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Highland #1
Highland Fling
A boy, a girl, a dating guru - what can possibly go wrong?!
The perfect book for fans of Jill Mansell, Sophie Kinsella and Kirsty Greenwood.
Gaby's recently split from her boyfriend of ten years and needs to escape fast. Where better than the Highlands of Scotland where she can lick her wounds and recover in peace and quiet?
Fate has different ideas in mind. First, there's the rough and ready Jack McAllan who bears more than a passing resemblance to the fabled Jamie Fraser of Outlander fame. He's an important part of the local community, even if he's failed to impress Gaby so far. Who knew a guy could be so rude and taciturn?
Then, there's the mystery of the woman whose home she now inhabits. Kirsty's left too many tantalising clues for Gaby to resist. Why did Kirsty run, and does it have anything to do with the red-haired Scot who keeps turning up in Gaby's daydreams much as she tries to resist…
Featuring kilts, mist-cloaked hills, lochs where the water runs deep and a little too much whisky, Highland Fling is a sweet, fun-filled romp through Scottish village life, finding love, making a fool of yourself and discovering that an overactive imagination leads you into all kinds of trouble…
The perfect book for fans of Jill Mansell, Sophie Kinsella and Kirsty Greenwood.
Gaby's recently split from her boyfriend of ten years and needs to escape fast. Where better than the Highlands of Scotland where she can lick her wounds and recover in peace and quiet?
Fate has different ideas in mind. First, there's the rough and ready Jack McAllan who bears more than a passing resemblance to the fabled Jamie Fraser of Outlander fame. He's an important part of the local community, even if he's failed to impress Gaby so far. Who knew a guy could be so rude and taciturn?
Then, there's the mystery of the woman whose home she now inhabits. Kirsty's left too many tantalising clues for Gaby to resist. Why did Kirsty run, and does it have anything to do with the red-haired Scot who keeps turning up in Gaby's daydreams much as she tries to resist…
Featuring kilts, mist-cloaked hills, lochs where the water runs deep and a little too much whisky, Highland Fling is a sweet, fun-filled romp through Scottish village life, finding love, making a fool of yourself and discovering that an overactive imagination leads you into all kinds of trouble…
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2019
279 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Emma Baird
31 books7 followersEmma Baird is copywriter by day and a fiction scribbler by night. She focuses on the broad category of women's fiction - from young adult to fantasy, romantic comedy and the odd vampire or two.
Her writing dream is that her books earn her enough money to be able to do the weekly food shop at Marks and Spencer's and Waitrose, instead of Aldi.
Emma lives near the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond with a patient husband and a very demanding cat.
Her writing dream is that her books earn her enough money to be able to do the weekly food shop at Marks and Spencer's and Waitrose, instead of Aldi.
Emma lives near the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond with a patient husband and a very demanding cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 9, 2021
Thankyou to Emma Baird and Voracious Readers for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book, and read it in two evenings. As an Outlander fan, I really enjoyed the reference to the books and TV series, especially those relating to Jamie Fraser.
It's a really easy and pleasurable read. Gabbie, the main character is really likeable and I found her easy to relate to, and I loved meeting all the residents of
Lochalshie.
I believe this is the first in a series, so I will definitely be picking up the other books to see what else the characters get up to.
I absolutely loved this book, and read it in two evenings. As an Outlander fan, I really enjoyed the reference to the books and TV series, especially those relating to Jamie Fraser.
It's a really easy and pleasurable read. Gabbie, the main character is really likeable and I found her easy to relate to, and I loved meeting all the residents of
Lochalshie.
I believe this is the first in a series, so I will definitely be picking up the other books to see what else the characters get up to.
April 4, 2024
A light-hearted romance set in Scotland with a grumpy main male character lead and a quirky female main character lead
its-a-no-for-me-dawg
January 13, 2026Not interested - 🧼
June 14, 2019
I devoured this book!
It's a great mix of funny moments and that 'does he like me' awkwardness. This book is full of witty dialogue, quirky characters you just know you'd recognise if you met them, and scenery that comes to life, making you want to hop in your car and go there. Oh and it helps if, like Gaby, you're a wee bit in love with a certain fictional hero known for wearing a kilt and not much more. Loved this book!
