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All Bea wants is to fly to Scotland and write her steamy new book. Find a smoking hot Scotsman to model the hero on. She can do no-strings, in the name of art, right?

But Bea hasn’t met Cal Butler. Yet…

Bea Gracie, an American romance writer, flees to Edinburgh to escape her broken heart and find inspiration for her fictional love interest. And there he is – the stunning-yet-aloof Cal Butler – in the same Edinburgh coffee shop where Bea is tapping at her laptop. All she has to do is orchestrate a meet-cute and her muse is hers.

Drawn inexorably to each other, Bea and Cal agree to a no-strings fling so they can revel in guiltless passion with a firm end date. But Bea’s feelings for Cal grow like the wildflowers along the coastline of his homeland. Is it possible he harbours feelings for her, too, or is the fire in his kiss something he can safely pack away? And what will happen when this privacy-guarding hero finds out he’s been immortalised in Bea’s spicy novel?

If you love being transported along cobblestone streets and Scottish shores to meet Celtic heroes, then this steamy, contemporary Scottish romance is for you. Discover this passionate new series and fall hard for the Butlers.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2024

62 people are currently reading
299 people want to read

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Amber Cooper

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5 stars
45 (38%)
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44 (37%)
3 stars
17 (14%)
2 stars
11 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
778 reviews9 followers
October 5, 2023
This was a good read. I enjoyed seeing Cal trying to resist Bea. I was also glad to see Bea’s insecurities even though she seems to project confidence. It made the characters feel real. The only character I didn’t understand was Elisabetta and why it was so difficult for her to agree to do a paternity test. But overall I liked this story and it’s characters.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Profile Image for Kristy.
24 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2023
Romance is not my usual genre but this book might just be the one that converts me! I really enjoyed all of the fantastic imagery of Edinburgh, as well as the Scottish coastline. I felt like I was there. I could picture the characters vividly and I felt like I could hear Cal’s sexy voice as I read. Overall, this was a fun, enjoyable read and I found myself crossing my fingers that all would work out for Cal and Bea in the end ❤️❤️❤️
1 review
October 13, 2025
Amber Cooper delivers a beautifully written story that’s equal parts tender, witty, and emotionally resonant. A Cask of You doesn’t rely on clichés, instead, it builds a slow-burning connection between Bea and Cal that feels refreshingly authentic. The coastal setting adds a moody charm, and the dialogue sparkles with intelligence and warmth. I found myself genuinely invested in their journey, and the final chapters left me smiling. A standout in contemporary romance.
315 reviews5 followers
February 4, 2025
Sweet but with real feelings

This is a lovely contemporary romance. Both of the main characters (Bea & Cal) are well-written and *human* - they have faults, mistaken assumptions, desires, and fears just like anyone else.

A lovely book to read & enjoy (and recall my own lovely memories of most of the locations mentioned!).
1 review
June 29, 2025
Fabulous scene setting and atmosphere, as a Scot myself, I could picture the streets of Edinburgh and the beautiful coastline perfectly. Cal is a 'grumpy outside but soft in the middle' kinda guy who melts when he meets American Bea. Super sweet and slightly steamy - can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Me_myself_and_romance_ Books.
491 reviews
April 26, 2025
ahhhhh

I’m in love with this family. I can’t stop reading them. Who doesn’t love a hero that becomes the hero in the heroines book. This book has its drama but the swoon is above the Richter scale. You will all love cal so much..
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
475 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2024
All Bea wants is to fly to Scotland and write her steamy new book. Find a smoking hot Scotsman to model the hero on. She can do no-strings, in the name of art, right?

But Bea hasn’t met Cal Butler. Yet…

Bea Gracie, an American romance writer, flees to Edinburgh to escape her broken heart and find inspiration for her fictional love interest. And there he is – the stunning-yet-aloof Cal Butler – in the same Edinburgh coffee shop where Bea is tapping at her laptop. All she has to do is orchestrate a meet-cute and her muse is hers.

Drawn inexorably to each other, Bea and Cal agree to a no-strings fling so they can revel in guiltless passion with a firm end date. But Bea’s feelings for Cal grow like the wildflowers along the coastline of his homeland. Is it possible he harbours feelings for her, too, or is the fire in his kiss something he can safely pack away? And what will happen when this privacy-guarding hero finds out he’s been immortalised in Bea’s spicy novel?

This is the first book in “The Butler's Whisky Romance Series” and I loved it! It makes you want to pack your bags, fly to Scotland and find your own Cal! After the first chapter, I could not put this book down, Amber draws you to what is the magic of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, its history, the people and the stunning scenery! You cannot help but fall in love will Cal and Bea - both have been hurt from previous relationships in different ways. Bea is looking for a “muse” for her book, when a tall handsome Scotsman walks into the coffee shop whilst she is working on her book and sparks fly!

The heat between Cal and Bea is hot from the start 🔥🔥 Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more 😊Curl up in your favourite chair, by an open fire with a dram of whisky 🥃 and enjoy. As described, if you enjoy being transported along cobblestone streets and Scottish shores to meet Celtic heroes, then this steamy, contemporary Scottish romance is for you.

A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Cal and Bea, hoping that everything with work out for them and they have a future together. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Profile Image for Joi Lin.
49 reviews
April 18, 2024
I liked this book OK - not the worst I've read, but not an all-time favorite, either. The premise is that a NYC writer (the female main character, or FMC) fresh out of bad relationship books herself a flat in Edinburgh to give herself some inspiration for her next novel. While there, she meets the owner of a bar (the male main character/MMC) and engineers a "meet cute" with him so that he can provide material/inspiration for her writing. At first he does not like her very much, but he is quickly won over, and hijinks ensue.

There is a bunch of backstory about the MMC's father, his expectations for the MMC, the father's health, etc., etc., but in general, I think the author did a good job of showing the kind of man the MMC was through his relationships with his family members.

The FMC was fine. Nothing too remarkable about her, but likeable enough. Although, the author said she had "droplets" of hair multiple times and I don't think I've ever seen that word applied to hair before - it was a little bit jolting, especially as the story, itself, did not capture my interest deeply enough for me to be able to just skip over what, to me, was an odd choice of words.

The two best parts of the whole book were the world-building, in terms of the description of Scotland, the streets of Edinburgh, and the Scottish country side, and the sex scenes. They were fairly explicit/hot without being too smutty, if that makes sense. But these were offset by some behavior choices on the part of the characters that irritated me - specifically, I hate it when people run away or stop talking because they are upset, and don't tell their partner what's going on. To me, that behavior smacks of immaturity.

I rate each of the individual elements of this book on a 5-star scale as follows:

FMC - 3 stars

MMC - 3 stars

Plot - 3.5 stars

Pacing - 3 stars

Supporting characters - 3 stars

World-building - 4 stars

Dialogue - 3 stars

Grammar/syntax - 3 stars

Sex scenes - 4 stars

Overall, that 3.3 stars. I'd round this one up to 3.5 stars if the app let me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
50 reviews
April 21, 2024
Reading this novel was something I enjoyed very much. Fact is I read it in one go, starting on a lazy weekend morning and finished reading in the evening of that same day with only two short stops for having meals in between.

„A Cask of You“ has a classical romance plot with two main characters who even if they think they won’t fall in love, they’ll do it nevertheless.

The book starts with the heroine Bea, an American romance author with Scottish roots, arriving for a stay in Edinburgh, with the intent of doing research for her new novel and also to find a way back to herself after the end of her last bad relationship.

As fate goes, Bea meets Cal, a swoon worthy Scottish bar owner at a café, where she is writing and she thinks he might be a great inspiration for her main character in her next novel. Bea is determined to get to know him and tries this in a very special way, by taking an unusual and not very polite approach.

How that turns out and what further obstacles will block the way for Bea and Cal is not my job to tell. But be sure, there are misunderstandings and obstacles in form of an ex-girlfriend, health problems in Cal’s family, a nosy neighbor, and trauma caused by Bea’s last relationship.

The dialogues are sometimes quirky, but always show true depth. As mentioned above Cal is swoon worthy, attentive, sensitive and everything a great romance hero should be. Bea is a warmhearted woman and easy to like.

The way the spicy scenes were written by Ms. Cooper was handled with great care and respect for the main characters, without lacking in the erotic part. These scenes turned out to be unique and full of warm feelings, something that is a bit rare to find in today’s mass market of published romance novels.

The other characters in the novel have also interesting personalities too, and I am getting curious and would like to learn more about them and what their personal story will be. Therefore I am looking forward to the next book in this developing series, that hopefully will be published in autumn.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntary leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beatrice Bradshaw.
Author 10 books59 followers
April 23, 2024
Wrap yourself in your cosiest tartan shawl and pour yourself a generous dram – you're about to be swept away to Scotland!

Stepping into the pages of 'A Cask of You' is like wandering through Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and feeling the wind on your face in Kintyre. The way Amber Cooper brings Scotland into the story is pure magic – you can almost smell the whisky and feel the warmth of the locals.

And the sparks between the characters? They’re genuine and deep without going over the top. Bea and Cal's romantic dynamic is cute, complex, and passionate. They have some truly delightful steamy encounters, but the focus is on their emotional connection, which I loved.

Both tiptoe around their feelings, each thinking the other isn’t in for the long haul. It’s so relatable and makes you really root for them. Bea has a lot to deal with coming out of a dysfunctional, toxic relationship and Cal, too, has a lingering past... But he has such a good heart and is not only 'Scotland's biggest numpty' but also 'as edible as an ice lolly'.

And – no spoilers – I absolutely ADORED the ending! It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Like a good whisky.

'A Cask of You' is the perfect pick if you’re into heartfelt, steamy romances set in stunning places. It’s about the power of unexpected love, the beauty of Scotland, and all the little things that make life sweet and spicy. I can't wait for the other books in the series!
Profile Image for Marie.
824 reviews15 followers
April 15, 2024
This is one of those books that feels so realistic you feel part of the story and are so involved in the outcome. Bea loves writing her steamy novels and self publishing them, as an extra income she worked bartender at night so she could write during the day. The only problem was her now ex didn't, he made her feel useless, talentless, self conscious of her curves and reliant on him for money. Then the ultimate betrayal his new partner was pregnant already. Heart broken she sets of to Scotland to write a new book and visit where her father had grown up. Cal loved his life in Edinburgh he had his bar, a lovely cottage to retreat to and a family he loved more than anything. But he also had an ex who wanted he for the attention he brought to her life and now she was pregnant and not saying who the father is. Why can't life be simply. Why does everything need to be complicated. These two are drawn to each other from their first meeting. But both have secrets they don't want to share. Can they really have just a no strings thing. Can they make things simple. But like they already knew life is never simple. Everything about this story just draws you in the relationship between the two main characters is so hot, complex and believable. I really couldn't put this book down and hope there'll be another book to follow this brilliant story
Profile Image for Jennifer Clarke.
239 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2024
This was a sweet, fun read, full of beautiful and steamy moments. I always love a good romance that takes place in either Scotland or Ireland, and this book did not disappoint. Cal was the perfect Scotsman, with a beautiful accent, that is tough on the outside, but soft as goo on the inside. He had so many different layers that I loved peeling back and he seemed like such an honorable guy. Bea was just as great, full of fire and a drive to succeed at her dream. She wasn't going to let anyone or anything hold her back from doing what she wanted. Even when she was broken down by Josh, she still clung to her dream.

I had thought the title of the book came from Cal's connection to a distillery, but the love scene with Bea and Cal and whisky?! My eyes definitely got wide. This was one of the most intense scenes for me and made the connection between the two of them so real. While Bea running away from Cal without talking to him may have been kind of high school, I think enough ground work had been laid to show where her head was at. I understood Bea's insecurities and traumas, and she wasn't going to be ready for anything until she was able to fix herself. Everything concluded wonderfully and left me with a smile.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Katelyn Austin.
20 reviews
October 16, 2023
Amber Cooper delivers a tantalizing tale of the budding love between an American author and a Scotish bar owner that weaves the exploration of real-life problems into an oh-so-steamy romance. This romantic story follows Bea and Cal through their progression from total strangers to soulmates. I fell in love with this story concept and feel from the summary alone, and the book delivered vivid descriptions of Scotland and passionate, steamy open-door romantic scenes. However, my high hopes for this book quickly unraveled into a disappointing read due to a lack of consistency in the writing throughout the book. Some parts were filled with an overabundance of detail, while others were rushed and left me wanting more. I do respect the author's effort to minimize vulgarity in the book, but it reached such an extreme that felt very inauthentic to the "stereotypical Scotish bar owner" image that was being portrayed. Much of the dialog felt scripted, rigid, and unnatural, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story as a reader.

