Scotch & Shortbread

by August Lindsay

Quinn West is a feisty chatterbox with big, innocent eyes and a sinfully tempting mouth, who doesn't know danger-- even when it towers at six foot four in front of her...

Freelancer Quinn West is finally chasing her dream of writing her debut novel in the snowy embrace of a charming mountain town. After a lifetime of surviving, she’s accustomed to being alone, and this Christmas she’s counting on it. Despite being distracted by repeated run-ins with brooding Scottish Hot Cop, Sergeant Alex Mackenzie, Quinn is on a mission and refuses to be derailed.

Haunted by past demons, Sergeant Alex Mackenzie has sworn off love, finding refuge in the quiet solitude of his mountain retreat. But Quinn West’s arrival disrupts his carefully constructed barriers, stirring emotions he thought were long buried. Saving the troublesome lass wasn’t on the top of his Christmas list, but when a punishing snowstorm leaves them trapped in his small one-bedroom cabin, Alex clings to the lessons of his dark past in Scotland, even as he strains against his undeniable attraction to the lass stranded in his home.

As Christmas approaches, their walls begin to crumble. Will they surrender to the intoxicating pull of passion, or will their pasts keep them bound in icy detachment?

In this steamy heartwarming holiday tale, discover the power of love to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Genres: Christmas

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this story had be hooked from the beginning with its dreamy location, the tension and instant attraction between the two main characters. Set at Christmas in a dreamy small town with some unexpected twists that kept invested in this forced proximity, snowed in enemies to lovers romance. Quinn was such a delight with her witty lines giving you the girl next vibes and she truly deserved to be loved. Alex the sexy hot Scottish cop with his trusty companion Bear was pure swoon worthy. I simply adored these two together and can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would highly recommend this one!

[Nikki’s Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be on the ARC team for this book! Wonderful debut novel from a fabulous new author in the rom com world. Dreamy accent, broody MMC, sunshine FMC.. more perfect tropes that I won’t spoil! The book draws you in quickly, I was honestly anxious with the first interaction because that is SUCH a relatable scenario- being pulled over and in “oh $hit!” reactive mode. I loved how the author connected you with the story immediately with that situation. For those of us who love a man in uniform? Yes, oh yes. Ladies & gents, start your engines and give this a go! This book was obviously well planned and researched. I am so appreciative of the lengths this author went to really portray the aspects of her book in such an accurate way. Wonderful debut, looking forward to her next book!!!

[Stephanie Terpstra · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a gal from Alberta (who now lives in the maritimes, and misses the mountains dearly), I was actually looking forward to this Bookclub pick. Sadly it was just an ok read, more of a 2.5⭐️. I just had so much trouble wanting to pick it up and couldn't jive with the writing style.
NOTE: I don’t know if this is all with an extra harshness (not my intention) as I had just come from reading a really awesome 5⭐️ christmas read - so going from that to this (with very different writing styles too) perhaps made me a bit more critical. 🧐

(Notes for bookclub) Look away bookclub ladies, spoilers ahead 🙈:

- OMG I can’t stand the over exaggerated phonetic Scots accent. Every time he has dialogue it takes me out of the book. He also says ‘lass’ way too much. 😅
- ALSO…. With the phonetic writing all I can hear in my head is GROUNDS KEEPER WILLY from the Simpsons lol - so defs not feeling the ‘hot cop’ vibes hahaha
- We get it, he isn’t trying to go for ‘the lasses’ even though he is just ‘so dang handsome’ 🙄 he gives me the ick every time he mentions this (which is way too much).
- The dialogue doesn’t seem natural. Lots of dialogue that didn’t really need to be there… Which I think was the author trying to move the plot without saying so (but just comes off kinda unnatural) Example : “Good call, Belle. This may have been the most satisfying meal I’ve eaten in my entire life,” Meg leaned back in her chair patting her belly as if she were Santa post Christmas Eve cookies. “Scrumptious,” Quinn concurred. “Oh my God, I’m full though.” After paying their bill, they headed back out to the main street. The temperature had dropped a bit, but after all the food they’d eaten, they agreed to wander about the town before heading back to the inn.
- Her friends suck,, I would never just leave my friend to go walk herself - ditch the boy Bell! Especially since she will be alone on christmas. Sheesh.
- In chapter 17 it changes POV at the last few pages, within the scene (without a POV page break divider and what not) - kinda jarring. (But it seems that that was the only instance, so thats good!)
- Its getting realllyyy repetitive, especially their inner dialogue.. Especially Alex’s dialogue. We get it, you think she is hot. You like her curves and ‘big eyes’ and ‘full lips’. It’s actually almost kinda getting creepy, his POV.... For how much he lusting for her. Like cool it man. He is supposed to older yet acting like a dang virgin teenage boy. SMH.
- He is a big loser. Like I get you went through trauma , but banging a gal (on christmas) only to then be like ‘ya, never mind’ is loser behaviour …. And she forgave him so easily because he had a Booo-Boo. SMH. 🙄
- The chapter of the two bros talking almost gave me a brain aneurism.
- EW. Sex after hot tub (mmm chlorine tasting nipples) and sex on an Inn couch (so sanitaryyy) 🤢
- MARRIAGE!? THAT is the rational next step!? He went to being all "swearing off women" to MARRIAGE!? After only 2 weeks of knowing this person!? That is not rational characterization. I also totally call divorce within a year or two.
- For a cover with a shirtless man I was surprised there was only 2 spicy scenes

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great novelty! It had shortbread, Canada and Scotland in it. I'm happy. Not a whisky drinker to be fair! To be begin with I adored the settings in this book. Calen, a small town in Canada with The Rockies as the backdrop. We also get a little glimpse of my beautiful Scotland which I loved. The characters were all wonderful. The dynamic between Quinn and Alex was enticing and teasing! They bounced off each other beautifully. The plot was captivating and the slow burn between Quinn and Alex was smoking! The book is written in third person in dual points of view. Quinn and Alex's. I loved the whole snowed in theme for the most part was fun. It was very cozy. I definitely recommend this highly! What's not to love? Hot Scottish cop, Canada, shortbread and a slow burn in a small town.

[Eliza Rockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this sweet, spicy, and quirky holiday romance read! It is so well written, and the characters are incredibly dynamic and relatable—it sucked me in right from the start, and had me laughing and swooning and yelling for them to just kiss already! 🤣 The slow burn sizzles and sizzles until at last it ignites, and all I can say is the pay off is well worth the wait!
🔥🫠

If you enjoy holiday romance with forced proximity, just one bed, stuck in a blizzard and a Scottish MMC who is also a police officer (and seriously, what spicy romance reader doesn’t?) then this book is definitely for you!

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me all hot and bothered when reading it definitely gave steamy vibes and I love that the two main characters couldn’t get enough of each other and how they fit together so good in the end

[Frédérique Pageau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great holiday book with some insta-lust but slow burn romance!

A Canadian Girl named Quinn meets Mean-Hot Cop, Alex McKenzie, in a small mountain town named Callen.

Both characters are feisty and try to deny their attraction to one another!

I would recommend this bookk

[Alyssa Noyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at Indigo from the author herself. I think it’s neat, people writing books. And I’m not one to walk away from someone selling their art because brava!

This sits somewhere between meh and good for me. I just think romance novels get a bad rep because a lot can be missing from them. Not here to yuck your yum. If you love a longing-for-a-romp-plot line, you’ll probably like this.

[Mrs Lopez Overbooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful blend of holiday charm and unexpected passion, perfectly capturing that classic Hallmark vibe while injecting a healthy dose of spice. The story revolves around Quinn West, a determined freelancer with a penchant for chatter and an innocence that draws you in, and the brooding Sergeant Alex Mackenzie, whose towering presence hides deep emotional scars.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of a snowy mountain town, Quinn is on a quest to write her debut novel and find solace in solitude. However, her plans quickly unravel when she finds herself repeatedly drawn to the enigmatic Alex. His grumpy demeanor and troubled past create a captivating tension that drives the narrative. The chemistry between them crackles, particularly when a snowstorm leaves them stranded together in Alex's cozy cabin.

The development of their relationship is beautifully crafted; as the icy barriers of their hearts begin to melt, readers are treated to both heartwarming moments and steamy encounters. The pacing allows for a satisfying blend of flirtation and vulnerability, making it hard to put down.

What I loved most about this book is how it seamlessly marries the familiar warmth of holiday romance with a deeper exploration of trauma and healing. The characters are richly drawn, with Quinn’s sunshine personality providing a perfect counterbalance to Alex's grumpy exterior. Their journey from emotional isolation to an intoxicating connection is not just romantic, but deeply relatable.

In the end, it proves that love can thaw even the coldest of hearts, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a festive escape filled with warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of spice.

[Larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book but it had a few things that irked me (not enough to stop reading, but enough that I was raising an eyebrow more than once.) Perhaps I’m not one for some of the tropes here and dislike some of the unrealistic romance.

Pros:
- Canadian author, and set in western Canada. As a local Canadian I love when I can feel closer to the setting.
- Christmas/forced proximity trope, and I enjoy a man in uniform
- Good tension build up throughout the book

Criticisms:
- I wondered how the author was going to convey the MMC’s Scottish-ness in writing, and it’s through very obvious phonetic written Scot accent and slang. I got used to it after a while but it threw me for a loop at first
- Some mild editing issues (I purchased the ebook format) A missed word a couple times, quotation marks that weren’t closed. Just took me out of the moment for a second
- Not a ton of character fleshing out. Both have some traumatic past, but I feel like I didn’t get to really know either of them outside of that
- SPOILER: Way too fast of an insta-love for my tastes. They go from meeting to realizing they’re in love over the course of a week. Then he proposes to her and they’re getting married in the same month. I’m not opposed to books ending with a proposal but usually the two characters have some kind of past with each other or at least it’s been months, not a week. All felt a bit too forced for my tastes
- Despite the tension building, the actual (only two) sex scenes that occurred were over very quick for how much build up there was.


That said, this was a satisfying quick read, I enjoyed the Christmas spirit, but probably won’t indulge in the rest of the series.

[Kayla Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you so much to the author August Lindsay for allowing me to be part of your ARC team for this novel.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars.... I would give it a million!!! I'm calling this book the Hidden Gem of the Holidays! This is August Lindsay's debut novel and I couldn't be more blown away by Scotch & Shortbread.

You will LOVE this book if you like:
✨Forced Proximity
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨POV Switch
✨One bed
✨Touch her and die
✨Open door
✨Alpha cop
✨Scottish mmc
✨Second chances
✨Christmas

Quinn is in the process of writing her debut novel and, in the mix, a girls trip ensues. Quinn has a run in with Alex who is also known as "Hot Cop" The two end up stuck in a cabin together due to extreme weather. You'll fall in love with the banter, the sexual tension, and the realness of these two! I was attached very quickly to Quinn our female main character. She is relatable and likable. I love her inner monologue moments, they really richen her character. I didn't know there was going to be POV switches but I'm SOOOO glad they were there. I would say Alex's POV were some of my favorite moments to read. I mean, who doesn't want to know what another man is thinking. This book will reel you in and catch you by surprise with a few twists and turns. The intimacy scenes were supported greatly by the story and didn't feel forced or out of place and I really appreciated that.

This is a holiday treat you need to read, add it to your tbr or pre-order it! The book releases October 1st. All I can say is I can't wait to get a physical copy!!!

All opinions of this book are my own

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Quinn’s story is a fabulous read. There is so much tension and antagonism between them during their first few encounters as well of sparks of attraction both are determined to ignore. An unexpected rescue during a blizzard brings the two together in his remote mountain cabin. Cozy and far too close to ignore each other, the two become much better acquainted, especially when keeping warm necessitates sharing a bed and body heat. While she is willing to take things further between them, Alex is not. He has been burned by a woman in the past and made a vow to himself to live a solitary and celibate life. His struggle is fierce, and he is determined to push Quinn out of his life as soon as the roads become passable.

Alpha male Alex is most definitely hero material. First, he is a man in uniform, a 6’4” and buff specimen with a handsome face to boot. Then there is the Scottish accent, the piercing gaze and the disarming but rare smile that knocks the ladies socks off. Sure he is grumpy, but Quinn sees a different side of him when they are forced to cohabitate for a few days. There is a softer, sentimental and protective side to the hard-nosed police sergeant she first encountered. I loved Quinn’s chattiness, her slightly aggressive then naughty drunk side, and her sweet and funny side. She stands up to Blake and calls him out on several occasions. She has her own reasons to be wary of love, but her heart is still open to it. Their story is entertaining, emotional at times and includes a good dose of spice as well as a few twists to keep things interesting.

I highly recommend this riveting book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, cute, and cozy book. Growing up in Aspen, CO I fully understand the feel and aesthetic of a small town in the winter with all the magical ✨️ aspects of it.

This story is beautifully written and keeps you engaged and wanting more throughout the book.

I feel in love with Alex's accent and enjoyed getting to know more about him and why he is the way he is. I liked how the accent was written in the book, it's a perfect addition. (Ex. Good wee lass 🥵) New book boyfriend? Absolutely! Tall, hot, uniformed, cop! Yes please! Grumpy exterior but teddy bear on the inside.

Quinn is a blast! She's perky, loves to talk, and is feisty 😏 No filter, doesn't back down, smart, a caring person and good listener, Quinn is someone I related too quite a bit. I found myself smiling alot when it came to her and her thoughts lol.

I laughed out loud at times, I was mad at Alex for a minute lol but he redeemed himself and the ending was a perfect and beautiful surprise!! An awesome debut novel that will get you in your feels and is a great companion for the upcoming holidays. 🎄

I thought the chapter names were cute and fun, the slow burn was so damn good, and as a dog person, Bear was automatically in my heart!

Tropes

Christmas
Scottish Cop MMC
Writer FMC
Snowed In
Cozy Mountain Town
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Slow Burn
Grumpy X Sunshine


Micro Tropes:


Grey Sweats
Sexy Accent
German Shepherd named Bear
She Reads to Him
They Cook For Each Other
Cute Chapter Names
Castle
Library in Attic
Beauty In The Small Things

I highly recommend 🤌

[lyndsey.jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met August Lindsay through Instagram. She was promoting her first book and immediately, I wanted to know more. We started talking—that is to say, I commented my excitement for her book, because it sounded exactly like something I couldn’t wait to read, and I wanted to know all the things about her writing process. And I learned that she is one of the kindest people I’ve ever spoken to online. Her excitement over finally publishing her first book was palpable. And the bonus—she’s local, she has the most beautiful black horse I’ve ever seen, and she really, really makes me want to have bangs again.

I had the honour of beta reading Scotch & Shortbread. It had everything that I love in a romance novel: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a broody Scottish cop in a small Rocky Mountain town. Quinn and Alex meet under less than ideal circumstances, and sparks instantly fly. She’s sassy and stubborn, he’s just doing his job. Fate keeps bringing them together, and those sparks—they explode. I loved these characters together, I loved their story, and the fact that it’s set around the holidays makes it a perfect, comfy and cozy Christmas read.

Well done, girl. You did it.

I can’t wait for Scotch & Dreams♥️

[Avril Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent Christmas in Canada with Scotch and Shortbread and I loved my stay. The FMC was easy to like and I ended up adoring her. The MMC grew on me and felt quite layered.

One of my favourite parts of the book was how conversation seemed to flow more effortlessly between Quinn and Alex as the story progressed. The characters felt the most real during these moments as August's writing shone through her engaging use of dialogue. I enjoyed the dash of mystery that had me guessing and the themes of Christmas laced throughout. It made my Christmas feel warmer.

There wasn't a character I didn't like, even if some frustrating decisions were made. A good story isn't without its hair-pulling moments. August captured the realism of the world in a way that was easy for me to sink into. I loved the slow burn and the moments that were rife with enough tension that I often forgot to breathe! The heat was packing and the spicy scenes more than satisfying!

There were scenarios that had my toes curling and my tummy fluttering, moments where I couldn't put the book down. August definitely delivered simmering passion in her romantic scenes, I loved all of them.

[Ashley (my.bookish.chapter) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a small mountain town at Christmas time, Quinn and Alex keep running into each other. She’s on vacation with her friends and is trying to write her first novel. He’s a police officer with a haunting past.

This debut novel feels exactly like a Hallmark Christmas movie! A quick witted, strong woman and a protective male with a Scottish accent, end up stuck with each other in a cabin as they wait out a brutal snow storm. I mean, can’t you picture it?! I did the entire time I was reading.

Quinn is so confident and quick witted, I found myself in awe of her. Alex is such a kind, protective person whose history with a specific woman made me angry and also incredibly sad. When I say haunting past, I mean, it’s traumatic and awful. I definitely see how overcoming that experience would be hard.

If you’re looking for a quick read with a slow burn romance, lots of tension, forced proximity, with a grumpy/sunshine trope, and a few spicy scenes, give this one a go!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 / 5

[FictionHealsMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, especially because of one very specific reason: the broody, hot Scottish policeman. And that accent? Absolutely one of my favorite parts of the book. Every time he spoke, I was melting. It was so adorable and so good.

The pacing, though, wasn’t entirely for me. The first half of the book felt quite slow and, at times, a little boring. But the second half? Completely different story. Once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. It was that good.

The yearning and tension between them were incredibly strong, and I loved every charged moment. There are a couple of spicy scenes, and after all that build up, I honestly wished for more spice and more scenes. Still, the payoff was satisfying, and the emotional connection made it worth it.

Overall, a really good read with a slow start but a powerful, addictive second half and a Scottish accent I’m still thinking about

[Keisha Jordan Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that has small town enemies to lovers this could be it, but if you are looking for a hottie drool worthy cop with an accent- Scotch and Shortbread is definitely IT!

This books dreamy location set in a snow covered small town makes you want to cuddle up with some Christmas cookies and a hot drink to watch the snow fall outside a window while reading. The perfect amount of banter and forced proximity between Quinn and Alex will make you literally laugh out loud while reading. As Christmas approaches, you begin to see just how much small towns and holidays naturally pull people together.

This book is written in third person, so it took me a while to get accustomed to that as I read a lot of first person/dual perspective books but I cannot wait to see what happens next! 🎄

[Mandy Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man! This book captures your attention from the start! Enemies to lovers with a grumpy and sunshine trop was chefs kiss 👩🏽‍🍳 💋.
I absolutely loved the story building and the fact that it didn't jump into the spice right away. We got to know Quinn and Alex as people, understanding where they were coming from and everything else. They are fiercely loyal, but also know they each have their own walls that need to be broken through but don't expect it when it's the person they least expected that is able to tear through the near impenetrable facade.
The Scottish dialect can be a bit odd for readers like myself who are not used to it, but it's easy to pick up on what the word would be and it's a breeze by the end.
I absolutely loved this story and would follow them through another without a doubt.

[Tracy Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Wow!!! Wow!!! If the book cover doesn’t draw you in with abs and Christmas then prepare yourself to be drawn in for more. August does an amazing job drawing you in with a hot and steamy Christmas romance set in a winter wonderland of a feisty girl next door and Cold Mean Hot Cop! Quin and Alex’s immediate attraction to each other is a force to be reckoned with along with their playful banter but even more so with the pull of emotions described for each. The whispers and thoughts of each other’s feelings often left me thinking if I should be overhearing it. I loved the Christmas traditions Alex shares with Quinn and the strong references of family making this story so relatable and swoon worthy. A can’t put down, 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy read that is sure to have you wanting to try scotch and shortbread at the end. I can’t wait for book two!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be an ARC reader for August Lindsay! This debut novel will immediately put you in the mood for Christmas. The main character Quinn is also working on her debut novel during a girls trip. She gets pulled over by Alex, a hot but mean cop. She gushes over him with her friends and ends up running into him several times. He keeps getting hotter and hotter, until he becomes a knight in shining armor during a particularly stressful situation. I don’t want to give it away, but his dog leads to him and the moment had me swooning.

This leads to them being trapped in his house during a blizzard during Christmas. Nothing but them, a beautiful library, plenty of scotch and homemade shortbread. Did I mention he is Scottish? It truly is a perfect Christmas book wrapped up in a package with a neat bow. The tropes included are:

✨Forced Proximity
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Dual POV
✨One bed
✨Open door
✨Christmas

It is a must on your holiday TBR!

[Juniper Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Length: 400 pages

Slow burn, but it burns so good! 🔥

Quinn, the talkative, outspoken writer, never expected her girls’ trip to start with a speeding ticket. Enter Alex, the brooding and oh-so-sexy Scottish cop. Despite his gruff demeanor, Quinn can’t deny her instant attraction—even if he’s an ass.

Fate keeps throwing them together, and when a blizzard traps them in Alex’s cozy cabin, their sizzling chemistry finally ignites. As they warm up to each other, they uncover hidden traumas that shaped their lives. But will their shared pain keep them apart or bring them closer?

The banter was top-tier, the chemistry was palpable, and the snowy Christmas setting made everything feel extra cozy and oh-so-sexy. A slow-burn romance worth every page!

Favorite Quote:

".....the habit she seemed to have to suck on candy canes like she could make them come."😳🔥

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Christmas book, set in a snowy small town. Scotch & Shortbread is SO much more than just a holiday romance. I quickly found myslef captured in the story, laughing and crying right alongside the characters. Best of all, when I thought I had things figured out, there were twists I never saw coming.  It was absolutely perfect!

I adore Quinn. She's like the best version of girl-next-door bestfriend with amazing strength, and an attitude that makes you laugh out loud. Alex is a no-nonsense, no-time-for-women cop who deep down has a heart of gold (we won't let him know we know though). These two are a complete rollercoaster of emotion together. As soon as Lachlin was introduced, I knew I loved him and needed to know more. I can NOT wait to see what happens next!!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! And by cute, I mean the whole Christmassy vibe. It was also a steamy slow burn complete with a jacked Scottish police officer in Canada...need I say more? (and not like a Canadian Mounty with the hats on a horse...like a sexy tactical ops office lol) I loved the small town /Christmas village feel and the banter between the MMC and FMC was sweet and spicy at once. I also loved that the MMC wasn't just like a big brute but had some vulnerability to him - you don't see that too often when authors are trying to make the men all big and burly. But he's Scottish and they're a different breed and that really comes across so I thought it was great. Such a fun holiday read!

[Terri Van Steen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book to sit in your favourite chair, with your favourite drink, under a blanket and read.

It gives all the snowy Christmassy vibes set in a Canadian mountain town. Just what you’d imagine the perfect Christmas place to be like! But don’t let all the cozy goodness fool you, it’s got some pretty hot spice too!!

I do enjoy the forced proximity trope and we also have a not quite enemies to lovers trope going on but something close, I just wouldn’t call them enemies exactly.

Alex sounds so incredibly hunky and I’m not gonna lie, I am a sucker for accents! If you also love a man in uniform then Alex is the trifecta!!!
But we need to talk about Quinn. The absolute take no crap miss sassy pants!! I adore her and her backchat and sass!

[Luvleepati · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🥃Holiday Romance
🥃Grumpy/Sunshine
🥃Proximity
🥃small-town
🥃HEA

Great book, I love the small-town wintery setting, it’s one of my favs. This book is written in the third person and although I do try to avoid those, I’m glad I took a chance because this book was amazing. Alex is a Scottish cop that is closed off to everyone due to past experiences and Quinn is used to being alone because she has no actual family but is pretty outgoing and friendly. Alex stops Quinn as she is getting into town for a girl’s weekend and gives her a speeding ticket and after that they keep crossing paths and he is usually saving her. This is the kids of book to make you crawl on the couch with cookies and hot cocoa to read by the fireplace. Great book really enjoyed it.

[Sharon Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW 📖✨

I’m not going to lie the cover intimidated me because it looks like one of those books you’d see at the grocery check out line. 🫣 I was gifted this book by @homelifewithkayla who happens to be writing her first novel right now. 🥰 We have similar tastes in reading so I was excited to dive in.

This is @august.lindsay.author debut novel and it did not disappoint! The story takes place in Canada. The hot Scottish cop, Alex, runs into Quinn West, a budding writer in a cutesy town in B.C. It was funny reading Alex’s POV throughout the book. Ever wonder what a man thinks? Alex will let you know. Quinn is totally relatable and you grow to love her. I thought it was a good mix of charm and spice. Not to mention the perfect Christmas setting. 🏠❄️🌨️🎄

Don’t judge a book by its cover! You’ll be surprised like I was. 🤭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about Quinn and Alex. The characters are both extremely likeable and their backgrounds are what make them so real.

Their chemistry leaps off the page and grabs you to keep reading from the very beginning. I loved how the close proximity portion really brings out their whole story.

Then there is Alex's accent and loveable dog, Bear! Lachlan is a great addition to the story. It brings a piece of Scotland to the tale and adds great depth to who Alex is at heart.

This is a fun read that tugs at the heartstrings with a good dash of spice. I loved it and very much look forward to more from this author!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful debut by the Author. I absolutely enjoyed this book so very much. This book definitely gets you into the Holiday spirit early. I loved the setting of this book and its characters. I adored Quinn. She was so much fun to read about and I liked her personality and how can you forget Alex or better known as Mean Hot Cop? I don’t want to spoil the story but this book was so well written. Throw in a blizzard, a dog, and being stuck in the mountains & it’s the holidays all you as the reader needs is a cozy place to read this story. I cannot wait to see what she writes next. I loved this one.

[Stace R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was thrilled as a Scottish gal to be part of the ARC team for this book.

Absolutely loved the setting of the small Canadian town. Nothing beats the imagery that comes with something that reminds you of a Christmas hallmark movie!

Quinn was the feisty , vivacious FMC of dreams. She took no rubbish and kept the MMC on his toes.

Alex was our typical grumpy MMC. He really did come across like a grumpy Scottish man (I have lots of knowledge of these types haha).

Loved the way the story developed and made me wish for a woodland cottage of my own!