I was on a mission to read a great rom during February and this was my second attempt. It was much better than the first one I picked up, but it still fell a little short for me.

I loved all the characters in this book - the main two, yes, but even the supporting characters were each so endearing and well-described - and the setting. A romance in the Scottish highlands? Yes, please! My only complaint is that I felt like the book was a little longer than it needed to be. A lot of writing was spent on the main characters' inner dialogues and there was too much repetitive back-and-forth musings ("I want to open up to him, but I can't...I want to be with her, but I shouldn't...etc. etc.) for my taste. It felt a little redundant at times and I couldn't wait for things to wrap up already - but once they did, I loved the ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced reader's copy of this book.

Overall, I think this was a cute book. It was well written and the information about Scotland was a nice touch. I loved the character development within the story. I felt that their problems were believable. I also appreciate that it gave closure to more problems then just the relationship and that Addie was able to be with the person she wanted and still have her career. I think a little cartoon map of the places they visited in Scotland would really put this book over the top.

KILT TRIP is on sale March 5/24

Addie works for a travel company that takes smaller travel companies all over the world and improves the tours, the staff and joy you feel on vacation. Addie is in Edinburgh and not impressed with ability to find this tour she is about to take under an assumed name. She is going to take in the tour before she tells the company why their company is losing money. That is until she lays her eyes and ears on Logan, a kilt wearing buck of a man who could sell her on anything….

The next day at his office though things take a turn when “Heather on the tour who stayed for a drink with him after the tour” turns into Addie who is about to rearrange his life.

This delightful rom com set in the lanes of Edinburgh and castles in the highlands, will have you wanting to book a flight to Scotland as soon as possible.

Thank you so much to Harlequin for the advance copy!

This book will be published on March 5th, 2024.

"There's a peace in the permanence of the hills. A reminder that all will go on with the world. To appreciate the beauty of the moment we're in, no matter how long we get to enjoy it."

Alexandra did such a wonderful job at painting such a scene and made me want to go to Scotland! You could tell that she put a lot of thought into how she describe the setting to make the reader feel like they were there.

The relationship between Addie and Logan was a journey. They had the cutest meet cute and things were very promising between them until it wasn't. But even after Addie was there to assist with rebuilding Logan's family business, Logan was still gone for her. You could tell how passionate he was for his tours & knew that this is what tourist wanted. I could feel Logan's frustration towards Addie. I wouldn't say there was miscommunication but Addie definitely held back from giving her full 100% self because of her fear of connection. Logan's love for her was very apparent and we could see the cracks of it from her until the a-ha moment occurred.

Addie went to Scotland for business but she also had a personal connection as her mother was there when she was younger. It was so cute how Logan was helping her retrace her mother's footsteps. I found myself wanting more from Addie's relationship with her dad. We knew Addie's side of things and we saw their brief moment when she spoke with her dad but I would have liked them have a second conversation about how they left things off. And then suddenly at the end all was we.. I just needed a little more closure for that.

As much as I enjoyed reading this, I did feel like it dragged a little bit which normally romances take me between 2-4 days to read and this one stretched to 10 days. But I feel that this was a me problem and others may not have similar issues.

I am looking forward to seeing what else Alexandra has up her sleeve!

If you are looking for a romance giving you all the Scotland feels - check this out!

What a wonderful debut novel from Alexandra Kiley!
I adored this book! It pulled me in and made me feel like I was there with Addie and Logan. It gave me a serious case of wanderlust and a longing to go back to Scotland.
Logan is definitely my new book boyfriend. I imagined him as Gerard Butler from like his PS I Love you days, except with his actual Scottish brogue instead of the Irish lilt he uses in that movie. Addie I pictured as Blake Lively.
I loved their banter and chemistry.
I really enjoyed the atmospheric prose.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more from Alexandra Kiley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this eARC!

I love this book so much! It was the perfect combination of banter, pranks, longing, and love. I felt so connected to this story and the characters and loved every moment of it. This book was so much fun to read, I read it a day. I could not put it down!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Alexandra Riley for an ARC. Warning: this book will have you ready to book a one way flight to Scotland ASAP. It has all the good makings of a fun rom com- enemies to lovers, workplace romance, and the best banter between the MC’s.

