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Just a Highland Fling
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26Sparks fly on a road trip through the Scottish highlands in this delightful forced proximity romance from the bestselling author of Flirting With Disaster.
Neelu Pillai makes a last-minute decision to fly to Scotland for her estranged father's wedding with one goal: get in and get out with as little conflict as possible. But when her tipsy tirade at the rehearsal dinner is the reason her father gets left at the altar, she agrees to help him track down his runaway bride.
There’s just one problem: the third member of this road trip through the highlands is the hot desi bagpiper from the wedding, who just happens to be Neelu’s recent one-night stand. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other a few nights ago, but now he can’t seem to stand her.
Their journey to Skye is certainly not smooth, but as the two work through the obstacles, doing their best to reunite Neelu’s father with his bride, they realize that there’s more to each other than meets the eye. And that the electric connection they’d felt the night they met is still as strong as ever…
Fiery first impressions, fierce clashes, and undeniable chemistry make for a bumpy ride through the Highlands in this swoony, witty romance about family, forgiveness, and finding love where you least expect it.
Neelu Pillai makes a last-minute decision to fly to Scotland for her estranged father's wedding with one goal: get in and get out with as little conflict as possible. But when her tipsy tirade at the rehearsal dinner is the reason her father gets left at the altar, she agrees to help him track down his runaway bride.
There’s just one problem: the third member of this road trip through the highlands is the hot desi bagpiper from the wedding, who just happens to be Neelu’s recent one-night stand. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other a few nights ago, but now he can’t seem to stand her.
Their journey to Skye is certainly not smooth, but as the two work through the obstacles, doing their best to reunite Neelu’s father with his bride, they realize that there’s more to each other than meets the eye. And that the electric connection they’d felt the night they met is still as strong as ever…
Fiery first impressions, fierce clashes, and undeniable chemistry make for a bumpy ride through the Highlands in this swoony, witty romance about family, forgiveness, and finding love where you least expect it.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
7 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Naina Kumar
3 books722 followersNaina Kumar is the USA Today Bestselling author of Say You’ll Be Mine and Flirting with Disaster. A former civil rights lawyer, she now spends her days writing and reading about love. Her books have been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, The Guardian, and elsewhere. She lives in Texas, and if she’s not at her desk writing her next book, she’s either taking her rowdy rescue dog on a walk or shopping at HEB.
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Content warnings for all of her books can be found at her website: nainakumar.com/home/books
Sign up for Naina's newsletter here: https://nkumarwrites.substack.com
Content warnings for all of her books can be found at her website: nainakumar.com/home/books
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
This was my favorite Naina book by a landslide. I rooted for Jacob and Neelu the entire way through. I deeply related to Jacob having lost my own parents at a young age. Neelu has a complicated relationship with her father, but Jacob sees him as a second father for himself. I enjoyed the road trip through Scotland and appreciated the messiness of their relationship. It felt honest and realistic.
This was my favorite Naina book by a landslide. I rooted for Jacob and Neelu the entire way through. I deeply related to Jacob having lost my own parents at a young age. Neelu has a complicated relationship with her father, but Jacob sees him as a second father for himself. I enjoyed the road trip through Scotland and appreciated the messiness of their relationship. It felt honest and realistic.
November 30, 2025
My absolute favorite romance I’ve read all year. Watching Naina Kumar’s style and craft level up through the years is one of the greatest joys in my life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been lamenting the abundance of cheesy bordering on objectifying romance novels set in Scotland and thank goodness for Naina Kumar. This novel is the antidote for all of the shit out there.
Neelu finds herself in Scotland for her estranged father's wedding. She has a one night stand the day she arrives, jet-lagged and exhausted and then draws a mental line under it. There were no names, no ties, no promises. Understandably, she's not happy to see the man in question at her dad's pre wedding reception. Jacob turns out to be part of her father's 'found family.' He's equally horrified to find out that Neelu is Ajit's daughter, who wasn't around to support him during his recent health problems.
Neelu has way too much to drink and goes off on the bride to be about how her dad abandoned her as a child, triggering Maggie to flee the altar. In the days that follow, Ajit, Neelu, and Jacob take a road trip to the isle of Skye, where the couple was supposed to have their honeymoon. Neelu (reality tv producer) and Jacob (professorial Desi Scottish bagpiper/poet-yes the MMC we deserve) have to get past what they think they know about each other to help Ajit find Maggie.
I really can't do this book justice in a review. It was a complete joy to read but it's not light or fluffy like the title or cover art would lead you to believe. It's about grief and loss, two things I do not like to read about, but I still think of this as one of the best books I've read all year. Kumar's novel is about how our childhood experiences shape us profoundly, and how sometimes we have to reexamine these beliefs that have become part of us and see if we can grow and forgive. How it can be heartbreaking but also a gift to see our parents act in ways they weren't capable of when we were young and needed more. The emotional arcs of these characters were so well-developed and human. I loved all of it.
I also loved that this is a diaspora story--about the pain and complexity of being removed from family and culture, and also important things like food and art are to maintaining cultural ties and creating the feeling of home.
Naina Kumar is one of my new favorite authors.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Neelu finds herself in Scotland for her estranged father's wedding. She has a one night stand the day she arrives, jet-lagged and exhausted and then draws a mental line under it. There were no names, no ties, no promises. Understandably, she's not happy to see the man in question at her dad's pre wedding reception. Jacob turns out to be part of her father's 'found family.' He's equally horrified to find out that Neelu is Ajit's daughter, who wasn't around to support him during his recent health problems.
Neelu has way too much to drink and goes off on the bride to be about how her dad abandoned her as a child, triggering Maggie to flee the altar. In the days that follow, Ajit, Neelu, and Jacob take a road trip to the isle of Skye, where the couple was supposed to have their honeymoon. Neelu (reality tv producer) and Jacob (professorial Desi Scottish bagpiper/poet-yes the MMC we deserve) have to get past what they think they know about each other to help Ajit find Maggie.
I really can't do this book justice in a review. It was a complete joy to read but it's not light or fluffy like the title or cover art would lead you to believe. It's about grief and loss, two things I do not like to read about, but I still think of this as one of the best books I've read all year. Kumar's novel is about how our childhood experiences shape us profoundly, and how sometimes we have to reexamine these beliefs that have become part of us and see if we can grow and forgive. How it can be heartbreaking but also a gift to see our parents act in ways they weren't capable of when we were young and needed more. The emotional arcs of these characters were so well-developed and human. I loved all of it.
I also loved that this is a diaspora story--about the pain and complexity of being removed from family and culture, and also important things like food and art are to maintaining cultural ties and creating the feeling of home.
Naina Kumar is one of my new favorite authors.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved Flirting with Disaster, and I was really happy to get to read Just a Highland Fling as well. Naina Kumar just knows how to write MMCs. Jacob is kind, sensitive, caring, emotionally intelligent (he gives GREAT apologies), communicative, and deeply supportive. Even when he initially distances himself because of his conflicting feelings, his pining and yearning for Neelu are still palpable (he writes poems about her!!). And when they finally take a chance on one another, he meets Neelu exactly where she is, never pressuring her to change her decisions, even when they aren’t what he wants. One of my favorite aspects of their relationship is how Neelu feels insecure about her job in reality TV, yet Jacob is completely nonjudgmental. He’s genuinely curious about her work and consistently encourages her dreams and goals, which made their dynamic feel genuine and grounded.
A significant part of the book also centers on Neelu’s relationship with her father. They are estranged and have a complicated history shaped by physical distance, misunderstandings, and generational differences. I think many readers with emotionally reserved, reticent fathers who express their love in quieter, more subtle ways will find this relationship particularly relatable. The growth on both sides is thoughtful and earned, and by the end of the book, their father–daughter bond feels stronger.
I really enjoyed reading this one! Naina Kumar is quickly becoming a must-read author for me.
Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the ARC.
A significant part of the book also centers on Neelu’s relationship with her father. They are estranged and have a complicated history shaped by physical distance, misunderstandings, and generational differences. I think many readers with emotionally reserved, reticent fathers who express their love in quieter, more subtle ways will find this relationship particularly relatable. The growth on both sides is thoughtful and earned, and by the end of the book, their father–daughter bond feels stronger.
I really enjoyed reading this one! Naina Kumar is quickly becoming a must-read author for me.
Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 19, 2025
This is the book of kilts, roadtrips, and unfathomable longing. I want someone to invent the men in black mind eraser tool so I can read it for the first time again please and thank you!!!
There are so many descriptors in this book that resonated so sharply with me. The almost gleeful relief of clicking with someone. The stomach-dropping fear of disappointment or failure. The catch in your throat when you look at someone and think about how much you love them.
Neelu and Jacob see something in each other instantly. Kindred spirits, in more ways than one. And initially, they’re willing to let that slip away because letting it feel too real is an unsteady, terrifying thing. But being forced together - and being forced to look up-close at the fact that there really are two sides to everything - cracks them open entirely. And they are so, so, SO tender with each other.
There is something so joyful about way they fall into things with a sort of manufactured aloofness and then, with decreased subtlety, drag it out as long as possible. Their conversations, their car rides, their entire dynamic. They both try so hard to be open with each other without risking the hurt that comes with it, and of course their failing to do so is such a delight. And, if they’re brave, their willingness to risk their hearts for each other and find safety in it can allow them the bravery to do the same for the other people in their lives.
There are so many descriptors in this book that resonated so sharply with me. The almost gleeful relief of clicking with someone. The stomach-dropping fear of disappointment or failure. The catch in your throat when you look at someone and think about how much you love them.
Neelu and Jacob see something in each other instantly. Kindred spirits, in more ways than one. And initially, they’re willing to let that slip away because letting it feel too real is an unsteady, terrifying thing. But being forced together - and being forced to look up-close at the fact that there really are two sides to everything - cracks them open entirely. And they are so, so, SO tender with each other.
There is something so joyful about way they fall into things with a sort of manufactured aloofness and then, with decreased subtlety, drag it out as long as possible. Their conversations, their car rides, their entire dynamic. They both try so hard to be open with each other without risking the hurt that comes with it, and of course their failing to do so is such a delight. And, if they’re brave, their willingness to risk their hearts for each other and find safety in it can allow them the bravery to do the same for the other people in their lives.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️ What a lovely book, it was so sweet and moving. Neelu is in Scotland for her estranged father’s wedding when she meets a man in a bar the night before. They have a night together and go their separate ways in the morning, only to find out he’s involved in the wedding. Jacob is close to the bride and Neelu’s father. When the bride runs off leaving Neelu’s father at the alter the three embark on a trip to find her.
I was frustrated with Jacob at first for being so mad at Neelu and her not being there for her father when he was sick with cancer. Jacob didn’t understand Neelu’s relationship with him, and I was glad when she finally told him. Jacob was a good communicator when he finally realized he didn’t know the whole story.
It kept breaking my heart when Neelu wanted to keep their relationship surface level, since she was afraid of being left again. It was obvious Jacob was head over heels for her, but respecting her feelings. I liked that Neelu and her father were in a better place by the end of the book, but things weren’t fully resolved. There were many years worth of hurt to deal with and that couldn’t be resolved in a few weeks.
I really enjoyed Naina’s writing and the story flowed really well. I want the thank Ballantine and NetGalley for then opportunity to read this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
3/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Grief
Contemporary Romance
I was frustrated with Jacob at first for being so mad at Neelu and her not being there for her father when he was sick with cancer. Jacob didn’t understand Neelu’s relationship with him, and I was glad when she finally told him. Jacob was a good communicator when he finally realized he didn’t know the whole story.
It kept breaking my heart when Neelu wanted to keep their relationship surface level, since she was afraid of being left again. It was obvious Jacob was head over heels for her, but respecting her feelings. I liked that Neelu and her father were in a better place by the end of the book, but things weren’t fully resolved. There were many years worth of hurt to deal with and that couldn’t be resolved in a few weeks.
I really enjoyed Naina’s writing and the story flowed really well. I want the thank Ballantine and NetGalley for then opportunity to read this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
3/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Grief
Contemporary Romance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
Neelu viaja a Escocia para asistir a la boda de su padre, un compromiso familiar que despierta viejas heridas y emociones que preferiría seguir ignorando. Acostumbrada a una vida nómada y caótica, Neelu no planea quedarse más tiempo del necesario ni involucrarse con nadie durante su estancia.
Esa determinación se tambalea cuando conoce a Jacob, un hombre tranquilo, metódico y profundamente arraigado a su ciudad, cuya rutina choca con la impulsividad de ella. Lo que inicia como una conexión inesperada se convierte en días compartidos, conversaciones honestas y una atracción que ninguno estaba buscando.
Con la boda acercándose y sus realidades opuestas cada vez más claras, deberán decidir si su vínculo es solo un recuerdo destinado a quedarse en Escocia o si vale la pena arriesgar la comodidad, el miedo y la distancia por algo que podría cambiarles la vida.
__
Me gusto la parte del romance, fue tierno. Lo que no me gusto fue la parte de Neelu y su padre, para mi los padres abandonadores no merecen perdón solo por estar viejos y enfermos. Esperaba que el señor de verdad demostrara que quería construir una relación con Neelu, cosa que no hizo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Neelu viaja a Escocia para asistir a la boda de su padre, un compromiso familiar que despierta viejas heridas y emociones que preferiría seguir ignorando. Acostumbrada a una vida nómada y caótica, Neelu no planea quedarse más tiempo del necesario ni involucrarse con nadie durante su estancia.
Esa determinación se tambalea cuando conoce a Jacob, un hombre tranquilo, metódico y profundamente arraigado a su ciudad, cuya rutina choca con la impulsividad de ella. Lo que inicia como una conexión inesperada se convierte en días compartidos, conversaciones honestas y una atracción que ninguno estaba buscando.
Con la boda acercándose y sus realidades opuestas cada vez más claras, deberán decidir si su vínculo es solo un recuerdo destinado a quedarse en Escocia o si vale la pena arriesgar la comodidad, el miedo y la distancia por algo que podría cambiarles la vida.
__
Me gusto la parte del romance, fue tierno. Lo que no me gusto fue la parte de Neelu y su padre, para mi los padres abandonadores no merecen perdón solo por estar viejos y enfermos. Esperaba que el señor de verdad demostrara que quería construir una relación con Neelu, cosa que no hizo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Big thanks to Dell Romance for the ARC of this one! Wow, I am officially a Naina Kumar super fan and will read every thing she writes. All 3 of her books have been 5 stars beyond for me and this one was great! The title of this one definitely lends itself to making you think this will be a lighter romance, but it actually has an incredible amount of depth. The story tackles very difficult topics including grief and parental estrangement in a very delicate way . The characters were real and raw and easy to root for and the love story was just may favorite.
The book follows Neelu as she travels to Scotland to be there for her estranged father's wedding. Before she attends any wedding festivities she meets a handsome stranger and has a one night stand. Their connection is instantaneous, but they agree to keep it to the one night since she lives in another country. When she shows up at the rehearsal dinner, it turns out that her one night stand, who she finds out is named Jacob, knows her dad and future step mom. Things get even more complicated when the bride runs away and they end up on a cross country road trip with her dad to track the bride down. The tension is fantastic their connection is palpable. I was rooting for them so hard and I loved their love story. The setting in Scotland was also a fun addition! I will definitely be recommending this one!
The book follows Neelu as she travels to Scotland to be there for her estranged father's wedding. Before she attends any wedding festivities she meets a handsome stranger and has a one night stand. Their connection is instantaneous, but they agree to keep it to the one night since she lives in another country. When she shows up at the rehearsal dinner, it turns out that her one night stand, who she finds out is named Jacob, knows her dad and future step mom. Things get even more complicated when the bride runs away and they end up on a cross country road trip with her dad to track the bride down. The tension is fantastic their connection is palpable. I was rooting for them so hard and I loved their love story. The setting in Scotland was also a fun addition! I will definitely be recommending this one!
December 19, 2025
Everything about this story was sheer perfection! The grief, the resentment, the longing, the family dynamics. I loved the newness and rawness of Neelu’s and Jacob’s relationship set against the backdrop of Ajit’s and Maggie’s quieter and steadfast love. I loved the unflinching exploration of Neelu’s relationship with Ajit and her feelings of abandonment. I loved how tender all the characters were with one another, their realness and depth. I loved the steamy scenes mixed with the heartrending and emotional ones.
I have loved all of Kumar’s romances, but Just a Highland Fling is my new favorite. The beautiful setting, the phenomenal banter, and the tension — I felt everything this story had to offer.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dell Romance, Ballantine Books, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved all of Kumar’s romances, but Just a Highland Fling is my new favorite. The beautiful setting, the phenomenal banter, and the tension — I felt everything this story had to offer.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dell Romance, Ballantine Books, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Just a Highlander Fling by Naina Kumar was such a sweet, fun read and felt really different from the usual romance setup. The messy road trip through the Scottish Highlands—thanks to Neelu accidentally blowing up her estranged dad’s wedding—was the perfect forced-proximity situation and kept things entertaining and heartfelt. I loved the MMC, especially that he’s bookish and a little quieter than the typical romance hero, which made him stand out in the best way. The chemistry between him and Neelu was obvious, the banter was great, and watching their relationship slowly deepen felt natural and satisfying. Overall, it was warm, charming, and swoony, and an easy 4.5-star read I’ll definitely be recommending when it comes out in July 2026.
Just a Highlander Fling by Naina Kumar was such a sweet, fun read and felt really different from the usual romance setup. The messy road trip through the Scottish Highlands—thanks to Neelu accidentally blowing up her estranged dad’s wedding—was the perfect forced-proximity situation and kept things entertaining and heartfelt. I loved the MMC, especially that he’s bookish and a little quieter than the typical romance hero, which made him stand out in the best way. The chemistry between him and Neelu was obvious, the banter was great, and watching their relationship slowly deepen felt natural and satisfying. Overall, it was warm, charming, and swoony, and an easy 4.5-star read I’ll definitely be recommending when it comes out in July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Dell Romance for providing access to an early copy!
Just Highland Fling is my favorite among all the books I've read by Naina Kumar. The story begins with Neelu, who is in Scotland for her dad's wedding, when the bride runs away. I really enjoyed the storytelling in this book and appreciated how it explores the estranged relationship between Neelu and her dad. Jacob is such a sweet hero. I love how observant, communicative, and devoted he is to his loved ones. I loved how his relationship with Neelu developed, and I liked that his misunderstanding of her didn't last long. He never dismisses her feelings about her dad, which I found refreshing.
I was smiling throughout the book, but I also felt a pang of sadness when I read about how the distance has strained Neelu's relationships with her friends and father. I could relate to some of her feelings, and I was happy to see how brave she became by the end of the story. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy wedding mishaps and a quietly intense romance.
Just Highland Fling is my favorite among all the books I've read by Naina Kumar. The story begins with Neelu, who is in Scotland for her dad's wedding, when the bride runs away. I really enjoyed the storytelling in this book and appreciated how it explores the estranged relationship between Neelu and her dad. Jacob is such a sweet hero. I love how observant, communicative, and devoted he is to his loved ones. I loved how his relationship with Neelu developed, and I liked that his misunderstanding of her didn't last long. He never dismisses her feelings about her dad, which I found refreshing.
I was smiling throughout the book, but I also felt a pang of sadness when I read about how the distance has strained Neelu's relationships with her friends and father. I could relate to some of her feelings, and I was happy to see how brave she became by the end of the story. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy wedding mishaps and a quietly intense romance.
December 20, 2025
Naina Kumar has done it again! Just after I thought that it wasn’t possible after Say You’ll Be Mine and Flirting With Disaster, she’s completely hit it out of the park. Just A Highland Fling is FILLED with so many tropes, twists, and treats that it’s impossible not to be obsessed. Jacob is the ideal, yearning hero and Neelu is our obstinate, success-oriented gal with insurmountable walls. The Scottish highlands create the most poetic (wink) backdrop. I can’t wait for the world to read this so that the obsession spreads! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC (which I started reading IMMEDIATELY upon approval).
December 15, 2025
I loved this one!! Neelu and Jacob made such an amazing and real couple. Both of them were so easy to love and root for. Their chemistry and tension could be felt through the page and really helped to characterize their relationship. I loved the setting of the book and how it wasn’t really one that I’ve read much about before! This book was funny, romantic, and overall a wonderful read!!
Thank you Dell Romance and NetGalley for the advanced copy!! All opinions are my own.
Thank you Dell Romance and NetGalley for the advanced copy!! All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2025
I received an ARC for Just a Highland Fling from NetGalley. I was so excited when I saw that Kumar wrote another book. Her books are always five star reads for me — full of good romance but also substance. She makes you feel like you actually know the characters, which is a rare trait in an author. I’m also always a fan of when characters subtly mention how much therapy has benefited their life. Such a good, easy read. Five stars. Put on your must read for 2026! Thank you for the ARC!
December 14, 2025
Really enjoyable. The characters were likable and believable, and their backstories and trauma was handled well. Jacob was a delight and a man in a kilt is always good. No real third act breakup, only one bed, and lots of chemistry. Highly recommended. Thanks to Ballantine for the arc.
Trigger warning for parent and friend death (off page)
Trigger warning for parent and friend death (off page)
December 19, 2025
4.25 ⭐️ rounded up!!
Thank you to Dell romance for the eARC on NetGalley!
This was the sweetest love story!! I adored Neelu and Jacob so so much! I really appreciate when authors have soft men in their stories. They’re so underrepresented in romance books imo. There’s only qualm I have with this book is that the tv shows in it aren’t real 🤣
Thank you to Dell romance for the eARC on NetGalley!
This was the sweetest love story!! I adored Neelu and Jacob so so much! I really appreciate when authors have soft men in their stories. They’re so underrepresented in romance books imo. There’s only qualm I have with this book is that the tv shows in it aren’t real 🤣
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
This book was SO good and I'm so glad I picked it up. As a romance lover, I loved every part of this book (the roadtrip was 10/10) and though there were sad/painful scenes, it was so well done I read it in almost one sitting. I will definitely be picking up more books from the author.
This book was SO good and I'm so glad I picked it up. As a romance lover, I loved every part of this book (the roadtrip was 10/10) and though there were sad/painful scenes, it was so well done I read it in almost one sitting. I will definitely be picking up more books from the author.
October 16, 2025
my favorite of nainas books which is saying a lot!! both characters are so well developed and i found myself rooting for both of them as a couple and as individuals which is rare in a lot of books. can’t wait to re read this when it’s officially published!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a tender love story and perfect Scottish wish-fulfillment. I couldn’t put it down and miss it already. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Pending
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews