A Highland in a Pickup
by Laura Trentham
Series: Highland, Georgia, #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 25, 2020
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. . .
With a small town full of quirky characters, Laura Trentham delivers another fun and sexy story that has both humor and heart.
There was so much to love about both Anna and Iain. Anna has been trying to make a life for herself in Highland, but has a hard time feeling like the town she grew up in is taking her seriously as an adult – even though she runs a successful business and is always contributing to her community. I loved that she had ambitions to run for mayor and really wanted to help her town move forward. Iain is just trying to figure out what’s next in his life and is using his time in the States to think about his next steps. I loved how honorable and loyal he was, always taking his commitments seriously, even when they played against what his heart wanted. I loved the vulnerability in him about his looks and his awkward nature around women, always feeling like he was a big, burly guy that came across as scary or intimidating – and I especially loved how Anna was always in his face, standing up to him, and reassuring him that she wasn’t scared or intimidated by his size or afraid of him, she was generally just reacting to his actions because he infuriated her! It was fun to watch them verbally spar and try to fight the attraction that burned hot from their first meeting, but it was so satisfying to see them finally give in to that attraction and find out how good they could be together.
The supporting characters added both heart and humor to the story. From the assorted pets and livestock – I just loved Ozzie and Harriett – to family and friends that supported both Iain and Anna, the pages were filled with not only humorous banter and situations, but also the supportive dialogue to help both Iain and Anna find their way.She didn’t mean to make a habit of hurting his feelings, and she wanted to make amends, but she was having a hard time focusing on a heartfelt apology when she finally had an answer to the universal question.
She knew what a Scotsman wore under his kilt.
Actually, she didn’t have the definitive answer to what every Scot wore under their kilt, but she knew what Iain wore. Absolutely nothing. Not that she saw nothing. Unless her eyes were playing tricks on her, what was underneath was…substantial.
She should look away. Instead, her eyes felt grainy because they refused to blink. The noises stumbling out of her were part appreciation and part embarrassment. “You’re showing.”
This is the second book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Trentham’s writing style makes this an easy and fun read and there is a good balance between the sexy times and the heart of the story, moving Iain and Anna towards their happy ever after.
Another series that I am all in on and would definitely recommend – it’s hard to resist a Highlander in a kilt!
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley which I voluntarily reviewed.
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