What a powerful and emotional story! I was not expecting this story and it stayed with me. I really loved the dual timeline and I always love a second chance romance. These two had to really go through it.

Scot and Bothered is a very poignant second chance romance. The emotions between Jack and Brooke were very complex, as their romance was entwined with their ambitions and dreams. Their love story began as a forbidden romance between a student and teacher, complicated and deep—their feelings for each other raw and undeniable. Everything about their relationship felt real, as they had to overcome obstacles, as well as their own doubts and fear, to give way to their love. I was obsessed with their story and all of its layers. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance review copy.

I initially picked up Scot on the Trail expecting a lighthearted romance set against the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Skye. What I didn’t anticipate was a deeply emotional journey that would have my heart aching for most of the book. Alexandra Kiley delivers a second-chance romance packed with yearning, angst, grief, regret, and hope, all told through a beautifully crafted dual timeline and dual POV narrative from Brooke and Jack.

Brooke Sinclair, once a promising writer, had her dreams shattered when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh. Now a ghostwriter, she has learned to stick to other people's stories—until an opportunity arises to co-write her former mentor Mhairi’s memoir about Scotland’s most challenging trek. But the job comes with an unexpected complication: Jack Sutherland, the man who not only broke her heart but also played a role in the unraveling of her writing career. As the two embark on an 80-mile trek along the Isle of Skye’s rugged Skye Trail, they are forced to confront their past, their unresolved emotions, and the possibility of a future neither thought possible.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its character depth. Brooke is incredibly relatable, and her reaction to the past miscommunication felt authentic for a university-aged student who believed her life’s purpose had been stolen from her. Jack, on the other hand, completely stole my heart. He’s the perfect book boyfriend—compassionate, flawed, and unwavering in his love for Brooke, even when their history is messy and complicated.

The Isle of Skye itself becomes more than just a setting; it transforms into a character of its own. Kiley’s vivid descriptions of the island’s rugged, breathtaking landscape add to the emotional weight of the story, making me long to visit even more than I already did.

The dual timeline is another highlight, allowing us to witness both the magic of Brooke and Jack’s initial connection and the pain of their separation. Seeing their love unfold while simultaneously experiencing the heartbreak of their fallout makes their journey feel incredibly real. Their slow-burn romance is paced just right, making every stolen glance and hesitant touch all the more impactful. Despite the heavy emotions, there’s a wonderful balance of hope and healing as they rediscover themselves and each other.

Ultimately, Scot on the Trail is a beautifully written story of love, loss, and second chances. Kiley crafts a romance that doesn’t just focus on rekindled passion but also on personal growth and the courage to pursue one’s dreams. While I didn’t realize this was a sequel when I picked it up, I’m now eager to go back and read the first book—not just to experience Logan’s story, but in the hopes of seeing more of Jack.

For readers who love second-chance romance, breathtaking settings, and emotional journeys that feel raw and real, this book is a must-read. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

2.5 stars. This was an ARC for NetGalley. I picked this one up because I read a previous romance from this author, and loved the Hallmark like romance with spectacular use of scenery, transporting the reader to Scotland. This book did not hit the same mark. First, the scenery that is uniquely Scotland was not front and center. This could have been set on any trail anywhere. Secondly, the love story was a bit lackluster. I don't think the multiple timelines were needed as there wasn't much build up or time given to their past relationship before it ended. The grudge that was held felt very one-sided though they both knew the risk and lost because of it. Overall, there wasn't great chemistry between the MMC and FMC. Fairly standing romance novel. #netgalley #scotandbothered #dueltimeline #secondchanceromance

Thank you so much to Canary Street Press for an early copy of Scot and Bothered!
Last year, I read Kilt Trip by Alexandria Kiley and was so excited when I saw that she was writing Scot and Bothered, which is kind of like an interconnected standalone because the male main character in this book, Jack, is brothers with the male main character in Kilt Trip, Logan.
This second chance romance follows a format similar to Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, where the chapters flip back and fourth between then and now chapters that give the reader insight to Brooke and Jack's past relationship. When the two are brought back together 7 years later, it's kind of a lovers to enemies to lovers situation with lots of forced proximity and only one tent. 👀
There were some elements of this book that I struggled with, like the fact that for some reason, I just felt like we didn't get to see enough chemistry between Jack and Brooke, as well as the fact that this book felt a little more like women's fiction where it is a little more downcast and has a lot of elements of personal growth. This just kind of went against my expectations after reading Kilt Trip, which felt more peppy and rom-comish. All of these things definitely might just be me BUT if you liked Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie and books that have romance but also elements of literary literature and personal growth, I think you might enjoy this book!

I really need to stop reading books that make me want to move to Scotland because at this point, I fear I actually will 😅. Like Kilt Trip, this felt like a love letter to Scotland, and now I just want to spend the rest of my life in the Highlands because, truly, is there a more beautiful place in the world?

That said, I wasn’t as invested in Brooke and Jack’s story as I wanted to be. Even with the flashbacks, I just didn’t buy into their romance. I wanted to love them so badly, but alas, I found myself way more interested in the descriptions of the Skye Trail and the stunning views, lol. Now, the ending? That absolutely made me cry—ugh! But again, I was more invested in Mhairi’s story than in how Jack and Brooke resolved their issues.

Overall, it was an okay book, and I was entertained for the most part, but mostly, it just made me want to book another flight to Scotland ASAP.

I had such a great time reading Scot and Bothered! Alexandra Kiley delivers a second-chance romance filled with sharp wit, sizzling tension, and just the right amount of angst. If you love a dynamic with history, emotional depth, and a dash of adventure, this one is a must-read.

Brooke and Jack were once close—until a falling out in university left them estranged for years. Now, fate (or sheer bad luck, if you ask Brooke) throws them together on a trip that neither can say no too, forcing them to confront everything left unsaid. Brooke is sharp, guarded, and not about to let Jack’s easygoing charm break down her walls. Jack, on the other hand, is frustratingly kind and persistent, making it impossible for Brooke to ignore the past—or the undeniable chemistry still between them.

One of my favorite things about this book was the dynamic between these two. Brooke’s grumpy, closed-off nature paired with Jack’s warmth and patience made for such a fun contrast. Their banter was equal parts biting and playful, and as much as Brooke resisted, Jack’s charm slowly chipped away at her defenses. The emotional buildup was so well done, and when things finally started to crack open between them, it was so satisfying.

If you love second-chance romances, her as the grumpy one with hidden soft spots, and Scottish adventures that might just lead to love (and him in a kilt at one point) Scot and Bothered is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you netgallery and Alexandra Kiley for this ARC.

I enjoyed Kilt Trip last year so I was excited to get this arc, and it surpassed my expectations! Scot and Bothered is a second-chance romance full of yearning and lovely Scottish scenery. Brooke is a writer afraid of her big dreams and hiding behind the stories of others. When she gets the chance to co-write her mentor's memoir, she sets off on a soul-searching trip through the Isle of Skye to bring the story to life -- but accompanying her will be Jack, her mentor Mhairi's nephew, and the man who broke Brooke's heart and ruined her life seven years ago. Told in dual timelines, we experience Brooke and Jack fall in love, deal with heartbreak, and find each other - and their dreams - all over again. The slow burn is the right amount of slow, with lots of yearning and angst. I hate a miscommunication, but it was done well and felt realistic. This story was an emotional, enjoyable read with humor, longing, and second chances in love and in life.

CW: panic attacks, cancer/grief

Thanks to NetGalley and HTP/Canary Street Press for the advance review copy!

Brooke’s dreams of seeing her original stories published but for now she is just a ghostwriter. When her 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?


Thoughts
The cover of this book makes it seem like it’s a light fluffy rom com when it’s actually a more thought provoking story on forgiveness, rebuilding trust, and following your dreams, even if they are scary. The love the main characters have for Mhairi is beautiful and the way it’s written makes you feel like you know and love her as well.

This book excels with a captivating story and excellent writing. It is heart wrenching and deeply emotional and leaves an impression you won’t forget. The use of duel POV and dual timelines elevates the story. I think this is one of the best second chance romances I’ve read.

"She wanted to impress him but didn't feel like she had to, and that was remarkably special in her world."

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book follows Jack and Brooke as they have to pair up to work on a memoir, despite their bad history. Brooke had always dreamed of being a writer, but when her plans were derailed, she became a ghostwriter. But when her mentor needs a co-writer for her memoir, she agrees to go on a rugged hike for authenticity, not knowing that her companion would be Jack, the man who ruined her writing career and her heart. Jack is desperate to prove that he can make photography work as a career. When his aunt is in need of a nature photographer for her memoir, which is her final wish. As Jack and Brooke head into the Scottish landscape, they have to confront their complex feelings about each other and themselves. But can the solitude and miles really heal years of hurt?

"I'm a ghost. This faded version of myself."
"You're still so bright to me."

Okay, so I can't lie, this book took me a very long time to get through. I thought it was good, and the emotional aspects were done very well. I love reading from the perspective of a writer, and the self-discovery that these characters were going through. I love a man who yearns, and Jack Sutherland YEARNS for Brooke. I absolutely adored their romance! The Scottish landscape was done really well, but at times I did find it difficult to picture the setting. The one reason I wasn't in love with this story was because of the abundance of perspectives that were written in it. There were present-day perspectives from both main characters and past perspectives from both characters. Because of this, it was difficult at times to keep up and stay engaged with the story. This may not be an issue for some people, but it was for me sometimes.

Closed door modifications: Chapters 23 and 35

Scot and Bothered is a second chance romance story where the main characters rekindle their romance on a trail in Scotland.

Exes Brooke, a writer, and Jack, a photographer, are forced to spend time together, hiking a trail in Scotland while working on a book project for a mutual friend. The challenges on the trail bring the two main characters closer as they rekindle their romance and work through past issues.

The flashbacks between then and now were fun to show how the romance began and where it went wrong. I didn't feel like I understood how high the stakes were for Brooke in dating Jack. There wasn't a lot of background on her family or home life or too many references to her scholarship until it was too late.

I wish the book would have had more interactions on the trail. The characters they met along the way were a great part of the story.

Thanks to Netgalley and Alexandra Kiley for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 ⭐️ | 1.5 🌶️

A beautiful tale of forgiveness, grief, and chasing your happy, set amongst the Scottish Highlands.

📖 Brooke is a ghostwriter who is helping to write her mentor’s memoir. When the mentor, Mhairi, tells her she’s missing the heart of the story and needs to go hike the trail in her tales, Brooke agrees. The only problem? The photographer who will be accompanying her is none other than Jack, the man who broke her heart and upended her life 7 years ago.

💚 Second chance romance
💚 Dual timeline
💚 Photographer X Writer
💚 Only one tent
💚 Strangers to lovers turned enemies to lovers
💚 Scottish MMC & setting
💚 Angst
💚 3rd person POV

I requested this arc on NetGalley because of how much I enjoyed Kilt Trip, and this was another smash hit for me!

The story of Jack and Brooke was messy and filled with misunderstanding, angst, and heartbreak, which led to such a beautiful second chance HEA.

I absolutely loved the way the author wrote the dual timeline and slowly unraveled the couple’s past. You get to watch them fall in love, experience heartbreak, and fall in love all over again.

The side characters in this story were all so amazing. I loved Mhairi and Jack’s entire family and their friend group in college. Everyone brought their own humor and zest to the story.

My favorite part of this story was the discussion of potential and chasing your own dreams and not doing what’s easy or what others expect of you. This was such a wonderful message and each MC had their own journey towards realizing their dreams that they helped each other find which I thought was very special.

🔥 There was so much tension and pining between Jack and Brooke that kept building until they finally hit their breaking point. I lived for all the little touches and *almost* moments between the two. Their chemistry was amazing.

TLDR : Alexandra Kiley’s writing not only gave me such wanderlust for Scottland and Skye, but also gave me such a pep talk to make sure I’m living MY dreams and not someone else’s.

⚠️ check TWs - discussion of family illness

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending me a complimentary e-copy of Scot and Bothered so I could share my honest review. 🖤

I really wanted to love this one since I love the setting but it just didn't hook me in the second half. I liked the flashbacks to college days but had a hard time keeping track of the side characters. I loved some of the tropes (let's go only one tent) but there was just too much miscommunication that was frustrating.

ARC Review: Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley
Pub Date: March 4th

Thank you to Canary Street Press for the eARC and for @just_talking_to_myshelf and @bookswithnopictures for including me on the #justtalkingtomybooks traveling ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Listen, we all know that I love Scotland. It's the place I think about running away to when the world...well *gestures around* - I loved the authors last book so I was so excited when I heard about this one! It definitely made me want to run away to Scotland even more - I've thought for a long time about doing the West Highland Walk which is mentioned in this book. The characters here do a trek on the Isle of Skye which is a place I've been to!

Brooke is an expat who has lived in Scotland ever since attending University. She's working as a ghost writer and dreaming about writing her own stories some day. She is helping her mentor Mhairi with her biography when they realize that the biography needs something more - namely, Brooke needs to hike the Skye trail that Mhairi created with some friends. Mhairi also suggests that the photographer comes along on Brooke's trek. Little does Brooke know that Mhairi's nephew Jack is the photographer...the same Jack that she had a relationship with in University that came with some very unintended consequences. Brooke doesn't believe she can ever forgive Jack but begrudgingly agrees to the trip which causes old feelings to flare up.

Listen, flashbacks and second chance aren't usually my favorite things in books, but they do really work for the story here! The flashbacks aren't every chapter but do tell the chronological story of their first attempt at a (forbidden) relationship. Having that context is important and the reason for the breakup makes sense. Jack clearly is pining over Brooke in both timelines, even if she can't see it. The story is emotional and so incredibly heartfelt - the relationship is believable and Jack is pretty darn swoony!

A standalone novel from the same setting as Kilt Trip, this book focuses on Jack (a burgeoning photographer and Logan’s brother) and Brooke (an expat writer). The two main characters are working on a book for Mhairi, who is Jack’s aunt and Brooke’s college mentor and idol.

I enjoyed the description of their Scottish trek and how they rediscovered each other while contributing in their own ways to the memoir. The dual time line slowly shows how their first time together developed and then quickly unraveled and how, seven years later, they still have unresolved feelings for each other. The pacing was a bit off with a slow build and the ending a bit rushed.

Thank you Canary Street Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

This is a story of second chances at life and love. Brooke and Jack had an instant connection but not trusting each other shattered not only the relationship but also Brooke’s dream. Now she is working on a project that could put her back on the path to achieving her dream and Jack is a part of the project. Can they trust each other this time with their secrets and their hearts? There is so much I love about this book! Told from both points of view and switching between the past and the present allowed me to understand what was going on and how each of the character’s was feeling. It is set in Scotland, largely on the Skye Trail, and now I want to visit there. IThe situations on the trail at times made me giggle and at times made my heart ache with the beauty and emotion of it all. The connection between Brooke and Jack is so strong I could feel it through the pages. I liked Brooke and could identify with her insecurities especially when it came to taking the risk to make her dream a reality. Jack had his own insecurities and I like that in a MMC, I think it makes the character more realistic. All in all I found this an engaging story of second chances, learning to trust, and having the courage to follow your dream. I highly recommend it.

