Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of Scot and Bothered in exchange for an honest review.

One word for this book. Nostalgia. At least for me. I was an American student at The University of Edinburgh so I was familiar with the streets and places Kiley writes about. It filled me with longing, especially as I haven't been to Scotland since I left. I didn't make it to Skye even though I made it almost everywhere else in Scotland and that is on my bucket list. The scenery was the highlight.

The romance was less appealing since it was Jack who caused Brooke to lose her place in uni. Sorry not sorry, even though well-meaning, I could never forgive the person who made me lose my scholarship. And I did have a scholarship to study in Edinburgh so that was very personal to me. Because of that, I wanted Brooke to hold out on her anger longer and make Jack pine even more. She seemed to lose a lot more than him. Sure, he got kicked out of his program but a UK resident's uni fees are a fraction of the cost of an international student. He didn't even want to study business! Meanwhile, Brooke was passionate about her program. Let's not even talk about the fact that you need a student visa if you are a FT student year-round. If she lost her scholarship and her place, she likely lost her visa too. So, how she got to stay in the UK for all these years is a wonder. She lost so much and had a tougher journey than Jack. All he had was a family that supported him but doubted him at times. Big whoop. Related to that, we got more of Jack's backstory than hers so the characterizations felt unequal.

In short, loved the place-making but was irritated at the dynamic between the mains. The side characters were a highlight. They had more personality than Jack and Brooke most the time.

In short, I loved this book. I always have a hard time saying no to a second chance romance, but after reading Kilt Trip last year, I was obsessed with getting to read this book. This is one of the best second chance romances I've read. If that's one of your favorites, add this book to your TBR meow!

Brooke and Jack met and fell in love at University, but Jack was one of the TAs for her business class, so things got dicey. A few years later they are teamed up to write and photograph Jack's Aunt and Brooke's mentor, Mhairi's, biography. They hike the advanced Skye Trail together, which Mhairi founded, and is a main focal point of her biography, and this gives them an opportunity to reconnect. It's told in dual timelines across both points of view.

Kiley did such an incredible job with the chemistry between these two. You can immediately sense that these two still have feelings for each other. With all the angst and tension, some light banter, I was in a constant state of heart racing and tummy fluttering, and had to remind myself to breathe and stop drooling 😅. Their story was so beautiful. The dual timelines allowed us to see all the growth the characters went through, and the second chance was so mature compared to the first time. There are also aspects of grief, friendship, family dynamics, and self-exploration in this story, making it so well-rounded and profound.

Then finally the secondary character of this interconnected stand alone series: Scotland! I was dying to see the country after Kilt Trip, but Kiley outdid herself in the descriptions of the Skye Trail (which is real, and looks incredible from all my Google searches, included in my edits here). It was almost like reading an incredibly thorough travel book narration along with an irresistible swoony romance; I loved the combination!

I picked up Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley because of its Scottish setting—having just returned from Edinburgh, I couldn’t wait to go back. This book truly hits you in the feels. Kiley masterfully connects you to her characters, making you feel their joy, ambition, fears, and losses.

One of my favorite aspects was how beautifully she wove Scotland into the story. From Advocate’s Close to the Royal Mile and Cowgate, her vivid descriptions transported me right back to Edinburgh—I could see it all as I read. And then there was Skye. The breathtaking depictions of its waters, rugged landscapes, and starry nights have now placed it at the top of my must-visit list.

Without giving anything away, just know that this book will leave an imprint on your soul.

I enjoyed this! I was left only a little disappointed by the ending though - the driving tension throughout was what happened in Jack and Brooke's past and it didn't feel like they ever properly had a conversation about what happened then (like I think Brooke should've known that Mhairi was the one who convinced/forced Jack to tell the school). That being said though, I loved Jack and Brooke's relationship and the setting felt so alive, I desperately want to visit Skye now.

I really enjoyed this book. It has a back a dual POV, which I always enjoy multiple POVs. On top of that though it has flashback chapters. Showing how our two mains got involved and then... well it's a second chance romance so you can guess.
In the current time line a hiking trip on the Isle of Skye for research and photography takes a turn when the wind decided Jack doesn't need his tent after all.
In the past, seven-ish years prior to present, Jack and Brooke meet and catch the spark only to find out he a TA in one of her classes. That makes them very off limits to each other.
I found Jack's character very sweet and such and cinnamon roll. Where Brooke is so stuck, even after seven years, thinking Jack is the villain.

I enjoy the authors writing style as well as the comedy that gets blended in with the sweetness and angst that comes along from time to time.

I really hope there's another one of these as I think there is one more brother in Jack's family who needs his story told.

This story was enchanting. Jilted lovers finding their way back together over a shared passion. A fairy godmother mentor guiding them back together. Descriptions of a Scottish trail brought to life. This was fantastic.
The time jumps took me out a little with the order that they were placed in the current narrative, but it was still very compelling.

Thanks to Harlequin for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review! Scot and Bothered was such a sweet second chance story AND it was set in magical, beautiful Scotland, making Jack and Brooke's love all the dreamier for it. We got two timelines of their relationship as it comes together, falls apart, and comes back together again. I loved the romance, but almost even more, I loved seeing Brooke come back to her dreams and take a chance on herself and her writing. I loved the mentor relationship she had with Mhairi - such a wonderful women bringing other women up with them moment. But also, it didn't hurt having sweet + Scottish hot photographer Jack there to sweeten the deal. If you need a little escape, pick this up and get swept away!

**⭐⭐⭐½**

*Scot and Bothered* by Alexandria Kiley is a fun, engaging second chance romance with a strong heroine and a swoon-worthy Scottish hero. The banter is great, and the romance is sweet, but the pacing drags at times, and the plot feels a bit too busy. The chemistry is solid, though the spice level is around **2 stars**—just enough to add some heat but not overly steamy. Overall, an enjoyable read for second chance romance fans, even if it doesn’t fully stand out.

☘️ Happy Pub Day @akileybooks & to all the hairy coos she writes into her books ☘️

Thank you @canarystreetpress @harlequinbooks @netgalley for the #gifted copy. Special happy dance going to @bookswithnopictures and @just_talking_to_my_shelf for organizing this traveling sisterhood of the Scottish second chance romance.

Nothing can bear a romance novel that embraces the beauty of nature & acknowledges the challenge of hiking a mountain. Seriously, climbing a literary mountain with characters is my favorite thing in the entire world.

As someone who has taken on a couple of challenging hikes and felt the irrelevance of my daily problems slide off my shoulders, I have a deep appreciation for "Scot and Bothered" Plus honestly you can't beat a mental vacation to Scotland.

I loved a lot about Alex's sister novel... the Forbidden moment gave that little devilishly spark to the love story. The pair have a meet cute that will bring anyone who went to college nostalgia. Then, we experience their second chance and the personal growth on the trail. *Inaudible squealing* it's just too good!!

I adored that Jack and Brooke pushed each other to follow their dreams and showed each other that it's okay to take that leap to achieve your goals. The fact that they were constantly telling each other how proud they were of one another made my heart swell. *swoon*

I will say that I think the audiobook experience could make this story even b e t t e r. I am imagining Scotland being described in Jack's accent & I can't imagine it being told in a better way.

My only feedback is that there were moments that self repetitive. Alex really focused on the fact that Jack betrayed her in the past but it felt like she almost forced it on the reader a little too much in the beginning.

☘️ Outdoorsy Friends will L O V E
☘️ Forbidden Romance
☘️ Slow Burn
☘️ Rivals to Lovers
☘️ Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center & Wild by Cheryl Strayed vibes
☘️ Dual Timeline

The author did an amazing job setting the scene within this story, I love the way she describes Scotland to readers. This book contains a lot of tropes that I like such as second chance, dual timeline, forbidden romance, and forced proximity.

I really wanted to like this book, I lost interest in this book fairly quick. I love a good miscommunication trope but I don’t feel like this one was executed right? I had to force myself to finish this book. I felt that the characters fell flat.

Thank you Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hiking the Scottish Isle of Skye leads to self discoveries and second chances in life and with the one who got away.

✨ Book Review: SCOT AND BOTHERED by Alexandra Kiley ✨

📚 Book Synopsis: Brooke once dreamed of being a published author, but she’s now ghostwriting other people’s stories. When she’s reunited with her ex, who she hasn’t seen since being expelled from university, tensions are high. Jack is apologetic. Brooke is furious. We, the reader, don’t know why until much later in the book as their backstory is revealed alongside present day happenings. Told in both characters’ points of view as they hike a strenuous backpacking trail across the Isle of Skye in Scotland, they must decide if they can overcome their past to again find each other and themselves.

🏕️ My Take: Brooke and Jack have tension! What starts as loathing and hurt in the present day evolves as they hike and camp, but there’s a lot for them to unpack before they can clear the air between them and start fresh. There’s a lot of pining and will-they-or-won’t-they energy. Overall, the college memories provide interesting depth to the story, but I would have liked more of the “now” timeline and all of its delicious tension and gorgeous setting.

Read SCOT AND BOTHERED for
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 University of Edinburgh and Scottish highlands setting, swoon
🏕️ Forced-proximity
✌️ Second-chance romance
⏳ Dual POV and timeline
🔥 Chemistry and spice
✍️ Writer female lead
📷 Photographer male lead
😬 Career dreams and courage

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

SCOT AND BOTHERED is out now!

😘 Thanks to @HTPHive @HTPBooks and @CanaryStreetPress for the gifted eARC. All opinions my own.

Happy pub day to this book that really makes me want to travel to Scotland and see the Isle of Skye! I think what Kiley does best in Scot and Bothered is capture the beauty of the setting, the dreaminess and wildness of the land, not just on Brooke and Jack’s hike of the Skye Trail but also in their adventures around Edinburgh in the chapters about their past.

I loved getting to live vicariously through these characters in their hike (I can’t imagine doing such a long hike and sleeping in a tent outdoors for that many days because I’m honestly just not that kind of an outdoorsy person) and feel the awe at this place I’ve never seen but now wish to someday. The big emotions that roam free in such a wide open space felt so fitting, and the angst over their fumbled past and yearning for a future together had me commiserating with these two. The people they meet on their hike add a beautiful kind of charm to the story, even though their appearances are relatively short. That proposal scene made me a little teary even though I barely knew those side characters haha.

The parts that made me the most emotional were probably those about Brooke’s and Jack’s respective relationships with Mhairi, who is a mentor to Brooke and Jack’s dearest aunt. The exploration of their grief and the celebration of her life had me crying with them (I didn’t expect to cry that many times and yet…). I love the themes of self-rediscovery and chasing your dreams, the braveness of being vulnerable and admitting to yourself what you really want. Those were the parts I related the most to and want to emulate from Brooke and Jack, to be honest. I feel a lot like Jack did in grad school, unsure of what he really wanted to do with his life, so I’m still figuring it out.

I think the second half of this book was much stronger for me than the first; it definitely took me some time to get into it and start rooting for Brooke and Jack. The way it kind of just dives right in to both the present of Brooke hating Jack for reasons we don’t find out until much later in the book (that reveal of the past is about the end of the past timeline) and the past of Brooke and Jack meeting and instantly being drawn to each other is a bit jarring. It’s hard to really care when we still don’t have a feel for who they are as characters, and we just get to see Brooke really angry at him. There’s a bit of more telling than showing in the things we learn about Brooke and Jack, too, maybe partly because it’s focused on their invisible tether of sorts. I love a destined match (it’s the romantic in me) as much as the next person, but my favorite romance novels really show me the depth that strengthens my feelings about the characters and their relationship. I’m not super sure how to describe it but it’s missing a little something that would make it a five star read for me.

Scot and Bothered is still a solid second chance romance for me, and the wanderlust it encourages is real (I’m scared of traveling alone but I’m like now I need to go to Scotland!!). I love characters that feel like home for each other and understand each other, which is what Brooke and Jack are to the other. It’s a story about finding yourself, chasing your dreams, loving unconditionally, facing grief but even more, living a life worth writing about. Definitely will need to catch up on Logan and Addie’s story in Kilt Trip (my paperback has been waiting patiently(?) for me), and I look forward to reading Kiley’s next works!

Thank you to Canary Street Press and Netgalley for the ARC!

4 ⭐️ Scot and Bothered makes me want to hop on a plane to Scotland immediately!

"I have your history, Brooke. I want your future, too."

WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary romance
✨ Scottish setting
✨ university in Edinburgh and hiking the Isle of Skye
✨ writer x photographer
✨ dual timeline
✨ strangers to lovers to enemies to lovers
✨ insta-love
✨ forbidden romance (past)
✨ second chance (present)
✨ forced proximity
✨ "it's always been you"
✨ lots of tension
✨ so much yearning
✨ only one tent
✨ 1.5 🌶️ (open door but not explicit)
✨ soulmates
✨ third act breakup
✨ HEA
✨ LGBTQ rep
✨ 3rd person POV
✨ TW: illness, grief


My Thoughts:

I read Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley last year and absolutely loved it. So when I found out she was writing a spin-off about one of the brothers, I was so excited! And I'm happy to say that Scot and Bothered definitely lived up to my expectations!

What I loved:

Scot and Bothered absolutely nails the atmospheric setting. Set in Scotland, Alexandra Kiley has a real gift for transporting you there. Having visited Scotland a few times myself, reading this made me feel like I was walking those rugged trails on the Isle of Skye and wandering the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. I could almost taste the rain, smell the grass, and hear the church bells ring. Kiley’s vivid descriptions truly bring the setting to life, and anyone who’s visited this magical country will feel right at home in the pages of this book.

This is a second-chance romance done right. The way Brooke and Jack’s chemistry builds throughout the book (in both past and present timeline), especially with all the glances and little touches, had me in a chokehold. The YEARNING. The PINING. It was almost more than I could bear! These two are clearly meant for each other. Soulmates, if you will. So watching them struggle with the pain of their past and fight their feelings in the present was gut-wrenching. But every moment of heartache was absolutely worth it when they finally came together. I especially loved how they pushed each other to follow their dreams and constantly encouraged one another to be their best selves. Their belief in each other never wavered, and that unwavering support was truly heartwarming. 🫶

I really enjoyed the fact this was a dual timeline. It gave us the chance to see Brooke and Jack's love in its purest form when it first bloomed, and then watch them as adults forgive and decide to love again. But at the same time, it did break my heart seeing what they were and what they became. Neither was truly happy and were basically living half lives without the other. But I guess that's what happens when you're not with your soulmate. 😭

The side plot with Jack’s Aunt Mhairi, who was also Brooke’s mentor, really added emotional depth to the story. Watching how much both Brooke and Jack cared for her, and seeing them face the pain of her illness, was incredibly moving. Some of their conversations with and about Mhairi even made me a bit emotional. We all need someone like Mhairi in our lives - someone who wholeheartedly loves and believes in us. And honestly, I hope I can be more like her. She was a badass and lived her life to the fullest and with an open heart.

Where the story fell a little short for me:

I did feel that the connection between Brooke and Jack could have used a bit more depth. While the instant attraction and pull between them is sweet, I would have liked to see more exploration of their bond. I want to make it clear that they are not surface level. There definitely is some depth - we know they both are a bit insecure about following their dreams and they open up to each other about that - but again, I just wanted a little more.

There’s also missing information about their lives in the seven years they were apart. How did Brooke stay in Scotland after being expelled? Did Jack really never reach out? How could he not if he loved her so much? Did they date other people? There’s a lot of unanswered questions in that gap that could have added depth to both characters. Similarly, I would have liked to know more about their individual struggles during those years, especially Jack’s family dynamic and Brooke's visa situation.

A few of their inner dialogues and emotional sentiments did start to feel repetitive, and I found myself skimming through some of those parts. It really wasn't that much, but towards the end, I started to notice a bit more.


Overall, Scot and Bothered is a wonderful second-chance romance set in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The lush, atmospheric setting will completely immerse you, making you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters. And with a love story that makes you believe in true love, it’s a journey worth taking. 💕🫶

This author is amazing. I felt connected and invested in the characters from the start of the book. There were a couple tropes that were not my favorite that are included in this book (not listing to avoid spoilers), but despite that I still very much enjoyed this book.

The writing is great. The book takes place in Scotland and the author does a great job painting a picture to imagine it all without it reading as overly descriptive or distracting.

The end of the book deals with some somber topics but it was done in a way that simply made me feel more connected to the characters. It did not stop the reading experience from being a fun time overall.

If you’re as obsessed with Scotland as I am, you’re going to love this book! In Scot and Bothered, Alexandra Kiley’s sequel to Kilt Trip (though it can be read as a standalone), Scotland isn’t just a setting—it’s a character in its own right.

At its core, this story is a second-chance romance packed with forced proximity, slow-burn tension, and—yes—only one tent.

You’ll fall in love with Brooke and Jack’s dual-timeline journey as they navigate their way back to each other while uncovering the heartbreak that tore them apart. It’s a story of love, self-discovery, and facing fears to truly embrace life—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Kiley’s vivid descriptions bring the landscape to life, making it effortless to picture exactly what the characters are seeing and feeling.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alexandra Kiley for the ARC!

While I don’t love then/now format, this book did it really well! I was chomping at the bit to understand what had happened to Brooke and Jack. But honestly, this format made the resolution that much sweeter. And getting to watch them fall in love again was SO SWEET.

Brooke and Jack wanted to be together again so badly but Brooke was hurt and Jack wasn’t sure. Through forced proximity while they hike the Skye Trail, we get to see stolen glances, quiet confessions on whispers, and barely-there touches. I loved how Jack made Brooke pursue what she really wanted and didn’t just follow her because he loved her.

There was an underlying plot of a pretty heavy topic so be sure to check the trigger warnings. But it was handled is a really well and I might have shed a little tear.

After reading the Kilt Trip I knew I had to read this when I saw it in NetGalley! If you love second-chance romance, dual-timeline, and only one bed (or one tent in this case) you will definitely enjoy this book! Thank you so much @akileybooks and @htpbooks @htp_hive for a copy of this ARC! |loved seeing Jack and Brooke's story blossom. I really enjoyed the dual timelines and didn't feel confused like I usually do with books that have this trope. I'd definitely recommend this book to any romance lover!

This was my first book by Alexandra Kiley, and I really liked it! I also have Kilt Trip patiently waiting on my Kindle, and I can't wait to read it soon!
This is a second chance, forbidden love, academia romance set in stunning Scotland. I loved the scenic trail, Scotland’s nature and the sizzling chemistry between the main characters — Alexandra did a fantastic job portraying that. The story also brings up themes of grief and forgiveness, adding emotional depth to the novel.
However, I felt like there was a bit of a gap between the two storylines at the end. I’m not sure if I missed it, but I was left wondering what ultimately happened with Brooke’s university situation.

Thank you NetGalley and HTP Books for this eARC!!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

It had been seven years since her world came apart at the seams, and now, Brooke found her back at the scene of the crime with the man who was an accomplice to derailing her dreams. When they were forced back into each other's orbits, they were forced to face their past as long dormant feelings were reawakened.

I was excited to return to Scotland and the world of the Sutherland brothers. This book focused on the brother who opted out of the family business. At first, I was disappointed because those tours were such a wonderful way for me to "see" Scotland, but Kiley had a different plan for how I would get my travel thrills.

Jack and Brooke were reunited by Jack's aunt Mhairi. They were both working on Mhairi’s book, Jack providing photographs and Brooke writing the biography, and the plan was for them to hike the trail that Mhairi founded on the Isle of Skye. This was such a brilliant way to force these two back together. Like all those major hiking trails you read about, this was a demanding physical journey, and people just seem to bond when they have to rely on each other for survival.

As Jack and Brooke made their way along the trail, there were flash backs which reveal their love story and eventual breakup. I liked flipping back and forth because as their relationship was unraveling in the past, it was growing stronger in the present which I thought worked really well.

It wasn't just about them finding their way back to each other. Their first time around came at a cost, and Brooke had been trying to recover many of the things she lost for years. She had lost Jack, but she had also lost her faith in herself. She had been ghostwriting, using other people's voices to tell stories because she could no longer find her own. Facing Jack and confronting their past was the remedy she had been seeking for years. By seeing him again, she was able to reflect on her past and makes plans for her future.

Overall, I was thrilled to accompany Jack and Brooke on this trek as they conquered the trail and their past while seizing this second chance to get things right. The ending was bittersweet but lovely, and I am eager to see what Kiley has in store for Reid, the youngest Sutherland brother.

Dual POV, third person
Tropes:
-Atmospheric Scottish setting
-Second-chance romance
-Dual-timeline
-College shenanigans
-Deep love
-Lots of pining
-Only one tent
-Cranky highland coos

This was so good! I was a little apprehensive, if I’m being honest, about the dual POV/timeline and third person being a lot to process, but I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story was told!
I am a big sucker for a second chance. Especially when the pining and tension comes into play. And Brooke & Jack had so much of it. Watching them fall in love again was such a delight.
My heart hurt for both of them as they dealt with life and losing each other, but was well taken care in the end.