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Love in the Highlands: A Heartwarming Story of Love and Trust
She’s hiding out in the Scottish countryside and in need of a bodyguard. He’s an ex-detective with a troubled past. Are they too different to fall in love?
Rachel French has never considered herself famous, despite the fact that she’s a best-selling author. But when one of her books is turned into a hit T.V. show, she is thrust into the spotlight and ends up very much in the public eye. Just a few weeks later, she begins to receive worrying letters from an anonymous admirer.
At a remote cottage in the Scottish Highlands, Rachel’s father sends a private bodyguard to watch over her – the enigmatic ex-detective Max Bernstein. At first, Max is all business. He is distant, aloof, and not a fan of writers like Rachel. Max’s dog Brandi, however, falls for Rachel immediately.
As the weeks roll on, and Max and Rachel begin to explore the stunning Scottish countryside surrounding their cottage, Rachel starts to fall for Max. But does he feel the same?
Will Rachel soften Max’s tough exterior and find a way into his heart? Or will he play by the rules and refuse to let her get close to him?
If you love wholesome, atmospheric romance novels with a hint of adventure and an ending that will give you all the feels, you’ll adore Poppy Pennington-Smith’s ‘Love in The Highlands’.
'Love in The Highlands' is a sweet, standalone romance novel with no cliff hangers and a HEA. It is the fourth in the 'True Love Travels' series by Poppy Pennington-Smith but the books can be read in any order.
Rachel French has never considered herself famous, despite the fact that she’s a best-selling author. But when one of her books is turned into a hit T.V. show, she is thrust into the spotlight and ends up very much in the public eye. Just a few weeks later, she begins to receive worrying letters from an anonymous admirer.
At a remote cottage in the Scottish Highlands, Rachel’s father sends a private bodyguard to watch over her – the enigmatic ex-detective Max Bernstein. At first, Max is all business. He is distant, aloof, and not a fan of writers like Rachel. Max’s dog Brandi, however, falls for Rachel immediately.
As the weeks roll on, and Max and Rachel begin to explore the stunning Scottish countryside surrounding their cottage, Rachel starts to fall for Max. But does he feel the same?
Will Rachel soften Max’s tough exterior and find a way into his heart? Or will he play by the rules and refuse to let her get close to him?
If you love wholesome, atmospheric romance novels with a hint of adventure and an ending that will give you all the feels, you’ll adore Poppy Pennington-Smith’s ‘Love in The Highlands’.
'Love in The Highlands' is a sweet, standalone romance novel with no cliff hangers and a HEA. It is the fourth in the 'True Love Travels' series by Poppy Pennington-Smith but the books can be read in any order.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2020
104 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 16, 2022
BRILLIANT!! A well done CLEAN romance novel that is about LOVE and not lust. This story is beautiful.
The female protagonist, Rachel, writes crime fiction and has many fans. When one of her books is picked up for a TV show, along with publicity, she picks up a stalker.
Her family is wealthy. They contract with a private security firm for a bodyguard and a remote place to stay, one open enough to see danger more readily should it come their way. Max, a retired detective, is asked by his friend Tyler to take the job, which pays very well and will solve an indebtedness nicely (you do find out why he fell into debt at the end of the book). Max has always hated that rich people can buy so much protection while the rest of society has to deal with overstretched police resources, but he needs the money. He has a retired police dog named Brandi with him as a condition of taking the job. He isn't happy about "babysitting" a woman, but realizes she needs protection from the stalker.
The cottage in the remote Scottish highlands has no wifi, so Rachel does her research on her phone...until it breaks - just quits working. Since she is meticulous in her research so that the sories she writes ring true, she has to find a solution.
Rachel is also a very good cook. Max tries to remain very professional in the situation, aloof, and unapproachable. Rachel is determined to get him to share meals and perhaps some conversation with her. Rachel also has a bad back that is only kept at bay by long walks, and of course Max must go with her, and Brandi is happy to go along.
Neither knows how long it will be before Tyler's security forces find the stalker. Both Rachel and Max are looking at an indefinite stay in the quaint cottage near a loch, a castle ruin, and a beautiful view of the sea.
And so the story goes on from this setting. The character development is very well done indeed, and just the right amount of suspense is infused into the story. It's well balanced and a very enjoyable read. I am planning on reading anything else this author writes that I can get my hands on.
Thanks, Ms. Pennington-Smith, for writing a romance novel that doesn't include a pages-long summary of the Kama Sutra, but instead focuses on love.
The female protagonist, Rachel, writes crime fiction and has many fans. When one of her books is picked up for a TV show, along with publicity, she picks up a stalker.
Her family is wealthy. They contract with a private security firm for a bodyguard and a remote place to stay, one open enough to see danger more readily should it come their way. Max, a retired detective, is asked by his friend Tyler to take the job, which pays very well and will solve an indebtedness nicely (you do find out why he fell into debt at the end of the book). Max has always hated that rich people can buy so much protection while the rest of society has to deal with overstretched police resources, but he needs the money. He has a retired police dog named Brandi with him as a condition of taking the job. He isn't happy about "babysitting" a woman, but realizes she needs protection from the stalker.
The cottage in the remote Scottish highlands has no wifi, so Rachel does her research on her phone...until it breaks - just quits working. Since she is meticulous in her research so that the sories she writes ring true, she has to find a solution.
Rachel is also a very good cook. Max tries to remain very professional in the situation, aloof, and unapproachable. Rachel is determined to get him to share meals and perhaps some conversation with her. Rachel also has a bad back that is only kept at bay by long walks, and of course Max must go with her, and Brandi is happy to go along.
Neither knows how long it will be before Tyler's security forces find the stalker. Both Rachel and Max are looking at an indefinite stay in the quaint cottage near a loch, a castle ruin, and a beautiful view of the sea.
And so the story goes on from this setting. The character development is very well done indeed, and just the right amount of suspense is infused into the story. It's well balanced and a very enjoyable read. I am planning on reading anything else this author writes that I can get my hands on.
Thanks, Ms. Pennington-Smith, for writing a romance novel that doesn't include a pages-long summary of the Kama Sutra, but instead focuses on love.
July 4, 2020
ONE OUTSTANDING ADVENTURE!!!
Fantastic! Poppy hits us with this incredibly composed delight, complete with damsel in distress, hot protector to the rescue and one furry unforgettable friend, split-level drama brings it all into focus, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Coiled, knotted and tightly woven, showcasing the pulse racing ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and awe-inspiring in it's depth, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and manipulated, kicking this baby into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with unpredictable results, putting our characters through their paces. Dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing thrilling emotions, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that add diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that feels like you've been transported to ground zero with them. Amazing job Poppy, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
Fantastic! Poppy hits us with this incredibly composed delight, complete with damsel in distress, hot protector to the rescue and one furry unforgettable friend, split-level drama brings it all into focus, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Coiled, knotted and tightly woven, showcasing the pulse racing ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and awe-inspiring in it's depth, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and manipulated, kicking this baby into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with unpredictable results, putting our characters through their paces. Dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing thrilling emotions, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that add diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that feels like you've been transported to ground zero with them. Amazing job Poppy, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
July 8, 2020
Let me start by saying I am a sucker for a bodyguard/damsel in distress romance. Poppy had me at hello from the moment I read the blurb for this book and she didn’t disappoint. The best part of this book was
that barely any of it was focused on the reason Rachel, our not so very distressed damsel, needed a bodyguard in the first place. The story was about Max and Rachel, awkwardly getting to know each other, Max being fascinated with Rachel’s writing process as an author and of course, Brandi, a retired police dog.
It was like turning the bodyguard trope inside out like a dirty t-shirt going into the laundry basket. The reader knows why Max and Rachel are together in a small cottage in the middle of nowhere, but the focus is on the very slow-burn romance brewing in the cottage. Rachel and Max are opposites. Rachel is the sunshine Max doesn’t remember ever having. Stoic Max is the strong, silent type Rachel never thought she’d go for. Both of them are vulnerable for different reasons. I was especially taken by Max’s tentative steps towards allowing himself to feel something for Rachel. Yes, there is drama at the end, but not what you’d expect.
I’ve loved the entire True Love Travels series. This installment was my favorite. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
that barely any of it was focused on the reason Rachel, our not so very distressed damsel, needed a bodyguard in the first place. The story was about Max and Rachel, awkwardly getting to know each other, Max being fascinated with Rachel’s writing process as an author and of course, Brandi, a retired police dog.
It was like turning the bodyguard trope inside out like a dirty t-shirt going into the laundry basket. The reader knows why Max and Rachel are together in a small cottage in the middle of nowhere, but the focus is on the very slow-burn romance brewing in the cottage. Rachel and Max are opposites. Rachel is the sunshine Max doesn’t remember ever having. Stoic Max is the strong, silent type Rachel never thought she’d go for. Both of them are vulnerable for different reasons. I was especially taken by Max’s tentative steps towards allowing himself to feel something for Rachel. Yes, there is drama at the end, but not what you’d expect.
I’ve loved the entire True Love Travels series. This installment was my favorite. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
July 8, 2020
I love Poppy Pennington True Love Travel series and this book is no exception.
Rachel and Max are likable characters that you can imagine knowing.
This is a damsel in distress story. Rachel is a detective story writer who has a stalker. Max is a former detective who needs money so he can live and help out the family of a fallen friend.
Two different people who through time come to learn about each other and get rid of this misconceptions about the other.
This book will put a smile on your face. Oh and you'll love Brandi.
This is an honest voluntary review.
Rachel and Max are likable characters that you can imagine knowing.
This is a damsel in distress story. Rachel is a detective story writer who has a stalker. Max is a former detective who needs money so he can live and help out the family of a fallen friend.
Two different people who through time come to learn about each other and get rid of this misconceptions about the other.
This book will put a smile on your face. Oh and you'll love Brandi.
This is an honest voluntary review.
February 18, 2021
I loved this fourth book in the series as much as the others! Rachel, an author with a stalker, escapes to a secluded hideaway in the Scottish Highlands with a bodyguard, Max. Max is an ex-detective with one job - protect Rachel. The two are very different characters and I loved hearing from both points of view. Their love story was intriguing and developed at a comfortable, realistic pace. I found myself finishing one chapter and immediately beginning the next! The scenery descriptions were beautiful too. A well-written, wonderful book. Highly recommended.
June 30, 2020
I loved this book from page one. The crime fiction writer Iand the tall, dark, handsome quiet man, a former cop. A match made in heaven. Brought together, he as protector and her in need of safety. It ended up that she was his protector (of his heart) and they found safety and happiness together. And...dont forget Brandi....she was 1 amazing furry girl! This is 1 of Poppy's best and that's saying alot, as all of her books are wonderful!
November 25, 2022
Too saccharine for me
The first book I've read by this author. It started off well, but the ending was somewhat rushed. Almost as if someone had said they'd ran out of room and had to wrap it all up with a bow in the next 2 pages.
The storyline had potential. I think the missing child bit was probably the best part for me.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £7.99 a month for the subscription)
The first book I've read by this author. It started off well, but the ending was somewhat rushed. Almost as if someone had said they'd ran out of room and had to wrap it all up with a bow in the next 2 pages.
The storyline had potential. I think the missing child bit was probably the best part for me.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £7.99 a month for the subscription)
July 1, 2020
Rachel is a famous mystery writer with a stalker. Max is hired to be her bodyguard. They leave London for the Scottish Highlands. Max strives to stay professional but weeks together make him realize what an amazing woman she is. Sweet love story. Likeable characters. With a happy ending. I really enjoyed reading this!
July 7, 2020
Love in the Highlands is a wonderfully written adventurous romance. The storyline drew me in and kept me reading and the descriptions were so detailed I could see it before me. I enjoyed the interesting characters and their pull towards each other. Nicely done!
I received a complimentary copy and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
September 27, 2020
What might live hold?
From the beginning the author draws you in. You wonder what peril Rachel faces. Max is so stoic. It is joy to watch them both grow over the course of weeks.
This is a sweet romance with the development of what feels like actual love not lust.
The highlands of Scotland is a wonderful setting.
Give this a try, it will leave you feeling happy you did.
From the beginning the author draws you in. You wonder what peril Rachel faces. Max is so stoic. It is joy to watch them both grow over the course of weeks.
This is a sweet romance with the development of what feels like actual love not lust.
The highlands of Scotland is a wonderful setting.
Give this a try, it will leave you feeling happy you did.
May 14, 2022
yet another good read from Poppy Pennington-Smith
Another great read !!
Really enjoyed this story and it’s location set in the Highlands. The descriptive pleasure that was displayed in the quite setting away from busy London life making the characters including Brandi feel so different all made for this enjoyable story a feel good read.
Another great read !!
Really enjoyed this story and it’s location set in the Highlands. The descriptive pleasure that was displayed in the quite setting away from busy London life making the characters including Brandi feel so different all made for this enjoyable story a feel good read.
December 11, 2020
A very sweet romance
I really enjoyed this easy to read, sweet romance. I loved the setting and the characters were effortlessly believable. I'll definitely be reading more in the series!
I really enjoyed this easy to read, sweet romance. I loved the setting and the characters were effortlessly believable. I'll definitely be reading more in the series!
January 15, 2021
Relaxing
These books are a joy to read, you just need to pick it up, sit and you are taken back to a simpler time. Have read two so far but really enjoyed them. The books draw you in so you feel almost like you are there.
These books are a joy to read, you just need to pick it up, sit and you are taken back to a simpler time. Have read two so far but really enjoyed them. The books draw you in so you feel almost like you are there.
March 18, 2021
This book was quick to read, and just barely longer than a novella. It was clean, and cute, and easy to focus on. I chose to read it for St. Patrick's Day, even though it doesn't take place in Ireland, but Scotland.
April 6, 2021
Adorable!!
The storyline in this book was great! The characters were complex yet easy to love! I’m excited to have found this author! Clean romance novels are difficult to find, but this one hits the mark! Can’t wait to read the next book!
The storyline in this book was great! The characters were complex yet easy to love! I’m excited to have found this author! Clean romance novels are difficult to find, but this one hits the mark! Can’t wait to read the next book!
April 11, 2023
ebook
She’s a writer with a stalker, he’s the bodyguard her Dad hired. He’s an ex cop and a man that’s hurting. It’s a tense silent start to the protection assignment but the cottage and Scottish landscape works it’s magic on both. Can you fall in love like the romance novels?
She’s a writer with a stalker, he’s the bodyguard her Dad hired. He’s an ex cop and a man that’s hurting. It’s a tense silent start to the protection assignment but the cottage and Scottish landscape works it’s magic on both. Can you fall in love like the romance novels?
April 17, 2023
This book was really cute! It was a simple easy read and it was a nice clean romance. Not that I don’t love a little spice now and then, but this is one I would feel comfortable recommending to my mom without worrying about being judged 😂
January 20, 2021
Easy cheesey read. Good if somewhat predictable story but a great way to lose yourself in a book
July 14, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book loved the setting & characters. A real love story
July 2, 2022
a really good read
Fabulous, couldn’t put the book down. I loved it from the beginning to the end, in fact I didn’t want it to end , it was so good.
Fabulous, couldn’t put the book down. I loved it from the beginning to the end, in fact I didn’t want it to end , it was so good.
September 7, 2023
3.5 This is a sweet little romance. Both protagonists were likeable and this was clean, cute, and easy to read.
January 12, 2026
Quick enjoyable read. Slow burn grumpy bodyguard, and sweet author in danger. Of course Brandi steals the show!
January 14, 2026
thought this was going to be good. It started lovely and thought yup romantic book then it ended more of a flop I thought it would do so a little disappointed
March 21, 2021
Sweet read
Enjoyed reading this sweet story. Circumstances in our lives sometimes turn out so different than we planned. Yet in the end it is better than we ever could have planned out. I could picture this little cottage in the book and felt the town was described in a wonderful way. The characters are great and the story line is nicely done.
Enjoyed reading this sweet story. Circumstances in our lives sometimes turn out so different than we planned. Yet in the end it is better than we ever could have planned out. I could picture this little cottage in the book and felt the town was described in a wonderful way. The characters are great and the story line is nicely done.
November 3, 2021
This is a sweet little romance that it is better than the mills and boon type romances. Both protagonists were likeable and I am a sucker for a book that is set in the highlands of Scotland that is one of my favourites.
April 17, 2022
LOVE THE DAMSEL IN DISTRESS TROPE. Nice clean romance, not much spice but THE TENSION BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS WAS GOOD
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews