One for the Road

The Macabe Brothers #3

by Elliot Fletcher

Prepare to fall in love with Alistair and Isla …When burnt-out GP Alistair returns to his small hometown on the Isle of Skye, he is feeling pretty low. Especially since his brother started dating his ex.

But with the arrival of Isla, another GP running away from her past, things start to look up for Alistair. Isla's ex-boyfriend is coming to visit and, desperate to not fall back under his spell, Alistair pretends to be her new boyfriend and play a much needed buffer.

And with the pair taking their roles very seriously, they might just forget they are pretending after all …

Genres: Romance, Scotland, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn, Adult, Fiction

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 4, 2026

Reviews

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC!!

[Kelsey-rose💘 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me an invite email for this book ( after you denied me) . I appreciate the link as this definitely was a book I was looking forward to this year . I love the cover so much . I don’t think I’ll get a physical copy of it because it’s not an all time fave but y’know . It was an honour to be sent this book .

I read the second book as an arc last year and I tried to read the first book last month ( but dnfed it ) so I’m happy that this book is good like the second and not boring and mid like the first . This won’t be for everyone though . I may like this alot but not everyone will . I can say this did not play it safe unlike the first book in this although not the perfect book was fun read - it was enjoyable and kept me entertained.

The mmc is the ex fiance of the fmc from the last book . And the brother of the mmc ( from the first and second ) . He also is a guy that is lowkey a terrible person in the past 2 books - so this is his redemption arc romance book .

This is grumpy sunshine done right - it’s also a neighbour romance and the fmc is a single mother . Mmc is a doctor - fmc is a baker . It’s obviously small town and well its set in Scotland . It’s a slowburn romance wise - not really wont spice wise .

I do wanna say the argument between the fmc and mmc at like 70% - 80% did not need to end in sex . I can’t say I hated that it did but I also wish before they had sex etc - they talked stuff out. It’s like the makeup sex without the breakup . If you know me you know I’m very big on wanting communication- solving issues temporarily by having sex doesn’t help . Talking about things helps .

There is no 3rd act breakup and that’s a win . For those like me who look to see if books have a 3rd act breakup - im here to tell you they don’t . I mean they take a “break” but it’s not a breakup . It’s like a week of space - that’s all ) . So I would say it’s no 3rd act breakup - but instead a 3rd act conflict that results in space without a breakup . - There is no grovelling or anything .
_______________________________________________

This is just me saying how much I hate the fmcs ex not really part of the review but it’s non spoiler)


This is non spoiler tbh cus like it’s got nothing to do with the romance / main plot of the book ) it’s just me hating the fmcs ex . HES NOT THE MMC BTW THEY ARE DIFFERENT PEOPLE

I absolutely hate Cameron the fmcs ex - he plays the terrible ex bf who’s a pos so well - I mean he is that so I’m glad he was written that way . He’s a POS who cheated on the fmc with his ex gf ( high school sweetheart) after knocking the fmc up - basically making her quit baking classes & made her basically be a “stay a home mum” .

NOT only that , he made her move to HIS small town only for him to & years later cheat on her with his ex gf . What’s worse he basically made her and his ex be friends cus he was still close to her . Basically it’s a story of ex going “don’t worry about her she’s just a friend “ and sleeping with her . And he’s also a pos dad - he left the fmc ( Made her move out of his house) . Literally only cares about his kid when it comes to being able to use xyz thing against the fmc .

She has full custody of the kid all he has to fucking do is see his kid once a week - on weekends and he seems to always say “I’m busy “ when it’s his turn . He only has to see his kid for 2 days and he literally can’t be asked to do that - istg he’s a deadbeat dad and a cheat . And he literally is back with his ex gf he left his baby mama for his ex .

And then like 70% he’s like comes to her home - basically tells her that her bf is using her and Shit and says - “ I want you back - things between em and the woman I cheated on you with aren’t going well - I want to be a family again “ dude this man istg I hate this man . He is like saying your bf is lying to you and how he’ll be there for her after alistair ( said bf ) hurts her.

Classic pos ex bf . Trying to cause problems in a
Relationship cus he’s a jealous man who can’t seem to understand that like he isn’t entitled to her . He hurt her and then literally didn’t gaf about her or the kid . He only cares now cus his “toy” is being “used” by someone else . Hes like a kid who put down a toy and then screams about how he wants it back after someone else plays with it .


—————————————————————————————-
Preread : I’m excited for this . funny story - the publisher denied me this arc but I’m signed up for their influencer list shit thing ( basically emails)

. Edit apparently said email was sent to some people via their NetGalley email so maybe I was chosen for an arc after they denied me idk . Either way I have it and i appreciate it

I do hope that I like it as much as the second one and it’s not boring like the first one

[Vénitia | Vee’s Bookish Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot Fletcher is a miracle worker! 💕

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶 (3/5)
POV : Dual
Tropes : sunshine single mom X grumpy doctor • small Scottish town • age gap • fake dating • dislike to love
Taylor Swift song : Daylight

After reading Scotch on the Rocks last year, I have been very impatient to read this 3rd book and see how Elliot was going to make me like Alistair. And boy, did she do more than make me like him! She is a true miracle worker because, let me tell you, it was not going to be an easy feat! But she. did. it. 👏🏼

From the very first chapter, and meeting Isla and Teddy, I knew this book would have my heart. I'd been struggling to read for quite a few months, feeling like the stories I read just didn't hit the way they used to, but I just blazed through these pages, laughing out loud and kicking my little feet!

Once again, Elliot writes characters that are true and raw. They're not perfect, but they're doing their best, and that's just so damn relatable. I think both of them have a really interesting arc. After learning how Alistair cares for the people he loves, he really grew on me! *Hello acts-of-service-boyfriend* And Isla growing into herself and learning to stand up for herself was so inspiring to read 🥹

It was so so nice to see the whole Macabe family throughout the book. Like, they're so welcoming I want them to adopt me or something!

