“Maybe it wasn’t so easy to edit in real life, to delete and revise and correct, but she was so grateful for the grace to fail and make mistakes and still find a happy ending”

Thank you Canary Street Press and HTPHive for the free book! #hive #htppartner All opinions are my own.

Scot and Bothered is a beautifully told story filled with longing and carefully crafted discussions of grief and second chances.

I was lucky enough to have been gifted both an audio and digital copy of the story and enjoyed both immensely. Angus King and Savannah Davies were flawless in their dual narration so if you are an audiobook listener then this is one that I would highly recommend!

Brooke is a ghostwriter who is afraid to step into the spotlight after being expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years before. But when her college mentor needs a co-writer for her memoir about the Skye Trail, Scotland’s most challenging trek, she has no choice but to lace up her hiking boots and set out to experience the trail for herself. Unfortunately she soon learns that she will be hiking alongside the man who destroyed her writing career all those years before and left her brokenhearted. Brooke isn’t sure that she can face the hurt she has felt for years in order to open herself up to a second chance to live her dreams but she is willing to try and find common ground.

I am a big fan of second chance romances and I loved how the author wove together Jack and Brooke’s points of view. There is heartache and plenty of messy moments but in the end their love for one another holds true. I will also note that while their love story was beautiful, my favorite part of the book is the messages of grace and the importance of finding the confidence within yourself to fully chase your dreams and find your happy.

The immersive atmosphere and all things Scotland is also a huge plus so if you are fan of travel romance and enjoy emotional stories filled with love and second chances then this is a perfect pick!

Read if you like:

Dual POV
Dual Timeline
Slow burn
Forced Proximity
Travel Romance
Second Chance
Some Spice

Second chance romance with a dash of it’s always been you.

This story ended up having a much darker tone than I originally imagined. As light hearted as their journey to Skye seemed it was often over shadowed by the looming loss of a loved one.

Brooke got involved with a TA and subsequently lost her scholarship at the university of Edinburgh and also lost the love of her life. She seems to have let this one incident define her career and instead of writing for herself she ghost writes for other people. When she lands her dream memoir and a chance to have her name finally in the credits she jumps at it. Unfortunately this job also involves her former fling who she blames for ruining her life.
The isle of skye brings them together until they are confronted with the loss and it forms a wedge once again. Can Jack and Brooke figure themselves out and find their way back to each other? That’s the question.

Thank you HTP for the ALC, I really enjoyed the audiobook. The narrators were fantastic.

Duel timeline allowed us to see the MCs history and current storyline. The narrators were great at telling the story while also exploring the natural beauty of Scotland. It was an enjoyable read, but did include some previous trauma and grief.

Scot and Bothered is guaranteed to give you the travel bug.

Two exes must hike a trail on the Isle of Skye as they partner together on a project, writing and taking photographs for a mutual loved one’s memoir. Along the way, we get glimpses into their past together and see them both strive to prove themselves in the present.

Once upon a time, giving into their chemistry was off-limits. Now many years after breaking each other’s hearts, can they withstand those sparks still sizzling under the surface?

At a glance:
- Dual POV
- Second chance
- Dual Timeline
- Forced proximity
- Travel Romance
- Forbidden / off-limits romance
- Only one tent
- Only one bunk

This book is dripping in want. Want in the past. Want in the present. Brooke and Jack know how to yearn, y’all.

I adored Angus King’s narration for Jack. Let’s be honest: I love a Scottish accent. This audiobook gets bonus points for Jack’s POV, not just his dialog, being done with the Scottish accent. While the narration from Savannah Davies is pleasant, I wish she had infused more energy into her portrayal of Brooke.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Harlequin Audio and HTP Hive. All review opinions are my own.

🎧𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌🎧

𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 by @akileybooks

🗓️ March 4th - 𝕆𝕦𝕥 ℕ𝕠𝕨

📄 336

4⭐️

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥:
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Second Chance
📖Former Lovers turned Enemies
📷Dual Timelines
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Slow Burn
📖Forced Proximity
📷Scottish Setting
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Highland Cows

Brooke had dreams of becoming an author but now she ghostwrites for others after a forbidden relationship wrecked her plans. When her former mentor asks for help, she can’t say no. Determined to write authentically, she must now trek the Skye Trail - Two weeks and 80 miles. When she learns the photographer that will be joining her is her former lover, Jack, she wonders if this is even possible. Now she must learn to work closely with him while also sharing a tent. What will come of the time spent together and miles traveled?

𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Scot and Bothered was a beautiful story of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the beauty of letting go. The Scottish setting made for an unforgettable reading experience. I added Scotland to my bucket list so fast! The narration of this audiobook brought this book to life and the ascents were spot on. I also really enjoyed the dual timelines, a glimpse into the past had me cheering for them even more in the present. Brooke and Jack were such great characters - real, relatable, and raw. The growth and maturity throughout their journey was great. One tent, need I say more?!?!
Scot and Bothered is so beautifully written - this was my first book by Alexandra Kiley but it will definitely not be my last!

@htp_hive @htpbooks @netgalley

Kiley makes you wish you were in Scotland with Brooke and Jack. As the two trek along Scotland and has out their past, you get to know what lead them to this second chance. Brooke being a ghost writer and Jack being a photographer made them the perfect pair for the famous author Mhari's memoir. Told between the past and the present, this second chance romance is swoonworthy and makes you want to go visit Edinburgh. The dual authors are amazing! I love that Jack's narrator has a scottish accent. Would recommend.

This was such a strong sophomore novel by Kiley. It’s well-written, it’s a love letter to Scotland, and the dual points of view are really well structured. It’s about being vulnerable, about confronting your past, and about finding your happiness. I can’t wait for Kiley’s next one.

Scot and Bothered tells the complicated story of Brooke and Jack through a dual timeline of “then” and “now”. A forbidden TA/student relationship between the two of them causes consequences for them both, but they reconnect years later to write and photograph Jack’s aunt (Brooke’s mentor)’s memoir. With feelings unresolved and emotions at an all time high, they navigate this second chance.

I enjoyed how this story captured the rugged nature and beauty of Scotland. I was interested in how the story between the two would unfold. Personally, I would have loved a bit more chemistry between our lovebirds (both then and now) and a deeper dive behind the emotions of their past. It also would have been nice to get a bit more backstory of Brooke and her life in the US, but the book was enjoyable nonetheless.

A huge thank you to HTP Hive, Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ALC copy of Scot and Bothered for my honest thoughts! Grab your copy now!

Thank you to Canary Street Press and Harlequin Audio for the gifted copies of Scot and Bothered!

I listened to this on a whim without even reading Kilt Trip first and OMGGGGGG you guys, this book is SO good. You cannot read this book and tell them this author isn’t an expert at her craft. The writing, the romance, the character development — it’s all executed flawlessly. Chef’s kiss. Perfection.

Set mostly on the Isle of Skye during a hiking trip, Scot and Bothered is highly atmospheric and will make you feel like you’re in Scotland! The scenery is so vividly described that it engages all five senses, completely immersing you in the setting. The author also uses dual timelines to set the scene, alternating between present day and eight (I think) years ago, when the characters first met and fell in love. I don’t usually enjoy books set in college, but this one nails the balance between then and now, giving us just enough history to establish their past without making it feel like a “college romance.”

But the best part of this book is Jack and Brooke’s relationship. If you’ve ever read a review where someone said the chemistry was off the charts, this is what they meant. It’s not about steam, it’s about how perfect they are for each other. Their love feels fated in a way that’s rooted in deep emotional connection, not just lust. From their forbidden romance in college where they try (and fail) to stay away from each other, to their present day reunion, still grappling with the hurt from years ago, every part of their journey felt real. Rom com writers should study these two. Readers, prepare to kick your feet with giddy delight.

Read for:
Second chance romance
Atmospheric setting (Scotland!)
Books about writers
Forced proximity
Well-developed characters on a journey

Audio: Dual narrators for dual POVs is always a good idea. Jack’s POV is performed by an actual Scot! Angus King nails the Scottish accent, of course, but more impressively, his American accent is flawless (no cringey fake American voice here). Brooke’s POV is performed by Savannah Davies — I can’t find much about her online, so I’m wondering if it’s a pseudonym. Either way, she delivers a fabulous performance. Definitely a great one to pick up on audio!

Thank you Harlequin Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: Forced to hike Scotland’s rugged Skye Trail together, a ghostwriter and the man who broke her heart must confront their past and rediscover love in *Scot and Bothered*.

My review: Scot and Bothered delivers a heartfelt contemporary romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. With vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life, the story is packed with beloved romance tropes—strangers to lovers to enemies to lovers, insta-love, forbidden romance, second chances, and forced proximity—all wrapped in the undeniable pull of "it's always been you." The dual timeline adds depth, allowing readers to witness Brooke and Jack’s love in its purest form before heartbreak and then follow their journey toward forgiveness and rekindled love. Filled with emotion, scenic beauty, and the promise of true love, this story is a journey worth taking. I absolutely loved it!

Fiction / Romance - Romantic Comedy / Romance - Contemporary / Family Life

Scot and Bothered is scheduled for publication on March 4th, by Harlequin Audio.

A second-chance romance between an American writer and a Scottish photographer as they hike the Isle of Skye.

What’s to love...
- Second chance romance
- Scotland setting (hiking the Isle of Skye)
- dual timeline
- only one tent
- slow burn
- themes of grief & self-discovery
- bookish book (writer FMC)
- detailed atmosphere and descriptions of the landscape

What I didn't love…
- I am personally not a fan of dual timeline so that was a negative for me - but I know lots of ppl enjoy it!
- Also not a huge fan of overly descriptive travel scenery so that was a miss for me - but again, I know some ppl enjoy it!
- overall I felt like it lacked tension and banter, the whole book just felt “fine” - certainly not a bad book but not one I'll be itching to reread soon.

Thank you NetGalley and HTP Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this novel!

3.75/5 ⭐️

I’m glad I was browsing NetGalley, otherwise I probably wouldn’t haven’t known about this book! It’s a cute and also emotional story of second chances and writing (literally and figuratively)your legacy. Also it takes place in Scotland , one of the most beautiful countries!

For the audio: The narrators were great and the pacing was good.

Give this book a shot if you love
- second chance romance
- books about creative jobs (writing, photography)
- hiking
- Scotland
- HEAs

Thank you so much, Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the ebook and audio ARC of Scot and Bothered! My favorite thing about this book was the setting. I felt like I was transported to Scotland and loved hearing about each adventure. I loved the aspect of forbidden love and then the enemies to lovers in the later timeline. The one bed trope being one tent was great as well!

Overall, a fun quick read! The audiobook is dual narration, not duet. But it had a male narrator with a Scottish accent which was great!

Thank you to Netgalley and #harlequinaudio for an advance listening copy of this book. I loved it. 5 stars.

This was a really sweet story of love, choices, and second chances. It was easy to fall in love with the two main characters, Brooke and Jack. Through their current journey and their backstory, you come to feel like you really know them and the emotions are palpable. And it definitely doesn’t hurt that the male narrator has a deep, sexy Scottish accent!

It’s a great romance novel. Definitely 4 stars. Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advance copy in exchange for my honest reviews.

3.75 stars
I liked this one, but I liked Kilt Trip better (which I gave 4 stars).
This one revolves around Jack (Logan's brother from Kilt Trip) and Brooke. 7 years ago, they had been in a student/professor relationship which totally blew up. Now Brooke, a ghost writer, is working on Jack's aunt Mhairi's memoir. To capture one of the sections, Brooke is going on an 8 day hike with a photographer. But the original photographer gets injured, and Jack steps in as the new photographer.
I liked Brooke. She was passionate about helping Mhairi and doing the best she could for this memoir, but you could also tell that she wasn't fulfilled being a ghost writer. That if she wrote something as herself, it would be amazing. Jack has always known that. He has just become a photographer after deciding not to be a part of his family's touring company which is what they all thought he would do. He has never forgotten Brooke and it's obvious he wants a second chance with her.
This story is told in both Brooke and Jack's POVs, as well as in a now and then double timeline. So we have the end result of whatever happened between them, and then we have the lead up to what actually happened. I enjoyed the "now" part better, I liked the hiking storyline better and it was more exciting. What happened to break them up in the past made a lot of sense, but the third act breakup didn't. The ending was well done though.
There were 2 audiobook narrators, one for Brooke and one for Jack. They were both great. The male narrator had a great Scottish accent that was easy to understand. Sometimes with accents, I need to slow down the audiobook, but this one I didn't. The female was great too, they both did accents for the dialogue - the female did a Scottish accent for Jack and the male did an American accent for Brooke.
This was a really fun, quick Scottish adventure romance book!

