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Sailing Free at Loch Tunnagan
After every storm...
A shock discovery turns Jess' world upside down and she finds herself fleeing from a busy life in Glasgow. With nowhere else to go she seeks refuge in a picturesque lochside village nestled amongst the Scottish hills.
When a storm blows in over the loch, it sends her in the direction of her handsome neighbour, Cal. Cal is grieving the loss of his wife, Lainey, and he must come to terms with the fact that she had been hiding parts of her life from him before she died.
As Cal and the close knit community help Jess to heal from heartbreak, she in return helps to bring some life back to the village. There is a mystery to solve, a boat race to organise and most importantly a renewed trust in love to be found.
The Loch Tunnagan series is literary comfort food, so find a cosy spot, curl up, and tuck into this sweet romance. It will suit the palate of readers who love a guaranteed happy ending.
A small - town romance with a touch of real - life drama. No steam, but some strong feelings and some strong language. Perfect for fans of Hannah Ellis and Jessica Redland.
A shock discovery turns Jess' world upside down and she finds herself fleeing from a busy life in Glasgow. With nowhere else to go she seeks refuge in a picturesque lochside village nestled amongst the Scottish hills.
When a storm blows in over the loch, it sends her in the direction of her handsome neighbour, Cal. Cal is grieving the loss of his wife, Lainey, and he must come to terms with the fact that she had been hiding parts of her life from him before she died.
As Cal and the close knit community help Jess to heal from heartbreak, she in return helps to bring some life back to the village. There is a mystery to solve, a boat race to organise and most importantly a renewed trust in love to be found.
The Loch Tunnagan series is literary comfort food, so find a cosy spot, curl up, and tuck into this sweet romance. It will suit the palate of readers who love a guaranteed happy ending.
A small - town romance with a touch of real - life drama. No steam, but some strong feelings and some strong language. Perfect for fans of Hannah Ellis and Jessica Redland.
376 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2025
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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October 10, 2025I think my main problem was with the prologue, I kind of guessed what the aim was, but I was so disappointed when I found out that the man – Ryan, who the prologue was about – wasn’t the other MC, and there was a lack of explanation at the beginning. Because of that, I got really lost. I didn’t know what was going on, where Jess had moved to, or what the exact reason was. So I lost a bit of interest right from the start.
I couldn’t understand Jess’ reaction to the cheating at the beginning. She was a bit mad but not sad, she didn’t cry nor seem hurt, she just wanted to go away, left her job for a long time and didn’t even care about the consequences. I had the feeling that Jess didn’t really love Ryan, since she’d known for a long time that their relationship wasn’t perfect. But the moment that really shocked me was when Jess suddenly started to like Cal and thought about him more than she should have – right after being cheated on.
It’s not about grammatical mistakes or misspelling, it’s more about the story structure and pacing. It was like the author hadn’t gone through proper editing. There were a lot of meticulous scenes that just didn’t make sense to me.
I DNF’d at 47%, when the plot became even more confusing, and I just couldn’t continue. Those structural issues really bothered me.
I couldn’t understand Jess’ reaction to the cheating at the beginning. She was a bit mad but not sad, she didn’t cry nor seem hurt, she just wanted to go away, left her job for a long time and didn’t even care about the consequences. I had the feeling that Jess didn’t really love Ryan, since she’d known for a long time that their relationship wasn’t perfect. But the moment that really shocked me was when Jess suddenly started to like Cal and thought about him more than she should have – right after being cheated on.
It’s not about grammatical mistakes or misspelling, it’s more about the story structure and pacing. It was like the author hadn’t gone through proper editing. There were a lot of meticulous scenes that just didn’t make sense to me.
I DNF’d at 47%, when the plot became even more confusing, and I just couldn’t continue. Those structural issues really bothered me.
August 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
This was really cute! It is my first from Ms. Bray and I really enjoyed it. I loved the small town aspect.
Oh I felt for Jess. She had quite the shock and was reeling a bit in the beginning. I feel like it was structured so that the reader really sees how and why it affected her. The little town she found herself in became a refuge. It was really sweet to see how she was able to build friendships there. I loved her friendship with Olivia and Amelie was adorable! Jess was able to reevaluate her life and priorities as she took a break from her business. I loved how she was able to discover new passions and support the community she found.
Jess and Cal had such a sweet relationship. They really connected quickly and I loved how they supported one another. Cal had some healing of his own to do and Jess helped him move forward. He was such a sweetheart and really cared about the people in his life.
There are a host of interesting characters and I loved getting to meet them. They really filled out the town and provided context as a first book. It also includes a LGBT character. This literary romance is closed-door, but does have some innuendo and language. It also features cheating, past character death and grief.
I received an ARC.
This was really cute! It is my first from Ms. Bray and I really enjoyed it. I loved the small town aspect.
Oh I felt for Jess. She had quite the shock and was reeling a bit in the beginning. I feel like it was structured so that the reader really sees how and why it affected her. The little town she found herself in became a refuge. It was really sweet to see how she was able to build friendships there. I loved her friendship with Olivia and Amelie was adorable! Jess was able to reevaluate her life and priorities as she took a break from her business. I loved how she was able to discover new passions and support the community she found.
Jess and Cal had such a sweet relationship. They really connected quickly and I loved how they supported one another. Cal had some healing of his own to do and Jess helped him move forward. He was such a sweetheart and really cared about the people in his life.
There are a host of interesting characters and I loved getting to meet them. They really filled out the town and provided context as a first book. It also includes a LGBT character. This literary romance is closed-door, but does have some innuendo and language. It also features cheating, past character death and grief.
I received an ARC.
September 18, 2025
This book was beautiful, I don't even know where to start on reviewing it.
This was my favourite type of book; like getting a hug and becoming engrossed to the point where you feel you are part of the found family in the book. Cosiness, heart and also lots of depth.
After a shock discovery Jess flees from her busy life in Glasgow to a small lochside village. Here she meets Cal, grieving the loss of his wife. When a storm brews Jess and Cal get closer than they bargained for...
This book really did have everything. Fabulous characters (Olivia and Amelie were awesome, as was Edith), cosiness, mysteries, the hedgehog ❤️ humour, some tears may have been shed...
It was the quickest I've read a book in a while as I didn't want to put it down. Being a local author and based on a village near me I also really loved reading about places that I know.
You should read this book if you're looking for:
• a glimpse into Scotland/small towns
• a book with heart
• found family
• a variety of characters
• fun
• emotional
• one room
• a cute, cosy read
• amazing writing by a debut, indie author
This was my favourite type of book; like getting a hug and becoming engrossed to the point where you feel you are part of the found family in the book. Cosiness, heart and also lots of depth.
After a shock discovery Jess flees from her busy life in Glasgow to a small lochside village. Here she meets Cal, grieving the loss of his wife. When a storm brews Jess and Cal get closer than they bargained for...
This book really did have everything. Fabulous characters (Olivia and Amelie were awesome, as was Edith), cosiness, mysteries, the hedgehog ❤️ humour, some tears may have been shed...
It was the quickest I've read a book in a while as I didn't want to put it down. Being a local author and based on a village near me I also really loved reading about places that I know.
You should read this book if you're looking for:
• a glimpse into Scotland/small towns
• a book with heart
• found family
• a variety of characters
• fun
• emotional
• one room
• a cute, cosy read
• amazing writing by a debut, indie author
August 12, 2025
What a beautiful book, much more than a love story
Set in Loch Tunnagan, Jess has taken a break after being betrayed by her two best friends from Uni. While away to give herself time she bumps into Cal, who owns the local hotel and just about everyone in the village loves him. Jess and Cal soon develop a loving friendship which grows steadily, but you can see them falling for each other.
The book covers heartbreak, friendship, deceit, love, finding oneself, grief and so much more.
And I totally loved the fun facts at the end!!!
Hope we get to see more from Loch Tunnagan 💗
Thanks to Booksirens and Hazel Bray for the early ARC, though late reading it. A book that had me smiling right through 💗
Set in Loch Tunnagan, Jess has taken a break after being betrayed by her two best friends from Uni. While away to give herself time she bumps into Cal, who owns the local hotel and just about everyone in the village loves him. Jess and Cal soon develop a loving friendship which grows steadily, but you can see them falling for each other.
The book covers heartbreak, friendship, deceit, love, finding oneself, grief and so much more.
And I totally loved the fun facts at the end!!!
Hope we get to see more from Loch Tunnagan 💗
Thanks to Booksirens and Hazel Bray for the early ARC, though late reading it. A book that had me smiling right through 💗
September 1, 2025
This small-town Scottish romance was my first story from Hazel Bray, and I really enjoyed its Hallmark vibes where Cal and Jess solve a mystery, plan the town boat race and save a sweet little hedgehog. While there are some heavy themes like infidelity, loss of a spouse, and grief, there is a focus on their new romance and character growth in the haven of Loch Tunnagan. The community functions almost like family, and the surprise romance built from friends to more without the angst.
Overall, this was a sweet and quick read of heartbreak that leads to healing. I loved being transported to Scotland in this story!
Content: Brief strong language
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
Overall, this was a sweet and quick read of heartbreak that leads to healing. I loved being transported to Scotland in this story!
Content: Brief strong language
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
August 11, 2025
This was a delightful read, set on the banks of a loch in the Scottish countryside.
Jess and Cal had such an easy friendship that grew steadily into love. It was fun to watch them come to rely on each other and really learn to trust.
This book is so much more than a simple romance. There were so many twists and turns to this story with bits of a mystery, saving the town, and family drama woven in. The entire cast of characters were fun to get to know and I enjoyed imagining myself alongside them in their lochside village. Add in MacTavish the terrier, Maurice the hedgehog, and a flock of sheep, and you’ve got everything you need.
NOTE: This book contains brief, strong language.
Jess and Cal had such an easy friendship that grew steadily into love. It was fun to watch them come to rely on each other and really learn to trust.
This book is so much more than a simple romance. There were so many twists and turns to this story with bits of a mystery, saving the town, and family drama woven in. The entire cast of characters were fun to get to know and I enjoyed imagining myself alongside them in their lochside village. Add in MacTavish the terrier, Maurice the hedgehog, and a flock of sheep, and you’ve got everything you need.
NOTE: This book contains brief, strong language.
September 25, 2025
What a lovely story!
It should have been cringy, because it had all the formula and components of a Hallmark story, with a girl going to a small town, meeting a cute guy with a troubled past, being thrown together by circumstances then putting on a large community event that no local had thought to do.😜
But it wasn’t.
It was a delight.
The author has written in a light, but not flimsy way, drawing me into the lives of likeable characters and a dreamy small town. Enough depth to hold interest but not weigh you down.
I’m delight to discover Ms Bray and look forward to reading more of her works!
It should have been cringy, because it had all the formula and components of a Hallmark story, with a girl going to a small town, meeting a cute guy with a troubled past, being thrown together by circumstances then putting on a large community event that no local had thought to do.😜
But it wasn’t.
It was a delight.
The author has written in a light, but not flimsy way, drawing me into the lives of likeable characters and a dreamy small town. Enough depth to hold interest but not weigh you down.
I’m delight to discover Ms Bray and look forward to reading more of her works!
August 14, 2025
The cozy vibes on Loch Tunnagan were unmatched in this story. I could easily picture the town and its cast of characters. After walking in on her boyfriend cheating (with one of their best friends), Jess escapes to picturesque Loch Tunnagan. There she meets Cal, a widow hotel owner who doesn’t date. Together they work to solve a mystery, save a hedgehog, and plan the town boat race. I really enjoyed reading this story. The author did a nice job touching on sensitive topics but keeping the overall vibe of the book low-angst.
September 7, 2025
I've never been to Scotland, but after visiting Jess and Cal in Loch Tunaggan, I certainly feel a desire for the Scottish countryside. I was pulling for this couple to just admit their attraction, and I danced a jig (or a highland fling) when there was just one room at the inn, with just one bed! Their love was more solidly supportive than flutter inducing and I definitely could have supported more flirty feelings. There were a few extra storylines that I felt just weren't needed but overall a lovely debut story with an interesting premise. A village filled with lovely side characters, a cute dog and wild hedgehogs round out the cast and set the scene for the series to continue. I am certain that Bray will only grow as an author as ahe hones her craft and will bring the reader more charming stories. I'm excited to read Second Chances at Loch Tunaggan, which should be available next September. Bray shares "Loch Tunaggan is based on a beautiful village called St Fillans, that sits on the banks of Loch Earn." Definitely on the destination list now.
I received a complimentary e-arc copy and this my personal and honest review.
I received a complimentary e-arc copy and this my personal and honest review.
September 5, 2025
This story was so moving. I feel like there was so much going on but in a good way. We truly saw what an amazing community the village was and got a glimpse into the lives of so many people. I love the layers this story had. It made you feel intense emotions ranging from heartache to pure joy and giddiness. You had a slight mystery, a heartbreak, a romance and a whole bunch of friendship. Truly an amazing story that makes me want to explore Scotland.
This is a clean contemporary romance.
This is a clean contemporary romance.
August 23, 2025
Sailing Free at Loch Tunnagan is a heartwarming Scottish small-town romance. I loved the setting, the found family dynamics, and the quirky charm brought in by both the adorable dog and a surprisingly sweet hedgehog rescue!
The characters really grow throughout the story. There’s emotional depth, friendship building, and just the right amount of slowburn romance. It made me smile more than once!
The story does touch on some heavier themes like grief and infidelity (on page), and there are a few strong swear words, so that’s something to note for sensitive readers. That said, the overall tone of the book is uplifting and hopeful.
If you’re a fan of small-town stories with animals, healing, and friendship at the core, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The characters really grow throughout the story. There’s emotional depth, friendship building, and just the right amount of slowburn romance. It made me smile more than once!
The story does touch on some heavier themes like grief and infidelity (on page), and there are a few strong swear words, so that’s something to note for sensitive readers. That said, the overall tone of the book is uplifting and hopeful.
If you’re a fan of small-town stories with animals, healing, and friendship at the core, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews