SCOT AND BOTHERED – Alexandra Kiley
Canary Street Press
ISBN: 978-1-335-58008-5
March 4, 2025
Contemporary Romance

Scotland – Present Day

Brooke Sinclair’s dream of being a published author derailed when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years ago after her romantic relationship with Jack Sutherland was revealed to the school chancellor. Brooke was a student, and Jack was a teaching assistant, though he wasn’t working with her. It was a bitter pill for her to swallow, though she is now a ghostwriter and dreams of being published for herself someday if she can get over the hump. Jack’s aunt, Mhairi, mentored her and she greatly respects the woman. Brooke is offered the chance to ghostwrite Mhairi’s memoir but there is a catch. She has to hike the rugged Skye Trail for authenticity’s sake—and Jack must accompany her as her guide and videographer.

Jack never let on what happened during his meeting with the chancellor at the University of Edinburgh and has let Brooke believe that he ratted out (and destroyed) their relationship and her schooling. Brooke accepts the assignment to work with Jack, and they start the hike. Things are awkward at first with her ignoring him at times. But the harder the hike is, the more they begin to open up to each other. Will Brooke soon see Jack in a new light? Will the trip be successful? Will Jack tell her a secret about Mhairi that could devastate Brooke?

SCOT AND BOTHERED is a thoughtful tale as Brooke and Jack get the chance to reconnect after their brief romance ended acrimoniously when she was booted from the university. They both knew when it started the rules frowned upon romances between students and faculty, but they felt because he didn’t work with her that it would be okay. They kept it a secret anyway—but unfortunately, Mhairi found out. After university, Brooke sort of floated around trying to find her footing in the writing world. Her writing is good, though she hasn’t yet submitted and published anything on her own. Ghostwriting is her job, and that is why Mhairi asks her to do her memoir.

Each day of the hike is hard and treacherous, but it seems to build confidence and trust between Brooke and Jack. It also rekindles the sparks of their long-ago romance. Readers suspect that in SCOT AND BOTHERED they will soon find the time to make love. It’s clear they have a connection, though their breakup still causes a wedge between them. Can they make up? Will Jack finally reveal what happened during his meeting with the chancellor? The hike seems to bring out the creativity in Brooke as she is soon writing away in her notebook after they stop for the night. Meanwhile, Jack is videotaping memories of their trip. But is it just for his aunt, or is it also for memories of this time with Brooke?

SCOT AND BOTHERED is an emotional tale and one you won’t want to miss.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Thank you to @HTPBooks and NetGalley for the arc of Scot and Bothered. This was a surprisingly deep and heartfelt book. I really enjoyed the characters growth. The author did an amazing job of describing the depth of love and impact Mhairi had on most of the characters of this book. The setting was obviously dreamy. At times the language was a little too “purple”/descriptive for my tastes. The second half of the book is definitely where she hit her stride it felt much more dynamic and real. The spice scenes were lovely! Love a tub scene 💕Overall, I’m very happy to have read this book. Thanks again for the opportunity.

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

I love books about Scotland. And I love dual timelines. This one flashes back to current times and Brooke and Jack’s relationship 7 years ago, and how it all went wrong.

This book is also special because it also explores Brooke’s and Jack’s relationships with Mhairi. Both have a separate relationship with her that is forged independently of their relationship and grows over the years, and is one of my favorite parts of the book.

Read if you love second chance romance, one bed (or… tent?), and dual timelines. TW: cancer.

This was a solid three star for me. I enjoyed the book, but not enough to reread.

I think the immersive setting was the best part of the book! You truly felt like you were in Scotland in the book! Unfortunately the characters felt a bit flat for me which just kept me from enjoying the book more!

I am still so grateful for the arc and chance to read the book! 📖

Brooke likes Jack and Jack likes Brooke. They have a quick and passionate romance that ends badly. Seven years later, Brooke is co-writing her mentor’s memoir who just so happens to be Jack’s Aunt. Oh, did she not mention her nephew was taking the photos for the book? To complete the memoir Brooke and Jack must hike the Skye Trail together and overcome the rocky terrain (both literally and metaphorically). If you love duel timelines, second chances, and Jude Law in The Holiday-glasses-wearing MMCs this story is for you.

I loved Kiley’s first book and had no idea this was in the same universe. Just like the first book she describes Scotland beautifully and there are little pockets of swoony moments between Jack and Brooke that affirm her romance writing. But overall the story did not keep my attention like Kilt Trip. The conflicts didn’t really feel a serious as the tone tried to make them seem and I think it lost me. Still looking forward for more from this author. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!

Huge thanks to Alexandra Kiley, Canary Street Press, and HTP Hive for this ARC! 💕

Enemies-to-lovers ✅
Second chance romance ✅
Forced proximity ✅
🏴 All set against the breathtaking Scottish backdrop? YES, PLEASE!

📖 What stood out?
From page one, I was hooked. The writing is compelling, the plot is immersive, and the dual POV + dual timeline format makes this a rollercoaster of first love, heartbreak, and second chances. 💔 It’s emotional, beautifully written, and packed with tension—all while transporting you to the stunning Isle of Skye. 🌊

🔥 What to Expect:
✔️ Second-chance romance ❤️
✔️ Dual POV 👀
✔️ TA x student (past timeline) 📚
✔️ Third-act breakup 💔
✔️ Multiple timelines 🕰️
✔️ Open-door scenes🔥

💞 How was the romance?
Second-chance romance can be hit or miss for me, but when it’s done right, it’s magic ✨. Alexandra Kiley nails it—weaving the trope seamlessly into the plot while giving us flashbacks and deep character development. You can’t help but root for Jack & Brooke as they fight through their past to find their way back to each other.

⭐ Final Thoughts:
I devoured this book. The dual POV made me feel fully connected to the characters, and the emotional depth kept me flipping pages late into the night. If you love forced proximity, emotional tension, and a romance that makes your heart ache in the best way—grab “Scot and Bothered” ASAP! 📖💞

🤍Book review 🤍

Scot and Bothered
by Alexandra Kiley



This was a sweet and atmospheric second-chance romance set against the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Skye. The descriptions of the landscape were so vivid that I felt like I was right there, hiking alongside the characters. The dual timeline worked well, weaving past and present together to show how Brooke and Jack’s relationship unraveled and how they found their way back to each other.
I really enjoyed the career struggles both characters faced—it felt relatable and added depth to their story. The chemistry between them was strong, and there were some really great romantic moments, especially the bathtub scene! Mhairi was such a memorable character, and the final line of the book truly got me emotional.
While it wasn’t my favorite in the series, it was still a beautiful read. If you love books with a strong sense of place and a touch of nostalgia, I’d recommend it!
NetGalley arc

The second book in this series just happened to be a second chance romance that takes us back to Scotland but in the Isle of Skye. Having visited Skye before, I had no idea that there is an 80 mile trail that you could hike! I loved the author’s description of the area and the beauty of that region is presented so well.

What I loved in this book:

📖 The career uncertainties that the main characters faced was relatable. I remember being that age and facing similar struggles

📖 I loved seeing Scotland through the eyes of a photographer and the descriptions of him capturing light and the elements in a beautiful way.

📖 The chemistry between the two characters was so cute yet forbidden. I was anxious with them sneaking around, knowing that what it would lead to.

📖 I really liked Mhairi’s character, who is Jack’s aunt. No spoilers but the very last sentence in the book made me tear up.

Overall, this was a cute book. Not my favorite, but when you bring me to Scotland in a book, it’s hard to go wrong.

I loved the setting of this book but found the rest to be lacking. I felt like the conflicts never really got fully talked about or resolved, the characters just got over it and moved past it. I did like the flashbacks to the past and felt like it helped to expand and make Jack and Brooke's relationship feel more tangible and real.

I feel like I just took a trip to Scotland after reading this, it was so atmospheric that I truly felt transported to the Scottish Highlands!!!

Scot and Bothered is the story of a second chance romance! And it’s the perfect rom-com with a really well done duel timeline!!! And the pining in is something else!!!

Thank you HTP and NetGalley for early copy!

💕 ✦ 𝓢𝓬𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 ✦ 💕

Author: Alexandra Kiley
Series: Second book in a connected standalone series
Pages: 340
Genre: Adult romance
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 - 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮
🗓️ This sizzling romance hits shelves on March 4! ✨

✨️

𝓥𝓘𝓑𝓔𝓢

•dual timeline
•Scottish setting
•second chance romance
•writer + photographer
•forced proximity/slow burn
•hiking trip on the Isle of Skye
•one tent

✨️

𝓣𝓗𝓞𝓤𝓖𝓗𝓣𝓢

Such an enchanting love story!! 📸Photographer Jack and his ✍️writer ex-girlfriend, Brooke, hike the rugged Skye Trail (in Scotland) to help their ill mentor finish her memoir. Scot and Bothered is a dual timeline, second-chance romance, with lots of pining. I thought the story had the perfect blend of adventure, banter, slow burn, and sweet romance. Captivating storytelling, wonderful character depth, and descriptive imagery that make you feel like you are in Scotland. 🏕️ If you want to be swept off to the Scottish Highlands then check out 𝓢𝓬𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭!! I would 100% recommend this book to romance readers.

✨️

𝓠𝓤𝓞𝓣𝓔𝓢

“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏*𝚌𝚔 𝚞𝚙 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚝 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.” 🤣 💯

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥.” 💕

✨ Thank you @netgalley, @canarystreetpress, @htp_hive, and @akileybooks for the gifted eARC! ✨

"SCOT ON THE TRAIL!" is a heartfelt and emotionally charged journey through the rugged Scottish landscape, beautifully capturing both the physical trek and the inner emotional landscapes of its protagonists. Brooke Sinclair's quest to co-write a memoir while facing unresolved issues from her past with Jack Sutherland makes for an engaging and relatable narrative. The backdrop of the Skye Trail offers a stunning and immersive setting that enhances the depth of the characters’ emotional journeys.

Brooke’s growth as a character and her struggles with the loss of her dream of becoming a published author are poignant and well-explored. Jack, with his own burdens and family expectations, adds a layer of complexity that makes him more than just a love interest. The chemistry between them is palpable, and the tension from their shared history keeps the story moving forward.

The pacing is a bit slow at times, particularly when the focus shifts from the romance to their internal reflections, but the beauty of the Scottish scenery and the emotional weight of their reunion makes it worth the read. The ending offers a satisfying resolution, leaving readers with a sense of hope and the possibility of redemption for both characters.

Overall, "SCOT ON THE TRAIL!" is a heartfelt, romantic, and visually stunning read that will appeal to fans of second-chance love stories and travel-inspired adventures. It’s an enjoyable escape that will stay with you long after you’ve reached the end of the trail.

2.5 - I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately I lost interest in this so quickly. I just didn’t connect with or care about any of these characters.

Second chance with dual timelines and a TA/student taboo adjacent romance that was very insta-love in the past. Their relationship basically ruined the FMC’s career and her chance at a fellowship, but she forgave the MMC so fast. The best part was probably the male narrator with the Scottish accent.

*I didn’t read Kilt Trip, but honestly don’t think that would have added anything to this for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed reading this one. I really love anything set in Scotland, especially more remote areas that sound cool. The FMC was not my favorite as she seemed to really hold a grudge against the MMC without giving a lot of grace for what happened. Obviously we wouldn't have a story if this wasn't the case, but I still struggled with something about the FMC's attitude. I like the MMC and the family that was established in a previous book. I still would recommend this book, and you might not find the FMC annoying.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

Enemies-to-lovers? Second chance romance? Forced proximity on a grueling Scottish hiking trail? Sign me up. Scot and Bothered is the kind of rom-com that makes you want to buy a plane ticket to Scotland and dramatically pine over your ex while gazing at misty cliffs.

Brooke and Jack are both deliciously stubborn, emotionally bruised, and absolutely meant for each other—even if they refuse to admit it. Their banter is top-tier, the yearning is dialed up to maximum agony, and the forced teamwork on the Skye Trail? Chef’s kiss. You will want to yell at them to just kiss already, but in the best possible way.

If you love a romance with a rugged, outdoor adventure setting, some deep emotional wounds to heal, and a swoon-worthy Scottish love interest (who may or may not deserve to be punched once or twice before redemption), then this book is for you.

The best part of this book was the way the setting felt so present. Every moment was visceral, and it made me want to go hiking. Something about the characters didn’t hit exactly right with me and I ended the book wishing I’d felt more connected, but that frankly could have been the circumstances under which I’m reading the book! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, and this one had a lot of fun moments. I’ll definitely keep reading in this series and more from Riley.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc. I really enjoyed the second chance dual pov story of Brooke and Jack. The setting added such much to the story and made me want to go to Scotland right away. Kiley has true talent in balancing comedy and prose.

The Scottish countryside and the trail came alive in this love story. It truly overshadowed the second-chance romance.

The duel timeline provides a glimpse into what went wrong many years ago, taking us to the now. The cover is misleading as it is NOT a RomCom, rather its a contemporary romance. I did not expect it to be so heavy.

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press

Scot and Bothered
•
This was such a simple, cute romance and I mean that in the best way. It was so easy to get lost in this story, I thought the past and present chapters weaved together beautifully. I absolutely loved the setting and Kiley was so descriptive in her writing I felt like I was hiking alongside Brooke and Jack. Nature is so therapeutic and gives us an opportunity to feel again. To take a deep breath, to dive into cold waters, to ground ourselves, and to find pieces of ourselves that maybe we lost. I really connected with those pieces of the story.
🌳
“It’s key that we capture the essence of how transformative it is to be out there, connected to the Earth and the ghosts of the pasts and the hope for the future.”
🍂
It’s dual POV and we do get some spice…the bathtub moment though 🤗 I thought that build up was really good in this one! If you like any kind of roadtrip type romance I would definitely give this one a try! This is pretty much how my husband and I met (it didn’t play out this way lol but it is how we met) so I was totally able to relate to the story and there was a bit of nostalgia for me, reminiscing about that time for us! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•
“I’m a ghost. This faded version of myself.”
“You’re still so bright to me.”
“You want to help me broaden my horizons, Jack?”
“Badly.”
💚
Thank you @akileybooks @canarystreetpress and @netgalley for this e-arc, you don’t have to wait long! Scot and Bothered comes out March 4th!

I really enjoyed this! Fabulous yearning by Jack and Brooke. The dual timeline setup really built the tension and exhibited why their relationship didn't work the first time around, although some scenes felt laborious. I liked the hike as a sort of physical and emotional journey for them both as they learned to forgive each other and themselves. Though again, some of the nitty gritty details of her writing and his photography felt like they dragged the plot down. While I would have liked to see Jack and Brooke really hash out their issues more clearly, this made for a really emotional read!!

Thank you for the eARC! All opinions are my own.