I really enjoyed this story, and it showed Scotland in its best light. “I have your history, Brooke. I want your future, too.”

While I was reading this book I could just envision the most beautiful walk in the Scottish countryside and I really wished I was there! The writing was beautiful and very descriptive. I really enjoyed the main characters and the push and pull between them. It was well paced out and I was happy with the ending. Roll on the next one!

This book ended up being such an enjoyable surprise—I went in expecting a light, fluffy second-chance romance, but what I got was so much more. While the story is undeniably sweet and charming, it also carries a surprising amount of depth that I didn’t see coming. The author masterfully weaves together moments of humor and heartache, creating a story that’s both feel-good and emotionally resonant.

The chemistry between the main characters is electric, but what truly hooked me was the way they navigate their messy, complicated history. There’s a real sense of tension and vulnerability as they try to reconcile their past while also wrestling with the undeniable pull they still feel toward each other. Watching them find a way to balance their intense connection with the baggage they carry is nothing short of engrossing.

It’s not just a romance—it’s a journey of forgiveness, growth, and second chances that feels raw and authentic. I couldn’t put it down, and I loved every moment of watching these characters fight for the love they thought they’d lost.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this e-ARC!

Naturally, as a Scotswoman, I had to pick this one up – and you should too! This captivating and cute forbidden forced proximity second-chance romance between a ghostwriter and a photographer is brimming with charming humour, heartfelt seriousness, and a journey of self-rediscovery, all wrapped in this tale of love and life. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I am a sucker for books with puns as titles so of course I gravitated towards this. I am so very glad I did. Did I have enough time to read the first book in this series? Alas, no! Did I still want to read this? Yes, and that’s the beauty about standalones: you can read it without needing to read other ones in the series. Unfortunately, Logan from Book 1 appears but a few times and his relationship is only briefly mentioned, it could be argued it is a bit *too* standalone. Having loved her writing style, though, I will check it out! Alexandra Kiley has such a way with words that is so breathtakingly gorgeous! Her descriptions are some of the most stunning things I have read in a while. I could list so many.

If the rather too obvious title and cover don’t give away where this book is set, the use of “Aye”s and “wee” and “bawbag” and “coo” (highland cow – speaking of, why is there no highland cow emoji) will soon sort you out. As someone from Scotland, I feel a special connection to this story. Indeed, Kiley was inspired by her semester in Scotland to write this series and I can tell she fell in love with the place as much as everyone should!

I’ve been to Edinburgh quite a lot of times now, and she captured the essence of being there, of walking along the cobblestones of The Royal Mile and visiting St. Giles’ Cathedral. I loved Calton Hill, and was thrilled it was mentioned!

I actually do yearn to go to Skye (I will be singing “The Skye Boat Song” when I do, mark my words!) though I’m not a fan of camping and backpacking, so this was quite a treat but also a reminder that my trip could be like this with poor weather and insects haha. Just your average day in Scotland, to be honest (Kiley was so real for the description of the terrible Scottish weather being the most reliable thing)!

I have read quite a few dual timelines this year and I liked this story’s use of it. It is through this shift, as well as their conversations in the present, that we discover where things went wrong between Brooke and Jack. What did go well using this method was the parallels: their meeting in the present day vs the past (how different they are), the kiss on the corner of the mouth, the breakups occurring at the same time in the plot. I did find that some of the backstory felt unnecessary to really explore, because we know some of it from the present-day. Therefore, I think a different approach might have worked: less tell in the present-day, more show in the past.

It was interesting to explore the different sides of Brooke and Jack’s relationship through the excellent use of dual POV. They end up actually doing a sort of role-reversal: Brooke had dreams, but chose to play safe and get a job that would bring security; Jack played safe but then decided to pursue his dreams of photography despite the pressure on helping to run the family business. Both are trying hard not to disappoint the people in their life.

