Love Practically

Written by Nichole Van

Narrated by Mhairi Morrison

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

Their story should have ended there-Fox left for India and Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.

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

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

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

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Nov 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781666153286

Nichole Van

Nichole Van is an international bestselling author of contemporary and historical romances, including the award-winning Seeing Miss Heartstone. Also a photographer and designer, she taught technical writing at Brigham Young University for ten years and has written more technical manuals than she can quickly count. Although originally from Utah, she currently lives with her family on the coast of Scotland, where she enjoys long walks along the lochs and braes. For more information, visit www.NicholeVan.com.

Reviews for Love Practically

[Berly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first book by Nichole Van. I'd seen so many different recommendations for her books on Instagram, that I decided I wanted to give her stories a try.

As is the case with most of the books I consume, I listened to the audiobook. Mhairi Morrison is a fabulous narrator and I need her to read every Scottish book there is to me! I do increase her speed slightly, but that probably isn't necessary.

Nichole Van is an accomplished author and writes an incredible story. I went into the book, as I often do, without knowing anything about it. This turned out to be a little bit heavier of a book than I usually prefer, but I still enjoyed it and will listen to the next book in the series immediately.

No spoilers but content warnings are mentioned next...


There is unexpected loss and excessive alcohol use that play into the story. While being a closed door/fade to black romance, martial intimacy is mentioned frequently. Some mild language is also used.

[loisdbrown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved everything about the book: the characters, the narrator, the plot, the dialogue, the intrigue. It all come together to form a delightful listening experience.