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Scottish Spice #1
Kindling
Sparks will fly, even without firewood…
When city-girl Harper arrives in the Caledonian Forest in Scotland, her hopes for her holiday are quickly dashed. She’d planned a whimsical, autumnal writing retreat, to finish her novel. But ghosted by her scammer rental host, she discovers that the cosy log cabin she’d booked for her solo getaway does not actually exist. Miles away from any hotel, she wanders through the woods until she finds the hot local woodcutter Fraser.
The last thing Fraser needs right now is a pretty girl distracting him, but he can’t leave Harper stranded. So he reluctantly allows Harper to stay in his tiny lumberjack’s cabin for the night. He will sleep at his house outside the forest, then return tomorrow to turf Harper out so he can get back to his strenuous task of splitting logs for the locals’ firewood.
But once Harper sees Fraser's axe swing, she is determined to cut through his gruff exterior. She has a feeling this man might be the perfect cure for her writer’s block.
Fraser can’t help inviting Harper to extend her one-night stay to two, then three, then four. And with every tree he fells, he's starting to wonder if he's falling harder.
This spicy autumnal romance features a HEA ending with BookTok's hottest lumberjack love interest.
18+ content.
Tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
- fish out of water
- opposites attract
- rural setting
When city-girl Harper arrives in the Caledonian Forest in Scotland, her hopes for her holiday are quickly dashed. She’d planned a whimsical, autumnal writing retreat, to finish her novel. But ghosted by her scammer rental host, she discovers that the cosy log cabin she’d booked for her solo getaway does not actually exist. Miles away from any hotel, she wanders through the woods until she finds the hot local woodcutter Fraser.
The last thing Fraser needs right now is a pretty girl distracting him, but he can’t leave Harper stranded. So he reluctantly allows Harper to stay in his tiny lumberjack’s cabin for the night. He will sleep at his house outside the forest, then return tomorrow to turf Harper out so he can get back to his strenuous task of splitting logs for the locals’ firewood.
But once Harper sees Fraser's axe swing, she is determined to cut through his gruff exterior. She has a feeling this man might be the perfect cure for her writer’s block.
Fraser can’t help inviting Harper to extend her one-night stay to two, then three, then four. And with every tree he fells, he's starting to wonder if he's falling harder.
This spicy autumnal romance features a HEA ending with BookTok's hottest lumberjack love interest.
18+ content.
Tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
- fish out of water
- opposites attract
- rural setting
Audiobook
Published August 29, 2024
530 people are currently reading
13971 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Woods
4 books82 followersBonnie Woods is a Kindle-bestselling author, ghost writer, freelance writer and editor, from and based in Manchester. She started off writing fanfiction before graduating to seasonal, inclusive romance novels. As Rachel Bowdler, she has written Honeymoon for One and Summer at the Scottish Castle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 728 reviews
September 29, 2024
This was sweet book and I did enjoy it even if I found it a little cheesy at the beginning! Overall it’s a story about knowing your self worth which I appreciated
November 28, 2024
DNF @ 16%. Boring, annoying, not for me.
October 13, 2024
Headlines:
Did you say Scots good guy?
And Scottish village?
And Northerner (English) FMC
T'was a recipe just for me
It was never uncertain that I'd enjoy this book but I am so glad I went with the audio format because the goodness of that dual POV and dual (spot-on) accents were a dream. Another bonus was the autumnal time of year.
These characters just became like friends. Harper was a previous high-flying marketer looking for a quiet few months to try writing a book after her job went south. Fraser was the local carpenter that found himself in a bit of a rescue situation. There was a reluctance to both their investment in their friendship and connection, but it really was written so beautifully. Harper was a strong, bisexual woman and Fraser was a feminist. I was giving them laser eyes to induce their connection.
The town was full of colourful characters that notched up the endearment. But all good things come to an end, right? The third act break up was well written and I enjoyed the journey to the end.
This book gave me all the feels for autumn and then winter, friendships, love is love and putting your heart out there. Highly rec.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Did you say Scots good guy?
And Scottish village?
And Northerner (English) FMC
T'was a recipe just for me
It was never uncertain that I'd enjoy this book but I am so glad I went with the audio format because the goodness of that dual POV and dual (spot-on) accents were a dream. Another bonus was the autumnal time of year.
