Scan barcode
cathyatratedreads's review against another edition
3.0
A Highlander Walks into a Bar is just a fun escapist romance, with a widowed mom and daughter both finding love in handsome Scotsmen. The book also teases a sequel setting up another American-Scot love story, so those who particularly enjoy this book will no doubt find themselves happy to know a second will be on its way. It's fun, frothy stuff perfect for a summer read.
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/highlander-walks-bar-fiction-book-review/
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/highlander-walks-bar-fiction-book-review/
romancejunkie1025's review against another edition
3.0
A really great premise with some fun highlights but needs some polishing and upgrades to really be magical
teresajluvs2read's review against another edition
5.0
**I received a copy of A Highlander Walks into a Bar from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. My opinions are mine alone and not solicited in any way.**
A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is the first book in her Highland, Georgia series. I.Loved.This.Book!! It gives you the hot Scotsman and dedicated to keep his families Cairndow home in Scotland and Izzy's doing the same for Stonehaven by hosting Highland games in of course the town of Highland, GA. Throw in Alasdair who is Gareth's nephew who just happened to come home with Rose Izzy's mom after her visit to Scotland. Can both of the men find their happy every after with Rose and Isabel?
Isabel Buchanan wants only two things right now survive Atlanta traffic from the airport to Stonehaven and figure out if her mother's new beau Gareth Blackmoor is for real or does he think that there's money to be had from her mom? Because there's very little of that as the Highland Festival brings in just enough to keep up with the repairs. But when she meets Alasdair all thought of ignoring him goes right out the door. But when his company decides to take Isabel's and Rose's home over Alasdair will fight for everything to keep their home even if it means competing at the Highland Games which he's never done any before.
Alasdair Blackmoor is sent to bring his uncle back to Scotland because his mother thinks that Rose is the person trying to get money from him. But when he arrives and sees Isabel he realizes that perhaps Gareth is there to woo Rose. But between his job which has suddenly become less important than Cairndow he'll have to make a choice. Can he convince Izzy to move to Scotland to be his Lady? There's a hint at who'll get the next book at the end it's just enough tease to have you going "How long do I have to wait?"
A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham is the first book in her Highland, Georgia series. I.Loved.This.Book!! It gives you the hot Scotsman and dedicated to keep his families Cairndow home in Scotland and Izzy's doing the same for Stonehaven by hosting Highland games in of course the town of Highland, GA. Throw in Alasdair who is Gareth's nephew who just happened to come home with Rose Izzy's mom after her visit to Scotland. Can both of the men find their happy every after with Rose and Isabel?
Isabel Buchanan wants only two things right now survive Atlanta traffic from the airport to Stonehaven and figure out if her mother's new beau Gareth Blackmoor is for real or does he think that there's money to be had from her mom? Because there's very little of that as the Highland Festival brings in just enough to keep up with the repairs. But when she meets Alasdair all thought of ignoring him goes right out the door. But when his company decides to take Isabel's and Rose's home over Alasdair will fight for everything to keep their home even if it means competing at the Highland Games which he's never done any before.
Alasdair Blackmoor is sent to bring his uncle back to Scotland because his mother thinks that Rose is the person trying to get money from him. But when he arrives and sees Isabel he realizes that perhaps Gareth is there to woo Rose. But between his job which has suddenly become less important than Cairndow he'll have to make a choice. Can he convince Izzy to move to Scotland to be his Lady? There's a hint at who'll get the next book at the end it's just enough tease to have you going "How long do I have to wait?"
omgnikki's review against another edition
4.0
this was dumb and also? stupid but I need 4 more of them.
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I can't lie, when I first saw the title of this book, I almost passed it up. Whenever I see the term highlander in a romance my mind immediately assumes it's going to be historical romance, which isn't my thing. However, because Laura Trentham is an author I read often, I read the blurb before I moved along. So glad that I did!!!
While this story isn't necessarily a compelling, heart-breaking or super sexy one, it was one that I'm glad to have picked up and would easily read again. I love a good, slow-burning, low-angst romance!
When Izzy's mom brings home a human souvenir from Scotland, Izzy immediately goes into protective daughter mode. Not only does she want to keep her mother from being taken advantage of but she isn't real keen on having to come to terms that her mom is moving on after the death of her dad. Alasdair is summoned to Georgia by his overbearing mom to stop his estranged uncle from being manipulated by the "American Tart" he left Scotland with. When they meet they are quite obviously attracted to each other but they are also both a bit cynical and leery of their elder's possible hidden agendas and their seemingly rushed romance.
Under the guise of staying to help plan the small town of Highland, Georgia's Highland Festival, Alasdair sticks around to watch over his uncle and use the time to reconnect with the man who used to be like a father to him. What he doesn't expect is the connection with Izzy and the way he starts to question what he wants in life. However, he and his uncle are keeping a few secrets from Izzy and her mom that could destroy any chance they have at love.
I adored this small, Scot-obsessed town, the budding romance between the older couple and the easy, sweet connection between Izzy and Alasdair and look forward to what the rest of this series has in store for me.
*I received a copy from NetGalley for voluntary review
Read this and more reviews at https://www.fictionfangirls.com
While this story isn't necessarily a compelling, heart-breaking or super sexy one, it was one that I'm glad to have picked up and would easily read again. I love a good, slow-burning, low-angst romance!
When Izzy's mom brings home a human souvenir from Scotland, Izzy immediately goes into protective daughter mode. Not only does she want to keep her mother from being taken advantage of but she isn't real keen on having to come to terms that her mom is moving on after the death of her dad. Alasdair is summoned to Georgia by his overbearing mom to stop his estranged uncle from being manipulated by the "American Tart" he left Scotland with. When they meet they are quite obviously attracted to each other but they are also both a bit cynical and leery of their elder's possible hidden agendas and their seemingly rushed romance.
Under the guise of staying to help plan the small town of Highland, Georgia's Highland Festival, Alasdair sticks around to watch over his uncle and use the time to reconnect with the man who used to be like a father to him. What he doesn't expect is the connection with Izzy and the way he starts to question what he wants in life. However, he and his uncle are keeping a few secrets from Izzy and her mom that could destroy any chance they have at love.
I adored this small, Scot-obsessed town, the budding romance between the older couple and the easy, sweet connection between Izzy and Alasdair and look forward to what the rest of this series has in store for me.
*I received a copy from NetGalley for voluntary review
Read this and more reviews at https://www.fictionfangirls.com
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
This was an entertaining book to read. It opens as Izzy arrives at the airport to pick up her mother, who was on vacation in Scotland. She is happy that Rose is back, as the town's Highland Games are coming soon, and it takes both of them to get it all done. She is stunned, and not in a good way, to discover that her mother brought home a tall, handsome souvenir. Izzy is wary of Gareth and his influence on her mother for two reasons. First, Rose hasn't looked at another man since her husband's death, and Izzy isn't sure she likes that her father seems to have been forgotten. Second, who's to say that this estate caretaker isn't looking for a way to improve his lifestyle by latching on to her mother? Her suspicions increase when Gareth's younger friend Alasdair shows up for a visit.
Alasdair, who was in New York on business for the London company that he works for, received a disturbing call from his mother. It seems that his uncle has abandoned his responsibilities to his name and his property and followed some "American tart" to the States. Fiona insists that Alasdair drop everything and go check up on Gareth, dragging him back to Scotland if necessary. Alasdair's suspicions are somewhat reduced when he discovers that his uncle has concealed who he really is. Intrigued by Izzy and what he sees of Highland, Alasdair decides to stick around for a few days.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Alasdair. Both are initially suspicious of each other, but can't deny the sparks that fly between them. Alasdair is unexpectedly drawn to Izzy, who is smart and practical, but who also has the heart of a dreamer. I loved watching him fall further under her spell, especially the way whatever she's thinking pops right out of her mouth. Alasdair isn't used to that much candor, and he finds it refreshing. It isn't much of a hardship when Rose and Gareth talk him into staying longer and helping with the planning of the Highland Games. It takes a little longer from Izzy to let go of her suspicions, but the attraction is hot and heavy from the get-go. She is inclined to ignore it at first since he'll be leaving soon, but then again, why turn down a chance at a fling with a hot Scot? I liked watching them spend time together and get to know each other. I enjoyed seeing Alasdair give Izzy a boost in her confidence, whether it was dealing with a stubborn vendor or encouraging her to let her imagination go in the stories she writes.
The strength of the sparks between them surprised both of them. The scene in the closet at the church freaked both out a little bit, and they tried to ignore it. But that was followed by another flare-up during their picnic at the river, and they realized they couldn't ignore it. I also had to laugh at the scene that gave the book its title. Izzy is having a drink with a childhood friend who wants to be more than friends, while Alasdair is being fitted with a kilt. When he hears what she is doing, he stalks into the bar - kilt, tight t-shirt, and boots - and suddenly, she is oblivious to anyone or anything else. Whew! The more time the two spend together, the closer they get.
