I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

I got this as an audiobook and I have a feeling I wouldn’t have liked it as much. Not sure why. However, I loved the narration. The Scottish brogues of the narrators captured me and I was enthralled.

And take a look at this cover. It is HOT.

This started a little weird (maybe because I didn’t read the first ) and TBH wasn’t sure I was going to like it but happy yo report that I did infact love it. Callum has been obsessed with June FOR YEARS but the fact that she was his brothers finance ( then ex finance ) complicated things. He also gave her shit every chance he got. I wish they author didnt try so hard to make June “ not like other girls” because other then talking about her dressing in all black all time then she really wasn’t. I liked her though and would have even if not trying to push that she was emo . 🖤 BUT I LOVED THE LOVE. The love and spice was well written and I even enjoyed the other brother drama ❤️❤️❤️ the audio was good and I liked the narrators and accents . sometimes the FMC had certain parts where the audio was weird … I assumed those part had been re recorded in post production and spliced in but you could notice,

💙 "Because when something matters, you take your time with it."

I absolutely ate this book up! The banter between June and Callum was AMAZING. The way they tried to annoy each other but just got more attracted to one another!! LOVED the text messages and Isle of Skye Guidebook. Halfway through reading the physical, I received the audiobook, so I followed along with it. The narrators were lovely - their Scottish accent automatically made it more enjoyable! I could feel the romance in their voices. Dual POV, golden retriever MMC, black cat FMC, spicy (she's boss!), Scotland setting, small town vibes. Book two of the series, but I highly enjoyed as a standalone.

Just finished Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher and I am fully obsessed. It’s a small town romance set in the Scottish Highlands and it delivers everything—laughs, longing, heat, and heart. Juniper Ross has rules about the Macabe brothers. Like, strict “do not even look at them” rules. But Callum Macabe? He’s hot, heroic, and suddenly everywhere she turns. And resisting him? Yeah, good luck with that.

The banter is wild. I laughed out loud more times than I can count. Juniper is strong and stubborn, Callum is patient and swoony in the best way. Their chemistry is undeniable, and every scene crackles with tension. The setting adds so much charm, but it’s the emotional moments that really hit. There’s so much depth behind the flirting and sarcasm—grief, healing, family pressure, and learning to trust again.

This book is warm and hilarious with a streak of heartbreak underneath it all. Juniper tries to hold her ground, but Callum makes it hard not to fall. He is loyal, steady, and clearly in love. If you’re into books with slow burns, forbidden tension, emotional honesty, found family, and a hero who shows up and stays? You will adore this story. It is a full-bodied romance—rich, a little messy, and very hard to put down.

Now I want to run off to Scotland, break all my own rules, and find a Macabe brother of my own.

Elliot Fletcher’s Scotch on the Rocks has the bones of a good romance - brother’s ex-fiancée, hunky good guy vet and a cast of likable characters. Yet this didn’t completely come together for me. There is a fair amount of spice between the MFC and MMC, but there isn’t any spark. The narrative feels clipped and succinct with no room for connecting tissue.

Overall, this is an okay story told decently. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.75 stars
I think i would've enjoyed this book a bit more if i would've read it instead of listened to it. I liked the overall plot/tropes/storyline, however, i was not really a fan of the female narrator for this one. on her chapters i found it a little difficult to keep track of which character was speaking as she didn't seem to attempt much of a voice change for each one.
All things considered, i did enjoy this book and will continue with the series as it comes out and would recommend it to someone if they asked about it.

what an emotional and steamy read. i really wanted to love this one but it felt flat for me. there were often times when i felt disconnected from the story and needed more plot development. there is a lot that is going on — the inn, the dates, the tension with the family, etc yet felt like nothing happened if that makes sense??

juniper (june) the fmc is renovating her family’s inn in a small scottish town. however, she keeps running into her ex fiancés brother, callum, despite her best efforts to avoid the macabe family. these two have the most witty banter and bickering moments but soon develop a strong attraction to one another. they decide to start a secret romance, but will this lead to drama?

audio: i had fun with the narrators for this one because of the scottish accents. it made me feel more
immersed into the setting!

tropes: black cat x golden retriever, forbidden romance, he’s a vet, he yearns, ex fiancés brother, age gap, dual pov

4.5*

the yearning from Callum alone made this book worth every second..

Juniper and Callum had the best dynamic. He's a total golden retriever (at least on the outside), and she is his prickly black cat counter part. Juniper is guarded and doesn't really let anyone in, especially not Callum (her ex-fiancé's brother!!!) who she tries to keep at arms length with her snark and insults. Callum basically views all of this as banter and flirting and loves every second of it. Craves it! He sees her for who she is and is just patiently waiting for her to let him in past her emotional walls, but he also enjoys her feisty side.

