ARC Review: A Highlander Walks into a Bar by Laura Trentham

A Highlander Walks Into a Bar
Author: Laura Trentham
Series: Highland, Georgia (Book 1)
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (July 30, 2019)

Description: The timeless romance, soaring passion―and gorgeous men―of Scotland comes 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?

My Thoughts: Isabel Buchanan's mother Rose comes home from a vacation in Scotland with an interesting souvenir. She's brought back Gareth Connors. Isabel isn't sure what to think about her mother's actions. Yes, she wants her widowed mother to be happy but her new relationship seems quick and poorly timed. Isabel and Rose are supposed to be deep into plans for the annual Scottish festival in their hometown of Highland, Georgia. Rose is quite distracted by her new flame.

Meanwhile, Alasdair Blackmoor is on the trail of his missing uncle. When he tracks Gareth down it is to find that he has neglected to mention that he is an Earl and, in fact, the owner of the estate that Rose enjoyed touring. Alasdair has had a strained relationship with his uncle since his father died in a car accident and his mother swept him off to London. Even so, he isn't about to let his uncle fall prey to a potential gold digger.

Isabel and Alasdair both want to protect their relatives but end up falling for each other. Izzy doesn't think the relationship has a future though with her future in Georgia and his in London. What she doesn't know is that he really hates his job especially when his boss tries to get him to manipulate Rose and Izzy and get hold of their property.

I liked tall, dark, and handsome Alasdair and really liked clumsy, protective and chatty Izzy. This was a fun romance with great characters.

Favorite Quote:

"She has to smell good." Like wildflowers, he didn't add, afraid the truth would give too much of himself away.

"A funny girl who wears deodorant. You might want to set your standards a bit higher." Her voice lifted with her amusement, which made him feel lighter.

"I don't know. I've dated a string of women and none of them have met my standards."

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.