Starting Over Scottish by Tricia O'Malley is a charming Christmas romance that invites readers on a whimsical journey to Scotland. Harper, alongside her friend, decides to embrace a fresh start by running a pub in Scotland until her friend ends up pregnant and backing out. Upon her arrival, Harper meets Reid, a grumpy Scotsman occupying the apartment she’s rented.

The romance unfolds over a brief time frame, which makes the story feel a bit rushed. However, it’s an endearing tale perfect for the holiday season. While the narration was a challenge for me due to the shifts between American and Scottish accents, I can see many listeners appreciating the added authenticity.

This audiobook is ideal for anyone seeking a light-hearted, festive read leading up to Christmas. It’s enjoyable and can be consumed in a single sitting, perfect for cozying up by the fire.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley, Publisher and Author for giving me an opportunity to review this audiobook. While it showed up as not downloaded for whatever reason. It was in on my devices? I'm sorry for missing this one until now. Onto the review, this was such a hilarious novella. It's nothing too serious and great for someone who's looking for a light romance read. It made me want to root for Harper! The narrations were just *chefs kiss* it really brought to life about the story.

Tricia O’Malley always hits a great note with me. Her books are always a little cozy vacation. I find myself kicking my feet and enjoying every second!

This was short but very on brand for Tricia and I enjoyed it! Christmas novellas are like little christmas snacks!

I genuinely did not care for this. However, I am not reading it as low as I want to because I did not realize it was a Novella at the time of downloading, which is my fault.

Due to the nature of it being a Novella, it is too short and there is no robust story or well defined characters. Was not for me.

I really enjoyed this Christmas novella. All of the characters were fun and had me giggling. The story about the war kitten is hilarious. I had an audio copy from Netgalley.

This book sounded right up my street however going into it I didn't realise it was a novella. It was an OK story but due to its length it lacked development for me and seemed rushed. I did enjoy the audio narration and would listen to the narrators again

The Christmas romantic comedy, "Starting Over Scottish" is a heartwarming tale that will have you laughing out loud and cheering for the spirited heroine Harper Scott. When Harper arrives in Scotland to start fresh after a difficult breakup, she's in for quite the surprise - a kilted, brooding, and incredibly handsome Scotsman is already occupying the apartment she rented! With no vacancies left in town due to the holidays, Harper and the gruff but charming Scot must reluctantly share the cozy flat.

The banter between the two stubborn lead characters is a highlight, full of witty quips and sparkling sexual tension. But the real star is the delightful setting of a struggling local pub threatened by corporate developers. As Harper embraces Scottish culture and falls in love with the tight-knit community, she finds an unexpected cause to fight for in trying to save the beloved pub from destruction.

O'Malley's skill is making you feel like you're cozied up by the fire at the pub itself, surrounded by friendly faces, the smell of ale, and maybe a kilt-clad hunk or two. With a satisfying enemies-to-lovers romance, an empowering message about community, and endless Christmas cheer, "Starting Over Scottish" is a true delight. A perfect choice for readers seeking an uplifting, humorous festive escape, but be aware this is no Hallmark Christmas movie—there's lots of spice!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved falling in love with this novella! It was a whirlwind, but not too rushed or fake. I loved the chemistry and the characters.

This was a super cute holiday novella. I would definitely sign up for a Scottish Pub Experience, especially if I got to fall in love with a hot Scotsman. I was obsessed with the whole warrior kitten scene and the Braveheart reference at the end, it was perfect. Will definitely recommend this to those looking for a quick, fun, holiday read.

Thank you NetGalley and Tricia O’Malley for the eARC!

I listened to this on audio and I loved it! What a cute little romance novella.

What woman isn’t a sucker for a Scottish accent, so to be able to listen to this book on audio was excellent. I think both narrators did a great job. It didn’t feel TOO insta-lovey so I respect the author for that even though it is a novella.

Grumpy-sunshine trope for the win. I also like the author’s inclusion of Reid’s grandad and sort of the mystical/spiritual quality of Scotland. The descriptive imagery used in the novel is also very well done as well. Scotland is absolutely gorgeous and unlike any place I have ever visited. Simply beautiful.

Would recommend!

Love the narrator. The story is really cute and I had a lot of fun listening to it. It will be added to my reread pile. I really enjoyed it.

4 stars

I just love a Scottish accent. So the narration for this was perfect. The story was cute. The romance was sweet. There was a little spice. There also was a kitty. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to love this book but I just couldn't get into it. Perhaps because it is a novella, there was not time for adequate character development but whatever the reason, this book did not work for me

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well that went fast! I did not want to stop listening to this fun grumpy/sunshine story. Wanting the ‘Scottish’ experience, Harper Scott escaped to a small village in Scotland. So, when she finds herself face to face with a half-naked man, Harper wonders what she has done.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narration was great adding to the fun banter between the characters. I laughed out loud and cheered them on. I really think it is worth reading just to learn about ‘war kittens’ lol
If you want a feel good, small town romance, this one is for you.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, Lovewrite Publishing, for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for my honest review.

This is one of the worst books I've ever read. I understand that it's a novella, but the plot was so lacking, and there was absolutely no nuance. The characters were flat and cringy; the climax was practically nonexistent.

Christmas novella perfection

Chemistry, banter, and atmosphere galore!
The audio narration was amazing.

This is such a wonderful and heartwarming holiday romance novel! I loved the voices of the audio book. The characters were all vivid and jumped off the page. This is one of the best written novellas I've ever read. The language was gorgeous, the setting captivating, and the plot exciting. I was not a fan that almost 10% of the book was a snippet from a future story. I would have rather stayed with our current couple longer.

Harper is looking to get a fresh start in her life and she makes a plan to go to Scotland and work at a pub. When she gets there she runs into a grumpy Scotsman who wants nothing to do with her or her help.

I will say this book felt a little bit like a novella in a world that I should have been more invested in. I think because it was so short I didn't have enough time to fall in love with the characters or place if that makes sense. That being said taking it for what it is it is pretty cute.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story!

I was not sure what to expect here, but it was great. Interesting situation, strong FM lead and Scotland!
Here you will find:
- References to grief
- On the page spice
- New Beginnings
- Corporate Bad Guy
- Small community

I missed my deadline to listen to the audio book, but downloaded the book and read it. It was fantastic. I continued on reading the in the series. Great story line, love the magic elements and the spice is spicy,

Thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Select, Lovewrite Publishing for the ARC.

Starting Over Scottish is a delightful holiday tale by Tricia O’Malley. American Harper Scott has invested in a work/learn experience to take over and run a Scottish pub. However, when Harper arrives in the small town she finds a derelict pub on the first floor and a small apartment inhabited by a naked man on the second floor.

Reid Carmichael, who recently inherited the pub and property from his dear grandfather, has returned to Scotland to settle his grandfather’s estate. He has no plans to reopen the pub, but Harper refuses to be denied her pub experience.

Harper, assisted by a local book club called the Book Bitches, works diligently to rehab the pub targeting a Christmas Eve celebration for the small community. Meanwhile, Reid is working with a work acquaintance of his to establish the property as his own, thwarting a money hungry company trying to condemn the pub and the parcel of land surrounding it. This is Reid’s birthright, left to him first by his parents, who he lost at a young age, and now by his grandfather. He refuses to lose it forever without a fight.

With two headstrong people, a swirl of emotions, and a strong physical attraction, this story is well plotted with very interesting and enjoyable characters. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!