Rating: ★★✬☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Title: What Happens in the Highlands
Author(s): Kelsey McKnight
Character(s):
― Rose Hensel: Black, Blue Gray Eyed
― Lachlan Calder-Mackinnon: Blonde, Green Eyed
Setting: Nairn, Scotland
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: First Person (Heroine)
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “Love is somethin’ that brings two people together, making one life out o’ two. It combines, but also separates in a beautiful way. There’s a before and after from that moment on, a distinct part in two lives that forever embodies what makes their past, present, and future what it was always meant to be.”
Overall Opinion:
Falling in love less than a week… yes a week! Not even a full seven days before Rose and Lachlan fell madly in love with each other which prompted the low rating. Seriously why must I be torture by this instant love?! There was barely anything real connection with lead characters and their encounters happened on day six during Rose ten day wedding excursion. The couple was boring and there wasn't any built-up. Moreso, I'm not sure if it was just me or not but I found her best friend Kate utterly annoying. She's so amped for the couple to fall in love, get married and settle down in Scotland with her. Like hold your breaks girl, they don't even know each other's last name and should I mention Rose is only there a little more than a week and you already have their nuptials planned. This series wasn't for me and I had to dropped this like it's hot by chapter 9 at 60%.

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What Happens in the Highlands is a lovely romantic story. It's witty, honest and entertaining. Well written and populated with likeable and realistic characters, this book is fun to read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing. The opinions expressed in this review are my own ( )

If you're looking for a typical formulaic romance novel, look no further. Woman in search of fling during a trip overseas falls for inexplicably rich man. The usual miscommunications about exes happen followed by make-up sex and a happily ever after. Typical. Which.. is fine.

The problem I had with this book is that the main character is supposedly "straight laced" but is uncharacteristically crass at times - more in the narrative/inner monologue than out loud to other characters. It was just.. jarring? And of course the "Scottish men are soooooooo exotic *swoon*" thing is a little hinky to me in general.

If you're looking for a typical formulaic romance novel, look no further. Woman in search of fling during a trip overseas falls for inexplicably rich man. The usual miscommunications about exes happen followed by make-up sex and a happily ever after. Typical. Which.. is fine.

The problem I had with this book is that the main character is supposedly "straight laced" but is uncharacteristically crass at times - more in the narrative/inner monologue than out loud to other characters. It was just.. jarring? And of course the "Scottish men are soooooooo exotic *swoon*" thing is a little hinky to me in general.

What happens in the Highlands is a romance novel that follows the story of a woman named Rose who is traveling to Scotland for her best friend Katie’s wedding. Upon her arrival in the quiet town where the wedding will take place, she is enamored by the culture sights and sounds that Scotland has to offer her. While helping her best friend plan for her wedding day she becomes romantically entangled with the best man Lachlan, who happens to be cousin of the groom. Will Rose find true love in Scotland?

I was very excited to read this romance novel not only because I love the romance genre, but I love stories about travel destinations that I want to visit. The author sets the tone for the story by describing Scotland’s lush greenery and all the little things that the small town has to offer. I could picture myself strolling along with small streets while visiting the mom-and-pop shops and taking in all the sights and sounds. The castle where the wedding takes place sounded absolutely gorgeous. I loved how cozy the rural town was.

This trip not only allows the to reunite to with her friend, but to also step out of her comfort zone. She constantly mentions how everything that is happening to her is like something out of a romance novel, but with a realistic view. It was hilarious to see her comment on different situations such as when she goes horseback riding:

“On history drama shows, it always looks so romantic. The broad-shouldered Scot and his little lassie on horseback, smoothly traveling through mountainous terrain while their hair flowed behind them like a Pantene commercial. But in reality, it isn’t all that bosom heaving. I was ten feet off the ground, on top of an animal that could turn on me at any moment, and had to rely on another person to keep from falling off…”

Though Lachlan and Rosie’s relationship starts off with an embarrassing instance and then a passionate fling they end up falling for each other immediately. They are so cute and awkward around each other when they go on dates, trying to get to know each other better. Though Rosie and Lachlan meet in such a short time they make a deep impression on each other.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed is seeing the friendship between Katie and Rosie. They are not only hilarious duo, but they always have each others backs. Even though they live far apart they still are connected and the wedding gives them the opportunity to reunite in person. Katie had me cracking up all the time they way she kept playing wing-man to get Rosie and Lachlan together as a couple.

Overall, this is a cute romance novel that is fast-paced, easy to read and very entertaining. The only downside was that I wish it was a bit longer to let the romantic leads have more time to get acquainted with each other as itt felt a bit rushed in some parts of the story. Additionally, some parts of the story were a bit too formulaic. ( )