What do you think?
Rate this book
A Roll in the Hay
The whole “big city, successful career, loyal, hot girlfriend” experiment has been a miserable failure for veterinarian Tess Robinson, so she’s moved back home to a small town in the Scottish countryside. She doesn’t count on a run-in with the stuck-up, maddening, local landowner Lady Susannah Karlson, who tries to boss Tess around as if she owns the whole town…which she sort of does.
Closeted, wealthy, ice queen Lady Karlson is having the worst yearꟷbecoming widowed, being embroiled in a public feud over her vast estate, and now finding herself at odds with the sharp-tongued new vet who has just blown in from London. The annoying woman is so unsuitable to tend her horses, so impertinent, and so frustratingly cute.
As their clashes build and they’re thrust together against a back-drop of eccentric village busybodies, class warfare, and deadly dangers, the circling women start to wonder if there might be something more to the rising tensions between them. It can’t all be hate, can it?
In a world of expectations, this quirky, enemies-to-lovers lesbian romance is about making your own path.
Themes: enemies to lovers · ice queen · lesbian veterinarian · local landowner · Scottish village
66.000 words
Closeted, wealthy, ice queen Lady Karlson is having the worst yearꟷbecoming widowed, being embroiled in a public feud over her vast estate, and now finding herself at odds with the sharp-tongued new vet who has just blown in from London. The annoying woman is so unsuitable to tend her horses, so impertinent, and so frustratingly cute.
As their clashes build and they’re thrust together against a back-drop of eccentric village busybodies, class warfare, and deadly dangers, the circling women start to wonder if there might be something more to the rising tensions between them. It can’t all be hate, can it?
In a world of expectations, this quirky, enemies-to-lovers lesbian romance is about making your own path.
Themes: enemies to lovers · ice queen · lesbian veterinarian · local landowner · Scottish village
66.000 words
185 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2020
38 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 4, 2020
'ARC provided by Ylva-Publishing in exchange for a honest review'
**'Language create the writer's attitude toward any particular story they might decide to tell..Most things good for writing are sometimes bad for life..'
'A ROLL IN THE HAY' can be read as an intricate love story filled with friendships, resentment, proclivities, even the terrible inescapability of in-laws dramatics and the reverberating resonance of annoyance.
The courtship between the two leads (Tess & Susannah) did rise to a good buildup towards their eventual coupledom -- because after all their many moments of tangling back & forth with snarky snide remarks that did sometimes comes off kinda shrewd, starkly funny and yet utterly appealing. The inclination about Tess's previous relationship was that things ended badly which caused her to drastically relocate somewhere else -- while for Susannah, she did have her own complexities when it came to any relationship because she hid her sexual preferences maybe because of her status or something else but then on the other hand, she had her own benevolent urges when adhering to others.
Perhaps the most challenging parts to understand and also be a little relatable to are the constant and ongoing angst and bickering amongst each character. I also was not blown away by their chemistry or intimacy.
When it came to the overall storytelling, I think it was just okay but for interested readers who might be anxious to read this story, I do believe that they might find much to contemplate and consider then eventually piece together their own perspective based on the entirety of the story that Ms.Keeley has written.
**'Language create the writer's attitude toward any particular story they might decide to tell..Most things good for writing are sometimes bad for life..'
'A ROLL IN THE HAY' can be read as an intricate love story filled with friendships, resentment, proclivities, even the terrible inescapability of in-laws dramatics and the reverberating resonance of annoyance.
The courtship between the two leads (Tess & Susannah) did rise to a good buildup towards their eventual coupledom -- because after all their many moments of tangling back & forth with snarky snide remarks that did sometimes comes off kinda shrewd, starkly funny and yet utterly appealing. The inclination about Tess's previous relationship was that things ended badly which caused her to drastically relocate somewhere else -- while for Susannah, she did have her own complexities when it came to any relationship because she hid her sexual preferences maybe because of her status or something else but then on the other hand, she had her own benevolent urges when adhering to others.
Perhaps the most challenging parts to understand and also be a little relatable to are the constant and ongoing angst and bickering amongst each character. I also was not blown away by their chemistry or intimacy.
When it came to the overall storytelling, I think it was just okay but for interested readers who might be anxious to read this story, I do believe that they might find much to contemplate and consider then eventually piece together their own perspective based on the entirety of the story that Ms.Keeley has written.
April 24, 2020
3.50 Stars. I’m a fan of Keeley but this one didn’t really work for me. It was a slightly above average read but it didn’t have any spark or magic for me. I really enjoyed the beginning, but I felt the second half of the book moved too fast and it lost its momentum. Its Keeley so it is still a well written book, it just doesn’t fit my tastes like her other three books did.
As I mentioned, this book started really well. I was excited with the ice-queen character of Lady Susannah and the instant butting of the heads with Tess. I was enjoying the arguing and the little sparks these two were throwing. I really thought the story would be perfect for me. The problem was this book felt short. The page number, of over 1k right now on Goodreads, is way higher than it really is. I think this is actually the shortest book Keeley has written. And the reason I am bringing up the length is because the ice queen melted way too fast. It felt like the story was rushed and everything had to happen too quickly. All of sudden the ice is melted and the characters like each other? There needed to be a bit more fighting, more flirting, and more chemistry before the characters even really considered liking each other. The chemistry that started so well for me just felt flat instead.
Besides the book feeling too quick, I also didn’t care for how some of the job scenes went. I was really looking forward to adventures with Tess the vet. Besides one horse and kitten, all of her vet scenes were passed over. What the heck happened to the sheep? Vets always have crazy animal stories to tell especially vets that work with large animals too. Where were the fun animal anecdotes for this book? As an animal lover I wanted something funny or exciting, anything really.
Lastly, I’m not sure if I was that big on the conflict of the book. I’m fine when conflict comes from outside the couple so that the couple faces it together. That is actually one of my favorite types or conflict, but here again it didn’t really work for me. I felt the “villains” where almost cartoonish and what happened felt over the top. It almost felt like all the villains belonged in a zany rom-com, not really this type of romance.
As I mentioned before I’m a fan of Keeley’s so this was a bummer to not enjoy this more. It is still a well written book since it is Keely after all. I’m just disappointed that it wasn’t my type of book. Keeley has written one of my favorite romances in The Music and the Mirror, so I can easily get over not really fitting with one of her books.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
As I mentioned, this book started really well. I was excited with the ice-queen character of Lady Susannah and the instant butting of the heads with Tess. I was enjoying the arguing and the little sparks these two were throwing. I really thought the story would be perfect for me. The problem was this book felt short. The page number, of over 1k right now on Goodreads, is way higher than it really is. I think this is actually the shortest book Keeley has written. And the reason I am bringing up the length is because the ice queen melted way too fast. It felt like the story was rushed and everything had to happen too quickly. All of sudden the ice is melted and the characters like each other? There needed to be a bit more fighting, more flirting, and more chemistry before the characters even really considered liking each other. The chemistry that started so well for me just felt flat instead.
Besides the book feeling too quick, I also didn’t care for how some of the job scenes went. I was really looking forward to adventures with Tess the vet. Besides one horse and kitten, all of her vet scenes were passed over. What the heck happened to the sheep? Vets always have crazy animal stories to tell especially vets that work with large animals too. Where were the fun animal anecdotes for this book? As an animal lover I wanted something funny or exciting, anything really.
Lastly, I’m not sure if I was that big on the conflict of the book. I’m fine when conflict comes from outside the couple so that the couple faces it together. That is actually one of my favorite types or conflict, but here again it didn’t really work for me. I felt the “villains” where almost cartoonish and what happened felt over the top. It almost felt like all the villains belonged in a zany rom-com, not really this type of romance.
As I mentioned before I’m a fan of Keeley’s so this was a bummer to not enjoy this more. It is still a well written book since it is Keely after all. I’m just disappointed that it wasn’t my type of book. Keeley has written one of my favorite romances in The Music and the Mirror, so I can easily get over not really fitting with one of her books.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
April 5, 2020
Ladies and Veterinarians.
Tess co-owned a veterinary practice in London until things went south with the girlfriend. She moves out to the country to work with best friends where she can do what she has always wanted to do: work with big animals on farms. Cows, sheep, and horses as opposed to family pets.
On her way to her new village, Tess has a run in with an extremely posh woman who is rude to her. That woman, ends up being Lady Karlson, a recent widow who has big plans for her inherited estate. They cross paths often because it is a small town and Susannah Karlson has some animals that need looking after.
I liked how Tess and Susannah did not get along at first but couldn't stop thinking about one another. There was more to them than they gave each other credit for. They kept finding themselves in situations together which allowed them to learn all that was beyond the surface.
Overall, this was a quick and light romance. Not too much angst. A charming love story between people from different walks of life.
I recommend to those who like to read about romance, enemies to lovers, social class disparity, veterinarians, small town living, estate disputes, living your truth, and cliche lesbian music.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Tess co-owned a veterinary practice in London until things went south with the girlfriend. She moves out to the country to work with best friends where she can do what she has always wanted to do: work with big animals on farms. Cows, sheep, and horses as opposed to family pets.
On her way to her new village, Tess has a run in with an extremely posh woman who is rude to her. That woman, ends up being Lady Karlson, a recent widow who has big plans for her inherited estate. They cross paths often because it is a small town and Susannah Karlson has some animals that need looking after.
I liked how Tess and Susannah did not get along at first but couldn't stop thinking about one another. There was more to them than they gave each other credit for. They kept finding themselves in situations together which allowed them to learn all that was beyond the surface.
Overall, this was a quick and light romance. Not too much angst. A charming love story between people from different walks of life.
I recommend to those who like to read about romance, enemies to lovers, social class disparity, veterinarians, small town living, estate disputes, living your truth, and cliche lesbian music.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
February 10, 2021
‘A Roll in the Hay’ is a cute enemies to lovers romance set in Scotland. I know it’s also tagged as an Ice Queen story but I feel that it’s a little disappointing with that tag. So therefore, I removed it from my thinking and was able to enjoy a lot more because of it.
Veterinarian Tess moves back close to her home in Scotland after a bad breakup in London. There she meets the local Lady Susannah Karlson. Susannah is wealthy and stuck up and she owns most of the property in the small village where Tess has moved.
I don’t recommend this if you’re looking for an ice queen romance. Susannah isn’t much of an ice queen and she loses that persona when she’s around those closest to her. She cares about the area and its tenants and she does whatever she can to help them out. I would classify her more simply as snobbish than ice queen.
I found Tess to be spunky and a bit mouthy when she needed to be. She didn’t let Susannah’s money or title scare her away.
I recommend this for anyone wanting a well written romance with likable characters, some push/pull, social class issues and an adorable dog named Waffles.
Veterinarian Tess moves back close to her home in Scotland after a bad breakup in London. There she meets the local Lady Susannah Karlson. Susannah is wealthy and stuck up and she owns most of the property in the small village where Tess has moved.
I don’t recommend this if you’re looking for an ice queen romance. Susannah isn’t much of an ice queen and she loses that persona when she’s around those closest to her. She cares about the area and its tenants and she does whatever she can to help them out. I would classify her more simply as snobbish than ice queen.
I found Tess to be spunky and a bit mouthy when she needed to be. She didn’t let Susannah’s money or title scare her away.
I recommend this for anyone wanting a well written romance with likable characters, some push/pull, social class issues and an adorable dog named Waffles.
April 8, 2020
I was thoroughly impressed with Lola Keeley’s debut novel ‘The Music and the Mirror‘ which got into LezReviewBook’s list of Best Lesfic Books of 2018. I have to admit that my expectations towards this author skyrocketed after such a formidable debut but unfortunately, I didn’t like her next two books that much. To my own delight, I enjoyed ‘A Roll in the Hay’ a lot.
After a relationship breakup which left her single and jobless, veterinarian Tess Robinson moves to a small town in the Scottish countryside. When she meets local landowner Lady Susannah Karlson they don’t get off to a good start. Lady Karlson is a wealthy closeted lesbian with an infamous ice queen reputation. But when a family feud over her vast estate escalates, she finds an unexpected ally in the newcomer vet. And maybe the sudden truce between them could develop into something else…
This was a light, funny and entertaining countryside romance with the beautiful setting of rural Scotland. ‘A Roll in the Hay’ exploits well the opposites-attract and ice queen tropes with an interesting immersion into the world of the British class system. People outside the UK might be mystified by this social structure that seems to belong to Middle-Ages granting privileges to a rich cast beyond the excentric royal family. Ms. Keeley highlights these social contradictions with a big dose of self-deprecating British humour. Personally, I enjoyed this as much as the romance.
The romance part of the plot also subscribes to the lightness of the rest of the story. Tess and Susannah’s relationship is full of sharp-witted dialogues, funny banter, and even some ridiculous situations that guarantee angst-free entertainment. I didn’t particularly find their chemistry off the charts but it’s good enough for the reader to keep invested in the leads. The secondary characters are all multi-dimensional and all together make the small town realistic and with an eclectic feel. As a bonus, there is a short subplot with a mature lesbian couple.
Overall, this is a fun, entertaining and cleverly critical lesbian opposites-attract romance novel. If the publisher hires a good narrator with experience in a Scottish accent, this will surely make a great audiobook. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
After a relationship breakup which left her single and jobless, veterinarian Tess Robinson moves to a small town in the Scottish countryside. When she meets local landowner Lady Susannah Karlson they don’t get off to a good start. Lady Karlson is a wealthy closeted lesbian with an infamous ice queen reputation. But when a family feud over her vast estate escalates, she finds an unexpected ally in the newcomer vet. And maybe the sudden truce between them could develop into something else…
This was a light, funny and entertaining countryside romance with the beautiful setting of rural Scotland. ‘A Roll in the Hay’ exploits well the opposites-attract and ice queen tropes with an interesting immersion into the world of the British class system. People outside the UK might be mystified by this social structure that seems to belong to Middle-Ages granting privileges to a rich cast beyond the excentric royal family. Ms. Keeley highlights these social contradictions with a big dose of self-deprecating British humour. Personally, I enjoyed this as much as the romance.
The romance part of the plot also subscribes to the lightness of the rest of the story. Tess and Susannah’s relationship is full of sharp-witted dialogues, funny banter, and even some ridiculous situations that guarantee angst-free entertainment. I didn’t particularly find their chemistry off the charts but it’s good enough for the reader to keep invested in the leads. The secondary characters are all multi-dimensional and all together make the small town realistic and with an eclectic feel. As a bonus, there is a short subplot with a mature lesbian couple.
Overall, this is a fun, entertaining and cleverly critical lesbian opposites-attract romance novel. If the publisher hires a good narrator with experience in a Scottish accent, this will surely make a great audiobook. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2020
My fourth novel by Loola Keeley and I have to say, even when her first “The Music and the Mirror” is still her best, in my humble opinion, I like Mrs. Keeley's style and her narratives.
After a bad breakup, not only with her girlfriend, which happened to be also her business partner, Tess Robinson leaves London and moves back to Scotland, to a tiny town. Here her two best friends, Margo and Adam, run a veterinary practice and asked her to join them. As she always wanted to work with the countryside animals, it was a good option.
After her husband died a year ago, Lady Susannah Karlson, closeted lesbian, is the biggest landowner in this area. She wants to turn the «Midsummer» estate into an animal sanctuary and she is looking for a veterinarian who is jointly responsible for the health of her animals, especially the horses.
They started on the wrong foot when they met the first time and Susannah didn’t made the best impression of herself. Self-centered, bitchy and arrogant would describe her best. But soon we see behind her brisk behavior and find a likable woman. What I really loved were the sharp-tongued dialogues between the two temperamental women. The romance was entertaining and light-hearted with no angst and drama. Tess and Susannah are a classical opposite attracts couple.
The story takes place in rural Scotland and is about two women from a different class whose system still seems to exist in England. The plot beside the romance, the feud with Susannah’s sister in law about the future of the «Midsummer» estate, was a good side story with some interesting and exciting events.
The secondary characters were well-drawn and divers and added well to the plot.
Overall a nice romance with a good side story and some witty dialogues.
My rating 4 stars
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
After a bad breakup, not only with her girlfriend, which happened to be also her business partner, Tess Robinson leaves London and moves back to Scotland, to a tiny town. Here her two best friends, Margo and Adam, run a veterinary practice and asked her to join them. As she always wanted to work with the countryside animals, it was a good option.
After her husband died a year ago, Lady Susannah Karlson, closeted lesbian, is the biggest landowner in this area. She wants to turn the «Midsummer» estate into an animal sanctuary and she is looking for a veterinarian who is jointly responsible for the health of her animals, especially the horses.
They started on the wrong foot when they met the first time and Susannah didn’t made the best impression of herself. Self-centered, bitchy and arrogant would describe her best. But soon we see behind her brisk behavior and find a likable woman. What I really loved were the sharp-tongued dialogues between the two temperamental women. The romance was entertaining and light-hearted with no angst and drama. Tess and Susannah are a classical opposite attracts couple.
The story takes place in rural Scotland and is about two women from a different class whose system still seems to exist in England. The plot beside the romance, the feud with Susannah’s sister in law about the future of the «Midsummer» estate, was a good side story with some interesting and exciting events.
The secondary characters were well-drawn and divers and added well to the plot.
Overall a nice romance with a good side story and some witty dialogues.
My rating 4 stars
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
May 26, 2020
A village in Scotland, a relocated city vet and Lady Muck of the manor made for an entertaining read. Tess Robinson (on occasion Robertson) moves to a small town in the countryside after a rough break-up with her girlfriend to join a practice with two of her friends. Tess grew up in a small town and has trepidations about returning to one. Her first meeting with Lady Susannah Karlson doesn’t help and she epitomizes so much of what is wrong with small towns. Susannah is in an inheritance battle with her sister-in-law and her usual aloof behaviour is bad-tempered too.
I enjoyed the gentle pace and getting to know the villagers. Tess has a lovely sense of humour along with a level head. Susannah works as an ice-queen with her title, closeted past and current struggle with her sister-in-law. There process of getting to see eye to eye was a well-paced one and I liked the ease with which they did it. The extra detail around the villagers, the feuds, the animals, Tess’ friends, Susannah’s friends really enhanced the setting.
There were a couple of moments where I felt the story took some very simplistic turns when drama could have driven the pace and plot, and while they were probably the more realistic choices they were a bit of a letdown. Fortunately other elements brought the story back for me.
It’s another good read from Keeley.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
I enjoyed the gentle pace and getting to know the villagers. Tess has a lovely sense of humour along with a level head. Susannah works as an ice-queen with her title, closeted past and current struggle with her sister-in-law. There process of getting to see eye to eye was a well-paced one and I liked the ease with which they did it. The extra detail around the villagers, the feuds, the animals, Tess’ friends, Susannah’s friends really enhanced the setting.
There were a couple of moments where I felt the story took some very simplistic turns when drama could have driven the pace and plot, and while they were probably the more realistic choices they were a bit of a letdown. Fortunately other elements brought the story back for me.
It’s another good read from Keeley.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
November 8, 2020
An ok romance. I like Keeley’s books, “The Music and the Mirror” is in fact still one of my all-time favorite books, so I was looking forward to reading this one. Unfortunately, it was only an average read for me, certainly not bad, but also not something I will remember. I think the biggest issue with this book for me was that it took me quite a long time to warm up to both main characters. Lady Susannah was stuck-up and bitchy and even Tess was pretty rude during the first part of the book and when they finally did get together I didn’t really feel much chemistry between them. Apart from that, I thought the book was well written and I liked the backstories of Susannah and Tess. They both are in fact likeable people with their share of problems to solve. The story is set in Scotland and I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by Ruth Urquhart with a wonderful Scottish accent.
May 3, 2020
When it takes me over a week to finish a book, whilst picking up 2-3 others in between and completing those, there's a sign something is amiss.
Points for: setting in rural Scotland. My beloved Scotland. I could see and feel the winding roads and the old pub vibes, visualize the rolling hillsides. *sigh* Waffles the dog because of his name. And scotch makes an appearance, very old and delicious sounding scotch.
However, I think "inconsistent" is the key word for this read. The characters didn't make sense to me and the flow was off. MC Tess is a veterinarian from London who returned to her hometown after leaving an emotionally damaging relationship with a narcissist. She's portrayed as sweet and kind, makes friends easily, maybe even a little on the meek side. MC Susannah, aka Lady Karlson, lost her husband a year before (which was a mutually beneficial partnership but both were gay), has an equine estate and ends up hiring Tess to look after her horses, even though they got off on the wrong foot, which started because Tess was parked in her driveway. Uh huh.
I just didn't get the personality clashes, they seemed forced and contrived. I never felt the spark once between the two. About 70% in, Tess's personality changes to become somewhat aggressive with a "if you hurt my woman..." mentality to anyone who crosses Susannah. However she can't seem to make a stand when her ex calls/comes around and taunts her. Then there's a rushed heroic act by Tess that came out of nowhere, and a super back burner'd character ends up being guilty of a horrible act, then it ends. My head was literally whipped around.
The one intimate scene involving some kind of abandoned loft on a dusty blanket perhaps explains the title. Not her best work, unfortunately. 2.5/5.
Points for: setting in rural Scotland. My beloved Scotland. I could see and feel the winding roads and the old pub vibes, visualize the rolling hillsides. *sigh* Waffles the dog because of his name. And scotch makes an appearance, very old and delicious sounding scotch.
However, I think "inconsistent" is the key word for this read. The characters didn't make sense to me and the flow was off. MC Tess is a veterinarian from London who returned to her hometown after leaving an emotionally damaging relationship with a narcissist. She's portrayed as sweet and kind, makes friends easily, maybe even a little on the meek side. MC Susannah, aka Lady Karlson, lost her husband a year before (which was a mutually beneficial partnership but both were gay), has an equine estate and ends up hiring Tess to look after her horses, even though they got off on the wrong foot, which started because Tess was parked in her driveway. Uh huh.
I just didn't get the personality clashes, they seemed forced and contrived. I never felt the spark once between the two. About 70% in, Tess's personality changes to become somewhat aggressive with a "if you hurt my woman..." mentality to anyone who crosses Susannah. However she can't seem to make a stand when her ex calls/comes around and taunts her. Then there's a rushed heroic act by Tess that came out of nowhere, and a super back burner'd character ends up being guilty of a horrible act, then it ends. My head was literally whipped around.
The one intimate scene involving some kind of abandoned loft on a dusty blanket perhaps explains the title. Not her best work, unfortunately. 2.5/5.
March 31, 2020
I love the way Lola Keeley writes her stories, and A Roll in the Hay was no exception. This is a delightful tale from start to finish. It has enemies to lovers and ice queen themes all set in the charmingly described Scottish borderlands. I highly recommend this book for any lesfic fans who enjoy witty dialogue, a well-rounded plot with a good balance of tension, drama, comedy, and romance. And this story also features adorable animals as a bonus!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2020
This is a nice, light romance with two pretty strong personalities who clash almost every time they meet. It dwell too much into some of the topics that are brought up, but it gives us enough to understand character motivations and give just the right amount of depth. The antagonists are a little one note, but I didn't mind it as much as I thought. One of them is so crazily cartoonish that she had to be designed to be that way.
Tess Robinson is a vet getting out of London, and away from her over bearing ex, to practice in her small Scottish village with her two best friends. She was looking forward to getting back to her roots until she has an unfortunate meeting with the local posh upper class woman, Lady Susannah Karlson. To Tess, Susannah is a control freak, snob, and down right rude at times, yet Tess can't help but notice her beauty. Susannah is working through the fallout of her husband's death, fighting with both her sister-in-law, and the local council so she can turn her lands and estate into something she and her husband she could be proud of. Susannah did not expect to be challenged by the competent, small, and sexy new vet, but as much as she finds her annoying, she cannot help but be intrigued.
So yes, you'll read about both women being confused about their attraction to the other even while they argue over the pettiest of things. It is well done, as we watch them slowly circle each other and finally get together. Sometimes it does get tiring, watching the two leads bicker over everything, but here it is clear that they are on each other's side, but just don't know how to express it to the other. It's slightly awkward, but natural when one person feels looked down on (and she is) by the other.
If there is a complaint, it is that it is a little on the light side, so we are treated to the whirlwind that is Tess's ex-girlfriend Caroline. Caroline is a snob, through and through, and is constantly belittling Tess - though I suspect Tess is the better vet of the two. We basically only see her twice in the book: once on a phone message, and the other was an in person meeting. And wow it was kind of amazing. Caroline was so out there, especially given some of the more grounded side characters (even the sister - in -law), that it was almost like she was needed for the comic relief. I was almost stunned. But there were some really great lines that came from that encounter, and an sense of closure for Tess, that I didn't mind as much as I usually was.
This is a nice, cozy read that plays around with the "enemies to lovers" trope. It isn't as detailed as most of Keeley's other works, but there is a nice balance. It feels like a romantic comedy - with some great jokes, an amazing setting, a nice premise, a couple of good emotional moments, and two strong leads. I enjoyed traveling to this little slice of life in Scotland, and I think most people will too.
Many thanks to YLVA publishers for sending me this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
Tess Robinson is a vet getting out of London, and away from her over bearing ex, to practice in her small Scottish village with her two best friends. She was looking forward to getting back to her roots until she has an unfortunate meeting with the local posh upper class woman, Lady Susannah Karlson. To Tess, Susannah is a control freak, snob, and down right rude at times, yet Tess can't help but notice her beauty. Susannah is working through the fallout of her husband's death, fighting with both her sister-in-law, and the local council so she can turn her lands and estate into something she and her husband she could be proud of. Susannah did not expect to be challenged by the competent, small, and sexy new vet, but as much as she finds her annoying, she cannot help but be intrigued.
So yes, you'll read about both women being confused about their attraction to the other even while they argue over the pettiest of things. It is well done, as we watch them slowly circle each other and finally get together. Sometimes it does get tiring, watching the two leads bicker over everything, but here it is clear that they are on each other's side, but just don't know how to express it to the other. It's slightly awkward, but natural when one person feels looked down on (and she is) by the other.
If there is a complaint, it is that it is a little on the light side, so we are treated to the whirlwind that is Tess's ex-girlfriend Caroline. Caroline is a snob, through and through, and is constantly belittling Tess - though I suspect Tess is the better vet of the two. We basically only see her twice in the book: once on a phone message, and the other was an in person meeting. And wow it was kind of amazing. Caroline was so out there, especially given some of the more grounded side characters (even the sister - in -law), that it was almost like she was needed for the comic relief. I was almost stunned. But there were some really great lines that came from that encounter, and an sense of closure for Tess, that I didn't mind as much as I usually was.
This is a nice, cozy read that plays around with the "enemies to lovers" trope. It isn't as detailed as most of Keeley's other works, but there is a nice balance. It feels like a romantic comedy - with some great jokes, an amazing setting, a nice premise, a couple of good emotional moments, and two strong leads. I enjoyed traveling to this little slice of life in Scotland, and I think most people will too.
Many thanks to YLVA publishers for sending me this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
July 17, 2020
Liked the countryside settings, the plot, the humour, ice queen persona (who doesn’t?), supporting characters... Nothing that give me that WOW factor though
Available in Scribd
Available in Scribd
September 9, 2020
ARC received via Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
This was another middle of the road romance from Keeley, not sure why, but I just didn’t really get into it. I had high hopes, since I usually love UK village settings and class wars type books, but this wasn’t so much about that. The MCs here are Suzannah, who has inherited a large estate from her husband of convenience (they were both gay) and Tess, a vet who grew up nearby and is hoping to start a new life in the country after a break up.
Tess was the more interesting character for me, Suzannah blew a bit hot and cold. There’s also some minor characters in Finn, Suzannah’s PA who is non-binary, and Margo and Adam, who are partners with Tess in the local vet clinic. Suzannah’s sister-in-law is a thorn in her side by fighting with her over the estate, but that storyline is resolved in such a far-fetched manner that it was just ridiculous. There’s also some other villagers who pop up now and then and Tess’s ex shows up for no reason that I could fathom, it didn’t add anything to the story.
The main issue was that for the first 65% of the book all of the interactions between the leads involve them having a series of misunderstandings, literally every time they meet. It was tiresome. Especially since whatever it was that set one of them off was usually fairly innocuous. It was like they were trying to find fault with each other. Then all of a sudden they discover a mutual attraction and WHAM, light speed for the relationship to fall into place. There’s a big dramatic event towards the end and then everything gets tied up in a nice big bow. The pacing just felt way off, and nothing that was happening was engaging enough to keep me interested.
It’s Keeley, so it’s well-written, but Music and the Mirror is better than this, if you haven’t already read that, I suggest you start there. 3 stars.
This was another middle of the road romance from Keeley, not sure why, but I just didn’t really get into it. I had high hopes, since I usually love UK village settings and class wars type books, but this wasn’t so much about that. The MCs here are Suzannah, who has inherited a large estate from her husband of convenience (they were both gay) and Tess, a vet who grew up nearby and is hoping to start a new life in the country after a break up.
Tess was the more interesting character for me, Suzannah blew a bit hot and cold. There’s also some minor characters in Finn, Suzannah’s PA who is non-binary, and Margo and Adam, who are partners with Tess in the local vet clinic. Suzannah’s sister-in-law is a thorn in her side by fighting with her over the estate, but that storyline is resolved in such a far-fetched manner that it was just ridiculous. There’s also some other villagers who pop up now and then and Tess’s ex shows up for no reason that I could fathom, it didn’t add anything to the story.
The main issue was that for the first 65% of the book all of the interactions between the leads involve them having a series of misunderstandings, literally every time they meet. It was tiresome. Especially since whatever it was that set one of them off was usually fairly innocuous. It was like they were trying to find fault with each other. Then all of a sudden they discover a mutual attraction and WHAM, light speed for the relationship to fall into place. There’s a big dramatic event towards the end and then everything gets tied up in a nice big bow. The pacing just felt way off, and nothing that was happening was engaging enough to keep me interested.
It’s Keeley, so it’s well-written, but Music and the Mirror is better than this, if you haven’t already read that, I suggest you start there. 3 stars.
April 14, 2020
Wonderful!
Tess is a vet who had a clinic with her girlfriend. When she caught her cheating, Tess packed up everything and moved to a small countryside town to join her best friend and her husband in their vet clinic. The good news is that the move will give Tess a chance to work more with large animals, her true passion. The bad news is that she seems to have messed things up by making a less than stellar impression on the local landowner and the biggest client that her new clinic is hoping to sign up. Lady Susannah is a woman with secrets. Her husband died about a year ago and all her plans for her estate and other properties are being threatened by her sister in law. She plans to open a rescue for horses and dogs but really needs a vet… She was thinking about using the local vets but after meeting the newest member of the team she thinks differently! As Tess and Susannah continue to cross paths, there is just something about the other that makes them want to know more…
I LOVED this book!! I loved the vet and animal parts, I loved the conflict with the characters, I loved the love they eventually find, I loved the action and adventure they find themselves in, I loved it all! It was lovely to see Susannah find her feet and break away from her role as grieving widow. I was fascinated watching her face off against her sister in law and the others who disagreed with her plans and tried to stand in her way. Watching her relationship with Tess change and grow was a delight. It was so sweet and tender… they make such an amazing couple. And there was love with another couple too and that was every bit as mushy. There is not a bad step in this book and it is already in my re read pile. You will love this one!
Tess is a vet who had a clinic with her girlfriend. When she caught her cheating, Tess packed up everything and moved to a small countryside town to join her best friend and her husband in their vet clinic. The good news is that the move will give Tess a chance to work more with large animals, her true passion. The bad news is that she seems to have messed things up by making a less than stellar impression on the local landowner and the biggest client that her new clinic is hoping to sign up. Lady Susannah is a woman with secrets. Her husband died about a year ago and all her plans for her estate and other properties are being threatened by her sister in law. She plans to open a rescue for horses and dogs but really needs a vet… She was thinking about using the local vets but after meeting the newest member of the team she thinks differently! As Tess and Susannah continue to cross paths, there is just something about the other that makes them want to know more…
I LOVED this book!! I loved the vet and animal parts, I loved the conflict with the characters, I loved the love they eventually find, I loved the action and adventure they find themselves in, I loved it all! It was lovely to see Susannah find her feet and break away from her role as grieving widow. I was fascinated watching her face off against her sister in law and the others who disagreed with her plans and tried to stand in her way. Watching her relationship with Tess change and grow was a delight. It was so sweet and tender… they make such an amazing couple. And there was love with another couple too and that was every bit as mushy. There is not a bad step in this book and it is already in my re read pile. You will love this one!
April 29, 2020
I jumped at the chance to read A Roll in the Hay as soon as I saw the author was Lola Keeley. I didn’t even read the blurb because I already knew a couple of things about the book. I knew it would be well written, and that there probably would be an ice queen as a major character. I was right on both counts.
This is a story about Tess, a veterinarian who is moving from London back to a small town in Scotland, close to where she grew up. There she meets Lady Susannah Karlson, and the sparks between the two characters are immediate. The two dislike each other at first sight, but they also can’t stop thinking about each other. Being in the same small town, and both being involved with animals makes it almost impossible to avoid each other. This leads to some exciting adventures for them and the community as well.
I really enjoyed the overall story. I especially liked the character Tess and how she stood up to Susannah, the ice queen character. She not only refused to be intimidated by the “Lady of the Mansion”, she gave as good as she got.
I kind of wish the story had been a little longer. At 66,000 words/185 pages, it is long enough to be considered a novel, but it is still a bit shorter than many novels in the same genre. There were several opportunities for additions, either with more push/pull between the main characters, or even scenes involving some of the animals since both characters are involved with animals in some fashion. I would have loved that.
A Roll in the Hay is a light-hearted, easy to read ice queen, enemies-to-lovers romance that I really did have fun reading. If you are looking for a good romance with an ice queen, a feisty partner, and a lovely romance, then give this book a try.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This is a story about Tess, a veterinarian who is moving from London back to a small town in Scotland, close to where she grew up. There she meets Lady Susannah Karlson, and the sparks between the two characters are immediate. The two dislike each other at first sight, but they also can’t stop thinking about each other. Being in the same small town, and both being involved with animals makes it almost impossible to avoid each other. This leads to some exciting adventures for them and the community as well.
I really enjoyed the overall story. I especially liked the character Tess and how she stood up to Susannah, the ice queen character. She not only refused to be intimidated by the “Lady of the Mansion”, she gave as good as she got.
I kind of wish the story had been a little longer. At 66,000 words/185 pages, it is long enough to be considered a novel, but it is still a bit shorter than many novels in the same genre. There were several opportunities for additions, either with more push/pull between the main characters, or even scenes involving some of the animals since both characters are involved with animals in some fashion. I would have loved that.
A Roll in the Hay is a light-hearted, easy to read ice queen, enemies-to-lovers romance that I really did have fun reading. If you are looking for a good romance with an ice queen, a feisty partner, and a lovely romance, then give this book a try.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
July 6, 2020
3.5 Stars for Lola Keeley’s Roll in the Hay
This is a pleasant romance, one that I fully enjoyed. If you are looking for angst, you won’t find it here. If you are looking for Ice Queen meets Country Vet. This is the book for you.
Veterinarian Tess Robinson moves to a small Scottish town to partner in the practice belonging to her friends. She has left her small animal practice in London after a messy breakup with fellow veterinarian, who was also her girlfriend. She is looking forward to her new adventure, because it means she can now do what she was trained to do as an Equine Specialist plus work with her best friends (and fellow vets), Margo and Adam.
Closeted Lady Susannah Karlson is a widow and she has inherited her husband’s large estate. She has begun to make changes which includes having an animal sanctuary starting with horses. Her plans are complicated because her husband’s sister, Robin doesn’t think she should have inherited the estate and is fighting her at every turn. Tess and Susannah clash immediately. Tess is kicking herself later because she realizes she may have blown her chance to work on Susannah’s horses (not to mention business for the Vet clinic), especially after she learns that Susannah was planning to build up her inventory and she would need a dedicated horse vet. Luckily for Tess, Susannah disliked one of her only Vet alternatives and gives Tess a chance. They go together to check out horses Susannah is considering purchasing and they become friends and more than just friends.
OK, there is some angst. Susannah doesn’t have much support from the villagers (Ice Queen personality doesn’t help) and Robin putting up obstacles. One compliant I have was that there was a bad guy behind the scenes, so hidden it felt almost out of the blue.
There was an anxious moment when they were both in danger of surviving. However as one of them says and I quote: “Oh come on. This isn’t prime-time television. The queer women survived!”
I enjoyed this book. But as I was thinking about what to write – I realized one of the reasons I liked it was because it reminded me a bit of James Harriot’s “All Creatures Great and Small.” Book Series (and TV series). A new Vet arrives in a small village in Great Britain. I’ll stop the comparison there, because as I think of the details – the comparisons sound less and less, but still the feels were there. Think - tweed, farmland, animals, a small village and its quirky inhabitants.
This is a pleasant romance, one that I fully enjoyed. If you are looking for angst, you won’t find it here. If you are looking for Ice Queen meets Country Vet. This is the book for you.
Veterinarian Tess Robinson moves to a small Scottish town to partner in the practice belonging to her friends. She has left her small animal practice in London after a messy breakup with fellow veterinarian, who was also her girlfriend. She is looking forward to her new adventure, because it means she can now do what she was trained to do as an Equine Specialist plus work with her best friends (and fellow vets), Margo and Adam.
Closeted Lady Susannah Karlson is a widow and she has inherited her husband’s large estate. She has begun to make changes which includes having an animal sanctuary starting with horses. Her plans are complicated because her husband’s sister, Robin doesn’t think she should have inherited the estate and is fighting her at every turn. Tess and Susannah clash immediately. Tess is kicking herself later because she realizes she may have blown her chance to work on Susannah’s horses (not to mention business for the Vet clinic), especially after she learns that Susannah was planning to build up her inventory and she would need a dedicated horse vet. Luckily for Tess, Susannah disliked one of her only Vet alternatives and gives Tess a chance. They go together to check out horses Susannah is considering purchasing and they become friends and more than just friends.
OK, there is some angst. Susannah doesn’t have much support from the villagers (Ice Queen personality doesn’t help) and Robin putting up obstacles. One compliant I have was that there was a bad guy behind the scenes, so hidden it felt almost out of the blue.
There was an anxious moment when they were both in danger of surviving. However as one of them says and I quote: “Oh come on. This isn’t prime-time television. The queer women survived!”
I enjoyed this book. But as I was thinking about what to write – I realized one of the reasons I liked it was because it reminded me a bit of James Harriot’s “All Creatures Great and Small.” Book Series (and TV series). A new Vet arrives in a small village in Great Britain. I’ll stop the comparison there, because as I think of the details – the comparisons sound less and less, but still the feels were there. Think - tweed, farmland, animals, a small village and its quirky inhabitants.
April 21, 2020
A Roll in the Hay is a winner by writer Lola Keeley. It is gently steeped in her tongue in cheek humour while immersing you into the Scottish countryside.
Veterinarian Tess Robinson leaves London to join her best friend’s small town practice which is ironically thirty miles from where she had been raised by her single mother.
Lady Susannah Karlson is recently widowed and left in a battle with her husband’s sister on who will run the family’s massive estate and land holdings. Susannah has an eye to the future in creating an animal sanctuary on the estate while her sister in law is holding firmly to the past with both hands.
This enemy to friends love story is filled with small town eccentrics, a local feud and a deep division of classes. Ms Keeley’s beautiful descriptive narrative is her strength in all her novels, this one included. You can picture exactly what the characters are seeing. My favourite description is of an emotional hug after a misunderstanding.
“Margo collided with Tess in a hug that even rugby would deem an unfair tackle,”
A Roll in the Hay is a delightful read. 4⭐️
Veterinarian Tess Robinson leaves London to join her best friend’s small town practice which is ironically thirty miles from where she had been raised by her single mother.
Lady Susannah Karlson is recently widowed and left in a battle with her husband’s sister on who will run the family’s massive estate and land holdings. Susannah has an eye to the future in creating an animal sanctuary on the estate while her sister in law is holding firmly to the past with both hands.
This enemy to friends love story is filled with small town eccentrics, a local feud and a deep division of classes. Ms Keeley’s beautiful descriptive narrative is her strength in all her novels, this one included. You can picture exactly what the characters are seeing. My favourite description is of an emotional hug after a misunderstanding.
“Margo collided with Tess in a hug that even rugby would deem an unfair tackle,”
A Roll in the Hay is a delightful read. 4⭐️
May 1, 2021
This really was such a fun ice princess enemies-to-lovers romance and I really enjoyed listening to it as an audiobook! I loved that this was set in the Scottish borders and was written by a Scottish author (and even better, the narrator is also Scottish and did a fantastic job!). I really enjoyed getting to know all the different characters and the book kept me entertained through several hours of crocheting and mowing the grass! I do think that the fire plotline came a wee bit out of nowhere and wasn't the best way to bring the book to a close, but overall this was a really fun read!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
April 6, 2020
Hmmmm.....nice story but Im again disappointed. Its my fault of course....the first book I read by Ms Keeley was "The Magic and the mirror". It knocked my socks off. So I have been grabbing her books as soon as they are released assuming I will again be amazed. But alas, no. Not this one, not Major Surgery.
Again, dont get me wrong, these are good stories, but not as spectacular as The magic and the mirror.
This is a mild story about a rich royal lady and a common veterinarian. Very sweet but very, very predictable all the way through. (What did I expect...it wasnt a mystery after all)
There was very little slow burn. The 2 mc were smitten almost immediately. Very little sex, but lots of kissing.
Im a bit confused about the conflict with the councillors? If Susannah owned the property, why did she have to get permission to make it an animal sanctuary?
Also, I needed more info on Joan and Babs. That was sort of wrapped up in one paragraph.
A tiny worry, and a tiny action scene sparks up the last few chapters. And then all ends well and as expected.
As usual, the characters are rich, the dialogue is natural and humorous.
I was given an ARC from ylva in exchange for an honest review
Again, dont get me wrong, these are good stories, but not as spectacular as The magic and the mirror.
This is a mild story about a rich royal lady and a common veterinarian. Very sweet but very, very predictable all the way through. (What did I expect...it wasnt a mystery after all)
There was very little slow burn. The 2 mc were smitten almost immediately. Very little sex, but lots of kissing.
Im a bit confused about the conflict with the councillors? If Susannah owned the property, why did she have to get permission to make it an animal sanctuary?
Also, I needed more info on Joan and Babs. That was sort of wrapped up in one paragraph.
A tiny worry, and a tiny action scene sparks up the last few chapters. And then all ends well and as expected.
As usual, the characters are rich, the dialogue is natural and humorous.
I was given an ARC from ylva in exchange for an honest review
November 14, 2023
4 stars
I had fun.
Hallmark style enemies to lovers romance, with small town conspiracies against the MCs.
Again: Fun.
Not exactly deep.
But it delivered what it promised and did it well
I had fun.
Hallmark style enemies to lovers romance, with small town conspiracies against the MCs.
Again: Fun.
Not exactly deep.
But it delivered what it promised and did it well
April 27, 2020
Sweet story. Likable characters.Pleasant reading.
April 8, 2020
And what a roll it was..
Adorable and awesome characters ☑️
Sexy heroines ☑️
Perfect push and pull and all that feels☑️
Animal love ☑️
By the end the book was totally sigh worthy and I finished it with a big smile on my face.
Adorable and awesome characters ☑️
Sexy heroines ☑️
Perfect push and pull and all that feels☑️
Animal love ☑️
By the end the book was totally sigh worthy and I finished it with a big smile on my face.
September 23, 2021
This one was just okay for me.
I appreciated that it was set in Scotland, as that doesn't happen often in lesfic. It's always fun to experience the culture of different parts of the world. I loved Keeley's The Music & The Mirror and this one was tagged as "ice queen" also, which is a favorite trope, so thought I'd give it a go. And though Lady Susannah Karlson sure starts off that way, that persona falls away rather quickly.
I usually picture the whole story happening in my head when I read or listen to a book - characters included - but I didn't as clearly this time. Perhaps I just wasn't that invested.
I was excited to experience a new Scottish narrator in Ruth Urquhart and while that added to establishing the location, I don't know that she elevated the overall experience. There were some funny lines in this book - and she delivered them well, for the most part. I was disappointed in the brief love scene, however, because it was performed rather stiffly. I never felt the physical attraction between Lady Karlson and Tess and wondered more than once if reading it might have been better.
There were some superfluous things in the story that never really went anywhere and I was wondering why they were included at all.
While I didn't dislike the story, it's not one I'd want to read more than once. I am grateful it was available to listen to for free through my local library.
I appreciated that it was set in Scotland, as that doesn't happen often in lesfic. It's always fun to experience the culture of different parts of the world. I loved Keeley's The Music & The Mirror and this one was tagged as "ice queen" also, which is a favorite trope, so thought I'd give it a go. And though Lady Susannah Karlson sure starts off that way, that persona falls away rather quickly.
I usually picture the whole story happening in my head when I read or listen to a book - characters included - but I didn't as clearly this time. Perhaps I just wasn't that invested.
I was excited to experience a new Scottish narrator in Ruth Urquhart and while that added to establishing the location, I don't know that she elevated the overall experience. There were some funny lines in this book - and she delivered them well, for the most part. I was disappointed in the brief love scene, however, because it was performed rather stiffly. I never felt the physical attraction between Lady Karlson and Tess and wondered more than once if reading it might have been better.
There were some superfluous things in the story that never really went anywhere and I was wondering why they were included at all.
While I didn't dislike the story, it's not one I'd want to read more than once. I am grateful it was available to listen to for free through my local library.
December 23, 2021
I listened to this as a comfort read while recovering from my vaccine booster last weekend. It is the very definition of a comfort read. Great ice queen and wonderful small town flavor.
June 14, 2020
3.5 stars - Lola Keeley is one of my favourite wlw authors. Her book, The Music and the Mirror is excellent, and since then, I’ve been eagerly anticipating whatever she publishes next.
When I first heard about Keeley’s upcoming A Roll in the Hay, I was ecstatic. The way the author described it on twitter, it literally checked all of my personal favourite tropes in lesbian fiction:
✔️ Ice Queen ✔️ Veterinarian ✔️ small-town romance (set in Scotland) ✔️ enemies-to-lovers.
It had everything to be a five-star read for me, but alas. Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe I was a little bit preoccupied with the Covid-19 situation, but although it was an enjoyable read, it wasn’t what I’d hoped.
I didn’t really like Susannah’s character. I mean, she was fine on her own, but I didn’t really like that she’d been married to a gay guy for “convenience”. Unless I missed something, this was set in our time, so it rubbed me off the wrong way. I didn’t like all the drama with her sister-in-law. And most of all, I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two MCs and I still don’t know why they are together.
As opposed to some other reviewers, I thought it got better in the last third of the book. Things came together and the romance was a little more believable. The setting was by far my favourite thing about this novel. The rural vibe throughout the book really kept me engaged.
Of course, it’s a Keeley book, and that means the writing is excellent. Even though I was a little disappointed with this one, I’m looking forward to her next book!
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
When I first heard about Keeley’s upcoming A Roll in the Hay, I was ecstatic. The way the author described it on twitter, it literally checked all of my personal favourite tropes in lesbian fiction:
✔️ Ice Queen ✔️ Veterinarian ✔️ small-town romance (set in Scotland) ✔️ enemies-to-lovers.
It had everything to be a five-star read for me, but alas. Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe I was a little bit preoccupied with the Covid-19 situation, but although it was an enjoyable read, it wasn’t what I’d hoped.
I didn’t really like Susannah’s character. I mean, she was fine on her own, but I didn’t really like that she’d been married to a gay guy for “convenience”. Unless I missed something, this was set in our time, so it rubbed me off the wrong way. I didn’t like all the drama with her sister-in-law. And most of all, I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two MCs and I still don’t know why they are together.
As opposed to some other reviewers, I thought it got better in the last third of the book. Things came together and the romance was a little more believable. The setting was by far my favourite thing about this novel. The rural vibe throughout the book really kept me engaged.
Of course, it’s a Keeley book, and that means the writing is excellent. Even though I was a little disappointed with this one, I’m looking forward to her next book!
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
April 2, 2020
Lady Karlson, Susannah, had a deal with her late husband, namely having a marriage in name only. While they were able to lead their own lives, pursuing lovers that knew enough to keep quiet about their relationships with the Karlsons. But that didn’t take from the fact that her and Jimmy were best friends. Both loved animals and planned on turning the Karlson estate into an animal refuge. Now her biggest challenge was coming from her sister-in-law, Robin. It also didn’t help that she was actively seeking a veterinarian service to look after the horse’s she’d rescued. She had her hands full.
Tess Robinson was moving from her life in London, leaving her vet practice for her ex-girlfriend to run as she pleased. Did I mention Kim was also the GF who cheated on her. Luckily her good friend, Margo and her husband, Adam, had a veterinarian practice in Scotland’s countryside. They were looking forward to building their practice by being chosen to look after Lady Karlson’s horses. That was the plan but that was also before Susannah and Tess met. It wasn’t a meeting that went all that well.
Lola Keeley has quickly become one of those author’s that I would consider a favorite writer. With ‘A Roll in the Hay’ she keeps that place. Nicely paced, believable dialogue makes this a very, very nice read.
ARC via Ylva Publishing
Tess Robinson was moving from her life in London, leaving her vet practice for her ex-girlfriend to run as she pleased. Did I mention Kim was also the GF who cheated on her. Luckily her good friend, Margo and her husband, Adam, had a veterinarian practice in Scotland’s countryside. They were looking forward to building their practice by being chosen to look after Lady Karlson’s horses. That was the plan but that was also before Susannah and Tess met. It wasn’t a meeting that went all that well.
Lola Keeley has quickly become one of those author’s that I would consider a favorite writer. With ‘A Roll in the Hay’ she keeps that place. Nicely paced, believable dialogue makes this a very, very nice read.
ARC via Ylva Publishing
April 7, 2020
Once again, Lola Keeley has left me speechless and sleepless in the Caribbean with her engaging and flawless writing. I just couldn’t get enough of the entertaining banter and the sizzling sexual tension that was brewing between Susannah and Tess. This story definitely deserves way more than a coffee cup honor because this author gave me so many vivid descriptions of the Scottish countryside and I fell head over heels in love with the small town of Hayleith and the quirky characters who live there. I love the fact that this story was told through Susannah and Tess’s point of view because I got to know them through their innermost thoughts and desires.
July 18, 2020
When writing reviews about Keeley’s book, you notice people never fail to mention TM&TM, huh? And I don’t blame them, ‘cause even I have that book under my list of favorites.
That said, we’re all still waiting for another book from Keeley that could measure up to the caliber of her debut novel. Even if this is the case, there’s just something about her writing that has me hooked.
A Role in the Hay has a passable story, but I’m afraid the chemistry between the MCs is lacking. There wasn’t enough stimulating back-and-forth between the two women before the first kiss happened. It simply occurred out of the blue. Sure there was a glimpse of flirting in that moment, but events before then were not noteworthy to render it enjoyable. The story in its entirety was too lackluster that even Keeley’s great writing can’t save it.
I also saw a few typos that changed Tess’ surname from Robinson to Robertson. They were minor mistakes but appeared plenty enough to worry me the editors won’t notice it, and fail to change it back to Robinson. They were able to switch it back though.
Coming from someone who loves slow-burn romance, the payoff for this one just didn’t do it for me. I appreciate that Keeley is one of those authors who don’t go for over-the-top or unbelievable scenarios. Though, maybe it’s time for her to take risks in her stories.
That said, we’re all still waiting for another book from Keeley that could measure up to the caliber of her debut novel. Even if this is the case, there’s just something about her writing that has me hooked.
A Role in the Hay has a passable story, but I’m afraid the chemistry between the MCs is lacking. There wasn’t enough stimulating back-and-forth between the two women before the first kiss happened. It simply occurred out of the blue. Sure there was a glimpse of flirting in that moment, but events before then were not noteworthy to render it enjoyable. The story in its entirety was too lackluster that even Keeley’s great writing can’t save it.
I also saw a few typos that changed Tess’ surname from Robinson to Robertson. They were minor mistakes but appeared plenty enough to worry me the editors won’t notice it, and fail to change it back to Robinson. They were able to switch it back though.
Coming from someone who loves slow-burn romance, the payoff for this one just didn’t do it for me. I appreciate that Keeley is one of those authors who don’t go for over-the-top or unbelievable scenarios. Though, maybe it’s time for her to take risks in her stories.
April 13, 2020
An ARC copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
This is a book about two strong woman - Tess Robinson and Susannah Karlson. Tess is new veterinary doctor and Susannah is the lady of the location. I liked the story, because for me it shows, that even now in this time it is difficult to live openly their sexual orientation. I wish for little more pages, but even if it was short it was really good to read. The interactions between Tess and Susannah were fun tu read.
This is a book about two strong woman - Tess Robinson and Susannah Karlson. Tess is new veterinary doctor and Susannah is the lady of the location. I liked the story, because for me it shows, that even now in this time it is difficult to live openly their sexual orientation. I wish for little more pages, but even if it was short it was really good to read. The interactions between Tess and Susannah were fun tu read.
April 4, 2020
Another hit for Lola Keeley. This one features two engaging primary characters surrounded by an amusing set of secondary characters. The romance is hot. The story moves along well. The balance and chemistry between the main characters is excellent, from their first meeting their inevitability is obvious. Their journey is entertaining with a little excitement on the side. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews