A Highlander Walks into a Bar is the first book in Laura Trentham's Highland, Georgia series. This is also my first book by Ms. Trentham. Since I've lived in Georgia since I was ten, I thought this was a good one to start with. I chose well.

Isabel Buchanan, also known as Izzy, is an accountant with a dream of writing the next great Southern novel. She also, together with her mother Rose, hosts and organizes the town's annual Highland Games. Imagine Izzy's surprise when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with the best souvenir EVER...an actual Highlander! Izzy is quite suspicious; can this man Garrett be trying to bilk her mom? Alasdair Blackmoor soon arrives in Highland looking for his Uncle Garrett to bring him home, as his mother is worried about Garrett being used by Rose. Alasdair keeps it secret that Garrett is family, and an earl. When he meets Izzy, there is instant chemistry, but total distrust on all sides.

The main characters are all quite enchanting, especially Izzy. I totally adored her. Though pretty, she was clumsy, bookish and couldn't seem to control the words that would pour out when she opened her mouth. She had me snorting laughter throughout the story. Alasdair was absolutely charming. He was thoroughly taken with Izzy, though he was keeping secrets from her. He was feeling a bit lost and out of control in his life, and Izzy felt like home. The romance between her mom and Alastair's uncle was sweet. Though the fact almost everyone was keeping secrets was a bit irritating, the great characters more than made up for it. The epilogue seemed to be setting up the next installment of the series, and I can't wait to revisit Highland!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Izzy is more than used to prepare HIghland Festival with her mother, a big event that moves her city's economy and tourism, but this year things are somewhat different after her mother returned from Europe with an authentic highlander. At first Izzy is very suspicious of the mysterious man's intentions but slowly realizes that her mother is very happy. Problems begin to arise when a handsome, serious and enigmatic man appears in the area looking for Gareth.



Alasdair is a workaholic shaped man who is involved in big business, he has no time to waste in Izzy's small town and much less time to help her with the party preparations, as the girl's mother is more entertained this year with her boyfriend.




Wrapped in several hilarious scenes, clumsy, sweet Izzy will be more and more attracted to Alasdair even though she knows he shouldn't linger in town. The attraction between them is palpable and delicious, and slowly each one will need to find out what they really want for their life.

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is the First book in the Highland Georgia Series. This is the story of Alasdair Blackmoor and Isabel Buchanan.
Isabel and Alasdair meet when Isabel's mother goes to Scotland and returns with Alasdair Uncle. Unknown to Isabel and her mother, the Uncle is a well off Lair. Alasdair thinks that his Uncle is getting taken for his money but he end up finding his own happy story.
Enjoyed their story.

This book was a wonderful way to begin a series. The world that Laura Trentham brought to life in Highland, Georgia was one that I would love to visit and characters that I would love to know. Izzy was a delight to read about. Her clumsiness and sense of duty made her seem very relatable rather than a typical unattainable heroine. Alasdair's complementary sense of duty and strength was a great match for her. Their banter and relationship that blossomed slowly from mistrust did not seemed rushed and came across as believable to me. Not to mention extremely hot and heavy at times.

While some of the events that tool place were predictable, the story unfolded in such a way that I didn't mind being able to figure out what was going to happen next. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

This book is highly recommended to those that enjoy contemporary romance, a quirky heroine, and a good alpha male.

What happens when you Mother brings a total stranger home from he trip to Scotland. Well one thing is a lot of fun. There is also a surprise for you when another Highlander arrives in town. Throw in a Scottish festival and secrets on all sides and you have a fun romp. Great romance even though it was apparent how it would turn out.

As soon I saw the word Highlander, my finger was requesting this book.

What is not to love about the Scottish men I ask you?

Anyway, A Highlander Walks into a Bar is my first novel by Laura Trentham.

In this novel, our main character, Isabel "Izzy" Buchanan is preparing for the yearly Highland Games her father started many years ago. This for her is a way to keep the memory of her father alive. She usually has her mother, Rose to help her with it but this year, her mother has taken a trip to Scotland.

When Izzy goes to the airport to pick up her mother, she finds herself getting the surprise of her life. Her mother is not alone. She has a brought with her a Scottish man by the name of Gareth. Izzy is wary about his motives but she can't say no to inviting them to their home, Stonehaven after seeing her mother so happy and acting younger in spirit while around him.

Then, another Scottman comes to ring their doorbell. His name is Alasdair Blackmoor and he's here to see his "friend" Gareth. Alasdair works in London for an investment company. His real motive to come down to Highland, Georgia is to make sure his uncle Gareth is not been taking advantage of. Alasdair is not happy with his current life but he's not sure what can he do to change it. His vision becomes crystal clear once he meets Izzy and he realizes he needs to make major changes in his life if he wants to be happy.

I wish I had enjoyed this book more than I did. Here are some of the things which prevented me from loving it: The beginning was too slow for me. Most of the time, I couldn't connect with the two main characters. Their insta-love was a big turn off for me.

This is just my opinion. Hopefully, it doesn't deter you from reading it and enjoying it.

Cliffhanger: No

3/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Being of Scottish heritage, I have attended Highland Games and always enjoyed them, especially the athletic events. With Alasdair Blackmoor competing, not only for the title of "Laird of the Games" but for the heart of Izzy, you know you are in for a delight. I just wish I could have seen it, not just read about it.

Laura Trentham has penned an amusing and delightful romance with a bit of drama and angst. I loved all four of the main characters, Izzy, Rose, Gareth and Alasdair. This one has love at first sight done well with me rooting for both couples. With both Izzy and Alasdair starting off trying to protect their families, there are a few missteps that take a humorous turn. I love how Izzy says what she thinks, often putting her foot in it and causing Alasdair to fall for her. His description of Izzy to his mom that she is funny, smart and mole-free had me giggling. Alasdair and Gareth are the epitome of sexy Scot and with their brogue, their gray eyes and their humor they swept mother and daughter off their feet. I loved the descriptions in this book from the countryside to the Highland Games activities, it was easy to picture things in my mind. My only complaint was that the epilogue was a set up for the next book and I was hoping for more information about how things with Gareth and Rose, as well as Alasdair and Izzy, were going. I am definitely looking forward to the next book to continue the story and learn what is next for those in Highland Georgia.

Who could resist a book with such a title? Not me, that's for sure... But fortunately, the book had so much more to recommend it than just the title.

At the beginning, I was a bit irritated as my mind conjured up a rather gaudy image of Highland but within a couple of pages, I fell in love with Highland and its residents. Izzy and her mom are at the helm of it all and it's them who are responsible for the Highland Games taking place every year.
In the middle of it all are Izzy, our heroine and a certain Scotsman who came looking for his uncle, the unexpected "kind-of-souvenir" Izzy's mother brought back from her trip to Scotland. Alasdair just wants to protect his uncle because he fears that Izzy's mother is just out for his money and his position whereas Izzy wants to protect her mom because she is afraid that Gareth and Alasdair want to take advantage of her. Complicated, isn't it? You're right. Add the fact that neither Izzy nor her mom knows that Gareth is titled ... You get the gist, right?

Sure, some parts of the book are a bit predictable but I enjoyed the story nevertheless because I really liked the characters and the fast-paced and entertaining story on the whole. This is a nice and charming story that I'll probably read again.

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is full of humor, action, and romance. Inside, readers will find sexy as hell Highlanders wearing kilts. They protect and defend those they love. A nephew out to protect his uncle from being taking advantage of ends up bringing an unforeseen problem to the ladies. His uncle falls for an American woman and agrees to come to her to help her with festivities. Only he ends up falling deeper in love with her. But there comes a time, when his secret and lies will need to come out...and when they do, will they lose everything they gained?

Both mother and daughter have been through a loss. Recently, losing a father isn't easy for Izzy. Neither is it easy for her mom to be lonely. They both needed someone to open up their hearts to joy again. These Scots have a way of making one laugh so hard. Especially, when the young nephew decides to win a bunch of Scottish games to win his woman's heart. Only he had it all the time...same with his uncle who is an Earl. It was funny to watch how both men almost came to the knees begging for forgiveness. Forgiveness was a huge theme in this romantic comedy. The mothers in this book added spice, wisdom, and humor to the plot. I really enjoyed following this cast of characters as they made messes both career wise and emotionally.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

Izzy and her mom carry on the tradition of the Highland games in their small Georgia town each year, and this year’s festival is fast approaching. As Izzy arrives at the airport to pick up her mom, she soon finds out that her mom has brought back a “souvenir” from Scotland! Has Izzy’s mom lost her mind? She has brought home a gentleman friend from Scotland who Izzy is sure is after her families money. Izzy is convinced this is a total scam and she must do something to stop it.
Alasdair gets a disturbing call from his mother that his uncle from Scotland has taken up with an American woman who must be after their family’s money and title. Alasdair is convinced that he must stop this budding romance before things get too serious. He quickly takes a trip to Georgia to find his uncle.
Izzy and Alasdair are both determined to protect their families. What they don’t see coming is the sparks that start flying whenever they are together. Izzy is a firecracker and she is taking shots at Alasdair whenever she can. She is one determined young woman. Alasdair is keeping a family secret that he is not so sure anymore that it’s a good idea.
This story by Laura Trentham had all the key components. It was funny, witty, sad and heartfelt. It was so cleverly written with the two budding romances side by side. The slight twists and turns in the story have you guessing right until the end of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and will definitely be waiting for Laura’s next book. Thank you to St. Martin’s press, Laura Trentham and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was a fabulous read.

I usually don't enjoy romances with little white lies but Trentham manages to do it with minimal drama and without making anyone feel like they were wronged. We understand why Alasdair and Gareth do the things they do ... although I do have to say that I shook my head at Alasdair a few times. Typical guy thinking he knows best :) There's also a bit of insta-love involved, and not just with Izzy's mom bringing a guy home from her holiday. Our main couple does spend a lot of time together, though, and you get the feeling that they really have a connection & understanding. (I just wish, with all of the talk of Scotland, that we'd gotten a little more of their time there than what was in the epilogue.)

By this point, Trentham is an absolute pro at the small town romance - delivering quirky characters, a boat load of humor, and a town full of eccentricities. Check out her other series if you haven't already - fabulous reads all around. Plus now she's giving us guys in kilts and all I can say is you rock, Trentham! Keep 'em coming 'cause I'm SO ready for Iain and Anna's story. And I really hope that there's something in the works for Holt ... a fiery Scottish lass to offset his All-American Boyness would just make my day *hint, hint*

Isabel Buchanan is beyond stunned when her mother, Rose, returns from Scotland with a man in tow, especially since Rose hadn’t dated since the death of Izzy’s father ten years earlier. Izzy is under a lot of stress from planning the annual Highland games, held at their estate, Stonehaven, and the additional complication of Gareth is not really what she needs. She’s also concerned that Gareth, the groundskeeper on a Scottish estate, Cairndow, is simply after Rose’s money and property, and because of that, she treats him as suspicious.

Alisdair Blackmoor has been sent to Highland, Georgia by his mother, who is terrified that Gareth’s interest in the “American tart” will impede Alisdair’s inheritance of Cairndow. Arriving at Stonehaven with a frosty welcome from Izzy, Alisdair is nevertheless attracted to her. Not admitting his relationship to Gareth or his mother’s concern about the title and inheritance, Alisdair asks a coworker to run a property report on Stonehaven, worried that the Buchanans might be trying to take advantage of Gareth’s ownership of Cairndow.

I really enjoyed this love story! Izzy’s suspicions, Alisdair’s concerns, Gareth’s secrets, and Rose’s serene and ladylike mannerisms are all interesting, and the town of Highland, Georgia is the perfect place for these threads to come together. I loved the annual games and the townspeople’s support, and the way everyone works together for a successful outcome. It’s an easy and pleasant read, perfect for a lazy Sunday.

Izzy and Alasdair both lost their fathers at a young age but while Izzy adored her father, Alasdair didn't have the best relationship with his. Now the uncle Alasdair adored but let anger keep him away, has run off to America with a woman he barely knows and Alasdair wants to make sure he's not being taken advantage of.
Izzy has been her mother's companion and partner in keeping their family tradition alive ever since her father died and she can't believe her mom is bringing a stranger into the mix.
Izzy and Alasdair both want to protect the ones they love but are also learning they might need to live their own lives and take a chance on secretly held dreams.

Lord have mercy, her mother had brought back a six-foot, two-hundred-pound-plus souvenir from Scotland.

First in the Highland, Georgia series, I was entertained with how the author shook things up a bit with transporting the Highlands to Georgia, USA. Izzy and her mother organize the Highland Games every year for their Scottish obsessed town and consider it their honor and Izzy's birthright as it has been passed down through her father's family. I liked how the author showed how even though Izzy considered it her birthright, she also lost a bit of herself when she gave up certain dreams to help her mom and began to ignore her own wants and needs. I think this helped to explain why she was so wary of the man her mother brought home; the pain of thinking of her dad replaced but also her spot in her mother's life.

Alasdair had a whole slew of background baggage to unpack, the secrets about his dad he was still keeping from his mother, trying to live the life he thought his mother wanted for him to makeup for any pain she experienced in her marriage, and the guilt of not still having a relationship with his uncle. Since he traveled to America to keep track of his uncle, this was dealt with and worked through while I felt the issues with his mom needed more flushing out, it kind of gets rushed through at the end.

Alasdair and Izzy had an instant physical attraction that was followed with some cute moments brought on by Izzy's clumsiness and Alasdair's teasing. Their emotional connection wasn't as deep and strong as I typically like but they were flirty cute and transitioned well enough to sexy hot. Alasdair was put in a position by his uncle to omit some truths from Izzy which I thought was mild enough to not be too emotionally damaging but added angst to the storyline. The added plot of his work going behind his back, therefore making it seem like he was going behind Izzy's back, wasn't given enough pressure to add too much of an impact. The development, hiding, finding out by Izzy, and then resolution all happened in the background enough and was wrapped up quick enough to feel more like it clogged the story with unnecessary filler than add any hefty angst.

I thought the town and some it's characters could have actually been fleshed out more, I'm not sure I did feel the spirit of the town but I did think I understood our main characters enough, if not their friends. A Highlander Walks Into a Bar had cute moments and a pinch of angst, it works as an afternoon read but probably won't be a particularly memorable one. The epilogue hints at another highlander venturing into this southern Scottish town and I have a feeling Izzy's free spirit friend Anna is up next for some Scottish loving.

When Rose Buchanan returns from Scotland, she brings home a surprise - a charming Highlander. Izzy is suspicious. Is Gareth taking advantage of her mother? I enjoyed the romance between Rose and Gareth. It highlights that age isn't a factor when love is present. Alasdair comes to Highland Georgia looking for his Uncle. He finds him staying at Stonehaven. There he meets Izzy and sparks fly, but so do complications. What happens next is a dual romance filled with passion and drama. Izzy is such an original. She's beautiful and spirited. She brings a spark to Alasdair's life. The chemistry between these two made me swoon. This story is charming. I loved the characters and the witty storyline. The setting is perfect with a castle and the Highland Games. This is a wonderful start to this new series. I can't wait to see what happens next. Laura Trentham kept me entertained. Her writing style combines humor and romance.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

This was such a feel-good and quick read! The characters were very lovable so I started to root for a good outcome straight on. It was very predictable, though, that's the only reason I didn't give it five stars.

I really enjoyed how the author had made the characters so human. Oftentimes I read books where you can't even imagine anyone in their right mind saying certain things, but this book flowed perfectly and I could genuinely imagine it all unfolding.

As I'm a sucker for anything relating to either Scotland, Ireland or England, I think that what made me enjoy it all so much. Definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

A HIGHLANDER WALKS INTO A BAR is my first Laura Trentham’s book which also happened to be the first in a new series. I’m a huge fan of anything Scotland, especially highlander(s) and just look at that cover: of course I leaped at the chance to read it. But it wasn’t the stereotypical highlander romance though, not by a long shot. This contemporary romance set in small town Highland in Southern America, Georgia; and brought together two sets of love birds from different generations; Blackmoor vs Buchanan.

Alasdair Blackmoor was English/Scottish bloke, an heir to Cairndow Earldom and Blackmoor family estate. He went to Highland to check on his uncle who flew there from Edinburgh, presumably to follow an American he met on the summer. Isabel Buchanan wasn’t over the moon when her mother came back from vacation with a Scottish beau. Moreover when another highlander showed up - a much younger one at that - claiming to be said beau’s friend. Something’s not right and she vowed to protect her mother from people who might took advantage of her.

Told alternately from Isobel and Alasdair’s POVs, I found A HIGHLANDER WALKS INTO A BAR a bit convoluted. Both Izzy and Alasdair had chips on their shoulders and trust issues, that I felt wasn’t fully untangled. Admittedly, I was initially entertained with Izzy and Alasdair’s antics when they tried to “spy” on people but before long it got tedious. I guess the pacing of the story was too slow for me; also the appearance of problematic people in town as a result of our character’s own (foolish) action and the following lukewarm approach the story taken just didn’t feel right to me.

Overall, this first entry to “Highland, Georgia” series was a cute, fun, and sweet story, but in a slapdash kind of delivery. Then again, perhaps I’m just just not familiar with the author’s writing style.


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham
Highland, Georgia #1

Laura Trentham is an author I know will deliver a great story whenever I find a book to read that she has written. Being asked to participate in the blog tour of this first book in a new series was a special treat. I read the first book quickly and am eager for the next.

Isabel “Izzy” Buchanan picks her mother up from the airport and her mother says she has a surprise. Izzy was a bit taken aback that the surprise was a man her mother “picked up” in Scotland. Gareth has a charming brogue and is a nice man but he is NOT her father. When Alasdair Blackmoor arrives, to check up on his uncle, Gareth, his brogue is equally intriguing. Izzy doesn't trust either of the men and Alasdair has similar thoughts regarding Izzy and her mother, Rose.

Rose and Isabel are in the midst of putting on the annual Highland Games and both Gareth and Alasdair will be there for the festivities. Throw in some romance, some secrets, a company with dastardly intentions, a small supportive community, a hunk of a farmer guy with his eye on Isabel (hope he gets a story in this series) and a few others and this book was all that I hoped it would be.

I can’t wait for the next book that will probably star friends of both Alasdair and Izzy – and the couple will definitely meet in – Highland, Georgia.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

When Izzy’s mother returns from Scotland her luggage isn’t all she came back with. Gareth and her mother met while she was traveling and they couldn’t bear to be parted so he returned home to Georgia with her to help Izzy and her mother with the Highland Games that they are managing. Izzy is wondering what this smooth talking Scotsman wants with her Mom and her anxiety only increases when his nephew appears in town hot on his trail.

Not only does Alasdair’s family have a royal heritage but they are wealthy as well. He has been sent y his family to protect his Uncle Gareth from the woman who is after her money even if she has no idea who he is. His plans to get his Uncle to return to Scotland get waylaid when he bis equally enraptured by Izzy and the last thing on his mind is leaving.

Fun and flirty it was fun watching their romance unfold. Humorous banter, heat and few twists along the way make this an enjoyable story.

The Buchanans have been running a Scottish-themed festival at their home of Stonehaven in Highland, Georgia, for years. Since the death of their husband and father a decade ago, mother and daughter Rose and Isabel Buchanan have been in charge of keeping it going. The annual festival features traditional games, as well as music, dancing and foods, and while it helps the two women keep up financially with the maintenance on their old home, modeled on castles in Scotland, it is also an important part of their small community’s life and the livelihood of the town’s businesses.

Just a few weeks before this summer’s Highland games, Rose returns from a trip to Scotland with a “surprise” — a handsome Scotsman named Gareth. And not long after, Gareth’s nephew, Alasdair, comes down to Highland as well. Gareth is the earl of Cairndow, and since he’s never married or had children, Alasdair is his heir. Gareth hasn’t told Rose he’s an earl, however, because he wants the relationship to develop without the baggage of his title hanging over it, at least in the early stages, and when Alasdair arrives at the end of a business trip in New York, he goes along with the deception in part to honor his uncle and in part because he wants an opportunity to find out if these Buchanan women are up to some gold-digging.

Izzy, in turn, is suspicious of Gareth and Alasdair’s motives — while she and her mother aren’t wealthy cash-wise, the land they own around Stonehaven is worth a good deal — and Alasdair is ready to get back to his job in London as an investment analyst as soon as he can uncover any suspicious motives in the two women.

But another big surprise is how much Isabel and Alasdair are attracted to each other when they meet. Suspicions and concerns are an initial hindrance, then their busy schedules, then the huge problem that each has a big commitment to an estate. Can a strong attraction turn into a relationship, and can a relationship survive such big hurdles?

A Highlander Walks into a Bar is a fun escapist romance, with a widowed mom and daughter both finding love with handsome Scotsmen. The book also teases a sequel setting up another American-Scot love story, so those who particularly enjoy this book will no doubt find themselves happy to know a second will be on its way.

A Highlander Walks into a Bar is the first book in Laura Trentham’s new Highland, Georgia series. Isabel Buchanan and her mother, Rose, are in charge of the town’s Highland Games each July. It is grueling, time consuming work to get the festival organized. In fact, Izzy uses her vacation from the accounting firm each year to handle the final details and help run the festival. But her family home, Stonehaven, and her hometown, Highland, Georgia, depend on the funds generated by the event.

Rose has just returned from a trip to Scotland, and her souvenir was a big, burly Scot. Gareth and Rose met when they literally ran into each other in the doorway to a church. Since then, they had been inseparable. But Gareth had introduced himself as Gareth Connor, not Gareth Blackmoor, Earl of Cairndow. History had shown him that presenting as himself only seemed to bring out the title seekers. This way he could learn about a person to be sure he was seen as his inner self.

When Gareth takes off for America, his sister-in-law, Fiona, is worried he has gone off with a young thing who could usurp her son Alasdair’s position as the heir to the title. Since Alasdair is already in America on business, Fiona insists he check in on the situation. Alasdair stops for coffee as he enters the small Georgia town and inadvertently meets Isabel. On first glance, he assumes she is his uncle’s love interest but is taken aback to learn it is actually her mother. When Izzy takes Alasdair to Stonehaven to see Gareth, her mom instantly invites him to stay with them.

The story unfolds until the punchline title actually occurs. This is a laugh out loud story that will warm the reader’s heart as they enjoy the small town flavor, the Highland Games, and the unfolding relationships. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it!