Now... can we talk about how much I want Heather's book!? 👀


My favorite quote 👇🏼

When you aren’t looking, my brother stares at you like you hung the fucking moon then went back to add the stars.

[Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review]

[Marissa | goingonbookcation · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5⭐️ • 2/5🌶️ • 0/5😢

Another Macabe brother story? SAY LESS. I am obsessed with this family and their small Scottish town, so I was absolutely sold on Alistair’s much needed redemption arc. While there was a bit of a slow start, I did enjoy the neighbor/enemies to lovers bit and watching the romance develop as Alistair let his guard down. I appreciated the care the author took with the FMC as a single mother and her dedication to her daughter. Fingers crossed we get Heather’s book next and more single mom representation!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna Liljeroth]

First of all, THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND HARPER COLLINS FOR LETTING ME READ THIS E-ARC

I read Whiskey Business and Scotch on the Rocks earlier this year, and when I was aware that Alistair's book was coming out, I could barely contain my excitement. Being able to snatch an E-ARC was the best thing ever.

I fell in love with Kinleith from book one, and hearing fleetingly about Alistair had me very intrigued. Something about this grumpy doctor who’s made some questionable decisions and who fled from Kinleith to build a new life had me weak. I knew I was gonna fall in love with this magic man who just wants to take care of everyone but has a hard time showing it. This being a problem solver x chaotic mess resonated with me as the resident chaotic mess having a problem-solver boyfriend.

Enough about the man, you will have to read the book to know more (and trust me, it’s so worth it). When it comes to Isla, I just wanna wrap her in bubblewrap and protect her from the world. This beautiful woman has been betrayed by the one man who’s supposed to protect and cherish her. Luckily, she breaks through the walls of her grumpy neighbour (hello forced proximity) because this man CHERISHES her like no other. Isla’s personal growth was truly inspiring. The way she goes from doormat (sorry, but it’s kinda true) to a badass woman !!! I love.

Lastly, I need to talk a little bit about my baby Teddy. She was truly a fresh breath through this story, and as someone who usually has a hard time with children in books, Teddy was so well-written. Her mood swings and feelings were so valid throughout the entire story. Her being the one to break down Alistair's walls first made me all giddy inside.

I loved every second of this read, and if you want a desperate, pathetic man with slutty little glasses, LOOK NO FURTHER. Alistair Macabe is right here for you.

[Carlota Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

ArC Review: I don’t know what it says about me that Alistair is my favourite brother by like a mile , but I’m just going with it 😂
I think the depth given to his character was really well thought out and I love how we get a balance of a messy character with a very human past; but who is also very self-aware of his flaws and personal shortcomings.
Isla is the FMC from the series that I relate to the most (with the exception of the baking skills sadly) , and I loved seeing her come into herself and set her boundaries.
I’m a big believer that if you surround yourself with the right people at the right time ; your best self will come through and that was exactly the case with Alistair and Isla. Their relationship felt like two puzzle pieces clicking together so smoothly and complementary.
I really enjoyed Teddy’s role in the story - I love when kids see right through adult’s BS.
I also want to highlight how this novel slightly points out the ongoing issues with the NHS, very subtle but very present.
The fake dating / forced proximity trope was really well executed; the plot and the characters made it really hard to put the book down!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and HarperCollins for the chance to read this ARC!

[Morgan Williams-Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I’m obsessed might be an understatement, Alister and Isla were the PERFECT depiction of a grumpy/sunshine fake dating story! I’ve been waiting forever for Alister’s redemption arc story, and Isla was the most perfect pairing.

These two had such a slow start to even a friendship, that it made the emotions and experiences they shared in their split cottage feel so much more impactful and real. Isla coming away from a long (toxic) relationship, learning to love and trust while Alister is learning to overcome his own self doubt was set perfectly in a small town on the Isle of Skye. With a more slow approach to their (eventual) love, you get a much better payoff once they admit to their feelings. Seriously, I LOVED THEM.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention TEDDY THE MIST ADORABLE CHILD IN A SINGLE PARENT BOOK. She added such a cool layer to the story and came with such a fun personality to really chip away at Alister’s layers. I LOVED HER.

Thank you so much to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the eARC!

[lali ✰]

so happy to have this in my hands already, adding this to my (already huge) april tbr

[Oana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This got me out of my slump so u better believe I am giving 5⭐️
Rtc

[Olivia✨ (bookingitwitholivia) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect conclusion to such an unforgettable series!!! The Macabe Brothers Series is definitely one of those book series that’ll stick with me forever!

Starting off, I absolutely adored both Alistair and Isla, along with Isla’s young daughter, Teddy. The story starts off with Alistair and Isla being neighbours who haven’t gotten off to the best start. Both characters couldn’t be more different than each other - while Isla, a single mum, is this ray-of-sunshine type character whose life is full of colour, fun and a bit of added chaos, Alistair is the complete opposite - he is very orderly and quite closed off giving him this grumpy exterior.

The pair come to a beneficial agreement - they fake date. Alistair improves his likability outside of being a GP meanwhile Isla has the opportunity to make her ex and father of her child jealous after he left her for another woman.

As the story progresses, we really see both Alistair and Isla’s characters evolve in different ways. Isla is beginning to come to the realisation that Cam isn’t worth her tears anymore, and that her and Teddy deserve so much better instead of waiting around for Cam to realise that for himself. Alistair, eager to get back to working in Glasgow, never had the intention of staying in Kinleith for too long after the passing of his father especially after learning that he left his GP practice for him in his will. Desperate to do something for himself instead of the hand-me-downs from his father and the “I’ll put in a good word for you” gestures, Alistair intends to sell the practice but soon realises his life is looking a lot better in Kinleith than he thought after falling for Isla.

