"Kilt Trip" by Alexandra Kiley is a heartwarming journey through Scotland that captures the essence of wanderlust and the transformative power of love. Kiley weaves a narrative that is both deeply romantic and rich with cultural exploration, making readers yearn for the rugged beauty of the Highlands and the warmth of its people. The story follows globetrotter Addie Macrae, whose career as a travel consultant allows her to roam the world, yet she avoids Scotland, a country with deep personal connections to her past. Her latest assignment thrusts her into the world of Logan Sutherland, a passionate advocate for the beauty of his homeland and the integrity of his family's tour company. Initially at odds, their relationship evolves from professional antagonism to a deeply personal connection, revealing the complexities of heritage, grief, and love.

Kiley's storytelling is exquisite, painting each scene with a vividness that transports you directly to Scotland. Her descriptions of the landscape, from the mysterious lochs to the ancient castles, are so engaging that Scotland itself becomes a central character in the tale. The romance between Addie and Logan unfolds with a satisfying slow burn, their initial clashes giving way to mutual respect and, ultimately, a compelling love story.

What sets "Kilt Trip" apart is its exploration of Addie's journey to reconcile with her past. The personal tour Logan crafts for her, aiming to connect Addie with memories of her late mother, adds a layer of emotional depth to the story that is both touching and genuine. It's a testament to Kiley's skill as a writer that she balances the lighter, romantic elements of the story with these more profound themes of loss and identity.

The book is not without its moments of humor and levity, primarily through the office pranks and the vibrant cast of secondary characters that populate the Scottish tour company. These moments provide a delightful counterbalance to the story's more introspective moments, showcasing Kiley's range as an author.

"Kilt Trip" is a triumph of contemporary romance, offering a story that is as enchanting as the Scottish landscape it celebrates. Kiley proves herself to be a talented storyteller, capable of drawing readers into a world where love, history, and the pursuit of happiness converge. With a satisfying conclusion that ties up the emotional arcs of its characters beautifully, this novel is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love to heal and transform. A solid five stars for an unforgettable journey that will leave you swooning and, perhaps, planning a trip to Scotland.

I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this beautiful story. It's always a privilege to get a sneak peek at such engaging narratives, and "Kilt Trip" was certainly no exception. Also, I'm thrilled to announce that I will be interviewing Alexandra Kiley next week. Be sure to keep an eye on my blog for this exciting post, as it promises to offer more insights into the world she's crafted and the inspiration behind this captivating novel.

4.5 stars
This was my first NetGalley book and I’m so glad I loved it. It had some of my favorite elements - dual point of view, enemies to lovers, international setting - so I would have been both shocked and doubly disappointed otherwise.

After signing up I saw the cover (super cute) and had a bit of nostalgia so had to put in the ask. I visited Scotland for my year anniversary (delayed honeymoon) and my time there always brings about the fondest memories. This book did the same.

Scotland is both the setting and a character all in one. The atmosphere of this book and the story it tells would not be the same if set elsewhere (especially given my own personal connection). Logan, his family, and the company wouldn’t feel so real and grounded. Our author really did the country justice - at least from an American tourist perspective.

In a twist, I preferred Logan’s POV for most of the tale as opposed to Addie’s chapters. At least initially…I began to welcome her story midway through and appreciated the dual POV even more at the end as they both lived out the drama. And I think this was due to my own history of being over worked and living with the mindset that work was what meant you were successful and defined your worth. So nothing the author did wrong. In fact, I’d say she wrote too well. That element of Addie’s life felt a little too real.

I will warn this is a slow burn. It teases for half the book before you even get a kiss. Literally, progress said I was 50% of the way through. And then it’s a beautiful union of two worlds before the dramas. I loved the characters together. It was great banter, a good enemies to lovers story. I appreciated how they both began acknowledging how cumbersome a rivals situation was and that it was just exhausting them both.

Character development as a whole was well written. While they were initially smitten, the actual relationship build up took place over at least a month - it might have been longer but it was only mentioned sparingly.

And the supporting characters were diverse, though I wouldn’t say I felt enough of a history or connection to them that I’d label this a found-family story, though I could see where some may do so. They weren’t flat, but most of them didn’t have much of their own growth. But, the story would have felt less than without them.

I’ll be reading from this author again. And if she continues this as a series with those supporting characters to find love, I’ll welcome a return to the Highlands.

This book was adorable. Addie & Logan were a memorable couple and you cant beat Scotland as a setting for a romance! There were some parts with the tour building and Addies job that seemed a little tedious. If you have visited Scotland you would have a better connection to the places they visit. All in all I found this to be a enjoyable modern romance,

“Addie backed away, and Logan couldn’t help the wayward thought that while he loved kissing her in dark corners, all he really wanted was to hold her hand in the light.”

Addie Macrae has loved life as a jet-setting travel consultant, never landing in one place to stay longer than a few weeks at a time. Until she finds that elusive sense of home and belonging in the arms of rugged, handsome Scottish tour guide, Logan Sutherland. The problem is that he’s her client, and he has a vastly different idea about how to make his tour company financially successful, which threatens both her career and her heart.

This novel has a truly charming premise, a perfectly romantic setting, and a cast of loveable characters. I also felt that it has a surprising level of emotional depth in its gentle exploration of Addie’s complicated relationship with grief. I love the through line of Addie’s efforts to connect with her mother by finding obscure destinations to take photos of herself where her mother once did. While this is such a simple little arc on its face, the author effectively uses it to forge and develop a real feeling of connection with the reader and her characters.

I enjoyed the fact that Logan loves taking his tour groups off the beaten track to experience the real, native Scotland, and the fun and interesting stories he shares. I love that I now know where the phrase “armed to the teeth” comes from and what it means! There are also laugh out loud moments throughout the novel, including Addie and Logan’s meet cute, and Addie’s near-disastrous experience meeting sheep.

This author definitely has the gift for lovely prose, and I annotated a number of beautiful phrases and metaphors. Her use of setting is amazing, and Scotland feels like another character. Her descriptions are vivid but not exhausting, so I clearly visualized the scenery but never felt bored. I think that Logan and Addie have a sweet chemistry, and there are some great romantic moments.

My only criticisms are the pacing, as I felt that the first 25% of the novel drags with Addie and Logan bickering for pages on end with no really good reason; and my frustration with Addie’s character being so indecisive and fearful of commitment. There were times when I thought that Logan deserved more than Addie was able to give. I don’t think that she grew or groveled quite enough to warrant his forgiveness by the end of the book.

I also didn’t like the subplot about Addie’s relationship with her father, its abrupt turning point at 75%, and then the fact that they were able to resolve their differences without any explanation. I think the book would have been better if it was shorter, and this could have been accomplished by eliminating the subplots that didn’t move the story forward: Addie’s issues with her dad, Addie's ongoing worry about her job, Logan’s issues with his brothers leaving the family’s business, and the third act breakup.

I think that Jack is a great character, but his role in the HEA seemed forced as I didn’t understand why he needed to be in the story at all until the end. I'd like to read Jack's love story!

Overall, I enjoyed this debut, and I will recommend it. I look forward to reading this author's next book.

Tropes: forced proximity, hurt/comfort, found family

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.

Addie, constantly traveling and loves nothing more than to move on to the next great adventure. Anywhere except for Scotland. But then she is put on an assignment from work where she has to go to Scotland.

There she meets Logan who is running the family business that Addie is trying to help. He ges very annoyed at a lot of the ideas that she has to help boost business.

The description in this book were absolutely stunning to the point where it feels like you as the reader are actually traveling through Scotland.

I initially started reading this book thinking it was just going to be some very cute romance and it was but it was so much more than that. It was about a struggling through grief, finding yourself and finding the place that makes you who you truly are. Finding your home.

But of course there was also romance. And it was amazing! The very slow burn aspect was so good. Plus the banter and the rivalry they had at the beginning was freaking fabulous!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin trade for the arc an exchange for an honest review.

📖 𝙆𝙞𝙡𝙩 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙥 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖 𝙆𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮

“𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦, 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺, 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳.“

Addie is on a mission to revitalize and help make The Heart of the Highlands tour company profitable. Unfortunately for her, the owner’s son is resistant to any form of change she offers. Addie must navigate the grumpy highlander while also healing her heart from the loss of her mother. Addie isn’t quick to let people into her heart, but maybe the rugged man in a kilt will be the one to finally win her over.

Logan loves his family, town and country. After he makes a mistake, his two brothers decide to leave the company. Now Logan will do whatever it take to protect his family’s company from losing what makes it so special. He doesn’t want Addie’s help, but he can’t help to be drawn to her at every turn.

This book was so good! The beginning was a bit slow and very heavy on Scottish history. For me, the book really picked up after you get through that. The romance in the last half of the book had me swooning so hard! Logan is such a solid MMC. He was there for Addie when she needed him most and slowly helped her heal some old wounds. Addie’s character was really relatable, and your heart hurt for what she was feeling. The writing was phenomenal, and the side characters really made the story special!

I highly recommend this story to all lovers of a handsome man with an accent and a kilt!

Tropes:
🌻 Contemporary Romance
🔥 Slow Burn (1.5🌶️)
🏞️ Scottish History
💞 Dual POV

Overall rating: 4.5⭐️

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this story! Kilt Trip will be available on March 5th!

“𝘎𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩. 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴."

This was a really cute book.

The author reached out to me on Instagram and I didn't want to wait for the physical book because it sounded so cute. Overall I really enjoyed it. I felt transformed to Ireland. I easily loved Addie and Logan. Their relationship and banter was enjoyable and funny.

It was fine. Nothing I will really remember a week from now other than it was a pleasant read. It felt longer than it actually was.

4.5 rounded up to 5.

Addie has professional wanderlust while Logan wants to rebuild his family's legacy. Their instant easy chemistry turns into a professional rivalry when he learns that his father hired her to reinvigorate their family business. He wants to help tourists experience the real Scotland while she is pitching new tours that hit all the highlights. To win her over, Logan helps her find all the places her mother visited years ago. Is he winning more than just her professional respect, or is he winning her heart?

This book spoke to me in a way I was not expecting. I was crying thought the last 10% or so. The writing was just so emotional and it all snuck up on me. Instant fan of Alexandra Kiley! She blended so much together-friendship, longing, romance-and the story came together beautifully.

I highly recommend this one.

This was such a sweet and cute romance! I loved the setting so much and it makes me want to visit Scotland. And I think I like men in kilts now?! I was immediately invested in their story. I could feel the chemistry from their first meeting. I loved Logan so much! The writing was so descriptive and poetic which is exactly what I love and enjoy. I want to feel like I am THERE and I did!

scotland has always seemed like a beautiful place to visit. so reading this book was like being on a wonderful trip in scotland. at some parts, i did enjoy the descriptiveness but others, it was to much and i just wanted to skip to the next part. but i did learn some interesting facts about scotland.
i liked both addie and logan's personalities but i couldn't figure out how they went together. they seemed attracted to each other but the chemistry between them just didn't work for me.
and from my perspective, it seemed very one sided. logan helped addie to remember pieces of her mother and he helped her to get through and realize that he cared. but she just didn't return it the way he showed it. not right away anyway.
if you like the back and forth between characters then you'll enjoy this book. because logan and addie both had to learn things about themselves before they could learn to love each other.
overall, this book is a 3.5 and i'm glad i got to read something outside my fluffy romance comfort zone.

*thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read this book. thoughts and opinions are all my own.

I would like to start off that this was an arc that was sent to me. That won’t hinder an honesty in my review. This book was a lovely ride. I’ll admit at the start of it I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it. I do love reading contemporary romance but sometimes they can all blend and feel the same. Sometimes you’ll be able to recognize the story beats and instead of finding it fun it can become kinda annoying or boring. So at the start, it wasn’t quite reeling me in. I don’t know know what happened though, but at some point I was starting to get hooked into the story. Logan is a dreamy love interest. A man in a kilt? Say no more. But he’s sweet, thoughtful, and a funny guy to boot. Addie had her flaws but her character was very relatable in painful ways. There is one thing that I have to point out. Usually there is a third act twist, break up, or miscommunication. A lot of the times I am not here for it. I almost always am underwhelmed. However, without spoiling too much, there’s a conversation that she has on the phone with her dad that had me almost throwing my kindle in a good way. I very much understood that the story could go in any direction and I would understand why. The book overall was a sweet time. It didn’t wow me fully, except for the scenes surrounding that phone call, but I still had a good time.

Cute quick read, perfect for st Patricks day or a trip to Ireland 💚

A little slow in my opinion but cute <3

The star of this book is the lush, storied Scottish landscape. I was ready to book a ticket to Edinburgh as I read.

