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. 

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.