Blog Break

I will be taking a break over Spring Break, so the blog will be quiet during that time. I'll be spending time with my family and friends, and if the weather cooperates, I hope to get some sunshine and enjoy good books. Also, I will be preparing for beach read season, which is just around the corner!

If you are looking forward to celebrating the upcoming Easter holiday, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest. While I'm away, don't forget to explore these exciting giveaways and sign up for my newsletter.

 

Mini Reviews: Romantic New Releases

There are so many cute romances coming out this spring and today I'm sharing two that were at the top of my radar. One involves some magical realism and the other will have you armchair traveling to gorgeous Scotland. Both did not disappoint!

 

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: March 19, 2024

Publisher: Atria

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By the Author: In Five Years and

One Italian Summer

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Being single is like playing the lottery. There’s always the chance that with one piece of paper you could win it all. From the New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years and One Italian Summer comes the romance that will define a generation.

Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man , she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a Jake.

But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.

Told with her signature warmth and insight into matters of the heart, Rebecca Serle has finally set her sights on romantic love. The result is a gripping, emotional, passionate, and (yes) heartbreaking novel about what it means to be single, what it means to find love, and ultimately how we define each of them for ourselves. Expiration Dates is the one fans have been waiting for."

Daphne Bell works in Hollywood as a production assistant. Other than the glamorous setting of Hollywood, California, her life is pretty normal except for one thing. She receives notes from the universe regarding the people she dates. The note includes the person's name and how long she will date him. This has happened to her since the 5th grade. This is all well and good until one day she receives a note with the word "Jake" on it with no time length. Could this be it for her? Could Jake be the one? After she meets Jake, she realizes he is charming, adorable, and someone she could see herself with, so why not go all in? Except she doesn't. She is hiding a secret from him. Once Jake meets Hugo, her ex-boyfriend and current best friend, things start to get weird. Could Hugo, who is perpetually dating other women, actually still have feelings for Daphne? Daphne must decide to let fate take over or finally take control of her life. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle is a charming romance with a touch of magical realism.

I have really come to enjoy Serle's novels as they always have a bit of magical realism - not too much to make it entirely unbelievable, but just enough to make it fun. Notes from the universe? Sounds compelling! That is until you think about it and question how much you are taking control of your life versus just living out the note's expectations. This is exactly what Rebecca grapples with in Expiration Dates. The book isn't all romantic fluff though as Daphne does deal with some chronic health issues, but Serle handles it very well and really highlights how a chronic disease can impact just about every aspect of your life and your decisions. So, if you are looking for a cute romance and enjoy touches of magic, look no further than Expiration Dates.  

Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: March 5, 2024

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "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?

Addie Macrae is a travel consultant; she travels the world helping tour groups revamp their businesses. Her latest job is in Scotland consulting for Heart of the Highlands Tour Company. Scotland holds a special place in her heart as it is her late mother's favorite destination. While there, she hopes to not only help the struggling tour company avoid bankruptcy but also visit some of her mother's old haunts. Once she meets The Heart of the Highland Tour Company's owner, Logan Sutherland, she realizes this is going to be much harder than she thought. Even though he is a sexy kilt-wearing Scotsman, he is stubborn and isn't open to change despite his parents' insistence that the tour company gets some updates. Logan isn't interested in providing a tour just like everyone else with stops at gimmicky souvenir shops and the usual destinations; he wants to provide a more off-the-beaten-path tour with a lot of heart. While this is all well and good, the tour company needs to make money, so Addie hopes to find a compromise. The more time they spend together, the more sparks fly and the more time Addie is in Scotland, she starts to address her mother's death, a topic she has been avoiding head-on. Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley is a romantic debut that had me dreaming of planning my own trip to Scotland.

I absolutely adore books set in Ireland and Scotland, so I knew I'd fall in love with the setting of Kilt Trip. Kiley did not disappoint. Readers who enjoy a good armchair traveling session will especially appreciate this one! I also really enjoyed the budding romance between Addie and Logan, not to mention his Scottish brogue which felt extremely authentic. If you love a heartfelt romance with some depth as Addie does address issues of grief, you'll enjoy Kilt Trip. I can promise, like me, you'll be scanning for some airfare deals to escape to Scotland.