However, the two men's secrets are about to come back to bite them. When Alasdair first arrived, he called in a favor at work to look into the ladies' financials. That opened up a can of worms that has Alasdair's boss trying to get their land. Thanks to this, Alasdair faces a personal and professional crisis and has to make some decisions. When Izzy gets wind of the problem, she is furious and hurt, and confronts Alasdair. In the process, Gareth's secret also comes to light, which creates trouble between him and Rose. While Gareth's deception was understandable, Alasdair has a harder job to win his lady's forgiveness. I loved seeing how he did it, the unexpected support he received, and Izzy's reaction.
Both couples still need to face the obstacle of being tied to different countries. It was great to finally see some real communication between them as they worked to find solutions. The resolution wasn't too much of a surprise as it was hinted at earlier. The epilogue was excellent, with a nice peek at them a few months down the road. It also set up the next book quite well, and I can't wait to read it.
Alasdair, who was in New York on business for the London company that he works for, received a disturbing call from his mother. It seems that his uncle has abandoned his responsibilities to his name and his property and followed some "American tart" to the States. Fiona insists that Alasdair drop everything and go check up on Gareth, dragging him back to Scotland if necessary. Alasdair's suspicions are somewhat reduced when he discovers that his uncle has concealed who he really is. Intrigued by Izzy and what he sees of Highland, Alasdair decides to stick around for a few days.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Alasdair. Both are initially suspicious of each other, but can't deny the sparks that fly between them. Alasdair is unexpectedly drawn to Izzy, who is smart and practical, but who also has the heart of a dreamer. I loved watching him fall further under her spell, especially the way whatever she's thinking pops right out of her mouth. Alasdair isn't used to that much candor, and he finds it refreshing. It isn't much of a hardship when Rose and Gareth talk him into staying longer and helping with the planning of the Highland Games. It takes a little longer from Izzy to let go of her suspicions, but the attraction is hot and heavy from the get-go. She is inclined to ignore it at first since he'll be leaving soon, but then again, why turn down a chance at a fling with a hot Scot? I liked watching them spend time together and get to know each other. I enjoyed seeing Alasdair give Izzy a boost in her confidence, whether it was dealing with a stubborn vendor or encouraging her to let her imagination go in the stories she writes.
The strength of the sparks between them surprised both of them. The scene in the closet at the church freaked both out a little bit, and they tried to ignore it. But that was followed by another flare-up during their picnic at the river, and they realized they couldn't ignore it. I also had to laugh at the scene that gave the book its title. Izzy is having a drink with a childhood friend who wants to be more than friends, while Alasdair is being fitted with a kilt. When he hears what she is doing, he stalks into the bar - kilt, tight t-shirt, and boots - and suddenly, she is oblivious to anyone or anything else. Whew! The more time the two spend together, the closer they get.
However, the two men's secrets are about to come back to bite them. When Alasdair first arrived, he called in a favor at work to look into the ladies' financials. That opened up a can of worms that has Alasdair's boss trying to get their land. Thanks to this, Alasdair faces a personal and professional crisis and has to make some decisions. When Izzy gets wind of the problem, she is furious and hurt, and confronts Alasdair. In the process, Gareth's secret also comes to light, which creates trouble between him and Rose. While Gareth's deception was understandable, Alasdair has a harder job to win his lady's forgiveness. I loved seeing how he did it, the unexpected support he received, and Izzy's reaction.
Both couples still need to face the obstacle of being tied to different countries. It was great to finally see some real communication between them as they worked to find solutions. The resolution wasn't too much of a surprise as it was hinted at earlier. The epilogue was excellent, with a nice peek at them a few months down the road. It also set up the next book quite well, and I can't wait to read it.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy this author's books and this one takes us to Georgia where this little town is as if Scotland had a baby and it moved away and here it now resides!
Isobel (Izzy) and Alasdair is the couple that ends up together but not without a few interesting escapades and experiences. Izzy is a woman of multiple talents and right now works a job that she doesn't love and aspires to be an author. Her problem is that she isn't writing the right book for her talent. Alasdair ventures to the US to make sure his Uncle Gareth isn't being taken advantage of by a woman who happens to be Izzy's mother. I think Gareth has it more in hand than Alasdair.
The town is full of unique characters and shops which rounded out the main characters. The town sounds like one I wouldn't mind visiting or even living should I choose to get away from it all.
This story had quite a few spots that made me chuckle out loud and I found myself rooting for Izzy and Alasdair to realize what they have in each other and that life isn't all about a job you don't love. There are some rough patches and distrust in the beginning, but the story moved along (somewhat slower than I would have anticipated at times) and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. I loved the epilogue especially and it sets us up for the second book in this series.
Some of my favorite lines:
"You might want to practice in the mirror before you unleash it on the tourists."
"You're wearing underwear. I thought Scots went commando under their kilts."
"No chastity belt. But I should warn you, it's been so long I might have re-virginized."
He unzipped her purse and pulled out one, but the rest followed like her purse was a condom clown car.
Isobel (Izzy) and Alasdair is the couple that ends up together but not without a few interesting escapades and experiences. Izzy is a woman of multiple talents and right now works a job that she doesn't love and aspires to be an author. Her problem is that she isn't writing the right book for her talent. Alasdair ventures to the US to make sure his Uncle Gareth isn't being taken advantage of by a woman who happens to be Izzy's mother. I think Gareth has it more in hand than Alasdair.
The town is full of unique characters and shops which rounded out the main characters. The town sounds like one I wouldn't mind visiting or even living should I choose to get away from it all.
This story had quite a few spots that made me chuckle out loud and I found myself rooting for Izzy and Alasdair to realize what they have in each other and that life isn't all about a job you don't love. There are some rough patches and distrust in the beginning, but the story moved along (somewhat slower than I would have anticipated at times) and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. I loved the epilogue especially and it sets us up for the second book in this series.
Some of my favorite lines:
"You might want to practice in the mirror before you unleash it on the tourists."
"You're wearing underwear. I thought Scots went commando under their kilts."
"No chastity belt. But I should warn you, it's been so long I might have re-virginized."
He unzipped her purse and pulled out one, but the rest followed like her purse was a condom clown car.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
RATING: 3 STARS
2019; St. Martin's Paperbacks/St. Martin's Press
This was a cute story of a woman meeting a man in Scotland while she is on vacation, brings him home to America, and her daughter is suspicious of his intentions. A boy comes from London to America to check out his uncle's new love interest's intentions. While the woman and man flirt their butts off, the boy and girl try to uncover why these two are even together...and oh, there are big sparks between the boy and girl...so now what?
Unfortunately, I did not feel those sparks between any of them. They were cute together but I wasn't feeling the chemistry. I was reading for the sake of reading, not because I was connected with the characters or story. I am a bit picky with romances so this could just be me.
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
2019; St. Martin's Paperbacks/St. Martin's Press
This was a cute story of a woman meeting a man in Scotland while she is on vacation, brings him home to America, and her daughter is suspicious of his intentions. A boy comes from London to America to check out his uncle's new love interest's intentions. While the woman and man flirt their butts off, the boy and girl try to uncover why these two are even together...and oh, there are big sparks between the boy and girl...so now what?
Unfortunately, I did not feel those sparks between any of them. They were cute together but I wasn't feeling the chemistry. I was reading for the sake of reading, not because I was connected with the characters or story. I am a bit picky with romances so this could just be me.
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
4.0
Such a fun romance!!! Izzy and her mom Rose live in Highland GA - a town known for its Scottish influences and especially the annual Scotland Games. Izzy and her mom put on the major festival every year on their property and it’s a major source of revenue for the entire town from the tourists it draws.
Just a month before this year’s festival - Izzy goes to the airport to pick up her mom and finds she brought one heck of a souvenir back - in the form of Gareth, a Scot her mom is smitten with. While Izzy is a bit wary of his motivation - Gareth’s family also has concerns about the whirlwind romance. His nephew Alasdair is sent to retrieve his uncle.
I really enjoyed this read - one of my favorite things in a romance is an awkward heroine who tends to speak her mind a little too freely. I also really appreciated the way the central conflict was resolved - particularly a discussion between Izzy and her mom. If you love a small town romance, if you love a Scottish accent, if you’re looking for a fun read that will have you smiling - pick up this book!!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance reading copy.
Just a month before this year’s festival - Izzy goes to the airport to pick up her mom and finds she brought one heck of a souvenir back - in the form of Gareth, a Scot her mom is smitten with. While Izzy is a bit wary of his motivation - Gareth’s family also has concerns about the whirlwind romance. His nephew Alasdair is sent to retrieve his uncle.
I really enjoyed this read - one of my favorite things in a romance is an awkward heroine who tends to speak her mind a little too freely. I also really appreciated the way the central conflict was resolved - particularly a discussion between Izzy and her mom. If you love a small town romance, if you love a Scottish accent, if you’re looking for a fun read that will have you smiling - pick up this book!!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance reading copy.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
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!
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!