Second Chance Scottish

by Tricia O'Malley, Amy Landon (Narrator), Will Watt (Narrator)

He’s famous for heartbreak ballads. She’s famous for ignoring him.

When Noah Byrne’s career implodes in a very public scandal, the grumpy Scottish rock star retreats to the only place no one would think to look–his sleepy hometown. The plan is simple. Hide out, avoid paparazzi, and wait for the storm to pass.

He books the last room at the local inn owned by Skye Kerrigan. His first love. And the only woman who has ever walked away from him.

Skye has no time for rock gods with wounded egos. The inn is hanging by a thread and she’s fighting to keep her family’s legacy alive.

Noah offers a deal. He’ll play for the town’s Christmas charity concert if she gives him a place to hide out.

And when the spotlight comes calling again, Skye must decide if her first love is really worth an encore?

Author’s This book is a stand-alone, small-town Scottish Christmas romance with second chances, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine banter, a matchmaking book club, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Christmas, Second Chance, Holiday, Fiction, Scotland

Audible Audio

Published December 11, 2025

About the author

As an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.

An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.

To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance Scottish by Tricia O’Malley
Contemporary holiday Scottish romance novella. Slight paranormal elements of ghosts. A stand-alone loosely connected by town characters in the current series.
Skye Kerrigan has inherited the local inn and is struggling to keep it afloat. When a reservation comes in with a fake name, she isn’t concerned. As long as they can pay the bill. But nope. Not Noah Byrne. He walked away once already. She’s not going to let him back into her life. Oh but, he begs so prettily.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Amy Landon and Will Watt in a duet format. This pair does the entire Enchanted Highland series and the accents are charming and entertaining, especially when secondary characters intrude. The story is on the quirky side of paranormal and the two narrators handle the humor and passion with ease bringing the characters to vivid life.

Highly entertaining with magic, holiday feels and a second chance, feel good romance.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Select.

[That_awkwardbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance romance is set in the cutest little village in Scotland. This is part of a larger series, but is the first book for me but won't be the last. I felt right at home. There are so many side characters that are unique and make the community of the village so heartfelt. This is one of my favorite aspects of this story, how the people show up for each other and take care of the community.
I was pleasantly surprised how deeply emotional this novella gets and how the feelings get validated. The narrator's voices transport the feelings and atmosphere so convincingly. I am no expert with accents but they sound very Scottish to me. The male narrator has such a deep and sensual voice I absolutely believe that he is a rockstar.


Thank you to the author Tricia O'Malley, Dreamscape Select and NetGalley for providing this ALC

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never read Tricia O’Malley before, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going into Second Chance Scottish. Since it’s a novella, there isn’t a lot of room for deep character development or an intricate backstory, and that definitely shows. The story is cute and the Scottish setting adds some charm, but nothing really wowed me.

The audiobook features veteran powerhouses Amy Landon (also known as Lucy Rivers) and Will Watt, who both deliver solid performances. Their experience definitely helps elevate the story, even if the material itself stays on the lighter, simpler side.

[AmdynReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something about listening to Scottish voices describe a cozy B&B in a quaint town that just fills me with a warm all over feeling. Second Chance Scottish is a sweet holiday romance that feels like curling up by a fire on a snowy night.

When a Scottish rockstar hiding from a career-ending scandal ends up at his first love’s struggling small-town inn, old sparks fly amid forced proximity, sweet banter, and nervousness over opening up their heart again after heartbreak. Tricia O’Malley packs a surprising amount of heart and heat into this quick read — it’s the perfect palette cleanser that still manages to hit you right in the feels and leave you smiling.

🎧 This was a dual narration voiced by Amy Landon & Will Watt. Amy did great but I did feel that her Scottish accent was not consistent through all chapters. Will Watt’s voice physically made me weak in the knees! Somehow when he would do the side character voices, he also did those perfectly as well. Not sure how he did that but his feisty old lady voice was SPOT ON! 🤣
This would be a great book, but with their Scottish intonation, it is truly meant to be an audiobook.

✨ Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, Lovewrite Publishing & of course Trisha O’Malley for allowing me to listen to this ALC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren 🍓 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Watt is a new fave narrator. THERE I SAID IT. Between Good Spirits and this I’m obsessed.

Love me an accent, love me a second chance, throw in some forced proximity at an inn with nosey townspeople???? I AM SAT.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet!

Rock star (Noah) versus small town Inn Owner (Skye)… who was his first (and only) true love.

When he shows up, unannounced and uninvited, and under an alias to her small, hometown inn… well, she wants no part of this equation. BUT, he had booked the place for a solid month.
In the off-season.
During the slowest time of the year.
And she can really use all the help she can get…

So she agrees to let him stay for ONE WEEK ONLY. Then he needs to move on.

But once he starts to hang around, and help her out… well, she starts to remember.

BUT, not to worry… she has ‘The Book Club Bitches’ to help her out! And, to make us howl in the process!!

This was only 3-4 hours long, and it packed a whole big wallop of a punch in that short time!

Sweet? ✔️
Sassy? ✔️
Romantic ? ✔️
Hysterical? ✔️✔️ 🤣🤣🤣
Second chances at love??? 🤔🧐. Hmmm… you’ll have to pick this one up to find out!

#SecondChanceScottish by @TriciaOMalley. And narrated nicely by @AmyLandon and @WillWatt.

4 big, sweet, charismatic, charming, loving, sassy stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*** This one has NOT been released as yet, so please LOOK FOR IT on 12/11/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @DreamscapeSelect and @LovewritePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Martina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3- ⭐

[Not yet published - Expected 11 Dec 25]

❁ Thank you to Netgalley and Tricia O'Malley for the opportunity to listen to the audio version of this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion — ARC provided by Dreamscape Select | Lovewrite Publishing ❁

This was a very pleasant audiobook about second chances at love and dreams 💖
I definitely loved the voice actors with their Scottish accents, even if it required me to rewind several times, since I didn't have the written text to support me 🤣 But that's on me for not being either Scottish or a native English speaker.
The love story was mild... not excellent, at least for me - I didn't feel it.
But all the characters were very likeable, townfolk included!
The MMC "felt" really sexy 🫣

[Kait Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love everything that Tricia writes, and this novella is not any different in that regard.

Her holiday novellas are some of my favorites, as we get to return to Kingsbarn again. I love the town and (of course) and Book B*tches (I want to be a member one day!). I loved the second-chance romance between Skye and Noah, and watching them rekindle something that happened so long ago.

As always, I'm very thankful for a Dual Narration for these books!

We get all the things we love from Tricia:
- Small town romance
- Meddling neighbors
- Scottish accents
- A little touch of magick

Thank you to the publisher for the ALC!

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

t is bittersweet when a story ends and you weren’t expecting it. The first sign of a great story is when you lose all track of time. There is something so genuinely cozy in Tricia O’Malley’s highland world. From the sweet side critters and ghostly visions to the ever chaotic Book B!tches. I adore those crazy older ladies and their meddlesome antics. The romance of Noah & Skye is a beautiful second chance story of finding your perfect moment in time and putting in the work. A great example of how you need to put in the effort for your hea. I love all the found family vibes of the little Scottish community, how every member is kin and deep in you business. It seals up all the cozy feels.

Narration by Will Watt & Amy Landon feels like coming home at this point. Having listened to them throughout this series, their voices are as much a part of O’Malley’s Scotland as she herself is. At one cozy and endearing, Amy Landon brings every bit of charm and wit as Skye emphasizing her stubborn streak. Will Watt brings all the swagger and determination to Noah. Melting you with his soft tones and swoon-worthy appeal. They blend together for an experience that I simply get lost in.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet second chances romance that is full of emotion, wit and fun while bringing enough realism to make the reader feel like they are in the story rather than reading it. The narration is outstanding and brings Scotland to life for the reader. The dual narration makes each character more alive and give the emotions more depth. This author writes with an eye to wit and humor that is absolutely outstanding making the story a more fun and delightful experience. It was fun seeing characters that we had seen in a previous book and I want to grow up to be just like the "Book Bitches!" They have way too much fun getting up in everyone's business, running the town and reading spicy romances! The plot is thoughtful and well crafted. Definitely one of the best second chances I've read recently! My only wish is that this is a real place with real people and businesses that I could actually go and visit. Scotland is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit and this author makes me want to visit more all the time!

