HOT FOR THE SCOT is Book 1 in Janice Maynard's Kilted Heroes series. Hayley Smith and her two close friends head to Scotland looking for romance after being inspired by the books of Diana Gabaldon. I like the spin Janice Maynard puts on this series by having the friends split up once they get to Scotland, so they get to have their own adventure without guidance or well-meant interference from each other. I also like the "no technology" ban the three women impose on themselves for their adventures. HOT FOR THE SCOT is a story about the romantic spirit and hope put together in a whimsical package.

Hayley Smith meets her Scottish dream man in dramatic fashion when he rescues her from death-by-drowning, but the man she gets to know is very real. There are sparks between Hayley and former soccer star Angus Monroe almost from the moment they first meet. I like the slow and steamy, if unorthodox, courtship Hayley and Angus go through before things get physical. Although Hayley and Angus haven't known each other for very long, the romance never feels rushed or artificial.

HOT FOR THE SCOT is very much a character-driven story in which the main characters can be their own worst enemy. This story is told completely from Hayley's perspective. Not getting the hero's perspective reinforces how Hayley is on a solo adventure without a lot of outside feedback to influence her choices. Hayley makes a charming and amusing narrator, and I enjoyed reading about her triumphs as well as her awkward flubs.

HOT FOR THE SCOT has the right amount of Scottish charm, sexiness, and fun characters to equal sublime brain candy. The little bit of family drama near the end of the story propelled the characters to make a decision about their relationship and didn't detract in any way from the romance. I can't wait to read the next book in this Kilted Heroes series by Janice Maynard to see what's in store for Hayley's friends.