A word that sums this book up is dreamy. The characters (JACK), the setting, the romance. It was all so cozy and dreamy. I love a second chance romance and this book had all of the elements of that troupe that I love. The drama and the LONGING were unmatched. I ended up taking 2 stars off because at times the story almost felt too dramatic and I felt like it dragged on a bit through the middle. But the ending was so satisfying and sweet! Overall, Scot and Bothered is such a charming book and definitely worth the read.

I was so glad to be back to The Heart family, especially now that we got to meet Jack and really get to know him.

Brooke Sinclair is a writer, one who was expelled from the University of Edinburgh after a derailment with her involvement in an undisclosed relationship with one of the school's TA's - Jack. Now, a successful ghostwriter, Brooke is co-writing a memoir with her hero, Mhairi McCallister, and though it's a project she's always dreamed of, her heart still yearns to write stories of her own. After her college expulsion though, her spark has been diminished, and she no longer feels able to write on her own. When Mairi suggests that she take the trail that Mairi created to better capture Mairi's voice in the memoir - and instantly gets stuck on the trail with the very man who was the cause of her expulsion...and the cause of her broken heart.

This book felt simultaneously too rushed and too slow at the same time, though she communication that Jack and Brooke utilized eventually was a breath of fresh air!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I read and enjoyed Kiley's previous book, and I unfortunately had a harder time getting into this one, mainly because I tend to struggle with second chance tropes. If you love that trope, then definitely pick this one up!

Seven years ago, Brooke was living her dream as a top student at University of Edinburgh, poised for a brilliant writing career. Jack was a teaching assistant and trying to figure out what he really wanted. They instantly forged a connection, but knew a relationship was off limits. And then Brooke’s life and dreams came crashing down, courtesy of Jack.

Brooke has been ghostwriting, and finally sees a bright spot: a chance for a co-writing credit on a memoir for her most beloved professor and mentor. But she has to hike a harrowing Scottish island trek to truly understand the assignment. And spend a minimum of eight days side by side with the photographer. Jack. Her lover turned bitter enemy. And her professor’s nephew.

Loved this book! The emotions were palpable—the anger, chemistry, hurt, love, sorrow, joy—throughout the book. The author beautifully wrote the journey from bitter former lovers to something more, going back and forth between present and seven years ago. I am usually NOT a fan of dual chronologies, but this one mostly worked. I will say I didn’t love getting the details of what happened seven years ago so late in the story—don’t want to spoil it so I won’t go further.

The characters are so relatable! I can empathize with Brooke so much, with having her dreams unfairly ripped away and not knowing where to go from there, feeling lost. And I can understand Jack too, feeling the pressure of family expectations and not knowing what he really wants to do. The side characters rounded out the story, especially Mhairi, Jack's aunt and Brooke's mentor.

The descriptions are lovely too, and made me want to hike Skye Island (or maybe another trail with better weather). I felt like I was experiencing the trek with the characters.

I will post Instagram and blog reviews closer to publication date. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Scot and Bothered is a dual timeline novel jumping from ‘then’ where we see Jack and Brooke fall in love surrounded by the picturesque scenery of their university campus and the surrounding area of Edinburgh. In the ‘now’ timeline, they are reunited to climb Skye Trail and to work on a memoir for someone they truly respect (who is also sadly dying from stage four pancreatic cancer). I really appreciated all the time in Skye Trail. There’s a different energy that comes off the page when the wind whipping around your face, the air is frigid, and embracing nature (with all its bugs and beauty).

Now, about the ‘then’ timeline. I don’t play around when it comes to my dreams, my career, or my future. I’m also the type of person to respect professional boundaries. I can’t turn my brain off while reading romance and you know what, I’m not apologizing for it. A professional boundary is clearly crossed in the ‘then’ timeline. Jack (is a Teaching Assistant) and Brooke (is a student taking a class that is taught by Jack’s aunt Mhairi). They knowingly engage in a relationship that clearly breaks a code of conduct. But also when they’re discovered? It places people in their lives in a tough situation. So when “the big betrayal” is hyped up across the book, and revealed…I really had no emotion, like seriously? This was the reason Brooke held such scorn against Jack? She was equally responsible for her actions. Both characters knowingly acted recklessly, knew what was on the line, and expected people to continue to lie for them? There’s such blatant privilege in both characters (especially Brooke that was off-putting) that the ‘then’ timeline did so much damage to the book. I scoffed in shock.

Women for decades have worked so hard to ensure campuses are a safe space for future generations (and that work continues to this day). In this case, attempting to normalize and romanticize a student/staff relationship left me unsettled. Girlies, this was a doozy! So overall, I’m giving this three stars. Largely cause I enjoyed the ‘now’ timeline better and found it to be a stronger narrative that I wished carried the story.

