The Tartan Thesis: Love was never on the curriculum

by Scott K. Good

"A fantastic read from start to finish." — Jessica Dodge, best-selling author of The Forgotten Witch

Two academic rivals. One forced partnership. Zero chance of keeping it professional. Highland cows.

After a disastrous first meeting off campus, Beau, a charming, fish-out-of-water Texan, and Torin, a guarded, razor-smart Scotsman, discover they’re pursuing their PhDs in the same Scottish History program. Their clashing personalities and growing insecurities turn every seminar into a battlefield… until the department chair provides an work together or get out.

Forced into a shaky alliance, they vow to call a ceasefire and actually learn from one another. As trust builds and defenses fall, they find themselves caught in a slow-burning connection neither of them is prepared for—or willing to walk away from.

With their academic futures at stake and romantic missteps haunting them at every turn, Torin and Beau face the hardest question of Can they build a future together, or will history keep them apart?

Perfect for readers who love MM romance, enemies-to-lovers, slow burn tension, forced proximity, LGBTQ+ romance, and swoony international love stories, The Tartan Thesis blends sharp wit, emotional depth, and undeniable and steamy chemistry against the majestic backdrop of Scotland.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Audiobook, Enemies To Lovers, Queer, LGBT, Contemporary

385 pages, Paperback

Published July 19, 2026

About the author

Scott's debut MM romance novel, The Tartan Thesis, is now available.

Find him on Instagram @scottkgoodwrites.

Reviews

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, especially the scenes that took place around Christmas! I also think the author captured the absurdities of graduate education really well.

[Pages & Pasties · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC of The Tartan Thesis, an academic rom-com set against a Scottish backdrop.

It starts, as all good disasters do, with a man who simply cannot help himself.

Torin Ramsay is brilliant, exacting, and completely incapable of letting an inaccuracy pass uncorrected. The kind of man who will fix your argument in real time and then go home and improve it again in his head. You understand him. You wince for him. You want to shake him and tell him to stop being such a defensive wee hedgehog.

There’s a real understanding here of how ambition can sharpen into something isolating. How intelligence can become armour. How being right can cost you connection.

Then there’s Beau, with his howdy, his charm, and his frankly unfair level of attractiveness. Girls will love him, guys will want to be him; he is, from the outset, undeniable book boyfriend material. And Torin—whether he likes it or not—can’t quite stop noticing him.

The representation of Beau’s ADHD is one of the most natural portrayals I’ve read. Paired with Torin’s anxiety, it creates a dynamic that feels real. The novel doesn’t overstate either; it simply lets those patterns exist, sensitively depicting two people with different instincts as they move through the world.

But what elevates this story beyond a standard rivals-to-lovers romance is its intelligence. This book trusts its readers. It doesn’t rush past the history to get back to the romance—it lets the history inform the romance. And it’s superbly done.

The tension builds exactly as it should: through friction, through competition, through sneaky eye contact and not nearly enough honesty.

And then the story widens.

Once outside the lecture halls, Beau and Torin explore the Highlands itself, and it’s here that we learn that Torin’s connection to Scotland’s history is personal. Having recently been to Glencoe myself, read the memorial, and felt the quiet weight of the landscape, I found this section especially moving. I cried. Beau’s response is equally important, creating space for Torin to articulate something that is clearly difficult to express. That shift marks a turning point in their relationship.

By the time the romance between Torin and Beau tips into something physical, it feels like the natural culmination of everything that’s been building. If you like a bit of heat, you will be well catered for. It’s hot, sexy, and definitely worth the wait.

My girlfriend, who I’m increasingly convinced might actually be in love with Beau (he’s taken, chick!), informed me—far too gleefully—that following Torin and Freya’s lead, she’s started her own version of The List.

I have concerns.

Not least because I am now, apparently, being measured against a fictional blond-haired, blue-eyed, bronzed Texan with enviable abs! I am none of these things.

But.

I do surf.

Surely that earns me at least a few points on this list? Can Beau surf? Has Beau ever wrestled a Cornish wave in December and lived to tell the tale? I think not.

So yes, there has been some… spirited discussion regarding inclusion criteria.

I blame the author entirely.

But I’d happily read anything he writes next.

The Tartan Thesis is a heartwarming, deftly woven slow-burn romance, my favourite kind. It’s about insecurity. About belonging. It will make you think, make you laugh, and—if you’re not careful—make you want to hug a Highland coo.

I loved it.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a big romance reader but wanted to read an mm romance for pride month, and I’m glad I picked this one.

The Tartan Thesis is a tightly plotted academic rivals to lovers romance, and I loved Beau and Torin and how their studies and Scotland itself shaped the story and their connection. There are so many great Scottish details that made me want to visit Edinburgh and the Highlands. I love when books feel like a love letter to a place and are the next best thing to going there. This book definitely nails that.

Overall, the story has a really great momentum and flow that hits all the right beats of the romance genre in a charming and satisfying way.

The Tartan Thesis is an impressive debut, making Scott K Good an author to watch. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

[Marcos “MSMDragon” · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tartan Thesis was so good!! It literally had me kicking my feet and smiling like a fool. Torin and Beau’s romance was so sweet and they were such lovable characters. And the spicy scenes between them were so hot! There is a third-act breakup, but I love the drama so I didn’t mind it.

I thoroughly enjoyed how informative this story was on the history of Scotland. It was both interesting and heartbreaking. But it me fall in love with a place I’ve never even been, and is now a place I want to visit. I even ended up making some cranachan to enjoy while finishing the book! I think it came out okay! lol

[Andrew Reimers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an advanced copy and loved it. Great characters. Great setting. Very funny and sexy as hell. 10/10 will read again

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this, visiting Scotland has officially been added to my bucket list. The author intertwines the rich history of Scotland into the heart of the novel effortlessly. A history lesson woven within the pages of a beautiful love story.

At first glance, Torin and Beau have nothing in common, other than they are rivals in the same PhD program for Scottish History. Torin is a native Scotsman, while Beau is a transplant from Texas. Opposites with the classic grumpy meets sunshine and reserved vs outgoing. On a closer look, they are both highly intelligent, good looking, and irritate one another to no end. The tension and yearning!!

My all time favorite book trope is enemies to lovers, and this one had me kicking my feet. This is very much a slow burn but absolutely worth it. ❤️

I appreciate the accurate ADHD representation for Beau. “Routine keeps the chaos manageable.” As a fellow neurodivergent, I also refer to it as chaos. He’s exactly right, routines do help. Personally, I rely on my calendar reminders, notes and multiple alarms I set throughout the day to keep me on task. We are capable of incredible things, we might just take a different path to get there.

Read if you enjoy:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 MM Romance
📚 Academic Setting/Rivals
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Enemies to Lovers
📚 Slow Burn
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scottish History
📚 Forced Proximity
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Found Family

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Scott K. Good for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

[Andy Cuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a delightful surprise. I thought the romance set in the world of academia was a very fresh premise, and loved that it spanned across the entire year. It was evident that the author put in a lot of thought on the Scottish history incorporation, which was a welcome inclusion. I usually don’t care for text messages to appear in a book, but they worked for this story and were used in an intentional way which I can respect. All in all, I look forward to keeping up with this author and thank you for letting me read an advanced copy! Also, bonus points for the food descriptions in this book. That is a craft all in its own!

[Charlie Colpaert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming is the first word I would use for this debut MM romance by Scott K. Good. If you love history, Scotland, men and of course cows, Tartan Thesis is for you. Torin and Beau are an unlikely pair who meet in graduate school in Edinburgh. Torin is bruised from his last relationship and focused on his studies. Along comes sexy cowboy Beau, and it’s a series of misunderstandings, family love and realizing not everyone is bad, do these two hope to have a chance.

I loved every moment and word in this book. Good knows how to write snappy dialogue, and create characters you love. I eagerly await the filmed version of this.

[Makayla Schenkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, very well-written romance that I think accurately portrays how past relationships can lead to difficulties in our new relationships, no matter how healthy they are. I also loved the focus on Scotland. The author provided such a great backdrop for this story through historical references, language, and culture. Does my next trip need to be to the Scottish highlands? Yes. Do I need my own coo? Also yes.

[Em Mabrouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS OUT TODAY! Awwww, Scott thank you for writing such a delightful book. These characters had me laughing, crying and swooning😂😭🥰

Another thing about this book is it was hallmark movie (🫑) that suddenly turned quite spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

THIS BOOKS IS “HEATED RIVALRY”, “RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE” meets academia in Scotland and I’m just not sure there is anything better. HAPPY READING🥲❤️

[Ian R. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

I started reading this book at 05.00 this morning and only stopped for breakfast and have reached the end at 11.30. As a Scot who is proud of my country which has punched well above its weight, I empathised with Torin and his love of Scotland's history. By the end I was cheering for Torin and Beau finding their happy everafter.

[Joan Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, refreshing love story! Two men, competing against each other, find true love. The author does an amazing job telling this story, one man from Texas, the other from Scotland, all while teaching us on historical details of Scotland! A MUST read!!!

[Jesselyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sexy and fun read!! I hope there will be more!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This has been a mid reading month honestly and I was in such a slump until I got my hands on this book. I laughed and cried and swooned and learned so much about Scotland that I somehow ended up with a collection of Highland cows and searching up Scottish Gaelic on tiktok. I've been talking about this book nonstop in the 50ish hours it took me to read it and it is a book that will stick with me for years to come.

[Jason Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three characters in this novel: Torin, Beau and Scotland!

Scott Good has created a wonderful storyline and characters that are incredibly realistic. The development of the storyline and characters has been fantastic this far. Having read the synopsis, I knew what to expect, but the reality has been better, I've found it areal page-turner, not wanting to put it down. This is one romance novel that I'll highly recommend to anyone, even those that dislike the genre!

The relationship ending argument/slip-up, the forced-turned-real collegialty, the "resolution"... I really did want to grab the two men and shake some sense into them... I also recognised aspects of myself in them, both good and bad!

Oh, and I can't forget the spice... Very well written scenes, with believable details, but nothing seriously gratuitous! 🌶🌶🌶🌶

I'll definitely be searching for more works authored by Scott Good, and wish to tell the author "give me more Tor/Beau, please!"

12/10

[Just_wanttoread · Rating 2 out of 5]

Advance copy received for review.

Ugh this one’s hard to review, mostly because I hate feeling mean but honestly it’s not great. I was generally enjoying myself for the first half of this, despite its issues. The writing flows along, the Scottish setting is wonderful and the little chapter headers are cute. But once you get past halfway it really stalls.
There is a good third of the book where nothing really happens, Torin and Beau just completely overthink their relationship and never actually talk to each other - something I think you can get away with in books about undergraduate students but these characters are 30! Then they finally manage to talk, realise how much they both want a relationship and then obviously break up the next day over something completely ridiculous which is just infuriating.

[Stefanie Watson (Goodman) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful MLM romance about two unlikely men— one from Texas and one from Scotland —who fall in love during their time at university while competing against each other in class. The author does an exceptional job weaving in Scottish history in a way that naturally complements the academic setting. The characters are approachable and well developed throughout, making this an easy, quick, and thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Kylee Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good!! I love the mix of enemies to lovers/academic rivals with romance that was perfect! Love the many references to places and Scottish terminology! Makes me want to fall in love in Scotland real bad 💖

[Timothy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when a book can make me actually laugh out loud. What a ride it was, so much yearning. Different style of POV than I’m used to, but I got used to it and it might be my preferred way now.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever ARC! Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Combines some of my favorite things: Scotland, M/M romance and spice, pining, lovable characters who are vulnerable and relatable in their insecurities, and Highland cows! What’s not to love?

Having lived in Edinburgh briefly after college, this felt like going “home” again. So many familiar places and feelings of being an American over there. I, possibly rather nerdily, really appreciated Scott’s shout outs to the National Trust for Scotland and their work preserving Scotland’s natural beauty and many properties throughout the country, helping tell Scotland’s incredible story and the vast and varying stories of her people. I also love the inclusion of Scottish vernacular at the start of each chapter. Such a fun way to include more of the culture and history!

Overall a truly delightful book! Looking forward to more by Scott!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly Lovely Book

I love this book! I laughed and cried and fell in love with Torin and Beau and even more in love with Scotland. I’ve no Scots in my heritage but I’ve always felt like I should because Scotland is fascinating and wondrous. It’s truly a third character in the book. I highly recommend this book!

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau is the sweetest fictional human being ever, noone deserves him 🥺🥺 he's too good for this world.

[Ilena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A million times yes!!!! I loved every second of this book (highly recommend the audiobook) and will absolutely be rereading it often. Can't wait to see what else the author writes!

[Misz Lina Cheslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best accidental reddit find ever

I don’t commonly do reviews, but I came across this novel in the comments of a Reddit post and gave it a shot because it sounded interesting and had a Texan in it. (Sorry tbr, I have been so good lately!) I learned that it was this authors debut novel and I felt compelled to not just give it my 5 star rating, but also actually write a review to help this book get some traction. This book earns more than five stars! I didn’t expect this book to be quite so delightful, endearing, and emotional! I laughed out loud, got very very angry (Come on, Torin!), and cried. In an unexpected turn of events, this book I had never heard of until a few days ago is in my top 5 reads for the year. I was completely engaged the entire time, loved every character, and thoroughly enjoyed every single aspect of the book. Another thing that stood out to me in a big way was your portrayal of a character with ADHD. A lot of the coping mechanisms that Beau uses are the exact same things that I use to get through my every day and I can empathize with a lot of the difficulties he experiences throughout the novel, which made him super relatable and gave me the biggest soft spot for him. Thank you for the representation and for writing this novel! Looking forward to whatever comes next.

[Amber Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't get enough. That's the easiest way to say it. There haven't been many books recently where I was so attached to the characters that I sacrifice sleep to read. This one did that. Beau and Torin were so unique and distinctly different from one another that it worked really well. They balanced each other in a way where you couldn't help but want them to be happy together.

Torin, our brilliant Scottish historian, is pursuing his PhD and wants to focus on his studies following a rough and unexpected breakup right before the term starts. Beau, a Texan who comes to Scotland to pursue his own interests in history, is incredibly lovable and for whatever reason hasn't had a lasting relationship since coming out. They are both incredibly academic in their own way and their nerdy sides show throughout the book.

When these two characters first meet, they have an instant attraction until some wrong assumptions on Torin's part create a really great "enemies-to-lovers" situation with yearning, forced proximity, and a well done slow burn. I found it easy to dislike Torin (as I feel was the author's intention) at the beginning and feel all the feels for both of them as the story progresses. The supporting characters - Maeve, Lucas, Juliana, and Freya - add a wonderful friend element and voices of reason for both Torin and Beau throughout the story.

I truly couldn't get enough of this book and will be ordering it as soon as possible for future rereads. :) Thank you to Scott K Good for the ARC copy.

[Danny Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of The Tartan Thesis, and from the very first chapter I couldn’t put it down.

As someone who grew up in Edinburgh, it was a genuine joy to read a romance that captures the city so well. The locations, humour and little Scottish touches felt authentic rather than stereotypical, and it made me surprisingly homesick in the best possible way.

The real strength of this book, though, is its characters. Torin isn’t instantly easy to love—he’s guarded, stubborn and deeply flawed—but that’s exactly what makes his journey so rewarding. Watching his walls slowly come down felt earned. Beau, on the other hand, is impossible not to adore. He’s warm, funny, endlessly patient and brings so much heart to every scene. Together they have incredible chemistry, brilliant banter and a slow-burn romance that had me rooting for them from beginning to end.

The academic rivalry, Scottish history and emotional depth all blend together naturally, making the plot feel fresh rather than just another university romance. I laughed, smiled, and found myself constantly wanting to read “just one more chapter.”

More than anything, I found myself wishing this book had existed ten years ago when I was at university. I know I would have treasured it then, and I treasure it now.

If you love MM romance with genuine character growth, memorable humour, a beautifully realised Scottish setting and a love story that completely earns its happy ending, The Tartan Thesis is an easy five stars.

[Carianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The in-depth knowledge of Scotland, its culture, and history, made me think it was written by a Scot, I was surprised to find that the author is American.

The dedication really hit me hard, and this book definitely brought me queer joy. The slow-burn was excellently done. It was beautiful.

[Christopher Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Its alarming close to real life for me. I am from Texas and studied at the University of Edinburgh where I met my Scottish husband. A fun adventure that brought tears to my eyes and brought back memories. Thank you. I love this and will reread for sure. I am looking forward to future books!

[Megan Gustafson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Super cute and fun to learn about the history of the Scottish Highlands. ***Update*** I blame this book for the fact I’m receiving targeted ads for a multitude of very cute highland cow products on all my socials despite never having discussed or posted about them before this moment. Products include: 2 different plushies (snuggle pals & warmies), a tiny brass cow figurine, a DIY glass mosaic kit, a half stitch needling kit, a cross stitched pouch craft kit, a paint by numbers kit, a knockoff Lego kilted bagpiping cow kit, and my fave: a highland cow figurine advent calendar. I can’t wait to see what ads I get next while I actively consider purchasing at least two of the above mentioned products. 😂

[Jérémy Turbide-Chiasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author.

4.5 ★

I was touched by this beautiful MM romance between two rivals who end up in a heartfelt relationship.

I was delighted to learn about Scottish history and the Scottish language, all whilst witnessing a beautiful love story.

I would be very keen to find out more about what happens next in the story between Beau and Torin.