I loved seeing the personal growth of both of these characters especially since they complimented each other so well. In the previous book, we get Alistair whose ex-fiancé, Juniper, ends up with his brother Callum resulting in a fight between the brothers. We also hear about what went down between Alistair and Juniper, making Alistair somewhat unlikable. In One For The Road, we see that Alistair is a man whose love language is acts of service. While Isla isn’t this broken bird that needs fixing, Alistair shows her ways that he loves her by caring for her and Teddy. Alistair also finally allows himself to love while Isla allows herself to be loved the way she and Teddy deserve. Seeing Alistair go from “get off my lawn” grumpy old man vibe to falling so hard for Isla was everything!!!

I need to have a special mention for Isla’s daughter, Teddy, as she was such a special part of the story in helping Isla and Alistair come together. I loved the little bond that her and Alistair ended up having together, and the way she spoke to Isla about big feelings.

I personally loved the way that the relationship between Alistair and Isla didn’t feel rushed, and us as readers went through every emotion with them. Isla was that perfect character to knock through Alistair’s grumpy exterior while Alistair was also the perfect character to help ground Isla and show her how it feels to be loved.

This book was truly beautiful and easily one of my favourite reads of 2026. Elliot Fletcher has done a beautiful job at allowing these character's to come to life in such a heartfelt way. Alistair and Isla’s characters brought the best out of each others. If you love a book with a small town vibe, found family and characters that you will absolutely adore then I cannot recommend this series enough! This one really put me through all the emotions. I’m excited to see what Elliot writes next!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Read this book for:
🥃 Single Mom
🩷 Yearning
🥃 Fake Dating
🩷 Opposites Attract
🥃 Doctor x Baker
🩷 Neighbors

Synopsis
Burnt-out GP Alistair Macabe never thought he’d end up back in his hometown on the Isle of Skye. Yet after walking away from a demanding career that left him exhausted and disillusioned, the quiet island seems like the only place left to regroup.

Unfortunately, the locals aren’t exactly lining up to become his patients.

Living next door is Isla, a fiercely protective single mum who has no interest in the grumpy doctor who suddenly appeared in her life. With a painful breakup still fresh and a smug ex who seems convinced she’ll come crawling back, Isla has no patience for complications.

But when Alistair realizes that his reputation could use a boost and Isla decides she’d love to make her ex a little jealous, an unlikely plan takes shape. They will pretend to be a couple.

It should be simple. Smile for the neighbours. Hold hands at the pub. Make their story believable.

Except the longer they keep up the act, the more convincing it starts to feel. And on a small island where everyone is watching, pretending to fall in love might be the most dangerous game of all.

My Thoughts
After seeing Yearning as a trope, I was a little skeptical, especially since I didn’t love the way it was handled in Scotch on the Rocks. That one leaned a bit too far into stalker territory for my taste. But Elliot Fletcher completely proved me wrong with this book, because wow, it was so good.

I absolutely loved the grumpy neighbor falls for the single mom dynamic. Isla has been through such a rough breakup. Honestly, even calling it just a breakup feels like an understatement when you consider how awful Cameron was. Everything that came out of his mouth? Yikes. Total asshole. And yet, despite all of that, Isla still shows up for Teddy in every way that matters. She sacrifices so much to be the best mom she can be, especially financially. Truly, everyone deserves a mom like Isla.

And then there’s Alistair, the grumpy neighbor who ends up being exactly what they both need. Teddy completely melts him first, just by being her curious, genuine self, asking the kinds of questions any kid her age would. It was so natural and sweet to watch. And later on, Isla figures out how to reach that same soft side of him. Seeing that gradual shift in Alistair was one of my favorite parts. By the end, he has shed so much of that gruff exterior and allowed himself to be soft, to be happy, to finally have what he has been longing for all along.

What I really loved is how they showed up for each other. They saw each other clearly, the real versions of themselves, and even tried to help the other understand how they are perceived by the outside world. That emotional honesty made their connection feel so genuine.

I will say, though, Cameron and Annie absolutely did not get what they deserved. After everything they put Isla through, they deserved so much worse. I am still a little bitter about that, not gonna lie. Hopefully karma catches up with them eventually.

And please, please tell me this is not the last book in the Macabre series. We really need a Heather book.

[Ashleigh Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

One for the Road is the third book in The Macabe Brothers series, following burnt-out GP Alistair Macabe, who never planned to return to his tiny hometown on the Isle of Skye. After finding himself living next door to a newly-single mum, Isla, the two start a fake relationship; Alistair needs a popularity boost in order to start taking on patients again, and Isla wants to ruffle her smug ex’s feathers. With the pair taking their roles very seriously, they might just forget they are pretending after all…

I have been looking forward to Alistair’s book for so long, and I have to say, it’s my favourite of the Macabe Brothers series! Returning to the charming small town of Kinleith was so comforting, and I loved being back with the characters from the previous books in the series, as well as meeting new ones.

Isla was a great FMC. I really felt for her at the start of the book, after going through so much with her horrible ex, Cameron. I admired how she always showed up for her daughter, Teddy, no matter how tired or hopeless she felt. She had fantastic character development, and I loved seeing her rediscover her identity and her confidence bloom.

I can sometimes find kids in books a little annoying, but Teddy was such a sweet kid. Her relationship with Alistair was so lovely to read about!

After seeing snippets of Alistair in Whisky Business and Scotch on the Rocks, I was so curious about his character. It was so enlightening being in his head; he had been carrying so much without letting anyone in, so his grumpiness made sense. It was so satisfying to see Isla and Teddy soften him over time. His love language was very much acts of service and taking care of the people he loves, and I loved how thoughtful he was, as well as how much he supported Isla and Teddy.

