I was looking forward to reading this book because I loved Kilt Trip. This book had a slower pace and a more sad tone. It may be hard to march the energy and sparks of Logan and Adie, especially since this is a book about reconnecting after a break up and grief.

Again the best character is Scotland itself as Brooke and Jack travel a trail to capture the voice of Jack's aunt and Brooke's mentor Mhari. The story was interesting. I don't know if the dual timeline helped the story because the fight between the two was a fizzle not a fight. I was thinking it would be more. And the consequences made no sense (it would never have been handled this way at an American college but maybe Scotland is different... I say this as someone who works at a college). The feeling is truthful though. Women have different consequences for the same actions.

I wanted so much for these characters to get it together. Both for their own growth and self healing and for the relationship. I was definitely invested. I will definitely keep reading Kiley, even though i think this wasn't as strong as her debut, it was still enjoyable. 3.5 stars. Thanks to Net Galley and Canary Street Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Firstly, I am an absolute sucker for anything set in Scotland so I knew I had to check this one out. A second chance romance set in literally the most swoony location? Yes, please. The scenery is so well described and helps you feel like you are there. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual timelines which gave a lot of insight into why previous situations played out the way they did. Both of the main characters were likable and compelling and kept me invested in their story. The side characters were so lovable! I would love to experience this one via audio with the accents and everything!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Canary Street Press, HTP Hive, and Alexandra Kiley for the E-ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.💚

You’ll love this book if you like:
⛰️ Second Chance Romance
⛰️ Alternating Timelines
⛰️ Forced Proximity
⛰️ Beautiful Setting
⛰️ Only One Tent
⛰️ Forbidden Romance

Brooke Sinclair has the opportunity of a lifetime, getting to co-write a memoir with her idol and mentor, Mhairi McCallister. In an effort to make the memoir as perfect as possible, Brooke decides to take a trip to Skye Isle to hike and experience the trail Mhairi created. What Brooke didn’t anticipate was her partner and guide for the hike being her ex-boyfriend, Jack Sutherland, the man who betrayed her and threw her life off the rails…

This book has me dying to take a trip to Scotland. The way Alexandra Kiley so vividly and perfectly describes the scenery throughout the trail has me utterly drooling. I’m someone who generally struggles to imagine the scene, but I had absolutely no problem seeing it with this book. My gosh I felt like I was there - and now I desperately need to be, if that wasn’t already obvious.

I really loved getting to watch the progression of Jack and Brooke’s relationships throughout the timelines. They felt very natural and realistic, and the contrast between them was so perfect, with one being such a sweet - while forbidden - romance, to the other being filled with ever present heartbreak. I’m usually the person thats dying to get back to one timeline or the other, but I really loved both and got excited for the time shifts.

The characters were also incredibly lovable. Don’t tell the other characters, but Mhairi was definitely my favorite. She just seems like the type of person I would immediately want to befriend, and sit quietly while listening to her stories for hours on end. She was also such a vital piece of Jack and Brooke’s relationship, how could you not love her?

I will be rereading this when it comes out because the arc was not very structured yet and with the time jumps it became harder to follow.
I really enjoyed the scenery the author presented and could really feel as if I was there with the characters at times. Also it made me want to buy a ticked to Scotland asap.
The romance had palpable tension and both characters were compelling enough to make it work and keep you rooting for them throughout their journey.
I will be posting a proper review on Goodreads as soon as a more structured version comes out.

It's a brothers series! Set in Scotland! This book was a delight to read. The 'one tent' trope is my new favorite! I felt like I was there with the characters as they travelled to various locations in Scotland (vague to avoid spoilers). I cannot wait to see what Alexandra writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and Alexandra Kiley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The idea behind this book is beautiful. There is so much I loved about the premise, characters, and setting. Everything was well described and vivid - I could see the landscapes on Skye that were described and the closes in Edinburgh. I could smell the fresh, highland air mixed with the salty sea. Alexandra obviously has a love and passion for Scotland and she makes that very clear in her writing. The premise lend itself well to the landscape and was well done. The plot very clearly was partially the setting of the story.

The FMC and MMC were likeable characters. They had flaws and were incredibly human, which I actually really like in a novel. It grounds them and make them more relatable. I love how each of them was trying so hard to follow their passions and exactly where it lead them. They each showed significant growth over the course of the novel, which was enjoyable to read. The side characters were loveable as well and fun to follow throughout the story as they showed up.