This book is able to perfectly balance the lighthearted aspect that we love from a typical rom com while tugging on your heartstrings with amazing character development. It features love and loss as our FMC walks through her grief journey. And the author has a way of giving the most picturesque descriptions that truly makes you feel as if you are in Scotland! Definitely check this one out :)

Read this if you like:
•traveling
•workplace romance
•found family

A travel consultant helping a family run tour guide company. So much fun. I really enjoyed this one. It’s out March 5!

Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was perusing NetGalley late one night and this cover caught my attention. The illustrated man in a kilt and sweater hooked me immediately and the blurb reeled me in. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a light-hearted office rivals romance with my favorite place as the backdrop. It was so much more than that.

Addie has a connection to Scotland that adds an emotional layer to this story that I was not expecting. Her grief is palpable and Logan is there to support her every step of the way. Any man who will save the Glenfarclas for you is a keeper.

Logan is trying to prove that he can take over the family business and keep it profitable without commercializing it. Addie provides the spark he needs to discover what he really wants for the tour company. These two show up for each other in so many meaningful ways. There are some bumps along the way, but they ultimately realize that they belong together in a scene that left me a blubbering mess.

My favorite line in the book is:

“Sometimes we find a place we’ve never been before, but it feels like coming home.”

I felt this way when I went to Scotland and this book brought that feeling back to me in full force. It made my heart ache in the best way. I am floored that this is Alexandra Kiley's debut novel. It packs a punch with witty banter and serious emotional depth in a beautiful setting steeped in history and tradition. The sense of belonging that Addie finds with Logan and his family will stay with me for a long time.

Side note: Logan's family and coworkers are wonderful characters. I hope we get more of them in future books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Canary Street Press for this ARC.

his was the first book I’ve read with this storyline! A travel consultant headed to help a family-run business redo their tours and make money. It’s set in Scotland, so how much better can that get?

I love the characters of Addie and Logan. Their connection is instant, and they also don’t know who they are to each other at this point, he just thinks she along on one of his tours. There is humor, wit, sarcasm, emotion, spice, and everything else you could want in this book.

It’s an enemies to lovers situation since Addie is there to change and shake up the whole business, which Logan is absolutely against. He doesn’t need some “American expert” coming in and messing with his business because how could she possibly understand?

Addie and Logan having to work together changes them both for the better. Logan helps Addie open up and learn to trust and love, and Addie helps open Logan’s eyes they change isn’t always a bad thing.

Reading the text in a Scottish accent with words like “ye, ken, bonnie, and lass” really helps with the imagination. Picturing the castles, mountains, greenery, THE KILT, makes me want to visit Scotland even more than I already wanted to!

This is my first ARC read and I can’t thank Harlequin Publishing enough for giving me this chance to review their book! It’s a definite recommendation as a preorder or reading when it comes out!

Addie is a globe-trotting tourism expert who lands in Edinburgh to help a family business - they give tours around the Highlands and are struggling with the bottom line. Addie meets Logan, the face of the company and the two clash about which way to take the company. Underlying the business trip aspect of her journey is also a handful of polaroids, all she has left of her deceased mother, and she longs to connect to the spaces that her mom held so dear.

This book was fun. I enjoyed the characters, the sweetness of the family, and the larger-than-life presence of Scotland. It was well-written and felt like a Hallmark movie. It was exactly what I wanted out of an “American goes to Europe” novel - full of details about the land itself, a beautiful depiction of the people who live there, and a sweet romance. Loved it!

Addie is a travel consultant who is sent to Scotland to help a family-run tour guide company revamp their business. Logan, the son of the owner, thinks he knows how to best run the business, so he is not thrilled when Addie arrives.

I have never been to Scotland, but Kiley’s writing transported me there. From the castles to the coos and ewes and to all the other landmarks, I loved learning about the Scottish culture and traditions through Logan’s perspective. I listened to the audiobook and his accent was everything. I was full on swooning. With regard to the romance, Addie and Logan had instant chemistry and the “enemies” banter was a ton of fun. Still, Kiley did a great job adding some emotional depth to the story as Scotland was one of the places Addie’s mother loved the most. I really enjoyed how she used this trip to navigate through her grief of losing her mom while also finding a connection with the people there.

Read if you like:
-Traveling
-Workplace forced proximity (tour bus)
-Scottish hero
-Enemies to lovers
-Found family
-Stories that tackle grief
-Castles, coos, ewes and kilts

So charming and lovely. I love that I felt almost transported to Scotland. The romance was fun, spice was fine.

