive emotions, it’s made me pity any of us self-proclaimed Scots romance fans that walked this earth without having read her books. Like, what poor souls, unaware of the depth, the tension, the brogue, the angst, the utter charm and swoon-devastation we were denying ourselves. Even if you don’t need a hero with a brogue and to be transported to Braveheart Country (I don’t understand you, but ok) she just writes fabulous romance. Full stop.
And, speaking of poor souls, is one truly an Enemies to Lovers enthusiast if one has not read the potent, fundamental animosity between a snobbish English lady and a rustic Scot? We’re not talking “He scoffed during my conference room presentation two years ago” frail enmity here. This is centuries of mutual loathing that’s coming to a head as a Scot lands an English peerage, poised to topple sophisticated society with his “aye”s and cabers. The progression from such rooted, prejudiced dislike (mostly one-sided as our new Lord Hadley sees right through to her wild child soul from the start) was just masterful. I mean, the petty battle of wills with poking at each other antics, just knocking down that starchy facade with each fanning of the flames of her indignant rage to geeking out over coincidentally random shared interests and the “white flag” effect of being truly seen and then completely championed.
As it seemed our main conflict was his dogged intent on ruffling her, and I was having such good fun, I honestly thought we might be sailing right by from “Fine, guess you’re not so bad, plus I’m wildly attracted to you and just want to set free your beautiful, fierce spirit” to marital bliss. But with her reveals Ms. Van was like “Dear Sweet Child, have we met? Your third-act angstiety/torture is required as romance reader joy offering in exchange for my special brand of full-cast climax scenes and getting swoon-pummeled with resolution romantic gestures.” So dues were paid, and I was rewarded to the point of stopping that audiobook to gasp out an overcome “Oh my gorsshhh” because of the “As It Should Be” perfection of it all.
And about the audio, though I wished she could physically lower her voice an octave while portraying our smiling Viking Scot, this narrator did prim, outraged Lady Jane magnificiently. Not to mention the feast of brogues we got with the Brotherhood. I had so much fun with this audiobook which did wonders for my chores catch-up: house never been so clean, only mildly neglected children PLUS swoonage to high heavens and so many good chuckles. I kept thinking if Andrew could read Jane’s POV so infuriatedly describing him as “unnervingly virile” and “annoyingly competent” he’d be gloatingly guffawing for the rest of his days.
Not that he won’t anyway.
Of course now I have the can-this-be-topped series continuation jitters (because this is some deep-seated foolishness I function with), but this book is a flawless E2L, which is no casual praise from me.
Content notes: Kissing Only. Some language (a*s). Toxic family members. Mention of slave trade.
P.S. If you’ve made it this far and either love this book or love it once you do decide to have it in your life and read it, try A Suitable Arrangement by Martha Keyes (English lady, all the Scottish antics plus arranged marriage). You’re welcome.
This one had been topping that special TBR category of Books-I-Know-I’ll-Love-If-I-Would-Stop-the-Self-Sabotaging-Idiocy-and-Finally-Read-Them. Turns out it was bang on categorized, and I’m overjoyed to now transfer it to my Read-Loved-Obsessed-Will-I-Ever-Learn list, as I dance my happy little “Read an Actual Enemies to Lovers” inner-jig.
My fourth book so far by this author, and, among an overwhelming array of hyperbolically positive emotions, it’s made me pity any of us self-proclaimed Scots romance fans that walked this earth without having read her books. Like, what poor souls, unaware of the depth, the tension, the brogue, the angst, the utter charm and swoon-devastation we were denying ourselves. Even if you don’t need a hero with a brogue and to be transported to Braveheart Country (I don’t understand you, but ok) she just writes fabulous romance. Full stop.
And, speaking of poor souls, is one truly an Enemies to Lovers enthusiast if one has not read the potent, fundamental animosity between a snobbish English lady and a rustic Scot? We’re not talking “He scoffed during my conference room presentation two years ago” frail enmity here. This is centuries of mutual loathing that’s coming to a head as a Scot lands an English peerage, poised to topple sophisticated society with his “aye”s and cabers. The progression from such rooted, prejudiced dislike (mostly one-sided as our new Lord Hadley sees right through to her wild child soul from the start) was just masterful. I mean, the petty battle of wills with poking at each other antics, just knocking down that starchy facade with each fanning of the flames of her indignant rage to geeking out over coincidentally random shared interests and the “white flag” effect of being truly seen and then completely championed.
