A review by sotheresthisbook
Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 
Spice: 3/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*

The Catalog: FM, brother’s ex fiancée, frenemies to lovers, black cat FMC, opposites attract, “harpy” nickname, fighting as foreplay, forced proximity friend “dates,” 8 years of pining, deeply obsessed MMC, he loves her anger, veterinarian MMC, adoption representation

Kink:
bondage, light femdom

Synopsis: Eight years ago Callum fell in love at first sight with a woman on the train only to find out that same day that woman was his brother’s lass. After they split, he had an opportunity to have Juniper, but walked away because he wanted her forever, not for a night. Now frenemies that argue like nemeses, he’ll take whatever attention she’ll give him. However, when she needs his help for a reno, he concocts a brilliant plan to have her pay him in “friend dates.”  Juniper hasn’t a clue what’s happening to her, but she’s worried she’s been Callum’s all along. 

Thoughts:
They said, “bring back male yearning,” and Elliot Fletcher said, “hold my scotch.” 

Good gravy, this story is brimming with pining, emotional edging and desperation so severe it’s nearly sexual. Damn. Everyone deserves to be loved and obsessed over the way Callum loves and obsesses over Juniper. The needy, growly, possessive way that Callum feels for his brother’s ex is primal, decadent, forbidden, and oh so perfect. He’s one of my favorite contemporary MMCs I’ve read this year (oh and did I mention he’s Scottish). The chemistry is nearly unmatched.

As for Juniper, I love her so much it hurts. She’s a black cat type with armor so sharp a glance will cut you. She’s witty, snarky, sexy, and real. Innumerable heartbreaks have left her a little insecure, which she hides behind a frozen heart. But holy smokes does Callum melt her into mush. I’ve never felt more strongly about characters being soulmates. 

Oh, and speaking of edging, this book is somehow both slow burn and smutty at the same time and HELP because whatever witchcraft was needed to achieve that balance had to have cost someone their soul. Incredible witting, pacing, character development, and plotting. 

Between their steamy and amusing fighting, emotionally torturous tension, and hilariously disastrous “dates,” these characters completely won my heart and I’ll be thinking about their love for a long, long time. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings