Member Reviews
Love this fun rom com about a woman who goes to Scotland on a work assignment to help a family highland tour company only to fall for the dreamy son of the owner. A he falls first romance set in castles and traveling around the highland was beyond what I needed in my life. We all know from outlander who dreamy a man with a Scottish accent in a kilt can be but this book solidified that trope! I really enjoyed the two main characters and the witty banter between them while they navigated working on the new tours and if they would have a relationship outside of work!
As if I needed another reason to want to visit Scotland, this book has me itching to go so badly. Kilt Trip is an excellent debut novel and is really well written. The imagery and descriptions of all the places they visit as well as the fun anecdotes about the history and myths at least gave me a taste of what I could have if I were able to go on a Scottish tour myself. I liked the banter and enjoyed when the characters were rivals. I gave this one four stars because I felt there were a few pacing issues and a couple of random times when it felt like a part of the story had been cut out and we were missing something. None of it affected my understanding or ability to follow the story, but it made the middle of the book lag a bit.
Overall I recommend this one for anyone with a love for all things Scottish, wanderlust, or men in kilts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
DNF at 30%
I was struggling to connect with this story while at the same time getting too bogged down in the details of the tours. I also couldn't understand why the job felt so high stakes for Addie so I didn't feel particularly invested in their little agreement to plan the best tour. Because of those reasons, I'm setting this one aside for now.
Content flags: Addie's mother died and her grief is a major theme even in the first 30% of the book that I stuck with.
I was gifted an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Kilt Trip is a solid debut for Kiley! I can’t wait to read what she writes next. This is a sweet, swoony, sexy read that touched my heart. While it does have a slower start once I was hooked, I was hooked! Logan and Addie are two real people with real emotions just doing their best. I could understand Addie burying her grief from losing her mother, and Logan’s ambition to make his family proud and continue their legacy. The two are instantly attracted to each other but instead of jumping into a one-night stand situation the storyline takes them on a journey of them opening up to each other while also facing on their own personal struggles. The character development was really well done. I also thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters and found family aspect. The side characters added a lot to the story. Scotland itself is almost another amazing character in the book and, having visited Scotland myself, I swooned with Kiley’s gorgeous descriptions of the country. Be ready for the itch to plan a trip after reading!
Addie is a travel consultant who spends her life on the road advising tour companies on maximizing profits. When she's sent to the one place she has a personal connection to she meets the only thing that could derail her professionalism, a hard-headed attractive Scottish man in a kilt. This book transports you straight to the magic of the Scottish highlands in the best way possible - through a blossoming romance of the people and the land.
Those who have a personal connection or have been wanting to visit Scottland will be closer to booking that trip after this read!
Thank you, NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and Alexandra Kiley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
A swooning escape to Scotland that was beautifully written. I can visualize my day spent there and I loved it. The characters coming together was perfection, heartwarming.
Logan is a stubborn homebody dedicated to his family business who falls for the consultant his father hires to revamp their business, Addie. Addie is a successful travel consultant using her busy job to distract from her loneliness. They clash at work but a friendly competition brings them closer together. As Logan works through his fears about the business and Addie works through her tough memories they begun to lean on each other and fall in love.
Overall this was a great read. I found the first half of the book a bit slow and disjointed (lots of business talk and sniping and pining that didn’t feel timely yet). The second half was excellent. The emotions, the resisting emotions, the MCs physical relationship is 🔥 (and full of consent and protection)!!
I loved that the author could have made Logan a savior MMC but she let him make mistakes too and learn from Addie.
Plus the Scotland setting is a delight, the Outlander joke perfect, and the found family is lovely. Really look forward to what Kiley does next.
Iloved the atmosphere of this book-the descriptions of the different areas of Scotland really made me feel like I was there!
I really enjoyed the found family aspect and learning more about being a tour guide, which isn't something I had really thought about before. There were lots of moments that just felt very cozy, and I liked the banter between the main characters.
The the main conflict between the characters felt a little frustrating, but was probably realistic given the backgrounds of the main characters. There were also a few descriptions of side characters that didn't feel particularly kind, and took me out of the story.
Overall, this was a heartwarming story and if you're looking to escape to Scotland, I definitely recommend.
Kilt Trip was cliche. It was a decent book, but it didn't seem to have many new ideas that I haven't already read in multiple other romance novels.
Addie is a new parter of a fledgling travel consulting business and needs to prove her chops by turning around a failing tour company based in Scotland. But Logan, the son who plans to take over the family business, is not thrilled when Addie arrives with plans to shake things up.