The tension and chemistry between Alistair and Isla was incredible, and I loved their slow burn romance. The fake dating aspect was really fun, and the intimate scenes were well written. I just loved them together, especially how well they supported each other and brought out the best in each other.

The ending and epilogue had me tearing up, and I already miss Kinleith and the Macabe brothers. I am really hoping we get a Macabe sister book that centres around Heather!

Overall, I had such a great time with this book and can’t wait to read whatever Elliot Fletcher writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an eARC. This review is being left voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the third book in the Macabe Brothers series and is definitely my favorite of the series. Alistair is one of the many in the big Macabe family, he has recently returned home after their father's death to the surprising news that said father left him the familys doctor practice in his hometown. This turns his world upside down, and he begins a journey of starting over, facing the true facts of his relationship with his family and try to change his reputation in town. He is a self aware grump who talks first and thinks later which can cause some problems but he is quickly swept off his feet when his new neighbor moves in next door and changes his life forever.

Enter the new neighbor Isla, new single mother going through a very public breakup that everyone in town is talking about and works at the local coffee shop. A not so secret stress baker, she is just dealing with life day by day and giving her daughter the best that she can. Add in the mix that her ex is dodging his duties as father of the year and Isla is very much stressed, and the last thing she needs is a grumpy neighbor who loves to poke her buttons.

I loved this story from start to finish for many different reasons, first being that these two characters acted like adults throughout and made decisions after communicating. Isla is very open and honest about being a single mother, and Alistair is very open about how he is not setting down roots and wanting to move back to the city and they both do checkins with each other. They are both very starting over in their own ways and having moments of growth along that journey, you get to see the highs and lows of each in this story which I did find added alot to the story. Their relationship was a slow burn of sorts and I devoured every inch, I typically do not love slow burns but these two really sealed the deal for me. Isla's daughter, Teddy, also was a huge part of both their lives and I really loved seeing how Teddy and Alistairs relationship grew through the story. The Macabe family is also always around in this story and its great to see the strides that all of the family is making to better their family relationships.

If you are looking for a grumpy sunshine romance where two adults are having to start over, find their own identities along the way and also fall in love, have this on your TBR.

[Eilidh Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read both the earlier books in the Macabe brothers series and enjoyed both so was really excited to start One for the Road, and Elliot Fletcher did not let me down. This book introduced some great new characters, made me love some older characters and I loved being back in the Kinleith setting.

One for the Road follows Alistair, the third Macabe brother, who is burnt out and back in his home town after his Dad left him his GP Practice which was not his plan, who ends up fake dating Isla a newly-single Mum in order to try and boost his popularity within town.

Isla and Teddy are two new characters to this series and I loved the additions of both of them, I grew to really love reading about them quickly. Isla was really perfect for Alistair and seeing the way they fell for each other was really special, it was one of my favourite romances of the year so far. There were so many scenes that I loved and I can't wait to reread this book when my physical copy arrives after release. Alistair really grew on me a lot over this book compared to my perception of him from Scotch on the Rocks, he might be my new favourite Macabe brother now.

Teddy was a very cute addition to this book, seeing her bond with Alistair was really special and we got to see more of Heather in this book too, through her friendship with Isla and Teddy's friendship with her daughters. I am still hoping that we might get a Heather book in the future because I would love to follow her and see her get her happily ever after.

Being back in Kinleith was exactly what I needed this month with everything I had going on and it was nice to get know some other residents of Kinleith better and meet some new ones too. The main characters of Whisky Business and Scotch on the Rocks also appeared frequently throughout this book which I loved, it was particularly nice to see how Mal and April's life has gone since Whisky Business has finished.

Overall, this was a great conclusion to this series and I am really looking forward to whatever Elliot Fletcher releases next. I would highly recommend starting this series if you haven't already and if you have reading this one when it comes out at the start of June.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC! I was fortunate enough to receive the ARC for Scotch on the Rocks ( book 2 in this series) and I am so excited to continue receiving ARC's of this series.

I have really enjoyed reading this adorable romance series by Elliot Fletcher, set in picturesque Scotland. One for the road features Alistair Macabe, a grumpy doctor that, unlike his other siblings, wants nothing more then to get away from the small town he grew up in. He is disappointed with where his life has taken him and he is constantly facing his past mistakes, not only as a doctor, but also seeing his brother Callum dating Alistair's ex finance. (not a spoiler, this is from book 2). He does not believe he is a good guy and combined with all the pressure from his father, Alistair has no ides what his future will hold.

Enter Isla, a bubbly and colorful single mom who just moved in next door. She is the exact kind of neighbor that Alistair does not want. She is loud, plays music all the time, has a car that is not reliable at all, and to top it all off, she is beautiful. While on the surface Isla is a ray of sunshine, she is also grappling with a very recent divorce, no money, and the small town knowing about the scandal. She just wants to do what is best for her daughter and try to figure out how to be on her own for the first time.

When Isla needs a partner for a baking competition, with a cash prize that she could really use, and Alistair needs to raise the patient ratings of the local clinic, they devise a fake dating plan. Over the span of their fake relationship, they grow closer, they open up to each other, and they grow as individuals. Both of them have been living for others for so long that they have to face their pasts and really decide what they want out of life.

I love how they are an unlikely duo that ends up balancing each other so well. Isla and her daughter fit in so well with the Macabe family and as everything begins to fall into place, they find comfort and support in each other that they have never felt with anyone else.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and everything else I have read from Elliot fletcher. I hope my suspicion of the love interest for Heather Macabe is right....She truly deserves some happiness just like her brothers!

