One for the Road - Elliot Fletcher
ONE FOR THE ROAD is Exhibit A for why I read romance - this is terrific!
The Isle of Skye is the perfect setting for a small-town, slow-burn, fake-dating romance – lots of weather, grudge-holding townsfolk and a Spring festival, all mixed up with the sprawling Macabe family. Middle brother Alistair has been in the background for Books 1 and 2 in this series, where he is a bit of a villain.
Isla and her daughter Teddy rent an isolated semi-detached cottage after her relationship implodes. Their neighbour is the local doctor Alistair, who is fastidious and grumpy, and Isla initially feels like he is judging her as he witnesses all her troubles.
Both Isla and Alistair have their challenges so it’s not long before they call a truce, because Alistair needs to work on his image, and Isla needs a hand to win the festival baking competition if she’s going to get out of debt.
Isla is a delight. She has some body insecurity, and she wants to find the best in people. The idea of giving her ex the chance to do the right thing is key to her personality - and part of the plot. She’s a terrific mother but feels like she’s not doing enough for Teddy. The strands woven in here are cleverly handled as Cam, Isla’s ex, isn’t paying family support – which makes Isla and Teddy's situation feel precarious. Isla doesn’t want to push Cam, or depend on a man, so when Alistair steps in, it’s awkward for everyone.
One thing that makes this book so very special is the character work – especially of Alistair who is so satisfyingly complex. Yes, he’s burnt out, cranky and dour, and so unhappy with both his professional and personal lives, but he is also caring and attentive, hardworking and conscientious. He’s grieving his father, with whom he had a complicated relationship. He’s pedantic about what he eats, and how he dresses, in ways that made me want to unravel him – luckily Isla does this so well! Watching Alistair loosen up, and recalibrate, and redeem himself with his family, is just wonderful.
Isla’s daughter Teddy is delightful. The reader can see how she loves and misses her father - Alistair is a balm, but not a replacement for Cam. Even though Alistair has had some contact with kids, getting to know Teddy is a revelation for him.
I love all the intimate scenes. Teddy was with her ex since she was a teen and she didn’t know what she liked in bed. Then, she didn’t know how to ask. Alistair pays attention and helps her find her way, and it’s steamy and emotional and tender as they learn to be vulnerable with each other.
Five stars from me. One for the Road is a standalone novel but I recommend the first two in the series (Whisky Business and Scotch on the Rocks with Alistair’s brothers). I have my fingers crossed the Macabe sister Heather will get her own story.
Thank you Elliot Fletcher and HarperCollins UK/Harper Fiction for the ARC to read and review.
Available online and in bookstores.
