Member Reviews

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher**

Getting Hot with the Scot is the first book by Melonie Johnson that I've read, but it definitely won't be the last. I enjoyed her writing style, the story and the characters she brought us.

Cassie Crow and four of her best friends are in the midst of their dream trip across Europe. Each of them selected a country they wanted to visit and Cassie's selection was Scotland, which is one of their final stops. Her hope is to have a fling with a hot European, which is why she threw an unopened box of condoms into her suitcase, but it hasn't happened yet!

Logan Reid has always used his charm to his advantage and a prime example is his current project where he pranks people and catches it on camera. His goal in the long run is to have a show on television, but in order to do that, he needs to increase his female viewership of his online series.

When Cassie encounters Logan the first time, she doesn't realize she's in the middle of a prank. Logan immediately wants her to sign off on them using the footage for his show, but with her career at a crossroads, she doesn't want anything to do with the video series. What she does want though is to spend time with the hot Scot.

The book is full of adventures, sexy times and humor. It is an overall great read and when you add in Cassie's girlfriends and Logan's best friend Theo, you have a great supporting cast. I was very impressed with Melonie Johnson's writing and I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Was this review helpful?

This is a lighthearted & fun story about finding love unexpectedly. Cassie is a hard-working reporter, while Logan is a jokester, but somehow the author brings the career-focused Cassie and commitment-phobic Logan together.

This is a 1st time author for me & I can't wait to read more in this series.

Was this review helpful?

I ended up really enjoying this, although I did have a few issues. The meet-cute is really unique, and the premise of the story is great--girl meets guy on vacation and he follows her back to the States, albeit for the wrong reasons. I really liked the heroine, Cassie. I didn't think she came off as immature as some other reviews have suggested. She seemed pretty up front about what she wanted, and yeah, maybe she did act a bit dramatically at times, but this is a romance novel... And Logan was quite swoony. He had it in his head that commitment leads to heartbreak, but he couldn't help falling for 'the lass.' He treated her so well even when his motivation was a bit mixed up.

The issues for me were that there were far too many female friend side characters. I liked that she was on a vacation with a bunch of her girlfriends, but I don't think we needed to know all of their backstories. A lot of their banter seemed like it was trying to be funny/cutesy, but it just didn't work for me.

And I cannot fathom why the author insisted on pointing out how much Delaney was able to eat and stay thin. Unless the plot of her book is going to be that she has an autoimmune disorder or is bulimic, it seemed like overkill. Skinny girl who likes to eat--we get it. There was a little bit too much emphasis placed on the Bonnie/Theo relationship as well. I understand their book will be next, but one or two hints that there was a spark would've been enough.

Ultimately, I had a fun time reading this. It could've been a bit shorter, with a lot of the side characters and their dialogue cut, but the central relationship was fantastic. If you're looking for a rom-com with a taste of Scotland, this will satisfy you.

Was this review helpful?

A fun romance that has a bit a depth to it- yay! I was fooled at first and then delighted to watch the story unfold with smart characters and believable situations. There were even a few relevant social concerns touched on that helped make this book more than fluff. The supporting characters are set up beautifully for some sequels! I enjoyed this foray into the world of romance!

Was this review helpful?

This book was awesome from the very beginning! I admit Logan had me thinking he was a time traveler there for a second! Cassie is a fantastic character with just the right mix of vulnerability and sassiness and her girlfriends are all great as well. I do wish we’d seen the site to be envious reaction from Tiffany after Logan’s grand NYE gesture! Can’t wait to read Bonnie and Theo’s story now!

Was this review helpful?

This book definitely had me hooked from the beginning. It was witty, flirty, charming and touching. Cassie and Logan have an amazing connection. The author brought the characters and scenery alive. This is my first book by Melonie Johnson and I wasn't disappointed. It was a fun read and I highly recommend it to anyone!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Was this review helpful?

As the first book of the series, this is really good. The wit, the charm and the way it was written is well written. The same with the sub characters. They add charisma to how the story unfolds. The convo of Ana, Delaney,Sadie, and Cassie makes things so up beat. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first novel by Melonie Johnson. And - even if it is not yet a 5-star book - it is an excellent debut.

"Getting Hot with the Scot" is the first book of the series "Sometimes in Love". This book is mainly about Cassie Crow and "her" Scot Logan - but at the beginning we also get to know her four other girlfriends (who are probably the focus of the next four books).

Who wouldn't be pleased if a handsome Scotsman in a kilt kisses you? But can a holiday flirt develop into a great love?

The story was nicely developed - at some points Melonie Johnson gets lost in unimportant details, though.
And even if it's fiction - I always stumble a lot when some things are presented in such a simple way that are not possible in reality (no - you can't just fly to the USA and start a job there - you need a visa - and you don't just get it like that and certainly not fast).

Logan seemed to me in many places unfortunately not very "mature" - one would like to shake him and say: Wake up!

But overall it was a nice book - and I don't think I'm telling you too much - Cassie gets her Scot.

I can hardly wait for " Smitten by the Brit".

Was this review helpful?

This one was a bit dry and lagged in parts. I didn't like how rigid and uncompromising Cassie's character was. She wanted to appear all business like for a talk show?? Loosen up lady. What was a video of a kiss going to do except make her appear human. When Logan was being romantic and celebrating a one month anniversary Cassie's response -" is that all". Where is her heart, mind, and soul??? What a crass fool! I loved that Logan was such a romantic- somebody had to be b/c Cassie sure wasn't! Cassie had me frustrated and just sick of her hardheadedness, selfishness, self centered attitude, immaturity, and self righteousness for most of the book. True to form. Cassie was a biotch to the very end- the proposal- rude and ignorant of her. WTH!

Was this review helpful?

Debut novels are a little like trying out a new restaurant. You can’t know if it’s any good until you’ve eaten there. So I was thrilled at the opportunity to read Melonie Johnson’s “Getting Hot with the Scot” which is the first book in the Sometimes in Love series. Cassie Crow is a pop culture TV talk show reporter who dreams about being a serious journalist but, for right now, she and her gal pals are on the last leg of their long-awaited UK tour. They’re finally going through an honest-to-goodness castle, complete with all its medieval accoutrements. Cassie is a bit tipsy from the tour’s whisky tasting and she’s searching for the loo when she stumbles across Logan Reid. Decked out in all his kilted glory, Logan could have stepped off the cover of a romance novel and Cassie, in her scotch-filled haze, moves in for a steamy panty-melting kiss. No fool he, Logan is definitely “up” for Cassie’s adventuresome spirit. Logan speaks with a burr that could charm the knickers off any female from 14 to 90.and he loves to pull others into the kooky pranks he pulls on the unsuspecting. Cassie unwittingly falls “victim” to one of his practical jokes and what follows is a wonderfully imaginative and original plot with perfect pacing, fun-filled characters you’ll fall in love with and a romance with enough heat to steam up the windows AND curl the wallpaper. This little gem is skillfully penned with well-turned phrases, fresh wit and a wickedly funny sense of humor that had me grinning and laughing out loud. Johnson’s writing is articulate and expressive with no wasted words or “fluffy” fillers. I read “Getting Hot with the Scot” in one sitting and have already started a re-read. A rare occurrence for me. Melonie Johnson may be new to the party but I can see her being quickly catapulted to the top of the romance genre.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC (Advance Readers Copy) and the opportunity to review this delightful novel.
#SometimesinLoveGettingHotwiththeScot #NetGalley #FacebookSandraGarlandHardy #GoodreadsSavsandy

Was this review helpful?

Getting Hot with the Scot is the first in a new series called Sometimes in Love by Melonie Johnson. The story starts with a group of girl friends taking a European adventure. They agreed to go visit 5 different countries/area and they are on their last leg of the trip, the UK. They are on their second to last stop in Scotland and Cassie still hasn’t gotten one of her most wanted souvenirs. She has a charm bracelet full of memories and now all she wants is a hot romantic fling.

This book was amazingly cute. I loved the whole thing. It has everything I want in a good romance: a super cute couple, some steamy sexy times and a lot of laughs. Any book that has all three is an instant winner for me. But this one had all that and a lot of heart too. I throughly enjoyed every last page. It was well written and always kept me wondering when this set up or that set up where going to come out. It was more then just a travel romance and I can’t wait to get a physically copy for myself when they come out. I just hope that they send me the rest of the series too.

Was this review helpful?

What's better than an epic vacation with your besties? Meeting a hot highlander in a kilt to tilt your world!
A little cheesy, a little romcom, a little good for those days when you just want something nice to read.

Was this review helpful?

Cassie Crow works for a Chicago Cable TV
channel as a pop culture reporter. Cassie and
her friends set off for a European adventure.
Logan Reid works for an Internet Channel. He
and his sister have set this up. Dressed in a kilt,
he is filming for his internet sketch show.
Cassie stumbles into the kilted Highlander and
kisses him. So this sexy, humorous story begins.
These two have an immediate, undeniable lust
for each other. Will this lead to a deeper
relationship?
Come have fun in a interesting, well described
European adventure with a good group of vivid,
very colorful, well define and extremely likable
characters to see what develops.
I volunteered to read Getting Hot with the Scot.
Thanks to Net Gallery and St Martin’s Press for
the opportunity. My opinion is my own.

Was this review helpful?

So I actually read the second book in this series first, and to be honest I'm glad I did. If I would have started with Getting Hot with the Scot I probably wouldn't have continued with the series. This book is okay, it just lacks some special that book 2 has. However if you liked this book you will ADORE books two in the series. I just wasn't sold on the chemistry between Cassie and Logan. They both seem to be playing the other one at times and it was hard to root for them. I'm happy to say they are much more likable in book two!

Was this review helpful?

Cassie Crow is a young reporter working to become a serious journalist when, during a vacation in Europe with her girlfriends, she meets a real Highlinder…kilt and all.
Logan Reid is an internet celebrity trying to make his mark and having his online show picked up for a TV spot when he comes across the sassy American girl that makes him forget himself.
Their meeting will lead to what should be a one-night stand, but neither one wants to leave at that. Vacations will come to an end and reality will come knocking taking each of them to their previous lives and pursue of their dreams.
This is a great debut for the author. An original story, filled with smart and witty characters, fun to read and well written. I loved the Cassie and her merry band of friends, each amazing in their own right and Logan, his friend and the sister are just a perfect lot to make a good rom-com.
I was nicely impressed and happy I gave this book and new author a chance.

4 stars
*A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley*

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars!

This debut author surely surprised me. The Scottish hero in this romantic comedy had me going for a second. All of the sudden, in the first chapter, I thought I missed something in the blurb and was reading a whole different romance genre. I won't ruin it for future readers, but it was such a fun and fabulous opening to this romance between Logan and Cassie. From that point on the story and romance moved at a perfect pace with realistic conflict and I enjoyed every moment. This was a wonderful debut and I will not hesitate to pick up the next book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson has a great setup - with a reporter who is trying to transition into serious reporting and a web-show MC who is trying to transition into actual television meeting in Scotland accidentally. I felt as though Cassie in particular felt a little flat as a character. Logan came off as more three-dimensional, but I still didn't get a fleshed out version of him. I am, however, very interested in Bonnie and Theo, two of the side characters in this one. 3 Stars.

Was this review helpful?

I was provided an ARC of Getting Hot with the Scot by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed reading this first book in the Sometimes in Love series. The story of Cassie and Logan was a fun read with just enough saucy, but not raunchy bits to make you feel just a little naughty.

We begin with Cassie and her group of friends on an amazing European vacation. Cassie hopes to let loose a little on this vacation and do some things she wouldn't normally do in her "real life". Thanks to a little whisky, she finally does, but then she discovers that maybe it wasn't the best idea after all... or was it?

We got a brief introduction into the individual personalities of Cassie's friends, who I assume will each get their own story as the series continues. I had a tough time keeping some of the friends straight, so I hope best-friend-Bonnie gets her story next.

I enjoyed the writing style, and the character development of our main characters. While parts of the story line were a bit familiar, I enjoyed the mixture with other parts that were less common. Overall, a fun read.

Was this review helpful?

Do you like romcoms?
Do you like kilts?
Do you like a thick Scottish accent?
Do you like a hunky man?
Do you like a hunky man with a thick scottish accent wearing a kilt?
THEN YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS ROMCOM STORY! (Assuming you answered yes to all of those questions...)

FIRST OF ALL, Melonie Johnson, where have you been all my life?? A Star Wars junkie redhead who loves dogs and used to be an English teacher? PERFECT! I am also a Star Wars junkie, love animals, and look better with red hair (in my opinion...). Though I never ended up being an English teacher, but I really wanted to! Let's be friends! Maybe I'll just book a flight to Chicago and show up at your door... or is that too Italian stalker type creepy?

Alright, alright, enough of me fan-girling over the author. We're here about a book.

Cassie is heading out on a girls trip with her very best friends. Her main goal on this trip: find a hunky man and have a fling. She's packed a giant box of condoms and is ready to find herself a man to have a one night stand with. After all, she deserves it as she works so much back home and doesn't have time for a fling much less a real relationship. Her condom box remains unopened until the next to last destination on the girls trip where she runs into Logan, a prankster in a kilt, a handsome one at that. She's found her fling, she's gotten what she wanted. But does she want this to be more? Does Logan want more? Soon, the two can't get enough of each other. But what are they willing to risk to be with one another long after the fling is over?

Alright, now don't hate me... I really do hate to give this book such a low rating as I have a slight crush on the author and just want her to like me... buttttt... this book wasn't for me.

That being said, there were definitely parts of it that I liked! I feel like if this had been a story about the girls and their trip, I would have liked it a lot more than I did. Cassie and Logan just didn't do it for me. I never really connected to Cassie. Though, I did connect with a few of her friends. I also hear there are books set to release about Bonnie and Sadie and I am actually thinking I may need to pick those up. (Bonnie & Theo fa life!)

Anyway, there was a moment about 60% of the way through the book where I thought it was almost over. My tablet told me I was only 60% of the way through it but my brain was like, "Mmm, I don't knowwww, it seems like we're wrapping things up." Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the book being written a little more realistically. Not every romance can be sugarplums and gumdrops and fairies ALL the time. But we went through THREE fallouts with the couple. I was becoming so agitated at the fact that they couldn't just talk to each other. Then, when Logan finally DOES start to let things fly with Cassie, she cries. He says four words and she cries. (It may have been more than four words... I may be exaggerating.)

But again, I don't think this book was for me. All of my friends are guys. And my best friend is a girl but she's also... kind of like a guy. We just don't relate to the emotional, squealing, obnoxious type friendships. Mind you, I enjoyed reading about Cassie with her friends. That part was fun. I had issues with the way she handled things throughout her relationship with Logan, though. It bugged me that her solution every time was to disappear and not even TRY to talk to him. It also bugged me that she had HIM change aspects of himself but never thought to change anything about herself. Sure, she said sorry, but then she just turned around and disappeared again when things got sticky. (Not that kind of sticky... ya perverts...)

Her friends? LOVED them. All of them actually. I enjoyed the scenes where they would meet up for margaritas and talk with each other about life. Those were the best parts of the book in my opinion.

Which leads me to my next issue with the book: too much detail .
I love a good detailed story where I can accurately picture the author's vision in my head as I go... but I was reading about the way a Kit-Kat tasted on someone's tongue and that's about the time when I thought to myself, "Ok, this is a bit much." I like a book to leave SOME things to my imagination. I sort of figured this would be the case when I saw how long the chapters were. I'm the kind of girl who likes shorter chapters. That means I'm getting everything I need and not a heck ton of extra things that aren't relevant to the story at all. That's usually how it goes, anyway.

I know I've pretty much just given you reasons why I didn't like it, but I did actually enjoy it a little! Really I did! What girl doesn't love a good romance novel where the man gives chase? If you're a girl and you say you DON'T love that (at least once in a while) you're lying. It was fun at times, light-hearted, touching, and a little dreamy. I finally know what "You ken?" means now. So that's cool.
Not a bad book. And again, I really think it was a "it's me, not you" kind of situation in my case. Red-headed Scott with a rather thick brogue? Eh, not really for me. But it wasn't a bad book! Obviously, as it made me have all these emotions. Look how crazy this review is after all!

Anyway, don't take my word for it, try it out for yourself. This book has received some RAVE reviews so far and I can see why, given Johnson's writing style. Her writing is so smooooooth. She doesn't make reading her books hard at all. I've definitely got my eye on Mrs. Johnson now that I've discovered her.

Was this review helpful?

Good characters and a good solid story! I enjoyed the escape it provided.from my life. It was just the right amount of plot without worrying about it being too complicated.

Was this review helpful?