Journey to the Scottish Highlands: Escape to the Scottish Highlands with a brand new contemporary romance for spring 2026

by Julie Shackman

Fall in love with the brand new escapist Scottish romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman!Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self pity. So when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.

Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.

When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting…

Praise for Julie Shackman‘A fun-filled romance… it’ll take your mind off the winter weather and maybe even inspire you to consider Skye as a summer holiday destination’ My Weekly

‘A true page-turner’ Chat Monthly

‘A wonderfully warm tale’ The Sun

‘A lovely cozy romance… a feel good book with the best descriptions of the island’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A fab story about the importance of living in the moment and finding yourself. Set in beautiful Skye it’s a lovely read all round’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The descriptions of the area were beautiful… I love the mystery that was woven into the story’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book was darling!!! I fell in love with the main character! The setting was beautiful and it pulled all the heartstrings. Loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Thank you Julie for taking me to Skye with Darcie on her journey of enlightenment and love. I was willing her and Logan together from the get go. You could feel the chemistry between them off the pages!!! Absolutely gorgeous book loved in from page 1’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Great story and a fab ending. Some good twists’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An excellent read. This book has a beautifully designed setting and with that background, a mystery, a range of characters; eccentric and otherwise, and a romance’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Romance

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 29, 2026

Reviews

[Emily West · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved previous books in this Scottish series but this one just didn’t grab me in the same way. It started off in a promising manner but it petered out once they had actually arrived in Scotland. I don’t know if it was the lack of scenery described or the characters but something just didn’t gel with me. It’s still a good book, just not as I had hoped.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful uplifting story! Julie Shackman’s latest novel has to be my favourite of the series. I was totally immersed in this incredible tale which I read in one sitting. First, I have to say the dedication reflects the heart of this beautiful, fun, witty novel that showcases a true issue in the arts industry: unfair negative feedback or hurtful reviews. Although this is a novel about an actress who received a bad review in a newspaper column by a mysterious critic named Fox, it could easily have been the same for an author who has written a book. But the beauty of this story is in its strong message for those who have become subject to unjust criticism, and even bullying. Journey to the Scottish Highlands is dedicated to all ‘dreamers’ or ‘anyone who was ever made to feel small, unloved or insignificant.’ Julie affirms, ‘You matter. And you are loved.’ These words are precious reminders to the wounded. And we see through Daisy’s experience how much a ‘critic’s stinging words’ of past artistic performances – can cause great hurt, anxiety and tear away at a person’s self-esteem. So yes, negative words can be fatal and injure souls. To the point they give up. This novel provides a positive direction and the necessary tools to overcome dark obstacles.

Daisy has been wounded by the ‘Fox’ critic character, but she has also taken offence for all her team who acted, wrote and directed the Sinister television show. She feels Fox has singlehandedly destroyed everyone’s reputation. We learn a lot in Chapter One about this person and his nasty reviews—or at least the dire effects of them. We don’t know his real name, except his pseudonym, so he is really anonymous. This gives him a cloak of invisibility: to be unaccountable and unreachable. Nobody knows his face. He can say whatever he pleases as a result. But Daisy is livid at his last review of Sinister, even though he gave her the best backhanded compliment of the lot.

We learn why she is so sensitive and why she does not want to appear as a failure. Her mother was a ‘frustrated singer’ who became pregnant very young. Her father disappeared, not wanting any part of her life. And after three months of caring for Daisy, her mother decides she is not mother material so her grandparents take over her parenting. She has their love and support and they give her a good homelife. Although her grandma has since died, her beloved grandpa is still around and they are very close. So when this unkind review strikes, she decides to go home to visit him and to be comforted. Home is her safe place (as it should be for all of us!) and a refuge to recharge and find direction.

Although Daisy is an actress, getting steady roles is not easy. Now that there is a negative review in the public domain, she fears the worst. She works at a second job in hospitality to make ends meet. And one day she serves drinks and food at a party for prestigious guests. It is here she encounters a man making very rude remarks about Sinister. She presumes he is the dreadful ‘Fox’ and wishes to dump champagne over his head. But is stopped by a journalist. To save her job. They get acquainted and seem to hit to off. As she gets ready to leave work for her grandfather’s, she discovers he is going in the same direction. When his transportation arrangement fails, after hesitation, she decides to take him on board: especially when he is willing to pay her for driving him to his destination.

On this journey homeward, they get to know each other. His name is Evan Lord and his family only live a half hour from her grandfather’s. What follows are many surprise events. Daisy must navigate through unexpected detours, but in doing so, she discovers some very good things along the way. There are also a few bumps in the road and bad things happen, too. But these trials serve to teach some valuable lessons. On a positive note, she has an opportunity to help Evan’s parents and a bullied young actress. There are some wonderful passages in this section that glowed with kindness and originality. And then, a secret is revealed that knocks Daisy off her feet.

This is a novel about detours, appearances, second chances, forgiveness, helping others, rescuing historical legacies, and finding love in unexpected places for both the young and old. This beautifully delivered story has lots of charm, heart-warming moments, enjoyable characters and positive messages. We are urged to never let go of our dreams and to not let bullies win or steal our self-worth. Journey to the Scottish Highlands is another stunning modern day Scottish romantic tale that should not be missed! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the review copy.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey to the Scottish Highlands by Julie Shackman is a light-hearted romance. Daisy is a struggling actress whose television series has just premiered. Then, the other shoe dropped when a newspaper reviewer name Fox had given the series a scathing review. He had said her performance was the best thing, calling it satisfactory. It broke her heart, and her spirit. Her agent had nothing to offer, telling her to wait until it blew over. How could people put so much store in a review written by someone who refused to reveal his identity? Her roommate relayed a message from her parents about a one-day gig as a waitress that paid really well, and from there she could drive to Scotland to see her grandfather, before she came back to London to face reality. Evan Lord was in attendance at that party and, thankfully, stopped her when she was preparing to pour a glass of champagne over a man’s head, after he made it clear he was Fox. That same man pleaded with her to take him to Scotland as airports were shut down. It was not a fun trip. It was not totally terrible, though.

This was a fun enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers romance. Daisy was, in her heart, a creative person and she fell in love with Evan’s parents and their rambling home, which was crumbling around their ears. She mentored a high school student. She gave Evan’s brother, Dane, the dickens because he didn’t participate with the family. She did finally make it to her grandfather but they returned to The Ramblings to help with their fundraiser that had been her idea. She was a good person and Evan noticed and fell in love (of course, not a spoiler...this is a romance). This was a fun story with an actual plot. The characters were all nice people and a loving family, even Dane. I recommend.

I was invited to read Journey to the Scottish Highlands by UK Harper Collins, One More Book. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #UKHarperCollinsOneMoreBook #JulieShackman #JourneyToTheScottishHighlands

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat it was to follow Daisy’s adventures as she left London in her rearview mirror and headed for the Scottish Highlands. A bonus, for me, was a wee diversion via the Lake District. I loved this story and how positive it made me feel while reading.

Daisy has endured personal setbacks in both her professional and private lives. Passed over by her ambitious ex and then disparaged by a vicious theatre critic, she needs to escape to the Highlands and spend time with her grandfather, her number one fan. Despite the curveballs she has had to contend with, Daisy remained positive, and I found her determination admirable. However, it was her kindness that really captured my imagination. Watch out for ‘Pirates’ appearance, it had my heart melting.

We also met Evan, who encountered Daisy at an event and rescued her from her own temper and a situation that would have only compounded her troubles. He is every bit the dashing book boyfriend, even though he doesn’t seem to understand how utterly adorable Daisy truly is.

Of course, Julie has imagined a fabulous cast of characters who add depth and a real sense of community to this enchanting story. I particularly loved Cayla and enjoyed seeing the parallels between her story and Daisy’s, as well as the echoes of another character we meet anecdotally: Josephine.

I don’t want to include any spoilers, so you’ll have to trust me when I tell you that this is another gorgeous book by one of my favourite authors.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚 Blurb-
Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self pity. So when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.
Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.
When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting.
💙 Review -
Even though I haven't read all this series, I have still enjoyed the ones that I have and I will catch up with the others at some point. This was such a cute and fun easy to follow read. It's the perfect book to read for when you just want to switch off from everything. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I also loved the great mix of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, one more chapter and the author Julie Shackman for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description
Fall in love with the brand new escapist Scottish romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman!
Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self pity. So when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.
Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.

When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting…

I really liked the character of Daisy. She doesn’t put up with nonsense BUT she is also genuinely kind. Evan I didn’t gel with for some reason. Now before I discuss my stars ratings …. Bear in mind that I always LOVE this author. She has become a favourite of mine. I did feel this was a slower burn than the others I’ve read. Maybe it’s that? Would I read another…. Oh absolutely! I always try to be honest BUT kind in my reviews.

#netgalley #ARC #onemorechapter #

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy is an aspiring young actress who has just been in a TV series which has received a damning review from a critic known as Fox. With roles drying up due to the review she takes a job as a waitress at an exclusive event before heading up to spend some time with her grandfather in Scotland. She is saved from making a fool of herself at the event by Evan, a freelance journalist, so when his flight to Scotland is cancelled and he finds out that she's travelling to near his destination he cadges a lift with her. Due to circumstances beyond their control she ends up staying with Evan's parents for a while and become involved in the family and their struggles living in a stately home in constant need of repair.
I've read several of this series and enjoyed them all, they can all be read as a standalone, and this one is up there with my favourites. I enjoy books more when I can relate to the characters, in this case Daisy's lack of confidence in herself. There is a growing attraction between Daisy and Evan, but things aren't always straightforward. As ever the location is idyllic, a sense of community is ever present and there is hope for the family's struggle in maintaining the house. A great cosy read, part of a really enjoyable series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Yirong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 10th book in Scottish escape series. I have totally no problem reading this as the first book in this series.
Daisy's acting career has threatened by unfair review on media. She decided go back to her beloved hometown in highland. Because of some sudden happened situation, she end up on a road trip with this handsome Scottish journalist Evan. And also because of some unexpected thing, Daisy stay at Evan's family mansion for severe days. Love start from here, trues find out in here, and new life start here. I like the author point out that social media has such a power to ruining a person. I like the old mansion has a new life. I like Daisy Even and every single side character in this book. And I want to hold the baby goat badly.
I finished this book in a sunning winter afternoon by the fire. I can feel the breeze of highland, i can see the lights jumping on the highland loch. i can see the green of highland moor. Recommend to anybody who want a escape to the unique, one and the only Scottish highland. you can read this book in any season.
Thanks for Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter give me opportunity to share my honest review.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy & Evan
This is book 10 in the Scottish Escapes series and can be read as a stand alone.
Actress Daisy living in London has just finished her role in a 6 part drama series on television, when she reads a bad review for the show in the London Gazette newspaper.
Devastated she decides to head home to her only family in the Scottish Highlands, but not before she completes a waitressing job that pays very well at Holyrood Palace.
There she meets Evan and their adventure begins with him stopping her from doing something silly, then when his plans fall through and he’s heading her way she offers him a ride to the Highlands.
This was a slow burn, really lovely story which sees Evan and Daisy getting closer, but facing some ups and downs along the way.
I found this story to be fun and sweet which I really enjoyed.

Thank you to Julie Shackman, NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this book.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy is struggling, she is an actress in a new tv show and the show has been panned by Fox a critic in a tabloid and her career is stalling. She needs money so waitressing for her friends parents at a high end event with famous folk from showbiz. She hears one guy braying about her performance and she sees red and goes to confront him. Evan stops her. He is a journalist and they chat and she ends up taking him as a favour to his house along the way home. They have sparks and Daisy finds she cannot go home so Evan offers her the spare room at his family home. They work well and a friendship follows. This was another great read by one of my favourite authors.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy is having problems in her acting career so decides to go back to Scotland. Fox a critic wrote a nasty piece about how bad of an actor she was and it’s blown up. She ends up on the road to Scotland with a writer who was at a party and it just ends up getting worse and worse. It’s a lovely feel good read, specially the little lamb part, but it didn’t get me into the plot as the others have. I feel it lacked her descriptive writing this time and that’s what I love reading about her books. I did like the twist at the end though, didn’t see that one. It was still a good 4 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason yet unkown, I have some sortta obsession with Scotland, Scottish sheeps and men with accents so it was a no-brainer to request this book. And I've enjoyed but, unfortunately I knew what the reason for the third-act break up was gonna be from way too early on, so it took a lot away from the experience.
Other than that, the book is good, not AMAZING but definitly enjoyable and fun to have with you to spend an afternoon or two with it.

[Rosies.Reading.Paradise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and funny contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone even though it is book 10 in the Scottish Escapes series. It is a heartwarming story with likeable characters and a good cast of supporting characters. Lots of twists in the story but a bit predictable if you have read other romance books or watched romcoms. Still an enjoyable read though.

Thank so much to NetGalley, Haper Collins UK and One More Chapter for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, pleasant read with some lovely characters with a promising start. But for me, once they arrived in Scotland, the plot quickly lost momentum and it felt as if nothing much was really happening. It’s a shame as I’ve enjoyed previous novels from this author but this one just didn’t grab me as much. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently been on a trip to the Highlands myself I was excited to read this book. This is a really cute and fun read with lots of lovely characters. It is actually book 10 in the Scottish escape Series which I hadnt realised this when I requested a copy of the book. But this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book it can be read as a standalone.

When Daisy's career takes a nose dive in London, she decides to return to take a road trip back to the Scottish Highlands. I love everything set in Scotland so I really enjoyed this book .It is a heartwarming read, set in a beautiful location. Not to mention a handsome stranger Evan. As story about fresh starts, and living life in the moment.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would rate this book 3.5 stars.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main character, Daisy is having problems in her acting career.
She decides it is best to go back to Scotland.
She is very upset about the critic that wrote a nasty piece about how bad of an actress she is.
The story is a feel good read with a slow burn romance aspect.
I did like the twist at the end….

Thank so much to NetGalley, Haper Collins UK and One More Chapter for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An aspiring actress finds herself hit with a bad review for her new series and heads back to her home in Scotland. She brings along a stranger who saved her from losing her temper and job. A romance ensues as they try to find a way to financially support his family home. A fun read.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy is still reeling from a review about the show she’s in. Determined to put it behind her, she heads off to see her Grandpa. She hadn’t planned on having an unexpected passenger.
This was a nice slow burn romance story. Daisy is lovely and kind. Evan is dark and brooding. There’s one big surprise I wasn’t expecting too. You won’t be able to put it down

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely easy story which flowed along. Just what I needed at this time of year. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this amusing novel, which was well written and with some interesting, original ideas.
Some of the characters were great, and could easily be imagined.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

**review to come**

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

gorgeously lyrical romcom with some good plotting and great characters! the thing works really well throughout. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.