The construction of this book was definitely not for me, but when able to be overlooked, would be a cozy, heart-warming read.

ARC received for free; review left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,480 reviews118 followers
June 25, 2024
I received an advance review copy of this book, to review for a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is the first book in the Butler's Whisky Romance series. It's set in Edinburgh, and the Scottish setting was something that appealed to me. The protagonist is a romance writer named Bea, who left New York to move to Edinburgh following a breakup.

Before I started reading, I think I was expecting a sweet, cosy kind of atmosphere, but it wasn't like that. Reading the first few chapters, I felt there was something subtle about the way the author worked with the atmosphere and setting; something that added a slight air of mystery to the writing. Somehow, this affected my mood as a reader. I was drawn in by it, and felt in the mood for romance.

As I carried on reading, I found this book to be satisfyingly spicy, so if you like spice, you won't be disappointed. I did feel the romance too. There were some deeper moments that I quite enjoyed, and I connected emotionally with both the story and the characters.

If you are looking for a spicy romantic read that will help you escape for a little while, you may like this book. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
Profile Image for Sara M.
455 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2023
Oh, Edinburgh.❤ Give me all the old closes and cobblestone streets, cool and sunny mornings, walks through the many parks, cozy pubs and coffee shops, and of course all the beautiful book stores - Edinburgh is my happy place and I can't wait to go back!

Surfing with a Scotsman takes place in and around Edinburgh so I was naturally delighted to get a chance to read this book in advance! Luckily for me, and for the many many readers to follow, the beautiful setting isn't all this book has to offer - this is an enjoyable and captivating story of a romance writer, Bea, who decides to move to Scotland for a couple of months after a bad break-up, and Cal, a bar owner just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, who has quite a few family issues of his own to deal with. After bumping into each other while getting coffees, and later in Cal's pub, one thing leads to another and Cal decides to show Bea the best things in Scotland while she's there - and the reader is right there with them, every step of the way.
Profile Image for mrsljgibbs.
852 reviews33 followers
June 29, 2024
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review…

A Cask Of You is actually the first book in the Butler’s Whiskey Romance series and it is a gorgeous book that will very easily transport you to the Scottish shores. I, very easily became immersed in all the history, cobblestone streets and Scottish imagery and it was wonderful.

It is a steamy, contemporary, Scottish romance and is the perfect way to get away with some armchair travel…

Cal and Bea were two wonderful, down-to-earth characters and i really enjoyed getting to know them and to, quite honestly, fall in love with them too…

A Cask Of You was a wonderful read and i thoroughly enjoyed it. It was full of romance and spice and each chapter pulled me along very easily to the next one until i had very quickly read it all…..
240 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2023
Bea is just looking for some fun and inspiration for her next romance novel when Cal catches her eye. She knows she was a bit awkward when she butts in to try to meet him, not quite the meet-cute she was going for but at least she tried. Cal is not looking for anything, he is trying to keep to himself after his ex was way too public, especially now that his dad is having health problems. But he can't help his attraction to Bea and a little no-strings fun quickly grows into something more for both of them.

I enjoyed how deep both of these characters were and how we get to see inside an author's head through Bea. It's a fine line between using real life for inspiration vs potentially invading someone's privacy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
62 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2024
This story was sweet and romantic. I love when the characters slowly grow on you as you learn more about them. Both Bea and Cal have issues from their past that keep getting in the way of their serious chemistry. The back story was good with lots of side characters that deserve their own story. I love the side plot of Amira and can't wait for her to find her happily ever after. The ending was a bit over the top but otherwise this book had the right mix of romance and real life problems. I'm glad I got a chance to start this new series from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,291 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2024
I fell in love with the main characters in this book along with Scotland. This is the first book of Amber Cooper's that I have read and can not wait to read her others. Cal is what most women think of when thinking of the ideal Scotsman. Bea was a firecracker and I loved them together. There was plenty of steam and love in this book. It was great that the MCs did not rush to be together after they had their problems. I liked the way they let love find a way toward each other. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Loveromancebooks21.
392 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2024
I thought this was a really good read. This is the first book in the Butlers Whiskey series. The chapters are quite short which I loved and thought it was ideal when you’re short on time. I loved the descriptions of Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside, they were stunning and I could really imagine myself being there.

The chemistry between Bea and Cal was hot from the get go and I found myself rooting for them to get their act together and just admit how they really felt about each other. I thought the characters were realistically written and completely relatable. Overall a well written charming and heartwarming story that I highly recommend.
32 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2023
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

After 50 pages I was hooked. The dual pov is so good and the way the author uses it absolutely love it. It’s fun to hear what the characters think of each other. The descriptions of the characters are really good.

MISCOMMUNICATION I wanted to scream at the characters so many times. Like why can’t they just talk.

I had so many reactions to this book. I just loved it, the descriptions, the characters and the plot. I really like when the FMC either reads or is a writer.

The ending omg I almost cried♥️

I can’t wait to read more by Amber Cooper
11 reviews
April 18, 2024
Bea Gracie has travelled from America to Scotland in order to heal after a bad relationship and also with the aim of inspiring her romance writing. In walks Cal Bulter, a handsome Scot, whose masculine charm and hidden depths make him the perfect muse for Bea’s writing. Her hunky muse soon makes his attraction to her clear and the two…well you’ll you’ll just have to read the book in order to find out what they get up to ;)
The imagery in this novel is fantastic as is the building angst and passion. A Cask of You is a highly enjoyable steamy read.
2,691 reviews32 followers
April 24, 2024
Great story. Funny, romantic and dramatic.

Needing inspiration for her romance writing, Bea heads to Scotland to find a man to focus her book on and finds Cal, a grumpy Scotsman.

This was very well done. The Flirting and sass in the relationship that brings on the romance was fun and intriguing.
Bea and Cal were a great couple with passionate chemistry and a sure fire attraction from the start.

A well written, fun story that I couldn't put down.

Such a great book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria (semi hiatus).
547 reviews116 followers
April 26, 2024
The first book I’ve read of this author and not disappointed. This is a cute small town romance set in Scotland. Some drama to make you engaged to the story and a storyline where you know the shoe is about to drop at some point. I didn’t like the OW drama to be honest, although I knew on forehand it would all turn out to be innocent. It’s just a trope I dislike in my reading and this drops stars instantly. Overall a bit cliche and predictable, but I still enjoyed it. A series I will keep my eye out for.
2 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2024
Totally loved this book- sweet yet so very spicy! (Especially the secret chapter, which is well worth a download.) Very much enjoyed the dual points of view and the added intrigue with the characters- so many relevant contemporary issues- and the final will they, won’t they! The setting of a large Scottish family, the whiskey, Edinburgh and the surfing all added depth to the story and it was just perfect from start to finish!
Profile Image for Jo-Anne Barker.
Author 23 books14 followers
April 24, 2024
This is an enjoyable story of a romance writer, Bea, who moves to Scotland after a break-up with a man who made her feel insecure. She decides to pushy and annoying to catch Cal's eye. He's a bar owner with issues created by a woman who put him off looking at other women in case they are like her. Bea is happy to write about the hot Scotsman, and he has a father with health issues, but there's no escaping their attraction for one another.
4,012 reviews35 followers
April 28, 2024
A Cask of You by Amber Cooper is a good, and enjoyable steamy spicy boss employee grumpy sunshine holiday romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharron.
37 reviews
September 8, 2024
Loved the story of Bea and Cal. Cal was the kind of lead male that makes you fall in love with him. He is charming and funny and gad so much depth. Made me love being Scottish a little bit more, too. Bea was feisty and strong. It made you root for her. Love how Amber set up the family with so many options for future books .
Cannot wait to read #2. Major book hangover pending
Love finding a new fave author. Will read EVERYTHING Amber writes ✍️
195 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2023
Amber Cooper managed to combine a sweet love story with a hot and steamy romance - not many can do it so well. I enjoyed the banter between Bea and Cal, as well as the story as it progressed. Although it certainly contained serious topics, Surfing with a Scotsman was an enjoyable escape. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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