
Member Reviews

A name like Pepper tends to stand out. And so I’ve noticed that Pepper Basham is becoming a “hot” name (pun intended. Sorry.) in inspirational publishing. I had not read any of her books yet, so I decided to take a chance on Some Like it Scott. To be honest, I haven’t read anything in inspirational fiction in a while. I’ve become a bit disillusioned with the industry’s strict adherence to conservative values. It especially bothers me that the Christian publishing industry mostly ignores the existence of LGBTQ+ community. Basham’s book did not change that, but it was still a wonderful, heart-warming story with both deep meaning and humor. Katie, the main character, is a travel writer. She loves travel but she also uses it to disguise the fact that she’s felt displaced, without a true home, since her grandparents died. Her family is troubled and Katie grew up believing that she wasn’t lovable or worthwhile.
Her latest assignment is to report on a three week long “Edwardian Experience” in a Scottish manor. Before she’s even been shown her room, Katie takes a tumble from the stairs into a handsome Scott’s arms. Graham, the owner of the manor where the event is taking place, is grumpy and impatient with Katie. But as their paths continue to cross, and Graham comes to her rescue in one situation after another, a friendship blooms. Katie is delighted to meet Graham’s family members, including his young nephew Lachlan. Soon Katie is longing for their relationship to deepen and for acceptance into Graham’s life and family. Graham wants the same but it will take some effort to convince Katie that they belong together.
Katie and Graham’s story is truly, delightfully funny. Basham’s characters are well-drawn and their struggles very realistic. My heart ached with their sadness and grew full with their happiness. Basham’s story showed us how essential it is to be loved and accepted just as we are.
The story has two narrators. Joshua Manning voiced Graham’s point of view and Stina Nielsen performed Katie’s parts. The voices fit the characters and the narrators gave great performances. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of the audiobook.

If you haven’t listened to this on audio, you need to. The Scottish MMC is voiced by a Scottish narrator, and his voice and accent are divine🤤
I really had fun reading Some Like It Scot! The setting was so beautiful and was written in a way that I felt like I was transported to Scotland. The Scottish aspects felt really authentic, especially the slang, and I appreciated that. I loved Katie and Graeme’s grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and I loved Katie’s humor and use of puns. I also enjoyed the Edwardian aspects of this story and the references to Jane Austen, Downton Abbey, and the like. While this story was fun and silly, it also covered some serious topics, and I think they were handled well. And I appreciated that the faith aspect felt natural and not forced. Overall, this book really felt real, even if some of Katie’s misadventures may seem a little unbelievable.😉
Trigger warning for death of family member (cancer, killed by drunk driver).
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for sending me an ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of the audiobook! The voice acting in this is great. The voice for Katie really brought the character to life and drew out the humor in the novel in a delightful way. Likewise the voice actor who did the MMC’s voice really completed Graeme’s character. Their banter I think was one of the best things about this book, and the voice actors did it justice.
The story is reminiscent of early 2000s romcoms. The FMC, Katie, is a clumsy travel writer while the MMC is a family oriented craftsman who finds himself saving Katie from unfortunate mishaps that befall her every so often. I enjoyed the story but was a little annoyed by the overemphasis on how tall the Katie is—she’s tall and a danger to herself is a fact we’re reminded of a bit too often. That being said I really enjoyed the banter, the side characters, and the descriptions of Scotland. It was all delightful and fun. I also really enjoyed how the book treated the MMC’s past relationship. It fell apart as a result of two individuals needing something completely different from one another, but neither being able to offer that something.
Overall a fun read!

4.25 ⭐️
I don’t think the name of this book does it justice. I was expecting a very straightforward run-of-the-mill romance, but this actually had just enough depth that I don’t think it falls into that category. I actually really liked this book, more so than I thought I would.
**Thank you, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.**

I have never read anything by this author, but I will be looking out for other books they write in the future. I really enjoyed the story as well as the pacing of the story.

This was such a a sweet romance! I loved the narration, particularly the Scottish accent on the male main character. The journey the main characters had towards self acceptance and being willing to risk for love was well told. The description of Scotland were lush

Overall this was a fun read. I enjoyed Katie’s journey and growth as a writer and the Edwardian experience. The setting was beautifully described and I had a great time listening and picturing Scotland as Katie experienced it. Katie’s growth as a writer and in her faith were the main themes in this book more so than the slow burn romance, but it was a good read nonetheless.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ALC!