I had difficulty with the dual-perspective and the past and present telling of the story. Each chapter was from a different point of view and either past or present, and it made it difficult to stay rooted in the story itself if I had to put it down between chapters. I personally had to do a lot of review of previous plot points in order to understand and be settled in the timeline. In addition, it was a little frustrating for the FMC to feel such animosity toward the MMC in the beginning with the reason why only becoming clear in the last 25% of the book.

However, you should definitely read this book if you love:
* Scotland
* Second chance romance
* Expats
* Scottish accents
* Dual timeline and
* Adventure

I absolutely adored this!

Brooke is an expat from Colorado, living in Scotland, working as a ghostwriter. She gets the opportunity to cowrite a memoir with her mentor and idol, and obviously jumps on that chance. Mhairi, her mentor, is a wonderful free spirit and university professor... Who is also the aunt of The One Who Got Away. Enter Jack, photographer and nature guide, to lead Brooke along Scotland's Skye trail. The two did not part on good terms, so it's going to be quite the adventure.

Fortunately, this leaves "second chance enemies to lovers" at the door, with not a lot of focus on Brooke's anger towards Jack. It isn't resolved quickly, but it isn't drawn out and center stage either. They get along about as well as strangers, helped by people they meet along the way. This is also broken up with chapters describing their history together interwoven with the Now sections, from both characters points of view.

The chemistry is off-the-charts between these two, despite this being a slow-burn. I loved being able to feel that crackle of tension between them, in more of a romantic sense than a lustful one. It made their eventual physical reunion (and their past selves' early union!) that much more satisfying.

There is a lot of heart in this, as Jack and Brooke learn who they are, what they want, and what is important. Mhairi is in a good chunk of it, but is more of an inspiration and guide.

Scotland is its own character of sorts, and described in such a vivid way that you can see, smell, and freeze a bit throughout. The city of Edinburgh, the wilderness of Skye, and the smaller towns/cities along the trail really come to life.

I had some suspicions about what the 3rd act wrench might be, but was pleasantly surprised to see that I was wrong. The heart and growth continues through to the very end, with little to no melodrama or needless angst!

What a fantastic adventure!
4.5 Stars

4,5 stars for Scot and Bothered! I think I liked this even more than Kilt Trip! The Isle of Skye is one of my favorite places that I've ever visited, so I loved that it was a prominent setting in Scot and Bothered! I think Kiley did a wonderful job describing Scotland and particularly the atmosphere of Skye - the magic, the remoteness, the beauty, and the challenges (midges, wind, rain, etc)!

Scot and Bothered follows Jack and Brooke. 7 years ago, Jack was Brooke's TA at the University of Edinburgh and they dated in secret, Unfortunately, due to university rules, they had to break up which derailed both of their plans for the future. Jack & Brooke are forced to reconnect and work Mhairi McCallister's memoir together by traveling to the Isle of Skye and hiking the Skye trail. Mhairi is Jack's aunt and Brooke's mentor. Brooke is helping to write the book and Jack is taking pictures. Obviously, this forces them to confront their past and their feelings for each other.

Read this if you enjoy:
-beautiful Scottish setting
-finding yourself
-second chance romance
-dual POV
-past & present timelines
-only one tent!

By the way, Jack is Logan's brother from Kilt Trip, but you don't have to read Kilt Trip to enjoy Scot and Bothered!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and NetGalley for this eARC!

This was a pretty good contemporary romance. Scott And Bothered is a second-chance romance that is told through a dual timeline. I liked how the past chapters gave insight as to the history between Brooke and Jack, but I found myself enjoying the chapters that took place in present times more. I loved this book’s atmospheric Scotland setting as Jack and Brooke hiked Skye Trail and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story. Overall, this was a great read.

Read this if you like:

📖 Second-chance romance
📖 Dual timeline
📖 Only one tent
📖 Atmospheric setting

Thank you to HTP Hive for the gifted book.

This book had everything that I love in a rom com. It has second chance romance, light academia, and at one point there is only one bed in a tent! This story is also set in the highlands of Scotland. Talk about dreamy. I also really like how while the romance is the main plot, Brooke finding herself and following her dreams is a very prominent driving force for this story. I also really like how the male lead, Jack, never once made their relationship more important than Brooke's passion for writing. (And honestly his passion for photography.) It felt like their relationship complimented their personal ambitions which was really nice to read about.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

TW: character with terminal cancer on the page

Scot and Bother is a sequel to Kilt Trip, following Logan’s brother Jack. Jack never really felt part of the family tour guiding business. His dream is to be a photographer, but in order to appease his parents, he decides to get a Master’s degree in Business. He thinks maybe he can use this to work for the family business in some other capacity.

Brooke is an American student studying in Edinburgh. She dreams of becoming a writer someday and is thrilled when one of her teachers turns out to be her idol Mhairi McCallister. Encouraged by Mhairi to apply for a prestigious fellowship, Brooke feels like her dream of becoming a writer is about to be realized.

Sparks fly when Jack and Brooke meet at a party. There’s an instant connection. But when Brooke discovers Jack is her new TA, they put a halt to their budding relationship to comply with the university’s no fraternization policy. The problem is they keep gravitating towards each other until they finally can’t keep away. Staying together has consequences and when they’re caught all of dreams come crashing down. Hurt and betrayed by Jack, they break up.

Unable to write her own stories after the fallout, Brooke becomes a ghostwriter, writing other people’s stories. Her mentor, Mhairi asks her to co-write her memoir and Brooke jumps on the chance. This could be the inspiration she’s looking for to finally put her own words on the page. In order to really capture Mhairi’s essence on the page she agrees to go on a hike across the Isle of Skye that Mhairi founded. The only problem is that there will be a photographer tagging along - and that photographer is non other than Jack himself. Now the two must put their differences aside and work together. Can Brooke forgive Jack for the past and begin anew or will she part ways once the hike is over?

This story is told in dual timelines, which adds more depth to the story in my opinion. Watching Jack and Brooke slowly begin to fall in love in the past is bittersweet. They totally belong together and complement each other in so many ways. Each helping the other to achieve their dreams. When they’re caught and have the fallout it is heartbreaking. Here are two people that belong together and because of circumstances are thrown apart.

The present timeline takes place 7 years later. Jack is still very much in love with Brooke and is determined to make amends for the past and start anew, but Brooke can’t forgive him for what he has done. Her whole future was ruined, and it’s hard for her to get past it. As the journey progresses, memories of their past come flooding back, and it’s harder and harder to stay mad. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish hills, we see them slowly start to rebuild, and you’re rooting for them the entire way. The angst in this novel really tears at your heartstrings.

Jack is so kind and loving. He’s a young man trying to realize his dreams and his autonomy. When we first see their relationship in the past, he does try hard to stay away from Brooke because of the university’s code of conduct, but the electricity between them is so charged, it’s hard for him to stay away. Brooke is a go getter, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants. And what she wants is Jack. She knows that the disobeying the code of conduct has serious consequences, yet she decides to follow her heart anyway.

What I think Ms. Kiley does best is contrast the past from the present. We see the idealized version of Brooke and Jack and their relationship. They’ve got love goggles on, and while I sincerely believe they accept each other as they are, they’ve not dealt with real adversity in their relationship. Because of this, when the consequences of their actions come about and their idealized view is shattered, it’s hard for Brooke to really reflect and communicate with Jack. I do think that she was hard on him. She made a choice knowing what the consequences were. I understand that when you’re young you believe you’re invincible, but I do think she was unfair to Jack.

Though it’s been 7 years, there’s a lot that is left unresolved. The reckoning that should’ve taken place before is finally being dealt with. I wish the conversation between Jack and Brooke to put leave the past fully in the past happened sooner, while they were on the trail. That being said it was incredibly moving when it did.

I did appreciate how they were there for each other once Brooke found out about Mhairi’s terminal cancer diagnosis. It was heartbreaking and beautiful. I’m glad that Ms. Kiley didn’t use it as a catalyst for a third act break up, but rather as an opportunity for them to grow closer. It was very beautiful. The life celebration ceremony had me in tears. It was a beautiful way to honor Mhairi, and I loved that she got to be a part of it.

I really enjoyed reading Brooke and Jack’s journey toward a reconciliation and was really rooting for them the whole way through. But be warned this book will have you in tears.

Beautifully written, deeply felt, and wildly atmospheric! I adore a dual timeline/second chance romance, and the author expertly weaves the big emotions of first love with hard-earned lessons of betrayal and the hope of reconnection. The depiction of Scotland is both loving and immersive. Loved it.

Scot and Bothered is a forbidden romance and a second chance romance rolled into one. It is third person POV and goes back and forth between the present and the past. The story was good to me but felt a little rushed in places. It was hard for me to get into at first because of the third person and time jumps. It had moments of feeling hard to follow. All in all I thought it was a decent book and think it’s worth trying if someone is interested.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Loved this book so much! It was cute, fun, and definitely flirty!! I flew through it and liked every second of it.

It was one of those books that was super easy to read and enjoy! The setting of the story was perfect and so well done! While the characters bothered me a little bit (I definitely don't feel like they would have been together long term!) they were still cute and enjoyable in this book!

It's one of those books you read with your mind off and just for the vibes! Definitely interested to see what more Alexandra writes because the writing style was fantastic!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

Miss Alexandra Kiley- you have my heart wrapped around your finger and the way you write. As if I couldn’t love Kilt Trip enough- you go ahead and write this book. Scotland has such a hold on my heart and is such a special place to me- I got married on the Isle of Skye, so following along Brooke and Jack’s story had me reliving the Quairang, Old Man Storr and Portree all over again. Five stars. I’m waiting to hear Reid’s story now!

Brooke forgave Jack way too fast. if the man who ruined my career tried to blandly apologize his way back into my life, i would throw him off a cliff. especially when he pulled the “you hurt me too 🥺” bullshit without any groveling whatsoever. and why do authors feel the need to name drop real songs in their books?? i find it so cringey it makes me want to stop reading the book.

I love a good second chance romance and Scot and Bothered delivered!

The way Scotland was described made me want to take a flight there ASAP. The imagery was just so good and well written.

The tension between Jack and Brooke was so good. I ate it up. I loved seeing their relationship in past vs their relationship in the present. We get to see what went wrong and how they reconnect and how they fix what was broke.

I would recommend this book to anyone. I’m so excited for it to come out so I can put a physical copy on my shelf!

Thanks to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for this digital ARC.

Reading Alexandra Kiley's Kilt Trip last year was a pleasure, and I had high hopes for this second chance romance story. I was not disappointed! Jack and Brooke had a messy, horrible parting years ago. But now Brooke's mentor has inadvertently brought then back together to work on assignment in the Isle of Skye. Will Jack and Brooke get to the bottom of what really happened all those years ago, and give their love a second chance? Great atmospheric Scottish romance!

Scot and Bothered is a second chance dual timeline romance. Brooke has always dreamed of being a published author but she is kicked out of university after she has a relationship with Jack (the brother of Logan from Kilt Trip). Years later she finally gets the chance to co-write her mentor’s life story. After she agrees to hike the Skye Trail for the sake of the book, she learns Jack will be joining her on the hike as the photographer. Great tension between the main characters throughout as they have to learn to live with each other during the hike, their past relationship failures, and their futures. I even shed a few tears at the end! Just like Kilt Trip, the way Scotland is written makes me want to book a trip here immediately!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

“Scot and Bothered” is a heartfelt and atmospheric second-chance romance that takes readers on a journey both through the beautiful Scottish trails and the emotional rollercoaster of love and grief.

The love story depicted within these pages is honest and complex. With the dual pov and dual timeline, I was able to recognize the character flaws within Brooke and Jack, and love them and their love for each other all the more. While the writing leans toward flowery, descriptive details, this never felt overly excessive. Kiley painted an illustrative picture for every scene, completely immersing me within the story. The exploration of grief was profound and made my heart hurt. The book is a beautifully crafted tale of second chances, healing, and the potential for new beginnings.

A common thing I’ve noticed for second chance romance books that utilize an alternating "then" and "now" chapter format, is I get so engrossed in the “now” story, that I dread a chapter about the past. This unfortunately took place while reading this story. The frequent shifts back to the past felt disruptive at times, pulling me out of the narrative. I was obsessed with everything happening in the present— the yearning from the main characters, the idyllic scenery descriptions, the hilarious cons to camping that were discussed. I would have appreciated more focus on the characters' growth and connection in the present, exploring why they still love each other now, rather than spending so much time on their love story from seven years ago.