As it seemed our main conflict was his dogged intent on ruffling her, and I was having such good fun, I honestly thought we might be sailing right by from “Fine, guess you’re not so bad, plus I’m wildly attracted to you and just want to set free your beautiful, fierce spirit” to marital bliss. But with her reveals Ms. Van was like “Dear Sweet Child, have we met? Your third-act angstiety/torture is required as romance reader joy offering in exchange for my special brand of full-cast climax scenes and getting swoon-pummeled with resolution romantic gestures.” So dues were paid, and I was rewarded to the point of stopping that audiobook to gasp out an overcome “Oh my gorsshhh” because of the “As It Should Be” perfection of it all.
And about the audio, though I wished she could physically lower her voice an octave while portraying our smiling Viking Scot, this narrator did prim, outraged Lady Jane magnificiently. Not to mention the feast of brogues we got with the Brotherhood. I had so much fun with this audiobook which did wonders for my chores catch-up: house never been so clean, only mildly neglected children PLUS swoonage to high heavens and so many good chuckles. I kept thinking if Andrew could read Jane’s POV so infuriatedly describing him as “unnervingly virile” and “annoyingly competent” he’d be gloatingly guffawing for the rest of his days.
Not that he won’t anyway.
Of course now I have the can-this-be-topped series continuation jitters (because this is some deep-seated foolishness I function with), but this book is a flawless E2L, which is no casual praise from me.
Content notes: Kissing Only. Some language (a*s). Toxic family members. Mention of slave trade.
P.S. If you’ve made it this far and either love this book or love it once you do decide to have it in your life and read it, try A Suitable Arrangement by Martha Keyes (English lady, all the Scottish antics plus arranged marriage). You’re welcome.
April 15, 2024
4,5 stars.
Lovely, never boring historical romance.
I loved both MCs a lot. Jane and Andrew were perfect for each other.
Although Jane started their aquaintance with hostility, and Andrew presented himself as uncultered Scot, they slowly got to know each other. Andrew respected and cherished Jane from the start, and Jane followed slowly in her appreciation for his steady and reliable character.
It was beautiful to watch them fall in love. Andrew's focus on securing that Jane would be free to choose her future made him a wonderful MC.
I loved that the romance never took a second place to the brotherhood of the black tartan and the mistery.
I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book on the book's historical context.
Lovely, never boring historical romance.
I loved both MCs a lot. Jane and Andrew were perfect for each other.
Although Jane started their aquaintance with hostility, and Andrew presented himself as uncultered Scot, they slowly got to know each other. Andrew respected and cherished Jane from the start, and Jane followed slowly in her appreciation for his steady and reliable character.
It was beautiful to watch them fall in love. Andrew's focus on securing that Jane would be free to choose her future made him a wonderful MC.
I loved that the romance never took a second place to the brotherhood of the black tartan and the mistery.
I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book on the book's historical context.
February 2, 2020
All his life, Andrew has been groomed to be the Earl of Hadley. Whether or not his English family ever saw him as such, he never knew. But when his grandfather passed away and left everything to him, he knew he needed to step up and take his place as Earl. He knew the task would not be easy, but he was not one to shirk his responsibilities.
All her life, Jane has been viewed as a pawn. It’s like her sole purpose on the earth was for the betterment of her family’s station in life. She must bow down to their wishes. She must always be in control of her emotions. She cannot let wild Jane out for the world to see.
Jane and Andrew couldn’t be more different, yet they were completely perfect for each other. From the moment they set eyes on each other, sparks started flying and they both knew that their lives would forever be changed.
Andrew knew that he wanted this fiery, feisty woman in his life but that it would have to be on her terms. He did not want to force her to do his bidding. He wanted to be the one to set her free and let her live the life of her own choosing. Her happiness was all that mattered to him. And for the first time ever, someone saw the real Jane. The Jane that she kept hidden away. To receive encouragement to let the real Jane shine was just what she needed to blossom into the person she was meant to be.
But as life goes, things are thrown into their path that will test them, have them doubting what they should do, who they should be. They just need to find the strength to keep pushing forward and know that, in the end, things will be as they should be.
Oh my gosh! You guys! I absolutely adored this book! Once I started reading, I had an extremely hard time putting it down! I found myself getting irrationally angry when I had to stop reading and be an adult. I love a book that can give me all the feels and Suffering the Scot did just that! From laughing out loud (chamomile tea anyone?), to feeling angry on several occasions, getting teary eyed a time or two and letting out little dreamy sighs throughout the book. I loved every minute of reading! I struggled between wanting to hurry up and finish so I would know what happened and wanting to read slowly so I could savor every minute of Jane and Andrew.
I can already tell that this series is going to be AMAZING! I can't wait for the next book to be released!
Ms. Van has quickly climbed my favorite authors list. I have loved every book of hers I've ever read. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
And as for my casting, I am loving these two! What do you think?!
All her life, Jane has been viewed as a pawn. It’s like her sole purpose on the earth was for the betterment of her family’s station in life. She must bow down to their wishes. She must always be in control of her emotions. She cannot let wild Jane out for the world to see.
Jane and Andrew couldn’t be more different, yet they were completely perfect for each other. From the moment they set eyes on each other, sparks started flying and they both knew that their lives would forever be changed.
Andrew knew that he wanted this fiery, feisty woman in his life but that it would have to be on her terms. He did not want to force her to do his bidding. He wanted to be the one to set her free and let her live the life of her own choosing. Her happiness was all that mattered to him. And for the first time ever, someone saw the real Jane. The Jane that she kept hidden away. To receive encouragement to let the real Jane shine was just what she needed to blossom into the person she was meant to be.
But as life goes, things are thrown into their path that will test them, have them doubting what they should do, who they should be. They just need to find the strength to keep pushing forward and know that, in the end, things will be as they should be.
Oh my gosh! You guys! I absolutely adored this book! Once I started reading, I had an extremely hard time putting it down! I found myself getting irrationally angry when I had to stop reading and be an adult. I love a book that can give me all the feels and Suffering the Scot did just that! From laughing out loud (chamomile tea anyone?), to feeling angry on several occasions, getting teary eyed a time or two and letting out little dreamy sighs throughout the book. I loved every minute of reading! I struggled between wanting to hurry up and finish so I would know what happened and wanting to read slowly so I could savor every minute of Jane and Andrew.
I can already tell that this series is going to be AMAZING! I can't wait for the next book to be released!
Ms. Van has quickly climbed my favorite authors list. I have loved every book of hers I've ever read. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
And as for my casting, I am loving these two! What do you think?!
August 27, 2019
It's been a couple weeks since I read this one so my review is going to be just a couple thoughts...I'm giggling right now remembering reading this one and how much I loved it!
Lady Jane and Lord Hadley were fantastic! I loved delving into their respective worlds that happened to merge together and throw everyone a little helter skelter! There were so many funny moments that had me giggling. I was for sure that I was waking everyone in my household (especially because I was reading after everyone went to bed). My hubby just looked at me and shook his head. But I of course had to read a couple passages for him so he could understand my giggling fits and enjoyment of this book. He laughed too. *smirk*
The kilt swishing. The Robert Burns dinner. The log throwing. The fiery Jane. Oh heavens. There was so much more that I just loved and adored about this book. I think I need to go back and read it again! The good news is that it's another series! Can I get a woot woot?????!!!! If you can't tell I'm a fan of Nichole Van's. I even wrote her a review claiming I was her number one fan. *chuckles and shrugs* I can't help it. She just brightens my day with her fun writing style and humorous characters. And I can't be remise in mentioning the sweet romance. Yep! Huge fan!
Snag a copy and read it. Or pick another Nichole Van book (or series) and get lost in the fun worlds and characters that she creates! Oh, and that Scottish Brogue...oh my! I was hearing Scots in my head for days people! Days! (I may or may not-more likely may-love a good brogue-just saying-and yes, my Siri voice has an accent *blushes*) Please tell me you hear voices in your head too?!
Content: Clean. I don't remember anything specific that stood out to me except a couple mild swear words. Some kissing but nothing further.
Happy Reading!!!
Lady Jane and Lord Hadley were fantastic! I loved delving into their respective worlds that happened to merge together and throw everyone a little helter skelter! There were so many funny moments that had me giggling. I was for sure that I was waking everyone in my household (especially because I was reading after everyone went to bed). My hubby just looked at me and shook his head. But I of course had to read a couple passages for him so he could understand my giggling fits and enjoyment of this book. He laughed too. *smirk*
The kilt swishing. The Robert Burns dinner. The log throwing. The fiery Jane. Oh heavens. There was so much more that I just loved and adored about this book. I think I need to go back and read it again! The good news is that it's another series! Can I get a woot woot?????!!!! If you can't tell I'm a fan of Nichole Van's. I even wrote her a review claiming I was her number one fan. *chuckles and shrugs* I can't help it. She just brightens my day with her fun writing style and humorous characters. And I can't be remise in mentioning the sweet romance. Yep! Huge fan!
Snag a copy and read it. Or pick another Nichole Van book (or series) and get lost in the fun worlds and characters that she creates! Oh, and that Scottish Brogue...oh my! I was hearing Scots in my head for days people! Days! (I may or may not-more likely may-love a good brogue-just saying-and yes, my Siri voice has an accent *blushes*) Please tell me you hear voices in your head too?!
Content: Clean. I don't remember anything specific that stood out to me except a couple mild swear words. Some kissing but nothing further.
Happy Reading!!!
