One for the Road: A Novel – A Steamy Scottish Small Town Romance Between a Grumpy Doctor and Single Mom Who Fake Date

The Macabe Brothers #3

by Elliot Fletcher

Opposites attract in this steamy Scottish romance between a grumpy doctor and the single mother who lives next door, from the author of Whisky Business.

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

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

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



Opposites attract Fake Dating Forced Proximity Single mom Grumpy x sunshine

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fake Dating, Scotland, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Adult

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2026

Reviews

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

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.

[Amy (amysbooksnthings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 💘

[Oana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kelsey-rose💘 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

[Gosia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

Elliot Fletcher is a miracle worker! 💕

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

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

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

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

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

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


My favorite quote 👇🏼

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

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

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Notyourmomsshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Natasha Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🫶🏻

[Marissa | goingonbookcation · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5⭐️ • 2/5🌶️ • 0/5😢

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

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

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ashley Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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

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

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

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

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

[lali ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ☆ (RTC)
I have no words to describe how I'm feeling right now

[Anna Liljeroth]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Quyen S · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

This was a cute rom com with good character development. I did find some plot elements a tad predictable, which kept me from rating higher. I didn’t realize that it was part of a series and will likely look to read other books in the series.

[kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Carlota Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the first instalment of this series, but didn’t realise there was more until I saw this ARC!

While I flew through it and it was an easy read, I did feel it lacked a little substance in some areas, particularly the “big argument” that should have been the crux of the storyline but finished very quickly.

It was the classic grumpy / sunshine trope and was written well but definitely think some of the characters could have been developed more!

The smut scenes were a bit of a surprise, esp the language of the MMC but perhaps that was the point - the quiet, sullen man on the exterior etc.

Absolutely hated Cameron 😂

3.5 rounded up to 4!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC :)

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved the Macabe brothers so much - Elliot is really good at writing a story that balances emotion with humor (& spice!). I will miss this family and Kinleith, though I’m holding out hope for a book about Heather and excited to see what Elliot writes next.

Alistair is a compelling character given his history in the first two books, and it took some time for him to grow on me. His redemption didn’t feel completely satisfying for me, personally, but I still enjoyed his dynamic with Isla and Teddy.

I loved Isla and Alistair’s banter and their slower-burn romance. It may have been a slower start but the story flowed well in the second half. I will always recommend this series, it’s one of my favorites!

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for ARC to read and review.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE FOR THE ROAD is Exhibit A for why I read romance - this is terrific!

The Isle of Skye is the perfect setting for a small-town, slow-burn, fake-dating romance – lots of weather, grudge-holding townsfolk and a Spring festival, all mixed up with the sprawling Macabe family. Middle brother Alistair has been in the background for Books 1 and 2 in this series, where he is a bit of a villain.

Isla and her daughter Teddy rent an isolated semi-detached cottage after her relationship implodes. Their neighbour is the local doctor Alistair, who is fastidious and grumpy, and Isla initially feels like he is judging her as he witnesses all her troubles.

Both Isla and Alistair have their challenges so it’s not long before they call a truce, because Alistair needs to work on his image, and Isla needs a hand to win the festival baking competition if she’s going to get out of debt.

Isla is a delight. She has some body insecurity, and she wants to find the best in people. The idea of giving her ex the chance to do the right thing is key to her personality - and part of the plot. She’s a terrific mother but feels like she’s not doing enough for Teddy. The strands woven in here are cleverly handled as Cam, Isla’s ex, isn’t paying family support – which makes Isla and Teddy's situation feel precarious. Isla doesn’t want to push Cam, or depend on a man, so when Alistair steps in, it’s awkward for everyone.

One thing that makes this book so very special is the character work – especially of Alistair who is so satisfyingly complex. Yes, he’s burnt out, cranky and dour, and so unhappy with both his professional and personal lives, but he is also caring and attentive, hardworking and conscientious. He’s grieving his father, with whom he had a complicated relationship. He’s pedantic about what he eats, and how he dresses, in ways that made me want to unravel him – luckily Isla does this so well! Watching Alistair loosen up, and recalibrate, and redeem himself with his family, is just wonderful.

Isla’s daughter Teddy is delightful. The reader can see how she loves and misses her father - Alistair is a balm, but not a replacement for Cam. Even though Alistair has had some contact with kids, getting to know Teddy is a revelation for him.

