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The Macabe Brothers #3
One for the Road
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 12:57:52
50 copies available
U.S. only
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 …
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 …
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
August 6, 2026
“I want you to be selfish with me. Every day for the rest of your life, because you can be damn sure I’ll be selfish with you.”
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He did not beg (as much as I thought he would).
I would recommand reading this one, didn't love the audio.
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I heard he begs?
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He did not beg (as much as I thought he would).
I would recommand reading this one, didn't love the audio.
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I heard he begs?
May 18, 2026
4 ⭐️ This series is such a good time, every time!
Listen, this is an ARC review because, somehow, I got lucky enough to get this as an ARC through Net Galley, which is still an unbelievable experience almost 5 years into deciding this was going to be my go-to hobby. Getting some of my favourite authors' books FOR FREE!? Like, someone pinch me, you know?
The first book in this series was a rec I got through a friend on Goodreads, and I'm so, so happy I gave that first book a chance! Elliot Fletcher was an author I'd never heard of before, but something just felt right. After that first book, I was ready to devour anything this author may have put out in the future. Months later, I was shocked to find the second book I'd been waiting patiently for on Net Galley. And to my even bigger shock, I got the ARC! And now, here we are, years later, another ARC by Elliot Fletcher, and another 4-star read!
This took a slightly different tone than the past two books, but there's still that steadiness this author brings to their romances. Alistair was a character I'd wanted to see get his own book since the very first time we hear of him in book one. And after Junie's book!? I needed to see his side of the story. Maybe see if this guy could be redeemable. And, boy, is he! Isla's story was also interesting and heartbreaking to read about, but everything makes sense in the end.
Just... this series is so good. I'm 10000% reading whatever else this author's got cooking up.
Listen, this is an ARC review because, somehow, I got lucky enough to get this as an ARC through Net Galley, which is still an unbelievable experience almost 5 years into deciding this was going to be my go-to hobby. Getting some of my favourite authors' books FOR FREE!? Like, someone pinch me, you know?
The first book in this series was a rec I got through a friend on Goodreads, and I'm so, so happy I gave that first book a chance! Elliot Fletcher was an author I'd never heard of before, but something just felt right. After that first book, I was ready to devour anything this author may have put out in the future. Months later, I was shocked to find the second book I'd been waiting patiently for on Net Galley. And to my even bigger shock, I got the ARC! And now, here we are, years later, another ARC by Elliot Fletcher, and another 4-star read!
This took a slightly different tone than the past two books, but there's still that steadiness this author brings to their romances. Alistair was a character I'd wanted to see get his own book since the very first time we hear of him in book one. And after Junie's book!? I needed to see his side of the story. Maybe see if this guy could be redeemable. And, boy, is he! Isla's story was also interesting and heartbreaking to read about, but everything makes sense in the end.
Just... this series is so good. I'm 10000% reading whatever else this author's got cooking up.
June 7, 2026
Squeals, I loved this book so very much. Isla and Alistair had A+ banter right from the jump and I just could not have loved their connection more. I absolutely adore a hero with a secret heart of gold and Alistair fit that to a T—seeing how much he cared for his loved ones, Isla and Teddy included, just made me so stinking happy. When Alistair would sit right on the floor and play Legos with Teddy? Honestly, give me more because I live for that kind of shit. This book, and series, completely charmed me and I would take a dozen more if ever the author wrote them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.
June 27, 2026
Elliot Fletcher is fast becoming a must read ASAP author for me; I was so excited to see how Alistair found his HEA after being sort of an antagonist in Scotch on the Rocks.
Single mom with a jerk ex (money wise, not "i'm trying to take the kid solo" wise thank goodness), stern doctor with a secret heart of gold, eldest sibling energy. Beautiful Scotland. What more can you want?
I cannot wait to listen on audio as these have been very good so far in that format.
Single mom with a jerk ex (money wise, not "i'm trying to take the kid solo" wise thank goodness), stern doctor with a secret heart of gold, eldest sibling energy. Beautiful Scotland. What more can you want?
I cannot wait to listen on audio as these have been very good so far in that format.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ☆Alistair was always a mystery for me, that one Macabe brother that I barely knew anything about and that only made me more excited for his story. I can now confidently say that I was not disappointed and this might take Whiskey Business out of his top spot.
To be honest, Alistair is not the most likeable character you’ll meet, his moody, a little self centered and a very bad neighbor . But all his bad qualities were quickly outshined by the good in him (I’ll keep those a secret, so anyone can experience first hand) and all the changes that happened to him over the course of this book that made him a better person. I got really invested in seeing his grumpy ass fall in love not only with Isla but also with life itself.
Isla was the perfect match to Alistair and to this story. Her journey here was so real it was tough at times, seeing her struggles trying to be a good mother but also trying her hardest to be good for herself too was hard. Being in both their heads made me too desperate to see them together, because it was clear as day that all they needed was to rely on each other a little bit and every single piece would fall right into place.
The book has a perfect balance between creating a perfect atmosphere (I loved every single side character), portraying the characters feelings and actions and also giving me that craving for more. It’s the type of writing that I’m always desperate for, and the reason why I loved this so much.
I feel like I need to praise Elliot Fletcher for creating such amazing characters, the Macabe Brothers won a place in my heart and I really hope we’ll get Heather’s book (I’m desperate for it actually).
_______
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing this eARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 21, 2026
2⭐️
how about throw me into the road so i never have to read this again
how about throw me into the road so i never have to read this again
May 22, 2026
Big thank you to Avon for the eARC 🏴
This was unbelievably sweet (see what I did there?) I have loved the Macabe brothers since summer ‘23 and it’s so bittersweet to say goodbye to them. Alistair was always an interesting guy to me so I wasn’t sure exactly how she was going to write his story, but it was so so good. Isla is a single mom to the most adorable, Lego loving little girl Teddy, and when the two of them move into the cottage/condo sort of home right next to grumpy town doctor Alistair, the two don’t get off on the right foot.
I really loved the progression of their relationship from dislike to intrigue to simmering tension to full blown attraction (and in Alistair’s case, wanting to drop everything for her and Teddy) — it felt very natural, not too quick, not too drawn out. They also weren’t perfect which I appreciated; I love a flawed character because then we get one of the best parts of a story… the character growth. Every conflict made sense, they had to learn how to communicate since they didn’t have the same style of it, and they put other things over their relationship at times which totally makes sense in my opinion. If a couple has no identity outside of their relationship, I’m not interesting. But these two had their own goals, hopes, dreams, and achievements, and didn’t dim anything for the other just because they’re now in it for the long haul. And I appreciate that Teddy (the child) wasn’t pushed to the side and forgotten about OR made to seem older/younger than she actually was. Too often you have a child in a book and they don’t act anything like a child or are ignored altogether, but not this time.
If you haven’t read any of the Macabe brothers books, I would highly recommend because they are the perfect blend of hot Scottish men and swoon-worthy romance 💘
This was unbelievably sweet (see what I did there?) I have loved the Macabe brothers since summer ‘23 and it’s so bittersweet to say goodbye to them. Alistair was always an interesting guy to me so I wasn’t sure exactly how she was going to write his story, but it was so so good. Isla is a single mom to the most adorable, Lego loving little girl Teddy, and when the two of them move into the cottage/condo sort of home right next to grumpy town doctor Alistair, the two don’t get off on the right foot.
I really loved the progression of their relationship from dislike to intrigue to simmering tension to full blown attraction (and in Alistair’s case, wanting to drop everything for her and Teddy) — it felt very natural, not too quick, not too drawn out. They also weren’t perfect which I appreciated; I love a flawed character because then we get one of the best parts of a story… the character growth. Every conflict made sense, they had to learn how to communicate since they didn’t have the same style of it, and they put other things over their relationship at times which totally makes sense in my opinion. If a couple has no identity outside of their relationship, I’m not interesting. But these two had their own goals, hopes, dreams, and achievements, and didn’t dim anything for the other just because they’re now in it for the long haul. And I appreciate that Teddy (the child) wasn’t pushed to the side and forgotten about OR made to seem older/younger than she actually was. Too often you have a child in a book and they don’t act anything like a child or are ignored altogether, but not this time.
If you haven’t read any of the Macabe brothers books, I would highly recommend because they are the perfect blend of hot Scottish men and swoon-worthy romance 💘
July 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this one. It follows two imperfect and sometimes unlikable characters who genuinely bring out the best in each other, and their growth felt earned rather than forced.
At first, I was worried it was going to lean too heavily into the classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The MMC has always been described really poorly in the past books and I had a lot of reservations about him and whether he could turn it around. He was so grumpy, and the FMC was almost too cheerful, so I expected a fairly predictable romance. Thankfully, the story went much deeper than that. As they got to know each other, their chemistry felt authentic, and watching them evolve together was one of my favorite parts of the book. I will say that these characters can be extremely frustrating at times. You definitely want to tell them to pull their heads out of their asses a couple of times but I can understand why they act the way they do.
This book blends seamlessly with the characters from the previous two books and I loved revisiting them! Patiently waiting for Heathers story!
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
At first, I was worried it was going to lean too heavily into the classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The MMC has always been described really poorly in the past books and I had a lot of reservations about him and whether he could turn it around. He was so grumpy, and the FMC was almost too cheerful, so I expected a fairly predictable romance. Thankfully, the story went much deeper than that. As they got to know each other, their chemistry felt authentic, and watching them evolve together was one of my favorite parts of the book. I will say that these characters can be extremely frustrating at times. You definitely want to tell them to pull their heads out of their asses a couple of times but I can understand why they act the way they do.
This book blends seamlessly with the characters from the previous two books and I loved revisiting them! Patiently waiting for Heathers story!
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
May 26, 2026
There is just something about a mean who yearns that feels so right, like the universe is healing.. my question is how fast do i have to shake the book just for the man to fall out??
God i had such a marvellous time reading this books and im not exaggerating.
I have been in quite a slump, life gets in the way sometimes and i have not been able to read as much as i want to, but my hands were itching to read this one.
And it didn’t disappoint me one bit.
Tension, found family, cute moments together with the cutest child i have ever come across in a book, hot scenes with a side of cold showers??
THIS HAD IT ALLLL
Alistair and Isla had such good chemistry every time i read their scenes, a different kind of chemistry from Juniper and Cal, whose chemistry can be found between intense and “even if you are a little insane i am still in love with you”, whereas Alistair and Isla had a slow build “let’s just tolerate each other” to “where was this person all my life”
AND IT S OK TO LOVE THEM BOTH I KNOW I DO
Thank you ti the publisher for the arc
This got me out of my slump so u better believe I am giving 5⭐️
Rtc
God i had such a marvellous time reading this books and im not exaggerating.
I have been in quite a slump, life gets in the way sometimes and i have not been able to read as much as i want to, but my hands were itching to read this one.
And it didn’t disappoint me one bit.
Tension, found family, cute moments together with the cutest child i have ever come across in a book, hot scenes with a side of cold showers??
THIS HAD IT ALLLL
Alistair and Isla had such good chemistry every time i read their scenes, a different kind of chemistry from Juniper and Cal, whose chemistry can be found between intense and “even if you are a little insane i am still in love with you”, whereas Alistair and Isla had a slow build “let’s just tolerate each other” to “where was this person all my life”
AND IT S OK TO LOVE THEM BOTH I KNOW I DO
Thank you ti the publisher for the arc
This got me out of my slump so u better believe I am giving 5⭐️
Rtc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
June 8, 2026
4.5-4.75ish, looks like I’m on a 4.5-to-5 stars streak
Dear Honor, I loved them!
People told me to read the first two books before diving into One for the Road but I didn’t listen and I have zero regrets. I can confirm this book works very well as standalone. I plan to go back to previous books but as someone who pays way too much attention if standalones in a series are really standalones - this one was just PERFECT. Other couples didn’t take the spotlight from main couple and there was just enough context provided. I didn’t feel like I was missing any significant details and also there were NOT too many details about other characters.
Ok, but back to Isla and Alistair - loved them individually and together. Loved how their relationship developed. He’s a bit of an a-hole but when it comes down to it, he isn’t. I have extreme levels of empathy for divorced FMCs, especially if the ex was not appreciating them, and add the kid to the mix - Isla stole my heart from the very beginning.
Cameron (the ex) should just get lost. There were times I wanted to scream at Isla to just get the f out of this town or at least take proper legal action. While it made me angry, I could see how her actions and decisions in terms of relationship with the father of her child made sense for her character, considering her childhood.
Both characters have their own issues to go through and they both do by the end - the characters development is very much there.
The fake dating that was not really fake at all - BIG YES.
I could not put this book down!!! Loved the plotline, storytelling, execution, the writing itself - simply loved the whole thing!
I’m a bit sad the series is finished (please do correct me if I’m wrong) cause I was hoping for Heather’s book. Maybe she will get her own series or sth 👀 I would love to see her as main character, but in the meantime I have books #1 and #2 to catch up with!
Oh, and spice that was not the main focus but just added to the story. There were 3 or 4 spicy scenes, pretty far into the story (slow burn, yaaaas 🔥) and were placed just perfectly in the storyline.
Fake dating , single mom (I mean, the dad is there but really he isn’t), fake dating, neighbors, opposites attract, Scottish setting, he’s a doctor, slow burn, yearning
Check out my reading updates, I added some of my highlights there ;)
Big thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for the eARC
Dear Honor, I loved them!
People told me to read the first two books before diving into One for the Road but I didn’t listen and I have zero regrets. I can confirm this book works very well as standalone. I plan to go back to previous books but as someone who pays way too much attention if standalones in a series are really standalones - this one was just PERFECT. Other couples didn’t take the spotlight from main couple and there was just enough context provided. I didn’t feel like I was missing any significant details and also there were NOT too many details about other characters.
Ok, but back to Isla and Alistair - loved them individually and together. Loved how their relationship developed. He’s a bit of an a-hole but when it comes down to it, he isn’t. I have extreme levels of empathy for divorced FMCs, especially if the ex was not appreciating them, and add the kid to the mix - Isla stole my heart from the very beginning.
Cameron (the ex) should just get lost. There were times I wanted to scream at Isla to just get the f out of this town or at least take proper legal action. While it made me angry, I could see how her actions and decisions in terms of relationship with the father of her child made sense for her character, considering her childhood.
Both characters have their own issues to go through and they both do by the end - the characters development is very much there.
The fake dating that was not really fake at all - BIG YES.
I could not put this book down!!! Loved the plotline, storytelling, execution, the writing itself - simply loved the whole thing!
I’m a bit sad the series is finished (please do correct me if I’m wrong) cause I was hoping for Heather’s book. Maybe she will get her own series or sth 👀 I would love to see her as main character, but in the meantime I have books #1 and #2 to catch up with!
Oh, and spice that was not the main focus but just added to the story. There were 3 or 4 spicy scenes, pretty far into the story (slow burn, yaaaas 🔥) and were placed just perfectly in the storyline.
Fake dating , single mom (I mean, the dad is there but really he isn’t), fake dating, neighbors, opposites attract, Scottish setting, he’s a doctor, slow burn, yearning
Check out my reading updates, I added some of my highlights there ;)
Big thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for the eARC
June 20, 2026
2 -Boring and uneventful- stars ⭐️
I skipped 15 chapters and I still think it was too long and boring. Slow burns are fine, but 85% slow burns are a tragedy for me.
I skipped 15 chapters and I still think it was too long and boring. Slow burns are fine, but 85% slow burns are a tragedy for me.
May 7, 2026
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 👇🏼
[Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review]
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 👇🏼
[Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review]
July 17, 2026
Oh my gosh, One for the Road, how I looove you! This is the third installment in the Macabe Brothers series, but the second one I’ve read. I previously read and properly adored Scotch on the Rocks but my goshhh! My gosh how I loved even more One for the Road. It hits so many of my favorite tropes perfectly.
Alistar is our starring Macabe brother, and oh boy he is a grump. Too much of one, in fact! He returns to his hometown with the agenda to sell the surgery clinic his deceased father left him. But it’s a hard sell when he comes off cold and distant, so he needs an image revamp. Who better to help warm up this grump than Isla, the sunshine of a single mother next door? Sure they got off on the wrong foot, but she’s just the ticket to course correct his image. And she could use his help to enter a baking contest hosted by her awful ex-husband’s affair partner (I know, I knooow!). Win-win, if you ask me!
Alistair and Isla are such a gorgeous, fantastic, perfect couple. I loved watching them fall in love, and how wholly they deserve it. Alistair is a work in progress. He’s certainly had his series of mess ups in life, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve love. And I enjoyed so much seeing how Isla lit his life up with *life*. Alistair was just going through the motions of living before Isla and her daughter snuck their way into his heart. I loved seeing this grump change for the better thanks to them. And in turn, I love the strength he lends isla. Isla has been through it. She moved to the town for her awful ex-husband who then abandoned her and their daughter for his high school sweetheart (who ain’t no peach like she portrays to the town!). He rarely is a dad now, leaving all finances to the struggling Isla. Every bit of joy she finds feels temporary, like her excitement to enter the baking contest. It goes from a sure thing to a suspiciously out-of-reach chance. Until Alistair sets things right.
And this is the relationship between the two: setting things right for one another. Even with certain final act missteps along the way when it comes to righting some wrongs (side eyeing you, Alistar, but I also get it!), they have each other’s back. They build one another up continuously throughout this story, and it adds to the swoons and to the very love that forges between them. It was beautiful to watch them not only find their way to one another, but lift one another up.
Alsoooo! t want to applaud this story for letting awful exes stay awful. Too often I read stories with an awful ex getting some sort of redemption or peace offering, and I appreciate how this story doesn’t whitewash all of Cameron’s wrongdoings. He is not a good father and was an awful husband, and the narrative brilliantly reduces him to a sniveling coward who doesn’t change and I say, good! He receives the ending (spoiler: stays miserable) he deserves and it genuinely satisfied me. But back to the sweet, swoony stuff!
I adored our main love story. Both the romance and how beautifully Alistair, Isla, and her daughter grow as a family. They are exactly what each other deserves. I just felt bliss reading their journey.
Hands down, without question, this is my favorite installment of the series!
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Alistar is our starring Macabe brother, and oh boy he is a grump. Too much of one, in fact! He returns to his hometown with the agenda to sell the surgery clinic his deceased father left him. But it’s a hard sell when he comes off cold and distant, so he needs an image revamp. Who better to help warm up this grump than Isla, the sunshine of a single mother next door? Sure they got off on the wrong foot, but she’s just the ticket to course correct his image. And she could use his help to enter a baking contest hosted by her awful ex-husband’s affair partner (I know, I knooow!). Win-win, if you ask me!
Alistair and Isla are such a gorgeous, fantastic, perfect couple. I loved watching them fall in love, and how wholly they deserve it. Alistair is a work in progress. He’s certainly had his series of mess ups in life, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve love. And I enjoyed so much seeing how Isla lit his life up with *life*. Alistair was just going through the motions of living before Isla and her daughter snuck their way into his heart. I loved seeing this grump change for the better thanks to them. And in turn, I love the strength he lends isla. Isla has been through it. She moved to the town for her awful ex-husband who then abandoned her and their daughter for his high school sweetheart (who ain’t no peach like she portrays to the town!). He rarely is a dad now, leaving all finances to the struggling Isla. Every bit of joy she finds feels temporary, like her excitement to enter the baking contest. It goes from a sure thing to a suspiciously out-of-reach chance. Until Alistair sets things right.
And this is the relationship between the two: setting things right for one another. Even with certain final act missteps along the way when it comes to righting some wrongs (side eyeing you, Alistar, but I also get it!), they have each other’s back. They build one another up continuously throughout this story, and it adds to the swoons and to the very love that forges between them. It was beautiful to watch them not only find their way to one another, but lift one another up.
Alsoooo! t want to applaud this story for letting awful exes stay awful. Too often I read stories with an awful ex getting some sort of redemption or peace offering, and I appreciate how this story doesn’t whitewash all of Cameron’s wrongdoings. He is not a good father and was an awful husband, and the narrative brilliantly reduces him to a sniveling coward who doesn’t change and I say, good! He receives the ending (spoiler: stays miserable) he deserves and it genuinely satisfied me. But back to the sweet, swoony stuff!
I adored our main love story. Both the romance and how beautifully Alistair, Isla, and her daughter grow as a family. They are exactly what each other deserves. I just felt bliss reading their journey.
Hands down, without question, this is my favorite installment of the series!
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
June 4, 2026
One for the Road is the third book in the Macabe Brother’s series. It’s previous instalments (Whisky Business and Scotch on the Rocks) have swiftly become books I adore and made Elliot Fletcher a favourite romance author of mine. Although I had been looking forward to One for the Road I had a slight hesitancy, would I love Alistair as much as his siblings? My hesitancy was unwarranted…
Some of my thoughts on this book include:
• The characters, like all others in this series were wonderful. Alistair was a slow burn for me; but as I learned more about him, his motivations, his humour, I loved him (by the close of the book I was wondering if he is my favourite Macabe brother – I’m still pondering this…). I liked the journey I was taken on from my own preconceptions of him from book two and how the events in One for the Road challenged and changed them. Isla is loveable from her opening appearance. She is a character of dichotomies, feisty (particularly in her opening exchange with Alistair) but also growing her confidence throughout the story as she develops a place for herself (and Teddy, her daughter) as well as her personal acceptance. I found her character development heart-warming to read, and every time she had a win I was mentally cheering for her.
• Because both characters stole a little bit of my heart the romance between them was amazing! I loved watching their understanding of one another grow. Some moments were tender, others swoony, and some others steamy (Alistair Macabe was quite the surprise…). I can’t wait to reread my favourite bits.
• Just as I’ve come to expect from Fletcher’s stories, big themes were handled with care and explored well within the context of a story. These included: grief and loss, loneliness (particularly as an adult), single parenthood, financial insecurity, body image and insecurities, and help (both accepting and providing it).
As this is an interconnected standalone I would recommend reading the stories in order, that way you can fully enjoy the previous characters as they appear. Overall, this series has been a joy to discover and read, from Whisky Business being a complete surprise when I picked it up last summer, to devouring Callum and Juniper’s story in Scotch on the Rocks. One for the Road is a great edition, it includes the previous couples; having a check-in with where they are up to is always welcome, and some of these moments with all the characters (Mal and April, Callum and Juniper, and Heather) had me laughing and smiling so much (especially text exchanges). But I am still desperate for Heather to get her own HEA and book!
I read One for the Road via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. But I loved One for the Road, so had placed a pre-order within a few chapters of starting the story; because I needed my collection to be complete! I'd highly recommend this book and series if you love a romance read.
Some of my thoughts on this book include:
• The characters, like all others in this series were wonderful. Alistair was a slow burn for me; but as I learned more about him, his motivations, his humour, I loved him (by the close of the book I was wondering if he is my favourite Macabe brother – I’m still pondering this…). I liked the journey I was taken on from my own preconceptions of him from book two and how the events in One for the Road challenged and changed them. Isla is loveable from her opening appearance. She is a character of dichotomies, feisty (particularly in her opening exchange with Alistair) but also growing her confidence throughout the story as she develops a place for herself (and Teddy, her daughter) as well as her personal acceptance. I found her character development heart-warming to read, and every time she had a win I was mentally cheering for her.
• Because both characters stole a little bit of my heart the romance between them was amazing! I loved watching their understanding of one another grow. Some moments were tender, others swoony, and some others steamy (Alistair Macabe was quite the surprise…). I can’t wait to reread my favourite bits.
• Just as I’ve come to expect from Fletcher’s stories, big themes were handled with care and explored well within the context of a story. These included: grief and loss, loneliness (particularly as an adult), single parenthood, financial insecurity, body image and insecurities, and help (both accepting and providing it).
As this is an interconnected standalone I would recommend reading the stories in order, that way you can fully enjoy the previous characters as they appear. Overall, this series has been a joy to discover and read, from Whisky Business being a complete surprise when I picked it up last summer, to devouring Callum and Juniper’s story in Scotch on the Rocks. One for the Road is a great edition, it includes the previous couples; having a check-in with where they are up to is always welcome, and some of these moments with all the characters (Mal and April, Callum and Juniper, and Heather) had me laughing and smiling so much (especially text exchanges). But I am still desperate for Heather to get her own HEA and book!
I read One for the Road via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. But I loved One for the Road, so had placed a pre-order within a few chapters of starting the story; because I needed my collection to be complete! I'd highly recommend this book and series if you love a romance read.
June 21, 2026
3.5 ☆
The third book in The Macabe Brothers series was a nice little romance to round out the series. This series has seriously ebbed and flowed. To me, book one was exclusively a charming romance, while book two had a dark streak. A dark streak that the characters from this book contained and definitely could of delved into, yet this is kind of a middle ground of the series, the darker aspects are brought up but only really to a surface level and not explored to the extent that I felt we could have gotten too.
Allistar Macabe move’s back to his home town on the Isle of Sky with plans to briefly take over his late father’s GP practice before selling. That is until his new neighbour Isla moves in with her daughter Teddy. Isla is recently divorced and struggling with the change of being single mother, along with a slew of complications from her ex. Their relationship starts off with a little turbulence, mainly Allistar’s grumpy attitude does not bode well for being neighbours with literally anyone but they quickly come up with a convoluted fake dating plan for a baking contest. Honestly, the parameters felt like a bit of a reach, the plot being written around the trope.
That being said, There were things I really enjoyed about this book. Isla’s character in general was one I just really liked. The way she holds herself and deals with her ex and his partner, her friendship with Heather (give us a Heather Macabe book, please!) and her relationship and mental resilience when dealing with the new reality for raising her daughter were all a heartbreaking delight to watch. We do explore a little of Allistar's history, we get a brief explanation and a kind of reconciliation with Callum and Juniper but most of it feels half-hearted when we know there is so much beneath the surface to explore.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a good escape read from all the fantasy and thriller book I find myself being surrounded by at the moment. It was light, funny, heart and a little ridiculous at times but that’s all just a part of its charm. Thankyou to Harper Collins UK and Elliot Fletcher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book!
The third book in The Macabe Brothers series was a nice little romance to round out the series. This series has seriously ebbed and flowed. To me, book one was exclusively a charming romance, while book two had a dark streak. A dark streak that the characters from this book contained and definitely could of delved into, yet this is kind of a middle ground of the series, the darker aspects are brought up but only really to a surface level and not explored to the extent that I felt we could have gotten too.
Allistar Macabe move’s back to his home town on the Isle of Sky with plans to briefly take over his late father’s GP practice before selling. That is until his new neighbour Isla moves in with her daughter Teddy. Isla is recently divorced and struggling with the change of being single mother, along with a slew of complications from her ex. Their relationship starts off with a little turbulence, mainly Allistar’s grumpy attitude does not bode well for being neighbours with literally anyone but they quickly come up with a convoluted fake dating plan for a baking contest. Honestly, the parameters felt like a bit of a reach, the plot being written around the trope.
That being said, There were things I really enjoyed about this book. Isla’s character in general was one I just really liked. The way she holds herself and deals with her ex and his partner, her friendship with Heather (give us a Heather Macabe book, please!) and her relationship and mental resilience when dealing with the new reality for raising her daughter were all a heartbreaking delight to watch. We do explore a little of Allistar's history, we get a brief explanation and a kind of reconciliation with Callum and Juniper but most of it feels half-hearted when we know there is so much beneath the surface to explore.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a good escape read from all the fantasy and thriller book I find myself being surrounded by at the moment. It was light, funny, heart and a little ridiculous at times but that’s all just a part of its charm. Thankyou to Harper Collins UK and Elliot Fletcher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book!
June 16, 2026
Infinity Stars? Sorry, I'm still crying from this.
Elliot does a magical thing where every story she writes completely draws me to the point where I really don't want to set it down at all. This was no different. We learn of Alistair and his surly attitude from book 1 and more so in book 2, but actually seeing his POV was just perfect. To see his inner turmoil trying to fight his attraction for Isla while also fighting his own self-doubt was just *chefs kiss*. I loved Isla. She was real, raw, and vulnerable at all the right moments. I loved how selfless she really was while still wanting to reclaim a life for herself and her daughter. The banter between Ali & Isla really set this a part because we have an MMC who gets by on never needing to feel his emotions deeply and an FMC who feels everything all at once so not only do we get very emotional moments but the funny moments between them had me laughing out loud while reading. This story is truly a redemption story, for Ali as an MMC but also for Isla and those alike showing us that there could always be someone in your corner. Amazing. I wept, I laughed, I got angry for the characters. This was truly an infinity star read if I could give it one.
Elliot does a magical thing where every story she writes completely draws me to the point where I really don't want to set it down at all. This was no different. We learn of Alistair and his surly attitude from book 1 and more so in book 2, but actually seeing his POV was just perfect. To see his inner turmoil trying to fight his attraction for Isla while also fighting his own self-doubt was just *chefs kiss*. I loved Isla. She was real, raw, and vulnerable at all the right moments. I loved how selfless she really was while still wanting to reclaim a life for herself and her daughter. The banter between Ali & Isla really set this a part because we have an MMC who gets by on never needing to feel his emotions deeply and an FMC who feels everything all at once so not only do we get very emotional moments but the funny moments between them had me laughing out loud while reading. This story is truly a redemption story, for Ali as an MMC but also for Isla and those alike showing us that there could always be someone in your corner. Amazing. I wept, I laughed, I got angry for the characters. This was truly an infinity star read if I could give it one.
June 10, 2026
I am pleasantly surprised and to be honest I shouldn’t have been shocked, the other 2 books are fantastic also. I didn’t expect this to win me over as Alistair did not come across well in book 2 but happy to be proven wrong!
EF is a professional at writing men who yearn because yearn Alistair did. I devoured this! Relatable, genuine & real relationship. Great communication throughout. Single mother life captured really well, as were the frustrations of the father of your child not showing up. Isla had great change and growth and going from having no one to a big support network at the end was wholesome and lovely to read.
Nice finish to this wonderful series, I’ll be looking out for what EF brings out next 🫶🏻
EF is a professional at writing men who yearn because yearn Alistair did. I devoured this! Relatable, genuine & real relationship. Great communication throughout. Single mother life captured really well, as were the frustrations of the father of your child not showing up. Isla had great change and growth and going from having no one to a big support network at the end was wholesome and lovely to read.
Nice finish to this wonderful series, I’ll be looking out for what EF brings out next 🫶🏻
May 5, 2026
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.
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.
June 9, 2026
ARC for review, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
This was absolutely the best book of the series - however, it is overall, the ultimate Scottish romance. I absolutely loved it!
The main selling point for me in a book is characters that I fall in love with. Where you have so much hope for them to get their happy ending, like you would a real life best friend, and this absolutely did that. Isla and Alistair were meant to be!
I love a good forced proximity too and how better to approach that than cottages with an adjoining door!? I also love that Teddy was very involved in the storyline and not just another single parent who's child is pushed aside scenario.
I hope we get Heather's story next!
Absolutely recommend this, and I will definitely be reading it again.
This was absolutely the best book of the series - however, it is overall, the ultimate Scottish romance. I absolutely loved it!
The main selling point for me in a book is characters that I fall in love with. Where you have so much hope for them to get their happy ending, like you would a real life best friend, and this absolutely did that. Isla and Alistair were meant to be!
I love a good forced proximity too and how better to approach that than cottages with an adjoining door!? I also love that Teddy was very involved in the storyline and not just another single parent who's child is pushed aside scenario.
I hope we get Heather's story next!
Absolutely recommend this, and I will definitely be reading it again.
July 4, 2026
Yes, for the Fourth of July, America's 250th, I read a Scottish Highlands romance. It was sweet! Lot of drawn out will they wont they and gosh darn it people just need to open up. Talk to each other!!
There was a bit about older/ age gap that got to me but I loved the grumpy hero hiding his own trauma and the curvy single mom. The spice was great and felt real, earned and realistic.
Needed this one
There was a bit about older/ age gap that got to me but I loved the grumpy hero hiding his own trauma and the curvy single mom. The spice was great and felt real, earned and realistic.
Needed this one
Want to Read
July 6, 2026🥃🍂 One for the Road 🍂🥃
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Small Town
• Fake Dating
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Single Mom
• Opposites Attract
• Scottish Setting
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Small Town
• Fake Dating
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Single Mom
• Opposites Attract
• Scottish Setting
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
May 25, 2026
This is an ARC review, thank you to the publishers and NetGalley.
Now, when I got the notification I was approved for this ARC I was so elated!!!! Giggling and kicking my feet through the first two in this series, I couldn’t wait to read about the third Macabe brother. Alistair is perfection - burnt out moody MD turns head over heels for the girl next door. Alistair I know how it feels to be burnt out, I feel your pain!!! Isla single mom, curvy baker goddess with a great sense of humor. Grumpy sunshine trope. I mean what more could you want. Oh wait, it’s also based in the Isle of Skye, an absolute dream. Such a fun romance. I can’t wait to see what is next by Elliot Fletcher. This comes out June 4th on the UK, and June 16th in the US.
Now, when I got the notification I was approved for this ARC I was so elated!!!! Giggling and kicking my feet through the first two in this series, I couldn’t wait to read about the third Macabe brother. Alistair is perfection - burnt out moody MD turns head over heels for the girl next door. Alistair I know how it feels to be burnt out, I feel your pain!!! Isla single mom, curvy baker goddess with a great sense of humor. Grumpy sunshine trope. I mean what more could you want. Oh wait, it’s also based in the Isle of Skye, an absolute dream. Such a fun romance. I can’t wait to see what is next by Elliot Fletcher. This comes out June 4th on the UK, and June 16th in the US.
May 7, 2026
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!
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!
July 29, 2026
One for the Road is a fantastic single parent fake dating romance! 🧡
Thank you to Netgalley & Avon for the e-arc!
The Isle of Skye might be my little favorite scottish small town ever. As a fan of the Macabe brothers, One for the Road did not disappoint in my expectations.
Alister Macabe's reputation might as well be dumpster fire.
One for the Road starts off with Dr. Macabe at the lowest point of his burnt-out career. Forced to return to the small town that he's tried running away from and working at a surgery center he now owns due to the passing of his father. Alister doesn't even know where to begin to untangle his now mess of a life. If anything, now more than ever is he determined to leave.
Isla is on her own, being a single mother wasn't on bingo card nor did she ever expect to live next door to the grumpiest human being possible. Busy with work, raising her daughter Teddy, and scarmbling all her finaces together. Isla couldn't be more burn-out.
Two fellow burnt-out neighbors with nothing in common other than the shared wall of their home are determined to keep each other at a distance. But as it turns out, they may need each other for one big deal.
Alister needs to clean up his town reputation to get more paitents while Isla is in need of a partner to get her ex-husband off her back. Together, they find themselves playing more than just pretend.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing the relationship build between Isla and Alister, given their forced proximity as neighbors and their fake dating scheme they constantly are in each others orbit. Which was truly essential for both to learn to reach out to one another.
There's a specfic empahsis on the kind of love languages that exist in this particular book, which I really loved. It really helps you understand Alister's actions and character because like the town, you may seem to under estimate him due to his grumpy exteriror.
Both Isla and Alister are learning how to embrace love, Alister is learning HOW to love for the first time in his life while Isla is learning what it truly means to have someone love her for herself. I honestly think Elliot did an amazing job at potraying both's inner conflicts and the growth they needed within themsleves and as a realtionship.
And may I add that the STEAM was STEAMYINGGGGG, I had so much fun, kicking and giggling my feet.
Teddy was also the sweetest, her relationship with Alister was everything and she fr gave him the cutest nickname ever. I also love how realistic she was potrayed to her age. It was such an important factor to the book and such an important discussion for the characters to have about!
If you're looking for your next single mom romance and love a little bit of the drama? I encourage you to check this book out as soon as it releases!
Thank you to Netgalley & Avon for the e-arc!
The Isle of Skye might be my little favorite scottish small town ever. As a fan of the Macabe brothers, One for the Road did not disappoint in my expectations.
Alister Macabe's reputation might as well be dumpster fire.
One for the Road starts off with Dr. Macabe at the lowest point of his burnt-out career. Forced to return to the small town that he's tried running away from and working at a surgery center he now owns due to the passing of his father. Alister doesn't even know where to begin to untangle his now mess of a life. If anything, now more than ever is he determined to leave.
Isla is on her own, being a single mother wasn't on bingo card nor did she ever expect to live next door to the grumpiest human being possible. Busy with work, raising her daughter Teddy, and scarmbling all her finaces together. Isla couldn't be more burn-out.
Two fellow burnt-out neighbors with nothing in common other than the shared wall of their home are determined to keep each other at a distance. But as it turns out, they may need each other for one big deal.
Alister needs to clean up his town reputation to get more paitents while Isla is in need of a partner to get her ex-husband off her back. Together, they find themselves playing more than just pretend.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing the relationship build between Isla and Alister, given their forced proximity as neighbors and their fake dating scheme they constantly are in each others orbit. Which was truly essential for both to learn to reach out to one another.
There's a specfic empahsis on the kind of love languages that exist in this particular book, which I really loved. It really helps you understand Alister's actions and character because like the town, you may seem to under estimate him due to his grumpy exteriror.
Both Isla and Alister are learning how to embrace love, Alister is learning HOW to love for the first time in his life while Isla is learning what it truly means to have someone love her for herself. I honestly think Elliot did an amazing job at potraying both's inner conflicts and the growth they needed within themsleves and as a realtionship.
And may I add that the STEAM was STEAMYINGGGGG, I had so much fun, kicking and giggling my feet.
Teddy was also the sweetest, her relationship with Alister was everything and she fr gave him the cutest nickname ever. I also love how realistic she was potrayed to her age. It was such an important factor to the book and such an important discussion for the characters to have about!
If you're looking for your next single mom romance and love a little bit of the drama? I encourage you to check this book out as soon as it releases!
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April 9, 2026First 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.
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.
July 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
One For the Road is a dual POV single parent romance. Doctor Alastair Macabe had only planned to return to his hometown temporarily to help with his sick father, and when he finds out his inherited his father’s practice, that doesn’t change. He’ll have to stay a little longer to arrange the sale, but then he'll be moving on! In the meantime, he has to deal with the aggravatingly attractive single mother next door and her friendly seven-year-old. Isla was blindsided when her ex abruptly ended things and kicked her and their daughter out, but she’s making do as best she can, even with a grumpy neighbor who keeps trying to get her evicted! But when Alistair needs to improve his clinic’s reputation to make it more marketable, he strikes a deal with Isla: they’ll pretend to date, the town will think better of him for capturing the heart of the beloved Isla, and she’ll have the partner she needs to enter a baking competition with a much-needed prize. Win-win and so simple, as long as it all stays fake!
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure that Alistair would be easy to redeem after book two, when he was introduced as Juniper’s pretentious, career-obsessed, and cold ex. Getting to see more of him, and how he took ownership of past mistakes, definitely changed my opinion! I loved his interactions with Isla’s daughter, Teddy, and loved the chemistry between him and Isla. I admired Isla’s grit and determination, although I was frustrated by her unwillingness to force her ex into accountability in an attempt to keep the split as amicable as possible. I loved how she and Alistair brought out the best in each other, and how they saw and appreciated sides of each other that the rest of the world seemed to overlook. This was a fantastic addition to this series!
One For the Road is a dual POV single parent romance. Doctor Alastair Macabe had only planned to return to his hometown temporarily to help with his sick father, and when he finds out his inherited his father’s practice, that doesn’t change. He’ll have to stay a little longer to arrange the sale, but then he'll be moving on! In the meantime, he has to deal with the aggravatingly attractive single mother next door and her friendly seven-year-old. Isla was blindsided when her ex abruptly ended things and kicked her and their daughter out, but she’s making do as best she can, even with a grumpy neighbor who keeps trying to get her evicted! But when Alistair needs to improve his clinic’s reputation to make it more marketable, he strikes a deal with Isla: they’ll pretend to date, the town will think better of him for capturing the heart of the beloved Isla, and she’ll have the partner she needs to enter a baking competition with a much-needed prize. Win-win and so simple, as long as it all stays fake!
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure that Alistair would be easy to redeem after book two, when he was introduced as Juniper’s pretentious, career-obsessed, and cold ex. Getting to see more of him, and how he took ownership of past mistakes, definitely changed my opinion! I loved his interactions with Isla’s daughter, Teddy, and loved the chemistry between him and Isla. I admired Isla’s grit and determination, although I was frustrated by her unwillingness to force her ex into accountability in an attempt to keep the split as amicable as possible. I loved how she and Alistair brought out the best in each other, and how they saw and appreciated sides of each other that the rest of the world seemed to overlook. This was a fantastic addition to this series!
July 28, 2026
Elliot Feltcher does it yet again and she's quickly become an auto-read author for me! I absolutely adore this series and characters. I started this while I was on a plane and next thing I knew, we landed and I didn't want to put it away! Elliot has a way of immersing you into the beautiful small town and making you feel right at home.
Oh Alistar, they could never make me hate you. From the first two books, I've been curious about Alistar and his story and it did not disappoint! I love when a grumpy character falls in love and allows their soft side to show, or when a character has trouble standing up for themselves and now understands how to demand what they deserve. And with that, Alistar and Isla balance each other out so well, The pacing felt very natural and I really enjoyed their progression as a "couple", even with all the bickering back and forth. And my god the MOUTH on this guy. Jaw? Meet floor. Their chemistry was next level. Also the relationship with Alistar and Teddy was so sweet and my heart melted any time they would build Lego together. The found family trope goes HARD with this series!!
This is a series I'll always recommend!! I absolutely adore the Macabe family and hope (fingers crossed!!) we get Heathers book! Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my review! 4.5⭐️
Oh Alistar, they could never make me hate you. From the first two books, I've been curious about Alistar and his story and it did not disappoint! I love when a grumpy character falls in love and allows their soft side to show, or when a character has trouble standing up for themselves and now understands how to demand what they deserve. And with that, Alistar and Isla balance each other out so well, The pacing felt very natural and I really enjoyed their progression as a "couple", even with all the bickering back and forth. And my god the MOUTH on this guy. Jaw? Meet floor. Their chemistry was next level. Also the relationship with Alistar and Teddy was so sweet and my heart melted any time they would build Lego together. The found family trope goes HARD with this series!!
This is a series I'll always recommend!! I absolutely adore the Macabe family and hope (fingers crossed!!) we get Heathers book! Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my review! 4.5⭐️
June 23, 2026
Ahhhh! This was my favorite Macabe Brothers book of the series thus far. I loved Alistair and Isla together. My goodness that tension was good, I love a fake dating trope done well. The single mother aspect and slight neurodivergent MMC was a perfect pairing.
Now let’s get to the bad. I didn’t like the 3rd act conflict. The conflict in the 3rd act has to make sense. If a couple breaks up it has to mean something. I was upset with Isla and her thought processing. She had me agreeing with a MAN?! Like girl you’re pissing me off. She was projecting so much from her ex on Alistair and I was irritated cause you’re independence as a women doesn’t need to go away just cause a man wants to take care of you. Actions speak louder than words. Thankfully the issue didn’t last too long.
I read this in less than 6 hours and it was great!
Now let’s get to the bad. I didn’t like the 3rd act conflict. The conflict in the 3rd act has to make sense. If a couple breaks up it has to mean something. I was upset with Isla and her thought processing. She had me agreeing with a MAN?! Like girl you’re pissing me off. She was projecting so much from her ex on Alistair and I was irritated cause you’re independence as a women doesn’t need to go away just cause a man wants to take care of you. Actions speak louder than words. Thankfully the issue didn’t last too long.
I read this in less than 6 hours and it was great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
To begin with I was a little confused about exactly how Fletcher was going to convince me to find Alistair likeable after building him up to be so unlikeable in the first two books. But someone it happened, about half way in I was rooting for Alistair to get what he wanted, and I was getting annoyed at the villagers for not giving him a chance. I wanted him and Isla to get to together so badly because they worked so well together. They both just melted into each other. It was perfect. I loved it.
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