The one common factor that has been constant in both of their lives (other than the fact they still love each other) has been the presence of Mhairi, who is the reason why their paths cross after all this time. They work together to perfect the memoir. Technically she is the reason why they break up both times but the difference is this time she causes them to get together. She reminds me a lot of Oliver Jones’ mother Tessa in Love At First Sight (2023) as she is also going through what Mhairi is and remains strong throughout and also hosts a celebration of her life.

This book’s story comes full circle because at the start, we have Brooke “yearning for her signature to match the name on the title page one day” but at the end even though she now can do this, her name isn’t the most important: it’s the name of the woman she dedicates her book to, Mhairi. I thought this was such a profound and beautiful thing.

I did find that a lot of their attraction didn’t feel that deep , less emotional connection more “they look more beautiful than I remember” sort of thing. I think this was a pity.

★★★★

- Second chance
- Forced proximity
- Only one tent
- So much yearning
- Dual timeline

Jack & Brooke fell in love whilst studying at Edinburgh University….. only things ended disastrously and they haven’t seen each other in the 7 years since. Until they both end up working on the same memoir….. and hiking an 80 mile trail around the Isle of Skye together 🙃

In the note that came with this book, Alexandra kiley describes it as a love letter to Scotland - and it really is! I spent some time on Skye a few years ago, and I loved revisiting all the places! (And now I want to go back 😅)

What I love most about second chance is the angst & pining - and this book is nailing it so far! There’s nothing like an it’s always been you, and Jack is so clearly still in love with Brooke 😭 Second chance is only made better by forced proximity - and this has that to the max (including only one tent ⛺️🤭).

I really enjoyed the dual timeline aspect - it’s easy to get bored of flashbacks but seeing them fall in love years ago was beautiful. They couldn’t stay away from each other then, and they still can’t now.

I do think the ending let it down a little - I was expecting a big reveal at Jack’s betrayal! And instead it all felt a bit blown out of proportion & for the second book in a row I’ve felt very sorry for a Sutherland brother 😅 Plus they both needed a shake for that third act breakup 🤨🤨

This is still a very fun read, and absolutely worth picking up if you’re lover of second chance like me!

This was such a fun read, Scottish countryside, second chance romance - it was so good. I adored Brooke and I loved how much depth we got to her and Jack’s origins. It was so good to et to understand their past and understand why they may be acting as they are in the present.

This was such a cute read, I adored it!! The chemistry, the banter, the romance, it was just beautiful. Really, really well written.

I'm always wary of romances set in Scotland as some authors just make all the characters sound like highlanders of yesteryear! However, the books I've read from Ms Kiley have been excellent. The characters feel like people I know, I work with, my neighbours. The stunning setting of Skye was rendered so well and the University of Edinburgh (which I've only visited once myself, was beautifully described.

Brooke and Jack’s intense attraction bubbles along with the story, with both timelines showing what they almost had and what could be their present. The best MC's are those that encourage and support another to do something spectacular, out of their comfort zone, a dream. These two were just that.

Aunt Mhairi was always a link between them, even in the intervening years when they went their separate ways. Her illness and her bravery in dealing with it, really gave Jack and Brooke the reason they needed to actually talk to one another.

My only small gripe is I would like to have known what happened in the between-time. What did they go through? Did they have other heartbreaks and break-ups? How did Brooke stay in Scotland when she got expelled? A few bits of dialogue got a bit samey but nothing that made me revise my opinion on this great wee romance.

What a dream of a second chance romance. The yearning! I loved the way the two timelines dovetailed with each other. The ‘now’ timeline gave you just enough information that you could understand what clouded Brooke and Jack’s past and made them the way they are was so well done. Seeing them fall back together again over the course of the trail was so beautiful. As were the arcs that Brooke and Jack went on. The way they both always supported each other and held such great belief in one another was so touching and was such a good foundation for their relationship.

oh Brooke and Jack im so glad we get to watch your second chance unfold.
this has all the key parts. and is the reason and definition of why we love and need this kind of romance books. step away, step out, perhaps unrealistic for most of us but myyyy do we need to read it and have it in our heads as we plod through these winter days.
the author has a talent for writing the lilt and flow of Scotland so i feel like im hearing it in the accent. so i feel like im in the landscape.
i was watching an episode of Escape to the country this week on this isle of Skye and then planning my escape. so this book came at the exact right time. and i dove in head romantic me first.
brilliant read. loved it.

‘Scot And Bothered’ by Alexandra Kiley is another Scottish gem from this author, following Jack (the brother of Logan from ‘Kilt Trip’) and Brooke as they hike the Skye Trail together, seven years after their secret relationship - and Brooke’s life - fell apart. Forced to confront old feelings on the rugged hike, will time together heal old wounds or end in disaster?

This book has ALL my favourite tropes - second chance romance, only one bed (tent!), travel and slow burn. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster and immersed me in the sweeping Scottish wilderness. The scenes set at Edinburgh University made me yearn for student life and felt addictively nostalgic. Brooke and Jack were both loveable and relatable, and had SO MUCH chemistry… I was absolutely rooting for their HEA the whole way through!

This was truly a five star read for me - I liked it even more than Kiley’s ‘Kilt Trip’, which I loved, and I’d recommend to anyone who loved ‘Under Loch And Key’ by Lana Ferguson, ‘You, With A View’ by Jessica Joyce or ‘Road Trip’ by Beth O’Leary.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Bonnier Books UK via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Alexandra Kiley has a real talent for bringing Scotland to life, and Scot and Bothered is no exception. From the historic charm of Edinburgh to the rugged beauty of Skye, her descriptions are so vivid that I felt as if I were hiking the Skye Trail myself.

Brooke and Jack’s second-chance romance is engaging, with a great mix of tension and nostalgia as we see their past and present unfold. Their initial university romance is full of youthful excitement, and the contrast with their more mature, complicated reunion makes for an emotional journey. The forced proximity of their hiking trip only adds to the tension, making their rekindled relationship feel organic and rewarding.

That said, the book did lose some momentum in the latter half, with a heavy focus on descriptions rather than deepening the characters. While the atmosphere was beautifully crafted, a little more development in the present-day storyline would have strengthened the emotional impact. Additionally, the ending felt a touch rushed, leaving me wanting just a bit more closure.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and immersive read, perfect for fans of slow-burn second-chance romances, breathtaking settings, and a touch of adventure. A solid 4-star book that makes me want to pack my bags for Scotland!

Thanks NetGalley for the E-Arc

Alexandra Kiley writes Scotland in such a way, that it makes me want to visit! It happened to me with Kilt Trip, and happened again while reading Scot and Bothered. She does that so beautifully that I felt like I was hiking through Skye Trail from the comfort of my home.
Brooke and Jack's story is a second-chance romance - one of my favorite tropes. I loved seeing how they fell in love the first time, with the feeling of butterflies of a first love, and seeing them reach out again for that love when they go on the hike together.
Personal preference, I would have loved a little more angst in the "now", however, I enjoyed every bit of this story!

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

So, I personally really enjoyed 'The Kilt Trip' by Alexandra Kiley, however 'Scot and Bothered' wasn't for me. I was really hoping I'd love this book, but it didn't meet the mark for me.

I'll talk about the positives first! I really loved the plot of Brooke being a ghostwriter and going on this huge multi-day hike to fully understand what she's meant to be writing about. I also loved the way Jack was able to choose his own path, that he didn't allow himself to be forced to be a guide.

I really enjoyed the descriptions and details of the hike itself, talking about the nature. I loved Cat & Nat, I loved the side characters we got to meet - especially Mhiari, I think she might be my favourite.

Now, onto the more negatives; as a Scottish person, this book felt very stereotypically Scottish - not in a good way. I just felt like the amount of Scottish slang was unnecessary. As far as I'm aware, the author isn't Scottish and may not realise that it is unrealistic. Although, the greedy seagulls was very accurate; I strongly dislike our seagulls.

One thing I disliked was the relationship between Jack and Brooke early on. Jack may not have been her teaching assistant, however he was still in a position of power and authority. He should never have accepted a relationship with her when she was in University. If I knew it was in the book, I wouldn't have read it.

There were two different types of chapters; "Then" and "Now" - all of the student/teacher happened in the "then" chapters. Although I did find the "Now" chapters very enjoyable. I liked the relationship between Jack and Brooke during the "Now" chapters.

I would recommend this book if you don't mind the teacher/student trope and the unrealistic portrayal of Scotland. It is well-written and I do think she captured the beauty of Scotland; it truly is a beautiful country.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an E-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Quite possibly one of my favourite books I've ever read! This second chance romance was perfect and stirred up so many feelings along the way. There wasn't a character that I didn't fall in love with, and I would read again in a heartbeat.

Alexandra Kiley's Kilt Trip has also been on my TBR for a long time, this has pushed me to read that too. I hope to see many books from her!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I expected a cutesy romance but this book was EMOTIONAL!
This had so many tropes that I (and booktok) love - second chance romance, forced proximity, he falls first. Plus, it’s set in Scotland- gorgeous! . I loved the tension between Brooke and Jack, and then seeing that change throughout the book. We are able to get to know the characters which makes them likeable and relatable. Really enjoyable, romantic read.

This book started really strong, with lots of tension between Brooke and Jack as well as flashbacks to their time together at university. It was interesting to see Brooke's struggles with her writing and her confidence, but also I loved how clear it was Mhairi believed in her, and to get a glimpse into their friendship - though I would have loved to see how that grew from what we saw in the past to what it was now. Edinburgh was a charming setting, and Skye even more so, with lots of descriptions of the land and surroundings, and key sights that will be familiar to anyone who has visited either of these places. The clear conflict between Brooke and Jack was evident, or at least Brooke's anger over whatever happened in the past that is slowly unveiled as chapters of the past are interspersed with those from the present. Sadly, for me, after such a good beginning to the book it fell a bit flat and really lost momentum. It felt very slow and a lot of the word count was focused on descriptions of things rather than really developing these characters further and it all became a bit samey to me.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Second chance romance done to the outmost perfection 🙂‍↕️

While we go back and forth between the time our characters met and the moment our story begins in the present, i have to say i was hooked on every part pf the story. I usually am not really a big fan of reading about “then” in books, but something about this one made it really really enjoyable to read. Those times in the past, I LOVED THOSE PARTS SO MUCH. But not as much as the present. There’s always something about the way the MMC is desperate for even an ounce of the FMC attention, that he’ll do anything for it…. And boy, Jack did not disappoint me at all, he was flawed but so real and i could feel every emotion when he and Brooke were talking. Brooke was such a realistic character, i love how she was portrayed.

The easiest 5⭐️ of the year i could say

Thank you to the publisher for the arc
This one is out on March 4th, i highly recommend it

I was surprised by this book as from the cover I expected a cute, funny maybe slightly spicy romance but what I got was a heart-felt, thoughtful, touching and quite lovely second chance love story. The setting was beautifully described (more Scottish romances, please!) and it absolutely inspires you to pull on your boots and get out walking. I loved the two main characters, both believably flawed, but trying to be their best selves. The chemistry between them was well done. genuinely quite emotional at times, and with just the right amount of spice. The story rolled along nicely, the past and present beautifully entwined and the secondary characters added a lovely touch. This isn't an author I've read before but I will definitely be picking her up again.

Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This had so many tropes that I love; second chance romance, forced proximity and it’s set in Scotland. I loved the tension between Brooke and Jack, and then seeing that change throughout the book. I do think the ending felt a bit quick but this was still a really enjoyable read.