[Stacey Reads It All · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a charming, feel-good romance that leaned into cozy Scottish vibes and heartfelt second chances. I thought the story was warm and engaging. It made it easy to sink into the setting and root for the characters.

The audiobook truly shined thanks to the narrators. Amy Landon delivered a lovely, expressive performance that captured both the emotion and the lighter romantic moments beautifully. Will Watt was equally excellent, bringing authenticity with his accent and pacing, which added an extra layer to the story. Together, their performances elevated the listening experience and made the characters feel alive.

This was an enjoyable, comforting listen that romance fans—especially those who love Scottish settings—will appreciate.

Thank you to Dreamscape Select and NetGalley for the ARC.

[NariaS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. I can see by other reviews that I'm not alone in discovering that I really enjoy Will Watt's narration!

Noah and Skye parted ways 15 years ago. Noah became a superstar while Skye stayed in their hometown to run an inn. Now he's back in town after a scandal has blown up his career and he's booked a room at Skye's inn. They've each lived entire lives, but they are definitely both dealing with some unresolved feelings!

This is a novella and I felt like the length of the story was about right for what it was. If it had been longer I would have liked more of the Book Bitches antics! Also, I hope to be hanging out with my own Book Bitches when I'm that age!

I'm not sure how I felt about the ghost. It took me out of the story a bit just because I didn't think the story had that kind of vibe. The writing was also a bit flower-y for me, but that's just a personal feeling.

Overall I liked the premise and the narrators.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Lovewrite Publishing for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Deanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve only just recently discovered Tricia O’Malley’s books but I’ve spent the last week bingeing them all on audio and I’m obsy! I was so excited when Netgalley approved my request for this audio.

Second Chance Scottish was a delightful wee read, and the narrators did an awesome job. I love this series of interconnected standalones qnd the recurring characters that pop up. I especially love the chaotic Book Bitches and all the shenanigans they create.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! Thanks again to Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for providing an ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own/

[✨Crystal✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ALC provided by NetGalley for an honest review✨

Second Chance Scottish was a short, sweet, second chance romance set in a cute little town in Scotland during the holidays. It’s the perfect little short story to make you feel all warm and cozy inside for the holidays 🎄

The audiobook was duel narrated which was ok. The narrators did an amazing job with their characters, but the female narrators voice for the male parts was kind of cringy 😬 I feel like duet narration would have pushed this to 4 stars for me. Overall, I enjoyed this cute little short story and I recommend a read or listen 💚

[TheBookishHen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 🌟
Format: ALC

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for an honest review.

This narration pair always do a great job. I thoroughly enjoy the little world Trisha has built. Each time I return I get a new love story and the same fun side characters. Of course as those I've read in the last their is a tiny bit of magical realism 👻 or would it be paranormal? It's cute and quick. Very standard second chance.

[Readiculous 📚🖤👱🏼‍♀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely spending some time in a small, coastal Scottish village! This novella felt like a warm fuzzy blanket. We get romance, a tiny bit of spice, hilarious townsfolk that love to meddle and all the Christmas vibes. A wonderful way to spend a few hours.

Safety:
- No OW/OM
- No cheating
- 15 year separation, both were not celibate (h was married and H says he had two women he loved).
- Short third act break up.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short sweet cute and perfect for the holidays! Easy to listen to when the accents are so Scottish it feels like you’re there with them. I loved the narrators and I’m so glad I took a chance on this one.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming

I love a second chance romance, and this one was heartwarming and lovely. The perfect novella to read during the holidays.

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short quick romance read. I listened to the audiobook versions and loved the narrators and accents. a celebrity romance with a second chances theme. the cast of characters is great for these books. part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

[Dee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too much fun!

Such a fun book to read!! I absolutely loved it!! It was the perfect holiday romance and added bonus with all of our favorite book club in it!!

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If a scandal-drenched Scottish rock star checked into your inn under a fake name after writing a chart-topping heartbreak anthem about you... would you (a) forgive him or (b) give him the worst room and let the town gossip chain do its work? Because Skye Kerrigan chooses vengeance with a polite smile, and I love that for her.

Second Chance Scottish by Tricia O’Malley is a short and sweet second-chance romance about Noah Byrne, a grumpy ex-boyfriend turned globally famous musician who comes crawling back to his hometown for damage control after a public scandal tanks his career. Unfortunately for Noah, the only place to stay in this sleepy Scottish village is the inn run by Skye. The same woman who once walked out on him and never looked back. Until now. Because nothing says “forced proximity” like your ex showing up at your place of work with emotional baggage and nowhere else to go.

Their reunion is awkward, banter-laced, and extremely “we’re not talking about our feelings but we absolutely still have them.” Skye is all sharp edges and barely concealed heartbreak. Noah is equal parts wounded and charming. The spark is still there, but so is the whole breakup-that-made-him-famous thing, and it takes a minute for them to trust each other again. Thankfully, they are not alone. The real scene-stealers? The Book Bitches. A group of saucy, nosy older women who run the town’s matchmaking book club and could absolutely overthrow a small government if they had to. And they’ve decided these two are unfinished business.

There’s a cozy inn, a Christmas charity concert, and yes, a sprinkle of wait, did I just see a ghost? magical realism that kind of pops in, waves politely, and floats right back out again. It’s not a big deal. It’s more like a ghost cameo that refuses to explain itself, and honestly, same.

Now let’s talk audiobook. Amy Landon and Will Watt make this story. Her narration is grounded and subtly emotional. His voice? Scottish-accented smolder with just the right touch of grumpy vulnerability. There are a few moments where the character voices go slightly off the rails. Like when an elderly Scottish woman sounds like someone impersonating an elderly Scottish woman at a Ren Faire. But weirdly, it fits the tone. This whole novella feels like a rom-com your grandma would love and you would pretend not to be obsessed with while secretly pressing play for chapter two.

If you’re expecting explosive chemistry or dramatic third-act betrayals, adjust expectations. This isn’t a soap opera. It’s the kind of warm, low-angst holiday novella that makes you want to bake something and fall in love with your hometown nemesis. I wasn’t swooning, but I was smiling. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need. 3.5 stars

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Most Likely to Be Sabotaged by a Book Club and Be Grateful for It

And massive thanks to Dreamscape Select and NetGalley for the early listen. You handed me a grumpy rock star, a sassy innkeeper, one aggressively unbothered ghost, and a meddling book club named the Book Bitches. And I devoured it!

[ambria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately I think the audio let it down. This is a dual narration, not duet. The male narrator doing the book bitches (elderly scottish women), reminded me Brave when King Fergus is pretending to be Princess Merida. It's amusing for a ten second clip in a movie where it's meant to be comedic. It's not great to listen to throughout the book. There's a time where we're getting American and Italian accents, which are....also not good.

I've read some of Tricia O'Malley's books, primarily from the Enchanted Highlands series and generally enjoy them, though I've not read all of them. I believe this is set in the same town as her other standalone holiday romances. There are a couple references to characters that seemed to hint at them being cameos, and even though I've not read it, I did recognize the name of the Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop that they visit in this book as the title of another of her books. This did read perfectly fine as a standalone - if you've read her others, you might pick up on more easter eggs.