[onlyhereforthehea · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

One for the Road is the latest installment in the Macabe Brothers series by Elliot Fletcher, and just like the previous two, I absolutely devoured this one.

This story follows Alistair, a burned-out doctor who returns to his hometown after his father’s death and some unfortunate workplace politics. He ends up living on the outskirts of town in a quiet, cozy cottage, hoping for a bit of peace and solitude. That plan doesn’t last long when sunshiny baker Isla, and her adorable daughter, Teddy, move in next door….with a surprise adjoining door between their homes.

What follows is a grumpy/sunshine, single mom romance packed with so much yearning and tension it honestly felt like the pages might catch fire. Alistair starts off as your typical standoffish, arrogant, aloof MMC, but underneath all of that he’s very much a loving, acts-of-service king. Isla, on the other hand, is trying to rebuild after her husband very publicly leaves her for his ex. She’s struggling financially, emotionally, and just needs something in her life to finally go right.

Enter: a baking competition that requires a partner, an ex-husband who needs to be put in his place, and a town that hasn’t exactly warmed up to Alistair. With Isla needing help and Alistair needing the town to like him, the two strike a deal. Cue the fake dating.

I loved both Alistair and Isla individually, but I loved them even more together. They’re complete opposites, yet somehow they give each other exactly what they need. Isla softens Alistair in the best way, helping him find happiness in his job, his home and his life again. In turn, Alistair shows Isla that it’s okay to let someone in, even when it’s scary, and that taking that risk can be worth it.

The slow burn here is very slow, but it absolutely pays off. The tension, the longing, the quiet moments between them, it all builds so well. Add in some solid spice, found family, small-town charm, and a lot of heart, and this was just such a satisfying read.

If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I definitely recommend starting it. It’s a great one, and this latest installment is no exception.

🌟Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy

This is the third in the Macabe brothers series. We're now following Alistair, a burnt-out doctor who's unwillingly returned home after a few tumultuous years. However, his grumpy attitude is getting in the way of his business thriving. Isla, a newly single mum, moves next door and is having her own professional and personal issues. They decide to solve both their problems with a little fake relationship scheme :)

TW: death of family member (off page), professional burnout, gaslighting/manipulative ex

I enjoyed this book a lot. I read it quickly, so clearly I couldn't put it down :)

It's a harder needle to thread after the last one. Alistair has made a lot of mistakes, which have impacted other main characters, so building empathy for him while also showing the growth he has made was well done.
His self-perception of being the black sheep/the bad brother made me really feel for him. I love his bonding with Teddy; that was a real highlight of the book. I also enjoyed him going to Calum and Juniper for advice, that's growth baby :)

Isla was wonderful. I really related to her financial stress; she was just trying to keep everything afloat. Being so young when she became a mother, she didn't really have a sense of identity and felt inadequate in all aspects of her life. I loved all that. When she stood up for herself, and Teddy at the end, it was so cathartic :) Cameron was obviously awful, and his actions seemed realistic. I've seen that scenario play out in real life. I think a character like Annie is difficult to do well as you need to have a multitude of women out there, and some suck :D I think it may have read as a stereotype of a mean girl at points, but I think the moments near the end helped complicate my opinion of her.

There are a few spicy scenes for fans of that. I really liked a spicy scene that started via an argument. I thought it was well done.

If you like grumpy/sunshine and small-town romance. Definitely check this out.

ALSO I'm really hoping we get a Heather book, she deserves a HEA :)

[Ananya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect love story i could ever wish.
So cute, So fun, So emotional and So spicyyyyy at the same time. I am in absolute love. The banter between the two characters was a par the best you can ask for.

I would like to point out each and every thing i loved about this book-
~The personality of MMC: Alistair is the HANDS DOWN THE BEST MMC i have read till now. His grumpy personality was so unique. And can we talk about the dirty mouth of his. OH GOD! I am actually so obsessed this character. I loved that his love language was taking care of people without them knowing. That thing really suited so perfectly to his character. He is the best man i can ever ask for.
~Hottest s*xual tension- I loved the brewing tension between those. And Alistair being a doctor by profession just added a perfect touch to this tension. So HOTTTT. That kissing scene in water, had we sweating. That was my favourite scene.
~Deep Inner monologue- The inner monologue was very thoughtfully and beautifully written. This definitely helped me establishing a deep bond with characters. This had this real effect on me for loving the character from depth of my heart.
~Macabe Family- WOW! This was the most loving family i have ever read. They were so supportive of each other. It was so refreshing to read a such a beautiful family relations.
~ There's this very odd point i would like to point out. At the end during cooking competition the author kept Juniper out of the scene. It was actually so logical thing to do. That the whole focus of reader would be on Alistair and Isla. And to not to provide any context about Alistair's past history with Juniper.

At the end i would like to conclude that this author is seriously the best thoughtful writer i have read. A single book from her and i am an instant fan.

5/5 stars, throughout!

So if you are into small town, single mom, grumpy but dirty talking mmc, baker FMC then this is for you for sure.
Thank you HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this amazing book.

[Stephanie McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬:

🤰🏼 Single Mum
❌ Fake dating
🏝️ Remote island of Skye
🚪 Neighbours
↔️ Opposites attract

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

I was beyond excited to be sent an ARC to the third book in the Macabe Brothers series from @netgalley. I adored the first two books, and the third was no different ❤️

Burnt-out GP Alistair Macabe never expected to end up back in his small Isle of Skye hometown—especially living next door to Isla, a newly single mum who has no patience for his moody attitude. When Alistair needs to win over the locals to rebuild his practice, and Isla is keen to get under her ex’s skin, the two strike up a mutually beneficial deal: a fake relationship. But as they lean into their roles a little too convincingly, the lines between pretend and real begin to blur…

Oh Alistair was a real grumpy SOAB 🤣 but we’re all for that, especially when Isla and Teddy melt down the icy exterior. He could be a proper gentleman and became quite protective (and possessive) of Isla. I loved it.

Now Isla, she was a very relatable character. She was a Fleetwood Mac-blasting, baking, Mumma just trying her best. After being completely blindsided and broken-hearted from her ex, her whole world revolved her daughter. She was the best. She might have had reservations and insecurities about opening up her heart again, but Alistair seemed to be EXACTLY what she needed. Maaan, did he dote on and cherish her. The body confidence he gave her as well…. GAHHHH! 😍

I loved the small town setting in Skye. I had grown rather attached to the characters from the previous books, so it was great to be reunited again. And I’m really glad that Alistair had a bit of a redemption story after his downfall with Juniper and his career.

Overall, I absolutely loved this. I’m so gutted it’s over. If you love a small town romance - especially a Scottish one - then get yourself started on Whisky Business and Scotch on the Rocks before this beauty is released in June ❤️☀️

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

R E V I E W

One for the Road by Elliot Fletcher

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by HarperCollinsUK, HarperFiction via Netgalley

☆☆☆☆☆

Having read the first two books in this surprisingly steamy and charming Scottish romance series, I thought I knew what to expect with One for the Road. Though I will admit the thought of Alistair Macabe, the other brother, being the MMC did give me pause after what we learned of him from Juniper's story. But I should have trusted Fletcher to do what she does best; create a swoon-worthy book boyfriend from an unlikely hero. A socially awkward scotsman in Mal? Yes please. A sweet-talking veterinarian in Callum? I'll take two of those, thanks. A grumpy doctor with OCD tendencies? If you insist. Alistair Macabe was an unexpectedly interesting character, a filthy-mouthed lover and potentially the most engaging Macabe brother of the lot!

One for the Road tells the story of Alistair Macabe, the middle Macabe brother forced to return home with the death of his father. Having inherited his dad's doctors surgery, Alistair is stuck in Kinleith until he can sell the practice- a difficult task given no one in the town likes him very much. Enter Isla Lang, a newly single mother just trying to get her life on track after her partner's betrayal, and Alistair's new neighbour. With only thin walls between them and a connecting door bridging the gap, avoiding Isla and her daughter proves impossible for the taciturn and serious doctor, despite his many attempts. But when the opportunity to improve his social standing in the town arises in the form of a fake relationship with his neighbour, Alistair is forced to admit that staying in Kinleith isn't the punishment he thought it once was, not as lines blur, walls come down and feelings that were once 'fake' become to feel very real.

A deliciously addictive read full of Scottish charm, Scottish phrases and entertaining banter. I can't wait for Heather's book!

[Maaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC. My thoughts are my own and I am leaving a voluntary review.

**

I can’t believe we already have the third Macabe brother book. Alastair has intrigued me from the start and I’ve struggled to understand him. So to have his book in my hands felt both exciting and daunting. We know so little of him and getting to peel all those cold layers back was a tempting offer.

And what a treasure he turned out to be! A man who has had to grow up in the shadow of not only his brothers but his father who hasn’t made it easy for any of them. And then to have everything happen not only with Jupiter years ago but also what happened in Glasgow that made him move back to Skye is pretty much impossible for a single person to carry. It’s no wonder he’s acted the way he has in previous books. This one truly opened my eyes to him and made me fall in love.

Isla, oh Isla. The struggles this woman has gone through is a lot. And poor Teddy, being so young and in this situation is no cake-walk either. I was so glad to see Teddy and Ali grow closer; it might be an unlikely friendship but I truly think it benefitted both of them.

I also really love the plot of this book! I’m a sucker for fake dating and while there definitely was nothing fake here (even if these two took their time to understand that), it was so much fun. And it felt natural. They have insane chemistry and the way they organically grew closer and closer until there was no air separating them was so fun to witness. Love to see that happens, especially when he falls the hardest.

I want to also highlight the spice! Yes, the book is slow burn so it’ll be a good while before they get it on, it’s definitely worth the wait. The talking and guiding in the couch might be one of my favorites and something I’ll come back to for sure! Excellent, chefs kiss.

What an absolute delight of a book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Wow! Elliot absolutely saved her best book for last. One for the Road is by far my favorite of this series! Within just a few chapters, I was already thinking, “Yeah, okay, I like this.”

Isla is so perfectly likable. Not flawless, but trying everyday to take care of her daughter Teddy, move forward from an unfair, horrible breakup, and restart her life after years putting herself last. Her sincerity, grit, and good nature had me joining Team Isla almost immediately. (That is all I want in a romance book these days - to be wooed into rooting for these characters. When an author can make me care about their characters, we are on the fast track to winning) The fact that she and Alister were neighbors - practically roommates - made for all kinds of fun shenanigans.

Up to this point, we know Alister as the closed off, bitter doctor whose brother and ex-fiancé ended up together in a previous book. Alister started to grow on me when he begin interacting more with Teddy. The way he talked to her, played Legos with her… Those sweet moments showed us little peeks of his deeply buried soft side. Then, we started getting Alister’s reactions to Isla’s ex Cameron… that about made the book for me. “Straight-talking and hilariously petty when it came to defending the people they cared about.” I loved his righteous indignation for how Cameron had been treating Isla all these years. I kept thinking YES 👏 SIR 👏 He and Isla were a wonderful, opposites-attract match. Everything you want from the trope — they balance each other, offer strength for the other’s weaknesses, spur on growth and change. They were great together.

From the selling of the hospital to the bake off to the interpersonal relationships amongst the townspeople, there were many engaging plot points to keep the reader hooked. The ending? A delight. This book surprised me - I would wholeheartedly recommend!

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

One for the Road is a compelling small-town romance that balances humour, emotional vulnerability, and steady character development. Despite being the third instalment in the Macabe Brothers series, it works effectively as a standalone. I have not read the first two books, yet I was able to engage with the characters and storyline without feeling lost or disconnected.
Alistair Macabe is a convincingly written protagonist — a burnt-out GP returning to a hometown he clearly has complicated feelings about. His guarded nature contrasts well with Isla, a newly single mother who is practical, resilient, and unwilling to tolerate unnecessary drama. Their initial dynamic is tense and often confrontational, which makes the progression of their relationship feel earned rather than rushed.
The fake dating trope is handled with care. What begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement gradually develops into something more nuanced, with believable emotional stakes. The author allows space for both characters to confront personal challenges, particularly around trust, self-worth, and starting over.
The Isle of Skye setting plays a significant role in shaping the tone of the novel. It enhances the sense of intimacy and isolation that often accompanies small-town romances, while also reinforcing the themes of return, belonging, and healing.
Key Themes & Tropes
Fake relationship
Grumpy x independent heroine
Small-town setting
Single parent storyline
Emotional healing and second chances
Rating
4.5 stars
Final Thoughts
This is an engaging and well-paced romance that delivers both emotional depth and satisfying character arcs. It is particularly effective for readers who enjoy slow-burn relationships and small-town settings. The fact it can be read and enjoyed without prior knowledge of the series makes it an accessible and worthwhile read

[Rose Colored Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Elliot Fletcher touches turns to gold, and One For the Road is no exception: this is small town perfection with all the warmth of a homemade apple pie (made with love) tucked inside. I adored getting to know and fall head over heels for Alistair and Isla! Their relationship as well as their individual characterization is so unique and singular to this story. Neither fit into one neat trope or category, and because of that, they leap off the page in a way that feels so intimate, like meeting up with an old friend. I wasn’t certain how I would feel about Alistair after Juniper and Callum’s story but I couldn’t love him more. Allow me to assuage that fear to any other readers out there who are curious! He has all the makings of a modern Mr. Darcy in his complexity and stoicism, as well as his utter and complete devotion to Isla. He is easily a new favorite fictional man. And sweet Isla. She spoke to me so deeply— she isn’t a specific archetype in the way you can become used to in this genre. I loved her bite, so to speak. She’s such a perfect blend of sunshine and spice. Seeing her overcome her own internal battles as well as hand her ex a heaping plate of humble pie was immensely gratifying, and I so appreciated the emphasis on her getting what she needed, both from her romantic relationships but also from her own life on a broader scale. Fletcher is a masterclass in small town romance. It is such a bittersweet goodbye to the Macabes! If you haven’t yet picked this series up, I cannot recommend enough for when you need to truly escape, have a little cry, giggle, and kick your feet— then start all over again with the next brother. Perfect for fans of Jessica Joyce and Tarah DeWitt. Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy! All opinions expressed are honest and my own. 5 stars ⭐️

[Ashley O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Elliot Fletcher, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC copy of One for the Road

There’s truly a Macabe brother for every situation. However, Alistair might just top them all.

What to Expect
🧡 Small town Scottland
🧡 Forced Proximity
🧡 Single Mom
🧡 Fake Dating
🧡 He yearns (and is willing to beg)
🧡 Opposites Attract
🧡 Dual POV

Estranged doctor Alistair Macabe didn’t plan on returning to his tiny hometown on the Isle of Skye. Especially since he worked so hard to leave it, and his memories, behind. When he returns home to take over his father’s practice he certainly didn't plan on living next door to Isla Lang, a single mother whose patience for brooding doctors is zero.
However, Alistair needs a serious reputation makeover to win back the trust of the local patients, and Isla is looking for a way to get back at her smug ex-husband.. On paper, a fake relationship is the perfect solution for them both. Alistair improves his reputation and Isla gets to rebuild her character and reputation. But in true fake relationship fashion performance and reality begins to blur and they might just forget they were faking at all.
Alistair was notably my least favorite in books one and two. Mal and Callum are Scottish perfection. However, Elliot really sold me on Alistair in this book. Truthfully, he might be crowned the top Macabe brother. Seeing him with Isla and Teddy it’s so evident that he’s misunderstood, quiet, and broody, but deeply caring and intentional. Isla was the perfect example of what starting fresh can look like. Rebranding herself into a whole new person who doesn’t need someone to pick up her broken pieces.
The slow burn in this book was SLOOOOOOOOW but the tension and angst made it so worth it. I literally devoured this book. And here’s to hoping Heather gets her own book. 🤞

[CWilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This latest installment of The Macabe Brothers did NOT disappoint!

Alistair and Isla come together to try to help each other with their complementing strengths, and find themselves struggling to keep a distance. The chemistry is gorgeous, the slow burn is fantastic, and Alistair can't stop himself from trying to make Isla's life easier, despite being so damn grumpy. They are electric. Their individual flaws make each character so charming and relatable, and their heat together leaves you breathless.

Alistair, our imperfect MMC, is a bit of a mess. Ok, maybe he's a lot of a mess. His once promising career has been up in smoke for years, his complicated relationship with his dad just ended in him passing, his ex-fiance is dating his brother, and he's stuck in his hometown until he finds a buyer for the medical practice his dad left him that he doesn't want. He feels fully screwed over by life until a single mom that somehow seems to be even more of a mess moves into the adjoining apartment and, despite her sheer existence annoying the life out of him, Alistar just can't look away.

