Warning: Do not read this book in public unless you’re okay with giggling like a lunatic. The Macabe Brother Rule Book? Iconic. June trying (and failing) to follow her own rules while tripping over hot, off-limits Callum every five minutes? Comedy gold. It’s like a romcom and a slow-motion train wreck of sexual tension had a baby with kilts.

I’m docking a star because, let’s be real, some of the drama was so predictable I could see it coming like a bagpipe parade. But it was still the perfect mix of steam, banter, and feelings I wasn’t prepared to catch. Would absolutely break all the rules for Callum too, no notes.

Started out fun and chaotic, but quickly lost interest. Unfortunately, I got bored around a third of the way through. I swapped between the audio and ebook.

Audiobook narrator for the MMC has an accent, which is super fun. It’s dual POV and dual narrated too.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced copy!

Barriers did a well job and the accents? WOW. Those alone make me want to visit Scotland and Ireland even more than I did before. The story of redemption for Juniper after having lost herself and having a rough upbringing was refreshing. Finding her happily ever after, even if it was with her ex fiancé’s brother, was still so cute!

This one starts with a confession: Once upon a time, Callum fell in love with a stranger on a train—only to find out she was his brother’s new girlfriend. Seven years later, Juniper is single again... but no closer to falling for Callum than she was back then. Yes, you can read this out of order (I did), and still fully enjoy the dynamic of this found family in the Scottish isles. I’ll definitely go back and read Mal and Alice’s story in “Whiskey Business.”

I loved the animosity between them. Juniper has a vicious edge to her bickering, while Callum secretly loves every bit of attention he can steal from her. That tension builds until she has a full breakdown, and Callum can’t help but meddle his way into her life to try and save her. I was literally kicking my feet at the tension and chemistry between them. She calls him “Community Ken” because he’s the local golden boy (he’s a freaking veterinarian!), and he flip-flops between calling her “Harpy” and “Sweetheart.”

Speaking of banter, the Scottish accents from the narrators were divine. Russ Bain was clear and confident, while Rebecca McClay has this gorgeous, tinkling voice that gave Juniper a delicate sound—despite her harsh words. I do wish the production had been a bit tighter. The pauses between chapters were unnecessarily long, while there were no breaks at all between scenes in the same chapter, which made things feel a little jarring.

I love a sweet second-chance romance, but I adore a complicated mess with no easy solution. Their history is tangled, and I could feel it winding around my nerves. I loved the angst, and I loved the resolution even more.

“Macabe Brother Rule Book:
•Don’t look at a Macabe brother
•Don’t talk to a Macabe brother
•Don’t even think about a Macabe brother”

Callum Macabe is a small town vet who’s well known and loved by everyone except his brothers ex fiancé, Juniper. Yet he’s a complete & total simp for her 🫶🏼

Juniper Ross is snarky & insecure after being hurt. She’s back in her hometown helping run her adoptive family’s Inn & hoping to one day turn it into her dream. She can’t seem to escape “Community Ken” [Callum Macabe] though, no matter how much she tries. & after a disaster at the Inn, she has no choice but to except Callum’s help.

Their connection comes to life & is truly perfection.
The tension + the yearning + the banter is 😍🔥
I loved it!

Tropes:
•Reverse grumpy/sunshine - golden retriever/black cat
•Small Town
•He’s got it BAD for her
•Age Gap
•Forbidden Romance [Brother’s ex fiancé]
•Scotland setting
•Dual POV
•Slow burn

Thank you Harper Collins & Avon Books for the ALC via NetGalley!

If you’re a sucker for slow burns, messy emotions, and men who fall first (and hard), Scotch on the Rocks is about to wreck you—in the best way. Elliot Fletcher delivers a deeply romantic, surprisingly tender story about unrequited love that isn’t quite so unrequited after all. Callum is hopelessly in love with Juniper, his brother’s ex, and the way he pines for her is just chef’s kiss. His quiet devotion, paired with his emotionally aware, soft masculinity, makes him one of the most compelling romance heroes I’ve read in a while. Submissive men written with this much nuance and heart? Yes, please.
The dynamic between Callum and Juniper is electric. The tension, the vulnerability, the absolutely scorching chemistry—it’s all there. The “pining for your brother’s ex” trope is done so well here: it’s not just about forbidden love; it’s about trust, grief, and healing. Juniper is sharp, complex, and guarded, and watching Callum love her anyway (and openly) is what makes this book such a standout.
And if you’re an audiobook fan? Do not skip the audio version. The dual narration brings the story to life in a whole new way. Both voice actors are perfectly cast—Callum’s longing practically vibrates in his narrator’s voice, and Juniper’s strength and vulnerability are portrayed with stunning depth. Their performances add so much dimension to an already layered, emotional story.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! I loved that Callum’s chapters were narrated by a male voice and Juniper’s by a female—such a nice touch that made their perspectives feel distinct and immersive. The descriptions of the Isle of Skye were absolutely beautiful and added so much atmosphere. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, but I had no trouble following along (though I do wish I had read book one to get more backstory on the town and its people). I especially appreciated the emotional growth in both Juniper and Callum—they each learned that allowing yourself to be cared for isn’t a weakness, and that really resonated with me.

