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The Loch
When award-winning photojournalist M.C. "Maggie" Warner decides to take a break from assignments in war-torn locales, she picks Balloch, Scotland on the shores of Loch Lomond to getaway. She knew she would find solace and beauty around the Loch. She didn't expect to find love.
Enter Crispin Yates. Full-time literary professor. Part-time pub barkeep. He knew the day he met Maggie Warner he would marry her. Their conversations about photography and literature endear her to him. And he cannot get enough of tramping through the highlands of Scotland with her.
But their love is threatened by a family member who doesn't exactly like anyone not of the upper class. They will do anything to besmirch Maggie's name, including throwing high-born socialite Lady Camilla Knightsbridge Langdon at Crispin.
Can Maggie and Crispin's love survive the rolling moors of Scotland? Or will it be drowned in "The Loch?"
Enter Crispin Yates. Full-time literary professor. Part-time pub barkeep. He knew the day he met Maggie Warner he would marry her. Their conversations about photography and literature endear her to him. And he cannot get enough of tramping through the highlands of Scotland with her.
But their love is threatened by a family member who doesn't exactly like anyone not of the upper class. They will do anything to besmirch Maggie's name, including throwing high-born socialite Lady Camilla Knightsbridge Langdon at Crispin.
Can Maggie and Crispin's love survive the rolling moors of Scotland? Or will it be drowned in "The Loch?"
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 12, 2024
It is beyond time for Maggie Warner to take a break from assignments in war-torn locations. The hour is late or early depending on how one thinks of the hours after midnight, and Maggie isn’t having any luck between the fog and her GPS to locate McGinnis Place, her home for the next 6 months. Seeking help at Unicorn & Thistle, Maggie’s hoping the bartender can give her directions. Crispin Yates simply wanted to finish cleaning up for the night and go home.
As romantic sparks were in the air, Maggie wasn’t aware of Crispin’s literary expertise and multiple roles in Balloch. Equally, Crispin was taken aback when he saw the familiar signature of M.C. Warner on her lease. It is only the beginning of a series of unexpected twists and turns in the coming months as Maggie begins her respite in Balloch, Scotland.
This contemporary romance is a delightful journey! The evolving dialogue between Maggie and Crispin is a mix of humor, literature discussions especially satisfying for Tolkien fans, and relaxed explorations around Loch Lomond as they discover the depths of each other's personalities. Maggie's love for capturing nature's beauty through her camera lens paints a vivid picture of Scotland. The dynamics of Crispin's family heightened the drama, and the author's inclusion of Crispin's dyscalculia adds a unique layer to the storyline.
Thank you to Beth A. Freely, The Muses Funhouse, and Voracious Reader Only for an eARC of this novel.
As romantic sparks were in the air, Maggie wasn’t aware of Crispin’s literary expertise and multiple roles in Balloch. Equally, Crispin was taken aback when he saw the familiar signature of M.C. Warner on her lease. It is only the beginning of a series of unexpected twists and turns in the coming months as Maggie begins her respite in Balloch, Scotland.
This contemporary romance is a delightful journey! The evolving dialogue between Maggie and Crispin is a mix of humor, literature discussions especially satisfying for Tolkien fans, and relaxed explorations around Loch Lomond as they discover the depths of each other's personalities. Maggie's love for capturing nature's beauty through her camera lens paints a vivid picture of Scotland. The dynamics of Crispin's family heightened the drama, and the author's inclusion of Crispin's dyscalculia adds a unique layer to the storyline.
Thank you to Beth A. Freely, The Muses Funhouse, and Voracious Reader Only for an eARC of this novel.
October 21, 2021
I enjoyed reading Maggie and Crispin's love story and liked the characters that the author has created here. Maggie is an American photojournalist who has come to the loch to rest and recharge after some fairly challenging and confronting work in war torn counties abroad. She meets Crispin, a literary professor moonlighting as a pub landlord, when she first arrives in the village. There are some great family dynamics at play in this story - all on Crispin's side, as Maggie is the outsider. I liked his banter with his brothers Cameron and Callum. They are strong supports for him in his developing relationship with Maggie, and they contrast starkly with some more prickly characters that you meet later on. The author sets up the locations well, from the small cottage where Maggie is staying, to the local pub, the area around the loch, and also Glasgow. I thought both the leads were likeable - but then a fit and attractive man who reads, cooks and can pull a pint is always likeable!
I received a free copy of The Loch from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of The Loch from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
March 29, 2022
The Loch is a wonderful romance novel. The author takes her readers to the Scottish moors. where a love story unfolds, but like any good romance there are stumbling blocks, will love overcome? The characters are life like and well written. The scenery is so descriptive you can almost smell the Heather. The story flows smoothly and the humor is icing on the cake. Read this novel it does not disappoint.
May 24, 2024
I really loved the relationship of Maggie and Crispin ❤️ she’s an American photographer taking a break in Scotland and meets Crispin who works at the local pub and is a college professor. This was a classic love story with family drama put in. If you enjoy the typical Hallmark movie where girl meets boy and they fall in love, then I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
Thank you Voracious Readers Only for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review ❤️
Thank you Voracious Readers Only for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review ❤️
October 6, 2022
I received a free copy of this novel from Voracious Readers Only, in exchange for a free view.
This book is sweet, romantic, comedic, and adventurous. This book does have a small amount of predictability to it, but one expects those in reading a HEA.
The writing is good, and the book flows well. It is an easy quick read. The characters are well developed, have some great personalities, and you could easily envision a setting with the characters. Having never been to Scotland, although I would like to go, the authors description conjures the images up in your mind.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good HEA.
This book is sweet, romantic, comedic, and adventurous. This book does have a small amount of predictability to it, but one expects those in reading a HEA.
The writing is good, and the book flows well. It is an easy quick read. The characters are well developed, have some great personalities, and you could easily envision a setting with the characters. Having never been to Scotland, although I would like to go, the authors description conjures the images up in your mind.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good HEA.
November 14, 2021
Brilliant
March 1, 2022
This was a great book. I enjoyed Maggie and Crispin’s love story. I just don’t understand how Eleanor could put up with Geoffrey for so long but I guess that’s what makes for an interesting story. Definitely recommend
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
November 7, 2021
I received a free copy of The Loch from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
Despite it taking me a while to get into this story - once I was in I was hooked. Amazingly romantic story with supportive siblings and mom even with the curveballs thrown at them by dad and evil co. Can't wait to see what Beth A. Freely comes up with next!
Despite it taking me a while to get into this story - once I was in I was hooked. Amazingly romantic story with supportive siblings and mom even with the curveballs thrown at them by dad and evil co. Can't wait to see what Beth A. Freely comes up with next!
August 27, 2021
Who doesn’t love Love? When American Maggie Warner arrives in Balloch trying to find her rental cottage she makes her way to the local pub – and gets more than she bargained for. Her interest is immediately engaged by handsome literary professor Crispin Yates. A passionate romance develops between them and the future seems bright – until outdated class prejudice interferes with their happiness. Beautifully written and uplifting, this novel is a wonderful way to spend a quiet afternoon.
(The author kindly made a copy of this novel available for review via Voracious Readers – with thanks).
(The author kindly made a copy of this novel available for review via Voracious Readers – with thanks).
August 13, 2021
An enjoyable romantic story with a little drama that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens.
Lucky me, I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers
Lucky me, I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers
May 21, 2023
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book.
I was immediately 'in to it' from the very first page that had Crispin and Maggie meet for the first time.
Unlike some romances that have the usual (and tiresome) enemies to lovers theme, this story was refreshing in that their romance is realistic, it's a mutual attraction that grows and takes the reader along on the heart thumping road to their Happy Ever After.
Their story made me smile and sigh all the way through, its well scripted dialogue had me rooting for Maggie and Crispin; I felt all their emotions - heart lurches, blushes, blood surging attraction and spice. Their love making scenes...well I was definitely THERE, lol.
One point I have to make though is the use of the pet name 'ducky'. Yes, I know its been commented on in previous reviews, but I find it to be jarringly out of place, superfluous...it's an outdated, old fashioned term of endearment that belongs in 1930's/40's black and white English films. Barely any one uses it, apart from maybe, someone's 90 year old Granny.
Along with another book by this author that I reviewed (via Voracious Readers Only) which had a similar issue, I feel the author just used the popular English terms and idioms that are taken from these same old films, or the generic understanding of how a British person speaks.
