💝ARC REVIEW💝

📖Scot and Bothered
✏️By @akileybooks
🗓️March 4, 2025

Kiley has done it again! After reading Kilt Trip, her debut, my expectations for her second novel were, simply put, through the roof. To my absolute delight - Scot and Bothered absolutely smashed it!

I need to rein in my emotions if I’m going to get through the million reasons why I’m OBSESSED with this book. First off, the writing - Kiley beautifully captures the epic scenery of Scotland in both of her books, and Scot and Bothered, with its focus on the Isle of Skye, is just breathtaking. This is exactly what people mean when they say books let you travel to multiple places without ever leaving your couch.

I loved both Brooke and Jack’s stories - separately, as they grow in their own ways, and together, as their relationship evolves through different life experiences, from happy moments to processing grief. The way their journey to the Isle of Skye brings them back together, plus the dual timeline and dual POVs, makes this book an instant favorite.

Now that I’ve finished, I’m feeling that same mix of emotions I had after Kilt Trip - completely content yet also kinda lost because I want (scratch that, NEED) Kiley’s next book ASAP.

Thanks to @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for the chance to read an early copy of one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. And now, I’m back to refreshing Kiley’s Instagram 500 times a day, hoping she announces book three (pretty please 🥺).

Scot and Bothered hits shelves on March 4, 2025, and Kilt Trip is available everywhere books are sold 🥰

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I loved, loved, LOVED Kilt Trip so I couldn't wait to get this next book in that world. Scot and Bothered did not disappoint! I loved the then/now timelines and the gorgeous setting. I was rooting for the main characters and all of the people they met along the way. Such a lovingly crafted romance, a perfect read. Can't wait for my pre-order to arrive so I can have a physical copy on my favorites shelf!

Heilan coos, the Isle of Skye, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and second chance romance........sign me up!! I was thrilled to receive this new one from Alexandra Kiley as an ARC. A great romance is one that pulls at your heartstrings, makes you feel all the range of emotions, has you glued to the pages and invested in the characters hopes/dreams, full of passion and longing, and throw that all into a setting as beautiful as the Scottish Highlands, and you definitely have the making of a great read! This book has all of that and more. Feeling betrayed by past circumstances, Brooke is now forced into a hiking trip on the Isle of Skye to gather stories and details to aid in her ghostwriting assignment. When the original photographer backs out, Jack takes his place, giving him a second chance with the "one who got away.." I enjoyed Kilt Trip, so this is my second read from the author, and I look forward to her future books!! Thank you so much to Alexandra Kiley, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-ARC!

I love a good second chance romance and anything Scotland, plus I really enjoyed Kilt trip so I was excited to read this one! While it did feel like it started a bit slower for me than kilt trip did, I overall enjoyed the book! I love dual timelines! The FMC was a bit frustrating for me at times but I loved Jack as a secondary character and as a MC he did not disappoint. And I absolutely loved the concept of the MCs being stuck together on their trip! Nothing like a little forced proximity to get the romance going! Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC copy!

(I will be sharing on social closer to release date!)

I was so excited to read this book but out was a little bit too slow for me and I think I just had issues with the plot over all. Brooke and Jack’s relationship really suffered from miscommunication in the worst way possible; to a degree that I just cannot see them lasting very long as a couple. I also just had issues with the whole firing of a job, like I think they could have just held off a little to date later and not risk their careers? I just had trouble really getting into this one.

This second chance romance between Brooke and Jack was hotter than I expected, having read Alexandra Kiley’s debut Kilt Trip. Their mutual yearning was palpable and that one scene in the cabin was pure bliss. I loved the dual timelines. The back and forth between the now and then had the perfect pacing to propel the story. I just feel sad that they missed out on so much time together due to their inability to communicate. I couldn’t stop reading this book! Brooke and Jack’s mutual love of Mhairi was so heartfelt. Mhairi’s involvement in the Highland trails at the heart of this story led to some beautiful descriptions of the Scottish scenery and I loved that she was the one who pushed the couple to pursue their dreams. I felt everything so deeply reading this romance and I’ll continue to read anything Alexandra Kiley writes!

I have mixed feelings. There were parts that I loved and quite enjoyed, but for the rest, I felt disconnected and honestly bored. I was bummed as I was excited about the fact it's a second chance romance; these tend to be a fav of mine, but something was missing, and I can't put my finger on it. I loved both their relationship with Mhairi and the forced proximity it created on the trail. I also loved that Brooke started to find her voice and passion for writing, not just as a ghostwriter, but for herself. Her struggle with this was a little drawn out, though. Another favorite part of this is the flashbacks to when Jack pushes her out of her comfort zone. However, I struggled with connecting with Brooke or Jack, even tho I share some of the same thoughts. I don't know. Also, they never really discussed what happened back at Uni face-to-face; you just get their thoughts, so I don't know how they both moved on from it. I was just left wanting more.

This was a fun read and I think I enjoyed the setting of this book most of all! The characters were enjoyable and I adored the humor aspect.

This was well done, with the past scenes versus the "now" scenes. Felt bad for both characters to have missed out on 7 years together, but that means it was good writing. I liked both of the main characters and also the family dynamics and pressures to fit a certain mold exploration. Quick read bc I couldn't put it down!

My coworker recommended this to me because it has a highland cow on the cover. It’s also a romance and set in Scotland, so odds were high that I’d enjoy it. And I did! This was a fun escape read with depth! Looking forward to other titles from this author.

This was the perfect sweet read. Brooke’s story was so well thought out and I really enjoyed seeing the transformation from seemingly invincible 20 something, to hesitant and burned professional, all the way back to a fulfilled and confident woman taking her dreams in her own hands.

I love the relationship between Brooke and Jack. I think it’s hard to do second chance romance the right way. Sometimes there’s too much scorched earth to understand how they work through it, sometimes the original break up seems too frivolous to be surprised they’re back together. Scot and Bothered balanced that super well and I really enjoyed watching the two characters just be themselves enough to find each other again.

All in all I thought the story gave a lot to hold onto. I wanted to read more about their past, I wanted to read more about the setting, I wanted to read more about the background cast, in every moment I wanted to know more and I think that’s exactly the way to build a story you can enjoy for more than the main romance.

Scot and Bothered was okay. If I had to give the book a star rating, it would be a 2.75. The biggest issue I had with Scot and Bothered was the pacing. By the time I hit the half-way mark, I lost interest. The back and forth then/now scenes were too much at times. I could have done with less flashback scenes. The big drama between Brooke and Jack felt dragged out. The break-up scene felt so hyped up that by the time it actually came, I was disappointed in how it was written. The whole drama between Brooke and Jack felt silly. All of this could have been avoided if they just communicated with each other, especially Jack. All they had to do was wait one semester before dating! Brooke and Jack were fine characters. I enjoyed seeing their interactions after all those years. The forced proximity was done well. I thought all of the side characters were severely lacking in development. For how pivotal Mhairi is in the book, her character could have been more layered. Brooke's two friends from college, Kieran and Chels, were just a blimp in the book. I wanted more from them. I did think Kiley did a wonderful job creating an immersive setting. I liked how she explained some of the historic places in Edinburgh. Overall, this book just didn't stand out to me. Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

A Breathtaking Journey of Heartache and Healing in the Highlands

4.5 Stars

Scot and Bothered sweeps readers into a second-chance romance as rugged and breathtaking as the Isle of Skye itself. Alexandra Kiley masterfully blends longing, witty banter, and a slow-burning reconnection against a backdrop so vividly described it feels like stepping onto the trail alongside Brooke and Jack.

Seven years after a heartbreaking fallout, writer Brooke Sinclair and photographer Jack Sutherland are thrust together once more as they hike the grueling 80-mile Skye Trail while collaborating on a memoir for Brooke's mentor and Jack's beloved aunt. With only one tent, miles of open wilderness, and years of unresolved tension between them, their journey is both physically and emotionally demanding. The chemistry crackles, their history aches, and every step forces them to confront old wounds and lingering feelings.

Kiley’s dual timeline structure adds depth to Brooke and Jack’s past, though at times, the flashbacks pull attention away from the mesmerizing present-day trek. But the emotional payoff is worth it, especially in standout moments like the enchanting Writer’s Tour and that unforgettable secluded cabin scene (the bathtub alone deserves its own glowing review!).

Ultimately, Scot and Bothered is an evocative, heart-tugging love story with insightful characterization and a setting that steals the show. It’s a must-read for romance fans who crave yearning, humor, and a side of stunning Scottish scenery.

I received an eARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was okay. The focus of this book doesn’t seem to be centered exclusively on romance but on second chances in career paths that mirror the second chance romance. I felt like too much of the book was focused on the flashbacks. It took me out of the story and made the pacing slower. I feel like I would have been okay without the flashbacks or with maybe just one shortened flashback with relevant stuff. This book just felt like it could have been edited more. The overall story and message was fine but by the time we got to what should’ve been an emotional conclusion I was just glad the book was over.

I loved this! This book is what I was in the mood for. THE TENSION! I enjoyed this author’s other book too, so I’m excited to see what else she releases in the future. Sign me up!!

This book follows Brooke and Jack's relationship from past to present . The book was a slow start, but I was hooked by about halfway through. It was second chance lovers with a one bed troupe. I was rooting for these characters and the ending was satisfying.

I loved Alex Kiley's debut novel, Kilt Trip, and was excited for the opportunity to read her second novel. Scot and Bothered can be read as a standalone, but there are small cameos from Kilt Trip, and I appreciated having the family business background going into this novel.

Brooke and Jack have stolen my heart! The dual timeline was paced perfectly, slowly giving readers insights into their history. Brooke's struggle to find herself after feeling like she hasn't been living her life to the fullest is relatable and endearing. Jack's desire to do right by his family while following his heart was so sweet. The chasm that broke their relationship in the past made complete sense, and I rooted for them so hard in the present.

I highly recommend this book! Thank you, Alex Kiley and Harlequin Publishing, for the e-ARC!

I plan to publish my review on Goodreads and on my Instagram (@karentalksbooks).

5/5 ⭐️

“She used to think of them as star-crossed, and maybe it was all the same in the end, but under the heavy blanket of night, she thought they might be destined.”

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

I’ll read whatever Alexandra Kiley writes—a manual of instructions, a receipt, anything. I know I’ll love it.
This book was everything I wanted and needed.
Set in Scotland, this story follows Brooke and Jack through both present and past timelines. They met at a party when Brooke was in her last year of university and Jack was a TA in one of her classes. Something happened, and they had a horrible breakup. Seven years later, they meet again because of Brooke’s new project. She is ghostwriting a memoir for a very renowned writer, and Jack is the photographer. They decide to hike together in order to find inspiration for the book. During this adventure, they navigate their memories, get to know each other as new people, and talk about all the things that separated them while dealing with some lingering negative feelings.
I am sure this is one of the best second-chance romances ever written. The yearning and desperation both of them felt for each other were so exquisite to read. I love reading about people who are obsessed with their significant other.
The past/present scenes helped me understand the love they had. Seeing how their relationship started growing made me feel their sadness, anger, and all their emotions so much more deeply.
Brooke’s and Jack’s growth was very interesting to see. I love reading about characters who aren’t perfect and who learn from their mistakes.
Scotland is another character in itself. Reading about the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh made me want to travel there again. The scenery described in the book is so vivid that it makes you feel like you’re actually there. It’s beautiful.
I could spend hours talking about this book, but I’ll finish this review by saying that if you like second chances, reading about adventure, and characters who connect with your heart and soul, this book is for you.
Oh, and be ready to fall in love with a hot Scottish man with slutty glasses. 😎

I don’t think I have the words to explain how beautiful this book was. I was expecting another sweet romance, and this definitely hit the mark, but there was so much more to this story. I was not expecting to cry so much! Brooke and Jack are so cute and I loved the flip flopping between the past and present stories. The way they are such safe spaces for each other and the number one supporter for each other was so sweet. I did have a little trouble connecting with how easily Brooke forgave Jack, especially after finding out what happened. But I’m glad they ended up together and loved watching them fall in love in such a beautiful and ethereal setting. I’m also glad Mhairi had her celebration of life and then we skipped to Brooke and Jack being happy again (I’m not sure if I could’ve handled anymore sad scenes!). Such a wholesome story overall.

After starting Outlander, I decided I wanted to find books about Scotland and this one checked all my boxes.

The story beautifully captures the tension between Brooke and Jack, who are forced to confront their unresolved feelings and personal regrets over the course of the trek. The combination of stunning scenery and the emotional journey of the characters adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a physical journey but also one of self-discovery and healing.The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the romance to unfold gradually as both characters come to terms with their pasts.