3.5 stars. Juniper and Callum kissed and almost hooked up several years ago soon after her engagement with his brother ended. Since that day the two have been exchanging insults and tensions have been rising. When Juniper needs Callum’s help with repairs at her inn, he agrees in in exchange for a handful of dates. The two still aren’t getting along but the attraction between the pair cannot be denied. They begin a casual situationship but the return of Callum’s brother makes things complicated.

I was drawn in by the clinch style cover but found I wanted to like this book more than I did. I have not read the first book in this series and think I would have been better off reading it as there were so many characters that appeared with no introduction that seemed like people I should have known. This book was very light on plot so that just left me characters that I didn’t really feel connected with. This book was fully of quippy banter but there is a point where there’s too much banter and this booked crossed that line before the 30% mark. My favorite thing about this book was the setting on the Isle of Skye so I really enjoyed Juniper and Callum’s dates exploring the island.

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

Juniper Ross is stuck in a hard spot. When she hires a less-than-capable handyman to work on a couple of rooms in her family’s inn, she does not end up with the design she has been dreaming of. Rather, she ends up with a flooded inn and some very unhappy customers. In order to fix the mess and prove that she is capable of managing the inn, she has no choice but to turn to her ex-fiancé’s brother — a man who she has sworn never to even think about — for help repairing the damage.

Callum Macabe is stretched too thin. Between running his veterinary practice, being captain of the Kinleith Shinty Club, dealing with his father’s worsening dementia, and being hopelessly in love with his brother’s ex-fiancée, he is exhausted. But when the opportunity comes up to help Juniper Ross after a disastrous pluming mishap, he just can’t help but put one more thing on his plate. After all, it means just a little more time to drive Juniper crazy.

I think dual narration romances really tend to thrive when they give both main characters fully fleshed out lives with difficult histories, messy complications, and problems that don’t have to do with the romance that’s developing throughout the story. Elliot Fletcher did an excellent job of making both Juniper and Callum (as well as many of the side characters) into people that don’t only seem like letters on a page. They have complicated family lives and pasts that affect how they view themselves and their relationships with the people around them. These are internal complications that they ultimately need to overcome to be with each other. Juniper must overcome her insecurities around love that stem from her childhood before she was adopted into her family. Callum must work through his tendency to neglect himself and his own desires because he is always putting everyone else’s needs above his own.

In addition to being a book that explores the internal conflicts of its characters, Scotch on the Rocks is also just an adorable romance story. I really enjoyed Juniper and Callum’s banter and their supposed (or pretend in Callum’s case) dislike of each other just made the moment they admitted their feelings for each other just that much better. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical upon finding out that Callum had been in love with his brother’s fiancée for years and I was concerned about how it was going to be resolved, but I found the conclusion to be really satisfying and it made me really curious to find out Alistair’s side of the story in the next book. He seemed to be really going through it, and I look forward to seeing what has been going on in his life as his siblings have been finding the people they want to spend forever with. 4.25 Stars.

Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins, and to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was worried that the fact I hadn't read the first book in this series was going to hinder my enjoyment, but it absolutely did not! I really enjoyed the witty grumpy/sunshine banter between Juniper and Callum. Their sexual tension was palpable from the very beginning and only intensified as the story progressed. I loved the way Callum always showed up for her, even when she didn't ask or felt like she didn't deserve it - true golden retriever energy right there. My biggest complaint would be the way some of the dialogue was written for the Scottish accent. I had a hard time hearing it as I read. I think this may be one of those stories that would be best read via audiobook, but overall a really fun story!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyage for the advanced copy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher

Okay, first of all—is this an age gap romance? Because I was not expecting it and I am so here for it. The story kicks off with a carriage ride, and the imagery Fletcher paints during this moment instantly hooked me. Then we’re hit with the pining-for-your-brother’s-ex plotline, which? Yes. Absolutely. Chef’s kiss.

Juniper is such a fierce FMC. She may carry insecurities (don’t we all?), but her comebacks? I’m jealous. And then there’s Callum—rugged, blunt, intense. The man could have me on my knees with a single look. His honesty doesn’t just land, it lingers. It’s clear early on that he’s head-over-heels for Juniper, and I could feel his obsession in the best, most smoldering way.

The push and pull between them—the control, the tension, the “I shouldn’t want this but I do”? Delicious. And while the whole “going after your brother’s ex” thing might raise eyebrows, let’s be honest—his brother blew his chance badly. Callum growing a conscience partway through worked for me, because it only emphasized just how deeply he cared.

And the yearning?! Callum falls first, and he falls hard. His desperate intensity mixed with banter that had me grinning nonstop? Addictive. Their dynamic reads like hate-to-love, but it’s so obvious Juniper doesn’t hate him at all. Honestly, the only thing that threw me off occasionally were the time jumps—I just wish they’d been a bit clearer.

Let’s talk moments:
• Girl talk scene = actual cackling.
• Callum’s “I’ll show you Skye and help you out” deal = unexpectedly tender.
• The fake dating vibes that snuck in? A win.
• I swear I thought it was a horse… and then it was a cow. I haven’t laughed that hard in a while.
• Clitoris Ken. I’m still laughing. Can someone make this a bookish trophy already?

Also: the Twilight nod did not go unnoticed. 👀

Callum’s dirty talk isn’t gratuitous—it’s comforting, guiding, good. And that sweet mother-daughter moment toward the end? Tears. Literal tears. I’m still recovering.

Final thoughts? Juniper making herself smaller broke my heart in all the right ways. Heather, though? Nope. Not a fan. But Callum’s earnestness, his open need, and Juniper slowly realizing she’s worthy of that kind of love… that’s what made this story so memorable.

Absolutely adored it. Can’t wait to read more from this author

3.5⭐️ I do love a devoted, jealous MMC. Definitely had a good time with it. Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay were fantastic. Loved the Scottish accents and how they brought both Callum and Juniper to life. 4.5⭐️ on their narration.

Callum is head over heels for a girl at first sight. Too bad she rejected him immediately. Oh, and she’s his brother fiancé.

It’s been a bit and Juniper is single. She has rules now. Don’t look at a Macabe brother, don’t talk about a Macabe brother, and don’t think about a Macabe brother. Too bad Callum seems to be everywhere. But he is off limits. She’s his brother’s ex after all. There’s plenty to distract her, but when she needs help; Callum is always there. It’s getting harder and harder to not feel some sort of way toward him. Is he worth breaking her rules for?

Coming July 8th. Thank you @netgalley, @harperaudio, @avonbooks and the author for the opportunity to have an advance listener and reader copy.

4.5 stars, rounded down to 4

After reading Whisky Business, I knew who the main couple was going to be for Scotch on the Rocks and had concerns over how things would play out with Callum, our MMC, pursuing his brother's ex-fiancé. It turns out I did not need to worry about this as I was very pleasantly surprised. I loved the dynamics between June and Callum - their personalities and the banter were so good! Watching June work through some of her trauma and begin healing added a really nice level of depth to this story. Elliot Fletcher made the Isle of Skye feel so authentic as well, especially with details such as a random downpour, which takes me right back to when I visited there and really helps immerse you in the location. I can't wait for the next one!

Thanks to the author, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book!

OH MY! Elliot did not disappoint! If give me anything by Elliot Fletcher, I will love whatever is put in front of me. They know how to make you swoony and root for the characters! It had me from the first page and until the very end! of course, it didn't come without tears but it was worth it!

I think this is just a personal preference, but I like when stories are plot-driven instead of character-driven, and that was my biggest "gripe." It felt a bit repetitive at times, but I also like when I know what to expect.

Thank you to Elliot Fletcher, Avon and Harper Voyager, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was fortunate enough to receive both a kindle ARC and Audiobook ARC for this book and both were great! I will always love a Scottish accent so the audiobook was so great. I enjoyed this story much much more than Mal & April’s story and that’s saying something bc I loved them. So many tropes in this book and they are all done so well. Callum has been added to my list of perfect book boyfriends. Their banter and sexual tension is unmatched. I felt the author really dove deep into the FMC’s past and insecurities while also showing her growth. I loved the ending and I’m so excited for the next book— I know the series is the ‘Macabe Bros series’ but Heather better be getting her own book!!!

YEARNING…..the yearning in the book was soooo dang good. Age gap and forbidden romance with a golden retriever MMC and a black cat FMC. The banter in the book was so good and helped to balance out some of the trauma of the characters. Also this is set in Scotland which is at the top of my bucket list for trips and this book gives you so much Scotland that I just want to up and runaway to there right now. This is a reverse grumpy sunshine and Callum is so adorable.

Juniper was engaged to Callum's brother many years prior to meeting back up when Juniper comes back to their smalltown to help out with her family's inn while her mom is on vacation. Well the inn needs quite a bit of renovation and Callum is just the guy to help her out. Also he is a veterinarian so how can you not love a man who has a passion for helping animals.

There is spice in here that is delicious and explicit. I absolutely loved every minute of this read! I can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the advance copy!

I tried to read this book and I tried to listen to it on audio. I couldn't get into it. I did not like the FMC and I couldn't get past it.

The Macabe Brothers series continues with Callum and Juniper’s long-awaited story. Eight years ago, Callum fell hard for Juniper—only to watch her end up with his brother, even getting engaged. She was utterly off-limits… until now. When Juniper returns to Kinleith to manage the family hotel while her mom is away, the rundown building needs major work—and Callum is the only one who can help.

Their electric chemistry in the first book had me hooked, and I couldn’t wait to dive into their story. The opening drew me in immediately, but as things progressed, I found myself wishing for deeper emotional development. While there was plenty of tension and steamy moments, their connection sometimes felt more physical than heartfelt.

That said, I loved revisiting the rugged charm of the Scottish island setting, and the witty banter kept me smiling. It was also a treat to catch up with familiar faces from the first book. If you’re looking for a small-town romance with plenty of heat and a gorgeous backdrop, this one’s worth a read—just don’t expect too much emotional depth.

Callum Macabe knows how to yearn and make a gal fall in love with him...adding this fictional male to my book bf list IMMEDIATELY.

Callum is my favorite of the Macabe brothers, hand's down. Mal made me want to buy my husband a kilt, Callum makes me want to take my husband to Scotland and find waterfall.

Juniper Ross was such a witty black cat fmc that also made me equally obsessed with her. Her tough exterior and soft interior were relatable and I truly wanted a happy ending for her.

What a joy to read book 2 in this series, the plot, the yearning, the romance, the banter, the teasing, the spice, all of it. *chefs kiss*

Elliot Fletcher has me hooked.

I loved this! The chemistry between the two main characters was sizzling. I loved how sweet they were even though the relationship was a bit taboo.

The cover of Scotch on the Rocks hooked me immediately—Roy Kent look-alike dipping a woman with her dress strap slipping down her shoulder? Hotter than it has any right to be.

The story itself had a lot of emotional depth baked in: Callum, the MMC, is a lifelong people pleaser who’s learned to equate love with judgment—first from his father, then from Juniper, the FMC. And Juniper, shaped by her experiences in foster care, struggles to trust that love can last. That dynamic had so much potential, and I appreciated the moments when their respective wounds were brought to the surface.

There were also scenes that felt like missed opportunities for deeper character work. Both leads hit a crisis at the same time, and rather than sitting in that tension—Callum trying to hold it all together and Juniper bracing for abandonment—it was wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have loved more time in the mess.

This wasn’t a bad read by any means—the steam and character backstories kept me going—but I wanted more emotional grit and slower-burn tension to match that fire of a cover. If you’re here for the vibes and don’t mind a lighter touch on the angst, it’s worth a shot.

Ultimately, this was a book with strong ingredients—emotional baggage, complicated family dynamics, and a broody Scottish hero—but it didn’t quite come together for me. Still, I’ll probably keep an eye on this author for future releases.

Juniper is managing her mother's inn while she is away on holiday and has big ideas to make improvements. Callum is the town veterinarian and also happens to be Juniper's ex fiances older brother. Little does she know how long Callum has has eyes for her.

The banter between Juniper and Callum was top notch! Also loved that there is no third act break up. Even when you think there is an opportunity for one they work out their problems like adults, which I love! Picked this one up and had a hard time putting it down! Looking forward to Alistair's book and hoping Heather gets a book too!

Ex-fiancés older brother
Set in Isle of Skye in Scotland
He falls first, and HARD
Black cat x Golden retriever

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC!

I really, really love what Elliott Fletcher is doing with this series. The Scottish setting is so vivid and lovely, and her couples have so much chemistry. Where the first book was about trying to resist temptation, this book is about messy, complicated, big feelings. Sometimes it feels like you’re falling for the wrong person, and you can’t see how it would ever work. It was nice to see Callum and Juniper get there. And they’re both people who hide how much they need others (in very different ways), so of course they were the only one to see past the other’s defenses. I loved seeing their walls crumble. Book 2 is definitely the steamier one - Callum and juniper both know what the like and aren’t afraid to say it.

Tbh, I usually hate the idea of ex’s brother love interests. And every time alistair was mentioned was tough for me. I thought how the truth came out in the book was maybe my least favorite scene. But I do think Callum and juniper are the ones meant for each other and wanted to see how they’d get there.

I’m intrigued by Alistair but I haven’t decided how much I like him, so I can’t wait for his book to convert me.

Warnings: parent with dementia, on page, and the scenes can be tough for people going through similar issues

If “bickering as a love language” gets you going, then you will love the dynamic between Juniper and Callum. Unrequited love stories always rank high for me and Scotch on the Rocks definitely has pining from afar in spades. Ever since Callum McCabe saw Juniper Ross on a train, he’s been smitten with her. The only problem? She’s his brother’s girlfriend. The story jumps to the present where both Juniper and Callum are now single and have the Anne Shirley/Gilbert Blythe routine down pat. He loves to push her buttons, poke at her, and do anything to get her attention to slide to him. It’s both annoying and amusing, but because it’s Callum, it’s also done with swagger that’s hard to resist.

I loved all of the interactions between Callum and Juniper. He persuades her to go on four dates with him, showing Juniper the Isle of Skye as payment for helping her with major plumbing issues at her family’s inn. What he’s actually doing is wooing her; Callum is a man that pays attention. He places an order for coconut milk, even though he doesn’t like it, just so there’s a big enough shipment for Juniper to have some for her coffee. He has silently orchestrated things so that Juniper’s life is easier without her ever knowing it was him. This is a man who also says what he wants and never pretends to be okay with anything less. So much that it does get him into a bit of trouble with his brother (and Juniper) later when he makes a rash decision. I’m knocking my rating down slightly because of this scene—it felt slightly manipulative even if the characters discuss it immediately after.

Elliot Fletcher knows how to write chemistry and once these two finally cross the line of sexual tension, it’s crazy hot. They vibe off innuendo and Callum knows how to use his Sweetheart and Harpy nicknames to make Juniper weak in the knees. Callum falls first and falls harder and never, not for one moment denies it. If timing is truly everything, then the time from when these two meet to when they’re actually able to be together has only added to the experience of finally having what’s been withheld from you for so long. I’ve really enjoyed the different personalities of the Macabe brothers and am excited to see how Alistair will get his HEA. I received an early copy from Avon. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5️⃣
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭

This book was so much fun to read.
The characters were outstanding, and their chemistry was adorable.
I thought the writing was quick, fun and engaging.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this new title.

Scottish men just hit different, you guys. And I had forgotten that. TYSM to Elliot Fletcher for the v important reminder.

I absolutely recommend that you start with the first book in this series of interconnected stand-alones, Whisky Business, because it was delicious. And we get lots of Mal and April in this story. The more Macabe brothers, the better!

Juniper is a bit of a loner..or as much as the town of Kinleith will let her be. Callum, on the other hand, is basically the mayor. Not much in common between these two aside from their love of roasting one another. And that time they almost hooked up. Oh, and the fact that she used to be engaged to his brother.

It has been a minute since I've read SUCH good play fighting! They are getting on each other's nerves as a method of flirting and it is fun and sweet and hot. NOM NOM NOM.

I adored Callum's POV because of how it reveals that literally everyone is aware of how down bad he is. Except Juniper (and Alistair, which....I have no idea where Fletcher is going with his storyline, but sign me up!).

But I equally loved Juniper's POV for how much we see her grow and thrive under Callum's affection. The black cat metaphor is extremely on the nose here, but the guy is a vet so it kinda works for me?

Bottom line, if you also can't resist a good brogue, run don't walk.