I'm going to be completely honest when I say I didn't read the description before requesting this book. I very accurately just saw Lana Ferguson on the author line and hit request. That said, when beginning to read this book I figured it would be a cute Scottish romance centered around the folklore of the Loch Ness Monster. I've never been more wrong, or right? before in my life.

The thing I enjoy the most about Ferguson is her absolute ability to write just about anything. Her range of novels astounds me and I shouldn't have been so shocked when reading through this one at the way it ended up. I thoroughly enjoyed following Lachlan and Keyanna's story. We got a good solid view of Scottish life (at least from my point of view as someone who's only viewed Scotland from the television). I felt her decision to mix in the paranormal (magic) did not hinder from the story in the slightest. I felt that it was a good stepping stone to the plot line and character development but it didn't consume the story entirely.

All in all, I felt that this novel deserves that spot on the shelf next to all the other Ferguson novels. She's definitely an author I will always request to read, just maybe I'll read the descriptions next time?

I'm honestly so disappointed I didn't like this book. I loved Lana Ferguson's other books so I figured I'd give this monster romance a shot.. kinda wish I hadn't.

This was my first monster romance and I think I am now officially converted. Never did I think I’d get the hots for the loch ness monster, but here we are.

This book was so much fun to read. The entire premise was goofy and wild and overall a joy. Key was so fun. She refused to be anything but herself and was not afraid to take what she wanted and speak her mind. I will say, her kinks are wild, no shame though.

Lachlan was so obviously gone the moment he saw Key. He was a classic case of fine line between love and hate. The more he tried to convince himself he disliked Key, the more obvious it was that was was totally obsessed. He fell first and harder.

The twist was a bit predictable, but I was okay with it. If the book did not play out the way it did then I would feel like there would be too many unanswered questions and holes. It ended perfectly.

This was a great paranormal romance. Fun and fast paced plot, fantastic spice and likable characters with top tier banter. Plus, one of my favorite tropes, jealousy, was in it so extra points for that.

Thank you to Berkeley and Lana Ferguson for an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is an entertaining and heartfelt story about two people with their fair share of secrets. It was a spicy and fun book to read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley & Berkley for this ARC!

First, I’ve read each of Lana’s books and they consistently provide fun banter, amazing tension, and fun storylines that are both familiar but fresh. I really loved Loch and Key, and the supernatural adventure they went on together with tiny little mysteries laced throughout. Now, if I could go back to school and major in “Enemies to Lovers: 101” - I could be a professor of the subject. I LOVE tension and angst and immediate hate that leads to affection and love. This is something I could soak in like a good bubble bath and never get bored of. Though this book had that, I felt like the immediate hate was too quick/insubstantial and the ultimate romance was really fast. So it was mainly a pacing issue for me, but ultimately I thought it was incredibly fun.

My NetGalley request for Under Loch and Key was approved, and I immediately dove in! While it's once again a genre deviation for Lana Ferguson, it contains her signature wit and some serious steam!

I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty annoyed with the characters (especially Lachlan) for the first chunk of the book, they kept taking things the worst possible way and the sniping at each other was a bit much. Partway through the book there's a pretty sudden turn from hate to friendship, and I felt it would have worked a smidge better if the initial hate was toned down just a bit. It's not enough to knock my review down a whole star, but it is probably more of a 4 1/2 than a full five stars.

I felt the side plot about Lachlan's curse was done well. Lana wove in the aspects over the course of the book in a way that could probably feel frustrating to the reader (I want to know everything NOW) but worked such that you never knew too much more than Key at any given time. And of course, the nature of shape shifting into a prehistoric monster led to some exciting developments in the sexy times department. I almost wish it was explored a *little* more.

I can't help but note that the end of the book had a preview for her next romance, Overruled, and ever since I read the initial preview at the end of The Fake Mate, I have been dying for it! Will definitely be reading her rival lawyer romance when it comes out next year!

I'm newish to this author and just read Fake Mate and loved it despite fantasy elements not being my usual thing. So when I saw this, I had to try it because it also features one of my favorite places - Scotland! I loved it almost as much as Fake Mate and will happily recommend it to library patrons and friends!

firstly, thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an arc!!

after reading the fake mate, i knew i could turn to lana ferguson for a steamy romcom. under loch and key did NOT disappoint… especially two particular scenes in mind that had me blushing from the roots of my hair to my toes. i appreciated that under loch and key had more plot than the fake mate, because who doesn’t love well written plot with amazing smut?

i can safely say lana ferguson is an autobuy author for me, and any other monster-eqsue romances she wants to write, i will read in a heartbeat

This book is an absolute treasure. The way their secrets intertwine and the tension builds is absolutely thrilling. I was hooked from start to finish, loving every twist, turn, and magical moment. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a spellbinding romance with a side of mystery and magic

okay guys. monster romance can be very hot lemme tell you that right now 🙂‍↕️

miss key, on her mission to solve the lochness curse/get closer to her deceased dad, she falls in love with the monster: funnnn! but was it actually??

this had a few tropes i simply don’t care for (solving a puzzle/riddle/curse etc. i absolutely knew this going into it but i hate reading about solving things 😭😭😭 i would give up in two seconds flat so there was that…entire aspect…the whole book.

the characters and romance *should’ve* made up for it, but these feel like lana’s weakest characters so far?? i wasn’t attached whatsoever. even from the first page the vibes felt different and i didn’t know how to reconcile with that the whole time reading

overall i still recommend lana’s other books, i think they showcase a lot more than this one!!!! i love her to death and one monster romance won’t deter me 🤞🏼

Lana did it again! Her writing is quirky, hilarious and swoony. I absolutely loved this take on the Loch Ness monster.

I definitely need a thousand more of these type of books! CAN I GET A BIGFOOT ONE NEXT?! I’m obsessed.

It’s fun, it’s horny, it’s romantic. I loved it from the start. Dislike to love it always amazing and this was no exception!

WOW. To say I was thoroughly engrossed in this story is an understatement, I was reading it on desk, and almost fell out of my chair when a coworker told me I was relieved for the night. My only quibble is that Keyanna is not a traditional Scottish name (and at one point her Grandpa does state that Keyanna was her granny’s great-great granny’s name or something). Otherwise, a flawless romance, filled with betrayal, family secrets, and Nessie with a dick.
This scorching hot monster romance asks us all the question of, what does it mean to forgive?

Give me ALLLLLLL the monster/magical romcoms in trad pub. And a Lana Ferguson one at that? Get out.

This was so much fun - I'm still not over it. You immediately get a dose of that distinct Lana humor right off the rip and the good times just never end. Between the banter, the humor, the magic and the spice (oh god the spice.... Lachlan's mouth deserves its own 5-star review) you won't want to put this one down. This one will make you swoon, sweat, laugh, and maybe even tear up a bit - don't miss out on this one.

Did I mention monster... parts? Again, deserving of its own 5-star review.