I am a fan of all of Basham's books and Some Like it Scot is one of my new favorites. The narrator of this book added so much to the overall expeince of this audiobook as they did so great with the difference voices and accents. I felt like I was in Scotland along with the characters as I listened to this audiobook. The romantic elements of this book were very believable and enjoyable. I would give this audiobook 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loved this book. It follows Katie who is a travel blogger and vlogger. She documents her misadventures, as she is known for getting herself into a few calamities and has a decent the following.
When invited to a manor in Scotland for the Victorian experience by her host Mrs Lennox. She is stunned by the building but also by a parrot that swoops past her and she questions whether she should leave or not. She ends up having a fall and lands on Graham. Sparks fly right from their first conversation. Katie also runs into Mark, a guy she had interest in once but turned out he was a bit of a scumbag. He is also after the same award as Katie and wants to do anything to make sure he gets it, even if that means sabotage.
Katie has had some family baggage especially involving her mother and absent father and the loss of her grandparents who she had happy memories with, which affects her interactions with others. After the loss of her sister it only seemed to get worse and Graham seems to see past her cheerful exterior. He also is going through some issues after a break up and the loss of his sister, becoming the father of his nephew. He and his mother are trying to improve the manor by renting it out to the Lennox 's but not many people are happy with them being there.
Katie slowly comes to terms with her issues and starts to stand up to her mother. She has some personal growth and realises that she will never change the way others perceive her or be able to live up to their expectations and she doesn't need to rely on them or care for their opinions. Her fear of letting others down had started to fade, the more she felt the belonging and acceptance from Graham, his mother and Lachlan and the others she had interaction with. She slowly started to see that Scotland could possibly be her permanent home. Katie gets overwhelmed by how caring and wonderful Graham's family is and runs into the rain, she opens up to Graham about Sarah her sister and how different their families are.
Graham and Katie grow closer and they both start to give in to the attraction even if they weren't sure if they fit in each others story. When they finally allow the sparks to fly and they realise how much they mean to each other, they helped heal the parts of each other that they had tried so hard to avoid.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more books from Pepper Basham, she may be a new favourite Author!

5 ⭐️
This rating is not because it’s a masterpiece but because it made me feel pure joy. The story is 5 stars for me.
Katie Campbell is a blogger/writer/mishap specialist. She has traveled all over the world telling the stories of people she meets and spoofs of her “Miss”adventures, but really it’s because she’s running from her past and has no sense of home. She meets someone who helps her see she isn’t broken. It’s a trip to a Scottish manor house for an Edwardian themed excursion that turns into the trip of a lifetime. It’s Scotland for Pete’s sake, how could it not be?! Some Like it Scot is a little misleading from the title. This is not a spicy highland romance, this is a story of grief, unfair expectations, hindrance of hardships, and accepting happiness.
I LOVED this book. It felt like a hug. I physically laughed and smiled being emerged in this story.
Also I’d like to give the author a thank you for her profession of faith throughout this book. It’s was a sweet romance with God at the center of the story and that warmed my heart. It takes a lot of courage in today’s world.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the first look at #SomeLikeitScot and thank you to #PepperBasham for bringing me joy in a world with so many trials.

This was my first time diving into a Pepper Basham book—and what a charming introduction it was! From the very first chapter, Basham's witty, heartfelt writing swept me into the rugged beauty of Scotland and the lively chaos of Katie MacAllister’s world. Some Like It Scot is romantic, funny, emotionally grounded, and full of personality. The grumpy/sunshine trope has been done many times before, but here it sparkles with originality thanks to Basham’s sharp character development and emotional nuance.
Katie is not your typical romance heroine, and I loved her all the more for it. At 6 feet tall and full of energy and heart, she’s refreshing, vibrant, and utterly relatable in her vulnerability. Her dynamic with Graeme—a brooding Scotsman with a quiet strength—was perfectly paced and emotionally satisfying. Their meet-cute? Hilarious, memorable, and perfectly in line with who they are as individuals.
While the romance is central, what stood out just as much was the depth of the spiritual and emotional themes. Both Katie and Graeme are carrying their own scars, and their journey toward healing—individually and together—felt honest and earned. This isn’t just a story of falling in love with a person or a place; it’s about surrendering your brokenness to something bigger than yourself and learning to believe you’re worthy of love.
The Narration
The dual narration by Joshua Manning and Stina Nielsen added a whole extra layer of magic to the experience. Stina Nielsen voices Katie with a vivacious, emotive tone that captured every ounce of her impulsive charm and vulnerability. She transitions smoothly between American and Scottish accents when needed, and her comedic timing gave the dialogue a spark that made me laugh out loud more than once.
Joshua Manning, on the other hand, was a perfect Graeme. His deep, calming voice gave the character a grounded presence, and his Scottish accent felt authentic without being overdone or distracting. The contrast between the two narrators reflected the contrast between the characters, which enhanced the emotional beats of the story beautifully.
Their alternating chapters allowed me to feel more deeply connected to both Katie’s and Graeme’s inner worlds, and made the slow-burn romance even more rewarding. The chemistry between their performances brought the characters to life in a way that felt cinematic.
Audiobook Flow & Experience
The flow of the audiobook was seamless. Scene transitions felt natural, and both narrators maintained consistent character voices throughout. This is one of those audiobooks that makes it hard to press pause—I found myself inventing chores just to keep listening.
There was also a beautiful rhythm to how the story unfolded: part travelogue, part faith journey, and part love story. If you’re the kind of listener who gets lost in immersive settings and emotionally honest characters, you’ll adore this.
Final Thoughts
Some Like It Scot is a story filled with laughter, healing, and heart. Pepper Basham writes with such warmth and authenticity that you feel like you’re part of the journey—and the narration team enhances that feeling tenfold. This audiobook is a cozy, faith-filled escape with just the right balance of humor, romance, and depth.
If you love grumpy/sunshine pairings, Scottish settings, or second-chance healing arcs wrapped in heartfelt spirituality, don’t hesitate to give this one a listen. I’ll definitely be reading (or listening to) more from Pepper Basham in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the premise of this plot line: a travel journalists falls in love with a guy at one of her vacation destinations. Her destination happened to be a 3-week long immersive Edwardian experience.
It took me quite awhile to really feel connected or invested with the main characters. I don't know if it was the characters or the experience that I just couldn't relate to. With that being said, once we got to know Graeme's family and story a little more, especially Mirren and Lachlan, I was hooked.
I love how Graeme was always there when Katie needed him. Their bond over similar grief journeys was so sweet. I also appreciated the light faith elements. And the ending was obviously so happy and little different than I expected (in a good way, I won't ruin it though).
My rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: none (kisses only)
CW ⚠️: sibling/parental loss, grief
Thank you #netgalley for this #gifted audiobook copy. All thoughts are my own.

First of all, I really enjoyed the narration of this audiobook. I always appreciate when we have two separate voice actors for the FMC and MMC, and was especially happy about that here due to the Scottish/American accents.
The main thing I loved about this book was the theme of finding oneself. Our main character, Katie Campbell, is a travel writer who has never been able to settle down in one spot. However, on an overdue trip to Scotland, Katie begins to reconnect with her heritage and we watch her spark slowly begin to light again. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes hope can be found in the most unexpected places.
The story had such a promising set up, with Katie driving up to a manor house in the Scottish highlands, with vivid depictions of charming scenery that had me ready to pack my bags immediately. However, as the story moved along, I lost interest somewhat and didn’t find myself to feel overly moved. In regards to the romance, I liked that our two main characters were able to connect deeper due to a shared grief, but I wasn’t sold on their chemistry. I preferred the side characters if I’m being totally honest.
Overall, it was cozy read with a great narration and setting, but the love story didn’t leave a big impression.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Im a big fan of a Downton Abbey, so reading about someone who steps into an Edwardian experience for 3 weeks was so fun! I’m giving this book all the stars. The character growth was phenomenal, especially for Katie, our travel writer who spends 3 weeks in Scotland to participate in the Edwardian experience. I listened to the book on audio, and hearing the Scottish accented narrators tell the story made me want to visit Scotland ASAP!
I highly recommend this book. It’s full of misadventure, learning to love, and finding a family. Also a hairy coo makes an appearance which brings on a good laugh and a bit of anxiety for one character. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary book. A review was not required.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson publishers, Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Pepper Basham for giving me the opportunity to listen to an early copy of the Some Like It Scot audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This sweet, wholesome, and heart-warming Scottish romance between an accident-prone American travel writer (Katie) and a grumpy, yet endearing, "hot Scot" (Graeme) is a beautifully written story. The witty banter, yet emotionally raw dialogue had me laughing, crying, and swooning...sometimes all at once. Both characters explore their grief with losing a sibling with relatable and sincere vulnerability. The readers also glimpse Katie's struggles with self-worth and finding a sense of belonging. It is rewarding to see both Katie and Graeme heal and grow as an individuals, while realizing they want to find a home and family with each other.
A solid 4 star listen for me. I would definitely recommend this book to that romantic soul who is looking for an endearing clean romance.

3.5 ⭐️ A delightful, closed-door romance with humour, heart, and just the right amount of Scottish charm. The audiobook narration seriously elevates this one—between the accents and emotional delivery, it’s easy to stay hooked.
Katie is a tall, clumsy travel writer whose misadventures are as hilarious as they are relatable. Her assignment sends her to Scotland, where she meets Graeme—the ultimate grump with a golden heart. Their dynamic is classic grumpy x sunshine, full of witty banter and slow-burn chemistry that pays off.
The narrators do a fantastic job bringing both leads to life. The dual POV format makes it easy to connect with Katie and Graeme as they go from awkward strangers to something more. And yes—the Scottish accents are chef’s kiss.
The story weaves in themes of grief, belonging, and figuring out your next chapter, but keeps the tone light and charming throughout. Graeme’s family brings a sweet found-family element, and the cozy small-town vibe makes the whole thing feel like a warm blanket.
The pacing mostly works, though a few plot points could’ve used a bit more breathing room. Also, heads up—there are some religious undertones that pop up later in the book. They’re not preachy, but it’s something to note if that’s not your thing (I wasn’t expecting it).
Overall, this is a sweet, character-driven romance with great narration and an emotionally satisfying arc. If you’re looking for a clean, feel-good listen with a swoony Scot and a quirky FMC, give this one a go.

Ok so this one was mostly on me and the title. I didn’t realise this was a Christian romance until I was a ways in. And those aren’t for me. I tried to ignore it, because everything else is really cute and I don’t mind closed door romances, but there were too many religious references for my taste and then sometimes the romance wasn’t 100% believable at times. But like I said still cute! And the right reader will probably love it!

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham is a delightful contemporary romance that effortlessly weaves together wit, warmth, and irresistible charm. Set against the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands, this story offers a perfect blend of laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt emotion, and tender, swoon-worthy moments. With its clean and wholesome storytelling, it’s an ideal pick for fans of feel-good romance looking for a captivating escape filled with love, laughter, and a touch of Scottish magic.

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book!
This was my first Pepper Basham read, and overall, I enjoyed it! The premise is charming—an American travel writer with no real sense of home finds herself in a Scottish manor turned Edwardian experience and discovers an unexpected connection with a reclusive local. There’s something magical about the Scottish setting, and the book leans into that cozy, sweeping romance vibe.
That said, I didn’t realize this was a Christian romance going in, and as someone who doesn’t personally connect with religious themes, I found the faith element to be more central than expected! But that's totally on me :) Still, for readers who enjoy clean romance with a strong emotional core, this delivers.
It reminded me a lot of Sarah Adams’ books—sweet, wholesome, and focused on personal growth. The main characters were likable and had great arcs as they worked through their internal struggles. If you’re a fan of gentle romance with a touch of historical roleplay and a Scottish backdrop, this could be a great fit for your TBR.

This is an adorable romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud at times. In this story, Katie a travel writer who goes under the name Miss Adventure, ends up on assignment in Scotland and a Scottish castle to review an Edwardian Experience offered there. When she meets Graham, she literally falls into his arms after ripping part of the stair banister off.
Graham is a little grumpy and reclusive, but has to give his all to the Edwardian Experience because it's helping to finance repairs on his family's castle that has fallen into disrepair. At the last minute, Graham is requested for fill in on butler duties, putting he and Katie together in lots of scenarios.
I think this story was romantic and sweet. The banter between the two was quite funny at times and I can understand why anyone would be falling for the Scot.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a funny romance. The dual narrators were great - the male narrator's Scottish brogue was perfect for the story.