The story had me smiling throughout, and the ending left me sighing in delight.
I want more of Crispin and Maggie!
A wonderful story.
I was immediately 'in to it' from the very first page that had Crispin and Maggie meet for the first time.
Unlike some romances that have the usual (and tiresome) enemies to lovers theme, this story was refreshing in that their romance is realistic, it's a mutual attraction that grows and takes the reader along on the heart thumping road to their Happy Ever After.
Their story made me smile and sigh all the way through, its well scripted dialogue had me rooting for Maggie and Crispin; I felt all their emotions - heart lurches, blushes, blood surging attraction and spice. Their love making scenes...well I was definitely THERE, lol.
One point I have to make though is the use of the pet name 'ducky'. Yes, I know its been commented on in previous reviews, but I find it to be jarringly out of place, superfluous...it's an outdated, old fashioned term of endearment that belongs in 1930's/40's black and white English films. Barely any one uses it, apart from maybe, someone's 90 year old Granny.
Along with another book by this author that I reviewed (via Voracious Readers Only) which had a similar issue, I feel the author just used the popular English terms and idioms that are taken from these same old films, or the generic understanding of how a British person speaks.
The story had me smiling throughout, and the ending left me sighing in delight.
I want more of Crispin and Maggie!
A wonderful story.
November 19, 2023
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
The Loch is a romantic story about the relationship between a famous photographer and a handsome teacher/bartender who instantly fall for each other.
This book was just what I needed right now. It was a sweet read with very little drama and a happily ever after between two people who totally deserved it! I devoured this and loved every minute of it.
My only tiny complaint is that the plot did get a bit repetitive but at the same time I liked that there wasn’t tons of upheaval.
I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Freely and this is just another one to add to the list!
The Loch is a romantic story about the relationship between a famous photographer and a handsome teacher/bartender who instantly fall for each other.
This book was just what I needed right now. It was a sweet read with very little drama and a happily ever after between two people who totally deserved it! I devoured this and loved every minute of it.
My only tiny complaint is that the plot did get a bit repetitive but at the same time I liked that there wasn’t tons of upheaval.
I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Freely and this is just another one to add to the list!
March 15, 2022
What a wonderful love story! The couple in the story lead us through all the steps of a love-at-first-sight type of romance and one can’t help but fall through it with them. Along the way were twists and turns, with some family drama thrown in, but they held firm and came out the other side stronger than before. The descriptions of the scenery of Scotland make my pipe dream of visiting there more secure in my mind. The author kept up the pace, this story never lagged but moved at an easy reading pace. Loved it!
December 18, 2023
I received this book for review via Voracious Readers Only.
What a wonderful read! I enjoyed Maggie and Crispin’s love story.
A wonderful, romantic story with a some drama that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens. You're rooting for them from the beginning and even though you know how it will end the twists and turns keeps you intrigued. I wish there was a short story follow up to find out more about how the family dynamic changes after everything unfolded.
100% recommend and will definitely read more of this author.
What a wonderful read! I enjoyed Maggie and Crispin’s love story.
A wonderful, romantic story with a some drama that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens. You're rooting for them from the beginning and even though you know how it will end the twists and turns keeps you intrigued. I wish there was a short story follow up to find out more about how the family dynamic changes after everything unfolded.
100% recommend and will definitely read more of this author.
June 12, 2024
Crispin is the black sheep of three sons. Although close to his two brothers, he has an estranged relationship with his father. Even though an accomplished scholar and an adored professor, he continued to be unable to meet his father's expectations. Maggie is an award winning photographer that has always lived a life going from one assignment to the next all over the world. She finally considers staying in one location for a more permanent residence, but considers her feelings for the professor versus how others view her and leaving the life she's always known. Is there a right choice?
July 25, 2022
I received a free copy via Voracious Readers to offer an honest review.
Whilst I did enjoy the book, it moved quite quickly and could have had the pacing slow down a little more.
The descriptions of the Scottish Highlands had me yearning to head back again and hear the rich Scottish accents.
The main characters are easy to relate to, although I did find the drama a bit over to the top from the side characters.
Overall was a nice easy read!
Whilst I did enjoy the book, it moved quite quickly and could have had the pacing slow down a little more.
The descriptions of the Scottish Highlands had me yearning to head back again and hear the rich Scottish accents.
The main characters are easy to relate to, although I did find the drama a bit over to the top from the side characters.
Overall was a nice easy read!
December 27, 2022
The Loch is a must read Romance story. It is a book about Maggie and Crispin. Crispin is a part time bar keep and a professor of literature. Maggie is an award winning photojournalist. Maggie is trying to take a break from her job for 6 months to relax and reset.
This story had me captivated from the very beginning. It told a great story about Maggie and Crispin an American and a Scotsman who fall in love and have difficulties along the way.
This story had me captivated from the very beginning. It told a great story about Maggie and Crispin an American and a Scotsman who fall in love and have difficulties along the way.
May 8, 2024
This is a fantastic story that lets you experience a true and deep connection between soulmates. With a bit of humor and a large helping of family drama, this well written tale takes us through a passionate and instant love connection between two people of very different statuses who are absolutely made for each other. Highly recommended romance! The only way it could have been better in my eyes was continuing the story further, because I fell in love with the couple.
September 11, 2024
Such an amazing read! I was given a copy of this book via voracious readers only in lieu of an honest review, and I absolutely loved it! At its heart, it’s a romance novel, but there is plenty of comedy and drama to make it not too mushy. It’s a great take of two people from different worlds meshing together just right to create their own happily ever after. It’s a fairy tale, but it’s also a believable romance.
November 5, 2023
FREE E-READER COPY FROM “VORACIOUS READERS ONLY”
I found this book readable but pretty basic. I really couldn’t get into the male love interest calling her Duckie. It didn’t quite seem to work. It just seemed to lack a little oompf. I wasn’t able to drop myself into the storyline and feel part of the story. But was readable. No issues there.
I found this book readable but pretty basic. I really couldn’t get into the male love interest calling her Duckie. It didn’t quite seem to work. It just seemed to lack a little oompf. I wasn’t able to drop myself into the storyline and feel part of the story. But was readable. No issues there.
March 11, 2024
The Loch by Beth A Freely, had me from page one. It is a sweet romance set in the beautiful moors of Scotland, and the characters were wonderfully written. The conversation flowed well, and I felt as if I was right there in Scotland with Crispin and Maggie. A feel-good story, with some past pain that had to be dealt with by the characters, but otherwise, the perfect read.
June 4, 2024
The easy, free-flowing style of Beth's writing makes this a beautiful story to read. A real page Turner!
The characters are charming and delightful except for the awful Viscount and the woman with the bottle blonde hair!! This story is heart warming and lovely.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
The characters are charming and delightful except for the awful Viscount and the woman with the bottle blonde hair!! This story is heart warming and lovely.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
September 27, 2022
This novel follows Maggie, a photo journalist who decides to take a 6 month break from her work and decides to visit Scotland but doesn't expect to fall in love.
This was a sweet slow burn romance novel with just enough passion. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from the author.
This was a sweet slow burn romance novel with just enough passion. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from the author.
October 18, 2022
Nice easy read, but the plot probably could have been developed a bit more as it was a bit light on detail.
I did really like the characters though they were well developed and the ending was superb!
I received a free copy of this from Voracious Readers Only.
I did really like the characters though they were well developed and the ending was superb!
I received a free copy of this from Voracious Readers Only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers.
If you enjoy reading romance novels, you will love the Loch.
I really enjoyed the love story of Maggie & Crispin.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
If you enjoy reading romance novels, you will love the Loch.
I really enjoyed the love story of Maggie & Crispin.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
March 5, 2024
Maggie takes a break from work and travels to Scotland. She meets bar keep Crispin there. With family getting in the way, it seems like their story will end before it can begin. Travel to Scotland and read the love story that defies snobby socialites.
May 22, 2024
Great cozy romance. Had a bit of a modern Romeo and Juliet feel to it. Not as overly dramatic though. I thought with words like viscountess it would feel too old times for me but it didn’t. Good book to curl up to in front of a fire.
January 3, 2022
I loved this beautiful love story between Maggie and Crispin. Great writing and descriptions of beautiful Scotland.
February 23, 2022
Cute love story set in Scotland. Would recommend for a short love story read. Has a little family issues and are literature wrapped in it too.
October 9, 2023
Loved this book, enjoyed the twists and turns at the end and the development of the relationship, great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews