Isabel is serious and hard-working, but trapped by familial obligations, even though she wants more out of life. Alasdair’s life has been full of work and more work,. Isabel’s mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a big, sexy Scot in tow, who turns out to be Alasdair’s uncle. Isabel and Alasdair, while trying to protect each of their loved ones, discover how to have fun and live in the moment, while ultimately falling in love. This was a fast-paced, fun read. Although it had the typical elements of a romance novel, the preservation of Scottish history and traditions in America brought a unique perspective to the story. This is the first novel in the Highland, Georgia series and I look forward to the next book.

Great read! I loved the characters in this story. Izzy and Alasdair have so much chemistry even though they are suspicious of each other’s motives and can’t bring themselves to trust. I was very entertained watching how uncomfortable Izzy was with her Mom’s pda with Gareth . I am new to this author and enjoyed her writing very much. I hope there is a second book in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.

Laura Trentham writes both historical and contemporary romances that entertain and delight. I have greatly enjoyed all the Cottonbloom and Spies and Lovers books. (A Brazen Bargain is one of my all-time favorites that I have read more than once!) This new series reminds me, in the best way, of Susan Mallery’s Happily Inc. A small town where everyone is involved in a common industry or event.

Highland, Georgia’s small town fortunes are dependent on a Scottish festival that occurs each summer on the grounds of Isabel (Izzy) Buchanan family home called Stonehaven. Right before the festival her mother Rose brings home an actual Highlander from her vacation, a man named Gareth. Shortly to follow comes Gareth’s “old family friend” Alasdair. Secrets, complications, romance and fun ensue.

It took me until around chapter 6 to fully invest in this book, but when I did, I really enjoyed the way the characters and relationships developed.

I look forward to the next book in the Highland Games/ Highland, Georgia series. There is a teaser in the epilogue that hinds at things to come for Izzy’s friend Anna.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

Very cute. Izzy and her Mom live in Highland, Georgia where they run a Scottish Festival every year. Izzy's Dad started it and it is part of her heritage. When her Mom (Rose) comes home accompanied by an honest-to-goodness Scotsman (Gareth), Izzy is thrown for a loop. She is also suspicious of Gareth's motives. In steps Alasdair. He has come to Highland to bring his Uncle back home. Things turn into a muddle with omissions being made and attractions. Izzy is distrustful and so is Alasdair.

I really enjoyed this book. It was cute and Izzy made me laugh. The characters are fun and the writing kept me turning the pages. The only thing I didn't like was one scene that was more graphic than it needed to be. Other than that, it was a nice easy-to-read escape.

A Highlander Walks Into A Bar wasn't quite what I expected. While the story is a light easy read, it's also slow going. It's easy to lose interest because of the pace. The story is cute and fun, but overall, I would have liked something a bit more substantial. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advance copy of A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This was a sweet but predictable book. I enjoyed the story but based on the title I was expecting more humor in the book. There were some humorous parts but I felt there was a lot of opportunity to make the story much more fun. I enjoyed the book.

I am a BIG fan of the author. I have loved her contemp romances. She is very gifted in writing and creating characters for me to love. And so I was looking forward to another series set in the South. Unfortunately I kinda hated this story.

- It moved very slowly and I mean SLOW
- I did not feel any passion between
Alasdair and Izzy not even a liittle. Between his uncle and her Mom YES but them not even a little
- I was kinda bored with the two characters I felt they each very very passionless people
- The story is set in Georgia and centers around a castle and highland games. Even the games felt boring.

This might have been better as a short story but I felt nothing really happened in it and I did not feel the attraction between the couple at all.

What happens when not one but two Highlanders strut into Izzy's life? Well, she suddenly learns that there's a different kind of loyalty, one tied to family obligation and the other to her dreams and ambitions and it is not an easy journey of distinction to make.
This is a simple, light and fun read.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. PS: Love the cover!

Very cute and very funny. Would be a great beach read! Loved the chemistry first between Gareth and Rosie, but then Alaisdar and Izzy get together and were so much fun. Also loved all the secondary town characters. It sounds like Anna maybe the next one to get a book and I have no doubts it will be good. Can't wait to read it.

A souvenir, indeed.

It sounds like the festival is definitely a burden, when it should be fun.

Wow, his mom is a piece of work. Literally. American tart?

To be fair, I would have assumed she was talking about hot tea and I'm American.

She needs more backbone.

How long do they think they can keep this charade up?

Nothing like talk of cannibalism to inspire romance.

Who needs a crow call?

Oy.

She could just go home to America before July.