I love the fun, flirty relationship between Isabel and Alasdair. They are both great characters, and Isabel's friend Anna is hilarious. Neither Isabel nor Anna have a filter, which creates some funny scenarios. I absolutely loved A Highlander Walks into a Bar, and I can't wait to see what happens next in Highland, Georgia.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

When Isabel Buchanan's great-grandfather emigrated to Highland, Georgia, he built a house inspired by the castles of his native Scotland. Izzy's dad helped revitalize Highland by organizing an annual Highland Games to attract visitors and competitors. Since he died, Izzy and her mom, Rose, have been organizing the event. However, since Rose came home from vacation with a Scot of her own, she isn't focused on organizing the games. Gareth's nephew, Alistair Blackmoor, has been sent by his mom to Highland to figure out why his uncle decided to go to America with a woman he just met. Alistair didn't count on falling for Isabel, though.

This book was a romcom, but the comedic moments were mostly slapstick comedy; I felt that detracted from the story rather than adding to it. The story was a bit uneven to me. Some parts had me wanting to read more; other parts pulled me out of the story. It wasn't a bad story, but I've been reading a lot of romance lately, and it doesn't stand up to some of the other books I've read recently. If you like romance novels, you will probably enjoy this book.

This was a cute, entertaining read full of Scottish accents & muscles. Isabel’s mother, Rose brought home a surprise from Scotland named Gareth. Gareth has told Rose that he is the caretaker of a Scottish castle, not that he is the Earl of Cairndow. Alasdair, Gareth’s nephew, follows his overseas to make sure he isn’t being taken advantage, not knowing Isabel & Rose have no idea of the title. Isabel assumes Gareth is after her mother’s money. As the story winds through setting up the Highland games, Isabel & Alasdair grow closer. Can they resolve their differences?

I really enjoyed the characters & their interactions. Rose comes across as a flighty woman who isn’t aware of the sacrifices her daughter has made. Isabel & Rose get along though because one’s strength counterbalanced the other’s weakness. Each couple brings out the best in the other & encourages them to live outside the moment. This was a really fun story to read.

4+ Stars!

When the author first announced her new series centered around contemporary Scottish heroes, I was sold. If only I had an audio version so that I could listen to their beautiful accents! This first book in the Highland, Georgia series did not disappoint. Instead of one lovely Scottish gent, two graced the pages of this story along with an original story line, witty banter, and a fun setting. While always consistent in her quality of writing, there were a few instances when the story felt a little rushed. It didn't ruin my enjoyment and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Do you like men in kilts? From the reactions in this story, they must look pretty darn good. What a fun place Highland, GA must be. It would be fun to visit there during the “games” and celebration each year. Stonehaven sounds like a neat place. I wouldn’t mind staying there awhile. This story is about first chances, second chances, and learning to trust. And stepping out of your comfort zone. Keeping secrets can be a very bad thing, even if they are kept for a good reason. How many of us feel we aren’t quite good enough in one thing or another? Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and trust that it will all be okay. I enjoyed the story of Rosie, Izzy, Gareth, and Alasdair. I hope you will too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

3 1/2 stars

A Highlander Walks into a Bar not only sounds like the beginning of a joke but just the type of novel that I’d usually love especially since it was written by Laura Trentham whose Cottonbloom novels I’ve enjoyed and whose novel earlier this year, The Military Wife, was just incredible (read my review of that novel). While A Highlander Walks into a Bar is by no means a bad read, I felt disappointed by the slow pacing, which tended to make my attention drift.

The novels begins with Isabel “Izzy” Buchanan picking up her mother, Rose, at the airport after her recent trip to Scotland. But it seems that her mother has brought home more than a suitcase:

Lord have mercy, her mother had brought back a six-foot, two-hundred-pound-plus souvenir from Scotland.

Izzy is immediately suspicious of this Scottish groundskeeper with whom her mother is enamored. Was he after Rose’s estate?

Enter Alasdair, Gareth’s nephew, who has been sent by his mother (Gareth’s sister-in-law) to make sure that Gareth isn’t being led down the merry path by some American floozy.