Callum has a lot going on in his own life. He is balancing work, helping his mom care for his father, helping out his brother when he can and he is exhausted. Despite this, he didn't even blink at helping Juniper fix up her mother's inn after some flooding causes damage.

To say this man is the definition of a pathetic (non-derogatory) man is inadequate. This man begs. This man WHIMPERS!! He is an absolute goner for Juniper, has been for years. They have sizzling chemistry, but also develop such a tender connection as well.

I loved every second.

Audiobook specific thoughts:
I did enjoy the audio, but felt that the narrator for Juniper didn't changer her voice much from character to character and a few times I found myself having to figure out who was saying what. I loved the Scottish accents!!

I absolutely loved this audiobook! The narrators were top‑tier and truly brought the story to life. Their chemistry was palpable, and each voice felt so distinct and expressive. Whether they were bantering, exchanging flirtatious jabs, or having serious moments, the performance drew me in and made every scene feel vivid and engaging. Their timing with the humor felt natural, and the emotional beats landed with more impact. I’d definitely recommend this audio version to anyone who wants an immersive, fun, and heartfelt listen.

This was a cute read but there’s not a lot of plot to it other than a man that’s in love with his brothers ex since before they were together and her discovering that she loves this brother more then anything. The man’s voice was nice, the woman’s voice was nice. But neither of them could do the opposite characters voice at all. When she was reading I had to try and figure out if it was his lines she was saying or hers, and same when he was reading.

NetGalley, other reviewers, and Elliot Fletcher: I'm sorry, I just cannot get into this story. I'm listening to the audiobook, and I'm so indifferent to the story that I can't make myself listen. The initial presentation left me confused about who was who and what they were doing, (a train? then all of sudden a barbecue? then a plumbing problem?) and at 18%, I'm giving up. I don't care for Juniper, and I don't understand her family circumstances, and I don't understand why she hates Callum just because his brother was an ass. The setting's described as a tiny town, but there's a pet store? What was that weird sex scene that went nowhere all about? I read a glowing review of this book elsewhere, but I just don't get it, and life's too short to carry on. The female narrator's breathy delivery may contribute to my distaste. I won't be sharing this review on social media.

A definite step up from the first book. The plot was more engaging this time around, and the MMC had total golden retriever energy. I listened to the audiobook, and while the male narrator fit the character really well, I struggled with the female narration, which made it harder to stay fully immersed.

I have a feeling I would’ve connected more with the story if I’d read a physical copy. Still, I’m intrigued by where things are going, and since the author has confirmed Book 3 is in the works, I’ll be keeping an eye out.

This is a great book with mishaps, longing, banter that only dry wits can truly deliver well, and enough steam to fill a Swedish sauna. It is delicious. Throw in some antics with cats and the occasional embarrassed friend or family member who has suddenly “heard too much” and it’s just a delight.

Because it's a dual POV, we get the joy of not one but two narrators for this audiobook, both of whom are new to me. If either of them aren’t genuinely from Scotland I will eat one of my least favorite foods, because I couldn’t tell. Russ Bain has just this nice balance of deep and gravel. Like it’s not so rough you want to offer him a water, it’s the nice kind like the river over stones. 

Rebecca McClay also has a lovely voice that’s neither too deep or high. So it’s not like overly sultry but there are moments, appropriate ones where the sultry does come out to play and it’s just perfect. Both are very well spoken and read speed was fine for me at the normal speed. But I’m also learning that I’m apparently an outlier in that I don’t turn up the reading speed on my audiobooks. *shrug*

Either way I did enjoy this one and since I missed reading Whiskey Business I will be adding it to my TBR for a day when I actually have free time in my life.

4.5 ⭐️

I’m not gonna lie, I don’t understand the title of this book at all (did I completely miss them having Scotch on the Rocks at some point??) but it was really good anyways!

Callum was pining for Juniper for so many years, and the way he managed to insinuate himself in her life at every turn while completely respecting her boundaries was top tier. He was kind of the perfect man - a vet, a handyman, a good son, and the mouth on him.

I was so proud of June for following her career dreams throughout the book, but also for putting her happiness above the potential judgment of others when it came to dating her ex-fiancé’s brother that made her be her best self. Their love story started as right person/wrong time, but when they finally got to the right time they went all in and it was super cute.

Also, can we talk about the cover on this book?! Because wow, it’s perfect and beautiful.

This book definitely stood alone for being second in an interconnected standalone series. That said, I’ll be getting Whisky Business now so I can hear all about April and Mal’s love story and appreciate them in this book even more.

Rebecca McClay and Russ Bain were both great on the audio. Their accents were so soothing, I listened to the book start to finish with barely any pausing.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I don’t know what it is about Scottish heroes I am obsessed, haven’t read one I haven’t loved. Banter and tension that was too hot for the page and also he’s older and her ex-fiancés brother. He also hasn’t stopped thinking about her. Stop. My. Heart. Loved this book with all my soul.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:

Best Friend’s Brother
Ex’ Boyfriend’s Brother
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy/ Sunshine
He Falls First
Age Gap

Triggers:
Loved one with advanced Alzheimer’s

Juniper has strict rules for her life and most of them revolve around avoiding anything and everything to do with the Macabe brothers.

Juniper:
After having her heart broken by Alistair, Juniper is trying to move on with her life, but for some reason Callum Macabe is the around every corner testing her patience as well as her resolve to keep her rules. It isn’t until a plumbing disaster at the inn leaves her with no other choice but to let Callum, the annoying community Ken, help her that she realizes that maybe keeping her rules won’t be as easy as she had hoped…and maybe, just maybe, the oldest Macabe brother is just what she needs.

Callum:

The charming local veterinarian is as much of a golden retriever as his clients. Always there to lend a helping hand to those needing it he is doing his best to balance his practice, the local sports team, helping his mother care for his rapidly declining father with Alzheimer’s and annoying the one woman who by all means should be off limits but who he cannot get out of his head. When he learns she is drowning, almost literally, with a plumbing problem he is all too willing to jump in and help her out for free…the only cost being 4 dates with him. Can he finally get her icy exterior to melt? Will she ever see him for who he is and not just as her Ex’s older brother? It may take a highland cow or two but Callum is determined break down her walls and show her that she is worth staying around for.

Full of heart and banter, this book is sure to leave you wondering where you can find your own Macabe brother.

ALC Review
Thank you Elliot and NetGalley for the eArc!
Easily one of the best books I've listened to so far this year!!!

There is easily, nothing hotter, than a whimper simp who absolutely YEARNS for her. I'm talking 10 years. I'm talking desperate for any interaction he can get with her. I'm talking absolutely IN LOVE with everything about her. Who loves the fight in her, the snark in her, and above all else loves when she's mean to him.

These two will be living absolutely rent free in my brain for the rest of the year. LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED.

This was a dual narrated book, (one voice a chapter). I loved both Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay!

I absolutely LOVED how down bad Cal was for Juniper! From the moment they met he was in love with her and the way he pined after her and wait so damn long was total perfection.

I loved this story and have no idea it was book two of a what will be a trilogy. So don’t mind me while I go read Mal’s story and hopefully get ready for Alister’s story next

I would like to add that the Narrators? PERFECT literally made me swoon

I need Scotch on the Rocks exorcised from my soul because I will never know peace again. Callum Macrae is not a man, he is a slow-burning wildfire with a tragic backstory and a “please just hate me if you can’t love me” complex. This man spent a decade pinning for his brother’s (now ex) fiancée like some kind of tortured anti-hero who hides his undying love behind snide comments, open hostility, and acts of pure emotional masochism. (Sir, therapy is available in the UK... KIDDING).

When the spice picks up.... I collapsed like a Victorian housewife seeing ankles. (HE WHIMPERS!!!!!) The tension?? Has been simmering beneath layers of banter and grudges for five full years of denial, and when it finally breaks? It is biblical. It is a fuck-it-on-the-ROCKS moment with the Scottish sea screaming approval in the background. (well... kind of?)

I went to Scotland and came back feral.

Anyway, a million stars, I need to lie down in a mossy glen and scream.

The audiobook is a delicious Scottish burn.

I enjoyed this book so much! Scotch on the Rocks is a tender, slow-burning second-chance romance that sizzles with chemistry and crackles with tension. All the while it wraps you in small-town charm around a deeply passionate reunion.

Juniper Ross has specific rules when dealing with the Mccabe brothers but the lines blur with Callum, the local vet and her ex-fiancé’s brother—and I loved that the undeniable sparks between them refuse to be ignored.

Their connection is electric with insane Black Cat/Golden Retriever vibes. **swoon** Callum, the dangerously handsome vet stirs up every craving Juniper has tried to bury from their first meeting years prior. With smoldering tension, wickedly sharp banter, and heat that won’t quit, this romance will leave you breathless and begging for more. I absolutely loved their nicknames of "Harpy" and "Community Ken" .

The audio of this book was fabulous! The dual narration by Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay, brought Callum and Juniper to life with their Scottish accents and great emotional delivery. It totally set the scene for this book's setting on the Isle of Skye.

Thank you to #elliotfletcher and #netgalley for the gifted copy of this audiobook.