REVIEW: Loch and Key by Shelli Stevens

Loch and Key (The McLaughlins #3) by Shelli Stevens is a hot, well-written romance, that I read in less than a day because the plot is fast-paced and engaging. The McLaughin’s are an extremely close-knit and loving family, and will do everything and anything to ensure each others’ safety and happiness. Whidbey Island is the home of Scottish siblings, Aleck, Colin, Ian and Kenzie McLaughlin. Each book in the series focuses on one of the McLaughin children and Loch and Key is about Kenzie, a twenty-nine year old beauty, studying to be a paralegal while working in the family’s pub as a waitress. Years ago Kenzie was attacked, and as a result, she doesn’t date very much and trusting men outside of her immediate family is extremely difficult.

Chief Brett Craven loves being in the Navy and in addition is considered to be quite a catch. Once he retires in three years, he plans on settling down at the ripe old age of 38. After a few disastrous relationships, including one failed marriage, he has sworn off any kind of commitment, at least until his job no longer presents any obstacles.

Kenzie and Brett actually met about a year ago when Brett returned from a deployment and shared a little sexy flirting. Now months later, they meet again and go out on a date. Due to her past, Kenzie is a nervous wreck, but works through her fear and they end up having a nice time together. Their sexual chemistry is amazing and after a steamy kiss or two, a sexual relationship is definitely on the horizon.

As Kenzie and Brett get to know each other, their lust turns into much more. Two things stand in their way of happiness, Kenzie’s past that continues to make an appearance and Brett’s fear of commitment. Their ability to communicate and be honest with each other certainly helps the situation. In addition, Kenzie’s overprotective brothers like Brett and believe he is good for her, a definite plus.

Shelli Stevens is a talented writer and her books are always interesting, hot, and exciting. Loch and Key is another terrific addition to the McLaughins series that can be read as a stand alone or part of the series. Ms. Stevens crafts some of the hottest and emotional sex scenes I have ever read. If you are looking for a solid romance with just the right combination of storyline, emotion, angst, and steam, then pick up a copy of Loch and Key. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Book Info:

Publication: April 29th 2014 by Samhain Publishing | (The McLaughlins #3)

All the military training in the world won’t help him knock down her walls.

The McLaughlins, Book 3

Years ago a terrifying attack left Kenzie McLaughlin trusting only a few men in her insular life on Whidbey Island-her brothers and her father. But when a sexy Navy guy who waltzes into the family pub doesn’t hesitate to makes his interest known, no amount of mental red flags are enough to keep her from being tempted to dip a toe back into the dating pool.

Twice burned in the past, Brett Craven has sworn off serious relationships, at least while he’s still in the Navy. A gorgeous redhead with a fiery wit and wariness of men, though, has blown his well-reasoned strategy out of the water.

There’s no denying the attraction between the two, but Kenzie teeters on a tightrope anchored on one end by hope, the other by caution. Because if she lets her guard down long enough to fall for Brett, it could leave her vulnerable to the one man who’s been left free to prey upon her fear.