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Kilt Trip
Ready or Scot...
Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.
Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.
As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?
Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.
Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.
As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2024
About the author
Alexandra Kiley
2 books266 followersAlexandra Kiley writes big-hearted romances full of banter, found-family, and deep love. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking tea, hiking, or gazing adoringly at the mountains of Colorado where she lives with her husband and two kids. Her novels are inspired by her semester in Scotland where she fell in love with not only the lush and magical land, but also the people who invited her into their homes and made her feel like family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,582 reviews
March 5, 2024
5 ⭐️ Kilt Trip was written for me and everyone else who’s obsessed with Scotland. And if you're not already obsessed, you will be after you read this book. 🏴💕🫶
"You brought my heart back to life."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ scotland setting
✨ she's a travel consultant assigned to help out a struggling Highland tour company
✨ he's a guide and the tour company owner's son
✨ insta-lust
✨ slow burn
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ workplace romance
✨ 'forbidden’
✨ he falls first
✨ hilarious banter
✨ so much tension and longing
✨ 2/5 🌶️ (open door but not very graphic)
✨ 3rd act breakup
✨ family drama
✨ found family
✨ beautiful prose
✨ lots of Scottish history
✨ TW: death of parent, estranged parent, grief
My Thoughts:
Kilt Trip is easily one of my favorite books of 2024 and has officially been added to my 'Top 10 Rom-Coms of All Time' list. I absolutely LOVE this book and think if you like heartfelt romances that take place in an absolutely magical place, you will enjoy it too.
There is so much about this story I loved . . .
The Scottish setting. I love Scotland. I've been there three times in the past five years, I have a photo of a Highland Coo next to my bed, and I've cried many times over the fact I do not live there (yet). Let's just be real, my love for Scotland borders on obsession. There's just something about Scotland that calls to my heart. When I'm there, I feel like I’m home. Reading Kilt Trip made me feel like I was back in Scotland, and just for a few hours, I was able to once again lose myself in the beautiful streets of Edinburgh and the magical Highlands.
But I was only able to get sucked into this story thanks to the phenomenal writing. Alexandra Kiley is a fantastic writer who, with her stunning prose and vivid descriptions, is able to make her readers feel like they have been transported inside the book and experience everything the characters do, like setting, romance, conflict, etc.
Addie and Logan. They are realistic, well developed, and extremely lovable characters. Addie is a travel consultant who works non-stop and is afraid of love, while Logan runs his family's tour company and is afraid of change. They both struggle with loneliness and deal with some resentment towards family members: Addie with her dad for neglecting her after her mother's death, and Logan with his brothers for bailing on him when his new idea for the company flopped. I like that Addie and Logan are incredibly strong, yet tenderhearted. They don't want to let anyone down, but first they have to take care of themselves.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters - pretty much everyone at the office and Logan's family.
The romance and spice. Logan and Addie have incredible chemistry and amazing banter, and the 'rivals to lovers' dynamic created such delicious tension. So when they FINALLY get together, it's explosive! Logan is a consent king and a giver, so LOVED that! And when he calls Addie 'Lass' . . . 🥵 I know the Scottish brogue I've been using in my head is nowhere near as sexy as Logan's, so I am excited for the audiobook! (UPDATE: I just listened to a snippet of it on Alexandra Kiley's Instagram and OMG I'M DYING!!!!! The male narrator does an incredible job!)
There are four-ish open door sex scenes that are explicit but not overly graphic, and one closed door scene. The castle and office scenes. 😮💨 They live in my head rent free.
The way Alexandra Kiley explored grief was beautiful. I really enjoy stories that go deep, and Kilt Trip does this with Addie, who struggles with the death of her mother. It's been years since she passed, but grief isn't something that disappears entirely, and being in a place that meant so much to her mother makes Addie feel closer to her but also bring up difficult feelings like those surrounding her father and his neglect after the fact. I liked how initially Addie was closed off about discussing this topic, but over time opens up to Logan, who is then very supportive. The side plot about finding the locations in Scotland where her mother took polaroid pictures was touching. 🫶
Learning more about Scotland's history and lore. Sharing this type of information can be boring if not done properly. But in Kilt Trip, Logan delivers this info usually during one of his tours, and he's a fantastic story teller. It was easy to imagine I was there on the tour since it was so engaging. Definitely didn't feel like there was any info dumping.
Overall, Kilt Trip is a wonderful, genuine story that captivates you from the start. I'm very impressed with Alexandra Kiley and have added her to my auto-buy list. What a stunning debut novel. Bravo!
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
She brought a lot of chaos into his life, but also a lot of light.
_______
"I travel because it costs the same as therapy but it's much more enjoyable."
_______
Life was a collection of small moments . . . she should never stop searching for the ones that took her breath away.
_______
"You're a delight to rile up."
_______
The quiet side of her that revealed her heart so carefully called to him in a way he had no choice but to answer.
_______
He was the sunset over a lake, mountains scraping the sky, uncharted territory, and endless expanse of wonder.
_______
Logan couldn't help the wayward thought that while he loved kissing her in dark corners, all he really wanted was to hold her hand in the light.
_______
"I can't bear the thought of being without you."
_______
"What if you change your mind?"
"I will never change my mind about us."
_______
She had once thought Logan predictable. But that wasn't right. He was steady, his love unchanging and enduring.
_______
"Don't fuck about forever."
_______
"My life stopped when my mom died. And it restarted somewhere on the banks of Loch Ness."
_______
"Look at me like you'll love me your whole life through."
_______
"You brought my heart back to life."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ scotland setting
✨ she's a travel consultant assigned to help out a struggling Highland tour company
✨ he's a guide and the tour company owner's son
✨ insta-lust
✨ slow burn
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ workplace romance
✨ 'forbidden’
✨ he falls first
✨ hilarious banter
✨ so much tension and longing
✨ 2/5 🌶️ (open door but not very graphic)
✨ 3rd act breakup
✨ family drama
✨ found family
✨ beautiful prose
✨ lots of Scottish history
✨ TW: death of parent, estranged parent, grief
My Thoughts:
Kilt Trip is easily one of my favorite books of 2024 and has officially been added to my 'Top 10 Rom-Coms of All Time' list. I absolutely LOVE this book and think if you like heartfelt romances that take place in an absolutely magical place, you will enjoy it too.
There is so much about this story I loved . . .
The Scottish setting. I love Scotland. I've been there three times in the past five years, I have a photo of a Highland Coo next to my bed, and I've cried many times over the fact I do not live there (yet). Let's just be real, my love for Scotland borders on obsession. There's just something about Scotland that calls to my heart. When I'm there, I feel like I’m home. Reading Kilt Trip made me feel like I was back in Scotland, and just for a few hours, I was able to once again lose myself in the beautiful streets of Edinburgh and the magical Highlands.
But I was only able to get sucked into this story thanks to the phenomenal writing. Alexandra Kiley is a fantastic writer who, with her stunning prose and vivid descriptions, is able to make her readers feel like they have been transported inside the book and experience everything the characters do, like setting, romance, conflict, etc.
Addie and Logan. They are realistic, well developed, and extremely lovable characters. Addie is a travel consultant who works non-stop and is afraid of love, while Logan runs his family's tour company and is afraid of change. They both struggle with loneliness and deal with some resentment towards family members: Addie with her dad for neglecting her after her mother's death, and Logan with his brothers for bailing on him when his new idea for the company flopped. I like that Addie and Logan are incredibly strong, yet tenderhearted. They don't want to let anyone down, but first they have to take care of themselves.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters - pretty much everyone at the office and Logan's family.
The romance and spice. Logan and Addie have incredible chemistry and amazing banter, and the 'rivals to lovers' dynamic created such delicious tension. So when they FINALLY get together, it's explosive! Logan is a consent king and a giver, so LOVED that! And when he calls Addie 'Lass' . . . 🥵 I know the Scottish brogue I've been using in my head is nowhere near as sexy as Logan's, so I am excited for the audiobook! (UPDATE: I just listened to a snippet of it on Alexandra Kiley's Instagram and OMG I'M DYING!!!!! The male narrator does an incredible job!)
There are four-ish open door sex scenes that are explicit but not overly graphic, and one closed door scene. The castle and office scenes. 😮💨 They live in my head rent free.
The way Alexandra Kiley explored grief was beautiful. I really enjoy stories that go deep, and Kilt Trip does this with Addie, who struggles with the death of her mother. It's been years since she passed, but grief isn't something that disappears entirely, and being in a place that meant so much to her mother makes Addie feel closer to her but also bring up difficult feelings like those surrounding her father and his neglect after the fact. I liked how initially Addie was closed off about discussing this topic, but over time opens up to Logan, who is then very supportive. The side plot about finding the locations in Scotland where her mother took polaroid pictures was touching. 🫶
Learning more about Scotland's history and lore. Sharing this type of information can be boring if not done properly. But in Kilt Trip, Logan delivers this info usually during one of his tours, and he's a fantastic story teller. It was easy to imagine I was there on the tour since it was so engaging. Definitely didn't feel like there was any info dumping.
Overall, Kilt Trip is a wonderful, genuine story that captivates you from the start. I'm very impressed with Alexandra Kiley and have added her to my auto-buy list. What a stunning debut novel. Bravo!
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
She brought a lot of chaos into his life, but also a lot of light.
_______
"I travel because it costs the same as therapy but it's much more enjoyable."
_______
Life was a collection of small moments . . . she should never stop searching for the ones that took her breath away.
_______
"You're a delight to rile up."
_______
The quiet side of her that revealed her heart so carefully called to him in a way he had no choice but to answer.
_______
He was the sunset over a lake, mountains scraping the sky, uncharted territory, and endless expanse of wonder.
_______
Logan couldn't help the wayward thought that while he loved kissing her in dark corners, all he really wanted was to hold her hand in the light.
_______
"I can't bear the thought of being without you."
_______
"What if you change your mind?"
"I will never change my mind about us."
_______
She had once thought Logan predictable. But that wasn't right. He was steady, his love unchanging and enduring.
_______
"Don't fuck about forever."
_______
"My life stopped when my mom died. And it restarted somewhere on the banks of Loch Ness."
_______
"Look at me like you'll love me your whole life through."
_______
March 5, 2024
✨I am having inappropriate thoughts about kilts✨
Somebody come grab my credit card and erase my search history because I am THIS close to booking a trip to Scotland. This book was majorly cozy and has me using words like wanderlust! I don’t think I’ve ever said that word in a sentence before.
I think it’s just a little bit unfair that I’m not in a picturesque bed and breakfast in Edinburgh or making eyes at my hot kilt-wearing tour guide in a local pub??? Hold me back! I loved his family and the side characters, I really enjoyed the drama of the third act, and I had the best time watching Logan and Addie fall in love set against such a pretty backdrop.
I honestly didn’t think I’d care much about reading about the beauty of Scotland, rather than watching it in a movie or something, but the descriptions were so vivid and written with clear love. I really felt like I was going on the various tours!! I got a little map sent to me from the author, and I have the urge to research the different destinations.
I seriously cannot wait for the audiobook because as much as I may have tried, I know my Scottish brogue did NOT do Logan justice. I’m also praying we get another book (or two) set in this world!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.25*/5
*There were a few explicit, open-door sex scenes. Also calling her “lass” during sex is just so hot.
CW: Grief is a large part of Addie’s journey. Her mother died over a decade before the book began, but part of her trip is reconnecting with her heritage and her mother’s memory. If you have trouble reading about characters grieving the loss of a parent, this book is definitely one you should approach cautiously.
Thanks so much to the author and publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. I am part of the author’s street team. All opinions are honest and my own.
Somebody come grab my credit card and erase my search history because I am THIS close to booking a trip to Scotland. This book was majorly cozy and has me using words like wanderlust! I don’t think I’ve ever said that word in a sentence before.
I think it’s just a little bit unfair that I’m not in a picturesque bed and breakfast in Edinburgh or making eyes at my hot kilt-wearing tour guide in a local pub??? Hold me back! I loved his family and the side characters, I really enjoyed the drama of the third act, and I had the best time watching Logan and Addie fall in love set against such a pretty backdrop.
I honestly didn’t think I’d care much about reading about the beauty of Scotland, rather than watching it in a movie or something, but the descriptions were so vivid and written with clear love. I really felt like I was going on the various tours!! I got a little map sent to me from the author, and I have the urge to research the different destinations.
I seriously cannot wait for the audiobook because as much as I may have tried, I know my Scottish brogue did NOT do Logan justice. I’m also praying we get another book (or two) set in this world!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.25*/5
*There were a few explicit, open-door sex scenes. Also calling her “lass” during sex is just so hot.
CW: Grief is a large part of Addie’s journey. Her mother died over a decade before the book began, but part of her trip is reconnecting with her heritage and her mother’s memory. If you have trouble reading about characters grieving the loss of a parent, this book is definitely one you should approach cautiously.
Thanks so much to the author and publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. I am part of the author’s street team. All opinions are honest and my own.
May 26, 2024
Loved the whole Scottish setting, but wasn't that smitten with the love story.
A cute read, but nothing more.
A cute read, but nothing more.
June 27, 2024
Guys… WHY did she keep referring to her parents by their first names? Totally bizarre.
Sad to say that this left me feeling underwhelmed. I found the “emotionally unavailable American girl” angle to be a bit uninspired and the love interest seemed a little too keen. I didn’t feel like they had any real connection beyond physical attraction, and I couldn’t really understand his interest in her. His intentions throughout the book were to show her the magic of Scotland, but I’m not sure his efforts would have truly been successful. I would have liked to have felt more of that “magic” as I read, but all I encountered were painfully boring descriptions and historical facts.
Also, I’m sure there are women out there who think modern day kilt wearing is attractive, but I am certainly not one of them. If this was a period romance I might be able to get on board, but otherwise I am really not into it. I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t do it for me.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: All I want is for this to be Leap Year in book form. I have 4 downloads ahead of this but I have no choice but to start this immediately. 😋
Sad to say that this left me feeling underwhelmed. I found the “emotionally unavailable American girl” angle to be a bit uninspired and the love interest seemed a little too keen. I didn’t feel like they had any real connection beyond physical attraction, and I couldn’t really understand his interest in her. His intentions throughout the book were to show her the magic of Scotland, but I’m not sure his efforts would have truly been successful. I would have liked to have felt more of that “magic” as I read, but all I encountered were painfully boring descriptions and historical facts.
Also, I’m sure there are women out there who think modern day kilt wearing is attractive, but I am certainly not one of them. If this was a period romance I might be able to get on board, but otherwise I am really not into it. I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t do it for me.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: All I want is for this to be Leap Year in book form. I have 4 downloads ahead of this but I have no choice but to start this immediately. 😋
January 20, 2024
This one gave me all the feels. Deep and emotional.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say this was a story that touched my heart in many ways. But it’s also a story that was fun, humorous, sexy, and well executed.
One thing I love about the story is the character development was so well done. The characters were strong, yet had soft parts that really touched your own heart. The secondary crew is fun and fabulous and adds much to the story.
There are some very emotional parts in this book, especially because it brought back many memories of my mother while reliving some of her experiences. If you are missing your mom, be prepared to shed a few tears!
Exploring Scotland is a massive plus in Kilt Trip, but what really catches you are the unique twists to the landmarks. The author writes with a passionate voice that shows up in the beautiful way Logan views and loves his country through sharing history and lush landscape that paints a serene, magical picture for the reader.
Addie is a complex character with hidden grief. She does her job well to escape emotion and ties until she meets Logan and sees Scotland through his eyes and her mother’s.
Together the two find their path, but not until after we get a few hiccups, end of story drama, and the great happily ever after.
Kilt Trip is a delightful, swoony, and sexy read that will make you want to book your excursion to find your own delicious kilt-wearing Scot! It gave me all the feels with its deep and emotional message. So much love for this book!
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/kilt-trip-by...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say this was a story that touched my heart in many ways. But it’s also a story that was fun, humorous, sexy, and well executed.
One thing I love about the story is the character development was so well done. The characters were strong, yet had soft parts that really touched your own heart. The secondary crew is fun and fabulous and adds much to the story.
There are some very emotional parts in this book, especially because it brought back many memories of my mother while reliving some of her experiences. If you are missing your mom, be prepared to shed a few tears!
Exploring Scotland is a massive plus in Kilt Trip, but what really catches you are the unique twists to the landmarks. The author writes with a passionate voice that shows up in the beautiful way Logan views and loves his country through sharing history and lush landscape that paints a serene, magical picture for the reader.
Addie is a complex character with hidden grief. She does her job well to escape emotion and ties until she meets Logan and sees Scotland through his eyes and her mother’s.
Together the two find their path, but not until after we get a few hiccups, end of story drama, and the great happily ever after.
Kilt Trip is a delightful, swoony, and sexy read that will make you want to book your excursion to find your own delicious kilt-wearing Scot! It gave me all the feels with its deep and emotional message. So much love for this book!
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/kilt-trip-by...
February 10, 2024
If I see mention of a Scotland setting, I need to read it. And though this ultimately wasn’t for me, if you’re looking for a heavy sense of wanderlust, this will quickly immerse you into the dreamy landscape and history!
Travel consultant Addie Macrae is tasked with revamping a struggling family-owned tour company in the Highlands. An easy enough task, yet an instant attraction between her and tour guide Logan Sutherland is further complicated by his refusal to change. The animosity between them as they explore the nooks and crannies of Scotland seemed promising!
But this took me AGES to read, and not because it was physically long. I liked the idea of this story, especially the grief-healing scavenger hunt for Addie, but overall this felt so … overwritten? Wordy? Tedious? As hard as I tried, it really struggled to hold my attention at times. Womp womp!
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Travel consultant Addie Macrae is tasked with revamping a struggling family-owned tour company in the Highlands. An easy enough task, yet an instant attraction between her and tour guide Logan Sutherland is further complicated by his refusal to change. The animosity between them as they explore the nooks and crannies of Scotland seemed promising!
But this took me AGES to read, and not because it was physically long. I liked the idea of this story, especially the grief-healing scavenger hunt for Addie, but overall this felt so … overwritten? Wordy? Tedious? As hard as I tried, it really struggled to hold my attention at times. Womp womp!
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 5, 2024
The Title? Kilt Trip? So good. This story is about Addie, a travel consultant who travels to Scotland on a work trip to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands. Logan is a handsome yet stubborn, kilt wearing Scot that has his mind set on how his business should run and thinks he knows best. Addie and Logan butt heads over the future of the business and along the way, end up enchanted by one another. The banter is wonderful, the spicy scenes were great, the beautiful descriptions of Scotland will want you to pack up your own "Frank" and jump on a plane.
There was a lot of soul searching and character growth that adds to the story and doesn't detract. The found family was also a wonderful add. Overall I'm happy to say this book was a wonderful rom-com that I was delighted to read.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and Alexandra Kiley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date 3/5/24
There was a lot of soul searching and character growth that adds to the story and doesn't detract. The found family was also a wonderful add. Overall I'm happy to say this book was a wonderful rom-com that I was delighted to read.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and Alexandra Kiley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date 3/5/24
June 4, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, contemporary romance novel. It has likable characters, engaging banter, vividly described settings, Scottish customs and folklore, sizzling chemistry, relationship and family drama, a heartwarming romance, and a happily ever after ending. I listened to the audio book, and the narrators, Vanessa Johansson and Angus King, who has a captivating Scottish brogue, are truly talented.
February 21, 2024
Addie is a travel consultant who is sent to Scotland to help a family-run tour guide company revamp their business. Logan, the son of the owner, thinks he knows how to best run the business, so he is not thrilled when Addie arrives.
I have never been to Scotland, but Kiley’s writing transported me there. From the castles to the coos and ewes and to all the other landmarks, I loved learning about the Scottish culture and traditions through Logan’s perspective. I listened to the audiobook and his accent was everything. I was full on swooning. With regard to the romance, Addie and Logan had instant chemistry and the “enemies” banter was a ton of fun. Still, Kiley did a great job adding some emotional depth to the story as Scotland was one of the places Addie’s mother loved the most. I really enjoyed how she used this trip to navigate through her grief of losing her mom while also finding a connection with the people there.
Read if you like:
-Traveling
-Workplace forced proximity (tour bus)
-Scottish hero
-Enemies to lovers
-Found family
-Stories that tackle grief
-Castles, coos, ewes and kilts
I have never been to Scotland, but Kiley’s writing transported me there. From the castles to the coos and ewes and to all the other landmarks, I loved learning about the Scottish culture and traditions through Logan’s perspective. I listened to the audiobook and his accent was everything. I was full on swooning. With regard to the romance, Addie and Logan had instant chemistry and the “enemies” banter was a ton of fun. Still, Kiley did a great job adding some emotional depth to the story as Scotland was one of the places Addie’s mother loved the most. I really enjoyed how she used this trip to navigate through her grief of losing her mom while also finding a connection with the people there.
Read if you like:
-Traveling
-Workplace forced proximity (tour bus)
-Scottish hero
-Enemies to lovers
-Found family
-Stories that tackle grief
-Castles, coos, ewes and kilts
November 19, 2023
If you’ve got wanderlust and are looking for a cute romance to match that vibe, this is the book for you 💫 I will admit that the cover drew me in (who doesn’t love a man in a kilt?), but I stayed for the sweet slow-burn romance.
This book has:
•A travel consultant heroine who is assigned to help out a struggling Highland tour company where she meets our charismatic tour guide hero
•Rivals to lovers
•A slow-burn romance with tons of fun banter between the leads
•Swoon-worthy locations and plenty of travel dates 🚗
Now for the cons: There was a lot of back and forth between the leads, so much so that it felt like overkill sometimes. If you’re looking for a low angst/conflict story, this may not be for you. Also, I feel like this book could have been way shorter. Overall, this was a fun debut, and I’m excited to see what the author does next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canary Street Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
This book has:
•A travel consultant heroine who is assigned to help out a struggling Highland tour company where she meets our charismatic tour guide hero
•Rivals to lovers
•A slow-burn romance with tons of fun banter between the leads
•Swoon-worthy locations and plenty of travel dates 🚗
Now for the cons: There was a lot of back and forth between the leads, so much so that it felt like overkill sometimes. If you’re looking for a low angst/conflict story, this may not be for you. Also, I feel like this book could have been way shorter. Overall, this was a fun debut, and I’m excited to see what the author does next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canary Street Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
December 15, 2023
4.5 stars
Holy kilts, does this book make me want to go to Scotland and never come home. I have been a couple of times, but it's just one of those places that are full of magic and unicorns and all the faeries. Alex took me right back - her imagery is perfection.
Addie has the perfect job that leaves her with no strings to attach. She sweeps in, does her job, has fun with her clients, satisfies her travel lust, and sweeps right back out. With her familial ties to Scotland, she wants nothing more than to whiz through this next project out of Edinburgh, but the magic of a swoony kilt-wearing man and the mysteries of her mother's photographs get under her skin.
I felt for Addie, was smitten for Logan, and dreamed of Scotland. Alex's debut is not one to miss and I'm incredibly eager for her next book.
Thank you to HTP Books for the traveling arc. All thoughts are my own.
Holy kilts, does this book make me want to go to Scotland and never come home. I have been a couple of times, but it's just one of those places that are full of magic and unicorns and all the faeries. Alex took me right back - her imagery is perfection.
Addie has the perfect job that leaves her with no strings to attach. She sweeps in, does her job, has fun with her clients, satisfies her travel lust, and sweeps right back out. With her familial ties to Scotland, she wants nothing more than to whiz through this next project out of Edinburgh, but the magic of a swoony kilt-wearing man and the mysteries of her mother's photographs get under her skin.
I felt for Addie, was smitten for Logan, and dreamed of Scotland. Alex's debut is not one to miss and I'm incredibly eager for her next book.
Thank you to HTP Books for the traveling arc. All thoughts are my own.
March 6, 2024
Ah where to even begin with how much I loved this delightful love letter to Scotland that sees two complete opposites falling for one another when American globetrotter, Addie arrives to help Logan save his failing Scottish tour business.
The two are constantly at logger heads disagreeing on the direction the company should go in but through a series of mini trips around the country where Logan helps Addie track down the locations from four photos her dead mother saved from her honeymoon trip in Scotland, they eventually give in to the sizzling chemistry that threatens to burn them both up.
Heartfelt, steamy and full of emotional depth, I loved both Addie and Logan and the way they learned to open up their hearts to finding a way to make a life together. Highly, highly recommended especially for anyone dreaming of a Scottish vacation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review. This was one of my most anticipated 2024 debut releases and it absolutely did not disappoint! I can't wait to see what Alexandra Kiley writes next!
🔥Steam level: open door
The two are constantly at logger heads disagreeing on the direction the company should go in but through a series of mini trips around the country where Logan helps Addie track down the locations from four photos her dead mother saved from her honeymoon trip in Scotland, they eventually give in to the sizzling chemistry that threatens to burn them both up.
Heartfelt, steamy and full of emotional depth, I loved both Addie and Logan and the way they learned to open up their hearts to finding a way to make a life together. Highly, highly recommended especially for anyone dreaming of a Scottish vacation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review. This was one of my most anticipated 2024 debut releases and it absolutely did not disappoint! I can't wait to see what Alexandra Kiley writes next!
🔥Steam level: open door
December 1, 2023
This was going really great until the last third of the book where it fell apart into a mess of miscommunication, aka my most favorite trope ever. The setting was fantastic, and the steam was great, but that’s not enough to erase how frustrating the last 100 pages were
March 13, 2024
When is it my turn for a hot Scottish guy in a kilt to call me lass??
🏴 set in Scotland
💻 workplace romance
🤍 he falls first
🫂 found family
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
🏴 set in Scotland
💻 workplace romance
🤍 he falls first
🫂 found family
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
February 19, 2024
I had a really fun time reading about Addie and Logan. This one is written in 3rd person with dual pov (which I love because I prefer 3rd / single pov over 1st / dual any day, idk that's just my preference)
it's rivals to lovers, slow burn, he falls fist and it has just a bit of forbidden romance (it has spice and it was very good) It's also very emotional, so trigger warnings with aspects like: grief, death of parent. It is like one of those reads that feel like a palette cleanser, it's short and fast paced, very funny, the scenery and the setting was perfect. It had very cozy vibes and felt like watching a movie (think of Letters to Juliet when they're constanly touring and exploring Italy, but in this case is Scotland and she's a travel consultant helping a struggling tour company and he's the tour guide 👀)
Again, the imagery was insanely good. This a debut novel and it was very lovely. The only reason why it's not a 5 stars is because the pacing during the middle of the book felt a little saggy but aside from that, I would recommend this 🫶🏻
it's rivals to lovers, slow burn, he falls fist and it has just a bit of forbidden romance (it has spice and it was very good) It's also very emotional, so trigger warnings with aspects like: grief, death of parent. It is like one of those reads that feel like a palette cleanser, it's short and fast paced, very funny, the scenery and the setting was perfect. It had very cozy vibes and felt like watching a movie (think of Letters to Juliet when they're constanly touring and exploring Italy, but in this case is Scotland and she's a travel consultant helping a struggling tour company and he's the tour guide 👀)
Again, the imagery was insanely good. This a debut novel and it was very lovely. The only reason why it's not a 5 stars is because the pacing during the middle of the book felt a little saggy but aside from that, I would recommend this 🫶🏻
March 3, 2024
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I wanted to love this so much, but I have to cut my losses and DNF about halfway through, or I fear I may never read another romance in my life. I thought this would be a win for sure.
The meetcute was fine, but then it took a turn for the worse. This is everything I hate about enemies-to-lovers. They were so mean and rude, and I don't think any healthy adult would be able to fall in love with someone who treated them like this, or whom they treated like this. But these two aren't either healthy or self-aware. This is the beginning of a toxic relationship, and it's rough to read. I didn't connect to either of them, and I didn't care if they ended up together - tbh, I hoped they didn't.
I wanted to love this so much, but I have to cut my losses and DNF about halfway through, or I fear I may never read another romance in my life. I thought this would be a win for sure.
The meetcute was fine, but then it took a turn for the worse. This is everything I hate about enemies-to-lovers. They were so mean and rude, and I don't think any healthy adult would be able to fall in love with someone who treated them like this, or whom they treated like this. But these two aren't either healthy or self-aware. This is the beginning of a toxic relationship, and it's rough to read. I didn't connect to either of them, and I didn't care if they ended up together - tbh, I hoped they didn't.
July 3, 2024
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kilt Trip was so freaking cute. In this, you will meet Addie and Logan. She's a travel consultant and travels all over the world. The one place she wants to completely avoid is the one place her next assignment will take her: Scotland. Once she lands, she runs into her new office nemesis, Logan.
First off, I listened to the audiobook, and I absolutely adored the narrators! They did a fantastic job. Then there's the actual characters, I honestly really liked them. Sure, things got spicy and hot when they definitely needed to.
And yet, we all know drama or miscommunication is bound to happen. It came, we all suffered, and it brought them much closer together. I needed them to say what they needed to say towards one another in the end because they absolutely deserved a happily ever after. I would've liked more banter, though, but I'm just being greedy.
In the end, I most definitely need to book a trip to Scotland, but first, I need to get a new passport.
"My life stopped when my mom died. And it restarted somewhere on the banks of Loch Ness. It might have even started that time you stepped back to reveal the skyline in the gloaming, and I recognized that feeling of in-between. You brought my heart back to life."
Kilt Trip was so freaking cute. In this, you will meet Addie and Logan. She's a travel consultant and travels all over the world. The one place she wants to completely avoid is the one place her next assignment will take her: Scotland. Once she lands, she runs into her new office nemesis, Logan.
First off, I listened to the audiobook, and I absolutely adored the narrators! They did a fantastic job. Then there's the actual characters, I honestly really liked them. Sure, things got spicy and hot when they definitely needed to.
And yet, we all know drama or miscommunication is bound to happen. It came, we all suffered, and it brought them much closer together. I needed them to say what they needed to say towards one another in the end because they absolutely deserved a happily ever after. I would've liked more banter, though, but I'm just being greedy.
In the end, I most definitely need to book a trip to Scotland, but first, I need to get a new passport.
March 20, 2024
I started Kilt Trip on a whim when I couldn’t sleep and became so addicted that I finished it within a day.
I absolutely loved how the author established the relationship between Addie and Logan. Stoking their interest in each other right off the bat gave their snarky office banter and lingering glances so much weight. I couldn’t get enough. The sexual tension literally KILLED me and Logan is top tier. I love him.
I also really loved how the author had Addie navigate her grief. There was so much emotional depth in the photograph scenes, especially. And that EPILOGUE??? Chefs kiss perfection.
Kilt Trip feels like such an underrated gem and I will be waiting patiently for the other two Sutherland brothers to get their HEA’s!!!
I absolutely loved how the author established the relationship between Addie and Logan. Stoking their interest in each other right off the bat gave their snarky office banter and lingering glances so much weight. I couldn’t get enough. The sexual tension literally KILLED me and Logan is top tier. I love him.
I also really loved how the author had Addie navigate her grief. There was so much emotional depth in the photograph scenes, especially. And that EPILOGUE??? Chefs kiss perfection.
Kilt Trip feels like such an underrated gem and I will be waiting patiently for the other two Sutherland brothers to get their HEA’s!!!
January 3, 2024
HOLY. MOTHER. OF. SCOTS. (see what i did there?)
this book took me through so many emotions and i handled each one with a good, deep and therapeutic cry. the way alexandra kiley handles grief in this book is such a triumph. i particularly love the fact that kiley explores loss in more than one way: actual grief of addie losing her mom which results in losing her dad to his own grief. it's a different, less manageable form of pain to grieve someone who is still living, and kiley describes it so gently and so well.
and the way she writes the love interest, logan, in an assist way where he allows addie to move around in her pain and grief and doesn't try to fix it or her is so, so refreshing. i love when the main character is given something and isn't forced to grow out of it or change how she's feeling because of love. while love is vast and important, it doesn't fix everything. this aspect of their dynamic was so, so important to me.
this book means so much to me, and is similar to my favorite read last year, you, with a view by jessica joyce. rivals at work trying to peel back layers of each other and falling in love with all the messes they find. maneuvering through life with the heaviness that grief rests on your heart. trying to find pieces of loved ones in places you want to call home.
and, y'all the EPILOGUE. UGH. it's so, so insane. you're all going to love this one so much.
thank you alexandra kiley and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. i cannot wait for this to be out in world and i hope it settles in your heart the way it did in mine. <3
this book took me through so many emotions and i handled each one with a good, deep and therapeutic cry. the way alexandra kiley handles grief in this book is such a triumph. i particularly love the fact that kiley explores loss in more than one way: actual grief of addie losing her mom which results in losing her dad to his own grief. it's a different, less manageable form of pain to grieve someone who is still living, and kiley describes it so gently and so well.
and the way she writes the love interest, logan, in an assist way where he allows addie to move around in her pain and grief and doesn't try to fix it or her is so, so refreshing. i love when the main character is given something and isn't forced to grow out of it or change how she's feeling because of love. while love is vast and important, it doesn't fix everything. this aspect of their dynamic was so, so important to me.
this book means so much to me, and is similar to my favorite read last year, you, with a view by jessica joyce. rivals at work trying to peel back layers of each other and falling in love with all the messes they find. maneuvering through life with the heaviness that grief rests on your heart. trying to find pieces of loved ones in places you want to call home.
and, y'all the EPILOGUE. UGH. it's so, so insane. you're all going to love this one so much.
thank you alexandra kiley and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. i cannot wait for this to be out in world and i hope it settles in your heart the way it did in mine. <3
March 29, 2024
Not nearly enough sex for a book about a man in a kilt
March 5, 2024
4.5 stars
First thoughts....
🥹🥹🥹 This book. Took me a minute to get into (not unusual for me with third person) but once I did I flew through it.
Full review
Rating: 👍🏼
Spice: Open door
🍀 Rivals to lovers
🍀 Workplace
🍀 Slow burn
🍀 Grief+ Healing
🍀 Scotland 💚
🍀 Insta lust
🍀 Found Family
🍀 Third act breakup
🍀 Dual pov/ third person
This was such a beautiful journey! She's a travel consultant he's a Scotland tour guide, in a business that's been in the family for ages. Her ideas and views are NOT what he wants.
The vibes of this book 🤌🏼. I felt like I was right there with them and I really wish I was 🤣.
The banter, the prose, the family drama it just all pulled me in!
Thank you so much for this ARC and the ADORABLE stickers+ mailer 🫶🏼🍀💚.
First thoughts....
🥹🥹🥹 This book. Took me a minute to get into (not unusual for me with third person) but once I did I flew through it.
Full review
Rating: 👍🏼
Spice: Open door
🍀 Rivals to lovers
🍀 Workplace
🍀 Slow burn
🍀 Grief+ Healing
🍀 Scotland 💚
🍀 Insta lust
🍀 Found Family
🍀 Third act breakup
🍀 Dual pov/ third person
This was such a beautiful journey! She's a travel consultant he's a Scotland tour guide, in a business that's been in the family for ages. Her ideas and views are NOT what he wants.
The vibes of this book 🤌🏼. I felt like I was right there with them and I really wish I was 🤣.
The banter, the prose, the family drama it just all pulled me in!
Thank you so much for this ARC and the ADORABLE stickers+ mailer 🫶🏼🍀💚.
December 7, 2023
*clicks purchase on a Kilt via Amazon for Mike*
Oh...didn't see you there...you may be wondering why I am shamelessly buying a man skirt for my unsuspecting boyfriend... whalp he can blame Alexandra Kiley for convincing me that kilts are probably the sexiest thing E V E R!
Thank you to my beautiful friends Ashlee and Michelle for organizing a traveling arc of "Kilt Trip." Double the gratitude going to Harper Collins and Alexandra Kiley for providing a copy for our little group to swoony over Scottish love!
Is road-trip my new favorite trope in romance? To be honest... it's up there after reading this spicy piece of Scottish romance heaven!
I truly think Kiley wrote the fictional man of my dreams....and he's wearing a man skirt. You know your writing is good when this woman not only convinced me that I need to spend every single penny in my bank account to travel to Scotland BUT she also made me realize that all men need to be in KILTS forever!
But seriously, this is the workplace, grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers story that I didn't know I needed in my life! *high pitched squealing*
Okay, okay, okay so since we have eight trillion years until this book is published I will keep this teeny tiny because I seriously could gush about the glory that is "Kilt Trip" forever!
Hands down my favorite thing about this book was being transported to the beautiful land of Scotland from the comfort of my own home. Kiley has an atmospheric energy when it comes to describing every landmark Addie and Logan explore. She not only graced us with the sights of the country but really educates us about the Scottish culture and customs especially when it comes to holiday traditions. Learning about new places through fiction is one of all time favorite things about reading. If you're like me and love a romance that branches into expanding your knowledge of new worlds that are beyond your reach than "Kilt Trip" needs to be added to your list.
🐮 For Travel Junkies
💼 Grumpy Sunshine
💚 Found Family
🐮 Learning about New Cultures and Traditions
💼 A Lil-Bit of the Festive Feels
💚 Enemies to Lovers
🐮 Workplace Romance
💚 A D O R A B L E C O W S
"Kilt Trip" comes out on March 5, 2024! Get your pre-orders in now this is beyond adorable & romance-obsessed beans you're gonna want it on your shelf!
Oh...didn't see you there...you may be wondering why I am shamelessly buying a man skirt for my unsuspecting boyfriend... whalp he can blame Alexandra Kiley for convincing me that kilts are probably the sexiest thing E V E R!
Thank you to my beautiful friends Ashlee and Michelle for organizing a traveling arc of "Kilt Trip." Double the gratitude going to Harper Collins and Alexandra Kiley for providing a copy for our little group to swoony over Scottish love!
Is road-trip my new favorite trope in romance? To be honest... it's up there after reading this spicy piece of Scottish romance heaven!
I truly think Kiley wrote the fictional man of my dreams....and he's wearing a man skirt. You know your writing is good when this woman not only convinced me that I need to spend every single penny in my bank account to travel to Scotland BUT she also made me realize that all men need to be in KILTS forever!
But seriously, this is the workplace, grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers story that I didn't know I needed in my life! *high pitched squealing*
Okay, okay, okay so since we have eight trillion years until this book is published I will keep this teeny tiny because I seriously could gush about the glory that is "Kilt Trip" forever!
Hands down my favorite thing about this book was being transported to the beautiful land of Scotland from the comfort of my own home. Kiley has an atmospheric energy when it comes to describing every landmark Addie and Logan explore. She not only graced us with the sights of the country but really educates us about the Scottish culture and customs especially when it comes to holiday traditions. Learning about new places through fiction is one of all time favorite things about reading. If you're like me and love a romance that branches into expanding your knowledge of new worlds that are beyond your reach than "Kilt Trip" needs to be added to your list.
🐮 For Travel Junkies
💼 Grumpy Sunshine
💚 Found Family
🐮 Learning about New Cultures and Traditions
💼 A Lil-Bit of the Festive Feels
💚 Enemies to Lovers
🐮 Workplace Romance
💚 A D O R A B L E C O W S
"Kilt Trip" comes out on March 5, 2024! Get your pre-orders in now this is beyond adorable & romance-obsessed beans you're gonna want it on your shelf!
March 24, 2024
3 Stars ⭐️
Okay, I wanted to love this book so much, but it just fell a little short to me. I loved the setting with it being placed in Scotland with such cute characters and decent plot, but I don’t know… it didn’t give me what I hoped for.
What I absolutely loved about this book were the characters… Addie & Logan!
Addie is an American Travel Consultant who is trying to help Logan’s family business, and she is a good FMC! She is very helpful when it comes to that, but than she just turns to a miscommunicated jumbled mess! “She doesn’t know what she wants”, yet says she wants it but then runs away from it, PLS STOP 🛑. I liked her being vulnerable with Logan, but she didn’t give him her all in what was supposed to be a relationship.
Logan on the other hand… he is a Scottish, Kilt-wearing hunk who can wife or lass me up!!! He is the ideal man when it comes to thinking of what a tour guide or Scottish man would look or be like. I absolutely loved him as he was caring and supportive with Addie, and really just wanted what was best for his family and the business. I do think sometimes he was a bit of an ass, but overall he can be my man 💍
This book was warm and fun, but it dragged on for quite some time. I found myself having to keep reading on and on for something good to occur, and I was just getting bored. It also focused so much on the business that the romance was quite hidden for a romance book. While in the good parts, it was enjoyable and great and I wished the whole book felt like that to me.
Another thing that could’ve been different was that it was written in 3RD PERSON. 😶 I cannot deal with books where it’s not 1st Person, or is at least easier for me to read. I think if it were, it would’ve been a lot easier to get through.
I think that Addie and Logan’s personalities saved this book for me as they did provide good stance on the book and ended me with the rating I gave it.
Overall, I wish I was giving this a higher rating, but it just fell a little off for me. Cute setting and good characters, just not the right delivery I was hoping for.
Okay, I wanted to love this book so much, but it just fell a little short to me. I loved the setting with it being placed in Scotland with such cute characters and decent plot, but I don’t know… it didn’t give me what I hoped for.
What I absolutely loved about this book were the characters… Addie & Logan!
Addie is an American Travel Consultant who is trying to help Logan’s family business, and she is a good FMC! She is very helpful when it comes to that, but than she just turns to a miscommunicated jumbled mess! “She doesn’t know what she wants”, yet says she wants it but then runs away from it, PLS STOP 🛑. I liked her being vulnerable with Logan, but she didn’t give him her all in what was supposed to be a relationship.
Logan on the other hand… he is a Scottish, Kilt-wearing hunk who can wife or lass me up!!! He is the ideal man when it comes to thinking of what a tour guide or Scottish man would look or be like. I absolutely loved him as he was caring and supportive with Addie, and really just wanted what was best for his family and the business. I do think sometimes he was a bit of an ass, but overall he can be my man 💍
This book was warm and fun, but it dragged on for quite some time. I found myself having to keep reading on and on for something good to occur, and I was just getting bored. It also focused so much on the business that the romance was quite hidden for a romance book. While in the good parts, it was enjoyable and great and I wished the whole book felt like that to me.
Another thing that could’ve been different was that it was written in 3RD PERSON. 😶 I cannot deal with books where it’s not 1st Person, or is at least easier for me to read. I think if it were, it would’ve been a lot easier to get through.
I think that Addie and Logan’s personalities saved this book for me as they did provide good stance on the book and ended me with the rating I gave it.
Overall, I wish I was giving this a higher rating, but it just fell a little off for me. Cute setting and good characters, just not the right delivery I was hoping for.
April 25, 2024
I really enjoyed Kilt Trip. I've always wanted to visit Scotland and I thought this book did a wonderful job of making me feel like I was actually there. I also loved the chemistry and the fun flirty banter between Logan and Addie and really enjoyed watching their relationship progress throughout the story.
Addie's mother died years ago, but Addie is still working her way through the grieving process and I thought the author did a nice job of developing this very personal journey for Addie. The romance is a slow burn but I felt like the romance and Addie's personal journey were well balanced.
Kilt Trip is Alexandra Kiley's debut and I look forward to reading more from her.
Note: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Addie's mother died years ago, but Addie is still working her way through the grieving process and I thought the author did a nice job of developing this very personal journey for Addie. The romance is a slow burn but I felt like the romance and Addie's personal journey were well balanced.
Kilt Trip is Alexandra Kiley's debut and I look forward to reading more from her.
Note: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
April 19, 2024
I don’t know what told me to add this to my queue, but I want it dead.
This isn’t a slow burn… it’s just slow. And I swear it felt like it was written by AI. It was slow and boring and yet felt disjointed and like chunks were missing. Scenes felt out of order. The timeline was all jumbled. It’s written in third person and I still was always losing track of whose chapter it was. And lord, but this chick’s job made zero sense. Zero sense and took up too many pages.
It’s a rom com set in Scotland that tells you lots about Scotland and nothing about rom or com. It takes a full 47% before they embark on the premise I was sold, which was him taking her to spots in Scotland from her dead mother’s photographs. And then that lasts a minute.
I don’t know who this book is intended for - teenaged girls who have a Scotland fetish? It’s such crap. Her family drama and emotional damage is just surface-level bullshit. Dull dull dull.
I’ve got good news though: if you can’t sleep so you’re up at 4 AM and you start this book, you will have it finished by 9 PM. Even if you work a full 8-hour day. So there’s that.
This isn’t a slow burn… it’s just slow. And I swear it felt like it was written by AI. It was slow and boring and yet felt disjointed and like chunks were missing. Scenes felt out of order. The timeline was all jumbled. It’s written in third person and I still was always losing track of whose chapter it was. And lord, but this chick’s job made zero sense. Zero sense and took up too many pages.
It’s a rom com set in Scotland that tells you lots about Scotland and nothing about rom or com. It takes a full 47% before they embark on the premise I was sold, which was him taking her to spots in Scotland from her dead mother’s photographs. And then that lasts a minute.
I don’t know who this book is intended for - teenaged girls who have a Scotland fetish? It’s such crap. Her family drama and emotional damage is just surface-level bullshit. Dull dull dull.
I’ve got good news though: if you can’t sleep so you’re up at 4 AM and you start this book, you will have it finished by 9 PM. Even if you work a full 8-hour day. So there’s that.
June 8, 2024
2.5/5 ★ Read for book club... and while the premise seemed promising, the execution was disappointing. There were some editing oversights, things that didn't make sense or didn't pan out story wise.
THOUGHTS
This feels like a debut novel. It gets pretty repetitive and it seems like the author doesn't really know anything about the touring/travel business or business consulting.
So the MMC is a hot sexy Scottish man who gives tours of his favorite Scottish places... The FMC is a wandering soul, devastated by the loss of her mother (years back) and is a travel business consultant who has been hired to help a Scottish touring company.
The FMC goes to one of the tours to assess, and meets the sexy Scottish tour guide and they are both attracted to each other. The next day, the FMC goes to the tour office and SURPRISE, the tourguide isn't JUST a tour guide... The business, is a father son business, and he's the son. SOOOO we're supposed to believe that in her research of this company, she didn't know that? Uhmmm. Ok. So, moving along, the MMC is blindsided by his father having hired the fledgling travel consulting business (that's why it's OHHHH SOOO IMPORTANT for the FMC to help this tour business, that's doing just fine btw, to do even better. You'll get to attend meetings, pitch sessions and some fun with spreadsheets. And for anyone who's ever worked an admin job you might feel like you work there too!) Anyyyyyway, moving on... The MMC, super sexy Logan, who loooooves giving tours just like they've always done it (and to be fair, seems kind of justified because the tour company is doing just fine the way they'd always done it)... he's surprised and very upset by his father hiring the FMCs consulting business. He's extra pissed/hurt/betrayed because the FMC attended one of his tours and he thought she was intriguing, so naturally he feels wildly affronted by her deceptive attending of his tour and not telling him who she was. SIGH. Sooo the MMC resists her attempts to get information about the company, and all her pitches to go to more tourist friendly attractions, and for a long time he scowls at her and is mad she's there.
At some point in there, she reveals that she has some photos of her mother, from her honeymoon, in Scotland and wants to find where they were taken. And eventually they go out to places and they find some of the locations... they bond... AND then they finally get it together. BUT when they do, he is *ALL IN*, but she is in it for a quickie fling. Ohh the confliiiiict. 🙄 Don't worry though, they will think about this problem for a long time and you'll get to explore every angle of their concerns about it.
Overall, feels like this book could have been half as long if the roundy roundy musings were cut down.
On top of all that, there are characters that are barely mentioned and aren't realized, or necessary, the characters that are there feel thin and underdeveloped. There are office pranks and a drone inside that make no sense because they're just tossed in there.
If you're looking for a fun, light beach read and don't mind a fairly simple and often repetitive story. This could work for you.
👀 POV: 1st person, both MCs
🚨 Slow burn » 🕯️➳❥❤️🔥« Insta-lust/love: Insta-intrigued/attraction and then SLOW burn.
💟 M/F
🌶️ Spicy Level: 3/5
🔥 How much spice: 3/5
My spicy scale:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5 = high spice (*VERY* explicitly spicy/erotica)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 = med-high spice (EXPLICITLY spicy)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 = medium spice (spice happens, and it’s on the page)
🌶️🌶️ 2 = low-med spice (explicit spice is pretty light)
🌶️ 1 = closed door/no spice
WHAT YOU’RE IN FOR:
💠 Deeply intrenched and often cited character wounds that keep the MCs from being together
💠 Some ridiculously thin external motivations that drive the "plot"
💠 Kilts, castles and whiskey
🎧Audiobook Narrator(s):
🆗 Vanessa Johansson - ok
🆗 Angus King - he didn't do the female dialogue very well, but he did sound kind of like Ewan MacGregor.
THOUGHTS
This feels like a debut novel. It gets pretty repetitive and it seems like the author doesn't really know anything about the touring/travel business or business consulting.
So the MMC is a hot sexy Scottish man who gives tours of his favorite Scottish places... The FMC is a wandering soul, devastated by the loss of her mother (years back) and is a travel business consultant who has been hired to help a Scottish touring company.
The FMC goes to one of the tours to assess, and meets the sexy Scottish tour guide and they are both attracted to each other. The next day, the FMC goes to the tour office and SURPRISE, the tourguide isn't JUST a tour guide... The business, is a father son business, and he's the son. SOOOO we're supposed to believe that in her research of this company, she didn't know that? Uhmmm. Ok. So, moving along, the MMC is blindsided by his father having hired the fledgling travel consulting business (that's why it's OHHHH SOOO IMPORTANT for the FMC to help this tour business, that's doing just fine btw, to do even better. You'll get to attend meetings, pitch sessions and some fun with spreadsheets. And for anyone who's ever worked an admin job you might feel like you work there too!) Anyyyyyway, moving on... The MMC, super sexy Logan, who loooooves giving tours just like they've always done it (and to be fair, seems kind of justified because the tour company is doing just fine the way they'd always done it)... he's surprised and very upset by his father hiring the FMCs consulting business. He's extra pissed/hurt/betrayed because the FMC attended one of his tours and he thought she was intriguing, so naturally he feels wildly affronted by her deceptive attending of his tour and not telling him who she was. SIGH. Sooo the MMC resists her attempts to get information about the company, and all her pitches to go to more tourist friendly attractions, and for a long time he scowls at her and is mad she's there.
At some point in there, she reveals that she has some photos of her mother, from her honeymoon, in Scotland and wants to find where they were taken. And eventually they go out to places and they find some of the locations... they bond... AND then they finally get it together. BUT when they do, he is *ALL IN*, but she is in it for a quickie fling. Ohh the confliiiiict. 🙄 Don't worry though, they will think about this problem for a long time and you'll get to explore every angle of their concerns about it.
Overall, feels like this book could have been half as long if the roundy roundy musings were cut down.
On top of all that, there are characters that are barely mentioned and aren't realized, or necessary, the characters that are there feel thin and underdeveloped. There are office pranks and a drone inside that make no sense because they're just tossed in there.
If you're looking for a fun, light beach read and don't mind a fairly simple and often repetitive story. This could work for you.
👀 POV: 1st person, both MCs
🚨 Slow burn » 🕯️➳❥❤️🔥« Insta-lust/love: Insta-intrigued/attraction and then SLOW burn.
💟 M/F
🌶️ Spicy Level: 3/5
🔥 How much spice: 3/5
My spicy scale:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5 = high spice (*VERY* explicitly spicy/erotica)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 = med-high spice (EXPLICITLY spicy)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 = medium spice (spice happens, and it’s on the page)
🌶️🌶️ 2 = low-med spice (explicit spice is pretty light)
🌶️ 1 = closed door/no spice
WHAT YOU’RE IN FOR:
💠 Deeply intrenched and often cited character wounds that keep the MCs from being together
💠 Some ridiculously thin external motivations that drive the "plot"
💠 Kilts, castles and whiskey
🎧Audiobook Narrator(s):
🆗 Vanessa Johansson - ok
🆗 Angus King - he didn't do the female dialogue very well, but he did sound kind of like Ewan MacGregor.
September 26, 2023
I tried getting into this book and finally had to give up at the 20% mark. I really wanted to like it but the moment the office banter started I knew I couldn't continue. I was not a fan of the male main character and struggled to continue to read. There was almost instant connection which felt very insta-love to me which is something I'm not a fan of. This book was just not something I would be interested in. The characters just felt slightly fake when they were rivals in the office but not out of the office. It just doesn't resonate with me on something I'm interested in. That doesn't mean it isn't for others.
#netgalley
#netgalley
July 28, 2023
Gorgeous prose, breathtaking Scottish setting(s) (so many cool spots featured in this book, and very accurately), and SO MUCH HEART. I adore Addie, LOVE CHERISH AM OBSESSED WITH Logan, and think about them all the time. This book has depth and will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
And I laughed. Like, a lot. Alexandra's sense of humor is top notch. Please read this book!!! I'll be shouting about it on social media if anyone needs me.
And I laughed. Like, a lot. Alexandra's sense of humor is top notch. Please read this book!!! I'll be shouting about it on social media if anyone needs me.
March 11, 2024
3.75 stars. It was slow some parts but overall, a really wholesome story that transported me to Scotland.
February 27, 2024
while this is absolutely a cute, fun contemporary romance between two characters, it is ALSO a love letter to scotland, and alexandra’s ability to weave scottish lore, history, and quirks into the story while making it still feel organic is nothing short of magic.
this story focuses on addie and logan — addie, a practical, focused, weighed-down-with-baggage-and-vulnerability-issues professional in the overhauling-outdated-tourism-companies business, and logan, a deeply sentimental scottish man, trying desperately to keep his family-owned business afloat while also maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the tours he loves to give. addie and logan routinely butt heads in this workplace romance rife with slow burn, forced proximity, and a dash of rivals-to-lovers as they both try to prove to the other why their business plans are the best.
it’s a bit slow through the middle, but that’s mostly because of the extra details pertaining to scotland — it’s SO immersive that it truly felt like i was celebrating hogmanay with addie and logan, and trekking to see highland cows. (SOMEDAY, GOD, THE DREAM!)
ultimately this is a cute contemporary romance with a strong emotional thread that makes the characters easy to connect with, enough slow burn to make you YEARN, and about 1,001 reasons to book a trip to scotland immediately. men in kilts being reason #1, obviously.
thank you to harlequin trade publishing and netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy!
this story focuses on addie and logan — addie, a practical, focused, weighed-down-with-baggage-and-vulnerability-issues professional in the overhauling-outdated-tourism-companies business, and logan, a deeply sentimental scottish man, trying desperately to keep his family-owned business afloat while also maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the tours he loves to give. addie and logan routinely butt heads in this workplace romance rife with slow burn, forced proximity, and a dash of rivals-to-lovers as they both try to prove to the other why their business plans are the best.
it’s a bit slow through the middle, but that’s mostly because of the extra details pertaining to scotland — it’s SO immersive that it truly felt like i was celebrating hogmanay with addie and logan, and trekking to see highland cows. (SOMEDAY, GOD, THE DREAM!)
ultimately this is a cute contemporary romance with a strong emotional thread that makes the characters easy to connect with, enough slow burn to make you YEARN, and about 1,001 reasons to book a trip to scotland immediately. men in kilts being reason #1, obviously.
thank you to harlequin trade publishing and netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy!
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