Iain Connors is rather shy and not great with words, in part due to his unconventional and largely solitary upbringing on the grounds of a Scottish castle. Now that his service in Her Majesty's Army is over, Iain wants to explore his options and decide what to do with his life, even though it is understood by his family and friends that he'll take over his father's position as groundskeeper at Cairndow Castle upon his retirement. But Iain isn't quite ready to settle into that routine so when his friend asks him to go to Georgia, USA, to help plan a Highland festival, Iain accepts, sure it can't be more difficult than leading men in the army.

Bubbly dance instructor Anna Maitland is happy to step in and plan the Highland Festival that is a tradition in her hometown. She's used to wrangling children, so how hard could it be? She's just not expecting the handsome highlander who shows up to take charge. Even worse, the man is undeniably attractive and Anna is not willing to relinquish control of the planning to him, even if she could use some help, and she certainly isn't planning to explore her attraction to him. After all, he's leaving soon, so there would be no point in exploring any connection that might exist between them.

I liked Anna's character in the previous book and was excited for her story. Unfortunately, her insecurities and fear that everyone will leave her, while understandable, culminated in her being ridiculously judgmental of, and unnecessarily hateful and demeaning, to Iain. Multiple times when he is being nice to her she's deliberately catty by willfully misinterpreting his words. She may be insecure, but she's popular and familiar enough with men to know the difference, especially after she learns that Iain isn't good with words. I think everyone has the desire to protect themselves from hurt, but much of Anna's behavior and dialogue was just immature and made me dislike her. By the time she started acting like she had some sense, it was a bit late for me to really like her. Iain was charming in his gruff awkwardness, but he also made some questionable decisions that took that awkwardness perhaps too far, although he did make up for it.

I liked this book, but not as much as the first book in the series. I do recommend this book and hope to read more in this series. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

A Highlander in a Pickup A Highland by Laura Trentham is book Two in the Highland Georgia Series. This is the story of Anna Maitland and Iain Connors. I have read the previous book, but felt you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Anna is taking over the Highland Games planning from her friend Isabel. So Anna is wanting to prove that she can do this and wants full control. Anna is someone who is taking over her mother dance studio so she always seems to feel pressure to prove herself. Iain has come down from Scotland to help with the Highland Games too but he finds that Anna isn't one for giving up control. But they do start to work together and finding that their feelings are becoming to hard to avoid. This was a fun read I though and really enjoyed it.

A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham has me by far hooked on this series! I couldn't put it down until I had finished it in one day. I highly recommend this book and the series to anyone that has or hasn't read Laura Trentham.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Isabel's, best friend, Anna, is about to meet her own Hotty MacScottypants, aka the Highlander of her dreams . . . or is it her nightmares? Should be fun. I've got to admit that I loved the first book in this series. This one . . . not so much. Something was definitely missing this time around. Not sure what. Could be a bigger helping of snark was needed. Maybe it had a tad to much angst. The "I am Woman, hear me Roar" got old really fast. Or, all of them together made me not like this one as much.

Nightmare. That is exactly what Iain Connors was. Anna's worst nightmare. He was here in Highland, Georgia to take over "her" Highland Festival. Well, it just isn't going to happen. This Festival is her chance to prove she is more than capable and Iain is not going to take that away from her.

Stubborn. That is exactly what Anna Maitland was. Iain has come all the way from Castle Cairndow in Scotland as a favor to his best brined and his new wife to help put on the Highland Festival in Izzy's hometown and the woman won't let him do anything beyond tend the livestock. Well, Iain is nothing if not a patient man. The Festival is a lot to organize and she will need him to do more sooner or later. Patient and Steady wins the Fair Lady. 3 1/2-Stars

With a small town full of quirky characters, Laura Trentham delivers another fun and sexy story that has both humor and heart.

There was so much to love about both Anna and Iain. Anna has been trying to make a life for herself in Highland, but has a hard time feeling like the town she grew up in is taking her seriously as an adult – even though she runs a successful business and is always contributing to her community. I loved that she had ambitions to run for mayor and really wanted to help her town move forward. Iain is just trying to figure out what’s next in his life and is using his time in the States to think about his next steps. I loved how honorable and loyal he was, always taking his commitments seriously, even when they played against what his heart wanted. I loved the vulnerability in him about his looks and his awkward nature around women, always feeling like he was a big, burly guy that came across as scary or intimidating – and I especially loved how Anna was always in his face, standing up to him, and reassuring him that she wasn’t scared or intimidated by his size or afraid of him, she was generally just reacting to his actions because he infuriated her! It was fun to watch them verbally spar and try to fight the attraction that burned hot from their first meeting, but it was so satisfying to see them finally give in to that attraction and find out how good they could be together.

The supporting characters added both heart and humor to the story. From the assorted pets and livestock – I just loved Ozzie and Harriett – to family and friends that supported both Iain and Anna, the pages were filled with not only humorous banter and situations, but also the supportive dialogue to help both Iain and Anna find their way.

This is the second book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Trentham’s writing style makes this an easy and fun read and there is a good balance between the sexy times and the heart of the story, moving Iain and Anna towards their happy ever after.

Another series that I am all in on and would definitely recommend – it’s hard to resist a Highlander in a kilt!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Highlander in a Pickup and found this book to be charming, funny, and wonderfully entertaining. Laura Trentham has written an absolutely lovable contemporary romantic comedy that pulled me in from the very beginning-picture a stubborn blackfaced sheep struggling with a sassy woman in a tutu, and completely held my attention to the very end- think handsome, brooding Highlander in a kilt! Although this is the second book in Laura Trentham’s Highland, Georgia series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast paced, sweet and totally entertaining “feel good” romantic comedy that’s simply a pleasure to read.

This story takes place in the small town of Highland, Georgia where visitors can experience the unique blend of southern charm mixed with Scottish culture and men wearing kilts. Every year the town hosts a Highland festival to promote its unique culture. This year Anna Maitland is left in charge of setting up and running this event since her best friend Izzy, who’s usually in charge, is in Scotland and about to give birth. Anna is energetic, runs a successful dance studio and is determined to do everything right to prove to the town that she is responsible and worthy of becoming their next mayor. “Cool professionalism was what would get her through the festival and a run at the mayor’s office. She was doing her best to cultivate a sober, serious persona.” Despite being overwhelmed and stressed by all her new responsibilities, she’s determined to get everything done and to do things her way. The last thing Anna needs is a sexy, brooding Highlander from Scotland to get in her way! What’s even more frustrating is that he’s wearing a kilt and she’s definitely attracted to him.

Iain Connors had a very quiet, unconventional childhood growing up in the shadows of Cairndow Castle in Scotland where his father worked as the groundskeeper of the castle and single handedly raised Iain after his mother left them. Iain grew up as a loner and as an adult he’s definitely the strong silent type who’s often viewed as intimidating and socially awkward around others. After serving in Her Majesty's Armed Forces, Iain returns home to Cairndow to discover that he’s restless and no longer sure that he wants to take over as the castle’s groundskeeper when his father retires. When his close friend, Alasdair asks him to travel to the States to help out with the Highland festival, Iain sees this as an opportunity to spend some time away from Cairndow and as a chance to consider his future. When Iain arrives in Highland he mistakenly assumes that Anna will be more than happy to relinquish control of planning the festival. He certainly wasn’t prepared to encounter a stubborn, independent Anna who adamantly states that she doesn’t need or want his help with planning the festival and demands he stay out of her way! Iain knows that Anna doesn’t want him involved but sees that she obviously needs his help. He’s just as determined to keep his promise to Alasdair to do whatever is necessary to make sure that the festival runs smoothly, even if that means locking horns with Anna. Let the Highland games begin!

