In Good Company (Pembroke Hills #1) by Kat Singleton Book Review: A Billionaire Romance That Sizzles with Forbidden Sparks
- Joao Nsita
- Apr 8, 2025
- 8 min read
Introduction
What happens when your dream job comes with a catch so deliciously forbidden it could unravel everything you’ve worked for? In In Good Company (Pembroke Hills #1), Kat Singleton crafts a steamy billionaire romance that ignites with summer vibes, workplace tension, and a tantalizing ex-boyfriend’s-brother twist. This irresistible tale follows Lucy, a talented private chef, and Callahan Hastings, a charming yet cunning billionaire who won’t take no for an answer.
Set against the backdrop of the elite Pembroke Hills Country Club in the Hamptons, Singleton delivers a story dripping with spice, witty banter, and heart-pounding chemistry. If you’re craving a romance novel that blends luxury, longing, and a dash of taboo, this is your next unputdownable read. Dive into this review to discover why In Good Company is a standout in contemporary romance—and then grab your copy to savor every sultry moment.
For more swoon-worthy recommendations, check out That Love Podcast’s Romance Book Recommendations.
Book Summary
In Good Company whisks readers to the sun-soaked Hamptons, where Lucy, a determined chef with big dreams, finds herself at a crossroads. Working at Pembroke Hills Country Club, she’s offered a golden opportunity: a summer gig as the private chef for Callahan “Cal” Hastings, one of the club’s wealthiest members. The catch? He’s her ex-boyfriend’s older brother—a man whose flirty smiles and smoldering gaze she’s secretly coveted for years. As Cal relentlessly pursues her, Lucy grapples with her ambitions, family pressures, and the undeniable pull of forbidden desire.
Their forced proximity fuels a slow-burn romance packed with playful banter, steamy tension, and emotional stakes. Singleton masterfully balances a luxurious setting with relatable struggles, making this billionaire romance a fresh, binge-worthy escape that leaves you hungry for the next Pembroke Hills installment.
Author’s Style and Craft
Kat Singleton’s writing in In Good Company is like a perfectly plated dish—rich, flavorful, and impossible to resist. Her prose flows with a confident rhythm, blending sharp dialogue with vivid sensory details that bring the Hamptons to life. The pacing is a slow simmer, allowing tension to build organically between Lucy and Cal before erupting into moments of fiery passion. Singleton’s knack for crafting obsessive, swoon-worthy heroes shines through Cal, whose charm is as disarming as it is relentless.
Lucy’s sass and resilience make her a standout heroine, her growth palpable as she navigates love and duty. The duet-style narration (think audiobook perfection with Erin Mallon and Connor Crais) amplifies the characters’ chemistry, turning banter into an art form. Singleton’s elite banter and angst-laden spice cement her as a titan of modern romance.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Beneath its glossy billionaire veneer, In Good Company explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the intoxicating lure of the forbidden. Lucy’s journey mirrors a tug-of-war between personal dreams and familial expectations—a universal struggle that resonates deeply. Cal embodies desire as both a liberator and a risk, his pursuit a metaphor for chasing what society deems off-limits. The Hamptons setting, with its manicured lawns and hidden secrets, symbolizes the tension between appearances and authenticity. Singleton weaves these threads into a narrative that questions whether love can thrive under pressure—or if it’s destined to crumble like a fragile soufflé. It’s a love story that speaks to anyone who’s ever dared to want more than they’re allowed.
Strengths
In Good Company excels at delivering what romance readers crave: a hero who falls first and hard, a heroine with backbone, and chemistry that leaps off the page. Cal’s obsession with Lucy—“Lucy baby” in that knee-weakening baritone—had me swooning, while their banter (e.g., “You’re a pain in my ass, Lucy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way”) is laugh-out-loud delightful. Singleton’s world-building paints Pembroke Hills as a playground of privilege and passion, immersing readers in a summer fling that feels both escapist and real. The supporting cast—Jude and Camille—teases future stories without stealing focus, a testament to Singleton’s skill. This book’s spice level? Scorching yet tasteful, enhancing the emotional stakes rather than overshadowing them.
