Series: , Georgia #1
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group on July 30, 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 336
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
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?
“Laura Trentham creates a romance that is both extremely sensual and phenomenal.”—Fresh Fiction
I’m not the sort of person that would love to live in a community shaped by a theme but, if I was to pick one, it would definitely be Trentham’s Highland. Trentham introduces readers to a charming small town filled with vibrant characters who are exactly like some of the individuals I knew one of the small town I grew up in. The beginning of the book in particular was hysterical and engaging. I can’t even begin to imagine myself in Isabel’s shoes especially when traipsing home from abroad with a man in tow is supposed to be so unlike her mother.
I had some issues with Isabel and her mother that kept me from truly sinking in to the book. I didn’t particularly care for Isabel. She felt awfully naïve and childish for her age and responsibilities. Her clumsiness was supposed to be endearing but it didn’t work for me. For that matter, her mother’s complete lack of responsibility and presence leading up to the festival in lieu of hanging with her new beau was positively infuriating.
Even with my reservations about the ladies from Highland, I am awfully fond of Alasdair and Gareth. In fact, as the story progressed, I found myself more invested in their story and reconciliation. The family history Gareth shared was enchanting. These men would have to be my highlight for this book. I loved their easy chemistry that shone through their conversations.
Overall, I enjoyed A Highlander Walks into a Bar. I wasn’t particularly surprised by anything, the end was awfully convenient, but overall the setting was positively charming and the characters were well-developed. Enough so that I still find myself getting irritated with Isabel. I would certainly pick up the next one as the epilogue was intriguing.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