One of the things I love about Tricia's books is how much you can tell she's a huge reader herself and loves the book community. I could tell from the start that I was going to love the book bitches (actual name of their book club), which was a book club primarily comprised of older women unabashedly reading primarily smutty romances. I absolutely love that. I loved every single one of them, and the part they play in this story. I actually liked them a fair bit more than I did either of our main characters unfortunately.

There is some great banter and one-liners in this book. One I made a note of was describing glitter as traitorous stuff with the survival instincts of a cockroach.

There were some elements I found either inconsistent or hard to believe which pulled me out of it a bit. Our FMC runs a bed & breakfast, and within the first couple chapters we hear about how it's slow and she can't afford to turn away bookings, and then shortly after that, we're hearing about how it's Christmas and all the inns are booked. There were some other things along those veins that pulled me out of the story, but will not go into specifics to avoid spoilers.

Overall, this was very much a 3 star, middle of the road book for me. I considered DNFing knowing early on that it was likely going to be just 3 stars. However, I needed an audiobook while doing chores that I'd be able to put down without it distracting me too much from my main read, and this fit that bill. I still generally enjoy Tricia's writing and will continue to read from her, but I don't think this was her best work and it was also let down by the audio.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book!

[Steph Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary & Story Vibe
Second Chance Scottish is a charming and cosy standalone romance set at Christmas that delivers on all the best small-town tropes. Tricia O'Malley's entry into the holiday genre is packed with second chances, forced proximity, and the irresistible grumpy/sunshine dynamic, all wrapped up in a guaranteed happily-ever-after. This book marks my first experience with O'Malley's writing, and it was a sweet introduction to her warm, character-driven style.

Plot & Pacing
The story successfully brings together two main characters whose past decisions took their lives on different paths, only to find themselves back together in their small Scottish town. It’s a well-structured story that features a rewarding slow-burn pace.

O'Malley delivers on the beloved "never stopped loving" trope, which provides a strong emotional core. However, I do wish the author had included an additional chapter or two dedicated to fleshing out the current chemistry between Noah and Skye. The focus tended to lean heavily on overcoming the past hurts, and a little more time dedicated to their rekindling connection in the present would have made the HEA even more impactful.

The Spice Level
This is a sweet romance with a low, open-door spice level.

The Unexpected Stars: The Book B!t€hes 📚
The Book B!t€hes —a matchmaking book club—were the absolute highlight of the book! I found myself wanting to join their group immediately. This supporting cast proved to be the unexpected stars, and their excellent, witty banter provided a perfect balance to the emotional weight of the main characters' journey. Their energy and humour helped keep the listener engaged and lightened the mood beautifully.

🎤 Narration by Amy Landon & Will Watt
The dual narration by Amy Landon & Will Watt was a fantastic choice for this story.
Will Watt's performance as Noah was outstanding. I found his voice incredibly soothing—it's the perfect sound for a rugged, romantic Scottish hero and made for very easy listening.
Amy Landon perfectly captured the complexity and journey of Skye.
The combined efforts of both narrators elevated the listening experience, making the small-town setting truly come alive.

Narrators: Amy Landon & Will Watt
Approximate Listening Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Spice: 1 🌶️
Rating: 3.5-4 ⭐
Expected Publication Date: December 11, 2025

I received an Advanced Listening Copy (ALC) of this audiobook for free from the author, Lovewrite Publishing, and NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ashleigh Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance Scottish was a great holiday romance. I am a sucker for the second chance romance. I love when characters/people are able to talk about their feelings and mistakes and find a way to work through them. I also love when the characters are able to meet each where they are and move forward vs waiting for the other person to be who they were when they first fell in love or met.

Second Chance Scottish does the second chance romance well. You meet both of the characters at what feels like their lowest moment and so they are able to see each other in this moment. I think having that happen adds to the story. Because being at their lowest moment, allows for both of them to examine the past and see where things may have gone wrong. Skye and Noah have a complicated history that ended with both of them breaking each other's hearts. And then they meet again 15 years later not the same people they were when they fell in love. In the younger versions of themselves, they were shooting for the stars to become famous singers and had the opportunity to do so. But Skye walked away, for a good reason. Noah stayed, but what felt like the right thing for him. Now he's come home to his small town and Skye with a scandal and a possible embezzlement investigation hanging over his head. Skye wants nothing to do with him but can't deny the attraction and the pull she feels for Noah. Thus begins the dance between this two characters. Wanting and fear. Not to mention the small town has their own form of meddlers in the form of a book club who work to bring people together and make sure the town is a happy place.

I feel like one of the best things was that Skye did was not old her being right over Noah. She gave him the opportunity to grieve and understand why she felt the way she did. Noah also didn't really push Skye. He gave her the space to accept that he was back and let her lead the way.

The one thing that I wish had been different is that the story had been longer. I do feel like the reconciliation between Skye and Noah happened faster than I would have liked. This would have been an excellent slow burn. But the sweetness of the story set at Christmas does make up for this. Also, the Scottish brogue of the narrators added a whole other level to the story.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A choosing you romance

My Review: Second Chance Scottish by Tricia O'Malley is a standalone novel. It is scheduled for release on 12/11/25.

About the Book: "When Noah Byrne’s career implodes in a very public scandal, the grumpy Scottish rock star retreats to the only place no one would think to look...

He books the last room at the local inn owned by Skye Kerrigan. His first love."

In My Own Words: Two former lovers find themselves at the crossroad of second chances. They must choose between love and career. This time, can they get it right?

About the Characters/Conflict: Noah and Skye were both affected by the choices of their past. Despite spending years apart and experiencing lifetimes of heartbreak, they found their way to each other again. The things that were said in the past were revisited. The hurts and wrongs that were a part of their story were brought into the light. The closure that was needed happened. When the world came knocking yet again, disturbing their fragile peace, it was easy to see the cracks that remained. Still, love found a way.

About the Supporting Characters/Community: The book b--- stole the show, as far as I am concerned. I was giggling at their antics. They certainly ran the place. Loved it! The presence of Skye's granny was a unique twist. I was not expecting that peculiar bit.

About the Audiobook: This short novel was narrated by Amy Landon and Will Watt. Their style and approach to narration made for an enjoyable listening experience.

My Final Say: I liked this story well enough. I had mixed feelings about the the course that the leads lives ran. When all was said and done, I was glad that they made way for a new future. (I won't say anymore, although I totally could.)

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Cover: +

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Select | Lovewrite Publishing), and to NetGalley for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own thoughts and opinions. I am appreciative for the opportunity to review this work.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy Scottish second-chance romance delivers warmth, humor, and just enough emotional weight to make the reunion feel earned. Set during the holidays in a charming small town, the story follows Noah, a disgraced rock star hiding from the public eye, and Skye, his first love who now runs the struggling local inn. Their history shapes much of the conflict, and the slow rebuild of trust gives the novella its heart. I would have liked a bit more time exploring their present-day chemistry, but the tenderness is still there, and the final gesture ties their reconciliation together beautifully.

The town itself is a highlight. The locals bring a lot of color to the story, especially the outrageous and hilarious Book Bitches, who meddle with zero restraint and make every scene they touch more fun. The sense of community adds charm without becoming saccharine, and the setting feels vivid enough that you can almost imagine dropping into this snowy Scottish village yourself.

The writing balances wit with genuine feeling, and even though the novella format limits how deeply it can dig into the characters, it moves at a comfortable pace and never feels rushed. The humor keeps things light, and the holiday backdrop gives everything a soft glow.

I've listened to several of Tricia's audios and I just always adore Will Watt. His performance as Noah is great, his voice soothing and steeped in that rugged Scottish tone that fits the character perfectly. Amy Landon brings vulnerability to Skye, and together they give the romance more texture and depth.

Overall, this is a sweet, slightly cheesy (in the best Christmas-story way) second-chance romance with lovable characters, a lively setting, and narration that enhances every chapter. It’s a heartwarming, low-pressure read that’s perfect for a seasonal mood or a quick escape to a small town you’ll wish were real. Tricia always makes my Scot-loving heart happy.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a second chance romance with two Scottish singers who fell apart, leaving one of them to become a popular singer and one of them to eventually inherit her grandmother‘s inn. However, they are drawn back together when Mr. famous’s manager is found to have been in some shady business dealings and he wants to hide out in the town where he grew up. Throw in some meddling towns folks who stand up against even more meddlesome paparazzi- including a group of scheming old ladies, and you’ve got a town with character.
This holiday Novella is a great read for a cold winter night, as Trisha O’Malley is the queen of Sweet Scottish love and working in mystical moments. She always provides a happily ever after which is what I’ve been needing recently.
I want to thank NetGalley and Tricia for an ALC of this story, which is dual narration. Both of the narrators had pretty good internation both for their own characters and when voicing the opposite sex, which is something that I find important when listening to an audiobook. The pacing was fair, I did feel that she talks just a bit slower so I often increase the speed a bit when on her chapters, but that is just a personal preference. Narration was crisp, easy to follow, and it was clear when there was dialogue versus thoughts versus scene setting.
Again, I’m someone who will tear through pretty much anything that Tricia writes, but I also recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet holiday romance. And if you like this one, you could pick up starting over Scottish or the holiday hearts bookshop to continue to stay in this sweet little town and learn the origin stories of two of Skye’s friends.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute celebrity second chance holiday romance novella set in a small Scottish town filled with quirky, likable characters. The setting and secondary characters were introduced in Starting Over Scottish, but you don’t have to read that first to enjoy this book.

Years ago, Skye Kerrigan and Noah Byrne were romantic partners who sang together until he decided to accept an offer she didn’t like. He became a star after releasing a song about their breakup, and she’s hurt and bitter. When his career is rocked by a scandal, he comes back to their hometown and books a month-long stay at Skye’s inn under a fake name. Although their interactions are initially awkward, they find that they enjoy helping each other and still have feelings for each other. But what will happen when his stay is over and it’s time for him to resume his music career?

Noah seemed very sweet and down to earth for a rock star, and I was rooting for him. Skye had to learn how to stick up for her needs while also being open to new possibilities. I was happy to discover the solution they found. But honestly, the Book Bitches were my favorite part of the story. I’d be happy to read an entire book about their antics!

The audiobook production was good, and I enjoyed the dual narration by Amy Landon for Skye’s point of view and Will Watt for Noah’s point of view. Both narrators have pleasant voices, good pacing, and the ability to convey humor and emotion effectively. I enjoy hearing Will and Amy’s Scottish accents, so I thought the audiobook was a lot of fun.

I received a free advanced copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment I started listening, I knew this was going to be a cute and cozy second chance romance. It has that small town charm I love and the perfect touch of holiday vibes.

Noah and Skye are former first loves who went in completely different directions. He became a rock star while she stayed home and ended up running her family inn. When he shows up at her inn under a fake name after a scandal blows up his career, the tension between them is instant. Skye is determined to keep her distance, yet every moment they spend together reminds her of exactly what they lost. Noah is sweet, patient, and more grounded than she expects, and watching them slowly remember who they were together made their reunion feel warm and heartfelt.

I thought this story was super cute. The second chance element was soft and emotional, and the small town quirks made everything more fun. I loved the light humor, the gentle romance, and of course the Book Bitches stirring up trouble just because they can. It was the perfect length for a quick listen and still managed to pack in plenty of heart.

The narration was wonderful. Amy Landon brought out Skye’s strength and hesitation so well, and Will Watt gave Noah such a warm, charming presence. Their Scottish accents made everything feel more immersive and added to the charm of the story.

If you enjoy cozy holiday stories, sweet second chances, small town meddling, and audiobooks with great dual narration, I definitely recommend giving this one a listen.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.