Category Archives: Highland Georgia Series

September 28, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: A Highlander Is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham

Title: A Highlander Is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham
Highland, Georgia Series Book Three
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 290 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The third book in the Highland, Georgia romantic comedy series from Laura Trentham, A Highlander is Coming to Town, full of love, laughs…and highlanders!

You better watch out. . .

Holt Pierson is dreading Christmas. His parents absconded to Florida for the season and left him to handle the family farm which will be his one day—whether he wants it or not. Driven by duty, Holt has always followed the path expected of him. But lately, he’s been questioning what he wants and where he belongs. Will assuming the responsibility of the Pierson farm make him happy or is there something—or someone—else out in the wider world calling to him?

To Claire Smythe, the Scottish lead singer of a touring band, Highland, Georgia, is the perfect place to hide . . .until a very handsome and deeply curious Holt begins to ask all the questions Claire doesn’t want to answer. As Holt draws Claire out from under and into the fabric of small-town life, can Claire put the past behind her and embrace the unexpected gifts of the season—including the new and lasting love?

Review:

A Highlander Is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham is a light-hearted, fun romance. Although this newest release is the third novel in the Highland, Georgia series, it can be read as a stand-alone.

Claire Smythe left her band after they appeared at Highland’s summer festival. She has been avoiding her family and upcoming business responsibilities in Scotland for years.  But with her fast approaching birthday, Claire will have to return to take on the duties awaiting her.  She is currently working as a live-in companion for the tough but kind-hearted Ms. Meadows.  Claire has worked hard to fly under the radar since she does not want to answer any questions about herself. But after meeting Ms. Meadows’ sexy and flirtatious neighbor, Holt Pierson, Claire finds it difficult to stay away from him.

Holt is quite intrigued by Claire but he respects her wishes not to talk about herself. He cannot help but try to lend her a hand since she seems to keep running into transportation issues. He must first get past the formidable (to him) Ms. Meadows, but she soon warms up to him.  Holt is surprised by how interested he is in Claire, but he knows there is no future for them since she plans on leaving town.

Holt and Claire are a wonderful couple who are a surprisingly good fit. Claire is reserved and remains tight-lipped about herself. Holt is laid-back and understanding of her need for privacy. Once their attraction burns too bright to resist, they originally agree  to a casual fling.  And even if they do fall in love, Claire cannot remain in Highland. Can she?

A Highlander Is Coming to Town is a very charming romance with marvelous characters and an interesting storyline. Holt and Claire are an appealing couple and their scenes together are sweet and a little steamy. Ms. Meadows is a wonderful woman who does not realize how much she needs Claire in her life. With a minor conflict jeopardizing Claire and Holt’s future together, Laura Trentham brings this heartwarming romance to a heartfelt and uplifting conclusion. An outstanding addition to the Highland, Georgia series that old and new fans are going to love.

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Filed under A Highlander Is Coming to Town, Contemporary, Highland Georgia Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

February 23, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham

Title: A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham
Highland, Georgia Series Book Two
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 313 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A Highlander in a Pickup is the second book in award-winning author Laura Trentham’s romantic comedy Highland Georgia series, full of love, laughs…and highlanders!

When a gorgeous new man—in a kilt—comes to town, life in Highland, Georgia will never be the same…

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. . .

Review:

A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham is a delightfully charming romance. Although this latest release is the second novel in the Highland, Georgia  series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Dance teacher Anna Maitland is in charge of organizing this year’s Highland Games. She does not  want or need the assistance of Iain Connors but she eventually grudgingly accepts his help. Anna also tries to ignore her growing fascination of and attraction to Iain. But will she be able to continue to resist the kilt-wearing, reserved Scotsman?

Anna is fiercely independent and does not trust easily. She has a complicated relationship with her mother who raised her on her own after her father abandoned them. Anna is devoted to her students and she is increasingly concerned about one of her young dancers. She has also had a string of bad luck with the men has dated, so Anna has no plans to act on her growing desire for Iain.

After leaving the military, Iain returned to Cairndow Castle where he is expected to take over as caretaker when his father retires. But he becomes increasingly restless and uncertain of his future the more time he spends at the castle. Feeling a bit trapped by parental expectation, Iain readily agreed to travel to Highland to help Anna with the Highland Games.  Although eager to lend assistance, Iain is a bit of a loner and lacks confidence with dating. He is immediately taken with Anna and his admiration for the sassy dance instructor continues to grow.

With Iain’s departure date looming, he and Anna are finding it more and more difficult not to give in to their mutual attraction. Finally throwing caution to the wind, they eagerly embark on a passionate fling. But what neither of them is willing to admit is their feelings for each other run much deeper than desire.  But what chance do they have for a future together when Anna’s destiny is firmly in Highland and Iain is obligated to return to Scotland?

A Highlander in a Pickup is a heartwarming romance with an enchanting small town setting and marvelous cast of characters. Anna and Iain are beautifully drawn, vibrant characters that are immensely appealing. The storyline is engaging and fast-paced. The romance between Anna and Iain is sweet yet steamy.  Laura Trentham brings this marvelous romance to a heartfelt and uplifting conclusion.  The touching epilogue will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the marvelous Highland, Georgia  series.

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Filed under A Highlander in a Pickup, Contemporary, Highland Georgia Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

July 29, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham

Title: A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham
Highland, Georgia Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The timeless romance, soaring passion—and gorgeous men—of Scotland come to modern-day America. And the rules of love will never be the same…

Isabel Buchanan is fiery, funny, and never at a loss for words. But she is struck speechless when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a six-foot-tall, very handsome souvenir. Izzy’s mother is so infatuated by the fellow that Izzy has to plan their annual Highland Games all by herself. Well, not completely by herself. The Highlander’s strapping young nephew has come looking for his uncle…

Alasdair Blackmoor has never seen a place as friendly as this small Georgia town—or a girl as brilliant and beguiling as Izzy. Instead of saving his uncle, who seems to be having a lovely time, Alasdair decides he’d rather help Izzy with the Highland Games. Show her how to dance like a Highlander. Drink like a Highlander. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love with a Highlander. But when the games are over, where do they go from here?

Review:

A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is a cute romance that is also quite humorous.

Isabel “Izzy” Buchanan lives with her widowed mother, Rose, at their family home in Highland, Georgia. Izzy is stunned when her mom returns from a trip to Scotland with a very handsome Scotsman, Gareth Connors. She is a bit uneasy and worried about their burgeoning romance but with little she can do about the situation, so Izzy forges ahead with planning their annual Highland Games. A bit frazzled since Rose is pre-occupied with Gareth, the last thing Izzy needs is another complication in her life. When Alasdair Blackmoor unexpectedly arrives to check on Gareth, Izzy is both attracted to and suspicious of the sexy Scotsman.  Will Izzy be able to figure out what Gareth and Alasdair want from her and Rose? And will she be able to resist giving in to her desire for the oh so charming Alasdair?

Izzy is an accountant by day and aspiring author in her spare time. She has a wonderful sense of humor and a penchant for spouting obscure facts when nervous. Due to a couple of embarrassing incidents,  Izzy lacks confidence and she does not like to be in the limelight.

Although Alasdair is slightly estranged from Gareth, he loves him and wants to make sure he is not being taken advantage of. He is charmed by the small town and he is also quite drawn to Izzy. Despite his qualms, Alasdair finds his time in Highland to be just what he needs to make some decisions about his career and his relationships with his family.

Despite liking Izzy, Alasdair still has doubts about her and Rose’s intentions towards Gareth.  Trying to protect Gareth, Alasdair impetuously sets something in motion that immediately spirals out of his control. As he and Izzy get to know one another, he keeps quiet about what is going on behind the scenes. But will Alasdair find a way to fix his mistake before it is too late?

A Highlander Walks into a Bar is a light-hearted romance that is fast-paced and engaging. Izzy and Alasdair are endearing characters who are vibrantly developed and easy to like. Their romance is sweet with just a hint of steam.  The conflict that arises between them is easy to predict but quickly resolved.  Laura Trentham neatly sets up the next installment in the delightful Highland, Georgia series with a lovely epilogue. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this laugh out loud romance!

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Filed under A Highlander Walks into a Bar, Contemporary, Highland Georgia Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks