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Auchenmor Island #1
Sealed with a Kiss
Kate is dumped on her best friend's wedding day by the world's most boring boyfriend, Ian. She's mostly cross because he got in first - until she remembers she's now homeless as well as jobless. Rather than move back home to her ultra-bossy mother, Kate takes a job on the remote Scottish island of Auchenmor as an all-round Girl Friday. Her first day is pretty much a disaster: she falls over, smack bang at the feet of her grouchy new boss, Roddy, Laird of the Island. Unimpressed with her townie ways, he makes it clear she's got a lot to prove.
Island life has no room for secrets, but prickly Roddy's keeping something to himself. When his demanding ex-girlfriend appears back on the island, Kate's budding friendship with her new boss comes to an abrupt end. What is Fiona planning - and can she be stopped before it's too late?
Island life has no room for secrets, but prickly Roddy's keeping something to himself. When his demanding ex-girlfriend appears back on the island, Kate's budding friendship with her new boss comes to an abrupt end. What is Fiona planning - and can she be stopped before it's too late?
341 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2013
333 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Lucas
26 books561 followersRachael Lucas has written 15 novels for adults and teenagers, including the Carnegie nominated THE STATE OF GRACE, the top ten bestseller SEALED WITH A KISS and many more. She is also the author (as Rosie Curtis) of sweet holiday romance We Met in December, an Amazon Editors' Pick. Her novels have been translated into many languages, including Korean, Hungarian, Italian, Turkish, French, German, Latvian, Estonian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and more.
Sign up for Rachael's newsletter at rachaellucas.com, and find her on Facebook at facebook.com/rachaellucaswriter for behind the scenes news and updates.
Rachael lives by the seaside in the north west of England with her family and two very enthusiastic spaniels. When she's not writing at the kitchen table with a coffee by her side, she's out walking the dogs on the beach or the nearby pinewoods. She's a huge Kindle fan - her ten year old self would have been over the moon to be able to carry a whole library around in her pocket - and a lover of sweet, romantic, small town stories, which is exactly what she likes to write. She's a big Hallmark movie fan, wanted to be Anne of Green Gables when she was growing up, and Jo March was her literary heroine. (She still is.)
Rachael's books are full of warmth and gentle humour, as well as beautiful small town settings which give her readers an escape from everyday. Rachael has been described as having "a gift for capturing complex emotion and both romantic and platonic intimacy" and writing which "exudes positivity and warmth" which has received starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly. The British Guardian called her "honest, romantic and hilarious". Her teenage boys think she's a bit disorganised, and that she forgets to cook dinner when she's writing. (Luckily they don't get to leave a review.)
Sign up for Rachael's newsletter at rachaellucas.com, and find her on Facebook at facebook.com/rachaellucaswriter for behind the scenes news and updates.
Rachael lives by the seaside in the north west of England with her family and two very enthusiastic spaniels. When she's not writing at the kitchen table with a coffee by her side, she's out walking the dogs on the beach or the nearby pinewoods. She's a huge Kindle fan - her ten year old self would have been over the moon to be able to carry a whole library around in her pocket - and a lover of sweet, romantic, small town stories, which is exactly what she likes to write. She's a big Hallmark movie fan, wanted to be Anne of Green Gables when she was growing up, and Jo March was her literary heroine. (She still is.)
Rachael's books are full of warmth and gentle humour, as well as beautiful small town settings which give her readers an escape from everyday. Rachael has been described as having "a gift for capturing complex emotion and both romantic and platonic intimacy" and writing which "exudes positivity and warmth" which has received starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly. The British Guardian called her "honest, romantic and hilarious". Her teenage boys think she's a bit disorganised, and that she forgets to cook dinner when she's writing. (Luckily they don't get to leave a review.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
May 6, 2014
4 - Flora & Reggie Stars.
I really enjoyed Sealed With a Kiss, it is what I would call a ‘Blanket’ book in that it wraps itself around you and makes you feel all warm and snugly.
Scotland is a place I love, so the opportunity to absorb myself in a lightly romantic, easygoing read based on a remote Scottish Island ticks all my boxes.
I wasn’t sure that the book would be for me when in the opening paragraphs, one of the first sentences to leave Kate’s mouth is ”I can’t be on my own.”, as to be honest I abhor a woman who can’t live without having a man in her life. But she redeemed herself very quickly, and grabbed the ‘Bull by the horns’ to settle into life on the Auchenmor Estate. The cast of characters is vast and varied, from Finn the Bag-pipe playing ladies man; to the pre-requisite add into the mix bitches Fiona and Sandra.
Susan, Tom and their children as well as Jean, Morag and Bruno the Coffee Shop owner add humour and friendship into the mix, and then you have the sexy and mysterious Laird of Duntarvie, Roderick.
All in all a really enjoyable read from Author Author, I will certainly be on the lookout for more titles from her in the future!
ARC provided via Netgalley in Exchange for the above honest review.
I really enjoyed Sealed With a Kiss, it is what I would call a ‘Blanket’ book in that it wraps itself around you and makes you feel all warm and snugly.
Scotland is a place I love, so the opportunity to absorb myself in a lightly romantic, easygoing read based on a remote Scottish Island ticks all my boxes.
I wasn’t sure that the book would be for me when in the opening paragraphs, one of the first sentences to leave Kate’s mouth is ”I can’t be on my own.”, as to be honest I abhor a woman who can’t live without having a man in her life. But she redeemed herself very quickly, and grabbed the ‘Bull by the horns’ to settle into life on the Auchenmor Estate. The cast of characters is vast and varied, from Finn the Bag-pipe playing ladies man; to the pre-requisite add into the mix bitches Fiona and Sandra.
Susan, Tom and their children as well as Jean, Morag and Bruno the Coffee Shop owner add humour and friendship into the mix, and then you have the sexy and mysterious Laird of Duntarvie, Roderick.
All in all a really enjoyable read from Author Author, I will certainly be on the lookout for more titles from her in the future!
ARC provided via Netgalley in Exchange for the above honest review.
July 9, 2013
Let me lead right off by saying that I've never read a book like this before. By that, I don't mean "I've never read a book with this particular setting or plot before," but more generally, "I have never read a romance novel before," nor anything that might in a million years be termed chick-lit. Not once.
So, in that light, Sealed with a Kiss serves as my introduction not only to debuting novelist Rachael Lucas, but to an entire genre of fiction. And I now propose to draw sweeping conclusions about both, based solely on this one book. (No pressure, Ms. Lucas.)
