⭐️ 5/5 🌶️ 4/5

Third Person POV | Dual Timeline
FMC: Brooke | MMC: Jack

Set in the Scottish Highlands

Romance:
Second Chance, Messy History, Forced Proximity, MF Open Door

Themes:
Hiking, outdoors, nature
Photography
Writing
Pressure to live up to family expectations
Self-discovery
Chasing dreams
Unexpected friendships
Coping with grief, celebrating life
Forgiveness

Brooke is tasked with co-writing a memoir for her mentor, Mhairi, about Scotland’s most challenging trek. In order to better understand Mhairi’s vision for the book, Brooke agrees to taking on the 80 mile trek, not knowing that the photographer tagging along is Mhairi’s nephew Jack. Jack just so happens to also be Brooke’s ex-boyfriend, the guy responsible for her expulsion from the University of Edinburgh. The two are forced to confront their past together while also learning more about themselves.

I really enjoyed the tension, chemistry, relationship growth, passion, and spice between Brooke and Jack.

There is strong , individual character development, lots of fun, witty humor, challenging moments, an adventurous setting, and inspiring life lessons. I also appreciate how the topic of navigating grief was intertwined and thought that was really well done and impactful.

This book made my heart happy and I will never stop recommending this book! Such a beautiful, inspiring story with an appropriate amount of spice!

Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Canary Street Press for providing me an ARC of this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

This book was an excellent follow-up to Kilt Trip! It was everything that I hoped for and more. I look forward to reading more by Kiley in the future.

Every time I read a book set in Scotland, I want to book a plane ticket. It goes doubly for Alexandra’s writing. The descriptions transport you and make you feel like you’re hiking the Skye Trail.
Brooke and Jack have a pretty painful and complicated past. A forbidden relationship that never reached its full potential, and hasn’t let either of them go in years. Fate, or a meddling Mhairi, brings these two back together. Brooke is co-writing Mhairi’s memoir and she just happens to be Jacks aunt. The two hike a trail on The Isle of Skye to take pictures and help with Brooke’s story. The forced proximity and a mishap leaving them with only one tent make these two face the past and why they’re still drawn to one another.
I really enjoyed this story, and I’ve discovered in the last year I’m a sucker for a second chance romance. And we get dual timeline to show their initial meeting and what happened to tear them apart. If you liked Kilt Trip, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!

Thank you to Canary Street Press and HTP Hive for the early read. All opinions are my own.

If you know me at all, you'll know that I absolutely LOVE love stories set in Ireland and Scotland. This newest release by Alexandra Kiley, out TODAY, had me at Scotland, among many things!

I loved this dual point of view about a second chance romance featuring our FMC, Brooke and her ex-boyfriend Jack. Kiley does an amazing job immersing her readers into the beautiful setting of Scotland and specifically the Isle of Skye, which Brooke and Jack are brought back together after seven years to trek this eighty mile hike.

Brooke is set on reviving her writing career as an author and will do anything to do so, including agreeing to partake on this adventure with her ex-boyfriend and the man that shattered her author dreams to begin with, Jack Sutherland. Jack agrees to this photography assignment for his own aunt's sake - the very same woman whom Brooke idolizes and and who's memoir they are compiling together.

The witty banter in this book was so fun, as was the forced proximity trope that when done well, always hooks me in! It was sexy and emotional and I found the characters were so relatable as well. Kiley's immersive writing was beautiful and the story had so much heart as it did some steam! I could feel Brooke's pain and sympathize with her and all the feelings she's experiencing after having her dream ripped from her and her heart torn apart. And Jack suffered his own doubt as well, making both of these characters so lovable and endearing! This was the first book I've read by Kiley but I am so excited to pick up the first companion book now, Kilt Trip!

I think you'll love this one too if you fancy...
* Second chance romance
* Gorgeous Scottish setting
* Forced proximity - only one tent!
* Hiking on the Isle of Skye
* Found family
* Hairy coos
* Dual point of views and dual timelines

Thank you so much to Alexandra Kiley, NetGalley and HTP Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! I loved being a part of Alexandra's street team to help promote this book out in the wild for all to love like I did!

It’s first a foremost a love story between two creatives, but it’s also a love song to Scotland, a journey through grief, and a second chance to learn to trust and love someone again. Our two creatives are ex-lovers, estranged by betrayal, almost a decade removed, and thrust into a week-long home together. Needless to say, there is delicious tension!!

Kiley does a great job here of of weaving the love story while really making the full cast important, as well as the personal growth of the MCs. Well done!

This was my first ARC through NetGalley.

With the punny title, I expected this story to be a bit more lighthearted. I did enjoy this story and was able to track the current story and the past story between the 2 MCs. I also like that it was not just about them but also how they related to a very beloved side character. This story centered around personal growth and pursuing one's dreams.

3.5 - “Take a chance on yourself. Trust that the thing you love will take you where you need to be.”

I love a second chance romance, and this was cute along with the forced proximity. But there was something really lacking in the chemistry and the pacing of this really felt off. There are beautiful, sweeping descriptions of the trail which are fascinating, but then we get to the plot between Jack and Brooke and it sometimes feels as if something is missing.

For me one of the best parts of this novel is how both Brooke and Jack are working through their own issues and figuring out their places in the world. They’re struggling with their lingering feelings for each other and grappling with the events of the past. Through their hike, they find resilience and forgiveness, which is really beautiful. It also clearly means a lot to both of them to be able to work through their issues.

Jack is so sweet, and there was just something about him I really liked. He’s been lovesick over Brooke for so long and being back in her presence is difficult for him. As they start to rekindle their relationship, there is something so glaring he is keeping from her. But at the same time, it’s not his secret to tell. It is a bit frustrating to be able to see the conflict from the very beginning because the incident from their past is hinted at so many times.

While inspiring, I struggled a bit with this book because the chemistry is lacking. It comes through in bursts, but it doesn’t jump off the page and take hold. They both have a really communication problem, in the past and present, and it’s almost astounding that they still haven’t figured that out. Their relationship fell apart due to lack of communication and also because they engaged in a relationship they shouldn’t have in the first place. And regarding the latter, it seems like Brooke wants to blame everyone but herself when she was just as involved and admits that she was the one who pursued Jack. I wanted a better resolution and conversation from them and something that felt a bit more meaningful.

I will say that the subplot with Mhairi is really lovely, and both Brooke and Jack are doing something for her through their hike. It's a really interesting and compelling way to bring Brooke and Jack back together. I did enjoy this , but it wasn’t something that really gripped me as a reader.

DNFing this at 20%

There was something about how this was written that just was a bit jarring and caused me to not want to pick up the book. The dual timelines were not for me. Second chance is also not for me. That is very subjective though and could work for you. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be coming back to this one. I wanted to like it so much.

Alexandra Kiley knew exactly what I needed on these bitterly cold first few days of March- a visit to Scotland. I adored Kiley’s debut novel, Kilt Trip, and her latest book hits all the same notes- transportive setting, sizzling tension, and emotional character journeys. The chemistry between Brooke & Jack was evident from the start, and flashbacks into their beginning and explosive end make it easy to become invested in their story. It was the personal journeys of Jack, and Brooke especially, that really resonated with me. Both characters find themselves stuck, fear of failure and familial obligations weighing heavily on their dreams and professional aspirations. I think all of us can relate in some ways to discovering what it means to live a truly meaningful life, and finding the courage to do just that. Oh, and there’s again some really adorable scenes involving a Highland Coo!

Cute second chance romance that brings you to Scotland on an adventure that allows Jack and Brooke to re-evaluate the past and their feelings towards each other while working together to achieve the goal of making her mentor and Jacks aunts memoir wishes come true.

This was a sweet read that will warm the heart out of anyone who loves a good second chance to make things work.

I very much enjoyed this second chance romance (I think I liked it more than the first book in the series). This book will make you want to book a trip to Scotland right away. Loved the book and all of the characters.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley – 3.5 Stars

Scot and Bothered delivers a heartfelt second-chance romance set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland’s Skye Trail. Alexandra Kiley weaves together past and present with dual POVs and timelines, creating an emotional journey full of longing, regret, and rediscovery.

Brooke and Jack’s chemistry is undeniable, and the yearning in this book is off the charts. Their history is complicated, and watching them navigate old wounds and unspoken feelings was both frustrating and rewarding. I especially loved Mhairi—her presence added so much heart and wisdom to the story. The writing beautifully captures the rugged landscape and the emotional weight of their past, making for an immersive read.

That said, a few things didn’t fully land for me. The “betrayal” that led to Brooke’s expulsion (or rather, lack thereof) felt less dramatic than expected, which dulled some of the tension. Also, the idea that these two lived in Edinburgh for years without crossing paths stretched believability more than any concerns about visas or logistics. While I enjoyed the push and pull of their relationship, I would have preferred ongoing tension over the more traditional third-act breakup.

Overall, Scot and Bothered is an engaging, emotional read with a great setting, a strong second-chance romance, and a memorable supporting cast. While I debated between 3 and 4 stars, the depth of feeling and character growth made it a worthwhile read. Fans of angst, adventure, and slow-burning reconnections will enjoy this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and HTP books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Admittedly, I was originally drawn to this book because of the cover. I love a romance set in Scotland. Then I read the description and I was sold because not only was it in Scotland but it was also a second chance romance where the FMC is forced on a week long hike with the man that broke her year 7 years prior. I’m a big fan of stories about second chances, starting over, and taking chances on yourself and this story had that. And all the pining - so good.

A few things that bothered me a little - so she is expelled but how does she stay in Scotland if she’s not at university anymore? After things went down with FMC/MMC and she leaves he just never tried again? I would have liked a little more build here but it didn’t deter me too much overall I really liked the novel!

I will start by saying dual narration is not my favorite, but Alexandra does this well! This book is all about second-chances and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It has all the cozy Scotland vibes and parts that will give you butterflies. If you’re looking for a cozy read with relatable and realistic characters. This book is for you!!

4.5 / 5 🌟
4 / 5 🌶️

Can’t talk right now, too busy booking my trip to Scotland!

Okay but in all seriousness… I loved this book! Alexandra Kiley uses her words to paint the most beautiful background to her characters’ lives and then made it feel like I was part of their journey to self discovery.

Scot and Bothered is a second chance romance, following the story of Jack and Brooke. We meet them both during an event that brings them back together, after not seeing each other for seven years. The novel then proceeds to time jump between “then” and “now” as we learn about their relationship and how they fall in love… twice!

In a twist of fate, Brooke and Jack must hike an eighty mile treacherous trail in the Scottish Highlands in a tension filled forced proximity situation! Both of them have lost their way since losing each other… and this trip seems to be the key to finding themselves again.

My only complaint about this book is that the conflict revolves very heavily around the miscommunication trope - both in the past and the future. I would have loved to see a little bit more character growth throughout the last half of the book.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance novel with a side of introspection. This novel made me want to find all my passions in life and then chase them with every fiber of my being! The way that Brooke and Jack find their way back to each other is so beautiful and you’ll fall in love with all the little moments that happen along the way.

Read for:
💜 Second Chance Romance
💜 One Bed/Tent
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Loveable Side Characters
💜 Wanderlust Worthy Setting
💜 College and Beyond (then vs now)

Thank you to Alexandra Kiley, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this novel.

I was so excited to jump back into Scotland with another Sutherland brother. I quite enjoyed Kiley's debut book about Logan and Addie. This one did not disappoint and painted a lovely picturesque view of Scotland.

- second chance romance
- hiking trip through Scotland
- Writer and Photographer
- duel time-line
- slow burn

Jack and Brooke first meet and fall for each other in college but it ends in heartbreak. Six years later they are able to reconnect on a hiking trip for Jack's aunt's memoir which Brooke is a coauthor for and Jack the photographer. I loved how we go a duel-timeline and was able to watch Jack and Brooke's beginning and then how they reconnected during the trip and that made is so much for meaningful and felt connected to the two of them and they were both so well written. It was such a heartfelt read and I highly recommend picking it up. Also it can easily be read as a stand alone.

Thank you to netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Alexandra Kiley for the eARC!

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and let me tell you I was so damn pleased with this book! Scot and Bothered is a second chance romance that takes on you on a journey through a hiking trail in Scotland. The story follows Jack and Brooke, two former partners from college. I’d only heard of ghost writing in songs so I immediately was intrigued by Brooke’s longing to be her own writer but finding the courage to step out of her comfort zone and follow her dreams. Through her journey with Jack on this hiking trail, they both embark on a journey neither of them expected. There are few books that can hook me instantly and this book did that. Run don’t walk and pick up this amazing book that will bring you joy, tears, and the courage to follow your dreams!

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC 🤍

First off, I need people to stop throwing around “enemies to lovers” and relearn the definition. I saw SO many people call this (and many other similar style books) enemies to lovers. This is second chance romance. EtL is NOT “oh we had a break up I’m still mad at you but immediately fall back in love at the moment of a crappy apology”. Stop getting my hopes up 😭😭

It’s just a TA position you’re not actually a professor calm down on the woe is me there’s a power imbalance. Let’s be real here how much power do you really have over her as a lowly TA? I don’t even know what trope they were going for with that one

She’s an immature brat for at least half of the book. I get things happened, but clearly they weren’t so bad because half an apology later and you’re immediately thinking about how easy it would be to fall for him again. 🙄

TLDR: it was well written, but the vibe was just not it 🥴

Scot and Bothered was a wonderfully inspiring and emotional read. Brookes dream of being a published author is destroyed when she’s expelled from school. Luckily she’s found work as a ghostwriter but her dreams might be back on track due to her mentor giving her a chance at cowriting her memoir. Catch is that the current work in progress is lacking and she is convinced to take a trip with the books photographer on the very rugged Skye trail that her mentor helped founded in order to help the manuscript. Even bigger catch is the photographer is her ex and the reason she was expelled. A tense but emotional journey starts and I couldn’t have been more engrossed in the story. I was not expecting the emotional impact this book had on me. It was sad but uplifting and inspiring. Can not wait to read more from this author.

Alexandra Kiley's writing felt like a warm welcome back into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Brooke and Jack's story captured me instantly, and they absolutely stole my heart. The issues I have with this book are surface level. For instance, something about a romance book being written in third person feels odd, but I suppose it didn't really took away from the story at all. I will say, however, that switching between Jack and Brooke's POVs and also between the past and the present timelines felt like a bit much at times. I also wish we had gotten a little bit more development on Brooke's past. We got very brief glimpses into her life before moving to Scotland but nothing compared to the backstory we got about Jack's family and life before Brooke. I also have questions about Brooke's visa status in the UK, but that's a whole other can of worms. This book was so so sweet and the perfect cure for someone longing to escape into the magic that is the Scottish Highlands.