The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn Book Review
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Blurb
In this steamy tale by USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn, an American searching for her purpose escapes to a Scottish town but finds more questions than answers when she meets a brooding yet handsome handyman.
Freshly fired from her third job in a row, Bonnie St. James has lost her way. So when she and her best friend stumble upon a “help wanted” post to run a coffee shop in the Scottish Highlands, they apply on a whim. Who knows? Maybe traveling to a new place is just what she needs to figure out her next move.
When the friends arrive in the tiny idyllic town of Corsekelly, they instantly fall for the gorgeous Highland landscape and friendly townspeople. But Bonnie finds a less-than-warm welcome in Rowan MacGregor, the rugged local handyman. Busy wrestling his own demons, Rowan’s in no mood to deal with the quirky American—even if she is a bonny lass.
As Bonnie and Rowan’s paths inevitably cross, insults—and sparks—fly. Can the pair build on their similarities to help each other find purpose and direction…and maybe romance too? Or will their passionate tempers fling them apart?
Triggers
Though this book is rather lighthearted in feel, Quinn does touch on some topics that could be sensitive to some readers. Here’s the possible triggers I observed:
- Alcohol
- Blood
- Cancer
- Death
- Pregnancy
- Profanity
- Sexually Explicit Scenes
Ratings
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There are possible **SPOILERS** beyond this point!
Overall Rating
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! Love the cover design because it’s literally my favorite colors! Ok! I found myself cackling at these pages! I’ve never read Megan Quinn before and I’m now adding more of her books to my TBR! I think this was just the book to bring me out of my Dark Romance slump! It was full of humor but I found myself really feeling for Bonnie’s struggles as she adapts to living in Scotland. There’s times where I was actually holding my stomach just picturing the mischief Bonnie and Dakota get into! The drive from the friends’ flight to Scotland or the time Bonnie and Rowan wake up together after getting sloshed! Sigh. So good!
Rowan and Bonnie were the most peculiar grumpy/sunshine mix but they fit perfectly together! Rowan says some pretty swoony lines in this book! I was genuinely so happy with how this story ended! I could see myself reading again!
I really like that she had so much more to offer this story than a just a romance plot. Don’t get me wrong, I love a romance story! Obvi! But, there was also a side plot of friendship, family and self-discovery for both, Rowan and Bonnie. I think she did an good job balancing all three and I don’t feel like any of them suffered for the other. Plus, Dakota’s love story is very cute! 🥰
Oh! And! I looooved the chapter check ins that Quinn has at the beginning of every chapter! I just thought they were funny but I don’t know if she does those for all her books or just this one, I hope she does!
Spice Rating
2/5 🌶🌶
If you’re here for the spice, it’s not abundant. It’s not exactly cut to black but you will find significantly more plot than smut in The Highland Fling! Steamy? Sure.
Main Characters
Female Main Character
Bonnie St. James
Bonnie’s described as petite, platinum blonde and striking ice-blue eyes. She’s quirky and over the top! She’s very funny but also a dependent person who is still rather self-centered. She cares deeply for those who allow her, especially Dakota! Bonnie can not seem to keep her shirt on though… lol she’s nearly coming out of it every time she sees Rowan. Seriously, I found myself really relating to her struggles on a personal level. She was feeling so lost and missing her purpose after losing her 3rd job and boyfriend! It’s an amazing journey she has to discovering herself and I liked seeing her growth.
I also have an obsessive love for cake like she does! And box cake is delicious! I now want to try some of the baking she did in this book just because Quinn made everything seem so damn tasty!
Male Main Character
Rowan MacGreggor
Rowan’s described as BIG, dark hair, dark green eyes with a rough, deep Scottish brogue. He is grumpy and rude but has a wry sense of humor. Rowan, of course, gets swept up by Bonnie’s stubbornness and it’s my favorite! Rowan gives up on his dreams because of a complicated family tragedy. I could relate to Rowan’s bitterness and his mask that he puts on for everyone. I loved seeing how soft and sweet he was with Bonnie (for the most part!) but no one else! I think I highlighted his retorts often though because he was pretty funny lol
Setting / World / Universe
This book is mostly set in Scotland in a small town called Coursekelly. I was pleasantly surprised with how beautiful this book was. Her imagery of Scotland as Bonnie travels around was really nice. I love small towns and really found all the scenes Quinn wrote about to be idyllic. Complete with the rain!
Genre & Tropes
Genre
Romantic Comedy
Tropes
- Age-Gap Relationship AGR
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Small Town Romance
Favorite Quotes
“Here are my breasts, you man beast. Take them as you want.”
“I felt the imprint of your lips on mine for days. I smelled your perfume on me for hours after, and your badgering made me laugh minutes later.”
“You deserve a kiss that isn’t just something to do on a rainy night, but because it’s backed up by a special moment.”
“While he spread out the groceries, I whipped open an apron and then reached for the hem of my shirt. As promised, I was ready to bake in the nude, but he quickly held my hands down and said he loved the idea of me naked, but not when anyone could walk in, especially with the way Fergus comes in and out of his own accord. Rowan claimed that being caught naked in front of a historically significant goat would read a little weird. I had to agree with him. Fergus feels like a brother at this point, and I’d never want my brother to catch me in the buff. So, the clothes stayed on.”
Intrigued?
Check out The Highland Fling on Amazon here. It’s available on Kindle Unlimited and it has the Audible Whispersync included! I’m new to KU but I love when both are included! Try Kindle Unlimited with this link!
