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!

4.5/5 stars!

I had such a fun time reading this book! This is such a perfect choice for spring and will 1000% get you in the mood for St. Patrick's Day.

I loved the enemies/co-workers/ rivals to lovers moments between Addie and Logan. The overall premise was such a blast and immediately convinced me to take a trip to Scotland.

I felt that Alexandra did a fantastic job with grief throughout the book. Addie is coming back to Scotland, this place where there is so much history for her parents and the memories of her deceased mother, that it was so real to watch her navigate that grief throughout the book. I also loved all of the Scottish lore throughout the book. As someone who really enjoys history, I loved being able to learn of the historical significance within the lands and castles that Addie and Logan visited.

There is amazing found family represented and I loved all of the quirky characters working at The Heart of the Highlands! They made my heart so happy and I hope that Alexandra makes a book for Elyse!!

Logan truly is perfection and now I want a Scottish man in a kilt.

If you like the movie, Leap Year with Amy Adams, I highly suggest reading this one!! I cannot wait to read what Alexandra writes next!!!

Thank you HTP books, HTP Hive, Alexandra Kiley, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Travel consultant Addie is sent to Scotland to help a struggling family owned tour company. Once arriving she butts heads with Logan, the owner’s son who is set to take over the business. This book has beautiful descriptions of Scotland that will have you dreaming of taking a trip. As well as a beautiful love story. I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you Harper Collin’s publishing, The Hive influencer group, and NetGalley for my free electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Kilt Trip was a love letter to the magic of Scotland! This was a sweet and romantic love story between Addie and Logan. They are opposites and manage to find themselves drawn to each other. Addie is throwing up walls to protect her heart and always seeking her next adventure and Logan has strong roots with his home and family hoping Addie will let down those walls and really give them a chance. The rich and beautiful landscape of Scotland is like its own character in the story. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you HTP and Netgalley for the ARC!

This was such a great read! I didn’t know what to expect going into it and I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. The setting in Edinburgh was lovely, it made me want to hop on a plane! I really liked our main characters, Logan and Addie, and their own personal struggles they were wrestling with. Logan’s family was a great part of the book too! Overall, a great debut!

When starting The Kilt Trip, I thought I was in for the basic love story or some kind of rom-com that made me laugh a lot. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. What I found was a story that has what so many other novels are missing: a heart, a real beating heart.
Logan is the type of person to never change, to put down roots and grow for generations. While Addie is almost completely migratory. She flits from one place to another, never really stopping for long. But as you read, something magical happens. Subtle changes in both of their lives allow them to be themselves but more. While Addie helps Logan to modernize and make Heart of the Highlands Tour something that works financially, Logan is always pushing back not to lose the magic by going to common places and tourist traps. During this, their immediate attraction sparks and for a while the embers are stoked enough to keep the interest going. Then embers become flames that both keep them warm but burn them.
There’s a heart to this story that sets it apart, makes it magical, allowing two lost souls to find their place in this world. This may be Alexandra Kiley’s debut novel, but I bet it won’t be her only novel. I’ll eagerly be awaiting for more books from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this advanced copy!

I really enjoyed this story not only about love, but also about working through grief over a lost loved one. Addie and Logan had a great meetcute, and I thoroughly enjoyed their scenes on the initial tour/in the pub.

I feel like this attempted to follow an enemies to lovers trope with the rough patches between the two in the office, but that ultimately fell flat for me and I would’ve preferred the book without it. I think there was more opportunity to explore Logan’s feeling of abandonment and Addie’s attempts at connecting to her mother, but that is just a personal preference.

I loved Logan’s family and our look into how Addie fit into their little world while visiting on Hogmanay. Overall this story was very cute and uplifting which was what I was hoping for.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kilt Trip
Author: Alexandra Kiley
Romcom

Thank you so much Negalley and HTP books for this arc! I loved this read. It was so cute and funny. I adored the way it made me feel like I was actually on a trip in Scotland myself. Addie is a travel consultant who is sent on a trip to the Highlands to help a struggling family run tour business. There she meets Logan who is wants pretty much nothing to do with her. So it’s a slight enemies to lovers twist. It also had a touch of 🌶️🌶️🌶️ for all my smut queens. Definitely put this on your tbr if you want a feel good romance taking you on a immersive trip to Scotland through the pages.

Review also on my Goodreads and instagram

Dust off the passport. Yes please! One hot Scott taking you on off the beaten path tours sign me up. Scotland has shot to the number one spot for my next travel destination thanks to Ms. Kiley’s descriptions of the places and traditions of the locals go. Logan was one teddy bear of a hero,
Once he got over the thought of there need to be changes to the family tours, he let the attraction he felt towards Addie bloom. Addie with her hang ups from her childhood fought any sort of attachment. The more she was immersed into the local way of life she no longer desired only the companionship of Fred! A fun read full of laughs and Scottish brogue! Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review