The Loch Effect | ARC Book Review

MY VERY FIRST ARC REVIEW.  I have been SOO nervous and SOO excited that someone would send me an ARC.   ME?!  I just feel so honored, and CRIED when I got it downloaded. Someone spent all this time and thought and care into writing a book that they're letting me read for free and before it comes out?!  I just can't believe it.  Plus, t's literally the first book that wasn't an audiobook that I have finished since sometime before 2013. 😬 Heads up, I would NOT have finished it if I hadn't loved it.  I have a one year old, and we are living out of our suitcases until middle of September.  Therefore, I don't have time for anything that isn't important or enjoyable.  Let my first ARC review, commence! 

Publisher Synopsis 

 I'm here for the mountains, castles, and lakes, not the Scottish silver fox 

When my long-term boyfriend overcomes his fear of commitment right after our break-up, I decide I need to face my fears, too.

I'm terrified of flying, but a guided tour through Scotland sounds like the perfect way to distract myself and recharge.

Hiking, biking, and paddling my way across the Highlands is one thing, but falling for the swoony silver fox I'm traveling with isn't part of the plan. He's confident, charming, and his rumbling voice is as breathtaking as the views.

I can't deny the sizzling connection between us, but my life is five thousand miles away. I need to be realistic. This isn't love, it's just all the fresh mountain air overwhelming me.

Trouble is, I'm getting used to the effect.

The Loch Effect is a closed door, later in life rom-com with implied intimacy.

🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌 🏰 🚌

Title: The Loch Effect

Author: Genny Carrick

Categories: Romance - Romantic Comedy

My Format: eBook

Publish Date: August 9, 2023

Publisher: Genny Carrick Books

Source: ARC

My Thoughts

🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁/5

As soon as I saw the word, "Loch" in the title, I knew I had to read this book.  Considering my obsession with all things UK, this definitely scratched the itch of seeing Scotland.  I loved following the path of their travels.  I kept pausing to google the next location and see where the characters were visiting.  

Characters

I enjoyed having real background on all the characters.  Even 'side' characters felt like people I knew by the end.  While I don't find all the characters likable, that's one way the story feels real.  I don't find every person I meet likable, but everyone has redeeming qualities and valuable perspectives--even if they're annoying perspectives.

Plot & Writing

While the plot was mostly predictable, there were some interesting curve balls thrown in to get me thinking.  The story moved along at a smooth, quick pace.  It never felt like it was dragging or lacking enough detail.  I always appreciate pretty short paragraphs because it keeps me motivated.  When I am picking out a book, I read the synopsis, check paragraph length, and check chapter length.  A book with long paragraphs, long chapters, or a boring synopsis, I will never finish.

Personal Connections

Since I have been in a long standing trend of reading historical fiction, I started the book nervous to read something present day.  The first chapter got me hooked immediately, so that wasn't a problem.  One of my current obsessions have been the Outlander books, so it was interesting to hear about some familiar locations from present day. 

While I am in a phase of transition in life and have spent the last decade putting work above anything else, her introspection and analysis hit close to home.  I wasn't expecting work-life balance to come up in a romance novel, but I enjoyed the reflection.  Our romantic lives don't generally happen in a vacuum where nothing else can touch it.

Recommend

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Scotland or UK, travel, romance, or someone who is noticing they work a lot.  

Links

Purchase Book: Bookshop.org *this is an affiliate link*

Goodreads Review: goodreads