These characters just became like friends. Harper was a previous high-flying marketer looking for a quiet few months to try writing a book after her job went south. Fraser was the local carpenter that found himself in a bit of a rescue situation. There was a reluctance to both their investment in their friendship and connection, but it really was written so beautifully. Harper was a strong, bisexual woman and Fraser was a feminist. I was giving them laser eyes to induce their connection.
The town was full of colourful characters that notched up the endearment. But all good things come to an end, right? The third act break up was well written and I enjoyed the journey to the end.
This book gave me all the feels for autumn and then winter, friendships, love is love and putting your heart out there. Highly rec.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
July 20, 2025
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
This was such a cute fall romance set in Scotland!
First off, the vibes are immaculate. It took place during autumn, so it gave off super cozy fall vibes. It was also set in a small town in the Scottish Highlands, which added to the dreamy coziness.
The romance was adorable. I loved Harper and Fraser, both separately and as a couple. Harper was a city girl trying to write a book, while Fraser was a grumpy woodsman. I found them both endearing. They brought out the best in each other and were so supportive of one another. I also loved how they both enjoyed helping other people in their community.
I loved seeing all the LGBTQ representation: Harper was bisexual, there was a non-binary character, and a lesbian couple. Also, the representation felt natural and not forced. It fit into the story well.
This was also a spicy romance and had a good amount of spicy scenes. The scenes were well done and there was the perfect amount of them (not too much and not too little and well spaced out).
I did feel that the book could have been a tad bit shorter. It felt a little long for the story and could have been wrapped up sooner.
Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a fall romance, consider reading this one!
This was such a cute fall romance set in Scotland!
First off, the vibes are immaculate. It took place during autumn, so it gave off super cozy fall vibes. It was also set in a small town in the Scottish Highlands, which added to the dreamy coziness.
The romance was adorable. I loved Harper and Fraser, both separately and as a couple. Harper was a city girl trying to write a book, while Fraser was a grumpy woodsman. I found them both endearing. They brought out the best in each other and were so supportive of one another. I also loved how they both enjoyed helping other people in their community.
I loved seeing all the LGBTQ representation: Harper was bisexual, there was a non-binary character, and a lesbian couple. Also, the representation felt natural and not forced. It fit into the story well.
This was also a spicy romance and had a good amount of spicy scenes. The scenes were well done and there was the perfect amount of them (not too much and not too little and well spaced out).
I did feel that the book could have been a tad bit shorter. It felt a little long for the story and could have been wrapped up sooner.
Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a fall romance, consider reading this one!
November 8, 2024
This is a .5 star for me. It was the unfortunate result of multitasking.
The .5 being bc it's in Scotland and bc the male character gets his digs in about how Airbnbs are ruining everything.
I made it 15% and I'm done. Could not finish. Didn't want to finish.
Where to start ... the book is trying to date itself... "shacket", obsessed with Instagram, chatting about 3G vs 4G.
The main female character is emotionally stunted.
"Even when alone, she felt like she was being assessed by a scrutinising audience, which probably had something to do with the fact that she’d been dubbed weird in high school by bullies who had torn her self-esteem to shreds" ... she's in her early 30s ... time to grow up.
She's never gone a day without disconnecting from the internet.
"It was in her nature to endlessly wonder what impression people had of her."
There's so much more.
And while people are free to make their own choices, this book feels like a story with an LGBTQIA+ agenda thrown in ... and if I had known that, well, I purchased this by mistake, so ...
The .5 being bc it's in Scotland and bc the male character gets his digs in about how Airbnbs are ruining everything.
I made it 15% and I'm done. Could not finish. Didn't want to finish.
Where to start ... the book is trying to date itself... "shacket", obsessed with Instagram, chatting about 3G vs 4G.
The main female character is emotionally stunted.
"Even when alone, she felt like she was being assessed by a scrutinising audience, which probably had something to do with the fact that she’d been dubbed weird in high school by bullies who had torn her self-esteem to shreds" ... she's in her early 30s ... time to grow up.
She's never gone a day without disconnecting from the internet.
"It was in her nature to endlessly wonder what impression people had of her."
There's so much more.
And while people are free to make their own choices, this book feels like a story with an LGBTQIA+ agenda thrown in ... and if I had known that, well, I purchased this by mistake, so ...
December 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this new to me author's latest book set in the woods of Scotland that sees an influencer and aspiring author stranded when her air bnb booking falls through, forcing her to share a place with a hot local woodworker. Tons of forced proximity goodness, a cute dog, great bisexual and plus size rep, anxiety rep (her), spicy sex scenes and excellent banter. Really good on audio and just an overall feel-good fall read! Definitely looking forward to reading more by Bonnie Woods!
Steam level: open door, includes use of sex toys
CW: biphobia, fatphobia
Steam level: open door, includes use of sex toys
CW: biphobia, fatphobia
Read
September 25, 2024DNF at 35%. Not a fan of these characters, and not vibing with the story/romance.
November 27, 2024
Kindling
2 🌟
Glad I didn't bought a paperback
2 🌟
Glad I didn't bought a paperback
November 18, 2024
*Dives into book and lives there*
September 26, 2025
A perfect easy to read, cozy books for fall! Loved the plus size and LGBTQ rep. ♥️
September 8, 2024
4.5
Fans of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe will adore this!
An incredibly cozy setting, wonderful (and believable) characters, queer rep, cabins, lochs, cafes and trucks. This all combined to tell a wonderful story of finding love and a new life far away from home.
This was far spicier than I'd expected but I absolutely won't hold that against it, my only gripe is something I also appreciated! Both of our main characters were (especially in the third act) annoyingly flawed. Fraser, hard headed and mean spirited and Harper, stubborn and fast acting. Yes, this makes these characters seem real but it doesn't make the unfolding of events any less frustrating to experience.
I recommend this to fans of the fall aesthetic with dreams of visiting the Scottish Highlands! All I want to do right now is book a B&B next to a Loch and write!
Fans of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe will adore this!
An incredibly cozy setting, wonderful (and believable) characters, queer rep, cabins, lochs, cafes and trucks. This all combined to tell a wonderful story of finding love and a new life far away from home.
This was far spicier than I'd expected but I absolutely won't hold that against it, my only gripe is something I also appreciated! Both of our main characters were (especially in the third act) annoyingly flawed. Fraser, hard headed and mean spirited and Harper, stubborn and fast acting. Yes, this makes these characters seem real but it doesn't make the unfolding of events any less frustrating to experience.
I recommend this to fans of the fall aesthetic with dreams of visiting the Scottish Highlands! All I want to do right now is book a B&B next to a Loch and write!
November 14, 2025
This book was pure autumnal escapes from your normal life and I loved every second of it!
The scene was quickly set, the story was enjoyable, I really liked the FMC and MMC and their dynamic, the various side characters were fun and engaging, the social commentary worked great in the story, and the different plot lines worked well with the main plot.
Fun and easy read with flowing writing style. Cannot wait to get started with book two.
Be right back, just booking my ticket to Scotland!!
Read for the first paperbacks & yap bookish weekend.
The scene was quickly set, the story was enjoyable, I really liked the FMC and MMC and their dynamic, the various side characters were fun and engaging, the social commentary worked great in the story, and the different plot lines worked well with the main plot.
Fun and easy read with flowing writing style. Cannot wait to get started with book two.
Be right back, just booking my ticket to Scotland!!
Read for the first paperbacks & yap bookish weekend.
September 24, 2025
This was a cute autumn read, but I would’ve enjoyed it more if it wasn’t quite so long and their relationship hadn’t developed quite so fast.
August 29, 2024
"I won't be doing anything to you. I'll be doing it for you. Everything for you. "
The most gorgeous autumnal romance Kindling by Bonnie Woods is my latest obsession, or rather, the mmc Fraser is. I mean, swoon. Where can I find myself a lumberjack?
When Harper needs a retreat after her heart is broken by her ex-girlfriend, the Scottish Highlands seem perfect, that is, until she's stranded in the forest with nowhere to stay after her accommodation she rented is beyond disrepair.
Begrudgingly, the local woodcutter Fraser offers her his cabin on the basis that she mustn't distract him from his work. Something that is going to prove incredibly difficult.
I absolutely adored this grumpy x sunshine romance so much! It had me kicking my feet and made my heart feel so warm.
Both Harper and Fraser are incredible characters who bring out the absolute best in each other. I loved how they both had deep insecurities and helped each other overcome them. I championed their love story from the start, as did the array of beautifully diverse side characters whom I also fell completely in love with.
There are some spicy scenes which I thought were done the way they should be if you get my drift aha! I mean talk about sexy! (The way he calls her sunshine)
Kindling is absolutely perfect for autumn reading, and I can't wait to buy a physical copy! From the romance to how inclusive it is, it's just an absolute joy to read, and I highly recommend it!
The most gorgeous autumnal romance Kindling by Bonnie Woods is my latest obsession, or rather, the mmc Fraser is. I mean, swoon. Where can I find myself a lumberjack?
When Harper needs a retreat after her heart is broken by her ex-girlfriend, the Scottish Highlands seem perfect, that is, until she's stranded in the forest with nowhere to stay after her accommodation she rented is beyond disrepair.
Begrudgingly, the local woodcutter Fraser offers her his cabin on the basis that she mustn't distract him from his work. Something that is going to prove incredibly difficult.
I absolutely adored this grumpy x sunshine romance so much! It had me kicking my feet and made my heart feel so warm.
Both Harper and Fraser are incredible characters who bring out the absolute best in each other. I loved how they both had deep insecurities and helped each other overcome them. I championed their love story from the start, as did the array of beautifully diverse side characters whom I also fell completely in love with.
There are some spicy scenes which I thought were done the way they should be if you get my drift aha! I mean talk about sexy! (The way he calls her sunshine)
Kindling is absolutely perfect for autumn reading, and I can't wait to buy a physical copy! From the romance to how inclusive it is, it's just an absolute joy to read, and I highly recommend it!
December 8, 2024
Maybe I just don't like contemporary romance
November 14, 2024
trop mimi et j’ai adoré l’ambiance automnal 🍂❤️
October 26, 2025
This has all the vibes and cosy feels I didn't know I craved...
Kindle Read
378 Pages
Autumnal Rural Romance
Rom-Com
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Curvy FMC
Lumbersnack MMC
LGBTQ Rep
After heartbreak, Harper takes some time away from her normal life to escape to the wilderness and work on her book. It all gets off to a calamitous start but she meets a grumpy Lumbersnack in Fraser who's default setting is caretaking.
I really enjoyed this book and it really delivered in the cost vibes and setting of the Scottish highlands in fall. I recommend it highly and guarantee it leaves you smiling at the end. Cute and romantic through and through.
Kindle Read
378 Pages
Autumnal Rural Romance
Rom-Com
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Curvy FMC
Lumbersnack MMC
LGBTQ Rep
After heartbreak, Harper takes some time away from her normal life to escape to the wilderness and work on her book. It all gets off to a calamitous start but she meets a grumpy Lumbersnack in Fraser who's default setting is caretaking.
I really enjoyed this book and it really delivered in the cost vibes and setting of the Scottish highlands in fall. I recommend it highly and guarantee it leaves you smiling at the end. Cute and romantic through and through.
November 3, 2025
Cute enough. Like if you just want to read a grumpy/sunshine and turn your brain off, this works! However- not sure why the series is called “Scottish Spice” this is maybe half a 🌶️ on the spice scale.
October 19, 2025
It was a cute book with low stakes and autumn vibes
September 19, 2025
3.75 stars
Yes it's cheesy, but that's not always a bad thing!
I always appreciate plus size and LGBTQIA+ representation in books. Harper was a great FMC and super relatable. At the beginning of the book she was going through a life crisis and ended up in a remote Scottish village. By the end she had acknowledged her worth and I liked that she didn't take the easy route.
There was some miscommunication at the end but not as bad as it could have been.
Looking forward to picking up Fireworks soon as Eiley deserves her HEA.
Yes it's cheesy, but that's not always a bad thing!
I always appreciate plus size and LGBTQIA+ representation in books. Harper was a great FMC and super relatable. At the beginning of the book she was going through a life crisis and ended up in a remote Scottish village. By the end she had acknowledged her worth and I liked that she didn't take the easy route.
There was some miscommunication at the end but not as bad as it could have been.
Looking forward to picking up Fireworks soon as Eiley deserves her HEA.
December 18, 2024
Interesting Blend of Bisexual Woman in Heterosexual Romance
I didn't like that the description didn't explain that the woman was bisexual, so I was a little thrown off at first. I chose the book mainly because it took place in Scotland. I thought it would be a straight woman and man beginning a relationship. I have nothing against bisexual people or lesbian or homosexual people at all. I would just like to know in advance of choosing a book so that I know what to expect.
I didn't like that the description didn't explain that the woman was bisexual, so I was a little thrown off at first. I chose the book mainly because it took place in Scotland. I thought it would be a straight woman and man beginning a relationship. I have nothing against bisexual people or lesbian or homosexual people at all. I would just like to know in advance of choosing a book so that I know what to expect.
October 15, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
The story was cute, put me in the fall mood. The narrators did a good job! However, the story fell flat in some chapters. I also think this book was a bit to lengthy and some chapters was stuffers to draw out the book. I understand most books have an epilogue, but some stuff that what was talked about inside this epilogue was irrelevant.
The story was cute, put me in the fall mood. The narrators did a good job! However, the story fell flat in some chapters. I also think this book was a bit to lengthy and some chapters was stuffers to draw out the book. I understand most books have an epilogue, but some stuff that what was talked about inside this epilogue was irrelevant.
October 11, 2024
"Kindling" is set in the picturesque Scottish countryside during autumn, and I’ll admit, the setting was the standout for me. The descriptions of nature were beautiful, and I could almost feel the crisp air and hear the crackling of leaves. The atmosphere alone made it a cozy read for this season.
Unfortunately, beyond that, the book fell flat. The plot was predictable, and I couldn’t really connect with the characters. The heroine swooping in from the city to "save" a struggling B&B with some very basic ideas (like updating their website 😂) just didn’t quite work for me. While I appreciated the sense of place, the writing and the story didn’t have the depth or emotional pull I was hoping for.
It’s not a bad book by any means—it’s a light, easy read if you’re in the mood for something cozy. But overall, it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
3/5 ⭐
Unfortunately, beyond that, the book fell flat. The plot was predictable, and I couldn’t really connect with the characters. The heroine swooping in from the city to "save" a struggling B&B with some very basic ideas (like updating their website 😂) just didn’t quite work for me. While I appreciated the sense of place, the writing and the story didn’t have the depth or emotional pull I was hoping for.
It’s not a bad book by any means—it’s a light, easy read if you’re in the mood for something cozy. But overall, it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
3/5 ⭐
November 10, 2024
This was utterly adorable from start to finish 💘
It was a quintessential, gorgeous small town romance - all of the characters were so interesting in their own ways, and I really did love Harper & Frazer’s relationship! Definitely a great autumnal read 🍂
It was a quintessential, gorgeous small town romance - all of the characters were so interesting in their own ways, and I really did love Harper & Frazer’s relationship! Definitely a great autumnal read 🍂
September 11, 2025
Oh I just absolutely adored this.
November 2, 2025
DNF. The premise is intriguing, but I couldn’t stay interested.
November 5, 2025
I really liked this story. It was just such a nice and warming story about family and acceptance and I really enjoyed my time reading it 🧡
October 21, 2025
I’m too old for this book… if this is how Gen Z deals with problems the world is doomed. Or maybe not… But really - not having a WiFi as a first-world problem🤦🏻♀️
This book and I are not on the same page😜
This book and I are not on the same page😜
February 20, 2025
This will be a short but sweet review this was so different from what I expected but it didn’t disappoint me I think Harper is such a relatable character and Fraser and Harper are meant for each other they just needed to realise it! I love reading about Fraser and his family and the aspect of it I also think he can be a relatable character to others especially if your the eldest sibling this book was a fun read and also a little spicy may I add this was only meant to be a ‘get it out of our system moment’ but let me tell you it wasn’t that 🤭 I flew through this book too! It’s fast pace which is something a like toward the end I wanted to shout at Fraser and say ‘go get your girl’ however it ended in a different way but I’m so pleased with how it did end 🥰 I forgot to say I loved the banter between the two characters and I liked how we got to know them individually before Harper went to Scotland 🤍 so it was nice to know what they was like before hand! I just wanted to add I know it’s a autumn read but for me it didn’t feel like it as much but I think it would make a great read for one 🍂
Quotes I loved:
"I've been thinking about you for fucking days, sunshine,"
"You're a pain in the neck, Harper, but I think you're perfect."
"Obviously, I love you, too, Fraser. You're the home I've been looking for all my life."
Tropes:
🪵 Grumpy x sunshine
🔥 Opposites attract (City girl x small town boy)
🪵 Forced proximity
🔥 Found family
🪵 Rural setting
🔥 Small town
Quotes I loved:
"I've been thinking about you for fucking days, sunshine,"
"You're a pain in the neck, Harper, but I think you're perfect."
"Obviously, I love you, too, Fraser. You're the home I've been looking for all my life."
Tropes:
🪵 Grumpy x sunshine
🔥 Opposites attract (City girl x small town boy)
🪵 Forced proximity
🔥 Found family
🪵 Rural setting
🔥 Small town
Displaying 1 - 30 of 728 reviews