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 … 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. . .
“Trentham never misses the mark when she takes aim at the heart.”–Night Owl Reviews
more
I love the town of Highland, GA (reminds me a lot of Helen, GA- It’s the charm of Bavaria, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.) and the quirky people that live there. However, I don’t think this book will work as a stand alone, as there is too much content of the previous book needed to really get what is going on and the author really can’t add all of it here. Isabel has moved to Scotland with her new husband, Alasdair Blackmoor, and is too pregnant to come back for the Highland Games that her family has run for many years to revitalize the small town. Her mother has also flown to Cairndow Castle to be by her side. They left Izzy’s best friend, Anna Maitland in charge, but realize it is too much for one person so sent Ian Connors, whose father has been the groundskeeper at Cairndow, to help her. She is in over her head, but has something to prove to herself and the town, so is not too happy with Ian. Anna and Ian have a lot in common; between the two of them , they have one good parent- Ian’s father, who always showed Ian how much he loved him. Anna’s mother was mostly critical and the other two, took off. Ian is a sweet giant, who is socially awkward, but very handy. Anna is very prickly. How they learn to work together and fall in love is the story. Lots of amusing banter, lovely descriptions, interesting relationships and as I said at the beginning quirky characters.
A Highlander in a Pickup is the second book in Laura Trentham’s Highland, Georgia romantic comedy series. I really enjoyed the first book (A Highlander Walks Into a Bar), so I was excited to get my paws on this one. I live in Georgia so I’m familiar with the South and (unfortunately) aware of the summer heat, plus I have a huge thing for Highlanders, so this series called out to me. The first book wasn’t a fluke; I found this one just as delightful!
Anna Maitland is a dance instructor in the little town of Highland, Georgia. Since her friend Isabel is in Scotland ready to give birth, Anna is running the annual Highland Games for her. Organizing this sort of event is not something she’s done before, but since she’s planning to run for Mayor of Highland, she needs to learn how to be up for such a challenge. So she’s in charge of the show….or so she thinks, until Iain Connors shows up, thinking he is to be in charge! Iain grew up at Cairndow Castle in Scotland, where he is expected to take over as groundskeeper when his father is ready to retire. He was in the armed forces but isn’t ready to settle down yet, so he accepts his friend Alasdair’s request to take charge of the Games. How on earth are two people who are as different as oil and water going to be able to work together?
I just loved both Anna and Iain! They were fantastic foils for each other – Anna was full of energy, chipper and charming, while Iain was more of a loner and could be socially awkward at times. He often had trouble understanding when Anna was kidding or being sarcastic, so it took some time for them to become friends. However, their attraction was there right from the start, even when Anna was claiming she was in charge and Iain’s job was to be head pooper scooper for the animals in the festival. There were times when I laughed out loud, but I also found myself getting teary at others. Both had a parent that left them at an early age, and they still dealt with the fallout from that. Anna’s place was in Georgia, owning a dance studio and planning to run for Mayor, while Iain’s was in Scotland, where he was to take over for his Da eventually. Even though I expected a HEA, I was still on edge, seeing how they would work things out! Be sure to check out charming Highland, Georgia; you’ll be glad you did, and you’ll definitely want to visit again!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
A Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham
Highland, Georgia #2
Anna Maitland has something to prove and believes that running the Highland Games for her town will do the trick and also help her win the mayoral race. She is not thrilled to have Iain Connors show up ready to help her…I mean…men take over and that is NOT going to happen to her! Only…over time her perceptions begin to be possibly wrong and if she is wrong about one thing could she be wrong about others? Will they succeed in pulling off the games and find friendship or more before the end of the book?
What I liked:
* Iain: a gently giant who is so much more than he appears to be at first. I really REALLY liked him! Even when he made a decision based on a promise he gave his father and I wanted to tell him, “NO” – I still liked him.
* Izzy: a bit caustic but with a heart of gold. She loves to dance and her dance students and her town. She has ideas and hopes to implement them.
* The romance between Iain and Izzy – not too fast and gone into with open eyes – really wanted them to achieve their HEA
* The snippets about Izzy and Alasdair – and the name they chose for their child
* The side story about Gabby – hope to hear more about her and Keisha in the future
* The new kilt design…what fun!
* The fact that there were not BIG breakups that were thrown in just for a breakup to occur so they could make up.
* The epilogue – pulling it all together AND hinting at the next book that will be about Holt and Claire – can’t wait
What I did not like:
* I can’t think of anything…just that the book ended with me wanting to know Holt’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Marin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
I absolutely love this series by Laura Trentham. The whimsical mix of Scotland and the South. A hodgepodge of cultures that mix beautifully.
This is the story of Ian and Anna. While this story can be read as a stand-alone, I had the privilege to read the first book in this series, where we briefly meet both Ian and Anna.
Anna is a true red-headed spitfire. She is southern charm wrapped in a “Bless your heart” personality. She is bound and determined to need no one. When she gets put in charge of the annual Highland Festival she is frazzled but she is going to do it all!
Ian is from Cairndow, he is the groundskeeper’s son. He has been selected to help Anna with the festival. He is a true testament of the saying “still waters run deep”.
I absolutely love the world of Highlands, Georgia. The world that Ms. Trentham has created with this series is so visual. I can “see” myself walking down Main Street. I can visualize the beauty of Stonehaven and the pageantry of the festival.
Ms. Trentham has made her characters believable. They are not all glossy and perfect, in fact, the way she describes Ian shows that it’s not the outer beauty, but the inner beauty that radiates and pulls Anna into his world.
I am so looking forward to the next book in this series, I hope there are many, many more! If you are looking for a whimsical, funny and swoony story, get your hands on this!
I’m liking this Highlander Series. Something about imagining a Scot in a kilt, who oozes strength and sexiness is simply delicious. While Anna didn’t want him around at first, she soon found that Iain was everything she wanted, and wanted a forever with. The festival was a success, and Iain had to go back to Scotland.
This was a bit anticipated and the journey, while good, wasn’t grand. There was nothing to make it stand out or wow me. A nice, smalltown romance, with heat and humor, that had me chuckling at times, and frustrated at others, light entertainment!
This is the second book in the Highland, Georgia series, and it can be read as a standalone. Highland is a small town with the requisite eccentric characters and generations of families full of expectation and ambition for their offspring. I love Highland, which is a character in itself. I liked the humor and enjoyed this second book more than the first one in the series.
Iain has come from Scotland to help Anna with the Highland annual festival, but she’s worried it will look as if she can’t handle the extra workload and thus put a spanner in her personal goals. I liked Iain. He’s the strong, silent type who can sometimes appear a little scary, yet has a soft heart. He easily integrates into the Highland community, and I enjoyed watching him grow in confidence and find his place in the town. I found Anna a little more challenging to like since she was so prickly and stubborn at times. It took me a while before I started to understand her and her motivations. The romance is a slow burn, and once they got together, the story moved a little faster. In the end, I thought Iain and Anna were perfect for each other.
A Highlander in a Pickup was a cute clashing of two different people. Player one, an American woman left in charge of Highland, GA’s Highland Games since her bestie Isabel is in Scotland awaiting the birth of her child. Player two, a Scottish man sent by Isabel’s family to assist player one with the Games. Their worlds collide as Anna tries to do everything, including run her own business, by herself and Iain was sent to help a woman who clearly isn’t interested in handing over any of the reins.
Happy to get of Scotland for awhile and away from the mantle of command he’s to assume as the Carndow groundskeeper from his father, he knows it’s only a matter of time until he has to step up. Coming to the US is a reprieve from burden he carries. He’s fully intent on upholding his expectations until he meets Anna Maitland. There is something about her strength, determination, and passion drawing him to her despite her inability to hand anything off to him regarding the Games.
