Book Review: Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley
If you’re anything like me, you can hardly resist a story that sneaks in a bit of travel nostalgia along with captivating romance. This is precisely the magic that Alexandra Kiley conjures in her latest release, Scot and Bothered. As someone who loves Scotland and has daydreamed of its rugged landscapes, I was instantly hooked by the promise of a second-chance romance set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery. Kiley, who previously captured my heart with Kilt Trip, did not disappoint in this enchanting tale!
At the heart of Scot and Bothered is Brooke and Jack, whose journey intertwines past and present, much like the peaks and valleys of the Scottish Highlands. Separated by heartbreak seven years ago, the two are thrust together again as they embark on an eighty-mile hiking adventure. The dual timeline beautifully showcases their love story’s evolution—from the innocent flames in their youth to the tumultuous emotions that surface as adults. It’s a relatable journey of self-discovery and love, wrapped in layers of unresolved feelings, and believe me, the yearning is palpable!
Kiley has a way with words; she drags you right into the lush landscape of Scotland. You can almost taste the rain from the Isle of Skye and feel the cobblestones of Edinburgh beneath your feet. Her vivid descriptions are so immersive that I found myself longing to experience those trails again. It was transportive, to say the least! Moreover, the emotional stakes of the story hit just as hard. Watching Brooke and Jack grapple with their past while navigating the present made me root for them even harder; their chemistry was electric, charged with unresolved tension that only intensified my investment in their story.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the emotional depth woven into their connection. The support they provided each other as they chased their dreams moved me. You can’t help but feel the weight of their simultaneous struggles and triumphs. A standout element is the subplot involving Jack’s Aunt Mhairi, who also served as Brooke’s mentor. The affection and empathy both characters showed towards her brought an additional layer of poignancy to the story; her illness became a catalyst for them to confront their feelings and quest for happiness.
That said, I did notice a few areas where the story could have benefitted from deeper exploration. The seven years apart left some questions lingering—how did they navigate love and life without each other? It felt like there was more to uncover, particularly about the emotional scars they bore. A bit more of those reflections could have made their reunion even more impactful.
Overall, Scot and Bothered is a delightful read that blends romance and adventure in a way that sings to your heart. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, especially those who love landscapes as much as love stories, this book will have you yearning for a romantic getaway to the Highlands. It elicited a variety of emotions, from laughter to tears, and my heart was racing in moments of suspense. I can’t recommend it enough.
So, grab your boots and a cozy blanket, because Scot and Bothered is a journey worth taking! 💕🫶 Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC and to Alexandra Kiley for the beautiful adventure!