What a ride! This book was unexpected in the best way. It had suspense, emotional depth, and a romance that felt both tense and meaningful. I wasn’t sure where the story would go, and I loved that — the twists kept it exciting. The characters were layered, not always easy to like, but very compelling. There was a moody vibe that I really enjoyed, and the writing style just pulled me along the whole way. A great mix of drama, danger, and emotion.

Elliot Fletcher has made it to my auto-buy list 😍

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶 (3/5)
POV : Dual
Tropes : black cat X golden boy • small Scottish town • age gap • yearning • he falls first
Taylor Swift song : So It Goes...

I have been impatiently waiting for Callum and Juniper's story ever since I finished reading Whisky Business last summer. This book started off SO STRONG and just kept going! I have soooo many quotes written down (that I won't share because I don't want to spoil anything) but you're in for a wild ride 😍

I really love Elliot's way of writing her characters. Getting to know Juniper and Callum was so much fun. Juniper is this funny sarcastic woman and Callum, well... he's the golden retriever boyfriend every girl dreams to have. Oh, and getting to see Mal and April again just made my heart very happy 🥹

Honestly, the chemistry between these two is unmatched, and so is their banter. Immaculate vibes. But even more than that, this is a story of friendship and letting yourself be loved the way you deserve. And that, my friends, is top fucking tier ✨

I think a great way of summarizing June and Callum's relationship is this: when Little Miss "I can do it on my own" meets Mister "I know but I'll help you anyway".

I laughed a lot reading this book because June really is hilarious, but one thing that really made me howl was June randomly blurting things to April. Just a little incentive for you to read this book so you'll get it 👀

Once again, this was the perfect balance between sweet and spicy with A WHOLE LOT of yearning from Callum, being mean to flirt from both of them, the hottest spicy scenes and the cutest emotionally raw (you're gonna cry) moments. It has ✨everything✨

On a final note, I can't wait to see how Elliot will make me love Alistair in the next book because this sure won't be an easy feat 😬

My favorite quote 👇🏼
"Are you going to be trouble, Juniper? Please say yes."
"Undoubtedly."

Pre thoughts
- vets? Scotland

During thoughts
- Love the dedication.
- I am seven pages in and this is hurting my heart.
- This is progressing in a lovely way.
- Great building of the plot and world building.
- This man is down bad.
- The tension!!
- Love the adventures.

Overall
I am speechless, this book is beautiful. Callum and juniper’s relationship builds over the book in a lovely way, while also touching on sensitive topics and challenging family dynamics. I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy, this one certainly tugged at my heart at some points.

Also if you liked deep end by Ali Hazelwood this may be your jam.

Stars 4.5/5 (rounded to 5)
Spice 3/5

Tropes
- ex’s brother
- Dual pov
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Age Gap
- MMC yearning
- Remote Scottish island

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins and Elliot Fletcher for the opportunity to review this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own xx

I adored this book. Callum and juniper were so so amazing together and honestly I laughed so much with them. The sunshinexgrumpy vibes in here were everything and I couldn’t get enough of Callum. I loved him in the first book and I knew I’d adore his book. He’s definitely my favourite brother.

It’s also a bit of a ‘forbidden’ romance (brothers ex fiancée) but it was done so so well and I rooted for them from the first page. The chemistry was insane.

Everyone should read 100%

Thank you to NetGalley. HarperCollins and Elliot Fletcher for a copy of Scotch on the Rocks for and honest review.

I DEVOURED this! I've waited close to a year since reading Whisky Business for Callum and Juniper's story and it didn't disappoint.

Callum was the epitome of a man obsessed (but in the best way) he was super sweet and loving and caring, sensitive but the mouth on him 😏. He has been in love with Juney since he basically first laid eyes on her 😫.
Juniper is 100% black cat energy and I loved her, she had my heart breaking when she opened up about her past and how she felt about people leaving her. My girl liked to take control and I was LIVING for this.

I loved the whole boyfriends ex fiancé trooe, I wasn't sure how I'd feel on it but it was great.

Mal as ever was great in this, poor man unwilling being dragged in the middle of the drama but he would do just about anything for April.

Well done Ms Fletcher it was a great read.

Scotch on the Rocks solidified this series as my new obsession, even if this particular book ended up not being a favorite. In it, we follow Callum, who met the woman of his dreams only to discover she was dating his brother. Five years after their breakup, Callum is still struggling with his feelings for Juniper, but no matter how hard he tries, he can’t seem to stay away.

I was very conflicted while reading this, because sometimes in the same chapter I would love something and feel annoyed by something else. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, so describing it is hard.

From the beginning I was already invested in the characters' story, I couldn't help but feel connected to them. I really enjoyed following them as individuals. My main struggle was with their relationship and how it was approached. It felt very flat, too much focus on their banter and not in an emotional connection. That alone wasn’t enough to make me believe in it or root for them throughout the story.

When reading a brother’s ex trope, I need to not only feel the yearning but also believe in the connection between the characters. This relationship felt too rushed for me, sometimes it seemed more like an obsession than love. It was hard to root for them as a couple, because their choices felt a little impulsive.

Another thing that bothered me was that as soon as the relationship was established, their lives and struggles seemed to disappear, and only came back when it was convenient to the plot. It was like everything paused the moment they started dating. I would’ve loved for it to be explored throughout the story, instead of focusing only a few moments at the beginning and in the end.

Even though the relationship wasn't my favorite, I still devoured this book. The writing style fits perfectly with the story, and everything flows naturally. I loved how real all the characters felt, and I’m now obsessed with all of them.

The last 15% was my favorite part, for sure. Seeing everything work out was the highlight for me, it even made me emotional. That just proved how attached I got to these characters. I finished this book a little sad that I didn't fall in love with this couple, but hopeful about the next book in the series (2026 is too far!!).

Rating: 3.5 stars

~
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing this eARC. All opinions are my own.

Callum met Juniper by chance on a train from Edinburgh to Glasgow. He fell for her instantly, only to find out that she was already dating his younger brother.

Several years and a broken engagement later, Callum and Juniper are both living in the same tiny village on the Isle of Skye. Callum is well respected in the community - a vet, doting son, shinty team captain and all-round good guy. And still under the spell of Juniper Ross - the harsh, guarded woman he shouldn’t want.

Callum Macabe should be the official spokesperson for “if he wanted to, he would”. This book is the textbook definition of the black cat x golden retriever trope and I ATE IT UP!! The plot, the banter and the spice were all spot on and had me feeling every emotion as I read. An instant 5 star ⭐

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for my ARC. I already had this book pre-ordered, but getting to read it early was a delight 😘

I loved Whisky Business and words cannot describe how excited I was to read this - save for one small dig at Aberdeen (we're a good university, nay a great one and don't let Callum Macabe tell you otherwise) it was perfect.

Black cat and golden retriever energy as it should be written, I was rooting for Callum and Juniper from page one. Their chemistry is incredible and once you pick this book up you won't want to put it down.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me for a copy of Scotch on the Rocks.

In this instalment we follow the oldest Maccabe brother Callum and Juniper, who we meet in Whisky Business. Juniper has a rocky relationship with the Maccabe family, Heather is one of her best friends, she was previously engaged to Alastair and she can't stop thinking about Callum. But this goes against all of her rules because she was burned by Alastair and doesn't plan on repeating the experience.

I loved these two characters, they're both complex people who have a lot of pain in their pasts which is now causing things to come to a head. The entire time they snipe and swipe at each other and underneath they both have feelings for each other they don't really know what to do with. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, the backdrop of the complex lives of the characters; Callum and his past with his dad, especially now his dad is very unwell and he is trying to spin WAY too many plates, Juniper trying to keep everyone at arms length while trying to do her deceased adoptive father proud by improving the inn and updating the dreadful plumbing with the help of Callum. The backdrop of a small village on Skye, with small village politics, once again was fantastic and I can't wait for the next book (I'm assuming following Alastair).

I absolutely adored WHISKY BUSINESS and I have to say that I loved SCOTCH ON THE ROCKS even more. This was a gorgeous, opposites attract romance and I am pretty certain that Callum is my favourite Macabe brother.

Juniper Ross is sharp-tongued, beautiful, and completely out of reach—thanks to Callum’s brother, Alistair. But after years of separation, Callum can't ignore the chemistry that crackles between them. Torn between loyalty and undeniable attraction, he’s about to test the limits of the bro code. Can he resist the pull of the woman he’s always wanted, or will love break all the rules?

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Collins for the ARC of this book. Having read Whisky Business I could not wait to read Juniper & Callum's story and it did not disappoint. The banter between these two characters is absolutely amazing and I found myself laughing out loud so many times. The vulnerability of both characters was a joy to see develop throughout the book. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 4.75 stars - read it, you won't regret it.

What a fantastic book! I thoroughly enjoyed every page. The bickering, the tension, and the chemistry between the characters were all perfect. Juniper was the perfect black cat vibe, but in a way that was endearing. My heart belongs with Callum—what a man! 🤭

I can’t wait to read what Elliot writes next 🤍

4.5 ⭐️

Black Cat and Golden Retriever

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.


With "Scotch on the Rock" by Elliot Fletscher, we delve into the world of the Macabe brothers for the second time. This is Juniper and Callum's story.

Damn! This book was balm to my soul. I loved the Scottish premise and once again it inspired my wanderlust.

But my highlight was the banter between Juniper and Callum! The air vibrated with chemstry. The story is very spicy and I love it!

Juniper has the character of a black cat, which made me like her right away. She has often been let down in life by the people around her and as a result she has been hurt and is suspicious of other people.

Callum is the complete opposite of Juniper and the two are like two sides of the same coin. Callum knew from the first moment that Juniper was meant for him. Only fate had other plans. As his brother's girlfriend, she was taboo for him. But years later, he gets his chance.
He is courteous, funny, charming and can also be like a devil in disguise.

For me, "Scotch on the Rock" was a successful mixture of setting, charm and great characters.

I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.

I had the best time reading this book. There was something about Juniper and Callum…….maybe it was the tension, the banter, the setting including fairy pools, the nicknames, the KILT - so basically the whole thing really; I ate this book up like it was going to sustain my life form.

There is something about the Macabre brothers that make my heart swoon (although Alistair needs to do some serious grovelling at the moment) and I think they need to be protected at all costs. Cal’s default position is to help people but he’s so busy that he doesn’t realise that he may need someone to look out for him too. As for Juniper she has spent her whole life with on foot out the door ready to run because its easier to be the person who leaves then to be left. Both of them needed the other, for strength and support. To realise that it’s ok to ask for help and that not everyone leaves.

As with the previous book, Elliot’s imagery transports you to the Isle of Skye and you find yourself immersed in the landscape and heartbeat of the small-town life.

This series has a special place in my heart and I cannot wait for book 3

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Small town Scotland
💕 Hate to love
😍 He YEARNS
🐈‍⬛ Black cat/ Golden Retriever
💔 she’s his brothers ex-fiancé
📚 They have history
👨🏼‍🦳 9 year age gap
🌶️ open door/ dual pov

After the first book, I was really excited to see how Callum would be. He didn't disappoint. However, I feel like the brother thing was a much bigger issue than it needed to be and could easily be resolved via conversation. As much as it's nice to have a smitten hero, I wish we'd have seen more of how exactly the two fell for each other and more gradual changes in their behaviour as opposed to Juniper just all of a sudden deciding to drop everything for him. Could just be my personal preference anyway for a slow burn. Really can't wait to see what's next with Alistair

Since I loved Whisky Business, i was very excited to pick this up! It was really nice to get back to the island of Skye, i love the descriptions of the landscape, the people of the island and the beautiful atmosphere that Elliot Fletcher manages to infuse into her novels!

As for the story dynamic, i always enjoy the black cat fmc x golden retriever mmc, i really appreciated how Juniper managed to relax and start leaning into her feelings more thanks to Callum, as someone who finds it hard to express her feelings, it was very encouraging seeing her sentimental journey!

However, I must say that I was left a little disappointed by how some things were handled, in particular I didn’t like how little regard Callum had for Alistair’s feelings, sure he might’ve made a mistake in the past with Juniper but they’re brother and it seemed out of character for someone as devoted to his family as Callum to disregard his brother’s feelings so easily. I’m glad they kinda started talking again towards the end of the book and I hope to see more of their relationship in Alistair’s book!

Also for as much as I love a man obsessed, I found it weird that he was literally obsessed after looking at her and exchanging a couple words once, but if you like the man obsessed/he falls first tropes, then this is definitely for you!

On the other hand, i liked the depiction of the difficulty that of people whose’s parents get suddenly sick have to go through, moreover since all the Macabe’s siblings had a strained relationship with their fathers, it was at times emotional and also nicely described.

I’m definitely eagerly awaiting the next book! Thanks so much to HarperCollins and Netgalley for an arc, all opinions are my own!

Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was amazing! I managed to read this book in one sitting, the story and characters drew me in and I was so obsessed with Juniper and Callum’s chemistry I just had to see how their story ended. I really loved Juniper as a character, she’s snarky and funny but also had a lot more depth to her that I wasn’t expecting. Normally I’m not into the trope of the FMC falling for her ex-fiancés brother but the yearning from Callum made me turn a blind eye to it!

The phrase ~Clitoris Ken~ was not one I ever expected to read but made me shriek with laughter. This book was very tropey and fun, a golden retriever/black cat romance, small town, second chance, enemies to friends to lovers, spicy and sweet. Entertaining enough to devour in 24 hours! I'm intrigued to see how the side character stories continue with the next book too! Very pleased, thank you to NetGalley UK and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read as an e-arc

This book follows Callum and Juniper and I was so excited for their story after the first book. Callum is the towns golden boy, everyone loves him…except for Juniper. After Callum’s brother Alistair broke her heart she swore to not give another Macabe brother the time of day. Unfortunately for Juniper, living next door to Callum and suddenly needing his help with repairs at her Inn, she finds her self forced to spend a whole lot of time with him and gets to see that there’s far more between them than some witty banter.

If you love tropes such as:
💚Golden retriever x black cat
💚Neighbours
💚Ex’s brother
💚Found family
💚Age gap
💚He falls first
💚Pining
💚Small town
You should definitely give this a try. Elliot Fletcher has such a way with words, I found myself so immersed in this tiny Scottish town. She is also incredible at writing an MMC who is so down bad it’s unreal. The pining. The tension. The angst!! I thought that Juniper was such a relatable character, and I really loved the dedication and understanding that Callum had towards her. I wasn’t sure how they were going to get their happily ever after with him being brothers with her ex but it just made it impossible to put down.

Overall I gave Scotch on the Rocks 4.25 ⭐️ and 3/5 🌶️