It's a great mix of funny moments and that 'does he like me' awkwardness. This book is full of witty dialogue, quirky characters you just know you'd recognise if you met them, and scenery that comes to life, making you want to hop in your car and go there. Oh and it helps if, like Gaby, you're a wee bit in love with a certain fictional hero known for wearing a kilt and not much more. Loved this book!
March 19, 2021
Okay, so full disclosure – I’m already a fan of Outlander, so having a brooding, sexy, kilt-wearing Scot as a leading man is big check for me. Other than that, I thought this book was hella adorable.
I quite liked Gaby. Her honest, genuine character brought a smile to my face more than once, and her complete and utter awkwardness around Jack consistently made me giggle. I have to admit that there were moments I found her a bit too clumsy, but the quirky, lovable members of Lochalshie more than made up for it. There was just enough drama to keep things interesting, but not complicated, and I love the small town feel of it all. Cute, funny, and an absolute feel-good read, Highland Fling took me back to the beauty of Scotland, and all of its’ possibilities.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Emma Baird for my copy! I will be looking forward to more from this series to see what other shenanigans this little town gets into!
I quite liked Gaby. Her honest, genuine character brought a smile to my face more than once, and her complete and utter awkwardness around Jack consistently made me giggle. I have to admit that there were moments I found her a bit too clumsy, but the quirky, lovable members of Lochalshie more than made up for it. There was just enough drama to keep things interesting, but not complicated, and I love the small town feel of it all. Cute, funny, and an absolute feel-good read, Highland Fling took me back to the beauty of Scotland, and all of its’ possibilities.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Emma Baird for my copy! I will be looking forward to more from this series to see what other shenanigans this little town gets into!
March 22, 2024
A good read.
The title drew me in and the cover convinced me to read it and I really enjoyed it. It's funny with a bit of romance all tied up while living in Scotland. Gaby the main character was a lovely genuine girl who managed to get herself out of a tricky situation and then landed herself into another. It all works out in the end and the story is a good read.
The title drew me in and the cover convinced me to read it and I really enjoyed it. It's funny with a bit of romance all tied up while living in Scotland. Gaby the main character was a lovely genuine girl who managed to get herself out of a tricky situation and then landed herself into another. It all works out in the end and the story is a good read.
February 28, 2022
Highland Fling starts out with Gaby and Katya discussing Gaby’s breakup from her 10 year long relationship. She was engaged for a whole week and then things went really wrong at the engagement party. She now needs a place to live and decides to become a cat sitter and live in a random strangers home. Plus she is a graphic designer so she needs WiFi to do her job and can only get a good signal at Jacks house.
Jack looks like a character from Outlander so this story had a ton of references and locations where they shot the series/books. He used to date Kristy who is the woman that Gaby is cat sitting for. She wants to win him back and enlists Gaby’s help in doing so.
Unfortunately Gaby is also developing feelings for Jack even though he seems to be holding back and giving her mixed signals.
Eventually this story turns into a love triangle when Ryan randomly shows back up and tries to get back with Gaby. So many things happen in this story and more surprises show up towards the end.
I’m a little annoyed that this was a super slow burn romance and nothing happens until the last chapter! Then the next book is about another couple so you really don’t get closer with Jack and Gaby until the 3rd book!
Jack looks like a character from Outlander so this story had a ton of references and locations where they shot the series/books. He used to date Kristy who is the woman that Gaby is cat sitting for. She wants to win him back and enlists Gaby’s help in doing so.
Unfortunately Gaby is also developing feelings for Jack even though he seems to be holding back and giving her mixed signals.
Eventually this story turns into a love triangle when Ryan randomly shows back up and tries to get back with Gaby. So many things happen in this story and more surprises show up towards the end.
I’m a little annoyed that this was a super slow burn romance and nothing happens until the last chapter! Then the next book is about another couple so you really don’t get closer with Jack and Gaby until the 3rd book!
August 19, 2021
Gaby has just said goodbye to a ten-year relationship and needs a new place to stay - fast. She accepts a cat-sitting position in a remote town in the Scottish Highlands, immediately getting on the wrong foot with local Jack McAllan (who looks uncannily like a certain Outlander actor). Staying in the house of a dating guru might be a mistake...especially when Gaby can't keep away from said guru's ex.
This was a delightful, breezy romcom that transported me right to the place where I currently wish I was right now. And it was the kind of popcorn entertainment that I desperately needed. I am such a sucker for romances with misunderstandings, cats and Scotsmen. Okay, mostly Scotsmen...ahem. Gaby was fun. The town was instantly familiar and its people were a scream! I'm definitely going to check out the rest of the series on my Kobo (it's easier to read on that than on Wattpad, frankly).
This was a delightful, breezy romcom that transported me right to the place where I currently wish I was right now. And it was the kind of popcorn entertainment that I desperately needed. I am such a sucker for romances with misunderstandings, cats and Scotsmen. Okay, mostly Scotsmen...ahem. Gaby was fun. The town was instantly familiar and its people were a scream! I'm definitely going to check out the rest of the series on my Kobo (it's easier to read on that than on Wattpad, frankly).
August 7, 2021
Highland Fling was a fun romance that wraps up neatly. No major complications, sweet and fluffy, everyone has their happy ending, except for the characters that did not deserve one.
The majority of the book, the main character, Gaby, spends her time pining after a Jamie Fraser lookalike named Jack. I did not quite understand why Gaby likes him other than the fact that he has his moments of niceness and that he is a Jamie Fraser lookalike (which is emphasized many times in the book). I suppose he is better than her ex, Ryan, but anyone with a pulse would be.
This small town Scottish romance is great if you do not put too much thought into it and suspend your disbelief a little. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
The majority of the book, the main character, Gaby, spends her time pining after a Jamie Fraser lookalike named Jack. I did not quite understand why Gaby likes him other than the fact that he has his moments of niceness and that he is a Jamie Fraser lookalike (which is emphasized many times in the book). I suppose he is better than her ex, Ryan, but anyone with a pulse would be.
This small town Scottish romance is great if you do not put too much thought into it and suspend your disbelief a little. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
February 27, 2025
An enjoyable , Funny, Romance story
This is a clean book Where you're going to laugh and enjoy reading the story throughout. The characters are funny and you can actually picture them as you read through the book. The author author has a way to make. The author author has a way to . The author has a way to make them come. The author author has a way to make them come alive. The author author has a way to make them come alive.. The author has a way to make them come alive. It's a typically romance It's a typically romance book romance faults in love , but the difference in this 1 is when you start reading it you don't wanna finish it And when the last word is typed and the end comes up You want more And there are more stories in this series.
This is a clean book Where you're going to laugh and enjoy reading the story throughout. The characters are funny and you can actually picture them as you read through the book. The author author has a way to make. The author author has a way to . The author has a way to make them come. The author author has a way to make them come alive. The author author has a way to make them come alive.. The author has a way to make them come alive. It's a typically romance It's a typically romance book romance faults in love , but the difference in this 1 is when you start reading it you don't wanna finish it And when the last word is typed and the end comes up You want more And there are more stories in this series.
February 25, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book - it offers a great deal of escapism. Lots of laughs along the way, and a drop dead gorgeous male in the lead!
I have been to Scotland many times and the descriptions of the village and villagers was spot on.
I enjoyed the characters and would love to learn more about them to see where their future leads.
This is a new author for me but I settled easily into her style of writing and found the tale quite compulsive once I started.
I shall be sad not to have them in my life for the next few days.
A lovely modern romance with no swearing or sex, beautiful countryside and eccentric characters.
I got this book from voracious readers only.
I have been to Scotland many times and the descriptions of the village and villagers was spot on.
I enjoyed the characters and would love to learn more about them to see where their future leads.
This is a new author for me but I settled easily into her style of writing and found the tale quite compulsive once I started.
I shall be sad not to have them in my life for the next few days.
A lovely modern romance with no swearing or sex, beautiful countryside and eccentric characters.
I got this book from voracious readers only.
June 17, 2021
3.5 🌟rounded up
A light hearted humorous read with laugh-out-loud moments. Gaby, after breaking up with her long term bf decides to take on a cat sitting job in Scotland, not least to give her somewhere to live. In the small village she meets a unique cast of characters and soon finds herself making friends whilst swooning over Jack, a Jamie Fraser lookalike.
The book is told from Gaby’s POV with some inner musings she credits to Mena the cat or Katya her best friend.
For people who want a fun read with interesting characters and just a touch of romance.
I received a free copy for an honest review
A light hearted humorous read with laugh-out-loud moments. Gaby, after breaking up with her long term bf decides to take on a cat sitting job in Scotland, not least to give her somewhere to live. In the small village she meets a unique cast of characters and soon finds herself making friends whilst swooning over Jack, a Jamie Fraser lookalike.
The book is told from Gaby’s POV with some inner musings she credits to Mena the cat or Katya her best friend.
For people who want a fun read with interesting characters and just a touch of romance.
I received a free copy for an honest review
June 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It had more about Gaby and her interactions with the villagers than a romance. There wasn’t much interaction between her and Jack. They barely spoke and when they did it was pretty much just grunts of acknowledgment from Jack when she asked a question. Not much of conversation between them at all in any scene together. They didn’t even admit to liking each other until the very end. If I had to change anything it would be to add more scenes of Gaby and Jack getting to know each other. I enjoyed the story though. Lots of interesting side characters that made the story fun to read. Great world building!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
1.5 ⭐️
Read For:
✓ House Cat
✓ Scotland Setting
✓ Getting Over a Breakup
✓ Hallmark Movie Vibe (PG-13)
˗ˏˋ ★ REVIEW ★ ˎˊ˗
While I kinda got into this at the start, traveling away after a breakup to go cat sit only to realize all too late you’re allergic to cats… it was pretty funny and I liked the main character but about chapter four-ish it got a bit too Hallmark movie for me. Small town where everyone knows each other with a woman who is living out her life as if it were a television show.
I just couldn’t get into it much, the characters kinda got on my nerves and I just didn’t really care for most of them.
Spice Level:n/a
Angst Level:n/a
POV: First Person
Release Date: 04, June 2019
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Minor:Toxic relationship, Grief, and Toxic friendship
February 20, 2025
As yarns of ‘post-nasty-breakup’ tweens that’ve scampered off to fog-shrouded vales for a change of ‘scenery’ and stumbled into a messy, degenerating love-triangle with a movie star lookalike go, this one is a fun read.
Especially enjoyed the inclusion of ‘Scottish brogue alliterated’ when the ‘lochly’ locals join the conversation.
It’s a treat, set in picturesque surroundings and brim-full with entertaining characters (some are four-legged, with lavish tastes, even).
Especially enjoyed the inclusion of ‘Scottish brogue alliterated’ when the ‘lochly’ locals join the conversation.
It’s a treat, set in picturesque surroundings and brim-full with entertaining characters (some are four-legged, with lavish tastes, even).
May 4, 2021
Thank you voracious readers, book received for honest review. New author for me. Dealt with moving on after splitting from long time boyfriend. Some very humorous elements in the book that make you laugh out loud. Great setting with things just happening in small village set up. Things come right in the end for the main characters.
June 13, 2021
Thank you to Emma Baird and Voracious Readers for my free copy of this book. I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
The characters are really likeable and relatable. I loved the setting too! This book has also made me start rewatching Outlander, which is wonderful too! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
The characters are really likeable and relatable. I loved the setting too! This book has also made me start rewatching Outlander, which is wonderful too! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
July 9, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers.
Loved this book, we’ve all had a crush on a fictional character, just like Gaby, unfortunately most of us don’t get to meet their doppelgänger. A will they, won’t they novel with lots of comical moments.
If you like Sophie Kinsella, Chris Manby and Ali McNamara, you’ll like Emma’s writing style.
Loved this book, we’ve all had a crush on a fictional character, just like Gaby, unfortunately most of us don’t get to meet their doppelgänger. A will they, won’t they novel with lots of comical moments.
If you like Sophie Kinsella, Chris Manby and Ali McNamara, you’ll like Emma’s writing style.
October 27, 2022
Cute
Cute story but a lot was lost on me. I don't care for social media and influences so my eyes tended to gloss over and skim a lot. The characters were flat to me. Not a lot of depth. But if you want an easy carefree read this is a book you'd probably enjoy. Just not my cup of tea.
Cute story but a lot was lost on me. I don't care for social media and influences so my eyes tended to gloss over and skim a lot. The characters were flat to me. Not a lot of depth. But if you want an easy carefree read this is a book you'd probably enjoy. Just not my cup of tea.
