Tour Review - - Kilt Trip

Kilt Trip

by Alexandra Kiley

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: March 5, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Ready or Scot...

Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.

Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.

As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?

PJ's Thoughts:

If I hadn't already been dreaming of exploring Scotland, charming Logan with his sexy brogue and love of his native land would have done the trick. Not to mention the kilt. The man wears a kilt.  I mean, how am I supposed to be immune to gray eyes, broad shoulders, dimples, and a kilt? Addie sure isn't. Until she discovers exactly who Logan is and that their plans for his family's company don't exactly mesh. Then all bets are off.

I enjoyed Addie's and Logan's journey. It's filled with humor, charm, great banter, swoony romance, self-discovery, and a surprising amount of emotional depth. The author takes her time with both main characters, unveiling their layers while at the same time exploring the hidden treasures of Scotland. The sense of place is strong in this book. By the time I finished, I felt like I too had taken one of Logan's guided heritage tours to the out of the way places that make Scotland special.

In addition to the romantic journey, there are also complicated family dynamics at play in this story (on both sides). The author uses those relationships to bring forth facets of Addie's and Logan's personalities, vulnerabilities, strengths, fears, and flaws in helping them grow individually and as a couple. I was curious when the "black moment" arrived how she would go about bringing them back together. It seemed pretty hopeless. Ultimately, it was accomplished in a satisfying manner that left me confident in this couple and their happily ever after. And, even though he's taken, I still want to go on one of Logan's tours. 

This adversaries-to-lovers romcom is Alexandra Kiley's debut novel. Based on how much fun I had exploring Scotland with Addie and Logan, I'll be keeping my eyes open for more stories from this new author.