Sometimes home is where you find it. Katie Campbell has been globetrotting since her grandparents’ deaths, untethered and free, a social media star for her travel adventures and misadventures. A three week Edwardian Experience in Scotland is eccentric, but right up her alley. A thieving parrot and a tumble into the loch are hairy situations that make perfect stories for her followers; it is the #hotScot that whips them into a frenzy, though. And for some reason, Graeme MacKerrow seems to be present for every misadventure, seeing her only in the worst possible light while saving her life time and again. If only he was not so grumpy. And so infernally hot.

Some Like It Scot is heavy on the grump, the #hotScot and misadventure. Pepper Basham has created a community of quirky, lovable characters and brought them together in a spellbinding setting with experiences, both Edwardian and modern, that weave them together like the sturdiest plaid. A fair amount of frustration, a good bit of humor, and the nicest bit of heat make this a fun story to read about finding home, even when you did not realize you were searching for it. If you are looking for a fun romp with a good heart, a handful of humor and a dash of sweet heat, Some Like It Scot is a great pick.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow! What a wonderful read! This is not the first book I have read by Pepper Basham and it will certainly not be the last, but I will just say that it definitely rises to the title of “one of my favorites.” I read the physical book and listened to the audiobook and both were winners. The narrators of the audiobook were top notch. I mean, who can resist an accent?

This book is filled with many of the things that I appreciate about Basham’s writing – her delightful sense of humor, her unique and varied characters, and her love of family and relationships. The concept of “home” is clearly presented in this novel and I was engrossed in this part of the story.

I highly (See what I did there?) recommend this fun “trip” to Scotland with Katie and Graeme!

I reviewed this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I finally met Pepper Basham in person in January at the Turning A New Page Book Festival in Perry, GA. What fun it was to sit in on the two panels she was on, as well as, talking with her face-to-face! She is so sweet! And funny! If you are a fan of her romcoms you probably would have guessed that already. I also had the great fortune of receiving an ARC of her latest book, Some Like It Scot. It is a fun romp through the Scottish countryside with sheep, a hairy coo, and a swoony hero in a kilt. Main character Katie Campbell is a popular travel writer that has endeared her audience with misadventures. Katie is sweet, kind, and prone to harrowing near death experiences, with this trip to the Isle of Mull no exception. She is also burdened by family dynamics leading her to a flight response in her personal life. I loved Katie. She is a relatable character, even if you’ve never been chased by a cow or fallen off a cliff. 😉 She meets her dream man, but it is definitely not love at first sight for either of them — at least that’s what they tell each other. I really liked how the romance develops between the pair. There are plenty of zany situations and quirky, but lovable characters. I especially fell in love with Lachlan, a young boy wise beyond his years, and Mirren, a woman who nurtures Katie in ways her own mother never did. I also now want to return to Scotland to experience the misty lochs and quaint towns found on Mull.

Some Like It Scot was a quick read with lots of romance, but it also conveys godly wisdom for anyone reading it. It’s definitely a recommended read!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

2⭐️1.5🌶️

Contemporary Romance
Christian Romance
Dual POV
Wanderlust
Scottish Setting
Tall FMC
Historical
Reflection

Tw: cancer, grief

Some Like it Scot promises humor, romance, and adventure, but it’s a mixed bag in its execution.

One of the standout features of this novel is the main character, a tall female protagonist who stands at an impressive 6’1”. It’s refreshing to see a heroine who doesn’t conform to the typical romance novel mold. Even better, her love interest is equally tall, which adds a nice layer of visual chemistry to their dynamic.

However, while the romance has its appealing moments, the Christian themes didn’t come into focus as I expected. Labeled a Christian Romance, I anticipated the faith-based aspects to be more integral to the narrative. Instead, these elements seemed to emerge late in the story and felt more like a checkbox rather than a natural, woven theme.

Another issue I encountered was the pacing. The story frequently backtracks when shifting between the different points of view (POVs). This disrupted the flow of the plot and slowed the momentum, making it hard to stay engaged at times. I found myself wanting to continue the story without interruptions, but the constant shifts broke that connection.

Even more frustrating was the author’s choice to cut scenes abruptly, either with a POV shift or at the end of a chapter. This approach left me feeling incomplete, as I often had to revisit events in reflection rather than experiencing them firsthand. It’s a narrative style that can be jarring, especially when you’re invested in the action of a scene.

The story has its charm, especially for readers who enjoy a lighthearted romance set against the backdrop of Scotland. However, the uneven pacing may not satisfy all readers looking for a more robust or consistent storyline.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Surprisingly enough, this was my first ever read by Pepper Basham and it certainly did not disappoint! As soon as I started reading, I could tell that I loved her writing style. It instantly pulled me into the story and kept me highly entertained until the end! Pepper’s talent with descriptive writing painted such a vivid picture of beautiful Scotland in my mind’s eye.

This book had some of my favorite tropes including a grumpy/sunshine trope that was absolute perfection! I loved that the FMC was not your average, petite character but rather 6’ tall and “well-built” 🤭 The fact that Graeme was able to make her feel small was the best! The meet-cute was one of the best meet-cutes I’ve read in a while; it really showed off the main character’s personalities to a T 😂

Katie didn’t have a place she considered home and traveling the world for a job certainly didn’t help matters. When she arrives in Scotland and falls instantly in love with the raw beauty of the country and possibly a local Scotsman, could she possibly begin to consider setting down roots? Katie’s life has had its fair share of pain and quite a bit more than its fair share of mishaps, or misadventures as she dubs them. Can she finally find peace and healing in the beautiful country of Scotland? Can she possibly trust someone enough with her brokenness and choose to stay with them?

Graeme was the perfect counterpart for vivacious Katie, with all of her wildness and misadventures. His was a calm and easygoing life now made a bit more wild by a certain redheaded American, but he was able to be that strong and secure presence she needed in her life. Graeme had his fair share of hurts and pain over the years as well and I love that they were able to finally find some semblance of healing together ♥️

This book showed such real and raw relationships of people with God. It’s one of those stories you can easily relate to because you’ve been through similar struggles. I love how the characters made such an effort to truly seek God and make Him an active part of their lives.

This book was breathtakingly beautiful ♥️ It gave off Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn vibes 🥹 I highlighted so many beautiful quotes in this book!

Going into a book knowing it promises a happily ever after comes with certain expectations, and this one absolutely delivers on every level. Our leading lady is an American travel writer whose entire brand revolves around chaos—so much so that her series is called Misadventures. No trip ever goes according to plan, and that’s exactly what makes her experiences so entertaining. When she gets the chance to spend three weeks in an immersive historical experience, she’s all in—until, of course, she finds herself tangled up with a swoon-worthy Scotsman. But love isn’t as simple as storybook endings, especially when both parties carry their own doubts, fears, and deep-seated beliefs about what they’re willing to change for someone else. What follows is a whirlwind of attraction, tension, and, of course, plenty of miscommunication.

This book has everything I could want in a love story—heartache, self-discovery, and a romance that keeps you rooting for the characters despite all their obstacles. The setting is beautifully described, making the town and its surroundings feel as immersive as the historical experience itself. Every moment felt rich with emotion, from the lighthearted mishaps to the deeper, more vulnerable conversations. It’s the kind of read that sweeps you up and leaves you with a full heart by the end. If you’re looking for a charming, feel-good romance with just the right amount of adventure, this one is a must-read!

"It's fine to run away from home, but one day, home will catch you."

Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Some Like It Scot is a predictable ride along the winding roads of Scotland. The author has tried their best to showcase the nature and essence of Scotland and it is evident on every page of this book.

Katie Campbell, a travel writer, is in Mull, Scotland for an "Edwardian Experience" at Craigshill, the family estate of Graeme MacKerrow. The story follows both as they find the meaning of home and find the home in each other.

"Home. Sometimes it's a place. Sometimes it's a person. You just have to find yours."

From the storywriting aspect, there are multiple subplots. This forbidden love trope offers rich dialogue on importance of community and family. I thought there might be Campbell vs MacKerrow feud in the mix, which was never revealed.

Despite its predictability, the story offers an easy read with medium pacing, set against the Highlands and amidst eccentric characters who never leave a dull moment.

Pick it up if you are into travel fiction or have a soft spot for Scottish Highlands.

Pepper Basham writes books that are witty, humorous, and engaging. In Some Like It Scot, there are two main characters who are really fun to get to know, a grumpy and broody Scottish man and a clumsy but caring and fun American girl Katie is in Scotland for an Edwardian Experience for the traveling blog/website she writes for. She is called Miss Adventure because of her accidents and misadventures. Graeme's family owns the manor house where the event takes place, although the house is rented to another party. The two don't start off on the right foot but do develop an appreciation for each other as time goes on. Think, hot Scot rescues clumsy American girl. Again and Again. Throw in some likable locals, including Graeme's mom and nephew, and Katie falls in love with her first generation American Scottish grandfather's family's homeland and this is a delightful read. Both have some issues to overcome but faith leads them to face their past. Oh and a kilt, Scottish Games, and bagpipes! Loved it!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.

Some Like It Scot is an adorable romantic comedy. The female main character, Katie Campbell is a travel blogger who seems to get herself into clumsy, and awkward situations. The male main character, Graeme MacKerrow is a handsome Scot who is a wee bit grumpy at first sight. There are several comedic slap stick scenes that will have the reader chuckle at poor Katie's misadventures. This book has some sweet moments that have precious inspirational tenderness in them. There are other characters, Lachlin especially, that round out the story to make it a sweet romance.
I listened to the book and there are two narrators, one for Katie and the other for Graeme. I felt they both brought the story to life. I enjoyed it!!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

After reading this book, I was ready to buy a plane ticket to Scotland and go experience its beauty for myself! I loved reading this book! It is immersive and hilarious and sweet, and there are so many things to love about it.

I laughed so many times while reading! Katie is witty and her misadventures are hilarious. I also loved her kind heart, and her character development is beautifully written. I felt for her, and I was cheering for her to overcome past trauma and find happiness in Scotland. Speaking of that happiness, Graeme, the hero of the story, is grumpy and heartbroken at first, and seeing him find joy while falling for Katie was great. They are perfect for each other!

I loved the setting so much. Scotland is one of my bucket list places I want to visit someday, and it was all so beautifully described in this book! And the side characters were hilarious and sweet, and I loved them.

This is an awesome book, and I’m so happy I read it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The author’s descriptions were wonderfully detailed. The romance itself was a bit mundane for my tastes. The relationship between the two did not seem to develop at a decent pace and then it started like they were preaching a bit more than they were telling a romance story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

I was excited to receive this as both an ARC and an ALC! As someone obsessed with Jamie Fraser (loved that he was mentioned, btw!!), the Outlander accents did something to my soul. Having a faith component made this an amazing read as well.

For fellow Taylor Swift fans, the FMC makes comments that align with the lyrics, "Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby and I'm a monster on a hill."

We also get to see an Edwardian experience, which gives us Bridgerton vibes.

The maidens leap was a beautiful analogy.

A KILT. #hotscot

A review will be posted on my booksta, toomanyfivestarreads, closer to pub date.

My favourite book so far this year!

The accurate and authentic use of the Scottish language and description of the country side made me feel as if I was right there in Mull experiencing Katie's misadventures beside her. Some Like It Scot is so well written! The pun war between different characters had you laughing constantly even though you know it was being used as a way to deflect and avoid discussing an unwanted topic, aka emotional pain/ trauma.

I related to Katie in the sense of failure when it comes to parental expectations and the relief from time spent with and at her grand parents. Author Pepper Basham's way of addressing the growth and healing through Jesus the characters found, was honest and inspiring. A must read!

I absolutely love it when a book surprises the crap out of me! This story was funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking, filled with tons of misadventures, and characters that touched my heart (and soul) more than I was expecting.

I adore Scotland backdrops, one of my favorite authors (Samantha Young) is located in Scotland, so there are few stories that I've found that capture my heart like hers does, but damn if this book didn't sweep me off my feet. This is a new author for me, and I absolutely fell in love with her writing style and her amazing story. Graeme and Katie were simply the cutest couple, and I love it when a big burly man (especially a Scot) falls like a big oak tree over an unsuspecting, klutzie woman. The secondary characters added sooo much to this story, and there were definitely tears throughout this book for me. I plan to read more from this author, definitely a very entertaining book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

What a delightful book! Katie, a travel writer known for her misadventures, is spending three weeks in Scotland for an Edwardian Experience (think Downton Abbey). Graeme is a hunky Scot who owns the manor where the experience is held. Misadventures ensue.

While this is filled with beautiful locales, puns, and a fun cast of characters, this book is much more than a simple rom-com. Both main characters are dealing with deep grief that has resulted in closing themselves off. Katie travels. Graeme stays close to home. This story looks at what home is and how you handle things - or people - outside your control.

Plus, there is Scotland which is practically a character in itself. And now I desperately want to go.

This is Christian fiction so expect prayer, church, and discussions about God.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There were so many things I loved about this story. Pepper Basham has a gift of weaving together humorous stories, along with meaningful takeaways. The main characters, as well as many of the supporting characters, were charming and brought this story to life. You can tell Pepper has a heart for people, with the way she weaves rich relationships into her stories. As for the two main characters, they both had some past struggles to work through. Yet the reader watches them strengthen and grow on their journey. They are lovable and pull the reader in. Since I’ve never been to Scotland, I also loved being table to experience the country through this story. This book is full of laugh-out-loud moments. Yet there were also some deep meaningful lines that made me think about my own life. This story was a delight to read. And I especially loved the faith elements woven throughout the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I unexpectedly loved this book so much! From start to finish, I was hooked. The tall girl representation, Ky representation, and the strong sibling bonds were some of my absolute favorite aspects.

Katie was such a delightful and funny character, and I truly grew to love her as the story unfolded. Her personality and humor made the book even more enjoyable, and I found myself completely invested in her journey.

The narration was fantastic, adding an extra layer of charm to the story. One of my favorite moments was the remark about “this is not a Hallmark miscommunication scene”—it was refreshing to see characters who were mature enough to communicate rather than jumping to conclusions. While the "miscommunication" troupe can often be so frustrating, it was a breath of fresh air to see realistic, thoughtful interactions.

Overall, this book was a wonderful surprise, and I’m so glad I picked it up. If you enjoy heartfelt stories with humor and strong family dynamics, this is definitely a book for you!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio, for the opportunity to read and listen to this advanced copy.

Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors. She writes the kind of books where I find myself smiling or giggling as I'm reading. And that's just what I got in Some Like it Scot!

Katie, a travel writer, meets grumpy Graeme when she goes to Scotland to immerse herself for a three-week Edwardian experience. The setting is perfect and so is their romance. They both have things they're dealing with and they learn how love can help one another learn and grow. It was just so sweet and so much fun!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. Joshua Manning and Stina Nielsen did a wonderful job narrating! All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 8 April 2025

Oh my word. You know the book is good when you finish, you are crying happy tears.

This slow burn rom com was so delicious. Katie’s humor and enthusiasm is a joy. Graeme’s care of Katie and his love for his family is lovely.

They both have walked through the losing of a loved one but their experiences are so unique. Watching them grow through their experiences helped me with my own.

I can’t wait to share this book with my family and friends. I received an advanced copy of this book. The review and thoughts are my own.

Scots language, the Isle of Mull, engaging characters - this is fun! Katie and Graeme couldn't be more different but their attraction felt authentic. The faith angle didn't resonate for me but I'm sure it will for lots of readers.

Closed door - yes. Thoughtful - also yes.

Thank you Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.