After Alistair Macabe broke Juniper's heart by ending their engagement, Juniper created a set of rules. Don't look at a Macabe Brother, Don't talk to a Macabe Brother, Don't even think about a Macabe Brother. What seems like a clear cut set of rules, is impossible to follow. Juniper's best friend is the Macabe Sister, her other best friend is dating a Macabe, and the older brother of her ex? Lives right next door. So I would like to add another rule for Juniper, throw the first 3 rules out the window because Callum Macabe? Girl, he's coming for you and you aren't ready for it.

I absolutely loved Scotch on the Rocks. Elliot Fletcher has a great way of helping you connect and root for each character. Their backstories and development are all things many people can relate to. I for one, related to Juniper feeling as if no one would actually choose her, and related to Callum with having a family member with declining mental cognitive abilities.

Not only was this a wonderful story, but as a bonus the spice is A+

Perfect for fans of Whiskey Business, small town romance books, and who have a thing for Scottish men.

Dare I say Scotch on the rocks is even better than Whisky Business?
I didn't think Elliot Fletcher could be anymore perfect, but this book absolutely blew me away.

Juniper and Callum are electric, the chemistry almost tangible and the banter had me laughing out loud. So loud in fact my husband came to check on me at midnight while I refused to sleep because this book was THAT good. Fletcher is by far one of the funniest writers in the romance genre today, on par with the likes of Emily Henry and Stephanie Archer. More than that she builds a world you can absolutely immerse yourself in, each character both main and supporting are complex and dynamic. The will they won't they between these two was thrilling and the obsession Callum has for Juniper was everything.
Without giving too much away a character in this book is suffering with Alzheimer's disease, the portrayal of both the disease and its effects on the person afflicted, as well as the toll that it takes on the caregivers was spot on. Fletcher does justice to the exhaustion, fear, and unknown that comes from wondering if they will recognize you in that moment or if they are lost in their own mind, it's absolutely devastating, poignant, and heartbreaking. The novel is a lesson in how to balance the pain of life with the joy and sheer beauty of a life filled with the people who choose to love every part of you.

If you enjoy "enemies" to lovers, forced proximity, the banter of all banter, or just a really good freaking book, do yourself a favor and read this book.

this book fell SO FLAT for me! i was really excited for junipers story after meeting her in whisky business and was SO intrigued about her and callum but for some reason i just did not connect to this in the way i wanted to. it was still cute and I'm excited for the next book but this just didn't do it for me sadly.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC.

I happen to wholeheartedly disagree with Juniper's rules when it comes to the Macabe brothers...talk, think and (most importantly) touch allll the Macabe brothers.

I love a MMC who is down bad for a prickly FMC, and this book delivered. Callum gives Juniper all the love he can and always puts her first.

#ex'sbrother
#itsalwaysbeenyou

I did have to Google a few of the Scottish terms in this book, but I did get a nice education on shinty ;)

*trigger warning for child abandonment

Scotch on the Rocks is a dual POV small town enemies to lovers romance. Juniper has list of rules and reasons to avoid the Macabe men, but it’s not working out well with one dating her best friend, another being her ex-fiancé and the third delighting in being a perpetual thorn in her side! Callum has wanted Juniper from afar for years, but shortly after meeting her he discovered she was dating his brother so she’s been off limits. Still, he keeps trying to get a rise out of her, anything to get her attention!

I loved this book! I loved how prickly Juniper could be, and her love/hate relationship with her cat. I adored how head over heels Callum was, and how much effort he put into getting Juniper to give him a chance. I need to go back and read the first in the series, I’m not ready to walk away from these characters!

Read dates: 06/04/2025- 06/05/2025
Goodreads review: 06/05/2025
Instagram review: 06/06/2025
Blog review: 07/08/2025

This was a sweet read. It had a hint of forbidden romance aspect (ex’s brother) to it but in a way they also felt destined to be together. If you like he fell first and harder, you might love this. I do wish I had read the first book in the interconnected standalone series first though just because I feel like I could’ve had glimpses of the other characters and could know them better.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

If anyone believes in love at first sight, it’s Callum, after he met June on a train; the two run into each other a few hours later, but the problem is she is with his brother. Callum cant move on. After June and his brother break up, she and Callum run into each other a few years later. It doesn’t end well, and the two go their separate ways- or as much as they can when they both return to Skye. The story starts years later, and June can’t stand to be around him. When she happens to be in his vicinity, she can’t keep her barbs in. She wants to make some changes to her family’s inn and ends up having to ask Callum for help. He decides it’s been enough time, and he’s ready to act on his feelings for June. Can she let him in and trust that he will stay? What will people in the village think? Callum continues to show up for her, her cat, and everyone else around him. Their story was so well rounded. This is my first book by Elliot Fletcher and won’t be my last: I need to go back and read Whisky Business, but I can’t wait for the next Macabe story.

What a great (and healing!) story!! I came for the spice, and stayed for the long-time-coming relationship between Juniper and Callum. I was worried about the whole “I was engaged to your brother” thing but honestly they were very honorable about it all and it was SO CLEAR how great they fit together!

There’s also a beautiful part of Juniper’s story about her experience in foster homes and her eventual adoption and some of the emotions and trauma that stuck with her. It’s talked about with such care and tenderness and healing but do read with caution.

Definitely recommend these books and I can’t wait for the third!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A tart, smoky sip of small-town swoon that lingers long after the last page

Elliot Fletcher’s Scotch on the Rocks is everything I crave in a Highlands-set romance: crackling “do not touch” tension, plaid-patterned charm, and a hero whose brogue alone could melt frost off the heather. But what catapults it to instant-favorite status is Juniper Ross—a whip-smart, rule-writing heroine—thrown headlong against the immovable object that is Callum Macabe.

What had me raising my glass:
Opposites-attract fireworks: June’s no-nonsense independence meets Callum’s steady, hometown-hero warmth, and every encounter fizzes like whisky over ice. Their banter veers from playful jabs to soul-deep confessions, making the payoff feel richly earned.

“Macabe Brother Rule Book” gimmick: The tongue-in-cheek list woven through the chapters adds addictive anticipation—each rule broken feels like a celebratory clink of glasses.

Authentic Scottish setting: From mist-swept lochs to village ceilidhs, Fletcher paints atmosphere so vivid you can almost smell the peat fires.

Emotional depth behind the spice: Family expectations, small-town gossip, and Juniper’s fear of repeating old mistakes ground the romance, ensuring the heat never overshadows the heart.

Final toast:
Scotch on the Rocks is a smooth, slow burn with just enough bite—perfect for readers who like their love stories neat, their heroes honorable, and their heroines unafraid to rewrite the rulebook. Five sparkling stars, and a hearty “slàinte mhath!” to Elliot Fletcher for serving up the most deliciously forbidden Highlands fling of the year.

The narrative centers on Juniper Ross, who has established strict personal rules to avoid entanglements with the Macabe brothers—especially after a painful breakup with her ex-fiancé, Alistair Macabe. However, circumstances compel her to collaborate with Callum Macabe, Alistair's younger brother and the town's charming veterinarian, to renovate her family's inn. As they work together, their mutual attraction intensifies, challenging Juniper's resolve and leading to a compelling exploration of love and vulnerability. Has a unique take on the "golden retriever/black cat" dynamic, noting that Callum's warmth complements Juniper's guarded nature, resulting in a relatable and emotionally resonant romance.

I was so excited to return to this world because I absolutely loved Whiskey Business, the first book in the series. I loved Juniper and Callum’s chemistry right away from the start. The two of them have this hate love relationship that is so deliciously hot. Just don’t tell Juniper as she doesn’t believe it yet haha! Callum has always had feelings for Juniper and I loved how he finds a way to get Juniper to spend some time with him. I loved how he was always there for her. One of my favorite things about this book was how when Juniper finally lets down her walls to be with Callum, they’re serious about it and it’s not just some fling. I loved how Callum wanted forever with her. And Juniper wanting to be there for Callum when things were tough with his family was everything since he’s never had anyone in his corner. Gah be still my heart! These two are definitely my favorite couple from the series, I know it!

Read if you like:
Dual POVs
Small town romance
Scottish romance
Enemies to lovers
Brother’s ex fiance
Forced proximity
Hero falls first
Slow burn romance
Black Cat x Golden retriever
Open door romance

A huge thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher is the second book in the series and picks up where we last left the Macabe brothers, this time following eldest Macabe brother, Callum, and Juniper Ross. We are taken on a tumultuous adventure of emotion, passion, and fire! While this book feels like a warm hug it isn’t because of a cozy, carefree vibe—both Callum and Juniper struggle to overcome their pasts and their insecurities, coming together in such a raw and human way. If you love excellent banter, blushingly spicy scenes, a dash of drama and the privilege of witnessing two damaged, yet extraordinary, people leaving their painful pasts behind them then this is the book for you!

5/5 stars omggggggg.

I don't think there's enough words to describe the way this book made me feel. The moment I read the dedication, I just KNEW that it was going to hit. In the BEST way possible.

Callum and Juniper were the cutest freaking couple. The way he loves her unapologetically, and has loved her for SO LONG... I just couldn't take it. Callum is the definition of golden retriever, and loves to take care of the people he loves. Juniper is definitely a black cat who, on the outside, might be giving resting bitch face, but in reality, is just someone who just wants to be loved without the fear of being left behind. I was personally victimized by her character, so thank you for that Elliot Fletcher lol. I would actually read 1000 pages of Callum and Juniper doing mundane things because their banter and the way he lets her be a bit spicy and mean was just amazing! Like seriously, even when they fought, I could feel the love. I also just want to hug Juniper and be besties with her because I see myself in her and love the representation.

I read Whisky Business not too long ago and was SO grateful to receive an eARC of this book. Fletcher is going down as one of my favorite authors, because her writing seems so effortlessly easy whilst still making me feel real deep feelings. I'll buy every book she writes from now on and YOU SHOULD TOO.

This book is out June 5, and everyone needs to go preorder IMMEDITATELY. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced reader's copy, holding this book very very close to my heart

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