Areas for Improvement
While In Good Company is a near-perfect romance, it’s not without flaws. The pacing occasionally lingers too long in Lucy’s indecision, which might frustrate readers eager for resolution. Some side characters, like Lucy’s ex, feel underdeveloped, leaving their impact on the plot vague. The age-gap dynamic between Lucy and Cal—though deliciously taboo—could’ve been explored with more depth to elevate its emotional weight. For readers sensitive to family pressure themes, Lucy’s struggles might hit too close to home without enough catharsis. A tighter focus on these elements could’ve turned a great read into a flawless one, but these quibbles hardly dim its shine.
Comparative Analysis
In Good Company sits comfortably alongside Singleton’s Black Ties & White Lies (Amazon Link), sharing her signature blend of billionaire allure and workplace romance. It echoes the forbidden sparks of Ana Huang’s Twisted Love (Amazon Link), but swaps dark angst for sunlit flirtation. Compared to Tessa Bailey’s It Happened One Summer (Amazon Link), it trades small-town charm for elite excess, yet both nail the “he falls first” trope. Singleton’s fresh take—pairing a private chef with a relentless billionaire—carves a unique niche in the genre, challenging conventions with its Hamptons flair.
Target Audience
This book is tailor-made for romance lovers who adore billionaire heroes, forbidden love, and summer vibes. Fans of spicy contemporary romance—think age-gap aficionados and slow-burn enthusiasts—will devour Cal and Lucy’s dynamic. It’s perfect for readers in their 20s to 40s seeking escapism with depth, especially those who relish witty heroines and obsessive MMCs. Content warning: expect steamy scenes and mild family drama, but nothing too dark. If you live for swoony billionaires and sizzling tension, In Good Company is your next obsession.
Personal Impact
Reading In Good Company felt like sipping a chilled rosé on a Hamptons beach—refreshing, indulgent, and a little naughty. Cal’s devotion left me giddy, while Lucy’s strength inspired me to chase my own dreams. Days later, I’m still replaying their banter, craving more of Singleton’s addictive world. It’s a reminder that love, even the messy kind, is worth the risk. You need this book in your life—trust me, your heart will thank you.
Conclusion
In Good Company (Pembroke Hills #1) is Kat Singleton at her finest: a billionaire romance that’s equal parts seductive and soulful. With its irresistible characters, lush setting, and pitch-perfect spice, it’s a must-read for anyone who believes love can conquer all—even the forbidden.
Grab it on Amazon and lose yourself in Pembroke Hills.
After all, some flames are too hot to resist—and this one will burn in your memory long after the last page. For more romance gems, visit That Love Podcast.
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About the Author
Kat Singleton is a bestselling contemporary romance author renowned for her swoony billionaires and spicy, angst-filled love stories. Best known for Black Ties & White Lies, she’s an Amazon Top 10 author who thrives on elite banter and emotional turmoil. Based in Kansas, Singleton lives with her husband, two kids, and two doodles, often fueled by iced coffee. Her Pembroke Hills series kicks off with In Good Company, blending luxury and longing into unputdownable tales. Connect with her at authorkatsingleton.com, Instagram, or Goodreads.
FAQ Section
1. What genre is In Good Company?It’s a contemporary billionaire romance with forced proximity, ex’s-brother, and workplace elements.
2. Is this book spicy?Yes, it’s steamy with tasteful, emotionally charged scenes—perfect for spice lovers.
3. Who is the main character?Lucy, a private chef, and Callahan Hastings, a billionaire, lead this sizzling story.
4. Where is it set?The Hamptons’ Pembroke Hills Country Club—a lavish, elite backdrop.
5. Is it part of a series?Yes, it’s the first in the Pembroke Hills series by Kat Singleton.
6. How does it compare to Black Ties & White Lies?It shares Singleton’s billionaire flair but adds a forbidden twist and summer vibes.
7. Are there content warnings?Mild family pressure and steamy content—nothing too dark.
8. What’s the romance trope?Ex’s-brother, age-gap, and “he falls first” dominate this slow-burn gem.
9. Is the audiobook worth it?Absolutely—Erin Mallon and Connor Crais bring Lucy and Cal to life.
10. Why should I read it?For swoony romance, witty banter, and a world you won’t want to leave.
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Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
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