💚Book Review💚

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Thank you to @stmartinspress @netgalley and @lauratrentham for the ARC of Highlander In A Pickup! I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers tale that is book 2 in Laura Trentham’s Highland Georgia series. I used this book for #romanceopoly2020 “The Office” Which is where a couple meets at work. I am maybe loosely applying this one, but the couple meets while working on a town event, The Highland Games.

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Synopsis from the publisher: Iain Connors is the poster boy for the strong and silent type. Growing up a loner at Cairndow Castle in Scotland with only the cliffs and moors for company, it’s understood Iain will assume the mantle of Cairndow groundskeeper when his father is ready to relinquish it. But his stint in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces has opened up a whole new world—and now, rather than settle down, he 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? Anna Maitland is ready to step up for her best friend Isabel Blackmoor, who can’t run the Games in their hometown this year. Surely Anna, a dance instructor with boundless energy, spirit, and charm, is up for the challenge? What she doesn’t anticipate is a man in a kilt who turns up claiming he’s the one in charge. What’s worse about this Iain? He’s so infuriatingly handsome that she can’t help but fantasize about him whispering sweet-nothings in her ear in his rumbly, sexy brogue…

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This was a super fun romance full of witty banter and amazing chemistry between Anna and Iain. I haven’t read the first book in the series, so I can say confidently that this book can be read as a stand alone. I have the first one all set to read though because I need more of this series!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4 1/2 stars

While I enjoyed the first novel in Highland, Georgia series, A Highlander Walks into a Bar, I loved A Highlander in a Pickup and the reason is because of the matching of spunky dance instructor, Anna, and the taciturn, brick-house of a Scot, Iain.

You know how when you read a romance with an unlikely pairing and they stay unlikely even to the end and you’re so filled with credulity as to how they got together and why they think they might stay together? A Highlander in a Pickup is by no means that. From their initial meeting, Anna and Iain are combustible, but they’re also sweet because they both have hearts of gold beneath prickly exteriors.

Tretham does such a wonderful job of showing them falling in love, their insecurities, and making the reader wonder how this is all going to come about since there’s a time limit to Iain being in Highland. It’s a romance. You know how it’s supposed to end. I liked the fact that I didn’t know exactly what would happen to make that happily-ever-after come about even as I neared the end.

A Highlander in a Pickup sparkles with good-hearted humor and an obvious love of the characters that will have you falling in love with them too. I am so looking forward to the next installment…and then hoping there’s another one after that.

Are you looking for some romantic fun with Scots and Southerners in a small Georgia town (bet you didn’t even know you could be looking for that! ha), you’ve got to read this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Iain Connors is the poster boy for the strong and silent type. Growing up a loner at Cairndow Castle in Scotland with only the cliffs and moors for company, it’s understood Iain will assume the mantle of Cairndow groundskeeper when his father is ready to relinquish it. But his stint in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces has opened up a whole new world—and now, rather than settle down, he accepts an invitation to travel to the States to take charge of the Highland Games. Anna Maitland is ready to step up for her best friend Isabel Blackmoor, who can’t run the Games in their hometown this year as she's pregnant. What she doesn’t anticipate is a man in a kilt who turns up claiming he’s the one in charge.
This is the second book in the series & can easily be read on its own. I loved both Iain & Anna & how their relationship developed. I found this to be a fun entertaining, heart warming read that left me with a smile on my face & I’m thrilled there will be another book in the series. A well written book with strong characters who are endearing & thoroughly likeable. I was drawn in from the start & engrossed until the end.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Generally I love this author's work, but this one just didn’t do it for me. First, let me share what I liked. As always, the descriptions were vivid and enticing, and I love the small Georgia town, as well as the glimpses at Scotland.

I also love Iain's character. Big muscular man, Scottish accent, AND a kilt? Yes please!!! He's also an honorable man who takes his promises to his father seriously. He's personable, kind and generous, and it takes no time for the people of Highlands, GA, to be eating out of his hand and seeking out his company. He's great with animals, children, seniors, everybody really, and his huge heart holds a nice helping of compassion. This guy is the whole package, and I adore every cell of him!

Now to the things that didn’t work for me.

As much as I loved Ian's character, I grew weary of being reminded he's not “classically handsome.” Tell me a few times so I get it, but then leave this big-hearted hero's physical characteristics to my imagination. Petty on my part? Possibly, but he also has a unique physical characteristic that's not easily forgotten.

Next, Anna is a shrew. She's antagonistic and quarrelsome through the majority of the book, and there just wasn’t enough of a convincing change to redeem her cantankerous character for me. It wouldn't have been too difficult to make her endearing to me. She has some good qualities I would have liked to see more of those, but as she is, she never won me over.

And the last thing that absolutely, positively did not work for me is bringing politics into the story. It’s only a hint, but it’s a hint too much. I read to escape real life and don’t appreciate anything that even hints at what an author's stance on today's political scene may be when I'm reading a romance. We're inundated with that stuff every day, so it would be nice if there was one place, just one place we could depend on being able to escape it. This is a deal breaker for me. I could have forgiven Anna's character and left a more positive review, but I can’t get past the abrupt shove back into the real world during my escape.

So, you have my impression and can make a decision yourself about this book. If these things aren’t an issue for you or you can overlook them, you’ll certainly enjoy this book. Otherwise, I recommend you check out some other titles by this author rather than spending your time and money on this one.

I absolutely love this series by Laura Trentham.  The whimsical mix of Scotland and the South.  A hodgepodge of cultures that mix beautifully.

This is the story of Ian and Anna.  While this story can be read as a stand-alone, I had the privilege to read the first book in this series, where we briefly meet both Ian and Anna.

Anna is a true red-headed spitfire.  She is southern charm wrapped in a "Bless your heart" personality.  She is bound and determined to need no one.  When she gets put in charge of the annual Highland Festival she is frazzled but she is going to do it all! 

Ian is from Cairndow, he is the groundskeeper's son.  He has been selected to help Anna with the festival.  He is a true testament of the saying "still waters run deep".  

I absolutely love the world of Highlands, Georgia.  The world that Ms. Trentham has created with this series is so visual.  I can "see" myself walking down Main Street.  I can visualize the beauty of Stonehaven and the pageantry of the festival.

Ms. Trentham has made her characters believable.  They are not all glossy and perfect, in fact, the way she describes Ian shows that it's not the outer beauty, but the inner beauty that radiates and pulls Anna into his world.

I am so looking forward to the next book in this series, I hope there are many, many more! If you are looking for a whimsical, funny and swoony story, get your hands on this!

I had previously enjoyed books from Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series and, thanks to NetGalley, dived into Highland, Georgia #1. Disappointment. As I know Trentham has skills, I decided not to give up. Thankfully, #2 is much better – more chemistry and a more entertaining and interesting read. Let’s hope #3 builds upon the strength lent by #2.

I was pumped when I saw that A Highlander in a Pickup was available for review on NetGalley. I wanted to see what Anna and Iain’s love story would be like. So, now you’re wondering why a 3-star review if I was so thrilled to read it.

It wasn’t the plotline. A Highlander in a Pickup had a fast-moving plotline. There was no lag, which is a massive plus for me, and there were no dropped storylines or characters.

I hate to admit this, but it was Iain and Anna’s issues that dragged the story down for me. I love enemies to friend troupe as much as the next person. But in this book, it was taken to an extreme. Even though I knew that Anna and Iain were going to fall in love, there was a point where I wondered if they were going to make it there. There was too much bickering between the two during the first half of the book.

I wasn’t a fan of Iain being overly insecure. He overthought everything that came out of his mouth and was afraid of pissing Anna off. There was a point where I started eye-rolling because it was too much. Other than that, I loved him. He was what Anna needed.

Anna drove me crazy go nuts right. I couldn’t get over her behavior towards Iain. Her hostility was unwarranted and at times, made me mad. She couldn’t handle the planning of the games, and it showed. Also, she was super insecure. OMG, was she ever. I did think to myself, at one point, that she needed therapy. It was that bad. But, putting the insecurities and her bad attitude towards Iain aside, Anna was a good person. And that goodness was showcased time and again.

Anna and Iain’s romance was slow to get started because of everything that I listed above. There was an instant attraction that got pushed to the back burner due to Iain’s insecurities and Anna’s hostility. But, once they kissed, there was no going back. That sexual attraction snowballed into some pretty steamy sex scenes.

A Highlander in a Pickup is book 2 in the Highland, Georgia series. This book can be read as a stand-alone book. But, I would recommend reading A Highlander Walks Into a Bar to understand more about the festival and Highland itself.

The end of A Highlander in a Pickup was your typical HEA. I loved that the author gave a hint about who the next book is going feature.

A Highlander in a kilt romances a southern dance teacher!

Dance teacher Anna Maitland has a lot on her hands trying to finish up the planning for the Highland, Georgia Festival and deciding if she wants to run for mayor in the next election when Iain Connors in a kilt shows up in town. Iain had done lots of stuff in the Army and since his dad wasn’t ready to retire as gamekeeper at Cairndow, Scotland, he volunteered to help finish the planning for the festival. Nobody had prepared Anna for Iain helping even though Iain thought he should be in charge and those are famous last words for both of them.

I loved A Highlander in a Pickup because the love story between Anna and Iain is cute and a bit funny with everything and I especially love all of the bits and pieces about people in the town and Iain having to decide if Anna was worth moving to America for.

A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham is the second book in the Highland, Georgia series and I want to read the next book about Holt Pierson.

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

I enjoyed the second installment as much (or more!) as the first! This take on the southern and Scottish together makes for a fun read!

Sweet, sassy, and steamy! Laura Trentham has written another delightful romance, a lovely Southern Scottish fusion. Welcome to Highland, Georgia where the men wear kilts and drink sweet tea. A charming small town with a strong Scottish vibe and an annual event that revitalized the town. An event that is in the hands of Anna this year. Anna knows how important this event is to the town and to her BFF who cannot run the event this year because she is over in Scotland having a baby. Anna is excited this is her chance to prove to everyone that she is more than capable, but she’s also a little nervous. When Iain shows up... tall, dark, moody, and in a kilt she is both intrigued and frustrated. And it does not help that she is in the middle of trying to wrangle a sheep while wearing a tutu. Oh let the games begin...The push and pull between Anna and Iain, Iain wanting to help and Anna wanting to prove that she can do everything by herself. There was definite chemistry between these two and it was fun watching them both try to fight it so fiercely. Then one day Anna finds out what Scotts (well at least Iain) wear under their kilts and can no longer deny her attraction.

Such a fun feel-good story that made me smile. Anna is someone you would want to be friends with, feisty, loyal, and fun! Iain was such a great guy, helpful, supportive, strong, and hot (not sure about the kilt though). The two of them together just made me feel good about life and love. All the secondary characters were so endearing and just added even more charm to the story. This is the second book in this series it worked perfectly fine as a standalone, but I will guarantee you’ll want to go back and read the first book and spend more time with these characters. I was so excited to see that there is a third book coming out in September, and even more excited to see who it is about!

This book in emojis. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🐑 🐄 🛠 🩰 🚚 🔥 💗

*** Big thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

After reading book one of this series I had to read book two!! And it did not disappoint. This was a sexy and romantic story that I could not put down. I read it all in one sitting and I need more!! It was funny and sexy and man I loved every page!! If you love anything to deal with highlanders then check this one out!

Another nice installment of the HIghland GA series. I was not swept away but I did enjoy every part of it. The first book had a bit more excitement.

It's Kilt vs. Tutu as the next Highland Festival gets underway!

Anna, the local dance teacher, is tasked with organizing this year's Festival while her best friend, Izzy, recently married and now living in Scotland, is expecting her first baby any day now. She sends her husband's best friend, Iain, an authentic Highlander in every sense of the word, to help Anna pull together the annual festival.

Iain needs a change of scenery before he commits to following his father's footsteps in Scotland, so he welcomes the chance to experience the Highlands through the eyes of the small town in Georgia. Learning to deal with the July heat and humidity isn't the worst of his problems, as he's consistently rebuffed by the infuriatingly gorgeous Anna, who is determined to show she doesn't need anyone's help with anything.

This story was an absolute delight to read from start to finish. Iain is a swoon-worthy Highlander, to be sure, but he's also just a regular bloke who's trying to balance his duty and his happiness. Anna is the perfect Southern Belle, all steel and sweet tea in equal measures. Their flirtatious working relationship rang true throughout, and the gradual growth of their romantic connection was perfectly paced.

My favorite part was the way the author infused the story with the poetry of Robert Burns. From providing words for Iain to express his feelings to the inspired new holiday event introduced in the epilogue, heartfelt tribute is paid to Scotland's national poet. After the charming HEA, we're treated to an intriguing introduction to the next book in this series. I was hooked right from the first book and loved this one even more. I highly recommend this series for all romance readers. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

You will love the Highland, Georgia series with its piece of Scotland brought to the States. The community of Highland holds its annual festival that helps the community by bringing tourists into town. A Highlander in a Pickup is Anna’s romance. Izzy and Alasdair, first in the series A Highlander Walks into a Bar, send Iain from Cairndow to help Anna with the festival while they are in Scotland. Anna was not too keen to have his help when Iain first arrived, but it does not take long for this handsome, kilt wearing Scot to get past her defenses.

Iain is part of the Cairndow family and always planned to return there to take his place in the family line in service to the Blackmoor family. Iain wants to help but Anna is trying to prove herself and is quite independent. His sincere offering to help with the festival and his patience go a long way toward making him a really good guy. He has his fair share of baggage from serving in the military, but he does not let it take over his life. I love his pooper-scooper duties! Their romance is sweet as each learn to trust the other.

This could be a stand-alone, but you may want to read the first book just to get to know the community family better. Ms. Trentham writes sensual, witty romances. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. Looking forward to Holt’s connection in the next book.

** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review,**
I love this series looking at a town in Georgia that hosts a popular Highland festival.
Iain has been sent by his cousin to help his new wife's best friend with the festival. He does not need another female who is intimidated by his size or assumes he's only good to do the heavy lifting.
Anna does not need the help of some big highlander. He can take care of the animals but she will handle everything else. And who asked him to be so damn attractive anyway.
I love this little town with it's big festival. They take their name very seriously and are all in with the promotion of it. It is a small town in that everyone knows your business and never forgets your mistakes. Sometimes that can be a real pain in the ass.
I really liked both of these characters. I loved the banter and the Scottish phrases. This book was an easy read with plenty of steam and lots of heart. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Another fun romp from Trentham. Second in series centered around a small town in Georgia and their yearly Scottish festival.

I especially loved the Highlander in the Pickup (or Ian), a big, good-hearted bloke who travels from Scotland to assist Anna, the town’s dance instructor, in organizing the festivities. Both characters had self-confidence issues to overcome and similar abandonment stories from their childhoods.

Trentham writes funny, sexy books featuring engaging characters working through life’s curves.

Looking forward to the third installment!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

I like this 2nd in the series even more than “A Highlander Walks into a Bar”! And I definitely will add the next one to my MUST READ list. A sweet HEA with touches of sorrow but not enough to bring the story down. And always nice to see lovers overcome obstacles.

3.5 stars rounded up.

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.

Energetic 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, but her insecurities and fear that everyone will leave her, while understandable, manifested 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.

As with the previous book, there were some supposed southernisms that didn't ring true for me as a southerner myself, but perhaps things are different in the deeper south. Overall, I enjoyed this story and will continue with this series.

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

I loved the entertaining romantic story of a real Highlander in Highland, Georgia. Anna is in charge of the Highland Festival this year and wonders how she’ll do it alone until she meets the handsome Iian Conner. A sweet story with entertaining characters and an engaging story. A solid four stars for this one.

A Highlander in a Pickup is the second book in the Highland, Georgia series.
Rating: 5 stars!!

This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it! This is a slow burn romance between a shy and sweet Scottish guy and a dance teacher who trying to do a million things at the same time. Iain and Anna were wonderful characters. He arrives in Georgia to help her out with the festival that is about to take place. But Anna is so wanting to do things on her own that they end up butting heads about it. I loved reading Anna's inner dialogues about her attraction towards Iain. She's caught in many uncomfortable, but funny situations by him and other people. Poor Anna, Iain is making all her lady parts tingle and she doesn't know what to do.
I would like to say that Iain is a great book boyfriend. He was so sweet, yet he does not know what to do with Anna. Her behavior towards him is so unexpected. He thought she would run away from him the first time they met. When they finally agree to work together the sparks fly even more. I loved how they slowly began to know each other better and how each day they fell for each other more.
He turned out to the man who understood why she was the way she was and loved her for it. These two were so cute together.

I highly recommend this book and I look forwards to reading more of this series.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARC given through NetGalley for an honest review.