harper is feeling what almost every twenty-something feels at one point or another — trapped, stagnant, stuck — trying to figure a way out. shes decides to spend her Christmas season working at a Scottish bar with her best friend; except they day they were due to leave she learns her best friend is pregnant and therefore staying state side. Harper decides to still go and once she arrives in the little town, her airbnb is occupied by a naked man. Reed who has no idea what’s happening is rather grumpy but lets Harper stay — on the couch. The bar she was told she’d run has actually been closed since the passing of Reed’s grandfather but Reed let’s Harper fix it up (almost jokingly). Harper gets help from the town to bring back the spirit the town lost when Reed’s grandfather died.

This was a cutesy enemies turned lovers (real quick) novella. It had It Happened One Summer vibes but in Scotland and during the winter. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the rest of the series. I listened to this on audio and thought the narrators were great, I even had to slow my listening speed to pick up on all the Scottish slang.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is such a great book. I truly loved this book, I had a grin for most of the book. I could not help but giggle in some spots. I enjoyed the relationship and characters of the book. I honestly wish that the book was longer or that there was even more books for these two. Its a feel good romance that also has some spice. The narrator was also very good and I truly loved every second of the audiobook and the narrator. Only complaint about it is the book is to short.

Enjoyed this cute Scottish romance. It was a quick and easy listen while out and about. I did wish it was a full story instead of a novella as a few bits seemed a bit rushed but I enjoyed the Harper a lot. She’s a strong and determined woman, who was just the right person to whip Reed into place. Enjoyed Will Watt Scottish accent as well.

I recently enjoyed a novella that pleasantly surprised me, considering my usual preference against paranormal elements. Despite my reservations, I found myself completely invested in the story. The setting in Scotland, with its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm, added a delightful layer to the narrative.

The novella offered a refreshing take on second chances, a theme that resonated deeply with me. The characters were well-developed, and their journeys were engaging, making it easy to empathize with their experiences. The paranormal elements, although not my usual cup of tea, were woven into the story seamlessly, adding a unique twist that kept me intrigued.

Listening to this novella was a special experience. The narration brought the story to life, enhancing the overall enjoyment. I appreciated the careful crafting of the plot and the attention to detail, creating a world that felt both familiar and fantastical.

In summary, this novella is a testament to the author's skill in storytelling. It beautifully combines elements of romance, second chances, and the supernatural, set against the enchanting backdrop of Scotland. If you're open to exploring genres outside your comfort zone, this novella is definitely worth a listen. It's a captivating journey that lingers in your thoughts long after the final chapter.

This was a fun, sweet and quirky audiobook. I loved the story line of Harper going to Scotland to have a "Own a Scottish Pup experience" for the holidays. I knew what she would find when she got there as it was predictable in romance but that didn't take away from the fun of this listen. Grumpy/Sunshine is always great and add in a little "otherworldly side characters" and y0u have a great blend! While this book was good, I have to say Will Watt was FANTASTIC! I love his Scottish accent.

#StartingOverScottish #NetGalley

3.5/5

It was short and sweet! I do wish it was longer and things had more time to build. Harper's relationship with her mother, grandmother, and best friend was hardly explored. But I do understand that this is an appetizer for Wild Scottish Knight, which does sound like it's going to be good.

I enjoyed the narration from both narrators. They made the story very enjoyable!

I listened to this in one day. The story is enchanting, sweet, and heartwarming. The narration is excellent!

What can I say, I’m a sucker for Scottish romances!

What a sweet novella! Harper’s leap of faith trip is a dream come true!! Hunky Scotsman and quirky village people, The Royal Unicorn and Wee Warrior Wallace all make this the cutest holiday read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up for Christmas vibes and spot-on marketing.

Premise - An American trying to start over falls in love with the grumpy Scotsman she's renting an apartment from, set against the backdrop of the holiday season.

The story was cute, though I didn't enjoy the MMC's POV chapters very much (he's too alpha-hole, but part of that was because he's the grumpy in the grumpy-sunshine here). I liked the villagers and the Christmas vibes, and overall the story delivered tropes competently.

The story contains:
* grumpy-sunshine
* Scotsman
* alphahole
* starting over
* American abroad
* smalltown
* Christmas vibes
* forced proximity
* instalust
* body betrayal

I really could have done without the random paranormal event plopped into the middle of what's otherwise a general contemporary romance. It didn't make sense to me why it was included and I felt it detracted from the whole and cut believability in a silly way.

I wasn't sold on their love either (it felt like just lust all the way through for me) but I suppose that's always tough in a novella, especially one spanning such a tight amount of time.

I think fans of the Scotsman trope will enjoy this a lot! That isn't my fave in particular, but I enjoyed it for the Christmas vibes.

Also, big kudos to the marketing/product team. A book is, in the end, a product. The people who put this together knew what they were doing! The cover, the fonts, the colors, the blurb - all of it was *chef's kiss* in signaling the vibe.

Thanks, NetGalley and Lovewrite, for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars for the plot, 5 stars for Will Watt's Scottish burr.

This is a short novella where an American heads off to Scotland, booking a trip to stay above a pub and run it. Harper is at a crossroads and needs a break from life. Except when she gets to Scotland, she finds a naked man in her rental unit. And no bar.

I am not generally a fan of novellas (and I somehow missed it in the description). My complaint is always the same- it feels underdeveloped. This one was no different- and I feel the story line could have easily been stretched into a longer book.

This is told in alternating POVs and there are two narrators. I already mentioned Will Watt. I was honestly annoyed with Amy Landon, but I think it was less about her and more about the missing Scottish accent.

I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A cute grumpy/sunshine holiday novella set in Scotland that sees an American find her calling working in a Scottish pub and falling for the town grump. Just an okay read for me. It kicks off a new series and was a fun read with a bit of spice. Perfect for fans of books like Ruby Spencer's whisky year. Good on audio too narrated by Amy Landon and Will Watt. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was a wonderful Christmas novella from Tricia O'Malley. Our heroine Harper Scott needs a reset in life. She finds a work for hire program in Scotland, where she can work in a pub, and live above it. The only available times are the weeks before Christmas. When Haper arrives in Scotland, she finds a hunky Scotsman in her apartment and the pub closed and in disrepair. Will Harper be able to open the pub before Christmas? With the town coming together and some Christmas magic, all might not be lost.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for the advanced listener copy. Both narrators Amy Landon and Will Watt were amazing. Hearing Will Watt say "wee Beasties" is worth the price of the audiobook, lol. I highly recommend this charming holiday story.

First off, if Will Watt is narrating, I’m listening! Add in his Scottish accent and you’ve sold me twice! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
American Harper escapes to Scotland over the holidays to have an Airbnb type “pub experience”, unbeknownst to the abandoned pub owner, Ian. Harper takes charge of bringing the pub back to life, gradually thawing Ian’s Grumpy into Sunshine. Throw in a smidgen of Tricia O’Malley’s trademark magical realism and you’ve got a guaranteed win with this holiday listen!
*Thanks to Dreamscape and NetGalley for the advance audiobook for review.

A romcom novella with a sunshine American and a grumpy Scotsman - yes please! Though it was predictable, it was still entertaining. The audio was great - I enjoyed the different accents and I'm excited it is the start of a new series. Will definitely be reading more from this author.