A man without a past… Abandoned at a monastery as a young child, Alexander serves two masters—God and the fading memories of his past life—the one he never got to live. As he nears the day to take his vows, he’s sent on a last sojourn into the real world, but what begins as a test of faith becomes a journey to manhood. And a woman who doesn’t know her own heart… Born from the line of two kings, … from the line of two kings, Lady Sibylla Mac William is abandoned by her sire as a child and then ruled illegitimate. Though she lives a happy life under her uncle’s protection, Sibylla craves something more, but never could she imagine losing her heart to the would-be monk who unexpectedly arrives to tutor her brother.
Together, they will forge the future of a kingdom…
When dark secrets from the past come to light, Alex and Sibylla’s fates become inextricably entwined. Will Alex choose the safe and secure path he knows, or will he reject holy orders to embrace his true destiny… and the woman he loves?
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“Ye could be queen of this entire kingdom.”
“What good is a kingdom if I lose my heart and soul in the bargain? I love ye, Alexander MacMalcolm. There will ne’er be any other for me.”
Alexander was whisked away in the dead of night when he was a small child to live his days hidden in a monastery. Unbeknownst to him, his lineage is one linked to a powerful family, but one that could cost him his life if his true identity is discovered.
Lady Sibylla lost her heart the day she looked upon the young monk, Alexander. It’s as if their love was meant to be. But when her family is in danger, she risks all to rescue her uncle from the wrath of the King, and it’s up to Alexander to save her.
Virtue is the first in the Sons of Scotland series, and is a well written historical fiction romance…WITH A CLIFFHANGER!!! This reader was speeding along enjoying this epic tale full of intrigue, suspense, romance and a CLIFFHANGER! I’m amazed my Kindle is still in one piece.
Recommend this story, but if you are NOT a fan of cliffhangers, you have been warned.
This book is the first in a series of a story of seven Scottish brothers from an ancient time whose descendants are now in conflict over leadership of Scotland. In this first book, Alexander has been raised as an orphan in a monastery and he is a year from taking his religious vows. He is sent to a castle to act as a tutor to a future clan leader and while the trip to the castle gives Alex keys to his actual identity, he also meets said leader’s sister, Sibylla. The two become embroiled in a perilous situation and must engage in subterfuge while risking their lives to save themselves and others. They also have an attraction between them that might keep Alexander from those final vows….
The plot is enthralling, the characters are interesting, and this book was a thoroughly engaging read from start to finish! I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance novels who enjoy the history as much as the love story. I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens with this group of people and their future.
I read this as an arc which affected my review in no way at all.
Alexander is quite comfortable with his life in the monastery surrounded by books. However before he takes his vows he is sent to be a tutor. There is a reason he has been sent to that particular place that he will soon discover. His ancestry and that of the people he is working for will cause them all a great deal of problems.
Lady Sibylla and her brother have the blood of two kings running through them, but because they have been declared illegitimate their claim to the throne of Scotland can never be.
Her brother carries a grudge about it that could see them all in great danger.
Set in a complicated part of Scottish history this is the start of a series that needs to be read in order. We have a very unlikely hero and a headstrong heroine. Both will put their lives on the line for those they love. Political intrigue and self serving villains make this an exciting read.
I can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
This is the first book of Ms Vanes medieval stories that I have read. I very much enjoyed the development of the characters and the story line. I found the innocence of both the hero and heroine to be very much to my liking and the fact that it was a fairly clean book. The story had much to keep the reading interested with mystery, suspense, adventure and of course romance. The thing that I didn’t like was that Ms Vane used many Scottish words and names which I had trouble with figuring out how to pronounce them. In saying that it is not a reason not to read the book and as this is the first of a series and finished with a bit of a cliffhanger I will am looking forward to reading the next one. I feel this would make a very good audio book.
This was an amazing story that I literally could not put down. It is rich with history and descriptions of people and places that made you feel you were there with the characters. Alexander, was a boy when he was left by his mother at a monastery to be raised by the monks. He has devoted his life to God but has many unanswered questions as to why his mother never sent for him. Alex is asked to leave the monastery to become a tutor for MacAedh,Thane of Kilmuir’s nephew and begins a journey with no guarantees of what is to come. Lady Sibylla Mac William is the niece of MacAedh and is striving to to find her place in the world She was left in care of her uncle and feels like she does not belong anywhere. When Alexander and Sibylla meet, they feel an attraction as two souls in search of answers and a place to belong. The attraction is almost palpable but Alex is torn because he has only known the monastery and knows not what God’s plans are for him. Forces are in play with the actual lineage of these two, which comes to light and changes everything. Victoria Vane has written a powerful and intriguing novel that depicts the life and times in great deal of 1100’s Scotland. This story holds you mesmerized turning each page as quickly as you can to see what will happen. The ending leaves the reader with a longing to read the next book in this series as the journey will continue. I would highly recommend this book.
Great view of the political climate of the times. Hidden pasts, vengeance, and much intrigue abound. Warning – it is a cliff-hanger.
Virtue was an original story, very interesting. Heroine, Sibylla, was the aggressor of the story.
When Alexander is assigned a task as a tutor for Sibylla’s stubborn brother, he discovers he isn’t a candidate for becoming a monk.
The story has twists and turns that are interesting and delightful.
Virtue: Sons of Scotland by Victoria Vane is an exciting and highly anticipated Highland Romance. Book 1 in her new “Sons of Scotland” series, and it promises to be a very intriguing and interesting series. Ms. Vane is a multi- genre author, but this is her first foray into the world of Medieval Highland Romance and in my humble opinion, she nailed “Virtue”.
This is the story of Lady Sibylla Mac William, who has the bloodline of two kings, but she is ruled as illegitimate, she, her mother and her brother were all abandoned by their sire, but they have come to live comfortably under their uncle’s protection. Alexander, was sent to a monastery as a young child, to protect him from enemies, who has killed his father and possibly his mother. Due to creed, more land and a title. Alexander aka Alex is sent on a sojourn to tutor Sibylla’s brother, who is ready to accept his heritage, and his uncle feels he needs book knowledge as well as, how to handle a sword, thus begins Sibylla and Alexander’s journey to finding their HEA. When secrets of his parents and his past are revealed to Alexander, he and Sibylla’s lives are put in danger, should anyone learn who Alexander truly is, and who is father was, Alexander’s life will be forfeited, as well as Sibylla’s . Thus begins this incredible story of love, sacrifice, friendship, turmoil, and incredible conflict.
Well written, fast paced, with an enjoyable and engaging cast of characters. The plot flows seamlessly and is executed effortlessly, in my opinion. This story was well written with twists and turns, and a few surprises along the way. If you enjoy Highland Romance, then “Virtue” is your next exciting adventure into a world of passion, danger, the turmoil within the Highlands, secrets, betrayal, conflict and a forever kind of love. Alexander and Sibylla must flee her uncle’s protection and his castle. This chapter of Alexander and Sibylla’s life comes to a satisfying conclusion.The next chapter of their life is only beginning!
“Virtue” is a powerful, compelling and intriguing story. I for one, look forward to the next chapter in this mesmerizing Highland Romance. A must read Medieval Highland Romance. Well done, indeed, Victoria Vane!! I can hardly wait for the next chapter of this highly anticipated series. A definite keeper with a treasure of Scottish history. I absolutely loved Alexander and Sibylla’s story!!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own. I also pre-ordered a copy.
*Please note: Virtue” is NOT sexuality explicit but it does have sensual content.*
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR