“Under Loch and Key” by Lana Ferguson

Heads up. This week's Book Report pick is spicy. I'm not talking “jalapeños on your nachos” kind of spice — I'm talking a sexy, steamy romp through the Scottish Highlands that comes complete with some paranormal activity kind of spice. This one is definitely for my hot romance girlies. It might make you blush a little bit, but it is so much fun and has me dreaming about packing a bag to visit the Highlands as soon as possible. If that sounds like it might hit the spot this week, have I got a treat for you.

“Under Loch and Key” by Lana Ferguson delivers the perfect blend of Scottish high-country vibes, snappy banter, and mythic drama. The story revolves around Keyanna “Key” MacKay, a 27-year-old New Yorker whose world turns completely upside down after her father passes away. Honoring his final request, Key travels all the way to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands to scatter his ashes in the legendary waters of Loch Ness. Beyond saying her goodbyes, she hopes to connect with her estranged grandparents, whom her dad rarely spoke about while she was growing up, leaving behind a trail of lingering family questions and mysteries.

Shortly after arriving in Scotland, Key nearly suffers a dangerous tumble on the slippery rocks near the loch, only to be rescued by a mysterious stranger. That stranger turns out to be Lachlan, a brooding farmhand who happens to work right on her grandparents’ estate. Though Lachlan is undeniably attractive, he is also completely prickly and defensive the moment he hears her last name, sparking an instant enemies-to-lovers dynamic between them. The two end up trading witty verbal jabs whenever they cross paths, but the heat underneath their constant bickering is impossible for either of them to ignore for long.

As Key tries to uncover the truth about why her father abandoned his homeland in the first place, she quickly realizes that local legends are far more real than any tourist brochure lets on. It turns out Lachlan is keeping a massive secret: he and the men in his family carry an ancient, magical curse that transforms them into mythical aquatic beasts after dark — specifically, the infamous Loch Ness Monster. Rather than running away, Key finds herself drawn deeper into this secret world of ancient curses, hidden magic, and family feuds that have spanned generations. As the two bond over shared heartbreak and undeniable chemistry, they have to navigate the weight of their respective legacies together. It is a heartwarming, steamy adventure packed with humor and Scottish folklore that proves monsters might actually be easy to fall for.

I hope you enjoy this sexy adventure as much as I did. Don't forget to check out my Instagram @allison.the.reader for more book recommendations and other book-related fun.