Review - - Scot and Bothered

Scot and Bothered

by Alexandra Kiley

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: March 4, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Brooke Sinclair’s dream of being a published author derailed when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years ago. Now a ghostwriter, she sticks to other people’s stories. But when her college mentor Mhairi McCallister needs a co-writer for her memoir about Scotland’s most challenging trek, Brooke would do anything for the opportunity—including agreeing to hike the rugged Skye Trail for authenticity’s sake... not knowing the nature photographer who’ll join her is Jack Sutherland, the man who shattered Brooke’s writing career—and her heart.

Between getting sacked from the University and walking away from his family’s tour-guiding business to follow his photography dreams, Jack is desperate to prove he didn’t disappoint his family for nothing. And he can’t ignore his Aunt Mhairi’s final wishes for her memoir. Even if it means acting as guide and storyteller for the one who got away. Even if it means keeping secrets about Mhairi’s health.

As Jack and Brooke head into the solitude of the sweeping Scottish landscape, they’re forced to confront old feelings that haven’t disappeared with time. But can two weeks and eighty miles heal years of unspoken hurt and offer a second chance at the end of the trail?

PJ's Thoughts:

I just finished an ARC of Scot and Bothered with tears streaming down my face. Alexandra Kiley has wrecked me in the best possible way. I want to read Brooke’s book, buy Jack’s stunning photos, and hop a flight to the Highlands to hike the incredible Skye Trail. I want to go back to the beginning of this novel and savor the fun, sad, reflective, romantic, self-evolving journey all over again. I won’t be forgetting these characters anytime soon.

Scot and Bothered follows last year's Kilt Trip (the heroes of the two books are brothers) but can be fully enjoyed as a standalone (though I recommend both books). 

Do you have this beautifully written, deeply emotional story on your reading radar? I highly recommend it. 

Note: If this review seems vague, it's intentional. This heart-tugging story deserves to unfold one page at a time for each reader who takes this journey with Brooke, Jack, and the rest of the characters.