The first thing that popped right off the page and into my face was the language. In a good way. I think I may have brought some negative bias to the table in that my expectations of the quality of writing in a "chick book" were fairly modest. I was pleasantly surprised, though: Lucas's prose is effortlessly smooth, humorous, peppered with cheerfully exotic (to my ear) terms such as "loo roll," "snog," and "loudhailer." She excels in description, constantly pulling the reader into her world with vivid simile and metaphor that managed to be surprising yet felt instantly familiar. The reader, much like the protagonist, finds him- or herself in a place that is new, yet at the same time warm and inviting.
Perhaps most surprising - and most impressive for a first novel - the dialogue in Sealed with a Kiss is excellent. Economical, streamlined, and always with the authentic ring of actual conversation. As this is a book whose plot necessarily hinges on verbal interactions between the characters, clunky dialogue would have been the kiss of death, but Lucas handles it deftly. In fact, I would say that Rachael Lucas shows writing chops here that would serve her well in just about any literary genre she chose. Though this is her first published novel, I would venture a guess that she's an experienced writer.
I can't remember if the blurb described this book as "breezy," but I certainly do. I normally seem to gravitate to novels with Big Conflict: novels where the protagonists are fighting for their lives, freedom, souls, or sanity; where they're trying to save the whole planet from destruction, keep an innocent man from being lynched, or cast the One Ring into the fires from whence it came. So it was a stark contrast, reading a book where the main questions were: Will Kate get the guy? If so, which guy? And will she learn a little about herself in the process? Also, what is that nasty bitch Fiona up to?
A story where the stakes are so comparatively small maintains interest based mostly on how deeply the reader buys into the characters. Luckily, there is where the author's strong powers of description and good ear for dialogue pay off, as the characters here seem nuanced and three-dimensional, familiar as old friends. It's another thing that pleasantly surprised me, as I sort of expected the characters in a romance novel to be cartoonish, one-note hunks or hags.
Which is not to say the people are all realistic. All the main male characters are uniformly described as gorgeous, to the point that Kate winks at the fourth wall by musing that the island seems to be some sort of absurd Hot Dude Refuge and Game Preserve (OK, my wording there). And the main love interest, Roderick, had me pinching the bridge of my nose with his over-the-topness. By the time he'd been put forth as...
1) strikingly handsome
2) a real Scottish laird
3) funny
4) but with a wounded heart, waiting for the right girl to come and heal his hidden pain
...I was near the breaking point, so when "Oh, by the way, he rescues adorable orphaned seals in his spare time" was added to the pile, I admit to snorting out loud incredulously. No dude is that perfect, otherwise what hope is there for the rest of us? But I have the feeling that my quibble here is with the conventions of the genre; one might as well look at Maxim magazine and complain that all the girls are too airbrushed and collagened. To buy a copy of Maxim is to subscribe to a certain brand of pleasant fantasy, and so perhaps is to read a romance novel.
At any rate! Three stars, and that doesn't really convey what an enjoyable read this was. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is an aficionado of this genre, and it's a fun read even if you aren't. Rachael Lucas's voice here is warm, humorous - and tender when the moment calls for it. I'd happily read her next novel.
PS - Oh, and final kudos to the adorable cover art. Cover images for e-books in particular can be of such varying quality, from eye-catching art to slapdash home Photoshop work. Yet much like the label on a wine bottle, the cover art of an e-book is the first and sometimes the only chance to set itself apart from all the rest, for better or worse.
So, in that light, Sealed with a Kiss serves as my introduction not only to debuting novelist Rachael Lucas, but to an entire genre of fiction. And I now propose to draw sweeping conclusions about both, based solely on this one book. (No pressure, Ms. Lucas.)
The first thing that popped right off the page and into my face was the language. In a good way. I think I may have brought some negative bias to the table in that my expectations of the quality of writing in a "chick book" were fairly modest. I was pleasantly surprised, though: Lucas's prose is effortlessly smooth, humorous, peppered with cheerfully exotic (to my ear) terms such as "loo roll," "snog," and "loudhailer." She excels in description, constantly pulling the reader into her world with vivid simile and metaphor that managed to be surprising yet felt instantly familiar. The reader, much like the protagonist, finds him- or herself in a place that is new, yet at the same time warm and inviting.
Perhaps most surprising - and most impressive for a first novel - the dialogue in Sealed with a Kiss is excellent. Economical, streamlined, and always with the authentic ring of actual conversation. As this is a book whose plot necessarily hinges on verbal interactions between the characters, clunky dialogue would have been the kiss of death, but Lucas handles it deftly. In fact, I would say that Rachael Lucas shows writing chops here that would serve her well in just about any literary genre she chose. Though this is her first published novel, I would venture a guess that she's an experienced writer.
I can't remember if the blurb described this book as "breezy," but I certainly do. I normally seem to gravitate to novels with Big Conflict: novels where the protagonists are fighting for their lives, freedom, souls, or sanity; where they're trying to save the whole planet from destruction, keep an innocent man from being lynched, or cast the One Ring into the fires from whence it came. So it was a stark contrast, reading a book where the main questions were: Will Kate get the guy? If so, which guy? And will she learn a little about herself in the process? Also, what is that nasty bitch Fiona up to?
A story where the stakes are so comparatively small maintains interest based mostly on how deeply the reader buys into the characters. Luckily, there is where the author's strong powers of description and good ear for dialogue pay off, as the characters here seem nuanced and three-dimensional, familiar as old friends. It's another thing that pleasantly surprised me, as I sort of expected the characters in a romance novel to be cartoonish, one-note hunks or hags.
Which is not to say the people are all realistic. All the main male characters are uniformly described as gorgeous, to the point that Kate winks at the fourth wall by musing that the island seems to be some sort of absurd Hot Dude Refuge and Game Preserve (OK, my wording there). And the main love interest, Roderick, had me pinching the bridge of my nose with his over-the-topness. By the time he'd been put forth as...
1) strikingly handsome
2) a real Scottish laird
3) funny
4) but with a wounded heart, waiting for the right girl to come and heal his hidden pain
...I was near the breaking point, so when "Oh, by the way, he rescues adorable orphaned seals in his spare time" was added to the pile, I admit to snorting out loud incredulously. No dude is that perfect, otherwise what hope is there for the rest of us? But I have the feeling that my quibble here is with the conventions of the genre; one might as well look at Maxim magazine and complain that all the girls are too airbrushed and collagened. To buy a copy of Maxim is to subscribe to a certain brand of pleasant fantasy, and so perhaps is to read a romance novel.
