Brooke Sinclair is a ghostwriter who didn’t finish her degree in creative writing. She came from America to Edinburgh and got removed for breaching college rules. SCOT AND BOTHERED shows Brooke still trying to overcome what she sees as a failure.   University lecturer and stalwart hiker Mhairi McCallister has invited Brooke to write a memoir for her. This will cover the planning and establishment of a walking trail on the remote island of Skye. Mhairi may have forgotten to mention that her nephew, photographer Jack Sutherland, will be accompanying Brooke on the scenic Skye Trail, a hike of eighty miles. Jack is the reason Brooke had to leave college. She’s not delighted.   Jack was a fellow student, working towards an MBA to aid his family’s tour-guiding business. He didn’t love the guide aspect but thought the oversight of the firm would suit him. He already enjoyed his photography hobby back then. But he was technically in a responsible position over Brooke, as a teaching assistant. They knew they couldn’t get involved, and yet they did. End of course for both of them.   The two time periods of the interesting romance book are extremely similar. In each, the two main characters think they are attracted but can’t or won’t get involved, and there are few other people. The past scene is exploring the old town area of Edinburgh, and the modern one is on a stormy island with flapping tents and gift shops. Otherwise, it’s pretty much the same story.   I will leave it to the reader to decide why the pair wrecked their chances in the first place, whether it was really so terrible, and whether they are actually surviving quite well without the credentials. Alexandra Kiley is a Colorado lady, like Brooke, and enjoys setting stories in historic and touristy Scottish locations. SCOT AND BOTHERED will have you making a list of what to bring if you hike on Skye. A partner you get along with would be a good start.