As Iain eases into his new life in Highland, Georgia he quickly becomes a vital part of the town by helping the elderly with small home improvements, assisting shop keepers, and singing and playing with the local Celtic band known as the Bluegrass Jacobites. He also finds his own path in a town where he is appreciated for his talents and where he feels free of his obligations. He is kind and considerate and makes sure to give Anna her distance while slowly becoming vital to her happiness. Anna continues to struggle with her attraction to Iain and is determined to keep her distance, especially since Iain will be returning to Scotland once the games are over. Anna’s insecurities of being left behind by the people she loves definitely plays a major role in her interactions with Iain. Will Anna let down her guard and allow Iain into her heart? Will Iain’s loyalty to his father and Cairndow Castle mean leaving Anna and Georgia behind? Will there time together end after the Highland festival?

I completely enjoyed reading A Highlander in a Pickup and especially appreciated how the story was told from the alternating points of view of the two main characters. The main characters were really well written and developed and the secondary characters were totally charming and entertaining. I completely fell in love with Iain’s character and his loyalty to his father and Cairndow Castle, his vulnerability and awkwardness around women, his love of poetry and Robert Burns, his supportive nature and his ability to understand Anna’s insecurities. In the end he proved himself to Anna, standing up for her when necessary, always ready to help and yet willing to respect her need to be independent. Anna’s character was strong and independent but her own insecurities often caused her to be judgmental, immature and deliberately hurtful to Iain. I found it harder to understand Anna’s actions especially since she was aware of Iain’s own insecurities. She was also told by her good friend Izzy that Iain was a very good man. Finally, I completely loved Iain’s father who gave his unconditional love and support to his son and was so understanding about Iain’s struggles.

This story was wonderfully entertaining, well written and had characters that became so lifelike that at the end of the story I just didn’t want to let them go. Since I never read the first book in this series it was the perfect opportunity to go back and spend more time with the charming town of Highland, Georgia and the lovable characters that live there. The epilogue of this book, which was told from Holt’s point of view, gave a quick glimpse into the lives of the main characters in the next story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, A Highlander is Coming to Town which comes out in September. I can’t wait to go back to Highland, Georgia and visit once again!

Welcome back to Highland GA - a town that mixes the best of southern hospitality with Scottish traditions! This is the second book in the series - you can certainly read it alone, but why would you? The first was such a delight I’m sure you’ll want to read both.

This year Anna is in charge of the annual Highland Games - its a challenge she’s ready to take on and handle on her own. But when Iain is sent from Scotland to help - perhaps things could get interesting. I loved returning to this group of characters and see Anna and Iain’s story play out - while also getting to see some more of the couple from the first book.

And based on the epilogue - I’m already excited for book three - out later this year! Thank you so much to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

Another sweet sexy romance in Highland, Georgia where every year the Scottish traditions of a festival are held. This year, Anna finds herself in charge of the event and she has help from a huge, shy, Scottish bear of a man. Even as Anna wants to prove she can run the festival by herself, Iian worms his way into the town and the events, helping Anna out. Sparks fly but I liked that it was more of a slow burn romance. A fun small town read.

When her best friend is unable to attend to the planning of the annual Highland Festival, Anna is happy to pick up the reigns as it will show the town that she has the right skill set for her future plans. She is determined that it will be a success and has very definite ideas of what needs to be done and doesn’t need help from anyone including the sexy Scot her friend has sent to help.

After leaving the Army Iain isn’t sure what the future holds for him despite the plan that his parents expect him to follow. Having the opportunity to help out at the Festival couldn’t have come at a better time and will give him the physical and emotional distance he needs but he never expected to be attracted to the bossy and stubborn woman who thinks she is his employee.

At times Anna’s personality could be hard to take but there is no denying it comes from a good place while Iain is very understanding and manages to help her especially at times when she can’t help herself. The romance between them is fun and flirty and they balance each other to perfection.

I loved the humor in this book. Iian and Anna were cute together and Anna was not immune to wanting to find out the age old question as to what the man wore under his kilt. The funniest part for me was when Anna fell onto the ground and Iian unintentionally gave her two eyes full as he knelt in front of her to see if she was okay. Imagine the unexpected view!
The funny and the hot of the story (and the animals) all worked together to create a hilarious and delightful HEA!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Highland Georgia #2, This is such a fun book, a light hearted and funny romance between one person determined to prove herself and a man who's trying to find himself. I loved Iain and Anna. Anna, after failing her dream of broadway came home and eventually took over her mother's dance studio. She has worked hard to make it hers to expand the direction of the studio to fit current trends and now she wants to run for mayor. Anna sees her chance at running the Highland Games this year as her chance to prove to everyone that she has what it takes to be mayor of Highland. Iain grew up the caretakers son he saw his dad's life revolve around Cairnow Castle. As soon as he could he left but while in HM Armed Forces he couldn't wait to come home. Until he actually got there and he didn't know for sure of that's what he wanted anymore, but he promised his Dad after helping with the Highland Games he'd be back.

At first Anna sees Iain as a threat, a very,very sexy, kilt wearing threat. Thinking he's going to come in and take over. That had been Iain's plan but seeing that Anna has everything under her control he takes on the one thing she can't control, the animals. Since the addition of livestock show is new and Anna is horrible with animals she is more than happy to leave that to Iain. As the days pass the attraction builds and Anna sees how good Iain is with the townspeople he even takes on extra work just to help out around the town and the attraction grows stronger. When they finally do give into the lust it's hot and heavy between them but they don't let that get in the way of the festival. The Festival is anticipated and dreaded as it also marks the ending point of Iain's time in Highland.

Overall, it was such a fun read. I am really enjoying this series and the teaser at the end about the next book, oh boy. It can be read as a standalone but reading the first book give you a bit more background on the town and the Highland Games festival.

Title: A Highlander in a Pickup
Author: Laura Trentham
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Anna Maitland is ready to show everyone in Highland, Georgia what she’s capable of. Her best friend, Izzy, can’t run the Highland Games in their hometown this summer, so Anna is happy to do it. If she succeeds, her bid for mayor will be sure to succeed, so she’s not letting a single thing out of her control—except the animals. She’ll need help with that, because a dance instructor in a tutu knows nothing about sheep and cows. Fortunately, there’s a man in a kilt who can handle the animals.

Ian Connor is used to being the strong, capable man everyone turns to when they need something physical done—and then abandoned when they don’t. He grew up at lonely Cairndow Castle, where he’s expected to take over as groundkeeper from his father. But now he finds himself in Georgia, to help plan the Highland Games—if a certain controlling dance teacher will ever admit she needs help.

I love that Ian isn’t the typical handsome, suave romantic lead. He’s awkward but nice and goes out of his way to help people. Anna was a little harder for me to like, as she was prickly and a bit too bossy, but the interactions between the two were fun to read, as was the further development of Highland, Georgia. This was a quick, enjoyable read.

Laura Trentham is an award-winning author. A Highlander in a Pickup is the newest novel in her Highland, Georgia series.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

What can I say about author Laura Trentham? I love anything and everything that she writes. Her stories never, ever disappoint. We first visited the Scotland lookalike town of Highland, Georgia and met some actual Scottish highlanders and women mesmerized by them in the first book in the Highland, Georgia series A Highlander Walks Into a Bar. A Highlander in a Pickup starts right up where the first book left off, and it’s as good if not better.

Anna Maitland is strong, competent and capable – on the outside. On the inside she’s a bit shaky with a lot of residual fears and issues from the past. But she is certain she can handle the annual Highland Games all alone. And then she meets Iain Connors: “With her brain taking a nap, she smoothed over the sleek dark eyebrow with her thumb.” Iain Connors is a quiet loner, an ex-military man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. But he is certain he can handle those Highland Games he was asked in Scotland to fly to the States and take care of without any trouble. And then he meets Anna Maitland: “He nodded like a caveman. He was a kiss away from having to draw on walls to communicate.”

