A Tartan Love

The Earls of Cairnfell, Book 1

By: Nichole Van

Narrated by: Mhairi Morrison

Lady Isla Kinsey knows that the animosity between her family, the Dukedom of Grayburn, and their distant kinsmen, the Earldom of Northcairn, is the stuff of legends. Therefore, falling in love with a son of the enemy house would be apocalyptic. So when Captain Tavish Balfour, second son of the Earl of Northcairn, returns home after Waterloo, Lady Isla is determined to resist his allure. Granted, the not-falling-in-love part would be easier if Isla and Tavish weren't already married.

Captain Tavish Balfour has cashed out of his military commission and is ready to start a new life. But there is the pesky matter of his marriage. As teenagers, they tied the knot of their handfasting—an ill-advised decision he has regretted ever since. Thankfully, Scottish law allows for divorce.

Unfortunately for Tavish, Isla is as captivating and lovely as his memories recall. As for Isla, she fears Tavish will reawaken the unconventional woman she was becoming all those years ago.

Yet even if they were to fall in love again, what could come of it? The history of acrimony between their families still casts a long shadow, and the forces that shredded their love in the past have not changed.

©2025 Nichole Van Valkenburgh (P)2025 Tantor Media

Slow to begin

I liked how it was clean and wholesome. Religion was well incorporated and done smoothly. Can’t wait for the next ones

Closed Door Regency Era Romance

Another winner!

This is the first book in the Earls of Cairnfell series. It is a closed-door historical romance. You will likely want to read this series in order. So get a head start with this one!

Nichole Van is always a favorite author, and this book has been added to my favorites list of hers. There are very few books that I own in all formats. This is one of them.

I first read it when it in ebook when it was originally published. I then preordered a signed paperback and then audiobook. I was able to revisit Tavish and Isla via audio this past week while buddy listening with a great book friend. It was her first time, so I was happy to experience her joy along with her.

Family dynamics and Scottish countryside play a huge part in this story. Loved it!

My new favorite

There’s just something magical about childhood sweethearts reuniting, and this story delivered all the feels! Watching them find each other again had me hooked from start to finish. And her brother? Total villain energy right now! I’m so curious (and excited) to see how Nichole Van is going to transform him into a hero. Easy 10/10!

Super Cute

Really liked this one. Enjoyable characters, intriguing plot, and a cute ending. Narration was also enjoyable.

too long

The story is too long too slow. Could have edited chunks of this down. I don't like the main female character. Especially the second half of the book.
Their flashbacks to their childhood/ past were too many.. Too much back and forth. It irritates me when there's that much
I did enjoy the main male character though, wanting to see how it ended for him is the only thing that got me to finish the book.