I liked all the characters: Izzy whose tongue is uncensored and who is frequently naive and wondrous and clutzy; Alasdair who despite his smooth personality can still blush; Gareth and Rose who discover that it’s never too late to fall in love; and the people of Highland who seem to be more Scottish than Scotland.

The novel is good-natured and frequently fun with a heartwarming ending and a path to the next novel in the series.

If you’re the type of reading who doesn’t tend to notice pacing issues and love the idea of a small-town that’s more Scottish than any you’ll find in Scotland, give A Highlander Walks into a Bar a shot.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Romantic comedy is my very favorite genre, so this was right up my alley. The title should be enough to clue you into the genre. Don't go into it expecting anything else. This was different than anything else I've read by Laura Trentham, but just as enjoyable. The setting was quite unique.
The character of Izzy was a riot...a klutz that was a riot. It was almost like Trentham was writing slapstick. Alasdair was the gorgeous Scot that was falling for Izzy. He managed to save her from her own lack of grace at times, but he was also on the receiving end of it (his poor nose!). With everything going against them (distance, lies and relatives), they still manage to fall for each other.
The comedy was hilarious, the romance sweet and the HEA hard earned. I loved it all! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

I loved this fun romance and great debut to the Highland, Georgia series with unforgettable characters and a well crafted story that kept me entertained and intrigued from the very beginning and so immersed in all that was happening that I didn't want it to end. I loved feisty, outspoken Izzy Buchanan and her dynamic with the other characters especially Alasdair Blackmoor, a hot Scot who helps her with the Highland Games in her town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. Ms. Trentham has given us another winner and I can't wait to see what's next in this delightful series. I received an advance reader copy of "A Highlander Walks Into a Bar" from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I’ve read a few of Laura Trentham’s books, and have found them to be cute, easy reads. Nothing too heavy, just a pleasant enjoyable read. A Highlander Walks into a Bar kept up with my expectations of Ms. Trentham’s writing. I didn’t know what to expect with such a title. The story takes place in Highland, Georgia, home to a large population of Southerners with Scottish heritage where a festival is held each year honoring this heritage. Izzy and her Mom, who are in charge of the festival, are both are dealing with Mom’s new love interest whom she brought home from Scotland. His nephew arrives to bring him back because he fears that he is being taken advantage of by a crazy American. What ensues is a double love story that develops predictably but in a very engaging way.
Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is the 1st 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 Izzy and Alasdair jumps out of the page it is so strong. I highly recommend this book.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you.

ARC generously provided by the St. Martins Press and Netgalley.

A Highlander Walks Into A Bar by Laura Trentham is a witty double romance that made me laugh so many times, that I had to put Laura on my authors list.

The book starts with our heroine picking up her mom at the airport from a vacation to Scotland. Only she doesn't expect her mom to bring anything back with her. Or rather someone back with her. Gareth is a Scotsman that has Isabel on her toes. She is very suspicious and concerned about the mans intentions. But she has many things on her plate as she is getting things ready for their yearly festival.

While getting ready for all the festivities, another Scotsman shows up on her doorstep, except this one is younger and looking for the man her mother brought back home with her. Yep, you guessed it she is immediately doesn't trust him and wonders why exactly they both are in Highlands Georgia. She wont stop until she finds out the truth.

And she is not the only one who has their own suspicions. Alasdair, the new highlander to drop on her doorstep, has other plans of his own for Izzy. And this is where the story really draws you in.

I won't say anymore because of spoilers but definitely recommend this book! It is a great rom-com worthy of a read.

Imagine the reaction of very outspoken Isabel (Izzy) Buchanan, when her mother returns from a tip to Scotland with a six-foot tall Scott on her arm. Thus, begins this book. With all this, Izzy now is left to plan the Highland games they sponsor all by herself. Then, to complicate matters, a second Scott, Alasdair Blackmoor, comes to this small Georgia town looking for his uncle, the Scot Izzy’s mother brought home. Alasdair is struck by the small, sweet town and by Izzy, so, instead of working to get his uncle to return, he begins helping Izzy with the games, while teaching her to act just like a Highlander. As time goes on, Alasdair is not sure what exactly is happening, but he is falling for Izzy big time. However, no one can see past the games and what might or will then happen.