I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.

Brooke y Jack fueron novios, pero su romance era secreto y prohibido. Creían que podrían superar todos los obstáculos y, con el tiempo, gritar al mundo su amor, pero las cosas terminaron mal.

Años después, se reencuentran porque ella va a escribir las memorias de una ex profesora que resulta ser la tía de él, y él será el fotógrafo del libro.

Disfruté de la primera mitad, pero luego la historia se estancó y no veía un verdadero avance entre ellos, especialmente por Brooke, que terminó por desesperarme. Al final, no creí que deberían terminaban juntos.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A really fun and adorable little rom-com. Transportive vibes that will have you living out your Scottish fantasies!

This was a cute romance with beautifully scenic descriptions of Scotland. I do think it was a little long in place and had not enough detail in others, but this was a cute, low stakes story.
This split POV, and while I love that, I wish the chapters included the name of whose POV that chapter is, because it was a little confusing in a couple chapter until you got half a page into it.
Their romance was cute and their original breakup made sense because no one really expects young college kids to never communicate poorly, but I do wish there was less back and forth in Brooke’s head, but when she finally decided to go for it, she hadn’t actually decided in her POV. When she made a move, it felt kind of jarring.

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️


* Im confused by this. “She wondered what he thought of her; the one who’d challenged him hadn’t achieved any of her dreams. Wasn’t even fighting for them anymore.”. Isn’t that why she’s on this trip to begin with? Because she’s fighting for her dream, but I guess now not? Confused
* All this book is doing is making me wanna visit Scotland
* Why did Rohan even care that much? I feel like their situation was so level that most wouldn’t even blink
* Brooke is an idiot
* And a coward
* Girl changes her mind more often than most people change their underwear


Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review

I think this book helped me realize I secretly love second chance love stories. The story is so sweet and beautifully written. I loved how their past relationship was interwoven with the present. Getting to see them both play out together helped give more depth to their current story.

But the real star is the Scottish landscapes, and I would now like to book a ticket to Scotland asap.

I ended this book feeling inspired and believing that while there can be beauty found in the past, trusting and believing in what you're capable of now - that's the real gift of this book.

I am an huge Alexandra Kiley fan since reading “Kilt Trip”. She has a way of writing that transports you to faraway places (some of which you may not have ever been to) and makes you feel like you’re actually there along with the characters. With the way I loved “Kilt Trip” I couldn’t wait to visit the Scotland again alongside the Sutherland Boys again. I did break my thumbs requesting/downloading “Scot and Bothered”, but it’s okay because “Scot and Bothered” is now my new favorite Alexandra Kiley book.

As far as second chance romances go, “Scot and Bothered” was done so well. I love a dual timeline; getting insight to and through the characters’ past while also watching them find their way back to each other in the present is such an incredible journey. I was so invested in both of Brooke and Jack’s timelines, with each chapter, I don’t know which timeline I was looking forward to more.

I did not think that I would love anyone more than Logan, but Jack is my new favorite Sutherland brother. As former photography student, I felt very connected to Jack. I get his passion and his personal setbacks as well. And the way he longed and pined for Brooke was everything. Brooke and Jack had great chemistry and an incredible connection. Their story was beautiful and charming.

The way Alexandra Kiley writes about Scotland makes me feel like I was back in Edinburgh. Just like with “Kilt Trip” , “Scot and Bothered” somehow both soothed my wanderlust, while also making me itch to go back to Scotland.

Put a highland cow on any book cover and I will read it! All jokes aside, this Scottish rom-com was delightful. I absolutely loved the dynamic of Jack and Brooke’s relationship and how wonderfully Kiley portrayed the deep emotions the characters experienced.

This book was an absolute treat to read.

It was filled with such delicious yearning and pining. I am already a fan of the second chance romance trope, but this was executed so well.

The story follows exes (a ghostwriter and photographer) hiking a grueling 80 mile trail in the Scottish Highlands to help the FMC finish her mentor's memoir. It features a dual timeline back to their university days and the tension between the two was chef's kiss.

I enjoyed the first book in the series, Kilt Trip, but this one was even better.

Brooke is a successful ghostwriter, but she now has the opportunity to be a cowriter to her favorite professor. The problem is, when she was enrolled in school she got kicked out due to said professors nephew. After some bad news about her draft, Brooke is determined to hike the trail the book is about. Brooke is forced to hike with Jack, after years of avoiding him. The book follows Jack and Brooke along the trail as well as flashbacks to their forbidden romance. Brooke and Jack grow closer on the trail. The passion never quite left either of them. But will Brooke be able to forgive Jack for their past? Or will they return from their adventure and go their separate ways?

Backpacking Adventure
Second Chance Romance
Dual timeline
Dual POV

If you liked Kilt Trip you’re going to love Scot and Bothered! This story is fun and filled with loads of adventure. I’m always looking for books that have backpacking/hiking so I was excited when it was mentioned in the synopsis for this book. And it definitely delivered. The romance was cute, and I really felt it in the flashbacks, but I didn’t feel the chemistry as much in the present day. But all in all a great book with a sweet romance and awesome plot! Highly recommend to any outdoorsy romance lovers!

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lovedddd the first book of this series. So was very excited for the second and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait for the audiobook so I can hear the MMC in the Scottish accent. I think the author explains the characters conflicts in a much more realistic way than many books on the market. Just because two people have feelings for each other, life’s other issues don’t magically fix themselves. But the author pulls you through the story beautifully. Also here’s a cute quote I liked from very early in the book, it’s just so funny and relatable

“She'd overdone it with the makeup this morning, as if a heavy hand with a shimmery eye shadow stick could disguise her crumbled confidence. It didn't, and Brooke was reminded of that sad fact every time she had to raise her eyebrows to unstick the crease of her eyelids.”

Kiley knows how to write a gosh darn darling book! Everyone needs to add this sweet story to your TBR for spring, because what a fun book this was. It would be such a fun book club pick.

I loved this book! It was everything I wanted from a Scottish rom-com and more!

Brooke Sinclair is a ghostwriter who is struggling to find her place in the publishing world. When the opportunity to co-write a memoir with her mentor, Mhairi McCallister, comes up, she takes it. But to truly tell Mhairi’s story and how she founded the famous Skye Trail, Brooke decides to hike it, accompanied by the ghost of her past, Jack. Jack Sutherland, Mhairi’s nephew and Brooke’s former love, is a budding photographer trying to prove himself to his family. When Mhairi asks him to hike the trail with Brooke and take photos of it for the memoir, he agrees. As Brooke and Jack conquer the wilds of Skye, the two quickly discover the power of courage, love, and second chances.

I really love Alexandra Kiley’s books! I very much enjoyed reading Kilt Trip (and learning all about the Sutherland family), but I feel like Scot and Bothered was truly breathtaking. The way she interwove love and forgiveness (alongside grief) was so beautifully done. The settings and stops along the trail were inspiring to read and made me itch to book a trip to Scotland ASAP.

The tension and angst between Jack and Brooke across both the “then” and “now” chapters leaped off the pages. I love a good second chance romance with the “will they or won’t they” pull. Scot and Bothered delivered this and then some.

I cannot wait to see the finished copy in March so that I can reread it again and again.

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

I don’t have enough words to express how much I loved this book! I read Kilt Trip while in Scotland earlier this year and fell in love, I think Scot And Bothered was even better and made me feel so connected to the characters. I loved how she describes the views from the various hiking trails and viewpoints, I love the chemistry between our main characters and I loved the aspect of the teacher being her hero and friend. I will be buying a physical copy for my shelf asap and reading EVERYTHING from this author forever. Thank you!!!

Where to start! First of all I’m still drying my eyes after that ending. Second of all I love a second chance + forced proximity situation and this one was so good. The chemistry! The longing! The tension! The club scene! I’m unwell. Also really loved both of their journeys to find their passions and figure out what they wanted and have the courage to go for it. So relatable. Mhairi felt like a real person so I’ll be in mourning for the next 5-7 business days.

3.5 ⭐️
I really liked Kilt Trip (4 ⭐️), so I was excited to be approved for Scot and Bothered! However, Jack's story didn't do it for me quite the same way as Logan's did. A second-chance romance can be hit or miss for me, and not knowing what the original conflict actually was until the end of the book can make it tougher. I felt like the angry tension between the two characters was brushed under the rug (still without me knowing what had caused the tension) and I didn't feel the same charm between the two MCs the way I felt it in Kilt Trip. However, I did like the plot line of being forced to reconcile between realistic goals and your true dreams, and thought that and the grief plot line were handled well. I would still recommend this book if you want to take a (literary) trip to dreamy/moody/Highland Coo-y Scotland, but definitely would recommend Kilt Trip first!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Hi readers, I'm so excited you're here! SCOT AND BOTHERED is an atmospheric, emotional romance with funny, sad, and uplifting moments. This book is for you if you like:

-Atmospheric Scottish setting
-Second-chance romance
-Dual-timeline
-College shenanigans
-Deep love
-Lots of pining
-Only one tent
-Cranky highland coos

You can find a complete list of content notes on my website: https://www.alexandrakiley.com/