This was the perfect sweet read. Brooke’s story was so well thought out and I really enjoyed seeing the transformation from seemingly invincible 20 something, to hesitant and burned professional, all the way back to a fulfilled and confident woman taking her dreams in her own hands.

I love the relationship between Brooke and Jack. I think it’s hard to do second chance romance the right way. Sometimes there’s too much scorched earth to understand how they work through it, sometimes the original break up seems too frivolous to be surprised they’re back together. Scot and Bothered balanced that super well and I really enjoyed watching the two characters just be themselves enough to find each other again.

All in all I thought the story gave a lot to hold onto. I wanted to read more about their past, I wanted to read more about the setting, I wanted to read more about the background cast, in every moment I wanted to know more and I think that’s exactly the way to build a story you can enjoy for more than the main romance.

Scot and Bothered was okay. If I had to give the book a star rating, it would be a 2.75. The biggest issue I had with Scot and Bothered was the pacing. By the time I hit the half-way mark, I lost interest. The back and forth then/now scenes were too much at times. I could have done with less flashback scenes. The big drama between Brooke and Jack felt dragged out. The break-up scene felt so hyped up that by the time it actually came, I was disappointed in how it was written. The whole drama between Brooke and Jack felt silly. All of this could have been avoided if they just communicated with each other, especially Jack. All they had to do was wait one semester before dating! Brooke and Jack were fine characters. I enjoyed seeing their interactions after all those years. The forced proximity was done well. I thought all of the side characters were severely lacking in development. For how pivotal Mhairi is in the book, her character could have been more layered. Brooke's two friends from college, Kieran and Chels, were just a blimp in the book. I wanted more from them. I did think Kiley did a wonderful job creating an immersive setting. I liked how she explained some of the historic places in Edinburgh. Overall, this book just didn't stand out to me. Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

A Breathtaking Journey of Heartache and Healing in the Highlands

4.5 Stars

Scot and Bothered sweeps readers into a second-chance romance as rugged and breathtaking as the Isle of Skye itself. Alexandra Kiley masterfully blends longing, witty banter, and a slow-burning reconnection against a backdrop so vividly described it feels like stepping onto the trail alongside Brooke and Jack.

Seven years after a heartbreaking fallout, writer Brooke Sinclair and photographer Jack Sutherland are thrust together once more as they hike the grueling 80-mile Skye Trail while collaborating on a memoir for Brooke's mentor and Jack's beloved aunt. With only one tent, miles of open wilderness, and years of unresolved tension between them, their journey is both physically and emotionally demanding. The chemistry crackles, their history aches, and every step forces them to confront old wounds and lingering feelings.

Kiley’s dual timeline structure adds depth to Brooke and Jack’s past, though at times, the flashbacks pull attention away from the mesmerizing present-day trek. But the emotional payoff is worth it, especially in standout moments like the enchanting Writer’s Tour and that unforgettable secluded cabin scene (the bathtub alone deserves its own glowing review!).

Ultimately, Scot and Bothered is an evocative, heart-tugging love story with insightful characterization and a setting that steals the show. It’s a must-read for romance fans who crave yearning, humor, and a side of stunning Scottish scenery.

I received an eARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was okay. The focus of this book doesn’t seem to be centered exclusively on romance but on second chances in career paths that mirror the second chance romance. I felt like too much of the book was focused on the flashbacks. It took me out of the story and made the pacing slower. I feel like I would have been okay without the flashbacks or with maybe just one shortened flashback with relevant stuff. This book just felt like it could have been edited more. The overall story and message was fine but by the time we got to what should’ve been an emotional conclusion I was just glad the book was over.

I loved this! This book is what I was in the mood for. THE TENSION! I enjoyed this author’s other book too, so I’m excited to see what else she releases in the future. Sign me up!!

This book follows Brooke and Jack's relationship from past to present . The book was a slow start, but I was hooked by about halfway through. It was second chance lovers with a one bed troupe. I was rooting for these characters and the ending was satisfying.

I loved Alex Kiley's debut novel, Kilt Trip, and was excited for the opportunity to read her second novel. Scot and Bothered can be read as a standalone, but there are small cameos from Kilt Trip, and I appreciated having the family business background going into this novel.

Brooke and Jack have stolen my heart! The dual timeline was paced perfectly, slowly giving readers insights into their history. Brooke's struggle to find herself after feeling like she hasn't been living her life to the fullest is relatable and endearing. Jack's desire to do right by his family while following his heart was so sweet. The chasm that broke their relationship in the past made complete sense, and I rooted for them so hard in the present.

I highly recommend this book! Thank you, Alex Kiley and Harlequin Publishing, for the e-ARC!