A few points were a bit mediocre which dropped this to a 3.5. But overall enjoyable.

What a fantastic debut! One of the coziest, most comforting romances I've read in a while! I can see this being a comfort reread for me on rough days.

Love how Scotland felt like its own character in the book -- made me want to plan a trip and delve deeper into its history.

While the book hits the expected beats of the trope (the inevitable breakup when her assignment is over), the execution is flawless. Logan and Addie's relationship felt mature and real. The conflict made sense to me since they both had legitimate reasons for the way they felt, and the character growth felt rewarding. And the spicy scenes -- so tender and earnest and hot! 10/10 no notes.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't read a ton of contemporary romance, mostly just when I need a palette cleanser between fantasy and darker stuff. When I saw this one on NetGalley I knew I wanted this to be my next romance! The name, the setting, and being about travel were what drew me in.

The relationship was built up so well, both the main characters were fleshed out really well. Everything they did made sense based on their backstory and personality, and I was rooting for them so hard! They both had some good character development too. You get both of their POVs, which is so important in a romance IMO!

This book will also make you want to book a flight to Scotland ASAP, so beware! I adored all of the Scottish history and details. The FMC is working her way through grief, loss, loneliness, and abandonment issues. This book had me in my feels at times!

Overall: Cute and charming while also being deep and emotional, I really enjoyed it! As a romance, it's 5 stars for me!

—Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A swoonworthy romance novel that was adorable with a Scotland setting.
Cozy and insanely fun.

"Kilt Trip" by Alexandra Kiley is a heartwarming journey through Scotland that captures the essence of wanderlust and the transformative power of love. Kiley weaves a narrative that is both deeply romantic and rich with cultural exploration, making readers yearn for the rugged beauty of the Highlands and the warmth of its people. The story follows globetrotter Addie Macrae, whose career as a travel consultant allows her to roam the world, yet she avoids Scotland, a country with deep personal connections to her past. Her latest assignment thrusts her into the world of Logan Sutherland, a passionate advocate for the beauty of his homeland and the integrity of his family's tour company. Initially at odds, their relationship evolves from professional antagonism to a deeply personal connection, revealing the complexities of heritage, grief, and love.

Kiley's storytelling is exquisite, painting each scene with a vividness that transports you directly to Scotland. Her descriptions of the landscape, from the mysterious lochs to the ancient castles, are so engaging that Scotland itself becomes a central character in the tale. The romance between Addie and Logan unfolds with a satisfying slow burn, their initial clashes giving way to mutual respect and, ultimately, a compelling love story.

What sets "Kilt Trip" apart is its exploration of Addie's journey to reconcile with her past. The personal tour Logan crafts for her, aiming to connect Addie with memories of her late mother, adds a layer of emotional depth to the story that is both touching and genuine. It's a testament to Kiley's skill as a writer that she balances the lighter, romantic elements of the story with these more profound themes of loss and identity.

The book is not without its moments of humor and levity, primarily through the office pranks and the vibrant cast of secondary characters that populate the Scottish tour company. These moments provide a delightful counterbalance to the story's more introspective moments, showcasing Kiley's range as an author.

"Kilt Trip" is a triumph of contemporary romance, offering a story that is as enchanting as the Scottish landscape it celebrates. Kiley proves herself to be a talented storyteller, capable of drawing readers into a world where love, history, and the pursuit of happiness converge. With a satisfying conclusion that ties up the emotional arcs of its characters beautifully, this novel is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love to heal and transform. A solid five stars for an unforgettable journey that will leave you swooning and, perhaps, planning a trip to Scotland.

I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this beautiful story. It's always a privilege to get a sneak peek at such engaging narratives, and "Kilt Trip" was certainly no exception. Also, I'm thrilled to announce that I will be interviewing Alexandra Kiley next week. Be sure to keep an eye on my blog for this exciting post, as it promises to offer more insights into the world she's crafted and the inspiration behind this captivating novel.

4.5 stars
This was my first NetGalley book and I’m so glad I loved it. It had some of my favorite elements - dual point of view, enemies to lovers, international setting - so I would have been both shocked and doubly disappointed otherwise.

After signing up I saw the cover (super cute) and had a bit of nostalgia so had to put in the ask. I visited Scotland for my year anniversary (delayed honeymoon) and my time there always brings about the fondest memories. This book did the same.

Scotland is both the setting and a character all in one. The atmosphere of this book and the story it tells would not be the same if set elsewhere (especially given my own personal connection). Logan, his family, and the company wouldn’t feel so real and grounded. Our author really did the country justice - at least from an American tourist perspective.

In a twist, I preferred Logan’s POV for most of the tale as opposed to Addie’s chapters. At least initially…I began to welcome her story midway through and appreciated the dual POV even more at the end as they both lived out the drama. And I think this was due to my own history of being over worked and living with the mindset that work was what meant you were successful and defined your worth. So nothing the author did wrong. In fact, I’d say she wrote too well. That element of Addie’s life felt a little too real.

I will warn this is a slow burn. It teases for half the book before you even get a kiss. Literally, progress said I was 50% of the way through. And then it’s a beautiful union of two worlds before the dramas. I loved the characters together. It was great banter, a good enemies to lovers story. I appreciated how they both began acknowledging how cumbersome a rivals situation was and that it was just exhausting them both.

Character development as a whole was well written. While they were initially smitten, the actual relationship build up took place over at least a month - it might have been longer but it was only mentioned sparingly.

And the supporting characters were diverse, though I wouldn’t say I felt enough of a history or connection to them that I’d label this a found-family story, though I could see where some may do so. They weren’t flat, but most of them didn’t have much of their own growth. But, the story would have felt less than without them.

I’ll be reading from this author again. And if she continues this as a series with those supporting characters to find love, I’ll welcome a return to the Highlands.

This book was adorable. Addie & Logan were a memorable couple and you cant beat Scotland as a setting for a romance! There were some parts with the tour building and Addies job that seemed a little tedious. If you have visited Scotland you would have a better connection to the places they visit. All in all I found this to be a enjoyable modern romance,

“Addie backed away, and Logan couldn’t help the wayward thought that while he loved kissing her in dark corners, all he really wanted was to hold her hand in the light.”

Addie Macrae has loved life as a jet-setting travel consultant, never landing in one place to stay longer than a few weeks at a time. Until she finds that elusive sense of home and belonging in the arms of rugged, handsome Scottish tour guide, Logan Sutherland. The problem is that he’s her client, and he has a vastly different idea about how to make his tour company financially successful, which threatens both her career and her heart.

This novel has a truly charming premise, a perfectly romantic setting, and a cast of loveable characters. I also felt that it has a surprising level of emotional depth in its gentle exploration of Addie’s complicated relationship with grief. I love the through line of Addie’s efforts to connect with her mother by finding obscure destinations to take photos of herself where her mother once did. While this is such a simple little arc on its face, the author effectively uses it to forge and develop a real feeling of connection with the reader and her characters.

I enjoyed the fact that Logan loves taking his tour groups off the beaten track to experience the real, native Scotland, and the fun and interesting stories he shares. I love that I now know where the phrase “armed to the teeth” comes from and what it means! There are also laugh out loud moments throughout the novel, including Addie and Logan’s meet cute, and Addie’s near-disastrous experience meeting sheep.

This author definitely has the gift for lovely prose, and I annotated a number of beautiful phrases and metaphors. Her use of setting is amazing, and Scotland feels like another character. Her descriptions are vivid but not exhausting, so I clearly visualized the scenery but never felt bored. I think that Logan and Addie have a sweet chemistry, and there are some great romantic moments.

My only criticisms are the pacing, as I felt that the first 25% of the novel drags with Addie and Logan bickering for pages on end with no really good reason; and my frustration with Addie’s character being so indecisive and fearful of commitment. There were times when I thought that Logan deserved more than Addie was able to give. I don’t think that she grew or groveled quite enough to warrant his forgiveness by the end of the book.

I also didn’t like the subplot about Addie’s relationship with her father, its abrupt turning point at 75%, and then the fact that they were able to resolve their differences without any explanation. I think the book would have been better if it was shorter, and this could have been accomplished by eliminating the subplots that didn’t move the story forward: Addie’s issues with her dad, Addie's ongoing worry about her job, Logan’s issues with his brothers leaving the family’s business, and the third act breakup.

I think that Jack is a great character, but his role in the HEA seemed forced as I didn’t understand why he needed to be in the story at all until the end. I'd like to read Jack's love story!

Overall, I enjoyed this debut, and I will recommend it. I look forward to reading this author's next book.

Tropes: forced proximity, hurt/comfort, found family

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.