Is Loch Ness Monster Romance Your Thing?
Dive into monster romance with Under Lock and Key by Lana Ferguson. This woman can write paranormal romance, and she delivers! Check out my full book review below to see what I thought of this must-read romance.
What’s the Story All About?
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.
A Loch Ness of Secrets
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.
What Makes This Book Special?
I loved how Lana returned to paranormal romance with this one and explored the concept – what if the Loch Ness monster all this time was really a man cursed to become a dinosaur-like figure from sundown to sun up? Can’t say that this idea ever crossed my mind but I was all for it, especially since it revolves around a Scottish hero with the best Scottish brogue. Swoon!
A Love Story in the Shadows
Keyanna is an American who travels to Scotland with the goal of dispersing her father’s ashes in the place where he grew up and the place where he supposedly was rescued by the Loch Ness monster many years ago before fleeing his homeland after an altercation with his family. Arriving unannounced, Key is not received with the warmest of welcomes from her grandmother or the grumpy neighbor staying in the guesthouse. She’s grieving the loss of her dad and looking for family and answers about his past and is about to throw in the towel given her cold reception until she meets Nessie himself.
An Unexpected Connection
Lachlan is a Scottish hero who is totally book boyfriend worthy. He’s a man with secrets, but he has reasons behind his aloofness. You never have to twist my arm to read about a hot Scotsman, and I loved how Lana threw in her version of Scottish games with Lachlan in a kilt. LOVED IT.
Get Ready for the Unexpected
“That’s a good lass. Feels so good inside you. You’re going to take everything I give you, yeah?” OMG!!!!
I adored the scene where Key comes to realize that he’s Nessie and how it bonds them together.
A Twist of Power
Another fun aspect to this paranormal romance that was a surprise is that Key discovers she’s developing supernatural powers—like opening windows without touching them, stopping rain, and creating fire from her hands. Realizing she can possibly help Lachlan break the family curse, was empowering and yet she realized she must also confront the risk of losing her heart to him as well.
As I said, if you loved The Fake Mate and its knotting scenes, then you’ll love Key discovering that she’s turned on by Lachlan’s monster characteristics. Is it super spicy? I don’t think overly so but Lana does make sure Key enjoys a bit of the monster before the book is over. 😊
A Must-Read for Romance Lovers
I highly recommend this to all the paranormal romance, monster romance, and shapeshifter romance lovers out there and especially those readers who have been reluctant to try those romance categories. This is the perfect entry book!
*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.*