Anna Maitland misses her best friend, Isabel. Due to her pregnancy, Isabel and her family are staying in Scotland, unable to come back to Georgia to run the Games. They put Anna in charge, completely stressing her out but giving her a sense of pride and excitement at the challenge. Unfortunately, Isabel’s family sends along a man in kilt who claims to be in charge of coordinating the Games. They butt heads when Anna doesn’t want to relinquish any control. Her body, on the other, hand wants to relinquish all control to Iain.
Anna’s determination to run the Games herself indicates a large amount of stubbornness governing her decisions. She doesn’t want to be seen as weak and unable to pull together everything needed for the Games to be a success. I found her attitude and treatment of Iain a bit exhausting. I don’t care how strong you are, eventually you’ll need help. Requiring assistance isn’t a sign of weakness or an indication of inability to perform tasks. Anna is also very insecure and it jumps off the pages at the reader. Her backstory puts a lot of her actions into perspective, however, and you learn to empathize with her.
Iain’s character is very laid back. He was sent to Highland, GA to assist with a very important local event. One that the previous organizers hold very dear to their hearts. Those people also know it takes more than just one person to put the whole event together, even in Anna doesn’t see it at first. He has a lot in his past that make him the way his is, as well.
I enjoyed watching both characters eventually opening up to one another. Anna and Iain don’t have an easy go of things at first. It’s not love at first sight – lust maybe, but not love. I found both characters to be realistic and I enjoyed going on their journey throughout the book. I was engaged from the beginning and loved the author’s writing style. This is the first book I’ve read by Laura Trentham and it won’t be my last.
This is the second installment in this series and even if you didn’t read the first book (why didn’t you!) you will not be lost with this one. Anna Maitland, the local dance teacher, is tasked with planning the Highland games this year since her BFF is in Scotland on bedrest at the end of her pregnancy. Since she is not able to be there she sent Anna a helper in the form of a man who is rugged and gorgeous and wears a kilt like he is made for it (and he is). Iain Connors is fresh from Her Majesty’s Service and he was supposed to take over for his father as Cairndow’s caretaker but when he was needed in Georgia he readily agreed to help. Anna is NOT thrilled to find him in Anna’s house nor does she want his help. These two clash but where there is smoke there certainly is fire in the form of chemistry and these two have it in spades. Watching them come together was fantastic! Will they survive after the games or will that be the end of it? Make sure you read all the way to the end. This one is a must read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
The first book in this series, A Highlander Walks into a Bar, had its ups and downs for me. I wasn’t 100% sold on it, but I loved the characters and writing so decided I would continue the series. Especially after the end of the last book when we get a peek at Iain. Since this story didn’t seem like it would center around a bunch of secret-keeping (my main issue with book #1) I thought I’d be safe. And boy, am I glad I read this story. I loved it!
There is just something about Iain that spoke to me. He’s such a great guy. His shyness and imposing build really give many the wrong impression, which only makes him even more reserved…and the cycle goes around and around. Those that take the time to get to know the man are rewarded with the most loyal and thoughtful friend one could have.
I wanted Anna to have a fairy tale HEA from the moment I met her in the previous book. Her mom upset me, and I knew this woman needed some fun and love in her life. The story of Anna and Iain may not have started as a fairy tale, but they do find their HEA.
This book called to me and wanted to be read. Since I was reading a paperback copy from my library, I wasn’t able to read it in bed (having to use reading glasses now makes that almost impossible) and didn’t carry it with me to read on my lunch break due to the bulk. But each evening, between dinner and bed, I made sure to carve out some time to visit Highland and this sweet couple.
Once again, there were times here and there where the world building fell a bit flat. Not between Iain and Anna and the festival, but with the other people in town and the dance studio. I felt like things were started and went down paths they weren’t intended. Nothing that took me out of the story or left me bereft. So, overall, I enjoyed this read immensely.
This was a great beach read. If you have read the first book in this series you know who Anna is. I’m happy she got her happily ever after. It takes quite a lot for her to finally open up to Iain. It also takes a lot for her to accept help from Iain as she has learned to rely only on herself in life. The only thing I didn’t like and it has to do with this whole series is the description of the female main character. Each one of them seems to be a petite slight woman. There are way more body types than that but for some reason all the ladies are built the same way. It doesn’t take away from the story, it was just my own personal observation.
I read books one and the ARC for book three and definitely wanted to go back and read book 2, that I missed. I love the town of Highland, GA and the wonderful characters that Laura Trentham has created.
This book was very enjoyable and dealt with gaining the confidence within that person shows on the outside (as a shield), overcoming childhood pain and finding your worth as an adult. Since it is a romance story, of course there are two characters very attracted to each other and it was fun to read about how they went from strangers to a couple in love.
Welcome back to Highland, GA where the people are friendly and the highland games are about to commence. Anna Maitland was asked to take over running the games while her best friend was on bed rest. Anna has a million things going on. Running her dance studio, the highland games and officially launching her bid to be mayor. Ian Connors was sent to help Anna but she wasn’t having any of it. Ian Connors is an enigma. He is big and tall, smart, somewhat shy and sexy in his own right. He is someone you can rely on. The banter between these two will have you smiling. The question is what is exactly under that kilt that Ian wears?
Another fun visit to Highland, Georgia. This one takes place a year after A Highlander Walks Into a Bar. At the end of that book, we find out that Izzy is pregnant and due at the same time as the yearly Highland Games. That means she won’t be able to return to Georgia to help plan them, and that her mother will want to be in Scotland with her. Izzy asks her best friend Anna to fill in for her and later asks Iain to fly over and give her a hand.
Fast forward to the week before the games. Anna is a little stressed out, trying to run her dance studio and prepare for the games at the same time. She is determined to carry it off, thus showing the town that she also has what it takes to be the next mayor. She neither needs nor wants anyone else’s help.
I loved the first meeting between Anna and Iain. She is dealing with the unexpected delivery of a highland cow and a sheep, arranged for by Alasdair. She is in a standoff with the sheep, which wakes up Iain, who arrived late the previous night. He expects to take over whatever needs to be done and is surprised to discover that Anna has no intention of relinquishing control. Instead, he finds himself relegated to animal wrangler.
I liked both Anna and Iain. Anna is feisty, fun, and full of energy. She has a big heart and loves her hometown. She has some emotional baggage, stemming from her father’s abandonment and her struggles to please her mother. Iain is the strong, silent type, thanks to his upbringing at Cairndow. It’s always been the plan for him to take over as castle groundskeeper, but he’s no longer sure that’s what he wants to do. Iain looks at this time in Georgia as a chance to consider all of his options. Iain also has some baggage resulting from his mother’s departure from his life when he was a child.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Anna and Iain. It starts antagonistic as they butt heads over who is in charge of the games. Iain backs off but is prepared to step in if he’s needed. I got a little frustrated with Anna and her refusal to accept any help from Iain, especially when she was clearly overwhelmed. Underneath the antagonism, sparks flew fast and furious between them. They tried to resist, of course. Iain Isn’t going to be there long, and neither is looking for a relationship. I liked that Anna couldn’t add to Izzy’s stress by complaining about Iain, and instead began to include him. It didn’t take too long for them to become friends and find ways to work together.
I loved watching Iain with Anna. He’s never really been comfortable around women and tends to say the wrong things around them. That problem continues at the beginning, as he fumbles his words, making it easy for Anna to misunderstand him. But the more time they spend together, the more he relaxes in her company and the easier he can talk to her.
As the days passed, Anna and Iain grew closer, and the feelings between them stronger. Anna doesn’t want to think about the end of the games and Iain leaving, but she’s too afraid of his rejection to ask him to stay. Iain feels like he has finally found a place he can belong, but won’t renege on his promise to his father. I ached for both of them as they faced a future without each other. I liked the lecture Anna got from Holt, though it took a while for it to sink in. Then a heartfelt talk between Iain and his father opened up a whole new life for Iain. I loved the ending and seeing how the problem was resolved. I enjoyed the epilogue and its lead-in to the next book. I can’t wait to read it.
I loved spending more time in the small town of Highland. Small town stories are always fun with their closeness and quirky characters. I liked getting to know Loretta a little better. In the first book and the beginning of this one, she came across as something of a general pain in the butt. Her plans to run against Anna for mayor added to that impression. But a crisis involving her and her shop provided a more in-depth look at her and changed my opinion. I also enjoyed seeing more of Mr. Timmerman, the kiltmaker. He’s such a dapper man that it was a bit of surprise to see him otherwise when he helped Anna, Iain, and Loretta with their problem. I also enjoyed the collaboration between him and Iain. One of the greatest things about Highland was the way they welcomed Iain. I loved their friendliness and how they included him and made him feel welcome.
Laura Trentham’s second book in the A Highland, Georgia Novel, A Highlander in a Pickup is a very entertaining well written book. The characters are well defined, believable and likeable. Even though this is the second book in this series it can very well be read as a standalone. A Highlander in a Pickup is a continuation of the Highland Series you catch up on previous characters, get to know some new ones. This book will have you engaged from the first page until the last. Ms. Trentham wrote a wonderful, story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. I’m excited to see what she has in store for us next!
Can I just say how much I love Highland? The slow burn between mayor wanabe and dancing instructor Anna, and Iain, the rugged Scotsman who was sent to torment (or help, depending on how you look at it) consumes them both to the point where they can’t deny their attraction. As they prepare for the annual Highland Games, the time they spend together builds on that attraction, and these two fiercely independent people clash in every way imaginable! The scary part comes when they both realize it’s not just a Highland Fling anymore, but there are real feelings—and an ocean—between them. Steamy, sweet and hilarious, visiting Highland is always memorable! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a review.
I had a lot of fun in the book 1 Highlander Walks into a Bar but in A Highlander in a Pickup, Laura Trentam outdid herself by creating a fun, simple and emotionally charged plot with a cute highlander and a strong dancer.
Anna and Iain are wonderful together. Both are assigned to run the Festival in Highland now that Izzy and Alisdair are living in Scotland and about to become parents.
The first meeting between them is hilarious and the first dance was chilling.
Iain ends up feeling at home in the small town but needs to keep his promise to his father and ends up breaking sweet Anna’s heart.
I am now so excited waiting for Holt’s story.
Anna and Iain are a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, romance that will have you quickly turning pages. Trentham writes fun characters who are never quite what they seem on the surface and these are no exception. Definitely worth a read.
A Highlander in a Pickup (Book #2 A Highland, Georgia Novel) was absolutely fabulous. I loved the interaction and chemistry between Anna and Alasdair. I mean who wouldn’t love a sexy Scotsman in a kilt and a strong but quirky heroine. This book will have you laughing out loud from beginning to end. Laura Trentham has quickly become one of my go to authors. If I could give this 5+ stars I definitely would. Thank you NetGalley.
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from NetGalley, St. Martins Press
Highlander in a Pickup is book 2 in the Highland, Georgia series by Laura Trentham. Looking forward to more of this series.
Iain Conners, strong, silent, retired from the Armed Forces in Scotland is asked to come to the USA to take charge of the Highland Games.
Anna Maitland takes over the running of the Highland Games when her best friend is having a baby in Scotland and can’t do it. Running her dance studio, juggling all the things needed to have a flawless games she isn’t prepared for Iain to show up and think he is the one in charge…
Can these two find a way to coexist without letting their hearts get involved since he will be going back to Scotland after the games… or will he discover that his home is really in Highland, Georgia USA with Anna…
Laura Trentham has another winner on her hands with her latest Highland, Georgia book, A Highlander in a Pickup. Highland is a revitalized town accenting everything Scottish. The big event for the year there is the Highland Games. Our heroine Anna Maitland is filling in running the event this year for her friend Isabel Blackmoor and Isabel’s mother. Isabel is in Scotland awaiting the birth of her baby girl. Our hero Iain Connors is sent over from Scotland by Isabel and her husband to assist Anna. They didn’t get off to a very good start. But their attraction to each other is a 10 out of 10. I really enjoyed their journey to a HEA and a very successful Highland Games event. Next up in this fun series is A Highlander is Coming to Town.