 

Have you read Expiration Dates or Kilt Trip? Are these books on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Today I'm sharing my excitement about the latest book in the Alycat series, called Alycat and the Sunday Scaries by Alysson Foti Bourque. I have previously  featured this series on the blog and I really appreciate how the books cover relatable topics. The Sunday scaries is a topic that many children can relate to, including my son who worries about the various things going on in the upcoming week. This book discusses ways to overcome such fears and showcases the importance of  supportive friendships. What great messages for children! To celebrate the publication of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries, I've partnered with Alysson Foti Bourque to host a fantastic giveaway.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pelican Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781455627790

 

Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn’t the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It’s hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity toward problem-solving. Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens’ daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included!

 

You can purchase your own copy of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries at Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.  You can learn more about Alysson Foti Bourque by visiting her website and connecting with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

 

The Giveaway: 

 

I've partnered with Alysson Foti Bourque to host a giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries and three adorable Alycat plush toys. Good luck!

 

 

 Alycat and the Sunday Scaries: Book Giveaway

 

 

10 Books To Read This Spring

 

If you're not ready for a full-on beach read season just yet, why not try some of the new releases coming out at the end of this month and in April? It's the perfect time of year to ease into the beach read season, without feeling like you have to load up your TBR with only "summer" books. So, dip your toes in and enjoy!

 

1. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Pub. Date: March 19th

You can't go wrong with Serle's romantic novels and this one has a touch of magical realism.  

2. Finding Margaret Fuller by Alison Pataki

Pub. Date: March 19th 

 

I love biographical fiction and Pataki is one of my favorite historical novelists. This one focuses on Margaret Fuller, an important woman in American history who I look forward to learning more about.

 

 

 

3. The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati

Pub. Date: April 2nd 

 

 Donati is the author of the bestselling Wilderness series and her latest novel is about a young midwife in the New Mexico territory.

 

 

 

4. The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

Pub. Date: April 2, 2024 

 

You had me at disputed inheritance, Sicily, and family secrets.  

5.  Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Pub. Date: April 2nd 

 

One of the first beach reads of the summer involving a complicated family and a summer fling. Jimenez never disappoints!

 

 

6.  The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton

Pub. Date: April 2nd 

 

A gothic mansion in Miami is the focal point of this historical fiction that intertwines two women's lives from different time periods.

7.  Funny Story by Emily Henry

Pub. Date: April 23rd

 

A new rom-com from Emily Henry is a must read for me.

 

 

8.  The Beautiful People by Michelle Gable

Pub. Date: April 19, 2024

Glamorous 1960s Palm Beach + Lily Pulitzer sounds like a hit to me.  

 

9.  The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

Pub. Date: April 9, 2024 

 

This one is already getting raves reviews; it's Bardugo's latest historical fantasy that takes place during the Spanish Inquisition.

 

 

10.  The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline 

Pub. Date: March 26, 2024

 

You can't go wrong with Scottoline's and her latest domestic thriller.  

 

 

Are any of these books on your spring TBR list? What books do you hope to read in March and April? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Book Review: The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

Pages: 368

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: March 12, 2024

Publisher: Ballantine

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

 

 

Goodreads says, "When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library in this heartwarming novel from the author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she's expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she's only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.

Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a slew of bombs destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?"

 

Three women's lives intertwine at the Bethnal Green Library during World War III in London. First, there's Sophie Baumann, who left Berlin in 1939 and is now a housekeeper, but her boss makes her life extremely difficult. Julie is the librarian at Bethnal Green and works with the librarian assistant, Katie, to plan a book club, which Sofie does frequently. This is a great way to get their mind off the war as Juliet's husband is off fighting, but she gets word he deserted. Katie's is off fighting too, but she recently found out he is listed as missing in action. Katie has a few more secrets as well, but the book club is a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Things change drastically when the Bltiz offers and the library is bombed. The women have to move the library to the Bethnal Green underground where many are sheltering already. Books offer people a chance to escape and prove to be an important endeavor when keep everyone's spirits up. The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan illustrates the power of books during dark times; fans of WWII literature will enjoy this one the most.
 
