Under Loch and Key: A Captivating Story… With a Frustrating Trope

Afterlight Edition of Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

I just finished Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson, and I have thoughts. First off, I have the Afterlight edition—sprayed edges, signature, and an exclusive cover—which is always a plus. But if I’m being honest, this isn’t a book I would typically pick up on my own. It came in my subscription box, and since I already had it, I figured, why not?

And I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

What I Loved: The Mystical, Scottish Vibes

The premise of Under Loch and Key is fantastic. We get Scottish folklore, rival families, a centuries-old curse, and mythical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and Kelpies. The setting is rich, the atmosphere immersive, and the pacing is just right. Lana Ferguson’s writing style is engaging, and I was hooked from the start. I genuinely enjoyed the supernatural elements woven into the romance—something I don’t usually seek out, but in this case, it worked beautifully.

What I Didn’t Love: The Third-Act Breakup

And then…the dreaded third-act breakup happened.

Look, I get it—conflict drives a story. But at this point, the third-act breakup feels like a crutch in romance novels. It’s everywhere. Like, I could pick up ten romance books right now, and at least nine would have some version of we need a break or I need to think before the inevitable reunion.

I hate it.

If two characters are meant to be together, why do we need this forced separation just to add drama? If you love someone, you work through the issues together—you don’t press pause on the relationship, break up, and then come running back. It feels lazy when the rest of the plot already has strong emotional stakes.

And the thing is, Under Loch and Key didn’t need this trope. The story was already solid. The stakes were already high. The mystical elements, the curse, the romance—it was all so well done. But then the third-act breakup swooped in, and instead of heightening the tension, it just felt… predictable.

Final Thoughts

Did I enjoy Under Loch and Key? Absolutely. The world-building, the supernatural elements, and the romance (before the unnecessary breakup) were all fantastic. Would I have picked this book up on my own? Probably not. But I’m so glad my subscription box introduced me to it.

That said, I really wish romance authors would move past the third-act breakup as their go-to emotional climax. Sometimes, staying and fighting for love is a more compelling story than leaving and coming back.

If you love Scottish folklore, mystical creatures, and a well-paced romantic fantasy, this book is still worth picking up. Just be prepared for that trope to make an appearance.

What are your thoughts on third-act breakups in romance? Are you as over them as I am? Let’s discuss!