I mean come on, can you really go wrong with a Scottish accent? Like, sign me up forever. This story is so much fun, so adventurous, so sexy, and so enjoyable. The narrators were superb and made an already fantastic story that much better. Brooke and Jack were such a sizzling couple, i loved their chemistry and how much they lifted each other up. Their individual creative pursuits were so complimentary and their connection was palpable. Kiley became an instant read author for me right away. Highly recommend!

3.5 stars, 1 spice

I like this one a little bit more than Kilt Trip (It didn’t click before starting that this was the next in that series), I did love the aesthetic, but overall felt it lacked with the characters.

Even though this is a second chance romance, I felt like both their original romance and the second chance were insta love. With that, I felt like I was missing information on each of them as individuals (in both the past and present). I felt like I knew more about the people they met on the trail than the actual main characters. Rather than spending time getting to know them as people then vs. now, I felt we spent the whole time dancing around the big break up moment.

I did love all the imagery around Scotland. Mentioning all the different areas on the Isle of Skye really makes me want to visit there. I just know it has to be even more stunning in person.

I also appreciated the depth and love that was developed for Mhairi. I love seeing her character being one that lived a full life, with a huge impact on others, that leaves an amazing legacy that is not based around having her own kids. I did feel emotions for her in the end.

Also, for being the second in a series of interconnected standalones it also feels a bit repetitive to have another story with them just traveling around Scotland, and having a theme of grief.?

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Canary Street Press for the audio and ebook advanced copies.

Audiobook specific - I did really appreciate that this was a duel narration. I do with that instead of ' then' and 'now' we were given dates, or a long pause to really show the change in time period. While listening there were multiple times where I missed the chapter switch over and couldn't tell what time we were in

I picked up this book because I enjoyed Kiley's last book and turns out it's a ton of things I'm a sucker for -- mc who is a writer and trying to write, mc who is a photographer, taking a 100% bucket list trip through part of Scotland, duel narration and multiple timelines. It was an interesting story in that it felt lighthearted but the content wasn't -- I'd love to elaborate but no spoilers. The story was built on turmoil and while there was a lot of fun and romance-y, there's also a lot of the story that's showing where the MCs started and unraveling how they got to where they are.
The backdrop is lovely, the language captures it all, the imagery is great. It was an enjoyable read.

#arc
#netgalley
#scotandbothered

Not only do we get the full story of Jack and Brooke meeting and falling the first time with the "then" part of this story but we also get to see them find their way back to each other with the "now" part of this story. Brooke has always wanted to be an author but is currently a ghostwriter. Brooke is helping her mentor/friend, Mhairi McCallister, write her memoir about Scotland’s most challenging trek/hike. Brooke agrees to do the hike herself so she can better understand the journey and emotion that Mhairi wants to get across in her memoir. She decides she will join the photographer on the hike so they are not alone, not knowing that Jack is the photographer. Jack is the man that shattered not only her writing career but her heart seven years ago. Their hike is filled with a few challenges and tons of angst and pining on both their parts. I loved the progression of how they went from strangers to friends to lovers and then to sorta enemies to hike partners to lovers. We get the good, the bad, and the not so great parts of both of them and I loved it all. The narration for the audiobook really brought it to life in such a great way. and yes, the audiobook has a Scottish accent! I can't recommend this one enough and im definitely looking forward to more Alexandra Kiley books in the future.

Read is you like:
-Scottish setting
-Then/Now timeline
-Forbidden (then)
-Second chance (now)
-College shenanigans
-Lots of pining and yearning and angst
-Only one tent
-Open door but not explicit

Thank you to both Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in advance for an honest review.