19 May Book Review of Scot and Bothered
Book Review: Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley
As someone who dreams of wandering the rugged landscapes of Scotland, Scot and Bothered instantly caught my attention. When I discovered that Alexandra Kiley, the brilliant mind behind Kilt Trip, was releasing a spin-off featuring one of the brothers, I was all in. This contemporary romance not only met my expectations but also transported me straight to the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh and the breathtaking Isle of Skye.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, this novel follows Brooke and Jack, two soulmates torn apart by heartbreak but forced to confront their unresolved emotions on an eighty-mile hike seven years later. The dual timelines beautifully weave their past romance with the tension of their present encounter. From the moment I dove into the story, I felt that familiar tug of yearning as Brooke and Jack grappled with feelings they thought were buried long ago.
What I absolutely adored about Scot and Bothered was Kiley’s unparalleled ability to evoke a sense of place. The atmospheric descriptions had me feeling like I was walking those rugged trails myself. I could almost taste the rain and smell the grass—a testament to her talent for bringing settings to life. Anyone who’s ever visited Scotland will find a nostalgic embrace within these pages.
The chemistry between Brooke and Jack is palpable, and the slow burn of their relationship kept me hooked. Their journey from strangers to lovers to enemies and back again unfolds with such tension and emotional stakes. The yearning in their interactions—those glances, the accidental touches—had me in an unshakeable chokehold. It’s the kind of love story that makes you believe in fate, and watching them overcome past pain to support each other’s dreams felt heartwarming.
That said, I found myself wanting a deeper exploration of their connection. While the instant attraction was tangible and sweet, I craved more insight into the intricacies of their bond. What exactly happened during the seven years they spent apart? How did those years shape them? These unanswered questions could have added more richness to their already compelling story.
The side plot with Jack’s Aunt Mhairi—a mentor and guiding light for both characters—added emotional depth and grounded the narrative. As the characters faced Mhairi’s illness, their conversations evoked profound reflections on love and support that truly resonated with me. We all need a Mhairi in our lives—a beacon who inspires us to embrace life fully.
While a few of Brooke and Jack’s inner dialogues felt repetitive towards the end, Scot and Bothered remains a wonderfully engaging read. The blend of humor, warmth, and heartfelt emotion cements its status as a delightful second-chance romance.
In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for a love story imbued with longing, beautiful scenery, and personal growth, Scot and Bothered is for you. Kiley has crafted an immersive experience that left me yearning for more—more of Scotland, more of Brooke and Jack, and more stories of love worth fighting for. This book is definitely a journey I would recommend taking! 💕✨
Thank you, NetGalley and Alexandra Kiley, for the opportunity to read this delightful story.
