I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson Published by Berkley on December 3, 2024
Genres: Adult Monster Romance, Adult Paranormal Romance
Pages: 416
Source: the publisher
Format: E-galley
My Rating:
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Blurb:
A woman discovers that not all monsters are her enemy—the opposite, in fact—in this new paranormal romance by Lana Ferguson, author of The Fake Mate.
Keyanna “Key” MacKay is used to secrets. Raised by a single father who never divulged his past, it’s only after his death that she finds herself thrust into the world he’d always refused to speak of. With just a childhood bedtime story about a monster that saved her father’s life and the name of her estranged grandmother to go off of, Key has no idea what she’ll find in Scotland. But repeating her father’s mistakes and being rescued by a gorgeous, angry Scotsman—who thinks she’s an idiot—is definitely the last thing she expects.
Lachlan Greer has his own secrets to keep, especially from the bonnie lass he pulls to safety from the slippery shore—a lass with captivating eyes and the last name he’s been taught not to trust. He’s looking for answers as well, and Key’s presence on the grounds they both now occupy presents a real problem. It’s even more troublesome when he gets a front row seat to the lukewarm welcome Key receives from her family; the strange powers she begins to develop; and the fierce determination she brings to every obstacle in her path. Things he shouldn’t care about, and someone he definitely doesn’t find wildly attractive.
When their secrets collide, it becomes clear that Lachlan could hold the answers Keyanna is after—and that she might also be the key to uncovering his. Up against time, mystery, and a centuries old curse, they’ll quickly discover that magic might not only be in fairy tales, and that love can be a real loch-mess.
My Review
I have wanted to read this author since her last paranormal romance, and when I saw this one was set in Scotland, well my love of the country thanks to my Outlander obsession, I knew I had to read it! I was unsure if it would end up actually qualifying as monster romance, but it definitely became that about 3/4 of the way through.
I loved the characters, even if Lachlan was a bit rude at first, it made sense. Even if the rhyme the way he knew it, which we didn’t get the actual full bit to start, made me think that he should have been happy to see her, as I would have interpreted it as she was the “savior” in this case. Which, Keyanna or Key as she preferred to be called, kind of needed something like that in her life after how things had gone for her recently. And once she found out the history between families and what the curse Lachlan was suffering was, of course she made it her mission to help him solve it.
The family history was very unique, but I loved the way it fed into Scottish folklore and mythology. And while things seemed to be kind of straightforward, I loved how the author made some unexpected twists, even one I kind of saw coming, but it was different than I expected. The relationship with her grandmother started out harsh, but seeing how they soon were able to become family, and I loved her grandfather, it made for more than just romance, but also a family reunion story.
And let’s mention quickly the monster romance bit of the story, or should I say monster steamy “bits”, lol. That was fun how the author did it, and again some unexpectedness! My first book by this author that I’ve wanted to read for a few titles now, and I can say this will not be my last! Now to get caught up on those I still need to read!
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It sounds like the perfect cozy read for a chilly evening, especially with a cup of tea in hand.
Like you mentioned, I’m also drawn to stories that reveal hidden depths. There’s something about unraveling mysteries that keeps me turning the pages. Can’t wait to add this one to my reading list.
It was a lot of fun with my love of all things Scottish these days. I hope you enjoy it too if you get a chance to read it!
Glad you enjoyed it. I read The Fake Mate because I love fake relationship stories. It ended up being an okay read for me, so I hesitated picking this one up. But it does sound cute. Thanks for the review.
I hope I can get that one read too. I’ve got it on a Christmas wish list.
I have seen positive reviews for this author and hope I get around to reading her sometime.
I am glad I finally got a chance to read one, and it being set in Scotland was perfect for me!
Sounds good. Thanks for sharing.
It was fun!
I’ve been curious about this, especially the monster parts, lol. Glad you loved it!
There wasn’t a ton of monster stuff, but just enough to make it that, lol.
Glad you liked it. This is definitely on my list.
I hope you enjoy it if you get to read it too!
I couldn’t quite fit this one in yet, but I do plan to read it b/c I enjoyed her werewolf doctor one last year and this one appeals even more.
I hope to read that one soon!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. It seems very popular!
It was fun!
This one sounds really good! I haven’t read a lot of monster romances, but this one sounds fun. The way Scottish folklore and mythology is part of the story sounds interesting too. Adding this one to my wishlist!
I don’t read many monster romances, but occasionally dip my toe in, especially for something like this set in my favorite country right now.