Where is home? For travel-writer Katie Campbell, who has struggled with familial relationships and putting down roots, home is a concept that doesn’t exist. For Scotsman Graeme MacKerrow, who has spent the past several years doing nothing but putting down roots, the small country town of Mull is, and always will be, home. Thrown together in a hilarious and cheesy mix up during an Edwardian Experience in Graeme’s ancestral home, Katie must learn to be loved and accepted while Graeme must learn to let go of his past so that they can both move forward in life and love.

Fans of Pepper Basham won’t be let down by this newest book in her line up. Some Like It Scot is every bit as funny, quirky, and entertaining as each of the books in her Skymar series. Basham deals with some difficult topics in this novel but manages to speak truth and grace through a story even while making her readers laugh. The characters are charming and witty and wont fail to steal your heart. I’ve been practicing my Scottish accent in hopes this book might become part of a series. Perhaps it could be Calum’s turn next?

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

The story was fun and lighthearted and I had a good time reading it.
This was a wonderfully written romantic comedy.
I absolutely loved these characters and really enjoyed getting to know them.
A sweet, funny and heartwarming read!

I was so excited to read this, but I couldn’t get into it. The writing is well-done and the premise was interesting. Unfortunately, it just dragged. There was an overabundance of “Scot-speak” that was more distracting than charming, the chemistry was lacking, and the humor just wasn’t all that humorous. It was like everything that happened was contrived and over the top, but nothing important or exciting was actually happening at all. I stopped at just over 38%. I may try to finish it as this is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’ve heard great things, but as of right now, it’s a DNF for me.

Pepper Basham is such a fantastic writer! This is a charmingly funny and punny rom-com. It has adventure, travel, intensity (actions, results of life, and swoon) . I loved the sweet Scot who was a gentleman, a hero, and a bit gruff. Katie-girl is a sweet loveable character who finally gets some clarity on where and who home is. Highly recommend this book!

“My value wasn’t measured by her behavior. Or my mistakes. It was measured by God’s love. A love I couldn’t out-fail. Ever.”

May I say this quote above made me cry as it is something I need to remember often, when my mind takes me places it doesn’t need to stay. Like Katie, I need to find my ultimate value in God, not what others may have said to me.

Hairy coos, puffins, a few exotic pets, an Edwardian Era adventure, an adorable ten-year-old, an American travel writer in Scotland, and a #hotScot!! Whew!! That’s a lot!! Mix them all up with a touch of faith, dependably but step-by-step guiding the characters through their choices and messes ( this *is* the social media phenomenon known as Miss Adventure for a reason),and we have a wonderfully endearing, humorous story that you will be sorry to close the book on.

Scotland, with its nearly constant (as I read it)mist or rain has never been high on my travel list. But Pepper Basham is so talented, that in Some Like it Scot, she could convince the biggest naysayer that Scotland has a rugged beauty that needs to be seen, smelled, and felt! Not to mention meeting the #hotScot! A totally infuriating, standoffish, confusing, and ultimately, just maybe attractive #hotScot !

With a dysfunctional family in her background, our heroine Katie is desperately searching for a sense of belonging and home. A conversation with her brother highlights this. “What if Scotland is the place you’ve been searching for?…Home, Katie. We’re all trying to find it.…Sometimes it’s a place. Sometimes it’s a person. Sometimes it’s both.”
When Katie finally realizes her sense of home, will she accept it, or will she attempt to run? ( We often recreate the familiar, even to our own hurt!)

Fave character? Obviously, the two main characters are the winners here. But Mirren, with her soul-piercing discernment and unconditional love has got to be a close second!! And the Highlander Coo! ( I must say that Moolatté is disappointed in this representation of her adorable breed!) Could it be, that animals, and people, have inward qualities that cannot be judged by outward appearances? Katie can see this as relates to the #hotScot, but she has difficulty understanding how others see her because of who God made her to be. Will she be free to be herself, or will she forever be trapped trying to conform to ghosts of impossible expectations? This is a hilarious, must-read book!!

I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours via NetGalley. I also bought my own ecopy. ( But I need the pb- this is one for the keeper shelf!!) No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Love lingers long.”- Mirren

“Graeme, it’s not about your hold on God. It’s about His hold on you.”- Greer

“When you know you’re loved, it changes everything.”

This book had a cute concept, but I feel like it missed the mark. The dialogue eluded to great banter and funny moments, but I didn't laugh even once. The two characters are too cookie cutter for me, and just not relatable.

I am a big fan of dual POV and romcoms in Scotland, but I had a hard time getting invested in the main characters. There was so much about the FMC being 6 feet tall, the religious references became so overt, and the Scottish phonetics were a bit heavy handed. It explores some good themes, but could do with some editing and refining. "Lass" might be the only nickname that doesn't immediately give me the ick, though. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

American travel writer Katie Campbell has made a career of finding the silver linings out of her misadventures. Her latest travel writing foray takes her to Scotland to participate in an "Edwardian Experience" for the magazine she works for while also exploring her family roots. Graeme MacKerrow is fully tied to his home, the Scottish island Mull and is set on helping restore his ancestral family home, even if it means renting it out to an eccentric Englishwoman who wants to put on a three-week "Edwardian Experience". Of course, Katie and Graeme collide, literally, almost immediately.

This book had all the makings of something that should work for me (I am nothing if not a woman who will consume any grumpy-sunshine romance with a grumpy Scot that I can get my hands on), but that didn't end up happening. Beyond the first meeting of our main characters I had a hard time connecting with the characters at all. Further, there were some additional introductions to the story maybe a third to midway through the book that I felt made the story too cluttered and like it was doing too much. Further, some of the emotional journey, at least for me, felt unearned. I'd ultimately rate this 2.5 stars, but round up to 3 where half stars aren't available.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC.

Thank you to Pepper Bash, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an eARC of Some Like It Scot in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a little while to get into this book (the slow burn was definitely slow burning for me), but the ending made the wait for Katie and Graeme’s love story all that much sweeter!

Katie’s clumsy and humbling nature was definitely groan-worthy at times, but she more than makes up for it with her heart for her work and for others. Graeme’s outwardly grumpy nature belies a heart that has been broken and needs to heal before he lets anyone else near it.

I didn’t realize that this was a Christian romance when I first started reading it, but the elements of faith in it didn’t feel overwhelming or like it was overtaking the whole story.

Some Like it Scot is a standalone novel by Pepper Basham. The McKerrow family of the Isle of Mull, Scotland has brought the family estate back into their possession, but the expense to purchase it and the further expenses to restore it are immense. To meet these expenses, they have given a short lease to the ultra wealthy Lennox family of England who will be holding authentic three week Edwardian experiences during this time. When the lease is up and the Edwardian experiences are over, the MacKerrow family will complete the transition of the estate to a bed and breakfast.

The first Edwardian experience is by invitation only as the Lennox family invites socialites, influencers, business partners, and travel writers. Katie Campbell, aka Miss Adventure, is both a travel writer and a travel podcaster with a wide audience, making her a much wanted guest. Much of her fame, and her Miss Adventure nickname, comes from her daring travels and the misadventures that seem to accompany her as well as her comedic retelling of the events. Unaccustomed to being in one place for this long, Katie will use her down time to explore the area and see what she can learn about the home of her ancestors.

When the paths of Katie and Graeme MacKerrow literally collide upon her arrival, the stage is set for the adventures that will unravel. This story is told with humor and heart, touching on sensitive topics with care. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

DNF at 67% - I can’t go on, I’m falling asleep on every page.

It comes down to this: the writing itself is fabulous - the author writes well and has great format.

The chemistry between the two main characters is cute and fun but runs its course pretty quickly. He’s the beast, she’s just lovely bla bla bla …

The rest falls unbearably flat. It’s just not at all interesting. The story line is boring, the side characters are dull and lack any depth. Which is a shame because the whole “Downton Abbey” experience could have been super cute (it’s lacking). Some drama is added with mentions of relatives deaths which is just discussed way too much for what should be a beach read.

Overall it’s just a lot of 🥱 which is a shame because I truly do think the author writes well.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Queen of Rom-Com has struck again. Whether you call it Grumpy vs Sunshine or Hot Scot vs Miss Adventure, this book is pure comedy gold with a commentary on grief that will feed your soul. It is a tippy-top read and a very favorite by this author until the next one she writes.
With relatable characters who are flawed but show their faith, this story shines with truth to be pondered.
“Sometimes home is a place. Sometimes it’s a person. Sometimes it’s both.”
“Love gives you the strength to leap, and faith gives you the vision to believe that the one you love will be on the other side to catch you.”
I loved how Katie, attending an Edwardian Experience at the estate of the MacKerrows, imagines each participant as a character in the game Clue. She is resourceful and uses mishaps as a career booster. Graeme is the Scot who is selfless and caring. But what a not-so-cute-meet they have! And be on the lookout for that signature closet kiss!
I love to read Ms Basham when I need a comedy lift. I could absolutely go back to this setting for more adventures with the MacKerrow family! Hint, hint!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Katie meets Graeme when she is in Scotland. Tamed for her misadventures what will she get up to in Scotland? A fun read!

Some Like It Scot
By Pepper Basham
Rating: 4.5/5

Wow. Wow. I haven’t read much from this author but I will definitely be reading more. This contemporary story was so good. I absolutely fell in love with the main characters. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. The dialogue is witty and punny. I did not want to stop reading. I absolutely want more stories from the MacKerrow family. I loved how the author was able to weave some of her faith into the story without being preachy. I enjoyed the visit to Scotland and even listened to the story with a Scottish voiced Siri.

