Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley

For fans of contemporary romance and Scottish lore, Alexandra Kiley’s Scot and Bothered is the perfect mix of both. Based in the same social world of Kiley’s first novel, Kilt Trip, Scot and Bothered follows college exes as they find themselves tied to a massively important project, both in terms of their careers and their personal lives. Perfectly poignant and witty at the same time, Scot and Bothered is a must-read for anyone who dreams of escaping to Scotland. Read on for my full review:

About the Author, Alexandra Kiley

Based in Colorado, Alexandra Kiley writes “big-hearted” romances that are full of robust characters, found-family tropes, and witty banter (my favorite!). Kiley’s writing is inspired by her semester spent in Scotland — and her love of the country certainly comes through in her books! Besides writing her own novels, Kiley is a professional editor who helps writers in the romance, women’s fiction, and fantasy genres.

Learn more about Alexandra Kiley and sign up for her newsletter here.

Plot Summary

Brooke Sinclair’s dream of being a published author derailed when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years ago. Now a ghostwriter, she sticks to other people’s stories. But when her college mentor Mhairi McCallister needs a co-writer for her memoir about Scotland’s most challenging trek, Brooke would do anything for the opportunity—including agreeing to hike the rugged Skye Trail for authenticity’s sake… not knowing the nature photographer who’ll join her is Jack Sutherland, the man who shattered Brooke’s writing career—and her heart.

Between getting sacked from the University and walking away from his family’s tour-guiding business to follow his photography dreams, Jack is desperate to prove he didn’t disappoint his family for nothing. And he can’t ignore his Aunt Mhairi’s final wishes for her memoir. Even if it means acting as guide and storyteller for the one who got away. Even if it means keeping secrets about Mhairi’s health.

As Jack and Brooke head into the solitude of the sweeping Scottish landscape, they’re forced to confront old feelings that haven’t disappeared with time. But can two weeks and eighty miles heal years of unspoken hurt and offer a second chance at the end of the trail?

My Thoughts on Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley

5/5 Stars

Following Alexandra Kiley’s Kilt Trip, this book tells the story of Jack Sutherland (brother of the male protagonist in Kilt Trip — I am really loving these little book universes!) and Brooke Sinclair, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies who went to the University of Edinburgh together.

The book picks up seven years after their relationship bottomed out and Brook’s life path of promising author took a drastic turn for the worst. Paired up on an important project for someone they both care about (his aunt, her mentor), Brooke and Jack are forced to traverse the rugged Skye Trail for the sake of the memoir they’re both working on. Forced proximity ensues, along with delightful descriptions of Scotland, and a number of insightful lines about how life doesn’t exactly go as planned.

As much as I enjoyed Kilt Trip, Scot and Bothered is definitely my favorite of the two. And that’s saying something, because I truly enjoyed the former! Brooke’s struggles with her own writing and creativity (and the nuanced insights Kiley sprinkles in throughout) definitely hit home with me, making it a deeper reading experience. Really, it makes me even more excited to follow Kiley’s writing and see what she creates next!

Where to Buy Scot and Bothered

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley is available from Amazon here.

Be sure to check out Alexandra Riley’s first book, Kilt Trip, as well — it is available on Amazon here and my book review for this first book is available here.

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley - Cats & Coffee

This post is a part of my What to Read series, where I share themed reading lists and book guides based on genre, time period, theme, or author.
You can peruse more of my What to Read reading guides here!

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*This novel was gifted to me to review. I was not required to post about the novel in exchange for getting a copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my honest own.

*This post was originally published in February 2025. It was most recently updated on April 9, 2025.

Book Review: Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley