Member Reviews

I confess to have soft spot with story that set in Scotland. And even more with Highlander as the main cast. So of course I jumped at the chance to read this book, the blurb promises an interesting clash between the characters. And it IS interesting.

Ten Days with the Highlander is a fluffy and entertaining rom com. The joshing and wordplay are smile (or snort) inducing. And I'm not only referring to the human characters! There's a cat called Hello Kitty (I think it's more Kitty, but our heroine keep using the "full brand" LOL), and also a pet goat named Delilah. These two certainly enliven the story with their antics.

The hero and heroine are pretty endearing. They call each other fondly with nicknames and - despite their differences - respected the other's wishes. The mutual attraction leans more to the insta-love and folklores; which I'm rather miffed about. Not that this made me disliking Callum and Georgia though. They are a pair of darlings with unhappy past.

That saying, even with their alternate POVs I don't get the in-deep insight of the characters. The sequence is a bit bumpy and there's a few murky background story that didn't get resolved whereas I feel they could add more meat to the book if explored. And with the setting in a Scottish small town, with a few Scottish characters - not to mentioned the folklores - the whole doesn't feel Scottish enough for me. Perhaps not enough Scottish impression, or much use of phonetic spelling as similar kind of books. It just doesn't feel enough.

But all in all, if readers aim for a lighthearted rom com with happy ending, Ten Days with the Highlander could be what they're looking for. If nothing, this book would give you a good laugh with the pets' antics; I wish all the goats in the world would be as friendly as Delilah. ;-)


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I will guiltily admit a man with an accent melt my heart and my panties.
This story was so cute and touching from beginning to end.
I loved the challenge and everything that went with it.
And most of all it was endearing that Georgia found where she belonged.

AWWWWWW :)

Was this review helpful?

I was a bit torn when it came to rating this book as it was really nice to read on the one hand but on the other hand, it wasn't hard to put it aside for a while.

"Ten Days with a Highlander" is well-written and has a really nice story. I loved to read about the village and the sometimes very special people living there, I loved how the weaker ones were protected by those around them and, well, of course, you can't find fault with a guy like Callum who knows what he wants, who is protective and sweet, sexy as hell and almost perfect. Almost. He might be a bit too protective and even though many things shouldn't change it might be time to find out if a change is always something bad.

Georgia, our heroine, is not very happy when she falls in love because her life is affected by her parents' restlessness and wanderlust and the idea of getting close to someone, well, let's just say that it sounds rather scary. It will take a very determined and very compassionate man to help her overcome her fears....

It is a nice story that slowly unfolds itself and that was really nice to read but couldn't enthrall me completely.

Was this review helpful?

I have read previous work by this author, and it seems that her style is to throw the reader right into the centre of the action with little or no back story.  This can be a little disconcerting for the reader, and, as was previously the case for me, it makes the first part of the story a little disjointed.  

Fortunately, following the same path as before, the book found its rhythm.  

Georgia was, if I'm honest, a bit annoying in her tunnel vision at times.  Its like she switched characters completely.  However, the best parts of this story were the interactions between her and Callum. Full of warmth  and humour.  When she wasn't trying to sell him on her Big Idea, I really enjoyed their back and forth. 

Although this is something of an instalove story, the supporting cast and even the setting itself soften the edges of that.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

A cute and quirky contemporary romance!

I loved Georgia and Callum's meet cute (having just taught Mini Moe #2 to parallel park, I shudder to think about trying to do the same on the other side of the road...) and that there's not one, but two adorable pets here; Hello Kitty (a cat, natch) and Delilah (a goat! I never thought I'd be such a goat fan, but OMG she was awesome). Their nicknames for each other were on the strange side (I get the reasoning, but "Corporate" and "Sofa"?) but their banter was cute and their chemistry solid, even though their relationship was a bit insta-y ("Ten Days" after all. It's built right in there). Ms Manning did a good job of making us see both of their sides in the main argument, though I had a tendency to side more on Callum's side their eventual resolution was a good one and led to a sweet ending.

Georgia's reason for not staying in Scotland/with Callum was a bit aggravating--sure he's perfect, this place is perfect, I'm feeling the "L" word, but in a year I'll probably be bored and want to leave because that's what I do--it went on for longer than it felt like it should and did have me rolling my eyes a bit. Fortunately, both Callum and I managed to stick it out anyway and a cute HEA for everyone was our reward.

Looking forward to the next book in the series--I wonder where Ms Manning will take us next? :)

Rating: 4 stars / B

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars!

Cute story. Very charming characters and very low on angst. Great dialogue and Scotland! Loved the setting on the story. It's a tad too sweet for my mood though. I definitely still liked it but didn't love it.

Was this review helpful?

I love Hayson Manning books , I honestly get so excited when every she announces she has another book coming out and I know I say that about alot books but her books are just in another catergory in my mind . They always make me laugh , swoon and sad when I finish reading them lol. When I heard about Ten Days With The Highlander you can just imagine how excited I was . I literally squealed when I saw the book on my kindle . I dived into this book as soon as I possible could and It was just fantastic.

In this book we follow Gerogia and Callum and the moment these two exchange there first words in this novel I was sold on their love story, at first I wondered to my self how was this going to work out because in alot of ways it felt like they where on opposing sides however all my worries where in vain because Hayson Manning stories always remind me that no matter what the odds and circumstances are love can always win . The romance was sexy and swoonworthy and I had me making up imaginary life for these two lol , Iam serious I was making up there childrens names and everythhing lol . I love that this story is set in this scottish highlands , I had so many beautiful images in my head about what the setting look likes .It's somewhere I have always wanted to vist . This story was not very long so it just amazed me how much Hayson Manning was able to fit into this story that was this short , it was just wonderful.I love this story and I can honestly say it's one of the best stories I have read this year .If you love all theses things in your books and want to meet the cutest fictional cat ever then you should pick this book as soon as you possibly can!

Was this review helpful?

OMG If you only read one book this year make sure it is this one what a story I have said it before and will say it again MS Manning knows her craft she knows how to pull a reader in with fabulous characters that will make you melt, smile, laugh, cry and sigh and I am still smiling big time after finishing this awesome story sit back and enjoy because you won’t want to put it down.

Georgia Paxton the ever travelling never going to settle down gal from America has arrived in this quaint little Scottish Highlands village ready to do what she is good at and that is to convince the owner of the hotel to let her company LiveAbout take it over but when she meets the drop dead gorgeous Scottish Thor who owns the hotel and his pets and his attitude of not changing things, well this is going to take a bit more work than usual.

Callum MacGregor has done the corporate high flying job worked hard for his father but found that what he really wanted was to move back home help his mother and the villagers, so he buys the hotel and the pub and is slowly restoring them to their former glory. When Callum learns what Georgia has in mind for the village he is determined to change her mind and takes her around the town to meet the locals but of course this brings them closer together and if folklore is true then married they might be.

This is a story that had me laughing out loud I absolutely loved both Georgia and Callum along with the characters from the village and the way Georgia describes them and the food and drinks available at the pub, Delilah the goat is adorable and such a character as is Hello Kitty and honestly this is a story that I can highly recommend, it’s funny, moving and oh so very sensual and Callum and Georgia heat up the cold Scottish Highlands and left me so very happy. Thank you MS Manning for another keeper I loved it.

Was this review helpful?

Ten Days with the Highlander by Hayson Manning is an enchanting contemporary romance. No angst and a little folklore from a bucolic location make this romance predictable yet very alluring. I fell in love with the quirky inhabitants of the small village in an isolated area of Scotland, and rooted along with them for Georgia and Callum.

Georgia Paxton’s unconventional upbringing makes her the perfect candidate for her job. Her wanderlust makes a life on the road not just tolerable, but exciting for her. “In and out” in the two weeks it usually takes her to seal the deal, she effectively avoids relationships of any kind. The beautiful and intelligent commitment-phobe thinks she has her life figured out until she meets the not-so-stodgy owner of her latest professional hunt.

Callum MacGregor is a ruggedly handsome innkeeper who knows what he wants, and that is not necessarily a fat bank account. He escaped the all-consuming corporate quest for financial gain in order to slip back into a more simple way of life where neighbors look out for one another and no one needs to lock a door. Callum couldn’t be more attractive; he is the perfect blend of chivalry, kindness, and respectfulness. The folklore and old ways of his village are charming, but the real draw for Callum is the loving, caring community in which he is ensconced.

The best part about romance novels is that two people who actively hide from commitment and who are seemingly in search of the polar-opposite life goals, can fall in love. It gives all of us hope that we will find someone for whom we are willing to make compromises and for whom we would welcome change. I loved the chemistry between Georgia and Callum. Their teasing and double entendres were fun. The sage advice and astute observations rom the villagers are delightful—especially Mavis’ inspirational notes that are hand sewn into beanies specifically chosen for the recipient. The only aspect of this lovely book that didn’t work for me was the somewhat graphic sex scenes. The intimacy didn’t arrive too early, however, the segue into Georgia and Callum’s first act of intimacy didn’t feel organic. The addition of detailed descriptions of their intimacy didn’t feel inline with the overall tone of the book.

Ten Days with the Highlander has the same feel of the 1983 movie Local Hero (American corporate executive falls in love with local(s) in the charming village that they would have destroyed through modernization). While the premise may not be so new, the quality of Ms. Manning’s writing, the character development, and the story pace make for a very charming book that I would happily read again. If for no other reason, read this book in preparation for your next vacation; Ten Days with the Highlander will have you plotting to find your own hot Scot in a kilt!

Was this review helpful?

Hayson Manning has been on my author to read list for awhile now. I finally got my chance to read her with Ten Days with the Highlander. Unfortunately, the book and my personality didn't mix well together.

If I say “no” to something or someone that's it. End of story. You're risking your life and the lives of future generations if you keep pushing. Georgia isn't an accept “no” kind of girl. She just kept pushing and pushing until I started not to like her. But wait. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Georgia Paxton is the top salesperson for her company LiveAbout because she doesn't take “no” for an answer. She arrives in Glenlagan, Scotland and appears to not have done any research on the place. I honestly don’t know where the idea came from for her to travel to Scotland and purchase the hotel of Callum MacGregor. Georgia wants to take this quiet quaint little town and turn it into a tourist mecca.

Callum MacGregor has done the corporate thing and barely survived with his soul. He loves his hometown the way it is and doesn't want to have it changed by tourists arriving and trampling all over it. He knows first hand what corporate greed can do and wants to protect the elders in town.

After Callum turns down Georgia’s offer, he’s nice enough to show her around town, hoping that she will appreciate all of its history and beauty. But Georgia is all business and truly can’t see the beauty in things. She thinks money is the key to everything.

As I mentioned, I had a little trouble with Georgia and her pushiness. I also didn’t like that at times, the Scottish characters came off sounding like Americans trying to be Scottish.

Here’s what I liked about Ten Days with the Highlander ~ The meet cute in the beginning was definitely something I could see myself doing. It brought a smile to my face. There’s a goat!!! I never would have thought that I would like a goat being in a romance book, but I did. She didn’t even eat anything and she had this charming little obsession. The back and forth banter between Callum and Georgia was what made the book worth reading. It allowed you to see how good they could be together. I liked the way that the conflict between them was resolved and it was rather sweet.

Was this review helpful?

***ARC Provided by the Author and Author's Pal PR***

I initially expected this to be a historical novel, but it isn't. Instead, Georgia works for a company that seems very similar to another one that rents vacation rentals, and she is in Scotland to convince Callum that he wants to sell to their corporation.

Callum and Georgia do not see the small Scottish town in the same way. Georgia sees a town that needs more: more shops, more tourists, more business, more life. Callum sees a town that is ok the way it is, a town that he sees as his own personal refuge from a life he didn't want, and the life that Georgia represents.

What I loved is that through the course of the book, they both bend a little to see the town, and one another, through the eyes of each other. If that makes sense.

I liked the townspeople and the facets that they gave to the book, but at the same time, I thought there was a little too much of them for the length of the book. Usually I am saying it should have been cut out in favor of more with the central couple, but in this case, I think the book would have been better served to be a little longer, to keep the people in the town while building a little more up with the relationship with Georgia and Callum.

I did enjoy this overall, but I felt there was a little bit lacking in the relationship of the main characters and as a result, the end felt a little unrealistic and rushed.

Was this review helpful?

This is a charming and quick read. I really like stories set in Scotland, and Ten Days with the Highlander did not disappoint!

Despite being a shorter book (not short story length, just shorter than others I've read recently) the romance and plot did not feel rushed or unrealistic.

Georgia is the quintessential work-a-holic trying to get Callum to partner with her vacation company. Callum loves his home town and the slower, community focused way of life. In a bit of a twist the two don't butt heads and start as enemies like so many similar books do. This made their friendship and relationship more fun and allowed for a lot of humorous moments.

Definitely recommend this for a quick read with lots of romance, humor, and a great supporting cast of townsfolk.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Georgia Paxton is a woman on a mission and her mission is to convince Callum McGregor to team his quaint hotel with the tour accommodation company she works for. However, she only has ten days to convince him to sign on the dotted line of the contract, but with how stubborn Callum is, it seems she has no chance. Will Callum realize what a good opportunity Georgia is offering him, or will he lose the woman he's falling in love with?

If you've never read a book by Ms. Manning, then this is the perfect book to start with, as it's an incredible read that started off brilliantly with the heroine finding herself in a tricky driving situation she might have trouble getting herself out of without help; and then just kept getting better because it had me laughing all the way throughout due to the playful banter between the main characters. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine meet that had me completely captivated and made this story a real page turner for me, as I wanted to know more about the hero and heroine. Since Georgia is all about chasing an adventure and not settling down for fear of being hurt while Callum is determined not to be dragged back into the corporate world.

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, spellbinding and I couldn't get enough of the moments the hero and heroine conversed. The heroine is sassy and I liked that she didn't give up on her mission to convince the hero. I also liked her enthusiasm for her job and how much she loves it, which is proven by how well she's done for the company she works for. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is how much she grows throughout this story. Callum is good for her in the way he shows her love and happy ever after are worth fighting for. While the hero, he was a wonderful character and I loved his back story. He's against everything the heroine has worked hard for and I could understand why he wasn't willing to agree to the heroine's business plan. I also liked the close relationship he had with his mother and how protective he was of many of the secondary characters. How could the heroine's plan benefit the town without changing everything that he loves about where he lives?

Overall, Ms. Manning has penned a delightful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance hot and did justice to this couple's intense chemistry; the journey these two take on their path to happy ever after was fantastic; and the ending left me completely ecstatic due to the decisions both the main characters make, as the heroine realizes she'll never be truly happy unless she gives the hero a chance. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as the hero and heroine are happy and the secondary characters are loving what has happened. Who knew they could come up with such creative email addresses that made me laugh because of the address they've given Callum. I would recommend Ten Days with the Highlander by Hayson Manning, if you enjoy romantic comedies, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Kadie Scott, Sarah Ballance, Robin Bielman and Naima Simone.

Was this review helpful?

I adored this sweet, little story! First off, the tension between Georgia and Callum was off the charts. I loved their banter over the coffee machine--so sexy. They're totally attracted to each other but they seem to tip toe around each other until it's almost unbearable. Callum showing Georgia the charm of his town on several occasions were my favorite part of the book. These parts of the story added real feeling and introduced us to some wonderful secondary characters. To me this book read like a movie. I could easily see this on the big screen as a cute romcom. The characters were well thought out and the book is sexy without being trashy. An enjoyable, effortless read-definitely check it out!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Ten Days with the Highlander is an enjoyable and humorous contemporary romance by Hayson Manning.

As the owner of a small hotel in the Scottish Highlands, Callum MacGregor prefers his hometown to remain exactly the same without modern changes. However, Georgia Paxton has decided that his hotel would be perfect as the next step in her business plan. Even though Callum and Georgia are at odds, their instant attraction builds as they try to discourage each other's plans. As the story unfolds, quirky characters, unusual animals, and creative folktales create an intriguing storyline.

Ten Days with the Highlander is a quick read that's geared and recommended towards those who enjoy reading contemporary romances set in the highlands.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Ten Days with the Highlander by Hayson Manning is a standalone romance novel.
Meet Georgia Paxton, she in Scotland for 10 days to acquise a hotel.
Callum MacGregor is the hotel owner and he wants the things to stay as they are. And only over his dead body he's selling his hotel.
They meet and he likes her, like really likes her. Then the secrets are revealed and he feels betrayed by her.
This book is a witty and fun summer read. I liked the main characters and the writing is great.
I give 4 sweet stars and thank you , Hayson Manning.

Was this review helpful?

Callum MacGregor walked away from a successful corporate career and found salvation in the small Highland town he grew up in. Georgia Paxton has never really had roots and thrives in her corporate job traveling around the world recruiting places for the travel accommodation company she works for. When Georgia hits a big brooding Scottish wall, while trying to convince Callum to join her company, the stakes might be too high when their hearts get thrown in.

Good times with some heart tugs, Hayson Manning shines in the first work in her Love Abroad series, Ten Days With The Highlander. It is hard to not get behind a book populated with a sexy Scot, an intelligent beauty and a secondary cast that includes a goat named Delilah! Everyone one in this book was endearing as they shared the open secret that seemed to elude Georgia and Callum, that they were meant to be together. The back and forth between this couple was hilarious and the simmering tension between them made their wintry Scottish setting positively balmy. Ms. Manning is an expert at finding the humor in any situation even while maintaining more serious emotional undercurrents. Ten Days With The Highlander or any Hayson Manning book for that matter is way too short, she is one fabulous page-turner!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Was this review helpful?

Charmingly, Enchanting Romance! Hayson Manning, swept me away, in this beautifully written romance that was enchanting, charming, and endearing in every way! As the words seemed to fade away, I was transported into the beautiful, charming, quaint Scottish town of Glenlagen.
Georgia Paxton has just arrived to work her magic on the next owner. She works for "Live About" a premier short-term vacation rental accommodations company. She was here for the next ten days on her company's behalf. They wished to go into partnership with the owner of "The Lair" and after making some quick renovation, with their help, he would be raking in the money, from their customers. Her job was to sell the idea to him and have him sign on the dotted line. And then Georgia would be on to her merry way to the next town. She loved her job and going from one place to the next.
Callum MacGregor is a Scottish Hemsworth, handsome, tall and broad, as well as the owner of The Lair and the only pub in town, The Rose and Thistle. Callum had left his corporate job and corporate life behind and moved back home for a slower pace of life. He had lovingly and painstakingly, restored the pub to its original beauty. He had also, started the renovation on the Lair but still had more to do. He didn't care about wifi, or modernization. He only cared about the people of the town and enjoying life alongside them, his town was rich, in friendships and folklore and that was what was important to him.
But these two never counted on the sizzling chemistry, between them that can't be ignored. Georgia is fun, beautiful and a breath of fresh air to Callum, bringing little bites of sweetness to his life. Callum is downright swoon-a-licious and after a folklore filled afternoon together, his kiss, was pure decadence. Will these two find their HEA? Will Georgia be able to leave this charming town and the friends she has made behind? Will she get Callum to change his mind and sign on the dotted line? You will have to read to find out. Don't miss this beautifully, fun, sexy, magical romance! I LOVED Every Minute of this story! Highly Recommended!
Received an arc through the publisher via NetGalley and I voluntarily chose to write an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

when georgia paxton turns up in the middle of nowhere scotland to convince callum macgregor to partner up with her company in order to take his tiny hotel into the next level she doesn't expect to have to pitch a hard sell. callum finds georgia sexy and charming, but he has no interest in selling her his hotel. he isn't interested in modernizing the place. he wants to restore it.

but he's also not quite ready to send the sexy american on her way. he wants her to fall in love with the place, to understand where he is coming from. so he proposes 10 days with the highlander, and she agrees. she thinks the extra time will change his mind.

and here's the thing, both georgia and callum have a point. they just need to figure out how to compromise. but georgia is so intent on avoiding putting down roots and callum is so intent on avoiding anything that smacks of blatant capitalism that they both fail to understand each other. even as they tumble head over heels in love. they both have to face their fears and admit what they really want if they are going to work things out.

Was this review helpful?

So cute. So fun. So completely entertaining! Georgia Paxton has ten days to convince Callum McGregor to sell his quaint little hotel to her company. Then her bosses will be in town to wrap things up. Too bad he's dead set against it. Maybe a little wager will sweeten the deal!!

These two characters are so fun together I hated to see the book end. This is a nice quick paced story that is very well done. I think everyone will enjoy it.

Was this review helpful?