This fast paced, historical romance follows the story of Cat, one of the three daughters of infamous Scottish smuggler, Rory MacLeod, as she navigates protecting her family home after the death of her father, all while the villagers whisper “witch” behind her back. Cat and her sisters are suspected to be harbouring treasure, stolen by their father. And soon find the dark and handsome Hamish Muir on their doorstep, demanding the return of it.

A well written tale centred around the lost treasure of Bonnie Prince Charlie, with the addition of adventure, light enemies to lovers, high stakes, romance and tension, and a splash of spice. I really enjoyed everything about this book, from the history, the setting in the Scottish highlands, the fierce and intelligent Cat, the handsome and protective Hamish, and certainly the banter and eventual relationship between the two of them.

Definitely recommend for those who enjoy historical romances!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I was immediately engaged in Anna Bradley's 'What Happens in the Highlands'. There is a charming mix of mystery, romance and the mystical in the story of smuggler Rory MacLeod's three daughters set in Georgian Scotland. The locale and events are expertly described so that I was drawn in in this story of Rory's eldest daughter Catriona and Hamish, the Marquess of Ballantyne. This is the first in a trilogy which was teased with a light hand so that I was not disappointed in a cliffhanger. I look forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I absolutely loved this book! Hamish and Cat had the best banter, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic was so much fun. The mix of adventure, romance, and a good old-fashioned treasure hunt kept me hooked. Plus, the Scottish Highlands setting was chef’s kiss. Can’t wait for the next one! #WhatHappensintheHighlands #NetGalley

If you love Scottish romances (which I do!), this is a perfect escape read! The storyline is familiar, especially if you've read a fair share of this genre, but that's not a bad thing. It's definitely a comfort read for me. Recommend if Scottish heroes are your thing.

I really like this book it was a great tale with good characters and settings. I received a review copy from NetGalley but the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

What Happens in the Highlands by Anna Bradley is the first book in a new historical romance series: Cairncross Castle.

This book follows, and introduces us to, the MacLeod sisters and is set in Scotland during the Georgian era (approximate 1700s-ish).

This book takes us on the journey full of mystery, action, and romance with the elsest sister, Cat, and her forced partner in crime, Hamish. What ensues is surely what readers are looking, and hoping for…and they wont be disappointed.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/24/25.

What a fun historical romance this was!

The romance was perfect. Enemies to lovers and slow burn? What's not to like. Plus Hamish and Cat had the best banter. I really enjoyed their interactions a lot. These two were entertaining and had a lot of chemistry. The romance is well done here.

I found this plot of this refreshing. Outlander introduced me to Bonnie Prince Charlie's lost gold so it was awesome to see it again in another story. It was fun too. I mean who doesn't love a good treasure hunt adventure?

A great story filled with sweeping romance, adventure and fun. Would recommend!

This was a fun read! Exactly what I want from a historical romance! The highlights for me were:

🫶 Set in Scotland
🫶 Smugglers
🫶 Lost treasure
🫶 Three awesome sisters who the locals think are witches but are really just a little bit sassy, a little bit badassy
🫶 she accidentally poisons him (sort of)
🫶 slooooooow burn

I was not expecting the cliffhanger at the end and would definitely read the next one!

What a fun historical romance read! I loved the banter between Hamish and Cat. The enemies to lovers with the slow burn was absolute perfection! The cliffhanger has me itching to read the next book.

This is such an atmospheric read. You are transported to the Isle of Skye and it truly feels like you are there, in the dramatic landscape. That was my favourite element of this novel, feeling like I was back in Scotland.

The three sisters are unique, and again, a nod to Faith, Hope and Charity Cuillins in Glencoe.
The magic system felt authentic and easily believable in the setting.

I liked Hamish and Cartiona. I loved them in the first half especially. He thinks she’s a witch, who happened to poison him. She just sees a stranger that she accidentally tried to kill. This was a set up for some funny moments. She was misunderstood and I loved that it didn’t take long for him to see her for herself. With smugglers and a lost treasure, it made the story that much more interesting. Kinda lost steam once they set on their road trip and I didn’t see the need for the epilogue. I can’t wait to read the two sisters books.

I liked this take of hunting for Bonnie Charles lost gold. Hamish and Cat really a quite the pair. They just don't know how to deal with each other emotionally, physically... there's a constant tug of war. The book contained so many tropes treasure hunt, smugglers, road trip, one bed (although she throws him out of the bed and keeps him on the floor) but it came together rather well for a fast paced read.

Cannot wait to read the next book.

#netgalley #WhatHappensintheHighlands