May 1, 2024
good story - needs better editing
Cute story, a little bit obvious that everyone but her sees “it.” It’s run to the ground a little toward the end, but overall a good, quick read. But I hope she gets the cat, too.
Also - good grief- find an editor that knows where commas do and don’t go! Also that can find grammatical mistakes.
Cute story, a little bit obvious that everyone but her sees “it.” It’s run to the ground a little toward the end, but overall a good, quick read. But I hope she gets the cat, too.
Also - good grief- find an editor that knows where commas do and don’t go! Also that can find grammatical mistakes.
May 7, 2024
Jamie's Lookalike
This story is about Gabby and her decision to cat sit in Scotland, after a breakup. There she meets a whole new class of people. From Jack a lookalike for Jamie Fraser, who is going through a break up also, to Dexter who looks like Frank/Blackjack Randal, a boss of the company she works for. Oh, she kinda favors Claire. So read and enjoy.
This story is about Gabby and her decision to cat sit in Scotland, after a breakup. There she meets a whole new class of people. From Jack a lookalike for Jamie Fraser, who is going through a break up also, to Dexter who looks like Frank/Blackjack Randal, a boss of the company she works for. Oh, she kinda favors Claire. So read and enjoy.
June 14, 2024
The premise of this book sounded really cute, but I found the characters shallow, flat, and very superficial, the dialogue was also very shallow and lacked any sort of depth, and my god, the spelling errors. The editor should be fired - the amount of misplaced words, misspelled words, and commas in the wrong places was extremely irritating.
May 31, 2025
Second Chances!!
Gabby broke up with Ryan during their engagement party because she found out he had cheated on her.
Jack just broke up with Kristy because he didn't want photos and his life story post on Kristy blog
Kristy needs to find someone to cat sit for Mena and Gabby is the one who answered the post for the position.
What happens when Gabby and Jack meet?
Gabby broke up with Ryan during their engagement party because she found out he had cheated on her.
Jack just broke up with Kristy because he didn't want photos and his life story post on Kristy blog
Kristy needs to find someone to cat sit for Mena and Gabby is the one who answered the post for the position.
What happens when Gabby and Jack meet?
July 29, 2019
Fun book to read
I enjoyed this book from a new author . It was a light read with a little romance, no sex scenes and no cursing. The characters were well written and the setting descriptions made me want to visit this quirky little village in Scotland.
I enjoyed this book from a new author . It was a light read with a little romance, no sex scenes and no cursing. The characters were well written and the setting descriptions made me want to visit this quirky little village in Scotland.
June 25, 2020
Fantastic Feel-Good Romance that made me laugh so hard I had to stop myself from Peeing! If ever there was a Highlander Romance were you could imagine yourself kissing a Jamie-like Leading Male...this is the one! Wink Wink!!!
Read
December 1, 2020I loved this book! Being a HUGE fan of Outlander, And been lucky enough to go to Scotland on holidays, the romance, the guy who looks like Jamie Fraser! The main character, I found relatable.I just loved the book - and will be reading the series.
March 11, 2021
Copy received from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
Well written, clean (no sexy stuff!) story of moving on in life and love. Loved the setting and the references to my favourite novel series.
Well written, clean (no sexy stuff!) story of moving on in life and love. Loved the setting and the references to my favourite novel series.
June 16, 2021
Having received my copy through voracious readers I wasn't sure wat to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised. A fun journey to the Highlands of Scotland with a some romance thrown in. Perfect Sunday read!
February 28, 2022
Uh! Ah! Ooh!
I had left the book after chapter 3 but somehow came back to plod on. Thank god I did. Hilarious is a mild adjective for this cast of characters with a generous helping of Scottish charm. Gaby has rocketed up to be one of my favourite MCs.
I had left the book after chapter 3 but somehow came back to plod on. Thank god I did. Hilarious is a mild adjective for this cast of characters with a generous helping of Scottish charm. Gaby has rocketed up to be one of my favourite MCs.
March 23, 2024
Highland Fling
A laugh out loud, slow burn romantic comedy. I loved reading Gaby's hilarious rambling thoughts. It has very witty dialogue with fantastic characters, making you wish you could visit.
A laugh out loud, slow burn romantic comedy. I loved reading Gaby's hilarious rambling thoughts. It has very witty dialogue with fantastic characters, making you wish you could visit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews