In her latest release, bestselling author Kat Singleton serves up a delectable romance that combines the glittering world of Hamptons wealth with heartfelt family dynamics. “In Good Company,” the first installment in Kat Singleton’s new Pembroke Hills series, delivers a passionate summer fling that evolves into something much deeper, all while exploring themes of duty, passion, and learning to accept help from others.
Plot: A Recipe for Romance
Lucy Owens is struggling to make ends meet, juggling waitressing at the prestigious Pembroke Hills Country Club with side gigs as a private chef. When she caters a dinner party for the insufferable Laurent Hughes, she’s shocked to find Callahan Hastings—her ex-boyfriend’s older brother—among the guests. Even more surprising is Cal’s insistence on hiring her as his private chef for the summer, an offer she initially refuses but eventually accepts.
What follows is a slow-burning romance as Lucy and Cal navigate their growing attraction amid the backdrop of East Hampton’s elite summer scene. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Lucy’s determined to maintain professional boundaries, especially knowing she must return to Virginia at summer’s end to take over her family’s furniture store after her father’s heart attack.
When Lucy’s father is hospitalized again, she abruptly returns home, breaking things off with Cal despite their deepening feelings. In a grand gesture that showcases his love, Cal follows her to Virginia, helping create a solution that allows Lucy to pursue her passion while ensuring her family is cared for.
Character Development: Depth Beyond the Stereotype
Singleton excels at creating multidimensional characters who defy their initial stereotypes:
Lucy Owens
Lucy is more than just a talented chef—she’s a young woman carrying the weight of family tragedy on her shoulders. The revelation about her twin brothers’ deaths in a car accident provides crucial context for her inability to put herself first or accept help from others. Her journey toward embracing vulnerability is both authentic and moving.
Callahan Hastings
Cal could easily have been written as the typical billionaire alpha male, but Singleton gives him depth and tenderness that makes him stand out in a crowded genre. His willingness to follow Lucy home and find solutions rather than simply demanding she choose him shows genuine character growth. His grand gestures are balanced with quiet moments of understanding that demonstrate his love isn’t just possessive but truly supportive.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters—from Lucy’s childhood friend Charlotte to Cal’s loyal best friend Jude—add dimension to the story. Their perspectives help both protagonists see beyond their own limited viewpoints, while also setting up intriguing possibilities for future books in the series.
Strengths: What Makes This Romance Shine
- Dual Perspective Narrative – The alternating first-person viewpoints between Lucy and Cal provide insight into both characters’ motivations and insecurities, creating a more rounded reading experience.
- Food as Love Language – Singleton uses Lucy’s passion for cooking as more than a plot device—it becomes a metaphor for how she expresses love and gains confidence. The cooking scenes are detailed enough to satisfy foodies without overwhelming the romance.
- Authentic Family Dynamics – Lucy’s relationship with her parents feels genuine, with complicated emotions around duty, grief, and unspoken expectations. The discussions about her brothers’ deaths are handled with sensitivity.
- Balanced Power Dynamic – Despite the wealth gap between the protagonists, Singleton creates a relationship where both parties contribute meaningfully, preventing the story from falling into the “rescued by a billionaire” trope.
- Setting as Character – The Hamptons setting is vividly realized, from the exclusive country club to the fresh produce at local farm stands, immersing readers in the summery atmosphere.
Areas for Improvement: Where the Recipe Needs Tweaking
While “In Good Company” by Kat Singleton is a strong series opener, a few elements could have been enhanced:
- Pacing Issues – The middle section occasionally drags with repetitive interactions before accelerating rapidly toward the climax. More variety in the couple’s day-to-day interactions would have maintained momentum.
- Predictable Conflict Resolution – Though emotionally satisfying, the solution to Lucy’s family business dilemma feels somewhat convenient. A more complex resolution might have deepened the story’s impact.
- Oliver’s Shadow – The ex-boyfriend whose relationship connects Lucy and Cal remains underdeveloped until late in the story. Earlier exploration of this relationship would have added interesting tension.
- Social Media Subplot – Lucy’s cooking videos subplot, while charming, sometimes feels disconnected from the main storyline rather than fully integrated.
- Wealth Fantasy – While escapist elements are part of the genre’s appeal, Cal’s unlimited resources occasionally undermine the genuine emotional conflicts by making practical problems too easily solvable.
Heat Level: From Simmer to Boil
Singleton masterfully builds tension between Lucy and Cal, with their attraction evolving from stolen glances to heated kisses to passionate encounters. The intimate scenes are well-crafted, focusing on emotional connection as much as physical pleasure. The author excels at writing chemistry that feels earned rather than instantaneous, making the payoff all the more satisfying when barriers finally come down.
Themes: More Than Just Romance
“In Good Company” by Kat Singleton explores several meaningful themes that elevate it beyond standard summer romance fare:
- Passion vs. Duty: Lucy’s struggle between pursuing her culinary dreams and fulfilling family obligations resonates with anyone who’s felt torn between what they want and what’s expected of them.
- Learning to Accept Help: Both protagonists must learn that independence doesn’t mean facing challenges alone—a refreshingly mature message in romance fiction.
- Processing Grief: The exploration of how Lucy’s family coped (or failed to cope) with the loss of her brothers adds emotional depth to what could have been a lightweight summer read.
- Class Differences: The contrast between Lucy’s middle-class upbringing and Cal’s world of privilege creates natural tension without resorting to clichés.
Final Verdict: A Sumptuous Summer Read
“In Good Company” marks a strong start to Kat Singleton’s Pembroke Hills series, establishing a world readers will eagerly return to. With its blend of sizzling romance, emotional depth, and wish-fulfillment fantasy, the novel satisfies on multiple levels despite occasional pacing issues.
Fans of Singleton’s “Black Ties and White Lies” will recognize her talent for creating chemistry between characters from different worlds, while newcomers will appreciate her accessible writing style and emotionally resonant storytelling. The teasing glimpses of Ryker and Camille’s antagonistic relationship set up book two, “Bad for Business,” with tantalizing promise.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Forced proximity romances
- Billionaire love interests with depth
- Food-centered stories
- Summer settings
- Character-driven plots
- Family dynamics
- Ex’s sibling trope
Similar books worth exploring:
- “The Sinner” by Emma Scott
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry
- “The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
A delicious summer romance with enough emotional substance to satisfy readers looking for both escape and authenticity. Despite some minor flaws, “In Good Company” establishes Kat Singleton as an author to watch in contemporary romance.
What to Expect in Book 2
The setup for “Bad for Business” featuring the contentious relationship between PR expert Camille and troublemaker billionaire Ryker promises an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that will likely bring even more heat to Pembroke Hills. If you enjoyed Lucy and Cal’s journey, mark your calendar for September 23rd when the next installment arrives.