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!

I can thoroughly recommend this book, it was funny, romantic and whatever else you look for in a story I think this has it and the end actually leads right onto the next book which I can’t wait to read. I give this book 5 stars.

When I first read the premise of this book, I instantly thought of Melonie Johnson's Getting Hot with the Scot (which you can find my full review for here). I love a good book with a swoony Scottish lead and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this book actually takes place in Highland, Georgia instead. Because of the name of the location, every year in this small southern town, they hold the Highland Games, which the female lead of the story, Izzy, and her mother, Rosie, plan together. However, plans get complicated when her mother Rosie returns home from a trip with a souvenir of sorts - a new Scottish boyfriend. Along with him comes his nephew, Alasdair, who has been sent to this small town to fetch his uncle back home. They start to bond over the course of the time they spend together and I just really loved all the discussions they had with one another in terms of life and career. Doing what you should, what is expected of you, or risking it all, and simply doing what you love. I love when the couples in romance novels bond and discuss actual real life issues and I love when they are supportive with one another too. There are so many laugh out loud funny moments in this book, so brace yourself. Izzy's personality is awesome and she definitely has no filter. I loved seeing her come to terms with the fact that her mother is in fact a human and can have feelings, but also I loved seeing her realize her own feelings as well. This was a fun summer romance read that gives you that wanderlust feeling and reminds you that it can happen right at home. There's great family dynamics and I loved the secondary characters that popped up as well, like Izzy's friend. Overall, it was a really great contemporary romance read and I can't wait to check out the next book in this series by Trentham! I also totally want to visit both Highland and Scotland now. If you loved Johnson's Getting Hot with the Scot, you'll definitely want to add this one to your TBR!

A Highlander Walks into a Bar is a hilarious romance! If you have the option for Kindle to read this out loud to you, especially in the Scottish accent, it makes it come to life. I loved the interaction between Izzy and Alasdair! Between the accent, shenanigans and comedy - you never want this book to end.

When I start a new series by a well-loved author I go into it both elated and scared to death. I also have a little sadness thrown in too.

I don't know about you but I hate leaving my friends behind to start a new series. On the other hand, I love the excitement of finding a new town to fall in love with. I wonder if any other genre deals with the same emotions and romance readers do.

So right off the, I wasn't' sure what I was thinking. Did I like Isabel or not? She didn't seem to have a ton of attachments to the town other than her mother, home and highland games. As the story unfolded I realized that was a plus. Trust me, once you read it you'll understand. You don't want me to give everything away, do you?

I really liked Alasdair right away. I felt for him being pulled in so many directions at once. Feeling honor-bound to so many people. He's an all-around good guy. He might have started off with secrets but I both understood and would have too.

I really wetting your whistle for this book, aren't I!

You'll also really like Isabel's mother and Aladair's uncle. Two characters that have a large roll in the story.

I think Trentham did a wonderful job of setting up this series. She gave us a great start and led us to what's next. She sets up the next hero and heroine perfectly. I'm thinking with them we'll get more of the town and the people who live there.

Now don't get me wrong there are others who we met that I want to know more about and I hope to learn a that soon, I just think that A Highlander in a Pick Up will be the book to really expand on this series. By the way, it comes out on 2/25/20.

As you can tell I was so glad to be able to read A Highlander Walks into a Bar. It left me happy and excited for what's coming next. Plus it has two of my favorite things, a small town, and a highlander. What more could I ask for?

I really liked the storyline, it was easy to get hooked on. The story flowed very smoothly and I read it almost in one sitting.

The most powerful aspect of this novel was certainly the characterization. Laura Trentham creates likeable, vivid characters engaged in fun and exciting stories. The characters were realistically written, they have struggles that many people can relate to. What made this story really work for me was the instantly relatable, girl-next-door heroine, Isabel. The hero, Alasdair, stole my heart. He was the perfect gentleman, very posh and loyal to his family. And yet he has a bit of an odd outlook on life. The future he has envisioned will bring him professional success and money, but not happiness. With Isabel, he's thoughtful, protective and witty. He's actually a very kind and considerate person who always notices the feelings of the people around him. I really enjoyed the banter between Alasdair and Isabel, they had great chemistry. I was really curious about the development of their relationship as I rooted for them even though they are so different from each other.

Alasdair refuses to watch his uncle, Gareth Blackmoor, allegedly being taken advantage of, he really cares about him. At first, he is very suspicious about Isabel and her mother, Rose Buchanan. He finds his uncle’s open display of affection for Rose rather shocking. Alasdair and Gareth hide their true identity and lying doesn’t sit well with Alasdair.

The story is sweet, fun and romantic. The characters' personalities develop as time goes by. Overall if you are looking for something lighthearted, this book is perfect for you!

A Highlander Walks Into A Bar, Laura Trentham had me with that title and kept me with a witty double romance that just took on a life of its own.

Isabel’s mom goes to Scotland and comes home with a Scotsman and not just any Scotsman but a laird…but no one knows he’s got a title. They all think her Scotsman was just the help for the castle and not the owner. The lairds nephew, Alasdair, fears the Buchanan’s are out for his uncle’s money and follows his uncle to Highland, Georgia.

The Buchanan’s are known for their Georgia Highland games, so Alasdair decides to take on the spit fire known as Izzy and show her what a real Scot is made of.

I’m sure you can see what mayhem might come out of Scottish Lairds taking on Georgia’s Peaches. A Highlander Walks Into A Bar is a fun, fast and filled with kilt wearing men in the great state of GA with romance running as hot as the summer temps the state is known for.

I received this ARC copy of A Highlander Walks into a Bar from St. Martin's Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Highlander Walks into a Bar is set for publication July 30, 2019.

Laura Trentham
FRONTLIST | On Sale Date: July 30, 2019
9781250315021, 1250315026
E-Book
$6.79 USD, $8.99 CAD
Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
336 pages
Series: Highland, Georgia (#1)
9 likes

Isabel Buchanan doesn’t know how to react when her mother comes home from a trip to Scotland with a six foot tall highlander names Gareth. Of course Izzy thinks the worst about him. Alasdair Blackmoor comes looking for his uncle and finds the sweet, quirky daughter who also seems clumsy on her feet. She also says what she thinks before thinking things through. They live in the town of Highland Georgia and every year they have what is known as the Highland Games. This brings money to their town to support the locals. When Gareth tells Alasdair that he is pretending to be the grounds keeper instead of the Earl, as he just wants to be accepted for himself and not his title, Alasdair promises to keep his secret. The story has moments when you just laugh out loud. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Isabel Buchanan is fiery, funny, and never at a loss for words. But she is struck speechless when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a six-foot-tall, very handsome souvenir. Izzy’s mother is so infatuated by the fellow that Izzy has to plan their annual Highland Games all by herself. Well, not completely by herself. The Highlander’s strapping young nephew has come looking for his uncle…

Alasdair Blackmoor has never seen a place as friendly as this small Georgia town—or a girl as brilliant and beguiling as Izzy. Instead of saving his uncle, who seems to be having a lovely time, Alasdair decides he’d rather help Izzy with the Highland Games. Show her how to dance like a Highlander. Drink like a Highlander. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love with a Highlander. But when the games are over, where do they go from here?

I have a love-hate relationship with contemporaries, especially if it’s an author I haven’t heard of. Throw in the word Highlander and I have to give it a try. I’m glad I did with this one. While some might think Izzy was acting irrationally, being in the same type of dynamic, I could actually see my son acting the same way (if not worse) if I were to actually start dating someone again. This also made me happy that Izzy’s mother was able to find a second chance at happiness even though she’s a secondary character. I really liked both Izzy and Alasdair as the fell in love regardless of their original intentions. I also felt that this book was more than just about the romance between Izzy and Alasdair, it was also about Izzy’s relationship with her mother. It also gave Alasdair an opportunity to find himself. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Well this book was freaking adorable. Izzy's mom goes to Scotland and somehow manages to come home with an actual Scotsman as a souvenir. Little does her mother know, this is not just any Scotsman, but a laird (and no, of course she doesn't know. Why would she? Izzy's mom is delightful and a wreck and I love her.) The laird's nephew, Alasdair, fears that Izzy and her mother are out for his uncle’s money and hops a flight to Georgia to chase after him. The best part of all of this, is that the book takes place in Highland, Georgia, which is known for its annual Georgia Highland games. Coincidentally, these take place when Alasdair arrives in town, and this kilt-wearing stud decides he's going to take on Izzy and show her how it's really done. Obviously, it just gets better from here. Izzy is no southern belle, and Alasdair has no idea what he's in for taking on the young Ms Buchanan.

Trentham delivers with this one, giving you a rom-com fit for the big screen, with heartwarming, fun, and sweet relationships, and quick-witted conversation. This one will definitely eave a huge smile on your face once you're done.

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

This book was super cute read. If I had describe it I would say it's like a fairy tale with a twist. I really loved the relationship between Isabel and Rose and I also loved the small town, as someone who grew up in a small town it was very easy to relate to the characters and the fun in the town. The author had a way or making you feel like you were right there in the mix of everything. I really enjoyed Alasdair and Gaerth as well the relationship was more of a parent child which was wonderful to read. This book was super hard to put down. I will say there is so adult language/ situations in the book so may not be suitable for all readers. That being said the chemistry truly jumped off the pages and unlike so book did not seem forced but very natural.

This is a story absolutely filled with fun from the moment that Rose Buchanan announces to her daughter Isabel she has brought back “something” from her trip to Scotland to Fiona showing up to help Alasdair and Gareth work through the mistakes they have made on the road to happy ever after. Although it is clear that Rose and Gareth care very much for each other and even after she and Alasdair begin to care for each other, Isabel doesn’t trust Gareth and Alasdair. She has reason not to trust the handsome Scots; the Blackmoor men are keeping secrets. When they come to light, will the women understand and be willing to forgive?

What could be more fun than falling in love with a handsome Highlander that at a Highland Games Festival? This is a light and entertaining story with a lot of laughs. It all takes place in the small town of Highland, Georgia during the preparation for the annual Highland Festival. There is a delightful cast of characters. Isabel and Alasdair are uptight and serious, except during their alone time. Rose and Gareth are mellow and easy going. Traveling through Highland and meeting the townspeople is a treat. The festival itself is great. I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Highlander Walks Into a Bar. If like romance and want a good laugh, I recommend this one.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Ms Trentham, you had me at highlander!

I mean, who can resist a sexy Scot (not this old duck, I can tell you that!)
With a mix of the south and Scotland, I was intrigued by this story and enjoyed diving right in

Izzy ad Alasdair had that spark of attraction, mixed with that spark of annoyance that just made this reader crackle with anticipation.

Full of laughs and fun times, along with some frustrations and sad moments. I couldn't help but want, no need Izzy and Alasdair to be together.

Great secondary characters, many that I hope get their own stories in the future.

I need more.

I loved this story! Both Izzy (Isabel) and Alasdair are devoted to their families, primarily their mothers, and for Alasdair, his uncle as well, since he's his Uncle Gareth's heir. Izzy is gobsmacked to realize her mother has come home from a visit to Scotland with a beau. A Scottish beau who is going to be staying with then during their annual festival celebrating all things Scottish and injecting life and money into Highland. Little does Izzy or Alasdair expect this romantic entanglement to lead to anything good. This summer romance has all the humor, love, and passion I adore and lots of heart, in the family both by blood and choice. Love, love, loved! I may be envisioning Alasdair a bit like a young Sean Connery. And that is a delightful image. I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a charming, funny Highlander-centric read set in Georgia. Highlanders in the South.
When Izzy's mom returns from her vacay with a Highlander in tow, she's resigned to planning their towns Highlander Games with the help of Alisdair Blackmoor, the nephew of her moms Highlander crush.
Alisdair came to America to rescue his uncle, only to embrace the Highland games, ways and he definitely wants to embrace Izzy.
Recommend.

A Highlander Walks Into A Bar is a fun, light double romance I thoroughly enjoyed for its themes of family, friendship, and community.

The main characters Isabel and Alasdair are well-suited to each other with similar caring for their respective parents and uncertainties about their careers despite their different backgrounds. I like the slow build-up of their romance through proximity and their quick acknowledgment of their mutual attraction. There was no push-and-pull that usually ticks me off.

I also appreciate that the deceptions (Gareth's hiding of his title for self-protection and Alasdair's mistake on getting his loathsome co-worker and boss interested in the Buchanan's property) didn't play out too long and after a proper grovel, especially on Alasdair's part, Izzy and her mother Rose forgave their men.

I adore the idea of a small town where people are working together to embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage. As an immigrant, I relate to this incredibly well. Highland, Georgia sounds like a fun place to visit during the games as described in this book.

Well-balanced story telling, likable secondary characters (especially Anna and Holt) who were interesting enough without overpowering the leads, smooth pacing, and an intriguing tease for the next book are the reasons I'm giving this book four stars.

Fun comedic romance........highlander, kilt.....life is good in this double romance book.

Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.