Review of Scotch on the Rocks by Lizzie Lamb

When I first started reading Scotch on the Rocks and was introduced to Brodie, I thought six foot three – yes; green eyes – yes; auburn hair….aah.  You see I’ve never been a great fan of men with any red in their hair.  My favourite heroes are dark, brown or blond but never flame haired. However…I have to say as I continued to read, I became quite smitten with Brodie McIntosh.  In fact by the end of the book this hot American marine biologist had got right under my skin!

Scotch on the Rocks is a story packed full of characters plus an outrageously verbally abusive parrot called Pershing.  Ishabel Stuart returnsto Cormorant Island where she grew up, bringing back her father’s ashes for a commemoration service.  She has left behind a well-paid job and at the same time broken her engagement to the feckless Jack Innes-Kerr, her boss’s son. Issy’s is looking for a new life back home, and spending time with her Aunt Esme, who raised her.  Unfortunately on arrival she discovers her politically active aunt has a house full of aging hippies and is about to join them on an environmental crusade, leaving Issy to look after her current paying guest, Brodie McIntosh.  Issy is not happy; all she wants is some private space, time to sort out her father’s memorial service and work out her plans for setting up her arts and crafts workshops on the island. Instead she is faced with this six foot three American intruder who is just a little too nice for comfort.  Issy suspects he has a hidden agenda and her suspicions, coupled with the fact they continually seem to clash fuel her dislike. But is it really dislike, or is she simply protecting herself from her real feelings after two bad experiences – an overbearing father and a fiance who is a two timing rat?

This book has something for everyone; it’s a love story and it also has comedy. Issy’s friend  Lindy is quite outrageous in her pursuit of Brodie and Issy’s over the top opera diva mother La Bella Scozzese also provides some hilarious moments. And  lastly there is mystery as a long buried secret is uncovered.  A hugely entertaining read.  Lizzie Lamb has delivered a great book and I look forward to more of the same.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy head teacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided it was time to leave the chalk face and pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, honed her craft and wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), quickly followed a year later by Boot Camp Bride. Lizzie loves the quick fire interchanges between the hero and heroine in the old black and white Hollywood movies, and hopes this love of dialogue comes across in her writing. Although much of her time is taken up publicising Tall, Dark and Kilted and Boot Camp Bride, she has published a third novel SCOTCH ON THE ROCKS in July 2015 and has number four. Lizzie is a founding member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press. In November 2014 they held an Author Event at Waterstones High Street, Kensington, London the icing on the cake as far as they are concerned – and a fitting way to celebrate their achievements. As for the years Lizzie spent as a teacher, they haven’t quite gone to waste as she is building up a reputation as a go-to speaker on the subject of self-publishing. This spring she will be talking about self-publishing to third year creative writing students at De Montfort University, Leicester.