Isla, our determinedly sunny FMC, is fighting to rebuild a life for herself and daughter after her ex-boyfriend exploded her previous one by cheating with his (I swear, it's platonic) best friend. Even better, said ex appears to be the darling of the town and has moved into her old house, renovating all traces of Isla from existence. Life sucks, but Isla will cling to every silver lining she can find to keep a brave face for her daughter.

I loved every minute of this book and highly recommend it.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla and Alistair's age gap was somewhat wide for their ages but it never seemed to be a factor except for a few offhand comments about her being nearly a decade younger. The only time I remembered she was younger was when her thoughts revealed her worries. Maybe she needed to be in her 20s to make her naiveté easier to understand? I really felt for her and her shitty circumstances, just heartbreaking. I so badly wanted someone to just make it better for her (which I suppose her next door neighbor did) and for her to be able to stand on her own two feet.

I was surprised at how much I liked Alistair. I could tell his heart was in the right place even if he was constantly doing and saying things that could be off putting. After getting to know him in this story, it's hard to believe he ever and Juniper were ever together aside from him always cursing. Callum may still be my favorite brother but Alistair is a close second (I like them all). When Isla and Alistair actually communicated instead of lying by omission or only saying partially what they mean, I really liked their connection! Their spicy scenes were so fitting for who they are but for all the talk of the thin wall between them, I was disappointed there wasn't a scene of one hearing the other.

A huge storyline in the book with the FMC's ex just made me incredibly sad for everyone involved. I'm not sure if it was handled with the care it deserved or if I was satisfied with the resolution or lack thereof, or maybe it was just *too* realistic and I just wanted better for their family ... unicorns and rainbows.

Loving the Macabe brothers but let's get the sister a love too! Sad to see the series end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to enjoy this book!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!

I enjoyed Whiskey Business, but this one really felt like Elliot Fletcher has found her footing. It’s warmer, deeper, and just more settled in itself.

Set in the Isle of Skye, I loved the small-town atmosphere and the little glimpses of Scottish life woven into the story. Alistair is a gruff GP dealing with grief and in serious need of an personality fix, while Isla is a single mum trying to stay afloat financially and emotionally after her ex-husband’s betrayal. When they agree to a fake relationship to help each other out—him with his reputation, her with a baking competition and prize money—it starts off practical, but slowly becomes something real.

What I loved most was how Alistair showed up for Isla. Offering his shower, buying a car seat, sitting with Teddy when she was upset. That last scene especially made me tear up. It reminded me of that soft, emotional moment between Willa and Lucas in Heartless.

There’s also a nice layer of growth here. Through Isla, Alistair starts to realise that loving someone isn’t about taking over or deciding for them, and that felt really meaningful. Isla also becomes more confident of herself and learns to take back the power from her ex and his girlfriend.

By this third book, the side characters also feel more developed and part of a real community, which made the story even more enjoyable.

I love romances where both characters grow just by being together, and this was definitely one of them. I was rooting for them the whole way through.

Now I’m just here with a soft spot for gruff men who love quietly.

Feels like: having whiskey outdoors in the evening
If you like: Cade Eaton from Heartless, fake dating, sweet kids, and quiet acts of love

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnt-out GP Alistair Macabe never planned to return to his tiny hometown on the Isle of Skye. Especially not to live next door to Isla, a newly-single mum with zero time for grumpy doctors.

But when Alistair needs a popularity boost in order to start taking on patients again, and Isla wants to ruffle her smug ex’s feathers, a fake relationship seems like the perfect solution.

And with the pair taking their roles very seriously, they might just forget they are pretending after all ...

A big thanks to netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an early copy of this book! I was super excited to receive an e-arc. I loved book one and two, but was eager to dive into Alistair’s story. He comes off as a major asshole in the first two, but I knew there had to be more to him and his backstory. I really love grumpy mmc; there’s something about the “grumpy but soft only for you” trope that I will eat up like candy. Watching Isla come into her power and learn how enough she was as a woman and a mom was so relatable and heart-warming to witness. Her ex was such a DICK and Isla deserved soo much better. Seeing Alistair stick up for her but also learn how to give her space to stand on her own got me like 😩🫠💪 and the relationship between Alistair and Teddy? So stinking sweet🥹

✨remote Scottish island
✨fake dating
✨single mom
✨dual pov
✨lonely neighbors
✨opposites attract

I honestly gobbled this one up. Everything Scotland is an easy yes for me. If you like small Scottish island/small town vibes with romance and brothers falling head over heel, this series is for you.

[Kayne Spooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s so fun to be back for another romcom in beautiful Kinleith, Scotland! This is Alistair and Isla’s story and I think it’s the best of the series! Alistair is a grumpy doctor who has met his match when lovely Isla and her daughter, Teddy, move into the cottage next door. Alistair has taken over the surgery practice his father left him in his will, but he is burned out and wants to sell it as soon as possible. The only problem is the patient feedback scores are low because he is such a grouch! Isla is recently divorced and her husband has already moved another woman into their home! He’s also been bad about paying child support and visiting Teddy. There is a baking competition (Cairns and Crusts) coming up at the summer fair and Isla needs to win the prize money. She’s a baker working at Brown’s Coffee and Cakes and everyone in town loves her. Alistair asks her to be his fake girlfriend to help his image. Her ex treats her like she’s a loser and she thinks fake dating Alistair will show her awful ex, she’s happy and doing fine without him.

The Cairns and Crust baking contest at the fair is THE BEST! The banter between Isla and Alistair is hilarious. As the story unfolds, we find out more about what they both have been through and overcome (and Teddy too!). I enjoyed both Whisky Business and Scotch on the Rocks and there’s lots of humor as we catch up with the Macabe brothers. I hope we get Heather’s story next. This is spot on for readers looking for a spicy, Scottish romcom! Thanks to the author, @Avonbooks and @HarperVoyagerUS and NetGalley for the ARC.