I liked many aspects of the book, especially the description of many beautiful locations throughout Scotland, but I was also bored throughout the book and found myself skimming fairly often. I also really do
The beginning of the book held promise, it dragged a bit in the middle, and I found the MMC very unlikable in the last third of the book. He spent the first two-thirds of the book being patient and understanding with the FMC’s reluctance to open up due to her fear of abandonment, but when she won’t leave her entire life behind to be with him in Scotland (after knowing each other for only a few months) he breaks up with her. He makes no effort to win her back or find common ground, and they only get a happily ever after because she moves to be with him and apologizes to him for not telling him all of her family trauma immediately when they started dating. The Logan in the last 100 pages felt like a completely different person from the first 200 pages, and it rubbed me the wrong way.
The love a good location/fish out of water romance and there is nothing wrong with a predictable ending, as long as the journey is engaging. I still think this is a fine read if you're wanting a romance that will transport you to Scotland, and you don’t mind the miscommunication trope.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
[Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.]
If you love Scotland, you're going to love this book. Kiley does a beautiful job making the reader feel like they're there (I now want to book a trip back there!). There are a ton of historic facts given as she describes various historic sites.
Addie and Logan are extremely loveable characters. They're realistic with their own issues. Stubborn, trying to do the right thing for the people/things they care about. There's so much romantic tension between them in the beginning of the story but later on there's an emotional depth to their relationship. Addie and Logan complement and support each other but don't entirely rely on one another. I got a kick out of the witty banter between Addie and Logan (honestly, all the characters are great and hold their own).
The pacing in the middle was a little off to me but I still think this was an enjoyable read. Kiley is a fantastic writer (particularly how she covered grief) and I'm looking forward to reading future books of hers.
Perfect if you love:
- Scottish setting (castles! coos! kilts!)
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn
- forced proximity
- forbidden love
- he falls first
- found family
3.5 Stars Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley is an easy to read romance set in Scotland with plenty of adventures. Reading about all of the locations Logan and Addie saw made me want to visit Scotland again and do even more exploring.
Addie Macrae works as a travel consultant, helping travel companies boost their failing sales and improve the overall travel experience. Addie has been traveling the world ever since her mother died at 17, before they could take a trip to Scotland, her mother's favorite place. She's avoided Scotland until her boss sends her there on assignment to help Heart of the Highlands branch out beyond taking tourists to just hidden gems. Logan Sutherland loves his family business and sharing Scotland's hidden gems, so the last thing he wants to deal with is an American telling him to include tourist traps on his tours. Addie and Logan battle it out in the office, trying to best the other at every turn. Logan is determined to make Addie fall in love with Scotland by taking her on a private tour to all of the places her mother had visited, as captured in a series of Polaroids Addie carries with her.
While Kilt Trip did make me yearn to return to Scotland, this book didn't quite live up to all the hype I saw online. Mostly, I was disappointed because I found the main characters to be extremely aggravating. I understand why each of their family backgrounds led them to act the way they did, but it was so annoying how they wouldn't communicate with one another. The plot was fairly predictable and the ending was satisfying, so at least it came around in the end.
3-3.5 stars
Kilt Trip was a cute read and I enjoyed all the information about Scotland and the different sights. Unfortunately, the story never fully hooked me and it ended up taking me a while to finish this one. It was also surprisingly heavy at times and dealt a lot with grief and loss. Please be sure to check the content warnings.
I liked that Addie and Logan were both still finding themselves and their way in life, but I wasn’t completely sold on them as a couple. There was also so much going on with each of their families and the direction they wanted their lives to go personally and professionally, that the third act conflict felt unnecessary. Addie’s relationship with her father wasn’t fully fleshed out and left me with more questions than answers. The epilogue was very cute though and was such a sweet way to bring things full circle. Even though Kilt Trip didn’t fully work for me, I think many readers will enjoy it!
CW: death of parent (past), grief, parental abandonment due to grief, parental estrangement, death of spouse (past, secondary character)
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
"Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems. When Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?"
Surprisingly emotional, I really enjoyed Addie and Logan's love story and the unique circumstances and backdrop to their meeting. Kiley says that this book is a Love letter to Scotland and that definitely shines through.
This story was positioned more like an enemies to lovers and I think it would have worked better just sticking to the forbidden love trope but overall, it was an enjoyable read.
I loved reliving my time in Scotland with this sweet read of a travel consultant going toe to toe with a tour guide to fix his family's business that has hit hard times. I loved living vicariously through their travels and learning more of the Scottish folklore while reading.
#netgalley
#kilttrip
I love the tension and banter that comes with a workplace romance and this book had it all! Plus, taking place in a dreamy place like Scotland, COUNT ME IN! I loved the emotional connection these two had and that the whole plot didn't revolve around spice! People who love banter, meet-cutes, workplace drama, scotland, and have wanderlust should definitely check this book out!
This book is a love letter to Scotland. I visited Scotland this summer and would like to go back. This story gave me need to get back there sooner. I have even taken note of several places that I would like to visit upon my return - it can’t be soon enough. Alexandra Kiley painted a stunning picture of a truly remarkable place. Her words gave life to the story and the setting. Kiley has demonstrated a true talent with words in a beautiful prose that sucks you in from the very beginning.
We are transported into the lives of Addie and Logan with such ease. Addie is always on the move, searching for the next thrill from her travels. She has no roots set down as she lost her mother in her late teens and is estranged from her father. They both handled their grief in very different ways and both are handled with care in this tale. Addie is afraid to form permanent attachments and tries her hardest to do just this with Logan. However, their attraction is undeniable and the banter between them is sublime. I loved everything about their interactions. Logan is designed for forever. He does not like change and proves to be quite resistant to it throughout the book. He isn’t interested in a fling and senses that Addie could be his forever. They bring out the best and inspire positive life changes in each other. The connection they forge as Logan helps Addie to rediscover her connection to her mother by visiting sites from her mothers honeymoon photos is incredible.
The last 15% of the story had me in a chokehold. My eyes were glued to the page. I was just so invested in the fate of these two people - they felt so real.
I recommend this story to the traveller and the lovers of a good romantic comedy who enjoy laughing out loud and having their hearts ache.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing / Canary Press for the e-arc of this book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Absolutely LOVED this book!! As an admirer of all things Scottish and the utter DREAM to fall in love while exploring the Highlands, Kilt Trip has me down BAD! The banter and pure (work and romantic) tension between Addie & Logan had me giddy!! I’m about ready to pack my bags and force a Scot to show me a highland coo. Thank you Alexandra & NetGalley for the chance to read this book😍👏🏻
In her debut, Alexandra Kiley serves up coos, clans, and kilts while encouraging readers to search for wonder.
Addie Macrae is always on the move. As a travel consultant tasked with making tours and excursions more profitable, she’s a veritable globetrotter.
Logan Sutherland has deep roots in Scotland. He thrives on turning up the charm and taking tourists to off-the-beaten-path sites, fostering their connection to the country he holds so dear.
When Addie is brought in to make changes to increase the profitability of his family’s touring company, Logan bristles and attempts to block her at every turn.
But as he spends more time around her, the pull to foster a connection between Addie and the country of her ancestors—and one between Addie and himself—grows. Can he show her a place where she truly belongs?
I adored the destinations, the sense of wonder, and the steam in this one.
And, oh my goodness, I LOVED Logan. Kilt + kindness + brains all wrapped up in a delicious package, what’s not to love? I also have a feeling that he gives the BEST hugs.
Kilt Trip delivers both laughs and misty-eyed moments. Grab a copy and go on your own tour of Scotland with Logan and Addie.
I received an advance copy from HTP, Canary Street Press, and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
🥔5/5 jacket potatoes🥔
✨Review✨
Addie McCray is a travel consultant who travels around the world helping tour guide companies but her next stop in Scotland puts her closer to home than she’d like. Logan Sutherland knows Scotland and her secrets like the back of his hand. When business brings them both together, heads are knocked and hearts go wild. Will they be able to find a compromise before time is up or are they doomed from the start?
Kilt Trip by @akileybooks sweeps you away to Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside with the turn of the page. You can almost see the castles and pink painted mountains as the story takes you along a historic tour of Scotland while touching on grief, healing, family, traditions, connections, and what makes a home. Kiley’s writing is so relatable, captivating, and full of wit that she keeps you hanging on to her every last word!
I LOVE this book. Between Addie’s constant travel companions, the office pranks, the cultural food highlights, and the journey of a lifetime this book made me feel like I could start the book over again as soon as I hit the last page. I heavily related to Addie’s journey as I am also recovering from being emotionally constipated 😂 so it was nice to see someone else who came from the “shove the feelings down and cover it with something” school of thought figure out how to feel their emotions.
This book is perfect for history lovers (me!), wanderlusters, those with connections to Scotland, and romance lovers who enjoy a healthy dose of meddling side characters (also me). I would also recommend this book to those who feel homesick for a place they don’t know.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the early copy!