overall not a bad read, but having issues and attractions with multiple brothers felt a bit off for me. Still though, might just be my age of 50+. Would recommend if you want a quick and hot read.

This book has the strongest start with the dedication. Then the “8 Years Earlier” prologue had me chomping at the bit for me. “3 Years Later” had me reading the first 40% of this book on a 3 hour flight. I did not set it down the entire time!

“Falling in love with Juniper Ross felt like stepping into oncoming traffic.”

Callum was down bad from the very first moment he laid eyes on Juniper. I thought the brother’s ex-fiance trope would bother me, but the man Callum is made me forget about Alistair entirely.

The banter, the hate, the tension, the love… this book is a grand slam for me. I loved that he let Juniper take charge. I loved the secret acts of service and the obvious ones like him bringing her treats in the evenings. I would have expected more angst from this book considering the situation but everyone seemed to work through the awkwardness. It was so funny that Mal witnessed the girl talk between April and Juniper regarding her relationship with Callum.

I hope we get to learn more about why Alistair broke things off with Juniper in his book!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book review for consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the McCabe siblings series by Elliot Fletcher. The story focuses on Caleb, the eldest sibling, a vet in town with an unrequited love for Juniper, whose family owns the inn. The issue? Juniper is the ex-fiancé of Caleb’s younger brother Alistair. Even though they’ve been exes for many years, she’s held on to her ring, and dislike of the McCabe brothers. If this sounds messy, it is. This story is very drama filled, broken up by tender moments between the two. Each are battling their own issues while falling for each other. This is a spicy, open door book with frequent spicy scenes. If you enjoyed the first book, check this one out.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I knew I would love this - I’m a sucker for when the MMC is down bad. The second it popped up, I dropped everything to read it and devoured it quickly. I really enjoyed how these two came together. A light and steamy read. Excited to see where the next book goes.

Callum had a legitimate reason to stay away - it wasn’t like Juniper was just his brother’s ex but they were very serious. A tough situation! I kinda wanted to hear what his plans were to “steal her away” but maybe that would make me dislike him. I enjoyed reading his perspective but would have liked to see more about his journey with his parents. I was so curious about why Alistair broke it off with Juniper but I suppose it wasn’t the point of the story because it was sort of glazed over, maybe it’s part of his story in the next book.

I had a few minor issues but nothing that really took away from the core story. Heather is a sort of useless side character and I don’t feel like her friendship adds anything more than April’s does. I hope she has a storyline outside of being a sister in the next book.

It’s a pet peeve of mine to introduce a safeword and never use it. I guess it’s for the reader to know the characters understand what they’re doing and to demonstrate consent but they never did anything “kinky” enough to get close to needing a safeword.

Being an absolute super fan over Whiskey Buiness, this was the highest anticipated book of 2025 for me. And all of my dreams came true reading this story. Juniper and Callum were absolutely everything I was expecting them to be.

Two beautifully written characters with so many hidden layers to them that we get to see peeled back with every chapter. A prickly closed of FMC back in her home town just trying to figure it out while her ex fiancées brother seems to always been there, needling her and his infuriating smirk. But he may not have it all together as it seems. Callum is such a fun, happy go lucky guy with way too many things in his shoulders but for Juniper he’ll gladly do more.

When I tell you Elliot wrote the definition of yearning. Over spans of years the man pines. I love that the dynamic of these two sexually and romantically are the FMC with control and the MMC on his knees for her.


Elliot also wrote the more delicate moments, the ones that shine of foster and adoption along with different parent relationships so perfectly. She made every side characters also be a star to this series and would make the book incomplete without them. Getting to see glimpses of Mal and April. Being taken on a journey of Skye along with the characters. You can feel how lush and beautiful the world around them is as if Elliot herself has transported you there in the pages.

I really wish Goodreads would allow .5 in our star ratings. Because Scotch on the Rocks was definitely more of a 3.5 stars. I just read Whisky Business about two weeks ago. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but didn’t love it. However, I was excited to continue on with the Macabe brothers series. So when I got my hands on an early copy of Scotch on the Rocks I was ecstatic. I knew this was going to be Callum’s book and I couldn’t wait to read his and June’s story. Their banter and chemistry was electric in book one and I couldn’t wait to see the pair get their story more flushed out.

I have to say though I did find some parts a little disappointing. But that’s not to say that I didn’t love it. Because trust me I enjoyed their story and whole heartedly ship them as a couple. My biggest issue was a lot felt unresolved. The conflict was built up so much in book one and brought up repeatedly in book 2 for it to only get semi-resolved in last 15%. It felt too easy and I still had questions. Besides that I still loved Juniper & Callum. The tension, banter and slow burn of their romance was fun to watch.

Overall, is a fun quick easy slow burn romance that I think anyone would enjoy and I definitely recommend it. Lastly, big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me an arc to read and review. All thoughts and feelings are my own!

Juniper is Callum's brother's ex, but Callum has had feelings for her before he even knew she was Alistair's girlfriend. And they haven't changed 8 years later. Juniper is both annoyed/irritated by and attracted to Callum as they both constantly rile each other up. But underneath all the griping, they both feel a strong pull towards each other.

Tropes:
Black cat/golden retriever vibes
yearning

Even though I loved Callum's sarcasm, humor, witty banter, the fact that he's a hot vet with a cute pet rabbit, there was also a deeper level to who he is: he's secretly loved his brother's ex for 8 years, he's devoted to helping his parents with his dad having rapidly progressing Alzheimer's, despite having a complicated relationship with him. The way the book depicts Callum's experience as a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's was very poignant and emotional in its impact on not just the person, but also their family and loved ones.
Juniper is the only one who sees through his unserious and charming facade and the big old softie underneath. And Callum also sees her for who she is. From the very beginning, Callum is absolutely gone for Juniper. He does all these things for her without her knowledge and secretly watches out for her. Their relationship is built on unconditional love and patience, topped with great banter and chemistry.

This was my first book from Elliot Fletcher, and I can't wait to read more!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

I loved this book! It was the perfect amount of spice and sweetness. Kal's pining from day 1 was everything. I loved Juniper's personality and her story of bow growing up being adopted has shaped her trust in those she loves.

This was a fun, fast read for me and I will definetly be waiting for the next book!

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I don't think Elliot can go wrong with a Macabe brother! This is a brother's ex-fiancé, second chance romance and it is so fun but has emotional complexity that really adds to the story. Juniper was engaged to Callum's younger brother Alistair and it has been about 7 years since they broke off their engagement. Callum has always appreciated Juniper, but due to some things that happened after her break up with his brother their relationship has been hostile. Callum helps Juniper with an issue at her family's inn in exchange to spend time with her.

Juniper has a personal history that makes her afraid she is unlovable and Callum struggles to be there for everyone but no one takes care of him. They understand each other and their story is touching(and also hot, hot, hot)!

I HIGHLY recommend this book and will be counting down the days until I can figure out what the heck is going on with Alistair!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this ARC!

Elliot Fletcher has a wonderful writing style that keeps you intrigued and sucked in to the story throughout her novels. Witty and sharp banter between the characters is exactly what I love in a romance. I was excited to get the ARC for this novel, as I enjoyed the previous one in the series.

Read if you love:
*** Witty banter
*** Long time attraction
*** Mental health struggles/development
*** Strong family ties
*** Steam steam steam!

Juniper and Callum individually were great characters, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I also did love them as a couple. With that said, I did not enjoy the brother’s ex plotline. This was a first for me and I believe I would stay away from these backstories in the future. If that aspect is taken out, it was an enjoyable read.

I would read future novels from this author as her writing is great.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

This is a great romance read! I loved Callum and that he falls first and harder for Juniper. I was a little iffy about the fact that Juniper was in a relationship with his brother first but thought it was really well done. This is the second book but the author did a really good job to were you don’t need to read the first book but I definitely recommend because the first book is a great read as well

I was so excited to jump back into the Macabe Brothers after reading Mal and April's story last year. This did not disappoint. I loved the slow burn and the back and forth banter between Callum and Juniper. We get a sexy vet mmc and a badass alt gril that helps run her adopted family's Inn.

Such a good plat and we get to see a lot of their personality and back stories and how much Callum was down for his girl from the first moment he met her and how he felt the whole time he could not have her. Juniper is amazing and I felt for her on how struggled with wanting to love but unsure because of her background being adopted and heartbreak from Callum's brother Alastair who was her fiance. We watch both of them struggle a little in different ways with some family issues. Plenty of Mal and April cameos as well!

Lets talk spice! Again, slow burn but once we do get there it was worth the wait. The spice was perfect, and well earned for the of them. Callum was so patient waiting for Juniper to get to get on the same page as him. Who doesn't love an mmc who is obsessed and down bad for the girl the whole book!

I can not wait to read the next brother Alastair's story and I hope we also get one of their sister Heather.

Thank you Avon and netgalley for the ARC!

I couldn't wait to read this ARC after absolutely loving Whisky Business last year. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed and Elliot Fletcher has earned her spot as a new auto-read author for me. For my preferences, she sparks the perfect balance of humor, emotional depth, and spice.

This book had me hooked and ready from the prologues alone. Callum has been in love with Juniper since he met her, right before she was introduced to him as his brother's girlfriend. EIGHT YEARS LATER we get to see them navigate their proximity, semi-hostile banter, and simmering attraction. The whole book had me engrossed - it has fantastic banter, a charming, idyllic setting in a small village of Scotland, so much pining, and plenty of heat. Plus, there is an undercurrent of emotion and a bit of messiness that makes for a heartachingly wonderful time.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

I read Whisky Business last year and fell in love with this little isle and the characters. I am SO happy I had a chance to read about Callum (my fav!!!!!!!) and Juniper’s story early ♥️ I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one sitting & loved every second.

What a fun little story this was- my heart was in it from start to finish. I love these two so much ‼️

Thank you sooo much for the ARC! I appreciate it so much ♥️♥️♥️

Juniper Ross has a list of rules for dealing with the Macabe brothers after her failed engagement to Alistair and her almost one night stand with Callum a year later. She’s done a great job until a plumbing job goes wrong and Callum decides to live up to the nickname she’s given him, Community Ken, and help her for the cheap price of four dates. What happens after that is a sweet story of love, hurt, and healing.

Scotch On the Rocks is amazing! Plain and simple. It has the sweetest love story with the right amount of slow burn and angst. Callum is the perfect book boyfriend and Juniper is such a sweetheart!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I enjoyed the premise but the relationship between the main characters didn’t have enough build up for me especially given the “ex’s brother” plot line. They went 0 to 60 very quickly (physically) and the emotional relationship had to come later. It didn’t work for me.

This was my first book by Elliot Fletcher, and I really enjoyed it! The snarky banter between Juniper and Callum was a definite highlight—witty, sharp, and full of chemistry. Their back-and-forth kept me entertained, and I loved how their personalities clashed and complemented each other at the same time.

That said, the steam level was a bit more than I typically prefer. While the romance was engaging, some of the intimate scenes were a little too much for my taste. Still, the story itself was compelling, and I appreciated the emotional depth beneath all the sass and spice.

If you enjoy a romance with strong-willed characters, plenty of humor, and a high heat level, this one is worth checking out! I may pick up more from this author in the future.

I received this as an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and this was my first time reading anything from the author.

I. Loved. It.

This was a golden retriever/black cat open door romance with a dual POV! (Plus the black cat female main character fittingly owned a black cat!).

This is the second book in the Macabe Brothers series, but, as someone who didn’t read the first one, I do believe you can read it out of order. The author does a great job of introducing characters and backstories and I didn’t feel confused (but now I definitely will read the first one!).

To be honest, I read a lot of contemporary romance and it does take a lot to make one stand out from the rest. This one stood out because of the plot — yes there were some ultra spicy scenes that I absolutely ate up — but I genuinely loved the characters. Both the love interests had established careers and intriguing personalities and backstories. I loved following the timeline and history of Callum and Juniper. It made that slow burn all the more satisfying. I felt emotionally invested in the pair (even knowing a HEA was coming!) and loved their interactions. The book was a great length and held my attention. (Lots of romance novels are brutally short or so long I lose interest, but this one was just right).
Also, it was super fun reading Scottish accents and picturing burly men in kilts. Like, what more could you want?

All in all, this was a really fun read and definitely makes me want to read more by Elliot Fletcher — like brb reading April and Mal’s story now.

(I also appreciated the Twilight reference and that Juniper’s favorite Lord of the Rings movie is Return of the King because same)

Very cute! Loved how gone Callum was the entire book and their bickering was gold! The only thing I think I would've liked more of were the little "dates" around Skye. Kinleith felt like just another small town and not a beautiful destination in the middle of one of the most magical isles of Northern Scotland, but I am definitely biased when it comes to settings in Scotland. Otherwise I thought the inner struggles of both main characters were written well and had enough development over the course of the book that by the end the resolution with Juniper and her mom and Callum and his family were really sweet and hope inducing. Watching the development of Jim's Alzheimer's diagnosis through thr first book and into the second was also really well done, I think it depicted a lot of what real families have gone through especially the hard parts.

So happy to have gotten an advance copy and can’t wait for the release - I’ll definitely be looking out for audio!

Since reading and re-reading (on audio) Whisky Business I’ve been looking forward to more of Macabe brothers!

I love a black cat FMC and enjoyed Juniper’s story and that she didn’t have to change her personality for Callum. Obviously love Callum as well and seeing the complexity of being a golden retriever but having all of the hidden feelings. Loved these two and couldn’t put it down!

Can’t wait for the next one! (And hopefully we’ll get a book on the sister too! *fingers crossed*