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| Scotland – Present Day Brooke Sinclair’s dream of being a published author derailed when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years ago after her romantic relationship with Jack Sutherland was revealed to the school chancellor. Brooke was a student, and Jack was a teaching assistant, though he wasn’t working with her. It was a bitter pill for her to swallow, though she is now a ghostwriter and dreams of being published for herself someday if she can get over the hump. Jack’s aunt, Mhairi, mentored her and she greatly respects the woman. Brooke is offered the chance to ghostwrite Mhairi’s memoir but there is a catch. She has to hike the rugged Skye Trail for authenticity’s sake—and Jack must accompany her as her guide and videographer. Jack never let on what happened during his meeting with the chancellor at the University of Edinburgh and has let Brooke believe that he ratted out (and destroyed) their relationship and her schooling. Brooke accepts the assignment to work with Jack, and they start the hike. Things are awkward at first with her ignoring him at times. But the harder the hike is, the more they begin to open up to each other. Will Brooke soon see Jack in a new light? Will the trip be successful? Will Jack tell her a secret about Mhairi that could devastate Brooke? SCOT AND BOTHERED is a thoughtful tale as Brooke and Jack get the chance to reconnect after their brief romance ended acrimoniously when she was booted from the university. They both knew when it started the rules frowned upon romances between students and faculty, but they felt because he didn’t work with her that it would be okay. They kept it a secret anyway—but unfortunately, Mhairi found out. After university, Brooke sort of floated around trying to find her footing in the writing world. Her writing is good, though she hasn’t yet submitted and published anything on her own. Ghostwriting is her job, and that is why Mhairi asks her to do her memoir. Each day of the hike is hard and treacherous, but it seems to build confidence and trust between Brooke and Jack. It also rekindles the sparks of their long-ago romance. Readers suspect that in SCOT AND BOTHERED they will soon find the time to make love. It’s clear they have a connection, though their breakup still causes a wedge between them. Can they make up? Will Jack finally reveal what happened during his meeting with the chancellor? The hike seems to bring out the creativity in Brooke as she is soon writing away in her notebook after they stop for the night. Meanwhile, Jack is videotaping memories of their trip. But is it just for his aunt, or is it also for memories of this time with Brooke? SCOT AND BOTHERED is an emotional tale and one you won’t want to miss. Patti Fischer |
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SCOT AND BOTHERED – Alexandra Kiley