I love all the intimate scenes. Teddy was with her ex since she was a teen and she didn’t know what she liked in bed. Then, she didn’t know how to ask. Alistair pays attention and helps her find her way, and it’s steamy and emotional and tender as they learn to be vulnerable with each other.

Five stars from me. One for the Road is a standalone novel but I recommend the first two in the series (Whisky Business and Scotch on the Rocks with Alistair’s brothers). I have my fingers crossed the Macabe sister Heather will get her own story.

Thank you Elliot Fletcher and HarperCollins UK and Harper Fiction for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Euphonious Times · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley

One for the Road is the third book in The Macabe Brothers series, following Alistair’s storyline. He returns to his hometown on the Isle of Skye, following an abrupt and tumultuous departure from his GP practice and life in Glasgow. Struggling with unresolved feelings towards his father and their relationship, as well as his connection to his siblings, especially his brother that is now dating his ex fiancee, Alistair isn’t having the best time and doesn’t see a long term future staying there. A chance encounter brings Isla into his orbit and it turns out she is actually his new neighbour, with whom he shares a very thin wall. Isla is doing her best to raise her daughter, Theodora, whilst also pursuing her passion of baking and hoping to turn it into a business. Circumstances bring Alistair and Isla to the decision to start fake dating, their attraction being anything but fake.

I really loved these characters, finding them relatable and well developed. Alistair’s struggles with his relationship with his father and wanting that validation from him was very endearing, and it showed how wide spread and long lasting its impact can be (it affected the whole family and influenced his choices even in his late 30s). Isla wanting to regain her independence after Cameron’s betrayal and abandonment whilst balancing being a good mother and a professional was wonderful to see and I liked how she slowly allowed herself to fill her own cup too ! From finding her people and her support system, to regaining confidence and standing up for herself and for Teddy, I loved her journey!

Teddy was the sweetest angel and I am so proud of her pure and gentle soul. She definitely deserved so much more from Cameron, who was an absolute tool and had no redeemable qualities in my view. It was so tender to see her spend quality time with Alistair and start caring for him. I thought she noticed so much of what was happening around her, having so much empathy. I was happy for her to have this effortless connection with a caring, supportive adult other than her mother.

Once Alistair decided to go for Isla he was absolutely relentless and I was all here for it ! He didn’t even hesitate to show and express his love in all the ways he knew how, and some new ones he learned on the way - we should all be so lucky to have an Alistair fighting for us ! His dirty talk was something else, no notes 🥵

Overall I had a great time with this, I loved the story and the characters and the setting, the spice, the emotional journey, basically everything but Cameron, didn’t love him. I read this as a standalone and I had no issue with that, and I will definitely be going back in for the first two books now !

🥐 Forced Proximity
🩺 Second Chance
🥐 Single Mother
🩺 Dual POV
🥐 Fake Dating
🩺 Opposites Attract
🥐 Small Town

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this advanced copy !

[Kelsey reviews•books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the series and I am SO SAD that there are no more Macabe brothers to fall in love with.
This is the third and final book in the Macabe Brothers series and should be read in order for maximum emotional impact.

▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★.5 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
This review is my honest opinions in exchange for an advanced copy from Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley. This book will be published on June 4.
─────────────────────────

○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○

– FMC: Isla Lang (aka “honey”). 28-year-old single mom whose ex cheated on her and is not a great co-parent or father.
– MMC: Dr. Alistair Macabe. 37-year-old doctor who has a complicated history with his current practice and a bit of a redemption to make with his town and his family.
– Location: Kinleith, Isle of Skye, Scotland
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: 4-5 explicit open-door spicy scenes
– Tropes: single mom, strangers to neighbors to lovers, age gap (9 years), forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, redemption arc for MMC, small town, she’s a baker/he’s a doctor, opposites attract, fake dating, toy play, “get it out of our system,” acts of service MMC
– Content warning: cheating ex, emotionally abusive ex, deadbeat dad, grief (off-page death of a parent from Alzheimer’s), body image issues (due to postpartum)
– Representation: Nothing noteworthy

─────────────────────────

🎯 My Thoughts:

This series is just so fun and filled with both great spice and deep topics. I was a little nervous going into Alistair’s book since we didn’t get the best impression of him from Scotch on the Rocks, but Elliot handled his redemption beautifully. He had such an interesting backstory and it made me really feel for him.

But the star of this book was Isla. From the boss-ass bitch example she made of Alistair during their first meeting, to her vulnerability when it came to moving on from her truly pukish ex, Isla was such a sweetheart. I love a single mom romance and this one was super cute with her daughter, Teddy, and the complexities of growing up in a situation you can’t control.

I am so sad to say goodbye to this series, but I am holding out hope for a spinoff of the only Macabe sister!

Would I Recommend?: YES! Elliot’s writing is humorous, heartfelt, and the way she writes banter is truly swoon-worthy.

─────────────────────────

⍟»This or That«⍟

Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————✧—————Slow Burn
Sweet———————✧————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———————✧————Heavy/Emotional



•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•

[mei_li_terature · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Collins UK and Elliot Fletcher for the early digital copy of One for the Road in exchange for an honest review.

I've been eyeing Elliot Fletcher's books for a while now. Sadly, I haven't gotten around to read the first two in the Macabe Brothers series, but when I saw One for the road was up to request. I didn't hesitate one bit. And after devouring it in less than 24 hours, it's safe to say I will be going back to read the first and second book. I loved seeing the brothers in this book, so I cannot wait to see and read about how they got their respective happy endings.

One for the road follows Alistair, a burn out GP who came back to his hometown on the island of Skye after his father became ill, and left him his practice. And Isla, a single mom (yes I refuse to acknowledge her ex and father of teddy--) doing everything to give her little girl what she needs in life.

After her ex, and father of her child, dumped her for his high school sweetheart, Isla moves to the adjoining house to Alistair's. Alistair being the grumpy man he is, wasn't happy about it, at all, especially when he found out when Isla opened a door that links both their house.

After a few months of complaints to the renting agency, and of mainly avoiding each other, their path seem to cross more and more and they found the perfect solution to their problems. FAKE DATING. Sounds perfect right ? Would bring Alistair's a well needed boost in popularity and will allow Isla to show her ex she's doing better without him. But most importantly, It would mean they can enter the baking contest and Isla could win the prize money to help pay for bills.

It was so cute to see Alistair warm up to both Isla and Teddy, I really loved how he took care pf both of them. It started with small things and grew into more, acts of service are definitely his love language. Him playing lego with teddy, and allowing Isla to use his shower may seem like nothing, but it was really sweet to finally see someone take care of these two like they deserve.

Now, like we can expect, the fake aspect of the dating didn't hold on for long. Both catching feelings pretty fast, I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve into more, even if they weren't ready yet to admit it.

I could've done without the drama at the end and with a bit more of communication between the two MCs, but I understand why It had to happen the way it did. Both having stuff to deal with from their past. I LOVED their happy ending and can't wait to go back to the first two books in the series.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year when I read Scotch on the Rocks, book two in the Macabe Brothers-series, I was, if anything, neutral towards Alistair. He was mostly grumpy & moody and "likeable" wasn't really something I would use to describe him.
And while I wouldn’t say Alistair particularly interested me, I still wanted to read his book and yes, he really redeemed himself here and I did find myself enjoying this book a tad more than book two.

Isla’s development throughout the book was really great. She started off as an insecure, stressed and partly intimidated single mother, who by the end of the book, turned into a confident woman in more than one aspect of her life.
I really loved the female friendship between Isla & Heather and wished there would have been a bit more of it.

Isla’s situation with her ex Cameron was particularly frustrating to read. Maybe I’m not patient enough for Cameron’s type of BS or maybe this is the hater in my speaking, but I think there were several moments and situations where he could have been (publicly) humiliated. And he would have deserved it.

Alistair’s development was also nice to witness. Determined to leave Skye as quickly as possible and struggling with the future of his job and his relationship with his dad, which is a common theme amongst the Macabe siblings, he eventually had enough reasons to stay.
Isla’s daughter Teddy was also a huuuuge part in Alistair’s development and I do think that Teddy is the actual star of this book. You could really tell that both of them, Alistair & Teddy, brought out the best of each other.

The relationship between Isla & Alistair was cute, but I also felt like something was missing? Maybe it was the pacing. Maybe I was missing more moments of them getting to know each other or more moments of them faking their relationship in front of other people. At least from a reader’s perspective, because everyone else seemed to be really convinced about these two.
I will also say that I appreciate the communication between them. Alistair kept on reassuring Isla every step of the way with all of her fears and treated them as serious as Isla felt they were.

Overall a lovely end (?) to the series. I do hope that Heather might get her own book and if so, then consider me sat and ready!

(Word on the street is that Elliott is releasing a new novel next year and I’m excited for that!)

Thank you to HarperCollins for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Ashleigh Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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