Highly recommend this clean romantic comedy that will take you on a wild misadventure through Scotland and make you fall in love!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

The premise had all the makings of a light, fun romcom—an American blogger swept up in an unexpected romance with a hot Scot during an adventure? Sign me up. But the actual story felt flat. It leaned too heavily on repetition—yes, we get it, she’s a tall woman who feels small next to him. That point was hammered in so often it lost all impact. On top of that, the emotional beats—like grief and strained family dynamics—were touched on but lacked depth, leaving them feeling more like checkboxes than real, affecting conflicts. It had potential, but the execution just didn’t land.

As the daughter of an army chaplain, Katie Campbell is used to travelling, so her job as a travel writer is perfect for her. Yet when she finds herself nearing thirty with no real place to settle down, she begins to wonder what the future holds for her. When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. There she meets Graeme, who is a gruff but handsome Scot raising his brother’s son. Soon, Katie is falling in love with Graeme and his family and the whole of the Scottish countryside and wondering if her world-traveling lifestyle can fit in with them.
An entertaining read with plenty of emotion, with both Katie and Graeme having experienced the loss of family members. There is depth to both characters, and this is revealed as they become closer. The secondary characters in this book are delightful, making it challenging for Katie to contemplate leaving.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for considering me for this ARC.

I found the formatting of this eFile difficult to read, especially when there were multiple lines of dialogue. I spent a lot of the time having to reread to understand who was actually speaking.

The plot of this book was also slow paced, with more exposition than action. I knew more about Katie and Graeme in their opening chapters that it felt counter productive reading the rest of the book, as I confidently guessed the plot points and tropes.

I found the setting an plot of this book intriguing, and the characters were enjoyable to get to know. However, I struggled with the writing of the book: the descriptions would go on for so long that I would completely get lost in the plot and it was difficult to come back from those descriptions or flashbacks and figure out where we were in the storyline.
If you like the movie Austenland you will probably enjoy this one!

Oh, boy...This amazing story brought together and satisfied all of my wanderlust, Downton, and Scottish romance dreams. I smiled. I laughed out loud. I yearned for someone to call me, "lass." (I'm sure my husband's getting right on that...😂) Pepper Basham is an auto-read author for me at this point and I've been dying to read this one since she announced it. It didn't disappoint and the author's note made me appreciate its beauty even more. Definitely don't skip it! Now, I'm just over here not-so patiently waiting on Pepper's next work of art and continuing to catch up on her backlog...❤️

Katie...This girl is such an authentic FMC. She isn't your stereotypical 5'6"-5'7" thin and blonde heroine who seems to have it all together. Instead, her curvy, tall frame and fiery locks are seen getting into all sorts of crazy misadventures. The comical situations that she finds herself in and the grace that she exhibits as she works through each one is perfection. She does have some baggage (who doesn't?), but I really enjoyed seeing her work through that and finally stop "running."

Graham...What an absolutely swoony book boyfriend! Fun fact: If you listen to the audiobook, you get to hear that wonderful accent for real. 🥵 Graham is just such a solid, steadfast guy. He too is working through some things, but his love for family, art, and his ancestral home is so very admirable and attractive. I adored reading about all the wonderful characteristics he saw in Katie that were so much more than skin-deep. It was also really special to see some major healing moments for him along the way.

Things I loved:

❤️All the travel and fun facts about different destinations
❤️The entire idea of the "Edwardian Experience"
❤️All of Katie's wonderfully charming and often hilarious mishaps
❤️The descriptions of the highlands, lochs, and glens
❤️Buttercups and heather
❤️Katie's fond memories of her grandparents
❤️Mirren's book shop and her relationship with Katie
❤️The "book club grannies"
❤️All the Scottish lore (fairies, mermaids, Nessie, etc.)
❤️Fishing with Lachlan
❤️Graham's art
❤️Pepper's authentic and sensitive rep of the loss of a sibling
❤️All the Scottish words, but especially "lass"
❤️Katie's relationship with Brett
❤️Katie joining Graham's family at church
❤️Family dinner
❤️Katie's secret project
❤️Callum
❤️Mentions of faith and God
❤️Grand gesture
❤️Epilogue

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

I 100% haven't gotten enough of Katie and Graham. I'm so hoping we might see more of them in the future!

3.5⭐

'Some Like It Scot' is a charming rom-com set in Scotland, featuring an American fmc and a Scottish mmc. The story touches on important topics such as grief, love, and the journey of self-discovery. I liked the writing style, which made the story both easy to follow and engaging.

However, despite the emotional journey of the main characters, they still felt a bit flat to me. Their love story didn't feel entirely believable, because the plot unfolds over such a short time frame, and their chemistry didn't come across as particularly strong to me.