I had mixed feelings about this book but had to bump it to a full four stars for that flawless cover alone.

Callum Macabe has been in love with Juniper Ross for nearly a decade. The problem is, she was his younger brother's fiancée first. But it has now been years since Juniper and Alistair broke up, and Callum is ready to shoot his shot. He knows that underneath Juniper's black-clad and gruff exterior there is a sweetheart that is desperately afraid of being left behind and in need of a partner that will stick with her no matter what. And he is ready to be that person -- but he needs to get her to trust him first.

This one had all my favorite things -- cute Scottish village, badass and snarky FMC, a man who pines -- but sometimes their back and forth just felt too juvenile for two people in their thirties. I had a tough time with the overall pacing of this book despite really liking the characters. It was good, but could have been truly great!

Definitely recommend reading Whisky Business before reading this, even though they are technically standalones. I know the series is the Macabe brothers but we better be getting Heather's book after Alistair's!

Could not be more obsessed with Callum and Juniper!! I was worried that Whiskey Business would be a tough act to follow for Scotch on the Rocks did NOT disappoint!! The yearning was immaculate.

3.75/5

shakespeare would be the name of an "evil" cat...

following the hit that was whiskey business is a hard feat and this book fell a bit short but i still had a blast visiting the macabe family once again. juniper and callum have been on my mind from the second i finished the first book. i love seeing the tension between other characters before their own book, i also loved the amount of tension in the beginning of this book. tension is all i need to root for a couple, sexual chemistry for the win!!!

juniper was kinda the star of the show for me. i love a grumpy fmc more than life so i was a goner. while i was rooting for her and callum, i was also unhappy with the amount of telling about their relationship and not showing, also the throwing away of tropes. i think if we had stuck with him helping her fix up the inn and them going on little excursions with forced proximities mixed in, i would've been obsessed. i was rooting for them to be together but i hate when we just don't tell people about the relationship and that becomes a big issues. like you're telling me callum couldn't cut in for a dance and then later have a conversation with alistar... you're nearly forty, act like it.

so much was going on in this book, between the fixer upper, the "dates", the parental sickness, the brother tension, and the relationship obvi, so by the end i felt like so much had happened but also nothing had happened. i can assume that we will get more of the aftermath of this relationship in alistar's book which i am looking forward too. my guess is that he's gonna be with the doctor, i could be totally wrong but she's like the only women he's interacted with that isn't related to him or dating his brother.

*thank you to netgalley and avon for the arc!*

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-pining
-forbidden romance
-brother's ex
-small town
-golden retriever x black cat

I adore this series so much and am transported every time by Elliott's writing. The forbidden relationship, how they were both pining, the small town romance. I couldn't put this one down. Cheering them on so hard and holding my breath to see what would happen.

Rating: 4.75/5

Thank you Elliot Fletcher and Avon for an ARC of this book via NetGalley!

We've got a yearner in town by the name of Callum Macabe. He couldn’t have her before but he'll damn sure do anything to stay in Juniper’s orbit. Even riling her up… in more ways than one. 😉 And my god, THE TENSION. But more than that, poking at each other was when they were their freest, free from the town’s expectations and perceptions. And let’s be honest, every one of Callum's barbs were compliments dressed up in thorns, made palatable for Juniper until she was ready for his true feelings. And for the people he loves, this man will fight until he falls bc, besides Juniper, he was carrying the burden of caring for his family. And dammit, I was ready to cry. Bc our small town golden boy needed a sec to just be… Callum. And I so loved that while he fought for her, Juniper also pushed him to let go, to stop shouldering the weight of the world alone.

And Juniper. My heart broke for her. She decided she had to go at life alone bc that was the only way to protect herself and she was holding her breath for the moment she would be proven right and abandoned again. 😭 Watching her come out of her shell healed me bc her tough persona protected a gentle soul who just needed to know she was loved, that even when she fucked up, that love wouldn't be taken from her. So thank you Callum for helping her lay roots and esp. for supporting her while she found security in her place and the strength to believe that who she was was exactly who she needed to be to be loved. And anyone who didn't agree? They could FUCK OFF, thank you very much.

Minor spoiler! I also loved Mal being *dragged* into girl talk. Sorry, buddy. You’ve been initiated. You’re never leaving now. 😂

CN: open-door romance, mentions of child abandonment & adoption, parental death (off-page), caring for parent with Alzheimer’s, brief physical violence

4.5 stars! Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for the ARC—I am #blessed to be brought into the world of the Macabe brothers and ate this book up in a single day. If you enjoy hardcore yearning, golden retriever/black cat trope, forbidden romance, and/or the beauty of Scotland (men and the outdoors alike), this book is a MUST READ!!

Scotch on the Rocks is a cute love story that takes place in Isle of Skye, Scotland where the weather is unpredictable and banter is sharp. The characters were endearing and I felt the pace was phenomenal. I also thought the plot was intriguing and loved the development of each person. I felt the characters' depth and thoroughly appreciated the tight-knit friendships woven into the story. Callum is straight up my dream man and June was so easy to relate to. Will definitely be reading the entire series and more of Fletcher's work!

Summary:
It was love at first sight when Callum Macabe saw Juniper Ross. Unfortunately, he was blind to the fact that Juniper was already in a relationship with Callum's younger brother. Years (and a failed engagement) later, Juniper finds herself stuck in her hometown desperately needing Callum's help with her family's inn. She is battling her insecurities, past reputation, and rapidly-developing feelings for her ex-fiancé's brother. What's an emo girl with a deranged cat named Shakespeare to do? Callum, the eldest of four Macabe children, is used to taking care of all the pets and people in his life. He's also used to pining after his brother's girl, especially when they had a close encounter a year after the engagement was called off... Sounds like a hot mess because it is, with a special emphasis on hot. Only way to find out what happens is to read it!!

Banter! Banter! Banter!
I love a book where the character make me blush with how cute they are and I love it even more when they are an “enemies” to lovers type banter.

Two people, wrong time… years later same two people same spark, can they make it work even if their past is working against them.

Juniper character was exceptional from her struggles to the acceptance of what she really deserves. And Callum is the perfect man to do it.

While this book is a sweet romance it does have some heavy topics but they are discussed in a way that’s not overtly in your face cause you to be triggered.

Huge thank you to Elliot Fletcher and Harper Collins Publishing for this ARC

4.5 stars!

I really enjoyed Scotch on the Rocks. Initially on finishing Whisky Business, I didn't know if I really liked Callum, but I'm so glad to be wrong. I loved Callum and June is perfect for him. I loved all of that golden retriever black cat energy.

Their bickering was top-notch, and I loved every second of it. I was worried there would be a love triangle with Alistair, but I needn't have worried, not even a speck of one!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Elliot Fletcher and Avon and Harper Publishing for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is set for publication on July 7, 2025.

A sweetheart of a book with great spice, Scotch on the Rocks isn’t just about the romance. It’s also a tale of family ties and a love letter to the Isle of Skye.

When Juniper Ross’ engagement to Alistair Macabe ended six years ago, she was convinced she was just too much. That she was t worthy of love, and that she was destined for an empty existence.
Enter eldest brother Callum Macabe, who has loved Juniper from the moment he clapped eyes on her (after she’d already been dating his middle brother Alistair) and the book party begins!

Juniper and Callum have what appears to be a caustic relationship, but at its core it is a fiery epic. His golden retriever is the perfect companion to her black cat personality. Told from alternating first-person perspectives between the two, Scotch on the Rocks has a Happy Ever After that is both funny and poignant.

I enjoyed this book tremendously, the banter between the two leads was great and you could feel each personality individually. While the book focused mainly on Juniper and Callum there was just enough information about side characters to make them come to life on the page. This book is a follow-up to the author’s debut, Whisky Business (which I’ve not read - yet) but stands on its own two feet as a one and done romance. The Isle of Skye is a character on its own and I love when the scene for a story plays a role.

If you appreciate a grumpy/sunshine where she’s the grump, if you like for setting to become realized and a part of the story, if you enjoy a book about family with some great spice, Scotch on the Rocks is for you!

My thoughts and opinions are my own, and I’ve been offered no compensation in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

LOVED this. Callum's yearning for Juniper is off the charts- it's so palpable when you read it. The banter was *chef's kiss* perfection. So funny! The story starts out with a bang and doesn't let up. And the steam factor? Phew. High heat.

In lesser hands, Juniper could have come across as such a dark, snarky character, but Fletcher makes you cheer for her all the way. My only complaint: I could have done without Callum calling her "harpy" for what seemed like every other sentence. That started to grate on me quickly; that's minor, and that's just me. You don't have to have read Whisky Business to enjoy Scotch (in fact, I liked that one but didn't love it). Can't wait for Alistair's book!

Scotch On The Rocks - ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
PUB DATE: July 8th
.
FEATURES:
-Scottish Romance
-Adult Contemporary Romance
-Opposites Attract
-Black Cat/Golden Retriever Trope
.
LIKES:
-Character Growth: Both lead characters had difficult family issues and pasts. They grew in their self awareness, worked through a lot, and learned to love themselves and set healthy boundaries.
-Prickly FMC
-Snarky Banter/Verbal Sparring as Flirting
-Cute Dates and Inside jokes
-Cute Epilogue
-Scottish Island & Small Town Setting
.
DISLIKES:
-Insta-Love: Callum fell for Juniper hard after just seeing her through a train window?
-In love with My Brother's Fiancé: Callum was pining for Juniper for years while she was actually dating and engaged to his brother. This whole thread, and then the ensuing jealousy between brothers, fights within the family, and family awkwardness about all of it was just a really strange vibe and I wasn’t feeling it. It felt weird and made for so many uncomfortable moments.
.
Thank you @harpercollins and @netgalley for my eARC copy. I was given this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

ARC Review: Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher
Pub Date: July 8, 2025

Thank you to @avonbooks for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First of all - a moment for this cover!!! It will continue to live rent free in my brain forever - I am obsessedddddd.

I thought the tension between Callum and Juniper was just oh so delicious - I loved seeing him break down her walls and her realize that she does in fact deserve to be loved. I of course loved the Scottish setting and it made me miss Scotland (which is a constant state of being for me at this point)

Read this for:
- Black Cat FMC with an actual black cat
- It's always been her/he falls first
- Scotland
- ex fiancee's brother
- She takes charge
- Yearning
- Small town

Trigger warning for: parent with dementia

Wow. I loved this even more than Whiskey Business, and making a second book even better than the first is such a feat! The banter was impeccable, the tension (their secret obsession with each other + the taboo of her being divorced from his brother) was perfectly paced and HOT. Yet the hotness was matched with carefully woven emotional intimacy! The spicy payoff was even more than I had expected. Having visited the Isle of Skye, I found the scenery descriptions immersive and accurate. One of my favorites of the year so far!

4.25 ⭐️

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-ARC! Release date is June 8, 2025!

What a lovely romance! Let’s start with Callum—the burly shinty (which I think is like rugby?) playing Vet. He’s Scottish and obsessed—we love a man who pines.

Juniper? Perfection. Her black cat attitude matches perfectly with her *actual* black cat, Shakespeare. They both have a bit of an icy attitude, but it’s from their own self-protective measures rather than actual iciness. I loved watching Juniper’s character development.

Next up, setting. As someone who has never been to Scotland, this makes me yearnnnnn for a visit. I loved the traditions, mannerisms, and locations described in this book that were uniquely Scottish and I appreciate when an author makes the setting come alive.

Next up, plot—there was a good deal going on. Family struggles and trauma on both sides, and, oh yeah, Juniper was previously engaged to Callum’s brother. Yup, you read that right. June & Callum had real life struggles to overcome, which was part of what made this plot so beautiful.

Finally, the connection these two had was truly remarkable. I’d recommend this for romance lovers who are looking for genuine connection between MC’s, a Scottish setting to die for, and unforgettable cast of characters.

Okay so where is my Scottish man? This book was such a good time and my first book by this author! One of my favorite things in a book is the angst that comes along with knowing someone is off limits but wanting them anyway🤭 This one was witty, spicy, angsty, a little bit forbidden, and gave me the perfect amount of wanderlust!! I loved how badass Juniper was and Callum was just so yummy😮‍💨

Juniper Ross’ motto is: Don’t look at a Macabe brother, Don’t talk to a Macabe Brother, Don’t think about a Macabe Brother. Which is easier said than considering Mal Macabe is in love with her best friend, April, and Alistair Macabe is her ex-fiance and the man who broke her heart. However, the Macabe brother Juniper has the hardest time ignoring is Callum Macabe.

Callum fell for Juniper from the very first time he saw her on the train but soon realized why she turned him down when she was later introduced as Alistair’s girlfriend. Even after Juniper and his brother became engaged, Callum couldn’t help but feel a strong pull toward Juniper, although he never acted on it.

A year after Alistair broke their engagement Juniper runs into Callum and they have a near passionate encounter that ends in disaster. This is when Juniper enacts her no Macabe brothers rule. However, she should have known better than to think that Callum would simply give up.

Callum and Juniper appeared to be complete opposites but in many ways they were incredibly similar. Juniper hid her fragile heart behind a tough exterior and Callum hid his heart behind his easy going persona. In each other they finally found love and acceptance in a way neither ever imagined possible.

I loved Callum and Juniper's love story; their nonstop banter, their ability to communicate clearly, the way Juniper secretly loved when Callum called her sweetheart, and the way Callum was all in for Juniper. Scotch on the Rocks was a superb read and I cannot wait for Alistair’s story.

I was waiting so impatiently for the next addition to the Macabe clan!

This book was cute and a bit more unique as far as the main characters meeting!
Callum Macabe, too nice for his own good as the town veteran & veterinarian.
Juniper Ross, a black cat who is trying her best to overcome her lack of acceptance to love.

They make a perfect duo and Elliot Fletcher writes this couple perfectly.

The slow burn was definitely slowly burning but picks up quicker in the second half. My favorite parts of this book were mostly the banter and roast to romance ratio between June & Callum!

Not entirely my vibe but i loved the darama and the banter (and the YEARNING!!) - this was super cute! I need a Macabe brother of my own now!! (especially since I'm Scottish so I felt drawn towards this book). Will be picking up the first in the series as well!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!

Synopsis: After a chance meeting on a train, Callum realizes that the woman he feels an instant connection with is his brother’s fiancée, Juniper. Years later, long after Alistair and Juniper’s engagement has ended, they all find themselves reunited in their hometown. When Cal offers to help Juniper in renovating her family’s inn, they are reluctantly thrown together for a second chance at romance.

This story starts out with a bang but the tension is quickly dialed back, partly because of their their black-cat/golden-retriever dynamic. The first few chapters were slightly jarring to me for that reason, but I quickly found a rhythm and felt the rest of the book to be more evenly paced. There’s plenty of open-door spice in this book! The witty banter keeps the tone of the story playful and light, but Cal and Juniper's backstories give a lot of added depth to the narrative. Callum, a war veteran turned veterinarian who has to support his ailing parents, and Juniper, an adoptee grappling with abandonment issues, were both engaging and well-developed characters. Just like in Whiskey Business, I thoroughly enjoyed all the Scottish culture and geography scattered throughout the story, along with the return of April and Mal from the first book! My biggest pet peeve is that the Macabe brothers are Mal, Cal, and Al... and I hope the author skips Alastair’s story because he seems like the worst. I’m not sure that the complicated history or ex-fiancées older brother trope is for me, but I still really enjoyed the writing! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.

I had a fun time reading this. The tension between Callum and Juniper is INSANE. And the PINING. The YEARNING. Next level.

The perfect read for those who love:
- Brother's ex-finance
- Acts of service as a love language
- A black cat FMC
- A golden retriever MMC
- Banter for days
- Spice where she's in charge
- Small town
- Set in Scotland (Isle of Skye)
- Tension so thick it explodes
- Forbidden, but they don't want to keep it a secret

I only rated it 4 stars because I found the first few chapters a bit jarring, and I was left a tad confused about what was happening. And I would have loved to know more about Callum and June's history, as it would have made my connection with them stronger.

A great read that I highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.