Addie Macrae is a consultant who works with tour companies abroad. As her firm is new, there's a lot of pressure riding on this new project that is taking her to Edinburgh. We find her already shoving down some nervous energy and other emotions at the beginning of the book as Scotland is a place that holds a family connection for her particularly with her late mother. We see the theme of Addie running from her emotions throughout the book.

Addie meets Logan on the tour she sneaks onto the first day she arrive to get a little intel into this tour company she's working with. However, Addie doesn't realize that Logan is the son of the tour company's owner, and Logan doesn't realize she's a consultant that his father has hired behind his back. Logan takes the trouble the tour company is going through very personally and resists any change Addie suggests.

I had a hard time really connecting with the two main characters until about halfway through the book. I wish we could've spent more time with Logan's family and really got to see Addie connect with them as found family/ home is really what she was seeking out. I also had a hard time sometimes following the character's thoughts or memories because they would allude to some interaction or something that happened, but that never happened in the book. I feel like I was supposed to make a lot of assumptions. For instance, when Addie leaves Logan's brother gives her a book that's the last in some series. Had Addie been reading a certain series of books while she stays with him? Have they been bonding over books? I don't know; I guess so. Like I said, I really wanted to see more of Addie's interactions with the other characters and not just have to guess.

Overall, an enjoyable read especially thanks to the setting and Logan's storytelling ability. I think it is a really good debut, and I would check out more by the author.

Highlights:
-Amazing Scottish background and stories
- Very earnest MMC
- Some found family (but I wanted more!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

A little bit Hallmark movie, a lot of Scotland.

Addie spends most of her time on the road for her job as a travel industry consultant. However, this is her first time in Scotland, the land her late mother fell in love with on her honeymoon. She carries a few polaroids of her mom in locations all over Scotland and has always wanted to visit them. Once she meets Logan and his family who run the business she has been hired to help, the personal and the professional start to get mixed up.

I loved the tour of Scotland in this book, however it's not totally geographically accurate. And someone being able to drive a tour van in a foreign country on the wrong side of the road to a remote location seem pretty far fetched. There was charm in the landscape and the story of a family trying to share their heritage were touching. That was the reason I picked this one up and the things I liked about it. On the other side, the romance seemed forced and there was no chemistry implied, just said hey these two are hot for each other. Neither main character was particularly likable. I prefer cozy mysteries set in Scotland, but if open door romance is more your thing, this one is not bad.

An overall beautifully written and sweet romance! The author took great care to capturing the beauty and marvel of Scotland, especially its Highlands, while keeping it grounded in the characters' conflicts and struggles. The story bipassed miscommunication as an easy out for conflict, instead forcing the characters to come to terms with their thoughts and emotions and work to compromise and find a future together.
I definitely look forward to other works by this author in the future!

This was pretty good! It was emotional and really made me want to visit Scotland. I liked how Addie was forming relationships with other people besides Logan, especially his mom and Elyse, which helped add to the sense of home she ends up feeling there. All the connections she ends up feeling to her mom got me really. 🥹 The conflict and back and forth between the main couple was pretty frustrating at times, but at least not in a way where I didn’t want them to end up together.

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness this book is SO SWEET. The main characters Addie & Logan, and the plot line that brings them together, are so well fleshed out that you’ll find yourself drawn to them immediately and rooting for them all the way through.

Also, I loved the detailed tour through parts of Scotland that the author took us on along the way. It made me immediately want to visit and take my own heritage tour!

Truly enjoyable love story that had me kicking my feet with glee by the end.

This was exactly what I was expecting in the best way possible. It's predictable, but a super fast read I thought. Reading this definitely made me want to go visit Scotland! As much as I liked this, I didn't love it. I found as fast and easy the read felt, this took me a while to read. I feel like in some parts it felt a bit easy to put down for a bit. All this to say, if you're looking for a travel based contemporary romance, you'll definitely find this one super cute!

Wow! Kilt Trip is a tantalizing novel that will have you searching flights to Edinburgh. Alexandra Kiley writes likeable characters and locations.

I found myself rooting for Addie and Logan as they navigated their relationship. Scotland is written so beautifully that it becomes a secondary characters.