One of the most captivating aspects of historical fiction is its ability to offer various perspectives through its characters, and The Underground Library is no exception. The novel entwines the lives of three women during the London Blitz, each bringing something unique to the story while dealing with their own personal struggles. Juliet, for instance, finds solace at the library after her husband is branded a deserter and she loses contact with him. She finds structure and purpose at the library and working with Katie, the librarian assistant, she has found friendship, too. Meanwhile, Katie's boyfriend goes missing in action, adding to her already mounting stress. Sofie's story is equally significant, given that she is Jewish, so the consequences of the war often feel more serious for her. One thing is for sure, the power of books, friendship, and the resilience of women will bring these three characters together during a very difficult time in history.
 
I enjoy Ryan's historical novels and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable WWII novel without being overly stressful and who doesn't love to read about libraries and librarians who go against the odds to bring joy and books to people who need them most. If you enjoy WWII novels but want something with a message of hope, look no further.

 

Book Review: Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance

Pub. Date: February 27, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.

When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.

So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all."

 

Anne Elliott runs the theater company in the idyllic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada. She has taken it over after her mother's death and all was going well until the new owners of the winery want to partner with her. This sounds like a great opportunity, but upon further inspection she realizes that the newcomers have appointed Ben Wentworth, their nephew, to broker the deal. Cue the drama! Ben Wentworth is Anne's long-lost college boyfriend, essentially the one who got away. Can Anne get past their misunderstandings and make this professional relationship work or will all the old feelings come back? Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a delightful modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

 

Anne Elliott is my favorite of Austen's heroines and Edwards captures her very well without making it feel old-fashioned. Anne has more than the theater to worry about, she also has to deal with her demanding sister and unhinged father, so just like Persuasion, this retelling also captures themes of family expectation and the pressure that Anne feels to do for others, even over her own needs at times. 

 

I also thought the romance between Ben and Anne was done very well and if you like a story about the one who got away, you'll appreciate Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. Also, my absolute favorite part of the novel was the gorgeous Canadian setting of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Edwards did a wonderful job bringing it to life with all of its autumnal details that made me want to plan a trip there immediately. It reminded me a bit of Stars Hollow in the best way possible as it's also a small town filled with quirky characters. In fact, Once Persuaded, Twice Shy felt a lot like a small-town rom-com.

 

If you have a fondness for Austen retellings and charming small-town romances, then Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is a book that you shouldn't miss. Please share with me in the comments if you have already read it or intend to do so and I am eager to hear if you are a fan of Austen inspired novels.

 

 

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Novel Summer

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!  

 

A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner

Pub. Date: July 16, 2024

 

Goodreads says, "Author Shelby Archer found inspiration for her first novel while living on the picturesque shores of Provincetown on Cape Cod. When she comes to the town to celebrate her new bestseller, she is expecting a warm homecoming. But instead she is confronted with the cold shoulders of friends and neighbors who feel exposed and betrayed.

Heartbroken, Shelby tries to move on and focus on her next novel. But then an unexpected call comes: her dear friend who owns the beloved Land's End bookshop needs help for the summer. Shelby reluctantly returns to the Cape to manage the store.

Back at the beach, Shelby sets her focus on the tiny seaside shop, getting lost in the shelves of steamy romance novels and dusty classics and trying to right the wrongs of her past. With every page turned and every customer served, Shelby comes closer to gaining back the trust of those she hurt. But as her manuscript deadline nears, she is again forced to choose between her own success and a second chance at love and belonging."

 

Can you feel it? Beach read season is almost here and A Novel Summer is on my radar. Did I mention this book has a beach town bookshop in it? What do you all think? Are you a fan of Jamie Brenner? Will you be adding A Novel Summer to your beach bag this summer?

 

The Best St. Patrick's Day Reading List

Ever since I traveled to Ireland years ago, I have been completely in love with the beauty of Ireland. Whether it's a featured in a good movie or a compelling book, an Irish setting is one of my favorites. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I'm sharing my favorite books set in Ireland that will for sure put you in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. 

 

1.  Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

2.  Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy (really anything by Binchy!)

3.  Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

4.  The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd 

5.  Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

6.  The Girl in the Castle by Santa Montefiore (the entire Deverill Chronicles series!)

 

 

 

7.  Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

8.  P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

9.  Off the Map by Trish Doller

10.  The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan

11.  Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

12. Cashelmara by Susan Howatch

And we can't forget my favorite Irish-American family, the Kennedys. If you enjoy all things Kennedy, check out my recommendations.

So, do you like to read books about Ireland or set in Ireland as St. Patrick's Day approaches? Let me know your favorites in the comments below.

 

Newsletter Announcement and Giveaway

 

I have decided to try something new to freshen things up this year at Confessions of a Book Addict. I've been blogging since the end of 2009, and I realized that I have never had a newsletter, so that was one of my blogging goals this year. I'm happy to inform you all, I'm launching one this week!
 
In the Confessions of a Book Addict newsletter, I'll be recapping some of the posts you may have missed, sharing bookish news, discussing the books that I am loving, recommending the best beach reads and hosting some giveaways as well. The purpose of the newsletter is for you to take a mid-week break with me, learn about some new books, and take a breather. A good book has always been my escape and a way to prioritize some downtime.

 

To celebrate the launch of the newsletter, I am giving away a book of your choice from Bookshop.org (to a US resident) up to a $25 value. All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter and you can do that in the form above. I'll announce the winner in one week. Please refer to my giveaway rules.
 
If you have any requests or recommendations for what you'd like me to cover in the newsletter, let me know. I am very excited to be bringing you even more content just in time for beach read season! 

 

Blog Tour: Kilt Trip

 

I absolutely love books set in Ireland and Scotland. It's one of my favorite settings, so when I heard about Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley, I knew I had to read it. Kilt Trip just came out on March 5th, and thanks to Harlequin, I am sharing an official excerpt from the novel today. I heard this novel is perfect for fans of Emily Henry and will make readers want to plan a trip to the Scottish Highlands immediately. 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley

Pub. Date: March 5, 2024

 

 

About the Book: "For fans of Emily Henry and Sarah Morgenthaler comes a brand-new Scotland-set romantic comedy. In this enemies-to-lovers romance, one woman discovers more than the just the magic of the heartland's lochs and landscapes—but not before clashing with the proud Scotsman she's forced to work with.

Addie Macrae has always followed her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she turns struggling businesses into world-class tour groups. Her job comes with the perk of jetsetting around the globe, which means never being in one place for too long—just the way she likes it. Since her mom passed away ten years ago and her father never stopped grieving, no place has felt like home anyway. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a family-run tour group in Scotland—the one place she swore she’d never go—Addie has to shed her emotional baggage and turn on the professional charm.

Logan Sutherland’s family business is operating just fine, thank you very much. The Heart of the Highlands was never meant to make the family rich, rather to teach sightseers to appreciate the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems, which are more captivating than any tourist trap. The last thing Logan wants is some American "expert" pushing Outlander-themed tours and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster. And for a travel consultant, Addie oddly doesn’t seem interested in learning about the land Logan loves. Equally put off by each other, the new colleagues clash on every company decision.

Then Logan discovers Addie does have a personal connection to Scotland—it was her late mother’s favorite place, one that now lives on in a handful of faded Polaroids Addie kept from her parents’ Honeymoon. She wants to seek out the places in the pictures, but is worried that she's too late to capture the wonder of following in her mother's footsteps. Logan is convinced he can help Addie get some closure, and the two realize, when they agree, they actually work pretty well together. 

But Addie’s contract with The Heart is almost up, and the business is still losing money. They can’t afford distractions, but there’s no denying the intense chemistry between Addie and Logan. Besides, how can Addie do her job properly if she hasn’t explored all Scotland has to offer?"

 

You can purchase your own copy of Kilt Trip at Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, and Amazon. You can learn more about Alexandra Kiley at her website and connect with her on Instagram and Twitter.  

Read an Excerpt From the Novel:

One

    Addie Macrae’s internal compass was irreparably damaged. For all the traveling she did, and the relative ease of navigating a city with English street signs, Edinburgh’s jigsaw puzzle of gray-toned buildings and twisting streets left her head spinning.
    Under different circumstances she might’ve been swept away by the city’s lantern-topped street lights and cobblestone roads, but not while the architecture and charm conspired against her. She’d missed a full thirty minutes of her newest client’s city tour, the last one before their meeting tomorrow.
    If she was going to turn The Heart of the Highlands around, revamp their tours, and pull them from the brink of financial ruin, she needed to know what she was walking into. The thrumming in her chest slipped into the realm of heart palpitations, one tier below racing for a connecting flight.
    Which she’d already done today.
    Striding along another street lined with red and teal storefronts, she tugged at her collar, letting the chilled air slice through the humidity inside her plasticky yellow raincoat. Nothing in sight resembled a staircase at the bottom of Calton Hill—the starting point mentioned on the website.
    Gigi, the irritatingly sunny voice of Google Maps, shouted, “Turn left.” She was hopelessly laggy, sending Addie in one direction, then two minutes later changing her mind.
    Addie followed another skinny tunnel between buildings constructed long before the invention of motor vehicles. It deposited her into an unmarked courtyard, paths fanning out in all directions.
    “Rerouting.”
    Grinding her teeth, Addie restarted Gigi, tripped over a cobblestone, and cursed.
    Side-eyeing the red battery icon on her phone, she checked the time again. Dammit. At this rate, she’d miss the entire itinerary.
    Cars rumbled by on the wrong side of the road as she wound through the bustling downtown and crossed the construction zone that was the North Bridge. A light drizzle began to fall, dripping from her hood and curling the end of her blond braid. Great.
    A low brick wall to her left did nothing to contain the oldgrowth trees threatening to hop the street. She walked right past a staircase tucked between the disheveled, leafless forest before backing up.
    Begging to be missed, a miniature blue sign attached to a lamppost pointed up the stairs to Calton Hill. Addie shook her head. How were tourists expected to find this?
    Her annoyance drowned out any relief at finding the tour.
    As she headed toward the steps, her phone rang. Boss Babe lit up the screen. Devika filled all the roles in Addie’s life: best friend, coworker, mother hen.
    They were kindred spirits—always stayed late, snuck champagne and slippers into the office to work through the holidays, and sent each other postcards from airports around the world. Every time one of them got to a new destination, they checked in. Like the lone-women-travelers’ buddy system. In the haze of lost luggage and misdirection, Addie had forgotten. She answered, “Sorry. I’m here safely, although sans suitcase.” Her green hardside—scuffed, covered in stickers, and affectionately referred to as Frank—had taken an impromptu side trip without her permission.
    “That blows. Do they know when it’ll be back?”
    Addie started up the stairs, dragging her fingers over the sculpted lion’s head at the base of the shiny black handrail. A tower in the shape of an old-fashioned spyglass rose out of the knotted trees above her. “Hopefully tonight, or I’ll be wearing my airport-acquired rain gear to my meeting.”
    Devika laughed. “What’s on the books for today?”
    The answer to their running joke was, of course, always, work. Six months ago, her mentor, Marc, started a new agency—Dawsey Travel Consulting—and took Devika and Addie with him. It could hardly be called poaching when she would follow them to the ends of the earth. Addie wanted to be them when she grew up.
    Devika was a powerhouse karaoke song. She brought people to their feet with her magnetic presence and got shit done like a boss.
    Marc was quieter, more serious, but in an industry full of power-hungry men, he always listened, remembered vegetarian and gluten-free options, and cut off interrupters with a stern  
    “Addie wasn’t done talking.” He was the one person who’d taken a chance on her when she’d been at her lowest, who’d taught her how to keep moving when she wanted to give up.
    They were in a million different time zones right now, hustling to build a name for themselves in the competitive world of travel consulting. With ironclad non-competes from their old firm, their client roster currently consisted of Marc’s friends and whatever referrals their favorite clients could muster.
    Every project had to go perfectly to make their new business turn a profit. The future of their venture depended on it. And as the junior partner—the first one to be cut if things went sideways—Addie’s job did, too.
    She scanned the spider web of paths at the top of the hill.
    A random cannon sat in the median. This had to be the right spot. “Research,” Addie said. “I’m already docking them three points for starting the tour in an obscure location.”
    There. A group of ten or so people carrying colorful umbrellas huddled around a man in a kilt. Bingo.
“Are you spying?”
    Her stomach clenched at the censure in Devika’s voice. “I’ve got this.” Maybe it was the jet lag making her a bit desperate, or the fear of what would happen if she failed, but she’d take whatever edge she could get. “Besides, gathering intel isn’t illegal,” Addie defended, even though Devika was right to worry.
    Rebuilding trust with the client took time she didn’t have, but this was a calculated risk. As a rule, executives didn’t take kindly to corporate espionage in any form. However, executives were also rarely objective about their own tours. They chalked lagging sales up to uninspired marketing or internet algorithms, never to generic itineraries, up-charging for headphones on an audio tour, or rambling guides.
    Metrics on destination costs and ticket prices were important, but the way people responded to their guides told an indisputable story. One day trip could show her more about a company’s weak spots than five board meetings combined.
    “You better hope you blend in.”
    Addie bit her lip as she looked down at her attire. Between the yellow raincoat and poppy-splashed wellies, she looked about as unobtrusive as a knockoff Paddington Bear waving a sign that read I’m crashing your tour. But it was fine, she could totally pass as a tourist. “You’re not helping at all. I have to go be sneaky.”
    Devika laughed and made the word bye last for three syllables.
    Addie moved to the back of the group where two people speaking Japanese, having clearly forgotten their raincoats, wore see-through Heart of the Highlands–branded ponchos.
    Practical and effective swag, 1 point.
    Gigi shouted, “Keep right at the fork!”
    All eyes swung to Addie and heat flooded her cheeks as she struggled to turn off the speaker. “Is this the Hidden Gems tour?” she asked the approaching guide. “I got lost…” Addie looked up into crinkling gray eyes.
    Whoa.
    Curls fell over his forehead, a wavy sea of honey and bronze. On anyone else, she’d have said he was in dire need of a haircut, but it worked for him—matched the close-trimmed beard and the power of his shoulders.
    He would be intimidatingly rugged if he wasn’t draped in clear plastic.
    “Aye. Welcome. Are you Heather Munro?”
    Her gaze slipped down to his navy blue and forest green kilt… Damn.
    She’d never considered herself one to swoon over a kilt, but his work boots and rounded calves were doing something to her stomach she couldn’t feasibly attribute to her bumpy flight. The navy cable-knit sweater, too—much better than the frilly pirate shirt that usually accompanied this getup.
    Although, it did little to set their guides apart.
    Gimmicky uniform, minus 2 points…on anyone else.
    The last words he said filtered back to her, and heat crept up her neck. Shit.
    “Oh, yes. Hi. That’s me.” Addie was more accustomed to sleeping on planes than in her own bed, but she was clearly more jet-lagged than she’d realized if she couldn’t remember her own fake name.
    The guide’s lips curved into an amused smile. “I’m Logan.”
    She could tell a lot from a handshake.
    Crushing: domineering and a pain in the ass to work with.
     Limp: kind but required vast emotional resources to make decisions.
     Wet-fish: well…that was never a good sign.
     But Logan’s firm handshake was warm. It said: I know what I want. I’m not afraid to ask for help or entertain new ideas.
    Not that it mattered. She’d be working with the owner and his son, not the guides.
    His grin sent tingles whispering over her skin as he dropped her hand and turned back to the group. “This way to the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars.” Logan gestured to the Parthenon-style structure missing two and a half sides of pillars. “Or, as it’s affectionately called, Scotland’s Shame. As you can see, funding ran out rather quickly.” A few snickers and an abundance of smiles followed his remarks.
    “Edinburgh is nicknamed the Athens of the North, and these buildings celebrate our architectural feats and enlightenment. But long before the monuments were constructed, Calton Hill was a site for many pagan rituals. My favorite is Beltane, the Celtic festival hailing the reappearance of summer and the fertility of the land. Fire represents the return of the light, and revelers celebrate in its glow.”
    Logan could have described the architecture, the historical figures, or the politics at the time of construction. Addie had been on that kind of tour in the real Athens and knew firsthand how hard it was to keep guests’ interest with dry facts. Instead, Logan’s tales of rejoicing and fire, spirits and drums, enthralled the tourists. The group huddled around him, his voice low and soothing like it’d wrapped around everyone and pulled them in.
   If all the guides were this good, Addie wouldn’t need to bring in a story-crafting coach; Logan would make a dishwasher manual sound interesting.
    Engaging the guests, 3 points.

Excerpted from Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley. Copyright © 2024 by Alexandra Kiley. Published by Canary Street Press.

So, what do you of the excerpt? Is Kilt Trip on your TBR list? I hope to dive into this novel very soon and can't wait to be swept away to dreamy Scotland. Let me know what you think in the comments below.