Laura Trentham does it again! Another fantastic book from this author who triumphs in creating relatable characters and in this story you have two very strong characters in Izzy and Alasdair, each trying to protect their loved ones from getting hurt! The banter between the two of them is at times hilarious but also has moments of vulnerability and rawness as they confront their feelings for each other!

Coming from Scotland I loved reading about this Georgia town putting on their version of the Highland games and Trentham captured it brilliantly.

This is a brilliant start to a new series and I can’t wait to read more, especially as we got a wee tease as to who the next book will be about

Alasdair just loves to flirt, “I’m hurt that you think being in my pants would be a traumatic experience.” Alasdair gave her a lopsided grin." Izzy knows how to woo her man, “I’m glad your back isn’t hairy.” The thought wiggled past her internal editor. His smile gleamed in the dim stairway. " I liked this book, I liked Alasdair.

**I received a copy of A Highlander Walks into a Bar from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. My opinions are mine alone and not solicited in any way.**

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is the first book in her Highland, Georgia series. I.Loved.This.Book!! It gives you the hot Scotsman and dedicated to keep his families Cairndow home in Scotland and Izzy's doing the same for Stonehaven by hosting Highland games in of course the town of Highland, GA. Throw in Alasdair who is Gareth's nephew who just happened to come home with Rose Izzy's mom after her visit to Scotland. Can both of the men find their happy every after with Rose and Isabel?

Isabel Buchanan wants only two things right now survive Atlanta traffic from the airport to Stonehaven and figure out if her mother's new beau Gareth Blackmoor is for real or does he think that there's money to be had from her mom? Because there's very little of that as the Highland Festival brings in just enough to keep up with the repairs. But when she meets Alasdair all thought of ignoring him goes right out the door. But when his company decides to take Isabel's and Rose's home over Alasdair will fight for everything to keep their home even if it means competing at the Highland Games which he's never done any before.

Alasdair Blackmoor is sent to bring his uncle back to Scotland because his mother thinks that Rose is the person trying to get money from him. But when he arrives and sees Isabel he realizes that perhaps Gareth is there to woo Rose. But between his job which has suddenly become less important than Cairndow he'll have to make a choice. Can he convince Izzy to move to Scotland to be his Lady? There's a hint at who'll get the next book at the end it's just enough tease to have you going "How long do I have to wait?"

Scottish uncle and nephew meet American mom and daughter. The uncle isn’t truthful about his last name since previous women were only interested in him because of his title. When the nephew catches up to his uncle in the US, he finds out about the subterfuge and agrees to temporarily keep his true identity secret. The nephew decides to do some digging into the finances of mom and daughter to see if mom’s interest is on the level. Both uncle and nephew’s secrets are found out and puts them in hot water with mom and daughter.

Highland, Georgia takes their Scottish Festival extremely seriously. So what’s a town to do when real Scotsmen come to town? Show Southern hospitality in spades of course! Unless your Isabel. She’s already trying to come to terms with her mom’s new Scottish beau, Gareth, so when his...friend Alasdair shows up on her doorstep too, it’s enough to drive any hospitality out the door. Yet there’s something about Alasdair that brings out Isabel’s playful side. His delectable looks attracted her eyes, but deep down, he just gets her in ways others don’t. And did I mention, it doesn’t hurt that he can rock a kilt like nobody’s business;)

Isabel and Alasdair have some growing pains to handle as they both have to decide what they truly want out of life and take the necessary steps to accomplish their goals. I loved the bumpy road Alasdair and Isabel traveled as it allowed me to learn what made them both tick. I also got a kick out of the helpful residents of Highland! Their nosy, yet undeniable supportive selves, added great entertainment along the way. With a well-balanced blend of sass, humor, and oh my lands-the joys of Southern hospitality, Trentham has written an absolutely delightful summer read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story was a lot of fun! This was my first book by this author. I received a copy from Netgalley. Izzy and Alasdair should never have crossed paths but they do. And it leads to a fun journey. The main characters were a lot of fun. The dialogue was snappy. The side characters were quirky. It made me laugh out loud and gave me the warm and fuzzies! You couldn't ask for more. I would look for more books by this author in the future.

Isabel is an accountant and a wannabe writer living in Georgia. Alastair is a Scottish businessman who is miserable in his job. They meet when Alastair decides to check in on his uncle who is visiting Isabel’s mother in Georgia. Can two people who live thousands of miles apart find happiness together? Maybe if lies and secrets can be forgive and forgotten! This is the first book in a new series.

What a fun hoot of a story. When Izzy goes to pick up her mom from the airport, she finds she brought home a big souvenir by the name of Garrett. When his nephew Alasdair arrives, thinking his uncle is being taken advantage of by those pesky Americans, but he quickly becomes enamored by Izzy. Found this one hard to put down, and enjoyed the banter between them. Highly recommend this story, and look forward to the next in the series.

In Trentham’s Rom-Com series starter Isabel Buchanan arrives at the airport to pick up her mother returning from a trip to Scotland only to find her accompanied by a giant handsome Scot. And unfortunately, their plans are to explore the lovely little Georgia community of Highland versus helping Izzy get the annual Highland Games planned. Luckily (?) In walks another handsome Scot. Alasdair Blackmoor is worried about the possibility of his uncle hooking up with an American strumpet, but instead finds himself equally charmed by the Buchanan women. Both Izzy and Alasdair need a change from their current courses, can they find their way together? This is a fun and funny read with a steamy romance and more Highland, Georgia books are on the way.

Isabel is serious and hard-working, but trapped by familial obligations, even though she wants more out of life. Alasdair’s life has been full of work and more work,. Isabel’s mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a big, sexy Scot in tow, who turns out to be Alasdair’s uncle. Isabel and Alasdair, while trying to protect each of their loved ones, discover how to have fun and live in the moment, while ultimately falling in love. This was a fast-paced, fun read. Although it had the typical elements of a romance novel, the preservation of Scottish history and traditions in America brought a unique perspective to the story. This is the first novel in the Highland, Georgia series and I look forward to the next book.

Great read! I loved the characters in this story. Izzy and Alasdair have so much chemistry even though they are suspicious of each other’s motives and can’t bring themselves to trust. I was very entertained watching how uncomfortable Izzy was with her Mom’s pda with Gareth . I am new to this author and enjoyed her writing very much. I hope there is a second book in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.

Laura Trentham writes both historical and contemporary romances that entertain and delight. I have greatly enjoyed all the Cottonbloom and Spies and Lovers books. (A Brazen Bargain is one of my all-time favorites that I have read more than once!) This new series reminds me, in the best way, of Susan Mallery’s Happily Inc. A small town where everyone is involved in a common industry or event.

Highland, Georgia’s small town fortunes are dependent on a Scottish festival that occurs each summer on the grounds of Isabel (Izzy) Buchanan family home called Stonehaven. Right before the festival her mother Rose brings home an actual Highlander from her vacation, a man named Gareth. Shortly to follow comes Gareth’s “old family friend” Alasdair. Secrets, complications, romance and fun ensue.

It took me until around chapter 6 to fully invest in this book, but when I did, I really enjoyed the way the characters and relationships developed.

I look forward to the next book in the Highland Games/ Highland, Georgia series. There is a teaser in the epilogue that hinds at things to come for Izzy’s friend Anna.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

Very cute. Izzy and her Mom live in Highland, Georgia where they run a Scottish Festival every year. Izzy's Dad started it and it is part of her heritage. When her Mom (Rose) comes home accompanied by an honest-to-goodness Scotsman (Gareth), Izzy is thrown for a loop. She is also suspicious of Gareth's motives. In steps Alasdair. He has come to Highland to bring his Uncle back home. Things turn into a muddle with omissions being made and attractions. Izzy is distrustful and so is Alasdair.

I really enjoyed this book. It was cute and Izzy made me laugh. The characters are fun and the writing kept me turning the pages. The only thing I didn't like was one scene that was more graphic than it needed to be. Other than that, it was a nice easy-to-read escape.

A Highlander Walks Into A Bar wasn't quite what I expected. While the story is a light easy read, it's also slow going. It's easy to lose interest because of the pace. The story is cute and fun, but overall, I would have liked something a bit more substantial. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advance copy of A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This was a sweet but predictable book. I enjoyed the story but based on the title I was expecting more humor in the book. There were some humorous parts but I felt there was a lot of opportunity to make the story much more fun. I enjoyed the book.

I am a BIG fan of the author. I have loved her contemp romances. She is very gifted in writing and creating characters for me to love. And so I was looking forward to another series set in the South. Unfortunately I kinda hated this story.

- It moved very slowly and I mean SLOW
- I did not feel any passion between
Alasdair and Izzy not even a liittle. Between his uncle and her Mom YES but them not even a little
- I was kinda bored with the two characters I felt they each very very passionless people
- The story is set in Georgia and centers around a castle and highland games. Even the games felt boring.

This might have been better as a short story but I felt nothing really happened in it and I did not feel the attraction between the couple at all.

What happens when not one but two Highlanders strut into Izzy's life? Well, she suddenly learns that there's a different kind of loyalty, one tied to family obligation and the other to her dreams and ambitions and it is not an easy journey of distinction to make.
This is a simple, light and fun read.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. PS: Love the cover!

Very cute and very funny. Would be a great beach read! Loved the chemistry first between Gareth and Rosie, but then Alaisdar and Izzy get together and were so much fun. Also loved all the secondary town characters. It sounds like Anna maybe the next one to get a book and I have no doubts it will be good. Can't wait to read it.

A souvenir, indeed.

It sounds like the festival is definitely a burden, when it should be fun.

Wow, his mom is a piece of work. Literally. American tart?

To be fair, I would have assumed she was talking about hot tea and I'm American.

She needs more backbone.

How long do they think they can keep this charade up?

Nothing like talk of cannibalism to inspire romance.

Who needs a crow call?

Oy.

She could just go home to America before July.