I don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but it was an emotional and inspiring read. This is a second chance romance; the two main characters were together in a forbidden relationship in college, and now they are working together to write and photograph a book. I thought the author did a great job with the sensitive topics, especially grief. I actually teared up a little while reading this one. I loved the character development in this one and how it was about going after your dreams and passions instead of hiding behind something that is secure. I liked that the FMC was a writer and that the MMC was a photographer and had a YouTube channel. As someone who has a husband that is on YouTube, I know it takes a lot of work and dedication to edit and make those videos. I also loved that this book mainly took place in an outside setting with a lot of backpacking. The situations that these two characters got into along with the slow burn made it worth the ending for them. This is an open door romance with emotional topics. The past and present chapters showed these characters stories in a great way. This is my first book by this author, and I already know I will be reading more.

cute and fun romance with some cool characters and interesting themes. would definitely recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

This was so hard to read and I feel ridiculous saying that. Not 3% in and there's about 12 errors. I'm not sure if it's a formatting issue with it transferring to Kindle or what, but it was constant 'def lated' 'ref lection' 'f lask', or part of a conversation would be italicized but other wouldn't be so it was really hard to follow while having to stop constantly to figure out what I'm trying to read.

Scot and Bothered🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⛺️🥾

I had such a good time reading this! The Scotland setting was everything. It was so clear that the author took the time to visit Skye and hike the trails that were described in the book; everything felt so vivid! This book has me itching to visit in real life😍

Although this book is a second chance romance, it almost felt like a slow burn too. The emotional edging had me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure (I loved it, give me more👁️🫦👁️). I’m not always a fan of dual timeline, but in this book it helped me see how Jack and Brooke got to where they are, and how much it meant for them to heal and move forward. Although they both had work to do emotionally, and some growing up to do, I think in the present they were able to communicate well with each other even if they didn’t always agree.

I think Jack and Brooke work because they both experience so much pressure to succeed that they know how to help carry each other’s load. They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, while also being each other’s safe place to land.

Scot and Bothered is out March 4, 2025!🤍

*Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely loved Scot & Bothered! Alexandra Kiley delivers a heartfelt second-chance romance filled with stunning Scottish scenery, emotional depth, and just the right amount of spice. Brooke and Jack’s chemistry is undeniable, and their slow-burn tension had me hooked from the start. The forced proximity of the Skye Trail adds to the intensity, making every interaction feel meaningful. I also appreciated how the spice wasn’t overdone—it added to their connection without overpowering the story. With themes of ambition, forgiveness, and personal growth, this book was everything I wanted in a romance. Highly recommend!

Brooke's path to writing has been rocky; she is currently a ghostwriter after her dreams of being a known author were dashed when she was expelled from college years ago. But then Brooke sees an opportunity for her career - her mentor needs a co-writer for a piece on hiking Scotland's Skye Trail, and Brooke decides she wants to hike the trail to get a better understanding of it. Joining her will be Jack, the photographer and also the person responsible for dashing her dreams years ago, in more ways than one. But there is a side to Jack's story that Brooke doesn't know, and it includes his own rocky path as he pursued his dreams of photography, but also, in his mind, lost Brooke, the one who got away.

I enjoy reading books by this author; she captures the atmosphere perfectly, but also writes relatable characters with palpable chemistry. I loved the story of this second chance romance, and the chance to go back in time and learn about their history. I also loved how the country of Scotland itself was a character in this book. Superb.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4⭐️

**Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC**

Brooke Sinclair is a ghostwriter in Scotland and longing for the day that she writes her own story. Jack Sutherland is a former guide and current photographer. When Brooke needs to do more in depth research for her mentor’s memoir, she must also travel with Jack who is taking the photos for the book. One problem: Jack is her former love from University who caused her to loose out on her dreams.


Scot and Bothered is a heartwarming tale that paints a beautiful picture of Scotland. It’s about second chances and following your heart and not what logic tells you is best. I enjoyed the way the book is structured with flashbacks in the middle of present day. It really helps you to understand the characters and their motivations. I found it well written and paced. You can’t help but fall for Jack and his kindness that shows throughout the book.

3.5 Stars rounded up! I loved Alexandra Kiley's last book so much and was so pumped to get to read her latest romance. I loved that this book takes place in Scotland as well and has a second chance romance. One of my favorite tropes is second chance love. However, I felt the love between the two characters felt off, flat, or maybe a little rushed. I loved the beautiful descriptions of the hike through beautiful wild Skye. I felt like I was back in Scotland. The cover with the addition of the highland cow is too adorable and perfect for the story. I loved the character of aunt Mhairi. She brought a lot to the novel and was a great addition. She reminded me of my own aunt and I think lots of people will resonate with her character. Give this one a read if you like romance books.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital arc in exchange for my. honest review.

A second chance romance with dual timelines and an adventure through Scotland! I am a sucker for an American falling in love in Scotland, but I didn’t really believe the chemistry between the MCs, it felt so off between the present and the flashbacks for some reason. At any rate, just like Kilt Trip by the same author, there is an emotional subplot that really hooks you and keeps you until the end!

Alexandra Kiley's books have been such a treat! We need more romcoms set in Scotland! While I love the settings, this one mainly alternating between the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh, I find that the characters in her stories lack emotional depth. I don't find myself invested in the relationships like I do other romance novels. That being said, I'll continue reading her books as they're a wonderful escape to experience the beauty of Scotland.

Scot & Bothered
By Alexandra Kiley

🐮highlands
🐮second chance
🐮forces proximity

Brooke. I mean, I didn’t pick this book because the FMC’s name is Brooke…. But Should I tell you all the ways we are similar? B, holding on to things, did not kiss anyone under the high school bleachers, hates thunderstorms, impatient, clumsy.

This follows Jack, Logan’s little brother. You might remember Logan from Kilt Trip.

Jack and Brooke end up at Uni together. She meets him at a party through a friend. Instant connection. But what happens when he turns out to be a TA, and now it’s forbidden?

7 years later, and Brooke finds herself stuck with Jack for a full week on a hiking trip.

I absolutely laughed. I absolutely cried. Everyone should have an auntie or person like Mhairi in their lives.

So, as I’ve just mentioned in my thoughts to the publisher, the title “Scot and Bothered” in no way represented the very quality romantic tale I just read. It’s so silly or so casual, while the story is rich and well-wrought and thoughtful. I thought I was getting fluff (and that would have been fine), but what I got was some substance. I really love the characters, even the secondary folks. And of course, the settings were exquisite. The only reason I won’t buy it is I work in a high school library and the on-page sex is too much. I will, however, be recommending it to friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

The premise: Two exes are brought back together to work on a memoir project that is important to them both (both professionally and personally). And that project required them to hike the Skye Trail. Together.

I definitely related to Brooke. What late 20 something/30 something hasn’t questioned the direction their life went?

And Jack? A swoon-worthy Scot? Who’s a photographer academic type that wears glasses? And falls first? Say less.

I really liked the flashbacks to their past (even if candidly, I was more invested in the present day story). The journey of self discovery and growth that the FMC went through was excellent.

Read if you like:
- Second Chance Romance
- Dual POVs
- Dual Timelines
- Forced Proximity
- “There’s Only One Tent”
- Forbidden Romance
- Travel Romance

Thank to Canary Street Press/Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC.

I really enjoyed Scot & Bothered. It was a little bit of adventure and hiking and a little Bir romance, with a side of writing and photography - so most of my favorite things.

There was a lot of great detail put into detailing Edinburgh, but I wish there had been more detail and world building put into describing the Isle of Skye trail.

You know the story is good when the reader wants to know more, and I found myself googling photos and videos from the actual Isle of Skye trail - like the Bad Step. Unfortunately, the richness of the landscape that I got from the videos and pictures was definitely not represented in the book. I wanted more from the portions on the trail.

This is a second chance romance that I didn’t hate - although I don’t think we needed the third act break up in this one. Also, only one tent (and that situation, definitely made me laugh.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Canary Street Press for the review copy!

A story told between now and then, a format that can some times not work, but was wonderful here. As we meet Jack and Brooke getting a second chance at love, we learn slowly how things broke the first time. Set on the Skye, the romance is mirrored by this beautiful place. A great read.

A delightful romp through Scotland that will fulfill all of your armchair travel dreams! I love reading about writers and people in creative professions, so I adored Jack & Brooke’s journeys (both physical and emotional!)

One again Alexandra Kiley wrote an amazing book. Instead of the usual dual POV between two characters, the story unfolds through a then/now timeline, which made the character growth and relationship evolution feel even more compelling. Jack and Brooke’s journey is more than just a romance; it’s a stunning portrayal of love, growth, and second chances. The emotional depth and heartfelt moments kept me captivated from beginning to end.

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publication and Alexandra Kiley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Scot and Bothered has another book in the same world although I didn’t read that one first (oops!). I don’t feel like I lacked any necessary info although I do plan to read it coming up.

The entire story is told in third person and told back and forth in two timelines - then and now. “Then” goes through how they met and eventually gets you to their conflict. “Now” covers the present (7 yrs post conflict).

I was a little underwhelmed once I got to the conflict - it was such a frustrating example of bad communication.

I appreciated the conflicted feelings of wanting to talk/touch/connect but being hurt and afraid to open up again. The stolen glances, the support and the touches were fantastic.

Admittedly communication issues are one of my least favorite storylines so I didn’t love it coming up again but I’m happy with the timing of the HEA.

Tropes:
Forbidden love
Miscommunication
Second chance
Only one tent/bed
Slow burn
Then and now timeline

i really wanted to like this, but the characters were insta-love in the past and i couldn’t even really see why? also, i don’t really get the whole “taboo” around dating a TA who isn’t even a TA for a class you’re teaching? a lot of the plot elements just didn’t work for me. also, this man ruined her life - blegh!!! second chance is hard for me to like, but i just read a really good one, so i thought maybe i actually do like it?

i usually love having POVs from different points in time, but i feel like it hindered this story. i really struggled finishing the book, not sure if it was bc of the constant then/now perspectives or what. i can usually finish any contemporary romance, but this was… boring. which is harder to read than bad writing.

one positive: the author has definitely hiked/has experience with nature because the atmospheric descriptions felt so real!

netgalley provided me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻

Brooke met Jack when she moved to Scotland for university, and they embarked on a whirlwind romance which unfortunately ended in heartbreak and broken dreams. They never expected to see each other again until years later their shared love and admiration for Mhairi McCallister, Brooke’s college mentor, forces them to reunite.

Jack and Brooke must confront hurt feelings and the reasons neither are living the lives they hoped to live while embarking on a journey through the gorgeous Scottish landscape.

I really enjoyed the dual POV and timelines in Scot and Bothered, which allowed us to see how Jack and Brooke fell in love before they ultimately fell apart. It made me even more invested in their second chance at romance.