Izzy is the character I liked most in the book. She is young, feisty, definitely outspoken always (no filters for this girl!), sometimes a bit naïve but definitely a modern woman in and of herself. I found myself often caught in laugh-out-loud moments by her antics. It was fascinating to watch her and Alasdair as they each worked to protect the person they thought the best of, when they perceived another taking advantage of them. It is always so nice to see families stick up for and care for other members of their clan. These two strapping Highlanders take on these two Georgia women, each side hoping for the best. In the end, it all makes more sense, once secrets are revealed. The Southern setting also was ideal for this book, as I could clearly see it all taking place here. This is a quick summer romance most romance readers will take to as they seek to escape the throes of the hazy, hot, humid summer weather. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

What a fun read. It was funny to try and get all the accents in my head right. I personally love Scotland so any book that has Scotland in it I'm all for. This is a great contemporary romance book. It gives you all the feels, sweet, flirty, sexy, funny and some sadness. This was a great start to this series and I can't wait for the next book.


*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

A Highlander Walks into a Bar sounds like the beginning of a bad joke... but the book itself is actually the beginning of a fun series! The last chapter got me excited for the next book already!

I really enjoyed the storylines of both Isabel and Alasdair. Their characters were each fun and quirky in the best ways, especially Izzy. I loved how she always said what was on her mind, and how Alasdair never judged her or thought she was weird but laughed good-naturedly, and encouraged her to pursue her real passions. Of course, Alasdair is not perfect and is, in fact, hiding a couple of secrets in regards to his family and his occupation. Can Izzy forgive him? And what will happen when the festival of games is over, and his home is in Scotland while hers is in Georgia?

This was a really charming read, and was more heartwarming and with more real emotion that I was expecting! There's plenty of heat and chemistry between the two, and you won't be disappointed there, but there was also a realness to them, and I loved that they were able to laugh with each other and be their true selves.

I'd highly recommend picking this up for a fun, summer read and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Alasdair and Izzy both, were cute, likable MCs. They're both independent and strong and content with their lives at they are. When they find themselves dealing with sudden changes to their family dynamics neither quiet knows how to deal. There is definitely a cute insta-connection between Alasdair and Izzy and there is flirty banter and heartfelt moments between them that will melt you.
I just felt that their romance was weighed down by too much going on around them. I feel like both needed to spend more time together and with the festival business and the secondary side romance between Gareth and Rose, both MCs had to navigate a lot of outside drama before they had a few stolen moments together.

And those stolen moments were always too short and too few between them. Then the rushed ending felt . . . well, rushed.

I expected to love it but A Highlander Walks into a Bar was just a strong like for me. Had so much potential but it waned a little before it really could get started with little page time focused on the MCs, together. Family drama - Izzy dealing with her mom dating again and Alasdair dealing with his deceased father's infidelity and his estrangement from the only father figure he had growing up (his uncle) - it all left me feeling underwhelmed. I still love this author and will still check out the next in the series and keep my fingers crossed the momentum will pick back up again :)

Rose and Isabel Buchanan, mother and daughter, have been living together and alone for some time since Isabel's father died.
They took over for themselves the organization of the Highland Festival, created by her father to leverage local commerce in the city of Highland, GA.
Rose had traveled to Scotland and on her return brought the company of Gareth Connors.
Isabel was absolutely scared. How to face this new Rose who was totally in love with this stranger, especially in a time as complicated as the approaching festival organization?
This all leads to Isabel having a lot more responsibilities, while Rose and Gareth stroll around like two in love.



And if it wasn't enough for Isabel to have a strange man as a guest at home, a Gareth's "friend" arrives in town.
The truth was that Alasdair Blackmoor was Gareth's nephew.
They had not spoken to each other for a few years, and there was a certain misunderstanding of the conflict since the death of Gareth's younger brother, Alasdair's father.
In addition, there was a secret - which they were both keeping from women - that Gareth was very rich and an earl, and Alasdair was his uncle's presumed heir.

Unhappy that his uncle might be getting caught up in an unscrupulous woman, Alasdair has Rose Buchanan's accounts checked and found that they were in some financial trouble, waiting for a loan from the bank.

BINGO!

However, as he was unaware of the whole story, more confusion happens, heartache and worse, Alasdair was totally in love with Isabel.
He would have to do everything right throughout the festival if he wanted to prove to her that:
a) he was wrong;
b) but he was the right guy for her

4 stars

This book is so good and has two love stories. It is so nice to see Izzy look out for her mother Rose, and Alasdair look out for his uncle Gareth. But it does end up causing problems for all of them. The part that I liked was that they had such love for their families. I also liked how there is a comparison between Stonehaven and Cairndow. It had to be hard for Izzy to see her mother with Gareth since Izzy missed her dad so much. I feel she knew her mother should have happiness since her father died, but it still had to be hard on Izzy. Izzy is not always the most graceful which caused a few laughs in the book. Ms. Trentham made it so easy for me to see Alasdair in his kilt with the picture she painted. The town sounds like they have so much fun every year with the festival Stonehaven puts on. They seem more Scottish at times than Scotland! I enjoyed the book and strongly encourage you read it. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

Title: A Highlander Walks Into a Bar
Author: Laura Trentham
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Isabel Buchanan wasn’t really expecting her mother to bring back a souvenir from Scotland, much less a handsome new boyfriend. The trip was only two weeks long, after all. So Isabel is immediately suspicious of Gareth—and his intentions. But Isabel is too busy worrying about the Highland Games—which she and her mother host every year to support the local community—to waste too much energy on worry…until Alasdair arrives.

Alasdair Blackmoor has been sent to drag his uncle back home and away from a greedy American’s clutches, but when he arrives in Highland, Georgia, he finds Gareth hasn’t told anyone who he really is—and Alasdair wonders just what Isabel and her mother could be up to. Georgia awakens feelings Alasdair thought had died—Georgia and Isabel. Her fiery temper and tendency to say whatever pops into her head makes Alasdair laugh, but soon he’s feeling much more than amusement—and he’s determined to stop the trouble he’s brought to her door.

This book made me laugh so much! Isabel’s speak-first, think-later tendencies lead to some hilarious conversations. I related to her feelings of awkwardness so much ,and the town of Highland was so quirky and so charming! The occasional hot Scotsman in a kilt didn’t hurt, either. Isabel and Alasdair’s attraction grows so naturally and so comfortably, and I loved seeing how it developed and the challenges they overcame.

Laura Trentham is an award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance, including Then He Kissed Me and The Military Wife. She is a member of RWA, and has been a finalist multiple times in the Golden Heart competition. A chemical engineer by training and a lover of books by nature, she lives in South Carolina. Her newest novel is A highlander Walks Into a Bar.

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

Such a fun story! It truly played out like a romantic comedy and was such a joy to read. Wonderful start to a new series.

Isabel Buchanan was at a loss for words when her mother returned from her trip to Scotland with a new boyfriend, Gareth. It gets even worse when Gareth's friend Alasdair Blackmoor arrives to see how he's faring. While the two couples clearly have feelings for each other, the Scotsmen have a few secrets that need revealing.

With a title like this, how could I resist? This is part of the Highland, Georgia series, where they hold a yearly festival partaking in all things Scottish. Alasdair thinks that the Buchanan family is after the money and lands that belong to the Blackmoor family, and is willing to use his investment banking job to look into them. At the same time, Isabel is sure that Gareth is after their family land. This, of course, sets up quite a few obstacles and misunderstandings that the men perpetuate over the course of the story. They do intend to reveal the truth after the festival, which Isabel is left planning essentially on her own when her mother is busy with Gareth. Alasdair steps in to help, which gives them even more opportunity to spend time together.

The book was adorable, even with the deliberate misunderstandings and secret-keeping that I normally don't like to read about. Maybe because some of it was simply skirting the truth instead of an outright lie, as well as the fact that they didn't intend to harm anyone. That does make a huge difference for me, and Alasdair does have the best of intentions to help his uncle, who wanted to be loved for himself, as well as Isabel as he got to know her as a friend and romantic interest. The people in Highland add to the backdrop of a small Southern town, and really round out the fun of small-town life.

The epilogue makes it pretty clear who the next book in the Highland, Georgia series is all about, and that should be just as much fun to read about.