It sure did feel good to be back in a book written by Alexandra Kiley. Scot and Bothered was such a sweet, wanderlusty, emotional story. Second chance romance is my favorite trope and I adored this book.

I loved the depth of the relationships between Brooke, Jack, and Mhairi. I loved the mentor/family connections. You could tell how much she meant to Jack and Brooke, and her encouragement and wisdom helped develop their characters exponentially. This added a layer of connection between Jack and Brooke that I found to be really sweet and tender, and made the ending of this story even more emotional.

Brooke and Jack’s personal and professional growth was well thought out and I enjoyed how both of their careers weaved back into their love story. It gave it more depth and helped us connect to both Jack and Brooke.

I typically don’t love flashbacks because I get confused on timelines easily but these flashbacks were seamless and I thought holding the “what happened” between Brooke and Jack until the end was a great choice. It added a little suspense and we got to see how their past affected their present, and how it eventually helped them overcome their obstacles.

I’m a total sucker for a book with a whimsical travel vibe, and this is what I absolutely adore about Alexandra Kiley’s books. I relate hardcore to being an American who falls deeply in love with Scotland, and reading her books puts me right back to one of my favorite places in the world. We got to go on a hike through Scottish nature and saw a lot of Edinburgh as well!

All of the things I just mentioned lead to an absolutely swoon-worthy romance. The second chance. The pining. And we got to see it all happen TWICE! It’s awesome when you can really, truly root for characters to find their way back to one another.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin- Canary Street Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

What I Loved: Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Second-Chance Romance Set Against the Stunning Scottish Highlands

From the very first page, Scot and Bothered pulled me into its sweeping, emotional journey—one that perfectly balances the past and present with the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s rugged beauty.

✨ The Flashbacks Were Seamless & Powerful
One of the standout elements of this book was how beautifully Alexandra Kiley wove flashbacks into the present-day story. Each glimpse into Brooke and Jack’s past deepened the tension, their unresolved heartbreak, and the undeniable chemistry that still simmers between them. Every moment felt intentional, adding layers to their relationship and making their second-chance romance feel all the more raw and real.

✨ The Push and Pull Between Two People Who Still Love Each Other
Jack and Brooke’s journey—both physically and emotionally—is full of aching tension. You feel their history in every interaction, every stolen glance, and every hesitation to bridge the gap that time and heartbreak have created. They both desperately want to heal, to find a way back to each other, but they don’t know how. That struggle felt so authentic, making every step of their journey toward reconciliation feel earned.

✨ Scotland Is Practically a Character Itself
The setting was absolutely stunning. The descriptions of the Skye Trail, the vast landscapes, and the quiet, soul-searching moments in nature added so much depth to the story. It wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a force that pushed these two characters together, making them confront their past and their deepest emotions.

✨ Emotional, Tender, and Hopeful
At its heart, this is a story about love, loss, and the courage to fight for a second chance. Jack and Brooke’s pain is palpable, but so is their longing. And watching them navigate their past mistakes and find their way back to each other was nothing short of beautiful.

If you love second-chance romance, breathtaking settings, and an emotional journey that sticks with you long after the last page, Scot and Bothered is a must-read. 💙

Scot and Bothered 💚
by Alexandra Kiley

3⭐️
Scot and Bothered is a second chance romance , set in beautiful Scotland.
The story follows Brooke & Jack as they tried to reconnect on Scotland’s Skye Trail to try and write the memoirs of Jack’s deceased Aunt and Brooke’s mentor.
I just love Alexandra Kiley’s vivid description of the Scottish Highlands , it really makes you feel like you are apart of the beautiful world she describes!
But unfortunately I felt no connection to the characters in this book this time around.
To me I think the duel timeline/ past and present aspect really had me confused and rereading certain parts.
I do love duel perspectives and how people grow and change but for this book it just felt a little rushed and very confusing to me, like something was missing.

Overall I did enjoy some aspects of this story but it did fall a little short for me unfortunately.


Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.