May 8, 2019
If a book can make me both laugh out loud and later shed a tear or two- it's automatically a 5 star read for me! This was such an enjoyable book to read. I loved how the characters and dynamics between them are complex. Jane especially had many layers that she had to break through as she is faced with the choice to be herself or live up to others' expectations. Andrew shows her that her true nature is not something to be squashed, but embraced. Their friendship develops naturally as they give each other a chance and discover their common ground. He and his friends took a great deal of pleasure in exposing his distant relatives to the full Scottish experience, and it was highly entertaining! The humor and romance is balanced by the darker thread that runs through the story- the tragic events of Andrew's past that ties him to his friends in a brotherhood, and the mystery of who was behind the disaster and why. So many great scenes and a romance that grows with a slow burn and then suddenly ignites with chemistry- highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
March 7, 2020
Although his father was basically disowned, Andrew Langston became the new Earl of Hadley upon the death of his grandfather. Despite how his English relatives view Scots, Andrew was well educated, taught from an early age how to be a true gentleman, and how to properly run an estate. Lady Jane Everard was basically raised by a nanny until her much older brother, the Duke of Montacute brought her to live with him and his wife so she could become a lady, and in doing so they stripped her of everything that made her Jane.
There was so much to love about this book--the way Jane and Andrew meet, the way Andrew and his friends showed off their Scottishness to the extreme, how Andrew feels about Jane, the chamomile tea, not to mention the kilt swishing. There were so many laugh out loud parts, sad parts, and swoony parts; I highlighted so many sections of this book.
I loved Andrew from the beginning. He was handsome, caring, and smart. He played into the his new relatives' bias against the Scots, and they were too busy looking down their noses at him to see/notice/realize that he had paid off the deceased Earl's debts, was helping the estate's tenant farmers, and was spending a lot of time with the estate's steward. I loved how he only wanted Jane to have the freedom to choose who and what she wanted--even if she didn't choose him. That's how much he loved her.
Jane is a great character, but one that hasn't been allowed to be herself in a very long time. Her family has basically brainwashed her that the only way she'll find a husband is to be a perfect lady all the time. Become a lady...no one will want you otherwise. How many times did she repeat that to herself? Andrew was perfect for her--he not only allowed her to be "wild self", but embraced that part of her. He not only saw her. He not only accepted her. But he also wanted to know more and more of her. He would accept her without judgment.
Besides Andrew taking ownership of his title and property in England, he and his friends are still trying to find Andrew's former partner, the man he holds responsible for the death of a friend. I loved the mystery part of the story. Once the man is found and Andrew speaks with him, he and his friends have more questions than when they started the search. I thought I knew who was behind it all, but I was so wrong.
I LOVED this story! This is my first book by Nichole Van but it certainly won't be my last, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all thoughts expressed are my own. Since reviewing this book I bought a copy for my personal library.
There was so much to love about this book--the way Jane and Andrew meet, the way Andrew and his friends showed off their Scottishness to the extreme, how Andrew feels about Jane, the chamomile tea, not to mention the kilt swishing. There were so many laugh out loud parts, sad parts, and swoony parts; I highlighted so many sections of this book.
I loved Andrew from the beginning. He was handsome, caring, and smart. He played into the his new relatives' bias against the Scots, and they were too busy looking down their noses at him to see/notice/realize that he had paid off the deceased Earl's debts, was helping the estate's tenant farmers, and was spending a lot of time with the estate's steward. I loved how he only wanted Jane to have the freedom to choose who and what she wanted--even if she didn't choose him. That's how much he loved her.
Jane is a great character, but one that hasn't been allowed to be herself in a very long time. Her family has basically brainwashed her that the only way she'll find a husband is to be a perfect lady all the time. Become a lady...no one will want you otherwise. How many times did she repeat that to herself? Andrew was perfect for her--he not only allowed her to be "wild self", but embraced that part of her. He not only saw her. He not only accepted her. But he also wanted to know more and more of her. He would accept her without judgment.
Besides Andrew taking ownership of his title and property in England, he and his friends are still trying to find Andrew's former partner, the man he holds responsible for the death of a friend. I loved the mystery part of the story. Once the man is found and Andrew speaks with him, he and his friends have more questions than when they started the search. I thought I knew who was behind it all, but I was so wrong.
I LOVED this story! This is my first book by Nichole Van but it certainly won't be my last, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all thoughts expressed are my own. Since reviewing this book I bought a copy for my personal library.
December 13, 2023
4 “Let it be you” stars⭐️
This was an awesome start to what I know will be an amazing series! I give this one 4.25 because it got continuously better the closer I got to the end.
“How did Andrew do this? How did he see through her barriers so easily? Once again, she felt that tug, that sense of homecoming—soul-to-soul. It was finding the other half of her and finally being able to breathe freely. Of finally, at last, being whole.”
Andrew and Jane were absolutely adorable. A love match made in heaven.
Plus Nichole writes so GOOD!!
This made me feel so much without any spice.
“As she had approached, Jane had noticed a distressingly bare strip of skin between the bottom of Hadley’s kilt and the top of his stockings. She could see his knees. His bare knees. His bare, hairy knees. It was simultaneously shockingly indecent and unnervingly virile and sent that same heat rocketing through her body— No! Again, she brutally squelched that skittering physical awareness, grinding it under her mental foot. You. Do. Not. Find. Him. (Or his knees.) Attractive! A woman was in dire straits indeed if she found a man’s kneecaps fetching. Jane ground her teeth. Curling her fingers into tight balls, she punched her fingernails into her palms, pressing hard.”
This was an awesome start to what I know will be an amazing series! I give this one 4.25 because it got continuously better the closer I got to the end.
“How did Andrew do this? How did he see through her barriers so easily? Once again, she felt that tug, that sense of homecoming—soul-to-soul. It was finding the other half of her and finally being able to breathe freely. Of finally, at last, being whole.”
Andrew and Jane were absolutely adorable. A love match made in heaven.
Plus Nichole writes so GOOD!!
This made me feel so much without any spice.
“As she had approached, Jane had noticed a distressingly bare strip of skin between the bottom of Hadley’s kilt and the top of his stockings. She could see his knees. His bare knees. His bare, hairy knees. It was simultaneously shockingly indecent and unnervingly virile and sent that same heat rocketing through her body— No! Again, she brutally squelched that skittering physical awareness, grinding it under her mental foot. You. Do. Not. Find. Him. (Or his knees.) Attractive! A woman was in dire straits indeed if she found a man’s kneecaps fetching. Jane ground her teeth. Curling her fingers into tight balls, she punched her fingernails into her palms, pressing hard.”
January 11, 2020
I really loved this, Scottish and English together and a bit of history. Wonderful fun men, which Van excels at! There love story was so great! I loved all the twists and turns at the end! Jaw dropping revel had me yelling Shut Up across my room. The whole book was written so well. Their first kiss was so great! I loved their whole romance, it was so sweet. These kinds of books just make life better. This is a book I can hand my teens to read after I am done.
April 29, 2019
I'm all over a meet-cute and this one was fabulously charming! Jane and Andrew are so opposite, and Jane is very quick to form rigid opinions of this strapping Scotsman. Andrew capitalizes on her assumptions and has a blast playing them up with his friend, Kieran, especially after he witnesses her fiery passion in that first encounter and is longing to see it again.
I found the Scottish language sprinkled throughout to really add to the story, once I got the hang of what words were supposed to mean and could almost hear the brogue wafting off the pages. The character voices make them life-like and enabled me to vividly picture each one of them--their mannerisms, their manners of speech, their facial expressions, and more. As with any good book, there were delightfully wicked characters that I hated, but they, too, were real.
I was also lured into the story with a slight mystery, which gradually unfolded in a surprising twist. Andrew is not only set to take over this English manor, but he is out for revenge and is in a secret quest to fulfill this vengeance. I loved the significance of the tartans and colors.
The romance was subtle, but the embers occasionally sparked to life, leaving me longing for more. This opposites-attract story completely hit the spot. I'm looking forward to more in this new series!
Content: mild language; mild violent descriptions; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I found the Scottish language sprinkled throughout to really add to the story, once I got the hang of what words were supposed to mean and could almost hear the brogue wafting off the pages. The character voices make them life-like and enabled me to vividly picture each one of them--their mannerisms, their manners of speech, their facial expressions, and more. As with any good book, there were delightfully wicked characters that I hated, but they, too, were real.
I was also lured into the story with a slight mystery, which gradually unfolded in a surprising twist. Andrew is not only set to take over this English manor, but he is out for revenge and is in a secret quest to fulfill this vengeance. I loved the significance of the tartans and colors.
The romance was subtle, but the embers occasionally sparked to life, leaving me longing for more. This opposites-attract story completely hit the spot. I'm looking forward to more in this new series!
Content: mild language; mild violent descriptions; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
February 20, 2021
Lovely
What a great start to a fun new regency series. Loved the characters, storyline, setting, everything about this book. I know this series will quickly find a place on my keeper-shelf.
Jane and Andrew have a great story, great chemistry and it was so great to watch their story unfold. It was also fun to get to meet the Brotherhood, to learn their story and the set up for a mystery that I am sure will span the entire series.