I plan to publish my review on Goodreads and on my Instagram (@karentalksbooks).

5/5 ⭐️

“She used to think of them as star-crossed, and maybe it was all the same in the end, but under the heavy blanket of night, she thought they might be destined.”

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for this ARC.

I’ll read whatever Alexandra Kiley writes—a manual of instructions, a receipt, anything. I know I’ll love it.
This book was everything I wanted and needed.
Set in Scotland, this story follows Brooke and Jack through both present and past timelines. They met at a party when Brooke was in her last year of university and Jack was a TA in one of her classes. Something happened, and they had a horrible breakup. Seven years later, they meet again because of Brooke’s new project. She is ghostwriting a memoir for a very renowned writer, and Jack is the photographer. They decide to hike together in order to find inspiration for the book. During this adventure, they navigate their memories, get to know each other as new people, and talk about all the things that separated them while dealing with some lingering negative feelings.
I am sure this is one of the best second-chance romances ever written. The yearning and desperation both of them felt for each other were so exquisite to read. I love reading about people who are obsessed with their significant other.
The past/present scenes helped me understand the love they had. Seeing how their relationship started growing made me feel their sadness, anger, and all their emotions so much more deeply.
Brooke’s and Jack’s growth was very interesting to see. I love reading about characters who aren’t perfect and who learn from their mistakes.
Scotland is another character in itself. Reading about the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh made me want to travel there again. The scenery described in the book is so vivid that it makes you feel like you’re actually there. It’s beautiful.
I could spend hours talking about this book, but I’ll finish this review by saying that if you like second chances, reading about adventure, and characters who connect with your heart and soul, this book is for you.
Oh, and be ready to fall in love with a hot Scottish man with slutty glasses. 😎

I don’t think I have the words to explain how beautiful this book was. I was expecting another sweet romance, and this definitely hit the mark, but there was so much more to this story. I was not expecting to cry so much! Brooke and Jack are so cute and I loved the flip flopping between the past and present stories. The way they are such safe spaces for each other and the number one supporter for each other was so sweet. I did have a little trouble connecting with how easily Brooke forgave Jack, especially after finding out what happened. But I’m glad they ended up together and loved watching them fall in love in such a beautiful and ethereal setting. I’m also glad Mhairi had her celebration of life and then we skipped to Brooke and Jack being happy again (I’m not sure if I could’ve handled anymore sad scenes!). Such a wholesome story overall.

After starting Outlander, I decided I wanted to find books about Scotland and this one checked all my boxes.

The story beautifully captures the tension between Brooke and Jack, who are forced to confront their unresolved feelings and personal regrets over the course of the trek. The combination of stunning scenery and the emotional journey of the characters adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a physical journey but also one of self-discovery and healing.The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the romance to unfold gradually as both characters come to terms with their pasts.

I did not finish the book. Not because I didn't find it interesting but because there were too many typos, especially for some reason with the letters "FL" Anytime a word had those two letters together there would be a huge gap. EX: f loor, f lame, f lat, ref lex, f light.
I could potentially make out what the word was but I am dyslexic and it took the enjoyment out of reading it. I have seen lots of positive reviews already and will most likely read it once it comes out, but in this format it was just too difficult for me.

I did try different fonts and formats and it did not make a difference. I tried reading on my kindle, my phone, and the Netgalley app and realized it was not my devices but the file of the book.

4.5! Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley is packed with longing, dreams, and unresolved tension. Brooke Sinclair and Jack Sutherland are both haunted by a past they can’t escape—no matter how hard they’ve tried. After six years apart and the biggest heartbreak of their lives, they suddenly find themselves on a week-long trip to Skye. Brooke is determined to stay focused on the trail and finish co-writing her mentor’s memoir, while Jack is wrestling with impending grief and the feelings for Brooke he never truly put to rest.

Two of my favorite aspects of this book are its second-chance romance and dual timeline. The story shifts between the past—where Brooke and Jack’s connection first sparks—and the present, where they struggle with what it means to be in each other’s orbit again. Watching them fall in love while also experiencing the fallout of their breakup makes their relationship feel so real. Their love, their mistakes, their heartbreak—it’s all beautifully portrayed. The slow burn is perfectly paced, allowing us to see them gradually drift back toward each other. They support each other's dreams, are honest in their emotions, and work toward reconciliation in a way that feels genuine.

It’s a gorgeously written story that I know I’ll be rereading, and I absolutely recommend it to you all!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Scot and Bothered is Alexandra Kiley's sophomore novel. This is a second chance romance that flips between past and present. Brooke is an American who comes to Scotland for college and falls for a TA of one of her classes, Jack in the past timeline. In the present timeline, Brooke is ghostwriting a novel for Mhairi, Jack's aunt. The two encounter forced proximity when forced to hike a trail together for Mhairi's book, since of course, Jack is the photographer. Through this they are forced to reckon with their past and the betrayal that caused them to fall apart.

I adored Kiley's first Scotland novel, but this one felt jilted and fell flat for me. In the past timeline, Brooke and Jack have chemistry and it felt like "true" love, so for the conflict to occur that ripped them apart, I just didn't buy it. This one has a strong sense of place, but it just wasn't as great as Kiley's first novel. So much of this book felt forced to me and I struggled in wanting to pick it up. 3 stars.

Scot and Bothered is a dual POV, dual timeline second-chance romance. Brooke, a ghostwriter with dreams of writing her own stories, and Jack, a struggling photographer had a forbidden romance in university that ended badly. Nearly a decade later they are thrown back together working on his Aunt’s memoir. As they hike the trail Mhairi founded, they begin to rekindle old feelings but still have fears and secrets in their way.

What a beautiful second-chance romance! I loved Jack and Brooke’s story, and the descriptions of the scenery as they hiked reminded me of past trips to Scotland. I liked their inside jokes, their faith in one another, and the relationship they each had with Mhairi. Fantastic read!


Read dates: 01/30/2025 - 02/01/2025
Goodreads review: 02/01/2025
Instagram review: 02/02/2025
Blog review: 03/04/2025

I love stories that are set in Scotland. Brooke Sinclair is a ghostwriter who gets the opportunity to have a co-credit in an upcoming book with her old mentor. She sees as a way to step foot in the writing world as an author with her name on the books she writes. To research for the book more she is to set on a journey to the Skye Trail with the books photographer. Little did she know the photographer was going to be the man who broke her heart and ruined her career. Follow on the journey to see if they are able to mend their past.

This book is a rare second chance romance (everyone know I hate this trope) that I really enjoyed going on their journey. If you love the thought of a journey rom the Scottish highlands and see the realistic and messy approach of a second chance, than I recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Brooke and Jack are exes that met in college in Scotland and had a falling out. Fast forward several years later, Brooke is cowriting a memoir for Jack’s aunt and in order for her to bring life to the book she has to go on an adventure, with none other than Jack. There are bumps along the way especially since things didn’t end well the first time. You can expect second chance, forced proximity, a few spicy moments, one tent and an overall cute romance.

Thanks Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

Jack and Brooke’s story is an emotional journey. When they first meet, there are boundaries that impact their ability to be together. When they reunite years later, it’s not under the circumstances they thought it would be. What starts as a trek to make a memoir the best it can be turns into a trip down memory lane in the best and worst ways possible. Jack and Brooke are such kindred spirits, and it was wonderful to watch them come back together and work through their feelings of the past as they look toward the future.

I feel so much for Brooke. To have a goal taken away seemingly by the one person who championed you the most is devastating. I understand why, at the time, that’s where her blame went. While it probably didn’t need to be as drastic a shift in her career as she took, it makes sense why someone who only saw one path forward would assume that the original path wasn’t in the cards anymore after that semester. I’m happy that time on the trail helped her find her voice again.

Jack is so hard on himself to be what his family wants him to be. Even when he opens up to them, they try to rearrange it to suit their perceived needs. Like Brooke, he finds the courage to take a leap while on the trail and do exactly what he wants. He realizes that “success” may not look quite what he pictured, but that the standard he was holding himself to might not be the only one.

Hearing about their trip reinforces my desire to visit Scotland one day. I could picture every setting so well thanks to the author’s writing, and the cover beautifully captured one of my favorite visuals.

Scotland is really having a moment, isn’t it? Between Outlander and gorgeous travel photos flooding my socials, I’m pretty much convinced I need to pack my bags—and this book only fueled that urge.

Brooke Sinclair gets a shot at reviving her writing career when her old mentor asks her to co-write a memoir—but it involves hiking the rugged Skye Trail alongside Jack Sutherland, the man who ruined both her career and her heart. Kiley captures both the wild beauty of Scotland and the messy beauty of second chances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn’t put this book down. Adventure through Scotland, Second Chance, Heartbreak, Pining, only one tent, and duel pov.

I loved these characters and learning about their past a little bit along the way. Their relationship was heartwarming and heartbreaking as the story progressed.

I loved their hike journey and how they both discovered themselves more and more throughout. The flashbacks were wonderfully timed.

This is a standalone but was so nice to see characters from Kilt Trip.

An absolute must read!

I keep finding romances featuring ghostwriters for some reason. Not a bad thing necessarily but I was glad that storyline was mainly background here. Loved the setting on Isle of Skye and that both main characters had their own arcs.