“Between her raincoat and her smile, she was sunshine. And sunshine never went unnoticed in Scotland.”

What I liked:
- The Scottish setting was awesome. I loved all the different stops on the tours.
-Logan’s stories - get me a Scottish man to tell me stories all day long.
- Elyse is a wonderful friend and I wish we got more with her.
- Neil and the rest of the supporting cast were great.
- Addie and Logan has such great banter.

What didn’t work for me:
- It went from enemies to in love real quick. I wish there was a better progression in the relationship.

If you go into this book, knowing nothing, I think you’ll be fine. I started Kilt Trip without any idea what was going on and it felt like a whirlwind. The book starts with Addie, posing as a tourist to get a feel for this tour company and find out why they need her to come in and help revamp a few things. Things get exciting when she ends up flirting with the tour guide.

Of course, as these things go, the tour guide is Logan who doesn’t want Addie to help. If anything, he despises her very presence. The two end up seeing each other again and it’s as awkward as you can imagine. While things are very tense between Addie and Logan, the two slowly start to find some kinship with each other as they’re both trying to figure out what makes them happy and if a relationship is possible.

For the majority of the book, we’re also following Addie as she’s grieving her mother while trying to feel closer to her as she finds some Polaroids of her mother in Scotland. While Addie is dealing with a lot, it’s compounded by her wanting to do a good job on this big project. As for Logan, he’s trying to prove that the company doesn’t need Addie’s help.

As you can see, these two have a lot going on and as much as I enjoyed this book, it felt like it needed more romance. Maybe it’s just my personal preference, but I think the focus could have been shifted more toward Logan and Addie together. Then again, this is a debut so I’m not going to hold it against Alexandra Kiley.

If anything, Kilt Trip made me want to book a trip to Scotland and relax. Plus there’s no denying the cover and title are enough to suck you in. Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy during your spring break or need a new beach read, Kilt Trip is a must-try.

Title: Kilt Trip
Author: Alexandra Kiley
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.2 (plus .3 for a hot guy in a kilt…)

Ready or Scot...

Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.

Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.

As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. 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?

This was a fun read! I was completely ready to pack up and head to Scotland. The descriptions of the scenery were just wonderful. I loved how the story even poked fun at the attraction of the Scottish accent (and a man in a kilt). Addie’s (justifiable) anger at her father for the way he emotionally abandoned her was portrayed well, although her anger at him after their phone call made her come across as selfish—as did her leaving Scotland so abruptly. But I enjoyed this romance very much!

Alexandra Kiley lives in Colorado. Kilt Trip is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Canary Street Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Travel consultant Addie Macrae is sent to Scotland to help revamp a Scottish tour company where she meets Logan, the son of the tour companies owner. The insta love between them seemed too fast and not believable. I wasn't a fan of the office banter and that their relationship could be so different at the workplace. I did love that this was set in Scotland and that I could vividly picture the places that were talked about. I struggled to finish the book as I was bored and didn't really care to find out what happened next.

Spiciness: 2.5/5 🌶️

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!

Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley takes you on an emotional yet humorous trip exploring the landmarks and hidden gems in Scotland with Addie and Logan; rivals who connect with a spark of chemistry and a love of travel. Addie is a travel consultant who is sent to Scotland to help a family-run tour guide company revamp their business. Logan, the son of the owner, thinks he knows how to best run the business, so he is not thrilled when Addie arrives. Logan loves his country; sharing its history and lush landscape through the passion and storytelling tours his family company organizes. Addie is a complex character with hidden grief; get in, get out, do her job, with no attachments. She does her job, using it to escape emotion and ties until she meets Logan and sees Scotland through his eyes and her mother’s. The two of them must step outside their comfort zones before they are able to find a future together, but not before they confront their fears and overcome obstacles along the journey.

Kilt Trip is a delightful read that will make you want to book your excursion to Scotland, and maybe find your own delicious kilt-wearing Scot. There was a lot of soul searching and character growth that adds to the story and doesn't detract. The found family was also a wonderful add.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Book your trip now and let this kilted hottie make you fall in love with Scotland! Logan Sutherland has always loved working for the family business guiding tours throughout Scotland, but instead of the typical tourist traps, he prefers the off the beaten track sites that show the true heart of his beloved country. But unless people experience the unique feel of his tours themselves, they don't sell as well on social media. Addie Mcrae is secretly brought in a a consultant by the family and though Logan is attracted to her he fights her at every turn. The tours she's trying to promote aren't what he wants for the future of his company. When he plans a custom tour for her to discover her roots, he discovers a new passion for his business and fragile hopes for a future with Addie.
This hot childish frustrating man changed so much throughout the book, learning to accept his brother's decisions and forgive himself for the past. I was laughing at his attempts to block Addie and then cheering him on when he fell for her first...hard! The descriptions of some of the lesser known places in Scotland and his enthusiasm for the history made me want to book a trip myself! And it was a wonderful thing watching Addie learn to trust and get close to him and his family after her tragic childhood. I absolutely loved this book!

Fans of the enemies to lovers rom com might enjoy this novel set in Scotland about Addie, who has been hired to assess and perk up Logan's tour business. Except Logan didn't hire her, his father did. Addie believes Logan is making a mistake not taking clients to the most visited places and events while he wants clients to experience the real Scotland. Seems to me that Logan had the better idea even if the business needed a better web site and updated admin stuff but Addie steams ahead until Logan takes her on a tour of places her Scottish mother valued. Addie's mom has been dead for 13 years and while there's no time line on grief, both Addie and her father would benefit from counseling. I wanted to like this - I've enjoyed touring Scotland-but it's weighed down by, to be honest, Addie, who is just so....Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I know I'm the odd one out.

This read to me like a pretty standard rom-com. Girl goes to Scotland for work and instantly gets a crush on a hot tour guide. Turns out said tour guide is the person she's supposed to be working with/for to improve his business – something he resents. Fighting ensues. Kissing ensues. She decides to move to Scotland after knowing this guy for a month or two? And they live happily ever after.

To be fair, it is a bit more nuanced than that. The lead character is chasing the memories of her deceased mother, finding the places where she took pictures on her honeymoon. She has had a very difficult relationship with her father ever since her mom died, and subsequently has had difficult relationships across the board, which felt heavy and sad and real. Hot tour guide's family is actually incredible in a way that felt homey and great, instead of fake. But at the end of the day, I doubt I remember this story six weeks from now.

Did I laugh? Yes. Do I wish I was going on a trip to Scotland? Yes.

But in the end, this was just a very okay book, and it left me wanting in a lot of areas. I didn't really connect with either of the main characters. The banter between them about anything work related was the same conversation over and over, and I rolled my eyes a lot. It was very insta love-y and at some points Logan is a little too needy, so I also struggled with the romance sometimes.

The setting and Addie getting to reminisce about her mom was really the saving grace of the story. In the end, not every book is for me, and that is okay.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Spicy: PG-13

Perfect if you like:

Hot dudes in kilts (and if you don’t, what is wrong with you)
Scottish accents
Travel but especially travel in Scotland
Little bit of reverse grumpy sunshine
Romances that makes you feel all the feels

Thank you

The Kilt Trip has been all over my booksta so I requested it from NetGalley to see if it would live up to the hype and oh my goodness, did it ever. This was a two sitting romance perfect for my wanderlust soul that has been missing visiting the British Isles. This was like a tour of Scotland complete with the side of romance full of sexual tension.
Addie Macrae is a consultant that travels the world looking for the next adventure while helping troubled travel companies. She might be running from the sadness she feels from the death of her mother and her father’s overwhelming grief. Logan Sutherland runs his family’s Scottish tour company and it is in need of some help. When Logan’s dad hires Addie to assist the company in revamping their tours, she is met with resistance from Logan at every turn. But these two can’t disguise that underneath all that workplace angst lays some serious attraction that they are fighting. Until they just can’t anymore.
This is a wonderful read and highly recommend it but I will say, I love travel and travel books specifically. I certainly enjoyed Logan’s tour monologues and the history that Kiley sprinkles throughout the book but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Having said that, you can skim those parts because the romance between Addie and Logan is so worth the read. Their vulnerability shows why we call it falling and how scary it is to let someone in.

This one is out Tuesday so go order it from somewhere - Kindle, Libby, Audible, your local library, or grabbing a hard copy. It is the perfect read for the airport - it will transport you immediately.

Thank you also to @canarystreetpress for my advanced e-copy. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t know initially is that the main female character, Addie, is part of the MacRae clan, just like me! It was such a pleasant surprise to read along with her journey to explore MacRae land and learn about her heritage. I’ve been to many of the places the author describes, and the ones I haven’t, I could easily transport myself to through her descriptions.

While I had a personal connection, I think this will also be enjoyed by many. I loved Logan, the tour company operator, and Addie, the American travel consultant hired to help Logan’s family business. There’s a strong elements of family, budding romance, the enemies to lovers/forced proximity/forbidden romance, and growing into yourself, with a side of kilts, clootie dumpling, castles and travel.

This was a fun read that tackled some serious issues but also involved kilts and castles. Addie and Logan both have their baggage. Logan's attempt to change the business went terribly wrong and caused a rift between him and his brothers. Addie lost her mother 13 years ago and her dad has been lost in his grief every since. Addie is in Scotland on a work assignment that means a lot to her boss - to turn around Logan's family tour business. Logan is reluctant to change anything and is quite vocal about it. Much banter ensues.

While there is quite a lot of banter both Logan and Addie are dealing with some hurt feelings and a sense of loss when it comes to their respective families. I liked the moments in between the challenging each other when Logan and Addie were really able to get to know each other. As well, the Scottish countryside was pretty much a character in this book and it was a glorious one with beautiful scenery and fascinating history.

While I did enjoy a lot about this book it did took me awhile to get into it and there were times it felt like the story was dragging a bit. That said, overall, I enjoyed this read and would definitely read the next book I see by this author.

ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
ᴋɪʟᴛ ᴛʀɪᴘ
ᴀʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ ᴋɪʟᴇʏ
4.25/5 💫
🌶️🌶️

•sʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
•sᴄᴏᴛᴛɪsʜ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
•ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
•ᴡɪᴛᴛʏ ʙᴀɴᴛᴇʀ
•ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ

🍀Need a break and want to travel to Scotland for a couple of days, but don’t have the time or funds? Then please read Kilt Trip 🍀

Thanks to Netgalley for an arc copy of this read. It was quick fun. Not only did this read come with the warm fuzzies, but it is an open letter to the beauty of Scotland. I traveled there a few years ago and this book brought both Edinburgh and some of the highlands realistically to life. I was immersed in the love, culture, history, and overwhelming lure (with lore of course) of the Scots.

My great grandmother emigrated from Scotland and we have a strong tie to the Macpherson clan. Even without the Scottish ancestry, though, one can appreciate the atmospheric descriptions that Kiley evokes throughout the book.

“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭.”

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴

Addie is a travel consultant always on the go since she doesn’t really have a place she calls home. She’s working on a job in Scotland, where her late mother had visited long ago and is working through feelings of grief while simultaneously keeping her feelings walled off. Addie has tons of ideas on how to better market and commercialize the family-owned tour company, but Logan is highly resistant to change. He just wants to stick to traditions and roots and not go with any of the touristy gimmicks that other tours offer. Addie and Logan are constantly disagreeing on their direction, even though they’re highly attracted to each other. They’re both got to deal with all their own emotional roadblocks if they want to get together for real and not just as a temporary affair.

This book gave me all the feels. So ready to read again. I would give it all the stars. So deep and emotional.

Ah where to even begin with how much I loved this delightful love letter to Scotland that sees two complete opposites falling for one another when American globetrotter, Addie arrives to help Logan save his failing Scottish tour business.

The two are constantly at logger heads disagreeing on the direction the company should go in but through a series of mini trips around the country where Logan helps Addie track down the locations from four photos her dead mother saved from her honeymoon trip in Scotland, they eventually give in to the sizzling chemistry that threatens to burn them both up.

Heartfelt, steamy and full of emotional depth, I loved both Addie and Logan and the way they learned to open up their hearts to finding a way to make a life together. Highly, highly recommended especially for anyone dreaming of a Scottish vacation.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review. This was one of my most anticipated 2024 debut releases and it absolutely did not disappoint! I can't wait to see what Alexandra Kiley writes next!

Steam level: open door

Such a sweet romance that has me itching to pack my bags (and name them) and fly to Scotland.

The only injustice was her Dad, I wished we could have a had a scene where she calls him out for everything and he does some grovelling, or he admits to how much he screwed up.

Definitely looking forward to more books from this author.

ARC Review: 4/5 stars.

This book is for those who experience wanderlust with Scotland (it's a priority on my travel bucket list). I am obsessed with Addie and Logan's story, the found family trope, enemies to lovers, and how Logan was able to connect Addie with her heritage. The way Alexandra Kiley created Addie's character development with taking risks to find her own belonging and healing was done so well. If you're a fan of Outlander and need some Scottish romance, this is a perfect read.

*spoiler alert below*

The ending was perfect with Logan taking Addie to spot of the last photo of her mom and proposing there.

Addie Macrae is a travel consultant on assignment in Scotland tasked with revamping Heart of the Highlands, a family-run tour company. Logan Sutherland takes pride in his tours, focusing on the quaint, hidden gems around Scotland doesn't want some American coming in and pushing tourist destinations. As Addie and Logan butt heads over the future of the company, they also embark on a romantic journey around Scotland as Addie navigates the challenges around processing grief and learning to open up again.

Vibes:
-enemies to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-workplace romance
-grief
-forced proximity
-found family

Alex's ability to transport readers to the lush landscape of Scotland through her stunning prose and picturesque descriptions sets this book apart! I enjoyed following Addie's journey with grief as she found a sense of belonging with Logan's family and began to open back up to love and I'm obsessed with Addie and Logan visiting the various spots from the polaroids of Addie's mom (omg-the last picture!!! iykyk). I feel like I need to make an itinerary for Scotland just based on this book as there are so many destinations that I need to see in person now after reading about them. Weaving in traditional Scottish celebrations as well as depictions of the wondrous landscape, Kilt Trip will leave you ready to pack your own "Frank" and jump on the soonest plane to Scotland.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kilt Trip is out March 5, 2024 and be on the lookout for Alexandra Kiley's second novel, Scot and Bothered (coming soon).

This was a solid contemporary romance, with a really vivid setting. Honestly, the best part of this book for me was the Scottish setting and getting to travel around to various sights and locations with Addie and Logan. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book felt off to me, and I wasn't sure if I fully believed the romantic relationship. I'd still be willing to give this author another try, and I do think if you love travel/wanderlust/Scotland, you'll enjoy this book.