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 definitelydoesn’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.
Under Loch and Key is a paranormal monster romance that intertwines Scottish folklore with family drama. The story follows Keyanna MacKay, who travels to Scotland to honor her late father’s wish of spreading his ashes in his homeland. There, she encounters Lachlan Greer, a grumpy farmer harboring a significant secret: he transforms into the Loch Ness Monster at night due to an ancient curse. When Keyanna discovers his secret, she is desperate to help him despite a feud in their family lines that has lasted centuries. The story includes several popular tropes, including enemies to lovers, grumpy vs. sunshine, forced proximity, and forbidden love.
The characters are richly developed, flawed, and all in need of immense healing from past trauma. There is an abundance of funny banter in the novel, especially in the early conversations between Keyanna and Lachlan, when they can’t stand each other. Even still, their chemistry is intense, and their relationship soon transitions from animosity to a deep, romantic connection. There are a few lengthy spicy scenes that will either delight or displease readers depending on their tastes. The side characters, including Keyanna’s grandparents and cousin, all have unique personalities, and their Scottish culture shines through in their diction and attitudes. Keyanna’s father’s departure from Scotland years earlier and estrangement from his family is an interesting subplot that is nicely woven into the curse storyline—but you’ll have to be patient for the overlaying storylines to come together.
The Scottish Highlands setting is atmospheric and charming and a perfect complement to the monster romance narrative with the ominous loch and expansive rolling hills. The different-sounding Scottish dialects from Lachlan and Keyanna’s family members enhance the story and add further intrigue to the characters. One criticism is that the book’s length, well over 400 pages, could have been condensed. There are repetitive monologues and conversations, especially between Keyanna and Lachlan, that don’t move the story forward, and the lengthy spicy scenes could have been shorter and still effective—but open-door romance fans may beg to differ. Additionally, as the romance develops quickly, the enemies-to-lovers tension dissipates entirely, which feels implausible. There is also a third-act breakup in this story, and as dramatic as it is, it doesn’t last very long, and the resolution is quite satisfying.
Overall, Under Loch and Key is a highly original monster romance with well-developed, memorable characters. The balance between contemporary romance and paranormal elements makes it a perfect choice for readers new to the monster romance genre. Narrators Samantha Summers and Flint Park deliver captivating performances of Keyanna and Lachlan, bringing their intense chemistry and romance vividly to life, using a wide range of emotions and authentic accents for all the characters. If you enjoy paranormal/monster romance, magical realism, adventure stories, funny banter, and folklore, then this book is for you!
