In Alexandra Kiley’s sophomore novel, Scot and Bothered, readers are treated to a deeply emotional second chance romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. Following her delightful debut Kilt Trip, Kiley returns to the Scottish Highlands with a story that explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, even in the face of heartbreak and uncertainty.
A Trail of Memories and Second Chances
Scot and Bothered follows Brooke Sinclair, a ghostwriter who abandoned her own literary aspirations after being expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years earlier. When her former professor and mentor, Mhairi McCallister, asks Brooke to co-write her memoir about creating the treacherous Skye Trail, Brooke jumps at the chance—only to discover that Mhairi has also enlisted her nephew Jack Sutherland as the photographer for the project. The same Jack who was responsible for derailing Brooke’s academic career and breaking her heart.
Forced to hike the challenging 80-mile trail together, Brooke and Jack must not only navigate the rugged terrain of the Isle of Skye but also confront their painful past and the feelings that never truly disappeared. As they journey through mist-shrouded mountains and secluded valleys, they slowly begin to heal old wounds and rediscover the connection that once made them feel whole.
Strengths: Where the Novel Truly Shines
Immersive Setting
Kiley’s descriptions of the Isle of Skye are nothing short of transportive. From the ethereal Old Man of Storr to the treacherous Bad Step crossing and the quaint harbor of Portree with its rainbow-colored houses, every setting feels vividly real:
“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.”
The author clearly knows and loves Scotland, rendering the landscape with such precision that readers will feel the midges biting, the rain soaking through their clothes, and the wind whipping across the ridges. This authenticity creates a powerful sense of place that becomes a character in its own right.
Dual Timeline Structure
The novel’s “Now” and “Then” chapters weave together beautifully, gradually revealing what happened between Brooke and Jack during their university days while simultaneously showing their present journey toward reconciliation. This structure builds tension and emotional investment as readers piece together the full story of their relationship and subsequent heartbreak.
Emotional Depth
At its core, Scot and Bothered is a deeply emotional story about finding the courage to pursue one’s authentic self. Both protagonists are haunted by past decisions and the paths not taken. Brooke has abandoned her dream of writing her own stories, while Jack has only recently escaped the family business he never wanted to join. Their parallel journeys toward creative fulfillment add layers of meaning beyond the romance.
The novel also handles grief with remarkable sensitivity through the subplot involving Mhairi’s illness, showing how loss can clarify what truly matters in life and inspire us to live more authentically.
Character Dynamics: More Than Just Romance
Brooke Sinclair
Brooke is a compelling protagonist whose journey from fear to courage resonates deeply. Her struggle with writer’s block and imposter syndrome will feel familiar to many creative souls. Though she’s found success as a ghostwriter, she’s afraid to tell her own stories—a powerful metaphor for how we sometimes hide behind others’ narratives rather than risking rejection with our own.
“I’m a ghost. This faded version of myself.”
Brooke’s arc from hiding to reclaiming her voice makes for a satisfying emotional journey that parallels her physical trek across Skye.
Jack Sutherland
Jack’s evolution from a conflicted young man trying to please his family to a photographer confident in his artistic vision provides an excellent counterpoint to Brooke’s story. His struggle with family expectations creates a nuanced character whose growth feels earned by the novel’s conclusion.
His quiet intensity and thoughtfulness make him a swoon-worthy hero without falling into alpha male stereotypes. Jack listens, supports, and encourages Brooke’s growth while working through his own issues.
Supporting Characters
The novel’s supporting cast adds color and depth to the story, from free-spirited hikers Catalina and Natalia to the community of people who love Mhairi. Particularly effective is Mhairi herself, whose zest for life and commitment to authenticity illuminate the central themes of the novel.
Areas for Improvement: Where the Novel Stumbles
Plot Pacing
While the dual timeline structure works well conceptually, the “Then” segments occasionally dilute the momentum of the present-day hiking adventure. Some readers may find themselves wanting to return to the trail when the story shifts back to university days, particularly in the early chapters when the stakes of the past timeline aren’t yet clear.
Conflict Resolution
The novel’s central conflict—Brooke’s anger at Jack for his betrayal—resolves somewhat quickly given the seven years of hurt between them. While their reconnection feels authentic, the transition from resentment to reconciliation could have benefited from more development, particularly in exploring the complexities of forgiveness after such a significant breach of trust.
Secondary Plot Elements
The subplot regarding Mhairi’s illness, while poignant, sometimes feels as though it’s competing with rather than complementing the central romance. The revelation comes relatively late in the story, shifting the emotional focus in ways that slightly unbalance the narrative.
Prose and Style: Finding Beauty in Simplicity
Kiley’s writing shines brightest in moments of emotional intimacy and environmental description. Her prose is accessible without being simplistic, finding beauty in straightforward language that conveys complex feelings:
“Dizzying relief flooded Jack’s head. ‘That’s good news because I’ve been planning to date the hell out of you. It’s been on my bucket list for nearly a decade. See the northern lights. Photograph the Grand Canyon. Date Brooke Sinclair.'”
The author has a particular talent for dialogue that captures the tentative dance between two people with shared history, allowing readers to feel the weight of unspoken words and lingering hurt.
Final Verdict: A Journey Worth Taking
Scot and Bothered is a thoroughly enjoyable second chance romance that balances emotional depth with moments of humor and adventure. Alexandra Kiley has crafted a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever been afraid to pursue their dreams or found themselves at a crossroads between safety and authenticity.
For fans of her debut Kilt Trip, this sophomore effort delivers the same love of Scotland with a more emotionally complex narrative. Readers who enjoy the works of Jenny Colgan, Sarah Morgenthaler, or Emily Henry (Beach Read and People We Meet On Vacation) will find much to appreciate in Kiley’s blend of vivid setting, emotional honesty, and slow-burning romance.
Like the Skye Trail itself, Scot and Bothered takes readers on a journey through challenging terrain but rewards them with breathtaking vistas and the satisfaction of perseverance. It’s a testament to the healing power of nature, the importance of pursuing one’s authentic path, and the courage it takes to give love a second chance.
A heartfelt, atmospheric romance that will have readers booking tickets to Scotland and reaching for their hiking boots—or at least dreaming of doing so from the comfort of their reading nooks.
