Alexandra Kiley’s sophomore novel “Scot and Bothered” delivers a heartfelt second-chance romance against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. Following her charming debut “Kilt Trip,” Kiley returns to the Scottish landscape she clearly adores, this time taking readers on an emotional and physical journey along the challenging Skye Trail. The novel artfully braids past and present timelines to tell the story of former lovers Brooke and Jack, who must confront their complicated history while hiking eighty miles of rugged terrain.
What sets this romance apart is how Kiley uses the physical journey as a metaphor for emotional healing. As Brooke and Jack navigate treacherous paths, midges, unpredictable weather, and the closeness forced by shared tents, they also navigate the thorny terrain of broken trust, missed opportunities, and lingering feelings. The result is a romance that feels earned through genuine growth rather than merely destined.
Where Breathtaking Scenery Meets Emotional Landscape
Kiley’s love for Scotland radiates from every page. Her descriptions of the Skye Trail—from the Old Man of Storr’s imposing silhouette to the heart-stopping Bad Step crossing—are so vivid that readers will feel the wind on their faces and the squelch of boggy soil beneath their boots. The author writes:
“The range spans out like an unwound ribbon, slipping down to a bowl of the valley littered with pyramidal peaks cupping glassy lakes between them.”
These lush descriptions serve a purpose beyond mere scenery. The challenging trail becomes both a character and a catalyst, pushing Brooke and Jack to confront their fears—both physical and emotional. The harsh beauty of Skye mirrors the protagonists’ journey: difficult, unpredictable, but ultimately rewarding.
Characters Who Feel Wonderfully Human
Brooke Sinclair’s journey resonates deeply. A former writing prodigy whose dreams were derailed seven years ago, she’s now a ghostwriter—literally living in the shadows of others’ stories. Her reluctance to trust Jack again feels genuine rather than manufactured, and her slow reawakening to her own creative voice provides a satisfying character arc that complements the romance.
Jack Sutherland is equally compelling as a man who’s spent years trying to please everyone but himself. His passion for photography and his gentle encouragement of Brooke make him an endearing hero who’s learned from past mistakes. Their chemistry sizzles from their first reconnection, but Kiley wisely builds tension beyond the physical, making readers invest in their emotional reconciliation.
The supporting cast shines just as brightly. Mhairi McCallister, Brooke’s mentor and Jack’s aunt, brings warmth and wisdom to every scene. The hikers Catalina and Natalia add delightful moments of levity, while Jack’s family provides depth to his character through their complex dynamics.
Dual Timeline: A Trail Through Past and Present
Kiley takes a risk with her dual timeline structure, alternating between “Now” and “Then” chapters, and it largely pays off. The “Then” chapters reveal how Jack and Brooke first met and fell in love as university students, while the “Now” sections follow their present-day reunion on the trail.
This structure creates a satisfying narrative tension, allowing readers to piece together what went wrong while simultaneously hoping for what might go right. The gradual revelation of their past relationship and its painful dissolution adds layers to their present interactions. Each timeline enhances the other, creating a richer reading experience than a strictly linear narrative would have provided.
Where the Trail Gets Rocky: Critique Notes
While “Scot and Bothered” offers much to love, a few elements may cause readers to stumble:
Predictable conflict pattern: The “one step forward, two steps back” rhythm of Jack and Brooke’s reconciliation occasionally feels formulaic, particularly in the final third of the novel. Just as they seem to finally bridge their differences, another misunderstanding or revelation pushes them apart again.
Mhairi’s illness: The revelation about Mhairi’s terminal illness, while emotionally impactful, sometimes feels like a plot device rather than an organic part of the story. The secret-keeping around her condition stretches credibility at certain points.
Resolution pacing: The ending, while satisfying, feels somewhat rushed compared to the meticulous pacing of earlier chapters. The epilogue jumps ahead two years, leaving some readers potentially wanting more insight into how Brooke and Jack navigated the immediate aftermath of their trail reconciliation.
Despite these minor issues, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Kiley has crafted a romance that feels authentic in its emotional complexity while still delivering the catharsis readers seek.
Themes That Resonate Beyond Romance
What elevates “Scot and Bothered” above standard romance fare is its thoughtful exploration of deeper themes:
Finding your authentic voice: Brooke’s journey from ghostwriter to author of her own stories parallels her emotional growth.
Courage to pursue passion: Jack’s struggle to commit to photography despite family expectations mirrors many readers’ own career dilemmas.
The nature of grief and legacy: Mhairi’s illness prompts reflection on how we want to be remembered and what constitutes a life well-lived.
Trust and forgiveness: The novel asks whether some breaches of trust can be healed with time and genuine remorse.
These themes give the romance emotional weight beyond the “will they/won’t they” tension, making the eventual happy ending feel meaningful rather than merely inevitable.
For Fans of Immersive Romance
If you enjoyed Emily Henry’s emotional depth, Sally Thorne’s witty banter, or Christina Lauren’s steam factor, “Scot and Bothered” offers a satisfying blend of all three. Readers who loved Kiley’s debut “Kilt Trip” will find familiar Scottish charm here, though this sophomore effort digs deeper emotionally.
The novel would also appeal to fans of:
“People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry
“Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
“The Road Trip” by Beth O’Leary
Final Verdict: A Heartfelt Highland Romance
“Scot and Bothered” is a good read for its evocative setting, believable character growth, and emotional resonance. Alexandra Kiley has crafted a second-chance romance that respects the complexity of its characters’ past while offering hope for their future. Like the Skye Trail itself, this novel challenges readers to traverse difficult emotional terrain, but the view from the summit makes the journey worthwhile.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of two people finding themselves while finding each other again. When Jack tells Brooke, “I want a whole life, full of you,” readers will believe both that he means it and that he deserves it. Their reconciliation feels earned through genuine growth rather than simply fated.
For romance readers seeking stories with emotional depth, vivid settings, and characters who feel like they could step off the page, “Scot and Bothered” offers a journey worth taking. Pack your heart (and perhaps a tissue or two)—this trail leads to a destination that satisfies.
About the Author
Alexandra Kiley’s debut novel “Kilt Trip” introduced readers to her love of Scotland and her talent for combining romance with a strong sense of place. With “Scot and Bothered,” she cements her place among contemporary romance authors who balance humor, heart, and heat. Her attention to setting details and character development creates immersive reading experiences that linger long after the final page.
Whether you’re already a fan of Kiley’s work or discovering her for the first time, “Scot and Bothered” showcases an author who understands that the best romances are journeys of both heart and soul—much like the challenging but rewarding Skye Trail that brings her characters back together.