At any rate! Three stars, and that doesn't really convey what an enjoyable read this was. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is an aficionado of this genre, and it's a fun read even if you aren't. Rachael Lucas's voice here is warm, humorous - and tender when the moment calls for it. I'd happily read her next novel.
PS - Oh, and final kudos to the adorable cover art. Cover images for e-books in particular can be of such varying quality, from eye-catching art to slapdash home Photoshop work. Yet much like the label on a wine bottle, the cover art of an e-book is the first and sometimes the only chance to set itself apart from all the rest, for better or worse.
April 8, 2013
I didn't read the synopsis before beginning to read, so was pleasantly suprised that it was mostly set in the Western Isles. This is a book you curl and read in a comfy chair, relax and enjoy! The supporting characters had larger than life personalities bringing humour. Kate the heroine, was likeable in that she was far from perfect, and her clumsy and bad timing actions made you cringe! I wasn't too sure about Roderick at first, as he seemed like a stereotypical pompous aristocrat! However, after finding out he was involved with Marine Conservation...I was sold:) After a few misunderstandings the book ends well for Kate and Roderick. Although, I'm not sure if the author intends to continue with island life with future books?...I hope she does.
February 25, 2014
Kate's dumped on her best friend's wedding day by boring boyfriend Ian. She's mostly cross because he got in first - until she remembers she's now homeless as well as jobless. Faced with moving back home to her ultra-bossy mother, she takes a job on the remote Scottish island of Auchenmor. Her first day starts badly when she falls at the feet of her grouchy new boss, Roddy, Laird of the Island. Unimpressed with her townie ways, he makes it clear she's got something to prove.
Island life has no room for secrets, but prickly Roddy's keeping something to himself. When his bitchy ex girlfriend appears back on the island, Kate's budding friendship with her new boss comes to an abrupt end. What is Fiona planning - and can she be stopped before it's too late?
My Review: 4 Stars out of 5 ****
OMG, OMG!! This book was one of the books I downloaded last summer for free, the books I'm spending some time to get caught up on. Being from the UK (I now live in Texas) was one of the reasons I picked this book, I was hoping it would give me a nostalgic Sophie Kinsella fix. I have to say I'm not a huge fan of the cover, but son't let that put you off. This book is so good.
If you like your Chick Lit fun, fresh and with plenty of gorgeous scenery. Along with deep girl friend friendships, plenty of wine, whisky and cake eating then this is the book for you. On Goodreads it says it's a bubble bath/glass of wine book and they are not wrong.
I fell in love with Kate from the get go. She's in a failing relationship with the boring Ian, at her best friends wedding he dumps her. Not that she's too upset, she's just mad she didn't have the guts to do it first. So she moves in with the newly weds!! Not ideal, but the alternate is her mother.
Knowing she has to get her life together she applies for a job as a girl Friday, for a real Scottish Laird on a Scottish island so remote the locals got excited about getting a super market. Of she goes, swearing off men for at least a year!! What she didn't bank on was just how handsome those Scottish men would be.
First there was Tom, but that was a strictly look and keep to herself (he's married to Susan, who would soon become her new BFF) then there was Roderick (Roddy) the boss and the Laird. He was apparently off limits, until one night he pulls her in for a kiss.....
Then he leaves...giving the impression it meant nothing to him. Then there was Finn, the set up. She wasn't doing too badly for a girl abstaining for a year. In all of this was a gently woven story of friendships being built, of a new life being carved and that wonderful sense of community.
Of course, in true Kinsella fashion our Kate finds herself in some predicaments. The timing of Roderick's return was funny, as was Christmas drinks before she comes home. Then comes along Fiona, Roderick's ex. The budding friendship between Kate and Roderick suddenly comes to an abrupt end. But Fiona is up to something, something more than just snaring the handsome Laird.
Can Kate find out before he is suckered in again? Can she stick to her year off men and more important can she save the baby seal. This book wasn't the hardest hitting read, nor was in thought provoking. What is is, is a gentl story of love and friendship. If you want to unashamedly lose yourself in a good old fashioned love story, this is the one for you. If you love the tales of the bonds of having a good girlfriend (or four) this is definitely the one for you.
I loved it, it made me smile. More than that, it made me want to put the kettle on, have a cup of tea and dive into a decent sized piece of cake!!
Read more of my reviews at Never Judge a Book by its Movie http://www.juliedarley.com
Island life has no room for secrets, but prickly Roddy's keeping something to himself. When his bitchy ex girlfriend appears back on the island, Kate's budding friendship with her new boss comes to an abrupt end. What is Fiona planning - and can she be stopped before it's too late?
My Review: 4 Stars out of 5 ****
OMG, OMG!! This book was one of the books I downloaded last summer for free, the books I'm spending some time to get caught up on. Being from the UK (I now live in Texas) was one of the reasons I picked this book, I was hoping it would give me a nostalgic Sophie Kinsella fix. I have to say I'm not a huge fan of the cover, but son't let that put you off. This book is so good.
If you like your Chick Lit fun, fresh and with plenty of gorgeous scenery. Along with deep girl friend friendships, plenty of wine, whisky and cake eating then this is the book for you. On Goodreads it says it's a bubble bath/glass of wine book and they are not wrong.
I fell in love with Kate from the get go. She's in a failing relationship with the boring Ian, at her best friends wedding he dumps her. Not that she's too upset, she's just mad she didn't have the guts to do it first. So she moves in with the newly weds!! Not ideal, but the alternate is her mother.
Knowing she has to get her life together she applies for a job as a girl Friday, for a real Scottish Laird on a Scottish island so remote the locals got excited about getting a super market. Of she goes, swearing off men for at least a year!! What she didn't bank on was just how handsome those Scottish men would be.
First there was Tom, but that was a strictly look and keep to herself (he's married to Susan, who would soon become her new BFF) then there was Roderick (Roddy) the boss and the Laird. He was apparently off limits, until one night he pulls her in for a kiss.....
Then he leaves...giving the impression it meant nothing to him. Then there was Finn, the set up. She wasn't doing too badly for a girl abstaining for a year. In all of this was a gently woven story of friendships being built, of a new life being carved and that wonderful sense of community.
Of course, in true Kinsella fashion our Kate finds herself in some predicaments. The timing of Roderick's return was funny, as was Christmas drinks before she comes home. Then comes along Fiona, Roderick's ex. The budding friendship between Kate and Roderick suddenly comes to an abrupt end. But Fiona is up to something, something more than just snaring the handsome Laird.
Can Kate find out before he is suckered in again? Can she stick to her year off men and more important can she save the baby seal. This book wasn't the hardest hitting read, nor was in thought provoking. What is is, is a gentl story of love and friendship. If you want to unashamedly lose yourself in a good old fashioned love story, this is the one for you. If you love the tales of the bonds of having a good girlfriend (or four) this is definitely the one for you.
I loved it, it made me smile. More than that, it made me want to put the kettle on, have a cup of tea and dive into a decent sized piece of cake!!
Read more of my reviews at Never Judge a Book by its Movie http://www.juliedarley.com
December 18, 2014
Really enjoyed this as a simple light-hearted read. Probably not the sort of thing I would've picked up myself. Going to lend it to my mum-in-law to read.
Spent the whole thing imagining the island to be Bute, where I live, because of odd references. Then at the end the author actually mentions the Isle of Bute as one of her favourite places.
Could see what was going to happen from the start but it was fun seeing where it was going and how it would get there.
Spent the whole thing imagining the island to be Bute, where I live, because of odd references. Then at the end the author actually mentions the Isle of Bute as one of her favourite places.
Could see what was going to happen from the start but it was fun seeing where it was going and how it would get there.
April 5, 2013
Not really my genre but I was in the mood for something light and delightful and this fitted the bill very well - a very charming story. The location is a big bonus, beautifully described, and the entire cast of characters were likeable. I'd visit here again.
May 7, 2014
For a giveaway go to: http://onmybookshelf.blog.pl - There are three copies to grab!
Sealed with a Kiss was a Top Ten Kindle bestseller and I was thrilled when I was accepted to read this book on NetGalley. On my part, it was love at first sight: the cover is beautiful and the blurb very, very promising, and so I have started to read as soon as it landed on my kindle.
But before I start with my review, please go and visit this site, full of photos, inspiration for Sealed with a Kiss, and fell in love, just like I did:)
http://www.pinterest.com/rachaellucas...
Kate, who is dumped by her boyfriend at the wedding (not theirs, no, no), is actually not heart - broken., she's just angry that she spent so much time with this useless boyfriend of hers. She moves with the newly - weds, which is perhaps not the best idea ever, but moving with her mother is the only other option. So actually no options here. Kate wants to use the time, do something useful, and so she decides to take a job as a Girl - Friday on a remote island of Auchenmor. She doesn't actually know what she's supposed to do as this Girl - Friday, but it doesn't bother her, she just wants a year off men.
What she doesn't know is that Auchenmor is a very small island where no secrets can be kept, and so on her arrival everybody knows already her story.
So, swearing off the men for a year is one thing, but Kate doesn't know how handsome the Scottish men are, and how fascinating her boss, the real Scottish Laird Roderick would be, and how full of surprises and unexpected situations, and warm people this remote Island would be. And when Kate starts to think that perhaps this year without men was not such a good idea, Fiona enters the scene, the ex of Roderick.
Oh, I liked Kate, so, so much. She was not at all perfect and that made her a perfect heroine in my eyes. She was a champion of jumping to conclusions, she has first talked and than thought, she was prone to accident and she often said the wrong things. She was also not size 0 girl and thanks to all this above mentioned, she was a three - dimensional, real, vivid, likeable character.
I wasn't so sure about Roderick at first to be honest. He looked exactly and behaved like a very pompous aristocrat but after getting to know him more and discovering his advantages, and also the fact that he was a member of Marine Conservation, well, I have changed my mind:) He was, like Kate, a champion of jumping to conclusions and not expressing his thoughts but he was also normal guy, with his feet on the ground.
Honestly speaking, all the characters were brilliantly written and felt very, very realistic, all just popping out of the pages to entertain us. I had a feeling that I really know those people, they felt like my best friends. I loved the way the inhabitants of the island welcomed Kate so heartily, they were so open and friendly and oh my god, I'd like so much to have such neighbours, those sexy/funny/interesting Scots! Yes, they knew all about Kate even before she has put her feet on the island, and they knew about everything happening there but they were so friendly and supportive that it wasn't actually a problem or a case of incredible noisiness. It was just the way it was:)
In short, all the main and supporting characters were just larger than life, full of dry humour and openness. They've peppered the story and the book wouldn't be so good without them all. Even the bad ones... It was a perfect mix of characters, varied from the very nice and funny to the very bad and bitchy, just with the optimal amount of both funniness and bitchiness.
The descriptions of the island were fantastic, I felt like I've visited the island after reading the book, like I know every corner and secret of this place. It was so remote that the inhabitants of it were actually very excited when the ferry was coming but thanks to the remoteness it was so exciting and interesting to live there. The beauty of the island was wonderfully introduced and described and it was really a perfect background for the whole story. And I adored the scenes where they were watching the seals, it was too sweet to describe it:)
Although actually mostly predictable, the plot was brilliantly written and very engaging but the way it was written has just knocked me down. The banter between the characters had me in giggles, the dialogues were smooth, sharp, witty, full of dry humour and they had the authentic ring of the real conversations.
There were moments that I felt a little confused because the situations happened so quickly, we were involved in one thing and the next second there was something different happening. I don't know if it is only me, but I was not sure when some situations happened, I missed the exact time and sometimes I felt a little lost. And when I see a word "wee" again in the closest future, I'm going to start to shout:) Yes, I know, this is the way the islanders are speaking but please, not in every second sentence:) Although maybe they do this. Say "wee" in every second sentence.
Altogether, this book made me smile and left me warm inside. For sure a one with a feel - good factor with a great, engaging plot and characters larger than life. Fast - paced, with a little drama, some romance, some complications, it just ticks all the boxes and makes a perfect, holiday, sunny read. I would say, go and grab your copy asap!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
Sealed with a Kiss was a Top Ten Kindle bestseller and I was thrilled when I was accepted to read this book on NetGalley. On my part, it was love at first sight: the cover is beautiful and the blurb very, very promising, and so I have started to read as soon as it landed on my kindle.
But before I start with my review, please go and visit this site, full of photos, inspiration for Sealed with a Kiss, and fell in love, just like I did:)
http://www.pinterest.com/rachaellucas...
Kate, who is dumped by her boyfriend at the wedding (not theirs, no, no), is actually not heart - broken., she's just angry that she spent so much time with this useless boyfriend of hers. She moves with the newly - weds, which is perhaps not the best idea ever, but moving with her mother is the only other option. So actually no options here. Kate wants to use the time, do something useful, and so she decides to take a job as a Girl - Friday on a remote island of Auchenmor. She doesn't actually know what she's supposed to do as this Girl - Friday, but it doesn't bother her, she just wants a year off men.
What she doesn't know is that Auchenmor is a very small island where no secrets can be kept, and so on her arrival everybody knows already her story.
So, swearing off the men for a year is one thing, but Kate doesn't know how handsome the Scottish men are, and how fascinating her boss, the real Scottish Laird Roderick would be, and how full of surprises and unexpected situations, and warm people this remote Island would be. And when Kate starts to think that perhaps this year without men was not such a good idea, Fiona enters the scene, the ex of Roderick.
Oh, I liked Kate, so, so much. She was not at all perfect and that made her a perfect heroine in my eyes. She was a champion of jumping to conclusions, she has first talked and than thought, she was prone to accident and she often said the wrong things. She was also not size 0 girl and thanks to all this above mentioned, she was a three - dimensional, real, vivid, likeable character.
I wasn't so sure about Roderick at first to be honest. He looked exactly and behaved like a very pompous aristocrat but after getting to know him more and discovering his advantages, and also the fact that he was a member of Marine Conservation, well, I have changed my mind:) He was, like Kate, a champion of jumping to conclusions and not expressing his thoughts but he was also normal guy, with his feet on the ground.
Honestly speaking, all the characters were brilliantly written and felt very, very realistic, all just popping out of the pages to entertain us. I had a feeling that I really know those people, they felt like my best friends. I loved the way the inhabitants of the island welcomed Kate so heartily, they were so open and friendly and oh my god, I'd like so much to have such neighbours, those sexy/funny/interesting Scots! Yes, they knew all about Kate even before she has put her feet on the island, and they knew about everything happening there but they were so friendly and supportive that it wasn't actually a problem or a case of incredible noisiness. It was just the way it was:)
In short, all the main and supporting characters were just larger than life, full of dry humour and openness. They've peppered the story and the book wouldn't be so good without them all. Even the bad ones... It was a perfect mix of characters, varied from the very nice and funny to the very bad and bitchy, just with the optimal amount of both funniness and bitchiness.
The descriptions of the island were fantastic, I felt like I've visited the island after reading the book, like I know every corner and secret of this place. It was so remote that the inhabitants of it were actually very excited when the ferry was coming but thanks to the remoteness it was so exciting and interesting to live there. The beauty of the island was wonderfully introduced and described and it was really a perfect background for the whole story. And I adored the scenes where they were watching the seals, it was too sweet to describe it:)
Although actually mostly predictable, the plot was brilliantly written and very engaging but the way it was written has just knocked me down. The banter between the characters had me in giggles, the dialogues were smooth, sharp, witty, full of dry humour and they had the authentic ring of the real conversations.
There were moments that I felt a little confused because the situations happened so quickly, we were involved in one thing and the next second there was something different happening. I don't know if it is only me, but I was not sure when some situations happened, I missed the exact time and sometimes I felt a little lost. And when I see a word "wee" again in the closest future, I'm going to start to shout:) Yes, I know, this is the way the islanders are speaking but please, not in every second sentence:) Although maybe they do this. Say "wee" in every second sentence.
Altogether, this book made me smile and left me warm inside. For sure a one with a feel - good factor with a great, engaging plot and characters larger than life. Fast - paced, with a little drama, some romance, some complications, it just ticks all the boxes and makes a perfect, holiday, sunny read. I would say, go and grab your copy asap!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
March 27, 2017
It was good, I loved all the characters and the setting was just perfect. The story was cheesy and predictable but it was exactly what I was in the mood for. I've already ordered a couple more books by Rachael Lucas.
January 9, 2025
Really easy storyline to follow. Well written with a classic boy meets girl, don’t like each other, fall for each other route with a few curves in the road to navigate around. Have the novella to follow on, to read next. Cosy read.
October 19, 2019
Loved this. I've fallen in love with Scotland through this book. Easy read, romantic. Can't wait to read more.
February 28, 2022
3.5 out of 5 stars
May 11, 2014
Firstly thank you so much to Pan for approving me for this ARC via NetGalley. I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover and I’m so glad I requested it!
The story mostly takes place on the fictional Scottish island of Auchenmor and is all about main character Kate’s fresh start in a new job, new home and new country. The island is as far from her life in Cambridge as it could be and she’s determined to prove everyone who thinks she won’t stick it out wrong.
I loved main character Kate. I think her character had substance and was maybe a little more mature for her age than what she should have been and I felt like a lot of that was down to her family circumstances. I loved that this fresh start was spontaneous for her and that she just grabbed the opportunity for change. It was gutsy and bold and I loved the strength it added to her character.
The island and its inhabitants win Kate over almost immediately and they will win you as a reader over too. Each character has something different to offer Kate but there is a real sense of community which islands seem to be famous for and that is prevalent throughout the story. When I read it, it felt like that tight-knit community was just what Kate needed to find her place in the world and to grow in confidence in herself and her ability.
One thing I adored about this book was the setting! I used to live right next door to a country estate so that really appealed to me. I lost myself in the cottage renovations and the thought of bringing life back to the big old house. Also being Scottish myself and having visited a few of our islands I felt like it was totally believable throughout and loved that some stereotypical elements of island life had snuck in.
I loved Rachel’s writing throughout. It has a charming chicklit style that just pulled me in from the very beginning. It was a really easy read and I devoured it in nearly one sitting. I can’t wait to read more from Rachael.
The story mostly takes place on the fictional Scottish island of Auchenmor and is all about main character Kate’s fresh start in a new job, new home and new country. The island is as far from her life in Cambridge as it could be and she’s determined to prove everyone who thinks she won’t stick it out wrong.
I loved main character Kate. I think her character had substance and was maybe a little more mature for her age than what she should have been and I felt like a lot of that was down to her family circumstances. I loved that this fresh start was spontaneous for her and that she just grabbed the opportunity for change. It was gutsy and bold and I loved the strength it added to her character.
The island and its inhabitants win Kate over almost immediately and they will win you as a reader over too. Each character has something different to offer Kate but there is a real sense of community which islands seem to be famous for and that is prevalent throughout the story. When I read it, it felt like that tight-knit community was just what Kate needed to find her place in the world and to grow in confidence in herself and her ability.
One thing I adored about this book was the setting! I used to live right next door to a country estate so that really appealed to me. I lost myself in the cottage renovations and the thought of bringing life back to the big old house. Also being Scottish myself and having visited a few of our islands I felt like it was totally believable throughout and loved that some stereotypical elements of island life had snuck in.
I loved Rachel’s writing throughout. It has a charming chicklit style that just pulled me in from the very beginning. It was a really easy read and I devoured it in nearly one sitting. I can’t wait to read more from Rachael.
May 11, 2014
Sealed with a Kiss, so called because it is set on an island where there are many cute seals, is the perfect summer contemporary to take with you on holiday whilst you’re lying by the pool, or sunbathing in your garden (that’s if Britain ever sees sunshine!). Lucas is a name you definitely need to watch out for in adult contemporary.
Hooked from the first page, the novel tells the story of Kate who has just separated from her long-term boyfriend and is looking for a job. When she sees a job for a Girl Friday on a remote island called Auchenmor in Scotland, she doesn’t realise just what she’s taken on. Kate then has to deal with the fact that on such a small island there are no secrets, scheming ex-girlfriends and an injured seal. What more could you wish for in a book?!
As you know, I primarily read YA, so Sealed with a Kiss was a really nice change because it’s an adult novel. I think there’s a lot of YA crossover potential and I’d have no trouble handing it to a YA. It’s by far one of the best adult contemporaries I’ve read, up there with the likes of Katie Fforde.
The main character, Kate, charmed me right from the start. She’s clumsy, falling at her boss’ feet the first time she meets him, but she’s also devoted and caring. Kate is the kind of person you’d love to be friends with.
There were also such brilliant secondary characters that all had their own pasts that added a familiarity to the story, like Susan and Jean.
Sealed with a Kiss is definitely a book that will stay with you long after you put it down. I’m looking forward to re-reading it again sometime in the near future!
Book in a Tweet: Cute, romantic, and a must-read for any contemporary fan! You won’t want to miss out on this book!
Hooked from the first page, the novel tells the story of Kate who has just separated from her long-term boyfriend and is looking for a job. When she sees a job for a Girl Friday on a remote island called Auchenmor in Scotland, she doesn’t realise just what she’s taken on. Kate then has to deal with the fact that on such a small island there are no secrets, scheming ex-girlfriends and an injured seal. What more could you wish for in a book?!
As you know, I primarily read YA, so Sealed with a Kiss was a really nice change because it’s an adult novel. I think there’s a lot of YA crossover potential and I’d have no trouble handing it to a YA. It’s by far one of the best adult contemporaries I’ve read, up there with the likes of Katie Fforde.
The main character, Kate, charmed me right from the start. She’s clumsy, falling at her boss’ feet the first time she meets him, but she’s also devoted and caring. Kate is the kind of person you’d love to be friends with.
There were also such brilliant secondary characters that all had their own pasts that added a familiarity to the story, like Susan and Jean.
Sealed with a Kiss is definitely a book that will stay with you long after you put it down. I’m looking forward to re-reading it again sometime in the near future!
Book in a Tweet: Cute, romantic, and a must-read for any contemporary fan! You won’t want to miss out on this book!
April 30, 2015
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2015/04...
I can't believe it took me so long to finally read Sealed with a Kiss. What a beautiful story! But what I think stole my heart completely was the setting. All I want to do now is leave everything behind and live in a Scottish island with views to the sea and seals as my friends. Well, and if there's a gorgeous Laird too around, I wouldn't mind at all.
Kate is 26, jobless, homeless and boyfriendless (and a bit lost too) so when she reads an ad to be a Girl Friday in a remote island she takes it, even if she has no idea what a Girl Friday is supposed to do. Which doesn't impress her new boss at the slightest. But as the story unfolds, we see how Kate starts feeling a bit less lost and more at home at the island. She gains self-confidence and starts showing what she is capable of. She is such a lovely girl and I really enjoyed reading about her progress.
But apart from the Laird himself, the island is full of fun, quirky characters that need to know everything about everyone but that also make Kate part of their big family. They were all so friendly. Well almost all, there was some bitchiness in the air too to make the story more interesting. But all in all, I think all the characters were believable and well developed and Rachael gave us snippets of their individual stories so they felt like old friends to me.
Sealed with a Kiss is a lovely and sweet story about finding your place in the world (in the most unexpected way), and believing in yourself and in love. A real feel-gooey-inside read with a stunning setting. I can't wait to read more by Rachael Lucas now.
I can't believe it took me so long to finally read Sealed with a Kiss. What a beautiful story! But what I think stole my heart completely was the setting. All I want to do now is leave everything behind and live in a Scottish island with views to the sea and seals as my friends. Well, and if there's a gorgeous Laird too around, I wouldn't mind at all.
Kate is 26, jobless, homeless and boyfriendless (and a bit lost too) so when she reads an ad to be a Girl Friday in a remote island she takes it, even if she has no idea what a Girl Friday is supposed to do. Which doesn't impress her new boss at the slightest. But as the story unfolds, we see how Kate starts feeling a bit less lost and more at home at the island. She gains self-confidence and starts showing what she is capable of. She is such a lovely girl and I really enjoyed reading about her progress.
But apart from the Laird himself, the island is full of fun, quirky characters that need to know everything about everyone but that also make Kate part of their big family. They were all so friendly. Well almost all, there was some bitchiness in the air too to make the story more interesting. But all in all, I think all the characters were believable and well developed and Rachael gave us snippets of their individual stories so they felt like old friends to me.
Sealed with a Kiss is a lovely and sweet story about finding your place in the world (in the most unexpected way), and believing in yourself and in love. A real feel-gooey-inside read with a stunning setting. I can't wait to read more by Rachael Lucas now.
February 21, 2017
I don't often write reviews for romance books because I don't read a lot of them but I thought I would talk about this for a bit. Mostly because it involves a woman running away to an island in Scotland and working for the local Laird as a 'Girl Friday'. I've always wanted to run away to an island in Scotland (or Ireland) and just live for a while and so I could completely understand the draw. And while Kate is mildly messed up from her failed relationship and run of crappy jobs it isn't one of those books where that is all she is. She is fun and feisty and a really hard worker and the people she meets and makes friends with a fun as well. When I told the author I was reading this book she said, "I was wondering if you would like it because it is really quite cheerful." Cheerful is a great descriptor for this book - not because everything is happy-go-lucky but because things get worked through in a realistic manner. Kate's a bit of a mess when she arrives. Roddy is a bit of a mess but not without charm. Kate doesn't have to save him and this isn't the usual "broke girl meets rich guy and lives happily ever after in posh clothes" type story. And really, why would you run away to an island in Scotland if that was what you wanted? Give me wellies and wool sweaters any day.
I'll never get to run away and live on an island in Scotland now (not unless they have a cancer facility on it) but at least I can read about it. And this is the point of some literature is it not? To transport us to places we want to be when we can't go there? Although maybe I can go for a summer if I can keep the cancer at bay for a little while and convince my husband. I don't need a Laird but some seals would be nice.
I'll never get to run away and live on an island in Scotland now (not unless they have a cancer facility on it) but at least I can read about it. And this is the point of some literature is it not? To transport us to places we want to be when we can't go there? Although maybe I can go for a summer if I can keep the cancer at bay for a little while and convince my husband. I don't need a Laird but some seals would be nice.
October 16, 2022
Kate is dumped by her boyfriend but isn’t very sad about losing him. She’s just never lived alone. She went from home to university to living with her boyfriend and is now living with her best friend and her family. She realizes that it’s time for a change and answers an old fashioned job posting for a “Girl Friday” to the Laird of Duntarvie on a small Scottish island. She’s surprised to get a letter, signed by Laird Roderick, offering her the job.
She heads to Scotland, and is surprised how quickly she settles into island life. She loves her neighbors and the villagers, but is horrified to realize she’s also falling love with the Laird. She has no idea how he feels about her, being a typical Scot who’s hard to read. After he kisses her one night at a party, she’s even more confused because he’s called away on business and doesn’t contact her while he’s gone.
Kate, whose past work history is spotty, realizes she’s finally found a job she loves as she project manages the renovations of an old cow byre and two crofts into holiday rentals. She soon realizes she wants to stay on the island and not leave when the project is over.
The usual mishaps happen, like Roderick thinking she’s in a relationship with handsome Finn and Kate thinking he’s getting back with his old, snooty, girlfriend. But eventually they reach a very sweet HEA.
Roderick was a very appealing love interest and I couldn’t wait for him and Kate to finally get together. There are lots of descriptions of island life, and the seals at one of the beaches are so much fun to read about and are a great subplot. I’ve only read a few books by Rachael Lucas, but I really liked them all. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
She heads to Scotland, and is surprised how quickly she settles into island life. She loves her neighbors and the villagers, but is horrified to realize she’s also falling love with the Laird. She has no idea how he feels about her, being a typical Scot who’s hard to read. After he kisses her one night at a party, she’s even more confused because he’s called away on business and doesn’t contact her while he’s gone.
Kate, whose past work history is spotty, realizes she’s finally found a job she loves as she project manages the renovations of an old cow byre and two crofts into holiday rentals. She soon realizes she wants to stay on the island and not leave when the project is over.
The usual mishaps happen, like Roderick thinking she’s in a relationship with handsome Finn and Kate thinking he’s getting back with his old, snooty, girlfriend. But eventually they reach a very sweet HEA.
Roderick was a very appealing love interest and I couldn’t wait for him and Kate to finally get together. There are lots of descriptions of island life, and the seals at one of the beaches are so much fun to read about and are a great subplot. I’ve only read a few books by Rachael Lucas, but I really liked them all. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
April 5, 2013
After being dumped by her boyfriend, Kate escapes to the Scottish island of Auchenmor to start a new job (with a cottage included). She quickly falls in love with the island life and wildlife. Kate swears to stay off men for a whole year, but will she be able to resist the temptation of young sexy Scotsmen?
I loved this book from start to finish! It’s such a great and comforting read. Rachael wrote this book from a 3rd person narrative which I am usually not a big fan of (I feel it is always more difficult to connect with the characters in this way) but it works beautifully in this chick-lit novel. I think it is due to the author’s talent for capturing emotions and feelings from a wide range of characters. By the end of the book I had the feeling as if I was living on the island and made friends with all these wonderful and kind people.
I really enjoyed the way Rachael described the blissful and peaceful island life. Every single character the reader is introduced to is so welcoming and friendly (apart from one of them – but enough said here – I don’t want to give the slight twist of the story away).
I believe this book is a chick-lit novel in its truest form. It left me feeling all warm and gooey (what a cliche, I know but true :-). The whole book and its characters are very endearing and I was sad to reach the ending of the book (I could have read on for ages…). I can hugely recommend this amazing read. This is Rachael’s debut novel and I cannot wait to read more of her books.
I loved this book from start to finish! It’s such a great and comforting read. Rachael wrote this book from a 3rd person narrative which I am usually not a big fan of (I feel it is always more difficult to connect with the characters in this way) but it works beautifully in this chick-lit novel. I think it is due to the author’s talent for capturing emotions and feelings from a wide range of characters. By the end of the book I had the feeling as if I was living on the island and made friends with all these wonderful and kind people.
I really enjoyed the way Rachael described the blissful and peaceful island life. Every single character the reader is introduced to is so welcoming and friendly (apart from one of them – but enough said here – I don’t want to give the slight twist of the story away).
I believe this book is a chick-lit novel in its truest form. It left me feeling all warm and gooey (what a cliche, I know but true :-). The whole book and its characters are very endearing and I was sad to reach the ending of the book (I could have read on for ages…). I can hugely recommend this amazing read. This is Rachael’s debut novel and I cannot wait to read more of her books.
April 27, 2013
Kate and Ian have been together forever, but why have they been together is the debate. At their friends wedding it finally becomes apparent that they don't know why they are together and they split up. So now what for Kate ... why of course she applies for a job on a Scottish island with no knowledge really of the job or the island.
It is a lovely story of how welcoming the islanders are, how Kate finds her place in the community, and how she finds some really good friends. Obviously there is the romantic interest but it is not the be all and end all of this book, you can predict the ending from early on, but I still wanted to read about Kate's foray into redevelopment and how damn cold it gets on the island!!
Good fun read
It is a lovely story of how welcoming the islanders are, how Kate finds her place in the community, and how she finds some really good friends. Obviously there is the romantic interest but it is not the be all and end all of this book, you can predict the ending from early on, but I still wanted to read about Kate's foray into redevelopment and how damn cold it gets on the island!!
Good fun read
April 4, 2013
I got this as a free Kindle book, plus I thought the cover was cute! I think the book had some awkward parts, and the story was very familiar. Not a lot of surprises. Maybe I should even give it three stars. But in the end I just liked it. It was comfy cozy and I liked the world she created, so heck, 4 stars it is. Plus its the author's first go at it, so bonus points to her.
May 22, 2013
Enjoyable and easy to read. If you like the idea of running away from a broken relationship and settling on a Scottish island as Girl Friday to a gorgeous but irascible laird, then Sealed With a Kiss will tick all the boxes for you. If you are an animal lover, the chapters with the seals will have you in thrall. In short, give it a go !
June 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this book especially as it was set in Scotland where I was at the time when I read it! The main character Kate goes to a remote Scottish Island to 'find herself' but ends up finding a whole lot more! A very light easy read and all the characters were very likeable. Recommend it
December 27, 2015
I love windswept Scottish islands so the setting was perfect for me - this is cozy romantic escapism of the gentlest kind, even the almost-disasters are so easily averted that the happy ending is never in doubt for a second.
March 20, 2013
I loved this book. A real heart-warming story told with humour and filled with 'real' characters.
April 11, 2013
Very enjoyable read with a Scottish island as the location. Made me want to take a holiday to this lovely place!
March 5, 2015
A lovely read - charming and entertaining and set in a captivating place. I'd definitely like to be kissed there!!
November 17, 2016
Perfect antidote to a spree of psychological thrillers. Loved this gentle romantic comedy, loved the main characters and the usual mix of secrets, misunderstandings and will they -won't they!
March 27, 2013
I loved this. Great scenery, lovely characters and the language I actually use.
January 29, 2020
Excellent romantic and heartwarming book, which slowly draws you in until your definitely hooked. Kate has unfortunately been dumped by her longtime boyfriend for a newer model, with no home and sleeping with her close friend newly married not wishing to go home to her unbearable mother.
At a loss after years of miserable temping positions, while glancing at a magazine she sees a position for a Girl Friday, it’s in a very remote part of Scotland and in return for working 3 days a week she will live rent and bills free for 6 months and receive a small salary.
Kate is usually the most risk averse person there is, so not sure what inspires her to apply. After a telephone interview she has the job, not really knowing what she will be doing. Kate is looking forward to getting some me time and space away from everything and also signing off men for the next year.
It is a very funny, adorable and romantic my only grumble there was a number of misunderstandings between Roderick and Kate also her boss and most gorgeous bloke out there, I would have hoped she got her man earlier and so pleased the deceiving ex girlfriend was highlighted for trying to get one over on the loveable Roderick.
Now looking forward to the Christmas follow on.
At a loss after years of miserable temping positions, while glancing at a magazine she sees a position for a Girl Friday, it’s in a very remote part of Scotland and in return for working 3 days a week she will live rent and bills free for 6 months and receive a small salary.
Kate is usually the most risk averse person there is, so not sure what inspires her to apply. After a telephone interview she has the job, not really knowing what she will be doing. Kate is looking forward to getting some me time and space away from everything and also signing off men for the next year.
It is a very funny, adorable and romantic my only grumble there was a number of misunderstandings between Roderick and Kate also her boss and most gorgeous bloke out there, I would have hoped she got her man earlier and so pleased the deceiving ex girlfriend was highlighted for trying to get one over on the loveable Roderick.
Now looking forward to the Christmas follow on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
A marvelous start to a 3 book series. You really feel like yu are there on the island, getting to know the characters and the setting. I can't wait to read the next book! Ran through this one in one day!
Amazon synopsis:
Dumped on her best friend's wedding day, city girl Kate decides to escape to the remote island of Auchenmor to find herself. Expecting to be isolated and lonely, she's delighted to discover friends across the generations, happy to have someone new in their midst. She takes a job working as a Girl Friday for the remote, grouchy - but she has to admit, handsome - Laird of the Island.
Laird Roderick is unimpressed with her city-girl ways and Kate has something to prove. She settles into her new role, proving herself invaluable. Friendships flourish and the island weaves a spell over her - as the weeks pass, even Roderick starts to thaw - but Kate suspects he's hiding something.
Island life seems too small for secrets, but when Roderick's journalist ex appears, the community closes ranks. What is Fiona planning - and can she be stopped before it's too late?
If you love your stories packed with small town charm and a cast of characters you'll fall in love with, Auchenmor is the island for you...
Amazon synopsis:
Dumped on her best friend's wedding day, city girl Kate decides to escape to the remote island of Auchenmor to find herself. Expecting to be isolated and lonely, she's delighted to discover friends across the generations, happy to have someone new in their midst. She takes a job working as a Girl Friday for the remote, grouchy - but she has to admit, handsome - Laird of the Island.
Laird Roderick is unimpressed with her city-girl ways and Kate has something to prove. She settles into her new role, proving herself invaluable. Friendships flourish and the island weaves a spell over her - as the weeks pass, even Roderick starts to thaw - but Kate suspects he's hiding something.
Island life seems too small for secrets, but when Roderick's journalist ex appears, the community closes ranks. What is Fiona planning - and can she be stopped before it's too late?
If you love your stories packed with small town charm and a cast of characters you'll fall in love with, Auchenmor is the island for you...
December 16, 2019
After really enjoying Wildflower Bay the month before, I was desperate to read more Rachael Lucas, and I enjoyed this one even more. It takes place in Auchenmor, the same place, and is about the love story of Kate- who has just taken on a Girl Friday position on the island after being dumped by her dull as dishwater ex-boyfriend- and Roddy, the island`s Laird. I loved both Kate and Roddy hugely, and the way they complemented each other absolutely perfectly. I also enjoyed getting to see Finn`s backstory, because I already adored him and this just made me like his cheeky, charming ways even more than I did to start off with, and I thought Fiona was an incredibly well written antagonist. She`s Roddy`s ex-girlfriend who tries to sabotage his and Kate`s budding relationship, and I despised her so much I actually had to put the book down for a few minutes to calm down a couple of times. This is so engaging and lovely and full of funny moments, and it was a total joy to read. 5/5
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