alexandra kiley – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Alexandra Kiley
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Release Date: March 5th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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?

Thank you to Canary Street Press and Harper Perennial for the free ARC.

LONG WINDED.

I wanted to love this, I was immediately smitten with the idea of Scotland. A man in a kilt? Heck yeah.

Well, I got that, but I also got a very long winded love letter to Scotland, which isn’t BAD, just not what I was after when I picked up a contemporary romance. I wanted some more romantic buildup, more opportunities for them to talk outside of work and the angst and tension I crave. I could have used a lot less of the tour aspects.

And then this made the romance feel very quick. I was surprised when the I love you’s showed up and was straight faced by the time the third act break-up happened. I wasn’t even mad at it, it was so expected at that point I had no emotions towards it. I felt like I didn’t get anything new.

This very much made me want to visit Scotland and find those off the beaten path places. There were some good moments between the main couple at least. I’d be curious to see what the author writes next.

Overall audience notes: