A Highlander in a Pickup

A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham is the second book in the series.  What a terrific series.  I read both the first and second book and enjoyed them both.  When a Highlander is involved, I know it will be a good read.  I was not disappointed.  This story was fun loving and well written.  It not only had romance but a good amount of humor also. The small town in the story is a perfect setting. This was Iain and Anna’s story, and while they are trying to fight their attraction to each other, have a lot of past baggage, their love wins in the end.  I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next in this series.  Highly recommended.

I love this series by Laura Trentham so much. This book follows Izzy’s friend Anna who is taking over the festival for her since she is in Cairndown. Anna is the dance instructor who owns her mother’s old dance studio and has won Lass of the Games for several years. Anna is very nervous about running the Highland festival alone and doesn’t want to disappoint Izzy or Rose. She gets an unexpected delivery of animals for a new husbandry exhibit that she wasn’t informed about and she panics. Iain is sent to Highland from Cairndown, he is Alasdair’s good friend and his Dad is the groundskeeper of Cairndown and he will be the next in line for the role when his father retires. Iain isn’t wanting to take on the role but he is doing what’s expected of him. He recently just got done serving in the military and is now going to help with the festival. He finds Anna chasing a sheep who is eating the roses of Rose’s house. He helps her and then explains why he is there. Another surprise to Anna but she is grateful for the help but she isn’t going to tell him that. She is control freak and not wanting anyone to mess up her festival. She assigns him to poop scooper duty and to build animal pens. Over time she learns he is able to do more and they develop a good friendship. This is a funny book and I love this series. Great characters that really have relatable backstories and I enjoy how it relates to the festival. They all are so funny and unique. This story has a great twist in the end and I love how they are so untrusting of love but want it so bad. Five star read.

I always enjoy the tension of the fake hatred before they fall in love. I enjoy the chase and this did not disappoint.  I haven’t read many male characters like This one and I loved it.  I genuinely was concerned for either one of them to make the move throughout the whole book but I love the bow that she tied at the end of this book.  Can’t wait to see what happens with Holt!

I have read Laura trentham 's Spies and lovers series. That was an absolute delight to read. I was equally impressed with this one. Anna and Iain are total opposite of each other. Opposite attracts. One complaint though... Felt story dragging a bit at times but made up in the end. I plan to read the first one in the series A highlander walks in a bar now. The hero is what dreams are made up of n they only exist in storybooks. But they make us smile n believe in love. Annna comes across a an independent woman who reluctantly accepts Iain's help. Looking forward to read more books from the author.

Another fabulous instalment by Laura Trentham.... a lovely sexy Scotsman, a strong willed heroine and lots of crazy shenanigans,,,what’s not to love. Its always fun revisiting friends and seeing them get their happily ever after. I don’t want to spoil anything, all I can say is it was fun watching Iain and Anna  butt heads and fight their attraction to each other

What a fabulous book. I normally don’t do and temporary but this book gave you everything. Emotions sensuality and sexuality. You have to read this book

I am thrilled with this series. I loved everything about the first book and the second one did not disappoint! The story was fun, the romance was excellent, and I just love all the details about this precious town!

I really enjoyed the first book in the Highland Georgia series, A Highlander Walks Into a Bar, and have been keeping and eye out for this second book. This one was similar to the first and I loved learning more about Anna and watching her character grow with Iain. Definitely worth a read.

I so loved this book!  The characters are  great with  personality that befits a normal person.  The story line was interesting and kept me wanting to read more.  I’ll be checking out any mire books in this series.

A Highlander in a Pickup Truck by Laura Trentham was so much fun.

I loved the first book in the Highland, Georgia series when I read it earlier this year (A Highlander Walks Into a Bar) and was so excited when I saw the second one was coming out. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the free e-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

The first book focuses on Isabel Buchanan, but in the second installment, the focus switches to Anna Maitland, a longtime resident of Highland, GA, and Izzy’s best friend. She has taken over the planning for the Highland Festival since Izzy is in Scotland, about to have her baby.

Izzy and Alastair, worried that Anna is taking on too much, send Iain all the way from Scotland to Georgia to help Anna out--the only problem is that Anna doesn’t think she needs any.

Distrustful of men since her dad left when she was ten, her romantic history leaves a lot to be desired, and she prides herself on her independence and ability to handle whatever life throws at her on her own. She runs a successful dance studio, is juggling the festival details just fine, thank you very much, and is even planning on running for major. She’s got this.

Except maybe she doesn’t. 

When Iain shows up, sparks fly. Iain is everything Anna isn’t--strong, dark, borderline-broody. And when he just assumes he’s in charge of the festival, Anna gets her genteel southern knickers in a twist. Too bad she can’t stop thinking about HIS knickers...or the lack thereof...under those super-sexy kilts.

This being a romance, you can figure out where this is headed. But what I genuinely loved about the story is that once Anna finally accepts Iain’s help, she discovers that his support doesn’t make her feel weak; it makes her feel stronger than ever.

Their romance isn’t without its hiccups, but in the end, their happily ever after hit me right in the feels. 

I adored Anna’s character in the first book, and I love that she got to shine in A Highlander in a Pickup Truck. Be sure to pick up a copy of this fun, quick gem of a read when it comes out February 25, 2020.

An insecure, hard working American lass needs to work with a HAWT Scot.
  Ana Maitland runs a dance studio,plans to run for mayor and is drafted by her best friend Isabel to take over the Highland games at Stonehaven in Highland, Georgia. Isabel, newly married is experiencing a difficult pregnancy and is stuck in Scotland with her husband. Her mother and stepdad flew over to be there for her, leaving Anna in charge...so she thinks.
   Gareth and Izzy send Iain to help, neglecting to inform Anna. A series of misunderstandings ensue.
    The pair try to work together while fighting an impossible attraction. A laugh out loud funny and sweet romantic tale about two good people with insecurities. They battle their problems, each other and ultimately giving in to their feelings. Someone has to move for them to be together, and give up their job. True love can conquer many things.
   I requested a NetGalley ARC to peruse when I saw this second book in the Highland Georgia series having enjoyed the first so much. If you like kilted Scots and sweetly Alpha males this one will satisfy.

Another win for Trentham’s Highlanders series. Anna has the strict discipline that only a life in ballet can give you and Iain has a life discipline from a tough upbringing and military. But when these two allow their true inner feelings to show, they realize they are more alike in so many ways. After a natural attraction, yet hitting it off in the wrong way, Anna and Iain fall for each other but there’s just one problem – Iain must return to Scotland and his life there and Anna must stay in Highland, Georgia. Can they make this work? I did read the first book in the series and so was familiar with the characters already, this book picks up where that left off but with the focus on the secondary characters from the first novel. I don’t feel one needs to have read the first book, A Highlander Walks into a Bar, but it would greatly help to understand a few things. I really enjoyed this book, even if it took a while for the two main characters to actually ‘get there’ in their relationship. There was a lot of back and forth but it contributed to the characters. The way Laura Trentham writes brings things to life. I can totally picture this town, the people, the events in it – she writes with such realistic words. The reader will not be disappointed in this easy and fun read. I cannot wait for book three and Holt’s story to emerge! My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Ms. Trentham for an ARC of this book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. 

This is the second in the series, as well as the second I've read. Highland is an adorable small town, and with it, comes all of those small town rivalries and feelings. In this story, we meet Anna again, the best friend in the last story, and Iain, the caretaker's son from Cairndow. Even though Isabel isn't in Highland, the Games will still go on, with Anna in charge with a little surprise help from Iain. 
They each have their own baggage, and although they have some explosive chemistry, neither is really willing at first due to their issues. I liked getting to know these two as they got to know each other, and though the story wasn't terribly long, it was truly fun and satisfying. This is definitely one I will reread, and I look forward to seeing Holt's story next.

I fell in love with Highland in the first book in the series, and was so excited to get my hands on the next installment! I think I loved this one even more than the first.

Anna lives on her own, runs her own successful dance studio, and is preparing to run for mayor  - and above all, she wants to prove to everyone that she is successful and independent. So she relishes the opportunity to prove herself by taking over the planning of the annual Highland festival, even if she is in over her head. Then Iain shows up, sent by Alasdair and Izzy, to assist Anna, whether she wants it or not. Anna is outgoing, graceful, and well established in her community - Iain is reserved, towering, and looking for a place where he belongs. 

Despite getting off on the wrong foot, sparks soon begin to fly between the two. But it's more than just sparks as they come to know each other and truly care about each other. I love that when Anna finally accepts his support, instead of fighting it off and being independent, she realizes that his support doesn't make her feel weaker, but rather boosts her and makes her feel stronger. I love that Anna and Iain complement each other in the best way. 

This is a delightful continuation in the Highland series  - it brings back all our favorite characters, introduces some new ones, and is set in the same Highland town - but Laura Trentham manages to make it feel like a story all it's own, and not simply a repetition of the first book. I have high hopes for the next one as well and already can't wait for it to come out!

Huge thanks to NetGally and St. Martin's Press for an advanced digital copy of this book; all opinions are my own.

This was a fun addition to the Highland, GA series. Anna has taken over the running of the Highlander Festival now that her best friend, Isabel, and her mother, Rose, are in Scotland awaiting the birth of her Isabel’s first child. Isabel is worried that responsibility for the dance studio and running for mayor in addition to running the festival night be too much for Anna, so she and her husband send a good friend from Scotland to help her.

Iain agrees to go to the states to help Anna with the festival. However, he discovers after arriving, that Anna isn’t very happy to have him there. Despite the rough start with Anna, Iain quickly finds that his handyman skills are in great demand in Highland. He also begins to feel at home in a way that he didn’t back in Scotland. Eventually, he and Anna make peace and she allows him to help more with the festival. They also begin to act on feelings that they have developed. However, misunderstandings develop as they both realize that his time in Highland is meant to be temporary. Can two people who live on different continents find happiness together?

Anna, a Highland, Georgia native, is taking over the planning and execution of the annual Scottish Highland festival for Rose and Isabel this year as Isabel is in Scotland, with the birth of her baby imminent. To help Anna out, Isabel and Alsdair send the groundskeeper's son Iain to Georgia. Initially, Anna is reluctant to allow Iain to help as she views the festival's success as a precursor to her run for mayor. But, as Anna and Iain are thrust into more proximity, a heated spark emerges....

With another Highlander coming to Georgia, I was worried that Anna and Iain's story would be a copycat of Isabel and Alsdair's, but it's not-- and neither is resolution of the final hurdle. 

On the chaste to steamy scale, it's a solid 5: only slightly more inappropriate than a PG-13 movie would allow.

It was such a joy to return to Highland, Georgia. I really liked the first book and the second book did not disappoint. Iain was a gruff but caring man in a kilt and while Anna felt she had everything to prove she really hid a tender heart. These characters were very well written and I enjoyed their story arc’s. I do feel like you really need to read the first book to understand the secondary characters and their relationship to the story though.

From the epilogue it didn't really grab me to read the next story but I do plan on giving it a shot since I’ve enjoyed the authors writing so much for the first two books.

I am loving Highland, GA and the wonderful Scottish men that are showing up there.  Laura Trentham has me totally hooked on this series and I can't wait until she releases another.  The stories are fun and funny and just plain wonderful to read.
Ian and Anna were hysterical.  Anna is uptight … Iain is the strong and silent type.  Together they bring sexual tension to a whole new level.  And, when they finally act on it, there's an explosion.  And then another, and then another … well, you get the picture.
Anna is in charge of the Highland games … or so she thinks.  Iain is in charge of the Highland Games … or so he thinks.  They have to learn to work together.  He refuses to just be a caretaker for the animals and she refuses to listen to anything he has to say.  But, when she finds out all that he's helped with and the ideas he has for future celebrations, she starts taking some of his advice.  She soon finds out that together, they just may put on Highland Games that will rival Isabel's and her mom's.  But, all good things must come to end.  And, it does, abruptly.  Anna is left with a broken heart and Iain is back in Scotland miserable. What can they do but be miserable.  There is nothing either of them can do.  He has commitments in Scotland he doesn't want to keep and she has aspirations of her own in Highland, GA.  But, will the birth of a sweet little baby bring them together and will their true feelings finally be known.
Like I said, Highland, GA stole my heart.  The characters, the stories and the love.  Laura Trentham has brought both Georgia and Scotland alive in this series.  You could hear the Scottish brogue and feel the heat of Georgia with every turn of the pages.  And, she's really trying to answer the age-old question of what's work beneath the kilt. I guess you'll have to read the story to find out just what Iain has hidden there.  If you love funny, quirky characters and a story to go with them, you'll enjoy the Highland, Georgia novels.

4.5 Stars!

While I enjoyed the previous book in this series, I found this second book a leap above in every way.

Enemies-to-lovers trope-✔️
Broody, shy, and all-around swoon-worthy Scottish hero-✔️
Capable, but vulnerable heroine-✔️
Slow-burn romance-✔️
Shenanigans-✔️
Kilts-✔️

I can't say enough about how much I loved Iain and his characterization. Loved him! Anna was darling and had some great moments, but Iain carried the story for me. Again, the story is centered around the Highland Games in Highland, Georgia where Anna is sharing preparation duties with Iain. They butt heads only because Anna is reluctant to hand over any responsibility. As trust and respect builds, so does the sexy romance. Overall, a warm and witty romance with an exceptional hero.

💚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.

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!

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!

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. ***

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.