I was excited to listen to this after reading the first book (Whisky Business) earlier this month! I really do love these family romances where each sibling gets a book!! I love getting glimpses of each character in the books, and then seeing them build up to their own love story.

The narration was really enjoyable (you know I love those Scottish accents), and kept me pretty engaged in the story. I also liked the Black Cat/Golden Retriever aspect, and of course, the ex-fiancé’s brother trope! It’s a good time, and I loved seeing the first couple’s appearances in this book.

A special thanks to HarperAudio & Netgalley for an early copy of this audiobook to review.

"The Macabe brother rule book (according to Juniper Ross):
1. Don't look at a Macabe brother.
2. Don't talk to a Macabe brother.
3. Don't even think about a Macabe brother."
What part of her own rules couldn't Juniper understand? She found herself attracted to a second Macabe man. The problem? Callum is her ex's brother, therefore off limits.
Juniper has to fight her growing feelings for Callum, she is busy trying to renovate her family's inn before her mom gets home, but in a small town it's hard to avoid someone.


"But mostly. . . I avoided her, because every time I saw Juniper Ross, she owned me a little bit more."

"I stopped seeing Juniper as his and she became mine. Mine to provoke, love and protect, if only from afar."

"A fish could tell another fish how to walk, but we'd both still have flippers instead of feet."

I loved this book and audiobook; I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. It doesn't get too deep, so still a cozy and feel-good read.
The author keeps your attention and really makes you like the characters. I cannot wait to check out more of her books.

Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay narrate and deliver the story with great character and clarity. Their voices complement each other beautifully, and the pacing is just right, never rushed or dragging. They make the dialogue easy to follow and bring out the humor and heart or the story. A really enjoyable audiobook experience!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Avon, Harper Voyager, and HarperAudio for this Audiobook ARC.

I loved this messy and chaotic story overall. The pining the MMC for the FMC for years was messy and fun because that was his brother's ex fiancé. Juniper was difficult for me to connect with as first but that might be because we have similar prickly personality traits. Though the way she brought up her ex while attempting to hook up with his brother was a low blow that I couldn't even get with. I did appreciate that she had growth over the course of the story, but her personality was strong. Callum was the type of down bad man that I crave. The way he wanted her and cared for her was ugghhh. The narrators were okay. I had to speed it up because they spoke slowly in their accents and it felt like it was taking forever to get through a chapter. The scenery was written with meticulous detail that i appreciated. I drank up each line about Isle of Skye and mentally planned a trip there to see it with my own eyes. I loved the well-developed plot and characters and did understand where they came form and how the evolved through the story. Overall I am excited for the next book in the story, and plan on going back to read the first one.

Stay away from the brothers! They are trouble they said. But did she stay away? Nope!

This was such a cute enemies-to-lovers romance! It had everything I look for: angst, tension, steam, and just the right amount of sweet. I definitely got all the feels from this one.

The narration was strong, though as an American English speaker, it did take me a little time to adjust to the Scottish accent. I found I had to listen at a slightly slower speed than usual (1.5). But once I got into the rhythm and felt comfy with the accent, I really enjoyed it. The accent added authenticity and charm to the story.

Overall, a fun and emotional listen with characters you can root for.

Great listen if you are in the mood for a sweet amd angsty but lighthearted romance.

Audiobook was roughly 10-11 hrs listening time.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for the chance to review this audiobook.

Wow was this good! Scotland always holds a special place in my heart because of family heritage and living there for a little bit, so this book was right up my alley. I was originally a little hesitant of this book because the trope of the bother falling in the other brother's ex is so icky and sticky, but I said F*** it let's give it a try. I was also turned off by the cover. I am not the biggest fan of the cartoon overly sexualized covers. Don't get me wrong, I love a spicy book but I don't want everyone to know I am reading a spicy book.

They are truly a very cute couple and I highly suggest this book to anyone who loves a cozy spicy romance. The only reason it is not a 5 star is because they talk a little too much during sex for my liking.

Thanks so much to Elliot Fletcher and HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio for the ALC of this book. The Narrators were perfection!! I loved that this was set in Scotland. It one of my favorite places for books to be set. Juniper and Callum's story is so well written. It was a quick listen and will definitely be buying the physical copy of this!

Book review ✨
Scotch on the Rocks | Elliot Fletcher

My oh my was this book chefs kiss! The tension in this book was so high you could slice right through it! When you take an awkward situation (re: brother’s ex fiance) and have them yearn for each other, it can sometimes feel a little cringe. Especially when it’s “are you going to do it better than him?” 🥴 but basically it was fiiiiiine. It felt like just enough of a slow burn yearning that it kept me pining for them during the waiting. While it was slow going in areas, the tension and talk didn’t stop. 🔥

The book itself is an A+ but my goodness let me tell you about the audiobook! Give me a Scott to read my books any day and alllll day because 🥵🥵🥵 I loved it, I love every minute of it. 👏🏻

A million thanks to @NetGalley & @harperaudio for the early copy that blessed my ears! 🎧🫶🏻

DNF at 24%. Yay for a buddy read with RL where we both feel the same way.

I got this audiobook as an advanced reader copy. I enjoyed the audiobook narrators (some of my friends did NOT) but I absolutely HATED the main characters.

Callum meets Juniper on a train and he's SMITTEN. But, sadly, finds out that she not only is dating someone, that person is his younger brother. So, he starts teasing her as a way to avoid his feelings and act like he doesn't care.

After 2 years of dating (and engagement), Juniper and Alistair (the brother) break up. One year later, Juniper and Callum almost hook up but Callum backs out at the last second, stating "I don't want to regret this in the morning". And Juniper is (not surprisingly) incensed and hurt that he says that. There's a gross part where she talks about her ex in the middle of things that throws ice water over the situation, so I could understand Callum backing off... but I don't understand how he leaves her hanging without even trying to have a friendship with her.

For FIVE YEARS Callum goes back to teasing Juniper and being a prick to her. He's the nicest guy to EVERYONE else, but to her? He's a total jerk. He gets "turned on" when he can get a rise out of her. He loves teasing her (but in a mean way that I was NOT okay with). It's no wonder that she is pretty sure he doesn't like her.

She's got a LOT of issues even outside of him. She's constantly bad talking herself. And then, she tries to problem solve something her adoptive mom won't... and she lies and tries to do it on her own and there's a BIG mess where she needs the "hero" to step in.

I am not a fan of the lying and the hiding and also being incompetent. Callum isn't kind about his offer to help her. He is arrogant and a jerk about it so it wasn't a big surprise that she initially turned him down. But, she's desperate and finally reaches out.

And that's where I stopped.

I love KIND men. I love pining when it's done well. And this "pining" felt like "I'm super horny for her but not willing to sacrifice anything to see if I can make this woman's life better. I prefer to pretend like I was rejected and that it's her fault we're not in a relationship and in the meantime, I'll tease her and make her feel like crap."

The first book was lovely... but this one? NOPE! I did NOT like Callum. And Juniper is a sad sack.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the audiobook arc!

I think Elliot Fletcher may have converted me to read only the Scottish variety of contemporary romance from here on out! The banter between our two main characters is unmatched and refreshing in a market saturated with enemies-to-lovers that attempt to achieve what Fletcher has with this entry to The Macabe Brothers series.
This novel works in balancing our characters personal conflicts with their attraction to one another, however a bit of that tension is lost in the end and some minor plot lines do not payoff or reach their end a bit too quickly.

I found the narrators Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay charming and add an air of authenticity to the read despite a bit of mismatch in their reading speeds. I will certainly be suggesting the audiobook edition to friends and patrons.

I loved this narration, the accents were fantastic and added to the atmosphere of this book and story. I really loved how we knew that Callum was down bad for Juniper from the very get-go. I love their banter and their back and forth so much. I love how much Callum is always there for Juniper regardless of her hesitancy and her own rules of never even thinking of a McCabe brother. Juniper is a true to herself and her character black cat. She was so snarky and funny and, at times, grumpy. I saw myself in her personality and couldn’t help but root for her around every turn. I absolutely adored the authors writing and can’t wait for more in this series.

Loved to see this series continue with Juniper and Callum's love story. The flashbacks were insightful about how Callum could have carried his unrequited love and internal conflict for his brother's ex all those years. I also love a good black cat & golden retriever pairing. While their love story was slow, it did burn hot. Great narration as well.

It's not you, it's me.

I feel terrible that I had to DNF this audiobook, but I do plan to go back and read this as an ebook. Scottish accents make me swoon and I usually have no problem listening to audiobooks with accents, however this one was a bit hard to follow. I didn't want it to get in the way of the story, so I think it's best that I restart this with reading instead of listening.

I requested this title based on the description of this book and still think it sounds like an amazing read.

Again, it's not you, it really is me!

When I saw I got to hear Callum and Juniper I was beyond excited! It did not disappoint! The narrators brought these characters together beautifully! Hearing Callum say Harpy 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 I loved this book and it was perfect audio! Please everyone needs to read this one and absolutely get the audio to go along with it! I already miss them !!