Brotherhood of the Black Tartan Series
What a great start to a fun new regency series. Loved the characters, storyline, setting, everything about this book. I know this series will quickly find a place on my keeper-shelf.
Jane and Andrew have a great story, great chemistry and it was so great to watch their story unfold. It was also fun to get to meet the Brotherhood, to learn their story and the set up for a mystery that I am sure will span the entire series.
Brotherhood of the Black Tartan Series
Read
January 22, 2023This is my first book by Nichole Van and overall it was a really fun and engaging read. It was well written and possessed a distinct style that was often humorous. I enjoyed the plot of this Regency as it was unique, and the characters were well-developed, particularly our hero and heroine. I loved the development of Andrew and Jane’s relationship, how he saw her true self hidden beneath her façade and encouraged her to uncover it. Their character growth and romance were really sweet.
Overall I enjoyed my time reading Suffering the Scot and think Nichole Van is a great writer. I’ll be checking out more of this author's work.
Overall I enjoyed my time reading Suffering the Scot and think Nichole Van is a great writer. I’ll be checking out more of this author's work.
June 19, 2023
Nichole Van draws wonderful characters with relatable emotional cores. I loved Jane and Andrew's story as well as their sense of humor. This book departed from the books I had read before where the drama centered on character issues. This one also had a villain, but the reveal was thought provoking and came as a surprise.
August 6, 2019
When I want to read and not put down a book it is a five-star rating for me. Dirty dishes can wait!
Andrew has just come into his inheritance. Now he has to deal with an unfriendly extended family and put some English Lord's in their place. The way he and his friends go about it is entertaining. They choose to give a show of the misconceptions of Scottish behavior. There were many moments that had me laughing.
While some parts of the book are lighthearted there is a very serious side to the characters. Andrew and his Scottish friends are determined to discover who is behind the death of their friend and sabotaging what should have been a scientific discovery voyage for them. His inheritance in England is fortuitous for them. It gives them a "home base" to investigate. I was shocked at the discovery of the perpetrator. Nichole Van does a very fantastic job at laying the groundwork for the big reveal. The way she handles the incident is exemplary.
This book is not only a book about revenge, but it is also a love story. Jane has been told to live her life as a lady should. Her family suppresses who she is and force her to be who they want her to be. Andrew sees her potential and encourages her to be her true self. In the process, love blooms.
This is a book that is well written and a delight to read.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Andrew has just come into his inheritance. Now he has to deal with an unfriendly extended family and put some English Lord's in their place. The way he and his friends go about it is entertaining. They choose to give a show of the misconceptions of Scottish behavior. There were many moments that had me laughing.
While some parts of the book are lighthearted there is a very serious side to the characters. Andrew and his Scottish friends are determined to discover who is behind the death of their friend and sabotaging what should have been a scientific discovery voyage for them. His inheritance in England is fortuitous for them. It gives them a "home base" to investigate. I was shocked at the discovery of the perpetrator. Nichole Van does a very fantastic job at laying the groundwork for the big reveal. The way she handles the incident is exemplary.
This book is not only a book about revenge, but it is also a love story. Jane has been told to live her life as a lady should. Her family suppresses who she is and force her to be who they want her to be. Andrew sees her potential and encourages her to be her true self. In the process, love blooms.
This is a book that is well written and a delight to read.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 18, 2019
Fantastic Characters!
I don't know why but this book was slow starting for me. I probably started it three times before sticking with it. I knew it was going to be good, I just needed to give it time and settle in. I was right. 😊 Nichole Van really knows how to build characters with layers of intent and personality. I couldn't help but root for them and love them. I was emotionally invested. I'm really hoping this brotherhood of men each has their own story coming!
I don't know why but this book was slow starting for me. I probably started it three times before sticking with it. I knew it was going to be good, I just needed to give it time and settle in. I was right. 😊 Nichole Van really knows how to build characters with layers of intent and personality. I couldn't help but root for them and love them. I was emotionally invested. I'm really hoping this brotherhood of men each has their own story coming!
March 21, 2024
4 stars. Enjoyed this a lot but there were parts that felt a little too drawn out for me - I think this book could have easily been shorter. However, I absolutely loved the ending and how everything was resolved.
Safe
Safe
January 18, 2025
Wow! I loved this book! The humor was great. I rarely find myself laughing while reading books, but I did several times in this one.
The characters were so fun and full of life and love. Jane and Andrew were true enemies to lovers and that tension was wonderful! Beyond the romance, this book had some intrigue and I loved all of it.
I can't wait to read more about the band of brothers tied together through experiences shared loss.
I did listen to the audiobook. The narrator did a fine job with the characters and their accents. She really brought the story to life for me. I really appreciate listening to a narrator read the Scottish rogue well.
One of my favorite books of the year!
I would like to add that I own the ebook and notice that there are discussion questions and an author's note that aren't included in the audiobook.
Loved this one just as much after the 3rd time through.
The characters were so fun and full of life and love. Jane and Andrew were true enemies to lovers and that tension was wonderful! Beyond the romance, this book had some intrigue and I loved all of it.
I can't wait to read more about the band of brothers tied together through experiences shared loss.
I did listen to the audiobook. The narrator did a fine job with the characters and their accents. She really brought the story to life for me. I really appreciate listening to a narrator read the Scottish rogue well.
One of my favorite books of the year!
I would like to add that I own the ebook and notice that there are discussion questions and an author's note that aren't included in the audiobook.
Loved this one just as much after the 3rd time through.
May 11, 2022
Suffering The Scot was a fun beginning to the Black Tartan series. Nichole introduces the characters for future books in a really captivating way that makes you excited to see where this series will go.
Andrew and Jane are fun and charismatic characters with chemistry that really have this slow burn romance that pulls at your heart strings. Van pulls out all the historical elements effortlessly due to her current Scottish roots.
Jane at first is quite a prickly character and harder to love due the way she was raised. Andrew is such a warm character with humor and antics to spare. This was a slow burn that moved with Andrew slowly prodding and pushing at Jane until she finally decides that she has had enough.
A wonderful start and I have a feeling this series can only get better.
Andrew and Jane are fun and charismatic characters with chemistry that really have this slow burn romance that pulls at your heart strings. Van pulls out all the historical elements effortlessly due to her current Scottish roots.
Jane at first is quite a prickly character and harder to love due the way she was raised. Andrew is such a warm character with humor and antics to spare. This was a slow burn that moved with Andrew slowly prodding and pushing at Jane until she finally decides that she has had enough.
A wonderful start and I have a feeling this series can only get better.
February 8, 2021
Highly recommend!
Such a fun regency romance. I loved the large, handsome, kind Scottish hero. And Lady Jane was easy to love and commiserate with. There were many funny parts, a bit of mystery, some emotional times and then of course a sweet romance.
Such a fun regency romance. I loved the large, handsome, kind Scottish hero. And Lady Jane was easy to love and commiserate with. There were many funny parts, a bit of mystery, some emotional times and then of course a sweet romance.
February 16, 2024
Enjoyable romance with a mystery and some intertwined relationships. I loved how Lady Hadley entirely misjudged Andrew, the new Earl of Hadley. Don’t even get me started on the swishing of kilts! A bit of fun and of course tragedy. Lady Jane with her fiery side subdued by the Prim Jane!
May 4, 2019
I breezed through this one. Great writing, engaging story, and super swoony characters. Andrew and Jane are really great together.
Can't wait for next one!
Can't wait for next one!
Want to read
March 14, 2023No longer free, but it's 99 cents. (But free for Kindle Unlimited)
I haven't read this, but I have read at least one other book by this author and liked it a lot.
I haven't read this, but I have read at least one other book by this author and liked it a lot.
June 18, 2023
Okay, I think I LOVE Scottish romances!!
This one was so heartfelt, and I loved the “he fell first” trope and the enemies to lovers. There were some great subplots too with mystery, political and social troubles, and great character growth throughout. This book was so enjoyable, and I really loved Andrew’s confident and kind character. Jane was hard for me to love at first, but I grew to love her too. There are some great themes of forgiveness and confidence too.
This one was so heartfelt, and I loved the “he fell first” trope and the enemies to lovers. There were some great subplots too with mystery, political and social troubles, and great character growth throughout. This book was so enjoyable, and I really loved Andrew’s confident and kind character. Jane was hard for me to love at first, but I grew to love her too. There are some great themes of forgiveness and confidence too.
March 10, 2024
Finally gave in to my FOMO and read a Van book! I definitely understand the hype now. This is such an engaging, entertaining story. The first half moved a bit slowly, but that second half delivers such a punch, I couldn’t stop reading. The historical details, the swoony romance, the mystery elements, I was here for all of it. Lucky me that I’ve collected the entire series!
July 4, 2019
The only other book by Van that I've read is "Seeing Miss Hearstone" and I really enjoyed that. This book obviously involves a Scottish man, who inherits an earldom in Sussex and his English relatives aren't happy he's there.
It was confusing trying to figure out the family, the new Earl's grandfather was married to Jane's mother? I've heard that there was a family tree but I had an ebook and it opened right up to the first page of the book. So if it was at the beginning I didn't see it.
I liked the enemies to lovers trope but I felt like this book was too long and the pacing too slow before anything came of it. It wasn't until 50% in that it really started to get interesting and it shouldn't take that long. I understand the author wanted to help readers understand the long running feelings between English and Scots and adding in some Scottish brogue and that's okay. I appreciate that but it was drawn out way too much at the beginning.
Once I finally got into the interesting bits about 70% onward, I couldn't put it down. This is going to be a series following the band of brothers. It'll be interesting to learn more about them and to get glimpses of Jane and Andrew. I think if Jane really loved Andrew, why would she have waited a month to go to him? And I don't know Scottish customs very well but wouldn't it be an insult to Andrew's Scottish family to be wearing a different tartan?
The book is quite repetitive, Jane says to herself that she needs to be a lady otherwise no one would want her. She says it at least 10 times, the reader doesn't need to keep being reminded of it. And it was starting to drive me crazy when the author kept writing "base self" "baser inner self", always base something. There are other words to describe it but repeatedly using it and so often in Jane's thought was too much. The reader was suffering, and all this was in the beginning which was too slow.
I received the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
It was confusing trying to figure out the family, the new Earl's grandfather was married to Jane's mother? I've heard that there was a family tree but I had an ebook and it opened right up to the first page of the book. So if it was at the beginning I didn't see it.
I liked the enemies to lovers trope but I felt like this book was too long and the pacing too slow before anything came of it. It wasn't until 50% in that it really started to get interesting and it shouldn't take that long. I understand the author wanted to help readers understand the long running feelings between English and Scots and adding in some Scottish brogue and that's okay. I appreciate that but it was drawn out way too much at the beginning.
Once I finally got into the interesting bits about 70% onward, I couldn't put it down. This is going to be a series following the band of brothers. It'll be interesting to learn more about them and to get glimpses of Jane and Andrew. I think if Jane really loved Andrew, why would she have waited a month to go to him? And I don't know Scottish customs very well but wouldn't it be an insult to Andrew's Scottish family to be wearing a different tartan?
The book is quite repetitive, Jane says to herself that she needs to be a lady otherwise no one would want her. She says it at least 10 times, the reader doesn't need to keep being reminded of it. And it was starting to drive me crazy when the author kept writing "base self" "baser inner self", always base something. There are other words to describe it but repeatedly using it and so often in Jane's thought was too much. The reader was suffering, and all this was in the beginning which was too slow.
I received the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
Romance, clean; Period; Series, but stand alone read
Andrew and Jane's story intermingled in family drama and machinations, along with crimes and subterfuge, was a lush, gorgeous read. Andrew was a great H, his intelligence, wit, and subtleties as a character were a pleasure to read. Jane's dilemma, with all the nuances of her life as others tried to control her, her finances, her family, was heartbreaking and so sad as she tried to have peace, hope, happiness and bit of fun and normalcy in an otherwise controlled and manipulated existence. She sought the comforts of the one person who loved her, and knew her for who she was.
This was really lovely read. So many times it is easy to guess the outcomes in a light novel. This wasn't the case. I was pleasantly surprised at some of the twists and turns this novel had. I have always enjoyed this author, but this cemented my firm following of her work. I can't wait to read the rest of the novels in this series. It deserves to be widely read. While I would still categorize this as light romance, the characters are well-drawn, the secondary characters supporting the story-line well, and the setting was rich. The end notes were a nice touch to the novel. Wanting to take a dive into Scottish history after this!
I received an ARC but this in no way influenced my opinions. I will say I am a fan of this author and their writing to be fair.
Andrew and Jane's story intermingled in family drama and machinations, along with crimes and subterfuge, was a lush, gorgeous read. Andrew was a great H, his intelligence, wit, and subtleties as a character were a pleasure to read. Jane's dilemma, with all the nuances of her life as others tried to control her, her finances, her family, was heartbreaking and so sad as she tried to have peace, hope, happiness and bit of fun and normalcy in an otherwise controlled and manipulated existence. She sought the comforts of the one person who loved her, and knew her for who she was.
This was really lovely read. So many times it is easy to guess the outcomes in a light novel. This wasn't the case. I was pleasantly surprised at some of the twists and turns this novel had. I have always enjoyed this author, but this cemented my firm following of her work. I can't wait to read the rest of the novels in this series. It deserves to be widely read. While I would still categorize this as light romance, the characters are well-drawn, the secondary characters supporting the story-line well, and the setting was rich. The end notes were a nice touch to the novel. Wanting to take a dive into Scottish history after this!
I received an ARC but this in no way influenced my opinions. I will say I am a fan of this author and their writing to be fair.
March 19, 2025
That was fun! I really like enemies-to-lovers trope.
Just as great second time around on audio
Just as great second time around on audio
May 29, 2021
Andrew deserved better.
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