ALC Review
Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher
The Macabe Brothers - Book 2

Callum was so obsessed with Juinper from the first time he laid his eyes on her. Unfortunately, there were some complications he did not know of, in the form of her being engaged to his brother.
That relationship does not work out and these two are thrown together when Juniper is back in her hometown.

While Juniper had some juvenile reactions to things, I really enjoyed watching her go through all of the different emotions and reactions of her feelings surrounding Callum. There was so much snark and banter between the main characters. It was a nice way to break up the heavy familial topics.

Narrated by Russ Bain & Rebecca McClay
The ACCENTS were amazing. The way that both of these narrators were able to switch between all of the different personalities/voices was absolute perfection.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
* Second chances
* One night stand that goes awry
* Black cat x golden retriever
* Ex-fiancee's brother
* It's always been you
* Small town Scotland
* Meddling family

I feel terrible about this, because I wanted to love it so bad. And I truly think I would have loved the story, but I really struggled to listen to the female narrator. I tried listening to this book 2-3 times and kept putting it down with no desire to pick it back up.

I loved the first two books. I truly think I will love this one too, but I think I'm going to have to do an eyeball read of it, because the audio just isn't doing it for me.

Rating it 3 stars, because the story I heard, I was genuinely enjoying and I don't think the book deserves a bad rating, because the story is probably good. All my friends who have read it that have similar taste to me enjoyed it, but I just couldn't do the audio for this.

I feel terrible because I feel like this is the first time I haven't been able to get through an audiobook? idk. I'm confused. I think I am going to try one more time in a week or two, and if I can get through it then, I'll come back and change my review to be more accurate.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so my expectations were sky high going into this one, and Elliot delivered. I was fully obsessed with Callum and Juniper. The history, the tension, the years of unspoken feelings—this pairing had everything I wanted. Juniper is the prickliest black cat heroine with a soft heart buried under layers of self-protection, and watching Callum patiently chip away at those defenses gave me life. Their chemistry was electric from the start, and the grumpy and sunshine energy, flipped in the best way, worked so well. I laughed, I swooned, I definitely blushed during the spice, and I loved every quiet moment where they supported and truly saw each other. Callum felt like such a golden retriever with a hammer and a plan, and the way he loved Juniper made my heart ache in the best way. This book was such a natural and satisfying follow-up to book one, and I’m already counting down to see where Elliot takes us next.

I loved both narrators, and a Scottish accent will get me every single time! I thought Rebecca took on Juniper's prickly personality so well and Russ was took the golden boy with an edge assignment and ran with it!
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Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher was SO GOOD. I absolutely adored everything about Juniper and Callum and their journey to finding their HEA. Fletcher completely swept me away to the breathtaking Isle of Skye. Juniper is a heroine I instantly fell in love with, much like Callum does. She is strong, stubborn, and strikingly real with sharp edges but a heart that craves acceptance and love. Callum shines as Kinleith’s "golden boy", charming but haunted by his own personal burdens and his unspoken feelings for Juniper, his brother's ex fiancé. His steadfast loyalty to his family, and to Juniper, will truly warm your heart. I love that the novel started with the past and seamlessly picked up in the future. Watching these two navigate their complicated past was emotional, addictive, and deeply satisfying. And as their relationship deepens, it BURNS HOT. Just like in the first Macabe Brother's novel, Fletcher paints a picture of Scotland with such vivid detail, you will want to immediately pack your bags and head to Scotland. The audiobook, narrated by Russ Bain and Rebecca McLay, was an added bonus to reading the story. If you're craving a romance that lingers, Scotch on the Rocks is the kind of story that will stay in your heart long after it ends. I already know this will be a favorite of the year.

Wow! Even though I didn't read the first novel in the series? I saw it around and was interested. When I got the ark from netgalley for this installment in the series I was pretty excited.

This series did not disappoint. It was hot and witty and obviously taking place in Scotland what's not to love??

The characters have an excellent tension about them which compels readers to root for them to finally get together. The insight into the characters' opinions of themselves and those around them really helped the reader relate to both people in the couple.

I absolutely loved this book and devoured it too quickly. I will be going back to read the first book and am anxiously awaiting the next installment. I recommend this book to all of my romance readers.

I have to say that this book didn’t captivate me nearly as much as I expected it to. It was a slow start that didn’t quite captivate me and about 25% of the way through, I realized eBay it would be hard to not only follow the story but also follow the narrators. I didn’t love their voices but still found moment a where I was entertained enough to hang on till the finish.

Elliot Fletcher’s Scotch on the Rocks swept me off my feet and straight to the breathtaking Isle of Skye. This story blends heartache, humor, and second chances in the best possible way.

Juniper is the kind of heroine you can’t help but cheer for—strong, stubborn, and deeply relatable, with past wounds that make her feel all the more real. When disaster strikes her family inn, she’s forced to team up with Callum Macabe—the very last person she wants to ask for help. Callum isn’t just her ex-fiancé’s brother… he’s her sworn enemy. So yes, the tension is absolutely delicious.

And let’s talk about Callum for a second. He’s Kinleith’s golden boy, charming on the surface but secretly nursing feelings for Juniper that never faded. Watching them face their tangled past—and maybe find something new—was emotional, swoony, and completely addictive.

The way Fletcher brings the Isle of Skye to life made me feel like I was there—surrounded by misty hills, tangled emotions, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. It’s a story about healing, forgiveness, and being brave enough to let love in again.

And if you’re into audiobooks? Chef’s kiss! Russ Bain and Rebecca McLay absolutely nailed the narration, giving Callum and Juniper so much depth and heart. Their voices pulled me right in and made the story feel even more magical.

If you want a romance with real emotion and characters who stick with you long after the final chapter, Scotch on the Rocks is a must-read (or must-listen!). I’ll be coming back to it anytime I need a little hope and a whole lot of love.

3.5⭐️ Thank you Harper Audio & NetGalley for the alc in exchange for an honest review.

This was so HOT and so FUN! And the dual narrators for the audiobook burned the house downnn 🔥 This was incredibly easy to listen to and did I mention it was hot?? I was quite literally sweating while listening to some parts and giggling/holding back cackles for others. I have quite a few friends who love an accent (particularly Scottish), so I’ve already recommended this to them.

This black cat/golden retriever dynamic was one that felt engaging and pretty hilarious at times. And the way Juniper became vulnerable and open to Callum’s teasing and affection (he’s sooooo down bad!) was a joy to witness. There were only a couple of times that I felt some of Juniper’s reactions were a bit immature and unwarranted, hence my rating. And it just didn’t have that 5 star feeling to it, but nonetheless, this is great for the vibes and kilt forward spice lol. I might have to give Whisky Business a listen because of how thoroughly I enjoyed this.

Spicy and Scottish—two of my favorite kinds of romcom themes.

Scotch on the Rocks is such a fun listen. Charismatic characters, complex relationships, and almost too much love for their own good. I love it.

I loved the way this story addressed tough situations—like falling in love with your brother’s ex-fiancé—and we get to watch the characters stumble through the rig hr way to handle them.

I also adored the setting—the Isle of Skye is one of my favorite places I have ever traveled to. It felt like a magical version of the PNW, especially Oregon, and it filled my heart so fully. The vivid descriptions of the setting in this story were so beautiful.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

This book wasn't for me, but it may be for you if you really enjoy things like ex's brother, small town romance, and alllll the tension! For me, this story fell flat for what I was hoping I would be getting. The forbidden aspect didn't truly feel forbidden to me, and I just didn't really believe their lust/like for each other like I wish I would have. Plus, the ex really didn't play a part in the story until the end so he wasn't really posing an issue in my eyes.

I also listened to the audiobook of this story. I will say, I thought the narrators were great when they were doing their own respective parts but they fell extremely short when voicing side characters and characters of the opposite gender. I couldn't even tell when a different person was talking! I hope they work on this for any future projects because this took away from the enjoyability of the story

Whisky Business was a favorite of mine back when it was first indie-published, and when the series got picked up by a trad publisher, I was so happy for Elliot because her stories are incredible and deserve to be read by a much larger audience. I read Whisky Business before my trip to Skye, and naturally, I read Scotch on the Rocks AFTER my trip to Skye, and having experienced the island, it was so much fun to fall back into this world--and I could picture it even better, more vividly, having driven the roads and seen the sheep and visited the fairy pools.

Juniper Ross, as his brother's ex fiancée, is off limits to Callum McCabe. But his heart doesn't seem to understand that. Having her back on the island is making him feel things, and he just wants to help her, if she'll let him. I love a prickly black cat FMC, and Callum is just a giant, handsome cinnamon roll of a veterinarian. Not perfect, but just maybe perfect for Juniper, even though it's messy. I loved her cat SO MUCH, even though it was an absolute menace. .And the spice? It was spicing. And I'm not talking about the spice in the haggis (although I have tried it). The subtle dom/sub rep? *chefs kiss*

This book made me want to book the next flight out back to Scotland. I've been missing it, but this book took it to the next level.

The narrators of the audiobook--Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay--were perfectly cast. I could listen to their accents all day and never get tired of it.

Rate 3.5

I was hooked on this book on the very beginning. I started this book before reading the first book of the series, but then I was like oh oh, I neeeeeed to read the first one first! And I am so glad I did.

The writing, the audiobook -the accent... yaas! Awesome job Narrators!!- ( I did both at the time, kind of Immerse type of gal here).
Half way on this book I felt were some parts started feeling a bit of repetitive, like it was same and the same each chapter.
There was some spice, there was a plot, but I felt that missed a little bit of "romance" between them. I did loved how they become vulnerable, let the other enter on their lives for good. I did liked how they grew as individuals due to each others influence.

Can't wait for book #3!

This audio was absolutely phenomenal. Elliot Fletcher chose perfect narrators for Scotch on the Rocks and this book will have you YEARNING. I mean Callahan’s accent….it will melt you. This book has all the good things you love in a romance novel character growth, slow burn, enemies to lovers, BANTER FOR DAYS, and just such a perfect setting. You won’t regret listening to this one.

Thank you so much to HarperAudio and Netgalley for the early ALC

This book was well written and was good. It just didnt grab my attention and it wasnt one that i was eager to come back to. I did like that she was not the frilly type of girl. I felt like the story was a tad to long for what was happening in it. Again it was written well it just wasnt for me.

I received a alc of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and @HarperCollins for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun listen! Scotch on the Rocks is a great small town romance with all the things I love, slow burn chemistry, messy emotions, and a hero who’s impossible not to fall for. But honestly? What made it even better was the audiobook narration. Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay were both excellent.

Rebecca totally nailed Juniper’s voice. Funny, a little prickly, and so easy to connect with. And Russ Bain as Callum? Yeah… that Scottish accent didn’t hurt. 😏 He brought such a grounded, calm energy to the character, and the emotional moments really landed. The dual narration worked perfectly and gave the story even more depth.

I love the tropes from this audiobook. Exes, best friend complications, lots of unresolved tension), but the characters make it feel fresh and heartfelt. I loved watching Juniper slowly lower her walls, and Callum was just... solid in all the best ways.

Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a romance that’s equal parts swoony and sweet, with a great audio performance to go with it.

4 Stars!

#NetGalley, #ScothontheRocks, #TheMacabeBrothers, #ElliotFletcher, #AudibleAudio

NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult, thank you for this audio. I enjoyed the narrators (Russ Bain & Rebecca McCay) mainly due to their accents. I would have rather this have been in duet though. The story was not as good as the first which caused me to take quite awhile to listen to this.

A fun rom-com with good characters. Loved the narrators!! The cast of characters were great and enjoyed the story. Need to read the rest of the series.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Elliot Fletcher book, and Callum was so deeply smitten with Juniper from the first look, and I loved every second of it. He’s such a sweetheart, and he knows how to pull on her strings. Juniper and her tame black-cat vibe were great. They were meant for each other; it just took a while to get there. The story started strong, but I felt like it lost a bit of steam later on—I was hoping for a deeper emotional punch that didn’t quite hit. But the spice? Delicious. The banter? So fun. The small-town vibes were really cute, too. Overall, I had a good time with this one!

🎧 The audiobook was super fun! The Scottish accents were a chef’s kiss, and the voice acting kept me locked in. Recommend speeding it up because 1x felt a little slow for me. The only thing that threw me off sometimes was the voices within each POV—they didn’t always sound distinct, so it was occasionally hard to tell who was talking.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Harquinn Audio for the ALC.

This hit a lot of my favorite tropes. With a black cat fmc who is recently returned to her hometown, and doesn’t love small town gossip to the golden retriever MMC who is the town golden boy who everyone loves.
Lots of dealings with changing family dynamics from different sides. With the fmc being adopting and striving to be “perfect”. And the MMC burdening all of the responsibility with his father’s Alzheimer’s.
I really like the story, good spice. We love to see a girl in power 🥰.
My only complaint is more in regards to the audio component. The female narrator had moments where it almost seemed like they lost their spot reading, and other times where they had to go back and re-read just a few words and it was very obvious.

I love this story and this series!! I absolutely adore Callum and Juniper’s story! there so much love and tenderness between these two, I love seeing them come together in such an open and honest way as a second chance love story. Callum is such a golden retriever, always loyal and loving and bubbly with his affection. and I love Juniper’s whole deep, loving character.

there’s so much love and tenderness in this story. I’m always obsessed with a downbad golden retriever mmc & a black cat, sour patch fmc and this book is the PERFECT version of these tropes!

the audiobook was phenomenal! I loved the narration, it let me fully encapsulate myself in this story. thank you so much for the ALC!