In the glittering world of the Hamptons, where wealth and privilege are as common as the ocean breeze, Kat Singleton delivers a romance that sizzles with tension and heart in her latest novel, “In Good Company.” As the first installment in her Pembroke Hills series, Singleton crafts a world where exclusivity meets vulnerability, giving readers a tantalizing glimpse into summer romances among the elite.
Lucy Owens, a talented chef working at the prestigious Pembroke Hills Country Club, finds herself face to face with Callahan Hastings—billionaire businessman and, awkwardly enough, her ex-boyfriend’s older brother. When Cal offers Lucy a position as his private chef for the summer, she initially refuses, wary of crossing professional boundaries and reopening old wounds. But Cal Hastings isn’t a man accustomed to hearing “no,” and his persistence eventually wears down Lucy’s defenses in the most delicious way.
Characters That Simmer and Sizzle
Singleton excels at creating characters with genuine depth and relatable flaws:
- Lucy Owens: More than just a talented chef, Lucy carries the weight of family responsibility on her shoulders. Her dedication to her parents back in Virginia creates meaningful conflict beyond the typical romance novel fare. Her reluctance to lean on others stems from deep-seated trauma related to her twin brothers’ deaths—a revelation that comes later in the novel with emotional impact.
- Callahan “Cal” Hastings: The perfect blend of commanding and caring, Cal evolves beyond the typical billionaire trope. His determination to win Lucy over never feels overbearing because it’s matched with genuine respect for her talents and dreams. Cal’s emotional growth throughout the novel—particularly his vulnerability around falling in love—gives his character authentic dimension.
The chemistry between Lucy and Cal crackles from their first interaction at Laurent Hughes’s dinner party, where Lucy pretends not to recognize Cal. Their banter throughout is sharp and entertaining, punctuated by moments of surprising tenderness that reveal the depth beneath their attraction.
Setting the Table: Ambiance and World-Building
One of Kat Singleton’s greatest strengths in “In Good Company” is her meticulous attention to creating a vivid, believable setting. The Hamptons comes alive through sensory details—the smell of fresh produce at Dolores’s farm stand, the sound of ocean waves during morning bike rides, the taste of Lucy’s delectable creations.
Pembroke Hills Country Club serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. The exclusivity of the club (with its $200,000 membership fee casually dropped into conversation) establishes the wealth divide between Lucy and Cal without belaboring the point. Yet Singleton skillfully avoids painting all wealthy characters with the same brush, creating nuanced personalities across the economic spectrum.
The descriptions of food throughout the novel are particularly noteworthy. From the tender lamb chops at Laurent’s dinner party to the bananas Foster waffles Lucy prepares for breakfast, each culinary creation is described with enough detail to make readers’ mouths water without bogging down the narrative.
Heat Level: From Simmer to Boil
The romance between Lucy and Cal develops at a tantalizing pace that feels both realistic and satisfying. Their relationship evolves from professional to personal through meaningful interactions—cooking lessons, farm stand visits, charity golf tournaments—that showcase their compatibility beyond mere physical attraction.
When the physical aspects of their relationship do unfold, Singleton strikes an excellent balance between emotional connection and sensuality. The intimate scenes are steamy without being gratuitous, focusing as much on the emotional vulnerability between the characters as on their physical connection.
What Works Well
- Authentic emotional conflict: Lucy’s struggle between her growing feelings for Cal and her sense of obligation to her family creates meaningful tension that doesn’t feel manufactured.
- Support characters with personality: Charlotte, Jude, Dolores, and Mr. Fred bring warmth and dimension to the narrative. Their relationships with the main characters feel genuine and add depth to the story.
- Food as love language: The way cooking becomes Lucy’s form of expression adds richness to the narrative and creates opportunities for intimacy between the characters.
- The “grand gesture”: Cal’s appearance in Virginia, complete with solutions rather than just declarations, demonstrates true understanding of Lucy’s struggles.
- Epilogue satisfaction: The wedding in Italy provides the perfect “happily ever after” without feeling rushed or unearned.
Room for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, “In Good Company” by Kat Singleton isn’t without flaws:
- The pacing occasionally stumbles, particularly during the middle sections where several similar interactions occur without significantly advancing the plot.
- Some supporting characters from the Pembroke Hills circle (Ryker, Camille, Emma, Preston) feel somewhat interchangeable in early appearances, though they become more distinct as the novel progresses.
- The resolution of Lucy’s family issues, while emotionally satisfying, comes together perhaps too neatly considering the complexity of the situation.
- The dialogue occasionally veers into territory that feels more scripted than natural, particularly during some of the emotional revelations.
For Fans Of…
“In Good Company” by Kat Singleton will appeal to readers who enjoyed:
- “The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry
- “The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker
- Singleton’s previous “Black Tie Billionaires” series, particularly “Black Ties and White Lies”
The novel offers the perfect blend of escapist luxury and grounded emotional stakes that makes contemporary romance so satisfying.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe for Romance Success
What elevates “In Good Company” above standard romance fare is Kat Singleton’s willingness to explore deeper themes alongside the developing relationship. Lucy’s journey toward accepting help and support reflects a universal struggle with vulnerability. Cal’s evolution from seeing Lucy as a challenge to win to truly prioritizing her happiness and dreams demonstrates meaningful character growth.
The dual settings of the glamorous Hamptons and Lucy’s hometown in Virginia provide a textured backdrop that enhances the central conflicts without overwhelming them. This balance between escapist fantasy and emotional realism is what makes the novel resonate.
Singleton has laid excellent groundwork for the Pembroke Hills series with this first installment. The glimpses of Ryker and Camille’s antagonistic relationship clearly set up the next book, “Bad for Business,” while other supporting characters offer intriguing possibilities for future narratives.
While not without its imperfections, “In Good Company” delivers a satisfying romance with enough emotional depth to leave readers invested in both the individual characters and the world Kat Singleton has created. Like one of Lucy’s carefully crafted meals, the novel offers comfort, excitement, and just enough complexity to leave readers eagerly anticipating their next visit to Pembroke Hills.
- Perfect for: Beach reading, vacation escapes, or anytime you need a reminder that love sometimes comes from unexpected places—even your ex’s brother.
What to Expect in Pembroke Hills Book 2
The teaser chapter for “Bad for Business” promises another enemies-to-lovers romance featuring the uptight publicist Camille and rebellious billionaire Ryker Davenport. Based on their antagonistic interactions in “In Good Company” by Kat Singleton, readers can anticipate plenty of delicious tension and witty banter as these two opposites inevitably attract at Pembroke Hills Country Club.
