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loverofromance's review
5.0
Summary
When Johnnie Carre, the Laird of Ravensby, hears word that his brother has been held captive. He decides to kidnap Elizabeth Graham, whose father is holding his brother in an English prison. They spend a week together, and at first Johnnie knows that she is just a pawn to get his brother back, but on her last night, they make passionate love and Johnnie knows that Elizabeth is so much more than just someone to use to get his brother back. He knows with him Scottish and Elizabeth English there is no way for them to even have a remote future. But Johnnie can’t resist seeing her, or tasting her again. Johnnie and Elizabeth begin a love affair, not realizing the danger to them both. There are enemies that would destroy the Laird of Ravensby, with any means. But Johnnie refuses to let Elizabeth go, he loves her and can’t live without her. But soon they both will be caught in a crossfire that will take some creativity to find a way to be together and defeat those that would destroy them.
The Hero
Johnnie Carre, is a Scottish Laird. He has only one family member alive, his younger brother who is barely eighteen years old. Johnnie delves into trade and commerce and has quite a bit of funds for a Scottish Laird. He despises the English, but there is one English he doesn’t hate…Elizabeth. Johnnie is a connoisseur of women, He loves his pleasure and doesn’t mind all of his affairs. Johnnie is quite the hero, he is complex, driven and passionate. He is a fighter and a warrior, and he isn’t afraid to stand on his own and take what he wants. He has never known love, but the moment Elizabeth enters his life, he notices changes within himself and acts accordingly. You see how strong he is, and I loved his personality. Energetic and engaging.
The Heroine
Elizabeth Graham, is a woman of wealth. She is recently widowed, from a man who had much wealth, which her father will do anything to get his hands on. Elizabeth was treated poorly by her late husband, and is determined to not marry again. She refuses to be under a man’s control again, all she wants is have her own home, and live in peace with her guardsmen who are like family to her. But when she meets Johnnie, she is shown desire and passion and tenderness from a man’s touch. Elizabeth was a strong-willed heroine. Despite what she has suffered from her father and her late husband, that doesn’t deter her from making her own happiness. She wants to be independent and free of men. Her character was so spirited and full of life, and I found her to be such a likeable character.
Plot and Story Line
Outlaw is the first of two books in this duo series. These connected books are based on brothers. In this one we have Johnnie’s story. It has been so long since I have read this author. Susan Johnson is an impressionable author, and out of all the authors I have read, she is one of the most talented storyteller’s out there. Her books aren’t lighthearted and fun (although they do have some playful aspects), her stories are the hard to win romances that stimulate the blood and awaken the mind. Years and years I ago I read “Blaze” which was an amazing story, and after finding this treasure, I am going to need to buy the rest of her books. I had forgotten how much I had enjoyed her before. The story starts off a bit slow, but I felt after I finished the book, that it was necessary to build it up. The author here is creating a story that is vividly detailed and full of historical events that are vital to the story. It is set in the early 1700’s, in Scotland. The set up of the story is two people who are enemies but are turned into lovers. But from their first meeting, they have a teasing and playful interaction. This is no angst romance, it has many deep complexities to the plot, that I found riveting from the first chapter. The development of the characters are done very well, and we see the many layers of the two people who you will come to fall in love with. I don’t think there is a big issue I had with this book. I really had such a good time with it, it is over 400 pages, so you need to make sure you have time to read it. It’s not going to be read quickly. You don’t want to skim over this one, because you might miss out on something that is vital to the story. I am so relieved I took my time with this one, and didn’t rush through it. I put on some relaxing classical music, and relaxed for a few hours so that I could fully enjoy this one. Because I knew that I wouldn’t want to skimp out on Susan Johnson. If you have yet to try this author out, you are missing out. She writing stunning historical romances that captivate you in every way.
Cover
The cover is very stunning. I love the simplicity of it, and I do enjoy Johnson’s stepbacks. There are times I miss the older covers, and this is why. There is so much simple beauty in the step back and I just wanted to share it because with the setting, it definitely connects to a scene in the story.
Overall View
Outlaw is a riveting tale that is about sacrifice, loyalty and the true power of love…a tale of sensuality and danger, a intoxicating love story…TOTALLY CAPTIVATING!!!
When Johnnie Carre, the Laird of Ravensby, hears word that his brother has been held captive. He decides to kidnap Elizabeth Graham, whose father is holding his brother in an English prison. They spend a week together, and at first Johnnie knows that she is just a pawn to get his brother back, but on her last night, they make passionate love and Johnnie knows that Elizabeth is so much more than just someone to use to get his brother back. He knows with him Scottish and Elizabeth English there is no way for them to even have a remote future. But Johnnie can’t resist seeing her, or tasting her again. Johnnie and Elizabeth begin a love affair, not realizing the danger to them both. There are enemies that would destroy the Laird of Ravensby, with any means. But Johnnie refuses to let Elizabeth go, he loves her and can’t live without her. But soon they both will be caught in a crossfire that will take some creativity to find a way to be together and defeat those that would destroy them.
The Hero
Johnnie Carre, is a Scottish Laird. He has only one family member alive, his younger brother who is barely eighteen years old. Johnnie delves into trade and commerce and has quite a bit of funds for a Scottish Laird. He despises the English, but there is one English he doesn’t hate…Elizabeth. Johnnie is a connoisseur of women, He loves his pleasure and doesn’t mind all of his affairs. Johnnie is quite the hero, he is complex, driven and passionate. He is a fighter and a warrior, and he isn’t afraid to stand on his own and take what he wants. He has never known love, but the moment Elizabeth enters his life, he notices changes within himself and acts accordingly. You see how strong he is, and I loved his personality. Energetic and engaging.
The Heroine
Elizabeth Graham, is a woman of wealth. She is recently widowed, from a man who had much wealth, which her father will do anything to get his hands on. Elizabeth was treated poorly by her late husband, and is determined to not marry again. She refuses to be under a man’s control again, all she wants is have her own home, and live in peace with her guardsmen who are like family to her. But when she meets Johnnie, she is shown desire and passion and tenderness from a man’s touch. Elizabeth was a strong-willed heroine. Despite what she has suffered from her father and her late husband, that doesn’t deter her from making her own happiness. She wants to be independent and free of men. Her character was so spirited and full of life, and I found her to be such a likeable character.
Plot and Story Line
Outlaw is the first of two books in this duo series. These connected books are based on brothers. In this one we have Johnnie’s story. It has been so long since I have read this author. Susan Johnson is an impressionable author, and out of all the authors I have read, she is one of the most talented storyteller’s out there. Her books aren’t lighthearted and fun (although they do have some playful aspects), her stories are the hard to win romances that stimulate the blood and awaken the mind. Years and years I ago I read “Blaze” which was an amazing story, and after finding this treasure, I am going to need to buy the rest of her books. I had forgotten how much I had enjoyed her before. The story starts off a bit slow, but I felt after I finished the book, that it was necessary to build it up. The author here is creating a story that is vividly detailed and full of historical events that are vital to the story. It is set in the early 1700’s, in Scotland. The set up of the story is two people who are enemies but are turned into lovers. But from their first meeting, they have a teasing and playful interaction. This is no angst romance, it has many deep complexities to the plot, that I found riveting from the first chapter. The development of the characters are done very well, and we see the many layers of the two people who you will come to fall in love with. I don’t think there is a big issue I had with this book. I really had such a good time with it, it is over 400 pages, so you need to make sure you have time to read it. It’s not going to be read quickly. You don’t want to skim over this one, because you might miss out on something that is vital to the story. I am so relieved I took my time with this one, and didn’t rush through it. I put on some relaxing classical music, and relaxed for a few hours so that I could fully enjoy this one. Because I knew that I wouldn’t want to skimp out on Susan Johnson. If you have yet to try this author out, you are missing out. She writing stunning historical romances that captivate you in every way.
Cover
The cover is very stunning. I love the simplicity of it, and I do enjoy Johnson’s stepbacks. There are times I miss the older covers, and this is why. There is so much simple beauty in the step back and I just wanted to share it because with the setting, it definitely connects to a scene in the story.
Overall View
Outlaw is a riveting tale that is about sacrifice, loyalty and the true power of love…a tale of sensuality and danger, a intoxicating love story…TOTALLY CAPTIVATING!!!
whiskeyinthejar's review
3.0
Holy mother of God. This first chapter is how you write an opening to a book. Seriously wow, I actually felt breathless. Detailed, detailed, detailed writing, hot damn this is the amazing hard to find craft I have been missing in books lately!
Oh wow, Elizabeth afraid of Johnnie's reputation as a ladies man says "I don't want to be forgotten" and he responds with "I never forget". What a wickedly charming S.O.B.
Kudos to the author for making what would seem to be a very accurate account of two people who feel in love back in the day and were too passionate to say no.
Wanted more action. Book completely turned out to be something totally different from I what expected, the first chapter I thought there would be battles galore but it was more relationship than action. I think readers who like to just read mainly about two characters and want to forgo action or more surrounding plot would love this book.
There is great historical content in this book about the Act of Succession between Scotland and England, but it's a lot of talk which even caused my (I Love history) eyes to glaze over at times. More action less talky please.
I really felt like the book started to drag for me but when Johnnie abducts Elizabeth from her wedding I was excited because it felt like the story was going to pick up again. I was wrong. After Johnnie and Elizabeth are married all they seem to do is spend their days in bed. Elizabeth also turns into a clinging mess, which was a tad disappointing since she was previously portrayed as strong woman; the author tries to play it off giving the excuse of Elizabeth's pregnancy but I was still annoyed.
This book was really well written it just wasn't my cup of juice (I don't like tea). I need more story and my characters to be involved in other things other than in each other and the bedroom. The footnotes were strange for me. Some of them interested my historical self and others were plain silly to have, I can't imagine the average person liking them and in fact I bet most people ignored them. This story was at times boring for me but I can see how others might like it. If you just want to read about two characters who are highly sexual and almost never leave the bedroom then the writing is good enough for you to give this one a go. This book was also at times a "blusher" just saying some scenes might be a bit uncomfortable to read in company.
C: for story/A: for writing style quality
Oh wow, Elizabeth afraid of Johnnie's reputation as a ladies man says "I don't want to be forgotten" and he responds with "I never forget". What a wickedly charming S.O.B.
Kudos to the author for making what would seem to be a very accurate account of two people who feel in love back in the day and were too passionate to say no.
Wanted more action. Book completely turned out to be something totally different from I what expected, the first chapter I thought there would be battles galore but it was more relationship than action. I think readers who like to just read mainly about two characters and want to forgo action or more surrounding plot would love this book.
There is great historical content in this book about the Act of Succession between Scotland and England, but it's a lot of talk which even caused my (I Love history) eyes to glaze over at times. More action less talky please.
I really felt like the book started to drag for me but when Johnnie abducts Elizabeth from her wedding I was excited because it felt like the story was going to pick up again. I was wrong. After Johnnie and Elizabeth are married all they seem to do is spend their days in bed. Elizabeth also turns into a clinging mess, which was a tad disappointing since she was previously portrayed as strong woman; the author tries to play it off giving the excuse of Elizabeth's pregnancy but I was still annoyed.
This book was really well written it just wasn't my cup of juice (I don't like tea). I need more story and my characters to be involved in other things other than in each other and the bedroom. The footnotes were strange for me. Some of them interested my historical self and others were plain silly to have, I can't imagine the average person liking them and in fact I bet most people ignored them. This story was at times boring for me but I can see how others might like it. If you just want to read about two characters who are highly sexual and almost never leave the bedroom then the writing is good enough for you to give this one a go. This book was also at times a "blusher" just saying some scenes might be a bit uncomfortable to read in company.
C: for story/A: for writing style quality
bella1109's review against another edition
4.0
My first Susan Johnson book. I was a bit apprehensive about reading it (due to the mixed reviews) but I found it to be very good. The book is rich in historical details. Ms. Johnson even puts footnotes. You've got to give it to Ms. Johnson. The book is very well-researched.
I do love the heroine, Elizabeth. My kind of heroine - strong and pragmatic. She was sold into marriage at the age of 16 to a 72 year old and she became a widow 8 years after. The husband wasn't exactly a kind person. She also had to deal with murderous and conniving step-sons. And she did not break. She survived the marriage pretty much intact. Johnnie is your typical rake. He changed for the better because he found his soul mate in Elizabeth. They're well matched in many ways.
The book is very long at 400+ pages so you have to set aside some time to read it. The smuttiness is a lot, but I don't find it that explicit. I do love the wealth of historical details and the emotions that the book evoked in me. The writing is really good as well. A solid 4 stars.
I'd like to read her other books, but I'll probably skip the next one in this series. It has the older women/younger man trope which I'm not a fan of.
I do love the heroine, Elizabeth. My kind of heroine - strong and pragmatic. She was sold into marriage at the age of 16 to a 72 year old and she became a widow 8 years after. The husband wasn't exactly a kind person. She also had to deal with murderous and conniving step-sons. And she did not break. She survived the marriage pretty much intact. Johnnie is your typical rake. He changed for the better because he found his soul mate in Elizabeth. They're well matched in many ways.
The book is very long at 400+ pages so you have to set aside some time to read it. The smuttiness is a lot, but I don't find it that explicit. I do love the wealth of historical details and the emotions that the book evoked in me. The writing is really good as well. A solid 4 stars.
I'd like to read her other books, but I'll probably skip the next one in this series. It has the older women/younger man trope which I'm not a fan of.
kiwicoral's review against another edition
3.0
I'm kind of on the fence about this book. I grabbed it at the Lifeline Bookfair because I love me some early 90s crazysauce romance. I definitely got some crazysauce, but I was not expecting quite so much sex. Like damn. I was worried the poor heroine was going to get a UTI.
At the start, the hero was basically a fuckboi. I did like that the heroine was pretty aloof against his shenanigans. She was pragmatic about what she wanted. Then of course when the hero decides he must have her, he kidnaps her (again) even though he knows she has had it with men making decisions for her. And she is rightfully pissed. Of course he convinces her to change her mind with the power of his magic penis. She then becomes a clingy idiot.
The third act actually had some decent plot, and reminded me more of Virginia Henley (although the writing wasn't as good). The heroine finally got back to her woman of action personality. I did like the brother and widow as a secondary couple. I would be tempted to read their book if I came across it.
I'm still not sure about this author. It's clear she puts a lot of time researching her books - I've never seen another romance with end notes - but I'm not sold on her characterisations. And so much sex. Like I will never look at a ruby pendant in the same way again.
At the start, the hero was basically a fuckboi. I did like that the heroine was pretty aloof against his shenanigans. She was pragmatic about what she wanted. Then of course when the hero decides he must have her, he kidnaps her (again) even though he knows she has had it with men making decisions for her. And she is rightfully pissed. Of course he convinces her to change her mind with the power of his magic penis. She then becomes a clingy idiot.
The third act actually had some decent plot, and reminded me more of Virginia Henley (although the writing wasn't as good). The heroine finally got back to her woman of action personality. I did like the brother and widow as a secondary couple. I would be tempted to read their book if I came across it.
I'm still not sure about this author. It's clear she puts a lot of time researching her books - I've never seen another romance with end notes - but I'm not sold on her characterisations. And so much sex. Like I will never look at a ruby pendant in the same way again.
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