With reactions to each other like that, and both of them sure they can run the Highland Games without any help, thank you very much, you know you are in for a wild ride. Author Trentham’s characters are sweet and funny and mixed up and often hilarious but always lovable. They get in laugh-out-loud situations, but then what they’ve been through or what they do has you reaching for a tissue. Peeling back the layers is a joyous voyage. And did I mention things can get a little steamy? Remember, this is a man in a kilt, after all!

Thanks to Laura Trentham for providing an advance copy of A Highlander in a Pickup in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book is yet another example of Trentham’s excellent writing, strong character and plot development, and thoroughly satisfying endings. I loved A Highland in a Pickup and recommend it without hesitation and am impatiently waiting for the next book in this series or anything else this author writes.

Return to Highland, Georgia, for the Highland games.
Iain comes Highland, to help see the games go off without a hitch. Isabel is in Scotland very pregnant.
Iain and Anna have many antics together.
Can't go wrong with a Highlander

With Isabel Blackmoor in Scotland awaiting the birth of her first child, Anna Maitland is left in Highland, Georgia to set up the festival. She's determined to do it alone to prove that she's capable of it, as well as lay the foundation for a possible mayoral bid. Iain Connors had grown up in Cairndow Castle and isn't sure what he wants for his future. Of course, he and Anna are at odds as to who is in charge of the Highland Games and fight off a physical attraction.

A Highlander in a Pickup is the second book in the Highland, Georgia series. All you need to know from the first one A Highlander Walks Into a Bar if you missed it is that Isabel met an actual Scotsman, fell in love, got married and moved to Scotland with him. Her mother also is currently on vacation with a Scotsman of her own, which is why Anna is in charge of the Highland Games. She has worked so hard and for so long that beginning a new relationship has never been on her mind. Iain has been in a similar state of mind, sure that he would have to eventually work at the castle with his father in Scotland.

Over the course of the novel, Anna and Iain have to work together. This puts them at odds in the beginning, and they grow to know more about each other, their histories and what they find important. The friendship that develops deepens because of the attraction, but it's still difficult to reconcile the differences in their long term goals. No one is at fault for that, and they handle it as best as they can, though not without some hurt feelings. It's a fairly realistic take because long term relationships are stressful enough as it is, let alone if one has to be in an entirely different continent. As a romance novel, we still get our happily ever after, as well as clues as to who will star in book three of the series.

I love the quirkiness of the town and the residents, and I'm continually charmed by them as we progress through the book. Our hero and heroine are cute together, and it's fun to watch several tropes unfold over the course of the novel.

Izzy and Alasdair have relocated to Scotland and she’s on bed rest nearing the end of her pregnancy. Having had Anna’s help, and folders full of “festival” information, Anna is now in charge. With Isobel’s mother and her new love Gareth also in Scotland, a busy dance studio to run, preparing to announce her own candidacy for mayor and the worries over ‘getting the festival right”, the last thing Anna needs is a trailer bearing a black faced sheep and a Highland cow (Ozzie and Harriet) to care for. Particularly since the “helper” that Alasdair and Izzy have sent over has yet to arrive. Despite being raised in a community that has it’s fair share of animals, Anna is NOT a fan – and her bewilderment and worries are just beginning.

Enter Iain, recently discharged from the British Army, and the next in line to ‘inherit’ the caretaker mantle at Blackmoor estates, he’s here to help organize the festival. Never expecting the fire and resentment from Anna, nor his visceral reaction to the flame-haired beauty. Sure she’s prickly and a bit stubborn, but her need to control every detail points to her own insecurities and need to prove herself to the town.

As adorable as the first, you can’t help but laugh at Anna’s missteps and Iain’s need to ‘protect’ her, even as they both understand that he’s leaving right after the festival…. But the two work wonders together – adding elements, taking care of the stock, finding time to do some ‘handyman bits” around town and steadily convincing Anna that she’s got ideas – if a bit heavy-handed with them at times, and being a place where she feels safe and valued. Of course, everyone’s sense of “duty” interferes, despite the many (from all sides) people pushing them together. Both are ingrained with a sense of loyalty and duty, however, and it will take some serious chats between Iain and his father, Anna and many others, and a chance at a reunion that makes everyone smile. A great second book in the series with the little Georgia town that has brought a bit of Scotland over the pond!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aCD /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham is the 2nd book in the Highland, Georgia series. I loved this book it has everything you want in a romantic comedy book. This book is easy to read, fast-paced, that kept me reading page after page. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, if it's as good as this one. The chemistry between Anna and Iain jumps out of the page it is so strong. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is book 2 in the Highland, Georgia series. I highly recommend you read book 1 A Highlander Walks into a Bar. Both books were really good and you get introduced to all the characters in book 1. I love that in both books you get the prospective of both main characters and what Anna and Iain are thinking.

Anna was born and raised in Highland, Georgia. She owns and runs the local dance studio and wants to be Mayor one day. She has lots of plans and ideas to grow their small town. Her best friend Izzy (Book 1) is having a baby and can’t plan and run the annual Highland Games. She asks Anna to do it, but because she know how busy Anna is with running the studio she sends her husband’s best friend Iain from Scotland to help. Anna wants to prove to the town that she can handle it all on her own and show she can be a great leader one day for the town. So when a gorgeous, huge, muscular man comes wanting to help, Anna keeps pushing him away.

Iain has never felt like he was home in Scotland and when his best friend asked him to go the states to help plan an event, he jumped on the chance. What he did not expect to find was a fiery red head that would make him feel things he never did and a town that felt like he always belonged. He kept trying to help with the event but Anna kept pushing him away giving him odd jobs that he could finish quickly. He had to figure out how to get her to let him help, she was stretching herself thin and he was worried about her.

Will they be able to open up to each other and realize that everyone needs a little help? Received this ARC for my honest review and opinion. The only thing I will have to say and not sure if it was just the format of the ARC but it was that it jumped from character to character without stating who it was.

Laura Trentham is an author that can write an entire range of stories. I can laugh with her characters but also shed a few tears with some of them. A Highlander in a Pickup is a romantic comedy story with more than a little humor to keep this reader laughing. The description gives the premise, “Iain accepts an invitation to travel to the States to take charge of the Highland Games. After all, he’s led men into battle, how hard can planning a party be?”

I could see the comedy coming and it was laugh out loud wonderful. Add in Anna Maitland a dance instructor as Iain’s cohort with sassy dialogue, stubbornness and amazing pleasure to read writing, you have a first rate book. It can be a challenge when both believe that they are in charge, one has trouble explaining himself and one is an intelligent capable woman ready to set any man, in a kilt or not straight. Such a fun read, just what is needed for a bit of escapism reading.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ms Trentham returns us to Highland, GA for another installment of the Highland Games - this time organized by Buchanan family friend, Anna, and Iain Connors sent from Scotland (by Izzy) to help. This second book in the series takes place one year after the first book and reads as a stand-alone. (Reading book 1 would be helpful for background).



Anna and Iain are both likable characters who are battling a little bit of emotional baggage as they try to pull off the high expectations around the games. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and figure out their communication issues.



A well written, semi slow burn romance Highlander in a Pick Up is a fun read with a definite growth element. Ms Trentham does an excellent job of incorporating the elements from book 1 of the series (as well as upcoming characters in the series) into Anna and Iain’s story. This gives loyal readers a glimpse of where characters are now and what may be coming soon.